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. 

Driving to Singapore - What To Do?

This was one of the things we needed to do after deciding that we would drive down to Singapore (last year), instead of flying. Not only is it economical, we also got to create more road trips' core memories with the children. 

We googled many times, on the criteria and necessary things to do and apply before we could drive into Singapore with our Malaysian car. I realized many times I was a bit confused and everywhere because there were just so many information out there. 

So, here is a very summarized guidelines for you if you want to drive your Malaysian car into the land of Singapore. I hope this is helpful okay. 

Please have these documents and information with you before starting this step: 

1. Make sure that your car has valid Malaysian road tax and insurance. 

When we finally wanted to do all the steps below, we realized that Adrian's car's road tax was expiring soon so we had to delay in our application process. 

So, please make sure your road tax and insurance is valid throughout the time you will spend in Singapore. 

Before you start, scan and save them in your phone or laptop because you would need to attach them during the application - your IC (front), your car's registration certificate (car grant), car insurance policy and road tax. 

2. Get a valid Autopass card and LTA's approval email

• The Autopass card serves as an electronic Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for foreign-registered cars.
• It is also used to pay for electronic road tolls (ERP) in Singapore (like our Touch N Go card here in Malaysia).
• The card costs RM15 and has a minimum top-up of RM30. 
• You can apply for VEP/Autopass card online (click here).
• Collection of card is at 2 places in Johor, so you need to collect before you enter Singapore (you can refer to the LTA's approval email). 
• Bring your IC or passport and LTA's approval email when you collect your Autopass card. 

3. Activate your Autopass card

• You can do it online here. 

4. Complete the Singapore Arrival Card via MyICA Mobile app

• You can do this at least 2 days before your trip begins.

5. Make sure you don't have any outstanding fines for your car - logic ya. If not, kena tendang balik no one can help you already. 

That is all, I think. Please go read other resources too - to be 100% sure. I am no expert in this.

Till next time, bye now. 

Why Parents Should Go For Date Nights?

Why not?

Ever since both Adrian and I leveled up and became parents, we quickly realized the importance of having 'date nights' - us time, without the children.

It is very easy to get caught up with work, and trying to juggle the parent and spouse hat at the same time. 

We realized that when we don't prioritize having date-time, we let out on each other subconsciously. It can be via mean words, absent body language, and minimal eye contacts. We could become very rude to each other without realizing them. This is a true story for both Adrian and I. 

It is usually really hard to plan for date nights unless we have family and friends volunteering to help us watch the kids for a few hours, which we are always so thankful for. If it's going on a short trip without the children, that's the cherry on top of the cake. Hah. 

The reality is that we also don't want to trouble people so often to take care of our kids just so we can have 'quiet time' with each other. So one of the things we try to do is squeezing in 15-30 minutes for a quick breakfast before work or trying to intentionally do something together at night after they go to bed - like watching a movie together. 

The problem with the movie idea is that we both like completely different kind of genres! So, it's a lot of compromising. In the end, we realized watching movie is not very effective for us. We rather watch it on our own. Hah. 

We do other things like, going to the gym at night (rare), or go night swimming (one of our fav but lesser now because the chlorine may make me itch after), or go supper down the street (trying not to supper anymore), or meeting up for lunch (when he comes to the area) or like anything else that works - even if it's for only 10 minutes. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS IN 10 MINUTES WHEN THERE IS NO NOISE AND DISTRACTION - 100%.  

We haven't had a consistent thing that we always do, other than winding down before bedtime on our bed - but these days, it was either he will sleep first or I would be in dreamland already. 

I guess this post isn't saying anything, except that every couple (especially ones with children) MUST go on date nights intentionally. 

It is okay to ask your family or friends to help you with your children for a few hours so you both can have a nice, uninterrupted mealtime to focus on you two. It's healthy and it will strengthen your bond - which is so important for children's growth.

We truly believe that amazing things happen when you have quality time with your other half and your children (especially) will get to experience that kind of love and commitment. 

