Baby Sam's Blog

A Tragic Event

2012-02-02T13:44:00.001+08:00

One night as Mom was reading the newspaper

A picture on the front page caught my attention.

"What is that, Mom?

Why are those people in the drain?" I asked.

Mom then explained to me the story she was reading.

The day before, it had rained very heavily and floods were everywhere in town.

An 18-year old school girl had gotten her car stuck in the flood waters.

When she got out to make her way to a gas station nearby,

She had fallen into a monsoon drain and was swept away.

A gas station worker had jumped into the drain to rescue her

But he too, got swept away.

Now, Mom said, both were missing

And the rescue personnel were trying to look for them.

"What about their moms?" I asked.

Mom said their mothers and fathers were very sad indeed,

And that the girl's mom was crying by the roadside

For she could not see her daughter any more.

"Mom, I have tears coming down my eye," I said.

Mom said I was feeling sad for the boy and the girl.

As the days passed, I kept thinking about the missing boy and the missing girl.

I asked Mom and Dad about them.

"Have they been found yet?"

They told me, no, not yet.

I asked them,"Where did they go?"

And

"Is the mommy still sad?"

When we drove by the area,

We saw flowers left by the side of the road.

And people praying.

So we prayed too for the missing youngsters,

And for their families.

The guy's body was found a week later,

And then the girl's three weeks later

At a beach far from where she fell into the drain.

I felt sad that the girl had been taken from her mom and dad.

In a way, the tragedy is like the song "If I Die Young"

As it made me think about death... and life... and loved ones.

May God bless their souls.

Random Shots from the Sam Cam

2012-01-31T13:35:00.000+08:00

Here's more random pics from the Sam Cam:

Family faces

My Mexican dress

The top of Uncle Alfred's head

My feet

Lights

What do you call this road paving machine?

Inside Uncle Alfred's car

Dad says I am getting pretty good with the camera.

My Mom's Friends

2012-01-30T12:59:00.002+08:00

These are some of my Mom's friends.

They used to go to school together...

Over 20 years ago!

There's aunty Helen whose kids are in Lodge too

Aunty Celine who lives in town

Aunty Julia who lives in New Zealand...

And of course Aunty Julie who lives and works in KL

Whom we meet whenever we go there.

Although they don't see each other all the time,

They keep in touch and remain good friends.

They get together whenever they can.

I wish I will have friends like this one day.

Owl at School

2012-01-30T12:52:00.002+08:00

I am reading this book.

It is called 'Owl at School'.

I am supposed to learn to read all these pages,

But Mom says all I do is memorize them.

*sigh*

I guess I will have to work harder.

Here's all the pages.

When I Have My Own Babies

2012-01-13T14:31:00.000+08:00

This was what I told Mom and Dad the other day:

When I grow up one day,

I am going to have my own babies.

I will have twins!

They will be girls, and their names shall be

Ariel and Rapunzel.

When I go to work, Mom will take care of the babies

Just like Nai-Nai is taking care of me now.

When I go out shopping, Mom will also have to baby-sit them.

I will have to learn to care for them,

Like changing their diapers.

But if their diapers get too stinky,

I will ask Dad to do it for me.

I hope I will be a good mom to my babies

Just like my Mom being so good to me.

Sam's Fave Song (for now)

2012-01-10T13:47:00.003+08:00

This is my favorite song.

It is called "If I Die Young"

And it is sung by The Band Perry, which is made up of Kimberley Perry and her two brothers.

I like this so much that I play it over and over again on my Dad's phone.

I even know the lyrics to the song, so I can sing along.

Well, Grandma didn't like me singing this song as she thought it is a bad song about death.

So Mom and Dad said not to sing it in front of Grandma.

So when I accidentally sang it in front of Grandma and she freaked out,

I said sorry and that Mom and Dad had asked me not to sing in front of her!

(This got Dad into trouble, but that is another story)

Anyway, I love the video.

I love the part where the singers are running in the backyard.

I also like this clip from the Grand Ole Opry where they performed.

Dad said he has been to the Grand Ole Opry.

He is a big country music fan.

I asked Mom and Dad if we could go there some day to see them perform.

They said it is real far away.

So for now, Dad suggested I write the Band Perry a fan letter.

Cool idea, Dad!

(stay tuned for more)

Mom's Awful Fall!

2012-01-09T14:14:00.002+08:00

Look at what has happened to Mom's right foot.

Look at that swell!

