Belle 1st time go to school

When i mentioned school, it was not really a school class where there were a bunch of children sitting down writing and reading books. It was actually the next level of a Gymnbabe at Tumble Tots. I did take Belle once to a trial class of TT Gymnbabe when she was 8 months old in Jkt. But she was so worry because she's the only baby and there were 3 teachers (that she should called 'auntie') crowd around her. So she cried that time and i didn't think she had a great time.

Well, this time is different as Belle is already a big baby now

I've heard that there is Tumble Tots in Batam but i never know where it is. Then one day when my hubby and me were parking our car in a mall, we saw a big car with huge of cartoon sticker and TT sign on it. So we leave a message on the wiper, ask them to call us regarding the location.

So this morning, after we took daddy to office, me and Belle went to this new school. This actually the very first time that i have to travel by car only with her. She has to sit on her car seat of course. She behave quite nice, accept when saying goodbye to daddy she cried a little bit and ask for 'tutut' (=turun=go down) then i called away her attention by singing some songs, pointing out to car, truck (she's so crazy about trucks... i don't know why, she always scream whenever she saw truck in any size ).

Finally, we get to our destination place. She stopped being fussy and smile when i took her down. Unfortenately, the receptionist said that the class for 'walking to 2 years old' will start at 9.30 and that was only 8.45 AM. So i asked for a tour but it only took less than 5 minutes. I took Belle to a little park nearby to play, but it was too hot being outside. I took her to a canteen (It's so small and all the seats were occupied, actually there were only 4 seats). Just next to the tumble tots, still inside the area, there is a swimming pool. And Belle jump in delight to see the water. She pull my hand so hard and she tried so hard to drag me into the pool. It was quite difficult to persuade her that neither me or her didn't wear any swimsuit so we couldn't swim. Finally we spent the rest of the waiting time sitting down and drink soya, she just learn how to sip the drink from straw (anything that could distract her attention) and it kept her busy.

When finally the teacher called us to come inside the class Belle was already settled and well contained.

There were 4 children including Belle when we entered the class and Belle was the only girl . One boy, nearly 2 years old, i guess was so good and seems familiar with all the children physical equipment. Another boy was just laying down and keep sucking his bottle of milk. (Belle, with her new interest to inform anything, come to this boy and point him, saying out loud "MINUM!" she informed me that the boy is drinking then she tried to find her own water bottle). The other boy just stayed in the class for less than 5 minutes because he kept crying (dunno why). Then, after the class began there were some more (another 3 boys again) came and join.

Belle of course still new with all the toys: the stairs, the stepping, the tunnel, and the small trampoline. But i can see that she was soooo excited with all the things, the colorful paintings of tumble tots, and of course the children: her new fellas. She kept following the good boy (Tama) when he practice his physical skill. And Belle kept inform me from time to time on what the boy was doing. (of course, some understandable and some with her own words . However, when the teacher call and ask to gathered together to do some movement with music, Belle also very happy and she did the dancing with her own style. (Eventhough the teacher sing "touch your head... nose... knee... etc) anyway, she's new and still learning. She paid attention to her teachers but at the same time she also had so much fun. And to me that's the most important thing .

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Belle 1st Walk

Belle 1st step were actually happened sometime before she turned 1. But those were only 2 steps before she stop and crawl again. Later when she felt like walking, she would grab anyone finger and get the person to walk together with her (in her direction)

I have to admit that i've been desperately waiting for her to walk smoothly for ages, my mom and sis used to say that Belle will walk early, perhaps they did predict it because she was able to stand by herself (by holding the edge of her cot to support her body) since she was only 8.5 months old. Then she began little sidewalk (holding my knee, sofa chair or the wall) when she was about 9 months old. Therefore, we never expect that it would be this 'late' for her to start walking.

However, all of us also notice that Belle's ability to talk is way ahead compare to child on her age. Referring to a book (and other internet survey) about child's development, 1 year old baby normally can say up to 10 words. Before she was even 11 months old, Belle have quite a lot words in her vocabulary and she could say them clearly. Many times i've heard that for some children they will talk first then walk or vice versa. I think Belle is the one who can talk first before she's able to walk.

