He made plans...

... for me on my business trip.

I am currently on a business trip in Bangkok, Thailand. When I called home to speak to the boys... 

Nixon told me to visit the Floating Market.. and get him something that he forgot to get when he visited Bangkok with his grandparents and anna last November!

Cute fellow!

Little did he know that he brought me a smile.. cheering me up while I am missing all of them!

Sealed with a kiss

Yeap, received two love letters, sealed with a kiss!

The boys left for Bangkok with amma and appa for a 5 days 4 night holiday. The moment Nixon knew he is booked for a holiday and will be away from home for a few days in November, he wrote us a letter in September itself (self initiated!).

He let me have a sneak preview of the letter and said he will give it to us on the day of departure. I was touched by his letter...

Nixon's letter to both of us

Having known that Nixon has written a letter for us, Thytus wanted to write one too. Just a couple of days before his trio, he managed to write and decorate the letter. Hmmm, considering that the contents of the letter is similar to Nixon's letter, I think he got his inspiration from his brother ;)

The front cover of the letter (made to look like an envelope)

Thytus's letter to both of us

I guess he meant ILU for I Love You (the code we share)
and spelt it wrongly as EULOU!

After seeing a colourful letter by Thytus, Nixon was a little sad.. that his was just a simple letter with words. Nevertheless, I assured him that his letter was very special and thoughtful as he had written it all by himself...

Thank you for the sweet and caring letters Thytus and Nixon. 
Love you both so much too *muaks* *I.L.U*
Have fun in Bangkok!     

Missing them...

I miss my mum’s chatty calls…
I miss my dad’s caring talks…
I miss Nixon’s “what should I do now” calls…
I miss Thytus’s “you know, amma” talks..

PS: They are currently away for a holiday in Bangkok..

I’ve been bitten

I thought I had experienced the winter chills that was apparently a record 12 year low when I was in US in October / November 2011, but this time it’s a freezing experience in Geneva. Apart from the low temperatures of -10 to -18 degrees, the strong winds of up to 45 km/h made it quite unbearable!

I got frost bites! *Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!*
I really thought I was gonna loose my fingers. The pain was as if I slammed the door on my fingers...

I swayed as I walk...
I felt being push (from front/back) as I walk...
I felt chills on my teeth (whenever my teeth was exposed to the cold air).. *brrrr*

Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself *wink*

In a quandry

... whenever I travel.

My business travels have affected the boys when they were little (less than 2 years old). Now as they grow older, I believed they will able to handle my absence better.
Usually, my business trips last a week.. but the most recent trip to US was for about 3 weeks! before, during and after that trip, I didn't see any issues from them. Phew!

After the 3-weeks US trip just 2 months ago, I told them that I will be away for another 2 weeks in Geneva. Aaron and Dylan were oblivious to my long absence.. considering that they are too young to note the number of days involved. On the other hand, I didn’t think that it would be any issue with Thytus and Nixon since they are bigger now. Nevertheless, since two weeks before my trip, both them took turns to ask me when would I be leaving..and kept telling me that they would be missing me. I didn’t take it literally... assuming that they are emotionally robust at the age of 8 (in 2 months) and 7 (in two months)... and fondly reciprocated that I would miss them too..

However, I was brought to shock on my journey to the airport when Nixon was tearing all the way! Thytus just sat in car being really quite throughout the journey...

The initial plan was to just drop me off since it was already 9.30pm and that I only had enough time to check in and walk to the gate. But after seeing the boys in that condition, I told apps that I will bring Thytus and Nixon with me to check in and will bring them out when I am done, while he waits in the car with Dylan and Aaron.. (Aaron was already sleeping.)

The boys were in luck that my flight got delayed by 1/2 hour. So after check-in, I suggested to apps that we have dinner before they said good bye.. and apps agreed.

But still, we couldn’t avoid the fact that I will be boarding soon... can't I? As I hugged to say goodbye, I was so afraid that the boys would get emotional again. I embraced Thytus lightly.. assuming he wasn’t into hugs (since he is too shy to say ILU (our code for I love you) or give me a peck in school (unlike Nixon), but will do it at home).. but in return, I got a real long hug! *sigh* Nixon looked better after the extra time with me.. after kissing all of them bye, I headed to the gate.