It's because Mom had a fall, the week before Christmas!

She misjudged a step while we were in Damai

And she fell, causing her to sprain her foot!

I felt bad becuz I had asked her to carry me,

And she fell with me in her arms.

I wasn't hurt

Only becuz Mom took the brunt of the fall.

It made me feel bad, so I went into the closet to cry.

But Mom said it wasn't my fault

And gave me a big hug and kiss.

Although it made me feel better,

I knew Mom was hurting.

She had to walk around on crutches

And she could not go to work!

She even had to go to get her foot massaged.

It was real painful for her,

And I didn't want to be there to look at her going through the pain.

I tried to help her as much as I could.

Like I would fetch her water when she was lying down,

And I tried not to bother her with things I could do on my own.

I also had to get down from the car to open the gates when we got home,

And to make sure Momo and Sasha don't sneak out.

Boy, was that a tough job!

Cody and I got the wheel chair for her when we went to the mall.

I pushed her around, and it was quite fun, actually.

Cody had some fun with her crutches too.

You know Cody!

I hope you get well soon, Mom!

Hanging Out with Cody and Claudia

2012-01-03T15:10:00.000+08:00

School holidays again.

Which means time for Cody and Claudia!

I went to Singapore with Nai-Nai for a week and spent time with my favorite cousins.

Then I was off to KL with my Mom and Dad for a family vacation.

Got back, and found that Cody and Claudia were visiting!

It is always good times with these two.

We hung out together all day long.

Went to the crocodile farm...

Rode the boat across the river (I was too scared to do that)...

Chilled out at the beach...

And we even went trekking in the jungle.

Shot pool.

Cody is a pool shark... can you tell?

Played the bongo drums

And sang karaoke.

I wished everyday was a holiday.

Sam at Sunway Lagoon

2011-12-29T12:46:00.000+08:00

We went to Sunway Lagoon recently.

I totally loved it...

Becuz it was a huge water playground!

We spent hours in this place!

There was even a mini zoo.

I told Mom and Dad that I'd like to come back here again!

The Thing that came from the water to eat

2011-12-23T13:28:00.000+08:00

Up from the pool...

To the breakfast table.

Progress in the Pool

2011-12-20T10:15:00.000+08:00

I am getting better at swimming.

I am not limited to the baby pool any more.

I am also much more comfortable in the water.

See, I can go from one end of the pool to the other.

But I can't seem to use my arms to do the strokes

And I can't get the breathing right yet.

So right now, I just glide like a mermaid.

I will get it right though!

Sam Performs 'The Little Einsteins', and Other Kiddie TV Show Themes

2011-12-09T10:57:00.001+08:00

The Little Einsteins

A Ballet Performance by Samantha Zoe Lim

Jake and the Neverland Pirates

A Flag-Waving Performance by Samantha Zoe Lim

Ben 10

A Performance by Samantha Zoe Lim

Making Christmas Cards

2011-12-07T15:59:00.001+08:00

Christmas is just around the corner.

Dad said we will make our own Christmas cards this year!

Here's how I made a card for my friend Eri:

First, Dad got colored cards, glue, envelopes and glitter pens to make the cards with.

Then, Mom cut up the cards and folded them.

She also cut up some green Christmas trees.

I put them all together.

I messed up a couple of the cards.

I glued the tree onto the back instead of the front!

So Dad said I needed some guidance.

He wrote out the words in pencil

And I traced them out with the glitter pens.

This one looked pretty good.

A purple colored card with a green Christmas tree.

Then Dad said it was a little messy inside,

So we had to do over.

This time Dad cut up bright orange cards.

He bought some Christmas gift wrap.

I chose a picture and Dad cut it out for me.

I glued it, together with some snow flakes and Christmas trees.

Like this:

On the inside, I wrote (with Dad's help):

Dad said he'd mail it soon.

It's going to the USA

That's a LOOOOOOONG way away!

I hope Eri likes it!

Sam on the Phone

2011-11-30T11:03:00.001+08:00

"Hello, who is this?"

This is Daddy. Who is this?

"This is Sammie."

Hey Sammie, what's up?

"Is this the wrong number?"

This is Dad. How can this be the wrong number?

"Daddy, I want to tell you something."

Yeah?

"Listen to this. It's Phineas and Ferb."

Wait! I don't wanna... Don't put me on hold!

(Sam puts the phone next to the TV, with Phineas and Ferb playing).

Sam! Sam!

SAM!