Yesterday, one of our friend came to visit with her 2 children (age 9 and 6). They love to play with Belle, especially the little sister. Belle was always curios with older children and she tried so hard to copy them. So, while they were playing themselves, Belle get the little girl to hold her hand and follow them everywhere. Then slowly, she began to release the fingers and walk by herself until (i suspect that) she didn't realise that she walk and walk and walk from here to there. My friend teased me that perhaps Belle was only have a 'show time' so we better wait until they go back home. So, a little bit worry i waited. But, she just kept walking and walking (not even once she fell down). Then i felt so relief and inform Belle's daddy and the family in Jakarta about this good news

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3rd trip to S'pore and 1st hair cut

Day 1: 25th April 2009
This is the 3rd trip for Belle going to S'pore. The 1st one, she was still 5 mths old fully breastfeed and able to roll over from back to chest. 2nd one Belle was almost 7 mths old and just start solid food, she can roll back and forth but of course main activities remain on bed. And now, she's a 1 year old young lady... always busy with things, she seems have an endless curiosity toward things. Therefore, handling her at this stage is quite a tiring (though fun as well) task to do :p

We depart from Sekupang seaport, planning to take 7.50AM ferry. From 5.30AM Belle already woke up, jumping on her cot and call out her dad and momma. When we ignore her (still sleepy coz the night before we had bible study until 11pm at our place then began packing up for this trip), she began to call 'mbak' (the maid) and pointing at the door. So i took her out for a short walk, breakfast and early bath then re-check our travelling equipment once again. 6.30 we're heading to Sekupang, my hubby drove the car and going to leave the car overnight at the seaport.

After everything settle with immigration things, we waited on the lounge. Lucky, that morning they provide free breakfast (tea, coffee and bread + cake). Belle could finish 1 whole custard cake (i removed the custard). On the way to ferry, inside her stoler, Belle never stop talking as if saying and talking somethings, of course some words are understandable (mana... mana... mau... itu) but most of them are simply baby language :p Also inside the ferry she became so excited when i show her the sea, some boats and fish (though we couldn't see any).

Arriving at Harbor front ferry terminal, we're lucky again coz there were hardly any queue. Consider this is not the time for Indonesian to spend their money shopping at s'pore (we can't expect this to happen on special occasion such as a long weekend). As usual, most of the officers around immigration section were so friendly with baby. Everytime we reach the immigration section, at least there will be 2 people, will come and greet her with funny face, imitate whatever gesture she made, make fun of her and it made her so delightful. This time a very young man wave to her from the clearance point, made Belle so happy and started to call him "maas...mas..." (nickname for older adult man but still young, similar as 'bro').

Then we catch a taxi to go to our hotel at Bencoolen. Belle was very excited and keep talking, pointing out the car,buildings, the trees, plants, everything and named them with her own words :). When we reach the hotel, unpack our stuff, hubby went out by himself to search for car spare part. Me and Belle waited at the hotel for my mom to pick us up. The main agenda of this trip was to meet my mom and both of my sisters. My eldest sister and her vocal group (that used to be my singing group too when i was still in Jakarta) will going to sing in 2 local church this sunday (tmrw).

Not long after my hubby gone, my mom and Cassie (my cousin) came and pick us up. The rest of the group were waiting in the cab, including my 2nd sister. My eldest sister, Maria, Ditha n' Andi were still at the airport because Maria has just lost her luggage. Then we headed for the apartment where they going to stay at Claymore, Orchard. Belle was became more excited of the place as she can move freely from here to there by crawling and walking (but has to have someone to hold her hand as she didn't have self confidence yet to walk by herself). Then after my eldest sister with the rest of the group arrived, play with Belle for a while, they went out for lunch. Only left me, my mom, Belle n' my 2nd sister (But then she also went out to meet her friends) We stay there until about 4PM. Belle had her lunch and nap (with mommy n' opung) then me, my mom and tante Endah (the owner of the place) went out to have dinner and buy Belle's shoes as the ones she's wearing were off. I also ask my hubby to meet us somewhere at Orchard. Bought the shoes at Isetan, had dinner at Din Tai Fung Wisma Atria (where we met my hubby), It was superb and tante Endah ordered so many food. I really love the dumpling (kuo tie?) and the chinese fried rice. Belle eat a lot, order her a bowl of boiled chicken and she almost finished all of them :)