I checked with apps on how the boys were after I left.. and he said that Nixon was tearing all the way home again...

I was wrong to think that the boys were growing up and wouldn't be missing me... *sigh* It's gonna make it more difficult for me to leave them on each of my future travels.

Ingenious birthday plan

We had this conversation regarding my upcoming birthday.

Me: I will be in Hong Kong during my birthday next month you know.

Thytus: Is it? Never mind lah. We will celebrate when you get back home.. just us.. our family only, OK?

Me: Ok. *feeling touched* That's soo sweet of you. Will you call and wish me on my birthday?

Thytus: Yeah. And, on your birthday, I will invite everybody for you.

Me: Why? When we celebrate a birthday, the person has to be there. I won’t be here.. *confused* They will have to wish me, sing a song for me, etc..

Thytus: I know. When they all have arrived, we will call you and wish you on the phone one by one. Then, we will sing the birthday song for you..

Me: I will also have to cut the cake you know!

Thytus: Don’t worry, we will cut the cake for you.

Nixon: NO! I will cut the cake for amma! *making it clear*

Thytus: Then when you come back, we will have another small celebration.. our family only lah.. u know, just us.

My little fellow, planned my birthday out - found a way to celebrate with family and include me in even when I am overseas. I love your plan, baby! *hugs*

I'm back, my babies!

The boys followed apps to fetch me from the airport at 7.00 a.m. They were still in the pyjama; Thytus and Aaron wide awake, while Nixon sleeps in the backseat.

Thytus
He screams excitedly as he sees me load my bags into the car.. *touched*

(Inside the car)
Did you miss amma?
Yes...
How much did you miss me?
One thousand trillion and sixty six! *sigh* He knows this is a LOT!

Aaron
Did you miss amma?
*give a cute little smile*
Did you look for me?
*again, give that cute little smile*
I couldn't help but just hug this little fellow! *sigh*

Nixon
He didn't get up until I woke him up when we got near the house. He gets up sleepily and asks,
Where is my present? *aiiks!*

Dylan
Was missing me, I was told. Since I am still BF'ding, he gestured to look for my B. Somehow, apps and MIL managed. We were worried that he may miss me as much as Thytus did when I left him at 7 months. *phew*

Off I go again!

And it’s not getting any easier! I am gonna miss Thytus birthday this Wednesday. Although we are going to celebrate it when I get back, it’s nothing like being there with him on his birthday :(

When I told Thytus and Nixon that I will be away for a week, they both replied, "But we will miss you.." *sigh*

Thambhs sent me this photo of Thytus having his birthday dinner with him, appa and amma @ Spaghetti . Arggh! The more I miss the boys…

We loved it!

The boys loved India as much as I did!

Since it was a very short trip, our days were very much packed.

Day 1 - Arrival Day
The boys were very excited with their first experience on a plane. We woke them at 4.30 a.m. to get ready, and they were no fusses! They were excited to have a trolley bag that is their responsibility. Thytus, Nixon and Aaron were definitely thrilled with their opportunity to fly!

From all the stories AirAsia flight delays, we were afraid and kept our fingers crossed. We cannot afford to handle a long delay since we were traveling with the boys. Luckily, we arrived in Tiruchi as scheduled. Phew!

On the day we arrived, we visited apps grandmother. I liked her house since it is the only one that is still in the old fashion way. The firewood stove, the tinnai (just like in the Tamil movies) and the roofless portion in the middle of the house (I wished it rained when I was there.. it would be nice to see it rain in the house, and may be jump on teh puddles of water!).



Day 2 - A visit to Church of Annai Velankanni
The next day we went to the Annai Velankanni Church. It was a 3 hour bus ride there.. but we didn’t mind it since we were feasting our eyes on the scenery all the way. After the mass (which also celebrated two weddings), we went to the main Annai Velankanni Church and then visited the old Velankanni Church not far away.

The boys grabbed the first class seat on the bus – the front seat. Many times, we had to carry them off when they were falling off their seats - being sleepy!

Day 3 - A visit to Church of St. Anthony’s
We attended the mass at the church, received pongga sooru, and breads. There were families distributing these sweet savouries as thanksgiving to their prayers answered.

After lunch, appa and amma left to Namakkal to visit my paternal relatives..