(Five minutes later).

"Did you like that?"

Sam, put Nai-Nai and on the line, I need to talk to Nai-Nai.

"Nai Nai is busy."

What is she doing?

"She is watching TV."

Can you get her on the phone please? I need to talk to her.

"She is busy, Dad. Listen to this. It's Jake and the Never Land Pirates."

No, Sam!

DOH!

Report Card

2011-11-18T13:03:00.001+08:00

It's the end of the school, year

Which means time for the report card again.

I got mostly GOOD and VERY GOOD grades.

But I did not do very well in Mandarin.

Just a SATISFACTORY for oral Mandarin

And I NEED IMPROVEMENT for written Mandarin.

I need to buck up.

Still, Mom and Dad are happy.

And so am I!

A Most Important Question

2011-11-14T12:44:00.001+08:00

It was a matter of time before I'd ask this question.

Mom and Dad always wondered when would be a good time to tell me.

Well, I guess the time has come.

I asked:

"Where did I come from?"

And

"Mom, how did I get out of your tummy?"

I had seen old photographs of Mom and Dad many times before,

And wondered why I was not there.

When I asked where I was,

Mom and Dad said I wasn't born yet.

"Was I in your tummy then?" I'd asked.

Mom just said no.

Then I had asked Mom and Dad what I was like as a baby,

And how I came to be called Samantha.

I was getting near to the question, but not asking it.

Until the other night when I asked Mom if I had come out of her tummy.

So Mom and Dad decided it was time to explain it all to me.

Mom said I was born from the tummy of another woman.

I asked what her name was, and Mom said she can't remember.

Mom said the lady was not able to keep me,

So Mom and Dad adopted me as their own.

Mom and Dad brought me home because they wanted to take care of me.

They loved me and they wanted me to be theirs.

They have always been my Mommy and my Daddy.

It does not matter that I did not come out of my Mom's tummy.

I am still my Mom and Dad's baby!

Random Pics from Sam's Cam

2011-11-10T13:00:00.000+08:00

Dad gave me his old camera to play with.

So I go around snapping pictures of people and things around me.

Here are some of them.

My Yeh-Yeh.

Back of my Dad's head.

Around town.

My Bear.

Around town again.

Passing cars.

Momo and Dad's legs.

My Grandma.

My other Grandma.

A piece of my sandal that came off.

The things that go into my sandals.

Balloon in the house.

Stay tuned for more.

Ballet Fuss

2011-10-31T12:27:00.002+08:00

Mom and Dad wanted me to go for ballet lessons.

They said it would be good for me as it would help with my posture

(Mom is real worried about my hunch).

Besides, they just know that I love dancing and performing.

Well, only problem was that I was not very keen.

In fact, I was pretty ADAMANT not to go.

It might have been because we had gone to the ballet school for a look-see

And for some reason, I did not like what I saw.

So, I told Mom and Dad I did not want to go... no way!

But Mom asked how I would know I didn't like it if I did not try it?

So, off we went to sign up.

On the way I cried and wailed until my eyes turned red

But Mom was determined to get me to try.

Sure enough, when we got there

And saw all the little girls in their cute tutus,

I brightened up!

I hurried to change into the cute pink costume and into my first ballet class I went!

It turned out to be a most fun experience!

"I thought you didn't want to go," Mom said. "Aren't you going to cry some more?"

"Mom!" said I. "Don't say that! I love ballet!"

And so I did.

Well, I guess this goes to show that Mom knows best.

Swimming Progress

2011-10-27T13:09:00.001+08:00

I am making progress in my swimming.

I can hold my breath longer underwater.

I really like swimming!

Check this out.

Daddy Still Calls Me Baby

2011-10-21T12:18:00.000+08:00

I am five years old

... but Daddy still calls me 'baby.'

I am already going to school,

I know my alphabets and my numbers

... but Daddy still calls me 'baby.'

I can count to 100,

I can sing the Fairly Odd Parents theme,

And I can ride my scooter,

... but Daddy still calls me 'baby.'

I can brush my own teeth,

Put on my socks by myself,

And pour Ribena all by myself,

... but Daddy still calls me 'baby.'

In public when Dad calls me 'baby'

I remind him not to do so.

But at home when he does so,

I am real glad.

Although I don't want others to hear me being called a 'baby'

I still really want to be my Dad's baby.

Even as I will grow older and smarter,

I know I will forever be

My Daddy's baby.

Reading ...

