With the risk of being called a “pick me”: I am not one who usually is celebrating Mother’s Day. Without dwelling on details, Mother’s Day has not been an integral part of my life growing up. The whole thing has been… Complicated.

That said, I am now a mother of two, and Rey, the youngest, has always been the champion of Everything Sweet, Nice, and Beautiful in our life. She’s the whimsy in the family, even more so than I do. If you think I’m whimsy, she brings it tenfold (to be fair, we are bad influencers to each other because whenever we go shopping, we always go, “OMG ADEEEEEK, LOOK AT THIS CUTE MUG!” “IBUUUU, THIS DUCK LAMP IS SO CUTE!”) Rey then set her mind that she’s representing all of us and decided that a brunch is an absolute event for Mother’s Day. Hence, the brunch at Kenny Hills Kuala Lumpur.

I had an excellent watermelon lychee salad and a spinach with feta cheese quiche (my favorite.) I always appreciate Kenny Hills’ kitchen team skills in combining and balancing the taste and flavors. I have been increasing my salad game, and I found that watermelon, leafy veggies, lychee, and (air-fried) tempe are actually a good combo!

Ari and the kids tucked in on their delicious meals, too! Wira ordered a Big Breakfast, Ari asked for a plate of Reuben Sandwich, and Rey wanted a plate of pancakes with berry compote and honey.

Also, since we are at Kenny Hills Bakery, there is no chance we would miss their excellent selection of pastries! Ari and the kids settled down on a slice of butter cake, fruit tart, and jalapeno bagel.

Here’s to all the mothers out there. Those who choose to be one, those who choose not to, those who had to, those with furbabies, those who actually had the opportunity to step away but then decided to step up and take the role, even though they might be too young or too inexperienced for motherhood. Those who healed, those who are still healing, those who are yet to ask for help. Those who are still waiting to be one. You all are our sisters, our aunties, our dear mothers.