Udon for Meia

I cooked Udon for Meia today and she loved it! Here's what I dumped in the broth.

Ingredients

1. Chicken drumstick
2. 1 big leaf of bai cai
3. 1 egg
4. 1 beancurd stick

Cook Udon on the side.

Brown Calcose Rice

Gonna change to the above when she finishes her current Japanese rice....

3 steps unsupported

Meia surprised me today at lunch time. She walked 3 steps unspported towards the table. I was stunned for a moment... she really surprised me.

There were a series of unhappiness in my life recently, but I'm no longer gonna blog it down, cos I've decided to turn all my time, energy, effort, care, love and everything I've got to Meia. No time for other stuff... What I've learnt in staying with in laws is to ignore ignore n ignore... so long I know what's best for Meia is sufficient.

Baked Fish Rice

This is m's lunch for today. Here r the steps n ingredients.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 a dory fish fillet sliced
2. 2 tablespoons of soya sauce
3. 1/2 teaspoon sugar
4. A tiny bit of pepper

Stock

1. Carrot (cubed)
2. 1 drumstick

Cheese

Marinate fish, wrap in foil n bake for 20 mins at 180 degs.

I cooked rice on the side. After all is cooked, mix carrots in rice, add some soup. Placed marinated n cooked fish on top. Sprinkle cheese on rice n bake till cheese has melted.

Happy Birthday Darling

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!! U're One today!

Another new tooth

Juz discovered Meia's left lateral incisor has erupted!!! Infact I think it happened few weeks back cos its now half grown!!! Okie, blur me didn't take note at all. She has a total of 8 teeth now.

Meia's Lunch

Today's lunch is pretty simple... made chicken broth with bean curd sticks and carrots. That's it. But it turned out to be so yummy. I threw in 2 drumsticks, 3 red dates n half a carrot. I cooked spaghetti for m today. So its spaghetti chinese style... heh heh.

Meia's Birthday Pix II

Last pix.... MIL in white stripe blouse with my mom n m...

Meia's Birthday Pix

Click on the image for a larger view... my mom's the one in Maroon Tees n Jeans... excuse the FAT me!!! hahaha

The girl in orange tee is my 20 yr old cousin, Pei Yun, now studying in NTU, the lady seated beside her is my 80 yr old Nonya Granny who happens to be a super cook! So now u know where I got my cooking skills from. Boy in white is my cousin, Jing Min (Pei Yun's younger Bro).

Pork and Dried Scallop Porridge

This is Meia's lunch today. Other than pork n scallop, I also added dried bean curd sticks (cut into small pieces)and spinach.

Meia's Birthday Bash

Meia had her 1st Birthday Bash this afternoon and it was FUN FUN FUN!!! I would like to thank everyone who took time to attend Meia's Birthday Party. Got to apologise for the food, some came late. It was great to see the kids having fun with the balloons. Little Ashlyn especially was having fun chasing her mama Irene (who's afraid the balloon might burst)with the 'heh heh mommy, I'm coming' look.

My little girl had her fair share of fun too! Before the guests arrived, I was busy entertaining her by chasing n kicking balloons and she kept giggling. No wonder Gene mentioned I sound breathless... Yes Gene, after much running n kicking around.

I guess I made a right choice in choosing the cake. Everyone LOVED it!!! Chocolate Indulgence!!!!! Simply SINFUL n YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh I forgot to mention... the adults were surprised that they received an adult goodie bag hahaha... loads of food!!! But I still feel the goodies were too little.... in both the goodie bags.

Sorry gals, will have to wait for the pix... We didn't take many pix... So could some of u gals email me the pix? Thanx!

Once again, thanx for coming, we really enjoyed ur company. Thanx for all the pressies and the ang pows. The Party wouldn't have been a success without each and everyone of u!!!

Sale at Aussino n others

Purpose of going J8 today is to get bolster cases. But as usual, I landed up getting more than that. There's a sale at Aussino and I bought 2 bolster cases n a shower curtain (UP $19.90 After Less $9.95)how can I not get? Anyway the shower curtain in my bathroom is getting old, and I'm getting tired looking at it! So, its time to change.

And.................

I bought another ON Polo tee n a pair of Guess Denim shorts for Meia... I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't get the ON polo cos the lime green I had my eye on last week was Out of Stock, and the sizes juz came in today... so I grabbed. My naughty eyes!!! landed on the shorts... as Meia doesn't have any shorts (yes, no shorts), I bought it! Now I'm $30 poorer.......

Last stop Hock Hua, yes again... bought two packs of Black Glutinous Rice (for Meia's party on Sunday, Yes, I'm making dessert)and a pack of cane sugar.

