Look, Daddy!,... Rabbits!

Here's what happened when I brought Christa to the LG level of Tropicana City Mall. "Look, Daddy! Rabbits!", she screamed in delight. Not at all surprised at her excitement and having difficulty wriggling out of her clutches, I had to relent and we did stop to catch a glimpse of two.

I was glad that the rabbits looked pretty healthy and did not smell. We spent another few minutes looking at the creatures feeding and soon left for home. She told the whole world about the 'many' rabbits she saw and what the other children missed. I made her day!

Malayan Tiger swimming for the kids!

There are days that you just feel lucky. We felt just that last weekend when the Malayan Tiger decided to take a dip into the pool as we were watching him. He was trying to attract our attention! Soon after he was satisfied with the cooling-off session that he came out totally drenched. Aren't you glad you behaved in the zoo, children?

Standard Chartered KL Marathon Treadmill Challenge

Clarissa, Christa and I had a 5-minute brisk walk this morning at 1U to make it into the Malaysia Book of Records. It was part of a promotional activity for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009. I walked in my leather shoes doing 7.0km/h, whereas Clarissa and Christa did 3.5km/h and 1.8km/h respectively. The girls did the walk as they did not want to be left out in a fun activity.

Win a Hyundai for Nothing!

We had a surprise when we went to Cineleisure to obtain tickets for the latest X-files movie yesterday. Hyundai was giving out a new car for absolutely nothing. You just have to be a Malaysian with a valid driving license, fill up the form, willing to queue up for your turn, put your hand into the box of a thousand over keys and pull out the key which opens the padlock to the car. The promotion is only on from 30th July to 1st August 2008. So you'd better hurry on to try your luck and get that Hyundai beauty for Nothing!

It didn't take too much of time to get to the box but we surely didn't win the car although it would be great as my car is still in the garage until .... . I surely hope they get my spare parts! Good luck to those who would like to try to win the car!

As it turned out the car was a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission, fuel efficient sleek 1.1L hatchback called Hyundai "i10" which is retailing at RM48, 888. A more powerful 1.2 L 16V DOHC variant with Kappa Engine of the car is available in India.

All for One and One for All!

Clarissa, Christa and their cousin, Li Shuen celebrated the birthday together. Their uncle bought a Pandan cake from Golden Bake Bakery and there were 7 candles. Clarissa (5 yrs old) wanted to be in the centre while Christa and her cousin stood on the chairs beside her. They each took turns to sing the Birthday song and blow the candles. This was the first birthday where the candles were almost fully utilised by the time all three girls were through with them. Then came the cake-cutting for the photo. They each had a pastry knife in their hands and cut at various angles for the photo. I don't think they would be afraid of any papparazzi at this age.

Ooppss! I forgot the girls are waiting for us

I sent both Clarissa and Christa to Sunday School this morning and joined Mommy for Sunday Church Service. The service was slightly longer than usual with a invited speaker who made several pertinent points which made some sense spiritually. Little did I know that other parents have already picked up their children 'early' leaving our two girls behind.

Clarissa cried when she was picked up by Mommy. She was hurt by the fact that we turned up later than other parents. Christa was not amused and said "I didn't cry also!".

Lekha-lekha ice-cream kick instead of Kungfu Panda

Mommy was away for 2 days last week and I was left with Clarissa and Christa while Grandma took care of little Benedict. So I decided to be reward both the girls (before they decided to do some mischief) by bringing them for Kungfu Panda. Since it was only the week after the release, we could not get a ticket at the Cathay Cineleisure after work around 8pm. Utterly embarrassed at the fact that I have promised the girls a movie and not being able to fulfil it, I was desparate for an excuse. Clarissa wasn't pleased that she would not be watching the long awaited "Kungfu Panda" movie. They chorused together, "Daddy, I want to watch a movie!!!". While waiting for possible cancellations of reserved phone bookings, I decided to take them for a walk. We walked by the famous "Lekha-Lekha" Ice-cream outlet and the sight of multi-coloured ice-cream peppered with tantalising chocolate chip and candy caught their attention.

"Daddy, I want the Blue colour ice-cream", said Clarissa. "Daddy, I want the yellow colour ice-cream and the chocolate ice-cream", Christa added. I dipped my hand into my pocket and took out a RM10 note and had 10 cents in return. I can't really remember getting such treats when I was their age when I didn't get what my parents had promised. Those 20 minutes were the most enjoyable time they've ever had (you could see it on their faces and feel the fulfilment). We went home very happy after that!

What does children and moisturiser lotion have in common?

I got back from a trip with the disabled sailing team at Admiral Cove, Port Dickson. 2 days of sun became unbearable on my knees, ears and chest where I forgot to apply the SPF50+ sunscreen.

