Gary Phang & Alicia Lee

Life at home no longer the same as it use to be where Alicia and I alone at home watching TV, enjoying our dinner and etc without interruption. With the addition of Weslee into our family, sometimes our home become war zone. Much so with Emelee who always with her stubborn character and insist not listening to our instructions. Hell break loose with shouting from both dad and mummy!

Last week both of them having fever and running noose. Emelee throws out whatever liquid or food into her stomach and had ear infection. Thank God both of them recovered in 2-3 days.

Weslee continues to captivate our hearts with his adorable characters and behaviour. We resigned to the fact he won’t be sleeping throughout the night like Emelee. He needs to wake up once either 1-2am and/or 5am.

We have just applied for a passport for Weslee yesterday for our visit to Singapore in December. I shall be there for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on 6 Dec 2009. I have also registered Emelee for Kid Dash (750m) which I shall run along with her.

Again this blog in hiatus for some time.  Sometimes I wonder should I continue writing since it may be read by myself. But after some thought it may be good to record down some of my children development. Sometimes I really forgotten Emelee’s growing up years and how we went through it.

Gone are the days where we usually have a tranquil, smooth-functioning period in our house. Emelee’s stubborn and strong-willed characters are driving us nuts and turn our home into war zone. Often our family exploded into confrontation with our daughter. Sounds serious? Nah, I think most parents went through this situation. Maybe I am a bit exaggerated.

She can be quite persistent when it comes to getting what she wants. Sometimes she just refuse to receive our instructions. She took so long to finish off her meals (1 hour). Since last two weeks, she doesn’t want to sleep on her room anymore. Instead we allowed Weslee to sleep on her bed and room alone now. She sleeps at the guess room and occasionally awakes few times during the night and tried to sleep with us (she know how to open the door now).  She also insist us to sleep together with her. ~sigh~. But things are improving slowly.

Weslee starts to roam and exploring everywhere around the house and starts to create havoc by messing up all the toys. He is more interested to scattered all the toys around rather than play with it. He grew up fast, he is now wearing size “XL” diapers and already started wearing his sister’s clothes which she only wear at age 1 year plus.

Must continue to pray for God’s wisdom and grace upon bring up these lovely children. Sometimes I felt really tired, more so to Alicia.

My last post our update was back in May! Do I need to catch up with almost five months updates? I hope not but I shall let the pictures do the talking (as they said pictures tell thousand words! no?) Blame it on Facebook? I have neglected in updating this blog and spend most of my free time when online in Fbing. Probably that’s tell I am not good in writer or plain lazy (aha-gotcha!) And I have also revert this blog to its classic template.

On family life

Since the arrival of our another bundle of joy – Weslee into our life, things have changed quite a bit. Now we have new routines albeit with more “standard operating procedures”. Alicia adapted to it quite well although now she has to handle extra work to take care another child.

Emelee has grown up and started to have her own character. She is full of energy and starts to talk a lot. Sometimes we do understand what she says and we just guess. She also started to become more rebellious. It’s hard to get her to obey our instructions. She also took ages to complete her meal. At the end, she was constantly lectured and canned by us. Sometimes it is really difficult to control our anger. Now, we have to change our strategy, we seldom cane her anymore and start to use some soft but firm approach. So far it works well but we got to have lots of patience. Praise to be God; she plays together with her brother and usually made Weslee smiles a lot with her antics.

Weslee begins to stand and crawl very well since 7 months. He is into almost 9 months coming 13 Oct. He is really a big eater and can’t wait for his meal/milk. He also woke up less during the night with only one feeding at 1 or 2 am until the next morning. He is really puncture and wakes up on the dot, i mean almost exactly at 1am or 2am. He is also very alert and seems like know what’s going on surrounding him.

On parents & siblings

Celebrated dad’s birthday in Jun at restaurant in Seremban. Both mom and dad is doing fine. With dad keeps himself busy with his watch repairing business, almost the one and only such skill craftsman in Seremban. He also faithfully worked as newspaper delivery man early in the morning which we always asked him to quit. Sometimes we pondered if we request him to stop all these activities, how is it going to impact him. Surely he will not get used to it.

(Dad’s birthday dinner in Seremban)

Mom as usual busy with herself shuttling here and there. Mostly she spend her time at my youngest sister’s home. Thank God she also attends church service and cell group faithfully at Grace Neighborhood Assembly.

During Hari Raya holiday, they stayed with us for 2 days in conjunction with our cousin’s – Vincent’s wedding.

(with mom and dad at Genting Highlands)

On spiritual life

This area seems to be difficult for me to explain. Many events happen in the past few months that draws me to rethink my priorities and of course it let me closer to God.

