Livvie in KK

Livvie and her parents flew from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu on 5 September and spent the next four days with her grandparents. It had been just under a year since their last visit to KK (Read here), and we were all looking forward to the reunion.

Although the visit was brief, we made the most of our time together. Livvie was comfortable and at ease with us, likely because it had only been a month since we last saw each other in Singapore. Her familiarity made our interactions natural and warm - but it also reminded us that, even with close family, there are boundaries that should be respected, and some topics are better left untouched.

One evening, while having dinner at a local hotel, we casually suggested that Livvie spend the night with us so her parents could enjoy a little private time - perhaps even catch a movie together. The moment the idea was floated, her demeanor changed completely. She immediately withdrew into herself, going silent and visibly disengaged. It was as if a switch had been flipped.

That reaction made it clear to us: she’s still not ready to be apart from her parents, especially in an unfamiliar place. It was a gentle reminder that even with the best of intentions, emotional readiness - especially in young children - can’t be rushed. And sometimes, love means recognizing those limits and giving space for comfort and security to grow at its own pace.

At the grandparents home.

 

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A very observant kid and she  imitated her gung-gung at the lajin bench.

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 At the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park or Lok Kawi Zoo as some like to call it.

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At the Sabah Arts Centre.

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Coffee break and playtime at One Roof Cafe.

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At Kokol Haven to enjoy KK sunset. Our visit coincided with a wedding going on at the resort.

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Dinner at a local hotel.

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Trying out the famous bau at Chakitiam.

Eating pao at Chakidiam Coffee Shop in Damai Plaza.

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First encounter with terap at Foh Sang shops.

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Her Chinese proficiency is improving fast.