RAPs birthday

Rap's birthday was just around the corner but I had no idea what to do for him. On the same date, we were going to attend a wedding. A lot of time will be spent on the road to get to the wedding. But I have to do something for this boy. Rap and I had gone back to my hometown few days before his birthday. My dad kept asking if I was going to purchase a cake? Well, I'd love to, a bus cake.

I had asked a known cake maker about making bus shaped cake but did not receive any feedback. So I asked my cousin. She's not good at making bus shaped cake. Oh well. I am disappointed. I thought it was best to settle for those ready made cakes in the bakery. Maybe rap can choose the cake himself.

Few days before his birthday, 3 of us headed to 2 different bakeries. At least rap found something interesting in one of the bakeries. There is another possible bakery to check out but we were running late for prayers.

The next morning, rap said he wanted to go supermarket. Both of us took a drive but none of the supermarkets were open just yet. Too early rap. Then I decided to check the other bakery left from last night. There were some nice cakes there. I happened to ask the staff if we could order a design of our own. To my delight, she said yes but needs the picture. I quickly browsed the net for a simple bus cake and showed to her. She said they could do it for me. Perfect!

My dad collected the beautiful bus cake since we were away for a function. As soon as we got home, I couldn't resists but to check on the cake. I opened the fridge with caution. I wouldn't want the little guy to see me peeping at his cake. It's the fear that he would want to cut the cake immediately. I was satisfied with the outcome of the cake, simple with a school bus icing.

Later at night, I told rap that we will be heading to McD for his celebration where he can cut his birthday cake. Then he enquired about his cake. I told him it is in the fridge but could only cut it the next day. He nodded. I showed him and he went "wow" with both his hands on each side of his cheeks. I asked him if he likes the cake. He said YES. Oh, I feel so happy that we took that drive to the other bakery. On top of that, I'm glad I made the attempt to ask them instead of walking straight out. Well that's because I usually don't make such move to ask about extras and be satisfied with what's there.

On his birthday morning, I kissed him when he woke up and wished him. A BIG hug for my little guy. It's been an amazing journey for all of us so far. Rap was wearing a bus designed pyjamas, one of his new clothes. His tata (my dad) wished him when he got back from market while rap's dad was still asleep. After shower, he got into another bus designed t-shirt. Yes, it's all about bus this time. It's his favorite right now, I managed to find those clothes, so we let him have that joy. Maybe in future it is no longer about bus. I keep that in my mind. His interest may change and that's alright.

Rap was eager to head to McD as he wanted to play with his brother at the small play place. He kept asking me if we could go now. Dear rap, please be patient. It's still 2 hrs away. We managed to kill the time at home till it was time to go. Then, it started to rain. But we all made it there. 10 of us altogether. We cut the cake 1st after ordering our food. After meal, the boys went off to play while the rest of us chatted and enjoyed our meal. Simple and fun celebration. Rap blew his candles and cut his cake by himself. Oh, he is so grown now. I love a lot rap. Hope you enjoyed your birthday and maybe you will recall the moments when see the photos and video.

Rap's birthday cake, 2015

Time for myself but what did I end up doing?

During the Chinese New Year 2015 break, we had some fun time outside the house. One of those days was a moment at a mall. Rap enjoyed himself running around and trying most of the activities in the kids play area at JKids in Paradigm mall the last time we went there. I had accompanied him into the play area while he had so much fun. This time round, we thought of going there again but rap's dad was going to accompany him while I get some time walking around. Though not all outlets were open during the time, I had the leisure to walk around by myself.

It was a time for myself, 'me time'.

My thoughts is all about rap. So I ended up in Toys R Us looking for anything that would be suitable and interesting for rap to explore. I spent a whole lot of time looking at the things but did not purchase anything. Then I decided to just go sit in JKids and watch my boy play. After about 10 minutes, I felt he was doing alright and decided to walk around the mall again. I am almost always nearby rap, just in case he needs me. He used to look for me about every 15 minutes even though we are at home and he is playing with his tata. He'd just come, hug, sit on my lap, cuddle a bit or request me to play with him, like it is some kind of intermission during his play. Or maybe he remembered amma is in the room, he comes to check on me.

Well, back at the mall, I saw a manicure/pedicure centre. Maybe some pampering would be good. Unfortunately, they were not available for service at the moment and I have to wait.  What a waste, scrap the idea. 

I then went to bookstore. Looked around for books, not for my reading pleasure but for rap. I grabbed a few story books, an activity book and some stickers that has bus designs. The good part about time in the bookstore by myself was that, I had the luxury to take my time to look through the various choices without worrying about the whereabouts of rap in between the shelves. When I was almost finalising my selections, I got a call. The boys are out of the play area and are heading to the toy shop. So I hurried and paid.

When I got to the toy shop, rap was choosing some toy buses. I gave him the bus stickers and he was surprised and happy to receive them. "Thank you", said rap in such a sweet manner. I knew he was delighted to see those stickers. I showed him a bus book I bought. He has now shifted to my arms and looking at the book with much interest.

Although, 'me time' was almost entirely spent in looking and purchasing for rap. I was thankful for the little time I had walking around by myself without the worry of keeping an eye fixed on my toddler if he was walking too. Maybe this is how mummies spend 'me time', thinking about their kid, always putting their kid before their own needs.