Alex's birthday

Yesterday was Alex's second birthday. Wow, I can't believe 2 years has passed already. When I look at him, walking and talking and being cheeky, I find it hard to believe that Tara will be like that in 17 months. We had a lovely day. It started with a trip to the government office that will process Gary's employment pass and mine and the kid's dependent passes. Well, that was quite an experience in Singapore efficiency. We had to get passport photos taken of everyone (we did have some with us but they didn't meet the criteria so we got new ones done). They were really well set up - even for Taras - they had her sitting in a bumbo and me with a squeaky toy calling her name - it was excellent. Also, because we were a family rather than having to approach a counter, we had a desk on the side which had children's furniture set up with a jigsaw and other toys. It was really very good. Our appointment was at 8:30 and we were seen at ..... 8:30. Fantastic. Our passes will be available for collection on Monday so I will pick them up and then we will be able to get a SGD bank account. Yippee!

In the afternoon yesterday, we had our sea freight delivered. Alex was so excited to get some toys back and was kept occupied taking his cement mixer for a drive around the room and building with his duplo blocks. We then went out to a friend's condo down the road for a swimming playdate. Alex really enjoyed himself and didn't want to leave or get out of his swimmers. When we got back to the apartment, we had a cake in the fridge courtesy of the apartment complex. That was so nice, and the cake is yummy! It is covered in white chocolate, yum, my favourite! We spent some time on skype talking to Uncle John, Aunty Jenny, Beth, Angela and Nanna. Alex had happy birthday sung to him again and then we had dinner. Gary got home in time for us all to have a piece of cake (well not Tara) and then it was bath and bed. So, overall, a good day. We are going to go to the zoo on the weekend which Alex keeps on talking about. I expect he will have a ball - he loved it last time we went. We will go for "Breakfast with wildlife" which includes free roaming orangutans from what I understand.

Next week, we will have our first day looking at apartments. I am looking forward to moving into our own place so I won't have to worry about the kids putting dirty hands on fabric furniture etc. It will be great to have our belongings back and will make it feel much more like home. However, this apartment that we are in at the moment is really very nice and the kids seem to be coping well with it.

Time is up, both of my babies have woken from their afternoon naps - more later!