The "Flying TOD"

Just received an email from Eve from her London Hotel –

“Our trip here on the plane was actually pretty good, mainly because Faith was alright throughout the trip. She had her meals, took an afternoon nap and was entertained the rest of the time either playing with the controls & gadgets on the seats or watching Barney on the portable DVD player. The portable player was a godsend, really :) “

It was a reassuring email from Eve, as all of us at home had been quite concerns about our little niece. Although Faith had travelled on airplane for numerous trips covering – Dubai, Beijing and Phuket. This would be her 1st long haul flight that lasted 13 hours. Glad that she did well on the plane, we are all so proud of her. GOOD JOB, Faith!!

Louis is on job assignment in London for 3 weeks or more, so it was natural choice that Eve and Faith will join him. The MNC that Louis works for is very Pro-family - they provide for the family travel and accommodation expenses as well… : )

Faith is officially the Tan Family flying toddle because of the nature of Louis job requires him to travel a fair bit. I always admired Louis & Eve for their capabilities and courages to travel with a toddle, especially when I see the number of luggage that they needed to pack… hee.

Last Sunday evening, we had our usual family (10 + 1 toddle) dinner gathering before Louis, Eve and Faith departed for London on Monday afternoon.

After dinner, we told Anthea and Anders that Faith mei mei will be taking the airplane to London and we will see her again only 3 weeks later. Anthea said: “mommy, I am going to miss Faith mei mei.” I told her: “yes, we will all miss her but 3 weeks will go by very fast and we will see her soon again.”

I am really happy to see Anthea expressing her emotion and feeling openly nowadays.

May Louis, Eve and Faith enjoy their 3 weeks stay in London, especially family bonding time.

Beachside Birthday Party

In celebration of my niece 1 Year old birthday, my BIL made dinner reservation at this beach restaurant located on Sentosa Island – Café Delmar.

We reached Sentosa around 6pm and since we were early, Adrian brought Anthea to try the Luge which I highly recommended him to do so. Otherwise, we will never come to Sentosa.
While they were at the ride, I brought Anders to the restaurant and when I reached the entrance of the restaurant. I was totally shocked and speechless…hee : P

The restaurant set up was similar to what I always see in CSI Miami and there were loud music playing by the in-house Deejay. The place was full bikinis babes and board short clad dudes. (I was thinking to myself – I am too aunty for this kind of place...hee.)

不认老都不行了！！

My BIL booked 2 tables for the families and also invited relatives. Drinks and food were ordered and they were served promptly. Service was good but I find the price a bit on the high side, considering it’s on a beachfront and not some Hotel setup. Well, I guess everyone had a great time with the food & drinks.

After the cake cutting ceremony, we left the place around 9pm.

(ps: I did not manage to take any photos because my head was “pounding”so heavily with the in house music, I can hardly even move myself around..: P , think I have been out of touch with techno music for too long..Sigh)

Happy 1st Birthday to Faith Tan!!

Faith's Full Month

Faith Tan (陈诗颖) is exactly ONE month old today.

Last Saturday, Louis & Eve hold a Full Month Celebration for Faith at 716. Relatives and friends came and celebrated the happy occassion with the family.

There was buffet lunch, cake and 'ang-ku kueh'. It was laughter at all corners of the house. I was especially happy to see Anthea playing with Jasmine and Justin, they are children of Adrian's cousin. Jasmine is 7 years old and Justin is 5 years old. They were little toddles the last time we gathered and now, they are already schooling... : )

After lunch, we went back home to rest before dinner. Dinner was at 716 with mom cooking some simple dishes and Dad went to packed KFC. It was a simple and relaxing dinner.

On Sunday evening, we had dinner, together with Eve's confinement lady. For the 1st time, i see Faith wide awake. As in all newborns, most of the time, they are either sleeping or feeding. I was carrying her and showing her to Anthea and Anders, who are ever so anxious to play with their little cousin.

I am really happy to say that Faith has grown, she seem to have a "meatier" cheeks from the last time that i saw her at 729, about 2 weeks. (dare not said it in front of her, as Old wives tale - don't talk about baby weight in her presence..hee )

Glad that all the hard work, sleepless nights and worries that Louis & Eve had gone through is paying off.

Faith's one month marks the end of Eve's confinement and soon they will be independent. With good guidance from the confinement aunty and some helps from Eve's mom and mom, i know both Louis & Eve will make it and learn the ropes to parenting as days go by.

Faith has Arrived...

My 2nd brother in-law and his wife, Louis and Eve, is expecting their 1st baby and the estimated due date is 10 April 2007. However, Baby has decided to come and see the world earlier.

This morning, Adrian got an sms from Louis mentioning that Eve's waterbag burst and they admitted to Mt.Alvernia.

At around 7am, Louis called and said that baby has arrived. All these while, both of them has decided that they do not want to know the gender of the baby till delivery. So finally, today we know the answer - a Baby GIRL. Louis and Eve has decided to name her Faith Tan, as for the chinese name, they will consult a Feng Shui shi fu.

Officially, i am promoted to a 大婶 status today. I have requested to Louis & Eve that Faith should address Adrian and myself as 大伯父 & 大婶 then just Aunty. Reason being the children are already losing the ability to speak Teochew as they don't have any exposure. So the least we can do to help them, is perhaps, the correct way to address their elders.

Anthea and Anders are looking forward to welcoming their new cousin. I know for sure, now the Tan Family is getting bigger and noisier with the additional of Faith. Also, Anders and Faith birthdate difference is only 1 DAY... : )

"Dear Faith, All of us are looking forward to your arrival and showering you with lots of Love and Care. May you grow Happy & Healthy. "