We took MRT to go back to Bencoolen (our hotel) but i think we get off too soon, instead of stop at Bugis, we got off at City Hall so we had to walk a looong way. Belle was ok at first, at the MRT she kept calling some of the guys that smile or wave at her "Maaass...." hehehe... and when we were walking, inside her stoller she point at everything, especially when she saw kids inside the pram, she began really excited and call "dedek or kakak" (little/big sister/brother). But after some time she began to be bored, turn her head toward us and said "mommaaa... dad.... bobok" (wanted to go to sleep). Finally, we arrived at the hotel. I took a bath together with Belle, put her pajamas on and put her to sleep.

Day 2: 26th April 2009


As usual, Belle woke up at 6.15AM (Indonesian time) and call "mommaaa..." so me and hubby have to get up too and withouth having a bath 1st, we had breakfast at the restaurant. She refuse to eat her baby biscuit and demand for my cereal and white bread (untoasted). After finish our meal, we went out for morning walk. I was amazed that we were actually so close to Bugis Junction, only about 10 minutes walking! Of course not any shop has open yet, so we just walk around. Belle found out that a fountain were so hilarious, we let her play with water for a while. She became very happy and wet :) and didn't want to leave :p . Arriving back at the hotel, gave Belle a bath, nurse her and put her to morning nap. At around 10.30AM, 2nd sister came coz my mom ask her to help me taking care of Belle :p Since she were sleeping we decided to go to Bugis Jnctn but then my mom and tante Endah came and took us to lunch (my hubby stayed at the hotel with Belle). We had Nasi Ayam (Hainan chicken rice) at Bon Tong Kee (i hope i type the name right :) ), the area name Novena. It was the most delicious chicken rice i've ever had! We took away 2 portion for my hubby n' Belle then went back to the hotel. It was already past 1PM. My mom said it's ok if we couldn't go to the 2PM church because we want to catch the ferry and the weather not really friendly.

So then after we fed Belle, checked out from the hotel, said goodbye, we went straight away to Harbour Front Ferry Terminal. Unfortunately when we get there It was too late to catch the 2.10Pm Ferry so then we have to choose the 5.40PM ferry. Too bad that we missed the chance to meet my brother n' sisters of VOP (voice of praise) at the church, while we actually have the time. But anyway it'll be too hassle to go back to the city. Therefore we decided just to walk around VIVO (the mall connected with the ferry terminal) and find a place to cut Belle's hair.

My hubby said that once he passed a children barber shop, but we looked 'round and 'round every level we still couldn't find it. Even when we search on the Direction guide, we have to make guess as it didn't state which one is barber shop in the kid's category. Luckily, when i went into a children apparel shop, i asked the cashier about this, she didn't know but a man that were shopping with his kid, heard me and told me that we should go to Toy's R Us. The kid's salon is right inside that big store (no wonder we didn't find it ).

It called Junior League Children' Style Salon, I just a small corner near to the Toys R Us entrance, there were 4 seats provided and each chair comes fitted with its own TV screen, playing popular cartoons like Barney, Dora The Explorer and other children' show. Kids are also pampered with candy, balloons, toys and stickers. Of course i didn't allow Belle to have candy, so the nice hairdresser lady gave her so many toys to keep her occupied. At first she seem to be confuse, she just sit still didn't know what happen, but then she started to throw all the toys and me and the lady picked them up and gave them back to her. Then she began to pull ear, scratch her hair that were being cut. Only when the lady gave her a red balloon she grin and play with it. She began to be fussy again when auntie hairdresser started to use a shaver, perhaps she scared of the sound. So she yelled at auntie and said "Aaah" while gliding her hand backward. Finally the lady said "OK... OK... no more!" And voila...Belle is now fresh with her new hair with cute fringe .