2011-10-14T13:15:00.001+08:00

I love books.

I have loved books since I was small.

One of my favorite things is to be read to.

Mom does that for me every night

Before I go to sleep.

Mom says soon I will have to read for myself.

I have learned many words and I should be able to read well soon.

So Mom takes every opportunity to help me read.

I can only imagine what it would be like when I learn to read by myself.

I'd be able to read anything, not just books!

Why, I would be able to read the instructions on the games in the iPhone,

And I would be able to read the websites on the Internet too!

In the meantime, I will have to keep flipping the pages!

Mouse in the House 2

2011-10-07T12:46:00.000+08:00

Another mouse in the house!

I remember we had a mouse in our house a while back.

Well, here comes another one!

Mom and Dad got the cage out quick

And dangled a piece of bread as bait.

They put it out overnight

And we scampered upstairs to bed

(Well, actually I was the one scampering as I was scared).

The next morning when we woke up,

This was what we found!

He looked scared and restless.

Dad gave him some pieces of bread,

And then after work,

Mom and Dad drove him a ways off and let him go

Off into the bushes by the side of the road.

Bye, mousie!

Sleeping by Myself

2011-09-29T17:45:00.000+08:00

Mom has to travel out of town to work sometimes.

She usually goes for a few days or a week,

But sometimes she goes for almost two weeks.

When she is away, I sleep over at Nai-Nai's.

Which I like

Because I get to watch a lot of television,

Play games on the iPod

And eat all kinds of stuff.

On the weekends I come home with Dad.

The last time Mom went out of town to work,

I could not sleep well because Dad was snoring.

Real loud.

I woke him up a few times

But it didn't help.

So the next night, Dad asked me to sleep by myself.

He would sleep in the next room.

He said everything would be fine

And that he would come by and check on me in the night.

I was too tired to argue with him

(I did not get much sleep the night before)

And so I just went to bed.

I slept through the whole night.

The next morning, Dad said,

"See, it's no big deal to sleep by yourself!"

When Mom got home, I proudly told her that I slept on my own.

"You did great, Sam," Mom said.

I sure did.

At the Movies- The Smurfs

2011-09-14T15:47:00.000+08:00

I have been waiting for this movie for a while now...

The Smurfs!

I was real excited when Mom and Dad said they would take me to the theater to see it.

This would be my second movie at the theater.

I even skipped swimming lessons for this.

We got there and went to get tickets, but the early shows were sold out.

So we bought tickets for the 3D show!

When the lights dimmed and then movie started,

I got a a little scared.

That was because the sound was too loud.

I don't like anything that is loud.

So I held my ears and sat real still.

After about a minute, I told Mom to take me home.

Mom said to hang on, it would get better soon.

Sure enough, it got better after that.

I was laughing along with the audience

And having a great time.

Half-way through the movie, I told Dad:

"We should come to the theater everyday."

Guess I am a fan of the movies now.

Meghan Cheered Me Up

2011-09-07T16:18:00.000+08:00

One day while Meghan was here,

I was feeling down.

So I sat in a corner and sulked.

Meghan came and cheered me up.

This was how she did it.

I guess this is one reason I like Meghan so much.

Why, I even gave her one of my favorite toys- The singing Microphone!

And I let her hold my Bear while she drinks her milk.

I never ever let anyone else hold my Bear like that!

I wished she was here.

Sam's pics of Meghan

2011-09-05T12:30:00.000+08:00

When Meghan was here,

I took some pictures with my camera

(Dad's old camera that he has given to me to play with).

Above: Meghan on the right, her mommy standing behind her.

Below: This is what the top of Meghan's head looks like.

Below: Meghan being carried by her grandma.

Can you see her?

It is hard to take pics of babies becuz they move so much.

It is easier when they sit down and are still.

This is Uncle Alfred with Meghan.

And Meghan sleeping.

Next time, I will take a picture of her feet.

Swimming Lessons

2011-09-02T13:47:00.000+08:00

Mom has signed me for swimming.

I am learning to kick.

Check out my arm strokes.

I can only turn my arms over once or twice before I have to get up for air.

Coach said I will have to learn to breathe.

I still have a long way to go.

Dad said my hair is wet, and that's good.

Meghan's Visit

2011-09-02T13:07:00.000+08:00

This is Meghan.

This is Meghan smiling.

Isn't she adorable?

She is one year and eight months old.

Well, Meghan and her parents came to town to visit us.

I was really excited as I really like Meghan.

