Love your child, Hate the autism.

2009, December 11, Friday

I stare at the screen as I ponder in my brain what to write. In the background, I hear a monotonous voice singing, "4-3-2 and 4-3-2". Meaningless, to me, it must have some significance to Ivan. He goes on and on for a while, then giggles and stopped. Then the silence resumes. I stare into the screen again, thinking of what I want to say.

Personally, I am the writing type. I find that, I always feel better after I express all my emotions in writing. Strangely, when I argue with my hubby mostly its via sms. I have no problems talking though, but there is just something that works for me when I write my feelings down. It's like a step that helps me to move on to the next step.

The year end holidays have started.... unlike other households, we take to the holidays very very differently, here at our home. First and foremost, there is the element of change. One that is not favoured by kids who have the autism trait. With the absence of school, I now have to plan out Ivan's day for him, or else,  there was going to be lots of damage done. Combining with the fact that the dad is in and out of town due to work, the changes are racking my peace. Immanuel on the other hand feels that its hard on him too. There are lots of things he can't do with his brother, like normal kids do. He can't play card games or board games, catch, hide-and-seek, etc. So where the elder one in concerned, I have to ensure that his childhood isn't affected because of Ivan. 

Thankfully, Immanuel found a friend that lives near by to play with. They can hang out and play games, have conversations and simply have fun. I always wanted to treat my kids equally so as to minimize sibling rivalry and much as possible. My hubby and I talked about this when we started a family. But we found ourselves stuck with a bad situation. 

It would be difficult to treat them the same. They require different needs and have different interests. Immanuel like cars, Ivan like cartoons. We can't buy them identical gifts either. As Immanuel is very much mature for his age, I always explain my actions to him and ensure that he understands that discipline for both of them will look different, but its the same in a way. Also that we accept them for who they are and that Immanuel will never have to be burdened by his undertaking of his brother. Many atimes, parents expect the elder sibling to undertake the care of the special needs sibling. I know of families as such. But ask yourself, is that fair. It's duties that are force upon, the elder sibling will start to resent the heavy burden laid upon them. We want Immanuel to want to be there for Ivan, not that he has a nagging voice at the back of his head saying, you have to take care of your brother.

It's delicate, you know, family life...

How I feel?

I feel exhausted, frustrated and I feel angry. Oh.. I feel tired and hopeless too.

But you know what, I still feel the love.

The love the Lord has for me, and the fact that He entrusted this little angel to me.

I feel the love I have for my ever-supporting husband, and my two sons.

Sometimes, when we fight a battle for too long, we lose track of the emotions. We start to get angry with people we love. We start to show unpleasantness to the ill or troubled. Always, always remember that its the sickness or situation that you should be angry with, not the person. People, are meant to be loved at all times. Don't we all want to be forgiven and accepted no matter what flaws we have or what mistakes we make. It's the same for all.

Some days ago, my husband was very upset about something. I could tell that something was bothering him, but couldn't tell what it was. I gave him a couple of days to feel his way through his mind, then we spoke. He hasn't been working for the past 4mths and the cash flow in, isn't sufficient. We relied very much on our savings to bring us through.

The burden of being the sole breadwinner in the family, started taking a toll on him. He started to think about how to... this and how to that.... It made him more miserable. That wasn't the worst. He started to snap at Ivan all the time. He felt that all this extra stress came about because of Ivan's education. We had to ensure that we at least set aside S$25K a year to settle Ivan's school fees. 

He feared tomorrow, he feared the what if... I won't say that I am very religious, but I know that the Good Lord has never let us down. He has always come through for us in all ways whenever we needed Him. So I take it a day at a time.

I spoke to Peter about these emotions of his, that were hurting the family. The kids could sense his fear and anger. Ivan was receiving alot of the side-effects. I told him what someone once told me. "God must trust you so much that he entrusted a child like Ivan in your care. He knows that you will do a great job with His special children." It was a touching silent moment. But my point went forth. We love our son, its the autism and the financial situation that we hate. 

