This is for the four of you, Sha Family.

I didn't want to write this. It took me this long, because it was really difficult to pen down how I feel, and to open that can of emotions again. 

But here goes - the second time. 

Summary of my life - I have 2 sisters. I am a middle child. My younger sister, Vanessa packed her bags and moved 900km down south last year. We visited her shortly after and I wrote a little something for her. 

Not long after Vanessa told us about her move, my other sister, Rachel received her migration visa (after 7+ years of waiting). So, they also packed their entire life into so many boxes and moved 6,600km even more down south. It was a huge blow for us, for me. 

I didn't know how to process them or how to accept it. It was such a journey for me to be honest. To an extreme point, I considered moving our lil family and my parents too. Heh. Trust me, both Adrian and I had this "migration talks" many many times. For me, family is so important, and I just cannot see myself growing old without being physically close to both of them. 

Anyways, Malaysia is and will always be our home. It's a topic for another day. 

Months after they settled down in Australia, we all booked our air tickets for a family holiday there. Was it necessary? Absolutely yes 100%. No question. 

We were in the same house everyday (imagine the noise level and chaos hah), and talking almost never stops. I miss it a lot. There were also disagreements (yes during family holidays) because tell me please, which family unit is perfect? Okay fine, don't tell me. I don't want to know. I just know that I love our imperfect family. A lot of ups and downs, but we go through them all anyways. 

We got to walk with the kids to school, and explore their little neighbourhood, and eat foods that they usually eat. It was necessary and so comforting. I also got to hug and squeeze my OG baby girl and OG baby boy. They are so grown up now my heart cannot take it. Also yes, their face also macam angmo-fied. Heh. 

They are so happy, and I love seeing how they have built such a lovely life together there. It's really them against the world now. 

I have to admit that coming home from this family trip, made it a lot harder. A lot harder for this LDR to carry on. I find myself looking back at the photos and videos, (too often) and just pausing to smile, and wishing I was back there. I have missed every small and big moment. It's just so heavy. 

I know it's going to get easier as time goes by and that's the scary part for me. I don't want the LDR to get any easier because that just means we have to grow up and older without each other in the same time-zone/weather-zone. The scary part is when it gets easier, and so normal. I rather have this occasional heartaches and wishing that they would be back here, than feeling the normal in doing things together but worlds apart. 

I don't want to get use to seeing Sha Lynn and Daryl become a teenager through a phone screen, or getting regular photo and video updates. I want in person, and live. If only we can all take turns to travel to the countries we are at and stay for a few months. If only. Ugh. The struggle is real, but what choice do we have? 

Amidst these big feelings, I am so happy for them, and proud. It's weird but it's such as huge life-changing thing to pack up your life and move to a foreign land. And they did it - with courage and faith because they know God is watching them, and ahead of them at every step. Of course we all going to cry a lot, but it's okay. Those are mostly happy tears. 

This is for the four of you - Kah Wei, Rachel, Sha Lynn and Daryl. 

Kah Wei, the big brother that I never got to have until my sister said yes to marrying you. You speak what is right, and you don't shy away from it, or the truth. If I need to hear it, you would say it. Often times, it's hard to hear it, but hey, truth hurts heh. Thank you for taking this leap of faith with your wife, and kids. I know it's not easy to pack up your life and home and move so far away. I won't say I was supporting it 100% before, but this is what family does, and I do now. We will support and cheer you on no matter what, no matter where. I am grateful that it is you, my sister got to do life with. I am grateful that Sha Lynn and Daryl has you as their daddy. You love people differently, and know that it hasn't gone unnoticed. Thank you for always being yourself, no masks, no hidden agenda. Just you as you are. 

Thank you for being the one of the best ah-tiaus for Alex, Sofia and Adam. You are not afraid to help us discipline them, and to teach them right from wrong, and I never say it, but I am so thankful for that. Everytime before we part ways from a gathering, you would always remind them, "You all are good boys and girl. Help mommy and daddy. Listen to them okay?" Thank you for stepping in everytime you see us struggle with the kids. Our three cikus look up to you a lot. You are a gem and one in a million. 