When I visited her in Miri,

We got along real fine!

Now that she is in town,

I get to be the host!

I got some of my toys ready for her.

I even asked Nai-Nai to wash Woofie and Mommy Cat

In case Meghan wants to play with them.

We had a great time.

She treated me just like Claudia treats me,

Like a sister.

I took care of her

And showed her around.

I held her hand when we were out

And made sure I kept an eye on her all the time.

I slept over in Nai-Nai's house

Just so I could spend more time with her.

She imitates me when I do things.

Like pinch my nose or hold up my arms,

Or when I make a silly face.

Mom said I need to be a good example

So that she won't pick up a bad habit!

I guess it's not that easy being an older sister,

But I love it!

Sneaky Sam

2011-08-23T14:24:00.000+08:00

Mom and Dad are growing increasingly suspicious of me.

They think I am getting sneakier by the day.

They have a point.

Like the other day, I said to Dad as we were walking toward a 7-Eleven:

"Dad, my brain is driving me crazy."

Oh, how come?

"It is making me want to eat junk food."

Oh, really?

"Can we buy some junk food, Dad?"

Just like that.

Or the times I told Mom to go do her shopping

And leave me alone with Nai-Nai.

(Nai-Nai buys me stuff that Mom and Dad won't).

And the time Mom caught me trying to smuggle toys to school in my basket.

I hid it under the books and my lunch box,

And I covered it with my jacket.

Dad was clueless, but Mom knew something was up.

I was busted that time,

But it did not stop me from trying again.

If you think this is adventurous,

Wait till I become a teenager.

Kiddie-Leaks: The Day Sam Smuggled a Camera to School.

2011-08-15T16:26:00.000+08:00

I had tried to sneak things into school.

Things I was not supposed to bring.

Like my Rapunzel book,

And my Princess dvd movie.

I got caught each and every time by my Mom

Even before we left the house.

Until last week.

Operation Camera-Smuggle was planned in advanced.

To avoid detection, I decided to use Nai-Nai's house as a base instead.

Since I figured that Nai-Nai was easier to fool.

This was how it went down.

Dad gave me his old camera so I could take pictures.

I thought this would be great in school.

I waited for the night I was going to sleep in Nai-Nai's house,

And sprung the operation from there.

I sneaked in the camera into my basket

Under the books and lunch box.

No way Nai-Nai was going to look in there.

I mentioned nothing to anyone.

Just another regular school day.

For the first time, you'll know what goes on inside

A kindy class room.

These are the pictures.

Princess Books

2011-08-11T12:28:00.000+08:00

We went to a used book sale and I picked up a bunch of books.

Look!

They are all books about Princesses.

I love them all.

Every night as I lay in bed,

Mom reads them to me.

I know all the characters and the stories.

I see them on TV too,

Especially the Disney Channel.

Mom and Dad hope I will learn to read

So that I can read all these by myself one day!

Bear 3.0

2011-08-09T13:33:00.000+08:00

One day when I got home and sat on the bed,

Mouse was startled:

"Who is that?" she said.

Why, this is my Bear of course.

"No, it is not," said Mouse. "It is not Bear."

Oh, yes it is.

"Bear has a yellow patch on her chest," Mouse said."This one doesn't."

Oh, silly Mouse. Nai-Nai just fixed up my Bear.

She sewed on a purplish patch where the yellow used to be.

It is still Bear!

Nai-Nai fixes up my Bear once in a while.

She (Bear) is old and scraggly.

So Nai-Nai makes sure she stays in tip-top shape.

Nai-Nai even replaced the old ribbon

With a new sturdy one.

Thank you, Nai-Nai!

School Concert

2011-08-08T12:20:00.000+08:00

It is time!

After weeks of practices and rehearsals,

It was time for our school concert!

I wore the shirt we were supposed to wear,

And my new shoes too!

Mom and Dad made sure I ate before the performance.

Then Mom put make-up on me.

This was my favorite part.

I have always wanted to make up,

But Mom said I was too small.

So now was my chance.

Eyeliner...

Puffing up my cheeks...

And lipstick.

Looks like I am ready to go.

When we got to school, we had to wait in a room

Together with all my friends.

Then when it was time to start,

We were seated near the stage,

with Eva Evangeline, Keira, and Kimberley.

The boys were there too...

Duncan, William and Benedict.

Here's our performance.

As you can see, I really wanted to hold the microphone.

