Top 5 things we love for T

So I've been meaning to post this right during New Year's day as that is when most people have some sort of "best of" but I never got my act together and am unfortunately, doing this a bit late. Apologies for the delay but wanted to do an entry on C and my top favorite things that have "saved" us with T. Right before I delivered, C and I scrambled to get a slew of things ready for T's arrival. During the process, we bought sooo many things we absolutely do not use (e.g., diaper champ/diaper trash can, wet wipes warmer, etc.). And then we discovered a bunch of things we use all the time -- essential must-haves that no one ever talks about but have truly become a life savior. In the spirit of doing the favorites for 2007, here's our favorites for T.

------TOP 5 THINGS WE LOVE -----------

5. Playmat
This is what we use to give T his "tummy time". Additionally, recently, we discovered that Tristin loves doing these funny marching dances whenever he's on it so everytime, he's awake, we put him in the dancing "gym". All we do is put him on his back, put on the music and he starts to kick his left and right leg up and down as though he's marching. And he'll make noises to accompany the kicking. It is the cutest thing and best of all, this is how we keep him fit and strong. C's way of secretly nurturing the inner golf and soccer capabilities. If you're planning to have a baby or buying a gift for a babyshower, get this...you or the parents-to-be will thank you profusely for it.


4. Nail clipper
One thing they never tell you is how fast babies' finger and toe nails grow. Tristin is no exception. I think at birth his nails were so long, C and I called him our little "Singaporean Chinese taxi driver" (if you think I'm being derogatory and insulting, the next time you are in Singapore and you have an old Chinese driver, check out his thumb nail and you'll see what I mean). It's nerve-wrecking cutting his nails in the beginning because they are so tiny and you're afraid of cutting his skin while you're attempting but after a few scratches over his face & your face (ouchie), the fear subsides and the cutting isn't too bad. I tend to use his nail clippers at least bi-weekly 9and sometimes weekly) since those little suckers grow like there's no tomorrow.


3. Mobile bassinet
Our landlord, Srijit, gave us the bassinet and while we were grateful, we didn't realize how wonderful this hand-me-down would be. The bassinet is great because it comes with wheels and a little station below where you can place clothes, towels, etc. Thanks to the little station, we can store his clothes so we don't have to run in and out of his room whenever there are poopie/peepee emergencies and thanks to the mobility, we can wheel him in and out of rooms like a dimsum cart. It's awesome. Unfortunately for us, he's growing too big for the bassinet and now have moved him into his crib (*sigh*). No more T-dim sum!

2. Swing
In an older entry, I mentioned how much T loved his swing. So much so that, he wanted to marry the swing. Correction -- I lied. It's not him, it's me. If I could, I (mommy) would marry the swing. It is the best thing since the creation of Baked Cheetos, Cheesecake factory french fries and greasy fattening breakfast at Denny's. I love, love, love, love, LOOVE it. Despite the fact that I'm convinced he loses brain cells when he's in it, it allows us to eat, clean, do chores and chat in peace without any interruption. If I could, I would have swings everywhere in the house - bathroom, bedroom, hallway and in the car. We would be known as the house of swings and my name would be Mrs. Swing.

----and the number one (drum roll, please) --------------

1. Booger sucker and saline solution
I don't know what this is officially called but for snotty T, it is a heavensent and critical must-have. C calls me a booger hunter because I tend to use the device about twice a day. I'm probably the reason why T's nostrils are the size of mini cheerios because I am always hunting around to suction his boogers everytime I smell any signs of him having trouble breathing through his nose. Just when I thought you could get so much satisfaction from engendering a large, deep, from-the-stomach belch from T, I discover the magic of suctioning out a gi-normous booger from his nostrils. It is an incredible sensation and gives you an unique sense of satisfaction. You have to do it to believe it.

Now, for more photos of our twelve week pumpkin....=)

Up, close & personal (again)

Jack in the box

Hanging out in the boc

He he he

HA HA HA

"How do you like dem apples?..."

Wait mom, make sure you use the flash..

...good job, that's it, mommy.

Here I am with my buddy orange teddy towel

Bath time again

Har har har

What do you mean spiderman and batman are not friends?

Manseh! (translation: Victory!)

Focusing with my palms

Who's playing with my cheek?

Hanging out on daddy's legs

Who's trying to tickle me?

Daddy , Daddy J, baby E and T at baby E's Red Egg party

Like daddy like daughter

Lean on me

T's favorite spot