Peter looked a cross the table and same the kids looking up at him, expressing their confusion and fear. He understood how his insecurities were affecting all of us. He made peace with the boys and took them to the playground. It's one of the activities that they enjoy together.

As parents, we lose it sometimes. We look around and we realise that the world is scary and the future is unknown. Nevertheless, life goes on... Enjoy your partner, enjoy your children, the time you have together, for they will soon be just memories. Just memories in your mind, to look back on when you are retired and recollect great times that you had with your loved-ones. It's truly the biggest most valuable asset you can save up in life. 

Ponder with a cup of hot cocoa.....

-bittersweetz-

Studying Once More.

2009, December 04, Friday

My sweet hubby suggested the other day, over dinner that I should pursue my dreams of studying psychology. I always felt that I had missed that dream in life. After talking to him, I started searching for Universities that had this and was in Singapore. Fortunately, I found one.

It would take us about $50k to be on the safe side. But then, I began to be anxious. In the past, as a single student it would be fine. But now with two kids, (plus Ivan). Could I do it? Furthermore, my pillar of strength, my hubby won't be in Singapore much to help me with the kids.

However, reading through the brochure, made me all excited already. Well whatever the decision, I would have to wait a year. Immanuel would be sitting for his PSLE next year. I owe it to him to be available next year, to ensure that he does well. So I guess I still have time to decide. But I just feel so blessed that at least now, I still have the choice of whether or not I wish to pursue my dreams. Truly feel blessed....

-bittersweetz-

Blue-Tac Bamboozel

2009, December 31, Thursday

Have you ever seen anyone take blue-tac so seriously? Look no further...

-bittersweetz-

The Look of 2009

2009, October 29, Thursday

 Okay, the time has come to choose the best looking hunk of 2009. 

And do I need to even say who the winner is. 

(I am bias but who care?)

 

It's up to you, the people to vote for the best photo shot.

Could it be the side smile, that was taken at Langkawi?

Could it be the full fetch smile that was taken at ION?

Could it be the 'Nasty Look' as we call it, taken at Pastamania?

Or could it be Shrek the 4th?

Which ever you chose, the winner walks with a thousand hugs and kisses from Mummy. (he..he..)

 

 Actually, today was the phototaking for the school's yearbook. And frankly I am more excited then anyone else. I think that it's so cool that the school thought of this idea.

After attending the United Nation's Day function the other day, I learnt so much. The children there were so talented in their own way. And their contributions are no less than anyone else.

If only the society gave them a chance to show their talents off. We have so many talent shows, where lots of people go to show off and out beat each other. If only all were given equal opportunities.

Any how, with the best looking guy in my house, what's there to complaint, right. (again I am just bias)

-bittersweet-

United Nations Day- 24th Oct 09

2009, October 26, Monday

Celebrating United Nations Day? It was a blast! We totally enjoyed ourselves.

It was a drag getting up so early to get the kids ready and all, but in the end it was so worth it.

We reached there early, as requested to help set up the station. We were unsure as to what to expect. But to our sweet surprise, it was a small, yet heart-warming environment. We quickly got to setting up the stuff that we had brought. The signs, the costumes, the food and the freebies.

Ivan was so at home, amongst his own. Many came up to us and started talking. Ivan seemed to know them all. It was time for the rest of the family to get to know them. Everyone was so helpful, cheerful and delightful.

We learnt about other cultures and costumes. We ate their ethnic food and played their games. It was such an inviting environment, that you can’t help but be at ease and enjoy yourselves. But the best part was, these special children, were amongst their own. They were accepted, appreciated and admired as they performed.

As the morning went on, it just got more fun. I could definitely say, that every one of us truly enjoyed ourselves. Even Immanuel made friends and was occupied, while we were busy with the booths.

It was a truly pleasant experience. My family and I are definitely looking forward to the next gathering for sure!

-bittersweetz-

Time for Change!

