On a happier note...

Kayla had her first couple of mornings at Clover Kindergarten this week and seems to have thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

I stayed with her on Monday (lurking about in the background) and  she had a great time.  I took the plunge and left her there on her own this morning and she did really well.  No tears or tantrums - she happily went off with the teacher when we arrived and the teacher said she had not one tear during the three hours she was there :o)

I'm so proud of my confident wee girl - exactly what I've been trying to instil in my kids!!

I NEED A MOAN!

I'll apologise in advance as I know this post will probably come across as a bit self-pitying but I just need to have a moan.

Sometimes life in Singapore can be downright lonely.  Even though I've made some really nice friends, I don't see them often enough and some days the loneliness really gets me down.  Anyway, I'm an adult - I can deal with it - but my heart breaks for James.

Ever since we got here I've found it really difficult to meet people with kids the same age as James.  I've only met two so far and one lives in the city centre (so quite far from us) and goes to an international school so has different holidays from James.  The other lives close by but can be a little hit and miss as to whether he wants to play with James or not (I know kids can be like that but it still hurts when its your son he doesn't want to play with).

Anyway, this morning I was in tears as James was talking about who he'd invite to his birthday party.  He could only come up with two people :o(   My heart was breaking for him.  Last year, at home, he had all his little friends who he's known since birth and a couple of friends he'd made at nursery too.  Why has it been so hard here?

He does have little friends at school and I'm so glad of that - but as he goes to a local school no-one ever seems to do anything together after school (apart from more classes!!)  I want to invite some of the children from the school to his party but I don't know if they'll come and that will hurt him even more.   I know these are just the sort of things kids have to go through growing up - but as a Mum its very hard to watch.

Anyway, sorry if this just turned into a big rant.  I just want my gorgeous, kind, funny, loving boy to have some buddies!

Another World

I've often commented on how things are done very differently in Asia to how we would do things back home.  People here seem to expect a level of service (which more often than not is met) and things like having a maid to do what we would all do for ourselves at home is just the norm here.

However, I had a real laugh to myself yesterday when I was speaking to a Singaporean Mum at James' tennis class.  I've spoken to her a few times and she's very nice and chatty.  Yesterday for whatever reason we got on to speaking about when our kids were born.  I mentioned that James had been very premature and that he'd spent his first 7 weeks in hospital.  

She asked me what I did about feeding him - or did they just do that for me in the nursery?  Ha ha ha ha!!!  She was totally stunned when I told her that UK hospitals don't have nurseries anymore.  Its just a case of here's your baby - get on with it!!  Her face was an absolute picture!!

She then asked, looking more horrified by the minute, whether the nurses/midwives bathed the baby for you.  Nope!!!  

She then went on to tell me that although she has two boys - one who's 6 years old and one of 18 months - she's NEVER changed a nappy as the maid does all that for her.

It really is another world out here!!!

Here are a couple of gratuitous baby photos of my two just in keeping with the topic!!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WEEK 3

Well our third week started with a wee trip away.  I took my Mum to Stobo Castle Health Spa which is in Stobo, near Peebles in the Scottish Borders.  This was our belated 70th birthday present to her.  It was a beautiful drive down, the spa was great, it was lovely to have someone make all our meals and so good to have some time on my own with my wee Mum.  I've posted a picture of her posing in the grounds of Stobo Castle - I love this photo of her.    

My poor Dad was abandoned at home but the kids went to stay with my friend Elizabeth (Auntie Lizzy) and had a rare old time with her and her Mum and Dad.  Thanks to Elizabeth for offering to babysit so I could arrange my Mum's wee surprise.  

After we collected them from Elizabeth's on the Tuesday evening, it was a race back to the house where Joan and Elliot were picking up James and taking him to the circus.  I was shattered after all the driving but I couldn't go to bed as my party animal son (and his buddy) didn't roll home til 11pm!!  He had an absolute ball!  The mad Joan had (as usual) turned up with all the gear to dress them up - so off they went in their clown outfits!!  Thanks for taking them Joan - James is still talking about it!

On the Wednesday morning we went to visit James' old nursery as I still keep in touch with the Manager there.  It was lovely to see Mariessa and her husband Bernie - and while we blethered on for ages the kids were having fun painting etc in the nursery.  Kayla showed me that she's definitely read for nursery or playgroup - she walked in, rolled up her sleeves, sat down and got on with some painting - I don't even think she noticed I'd left the room!!  