Gosh.....

What I do Everyday

Every morning after Meia's bath n breakie, I'll bring her out for her morning walk without fail (that is if its not raining). Most of the time, I'll bring her to J8's NTUC (aka Ah soh paradise). I usually do my marketing in the morning when the supermarket's less crowded and more peaceful. I think Meia know her routine by now and she'll point at the door if I delayed slightly... hoho muz be the fish oils I took during pregnancy. Babies these days are so SMART!!!

I have no regrets quitting my job. I guess being a SAHM suits me to a T. Guess I'm a Xiao Nu Ren... not meant for bigger stuff. I'm juz contented with my lot n being Meia's Mama. Not to be confused, SAHM doesnt = Tai Tai... (lady of leisure). I'm FAR from it!!! My monthly allowance is way LESSER than what I used to earn... and independent me has to 'beg' for money each month. Well, I would love to start a home based biz when Meia's much older n if No. 2 does come along. I hate 'begging' or asking or reminding hb to transfer money to me....

Okie, back to the topic. Maybe many will find my life boring... 99% of my time is devoted to Meia... whatever ME time I've is when she naps... and I get the chance to read blogs / blog / read mags / watch tv / chat / eat / do a bit of housework...

Meia still naps twice a day. Once in the morn and once in the evening. After her lunch I bring her shopping again, nearby... most of time at J8 where I'll let her have a go on all the kiddy rides. If I'm not lazy, I'll bring her to Orchard. Sad to say, I'm getting lazier haha n most of the time I'm around the neighbourhood or at Thomson Plaza... hahaha....

AHHHHHHH

I wished I had gotten a slightly bigger slow cooker for Meia. At least it can contain more soup and I can let her drink from the learner's cup. Well, I'm tempted to get another one.

The other thing I've in mind is a blender! I've wished for this for a pretty long long time........... I've set my eyes on a Braun. Meia's getting bigger n soon I can make healthy shakes n fruit juices for her (sorry hb u only get to look on).

New Word

Meia said 'bear bear' this morning during bath time... cos she sae the bears on her face towel. Haha

Meia's Lunch

Little Meia's lunch today is White Bean Noodles (bought from NTUC) after its cooked, it looks like mee pok, only thing is, its smoother. I made chicken stock, but I added wolfberries in it today.

Muz get another packet of Shitake Mushrooms, it makes the soup so tasty n fragrant.

Yippee

Yeah!!! I got my buffet, her birthday cake, goodie bags, dress, shoes and all ready for the BIG DAY!!! Hb is doing up a slide show... I'm NUTS in this department and I've told him to prepare it.

And Yes!! I can finally stop trying out cakes!!!!!!!!! Piling on weight this week manz...... okie strict diet after her PARTY!!!!!!

Can't wait for Sunday to come!!!! And I've surprises for the adults too!!!

My Loot

After I got my allowance from hubby. I went straight to Hock Hua to get many items... here's what I bought : -

1. 300g dried scallops ($45)
2. 1 Packet of cane sugar ($1.20)
3. Dried Beancurd Strips ($2.00)
4. 1 Packet of Red Beans ($1.20)
5. 1 Pack of Ju Hua ($2.00)
6. 1 Bottle of dried logans ($10.00)

I can't help it! I'm crazy over Hock Hua.

Meia's Lunch today

I made macaroni for her today. And today's broth is Pork, red dates, dried logans, corn and shitake mushrooms n a dried scallop. She loved it very much, I guess the sweetness of the soup helped

Barney VCD

I dislike Barney, but my daughter is simply crazy over it. I guess I am fast becoming a convert (after many kiddy rides) and after visiting their webby, I guess its pretty fun... so what did I do today?

I BOUGHT HER A BARNEY AT THE PARK VCD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! think I'll let her watch it tomorrow afternoon... too many trips to J8 has left me quite BROKE!

Retail Therapy

Its surprising how this thing works its magic on me. If u read my previous post, I've been feeling kinda pissed. I went shopping with Meia at good old J8. Purpose of me going there was to get 2 pcs of chox cake from secret recipe to try as I'm thinking of ordering from there!!!! OOO their cakes are HEAVENLY!!! okie back to the topic.