2009, October 28, Wednesday

I feel that it's time for a change. Time to start afresh in all things. Time to take life by the horns and move on. A time to cease opportunities and enjoy life. Most importantly to give thanks for all the little things in life. So often then much, we rush through life not being able to stop and smell the roses. We have to take time to stop and be still. Be still and nature will speak to you. Maybe nature wants to tell you that you need to take it slow if you want to life long. Or maybe as you age, consider moderation on the booze and other stuff. Listen, be still and listen. You may even hear the cries of those who are recovering from the natural disasters. Hear their cries and be thankful for where you are and what you have. But most importantly be thankful for the people in your life.

I been through a bit of a though patch lately, and have overcame it. Now, with my new outlook at life, I want more for myself. More for my family and more for my business.

I started doing a lot of research in the area of business. I was amazed to find that when I put my heart to it, I can even do stuff on the computer. If you know me, you will know that when it comes to computers I know peanuts!

Anyhow, Cheers to a new look and a new attitude.

-bittersweetz-

dwelling a little in the past...

2009, July 07, Tuesday

People say that family support is crucial for children like Ivan. I must say that somehow I am amazed at how, my hubby and I are handling everything on our own without family support. And by God's grace we are still functioning as husband and wife. Many couples head into divorce because of the demands and stresses autism brings. Not forgetting the financial aspect.

Ivan never got the attention his elder brother got even when he was born. He was the second born, so the excitement wasn't that strong. As Ivan grew, I stayed home for 6 months without a maid (had asked her to leave). We had been saving up for this. I figured that a maid would take a liking to the new baby and would show a difference to my elder boy. So my hubby and I agreed that at least for 6months I would try to buffer their relationship. It was alot of sharing for a toddler to comprehend. He was the apple of his daddy's eye for two years, and now he would have t0 share that title with another. There were trying times, but we managed. Finally it was time to go back to work and we got a maid. She was God sent, she looked after my baby very well, but she did however show a preference for one over the other.

Every evening, we came back home and would take over the children, so that the maid could get her ample rest and we got our time with our kids. As time passed we had no clue that Ivan was to surprise us with "autism". Both the boys were special in their own way. Immanuel, had a special bond with both the extended families. He was the first born on my side and the name sake on the daddy's side. All was going well.

As time passed, people began to realise that, Ivan was different.He didn't talk as much as his brother, actually, he didn't talk at all, he merely babbled. Unlike his brother who liked cars and bikes, Ivan was much more fascinated with boxes and wheels. It so happened that once, Immanuel received a present when we went to visit my in-laws. I was not happy that they had not gotten Ivan anything, but I kept quiet as my in-laws were very petty.

As Immanuel opened the toy to play, Ivan crawled up towards him. As Ivan reached forward, Immanuel pushed him and Ivan fell. Ivan regained position and fisted Immanuel. (even then he knew that he wasn't going to be pushed around). Immanuel started to cry. Immediately, the uncle who bought the toy, started to scold Ivan and carried him away and placed him further away.

Ivan crawled back. I could no longer hold my peace. I told my brother in-law what had really happened, as he claimed that Ivan needed to be disciplined for hitting his brother. It was unfair to get my elder son to share as he was still young, and it was not right to deprive Ivan either. So I commented that they either got both of them something or don't get either anything. I didn't want me children to feel the difference. (what my hubby and I tried so hard to accomplish) Sadly, the action that followed broken my heart.

The uncle that bought the robot for Immanuel, heard my comment and replied, "It's okay, I'll just give Ivan the box, it's not like he would know the difference." I was so angry and sadden. How could people be so cruel? My poor baby didn't deserve this. That was the day I realise that this was just the beginning. The world is a cruel place and Ivan has many more similar incidences to face in future. Thus, I became no longer just his mother, I was now his advocate. I was his voice and would straighten things out for him should they need to be. I was extra determined that I would make Ivan as independent as possible.

This so called family was never going to look out for him. Ivan had to to that himself. As years went by, things got worse as they would not stop this behavior. Immanuel started to resent his little brother and my hubby and I were at a loss. Immanuel felt that his brother was different and unlike other siblings of friends he watched, his brother was weird to him. To make things worse, he would hear the adults around him use words like, "leave him alone, he don't understand", "never mind about him, let's carry on", "he doesn't know anything," and the most classic way my mum would introduce Ivan's autism to friends was, "something wrong with him, he's not normal." How is a growing child to love and accept his brother's shortcomings if this is the environment he is growing up in.