In the afternoon I had to throw James out the car door into the capable hands of Kristen's Mum, Liz, as Joan had just called to say she'd been knocked flying by one of her dogs (she has 3 Dobermans and a Miniature Pincher).  I insisted she took a wee visit to Casualty as she was sounding really upset and feeling pretty unwell.  Thankfully Liz was available to take my James home to my Mum and Dad's house whilst Joan and I had a, thankfully, short wait in Casualty.  Diagnosis was mild concussion and bruising of the facial nerves - the poor wee soul.  

That night I was off for yet another meal out (there's a bit of a theme to this holiday!)  This time I was meeting up with some old friends from my last job - Donna, Gillian, Shona and Fiona.  Had a great laugh catching up on the goings on at TRS.  Also had a laugh in the restaurant as, although the food was very nice, there just wasn't very much of it!  Obviously taking nouvelle cuisine to a new level!!  When our main courses arrived we all burst out laughing at the size of the portion, asking increduously whether there was veg included (there wasn't), ordered some more and of course then had to fit in a dessert to fill the space in our tums!

On Thursday we had a really exciting day visiting the doctor and dentist!  Kayla got her 3rd pneumococcal vaccination.  Poor wee sausage - it was a real delayed reaction scream!

At the dentist James was so chuffed when the dentist told him "he had lovely teeth - in fact the best teeth he'd seen all day!"  Glad all my perseverance keeping him away from sweeties and juice is having the desired effect!

Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for mine.  I had to show the dentist the pitiful little bit of what was left of the tooth I broke on the plane on the way to Australia in December.  He thinks there's enough left to fit a crown.  In addition I need one of my wisdom teeth removed (insert your own joke here!) - all in all his quote for all the work was £464!!!  Unfortunately he didn't have time (nor did I) for him to do the work before I left for Singapore, so I now have the task of finding a dentist here who doesn't charge an arm and a leg.

That evening we met my friend Jeanne and her kids Emma and Alec at McDonalds for tea.  We originally met at a kids' group called Whiz Kids in Erskine when James and Emma were around 2.5 years old and they then went on to be in the same nursery so we've always kept in touch.  Jeanne was immensely relieved as her hubby, who's in the Navy, had just had his tour of duty to Iraq cancelled at the 11th hour.  She was delighted he wasn't going - although annoyed at the Navy for putting them through all the stress and build up beforehand only to cancel it 3 days before he was supposed to leave.  Only problem now is she's not sure where he'll end up.  It could even be Afghanistan - but we'll keep our fingers crossed that he gets an easier posting than that.

On the Friday Elizabeth and I took James and Elliot to the Science Centre in Glasgow.  They had a ball (as did we!)  Did my best not to nod off in the Planetarium (think I just succeeded - only just!)  The Science Centre is a great place as there are lots of things for the kids to see and touch.  My only problem with it is that its like a great big greenhouse so the heat inside is unbearable.  By mid afternoon I had the beginnings of a migraine and thanks to James' mega tantrum before we left - it was a full blown someone drilling a hole in the side of my head and feeling sick job.

Of course, this is sod's law as I was going out on the Friday night to my neighbour Marion's house (next door to mine!) and a few of the other neighbours were joining us - Gillian, Yvonne and Anne.  Marion made a lovely dinner, was plying everyone with wine as always and was making Cosmopolitans and there was me in the corner trying not to throw up and still feeling like the guy with the drill was inside my head :o(   :o(   :o(      Anyway, it may have curbed my ability to drink but not to chat.  Had a great gab and laugh with all the girls until I finally gave in when I noticed it was 1am!  Thanks for a lovely night Marion - sorry I was such a party pooper!

Are you bored reading this yet?  Promise I won't ramble on much longer!

Saturday was another busy busy day.  I went to the opticians in the morning and ordered some new glasses which Mum and Dad kindly offered to buy as an early birthday present.

In the afternoon we went to Bishopton (village next to Erskine) where they were having their annual fete.  Loads for the kids to do so James had a ball and we kept meeting people we knew which was lovely too.  Oh and bonus - I won a bouquet of flowers in the raffle.  I never win anything so that was a lovely surprise!

Took Mum, Dad, the kids and Aunt Moira and Uncle Ian out to Struthers Farm in Dunlop for a belated 70th birthday dinner for both Mum and Aunt Moira.  As always the food was gorgeous.  Its quite a strange place.  Its a real farmhouse and I don't think the decor has been updated for about 50 years!  As my neighbour Gillian said "its like eating in your Granny's kitchen!" but the food is just lovely.  