Sha Lynn, what a journey it has been to watch you grow. I remembered the indescribable joy I felt when your parents told us they were pregnant with you and then when we got to hold you, we just want to protect you with everything we got. You were the first baby, and I remembered having to fight with Sasa to take care of you, especially during the night feeds. 

I remembered once when you were a little girl. I was scolding you and you cried. While crying you said to me, "You don't love me because you only scold me, and not Daryl!" That was a big statement and I remembered it until now. After you calmed down, I brought you to my room and explained to you, that it is because I love you, that I need to discipline you (on behalf of your mom) and teach you right and wrong. Your mom gave me permission wan ha. Heh. Being the smart girl you are, you understood and we hugged.

I love you so much and don't ever forget that. You will grow up there, and even though we are continents apart, don't ever forget how much we love you, and how much I will cheer you on - in every season of your life. Always be true to yourself. It is going to be hard, but you are a strong girl. It's in your genes. I miss you, and I always will. Also, whatever your mom doesn't let you buy, just tell me okay? I will buy for you. Heh. 

Daryl, our second baby whom we got to love so fiercely. I say fiercely because you are different, in the best way. You don't want to talk until you are like way older. Got all of us worried for a bit ya. I love how you think, how you respond and how you give. You are quick in your mind when it comes to answering silly things. You are playful, and happy. Mostly smiling. Or crying when your true love (aka your mother) scolds you or ban you from your electronics. 

I love hugging you because you don't ask for it. The more you shy from it, the more I want to give it, tightly. I love looking at your face and notice how you move your little nose, and how you unconsciously touch your ears every now and then. I love (maybe just a tiny lil bit) how slow you eat and how you would stress everyone out because of how playful you get during mealtimes. It's funny now, but not so funny when it is happening ya. 

But know this. I love you like my own. You and your sister. You may come out from your mom, but I will always be both your second mother. Even though we cannot go to your sports play and stuff, always know and imagine that we are there to shout your name and probably embarrass you. Heh. Also, same thing like Sha Lynn. Whatever you want that your mother doesn't allow, tell Sarah ee ee. I am here to spoil you two hehe. 

Jie, our childhood was interesting heh. The constant fights and the 'I want to follow you to your friends' hangouts' and you would get so annoyed with how clingy I was to you. This is what happens when we are so close in our age. Getting to call you as my 'Jie' is one of the biggest most precious blessings God has given me. You know when something doesn't sit right with me. You know when to speak and when to not. You know how to mother me even before you became a mother. It is because of mom and you that I know I want to be a mom and have my own troops one day, and look at us now. 

You love to hug, me not so much, but you make sure you give them to me anyways, because somehow deep inside, you just know that it was all I needed. I wouldn't have taken it for granted if I knew now I can only have them hugs every once a year. Heh. 

I may not say it enough, but I am happy for you. You are my role model (hands down) and nothing would ever change that. Not even when we get into arguments and say nasty things to each other. I love you, and I am proud of you. You are crazy to love studying and always looking for ways to improve yourself. It's insane, and it's definitely not in our genes. Because Van and I are not like that. Heh. 

Thank you for being strong. I know it's not easy to build from ground zero again there. But I see you, I am amazed because you never give up. You keep going, and going. Even when there is no support from us physically there. I don't know how many times you have shed tears because of how you miss home, but we are here. Next time, text Van and I - we cry together. Heh. Less lonely. 

I miss you a lot. I miss sitting next to you, and see your face. I miss listening to your voice, live. I miss seeing your cry and laugh at the same time (inside family joke) heh. I miss you, and I am counting down to when I can see you again. 

I love you all, Sha Family - with all my heart <3

Till next time, bye now.

5D4N Trip to Singapore.

This happened last year. I know I know. I am trying to keep up with my own stories too. Heh. BEAR WITH ME. 