I took out a tube of Aquathenol (moisturiser) lotion and started to apply them on my knees. Both Clarrisa and Christa 'came to my rescue' when they opened their hands and demanded to apply the lotion for me. I soon found out that they were not satisfied until they emptied the whole tube. Now, I thought it was going to be difficult work!

Face painting free at Tesco

Clarissa had the privilege of having her hand painted when we were having lunch at Tesco just next to the play area. There were a few volunteer artists who were busy painting the hands and faces of children who lined up for a carefully designed painting on their delicate skin. I suppose Mommy thought she would not risk having the skin painted (in case of allergies).

The painting turned out to be a red coloured butterfly on the back of her hand with little silver dust specks on the side. Definitely something to make Christa jealous when she wakes up from her sleep.

Reptile Exhibition at One Utama

Mommy and I brought all 3 children to One Utama yesterday for shopping. We were curious to find out about the Reptile Exhibition. Clarissa insisted that she wanted to see some snakes and pulled onto Mommy's hands and refused to budge. I had the honour of sending the shopping bags and the double stroller back into the car while Mommy waited for me at the entrance. The girls were thrilled and started screaming out in delight.

As soon as we got to the entrance we were greeted by a monkey and 2 birds before we got the tickets. I was busy taking photos of sleepy snakes all rolled-up in their clay or porcelain tray or laying on dried leaves. Some of the snakes were on the branches of twigs and branches (depending on their sizes).

I was surprised to see spiders, monkeys, birds and foxes amongst the display at the exhibition. Although I love to appreciate animals, I still prefer to see them in the wild or on the Discovery Channel rather than in captivity.



Both Christa and Clarissa wanted to have a closer look at the snakes but held onto me very tightly when they came closer to the cages of the animals. I was glad that there wasn't any stench in the exhibition area unlike in some zoos. Mommy, we should bring them to visit the Zoo Negara soon?!

Chinese New Year with my nieces

Grandpa brought us all to Genki-Sushi with my brother-in-law, my sister and her 2 girls. The girls did everything as a group while grinning at each other. Clarissa and Nadia shared an Udon while Christa ate Sushi (without the wasabi sauce). After some time all the children grew horns (see photo) and did their own thing.









The wooden swing at Home Fix-it was very useful as the children were all exhausted and had to rest their aching limbs. Nothing beats the old fashioned swing while enjoying some Ribena and Jackfruit cuts.

Did anyone notice Clarissa and Christa's new shoes? Mommy and I got them from the Padini Outlet at the Curve. Seemed to fit pretty well and looked beautiful in those feet!

Lion Dance at JW Marriot Kuala Lumpur

We were at the JW Marriot Kuala Lumpur yesterday and the children had an exciting time watching the Lion Dance performance at the grand entrance. VVIPs were ushered in by the whole staff of the hotel with a big "Gong Xi Fa Cai". We too had the opportunity of being treated with the special touch of JW Marriot hospitality.


Clarissa was afraid of the 'lion' as the sound of wooden drums and brass cymbals resounded in the whole vicinity to usher in the 'good-fortune'. Christa shook the hands of the masked performers with a chinese fan and even touched the head of the 'lion'. No Chinese New Year could be complete without the lion dance!

Exposure to nature: Moth

I brought Clarissa (4 yrs) and Christa (2 yrs) to our neighbourhood Mamak Restaurant a few days ago and stopped by the small indoor garden infront of our condominium. The children were looking at the fish in the pond when they noticed a moth holding onto the underside of a fern leaf.

They were told to keep silent while watching the little creature. Christa was so excited but could hardly keep it quiet while Clarissa kept on asking me why the moth was 'there' and 'not moving'. After answering her, Christa would ask me the same question.

It's nice to show them a little bit about nature so that they would treasure it's beauty while they can still enjoy them. We hold that they would grow up to be responsible nature loving citizens who will protect the need for coexistence of wildlife and man.

Interesting links:
Malaysian Nature Society
World Wildlife Fund

Cornetto Love Perhaps?

I suppose ice-cream causes the love to flow even amongst siblings i.e. Christa and Clarissa. It gives parents like us a good 30 minutes breathing space while we shop and wheel the two girls around. Little Benedict (3 months old) will soon learn how a little sweetness can change things!

Cornetto Kid

Christa loves chocolate ice-cream and makes a mess when she digs her face into ice-cream. Her favourite is Cornetto cone from Walls. She finds it intriguing to dip her fingers into the ice-cream while saving the cone for last. I can only get her to share the cone when she is in a good mood. Otherwise she wants the whole cone all herself. If you offer her a bite, she refuses because she wants to hold the cone herself. Just make sure you give her the whole Cornetto otherwise she might just bite you!

We just make sure that she gets an occassional reward (ice-cream) but we try to make sure that she gets a healthy balanced diet too!

