Hospital Food

To our immense relief, the food served at Frances Perry House was actually of a pretty decent standard. So I thought we could give you guys a break from photo after photo of our darling baby girl, and present a couple of examples of the Frances Perry menu: Roast Turkey with Cranberry Glaze, and Veal Scaloppini. Very yummy! We never went hungry at the hospital, and even though dinner was served at 5.30pm, supper (usually chicken soup) was prepared by Mum and our excellent confinement lady.

KRW, Days Six and Seven

We're back home now, and Kyla's getting used to her bassinet in her Mum and Dad's bedroom. She's also had a couple more baths, with much less screaming than the first time. Meanwhile, Babes has finally had some time to check her emails. More photos from the first few days in the life of Kyla Rose Wong:

KRW, Day Five

Spent the last couple of nights at the hospital with Babes and Kyla, so didn't really have time to post updated pictures. So here now are a few more, including a visual demonstration of Kyla's dancing potential (contract and endorsement enquiries can be addressed to me; don't forget, getting in earlier could save you millions of dollars. Once she's famous, I'll only accept top dollar...) as well as her 'Hallelujah' pose. Merry Christmas everyone, from Bubs, Babes and Kyla Rose Wong!

KRW Day Three

After two evenings of being somewhat restless in the evenings, Kyla was much better today. Ate well, slept lots, you couldn't really ask more, to be honest! She also had her first bath, although we can't say she really enjoyed it that much. Well, not yet anyway. As for the question of who she looks more like... right now I'd say 60% Bubs, 40% Babes. But I'm sure that ratio will keep changing in the days to come...

Kyla Rose Wong, Day Two

Bubs and Babes got to know Kyla a lot better today. To summarise (as I'm ready for some much-needed shuteye), lots of fun but also a fair bit of thick black poo and some crying. It's all good, and we'll slowly get better at changing diapers, swaddling and interpreting her cries. Until the next post, another couple of photos:

Bubs and Babes welcome Kyla Rose Wong!

Gorgeous (if we do say so ourselves!) Kyla, welcome to the world and to our blog! Sorry to anyone who didn't get the SMS, she was born today December 20, 2007 at 8.28am, weighing 3.045kg. KRW (which according to Boon Kit, is the global forex trading abbreviation for Korean Won) and Mum are resting in the hospital, while Bubs has come home just to shower and catch up on blogs/emails before running back to Frances Perry House to spend the night with them. Thanks to everyone for your messages/flowers/gifts/prayers! Here are a few photos for starters...

Zorbie's in here, Part Two (38 weeks, 5 days)

Two days before the Caesarean, here's what Babes' belly looks like. As you can see, Zorbie's grown tons and is just about ready to see the world!
Babes is handling it superbly well, except for grumbling about not eating as much as she usually can, since there's not as much space in there as there usually is. One suspects that she'll be making up for lost time before too long... wonder what the confinement woman has in store for us!

Zorbie's Nursery

We're (almost) ready! Cot's assembled, change table is in place, inflatable baby bath has been inflated, nursery has been decorated, diapers have been purchased. Above the cot is a compilation of pictures taken over the years, including Zorbie's parents, grandparents, uncle, aunties and parents' friends. On the left is a bunch of funky wall decals we found online. And by the way, doesn't Babes look gorgeous?

Thanks, everyone!

Bubs, Babes and Zorbie would just like to say a big Thank You to everyone who has called, SMSed, emailed or posted to send their best wishes, prayers and thoughts. With eight days to go, it looks like the C-section is ON. Babes has been talking to quite a few mums who've been more than happy with the Caesarean experience, so she feels much better. So unless something changes in the next few days, breech babies ROCK :)

12 days to go

The last couple of obstetrician's visits have confirmed that Zorbie is in breech position, which is medicalish for 'she's not facing the right way. Our darling Zorbie hasn't managed to get into the standard upside down position for natural delivery, so we're booked in for a Caesarean section on the morning of December 20th. Dunno if it's because she's a stubborn little girl, or if something (like the umbilical cord) is in her way. Whatever the case may be, we trust she knows exactly what she's doing, and so does God. Anyway, breech babies are supposed to be really smart! Your prayers and thoughts for a smooth procedure are most appreciated...

Phanh and Sodhy's Place

Over the years, Phanh has developed quite a reputation for his culinary abilities. So when he and Sodhy invited us over for dinner last weekend, of course we said yes lah. Actually we've been inviting ourselves over for some time now (since they moved into their lovely new place), and I guess they ran out of excuses. Whatever the case may be, dinner was excellent, as you can see in the pictures below. Thanks for a lovely evening, guys, and enjoy doing up your home!

There goes the neighbourhood

On one of our recent, frequent trips to the obstetrician, we walked past this block of apartments. I noticed this sign outside, and can only assume the neighbours' rental must be pretty cheap. Then again, you just never know considering how inflated the property market in Melbourne is these days. All I know is that I wouldn't live next to the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases if you paid me, AND took care of Zorbie's education for a lifetime...

Where in the world can this be found?

It was bought for us in Ipoh, then we found it in an Asian grocer in Melbourne. Question is, is it also available in San Francisco? Finding it is Dr Fu Manchu's mission, should he choose to accept it...

Zorbie's in here

We've had several requests from friends and family curious to know what Babes' baby bump looks like. So here they are in all their black and white glory, my lovely wife and our darling daughter-to-be. After many weeks of trying, I finally got Babes in the right frame of mind (after yoga, naturally!) to participate in a bit of a photographic exercise. Don't worry, it's not a Demi Moore wannabe shot...