Ever since we have Sofia, we have never travelled via an airplane to somewhere together. It's always just Adrian and I. So, Sofia and Adam has never went on an airplane before.

We decided to end our 2023 with a short trip to the land that is so expensive oh my goodness, but it is okay because my sister is there and she is going to pay for everything. I'm kidding okay. Relax mom. Heh. 

I don't know about Adrian, but I am not quite ready to fly (even short distance flight) with 3 kids yet, and since we love road trips, we decided to drive down. 

Yes, Penang to Singapore. From one island to another. And then Singapore to Penang. We are adventurous like that haha. 

I know, that is a very long drive with children, but we have done it before last year (with 2 kids) when I was pregnant with Adam (which I didn't know then). So, we would do it again. 

The drive started really well. We stopped by Ipoh for breakfast, and KL for a quick lunch stop with Jaryn. Then few hours before we arrived at Melaka, Sofia started vomiting. She is a silent vomiter, so we didn't know she vomited until she told us so. I turned behind and saw that vomit pile on her pillow. Oh emm gee moment. 

We thought maybe only once but she started vomiting again after an hour, and I think by the time we reach Melaka, she already vomited 4 times. Don't even try to imagine the smell we had to tahan through in the car. HAHA. 

We already pre-planned with my parents and my uncle aunty to stay a night at the Rucksack Caratel in Melaka, so it wouldn't be too tiring to drive all the way in a day. The kids would not be very nice to us. Hah. And we got to eat the famous putu piring, which I have been craving for, for the longest time. Heh. I love Melaka. We used to go there a lot when we were kids. Melaka will always be one of my favorite states in Malaysia. 

Anyways, we checked in and walked to the nearest clinic and Sofia took some meds for her bloated stomach. She vomited again after the meds, but after that she started feeling better. 

We spent the evening and the next day touring around for a bit before driving to Singapore. 

It was really nice to spend some time with my parents and uncle and aunty. Too bad they couldn't join us to go Singapore after that. They continued with their own cuti-cuti Malaysia. 

We drove to Johor in time for lunch at the famous Ah Koong Restaurant. They are famous for their no-starch-added homemade fishballs. They were quite good but slightly more expensive than usual. We had quite a good emal here despite the ongoing crowds. The kids were okay.

After that, it was goodbye Malaysia, and hello Singapore! The drive into the expensive land was easier and quicker than we anticipated - which was such a win. 20 minutes to pass both Malaysia and Singapore's immigration. 

We drove straight to the house, and rested. Adrian had to finish off some work things, and the other ee-ees were all still working. So we just played and watched movie at home. 

Vanessa, Vicky, Vivien and Boon took care of the kids after their working hours so that Adrian and I got to go out and meet some friends, and have some adults time alone. Heh. It was much needed for me. I was quite at the burnout stage mentally because of Sofia's vomiting episodes. 

We hung out with our friends till after midnight. The kids were asleep and they must have been super happy to spend time with their ee-ees. 

Dinner was at a China-Chinese restaurant at Chinatown (it was super delish!), and then we went for dessert at Apiary. Post-dessert was at My Patio. It was such a great night out I cannot. I miss it already. So much laughter and uninterrupted conversations. 

Despite sleeping really late the night before, it was not difficult to wake up early for our full day ahead. After all, we were there only for a few days, so got to enjoy every moment. Sleep is for the weak. Haha. 

Of course the first food court in Singapore that we went to is the Tiong Bahru food court. Hello, this is where you can find the world's best shui kueh - Jian Bo. Don't argue with me. Heh. 

You walk a lot in Singapore. A LOT. Guess who is not a fan of walking? Haha. Good thing she is the daughter of a sports person lo, who can carry her all the way. Dady's girl 100%. 

I enjoyed the walking (maybe preferably without having to carry a 10kg human baby) but it was nice to walk. It was just the weather that made it less nice. 

Also, Uncle William came and meet with us for a short while at the food court because we really have very limited time in this city. It was such a short and sweet meet. He is like our kids' grandfather. I kid you not. Uncle William has been my father in law's best friend since forever. Even after my FIL passed on, Uncle William made sure we (our families) remained close. 

