Family Moments

Sister left today to head back home. So sad to see her go. Since we don't live close to one another in the US, it was a rare treat to spend over a week together. Had to travel across the world to do it, but every minute was worth it. I decided to share some sweet family moments we've all had together this week. Silas is the first baby among us in a long time, so most of our activity centered around him. Our family is far from perfect but you don't live internationally, travel together, move numerous times together, vacation in remote Philippine destinations together, go through culture shock together, and simply live life together the way we have without learning to love deeper than humanly imaginable.

A Day at the Beach

And OH MY look at those 4 teeth...

Singapore 101

We spent the day shopping, both at a large indoor mall that my parents frequent and at an outdoor market. Silas once again had enough of the outing by mid-afternoon so napped in Papa's arms while my sister and I milled through shop after shop. The weather is extremely humid and HOT all the time so the boys lingered inside in the air as much as possible. This photo was me creating a memory of Silas in the outdoor market. They are standing beside Chinese children's clothing, remnants from the recent celebration of Chinese New Year...

Sister and I found several humorous items during our market stroll. Whenever non-English speakers attempt to knock-off American brands, the result is often comical. This year the knock-off brand of choice must have been Land's End. We saw it everywhere. Needless to say, we neither purchased much. I finally settled on a pj set for Silas that says Hello Mummy Daddy. Shane will question it for sure (sorry, babe). Singapore has a strong British influence, hence the use of Mum instead of Mom. Cost me about $4. I didn't have the heart to bargain. I was tempted by these t-shirts along the way...

Can you see the white one? The largest size they had in it was 18 months and it says Born in 2005. Hmmm. I think it should have been on clearance.

Several of you asked about Singapore before I left on this trip, so I thought I would share a bit of what I know about this stunning city. Click here to see a map of where Singapore is located in relation to the rest of south east Asia. You'll see it tucked away in the midst of Malaysia (in blue). I did not grow up here, but have visited about 7 times since my parents moved here in 1996 after I graduated from high school. My parents have lived in this apartment building since then...

This is the view off their balcony. The sea to the left (beach photos to come in the next couple of days!). And the city skyline to the front and right...


Singapore is an independent city-state with it's own government. It is a melting pot of cultures. People of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Filipino, and Indonesian background (among others) come together here as Singaporeans. The many religions reflected in these peoples include Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hindu. Because of the influence of the British, Singaporeans get in a taxi queue (say "q") rather than stand in line, take the lift rather than an elevator, and tell each other can rather than ok. And they drive on the other side of the street...

Space is a major issue for this nation that is the size of a large city (almost 5 million people) so most people live in high-rise apartment buildings like my parents. However, for a place with that big city feel, Singapore is as green as they come. Every street is meticulously manicured with trees lining the sidewalks and flowering bushes on the overpasses...

I am always struck by the old and new, ancient and modern, high-tech and third-world represented here. Most Singaporeans would never think of shopping in the outdoor markets where my sister and I spent most of our afternoon. They would rather spend their Sing dollars in one of the many malls that offer all the conveniences you or I could think of. As Tara and I walked to meet my parents, this common shop met us at the entrance to the mall...
And across the street was the outdoor market...
Such a contrast in cultures. But here, it works. Just like this common sighting of a woman with her religious headdress...

Interestingly enough, she was just one of many voting for their favorite in Singapore's own Talent Quest '09. Tara and I listened to a few of the contestants as we purchased and sipped a cool icy mocha from Starbucks. I have to say that at least one of the Talent Quest competitors was better than some of those American Idol top 24s!

Ok, thanks for letting me blog about Asia. I can't help it. It's in my blood!

Swimming at the Pool

We took Silas to the pool yesterday. It was a gorgeous sunny day, perfect for cooling off in the water. Silas wasn't too sure about the water at first, but when Papa took him to the baby side where he could sit, he loved it.

Everyone needs a snack after a long afternoon of swimming...

After all the sun and play, Silas was ready for a nap. And Nana was happy to snuggle, even in the heat..

Silas has enjoyed a few other naps since we've been here, including this sweet time with Papa...

How Silas Got His Wings

We are in Singapore! Silas and I said goodbye to Shane on Saturday morning around 8:00 and when we arrived in Singapore it was almost noon on Sunday in Louisville. Three different airplanes, four airports, and over 24 hours...we were thrilled to arrive! Every one of my prayers about the details of this trip were answered. The Lord is so kind. Silas could not have done better traveling. He was happy and content even after 13 hours on one plane. We had empty seats around us and space to move around. And when we needed anything, the flight attendants were more than gracious to help.

Here are Silas and I in the early morning hours in Louisville, ready to get on our first plane...

We had a hard time saying goodbye to Daddy. We wished he was going with us. They did let him walk to the gate with us so we were together until the last minute...

We flew from Louisville to Chicago, where we met my sister. Having her with us was more than help, it was fun! Silas loves his Aunt Tara. All three of us ate a meal in Chicago then boarded the long flight to Tokyo. On that flight, we were given seats where a bassinet clipped into the wall in front of us. It was adorable to see him in it. He slept in it a couple different times and played in it, too...

It was on the flight to Tokyo that one of the sweet flight attendants gave Silas his wings. I should say that I think my baby earned them! He was a trooper. We had a quick hour in Tokyo to get to our next flight, but wanted to make a memory of Silas being in Japan. Silas and Aunt Tara right before we got on that last flight from Tokyo to Singapore...

See the sign behind us in Japanese? Mommy is so proud of her world-traveller...

I cannot say enough about how wonderful United Airlines was to us on this trip. Everyone was more than accomodating and helpful. I wish I could go back and thank them all again! On the flight to Singapore, we spread out and Silas had his own seat. We didn't even mess with the bassinet. I was glad there was no one sitting in the seat in front of him because he loved kicking the tray and banging toys on it! How cute is baby boy in a big person seat belt...

Finally at the baggage claim in Singapore...the most wonderful airport in the world. Silas proudly showing off his passport, which now has a stamp in it...

Walking out to meet our parents...

But this is what makes it all worth it. Silas in the arms of his Nana and Papa...

We have already had our share of adventures, adjustments, and laughs in just one day. And I'm sure we'll have many more in the days to come.

Getting Big and Getting Ready

Over the past week it seems as though Silas has decided to get big real quick. It has been more than fun to see him start to try to get mobile. Tonight while I was cooking dinner, he was sitting with me eating a rice cracker. Don't let the sippy cup fool you...he has no idea how it works!

Baby boy and I are getting packed up to leave for Singapore on Saturday. Nana and Papa are getting everything ready for us to get there. We can't wait! Since we are having to leave Shane behind, I'm planning to do lots of posting while we're there.