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A Thank expression on Belle's 1st B'day

“Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17)
We've been blessed with a daughter to love."

Today, last year on Easter Sunday Afternoon, our bundle of joy has finally arrived. As soon as she was born, the surgical team said out loud “Congratulation, you have a baby girl!!” I couldn’t help not to cry, all the feelings came inside me “Relief, proud, happy…” Then after they check and clean her, her daddy holds her then gave her to me. Both of us agree that She was the most beautiful creature in the world!



We named her CHRISTABELLE PRISCILLA ROULI. Christabelle means: Beautiful follower of Christ or Beautiful Christian. Priscilla is taken from the bible, means: Lady of honour. Rouli is a Bataknese name, means: Here comes the pretty one. We pray that our princess will be a beautiful Christian that full of honour and bring love, joyful and happiness for God, family and people surround her.

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All First

These are some of the special First Moments of Christabelle:

• First Smile: 5th May 2008; Belle was 7 weeks old
• First Laugh: 7th August 2008; Belle was 4.5 months old
• Firt recognised Mummy: 17th April 2008; Belle was 3 weeks old
• First recognised Daddy: 5th June 2008; Belle was 2 months old
• First held head up: 23rd April 2008; Belle was exactly 1 month old
• First rolled over from back to chest: 15th July 2008; Belle was 3.5 months old
  
• First rolled over from chest to back: 17th August 2008; Belle was 4.5 months old
• First sat up by herself: 22nd November 2008; Belle was 8 months old
• First crawled backward: 17th October 2008; Belle was 6.5 months old
• First crawled forward: 14th January 2009; Belle was 9.5 months old
• First stood up: 13th December 2008; Belle was 8.5 months old
• First steps: 3rd April 2009; Belle was 12.5 months old
• First walked: 12th May 2009; Belle was 13.5 months old
• First ran:
• Some of first words: Guguk (=woof, sound of a dog), mbak (call our maid/nanny), dad, nini (grandma), momma
  

Wonderful weekend with my baby girl

Today i accompany Belle to sunday school after quite a long time i didn't do it and just hear some 'report' from her nanny about her behaviour at class. I took Belle to sunday school for the first time when she was only 3.5 months old. She just sit on my lap and mostly sleep half way of the sunday school (It start at 8AM, exactly the time for her morning nap at that time), but gradually she began to more and more interactive and since 5 month old she didn't sleep in the class anymore :p (The class is categorize for children under 3 years old)

And here i am, i felt glad with all her progress. She is now can sing a long, dance and tried to jump2 and get so excited when the teacher teach the class singing a happy song.

Surprisingly, she always pay full attention to whatever the sunday school teachers (there are more than 3 of them) said or command the children to do. Only several times she get a bit bored or distracted when her other little friends eat something (of course she wants to eat too) or drink milk from bottle (she also wants to drink, eventhough i only give her water) or when she see other mommy's bag just lay on the floor near her, she tried to grab it (She love bags!! :p). But overall, she behave really good. I am really proud of her.

On this opportunity, i also talk to one of the teacher, ask permission to celebrate Belle's birthday next month. I can't wait for that day to come :)

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Sleep...my baby sleep... (II)

Last night and a few nights before, Belle kept waking up at around 2AM. Normally she just woke up once (or maximum twice) at night and demand for breastfeed, we're now trying to change this habit by giving her water only but i do it gradually. But last night she was look very alert when she called me from her cot (which laid beside our bed), standing and bouncing up and smiling while holding her monkey doll. The funny thing was, she grab the monkey tail and push it down as if almost to drop it then she began to call me, when i open my eyes lazily and look at her, then she start to drop the monkey and then laughing away. I know for sure if get the monkey and give back to her, it will be a never ending game that will lasts till morning :p So i just ignore her and demand her to sleep.

After 5 minutes she began to scream and cry, i check and find out that her nappy has to be change. Changing nappy in the middle of the night was one thing that really made her frustated, coz she already expect that i'm going to play with her. But as soon as i put her on our bed and open her PJ's and nappy, she protested and scream really loud.

