Malaika swim journal

3 years 7 months and 3 weeks old

This is a great milestone that deserves a dedicated post.

We has been bringing Malaika to the pool since she was only 8 weeks old. The first time she went to the pool, it was in Bad Tölz, Jodquellenhof. I wanted to post a picture of her 8 weeks old picture in the pool, somehow I could not find it. I know, we took pictures.

Malaika was 9 months old in Bad Tölz

Malaika at in Kuantan - a stunned look

Like every child, she likes to be in the pool. And we have been bringing her to pools around the world, quite often. She would wear the arm floats but she always still wanted to cling to one of us. And she didn't even dare to let go of her hands a single bit. She would scream if we tried to let go of her. Then, when we were staying in the hotel in KL while waiting for me to pop last January. At one point, she finally decided that she was ready to swim alone, with arm floats of course, no more clinging to us. She didn't even want us to be near her. She wanted to really swim ALONE. Of course she was very happy and kept on telling us that she knew how to swim. I did took lots of videos of her. It was also a great milestone, but I didn't have time to upload those videos in youtube, because of slow connection of the Bolehland. And then, I was so occupied with the newborn, juggling between two children. There are so many topics that I want to blog about until I totally forgot about the whole thing.

Then, we were having our pre-Christmas weekend stay in Munich, I did remember to bring the swim floats, but I forgot to take them out of the car. So she had to swim without floats then. When they came back to the hotel room after the swim, Terry told me that she could swim. I was truly surprised. I never thought that she could swim at such a young age, because all these while, Terry has been teaching or rather showing her how to swim and she didn't seem to be interested. And now, she can really swim like a fish. She can swim even better than me. Hehehe.. yours truly here can't really swim, well, I know how to swim, but can't make myself float. So, I don't dare to swim in the deep water. MIL said, I need to take a course to learn how to swim.

Merry Christmas

10 months old

the presents were so much less compared to last year... because SIL and family are in California

A couple of days after we came back from Kitzbühel, it was Christmas. Just on the day we arrived home, MIL had a panic attack again. She is one super paranoid person, she was stress on the house was messy and could not celebrate Christmas if the house was not cleaned properly. I specifically told her that we would do the cleaning when we came back. I know that she would not listen to me. She was making a big scene telling his son, how crazy was him, to celebrate Christmas in a messy living room and etc... of course involving me, I guess complaining about me being unorganised and messy and etc. I didn't show my face when the two were having this, I just waited for it to over and then only I showed my face. We seriously don't know why she always had to have this kind of attack during Christmas time. This is not the first time. I brushed it off.

Now come to the main body. My boy boy turned 10 months old on Christmas eve, phew.. time flies, in a couple of months, he will be 1 year old. We will be celebrating his 1st birthday in Melaka then.

before having dinner

this is a good shot of Kelsey with MIL

Dinner was disappointing, I must say. MIL printed an online tandoori turkey recipe. I said, ok, I just marinated the turkey night before. Then the next morning, MIL started off by baking her NY cheesecake. Somehow she got the mood to bake cake. For like years, I have been taking over preparing the Xmas ever dinner and had great success - from mushroom soup, mashed potatoes, roast turkey. Somehow this year, she wanted to do it. Well, she popped her cheesecake into the oven, and it took longer to bake than what stated in the recipe. So, the plan of roasting the turkey at low temperature didn't work. Only around 1pm, we put the bird in the oven, and set the temperature to 170C. Then I got the two kiddos to nap, while the oven did its job. MIL said she wanted some tomatoes soup. And I volunteered because I wanted to save some trouble. I didn't want her to stress too much and then went berserk again. Well, I made some tomatoes soup the night before, so I didn't have much cooking to do the next day.

Then I got both Malaika and Kelsey to nap. And of course I napped too. By the time we all woke up, MIL said that the turkey was done way too early and it was too dry and tasted of nothing. She even cut up all the meat. So I didn't even have a chance to take a picture of the bird for blogging material. ;)

tomatoes soup

could not wait any longer, soon after she finished her dinner, she headed for her first pressie

posed for the camera before unwrapping those pressies

see, how happy my man is :)

The reason, I knitted a scarf for him. When he opened the present, he asked where did I get this? I told him I knitted it. He was surprised because he said it was very well made, looked like those in the shop. *blush* Actually, I asked MIL to help me to conceal all those connection yarns. She did a good job, I could not even see the connecting part. Actually, it is a very simple pattern. But the cable stitches took a long time to complete the scarf. 5 lines takes about 30 mins. I had not been blog hop for the past months, because I was so busy knitting this scarf. Almost every night, I went to bed around 2am. And I managed to finished knitting at 3pm on 24 Dec!!! My initial plan was to knit him a sweater, luckily, I didn't do it. Perhaps I should order the yarn now and start knitting him a sweater for next year's pressie. I am still thinking about this idea.