I had been excited since they let us hold a real microphone!

Mom and Dad said I did well

Although there were some problems with the microphone.

I had a great time,

And I would love to perform again in the future!

Fairy Tales, Princesses and Rapunzel

2011-07-29T13:00:00.001+08:00

I like Fairy Tales and Princesses

I see them on TV and in books

That Mom read to me every night in bed.

My favorite is Rapunzel.

She is not really a princess,

But she is gorgeous like one!

See her long, golden hair.

See how she behaves like a Princess.

Why, I'd like to think of myself as a Princess too.

So Mom tells me I need to speak properly,

Like a Princess would.

And sit up straight, say 'please' and 'thank you'

Like a proper Princess would.

In the fairy tale story,

A wicked witch has put Rapunzel in a tower.

She could not come down.

Then one day, a Prince came galloping on a horse .

Rapunzel let down her long hair

So the prince could climb up and rescue her!

Oh, what a marvellous story!

Mom said I am her Rapunzel

And Dad said I am his Princess.

My New Friend, Eri

2011-07-19T13:18:00.001+08:00

I made a new friend.

Her name is Eri.

She is twelve years old.

Eri's mom is my Mom's best friend, Aunty Bey Shyuan.

They used to go to school together

And were close friends.

"How's it going?" asked Eri.

She talks funny like that sometimes.

That's because she lives in America with her mom and dad.

Her dad is Japanese

But they have lived in the US for more than ten years now!

She is here to visit her grand parents.

She is very nice to me.

We went to her room and we watched a movie together.

She feels kinda bored here because she does not have friends here.

So I guess I am her only friend in town!

Mom took us to the mall to get Eri a swim suit

So we could go to the pool.

Eri can swim very well.

I am so glad to have made a new friend in Eri!

Diving into the Pool

2011-07-18T12:51:00.000+08:00

I am taking swimming lessons and learning stuff

Including diving into the pool!

Watch this...

You have to yell 'Jump!' before you dive in

More to come.

My Line

2011-07-05T13:42:00.000+08:00

"The park is so dirty. It is full of rubbish.

There are flies and rats everywhere!"

This is the line that I am learning for my school play.

Mom makes me recite it once in a while so I would remember it.

It looks simple, but I mess it up most of the time.

I would say: "Look the park is so dirty.

There is rubbish and flies and rats everywhere."

Not exactly right, so Mom makes me say it the way it was written.

Then I'd try again: "Look the park is full of rubbish and flies and rats are everywhere."

I have a long way to go with this.

I Want a Baby

2011-07-04T13:45:00.000+08:00

When I grow up, I want to have my own baby.

This is what I told my Mom and Dad.

"You'd have to really grow up first," said Daddy.

"And get married. Who do you want to marry?"

I told Dad I wanted to marry Jolene.

He didn't think it was a good idea,

So I said I would marry my classmate, Hugo.

Dad asked what I would name my baby, and would it be a boy or a girl.

A girl, definitely a girl,

And her name shall be Mary.

When I go out of town to work, Mom would take care of my baby for me.

She would have to feed her, play with her and change her diapers.

Dad said I am growing up too fast.

Sore Loser

2011-06-28T13:14:00.000+08:00

I hate losing.

I want to win in everything.

And I want to win all the time.

When we go to the mall,

I want to be the first to get to there.

I ask my Dad to take the elevator (it is slower)

While I run up the stairs (it is faster).

Then I wait for him at the door,

And I go "I win! I win!" when he shows up.

When Dad and I play 'Kick the ball',

I always win.

(Dad pretends to miss the ball,

But I still win all the same).

But when I lose,

I get upset.

Even when we play Snakes and Ladders,

I have to win.

Mom goes up the ladder real quick

While I keep getting bit by the snake.

Mom got to the finish line first,

So I sat and sulked.

I hate losing.

Sometimes I cheat in order to win.

Like when I throw the dice and I get a two,

I move three or four spaces instead!

Dad goes ballistic and calls me a cheater.

Then I get all upset and sulk.

Mom says it is good to always try your best to win.

But, she says, you cannot win all the time.

It is okay to lose.

You can try again, and try harder the next time.

And whatever you do, you should never cheat.

I have a lot to learn.

Turning Five

2011-06-20T12:46:00.000+08:00

On the morning of my birthday, I woke up and asked my Dad,

"Am I 5 years old yet?

See... my legs can reach up to there."

"Oh, yeah.." said Dad. "Let me check."

