Lexus Cup 2008

In an effort to induce labour, I spent the afternoon walking the Singapore Island Country Club, Bukit Course while enjoying the LPGA Lexus Cup event.  I picked up Annika Sorenstam and partner, Angela Stanford (Team International) paired with Jeong Jang and Candice Kung (Team Asia) on the 9th hole and followed them through to the end.  I wore my bright yellow shirt in support of Annika's Swedish nationality and thought that I would be easy to spot on the golf highlights that way too!  It is Annika Sorenstam's second last tournament before retiring so it was great to get to see her play!

Annika Sorenstam selecting a club in preparation for a shot.

You could always pick out Team Asia's clubs - they had the most colourful covers!

One last look at the scoreboard before I called it a day.

Missing

Missing:  A pair of ankles.  Last seen about two weeks ago (yes, I can still see my feet).  Water retention believed to be the culprit.  If found, please call immediately.

Of course, I don't have much to complain about if this is my biggest problem!  No backache, contractions or sleepless nights to report!

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Who knew there more tourist attractions in Singapore than the shopping malls?  Yesterday, I met the girls from my prenatal class at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a lovely and quiet spot located in the heart of the city.  Of course, we were all too busy chatting in the food court area to actually see the gardens but I did manage one photo!  

Tanglin Gate, the entrance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, established in 1859

38 Weeks

I cannot believe that I have been in Singapore for over three weeks already!  The days have gone by so quickly. After a week of hanging out with Kevin, he returned to Ho Chi Minh City early this morning. Kevin spent many hours talking to my stomach, trying to coax the little guy out while he was in town. Of course, I then needed to remind both of them that it would be much better to wait until at least Saturday when my doctor is back in town. But, there is only one person in control now! 

In other news, Kevin has renamed the baby. Kevin can now feel all parts of him so he believes that Cleatus the Fetus no longer works as his name (I must say that I was rather happy to try a new nickname out). Since he is baby-size now (+7 lbs), Kevin has chosen to call him Little Buddy which quickly turned into Gilligan.

  

We also have moved. We have not exactly moved far... only three floors up.  After mentioning that I had cockroaches in my apartment, the manager looked into other available suites. Can you believe that they asked me if they were the small cockroaches or the big cockroaches?  I mean, does it really matter?? We were shown this suite being held for us and it turns out that it must be at least three times the size of our first apartment. So, even though it had been a week since I spotted any of my friendly cockroaches, we decided to move. The move turned out to be pretty easy. We tossed all our stuff into the crib and wheeled it out! The spare room is so far from our master bedroom now that I do not even think guests would be awaken by a crying baby! I can just see Kim and Jo-Ann and all our friends with new babies saying how I have no idea how loud the little ones can be!

The new apartment looking from the dining room, through to the living room, office and into the master bedroom. The kitchen is behind me and the huge spare room is down a hallway even further behind me... read as 'yes, we welcome guests'.

38 weeks today! I am excited for my doctor's appointment on Saturday morning because the little guy is feeling much lower... maybe he is getting prepared for an appearance before the expected delivery date!

On the Town with the Thompsons

Gary and Peggy came to Singapore for a shopping weekend (right, Gary?!).  We had a great dinner at Boat Quay last night and enjoyed the cool breeze and views up the Singapore River.

Gary, Peggy, Lori & Kevin waiting for our Singapore Slings (well, most of us...)

The view from Boat Quay across the Singapore River with City Hall the Asian Civilization Museum in the background.

Singapore's icon, the Merlion 

Irony...

As we were walking out of our prenatal class this week, this is what we saw... 

Isn't this how we got into all this in the first place?

37 Weeks

Our baby is now considered full term having reached 37 weeks so he could come at anytime now. I have had a few more 'practice' surges but not much else to report.  He still hasn't dropped or descended but my doctor told me that with first time moms this can happen just before going into labour too.  

I have been trying to get things checked off my list in case he decides to arrive early but generally, I am feeling relaxed and enjoying this special time with him.  Kevin arrives back from Kuala Lumpur tonight so we will have the next four days together in Singapore (and more if the little guy decides to make an early appearance while Dad is in town).

The Rockz

While on a break from baby gear shopping yesterday, we picked up an early Christmas gift to ourselves, a WII and Guitar Hero.  The guy at the shop talked us into getting everything... do you want a remote charger?  Sure.  What about an extra guitar?  Why not.  So, here we are with a baby coming and no stroller or crib sheets but a new gaming system!  The Rockz (our band) spent the afternoon playing gigs at various venues from the comfort of our living room.  Kevin was on fire.  Luckily, I will have some time to practice over the next couple of weeks (I do not want to get thrown out of the band).

The baby seemed to react well to Guitar Hero except for the occasional kick when I missed a note.

On the bass and ready to rock... 

Sunday Lunch

In honour of our final group prenatal class, we enjoyed a Chinese lunch out in Singapore.  It was great meeting other expecting couples in Singapore, including four couples who also are due in December.

In an effort to find a more natural birthing/prenatal class, this class was on hypnobirthing - a technique which focuses parents on gentle birth using relaxation and visualization. 

The prenatal group including our instructor and doula, Ginny, with her son, Kerian.

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

... with the exception of the snow, cold weather and people dressed in winter coats and scarves!

The Orchard Road Christmas display, Singapore

Weekend with the Haases

My first visitors, Kevin, Brenda and Adelina, arrived on Saturday morning from Ho Chi Minh to spend the weekend in Singapore. Thanks so much for taking me around and showing me the city! Brenda and Kevin had Adelina in Singapore ~2 years ago so they are a wealth of knowledge regarding all the necessary baby items to get and where to find them.  Some of the weekend highlights included a trip to IKEA and a lunch of Swedish meatballs, our numerous Starbucks stops and enjoying all the Christmas trees and decorations with Adelina.

Kevin, Adelina, and Brenda on Orchard Road.

The View from the Balcony

Our Singapore apartment location is great.  The efficient underground MRT system is outside the building and there are numerous shopping spots just minutes away.  There is a large construction site in the Marine area just across the street but, unlike Vietnam, I am happy to report that the work does not continue through the night!

Looking down at the mouth of the Singapore River with the Singapore Flyer (similar to the London Eye) lit up in the distance.  The lights at the bottom right of the photo are at the large construction site.

The view off our bedroom balcony towards city hall and the heart of the central business district.

Soup for Dinner?

On our search for dinner last night, we came across this little gem...

As tempting as the menu was, we gave this place a pass.

Better Than IKEA

We made our first Singapore baby purchase while Kevin was in town (no delivery necessary). Kevin took great pride in setting up the playpen which will serve as an additional sleeping cot on our main floor and bassinet in our bedroom back in Ho Chi Minh.  

Kevin and the playpen - the children's floor mat came with the apartment and should keep Kevin occupied for hours.

Singapore Sling

Okay, so I have not been able to indulge in the nation's signature drink, but we have had a good weekend getting to know our newest home. 

The construction in Singapore is incredible.  These 50+ cranes are on the site of the new Sands Hotel and Casino.

On our way to the shops on Orchard Road.

The famous Raffles Hotel, not too far away from our less palatial accommodation.

We found the outdoor night market, Lau Pa Sat, just blocks away from our apartment, where the specialty appeared to be satay.  It was delicious!