Giggles & Smiles

Giggles n' Smiles
With the 14 hour time difference Zachary's little schedule is now literally a difference between night and day.  So thankful he's adjusted well. Shaun and I are so amused by his smiles and giggles right after his diaper changes during the wee hours of the night and early morning.  As much as I try to remain serious so not to encourage play time it's hard to resist at 2am.  The night before was such a rough night for him.  He was not a happy sleepy baby.  Lots of crying on his behalf as well as lots of pacing and "shhing" on ours.  Last night went so much better!

Highlight, Low light
At the end of the day as Shaun and I are winding down I'll ask him to share his "highlight" and "low light" for the day.  It's a nice way to end our baby crazed evenings.  :)  So I thought I would share some highlights and low lights from our trips thus far...

Highlights
1. Watching Shaun's father meet our sweet Zachary in person for the very first time.  It's a sight I've been anticipating for months now!  It really was a sweet moment to behold.

2.  Seeing all the "aunties" & "uncles" interact as well as carry Zachary with so much joy and excitement.  In Singapore everyone outside your family is referred to as an "auntie" or "uncle".  From the trash man to the your best friends mom.  It's a respectful way of addressing those who are older than you.  I like it :)  Thought it does feel a bit odd for me, being from outside the culture to address them as such.

3.  My time during with my darling husband as we chat at all sorts of crazy early morning hours.  Going back to bed after Zachary's feedings & diaper changes has been quite difficult.  I'm sure the jet lag is a major contributor.  It's been a time of sweet conversation as well as a time for snacking :)  I blame the snacking on the jet lag ;) Love you baby...

4.  The realization that this being my 3rd trip to Singapore, I've adjusted so much faster & easier.  On my prior trips I would count the days of our return.  I'd feel so out of my comfort zone..the culture, food, climate, etc.  Our trips to Singapore are always two weeks long.  The duration of this trip will last 3 weeks.  I can  honestly say I am at ease and happily by my husband's side as we are out each day as he revisits with those who are dear to him.  Yay! Thank you God :)

5.  This being our third visit back, it's so nice to be able to continue to build and reinforce the wonderful relationships I've built here in Singapore..from family to friends.

6.  I was finally able to meet my friend Mel :)  Mel is good friend of Shaun's from his Jr high days.  Mel & I have been e-mailing back and forth and back and forth for more than a year now without ever meeting face to face.  I had such a fun time going on our little brunch/lunch family date :)

7.  Seeing our friends Wendy & Nino (from Brownsville) who have been sent here for work purposes and who we've not seen in about 6 months or so...

8.  There will continue to be more highlights!!! :)

Low lights
1. It's always a little emotional for me to see Shaun's parents seeing us off at the airport.  It's obvious his parents miss him dearly.  Now that Zachary has joined us, I'm sure it'll be even harder for everyone.  I want to tear just thinking about it...

2.  I miss my friends & family & routine back home...but continue to support my wonderful husband during our stay here. I've definitely learned to be so much more patient and understanding since we've moved from Brownsville to Houston.  Six hours compared to 10000 miles....yeah, no complaints here!!!


Captured Memories

My darling Zachary at some crazy hour in the morning :)

My darling husband at some crazy hour in the morning :)

Hold on tight to uncle Yong Seng

Not too happy with uncle Alvin

Sleepy time :)

Aunties & uncle playing with  Zachary

Sweet Arrielle trying to decide if she wants to be friends with Zachary

 

Arrielle is still undecided.  Turns out they have the same little fans! :)



Zachary and I with our friends Mel & Arrielle.  Uh-oh, Arrielle seems to think Zachary stole her fan!? 



Little family photo at the Botanical Gardens

Zachary using Arrielle's pram for a quick diaper change.  Doesn't look like Arrielle is too happy about this.

Uh-Oh! Despite Zachary's red envelope offering, Arrielle is still not convinced!

Grandma Tan with her sweet little tiger baby

Shaun testing out his auntie's mega massage chair!

Surprise! Happy Birthday Wendy!

Zachary's being tricked into thinking mommy is holding him tightly to sleep

Looks like our little trick didn't work for too long

Okay, mommy's turn

Early morning play time!

Think he's figured out that the little black box that mommy & daddy are always holding is a camera!