On the Sunday I went to visit my friend Karen and her gorgeous twins Jake and Riley.  It was so lovely to see them again.  They were only about two months old when I last saw them and the difference was unbelievable.  

As it was Fathers' Day we took Dad (and the rest of us!) out for dinner at Burnhouse Manor.  Elizabeth and her Mum and Dad and sister Laura also joined us.  Had a lovely meal and a great time catching up with everyone.  I love this photo of Elizabeth and I taken that night.  

Well Monday morning rolled around all too quickly and after lunch we were suddenly at the airport saying our goodbyes to Mum and Dad.  Not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby.  I miss them so much and it had been so good to spend the last few weeks with them.  Poor James and Kayla were just really quiet and subdued - they must have been wondering what all the wailing was about!

So that's it - our action packed three week holiday finishes here.  I'll be back to posting about our escapades in Singapore soon.  (Apologies if anyone has dropped off whilst reading this - I know its far too long but I wanted to make sure I recorded everything!)

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WEEK 2 CONTINUED

Well here goes - let's see if I can remember that far back now!  On the Thursday of our second week we missed Kayla's Gym Joeys class as I could hardly move in the morning.  Its not that my mum and dad's spare bed is particularly uncomfortable - my back seizes up most nights - but for some reason that morning it was particularly bad and I didn't relish the thought of having to lift a very heavy Kayla up over the equipment.

In the afternoon we went to James' friend's house (Andrew) where we met up with Kristen, David and Natalie and Andrew's big brother Ross.  Had a lovely time again and it was so nice to see the kids playing so well together.  Kristen, James, David and Andrew have all been friends since us Mummies met at the Breastfeeding Support Group in Erskine - so from around 3-5 months old!  Its been so lovely watching them all grow up together and I'm so happy that even though we're thousands of miles away we can still keep in touch.  The kids just played as if they'd never been apart - it was so nice.  

I'm a wee bit sad that they'll all be starting school in August and James will be missing that milestone with them but hey ho I suppose he's lucky to be experiencing all the things we experience over here (even if he's too young to appreciate it!)

Went out for another ruby murray (curry) with Elizabeth that night.  Miss my best buddy a lot and I know she misses us.  Me a wee bit and the kids loads!!  She's a great Aunty Lizzy to them and we're all hoping she'll come over for visit soon.  

Spent the Friday down at the coastal town of Troon with Mum and Dad.  We used to go there a lot when I was young and its also where Gabriel and I got married.  The weather was lovely again so no need for expensive days out - we just went to the playpark again and the kids were quite happy!  My Dad hadn't been feeling too well since we got home but we managed to get him to join us for our wee outing.  (Finally managed to add a photograph - yay!  See above at the playpark in Troon).

Had a long awaited get together with the Netmums girls at Lianne's house on Friday.  What a bunch they are!!  We had intended a wee night sitting out the garden with a barbecue and a few glasses of vino but the cold evening and Scottish midgies drove us inside.  Poor Lianne's neighbours - we were still gassing away and laughing our heads off well into the small hours.  I left around 1am but goodness knows how long the rest of them were there!  A good night was had by all though.

While I was out partying with the girls, James was partying with Elliot and his Mum and Dad.  They took him to Pizza Hut (James heaven), then to play on the pirate ship - complete with pirate outfits for both of them!  Joan's so good at all this Mummy stuff - she puts me to shame!!  Then home for a sleepover at Elliot's house - James had a blast.

Had a busy busy day on the Saturday.  Went over to visit my friend Karen, her husband Derrick and their three kids - Craig (19), Lisa (16) and Sarah (13).  I met Karen at my first job with the Clydesdale Bank and we've been friends ever since (23 years ago - eek!!)  Craig was the first baby I ever held and its so funny to see how much he's grown.  Lisa and Sarah are both very tall too.  No-one knows where they all get their height as Karen's not much taller than me and Derrick's a fairly average Scotsman height!  

Had a lovely lunch with them then headed over to my friend Gillian's house for her wee boy's 1st birthday (James and Kayla dressed in their party outfits above).  Gillian has two lovely wee boys - Aidan who's 3 and Kieran.  Aidan has always been a big fan of James and was asking when we were there if he could stay over!  If only we'd had time during our whistlestop tour!!