(College youth in Passion Alive cell group birthday celebration)

I have been serving for youth ministry for almost 8-9 years. But do I really grow spiritually besides serving? Often, we just serve out of obligation or treat it as a duty (or the Bible says so!). I asked myself – do I serve out of my love for Jesus Christ or do I serve just because I am part of the team? With the new addition to my family (both Emelee & Weslee), it prompts me to look at the priority of my family (God first, family second). Besides, I am hurt by recent circumstances that I would preferred not to pen down here.

I have also decided to quit serving PA for Music ministry. More often, it’s quite stressful to shuttle to/from church to pick up my wife and kids for second service while I served in the PA during the first service. I felt I am not able to assist my wife to prepare the kids for church service and we often reached church quite late for the second service. With this, I hope I can devote more time to prepare and go to church fresh and stress-free!

I am toying with Microsoft Windows Live Writer and see how this software can help me to edit my blog.

I am tired of the previous layout and trying on the current new design. Please stay tune as I have lots of backlog of posting to be uploaded. Apology again for not being updating this site for more than a month.

Emelee got food poisoning since yesterday. She has been vomiting since yesterday morning whatever she drank or ate. But she crave for banana which I promptly bought for her yesterday evening after work. But that also she vomited after eating one piece of it. This morning, I thought her digestive system went back to normal as she drank quite lots of water and she must be really hungry since her stomach was quite empty. That also she throws out. Then next gave her some milk, that also throws out. There goes lots of cleaning up to do this morning. Can't see her suffer this much already and sent her to a pediatrician to for consultation. She was suspected to have food poisioning and could be the half-boil egg she has taken since Thurday morning. She was prescribed with "anti-vomit" drops and it seems to be working. She didn't vomit since she has taken his medicine in the afternoon until now. But I can see her body is weak and do not have a good appetite. She just took 2 bottle of Vitagen, 1 slice of bread and 4 oz of milk with some water in between since afternoon. I pray God will continue to minister to her and heal her completely. Amen!

Sent Weslee for vaccination today (3rd jabs) at government clinic. As usual, there was big crowd but surprisingly quite fast though. Now Emelee and Weslee both developed mild fever. Aik! pray they will get well soon.

This is what I have not written about Weslee. Since birth until today, he still occasionally vomited after feeding with some mucus and milk. This is what written in babycentre.co.uk.

"Reflux is the word used to describe what happens when the stomach contents come back up into the gullet or even into the mouth.

The medical name for gullet is oesophagus (spelt esophagus in the US). So the long name for reflux is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, shortened to GORD in the UK and GER in the States.

The diaphragm is the muscle which separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. As the oesophagus passes through the diaphragm, the diaphragm acts like a valve - stopping stomach contents from going backwards up the oesophagus. Doctors refer to this valve mechanism as a sphincter.

But sometimes the valve action isn't as strong as it could be - when you are pregnant, for example. In fact, one of the reasons you get heartburn in pregnancy is due to your baby pushing up onto the sphincter - it forces acid back up the oesophagus.

This also happens to babies, but in their case it is because the sphincter action of the diaphragm isn't fully developed. During the first year of a baby's life, the sphincter action gradually gets stronger and their chance of having reflux decreases. Around 50 per cent of babies will get some reflux but in only a small percentage of these is it a real problem. At the age of 10 months the number is down to about one in twenty babies"

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/health/reflux/

Initially most people said it will go away by itself after few months. Weslee was regularly immunized monthly at government clinic and nurses there was not helpful in explaining this situation. But on 2 May since we were in Seremban and heard there is an experienced pediatrician – Dr Liew (Liew Children Clinic), we seek consultation from the clinic. The doctor said high possibility it was 'reflux' and we can't help much since he was breast fed (can't change baby formula to try). He prescribed some medication to minimize the symptom. As of today, Wesless still occasionally vomit after feeding though it lessen. We also prescribed him with Chinese medicine Bo Ying compound from Eu Yan Sang. There rest we just need to pray that he will recover soonest.

Emelee is already 2 years plus and Weslee 4 months old. Sometimes it hard to keep track on their exact age. Unlike previously, we only have Emelee and she was our first child, we keeps counting nad notice it every month.
According to Alicia, nowadays, Weslee was trying to get her sister attention when she was sitting beside him. Weslee really gained quite a lot. Look at the photo, Weslee's head is almost if not bigger that Emelee. haha!

