Chinese New Year Holiday

Everyone has been looking forward to this long break, especially Zade. All of us are tired and need a good rest. Zade has been bugging me for new LEGO to add to his collection. Since I've promised to buy him a new set during the next school holiday, I suggested that he uses his own money. He got some ang pow money which was enough to buy 1 mini figurine. After some thought, he decided to get 2, so he turned to his coin collections i.e. mine ad Danial's loose change which he kept in a jar. Tapi tak cukup 3 ringgit, so I decided to help him out. So on the first day of the holiday we went to Alamanda. The highway towards KL was smooth, but on the other side heading to the South the traffic was bad. Jam dari Kajang. Once we reached Alamanda we headed straight to Toys R Us. Nasib baik ada mini figurines. Zade was very excited! I am quite surprised that he didn't ask for anything else. Then we headed for lunch at Zade's favourite sushi place. As for me I am excited to start baking again. Uncle Nasir came and clean up my stove and oven earlier this week. Sekarang dah tak tersumbat lagi, almost good as new. So the first thing I bake was a simple bread. I feel so satisfied. Can't wait to do more baking.

Home Sweet Home

The time that both Zade and I've been waiting for is here again. It's already January, and Zade has been staying home with me ever since Christmas break which is almost a month now. I'm so relieved to be back home in Malaysia and I'm sure Zade feels exactly the same. We both miss Danial and crave to spend time with him. This time we'll be here for almost 2 months, and with Danial's new working hour, we should be able to get a lot more family time. Thanks to Air Asia for the free tickets. Another agenda on my list of things to do while I'm back in Malaysia is to apply a visa for mama to come back here with me. I pray that she'll get it cause I don't think I have the energy to go back to Melbourne and face another year on my own!

First Day of Winter

The weather today is a perfect reflection of my feelings. The dreaded winter is officially here. The days are cold and gloomy. Outside my apartment stands a tree with buds ready to bloom when the days are warm again

Life Continues in Melbourne

Zade and I have said goodbye to Danial numerous times, but last night was the first time Zade actually cried and called out for his Papa when he had to leave. It just broke my heart to see him that way and knowing that he's hurting but there's nothing that I could do about it. Sometimes I wonder if my decision to study far away from home is worth all the heartache.


Danial and Zade at the aiport


All together before departure

The journey back was quite uneventful which was fine by me. We were served nasi lemak which I thought was quite awful and roasted chicken which was surprisingly tasty. I would definitely suggest getting the international meal whenever flying Air Asia X. Zade and I both fell asleep after having our meal, with Zade only waking up about half an hour before landing. I was so relieved to finally get back to the apartment after the long journey, and I'm sure Zade was to as he took a five hours nap. Later that night Aileen and Keanne came over to say hi. Zade was jumping up and down when he heard their voices outside in the corridor. He was excited to see Keanne again and I was glad to see familiar faces.


Zade in the plane before take off


Zade slept all the way

This morning I dragged my feet out of bed and tried to get ready. I was sleepy and my body was aching. Zade also woke up quite late. Eventhough we're both still tired, I thought it would be best to get back to our routine here. I dropped Zade off at the Numdaji Kwei around 11 am, and to my surprise he didn't cry when I left. He must have missed all his friends and carers. Before I left Rose handed me an envelope with a big flower on it which was a Mother's Day gift for me. I felt really happy and a bit teary eyed when I looked inside the envelope. There was a bookmark with a poem entitled "What is a Mother?" and a little picture of Zade on it. It really made my day.


Mother's Day gift from Zade

I stopped by the market to get some groceries before making my way to the office. It was good to see all my friends and getting updates on the latest happennings. As I get back to running simulations and continue writing my paper which is due next week, I feel at ease. I love this part of life here. I get to do what I love without being distracted by paperwork, KPIs and office politics. And the friends that I have here are so mature, intelligent and always looking out for me eventhough they are much younger than I am. And I love having more time to take care of Zade and watching him grow. Being here with him far away from home has strengthen our bond. Maybe my life here isn't so bad after all.

Anniversary

Today is my 8th wedding anniversary. And it's the 2nd one in Melbourne without Danial. Only God knows how hard it is being seperated but I know that it's all part of the big plan. Danial and I have been through a lot of good times, bad times, laughter and tears. I know that God has chosen the best mate for me and I'm thankful for everything I have in life. I have come this far, alhamdulillah, and I pray for many more anniversaries.

I love you and I longed to be with you again. Happy Anniversary Sayang.

Farewell Yeo, Chit, Joshua and Justin

Chit's family used to live across from our old apartment. We we're neighbours for almost a year. Chit was very helpful especially with advise on how to raise a baby here and also she gave me tons of Joshua's clothes for Zade to wear. Her husband Yeo is a PhD student at RMIT, and he finally submitted his thesis last week. They will be leaving Melbourne to go back home. So today Aileen, May, Tien, myself and the kids had a little get together with them at Unimews to bid them farewell. I wish your family all the best. Thank you for all your help and for being wonderful friends. I hope that we'll meet again when I go home to Malaysia, and may our friendship continue to grow.

Around Bundoora West Campus

This afternoon, I finally made my way to the west campus. The hub have e-mailed me twice since two weeks ago asking me to pick up my new insurance card. I actually go to the west campus each time I drop off Zade at the chilc care, I was just too lazy to stop by the hub. Anyways, since it was a really lovely day today, I took Zade along so that we could enjoy a nice walk around the campus.