Yummy Thai

We had Angela and Rosanna visiting from New Zealand and Hong Kong respectively over the weekend, and Babes prepared a lovely Thai dinner for all of us one night. The highlight was the red duck curry, which I flooded my rice with. The girls were very impressed, needless to say, and everything was easily finished. Mmm, delicious! On the subject of Thai food, we've yet to find a really, really good Thai place around here. There are a couple of decent places, but nowhere consistently excellent...

Prawn Mee made easy

When I was back in Ipoh, Mum and Dad gave me a packet of Tean's Gourmet Prawn Mee paste, and Babes and I made use of it just the other day. Whaddyaknow, tasted just like the real thing! Bought some prawns, added some pork ribs, taugeh, kangkung, shallots and there we were, Penang hawker stall quality Prawn Mee. And guess what we found at an Asian grocer in Preston today? That's right, Tean's Gourmet Prawn Mee paste. So there'll be another session before too long...

Dry run/dress rehearsal

Thanks to Olivia and Joe for spending an afternoon with me in KL, and for a gentle introduction to the trials and tribulations of looking after a little girl. Your dear Chloe was a lovely, adorable guinea pig for my clumsy attempts at superficial childcare... and if I can lose anywhere near as much weight running after my own daughter as Oli has running after hers, well, I'll be in really good shape!

Prenatal Classes

Bubs and Babes have now attended two of these classes, three and a half hours each. The first one was more hands-on, as you can see from the picture. Babes, of course, is an old hand at this, and had a good laugh at my expense. I, well, took a while to learn how to a) fold the cloth nappies that the hospital will use, before b) putting 'em on the baby (who didn't look too happy about my efforts). Didn't do too badly, I suppose, but I think I need quite a lot more practice... there'll be no shortage of opportunities in a couple of months...

Not-so-private-kitchens in Hong Kong

When in Hong Kong, do as the Beijingers do: order Peking Duck. And so we did, at Hunan Garden in Exchange Square with Jui Kian and Choo Lye, and it was yummy! When in Hong Kong, also enjoy the local desserts. And so we did, heading off to Happy Valley after Hunan Garden for durian puffs, mango and assorted other goodies. Finally when in Hong Kong, also head for yum cha. And so we did, at West Villa in Causeway Bay with Julie and Roger. The yum cha was good, but the almond bun right at the end was absolutely divine!

Life in Hong Kong

I thought I'd break up the stretch of food-related posts with a (very) brief snapshot of what our friends get up to in Hong Kong. For starters, the Nintendo Wii is a crowd favourite. Even Babes got into it, almost falling on Roger while playing tenpin bowling. But here we see Roger and Willy in a full-blooded, no-holds-barred bout of boxing. And here's the real reason why Babes and I went to Hong Kong lah, to take feeding lessons from these cool mothers. Thanks to Joose, Katelyn, Julie and Jamie for showing us how it's done. And Julie and Roger, a huge THANK YOU for your amazing hospitality at your luxurious boutique hotel!

Hong Kong private kitchens, Part Two

The following night, we went to a very well-known place with Julie, Roger, Willy and Joose: Da Ping Huo, one of the first private kitchens around. In many ways, it's quite the opposite of the previous night's Club Qing. Rather spacious, it comes across as more like a restaurant. The minimalist decor too, contrasts sharply with the other's warm wooden feel. And the food? Spicy and strong Sichuan compared to the more subtle Cantonese flavours. Different, but just as good! Plus a touch of theatre, with the chef herself coming out at the end of the meal to serenade diners.
Inspired by these private kitchens, Bubs and Babes (well, Bubs anyway, as Babes doesn't know about this yet) will be opening an eatery in our townhouse. Perhaps Babes does the cooking, while I entertain diners with Broadway or Sinatra numbers. Or Babes performs for them while I prepare such culinary delights as Exotic Wok-tossed Basmati (aka Fried Rice) or Jade Treasures Splashed with Aphrodisiac Essence (aka Lettuce with Oyster Sauce). But like the mysterious Zingara Cucina which is causing such a buzz in Melbourne (dunno real or not, maybe bluff people one), reservations will be by invitation only...

Our first Hong Kong private kitchen

Michelle, Kaz, Jackie and James took us to Club Qing, a private kitchen in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong. We enjoyed a 13-course combination of dishes and teas, including Chilled Black Sesame Tofu Pudding with Crab Meat, Dried Scallop Soup with Jelly Fungus (both pictured above, I think!) and Baked Prawns with Lemongrass. Absolutely delicious! It's a beautifully decorated place with lots of antique furniture, nice and intimate too as befits a private kitchen. All in all, a perfect introduction to the world of private kitchens!

Dad's delicious cooking

My Ipoh trip (while Babes was in Kuching and Sibu with the rest of the Ting family) included some of the usual highlights: Char Kuay Teow and Sar Hor Fun. Unfortunately, my regular Sar Hor Fun and Wan Tan Mee places were both closed! In retrospect, the best Ipoh meal I had this trip was at home... thanks to Dad for the fantastic hoe chien (oyster omelette) and steamed pomfret.

Mark and Patsze's Hospitality

First stop on our holiday was Singapore, where we stayed with Mark and Patsze. Their hospitality extended to pet entertainment (courtesy of Patsze's beagle, Oliver), an abundance of food and beverages, as well as Mark's laundry service which included the delicate handling of the Ting Sisters', well, delicates. Thanks to our lovely hosts for taking such good care of all of us, and all the best in Hong Kong!

We're back!

After two weeks in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, Bubs and Babes are back in Melbourne. So you can expect more posts (possibly mostly food-related!) in the days to come. A big thank you to everyone who spent time with us, dined with us, put us up (and put up with us), drove us around etc. Thanks ESPECIALLY to Jason and Yee Li for rushing home to get my passport while I kept 20+ other Aeroline passengers waiting...