Shepard's Pie

It's been ages since I've had a decent Shepard's Pie. Frankly I think the best ones I've ever had were the ones at Gab's parties during our college days. Recently those I've eaten pales in comparison, especially those commercially made ones sold at the shops. No matter how authentic the claims are, they just somehow do not make the mark. So much so, that I promised myself to make my very own. I trawled through tons of recipes online, and finally found 2 that seemed tasty enough and combined the best parts of both to create my very own Shepard's pie!

And so I did. Not the best I admit but it's good enough for my family to enjoy. JD came up to me with her thumbs up and my mom & helper (both of whom are not into overly sweet nor salty stuff) were enjoying up to their last bits.

I'm very encouraged to make a 2nd attempt, to make it slightly saltier the next round. DW says the beef & potato could be a little tastier. I did cut back on the salt by ALOT (almost non existent) as being the ever health conscious me, I thought the butter & sweetness of the ingredients would more than sufficiently make up for the blandness. But apparently not... I'll just opt for the healthier version: pan salt :)

Lion King

We chanced upon an article that published kids under 3 get to watch Lion King for ... free!

Wow! This is almost perfect since JD totally recognises the play's ads on TV, newspapers & banners attached to street lamps. But of course being the ever considerate parents (ahem!), we were a little worried that she may cry in the midst or talk too loudly and disturb the rest of the audience. So, we decided to just play it safe by getting aisle seats nearer to the back to allow us an easy getaway should the need arise.

And wow again! When we got there yesterday, we were shocked at the number of kiddos present! Somehow I was relieved as if a heavy responsibility was lifted off me. In addition, the seats that we got, though the 2nd cheapest ones in the house ($85), were just as good! We had a clear view of the stage & even had the "animals" and the "cast" coming by next to us during the play which of course got JD even more thrilled!

Kids around us were talking loudly, such that Jd's comments like "Oh, where's baby lion now?" & "Mommy Mommy, giraffe! I also have a giraffe at home!" and what else not seemed negligible. When the cast took their final bow, she even told me "Tomorrow we come & see Lion King again". *__*

Wah lau, baby girl, your mommy doesn't print money ya know! *__*

Yes, we had a great time but I felt terribly bad for those people with no kids, who went for the play. I could just imagine how irritated they were to be disturbed. It didn't seem fair that they had to put up with the unnecessary chatter when they have paid good money to enjoy themselves sans noise. Perhaps, for future plays, the organisers could instead set aside certain timeslots, specially catered for families with kids. *shrug*.. just a thought..

Our first gifts from JD!

Mother's Day


Father's Day

jd's in an ad!

Babies, Babies & More Babies

Had a spate of baby galore recently.. started with Pam & baby CD, then had Gab with baby Brandon. Last week alone, I visited Jas & baby Trevor and Mei with baby Ashley in hospital. There's still Selina who's due in July.

Baby Ashley so reminded me of JD with her incessant loud cries and how they were comforted by only 1 method, being in the arms of a loved one, be it Daddy, Mommy or Granny. These girls sure know what they want! Maybe it's a XX chromosome thingy as CD, Brandon & Trevor were all so quaint & were satisfied with just sleeping & a little feeding!

The little one tumbling in my tummy is of XY chromosome so I do pray that he'll be a little easier to care for versus his Jie Jie JD. But whatever is, I'm anticipating his arrival and wonder if he will resemble DW or me. Last visit at Dr FY, baby XY has already turned, his head is down but of course not engaged yet. I'm getting excited especially after seeing all my good friends with their newborns and can't wait to carry baby XY in my arms. On the other hand, I'm terrified just at the thought of the sleepless nights and given that this time round, I'm pretty determined to work hard at breast feeding, I really hope I will be alot more relaxed this round.

And now.. we've gotta work harder at figuring what to name him...

Fibs & excuses

scenario 1
Jd's classmate had a birthday party in school and the kids were given a goody bag each. In it was JD's favourite sweets - gummy bears.
She told my mom: Mommy says I can eat all.

scenario 2
in the goody bag, there was also a biscuit which she was happily holding & eating.. until my mom who was sitting next to her idling decided to read the newspapers. Jd immediately objected. My mom very nicely tried explaining to her that since she was busy eating her biscuit, she ought to let Ah mom read her papers. Jd said no, she wants ah ma to hold her biscuit & feed her so crumbs will not fall all over the floor.

.......

Kite Flying

Before we headed to Todai at MBS for our annual 3G + Granny's lunch with Dw's family, we decided to pop by the Marina Barrage to embark JD on adventures of kite flying. It was great day, windy & a little cloudy, perfect for a short daddy - daughter bonding session!