It took my years of explaining and lots of excursions to therapies. I would bring Immanuel along for most of the therapy sessions that Ivan attended, so show him how it was. Simple things, that we take for granted, Ivan needed therapy to learn, things like drinking from a straw or holding a pencil. Both the dad and I tried to appeal to his emotions to feel for his brother. Things started to improve. And when their relationship got better, all the adults had to say was, "not bad, he looks after his brother, very good". Yeah as if they did all the work.

This is a job I can never retire from, one I can hardly handle but have no choice. There are no off days or holidays, there are no substitutes or stand ins. Its just a job, I never interviewed for. A path I never requested to walk, a destination I have no idea of, a journey with surprises at every turn. But as I walk, I am not alone, I walk with my hubby, and my two boys and the Good Lord watching over us.

-bittersweetz-

Pretend play anyone?

2009, June 07, Thursday

Immanuel had gone to catch a movie with his godfather. To him these are the few outings he live for, to get away from home and enjoy. It's sad that unlike the cousin sisters, my boys have no family besides, this uncle and his family. It's pathetic how grown ups, can be so childish. Just because they can't handle you being different, they ostracize you. But what these cruel people never thought about were the children. The poor boys are going to grow up to despise them.
Usually, Ivan is never invited out by anyone, and that's sad. They all deem him difficult and never bother to try. Personally, I think about it and wonder how hard a trip to MacDonald's and a cup of Hot Fudge Sundae would be? My hubby and I tried persuading the family to try but the easy way out would be, "I don't think so." Previously, Ivan was young and never really cared, but I still brought him out to avoid feeling left out, whenever the brother had such outings.

I can't tell for sure when he realized, that he was never invited by uncles and aunties. But a couple of weeks ago, during the school holidays. My mum came over and invited Immanuel to follow her out. Ivan hear the conversation and saw them leaving. As we sat together cuddled up after "Tickle Time" (one of our daily rituals). I asked Ivan where his father was and where his brother was. He would normally not answer, but on this day he did. He said, "Daddy go work.... Immanuel go out with Amma ." Oh boy, he understood it. When they came come after their outing, my mum went over to Ivan to pass him a donut. He refused her and ignored her. She told it was one of his autistic traits, but I realized that there was more to it. I asked Ivan why he was moody and why he didn't want the donut. He said, "Amma go out with Immanuel". My mother was so shocked and I think it struck a nerve. She tried for the next week to befriend Ivan, to get into his good books. After two days and lots of sugar pastries, he forgave her and stopped ignoring her.

My little boy is growing up, growing up his own way. It different from the rest of the world but he is not a little child any more.

So, after Immanuel left, there was silence in the house, as he is the chatty one. With Ivan its just humming and tunes of the Warner Bros. sung over and over again. Later that afternoon, I brought Ivan out to Sun Plaza. He made so many decisions today. I asked if he wanted burger or pasta. He chose Pasta. Then I asked which pasta he wanted. He peered at the huge menu on the side and pointed to a dish and read it out saying Tortellini.

We sat down and our dishes arrived at the same time Immanuel and his godfather arrived. I started talking to him and didn't feed Ivan this time around. Normally when the dish came I would cut it into two and start feeding him. But I soon realized that he was almost done with the dish. Ahhh...life seemed like it was so simple. We could now have a meal together, without me having to multitask.

Okay, we had a good meal and returned home. Immanuel was very busy with his new Star Wars toy, while Ivan got a new Tweety and Tasmanian Devil. As the boys were busy with their stuff, I saw baby Jaden crying. (my very cute, 1yrs plus, next door neighbour). Normally, I would call him in a offer some chocolates. This time when, I did that, he didn't want to leave. He decided to stay awhile. So he walked around, went into the TV room where Ivan was playing said hi and walked around more. I took out some old toys from the storeroom for the little boy to play. These were Immanuel's old toys. Ivan never took fancy for them. There were cars, trucks, planes and bikes.