He pulled my legs long and said, "Yup."

Then he said, "Raise your arms."

I did, and Dad measured them.

"Hmmm.." he said.

"Now, let me check behind the ears," he said looking at my ear lobe.

"A little wet behind the ears...

But by golly, you are indeed 5 YEARS OLD, Sam!" he declared.

And so I turned 5.

Being five means a lot to me.

It means I can do more things now.

Like taking swimming lessons.

The swimming instructors wouldn't take kids under five.

So, now that I have hit the magic number,

Mom will be signing me up soon.

I can't wait because I want to swim with Cody and Ian the next time I see them.

Mom even bought me a new swim suit!

Being five also means I will be learning more stuff at school.

It is getting tougher.

I have to learn to spell and read

... And to do it all in English, Chinese and Malay!

Dad said I am going to have some responsibilities

And things to do

To help around the house.

I have been very helpful, of course...

So I look forward to helping out more!

Mom and dad told me that although I am growing up fast,

I will always be their baby

(Just remember not to call me baby when we are with others though, ok?)

I will always be their little princess too.

They love me more today than the first day we met.

Mom and Dad will always be there to help me

And to guide me with each passing year.

Six is not too far away...

Report Card Again

2011-06-13T15:12:00.000+08:00

At the end of every term, I get a report card.

So far, I did not have to hide it from my Mom and Dad.

That's because I have been doing pretty good.

This last term was no exception.

"G" and "VG" are the order of the day.

Except for a "S" for Oral Mandarin.

The teacher also said I am bright and always ready to volunteer.

Mom and Dad said that probably means I am a 'busy-body'.

I hope I can keep this going.

Don't Call Me Baby

2011-06-09T12:56:00.000+08:00

I am the baby in my family.

Always has been.

I am coming to five years old,

But Mom and Dad still call me 'baby.'

Well, that is about to change.

One day, whilst in Singapore, with Cody and Claudia around,

Dad called me baby,

Like he always does.

"Don't call me baby," I said to Dad.

He would forget a few times,

And I would remind him again and again.

"So when can we call you baby?" Mom had to ask.

"Only when Mommy and Daddy are around.

Nai-Nai and Yeh-Yeh are ok,

So are Grandpa and grandma,

Uncle Alfred and Uncle Tony.

Other than that, don't call me baby."

When Cody's mom called him baby, I laughed at him though,

But that is another story.

Just remember, don't call me baby.

At Universal Studios

2011-06-07T13:33:00.000+08:00

Whilst in Singapore, you should visit Universal Studios

That was what everyone told us.

Everyone was excited about coming here

But not me.

Places like this tend to be scary.

They are loud

There are big, big things

Like statues and dinosaurs

And you are bound to come across someone in a furry costume.

Like this guy standing so tall.

"Mom, I don't want to take a picture with this Indian," I said.

"He an Egyptian, Sam," said Mom.

Whatever.

Dad likes dinosaurs

So we were bound to come here.

He checked with Cody,

"Cody, will this ride here be scary for Sam? Will there be loud noises and frightening things like dinosaurs jumping out from the trees?

"No," said the boy who did not wince once in a roller-coaster ride.

"Nothing scary at all. Sam will be alright."

So we lined up to take the Jurassic Park ride.

We lined up for two hours.

The ride was like 15 minutes.

Of course I had no idea what was going on because I had my ears and eyes covered the whole time as it was too loud,

There were big 'ole menacing dinosaurs that jumped out from trees,

We got splashed wet,

And we were in a darkened tunnel half the time.

"YAY!"

It did get better.

There were castles too.

And the Madagascar ride was not too bad

(although it was quite loud as well).

Cody and Mom went up on the scariest ride ever.

The Battlestar Galacticca roller-coaster ride.

Dad and I watched from outside.

We saw people strapped to the crazy machine

As it turned and twisted up and down, here and there.

"Hey Dad, there's Mom! Can you see her?"

"Is she the one that is screaming?"

"Yup."

Of course, Dad was too chicken to even go on the ride.

Cody, on the other hand, rode it TWICE.

Well, my kind of ride goes round and round and round

Like a merry-go-round.

Nothing scary here.

Oh, I did catch a glimpse of Kung Fu Panda,

And Frankenstein

And Woody Woodpecker.

Amazingly, I was not scared of Woody.

I even went near him and checked out his shirt.

Nothing scary about a bird in a blue suit.

Off to See Cody and Claudia!

