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Parenthood

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Hong Kong, a vibrant city known for its bustling streets, skyscrapers, and delicious cuisine, is a must-visit destination for travellers. With the covid restrictions in Hong Kong eased, my family and I seized the opportunity to explore this fascinating city and enjoyed its unique blend of cultures, history, and modernity.

We chose to fly with Singapore Airlines, and it was a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The flight was smooth, with friendly and attentive service from the flight attendants. The in-flight entertainment was excellent, with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games to choose from. As we brought our children along for the trip to Hong Kong, we did not have the luxury of time to enjoy the in-flight entertainment.

Singapore Airlines offers a range of services and amenities for travellers with children to make the flight more comfortable and enjoyable for both kids and parents. These include kid-friendly meals, entertainment options, and activity kits with games and toys to keep little ones occupied during the flight. There are also baby changing facilities on board, and the crew is happy to assist with any special requests, such as heating up baby food or providing extra blankets and pillows.

Throughout our trip, we stayed at the Royal Plaza Hotel, which is located in the heart of Mong Kok. This luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning city views and amenities, including a fitness centre, swimming pool, and multiple dining options. The hotel’s central location made it easy to explore the city, and we like how convenient and accessible it is.

One of the attractions we visited in Hong Kong was the Cup Noodles Museum. Located in the Kowloon Bay area, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and production of one of the world’s most popular instant noodle brands. We even created our custom cup noodles to take home as souvenirs. However, if you have been to the Cup Noodles Museum in Japan, you might consider giving this a miss.

Another highlight of our trip was exploring the vibrant Mong Kok Street. This bustling district is famous for its street markets, which sell everything from clothes and electronics to street food and souvenirs. We spent hours wandering through the narrow alleyways, admiring the colourful neon signs and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

We also visited Fung Ying Seen Koon temple. The temple is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, offering a unique glimpse into Hong Kong’s rich spiritual traditions. Nestled amid lush greenery, Fung Ying Seen Koon features intricate architecture and artwork. We enjoyed the peaceful ambience and the chance to learn more about the history and traditions of Taoism.

Our trip to Hong Kong has been a memorable and enriching one. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or delicious food, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Travelling with two young kiddos was fun but tiring. Here are some tips that we have if you’re planning to travel to Hong Kong with young children:

  1. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your children fueled throughout the day. Hong Kong is a busy city, and you may find yourself on the go for hours at a time.
  2. Bring comfortable shoes and clothing for both you and your children. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and the weather can be hot and humid.
  3. Consider bringing a stroller or carrier for younger children. Hong Kong’s streets can be crowded and uneven, so it’s important to have a safe and comfortable way to transport your child.
  4. Plan your itinerary with your children’s interests and energy levels in mind. Hong Kong has a lot to offer, but it’s important to pace yourself and prioritise the activities that your children will enjoy the most.

Psst. If you recently won yourself a round-trip Cathay Air Ticket to Hong Kong or planning a trip to Hong Kong this coming Easter, we have some exciting news for you!

Pirata Group, the city’s undisputed leader when it comes to memorable dining experiences, is taking things one step further with a variety of egg-citing promotions across all venues. From tandoor towers and unlimited sushi to all-you-can-eat chocolate dessert stations and limited-time Easter brunches where kids eat for free, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy before or after partaking in the many kid-friendly activities around town. So, hop to it and start making those Easter memories with Pirata Group’s guide to the best things to see, do and savour in Hong Kong this holiday season!

Central

Victoria Peak, otherwise known as The Peak, has always been a must-visit Hong Kong destination for its iconic views and historic funicular railway. After a major upgrade that was completed last year, The Peak Tram now offers an even more exciting and efficient experience with new, larger-capacity green-coloured tramcars and an array of entertainment zones showcasing the area’s intriguing history and wildlife. Once at The Peak, be sure to check out Monopoly Dreams, the first Monopoly-themed attraction in the world that features an array of AR and other interactive experiences. Then, make your way to Sky Terrace 428, which at 428m above sea level is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong. From here, the whole family will be wowed by 360-degree panoramic views across the city and harbour, which are impressive morning, noon or night! 