Little Jaden played with the cars, while his brother JC played with Immanuel, the Star Wars toys. Its surprising that Immanuel so willingly shared his new toys with his neighbours. He used to be a hoarder when he was younger. Good to know that he has outgrown that habit.

After the boys left, I told my boys to ensure that every toy went back to it proper place. I had gone to take my shower and was surprise with Ivan when I came out. He had set up the train track, and the train compartments. He also had arranged the toy cars around his toy house, as if they were parked outside.

He spent the rest of the day, watching the train go round and around and around. He had gone into my room, dragged out the foldable, wooden table and placed it in the TV room. He had set up the train station. Ah... the creative juices are beginning to flow. He is actually participating in "Pretend Play".

-bittersweetz-

Happy Father's Day

2009, June 21, Thursday

A boy, a son, a brother, a friend, an uncle, a husband and a father. The many titles that gradually were bestowed upon you hold in life. Amongst all that you hold, I can gladly say that the one that you excel naturally in is that of being a father.

Throughout life's trials, we have been through so much, but I have seen you grow over the years and you are still growing for the better. Our children simply adore you and your nonsense. You are truly a good friend to both our boys. They idolise you and and admire you. In their own ways they fight for your undivided attention.

Because of the wonderful relationship they have with you, its easier for them to understand how much God the Father loves them, and that the best gift a father can give to his children.

I wish to take this day to tell you how much we love you and appreciate you, for all that you have done and are still doing to take care of us. Thank you for being there for us always and providing for us as we rest in your shadow. Please continue to watch over us as we pray that the Father up there watches over you and blessed you with your hearts desires.

We love you!!!!

-bittersweetz-

Saturday Morning...

2009, June 06, Saturday

Ahhhh... the start of the weekend. I am pretty sure that before I get to enjoy it, it's over. The day starts off like it normally does, Ivan is the first to awake followed by my hubby, then me and Immanuel.

Today we had planned that my hubby and Immanuel went to watch a movie, you see we can't watch movies like normal families do. Ivan doesn't sit quietly at the movies, and he only watches cartoons. We used to catch a cartoon show just when its about to end. Once everyone would have been to watch it, there would not be a huge crowd. Also, we take the earliest time on a weekday, so we don't annoy much people when we go to the movies. Now the school holidays, have just started, plus its a Saturday. Lots of parents may be taking their kids out for a movie. So the suggestion was that daddy and Immanuel watch a movie they like today. Then we would go as a family to watch another cartoon movie just before daddy goes off to work, later in the month.

They have left already, I still have my chores to finish. I managed to get Ivan to get away from the laptop and TV, he is now playing with this toy house and animals. Once, all is tidy and clean, we will leave for Causeway Point to meet daddy and Immanuel there for lunch.

-bittersweetz-

It's one of those, I need a drink day!!!!

2009, June 03,Wednesday

This morning, my alarm didn't ring, as I had placed it PM instead of AM. So you can imagine the adrenaline rush when you get up late. Of course Ivan, was already up watching TV (he had already came to my room and asked for permission around 6.30am). I had to rush Immanuel awake, shower, breakfast in a hurry and pack documents all at the same time.

Today, we had an appointment with the special school called St Clares. I was to be there at 10.30am and I had planned to take the train there to save some money. Unfortunately, by the time I had showered and got Ivan ready, it was already 9.20am. So plan B, we had to take the cab now. Just to add on to my stress, my elder son had decided that he was not going to accompany us. He had made arrangements to go over to my mum's place to hang around. So I had to ensure that he had something to occupy him with, or he would talk them there to death.

So we had left the house, walked Immanuel over to cross the road to my mum's place, and headed back to the main road to flag a cab. The last time we took a cab to St Clares, the taxi driver didn't know the place and we drove around in circles. Fortunately, this taxi driver was able to get there safe and fast.

