Art-a-Fair @ Parkway Parade 2007: Caricature Booth

The weekend had been an exciting and wonderful experience for Kamal and I. We were invited to participate in an art fair held at parkway parade shopping mall. Although we have been drawing caricature at corporate events for years, this is the first time we set-up our own caricature booth.

The response was so overwhelming that we were both caricaturing at a frantic pace for 12 hours a day over the weekend. My only break is to go to the nursery room at Isetan every 3 hourly to breastsfeed Budiman, my five month old boy. I am very grateful to both my parents who are very supportive of our project. They helped to chauffer us to and from the art fair, and most importantly took care of Mahsuri and Budiman while their daddy and mummy were busy making money. Our queue is practically non-stop. Dino who assisted us helped to make caricature on keychains. Noraini, his fiancee also lend a helping hand by handling transactions and buy food while we were busy drawing. The earnings for the two days were rather good. We covered the cost plus make a bit for ourselves. The experience was better than expected and overall, it was a fantastic weekend for the team. I look forward to the next public showcase.

Do not disturb! Artist at work…

Another satisfied customer.

Kamal displaying his master strokes on a set of Korean twins.

Noraini smiling at her man who is behind the camera.

Our mermaid and her fairy godmother.

What? You want my burger???

Budiman Bin Mohamed Kamal is born

Announcing the birth of our 2nd boy on 21st March 2007 at 09:35am weighing in at 3.170kg.

Now I have three boys to handle!!! (If you don’t get it, that’s including their father).

The meaning of birth

This morning, I went to KK Women’s and Children’s hospital for my routine checkup. I am now at my 37th week of pregnancy. Just three more weeks, I will be due for delivery. And I will be able to experience VBAC (acronym for “Vaginal birth after caeserean”), or so I thought… My gynae Dr Tan adviced me to seriously consider ruling out VBAC ‘cos assessing my previous case of failure of dilation over 24 hrs, she can’t guarantee that this time there won’t be complications like before. And end up in emergency caeserean like the last time.

I was a little disappointed upon hearing the news. Call me a “feminist” or just plain stubborn-headed one, but I always believe that women are strong enough to take whatever pain child-birth experience give. They are biologically made to give birth vaginally. So, I used to think that if I end up in a caeserean, I am technically “weak”. However, after having a long talk with my parents and thinking it over and over, I must admit, I am wrong. And very wrong too.

I wanted to say this, especially to all mothers who wanted so badly to experience a vaginal birth but end up in a caeserean one: Do not be disappointed. It is not how we give birth to a child that determine whether we are a good and capable mom. It is the love you give, the time you share, and the effort in making sure that your child is happy, safe and healthy at all times that matters. (And mind you, caesereans have their risk and pain too)

A close friend once consoled me this: what you want to experience in a labour: the contractions, the pain, you have already experienced for 24hrs for your first born. So, why must you still try to go through it again? And honestly, what more regrets you have? It’s true. Each time, I look at my son Mahsuri, I am glad that I have made the last minute decision to head for an emergency caeserean… Otherwise, God knows he might suffer a brain damage due to my prolong labour… And if that happened, I know I will never ever forgive myself.

So, I have decided that this time, I will go for an elective caeserean. And “heck care” about the opinions of other people who don’t know what I have been through. As long as my baby is healthy, that is all that matters. True, it is always better to go through delivery naturally as possible. However, not everyone is born with such capabilities. And if you insist your way, ultimately, it is your child who will suffer because of your presumptous and selfishness. It is always better to heed the advice of your gynae as they are the pros.

Mahsuri just turned two last month. He is a very happy and jovial child. Very friendly and even “helpful” with housework. Always ready with tissue paper or his handkerchief to wipe everywhere in the house. Too much influence of his mommy, who is doing housework half the time in his presence… He is very loving to both his “Ayah” and myself. Always hug and kiss us… Ning is all the reason for me to give up my ego and prepare for a smooth delivery so as to bring him a little sibling. And I know, Kamal will thank me for this decision. He had suffered alot of tears and anxieties from Mahsuri’s difficult birth. He certainly deserves a more calm and predictable one this time.

So, wish me luck! If things are in plan, I might be popping next week or so. Will definitely keep you guys inform!

Youngest graffiti writer in the world

Could have been anything when he grows up but he’s chosen to becoming a graffiti writer, starting with tagging the kitchen door.

Tears to laughter in seconds

Toddler antics on new year eve. Cheer me up - Jump on my bed.
Wishing all a happy new year 2007

My family in caricatures

Just for fun, I drew caricatures of myself, my husband Kamal and our son Mahsuri. Here’s to wish everyone A Very Happy and Prosperous 2007!

My hubby at work. See his signature grin?

The preggy and her bump…momhood is not all sweat and no fun.

Hey, darling! Got milk for mama?

The Singapore Garden Festival 2006

As a flower painter, I have always been fascinated by the flora and fauna formation. Recently, I am into gardening. Transforming the balcony of my HDB flat and the staircase landing into an indoor garden. The Singapore Garden Festival is one show I could not miss. Organised here for the first time, it is certainly worth watching. I went to the show twice. First time with my hubby, Kamal and my son, Mahsuri. Second time, I brought my parents to the show. Mahsuri got to go to the show twice. What a lucky boy! (You could see it in his face) During my second visit, I even bought a pot of Phalaenopsis orchids to add to my garden collection.

Kamal, Ruoshi and Mahsuri at the garden display section.

This orchid won a lot of awards. I did not get its name but I find the formation that spirals around the stem like a fluffy fox tail truely amazing!

My dear parents taking a snapshot with a nice backdrop of orchids from Taiwan.

Hari Raya Puasa 2006

Mahsuri, the ‘white knight’ on his er…pony, galloping away!

This year, our colour theme is white.

‘Nenek’ with one of her nine precious grandchildren.

Charity Show on 22nd July 2006

A friend from my opera movement class asked me to help in a supporting role for her opera association’s charity performance. I don’t mind at all as I think that each performance I take is a form of practise, whether or not you are playing a supporting role or being the lead actress. I am eager to put my makeup technique to use as this is the time to test my skills and level of professionalism. And the results? I got a few compliments from the senior actors. I am very motivated. Looking forward to doing my next stage makeup very soon.

A chambermaid’s charm.

Have a snapshot taken for reference before heading to the basin.

My two ardent fans…

Visit from Gina and Chun Meng

Gina came back from Australia for a visit. Her sister just gave birth to a baby girl named Nicole. It’s been quite a while since we last met. She left for Australia one week before Mahsuri was born. And now, Ning is 1.5 years old. So good to be able to catch up with her despite her short stay. Kamal and I invited her and Chun Meng over for a chitchat over teh tarik and Pandan cake (some local kuehs they can’t get from Oz). We had a great time catching up and took some nice pictures for memory.