Fun at the park

So, before I get into anything else, Juliana adores this t-shirt since it came from the gym that her "big sister," Tati goes to back in New Hampshire. When we put it on this morning and I told her, she couldn't stop talking about Tati all morning!
This is her, "Check me out" face! We've been teaching her a lot more about faith, God and prayer lately, so she loves to bow her head now and pray. It usually starts with, "Mommy, daddy, Amen" and then she bows her head in preparation...

Little climbing monkey...

Back on the swings and balancing so well...

Ah, time to relax!

Juliana is a big ball of energy lately, so it's been a lot of fun and a lot of work to keep up with her! She's growing so fast, learning like crazy and always on the go. I've been putting together some preschool activities for her to do at home and she loves to be outside as much as possible...in the pool, at the park or playing with friends. It seems that half of the people residing here at Summerdale know her well, even people I don't know. She's got such a bold and lovable personality. God bless her!

Time to paint!

Yay for painting!
I love these hand prints :-)

She's always so proud of her work!

So maybe she got the artistic (and music) bug from her Uncle Justin, because it never caught on with me! I'm just happy she loves it so much.

Do you need a doctor?

Thanks to Aunt Niki, Uncle Jason and Sydney, Juliana got this great Doctor's kit for Christmas with scrubs and all! We pulled it out this weekend and she loved it. Here's Dr. Juliana checking daddy's ears and eyes... Then it was time for his shots...

And using the stethoscope, after we taught her the proper way to do so, to make sure his heart was beating okay...

This was her showing off the name tag that says, "Kiddie Hospital" and her band aid...Then, I finally got a picture with the glasses on!! She kept putting them on and I couldn't get a good snapshot of it, but I finally did this morning!

Dr. Juliana Stephen is on duty, in case you need her! Thanks to our family for the wonderful gift we can't wait until she puts on the scrubs too.

Oh and Claudia, maybe you'll have a little helper someday!

All or nothing

Okay, I admit it, I am overwhelmed! I can't seem to just take one thing at a time. It's all or nothing lately, so now I have committed to numerous things besides the role of wife, mom, and part time ESL teacher. MOPS is amazing and I plan to continue to attend and devote my time to help out as a DGL (discussion group leader in case you were wondering) and coordinator for outings for as long as I can. I am going to be working a lot more with a new job that I will get into at a later time and I'm writing more. Also, Juliana is getting older and aside from her enrichment classes, I'm working on preschool activities at home and as if that weren't enough, I've added a few more things to my plate recently. Phew! I also need to fit bible study in there somewhere and all of my professional trainings. Can I do it? We shall see!! But I would like to think that it's going to work out and I just keep praying for God to lead me and enable me to fulfill my duties. I prayed long and hard and when the time came to make decisions, I felt like he was leading me. I just hope that I can keep up with it all! Adjustments will just have to be made as I go and learn what works and what doesn't.

My main concern though is Juliana. I have never really been a "working mom" and it makes me anxious that I will be leaving her more often. I know she is in good hands, but I can't help but worry about it. I think my separation anxiety is now worse than hers! Fortunately, it's not a full time job and I will still have time for some of her classes and lots of time in the afternoons for swimming, playing, etc. But I guess for those of you working moms out there, if you have any advice, please share! I've gotten some great advice and support already, but there's no such thing as too much.

Will keep you updated about the job as it unfolds a bit more!