Day 4 - Rest day at home
Although it didn’t show, the boys definitely needed to rest since they must have been drained out with all the traveling..


Day 5 - Visiting relative in neighbouring villages
We visited the grave of apps paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather. Then we dropped by FIL’s sister’s place where the boys took opportunity to sit on the string bed (which you see in the moves).

The boys really enjoyed themselves experiencing the nature and open areas. They played with the goats and puppies, got close with the cows, fed the buffalo, rode on the big bicycle, walking into the paddy field, etc..

We went around town in the famous Ambassador car. Thytus remembers the car and said "Ma, this is the car in the Tamil movies right.."

Day 6 - A visit to Church of St. John de Britto’s
This is the church that was built in honour of St. John de Britto, who was killed because he was spreading Christianity.

Day 7 - Rest day at home / Packing
We rested at home.. with some relative and friends visiting to bid us farewell.

I thought I was the only one who insisted that we sit in an auto, but I was wrong. Thytus reminded me that he want to have a ride in an auto, even before I mentioned it.

Day 8 - Depart from India
We have leave home by 5.30 a.m. to be at the airport by 7.30 a.m. Although the boys were sad about leaving India, they got excited by the thought that they are going to fly in the airplane again.

We definitely loved our trip to India.. and would like to visit it again :)

First time there

It was quite difficult for me to be on away on a business trip this time. It was not as easy as I thought. I missed my boys even more..

Luckily they were okay when I was away. It helped that apps sister was down from India, and the boys were too occupied to even know I was not around. *sigh*

We had a pretty busy week in Canberra, and was not able to see much.. not that there is much too see anyway! Nevertheless, we managed to visit the Parliament House and the Black Mountain Tower, which is their telecom tower. Our counterpart in Australia hosted a dinner for us at the ‘alto’ Restaurant at the tower.

The weather was pretty good since we were just entering into summer when we arrived there. In the evenings it was pretty cold, but bearable.

Someday, I must make a trip to the other parts of Australia.. Sydney, Melbourne and Perth since there is more to see there :)

Counting down

It was so difficult for me to think of leaving my boys for a week during my business trip to Canberra. I am counting down each day that I am here. *sigh*

At the beach

We went to PD with amms and apps, thambhi and SIS. Thambhi's friends and mothers also joined us.. about 15 over us.

After having some snacks, we headed to the beach for some balloon throwing competition. Nearly all the couples got themselves wet. We continued to make sandcastle and then headed to the pool for dip.

We just regretted that it was just a 2D/1N trip. We told ourselves that the next time we make a family trip, we need to make it at least a 3D/2N one ;)

. All of us working on building the sand castle . Apps, amms and me hanging out at the beach with the boys.

I did it..

... and so did he!

I managed to bring back my expressed breast milk from my recent business trip to Korea. I am glad that I didn’t have to dispose the milk but prepared myself well to transport the milk back. Luckily I was traveling with a colleague, so I ‘tumpang’ my luggage weight on her allocation since she didn’t use it all and mine was overload :)

At the same time, apps did very well in handling the boys while I was away for the a week! He brought them home after dinner and put them all to sleep. It may sound like an easy task, when you have to do it all by yourself and with the boys not sleeping immediately, it can be a difficult one. But still, he managed. I am proud of you, sayang!

They boys didn’t miss me as much as I expected them to. I was more worried about lil’ prinz. I had started training him at least one month ago. He was bottle fed most of the time by apps. For a few days, apps slept beside him instead of me.

When I came back, he look at me and gave a small whine. I carried him immediately and he gave a loud chuckle and buried his head into my shoulder. *sigh*

I was not worried of the other two. They are grown up and may be entertained by their cousins (at MIL’s) and TV (at home). When I came back, Champion did mentioned that its apps turn to go on the aeroplane and amms turn to look after them. Lil’ President being apps pet, didn’t have much to say.

After a week, I am glad I am back to my boys :)

Time really flies

Since the last time I blogged, we celebrated so many events and went to many places. Let me see..

Late March, apps and I managed to have a short holiday in Sabah.. without the boys. Both of them stayed at amma's place.

In April, we celebrated Champion's 3rd birthday on April 7 (and again, officially), apps birthday on April 16 and lil' President's 2nd birthday on April 27.