I have to go into details on this yarn. This is a possum merino silk yarn, I ordered it all the way from NZ. Ever since we bought our very first possum merino sweater when we were travelling in NZ, we fall in love with this material, it is so soft and warm. It is as expensive as a cashmere.

100% hand made - with lots of sleepless nights

the last present for the night - a play kitchen for Malaika

Malaika's play kitchen

For dessert, we had New York cheesecake. I must give credit to MIL. The cake tasted quite good. I am not a cheesecake fan. I had a piece and then I asked a piece the next day, to take picture and of course to eat it too.

New York cheesecake

Going to Kitzbühel

Backdated: 18 to 22 Dec 2009

For years, I think about 3-4 years, we were thinking of going to Kitzbühel for a ski holiday. Well, perhaps I should not say ski holiday, because I don't know how to ski and of course the 2 kiddos do not that too, the only person who knows how to ski is Terry and he has not handle ski for like 20 years!!! For the past 7-8 years, we have been going to a ski resort for a few days before Christmas to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and of course to see some snow. Even though Munich has lots of snow fall, but, every year, it doesn't snow much when we are in town. And worse still, I have never experienced any white Christmas all these years, 13 years and is still counting!!! Somemore, we have been only to a ski area, for the past 13 years as well, that is at the Austria border, in Seefeld by Tirol, about 1.5 hrs by regional train. Actually, last year, we thought of going to Kitzbühel, but because SIL and family were in Germany to celebrate Christmas and MIL didn't want to go to a new ski area, we all went to Seefeld again. So this year, we finally went to a new ski area. Enough of all the ngam ngam cham cham.

On Friday, we were all very excited, going to a new ski area, Kitzbühel. I was told it is a world famous ski area and is also very exclusive. I had almost finished packing, as usual, still needed to pack some snacks on the way, hot water bottles, thermo flask, etc... Malaika was in the school and Kelsey was napping. I had up to an hour to finish final packing and be ready to leave when Malaika came back from school at12pm. Ding dong ding dong, had take away kebabs as lunch and then dressed the kiddos and put them in the their respective carseats and then put all the luggages in the trunk. We only managed to leave the house at around 1pm. Midway, I realised I forgot to bring our winter boots. Terry of course told me that he didn't need his winter boots, and his pair of shoes would be just fine. He of course refused to drive back to pick up those winter boots. I told him, I needed a pair of winter boots, because my shoes were summer shoes, with some airy holes, my feet would freeze for sure. Then, I realised I forgot to bring Kelsey's hat and gloves. Next time, I will list down those essential items so that I won't forget to bring them.

It took about 2 hrs to reach Kitzbühel. It was nice to see and explore new place. Upon checking in the hotel, A-Rosa Grand Spa Hotel, we were upgraded to a Kaiser suite (Imperial suite). We were informed that the room came with a nice view. A free upgrade is always welcome. We were pleasantly surprised that Kaiser suite was so nicely decorated and with a stunning view of the alpine mountain range and the Kitzbühel town. We checked into the hotel website so that to ascertain the price of Kaiser suite, and it costs about €1,200 per night incl of taxes. WOW!!!

Malaika posed a hahaha laugh

Terry and Kelsey

When the porter opened the door for us, we were like, wow... oh.. ah... , we never expected it to be that great view. Breath taking view of the Alps Kitz.

Kaiser suite is the 2nd most expensive suite after the A-Rosa suite, I suppose equivalent to the presidential suite. It has a separate bedroom, a huge living area, a bathroom with toilet and a shower room with toilet, and a walk-in wardrobe. We were busying taking pictures of the room before we made a mess.

bedroom

bathroom

walk-in wardrobe

Since Kelsey didn't nap in the car, Terry and Malaika went for a swim and I got Kelsey to have his afternoon nap. By the time Kelsey woke up from the nap, it was already dark. The night view was stunningly beautiful, too bad, we didn't bring a tripod, so no night picture. We quickly went to the town to have dinner and then went back to the hotel to get both kiddos to bed. Malaika was extremely tired because she didn't have her nap and she had swam for an hour or so. Kelsey didn't have enough sleep, so he was fussing. After getting the kiddos to bed, we, the adults, could enjoy the living room in peace, with a large semi-circle French door and with beautifully night scene, sipping a glass of wine.