Week before Mothers day, brought my parents to Fish & Co for lunch at Jusco Seremban 2. We have over-order the food and have to take-away some. About my mother? Nothing much to say leh! Except I knew she has sacrifice a lot for us five siblings and very much concern about our wellbeing. Mom has really aged and I pray she will continue to be healthy and God protection covering her daily going in and out.
Then on Mothers day, brought Alicia & Emelee, together with my sis-in-law Natalie and her son Ashley for dinner at Daidomon Japanese BBQ restaurant at Great Eastern Mall. Mother's day offer at RM49.90++ (adult) RM29.90 (child). Emelee dined free. Worth it if you are a real meat eater. You have to request for BBQ meat. Food, BBQ meat is alright but disappointed with the buffet dishes. There is no oyster as advertised.
We also went for a vegetarian dinner at MG Cafe, Sri Hartamas with Emelee former babysitter and her daughters on Sunday. Food is really good with a touch of fusion.

With Emelee and Weslee into this family, now I truly realized it is not easy to be a mother. Lots of sacrifice has to be made to bring up the children. Besides that, we need to have patience to nurture the child's character. Talking about patience, I am really lack of it and needs God's grace the more. Else, you will see me spanking Emelee very often! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all mothers.

Emelee got so much energy! From the moment she wakes up, she will keep herself busy all the time. As the title suggest, she is really energetic. Now she climb out from her baby cot. Gone are the days that we still can contain her in her bed even though she already woke up. She will climb out of bed, turn off the fan and tried to open the door. Barney is her favourite movie now and she keeps insist we play Barney movies. This is the only movie that she can sit still longer. At restaurant, we always have to find ways to divert her attention. Gone are the days Alicia and I can enjoy the food undistracted.

She kinda love and care for his brother. She sometimes shared interesting moments with her brother. We also need to be cautious as she may get over excited - slamming his brother! Initially Weslee was shocked while asleep; but he get used to it now! Its interesting to see what happen when they grows up.

Looking at Weslee really brighten up our day. His ever generous smiles really made us feel hilarious. He's really easy to crack his smiles most of the time. Of course there are time he cried when he feels hungry and uncomfortable. His voice it getting louder and even start to shout!. He enjoys being in sitting position and manage to lift his head when lying on bed. This is going to be another strong baby. Me and Alicia was saying we may going to have a hard time later to catch him - like her sister now. He likes her sister and smiles when Emelee doing funny reaction at him. Last Saturday, we went to seek pediatrician advice on his blocked nose at night and vomiting problem after feeding when we were in Seremban. The doctor initial diagnosis was reflux and some medication was prescibed. Something to do with passage to the stomach which is weak. Found a link on this here: http://www.reflux.org.au/gastro.php. Alicia still continue breastfeeding him and the interval is about 3-4 hours now. He can sleep longer at night at last feeding 11/12/1am (less sleepless night!) and woke up at 5 or 6am. Sometimes I am confused with the feeding interval and have to ask my agitated wife!

Picture above showing Emelee mimic her mom breast feed Weslee! Really cute ~sigh~. These days, it is not easy ask her to obey our instructions. Sometimes she really drives me up to the wall by her disobedience and causes me to spank her. I really need to control my anger and learn to love her more instead. She even know how to climb over her baby cot every morning. But good thing now she don't have to wear diapers at home during the day abeit we need to remind her to go to the toilet.
Weslee is strong strong enough now to do a mini push-up when he's lying on his tummy and able to lift his head and shoulders clear of the floor and look around as he does so. He really likes to smile when you look at him! Alicia still fully breast fed him and really put a strain on her. I know she must be really tired to look after these two kids.

Both of them were not well last week and just recovered. Emelee vomited few times and Weslee has slight fever after 2nd scheduled immunization injection applied. Thank God both of them recovered very fast.

I realized I didn't write much about my son Weslee more than 3 months. We sent him for his scheduled 2nd immunization injection today. He weights 6.5kg now, such a big difference compared to her sister. As usual, tough as her sister, he just scream a short while after being jab. Weslee really brightens up me after a hard day at work. He never fail to return a smile when you talk to him everytime. He is such a cheerful boy. Both Emelee and Weslee can be together quite well. we just need to be careful and keep an eye on her as sometimes she gets too excited and carried away by grabbing her brother too hard! Thank God Emelee doesn't jealous with her brother and hope we can manage them well and equal.

Today, Emelee is not feeling well and heard from her mother that she has vomited 2 times and mild fever. Pray both she and her brother to get well soon (Weslee also caught slight fever).

Follow the video below for a good laugh together with Weslee.