Then after everything done, she look at her dad and began to grin, crawl to grab daddy's hair and pat his hand. But daddy lay still, not even open his eyes. only touch Belle's cheek and doze off back to sleep. I look at the clock, it was still 2.30AM in the morning, so i talk to her and look directly to her eyes,"Listen young lady, it's still midnight and everyone still sleeping. You go back to sleep or play by yourself okay?" Surprisingly, she didn't protest when i put her back to her cot, she didn't stand up nor sit down. I lay myself down and listen. At first, Belle still babbling and babbling (when i peek, she was surrounded by all her 'friends' Bunny, monkey, kangaroo, little bug all have a little morning chit chat ith her :p) Not long, she began to whimper a little then suddenly the bedroom became silent. She was fell asleep on her chest, her left hand still grabbing bunny's long ear.

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Travelling with Baby Belle

Thursday, 10th January was the 6th time Belle travel by airplane.
1st time was the trip from Sydney to Jakarta on 23rd April '08. She was exactly 1 month old at that time. On that 8 hours trip, she didn't sleep much. Only twice on the basinet provided by Qantas airline in front of our seats (I was accompanied by my brother Joshua). Most of the time she just sit on my lap or her uncle lap, look at the movie on the big screen, I breastfed her twice on that trip. She also didn't cry much (which is quite surprising for baby in her age).

2nd trip was on 19th February '08. She was not even 2 months old yet. We went back to our City, Batam from Jakarta. As usual, during take off and landing i gave her bottle of formula milk and plug her ear with ball of cotton. The purpose is to protect her ear, because baby's ear are very sensitive at this age. Also by sucking the jaw movement will make her ear covered. I also been told before by Qantas steward that It's good if the baby cry rather than sleep during take off.

3nd trip, 19th November '08. Baby Belle was almost 8 months old. We bring along our maid (nanny) and just before we're about to boarding, She fell asleep. On the airplane, i tried to wake her up to give her milk and cover her ear but she slept really well, she didn't want to do anything. So i just cover her ear. Thanks God everything went well.

4nd and 5th trip were on the way and coming back Jakarta - Jogja - Jakarta. There were 4 of us (me, hubby and mom in law). She was a big baby and very active, Staying still was such a difficult task for her. In the airplane, both of the trip i have to breastfeed her during take off, 1st again to protect her ear, 2nd to make her calm as she keep trying to grab everything, including a lady's hair who was sit in front of us :p

6nd trip, on the way back home to Batam. We kept her occupied with new toys. I manage to re-decorate some of her old toys by wrap them up with bright paper wrap. The trick works alright, Belle can sit happily on my lap, occasionally make a fun chat with a man who was sitting side across our seats.

Overall, We're so delightful to have Belle as one of our companion. She completes every journeys and by having her between us has made our every single trips much more fun and adventurous.

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Belle's Christening

Christabelle was 8 mths n' 2 wks old when she got baptised. After what happen yesterday, i felt a bit regret that we didn't do it earlier. She is a bit (or a lot?) too big... She couldn't stay still, get bored and fussy and when we brought her up front to the priest to be blessed, she got angry (She always hate to be carried like a newborn), especially when He put his hand on her head.

My dad said, It's normal for babies to cry when they got baptised. But i think IF we have the second one, i will do the christening very early (before 3 mths old). Anyway, i'm glad that everything went well. Welcome to the Kingdom of God my precious little one :)

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constipation

These past 3 days i’ve been worry coz Belle seems very difficult in passing her stool. After red rice, potatoe, pumpkin porride, last 2 days i gave her green bean porridge mix with formula milk (that’s b’coz i was lazy to express my breastmilk and also feel that the milk production a bit decrease as Belle also lack of interest in breastfeeding, she just keep playing with them hehehe...)

Last night she kept waking up. Normally, she only wakes up once at night to be breastfeed. But last night she looks so uncomfortable, crying and fussy. I suspect she got a stomachache. At 6AM she woke up and cry, so i bring her out to the changing room, she poo a little. And then she play and had breakfast (2 chunk of baby biscuits). I left her for about 2 hours, when i came back she was sleeping. Then she woke up. At first, she smile at me, but suddenly she cry and scream like in pain. I picked her up and cuddle her. I ask the maid to buy papaya and order not to cook any other kind of porridge.