Just some thoughts

Now that Christmas is over and we are settling into the New Year, it's time for a lot of self-reflection. I'm not a big believer in New Year's Resolutions, but Jacob and I did sit down and write a few realistic goals we would like to achieve this year, as individuals, as a couple and as a family. I think the most important goal for me is to begin to love and appreciate myself more, to build my self-esteem and confidence, especially to be a good role model for my beautiful daughter. I am who I am and whether or not people like it, shouldn't matter. Of course, as I've learned in my bible study, it's important to act on my freedoms while also taking into consideration how it affects other people in my life, but also not to turn away from what God is calling me to do. I find that when I quietly and calmly listen for His guidance, He is very clear about His intentions for my life. It's when I get caught up in the circumstances of my every day life and forget to look up that I get lost, confused, frustrated and inpatient. I know that just like everyone else, I'm a work in progress (just like a piece of clay!) and always will be, since there is no such thing as perfection. God created us in His image, but He also gave us free will and flaws. Despite it all, He will always love and accept us, which can be one of the most comforting thoughts in the most difficult times. He calls us to serve Him, be humble and touch the lives of others ones along the way to the goals he has set for us.

May you find peace in your days, happiness in your duties and inspiration in your relationships. As I wrote before, just look up when you're feeling lonely, stressed or confused. Easier said than done, but believe me, when you can commit to doing this, it works!

Everyone has a voice...

...and it's time to use it! Advocate for children with special needs, to provide them with the skills and support they need to grow and prosper in their every day lives. Each and every individual can and will flourish with the love and support of friends, family, teachers and a dedicated support staff. As a mom, I know that I would want all the best for my daughter, so why should I expect any less for another child. Speak up and speak out! Each voice matters, no matter how small you may think yours is.

Fake phone, real phone

After some dress up with nearly every outfit she has (OK, note here, she's outgrowing them! I guess I need to order Disney from back home to get shipped here, sigh as well as new pajamas and shorts...why is she growing so fast!??), putting on all her bracelets and necklaces, Juliana pulled out the "fake" cell phone from one of her purses (real, but dead, no battery) to call a food order in!! She asked for chicken nuggets and fries (maybe because we had that for lunch about three hours before?) and then I told her to tell them where to deliver it and she said, "Summerdale, okay? Bye bye!"Then we talked to daddy on the real phone and she told him all about her morning and the order she just placed for food...
I'm amazed at Juliana's growth lately, because she is catching on to everything so quickly. I've been putting together some more preschool activities to do at home with her since she's absorbing so much and thanks to some wonderful people back the the U.S., she has gotten lots of new DVDs (Veggies Tales, a new favorite, and some new Disney movies we didn't have) that help her develop her imagination and creativity. We really enjoy the Veggie Tales, because they also teach her about God, the bible and learning to love herself. The only bad part about getting these boxes and care packages is that she keeps waiting for more! Whenever the doorbell rings, she runs over and says, "Boxes for me?" It breaks my heart when it's just another delivery that isn't for her. Spoiled little girl!

I've already started the "U.S. wish list" in case we get visitors or for our next visit home, whenever that will be...July I hope. The wish list seems to be getting longer and longer! Thank you to those of you who have sent Juliana gifts for Christmas, New Year's and just for fun. I'll be posting pictures more and more of her playing with them. A new favorite is her vTech book from Uncle Jason, Aunt Niki and Sydney among all of the other toys she was spoiled with at Christmas. I have a feeling my mom and Nana will be loading up as they usually do when the sales come up and I can't thank them enough, because Juliana gets compliments on all her Disney and Gymboree clothes that you can't get in Singapore! It's amazing how fast Juliana is growing out of her clothes. I have to rotate her toys now too, because she gets bored with the same ones all the time. Then, a few weeks later, I'll rotate again and all those older toys are suddenly brand new again! This is especially important with the toys that have been sent from the U.S. and cannot be found in Singapore.

As for education, I still think she is a bit young to be attending a preschool, but that's just my opinion, so I am trying to get together materials for home that we can work on together in the mornings. She's also still in Little Gym and we're trying out new music and art programs later this month to see what will work best for her.

On another note, I am continuing to pursue employment positions and have had some good feedback with my applications. Just asking for you to all keep my in your prayers that God will lead me to where I need to be and where I will be most effective at giving back to the community. Patience is key and I know that he will answer in time, when the position is just right.

