Meet-The-Parents Session

Just came back from the Princess's kindy's MTP session. True enough, there wasn't any major surprises. Ya, she's a social butterfly now and super TALKATIVE - something both teacher affirmed. Hmmmmm....

On the positive note, she's:-

1. Confident of herself, something I'd always wanted to develop (being a victim of low self-esteem myself, this trait has always been the No.1 thing I want to build-up in her).

2. Has great influence over her friends, esp. the girls = ring leader (what her form teacher said. Sounded negative, though teacher mentioned it's a compliment. Ring leader??? Like head of gang). Yes, put to good use, this can take her far in life but I reminded her it's a double-edged sword and she should always use this strength for good causes.

3. Can articulate her thoughts well.

4. One of the stronger ones in Chinese class, though she obviously prefers to converse more frequently in English (but it's very difficult to teach her to recognise English words, though we read every night. Could it be the genes???)

5. Last but not least, she eats her meals provided by the school. Sometimes she'll even ask for more. That's good, for there was a period whereby she asked to bring snacks from home but used it as a lunch replacement. Till I found out and forbade her to do it again.

Frankly speaking, I'm quite the hands-off Mom, meaning I don't study with her a lot (esp. after the arrival of No.2) nor send her for loads of enrichment to build her brains. Being a Singapore Kid is stressful enough, my belief is that she should enjoy her childhood as much as she can, while she can. Once she enters P1, that's when she'll be pushed into the inevitable fate of Studying, Studying, Studying, like all the children of our nation, just so she makes the cut and becomes a "successful" person, someone whom her family can be "proud of" (of cos the term "family" does not only include your father, mother, brother etc.), more so she can be an acceptable part of our elitist society.

She may never be the brightest, or the smartest, with tonnes of awards under her belt. But she can feed, dress, bath herself (and many more) and helps to take care of her brother sometimes. Occasionally, she came back telling me her teachers praised her for being able to clean-up the mess independently and that "Mommy has taught you well". Raised in a society of 衣来张手，饭来张口 kids, I'm glad she surpasses many in these basic life skills (although this is also very much forced by the circumstances we are in).

Darling, Mommy is PROUD of you.

Horse riding

The exciting part was when he stood on the seat of his horsie!! Didn't manage to catch it on video. Scary!

难

再也无法忍受那群以华文“难”为前提，势必逼迫华文一而再，再而三地降级的无根浮萍！

生、养、教育孩子不难吗？那就不生lor。英文，数学，物理，人文等等等，难道没人喊难，没人因此受影响，总比分被拉低吗？也不见得有什么英文B、科学B等课程的出现（当然了解数学有分为E、A等等。可是要明白的是，即使是我们的基本数学，已比许多欧美国家的水平来的高）。

Ok！如果你要说，以上科目比较有实际用途，我想你的想法应该已落伍了10年吧！以目前的形势而论，接下来的20年里，中国要成为龙头老大，已不再是天方夜谭。到时才来搞华文复兴，把CL1提升为必修课？？？太迟了！

怎么会有人把自己的优势转为怠势？Why choose to be monolingual when the system had been set in place for you to pursue an effectively bilingual (even trilingual n multilingual, considering the structure of our society) education and lifestyle? And the irony is, many of those who go all out singing the tune that they do not know their MT, actually cannot communicate effectively in their oh-so-beloved English (put them with the native speakers and you'll get what I mean).

7

Now he has 7 teeth, this time discovered by Jie Jie again.

The 7th, is a Canine on his upper right gum:

4CI (2Up + 2L), 2LI (Up), 1Ca (RUp) = 7

OUCH!!! He bites oh, so frequently when I breastfeed him these days.

Why doesn't he EAT?

Or should I say, "Why doesn't he eat his normal meals"?

He used to be a good eater, finishing his food within lightning speed of 10-15 min during most meals, till a few days ago.

Since last Friday, he'd been sleeping with Ah Ma, as we are trying to sleep train him by disassociating sleep with breastfeeding. At around the same period, he started losing interest in his meals. I tried changing his food, even giving him rice instead of the usual porridge but he just wouldn't eat. Even with fruits like papaya, pears n apples, at most he'd just manage a little n simply refused to take anymore. However, he liked milk. Initially, it was just breast milk during the day n he'd only drink a little if offered formula. Now, he loved both. N "junk" - plain bread n baby biscuits.

Why? Why? Why?

Is it bcos of the changes to his sleep arrangement? Or due to teething (but he already grew 6 n hadn't been bugged by this problem before)??

This time round...

