Music Appreciation

Ethan's been sharing our love of music in his own way. He enjoys cooling off in just his nappy and shirt and listening to the cool sounds of Mummy's Louis Armstrong Jazz CD (definitely much more complex than his own Counting Songs CD!)

Another favourite is his keyboard on which he can belt out his own tunes in addition to the ditties that Mummy and Daddy keep making up to add colour to his day!

Morning Games

After his morning bath, Ethan goes back into his bed for a few minutes while his bath is readied for him. Nowadays, he prefers to sit up rather than lie down so he usually plays with his musical keyboard while getting some back support from his portable sofa. Though he can stay seated on his own, he somtimes topples over and can't get himself back up yet!

On the back wall you can see some pictures that we put up to make his bedroom nook a little more fun...

Enjoying Toys

Soooo cute! Ethan is enjoying his toys more and more each day as his brain develops and skills improve. It's all very pleasing to watch him grow!

Gobbling Bananas

[PREVIEW IS BLANK BUT VIDEO WORKS!]

One of Ethan's favourite new foods is bananas. He gets it mixed in with his rice cereal and it sure makes everything yummy and sweet. We often pack his dinner when we do our dinner and grocery outings. One of our favourites places is IMM Jurong (but only on weekdays when it's not so crowded). Ethan enjoys his dinner and is a very good gobbler, finishing all his food so that Mummy and Daddy can enjoy some couple time over their meal later.

Little Boy

Renata took this picture a few weeks ago when Ruth came over to visit from Australia. She had a great time with her nephew. Both of them look so happy! Ethan looks more like a little boy than a baby in this photo. I think it's a sneak preview into his future toddler years.

First Flu

The flu bug has been going around and it looks like Ethan is experiencing the first of what will probably be a number of childhood sniffles to come. He had been having congested breathing for a few days but we were alerted to the possibility of a developing flu when Ah Mah noticed a fever while holding him on monday. Must have shared my flu with him because his cough sounds suspiciously like mine!

Non-XO Fish

We went to our favourite fish bee hoon joint in Clementi on Thursday. We always order the normal non-XO dish cos it's cheaper and you can still taste the XO! Ethan had carrots which if gobbled while strangers walked by and reached in to touch him at lightning speeds too fast for parents to stop.

Family Fun Day

Today was Family Fun Day at WEFC and we all trooped to Woodlands Stadium for some telematch games with the church family. Daddy did some running around while Mummy and Ethan watched, cheered, and laughed from the sidelines at all the silly antics going on.

Someone soon got tired and cranky then fell soundly asleep... Though Ethan was too young for any of the games, he showed a very good sense of style even in his sleeping poses. Relaxed and stylish all in one go.

Rrrrrr... Ha ha ha!

Ethan's learning to make sounds with his mouth. When he learns something new he often finds it very funny and will laugh and laugh when we repeat it back to him. The baby development books says it helps him know that he's doing well and affirms him continuing to try out more sounds. Here he is chuckling away over the Rrrrrr... sounds!

Peekaboo!

Yes, it's the age-old favourite game and a couple of weeks ago Ethan started to find this extremely amusing, often roaring with laughter most approvingly. I caught this one on video last week when I was changing him just before dinner. It's shakey cos I was ducking below the table while holding the camera above with one hand!

Time to Unwind

It has been a busy busy week but now we have a chance to unwind... Renata was preaching at BRMC, and Ivan had his second missions weekend at WEFC which was an absolutely amazing time seeing God at work among the people! Yeah! Here's the Tan family enjoying having Ethan with them since he's usually in Woodlands on Sunday. Grandma especially enjoyed parading him amongst approving aunties!

We hadn't managed to celebrate Renata's birthday so here was the opportunity with Ruth visiting from Sydney. We went to Waraku, a Japanese restaurant we liked, and of course played with the baby whom we love. A new game he likes now is "Standing" where we lift it up then bring him down until his feet touch a solid surface. He instinctively tries to "stand", then giggles and collapses.

Pouring Water on Mr. Penguin

One of the water games we play with Ethan is The Pouring Water Station. We're trying to get him comfortable with water on his face and head! Just beginning now he's learning that it's fun to pour water on his friend Mr. Penguin. Soon, it will be fun to pour water on his own head and face...but we'll need some more time! We also discovered he likes to "swim" in the front position but he doesn't do the frog-like kick that we thought babies did. Hmmm....maybe that will come later?

Fun on the Change Table

We've discovered a new game at the Change Table that thrills Ethan each time. It's a variation on the Classic "Peekaboo" game but instead of hiding behind a blanket, we duck down under the change table and 'magically' reappear to peals of laughter from our tickled Bub! Mummy discovered this game by accident one day while fiddling with the night light that is neatly located under Ethan's bed -- and it's been a favourite since. It even works when Ethan gets cranky -- he stops crying and forgets to fuss when we pop out from below him!

Sunday Swimming

Today and next weekend are Missions Emphasis Weekends at church so I'm busy preparing things and the various things going on. Renata and Ethan came for early service then came back home. By the time I got home from church, look who was having a nice nap in the big bed without me!

After a nice loooong nap we all got up out of bed and went for a quick swim. Our Learn to Swim book, for 6 month to 4 year old children has arrived! We highly recommend it to parents who want to be involved teaching their l'il ones to swim. Today we did the "Water Pouring Station" game and a bit of the "Cheek Dip". We discovered that Ethan really looooves the feel of flowing water. After the pool, I brought him into the shower with me to feel water running down his face. A little at a time, but frequently says our book-tutor.

My New Teething Ring

Oooh... someone's got a colourful new teething ring! On our day off this week the family trooped down to Takashimaya to spend some vouchers that a few wonderful people gave us! We bought a case for our l'il camera and, of course, a few baby supplies. The main objective of this mission was teething rings. This nice one has gel inside that can be refridgerated or frozen so that it will soothe poor Ethan's sore gums. Ethan sure looks like he's enjoying it!