Had a wee night out with my pal Donna that night.  Went to the very yummy River Inn in Houston (more food - more weight piling on!)  We gabbed so long that we were the only people left in the restaurant and we were sure we heard the staff letting out a cheer when we left!!  Ah well - we had a lot to catch up on!

More visiting on the Sunday - this time killing two birds with one stone!  Went to visit my friend Lesley, her hubby Eoin and their gorgeous baby girl Leah who's just six months so this was my first meeting with her.  She's just lovely.  She's had a few medical problems since she was born - involving a couple of worrying operations for Mum and Dad - but you'd never know - she's just perfect.  Lesley and I's friend Fiona also came along and brought along her "new" man (not that new - we just hadn't met him!) to introduce us.  Graeme seems like a lovely guy and I'm glad she's found someone so nice.  (Picture above of them all).

Headed home for tea (Mum's excellent steak pie at my special request) then my Aunt Moira and Uncle Ian came over.  Lovely to see them as always and the kids had a good laugh with them.

Right, that's me finished boring you all to death with tales of my second week home.  Its been jam packed and next week's not much better!  Tune in soon for our goings on in our last week at home.

Catherine xx

Home for the Holidays Week 2

Well another week has passed already.  I can't believe how quickly our time here is flying by.  I'm already having to fight back the tears every time I think of stepping on the plane next Monday.  Its not that I don't want to go back to Singapore (what's not to like?) or that I don't want to see Gabriel (I miss him lots) - but I seriously just want to pack my Mum and Dad in our suitcases and take them back with us :o(

We've also had such a great time visiting lots of friends this week that its made me realise what a lovely group of friends we have here (something we probably took forgranted while we were here).  In saying that, I've met lots of lovely, warm, friendly people in Singapore too and I hope you'll all be waiting for me with a monster box of Kleenex when I get back!!

So what have we been up to this week.  (Apologies again if this makes for mundane reading but I don't want to forget a moment!)

Started the week with a visit to the kids' shoe shop in Bridge of Weir.  I love visiting this shop as its run by the most cantankerous old git you've ever met!!  I just love bantering with him - its total entertainment!  Gran insisted on paying for their new shoes so they both left with lovely new sandals for Kayla and sort of open trainer type shoes for James.

As the weather was lovely (again) we headed to Barshaw Park in Paisley where James and Kayla had a ball playing with Gran.  I love visiting this park as I used to go there a lot when I was a child.  My Aunt and Uncle lived very close to the park and when we visited them on a Saturday night my Uncle and my Dad used to take me down to play on the swings.  I loved it!  Please remember this was in the days before anyone had a swing in their own back garden and certainly in the days before two men playing with a young child in a park would probably have been considered strange.

Had a lovely Italian meal out with James' friends' Mums - Liz, Julie and Karen - at night.  Lovely to get a (rare) chance to speak without someone shouting "Mum!" 

On Tuesday I met up with the Netmums girls at the playpark at Glasgow Green.  Joan and Elliot came with us too.  Netmums is a fantastic website in the UK which gives lots of advice on babies, motherhood etc and also has a coffee house chat area.  I met a great group of local Mums on there just a few months before we came to Singapore and they've all stayed in touch which has been lovely.  It was a scorcher of a day and the kids all had great fun whilst we could relax as the playpark is completely surrounded by a fence so no need to chase stray children every two minutes!

On Wednesday I went to one of my favourite shops - Matalan.  Cheap and cheerful stuff!  Got lots more clothes for the kids and quite a few bits and pieces for me too.

Took James to Gym Joeys in the afternoon and then headed down to Elliot's house to play afterwards.  Elliot has four dogs - 3 Dobermans and 1 Miniature Pincher - and they're normally kept locked away while we're there as James is quite scared of dogs but he's definitely making progress.  Joan brought them all out one by one to say hello and James even clapped them (petted for those who are not reading in Scottish!)  Progress indeed.

Headed straight to the Equestrian Centre for dinner with my friend Lynne and her husband John.  So lovely to see them both again.  Had a great time talking about Singapore as John has been there through work so he knew the things and places I was talking about.  Still trying to persuade them to come for a visit!

Signing off now as I'm falling asleep and I've got another busy day tomorrow.  Will complete Week 2 later in the week.

Hmmm - wonder if it'll let me attach photos this week...

Apparently not :o(

WHAT A LOVELY WEEKEND

I'm sure this probably makes very boring reading for everyone but I want to savour every moment of being home so I'm recording it all on here!