“SomeBunny Feed Me!” Easter brunch menus with free-flow champagne and all-you-can-enjoy chocolate buffet at Chaiwala & TokyoLima, 7–10 April 2023

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s just a quick tram ride back to Central for a special Easter-themed dining experience. Fans of modern Indian cuisine won’t want to miss Chaiwala’s “SomeBunny Feed Me!” brunch feast (HK$388pp, HK$398pp champagne free-flow, HK$198pp classic free-flow) complete with a trio of chaat for sharing, choice of vegetarian or mutton biryani, a tandoor tower and dosas for sharing, and choice of six curries. A children’s menu is also available for HK$50. For a taste of innovative Japanese and Peruvian fusion food, head a few blocks north to TokyoLima and its adventurous take on “SomeBunny Feed Me!” (HK$398pp, HK$398pp champagne free-flow, HK$198pp classic free-flow). Designed for sharing, the brunch feast begins with a selection of appetisers including causa and ceviche before moving on to the Weeknd Salad, Edamame Hummus and Pop Ki-Mo-Chi, and finishing with a choice of mains such as chicken katsu with aji panca rice or pan-fried mackerel with potato puree and Nikkei escabeche. Both brunch menus are available 7–10 April 2023 and include an extravagant all-you-can-enjoy chocolate buffet – so be sure to leave some room!

Sheung Wan

Tsim Sha Tsui & West Kowloon

Just a short ride on the Star Ferry or a quick trip on the MTR from Hong Kong Island and you’ll find yourself in the always-buzzing Tsim Sha Tsui commercial and entertainment district or the up-and-coming West Kowloon cultural district. Must-visits on this side of Victoria Harbour include the new M+ Museum showcasing some of the world’s foremost collections of 20th- and 21st-century visual culture. The Herzog & de Meuron-designed building and surrounding outdoor spaces are worth a visit even on their own. After admiring the architecture, budding builders should definitely check out Legoland Discovery Centre. The ultimate Lego indoor playground is designed for children ages 3-10 and features workshops, play areas and even Hong Kong’s top attractions built out of bricks. Finally, burn off any residual energy at Kids Kids Car indoor electric-vehicle driving playground. The 20,000 sq ft space has three different themed zones where kids can zoom around and even experience various occupations. 

Enjoy limited-time Easter specials at Pici & The Pizza Project, 5–10 April 2023

Cap off your Kowloon adventures at neighbourhood Italian spot Pici, which from 5–10 April 2023 is offering two limited-time additions to everyone’s favourite pasta bar brunch. The new specials are available all day and include the lavish Truffle Carbonara (HK$190), a tagliatelle with black truffle, guanciale, pecorino and Japanese egg yolk; and the Coppa Malu (HK$140) a velvety mousse dessert for two made with 70% chocolate, whipped cream and almond meringue. The famous, much-loved Italian treats are available all around the city, with more branches in Lai Chi Kok, Sha Tin in the New Territories but also buzzing Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, and Central amongst other prime locations. Another must-try Italian Easter dining destination for the whole family is The Pizza Project in Central – check out the two limited-time specialsDown the Rabbit Hole (HK$160), a pizza with a red hot chili cheddar stuffed crust, testa di coppa, black garlic pesto and fior di latte; and Bu-Nana (HK$65), a sweet treat consisting of banana and chocolate ganache stuffed gnocco fritto, dusted with icing sugar. 

Stanley

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Let’s head over to Stanley for a lovely seaside stroll with your little ones. The Stanley Bay promenade is a picturesque boardwalk overlooking all the small boats parked at the bay – this is a scene you can’t find in other parts of Hong Kong. With a backdrop of colonial heritage buildings, lots of locals come here to walk their pets and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. 