I want to end by saying that we love you you all and can't wait to see all my friends again soon, those here and those back in the U.S. Family, well you know we all miss you all like crazy! I wish it wasn't so long and expensive to get out here to see us. But hey, if you come across some lottery winnings or something, feel free to pop in or just send some care packages :-)

God bless everyone! We love you all and miss our friends and family back in the U.S. all the time. You are all always on our minds. I hope the blog at least keeps you up to date on our lives here in Singapore.

Lots of love, XOXO

Birthday party fun

Yesterday was Miriam's birthday party, but I waited until the morning to tell Juliana. I knew from experience that the word, "party" would get her excited, so I held off until the day of the actual event. She was very happy!!! After her nap, we headed downstairs and after getting some running around done with the other girls, she dug into the food, of course!
This was her attempt at a smile in the midst of enjoying her food...

Miriam coming over for a taste...

Okay, they were ready to get in that pool!

Bubble fun with Chris and the rest of the kids...

It's just remarkable how long bubbles can keep them amused!

Same goes for balloons, always a blast. Juliana and Sophie had fun with this one for quite some time...

Juliana has a blast and has become quite found of both Sophie and Miriam over the last few months. We are lucky that they live just five floors down from us, so we get to see them often! I enjoy the adult time with Chris while the kids play and when it's over, Juliana will be asking for the two girls for hours, so I know she's had a lot of fun!

I just love my girl!

I am blessed. She is truly amazing!

Movie time with the Chipmunks

Now that she's a bit older, we have been enjoying some Disney movies at home and decided to try out a longer movie in the theater. The last one we went to was Dora and that was only 45 minutes long, so 89 minutes was a test! But, as soon as she heard that she got to go to the movies with mommy and daddy this morning, she was very excited!
Of course, a movie is just not the same without popcorn. So she's deciding, salty or sweet?

Yes Juliana, we know you want popcorn! She pointed to sweet, but we went with salty, knowing full well which one she actually eats at home.

Ready for the show...

She liked the movie for the most part (a little slow for her age in the middle), but really enjoyed the end when all of the chipmunks were singing and dancing. She was sitting on daddy's lap, clapping her hands with a huge smile!

Tea time with friends

We love tea parties! She had one for all her friends...
Such a proper hostess, with food too!

My favorite tea time is when it's Juliana, mommy and daddy though, even though the "friends" are a wonderful addition!

Avatar in 3D

Last night, Jacob and I had our date night at the movies and finally saw Avatar 3D. I simply had to blog about how amazing this movie was! I don't think I have seen such a creative and beautiful movie with an amazing plot in a very long time. Rarely can I say for a movie that the plot was remarkable, the acting was great and the graphics were astonishing. I can now see why people have gone back to the theater to see this multiple times. So that's my review, A+ and also...I want to be an avatar! Props to James Cameron on this one and for setting the bar really high.

Yay, another published piece

As some of you already know, I am passionate about writing. I love doing this blog, I write poetry and used to write a lot more, but have been starting up again. I've had one published poem before in a book and then an article two years ago. Now, I get to have one of my recent poems published! I am honored once again and excited, because it just makes me motivated to do more. Maybe someday that dream of writing a book will come true? I hope so!

Here's the poem:

As I Am

They can only see
what I allow,
the surface of who I am,
because the rest is a mystery.

They cannot understand the pain
that eats away at my soul,
the grief that weighs down my heart,
the love waiting to pour out.

They do not see my true self,
the strength I hold so close,
the will I have to survive,
because their eyes are closed.

They cannot face all of this,
but my God can,
and he accepts all of me…
just the way I am.

Many of you may know what some of the inspiration behind this poem came from, but I think it can be easily adapted to many different circumstances. The power of accepting who we are makes such a difference in our daily lives, how we affect others and what we can accomplish. I just hope I can continue to be ME and accept ME for who I already am, "flaws and all." (Thanks for that quote Beyonce!)