I will only feed her breast milk and papaya starting from today and the next 2 days perhaps. Belle keep crying and even scream so loud (which she rarely do it, she never cry like this, In fact she hardly ever cry) I check her nappy, there’s a little poo but then i saw something very hard and big (sory if this make u sick hehehe) stuck and she strugle to let it out. But finally it could come out and it happen several times. Big and hard like wodden stick. I suspect it happen because of the formula milk i gave to her, mix with the porridge. Perhaps, i will stop to give her any formula milk, not even change to any brand. Mother milk is always in the right conditon and the best for my baby.

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Baby Belle 1st solid

I planned to give Belle her 1st solid food on her 6th mth B’day which is today. But yesterday when i was eating mango, She always tried to grab it so i gave it to her mouth for her to lick it then she began to demand more and more… so i made the puree of half mango, mix with a bit of breastmilk, sit her on my lap,

(she was too impatience if she had to wait for me to asemble her high chair which i intend to use a day after –> today), put on her bib and give her very first semi solid food :) she seems really enjoy it, keep open her mouth everytime i said Aaaaa and several times wants to grab the spoon and put everything herself. Messy?? all over her cloth and face of course :p

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Baby Belle 1st teeth

This morning i was playing with Belle on my bed, she keeps drolling and wanted to grab anything her eyes can see. These last few weeks i’ve noticed white dot in her gum, but far back on the right side of her mouth. Then when her dad call (He was in Jkt) I told him that her teeth almost come. When i hang up the phone, i put my finger inside Belle mouth then i felt something… VOILA… her 1st teeth already came out :)

Funny, all of these times i suspect that her first molar will come at the beginning as we spot the white thingy on the right back of her mouth. But that part still remain white and her 1st teeth is actually one of the incisors, one cute teeth on her front low jar.

Anyway… i’m so happy that she didn’t experienced any sign of fever, lack of appetite (even these past 3 days she’s been breastfeed a lot until i felt exhausted hehehe… perhaps it compensate the pain that she felt a little bit in her mouth) or excessive crying as parents and old people told me. I called her dad back and he also happy and be proud of her.

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Sleep...my baby sleep... (I)

These past 3 days Belle schedule shift a little bit. She woke up once at 1.30AM again and then 6.00AM after breastfeed she wouldn't go back to sleep. She moved a lot during sleep at night like trying to lay on her side.

Perhaps it's the stage that she developing the skill to roll over from back to side and soon to her tummy. Well, i should be prepare to wake more often at night very soon. After all, that's what a mother is for :)

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When Christabelle was born

23rd March 2008

Christabelle was born on sunday easter. She was 3.78 kg and 51cm, overdue 10 days and didn't look like newborn at all. As soon as she was taken out from my tummy (i had to do CS after 26 hours struggle to have the natural one but Belle wouldn't want to come out :) ) she cried so loud and open her eyes really big (even though they didn't look big at all as she got almond shape eyes) and look at the person who hold her. Anyway, me and hubby still think that She is the most beautiful creature we've ever seen :)

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Giving Birth in Australia

Eversince i got pregnant, even before. I have a dream to give birth my baby in Sydney Australia. Why Australia? Well, first of all because i still have my permanent residence that supposed to be expired on August this year. As an Aussie PR i've been told that i have some beneficial privilege, facilities covered by Medicare (Health Insurance for Aussie Citizen and PR). Plus, my baby will get her Aussie citizenship automatically. Plus, possibility that Aussie govt will grant me A$5,000 know as baby bonus. But most of all perhaps because i constantly heard from my friends that currently reside in Australia about all the benefit they got having labor there.

Therefore, i started to bridge correspondence with some parties in Australia. First of all i contact the hospital where i intend to give birth. I chose Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), because the location is the nearest to where i used to live and also close to Central Business District. Also i heard from some friends that the service in this hospital's excellent. Then i inform all my friends that still reside in Sydney, get their support and seek help to find accomodation. And i also check the immigration whether i'm still eligible to do such things.

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