2011-06-06T14:38:00.000+08:00

Around this time every year

I get excited

Becuz it is time to visit my brother and my sister

Cody and Claudia!

Mom, dad and I flew to Singapore.

And we spent a few days with my Uncle Christopher and his family.

Singapore is a great place to visit

But all I was looking forward to was my Ko-Ko and my Che-Che,

And the pool at their apartment!

If it was up to me,

I would spend every minute of every day at this pool.

But of course, there were places to go (Dad),

Shoppings to do (Mom)

And things to eat (everyone seems to like to eat).

Thank goodness I had my Cody and my Claudia with me.

They played with me,

Took care of me,

And gave me good companionship

(They also endured my bossy ways).

These are the best things about having someone to look up to,

Someone to talk to, share a joke or goof around with.

It is only once a year I get to see them,

But these are always the best days of my life.

I keep the moments I share with them close to my heart.

I recall our laughs and our cheers

And each memory of them makes me happy.

Nai Nai at the Hospital

2011-05-24T16:06:00.000+08:00

What's wrong with my Nai-Nai?

She's in the hospital!

She has a bad knee.

It hurts when she walks.

It got worse, and she could not bear the pain,

So she went to the doctor.

The doc examined her and X-rayed her.

He said she has to get it operated on.

Oh no!

But dad said not to worry,

Cuz he had his knee done a while ago,

So Nai Nai would be good to go!

In the meantime, I tried to be helpful.

I brought her some water when she found it hard to walk.

And I held her hand to help her get around the house.

I went to visit Nai-Nai after her surgery.

She looked okay.

She had to stay in the hospital a few days so the doctors could take care of her.

Since she couldn't take care of me,

I'd have to stay with my Grandpa and Grandma.

I miss my Nai-Nai.

I hope she recovers soon

And come back home.

Whining... Sulking... Crying...

2011-05-19T14:41:00.000+08:00

Cry... cry... cry...

That is what I do if I don't get my way.

Dad, I want the Push Pops!

No, that is junk food. It's no good for you.

PLEASE, DAD...

Pretty, pretty, please....

Just one time... pleeeeeaseee.....

No, Sam. Now no more whining.

WOAHHHH!!!!

cry...cry...cry...

Mom, I want KFC. Can we go to KFC?

You know the answer to that, Sam.

You are getting fat.

WOAHHHHHHH!

cry...cry...cry....

Dad, I want ice-cream.

Nope.

You will be coughing again if you have any more ice-cream!

I am going to stay here until you buy me ice-cream.

*SULK!*

Suit yourself. We are going. Bye, see ya.

WOAHHH!!!!!!

cry...cry...cry....

Mom and Dad can't stand my whining and crying sometimes.

So they make me promise not to ask to buy this and that when we go out.

Growing up is hard

When you can't have your way all the time.

I have a Question... or Two...

2011-05-16T10:12:00.000+08:00

Sam: Hey Mom and Dad,

I'd like to ask...

If I came out from the tummy,

How did I get in there?

Mom: Uhh...

Dad: God put you in there.

You were small like a seed.

Sam: Ok, so why did you name me Samantha?

Dad: Well, we looked at the baby,

And we asked, 'Is your name Adeline?'

Sam: No.

Dad: 'Betsy?'

Sam: No.

Dad: 'Christina?'

Sam: No.

Dad: 'Well, you do look like a Samantha.

Is your name Samantha?'

Sam: YES!

Dad: And so, your name shall be Samantha.

Hmmm....

Uncle Alfred's Birthday

2011-05-10T12:57:00.000+08:00

Uncle Alfred invited us to his birthday dinner.

I wore my prettiest pink dress.

So Mom and Dad and I decided to buy him a cake.

Secretly.

Knowing I was not good at keeping secrets,

Dad reminded me (he whispered in my ear)

Not to say anything until after the dinner was over.

I smiled and giggled a lot but I did not say anything.

Then after dinner, I asked Uncle Alfred to close his eyes

Cuz they were about to bring out the cake.

"No peeping!" I said.

Then as they put the cake on the table, I yelled out

"SURPRISE!"

Uncle Alfred (acted) surprised.

"Wow," he said.

"Did you buy this for me? Thank you so much Sam."

As usual, I helped to blow out the candle.

There was just one candle.

Mom said there won't be enough room on the cake

If we tried to put in all the candles.

"Are you one year old?" I asked Uncle Alfred, laughing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE ALFRED!