Just had a really lovely first weekend at home.  On Saturday my Mum and the kids and I went to our favourite wee cafe in Gourock.  Gourock's a wee town on the coast and we've been going to this particular cafe for years and years.  Unfortunately the weather had taken a turn for the worse on Saturday and when we arrived it was absolutely baltic!  I only have sandals with me and I thought my feet were going to drop off with the cold!

After our wee outing we decided to visit the haute couture shopping outlet that is - Tesco!!  Managed to finally buy myself a few bits and pieces as well, of course, as more for the kids.  This will add to the other stuff I've bought for them from such other haute couture shops as Primark and Sainsburys!  And I've still to get to Matalan and Asda... :o)   Me thinks a bigger suitcase will be required on the way back to Singapore!

Went out for a nice ruby murray with the girls on Saturday night.  Elizabeth, Laura, Lesley, Alison and Karen all came along and we had a right old gab - fantastic!

On Sunday we went to the Singing Kettle in Helensburgh with Joan and Elliot.  For those who don't know - the Singing Kettle is sort of like a Scottish version of the Wiggles.  And for those who don't know who the Wiggles are - there's no point in me trying to explain any more!!

The show was really good.  They have a new member (the original three members must be pushing 60 as my friend Karen says she used to take her 19 year old to the shows).  The new guy was really funny so a good time was had by all.  Kayla sat mesmerised all the way through!

After the show we went for a walk along the front at Helensburgh.  Had a good healthy lunch of chips from the chippy and sat on the front eating them whilst fending off the seagulls!  Spent a while tiring out the kids by blowing bubbles and letting them chase them around then headed over to the funfair.

Joan and I couldn't stop laughing at how ancient the funfair rides were.  The paint was peeling off them all and they looked like they'd been around since my parents were kids!  But James and Elliot had great fun on the merrygoround, the bouncy slide and (along with me) on the rollercoaster (a kiddy's one - just my level!)

All that fresh air had obviously gotten to me as after we got home and had tea - I fell alseep on the couch!  It obviously had the opposite effect on the kids as I practically had to wrestle them into bed at 9pm - a full hour later than usual.  Had to get them in by then as The Apprentice final was on last night :o)

PS.  Not sure why but this daft system still won't let me post photos - so annoying...

PHOTOS!

For some reason I couldn't get the photos to attach to the last post.  Here they are...

(Ok, maybe not - either this website or my laptop are not playing tonight.  Time for bed me thinks.)

Also forgot to say that Marion dropped in on Tuesday night to my Mum and Dad's.  Came bearing gifts for the kids as usual (naughty naughty Auntie Marion!!)  Was lovely to see her and hear all about the Torran Drive barbecue - even if we did miss it by one day!!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Well we made it!  Finally arrived in Scotland on Monday morning after a 12.5 hour flight from Singapore to Amsterdam, a 4 hour wait in Amsterdam for our next flight and then a 1 hour flight to Glasgow.  Phew!  I was very proud of James and Kayla though - they slept for 9 hours of the first flight then happily played with their colouring books and crayons for the rest of the flight.  I couldn't believe how well behaved they were.  Wonder if I'll be that lucky on the way back?  Its another night time flight so fingers crossed!

As we touched down at Glasgow Airport - James said (in the tone of a old man he sometimes has) "Mummy its so good to be back in Scotland.  Scotland's not sweaty like Singapore"!!  How true!!

Spent Monday with Mum and Dad and it just felt like we'd never been away.  My Mum took the kids to the playpark while I went to the bank and the shops - just like a normal Monday!

On Tuesday James' wee friend Kristen's mum invited us over to play in the afternoon.  The weather was glorious (very very hot for Scotland) and Liz had brought the paddling pool out.  I didn't know she'd invited James' other wee friends over too - so we had a lovely surprise when David and Natalie (and Mummy Julie) and Andrew (and Mummy Karen) turned up too.  As you can see from the photos the kids had a ball.

On Wednesday we had a lazy morning (much needed as the kids insist on getting up anywhere between 3.30am and 5.30am - aarrgghh) then took James to his Gym Joeys gymnastics class.  It was lovely to see Julie (the teacher) and all the other kids and Mums.  

After Gym Joeys it was off to the park with James' friend Elliot and his Mum Joan.  The weather was still very hot so we didn't stay long.  Headed to Pizza Hut (James has been craving pasta cheese as he calls it) where Kayla conked out in her pram and James and Elliot amused themselves for ages colouring in and giggling away together while Joan and I had a talking competition!!