Malaika wanted to sleep in the baby cot, so I let her

Kelsey slept on the main bed

Christmas weekend escapade in Munich - part 2

Breakfast was not included in the room. It was stated in the brochure and website, champagne breakfast on the rooftop garden overlooking the city of Munich. Even though it is expensive, we went ahead and wanted to give it a try.

The breakfast room was kind of small and crowded. The view was not that great, perhaps because we didn't sit near to the window side. We were showed to a table, near a fireplace. Food varieties is limited. Just some typical German breakfast, with fresh breads and rolls and an egg station. We were very disappointed with the breakfast, and not worth paying so much. Somemore, we didn't drink champagne so early in the morning. But then, because we had paid for the breakfast, I took a glass of champagne. The Christmas atmosphere was there, with Christmas trees and ornaments. Some more, it was snowing, albeit light, still enough to cover the city with a thin layer of snows. So, we decided not to have breakfast the following morning. We would just buy some bread and have breakfast in the room.

Kelsey, the pretzel boy, just give him something to chew on and we could have our breakfast in peace

with a glass of orange juice, champagne, strawberry juice and some sausages and bread

After breakfast, we went for a dip. This is perhaps the 2nd or 3rd time Kelsey in the pool. Kelsey was crying and fussing so much when he first went in the pool. I had to let Terry holding him, because I was busy taking pictures and video of Malaika swimming, Kelsey's crying etc... Soon, he discovered fun of splashing water. The pool was kind of cold, about 29C. It is more for lap swim. It is a pity that this hotel doesn't have an outdoor pool that is warm enough for winter. The best thing I like about this pool is there is a fireplace at the pool area. So, when one just got up from the pool, one can just warm up near the fireplace. I find it so luxury.

ready to hit the pool

view from the swimming pool

Kelsey feared the water, wanting me to hold him

Malaika swam in action

wanted to take a picture with 2 kids, then Kelsey kept on splashing the water

Kelsey was having fun now

after the swim, relaxing near the warm fireplace , pure luxury!!

After about 30 mins of swim, I took Kelsey to the room to clean and napped. Then only we went for shopping. There were so many people, the city was very crowded. Actually, we had done most of our Christmas shopping, just bought 2 teddy bears - one for Malaika and one for Kelsey and some mics stuff.

Munich Christkindlemarkt (Christmas market)

picture taken in front of the hotel, before heading home

Both Terry and I miss city life. He said, he misses the convenience of more shops and I, just miss seeing people and crowd and of course the shopping itself. We enjoyed our short weekend stay in the city.

Christmas weekend escapade in Munich - part 1

Backdated (11-13 Dec 2009)

This is something new for us. Normally we just go to Munich for a few hours to do shopping and then drive home. By car, it takes about 30-45 mins to Munich city. So, we don’t go to Munich very often. For the past year since we moved here, I think we only so far go to the city the most 5 times. So, I really miss the hassle bustle city life. Over in Frieding, it is just a small farming village, where we spend most of our time there. Even though in the next couple of months, we will be moving to Herrsching, it is just another small town. So, after our guests from the US told us that the Marriott in Munich is reasonable cheap to stay, we have this idea of perhaps we should have a weekend stay in Munich from time to time. Finally, we decided to have a weekend stay in Munich during the pre-Christmas periods. First, we get to feel the more vibrant Christmas atmosphere and second of all, to do some Christmas shopping. So, we booked 2 nights at the Bayerisher Hof in Munich, because there is a swimming pool and it is located right in the centre of the Merienplatz.

We were all looking forward to this short weekend trip. Our last trip was 4 months ago. I started to ‘miss’ the pack and unpacking of luggage. First we went to Wilheim to pick up my package from the US, had a quick bite at the McDonald and then drove to the city. It has started snowing on the day itself. I really felt like we were on holiday and was in high spirit.

After checking in to the hotel, Terry brought Malaika to the pool. And I got Kelsey to have his nap. It was already 4pm. It was way past his normal nap time. After about an hour, he woke up and Terry and Malaika also came back from the pool. Terry told me that Malaika could swim unaided. This came as a surprise to me. I never thought this day came so soon. She likes to go to the pool, but she always clung to us like a koala bear even though she had the swim floats on. Then, before she turned 3, just around the time we were in KL, waiting for Kelsey to say hi to the world, she was all brave to go to the pool with her arm floats, alone. Well, this time round, even though I remembered to bring the arm floats, but they were left in the car. And since the car is somewhere in the hotel garage, well, we didn’t know the location of the car. The car was driven by some hotel staff to the hotel garage. So, it was too troublesome to go to the car.