We entered the school as I introduced to Ivan that this was going to be his new school soon. I approached the office and was told to await the person I had made an appointment with. After about 10mins, a lady comes out and tells me that the person I am suppose to meet is on the phone and wishes to talk to me. He then tells me, that he is sorry that he won't be in as he has something on. So that leaves me with filling up the registration forms and making payment, only to return on another day for Ivan's interview.

After all the paper work and payment was settled, Ivan and I decided to take the bus back from there to AMK and then a train back home to Sembawang. Thankfully, it was a short 15 mins bus ride, but it was not to be a peaceful one. Ivan kept insisting that we alighted to go visit his baby cousins who lived around there. But what he could not comprehend, was that they had all migrated to India a month ago. Poor boy, still doesn't seem to understand that. That was why I told my hubby, that we should have brought Ivan to the airport to send them off, as that would help him understand that they were leaving on an airplane. Now each time we take the train, he asked for us to go there. We used to visit the girls almost every week so its hard on poor Ivan...

Now we had reached Sun Plaza, and we had to have lunch. I called Immanuel to join us at Mac's as he had been crazing about the Coke glasses that we being given free with a meal up size. So we got 2 purple glasses and a whole lot of fries that we could not finish. Walking back, my hubby called and I was sharing the good news that Ivan had been enrolled into St Clares, when I decided to multi-task. Normally, I am pretty good at multi-taking trust me, but today ohhhh......
I was on the hand phone, as I told the boys to wait outside the very small bakery as I bought teatime treats. Even before I could take a doughnut, there was a load CRAZSHHHHH....

Ivan had bumped into something at the next store. I quickly hung up the phone, and returned the tray I was holding. As I gazed to the behold the horrifying sight, I saw 4 boxes of sweets crashed onto the floor. Then, I felt a big hammer falling on head, like they would in Tom and Jerry. I apologized several times to the sales girl, and helped her pick up the boxes. She just yelled at me in Chinese, which was good, so then I could pretend that I didn't understand. I was so embarrassed and angry at the same time. Horrible me took it out on my elder son, as the other one would make me more furious as he kept smiling at me.

I reached home so upset, so upset. I know I should not have taken my disappointments and anger out on Immanuel, but I really am cracking up. Its been years that I am carrying this burden, life goes on for everyone but here I am dragging my problems from situation to situation, only seeming to get worse. Life SUCKS!!!!

Don't get me wrong I love my children and I love Ivan very much even though I feel miserable about his autism. Its just that I am the only one pulling the chain and ball everywhere I go. My hubby works, yes he works his ass off, while I stay at home (Tai Tai, as some would call it). But trust me, I would trade it all in a second for a normal life, and go back to work. When he works, he is still free. He still goes out with friends and has his time alone to refresh. My elder son is growing up and he is free too. But am the only one carrying this burden called autism, I am tired, so tired I really want to be free.... one luxury that I never saw in life.

With tears in my eyes, I think of today. I feel like a failure to my boys. What kind of mother can't cope with her children, plus everyone tells me, "you only have two what?" Could it be that I don't have what it takes? Why do I keep breaking down so much? Am I not strong enough? I hate myself when I lash out at my hubby and elder son, when I can't seem to cope with all that is expected of me. Truly, if I had know that this was what life had in store for me, I would have just stopped with dating. It's just hard, every couple of months, we go back to square one again with Ivan's autism. People are so quick to judge but how many can actually lend a helping hand.

My hubby suggested that I went out with friends, yeah right. Being cooped up at home following Ivan everywhere and running from doctor to therapist had left me with practically no friends. In the beginning I would brush them off my saying that I had appointments with therapist, then the follow ups and what nots. Eventually, most lost touch and now I find myself cooped up, miserable and exhausted. Not actually the life, people imagine the Tai Tai me to have I guess. To most, they see the money that the Lord has blessed us with, but no one sees the pain and exhaustion I go through...

With a loud sigh, I look to tomorrow to be a brighter day...