Looking for a seaside cafe to enjoy the view? Pirata has got you covered! Located on Stanley Main Street, Pane e Latte will celebrate Easter with spring specials across three weekends from 1–16 April. Feast on Bomboloni al Torroncino (HK$48), a nougat cream-filled doughnut covered in chocolate couverture; the Gnocchi di Pasqua (HK$158), a dish featuring spring vegetables, ricotta and poached eggs; and the Easter Egg (HK$78), a sweet treat made with lemon madeleine, strawberry jam and fromage blanc. A giant, eye-catching Easter basket and eggs will also be installed at the bakery for the ultimate holiday experience. 

Don’t miss the limited-time Spring specials at Pane e Latte, 1–16 April 2023!

Easter is an incredible time to enjoy Hong Kong’s fine weather, fun attractions and friendly hospitality. Hop over to piratagroup.hk to start planning your mealtime celebrations and make this year’s holiday your most memorable one yet!

I never knew how tiring parenting can be until I experienced it for myself. I mean I have heard from my friends who embarked on parenthood earlier than me but because it is something that I have never experienced myself, it is difficult for me to put myself into their shoes.

Now that I’m going through this phase of life, I can truly empathise with what all parents go through. Any regrets? No. I don’t know how to explain it to people but when I have Mikayla sleeping on my arms and she lets out a random laughter/chuckle, she literally warms the cockles of my heart. 

Parenting is a learned experience, and the tiredness is real but rewarding. Every time Mikayla cries at night, it felt like an unceasing turnout drill for me. Coupled with the three-hourly feeding, it’s almost like guard duty or an endless Charlie Mike.

Now I know why almost every hamper that we receive contains Chicken Essence and / or Bird’s Nest. We literally have to use them to toil through those rough nights.

One product that I was recently introduced to is Ginseng Essence and it is a product that I don’t often see or hear about other than the Korean Red Ginseng Extract which I came across during my trip to South Korea.

Ginseng is highly prized and many health studies were done to ascertain its benefits. It is believed that Ginseng can help combat fatigue, protect liver function, improve mental health, lower blood sugar level, strengthen the immune system, provide antioxidant protection, and improve concentration and focus.

If you do a Google search for Ginseng Essence, Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence will show up, and so, I had the chance to try Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence and this opportunity came rather timely as I was gearing up for the late nights.

The Premium Ginseng Essence is 100% natural and does not contain any preservatives, additives, and stabilisers. Rich in Ginsenosides (up to 400mg / 60ml), the Ginseng Essence is made using premium top grade full length American Ginseng and White Ginseng from the Changbai Mountain in China.

Like almost all herbs, the Ginseng Essence tastes bitter but it is not all that unbearable; and even though the ingredient list states rock sugar as an ingredient, I wasn’t able to taste any tinge of sweetness.

Now, I usually take my morning breakfast with coffee; but ever since I started having the Ginseng Essence, it has been an excellent replacement for my daily dose of caffeine. In fact, I have observed my mental alertness going up, especially in the morning and sustaining throughout the day while I’m at work. While mixing ginseng and coffee seems like a novel idea, I haven’t tried it myself and will probably give it a shot.

For 14 bottles of Premium Ginseng Essence (2 weeks’ worth of supply), it cost SGD$85 (about SGD$6.07 per day) and it is the perfect gift for working professionals, elderly, and new parents like us.

Ready to get Lao Xie Zhen’s Premium Ginseng Essence?

Visit Hao Yi Kang, the sole product distributor here in Singapore, and enjoy the health benefits that ginseng can bring.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all opinion are my own.

It’s been quite some time since I wrote about my own personal life and yay, I’m officially a father of one now! Jacqueline gave birth to Mikayla at Mount Alvernia Hospital nearly a month ago, and truly, it is a special moment that we have all been waiting for. 

The Beginning… 

We experienced our first miscarriage in July 2018 and after that difficult episode, we sought Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment to optimise our chances of conceiving. 

