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Monday, February 23, 2009

Joel's Full Month Cake


















Yesterday was baby Joel's full month celebration. To mark this occasion, mommy Jullie ordered a cake from me. For Chinese, baby's full month (满月) is a big thing. It is also a way of announcing and introducing the new addition to family and friends. In some traditions, if you have a baby boy, glutinous rice, ang ku kueh, cakes and eggs that are dyed red are distributed to relatives and friends. For baby girls, glutinous rice is off the menu. These days, due to lower birth rates, people don't really make the differentiation. Nowadays, it is so convenient to just give out cake vouchers. Thanks Jullie for putting her faith in me. I hope everyone likes the mango mousse cake. This cake has 3 chiffon cake layers and 2 mousse layers. It weighed 4kg and it was quite tiring holding it while waiting for a cab. Fortunately I had the 'training' required from carrying Ah Boy. I was stoned (from the lack of sleep) at the party so I didn't and forgot to snap any pics of Joel.

I thought I paced myself quite well when I made this cake but in the end, there were a few hiccups. First, there was a health-scare and my dad went for an operation. Fortunately, the doctors cleared him for cancer. I waited for the op to end before heading back to bake. I slept at 4 a.m. and woke up early to visit my dad so I could catch the doc-in-charge when he was doing his rounds. Rush back at 1 p.m. and decorate the cake, have it delivered at 5 p.m. and went back to the hospital again. It has been a stressful week; from knowing my dad's suspected condition, to the tests and scans then the operation. There were problems at work. I thought I could heave a sigh of relief and steal some air after holding my breath for so long. But no, IH, had to come and remind me that I am an incompetent mother. You need not stand by me, walk with me or stand behind my decisions to do certain things. But you don't have to run me down like this when I am exhausted and at my weakest. I know where my heart is and my conscience is clear. You cannot and will not break my spirit. Seriously, I do not know what to make of this post but I need an outlet I guess. I'm sorry it had to end with a sour note.

11 comments:

Gina Choong said...

Rei, I know what you are going thru. I've been to hell and back a couple of times when my mom was critically ill soon after her operation. So take delight that we do our best. For the ones we loved. That's most important. Everything else takes a back seat. Despite everything and stress at home, I did your Baby mickey is very well done..so cute! :)

Baking Fiend said...

Hi Rei,

Sorry to hear abt yr exhausting week. I hope everything is better for u now. drop me a mail if u need to vent/talk, k?

btw, u did a good job reproducing mickey. :)

take care!

Anonymous said...

Hi Rei,

It's just one of those days where everything all come at one time. You have done well, taking things one at a time. Be strong and take care

Cookie said...

Hi Rei,

I am sorry to hear of your hectic week to juggle bake, parents and family.

Hope you are feeling better now. C'mon, smile ;-)

Cheers
Cookie

Anonymous said...

Rei...what a horrible comment!

I happen to think that you are a wonderful mother,the amount of effort you put in to making your kids healthy nutritious food,baking them gorgeous cakes etc...this is something that no amount of money can buy...
Keep it up and cheer up, girl!

xx
Stef from KC

Anonymous said...

Hi Rei,
Great looking cake! I still do not know how to slice chiffon cakes horizontally as I find them so delicate :P

Good to know your dad's cleared of cancer.

It's not easy juggling work and family esp when something crops up. Ganbate!

Rei said...

Dear All, just like to thank you all for your encouraging words. They meant alot to me. I have been hyperventilating for a couple of hours yesterday so I'm cool now. Arigato! Ganbari masu!

Art of Eating said...

You did a great job on the cake, despite all that's happening around.

You're a filial daughter and a wonderful mom. It's not easy to be a multi-tasker but you did it well, really !

Cheers !

KWF said...

Rei, sorry to hear about your dad. Hope he's better now. Glad you've cooled down. :) Hey pal, your skills are really getting very good leh. Can open class and teach me? I'm still very bad at deco with cream :(

Pei-Lin said...

Hey Rei,

I'm very sorry to hear that. I understand how you've been feeling lately, especially with your father's conditions. I went through similar situation five years ago (though I've barely been on the Earth for less than 25 years.) Cheer up, Si-fu! Keep a positive outlook, OK?

Also, superb job in the birthday cake! And, I totally agree that you're a wonderful, strong mother; otherwise, how can still manage to have everything pulled out timely and according to plan?

Don't let some small hiccups bring you down. Your children are very fortunate to have a wonderful, loving mother like you. Stay strong because you still have your family, friends and fans like us!

Pei-Lin

Jullie Teo said...

Hey Rei,

Thanks for the cake... It's delicious!!