-bittersweetz-

Langkawi Holiday 2009, Day 5

2009, June 03,Wednesday

Its the last day, we had breakfast and headed for the pool again. This time, Immanuel actually learned to swim. After the swim, we headed for the Oriental Village. That's where the cable car ride was, but since Ivan had just recovered, I would not want to risk him falling ill again.

We bought loads of chocolates and headed back. We lazed around the room until it was time to check out at 6pm. We headed to the airport and headed back to Singapore, Home Sweet Home.

-bittersweetz-

Langkawi Holiday 2009, Day 4

2009, June 03,Wednesday

Day 4, we start the day off with dining with the monkeys for breakfast. To think that I never wanted to have breakfast with Ah Meng back in Singapore.
Following that we headed for the gorgeous beach. We should have dressed them appropriately actually. Immanuel wanted to collect some seashells, but Ivan just wanted to get into the water (without getting his shorts wet).

While looking for seashells, we found some "mini" crabs. There were lots of then, and the kids were running around trying to catch them.
After the beach, we headed to see the great Eagle in Langkawi. Along the way, Ivan was feeling a little off, he threw up upon arriving at the place. Poor thing just feeling down.
After awhile, he came around, and was feeling better. I walked around, and bought myself two handbags, he...he...he... One is a Carlo Rino and another is a Sembonia. I find that these brands are cheaper in Malaysia. The last time I went to KL, I notice that it cheaper there too. So next time, I know where to buy these bags.
We decided to cool off at the beach, poor Ivan was still a little off. So while daddy and Immanuel went to look for more shells, Ivan and I just lazed around. 

-bittersweetz-

Langkawi Holiday 2009, Day 3

2009, June 03, Wednesday

Day 3, and we started the day off with a swim in the pool after breakfast.

After a good time at the pool, we headed back to the room to rest awhile. Following a good rest, we decided to head to the dock that we saw earlier, to do some more sight-seeing.

The place was really very beautiful, we walked from one end to another. The place was decked with restaurants with a great view, especially in the evening.

We decided to eat at a Spanish restaurant there. The food was really delicious, I could go on eating, but I kept reminding myself that I have to watch my weight. The restaurant was called Tapas, is you ever get there you have to try this place. My hubby and I decided to try the Tapas menu, which is actually a Spanish style menu, where you order whatever you want and they come in small portions. So you get to eat lost of things as the proportions are small. Its ideal for people on a diet if you know when to stop.After eating, we walked around to take lots of beautiful pictures. Some of our great shots for the holiday, came from this very place.

As Ivan, started getting fussy, we had to leave before night fall. My hubby wanted to buy back a bucket of KFC for the night, should anyone be hungry later. Of course that was way too much of chicken, but I guess he was just craving for KFC. However, before we too the cab back, we managed to catch a glimpse of the boats in the sunset. It was a breathtaking sight, one we all will remember from this trip. 

-bittersweetz-

Langkawi Holiday 2009, Day 2

2009, May 30, Saturday

It's a new day. What will we be doing today? Daddy decided that we would first recky the place and then we would go to see the Waterfall. So just before we leave, the boys sit on the balcony to warm up the seats.

Right in front of our villa, is our private stretch off beach. So before going for breakfast, (daddy suggested) we walked around to check it out. Plus, I just have to take some pictures, after all I had just bought myself a brand new camera.

Okay, now that we had taken breakfast, we are geared up to go for a walk, walk, long walk...

We started to walk, and walk, on the way we saw lots of cow dung, and monkeys that were relaxing on the road. I was too afraid to take their photos, as they may just start to chase me. It was really aadmirable, how these monkeys just lazed around, when a car or bike came by, they would just graze to the side, and then resume their position again.

After walking exhaustedly for about 20mins, we had reached the place of the waterfall. Unfortunately, that was just the start of an uprising slope. After 10mins on the steep slope, my thighs were screaming out for help. I had to break and walk and break and walk. Of course the three guys were way ahead of me. My cheeky hubby had to take this photo, to tell the world that I am not fit to climb the hills.

