"Sometimes, we create our own heartbreaks through expectation"

"Sometimes, we expect more from others because we would be willing to do that much for them."

---

I reached out. Several times. But got nothing back. Can't help but feel that we're going into the same cycle (for the third time) of miscommunication again.

Happy birthday.

Volunteer Week

28 Nov 2018 - Science project demonstration with the Charis Home kids.
It was nice to be involved again after a one year hiatus.

Saree showcase

First time ever in a saree in the office. Was hoping for Best Dressed but clearly I wasn't the best. Taking a picture with the Best Dressed is as close as I can get. :D

!Casi Perfecto!

Almost perfect score! :)
Siento muy feliz.

Carina's 1st birthday

Today our little sweetheart turns one. I can still remember the first time we laid eyes on her, exactly at this time, one year ago. How fast time flies. It's been an amazing one year and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy 1st birthday, Carina sweetheart.
Thank you for making parenting such a joy this past one year, for bearing with us as we learn each day to be better parents. You are everything that we've dreamt of and hoped for. May your special day and every other day bring you as much happiness as you are bringing to all of us. We pray you'll grow to be a brilliant and beautiful child, filled with love, kindness and patience for those around you, both young and old. May the good Lord continue to bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you, for all the days of your life.

 

With many many hugs and kisses and love,
Dada and Mami






I'm not a baker but I wanted to make an effort for this special occasion. The biscuit base was too hard and the cream cheese didn't form well cos I had too little gelatine added. It didn't taste too bad though!



The actual product - so far from what I planned and imagined it to be.





Ready to pop the "champagne"!

Family picture @ Ichiban Boshi on 08.08.18

My cute little zoologist @ Cameron Highlands on 11.08.2018

 



 



 

 

A bathing ape

Bumped into a bathing ape while loitering in a mall in Shanghai.
I remember it being your favourite.

Sometimes remembering hurts too much but remembering is the only way to keep the memories alive; my only return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.

Milestones

24 May 2018
Carina's first flight + first international trip + first passport stamp + first trip to Shanghai/China

 

 

To many more travel adventures together!

 

So thrilled that Carina can now recognize me as her mummy, not just in person but in video calls as well! The smart genes are strong in her ;p
Time to get her started on the next assignment now - alphabets, numbers and shapes! :)

Carina Mae

A gift she is from heaven above
A perfect example of God's precious love
I'm filled with love beyond measure
For our sweet little treasure.

Meet the newest member of our family - baby Carina Mae Raj; born 8th August 2017 at 5.46pm; weighing 3.45kg and 51cm in length; safely delivered naturally after 9 hours of active labour with no epidural. What an experience and what a joy to finally meet my little sweetie in person, to finally hold her in my arms. Words alone do no justice in describing the intense feeling and impact she has had in our lives, then and now.

@ 28weeks

@39weeks (fresh out from mommy's oven!)

So full of hair and cuteness

My favourite picture of us - she may hold my hand for a while now, but she holds my heart forever

Chubby cheeks



Mesmerizing eyes 

Curled up like a little worm

My sleeping beauty @ 1 month old

@ 2months - future boxing/kickboxing champ in the making!

Keep smiling, keep shining 

Mae & May

R.I.P. Russell

You were always closest to me. I miss our walks together so much. It was so hard not being able to hold you when you needed me most to. I didn't even get to say goodbye, to see you in your last moments. It still breaks my heart and brings me to tears whenever I think of the pain and suffering you had to endure in those last few weeks - the way you looked at me before you lost sight, your frail, scarred and bony body as your limbs and internal organs give way. Thank you for trying to stay alive as long as you could for me.

 

Thank you for 8 great years of companionship. I will never forget you. Enjoy doggie heaven, my dear Russell. I love you.