In between, I also traveled to Japan for a one week business trip.

And of course, Mother's Day last Sunday. With my help, both the boys created Mother's Day fridge magnets! Check out their masterpieces here and here.

By the way, Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!

By the way, this tendency to create crafts and cards like this was brought down from amma. She always encouraged us to create out own cards and crafts for events like this. I have to thank her for the creativity she instilled in me.

Isn't it more meaningful and loving compared to something got off the shelf? :)

On Monday, we followed apps to Penang during his two day business trip.

More stories and pictures on our trips coming soon..

What an ordeal!

It all started with the delay...

11.50 am : Boarded Swiss Airlines (Geneva to London)

12 noon : Pilot announces that there would be a slight delay as they have not got a landing slot in London due to the heavy weekend traffic at the Heathrow Airport.

1.00 pm : Flight takes off.

1.02 pm : Pilot announces an engine failure and flight will return to Geneva for emergency landing!

What?! At first, I really didn't take them seriously, but when one of the passenger called out to the cabin crew that the there is smoke and sparks of fire from one of the engines on my side of the plane, I started to get scared.

In the mean time, the flight did not land in 8 minutes. Rather, it was circling in the air for some time.. especially over the sea.. which I preferred. I believed that emergency water landing was safer than landing on land.

We usually assume that the procedures are the same for most flights, and hardly concentrate on the video shows about the emergency procedures. But this was a real emergency, and I took out the emergency evacuation sheet and read it, just to make sure I know what to do.. just in case.

1.35 pm : Flight landed in Geneva.

As the flight came to a stop, two fire engines, a police van and a couple of maintenance trucks approached the plane. This made us imagine the degree of danger that we were in.. Phew!

2.00 pm : Allowed to disembark into a bus that took us to the terminal.

2.15 pm : Arrived at the transfer counter, where we had to get ourselves checked in any possible / earliest flight to our next destinations. I noticed that there was a flight to London at 3.10 pm. That was perfect! But will I be able to check-in that flight, having 2 other people in front of me trying to change their flights.

2.30 pm : I approach the transfer desk with my turn. She realizes I have a long haul flight at 6.00 pm from London to KL and tries her best to put me on the 3.10 pm flight.

2.40 pm : She passes me the flight 'coupon' and says, "Follow the yellow line and run! If there is a queue at the security, just tell them you have a immediate flight and need to rush (cut queue)."

Not knowing how far is the gate, I had to run.. just in case. I cut the queue by asking permission from someone who doesn't speak English, and reach the gate at 2.55 pm. Phew!

3.00 pm : We boarded the plane. Again, due to the heavy air traffic, we didn't have a landing slot in London.

4.00 pm : We left Geneva. I was worried that I might not be able to catch my KL flight at 6.00 pm.

4.55 pm : We arrive in London.

5.10 pm : Disembark and arrive at Terminal 2 to board another bus to Terminal 3.

5.20 pm : Boarded the bus and told the driver that I have a flight at 6.00 pm.

5.35 pm : Arrived at Terminal 3. With only 25 minutes left, the security had to ask us to remove our shoes! All done, I rushed to the ticket counter only to find the MAS counter closed. I checked with somebody at another counter, he said, "Try at the gate." Arghh!

And there I go again.. another dash.

I ran about 50m when I started panting like mad. I spotted a buggy parked in the side alley.. being helpless and breathless, I asked him if he could send me to my gate. He asked me my gate number and said, "Ah, it's just there.." Damn! I tried running, but I couldn't do it. A young man spotted me being breathless, he asked me if he could help me with my bag. Though I was reluctant to hand him my bag (hand carry), I just couldn't do it by myself already.. so, I passed him my bag.

5.50 pm : I arrive at the gate.. trying to explain to the officers why I don't have a boarding pass. They tried to understand and asked me to head inside to see what they can do to.

One of the ground staffs tried to shoe me off by saying, "No boarding pass, you can't board!" I was like, "It's not my fault. This is my actual flight.. all delayed due to flight delays."

Luckily, another staff decided to see if there were anymore available seats onboard.. which they had.. right at the end of the plane. Ah, who cares.. as long as I get to go back home!

6.00 pm : We board the plane, but again, take off is delayed. I sit there, feeling dizzy and hungry.