Every time Adrian and I get to have a longer date nights/trips, we always come home with something new, something good. During these dates, we usually share about our struggles (in details) at work, and at home and the things that makes us happy and drives us. We put ourselves in each other's shoes, and think of ways we can be better - together. 

It's like re-calibrating both our goals and wants and how we gonna get there. Same thing as checking our car's alignments after a few months or something right. 

Our most talked about topic is parenting (surprise surprise). If you don't already know, we love being parents to our three doremi. LOVE IT TOO MUCH. Parenting has taught us a lot about ourselves, and how we work as a pair. 

We would bring up incidents that happened, and discuss how to respond better in similar situations. We also try to think of ways to affirm the kids differently because of how the 3 of them are just so different. So yeah, it is just a constant checking in with each other and believe it or not. Even though we live in the same house, and sleep on the same bed, it is actually very difficult to have these kind of conversations. 

First, because the children are always listening and looking. Second, because after every 2 sentences we say, there will be "Mamy! Dady!" or "Mamy! Adam eating my rice!" or "Dady! Play ball with me!" or "Mam maam maaaammm". 

We love our kids to the ends of the world, but hello, it is impossible to think straight or hear your own thoughts when they are constantly asking for your attentions. It's cute but when it's too much - it's too much! Heh. 

Anyways, I thought to share this here, because you are not selfish for wanting to have quiet time with your spouse, and time away from your children. In our case, date nights are one of the things that made us better partners and parents. So, we really do try to make it happen. 

If you ask us, we highly recommend it. If it's difficult to get someone to watch the kids, start with once a month. Set the date and put it in the calendar. Ask a fellow parents friend to help babysit for a few hours. They would be more than happy to do so, because it takes a village. 

Trust your village, and let's be better spouse and parent together :) 

P.S. Please never hesitate to ask us for help. My children will especially love it if they could have playdates with humans their age and size! I'm serious. 

Go get your deserved date nights, please. 

Who Is The Real MVP?

 I thought this was very cute and funny. 

I drove down to KL with my mother in law and three kids, by myself (first time). Adrian was already in KL for his floorball tournament. if I remembered correctly, it was Merdeka Cup 2023. 

We try to be there at "all" his tournaments if possible, because this is what family do, even though it's really difficult with three young and active kids. But since it's KL, we decided that it was going to be worth the drive and the tiredness heh. 

Adrian stayed with the floorball team throughout the weekend, while we stayed at Jaryn's. 

I want to say that Penang won champion last year, but again, I am not sure so I am not going to say it. 

Adrian was selected to be MVP for Penang and boy, were we excited, especially Alex and Sofia.

I wanted to update a post here because after the whole price giving ceremony, Sofia followed Adrian. Literally glued to him even though he was so sweaty. Adrian went to take some shots with his fellow teammates, and Sofia was smiling so professionally as though she won the MVP award. Hah. She doesn't even really like floorball ya, or sports in general. Haha. 

Super cute la please. 

Here are the photos. Enjoy! :)

Till next time. 

Bye now.

A random thing tonight.

I still cannot find enough joy and strength to write the goodbye post for the Sha family. 

My husband says the only way to heal with time, is to go through with it. So, I guess no matter how hard it is for me, I will go back to attending life-groups and look forward to going to church. It's so hard because I know I will cry because they won't be there. I won't get my weekly hugs from Sha Lynn and Daryl. 

But I have to just go through it. 

Like how I did when Vanessa left home. 

I can do it again this time, though it may take a longer time. 

Also, what is with the weather these days? I am constantly searching for "affordable" winter holiday destinations to go with my family, but when I think about the fact that we need to multiply 4, I just close the Skyscanner app and forget it. 

If anything, we need to travel this year because Adam is still free. Heh. 

Counting down to September for the most precious holiday together. 

I also just found out that my Youtube channel has 102 subscribers already, like what? Where did these people come from? Hah. It started with 11 people. Sorry my 102 friends, I have no inspirations for the next video, so just stay tuned la ya. 

