new phase

Now that Joel is 6 months old, I'm thinking of introducing solids to him. This is a real headache for a mommy who can only cook instant noodles. I also wanna buy one of those hand-held blenders to puree food. A look at brands like Braun and it costs much more here than in Singapore. Tax tax tax...

When we went to see the paediatrician for his 6-in-1 and Pneumoccocal vaccinations, the doctor also suggested getting an "exercsaucer". (She also mentioned that walkers are not good coz it only teaches them to g-l-i-d-e and NOT learn how to walk) I've seen the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo in Singapore and am thinking of buying it for Joel. Hmm...but Fisher Price here dont carry this model. It's selling at US$90 in the States, and i think Singapore is selling at about S$300 ($199 at a GOOD sale). If China has it, it would also cost an arm and a leg (probably S$400 and above). I realised that most of the children items are more expensive here except for Combi strollers which can be bought for only S$200++ and for a really sturdy model with big wheels complete with kids/parent trays and all stroller accessories! But it'll weigh 6-9kg. Ironically, our expensive Combi stroller is also Made In China BUT it has an "extra sticker" that says 'JAPAN SPECIFICATIONS'. We realised that bigger wheels are also better coz the roads here are not very stroller-friendly. Our stroller seems kinda "fragile" on Shanghai bumpy streets! When going out on my own, i feel it's also better to use the carrier coz need to be alert (esp when crossing the roads). ;p

On the other hand, whenever i need to go out to run some errands nearby (dont need to open/close stroller kind), i will use this super cheap S$20-30 retro stroller. I saw a lot of people using similar netted/lightly-padded "Summer strollers", and our friend helped us to get this online. When closed, it's only about the size of a golf umbrella. Despite its small frame, it's not exactly very light at about 4kg coz it's made of surprisingly strong metal. Its weight is similar to our Combi stroller, but this is good coz i can lift the stroller up easily (plus Joel's weight) even when there's some steps/stairs. No basket, but tried-&-tested, can hang heavy things on the handles! I cannot tahan carrying Joel for very long now in the baby carrier. Backache and cannot walk fast. Using this stroller, we can get things done faster and go home! Haha! ;)

Anyway, in preparation of our Solid Food Day, i took out the spoons and sippy cups to wash. Then, i tried to test the spoon on Joel and he just wouldnt open his mouth at all! But he's been eyeing us when we have our meals! Keke... ;p