Today marks 2 years and 2 months since Emelee was born. It's has been an exciting and learning journey for both Alicia and me. Some of you must be wondering why I didn't update this blog and I don't be surprise when time comes, no one will read this blog at all due to its inconsistent frequency of updates. Time nowadays seems to be quite tight for me. I won't say there is no time (that's an excuse). I have been trying to keep my hands off the computer at night else I will be staying up to wee hours. Anyway, the arrival of our son Weslee into this family changed the whole family routine. After coming back from work, making sure Emelee drank her milk, brush her teeth, cleaning up and change to her pyjamas, read stories, prayed with her and let her sleep are part of my daily routine (although sometimes skipped!). Chating with Weslee with his cuckoo smiles wraps up most of the evening. By this time, I am already too tired and need some rest. Alright, that's enough of my ranting.

Can really update all the happening in the first quarter of the year and I really hope I won't resort to quarterly update as the title of this blog entry suggests. But it was really exciting and hectic. I shall let the pictures do the talking!

New Life
We really thank God our family blessed with a baby son - let's welcome Weslee Phang Wei Zhe (13 January 2009). He weights 3.14kg, handsome and healthy. He was delivered through caesarian as Alicia's labour pain was unbearable that causes the child heart beat produced abnormal reading and Weslee decided to 'poo' in her mother's womb!. Thank God the mother and son were safely gone through the operations. Although this round, I am not able to see the birth of Weslee, but I managed to see him while being given care by the nurse immediately after coming out from the operating theater. My mom help us during Alicia's confinement period and stayed with us for almost a month.

Then came the news of my grandmother went home with our Lord on 10 Feb, few days before Weslee's fullmoon. So, we have to cancelled our planned fullmoon activities. We intend to payback him with 1 year old party!
Emelee Birthday
Not missing out, we have sometime to celebrate Emelee's 2 years old birthday with our family and her cousins. I shall let these pictures transpire Emelee's feeling.


Alicia's Birthday
Then came my wife's turn for birthday celebration (indeed so many birthdays!). I need to really save more $$$ at the end of the year for 3 birthdays in a row in the first 3 months of the year.

Treated Alicia with a sumptuous meal at El Cerdo's in Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL. Ambience was just perfect for this day and I have tasted the best ever roast baby lamb leg although I dislike lamb dishes. She got a special birthday wish presentation from the crew and little piggy as present - oink-oink. Most of the dishes they serve are pork.

She also given "2nd round" birthday celebration from our former babysitter and family.

Toying with new template. Uploading new entry soon. Hopefully.

Well well, not again! Didn’t realize the last update I done to this blog was in Nov 2008.

I better to short as there are loads of information would like to share. I am overwhelmed with it and hope can dissect each of it. Please take your time to scroll down the chronological of events in Dec and early Jan 09. Hope to continue in part 2, hmmm... good news! welcoming our new arrival to the family - Weslee Phang Wei Zhe. More in next post.

Wedding in Melaka - 7 Dec

Attended my best friend brother’s wedding in Melaka. Congratulations Wee Hong! This is also the first time we caught in a massive traffic jam from Ayer Keroh to the town for more than 2 hours (due to public holiday! Put up a night at a hotel (Phoenix hotel) near Dataran Pahlawan. Pathetic! Although it was new and clean but no electricity as early as 4am. ~sigh~ asked for a rebate and check out early, after giving a tongue lashing to the poor receptionist.

Newly wed couple, lovely (spoilt by inefficient N95 camera)

Emelee & Wee Kian's / Eve dog

fish pond @Dataran Pahlawan

Back to Kulai, Johor - 8 Dec

After Melaka, we went straight to my in-law house in Kulai, Johor.

Auntie in Rantau, Negeri Sembilan - 17 Dec

We had a short trip to Alicia's auntie in Rantau, Negeri Sembilan.

Christmas Eve - 24 Dec

Our youth did a splendid job in their inaugural Christmas caroling. Two groups when to PJ Hilton and Renaissance Hotel KL. I, Alicia & Emelee got the privilege to see them in action at Renaissance after a quick dinner at KLCC.

girls team

Youth Camp – 27-30 Dec

More than 146 of us convene at Bayu Beach Resort Port Dickson to have a great time of fellowship, bonding and soak in the presence of the Lord.

Youth having their fun time

Pastor Elijah Kong

Ps.Elijah Kong's son (Michael) and Emelee

New Year 2009

We had a very quite time together at home and slept early in KL!

Family Trip to Bagan Lalang 1-2 Jan

We have a time of family bonding with my in-laws at Bagan Lalang, few kilometers away from Sepang. We also went to Tanjung Sepat for their famous seafood and “pau” (buns).

Emelee with her cousins

in door sands cum beach ball court