Back to Gym Joeys on Thursday morning for Kayla's first class.  She enjoyed some of it but was very tired and grumpy so it wasn't a huge success!  Never mind, we'll go again next week...

I hit the shops in the afternoon while the kids stayed with Gran and Grandpa.  Shopped til I dropped (almost literally as I was so tired!)  The kids now have lovely new clothes but I still didn't get anything for me :o(

Took Kayla for her first ever haircut today to the afro hairdresser in Glasgow.  She was as good as gold.  She sat on my lap and admired herself in the mirror while the lady cut her hair.  She's looking a wee bit boyish as its quite short but at least she doesn't look like Don King anymore and I also bought some products to use on her hair which will hopefully make her curls nice and springy!

Busy day today - after the hairdressers we dropped in on friends Susan and Michael and baby Luca who was born in February.  He is gorgeous!  A real wee sweetie who gave me a big smile as soon as I picked him up :o)

Our final stop was at my best friend's house.  It was so good to see Elizabeth and her Mum and Dad.  So nice to finally have one of those hugs we've only been able to pretend having over Skype over the last 8 months!

Had a some very proud Mummy moments yesterday. James has started a new gymastics class. Its sooooo much better than Tumble Tots which I always felt was very babyish for him. This is at Sporty Joe's at Turf City and its much more like the gymastics class he did at home.

Yesterday, after they'd finished all their usual exercises the instructor gave them a go on the asymetric bars! James had no fear whatsoever (unlike me who was sitting with my heart in my mouth!) He did really well - the instructor helped them to go over the bars a couple of times and James' big smile when he came off said it all!

Later in the afternoon he went for a trial at Tots Tennis. He'd been moaning on all day that he didn't want to go (he never wants to go anywhere until he gets there!) After the lesson (which looked great fun) he came out and said "that was great - I only want to do tennis now"!!

Hope no-one reading this thinks we're horribly pushy parents, pushing James into all these sports (he does taekwondo too). Its just that now he's at nursery full time, there's no time during the week to do any extras (and he's tired then too) so the weekends are a good time for it and believe me, if he didn't enjoy it I wouldn't be forcing him to do any of them (nor paying the exorbitant amounts of money it costs to do these things in Singapore!!)

Our trip to Phuket March 2009

Just back from a lovely 5 day trip to Phuket. Had a very lazy time - spend most of it swimming in the lovely hotel pool or eating or sleeping - bliss!!!

We stayed at the Naithonburi Beach Resort Hotel www.naithonburi.com which was in the north of the island - only 10 minutes drive from the airport which was an added bonus. I'd read lots of reviews on Tripadvisor when searching for a hotel and the Naithonburi always got good reviews. Its in a quiet part of the island though - so definitely not for those looking for a wild holiday (head to Patong for that!)

Naithon Beach is very quiet and peaceful but unfortunately the sea at this part of the island is very rough and has a really strong undertow (its like this at lots of the beaches in Phuket apparently) so we couldn't take the kids in even for a paddle.

James was also very unimpressed with the dogs that roamed the beach. They seemed friendly enough but as he's scared of dogs to begin with - when four of them chased him along the beach (wanting to play) - he was petrified. We tried to go to the beach just to play the next day but he cried the whole time and just didn't want to be there because of the dogs so we just headed back to the pool instead.

We didn't venture out all that much during our stay. We visited Phuket Town on the Sunday which was a bit of a waste of time - not much there apart from shops (see enough of them in Singapore!) They did have a Swensons though so after wandering around we headed there for some lovely ice cream. I'm not usually a big ice cream fan but I'm addicted to Swensons Macademia Mania!! We also went on a short trip with one of the tourist hustlers. He offered to take us to a Buddhist temple and a couple of other stops - all for 60 Baht (around $3 or £1.50). He asked us to wait while he went to get his Dad who drove the car. When it arrived it was like a hearse!!! The back part was like a pick up truck so we all piled in there and off we went. (You have to do these things on holiday!)

He took us to a Buddhist Temple which wasn't particularly impressive - but did have the biggest Buddha on the island. It was right next to a Chinese Taoist Temple too.