Our TCM Physician 

To prepare for pregnancy, we visited Dr Chong at Ban Choon Wah Medical Hall and through his patience and the Chinese herbal medicine that he prescribed to us, Jacqueline was able to conceive naturally on September 2019 (1 year 2 months after the miscarriage). If you have difficulty trying to conceive and you are looking for alternative treatments, we will definitely recommend Dr Chong. To conceive, it takes both hands to clap; so Dr Chong will treat both husband and wife so that the chances of conceiving is at its optimum level. 

The Chinese herbal medicine cost us $130 per visit and consultation fees can be given at your own accord in a red packet/angpow. Overall, I think we visited him about 5-6 times. 

Our Gynae 

Our Gynae is Dr Chen Chern Yi and Jacqueline has been her patient ever since she had to remove a fibroid in 2017. Our overall experience with Dr Chen has been insightful and pleasant, and she is also a very skilful and knowledgeable doctor. Just so you know, Dr Chen has got two clinics; one at Novena and the other at Punggol. 

In terms of cost, the antenatal package that Jacqueline took up cost about $2K and that does not include the tests (NICE non-invasive prenatal test, Vitamin D deficiency test), jabs (whopping cough and common flu vaccination), vitamins (Vitamin D) and supplements (DHA). 

Although the costs are slightly on the pricier side, we decided to go the private route to save time. After all, time is money and the more time we save, the more money we can earn back. 

Mikayla’s Name 

Many people ask why the name, Mikayla?  

Before we knew the gender of our baby, my wife and I agreed that if the baby is a boy, his name will begin with J (Jacob), the initial of her first name; and if the baby is a girl, her name will begin with M (Mikayla), the initial of my first name. 

So yes, when we have a baby boy next time, you can be sure his name is going to be Jacob. 

For some unknown reason, the names, Jacob/Mikayla came to us naturally and it resonated strongly with us. Hence, the chosen names. 

The meaning of the name, Mikayla

“The name, Mikayla, is the phonetic version of the Hebrew Michaela and a feminine form of Michael, an archangel who carried out God’s judgments and is known as the patron saint of soldiers. The name is associated with power and strength.” 

Mikayla’s Chinese Name 

Mikayla’s Chinese Name when translated to English means Universal Love and this name was specially chosen after a consultation with Master Yuan from Yuan Metaphysics 

Some Chinese Metaphysics (CM) Practitioner specialise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bazi Reading, and Taichi; while others may choose to specialise in Feng Shui, Amulets Making, Property Selection, and Chinese Name Selection. If you are looking for someone to do Chinese Name Selection, I highly recommend Master Yuan because this is an area that she is extremely talented in and passionate about. 

Master Yuan’s approach to name selection is akin to that of song-writing. While there are many software out there that can generate a list of names based on one’s Bazi, Master Yuan takes name selection very seriously and she is very passionate about her craft. 

Preparation for Mikayla’s Arrival 

Singapore went into a state of partial lockdown a.k.a circuit breaker since 7 April 2020 and thankfully, Jacqueline and I had the foresight to buy all that we needed to prepare for Mikayla’s arrival.  

Here are the stuffs that we bought before the circuit breaker to prepare for Mikayla’s arrival: 

Baby Cot: Beblum Lavo 5, SGD$229 

There are many brands of baby cot in the market but we chose the Beblum Lavo 5 Baby Cot because it is versatile and can be repurposed for many other different uses when Mikayla grows up. 

What we really like about the Beblum Lavo 5 is that it is easy to assemble and it does not require any tools. 

Diapers: Merries (Newborn), SGD$68.75 for 240 pieces (about SGD$0.30 per piece) 

For diapers, we bought Merries and so far, we are quite satisfied with it. We will probably consider Offspring once we used up the Merries diapers that we bought but really, we don’t have any issue with Merries. 

Cabinet to Store Mikayla’s Clothing: Ikea’s MALM Chest of 6 Drawers, SGD$169 

We love putting our furniture together and Ikea’s MALM Chest of 6 Drawers is relatively easy to assemble. Tools such as a screwdriver will be needed but other than that, it’s really straightforward and not some rocket science.