In the car before we left


Walking to the hub


Having a banana at the student's cafeteria


Having a nice time in the sun


Zade

Story Time at Mill Park Library

Mill Park library is about 10 minutes drive from Unimews and about 2 minutes from my camous. The building is just off Plenty Road, and it's pretty hard to miss as it has a fantastic architecture - not what you would expect of a community library. It's quite huge considering it's only meant to serve the local community but I could find more titles at the RMIT library. The one special thing about this library is that it stocks a lot of good books for children and it has a wonderful children's program. Every Friday morning (except during school holidays) the Mill Park library runs story time for babies and kids under 4 years old.

Zade and I have enjoyed going there where there's a lady who sings, dances and reads stories to the children. Each session starts with the "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" song and continues with other songs and nursery rhymes. Children and parents are encouraged to sing and dance along. Then a few stories will be read with much fanfare. Then more singing and dancing, with "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" ending the session.

After story time, Zade usually will go and get a few books to take home with him. Before leaving we usually have a little picnic on the bench outside the library. This is really important, or else Zade will not settle down for the car ride back home. This has been our Friday mornings routine which I really look forward to each week.

Testing My Patience

Last weekend Zade taught me a valuable lesson about myself. He tested my patience and I failed. He is now able to get into the fridge and he raided every time I turned my back. Once I caught him eating spring onion from the fridge which he said was "dap, dap" - which is good. And he has discovered that throwing stuff in the toilet bowl is a fun new game. I went crazy and was frustrated. I was yelling and tried to give him time out. But then I realized that he probably didn't understand that what he was doing was wrong. I decided that I needed to take action fast. So yesterday I found child-proof locks for the fridge and toilet bowl. I've put on locks for the cabinets a few months ago, but didn't think to use it for the fridge and toilet! He tried to open them but he gave up after a few failed attempt. Ha ha now the score is even. I'm a happy mummy once more :).


Lock for the cabinet

Lock for the toilet


Lock for the fridge

New Apartment

I've finally moved all my stuff to a new apartment. I needed to downsize since I've started sending Zade to child care. I just couldn't afford to stay in the 2 bedroom apartment and it's only going to be me and Zade staying here so we don't really need the extra bedroom. I don't have much stuff left since Danial helped me move the big and bulky items when he was here. I'm not moving very far. It's in the same apartment complex, but it's on a different floor.

The new apartment has only 1 bedroom but it is so much bigger and more importantly it has a gorgeous view. Zade just loves the space and I love the sunlight - which will be great for the long winter. Zade has a new word now - bird - ever since he saw one perched on the balcony. He enjoys looking at birds flying. I really have to thank Niza for reserving this place for me. There was a long waiting list for a 1-bedroom apartment. Alhamdulillah, everything worked out better than I expected.


Zade in the new apartment


Nice view from the living room


Kitchen

Danial and Zade

Danial finally had a chance to spend some quality time with Zade. Even though Zade and I were in Malaysia for more than two months, Danial didn't have time to play with Zade due to his crazy work schedule. Danial stayed with us for 10 days in Melbourne and had wonderful time bonding with Zade. Zade was extremely happy that he got to play with Papa.

Back to Melbourne

Sadly the day to return to Melbourne has arrived. Time really flies when you're having fun. Today is also Amira's birthday, so we had a celebration at KFC before departure.


Birthday girl Amira with Ina, Tia and Zade. Thanks girls for helping me out with Zade.

Family Reunion

Kak Long and Aidan


Zade, Aidan and I by the beach at Pangkor


Mia, Zade and Aidan at breakfast


The long wait for the ferry at the Pulau Pangkor jetty


At the zoo


The three stooges


Before Kak Long and Aidan's departure

Balik Kampung

The day that we've been waiting for finally arrived. We're going back home to Kuala Lumpur. Mama is going back for good, and Zade and I will be there for two months. Its a working holiday for me. I have two more papers due in November and a conference in December.

We had a very pleasant journey on board a MAS flight. The flight attendants we're very nice and helpful eventhough we travelled economy. I would say that the service was not very much different than flying bussines class. The only thing you're missing out is the extra food served on proper china and the reclining chair. Anyway, it was good enough for me. However, travelling with a toddler can be quite a challenge. Keeping him entertained was not an easy task. He only took an hour's nap during the flight. I must remember to travel at night next time.


In the cab on the way to the airport


Zade surrounded by luggages before check-in


Zade on the plane


Not an easy task to keep him entertained

Eid in Melbourne

This year, I celebrated Syawal with Mama and Zade in Bundoora. It was low key but great fun and not as tiring as it would be back home in Malaysia. We cooked the traditional dishes such as rendang daging, ayam masak merah, kari kambing, nasi minyak, nasi himpit, kuah kacang and lontong. We also managed to bake some cookies and cookies. On the 1st day we just ate raya food and took some pics. Zade looked rather handsome in his baju melayu.





On the second day, I invited my friends from uni over to celebrate eid with us.






Later in the evening my neighbours in unimews came over. Zade was happy having his friends over. We all had fun eating and talking all nite.






Niza was not around the first week of Syawal. When she finally came back from Sydney, we invited her and Qistina over for raya dinner.