This kind of family-ship is really precious. 

After brunch, we went to Marina Bay Sands because touristy things. I got to see the boat in person. Boat on the building. Heh. As expected, I was wow-ed to see it in person (finally!). My kids were impressed too - mostly Sofia. 

Yes, we also managed to meet with Jarod, Kaivern and Kaileigh (missing Ching Lynn) for teatime in MBS. Our kids only met once so this was the second time, and they clicked right away. 

We be eating allday errday. After teatime, we went home to rest. Adrian was in charge of dinner and he did not disappoint. We wanted to eat as many Singaporean foods as we can but with the limited time and stomach space, this was the best way to do it. 

We got to eat almost everything we wanted. A bite here and a bite there. And everyone was happy. WIN!

After our quick dinner at home, we all got ready for our night adventure. 

Another touristy things that we chose to do: Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Can you tell that Sofia and I are big fans of the boat on top? We really are. 

Adrian carried Sofia most of the time when we were inside the Cloud Forest because it was dark and they have Avatar creatures everywhere. She was not a fan. Uncle William and Aunty Peggy joined our night adventure too! 

It was a fun night out. Hot night but fun. 

The kids were even more excited for our next day's adventure - because we were going to the SEA Aquarium! We decided not to go to the zoo this time because not enough time. So yes, of course we will be back, Singapura. Just give us more time to save more money. 

We couldn't get the standard tickets because they were sold out on Klook or something, and we ended up getting bundle tickets which include drinks and ice cream (SGD55 per person instead of SGD40). Can you imagine the kids' excitement when they found out they got to have ice cream inside the aquarium? Haha. 

Oh, and we paid for the cups too that has lights on the bottom. Please - if you can pay for the standard tickets, just get the standard ones. Haha. We had no choice. 

The highlight for me that trip to the aquarium was the picnic right in front of the biggest aquarium tank inside. I loved the idea of having a wedding here, with the sea animals. I know that it is possible because I've seen people doing it. It's amazing. 

Good thing, Sofia didn't have any problems walking that day because we took trains here and there. She finally got into her vacation mode. Heh. We took the free monorail to Vivocity for lunch. 

We met up with Uncle William and Aunty Peggy again for a quick lunch before heading home. We had sushi this time, and it was pretty good. I think everything was mostly good, as long as we don't convert. Our secret to a happy fulfilling vacation. HAHA. 

 

You guessed it right again. After lunch, we drove to Clementi Mall to meet up with another group of family friends! We cannot not meet with them when in Singapore you know! They are family friends for many many decades! 

Alex and Adam slept in the car and we totally get it because it was a long productive morning and day. So, Vanessa stayed in the car with them, and we went to Swensens with Sofia. She was the happiest because she got to choose her ice cream. Haha. 

We could not stay for long because the car engine was running and the boys were sleeping in the car. Sofia was also dozing off (after finishing her ice cream) at Swensen's sofa chair. It was so cute. 

We got home, and rested for a few hours. The kids were clingy to me. Taking a shower in Singapore was the holiday for me. Hah. When I am not in the toilet, it was either one of the kids who was always glued to me. Adam most of the time. 

Dinner was spent with Benjamin, Michelle and Asher at their lovely beautiful home! We got to try Katong laksa and Singapore chilli crab - what a spread really! We were so blessed to be honest. The night was precious. We ate, talked, laughed and bonded. 

In case you didn't know, Adrian grew up with Ben (sort of). They were neighbors for many years. Ben is thata's son. 

Thankful for this friendship! Next up would be planning a family holiday together!! 

After dinner, Adrian took us to Orchard Road to see the impressive Christmas lights, but they were not too bad. Hahah. I think my expectations were too hyped up. There were a lot of people, so we decided not to go down. 

Just look-see look-see from the car. Then, we went to tapau some skewers for supper for the gang at home from BBQ Box. It was quite yummy. And they played Nintendo Switch - on a Sunday night. Confirm Monday blue the next day haha. 