Interesting links:-
List of Cornetto Ice-creams
The range of Wall's Ice-cream
Unilever website: Feel good, look good and get more out of life

Little Benedict enjoys playing with Clarissa

At times we wish the older children (Clarissa and Christa) would grow up sooner so that they could help with 'entertaining' little Benedict when we are busy. However, toddlers cannot be left alone with older children as the play may get out of hand causing harm to the toddler. Mommy and I always ensure that Benedict is under watchful eyes when the girls play with him. I can still remember Grandma telling me how my elbows were dislocated when I was younger and attended by a young domestic help. That would be a scary experience.

Yum Seng at Bangsar Seafood Restaurant

Clarissa (4+ yrs) had the privilege of joining us for a wedding dinner of my cousin, Samuel and Chiu Mei. She was pretty excited as she would be able to meet lot's of our relatives and not to mention the delicious food at One Bangsar. I wasn't quite sure whether I could make it as I was feeling groggy in the morning due to long working hours. Mommy and I decided that we'd go and make it a wonderful nite-out and brag about our newborn Benedict!

We arrived earlier to escape the Saturday crowd. My tummy was growling already at 7.30pm since I skipped both breakfast and lunch. I just couldn't wait for the sumptuous meal in the Bangsar Seafood Restaurant. The guest reception team was efficient and we soon found our way at table 20 with Samuel's sister's in-laws. Clarissa and I steadily diminished the supply of Shandong peanuts on the table while we warmed-up for the Yum Seng ("bottons-up" or "toast"). Clarissa enjoyed her favourite 4 Seasons dish and Shark Fin's Soup (this doesn't mean that I condone killing of sharks?).

We were entertained with Richard Clayderman and Praise-Worship Instrumentals in the air accompanying a narrative on the life of the bride and groom with Powerpoint visuals. Since Clarissa has got off diapers (officially!) Mommy and I took turns accompanying her for toilet trips. Gives me an excuse to take a walk down the hallway and chit-chat with relatives.

The most memorable event was .... the moist chocolate cake gift and the Yum Seng! Clarissa really made it count with 3 loud and prolonged "Yaaaaarrrrmmmmm Sennnnnnnnng!"s.

We are thrilled that she was interacting well with the adults. She started answering every question the emcee asked. On Sunday I found out that she loved giving impromptu answers to the pastors' preaching from the pulpit! "Hey, little girl... he can't hear you in the children's play room. You need to join the main congregation!!!". I wonder what will he say about her response.

Links of interest:
Getting to One Bangsar"
Bangsar Seafood Restaurant

The Curve's Indoor Garden

Some things they can't resist!

Whenever we bring the children shopping, these are some things that the they look forward to:-

1. Free Balloons
2. Ice-cream (McDonald's, Baskin Robbins, Haagen Dazs) or a cold freshly squeezed juice
3. Play Area
4. Barney video
5. Toy 'R' Us
6. Movies & Popcorn
7. Freshly baked bread and pastries(Sun Moulin Bakery)

We have 2 options i.e. to allow them to have these items (not all on the same day!) or to have reasonable alternatives. Clarissa (4 yrs) is less demanding and helps us to coax Christa (2 yrs) when she insists on having everything she sees. It works well as Christa usually listens to her.

There are times both girls would not listen and they would be throwing temper tantrums. During such times I wish I had more ideas up my sleeves. I find that it would be best not to deal with children when you are tired. Mommy does well in finding alternatives to soothe the children's feelings of discontentment. Now, it's such times that the Tag team works.

KLCC Aquaria & Adopt a Turtle

Hmmm... I'm thinking of bringing Clarissa and Christa to KLCC Aquaria this weekend. This would be a time of a lifetime since my children love fish and anything which moves in water! I wish we could all go in for a dive with the sharks!

Some of their highlights are:-
The Aquaria Double Birthday Bash!
From now till 31st August, those born within the month of August will enjoy tickets to Aquaria at half price! Those born on Merdeka Day itself will enjoy free admission.

FREE GIFT for every child (valid 1st - 18th August)
Events happening throughout the month
1) Free face painting for Kids!
2) Daily treasure hunts!
3) Weekly colouring contests!
4) Mingling clowns and balloon giveaways!
This is definitely something that would keep my children happy for a week!

Adopt-a-Turtle
Instead of keeping Terrapins in my aquarium, I should think 'adopting a turtle' would be more environmentally friendly. At least, the Terrapins do not climb out of the aquarium and jump out of my apartment!

# Help save turtles by adopting one. For only RM 150.00, not only will you become the proud parent of a turtle but you will also receive the following : Turtle adoption certificate
# Information about the turtle
# A specially designed Ma' Daerah Turtle Sanctuary T'shirt.

If you adopt 5 or more turtles, you will receive a beautiful brass turtle carved by a renowned Terengganu craftsman.

Find out more from the links here:-
KLCC Aquaria Merdeka Promotions
Feeding Times
Adopt-a-Turtle
Scubazoo