getting ready to hit the pool, while Kelsey was having his nap

After that, it was dinner time. As usual, we went to Berni’s nudel house for pizza and pasta. I ordered my usual tri-colour noodle, which consists of penne with tomatoes sauce, spinach lasagna and some cream based tortellila. Malaika had her spaghetti Bolognese and ice-cream as dessert. Terry ordered a pizza, but didn’t have appetite to have his pizza, because he just recovered from the stomach flu he had a day earlier. After dinner, we went to Kaufhof’s supermarket to get some water and fruits. Malaika wanted to get some cherries. Then, we headed back to the hotel and got two tired babies to sleep.

look at him, he likes to sit like this

pretending to sleep

having her dessert - ice cream

She wanted to buy some cherry

very tired Malaika, wanting papa to carry her

At first, I put Kelsey on the crib. As always, when I finally went to the bed, he normally sleeps with me then. I was too tired and lazy to get him in the crib and then he would wake up after an hour or so, looking for me. To save all the hassle of stumbling in the middle of the night to his crib, I put him sleep next to me. This is actually the first time we all slept in the same bed together. Kelsey slept more on my side and being a daddy girl, Malaika slept more on Terry’s side. All three of us slept till 830am.

Winterfest in MIS

Another backdated post before it's being swept under the draft post forever.

We went to the Winterfest in Munich International School about 2 weeks ago. I was told that there would be international food, like Japanese, Indian and etc... We were disappointed with the food though. They were just edible, and not great.

some Japanese sushi and Indian samosa

giant cookies, a cupcake and some leftover Italian chocolate cake

picture in the cafeteria

Malaika had a great time playing in the playground. Around 2.30pm, finally we were at the Arts and Crafts area. Again, Malaika had fun putting stickers on her Christmas card. She didn't even want to leave. After that, I wanted to leave because Kelsey was already fussing. It was way past his normal nap time. The concert was postponed to 30 mins later, which was 3.30pm. I was not keen on going to the concert anymore. Terry insisted that Malaika would enjoy the Christmas concert given by the school children. Well, I agreed but how about Kelsey's nap.

finally, she jumped to the pole all by herself :)

busy making her Xmas card with stickers

Kelsey would like to examine papa's ear

We were all very impressed with the concert hall at MIS. So professionally done. Initially, I thought we would stay only for a couple of songs. Then, we stayed for like an hour. Someway throughout the concert, children were asked to raise hand if they knew how to sing, 'Oh, Tannenbaum (Christmas Tree)' and went to the stage to sing together with the choir. Malaika raised her hand and wanted to join in the choir too. Then, Terry brought her there and she sang the song with about 15 other younger children and the choir. She sure had fun. She kept on saying she wanted to go to Papa's school.

We reached home at 5pm. All in all, Malaika had the most fun. Kelsey didn't nap at all all these time. He felt asleep at the instant he latched on and sucked some milkie in his sleep. He was dead tired.

Looking for Nikolaus (Santa Claus) ...

Backdated (4 Dec 2009)

I'd better quickly write a post on Nikolaustag (6 Dec 09) before more travel and Christmas posts.

We were told to gather at the parking lots near Naturschutz Bund (Nature protection bund) at 4pm, bring the Martinumzug lantern and a torch light. Parents and children and of course teachers would be walking through woods for about 20-30 mins in search of Santa Claus.

yet another photo with Mia

It was another fon day, so we could see the Alps range very clear. And the view was stunning, with sunset colours and the Alps.

After walking for like 30 mins, through muds and puddles of waters, we finally reached the destination. But Santa Claus was no where to be seen. We saw there was a bon fire and teachers started gathering children for a short singing session. After this, and this, I was quite sure that Malaika won't join the group for the singing. She has been singing Christmas songs at home. I told her that we wanted to record her, singing with her friends. She likes to watch all the videos we recorded of her since baby.

Both Terry and I were glad that finally she joined in the group and sang a few Christmas songs, together with all the rest. Terry recorded her singing, so we didn't took any pictures.

Santa Claus made his apperance too, giving the children an apple, a mandarin orange and a walnut. He also commented that some parents brought their children to the kindergarten late, hehehe.. he meant us, because we are always late to school.

After that, we chatted with Mia's parents for a while, before we went for our dinner. It was a nice outings.

Notes: Over here in Germany, Nikolaustag is Santa Claus Day, where Santa Claus brings children presents. And on 24 Dec, Christkind (Jesus's child - now as a angel) brings children presents. MIL said no Santa Claus is going to bring presents to children, it is a invention by Coca cola. Well, I don't know and I don't care. I just want my present on Christmas Eve. I am sure Malaika too. ;)