Parenting Station: Combi Fealetto Auto Swing, SGD$759 

The Combi Fealetto Auto Swing is really great to use. When we’re not putting Mikayla in the baby cot, we actually put her in the Combi Fealetto Auto Swing so that she can nap in the living room. 

One of the coolest feature of the Combi Fealetto Auto Swing is the 4-speed auto-swinging function and the 7 different lullabies in 4-volume levels that can help the baby to be comfortable and fall asleep. 

The Combi Fealetto Auto Swing can also be used as a high chair for dining when Mikayla grows up. 

Stroller: Combi Mega Ride Stroller, SGD$559

The Combi Mega Ride Stroller is definitely not ideal for overseas travel as it is quite bulky and not so portable. If you are driving a hatchback or sedan car, you might have some difficulty trying to put this stroller into the car boot. 

For us, it didn’t really matter since we don’t own a car and we wanted a stroller that is durable and rugged.  

What we like about the Combi Mega Ride Stroller is the one-touch folding and opening feature which allows us to easily open and fold the stroller with one hand while holding the baby in another hand. 

Wet Wipes: Korea Angeur Wet Wipes, SGD$17.98 for 800 pieces (about SGD0.02 per piece)

Although we like the scent of the Korea Angeur Wet Wipes and its wallet-friendly price, we might make the switch to Jeju Island Wet Wipes, another wet wipes brand that is rather popular among parents. 

Breast Pump: Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump, SGD$450

We have heard so much about Hegen’s products from fellow influencers and naturally, we decided to go with the flow and got the Hegen PCTO™ Double Electric Breast Pump. It is really simple to use, intuitive, and Jacqueline enjoys using it. 

Milk Bottle: Hegen PCTO™ Complete Starter Kit PPSU, SGD$150 

For new dads like me, Hegen’s products are really simple and easy to use. There aren’t many components and parts to deal with and they are pretty straightforward. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with the Hegen Milk Bottle. 

Cuchen UV Steriliser, SGD$599

A gift from Jacqueline’s friends, we found the Cuchen UV Steriliser super useful because it saves us a lot of time from sterilising the milk bottles after washing. It can also be used to sterilise accessories such as cutlery too. 

The Cuchen UV Steriliser comes with Medical Grade UV LED that enables a more thorough sterilising with no hidden corners. It also comes with alert indicators to remind us to replace the UV lamps and LED. 

Again, this is simple and easy to use because of its one-touch easy operation. 

The Day of Mikayla’s Arrival… 

Mount Alvernia Hospital

We woke up at 5am so that Jacqueline can have a light breakfast before heading to the hospital for the admission process. Due to COVID-19, I was not allowed into the Operating Theatre (OT) but I am glad that I was able to accompany both Jacqueline and Mikayla, by staying overnight at the hospital to be with them. 

When it was time for Jacqueline to be pushed to the OT, I was quite anxious and I was pacing up and down the corridor. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and I had a lot of thoughts going on in my mind. 

When the midwife came out and called my name; she was pushing the hospital baby cot with Mikayla inside and the midwife offered to help me take some photographs with Mikayla. As Jacqueline was still in the OT being sewn up by the doctor, I followed the midwife to the nursery to complete the registration process. 

We chose the Single Room in the Maternity Ward so that Jacqueline can have all the rest she needs and I can also likewise stay overnight to accompany her (FYI, only single rooms allows an overnight companion). 

The room was really spacious and comfortable and there is an in-room mini-fridge which I use to store the snacks that I brought along for our “staycation”. Although there’s a desk for working; I don’t think anyone would have time and be in the right state of mind to take out their laptop and work. 

If you intend to stay overnight as a companion, there is an additional charge of $92.45 (GST inclusive) per night and it includes 4 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, tea-break, and dinner). 

Although we were given the opportunity to have Mikayla room-in with us, it felt a little awkward as Jacqueline was not able to move much due to her wound and the whole realisation of, “I am now a dad”, took a while to sink in. 

I tried to learn as much as I could from the nurses; from carrying Mikayla to swaddling her. 

If you are planning to deliver at Mount Alvernia, we recommend that you get the Alvernia Ladies Card which cost $68 for a 2-year membership term.  

