tobias – trippingdifferently

May 31, 2024June 6, 2024

He’s an NSman…

My son’s enlistment day was 16 May 2024 so he’s now known as an NSman.

I witnessed his enlistment and it was great to have been there for the start of a new chapter of his life. 4 family members were allowed to witness his enlistment so it was my mum, brother, godma and I. The husband will come to witness the end of his basic military training (BMT).

We got bussed into the camp from the nearest MRT (subway) station, there was a mini tour of the bunks and then it was off to the multi-purpose hall to watch some videos while we wait for the rest of the people to arrive.

There was a brief introduction of the personnel responsible for the day-to-day running of the camp and all the officers as well as a care team. The care team is a recent addition to the life of a military camp which is reassuring for a mum to know that they are more aware of mental health needs these days.

Parents are also encouraged to join a specific Telegram channel to be updated on their daily activities in BMT and Slack channel for direct communications. So now I have 2 more apps on my phone.

We also got to try the canteen food they would be having during their time in camp.

Here are a few pictures from enlistment day and a couple of him in his uniform:

Besides being there for my boy’s enlistment, I was also able to be there for my elderly relatives, accompanying them to medical appointments and helping them with some tech stuff. I managed to find time to clear out my dad’s clothes and his chest of drawers. We found some “treasures” and remembered some lovely memories.

There was, of course, the usual yummy foods and time to meet other family and friends. One highlight was going to Sentosa with one of my cousins’ son and his girlfriend while they visited Singapore for a couple of days (they live in Japan).

Here are some photos:

Iconic Bear at Hamad International Airport

It was a busy trip but it was good to have been there. So proud that my boy decided to serve and seems to be adjusting well to the new routine.

Phew! I feel I need a holiday now… LOL…

syc

June 21, 2023

Final Teen Year…

So this was a month ago, but still relevant… in some ways, it’s good to blog about it today, which is the summer solstice and the last day of Tobias’ final exams.

Yep, a month ago he turned 19 and today he finished the last of his exams for his pre-university education.

It seems like such a long time ago that we were sending him to his first day at kindergarten and yet at the same time, the years have just flashed by. Such a clichè thing to say but nevertheless it’s true.

Are there things I wish I could go back and redo or unsay? Of course. Has it been filled with heartache and tears? Some of it. But it was also filled with joy, laughter and adventures.

In a few months, he is off to serve NS (National Service) in Singapore. A whole new chapter of his life and our journey as his parents, as a family.

I wanted to link to all the previous birthday posts but decided it was too much. So I am going to link to just this one – for his 9th birthday, 10 years ago, where I also mentioned clichè and comtemplated if I would be ready for him to venture out on his own.

I don’t know if I am 100% ready but I know it’s a great next step for him to take out into the big wide world. Are you a parent whose children have flown the nest? How was it? How did you manage the complete change in lifestyle and focus? Care to share?

Here’s a few photos from Tobias’ 19th birthday:

syc

May 31, 2022

Legally an Adult…

Well, at least in Switzerland, my boy is now considered an adult at 18 years old!

Oh my, where did the time go? 18 years ago, we welcomed this little chubby baby into our lives and what an adventure it has been. From the uncertainty of first-time parenthood to his first steps, from his first day at kindergarten to two broken arms, through the frustrations and the joys of being a family (every family has its moments), from growing pains to pride, he is now on the brim of adulthood! Wow!

He decided that for his 18th birthday party to have just a couple of friends over for some food and games. So we bought his favourite sushi and added on some KFC to make sure that hungry teenagers are well fed. Of course, the must-have red velvet cupcakes was made and consumed. Very low key but that was what he wanted.

We did break with tradition and instead of me cooking a nice dinner at home, we went out to a lovely restaurant by the river and had some lovely fish.

Sigh! My baby is now an adult. This will take time to sink in. And while I mull over that, here are a few photos…