It was totally, worth the walk/climb. The water was chill and refreshing. The breeze from the waterfall was cool and fresh. As we had left for the waterfall, early in the morning, we were the first ones there. We actually had the great natural beauty of a waterfall, all to ourselves. Of course, I snapped shots from every angle that I could, I even took some videos.
Okay, that was a refreshing experience, now its time to cool off with some coconuts. Ivan tried coconut juice, for the first time. He tried a bit but didn't drink much. He played with the spoon and the coconut flesh. But he refused to try to eat it.

Upon reaching the hotel, we rested a while and my hubby suggested that we dived into the pool. And so we did. After that we were just too tired, so we ate in lazed in the room after that.


-bittersweetz-

Langkawi Holiday 2009- Day 1

2009, May 28, Thursday

Our second holiday, for the year 2009, is to Langkawi, Malaysia. My hubby came home from another job and started planning for a holiday, already. This time, he wanted to get away for a little longer and a little different. He had Langkawi in mind and made all the necessary arrangements. We were going to leave for Langkawi on the 22nd May and be home on the 26th May 2009.

This was going to be the first time the boys were going to be travelling by plane. Immanuel had actually taken a flight before, when he was 1 year old. But unfortunately, he remembers nothing about that. We were worried very much about Ivan. We have been cautioned about how autistic kids react to the taking off and landing of the plane. I traveled by other means all this while because of this "fear". However, we decided that we had to face our fears. I prepared him, by talking to him about the trip. How we would take the taxi to the airport, after which we would take the plane all the way to Langkawi.

So after all the packing and cleaning that only mummy can seen to do. We all left for the airport. We left for the airport earlier, so that we could have tea at the airport and walk around the duty free shops (my favourite pastime).

After walking around, particularly in and out of all the shops there, we lingered until it was time to board the plane. I needed to pick up a new bottle of perfume, as I didn't pack any. I was looking for my very nice bottle of Dior Addict, but was disappointed, when I couldn't get it. Apparently they no longer carry Dior Addict. Now they only carry Dior Addict 2. I was not happy, as its not the same scent.
So I went sniffing around for another scent. After much sniffing, I bought myself "Daisy" from Marc Jacobs. Hmmmmm, berry berry nice.... While I was sniffing at the Duty Free Store, the boys occupied themselves outside, doing tree trunk rubbings. I thought that it was a brilliant idea. With wives and mummies, taking time to decide on their purchase, the husbands and the rest of the family needed something to keep them occupied.

Ivan was rather fascinated with this pot with water coming out of it. He stood there for a while mesmerized with the flow of water. Immanuel on the other hand was more interested in the orchids that were there.


The boys were beginning to get restless, so after I bought my perfume. We headed for the entrance. Here you see two excited boys viewing the plane that they are about to get on.

So, now we are in and awaiting to board the plane, while mummy and daddy fill out the immigration forms, the boys whip out their PSPs and start playing. The boys are so hooked up with their PSPs, personally, I am not in favour of this. But the kids nowadays just seem to prefer interacting with machines than people.


Okay, now it's time to get onto the plane. And we are on our way to Langkawi, Malaysia. You will see that the boys are busy looking all around even before we get there.

Now, we are in the plane.... And the boys don't look that impressed yah. They both look around and sit tight as the plane should take off soon. Ivan looks around, doesn't say much. After a while, he resumes his "Ah Pek" position to prepare himself for a comfortable flight.

Now the plane is taking off, okay, it feels a little funny.. I guess its nice... my ears feel weird...

We had a good flight. All was well, Ivan was occupied by the toys that he brought along. We managed to get two window seats, one for each boy. Occasionally, Ivan would look out of the window, but he didn't seem very impressed with his window seat though. As we were about to land, I got Ivan to look out into the wonderful lights in the night. The entrance of the airport, seemed like we were landing in someone's backyard. This was going to be a very private island. Well, we have kick-started the holiday. But for tonight it wouldn't be much, just settling down into the hotel room.

We checked in, and ordered room service as we were starving. I unpacked and we sat to have dinner in our room, while daddy decided what we were going to do tomorrow.

-bittersweetz-