Tom the Tortoise (many months ago - 11 December 2006)

Tom the Tortoise died yesterday. We suspect he died of upper respiratory tract infection (URT). A cold.

For the longest time, Tom just refused to eat and would just sit on the little stone in the aquarium day after day. Jerry, the other tortoise, grew and grew but Tom stayed the same size. We got worried & tried other kinds of food but Tom still would not eat. We suspected then that he was sick and placed him in a separate container. Jason searched the net (?!) and found that Tom's symptoms or behaviour indicated URT infection. But it was too late to save him.

Sean knew for several days that Tom was sick. "My tortoise is not feeling well," he'd say to my mum & brothers. So, when Tom died, Jason solemnly broke the news to Sean. He took it matter of factly. I guess death doesn't register much to a toddler. He followed us outside to bury Tom. And that was it.

Sean & Chloe

Chloe is Sean & Aidan's cousin. She is only 2 months younger than Sean. She lives in PJ so we don't see her much. During the Hari Raya hols, she came for a visit. Funny thing is, Chloe & Sean often times end up "color coordinated" - we mummies somehow dress them in clothes of the same color without meaning to. Here are some photos of her & Sean.