...frankly speaking, I'm not looking forward to it. B'cos:-

1. We will not be going.

2. I'll be stranded with 2 kids 24/7.

3. He's leaving in early June, missing the school holidays (they actually wanted to whisk him off on his son's 1st birthday!!).

4. It will be for a good 3 months, I foresee (It was bad enough when he wasn't around for a month the previous time).

The only silver lining that I see -- (online)shopping in US, fully sponsored (I hope)!

My family is "breaking apart".

Watch me drive

Get me a License!

At 10 months, the Boy can ride a horse, a tricycle and drive a car. Don't believe??

Watch this... (ahhhhhhh I can't upload the video no matter how many times I tried... gotta make do with the pics then)

Haha!! Of cos it isn't the real deal.... but he is really steady compared to his sister. These were toys she had after she past the 1 yr mark. To begin with, she needed more help and attention and she was going backward for quite a while before learning how to go forward. However, she was a much better learner when it came to signing and other cognitive related stuff. So, I guess girls and boys do develop differently?? At least for mine....

A little stress
A little down
Mommy's tired, somewhat forlorn
A little love
A little hug
My Darling Babies
My Strength and My Snug

Plus 2??

From the last update, he has at least 2 more teeth popping on his upper gum (though I seemed to have seen more). En was the one who spotted the additions. So the count is :-

2LC + 2UC + 2UL (upper lateral incisors) = 6

But I really think there are 1 - 2 more visible on top......

Woo Hoo!!!!!! I can finally upload files on my laptop again!

K needed to send a document with pics via email. I was insisting that it couldn't be done on my laptop as I wasn't even able to upload a simple, small, text document and this problem had been bugging me for so long. Even the computer experts I sorted couldn't find a solution. I was almost down to the ultimate, much delayed and hated proposal - reset my laptop to factory setting.

... When surprise of surprises, this time round, he actually managed to attach the file to his email and sent it! I tried doing the speedtest and it passed!! Come to think of it, the only thing I changed on my laptop recently was the anti-virus programme, which I had installed since Day 1. Strangely, it must have created some kind of conflict after months of usage. If Microsoft had not decided to do away with it and introduced another software, this problem would probably stick with me forever. Phew!!! Probably the decommissioned programme had too many bugs in the first place.

Ha! Nothing can stop me from uploading pics again!!!

5th Birthday

This year, the Princess's birthday coincided with Good Friday. So, we decided to do away with celebrating in school and just have our own little family fun. However, Ah gong mentioned that they would be doing their tomb-sweeping on that day (but ah ma ordered us to stay away as she felt it would be too smoky for the kids), and the grand uncles and aunties would like to hold a little celebration for her after that. Thus, she had double FUN!

In the morning, we went to the zoo again. This time round the weather was great, simply perfect for our objective - to let her have a go at the Rainforest Kidz Water Play Area. Therefore, our route was planned along that line and we made a couple of stops at the cheetah enclosure, polar bear cove, giraffe holding... before we finally saw IT!

While Sister changed and got ready for her Splashing moments, Mummy had to feed Brother (which was convenient, as there were nursing facilities right there). This was by far the best Water Play Area that I'd encountered, much bigger and varied than the one at Science Centre. She went on the playground, down the slides, through the tunnels, between the fountains, under the showers, on the wet ground.... She was truly entertained and enjoying herself. The best part was, she showered herself so Mummy did not have to get wet :).

Everyone was tired, especially the baby. So we went home for a rest after our lunch at KFC.

Afternoon arrived, we made our way to Taigong's house. This was probably going to be the final gathering there, as it was recently sold (time flies, my dear grandpa had passed on for more than 2 years). We were late as due to brother's nap (really, really apologetic for making everyone wait). Brother had some fun with his little cousin, N, who was a month older. Sister was totally pleased with all the presents and Ang Bao she received. But she was most delighted as she got to play with her favourite cousin, C and his sister C (double Cs haha). They are a year apart from each other, with Sister being the middle one.

All in all, Sister had a great day. However, she mentioned she will want a celebration in school again for her 6th birthday. Sigh... more work for Mummy...

Finally fulfilled my promise

Last year's March holidays, I brought En to the Science Centre. That was our first visit. Well, technically speaking, we only made it to the Admission counter.....

I was into my third trimester then. By the time we made it through the MRT ride, walk from the station to the SC in the extreme heat and humidity, I was half-dead. To make things worse, the queue at ticket counter was LONG. After standing in line for a couple of minutes, I really felt like fainting. It was worse than the walk there, much much worse. Somehow, I just couldn't tolerate standing still during my last pregnancy. My heartbeat would always race like crazy, and I would feel totally breathless and faint. In the end, we decided on McDonald's :p.