Still our little fish

Juliana has adored the water since the first time we took her in my aunt and uncle's pool when she was an infant. We've done some swimming lessons, but stopped and I decided to teach her a little bit on my own instead. Now, she is dunking her head under the water! It took a while for her to get used to holding her breath, closing her eyes and then dunking, but she's becoming a pro. This is her proud face...
They had the water off since they had just finished cleaning the pool and that turned the hole into a new toy for her to look into...

It's amazing how fast she's grown. Just a year ago, she was barely over the top of the water in this pool, learning to balance on her own and now she's kicking, dunking her head under, blowing bubbles and learning to use her arms to swim!

Pizza with friends

After a rough couple of days with a sick little girl, we finally got to see some friends over the weekend. On Sunday, we had Jenn, Toby, Elyse, Chris, Glenton, Sophie and Miriam over for some company and pizza! Jenn is glowing in this picture, pardon the saying, but she's expecting their second child and she looks so happy... Chris and Glenton with their youngest, Miriam...

The girls got to sit at their own table and the only one who could tear themselves away from the food long enough to look up at me was Sophie!

Juliana really enjoys being around other kids, especially these girls since we see them the most. Chris and Glenton live five floors down from us, which is really nice and Jenn lives just down the road. I realize that for the better part of last year, I wasn't really opening myself up to friendships and opportunities for fear of becoming attached or simply being sad when someone leaves for home or elsewhere. I know now that it's a mistake to live that way and am slowly trying to change my ways. A new year brings a lot of new possibilities and I don't want to be shut off from the world simply because of fear. Life is short, period. I was reading a newsletter last night and it had one of my favorite quotes to remind me of that:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain

I just want to try to live my life to the fullest, even if that means letting some things and leaping off the mountain (an image in one of the books I've been reading) into the unknown. I don't want to be at the end of my life someday and have regrets about all the things I didn't do or say. No, I don't expect myself to follow all of this day in and day out, because I'm human and I'll have my moments, but I'm hoping that I can live more freely and openly than I have been and show Juliana that life is an amazing gift from God, filled with endless amounts of opportunities to explore, grow, create and love.

Okay, so now I just have to remember to look back at this post every now and then as a reminder!

Morning at the park

Even though Juliana has been sick for last couple days, we're still trying to get out of the house instead of going stir crazy. This morning, she seemed to be doing pretty good, so we went to the park. She had a blast on the swinging tires as usual...
This was Jacob's first time at the lake side park and other than it being insanely hot and barely shaded, it's a great park. Juliana was showing off on the tire...

Looking at each other with the binoculars instead of the sights!

Oh, the see-saw!

She makes me melt all the time with that loving look...

Unfortunately, once the fun was over and we were heading home, Juliana was getting tired and congested again. She's quietly sleeping it off right now and I hope she wakes up feeling better!

Welcome to 2010

Happy New Year everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for 2010 after our last whirlwind year. It's been such an adventure here in Singapore and we've learned so much about ourselves over the last twelve months. We've had a lot of new experiences and been able to share them with so many wonderful people. Can't wait to look back at the blog again in another year's time!

So, our New Year's was very relaxed and uneventful since Jacob had to work most of the day. When he was done, we went to the Chinese Garden before dinner time just to do some running around. Juliana loves all parks, but we enjoy this one a lot!
She had to climb on each and every rock...

This picture makes this tiny staircase look really big! But I guess for her it is...

I laugh so much at some of these pictures, because she has become such a model with the amount of pictures I take. She's posing here...

Having a good time on a rock table...

Here's the model posing again...

We always check out the fish too of course...

After a good trip through the garden, we headed back to the entrance for home...

It ended up being a good thing that we did not go out since Juliana ended up being very sick and not sleeping most of the night. We rang in the New Year at home with our little girl who was awake at midnight, but not happy. It was just fine though and we had a relaxing New Year's Day and got to talk with some family and friends back in States.

We love you all and I have enjoyed sharing our lives and experiences with you through this blog. It's become so much more than a simple chronicle of our life and I can't wait to share the coming months with you as well. Happy 2010!