We went to the infamous Patong on the Tuesday. What can I say? I've been to some busy tourist resorts in my time (Ayia Napa in Cyprus being the busiest) but this was like Ayia Napa on speed!! It was all a bit tacky for my liking but great for people watching and the beach was good fun. It was absolutely heaving with people but James loved watching the guys going out on the jetskis and people parasailing (I'd love to do this but I'm a big chicken!!)

In keeping with our new found tradition we headed to Swensons for some ice cream just before the taxi came back for us. Gabriel's face was a picture as we walked in as here was a whole table of 8 lovely ladyboys!!! My only comment was that I wished I could do my make-up that well!!

Had a great time in Phuket and would like to go back one day to explore it a bit more but after us all being ill with various colds, flus and chest infections - a lazy holiday was just what we needed. Its very picturesque - lots of dense mangrove forest and lots of hills - a joy to the eye after Singapore. Much as I love Singapore its not exactly the prettiest place in the world!

Sick of being sick

Well Kayla and I are holed up in the house yet again as we're both still loaded with the cold. This has been going on for weeks but hopefully now the doc's given us some medication we'll start getting rid of it.

The weather's awful just now too - usually it waits til the afternoon before chucking it down - but not today!

Hmm - let's end on a positive note. Looks like we're off to Phuket next Friday for 5 days - yipee!! Hope Gabriel's phoned them to confirm or I may have to throw a hissy fit tonight :o)

Rain, rain and more rain!

When you first leave the airport in Singapore upon your first arrival, the first thing you notice is how green and lush everything is. What doesn't immediately dawn upon you is why this is the case!!

The rain and thunder storms in Singapore really are something else. I thought I'd seen plenty of rain living in Scotland but Singapore rain beats it hands down! The drains back home are little square things every 10 metres or so, whereas the drains here are huge trenches running along every street!

We've had thunder storms every afternoon this week and they always seem to occur just as I'm picking James up from nursery. We'd managed to avoid actually getting caught in one - until today! We made it as far as the HDB flats over the road from us but by then the heavens opened and the thunder and lightening started. The rain was so heavy that the huge trench-like drains were running like rivers.

Thank goodness we could shelter in the HDB flats as we ended up standing there for 45 minutes!! Kayla was most unimpressed and went to sleep. James - who had become very blase about thunder storms since living here - was terrified. Have to say a couple of the claps of thunder made me jump too - they have to be experienced - I really cannot explain how loud it gets.

Anyway, home and cosy now.

Breaking News - Kayla Can Walk!!

Can't believe I forgot to mention this yesterday but my beautiful wee girl took her first solo steps yesterday and then performed again for Daddy this morning. As those who know me well would expect - Mummy was in tears!!

LAST WEEKEND

Had a busy weekend. Kayla's wee buddies came over on Friday afternoon. Leoni, Johanna and baby Sophie who are all Dutch and Simon who's German. James loves playing with them too. Simple pleasures - just took them to the toddler playpark in our complex and they all had great fun.

Had a relaxing Saturday morning then all headed up to Sembawang to James' Tumble Tots class. He's now been moved into the Gymbobs class (for 5-7 year olds) as the younger class was just way too young for him. He has a good time but I can't say I'm hugely impressed with the class. Gym Joeys was much better but they don't have that here!! Never mind, as long as he enjoys himself that's the main thing.

After Tumble Tots we headed to the Furniture Mall (again) and finally ordered the sofas that we like. Gabriel did a bit of Senegalese bargaining and managed to get about $500 off the original price so not bad! They're being delivered on 23 March and I can't wait. Our house is starting to look a wee bit more like a home and these will help immensely. They'll also hopefully be much more comfortable than the Ikea futon that we sit on at the moment!

On the way along to Suntec for dinner, we walked under the biggest spider on its web I've ever seen. I may not have noticed it but Gabriel kindly brought it to my attention which made me freak out. My lovely wee son kept saying "come on Mummy its ok its ok - its only a spider its not going to hurt you"! He's such a wee cutie sometimes.

Up early on Sunday morning to take James to his taikwondo class. He really enjoys this and responds really well to the teacher - who's just great with the kids. After that we headed out to Changi Beach Park but as we arrived it was getting very very dull. The beach here is ok - not great - but its a great place for any plane spotters and its right under the flight path for Changi Airport. What a busy airport it is - there were planes zooming right over our heads - skimming the trees - about every 3 minutes!

Gabriel and James had just got changed to have a dip in the sea when the heavens opened. Anyone living in Singapore who's reading this will know what I mean when I say the rain in Singapore is something else and those who don't live here really can't appreciate how heavy it gets!! We found shelter in the bin shelter (poo - eee) whilst waiting for the taxi - who of course went to the wrong place and took about 20 minutes to pick us up!!