This year, I was determined to pay it back. Indeed, we made it, with both the Princess n Prince in tow. Though it wasn't a long visit, she didn't manage to play at the outdoor Water Play area (as I was the only adult and the weather wasn't permitting too) and Mummy wasn't able to walk/ talk her through all the exhibits, nonetheless, she really enjoyed herself (asked me to bring her there again on 2 separate occasions). The space exhibit, with the interactive corridor and pond, was one of her favourite. Of course, we spent a considerable time in the nursing room hehe (rather well-thought out, with toys for accompanying tots, even comes with shower foam and powder in case u need to cleanse the baby).

Tuesday was spent at the home of an ex-schoolmate (from N Kindy) as T, the mum of a pre-nursery kid, was going back to US this coming Easter. Another short visit but it's great to know we have made some long-term friends :). It was really thoughtful of M to organise the event.

Wednesday was another gathering session with my NIE kakies P n M. It was really nice and accommodating of them to come all the way to YT to meet me, as I had to lug both my darlings along as usual. En tried to behave and was generally ok while Kang was quite a handful. So I had to let him play with some plastic spoon and plates, while clutching on to him all the time, making sure he kept his hands off whatever that's on the table, nor diving off the bench etc... Truly tiring but definitely worth it.

Hmmmmmmmmm, what did we do on Thursday?? My old, hazy brain can't quite recall... Was it swimming or something else??? Anyway, I'm quite sure we had some entertaining activities...

Friday was the grand finale, when I finally didn't have to be the ONLY adult. Daddy took leave and we had our sandwich-making session in the morning before we set-off for the zoo! Although we didn't get to do much again, besides the tram ride and one show (thanks to our wonderful weather), at least we got the zoo pass! So, we're going this Friday again, to celebrate En's 5th birthday. Yeah!!

Let's hope that was a good start and I'll continue to bring them around during the school holidays despite them being so energy-draining and challenging.

I Still Miss....

..... the snow-capped mountains and white flurries in the cold winter months

..... the trees of white, purple, pink following the thawing of the ice

..... the wonderful summer days when kids come out to play

..... the dazzling red and orange, betraying the tranquility that surrounds

Not forgetting...

..... the Wonderful people, the Peace, the Family life that I treasured and once beheld.


"We have gone one full cycle. Opportunity knocks again. Truth be it, I wish for another chance, even if it may be a short one. However, deep inside, I have a feeling it won't be the same. This time round, we probably won't go......"

Mummy Beware

I must say, Boys and Gals do develop differently.

Before he crosses over to being 10 mth-old, he has quite gotten the hang of cruising around, be it crawling, pulling himself to stand on furniture and walking while hanging on. This week he went a step further as he learned how to go from a crawling position to sitting upright. He has also gotten to putting tiny things like his biscuits n stickers into his mouth (Horrors of horrors! Where did he get the stickers?? From the stacker drawers, which he readily tore off, where his dear sister had painstakingly pasted and "decorated". This is also one danger spot he enjoyed pulling himself to stand).

Greedy as ever, whenever he watches people eating, he gets angry after a while, wanting to taste whatever others put into their mouth, even when he had just been fed. This boy has an adventurous attitude for food and anything at large. That spells TROUBLE, for I know there are people out there ever ready to shove him anything, including Ice Cream!!! Especially, he has a penchant for SWEET stuff, that includes sweet nothings haha. For if naughty Mummy is to raise her voice or scold him, he spares no effort letting the entire world knows by wailing as loud as his little lungs would take him, and it's not just for a while u know.

Putting his excellent motor skills aside, this rascal certainly should put in more effort on his cognitive skills. Though I had frequently signed with him "milk", "eye", "nose" etc., apparently he picks what seems more interesting only, like his “鼓掌”(clap hands) and "Bye Bye". With his “鼓掌”, he tags his own meaning and usages too. For e.g., he claps when his happy, excited, wants to be carried, sometimes when he wants milk.... The sister was the other way round, probably due to the fact that she was more focused as a baby (getting more and more distracted as she grows :().

As always, I'm looking forward to his new adventures, although it gets tougher for me to rest and sleep. But that's also where all the fun comes in, one day when they are all grown up, at least I have these memories to accompany me :).