I was trying real hard not to pass by the push cart selling branded kiddo clothings, but somehow, some unknown force landed me there... or was it the Teletubbies kiddy ride calling out to Meia??? Okie, ENUFF EXCUSES!!! I was THERE! and there were NEW STOCKS OF OLD NAVY POLO TEES!!! And in very nice pastel colours! I wanted to apple green but they were out of stock for her size, so I settled for the pink one instead. While Meia was at the kiddy ride, I called my Kaki Irene and told her about my find. Guess what??? I tempted her!!! While Meia was in the Barney Kiddy ride, I sms-ed her that I'll be getting the blue one cos its also very nice... I asked if she wanted... hahaha I think the *force* was too strong n Irene gave in to temptation n asked me to get one for Ashlyn too!!! Kekekeke... well good stuff muz share share right?

Mine, I'm so broke... but I did enjoy myself. And Meia? She had a BLAST with all the kiddy rides!!!!!!!

Meia's sleeping style in the sarong, the early months

I like the way she sleeps... when she does this means... don't disturb I'm soundly asleep.

Look at Meia

Here's Meia at 4 mths... I think she looks darn cute *thick skin*

Rice for Meia

These days Meia prefers more textured foods. Like Lil Jacia, she'll take ages to finish her porridge, but when it comes to rice, she'll finish it in 10 mins!!! So I am gonna give her rice from now. Usuallly, I'll cook the rice seperately, n in the slow cooker I'll boil her broth. Throw in chicken or pork, sweetcorn, red dates, shitake muushrooms, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and I'll also add in an egg. Then I'll tear the chicken into bits, add in the vegs, egg and top it up with soup and serve.

Meia loves rice! I'll cook nooddles for her next... first I gotta go find 'better' noodles from NTUC.

Mee Suah in Chicken broth

Cooked mee suah for meia tis morn... here r the ingredients n steps

Ingredients

1. 1 Chicken drumstick
2. 2 shitake mushrooms (finely chopped)
3. Half a carrot (chopped)
4. 3 Red dates

In a pot, bring water to a boil n put in mee suah. cook for 3 mins till soft.

What's in the slow cooker today?

After many days of having chicken, I cooked pork porridge for Meia today. I added shitake mushrooms (finely diced), carrots n red beans.

Juz pix

Day 1 in hospital... look at the tigger from Gene, its Meia's very first toy.



Botak

Things I find enduring about Meia

How time flies!! Very soon Meia will become a Toddler. I was looking at her pictures as a new born, n yes, she's changed so much. Her eyebrows have darken n in a very nice shape n her eyelashes take after me... yeap, they're long.

She has become quite a show-off recently after learning how to stand without support n has been constantly standing. Then she let out a 'eh!' at us, hinting to us to applause, and she'll clap her little hands along with us amidst our cheers n laughter.

She's also able to hold a conversation with her soft toys, balloons, her containers, her milk bottles etc... its so cute to just silently watch n listen to her. Her babbling.... and when she hears or sees anyone, especially Michael n myself, she'll immediately stop (n throw whatever she's holding) and quickly crawl towards whoever has FOOD!!!

When I'm busy blogging and left her to play on her own behind me, n when she's bored playing alone, she'll come, grab the chair n stand beside me, patting my giant thighs lightly. I turn towards her and she'll let out this megawatt heart melting smile!!! AWWWWWWWWWWW... who can resist????

Every morning when she wakes up, she immediately crawl towards her mini snowbead elephant at the side of the bed, grab it, hug n then kiss her little ele. Then she'll turn n flash me her grin!

Every night when I put her on my bed, she'll love it. With her legs outstretched, she'll kick n feel the bed. She'll also offer me her pacifier, n touch my hair n face gently. When she's trying to sleep, she'll toss around, often tossing 360 degrees, n using half the bed. When she can't fall asleep on her own, she'll come to me n climb on my body n rest her head on my chest... then she'll immediately close her eyes n fall asleep...

Isn't she adorable? Meia's such a cheery n sunshine gal! I love her to bits!!!

Bubor Cha Cha May's lazy way

Made the above for hubby yesterday... here are the steps.. heheheh, May's lazy way.

Ingredients

1. 1/2 yam (cubed)
2. 1 sweet potato (cubed)
3. A packet of coconut milk (250g, Heng Guan Brand)
4. A packet of crystal cubes (from NTUC)
5. Pandan leave (knotted)
6. 2 Tablespoons of Fructo-Oligisacchoride (use normal sugar if u don't have)
7. Half cup water
8. 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Method

1. Cook yam n sweet potato till soft.
2. In a different pot, cook the crystal cubes till sides are transparent.
3. Pour in whole pack of coconut milk n add half a cup of water
4. Throw in yam, sweet potato n crystal cubes
5. Stir while bringing to a boil.