I took out my sandwich which I packed during breakfast.. for my tea. But with no lunch at all, I hungrily snacked on my sandwich.

In the mean time, I was suffering some pain at the back of my head and my neck.. which I guess was due to lack of oxygen after all that running.

7.00 pm : The plane took off..

3.00 pm (local time) : Yippee! I arrived home.. safe and sound.

Phew! What an ordeal..

Glad to be back!

Yeap, after the ordeal, I'm glad to be back with the family!

I was away on a business trip to Geneva for a week. This time, I was confident that apps would be able to handle the boys and they would not miss me as much. They are much older now and have many other things that entertain them. So, I was more worried about myself . Although I have been to Geneva a couple of times, this time is different.. I am pregnant and alone on this trip. How will I cope with my morning sickness alone there? Can I stand the winter cold there? Will I like the food there?

With all those questions in my mind, I left on Saturday morning. Arrived in London with a 2 hour transit, just nice to go through security. Then, my flight to Geneva was delayed by an hour due to the heavy in-bound and out-bound traffic at the Heathrow Airport.

After more than 18 hours of travelling, I arrive in Geneva only to find out that my baggage will be delayed! After making a complain, I headed to the hotel.

Luckily I had a day to rest before the conference on Monday morning. With the 7 hour time zone difference, I had to get enough rest. With the hunch that I had, I had packed a set of office clothes and a outdoor jacket in my hand luggage. The jacket was a life saver on Monday morning, as my bag only arrived Monday night!

The whole week passed really slowly. Back home, the boys were doing fine. I guess they are handling my absence better now. Lil' President did ask for me a couple of times during bedtime, for which Champion would answer, "Amma take aeroplane and go to work.."

Although Champion didn't show much signs of missing me, he ignored any discussion relating to me. If anybody asked him about me, he kept silent.. but when they changed the topic to something else, he answers them.

At last Saturday morning came and I was so excited that I would be back home with the family. Checked out my hotel and arrived at the airport at 9 am. My flight was scheduled for 11.15 am, but the screen already showed that it will be delayed to 11.50 am.

... and then the ordeal starts...

We're going on a vacation!

We're going off for a short vacation at Swiss Garden Damai Laut in Lumut for 3D2N this weekend with the boys.

Yippee!

Blessed trip

I only knew I was 2 months pregnant with lil’ President after I had confirmed myself for the 2 ½ weeks business trip to Geneva, Switzerland and Rome, Italy in 2004.

I felt healthy enough to travel. All I had to do is stock-up my luggage with more food than clothes. I had a really heavy luggage! ;)

When I arrived in Rome, I was determined to visit the Vatican City. Accompanied by my colleague, we went to the Vatican City on a wet Sunday morning. As we were arriving at the entrance of the Vatican City, there was a band performance.

After that, we headed to the St. Peter’s Square where thousands of people were gathered. Aaah, just in time, I thought. We joined them in waiting for the Pope who will make an appearance from his room for short period and bless the people there after a short prayer.

After waiting for about 15 minutes, the Pope appeared. During this time, it started raining.. but no one budged. Only after he said a prayer in French (I think) and blessed us. After that, we joined the long queue to get in the church. We had to go through the thorough check on our belongings and walk though the metal detector before we were allowed to get in.

. Band playing on the streets outside the Vatican . The Pope at his widow . Watching the Pope's window from afar . Inside the church . The dome . The Swiss guard's costume designed by Michealangelo hidden under the raincoat . The St. Peters Basilica . The chuch bell .

Inside the church, I was in awe. While I was touring the church, I noticed that there was a mass going on, and it was time for Holy Communion. Even though I was not there for the whole mass, I walked up to receive the communion.. and prayed.

I remember amma saying that she didn’t receive communion when she visited the Vatican City as there was no mass going on at that time as it was not a Sunday. Such a pity..

I remember amma asking to look out for the Swiss guards outside the church, who are dressed in the costumes designed by Michealangelo. Unfortunately, it was raining, and they were all wearing rain coats. Hmpphh!

Just as we were leaving, the church bell rings.. Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong! With that, I completed my trip to the Vatican City. This trip was definitely a blessed one!

. The unprofessional shot of the St. Peter's Square .