2 + 2

Yes, he has 4 teeth in total now - All 4 center incisors are out. Strangely, the first upper incisor which popped later than the two lower incisors is growing faster. Now, it's a really funny sight with that one, single tooth clearly more visible and attention-catching than the other three. Match that with his “奸臣” (translate into hokkien for a more vivid picture of what I'm trying to paint) laughter - the "heh heh heh heh heh" gong gong laughter (which sounds presently musical, sweet and de-stressing to me) he loves making whenever he knows we're going gai gai, it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

He has gotten quite mobile by now, and DANGEROUS. Put him on the bed, before u know it, he is ready to plunge down. Once, Daddy had to dash from the loo, just in time to catch him diving off the bed. However, it was a tad too late. Although there wasn't a big "bang" but the damage was done. He grazed his head on the ground and tore his skin. That sent him wailing for quite a while (it must be really bad for he is usually quite "immune" to pain). Did he learn his lesson?? How I wish he had.... Now I can't even sleep in peace (besides his regular wakings), as he flips around so much, he's either kicking me all the time, else I'm plain worried he may fall off the bed, even with 2 pillows stacked. Put him on the floor and he aims for wires, door stopper, fan etc. What happens when jiejie n Mum need to bath? I put him in his tub (emptied n dried) with some toys and kept him in the toilet so he can see us, at the same time, I can keep an eye on him. Guess what? He toppled over. Does he still enjoy "walking"? U bet he does! And he's still as reckless, just 冲、冲、冲 and bull-doze all the way - typical commando style.

PHEW.

The boy did get on to crawling a little this week. Sometimes he'd get on his fours and lunge forward, or moving backwards without quite lifting his legs off... though it's truly getting very tiring for me, as he wanted to "walk" all the time, as long as he's awake.

More Teeth

The Upper Central Right Incisor is out too. Looks around the same size as the lower ones. Didn't quite see the left one. Probably will be a funny sight if he ends up with one tooth significantly longer than the other while they are growing out :p

Total Count = 3 (2 x LC, 1 x UCR)

再出发

送走懒洋洋的牛，迎接猛虎的到来，是重新出发的时候了。这一年多的光景，对他而言，应该是卧薪尝胆的体验。如今，也是拨云见月的时机了。无论如何，相信这会是个好的开始。希望接下来的日子，他能够如鱼得水，再创高峰，活得更快乐、更自在。

对于小公主，妈妈还是要对你说“对不起”。你可能会以为妈妈对你的爱少了，越来越没耐性，也没什么时间陪你。其实妈妈心里也感到很抱歉。请你对妈妈多点忍耐与包容，等弟弟大一点，妈妈再好好补偿你。

小王子呢，你就像姐姐baby时，一样可爱，也是个万人迷。性子跟妈妈一样急，超好动，也老爱自顾自地玩，妈妈教你做什么，你都好似“你教你的，我做我的”。也无所谓啦，只要你开心、健康，未来的日子还很长，就慢慢来。

妈妈呢，请你收敛收敛你的脾气，对孩子多点耐心，少点责备，对老公多点体谅，少点埋怨，对父母多点孝顺，少点理所当然，对公婆多开一只眼闭一只眼，少点挑剔。这样，别人多点开心，你也少点烦恼。

也希望所有人能多多包容妈妈，关怀妈妈，让她在忙得没时间照顾自己，睡眠超不足，越来越像黄脸婆的同时，知道还有许多人爱她、appreciate她。

8 mths

Finally decided to "upgrade" his Mag Mug to a Straw-Top. The Daddy was questioning if he's "up to it". Well, I started Princess on hers when she was about the same age, besides, it was stated on the packaging that 8+ mths will be an appropriate age.

3 days ago, he had his first taste of how a big boy drinks. YO!!!!!!!! He got it right on his first try and started sipping from the straw pretty soon. Other than the occasional choking (which he does when he was drinking from spoon too), all has been well so far. In fact, he's drinking more as compared to the Spout-Top, which I have to admit, we have little mileage out of it.

Oh, he just had his first snack too. Yesterday, I got him some baby puffs. It was hilarious when I put the first one into his almost toothless mouth (his 2 lower incisors which sprouted not long ago r still pretty much TINY), his face scrunched a little, as if questioning "What the xxxx is that ??". Then, he started sucking it. Strangely, though he enjoys shoving stuff into his mouth, he hasn't quite figured that he can put the puffs in there n would rather play with them. Guess it won't be too far into the future before he finally gets the hang of it :p.

Although he can get on all his fours and lift his tummy fully off the floor, he still prefers to roll around to get what he wants, instead of crawling. However. this Demolition Boy (he tore a blade off his spinning fan 2 mths ago) really likes to "walk", always wanting to get on the floor (even when he's on the bed, he will want to push himself off head-on), and "walk" around. Though he can stand pretty well when he is hanging onto furniture, but he definitely cannot be "trusted", for he'll simply let go n lunge if something catches his attention. Danger, danger!

Oh dear, I wonder what amount of trouble is he going to get into real soon......