Came home soaked and all had baths and showers and then had a very surreal conversation with James. He's obviously starting to think about the differences between girls and boys and asked me (not for the first time) why I don't have a "manny" (i.e. wee man - Scottish for willy!) I said just because ladies and girls are different and they don't have one. He then totally freaked me out by saying "so was there lots of blood when they cut it off?" I had to try hard not to laugh - but managed to convince him that I'd never had one in the first place!!

Gabes and I had our belated Valentine's date (cancelled as I had flu) on Sunday night and left the kids with the lovely local lady Ru who'd been recommended to us by our neighbour. I was so proud of my kids - they weren't phased at all about being left with someone they didn't know. When we left James was happily showing her his toys and Ru said they both went off to bed no problem. They really do make me proud!

We went to see Slumdog Millionaire - for once a film that actually lived up to the hype! Its absolutely traumatising in parts but still a very very good film. The children who played the main characters at the beginning were amazing.

Anyway, will sign off now. Nothing much more to say - except I booked my flights for our trip home in June today so I'm a very happy Catherine tonight!

James' first school trip

Just saw James off on the bus for his first nursery school trip. They're going to West Coast Park and he's been so excited about it for the last couple of weeks I thought he'd burst! There are brilliant play areas at West Coast Park.

Mums could go along too to help out but the school weren't overly keen on me going as I'd have to have brought Kayla and therefore wouldn't really have been able to help out much as I'd have been looking after her.

I'd explained this to James a couple of weeks ago and he'd been fine about it. However, this morning he said "you're coming too aren't you? Mummies can come". I felt absolutely rotten not joining him and must confess I had a wee tear in my eye waving him off on the bus. (To those who know me well this will come as no surprise!!!)

Anyway, I'm sure he'll have a great time and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it this afternoon.

PS. They're taking them to McDonalds for lunch. Can you imagine doing this in the UK - there would be an outcry!! It might not be my favourite place to take them - but once in a blue moon won't do any harm - and knowing James he won't eat anything apart from chips anyway!!!

Went to the Lion Dance performance this morning. Josephine, her hubby Paul and kids, David, Catriona and Megan joined us. It was really nice although the kids were more interested in the swimming pool than the Lion Dance and all ended up in there in their pants!!

Management of the complex had laid on a wee barbecue so we had lovely chicken and pork satay and drinks and then they gave everyone little gift bags with mandarins in them (CNY tradition). All in all a lovely way to spend the morning!

Afternoon not so good. James has been very grumpy as he's tired and Gabriel's knackered after his night oot. Didn't even make it to Tumble Tots as James was just too done in. Forced them all to watch Mamma Mia :o) and we're having a lazy afternoon.

Couple of photos of the Lion Dance attached (if I can figure out how to attach photos to this!)

Having a bit of a lonely night tonight. James is away at my friend Josephine's house for his first ever sleepover. He's been absolutely hyper about it since Josephine invited him last week. Why do 4 year olds have no concept of time LOL??!! Josephine has text me a few times to say they're doing fine (she has a 5 year old son and daughters of almost 4 and 20 months).

Gabriel's on a works night out tonight. He called earlier to say he was having his usual half pint. Most of you will know that my hubby doesn't really drink so one half pint is enough to have him gibbering on like a budgie! He text me a wee while ago to say he's very drunk. That probably means he's had another half pint!! He'd better not wake me up when he does finally fall in the door.

Was looking forward to a girly night in tonight but that Kayla's a lightweight - she was in bed by 8pm as usual :o)

Feeling very homesick at the moment, but also lucky to be living in Singapore and experiencing new things and meeting new people.

Nothing exciting planned over the weekend. Tumble Tots for James on Saturday and his Taikwondo class on Sunday - but nothing else. Oh, almost forgot, we're having a dance troupe come to the complex tomorrow to do a Lion Dance as part of the CNY celebrations. Looking forward to that.

Well its almost 12.30am - I really must to go bed as my little darling will be up at 7am as usual.

First day of my blog. What to write??? Haven't a clue!!! Have had a couple of boring days at home doing nothing but tidying up. Needed the break though - last week was a busy week which took its toll on Saturday as I had a massive migraine and felt horrible the whole day.

Need to run - got to go and pick James up from nursery...