As expected, we all slept like a baby that night. Totally out and woke up next morning, refreshed and ready for another day of adventure! 

We had the famous curry rice at Beo Crescent for breakfast with Uncle William. He spoiled us good this trip! I remembered that Adam was very cranky that time (and most of the time in Singapore to be honest), and I was ready to let Adrian and the kids eat first while I bring Adam around for a walk. They didn't have a baby chair. 

But Uncle William took him from me, and they went for a walk. They came back after we were almost done with our food. Uncle Wiliam didn't even eat because he already ate at home. So thankful really. Imma cry. 

After breakfast, we decided to drive around. First was to Mount Faber to see cable cars (no time to ride on them, maybe next time) and then we went to see the Jewel. I have never seen it before, so Adrian was like let's do it. To be honest, I was mehh. I think my expectations were a bit too high la. It is pretty but not like oh-my-goshhhh so nice kind. Heh. 

We walked around for a bit, and then we got hungry (again). Haha. It's the walking la seriously. We went to the open space in Jewel, and found a bunch of restaurants that were not overly pricey, and decided to eat Japanese for a change. 

Hitoyoshi Izakaya at Jewel Changi Airport. 

The vibe was 100% and chefs kiss. It was cooling, and it almost felt like we were dining in some European country. The food was good too!

It was really nice to spend that short afternoon with just our lil fambam, and making core memories. Adrian and Alex went into a Pokemon shop, and I expected Alex to cry when we need to reject his request to buy any Pokemon things in there because hello, SGD to MYR. No thank you. 

But he did not ask to buy. Or he didn't make a scene when we said no. I cannot remember which. But it was good. 

We went home to rest. Then, we met with Uncle William and his family for dinner. The dinner that I mostly remembered because I loved it! 

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh at Harbourfront Centre. It's like tu-tor-th'ng here in Malaysia, but more oomph. I love it! I have been a Song Fa fan since then. 

Adam was extremely cranky that night. It could be he was exhausted and all. He didn't want to sit down, and he also didn't want me to sit down while carrying him. I was standing and eating a bit here and there, while also trying to help Adrian with Alex and Sofia. 

Uncle William's brother, who was sitting on the other table, came over right after he finished his dinner and took Adam from me. They went for a walk. It was our first time meeting him and his family. 

I sat down and got to enjoy the rest of the dinner. Leftovers but my heart and tummy was so full. It was a great night bonding with Uncle William's niece and family. Now, we wait for them to come over to Penang so we can spoil them good! Heh. 

Our kids bonded with each other (Kelly and Zoey) after some time, and it was really nice to see them play together. 

We said our goodbyes, and see you agains, and went home to spend the rest of the night with family. It was so hard because we didn't want to leave. We need more days together, but not enough annual leave la please. Heh. 

While the kids were playing after dinner, I quickly went to this shop: Refash. They sell second hand clothing at a very cheap price. That shop was selling most items at SGD4.90 - like whatttt. Of course I got some stuff from there. So much win here please. 

We left early in the morning, because it was going to take us at least 12 hours to drive back home to Penang, and also these people need to go work liau ya. 

We dropped Sasa to her office (too bad we couldn't get a tour) and then we went to Tiong Bahru food court again to get more Jian Bo shui kueh - like duhh. Of course we have to. Bought a bunch home. Heh. 

Then we walked around for just a bit and to see the famous Tiong Bahru bakery a while - I don't know why. Ask Adrian. His fav place. Haha. 

Adrian and I took turns to drive because it was going to be a long drive. We both drove for 6 hours each, but the real champions were the kids. There were occasional whining and complains, but there were also lots of laughter, car-aoke and funny conversations. It was epic. 

We stopped at Simpang Pulai rest stop for a very late dinner, and arrived home 12 hours later. It was such an amazing road trip. 

If you ask us if we would do it all over again, as in drive to Singapore - my answer is yes. 

Of course it was tiring, but it was core memory. 

Till our next adventure.