Chawanmushi

Irene, specially for u... chawanmushi May's lazy style ;)

Ingredients

1. Shitake mushrooms
2. 3 eggs
3. 1/2 cup chicken stock
4. 1/2 teaspoon sugar
5. 1/4 sake (optional)
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. Japanese fishcake
8. Chicken meat shreds (optional)

Method

1. Beat the eggs, try not to form any bubbles while beating. I use egg whisk.
2. Use a strainer n strain the eggs. Discard left over egg white on strainer.
3. Pour in the eggs in a bowl (or seperate bowls), stir in stock, sugar, sake, salt.
4. Throw in mushrooms, fishcake n chicken shreds
5. Bring water to a boil in the steamer (or ricecooker or pot). Cover the bowl with a lid or cling wrap (to get a smooth texture). Put in the bowl n simmer for 5 mins. Then lower the fire n simmer for another 10-15 mins.

Baked cheese potato wedges

This is one of Michael's fav!!

Ingredients

1. 1 big potato (I used US russet)
2. Pepper (or chilli pepper)
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. Dash of salt
5. Half bowl of mozerella cheese (I used Arla brand)

Peel the potato and chop into thick wedges. Drizzle olive oil, pepper, salt n mix well. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20 mins. Sprinkle cheese when its almost done.

Grilled Honey Orange Chicken Chop

This is rather easy to do. Its hubby's lunch today.

1. 1 packet of boneless chicken leg (from NTUC)
2. Half cup of orange juice
3. 1 Tablespoon Honey
4. Half cup soya sauce
5. Pepper (according to ur taste)

Trim off excess fat from the chicken (u can leave it alone if u wish, but I took it out). Place in a deep bowl n marinate chicken with the above ingredients. Chicken can be marinated a day before s that the taste sets in. Cover with cling wrap n refrigerate. Wrap chicken up in aluminium foil n bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 20 mins.

National Day

Happy Birthday Singapore!!! I'm proud to be one, n I am so fortunate to be born in peaceful n clean Singapore.

Since hubby is at home today, I wanna do some shopping (for my own stuff) at J8. Today also marks the start of my diet... I'm now way TOO FAT!!!! have to do something about it, also I wanna look good on Meia's birthday which is only 2 weeks away!!!!! Gosh!!!

Baby Spaghetti Bologanise

Irene, as promised, here's the recipe n steps for the sauce.

Ingredients for stock

1. Cabbage (I used 3 leaves, roughly chopped)
2. Carrots (half a carrot, cubed)
3. One small portion corn

Throw all in the slow cooker n cook for 2 or 3 hrs (soup is very sweet)

Ingredients for sauce

1. Mince meat
2. One big tomato or u can use cherry tomatoes (cubed n skinned)
3. Half a teaspoon sugar
4. Shitake mushrooms finely chopped

I took abt a quarter bowl of stock, added the tomatoes n cooked till the tomatoes have soften n turned into puree, put in the sugar n stir. Add minced meat, shitake mushrooms n simmer till cooked. U can add a beaten egg at this point, bring to a boil then its ready.

Tuesday Afternoon at Irene's

What can I say? It was FUN, FUN, FUN!!! Brought Meia to Irene's place yesterday to let the 2 gals, Ashlyn n Meia meet n have some fun. Reached Irene's house around 1.30pm. Wow! I'm so in love with Irene's house, juz the way I would have decorated my own house, if we did buy one.

Meia was clinging on to me when we first stepped into the house, she didn't dare let go, Ash was so cheery when she greeted us n she welcomed Meia to join her n her heaps of toys on the playmat. I gently put Meia down n soon she was playing with Ash.

It was so funny, seeing those two gals, but I think Irene n I enjoyed ourselves more than the gals. Haha. Irene turned on the Barney VCD n suddenly, the twins were glued to the opening tune n were staring at the TV!!!

Ashlyn didn't want her afternoon nap, I guess it must be US!!! Huge distraction, so in the end, we made chawanmushi hahaha. I was busy in the kitchen while Irene minded the two babies. Err the chawanmushi turned out to be a bit saltish as I forgot I'm using the instant knorr broth... anyway, everyone enjoyed it. Was telling Irene the next round, we'll cook more stuff while the daddies or our pals can mind our fussy pots!!!

How time files! n soon it was time to go home! U should see the sad look on little Ashlyn's face... I felt so heartbroken n abit unwilling to go... but I had to. Sigh!! I wish I am Irene's neighbour!!!

It was certainly a good way to pass an afternoon. Irene, we should do it again!

New Words

Meia can say a few words now... heheh

She can say : -

1. Mama
2. Pa (when she's happy)
3. Baaa (meaning bus)
4. Ka (car)
5. Bye

Although its not many, I'm already very happy.