Actually got! Upcoming video will be my review about the Shin Ramyun and Jayfai's collaboration instant noodles! I want to see if it's worth the hype and money. Heh. Coming real soon. 

Okay, time for me to leave my laptop and go sleep with the toddlers. Adam is already asleep in the room by himself. Such a good boy. 

Okay bye now. 

Oh, and happy birthday Sasa! :)

Adam's First Safari Party!

It's been more than 4 months since Adam turned one, and I totally forgot about writing this post about it and for him. Oopsie hehe. 

I wrote 1 each for Alex and Sofia, so here goes for our third-born son. 

It was hard trying to choose a theme, because obviously he doesn't know what he likes (yet) and I also need a theme that is like easy. So, in the end we went with animal theme again, like Alex's - which is quite sentimental because 2 of our boys have the same kind of first birthdays.

Rachel and Vanessa (by default yeah) were put in-charged for the decorations and all things beautiful. Most things were ordered online because cheap and save time. Heh. 

Rachel also baked a smash cake (by default because she did for Alex and Sofia). Heh. 

Vanessa also helped with the e-invites and it was super cute. It was not very difficult to 'assemble' the guest's list, because like Alex and Sofia's party, our max number has always been set at 100 people, so yeah. 

We have close to 80 adults and 20 children. Finding a place to have this party was a bit more tricky. We also were determined to keep our budget at the same level with Alex, which was like 5 years ago. I thought it was going to be an impossible task, and we may end up paying more than we had planned. 

But I am a good, never-give-up-easily-planner, so you bet I managed to organize and have the party go as planned. We actually paid lower than we did for Alex and Sofia. Heh. I'm taking this huge win ya please. 

So, we booked James Foo Restaurant for a few hours on a Saturday noon, and have the whole place to ourselves, which was ideal because we were very noisy please. 

We didn't do buffet this time, because we want our guests to have their meals hot and whenever they are ready to eat. So, it's like course-meal with unlimited servings of mushroom soup and drinks. 

Another secret to a happy marriage is letting your wife plan and decide on the party entirely, as long as you don't go over budget. Clever Adrian Koay. Heh. 

But we did have a few discussions on this party and we both were agreeing on similar things, so yay. 

There was no discussion to whether we were going to have Adam's one year old party, because he knew that I got to have them for sure. Need to be fair for all children ya. Heh. That is also why we never had any maternity photoshoots, because I knew that if I took one with Alex, I need to take one more with Sofia and Adam. So, no thanks. 

I cannot believe, Adam is already one year old plus. Like, serious I need him to slow down and let me enjoy every baby-era of him pleaseee. 

His photos are a lot lesser than his two siblings' because we were so busy with everything else. But thank you guys for helping us capture some photos here and there.

Hello Adam Koay, 

You already knew (from the many mentions), that it was really hard when I was pregnant with you. It was physically and emotionally unreal, but when the doctor took you out of my body, I fell in love immediately. It was worth it. The pain, blood, sweat and tears. 

You are growing to become such a sweet loveable person. You have got some temper in you (at such a young age), but hey, we love you the same. 

I love how you enjoy your food, and how you copy us so well. I saw you today using a fork to get the roti canai, and boy, that made me so happy. It's really the smallest things. I love how you are so playful and cheeky in your own ways. 

I love your little walk to the bedroom when the clock hits 8pm, and I start calling you over. Sometimes, you would let out a cry (with real tears) while walking to the room, and other times you would wave and smile or whined a little. 

I love how you stand in your crib, asking me to wake up so I could make you milk or change your diaper. I have seen you see me still asleep, and then you just plopped yourself on your bed and stare into the ceiling quietly so I could sleep longer. You're a sweet boy. 

When you started walking, my heart broke a little, because it felt like you are growing out of me, and no longer need me to carry you everywhere. Yet, I like that you are now independent, because now I got to move around freelier for a bit. (Is freelier a word?). Oh wells. 

I love you, and I wouldn't change anything in our story even if I got a chance to. I would go through the pain again and again for you. Thank you for being ours, Adam. 

I love you with every piece of me. 

Till next time, bye now.