Some of the awesome benefits of the Alvernia Ladies Care are as follows: 

  • $100 off total bill for single room (this benefit alone covers the cost of the card) 
  • Complimentary 12-month Personal Accident Plan Coverage for member, newborn, and spouse. 
  • Free 1 set of My First Skool uniform and mattress cover for each child enrolled. 

In total, our total bill (hospital stay, surgery, medical consumables, and etc.) amounted to nearly $9K (this is the remaining amount that we have to cough out in cash after deducting approved delivery expenses from my MediSave account).  

Jacqueline and I are indeed thankful for the wonderful team of doctors, nurses, and lactation consultant who have showered us with the best care and concern. Their words of encouragement were heartwarming. 

Just before we left the hospital for home, we presented Mikayla at Mount Alvernia Hospital’s Chapel for a short prayer service and this is truly a special moment that I think only Mount Alvernia Hospital offers. 

Moments of Life App 

I really like how the government is going digital. It really makes everything convenient and saves us a lot of time too. In fact, I was able to collect Mikayla’s Birth Certificate at the hospital and I need not make a trip to the Immigrations and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) Building at all. From the app, we can also apply for the Baby Bonus, view immunisation records, and many more. 

Breastfeeding 

Breastfeeding is very tough and painful at the beginning. On the 2nd day after the delivery, Jacqueline experienced engorgement and she was in quite a lot of pain. She almost wanted to give up breastfeeding but the nurses kept on encouraging her not to give up and they did their best to help her relieve the pain. 

Even though breastfeeding can be quite time consuming and physically draining, Jacqueline is now pretty much used to the routine and that helps a lot. It’s almost like guard duty because the baby needs to be fed every 3-4 hours. 

Newborn babies feed round the clock so it really helps if the dads get involved and help with changing the diapers or even playing with the baby so that the mums can get all the rest they need. 

The 1 Month Confinement Period 

There are a lot of myths, do’s and don’ts for the 1 month confinement period and not all mums practise it because it can be quite expensive. The confinement herbs alone cost at least $700-$800 a month. 

For us, we gotten the 30 Days Exquisite Confinement Package (SGD$568) from Lao Ban Niang and this doesn’t include other Chinese medicinal herbs (cordyceps) and other ingredients (rice wine, black vinegar) that we purchased separately.  

Confinement Nanny 

As most of the confinement nannies in Singapore come from Malaysia, it is really difficult to get a confinement nanny during this period due to COVID-19  

Thankfully, we managed to get Aunty Jenny (how we usually address her) from Star Confinement Nanny.  

Aunty Jenny (as we would normally address her) has more than 10 years of experience and she has travelled to far-flung places like New Zealand and Australia to work as a confinement nanny. She cooks really well and is very knowledgeable in caring for newborn babies. From her, we have learnt how to change diapers properly, how to help the baby burp, how to bathe the baby, and also picked up a few tips and tricks from her. 

It cost us more than $3k to engage a confinement nanny and this does not include the 2X red packet/angpow that we give (one on the first day of arrival and the other on the last day of work) to her and the household groceries. 

Summary 

Well, this is a super duper long post and the purpose of this post is to document our new journey stepping into parenthood. 

There is a lot to consider when starting a family and the expenses can amount to quite a lot of money. This is why it is important to save up and be prudent on what we spend on. Where you can save, save; where you must spend, spend.

There are also a lot to learn as a new parent and information can come from so many different sources (grandparents-to-be, friends, colleagues, Internet, even confinement lady) that they sometimes conflict with each other.  

As parents, we want the best for our children and sometimes, we got to trust our own instincts as to what’s relevant, what’s useful, and what’s age-appropriate. When it comes to your child’s well-being, always seek a medical professional for advise. 

As an educator myself, I too have my own mindset as to how I will want to teach/educate my child and that itself will affect my parenting style as well. However, that’s probably a topic for another day. 

You will probably be seeing more posts about parenting on our blog soon. 🙂