Another year older

A backdated post - Tuesday 24 March 2009

Happy birthday to you, 

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to Papa,

Happy birthday to you.

To the man...

- who means the world to us

- who gives us everything and all

- who loves us unconditionally

- for being the best that you can be

... We love you.

I dunno if its right to disclose age on blogs, but you can see anyway from the number of candles on the cake :) Kayden insist on a Ben 10 cake for his Papa and Mei would obviously prefer an Elmo cake. But Papa, being a traditional and basic guy that he is, he wants a traditional kind of butter cream birthday cake.. you know, those type we get when we're young? 

We dropped by Galacier in Tiong Bahru as its on the way home, I dont even get to see how it looks like as the cake's stored at the back. Upon confirmation I'll get one at the counter ($28 for a chocolate cake), they packed one for me with the candles and not before spending a long time doing the piped wording. 

The cake looks simple, but tastes good... my inlaws had 2nd helpings (which is unusual) and WK says its OK (means, its a compliment, in his food critic language). So guess, it was a good choice this year! Yeah!

The simple man took leave from work (being the 1st time he's ever done so for his birthday). We didnt do anything special, he accompanied Mei to her JG class, and then we picked up Kayden from school and went for lunch. At night, his mom made a steamboat for him, and I made him a bowl of traditional meesua with 2 hardboiled eggs. The day's finished off with the birthday cake. 

The girl whose eyes didnt leave the cake until she was offered a slice

The children (mainly K) who blows the candle on everyone's bday cake nowadays

So that's how we celebrated the birthday for our dearest man who simply don't like fuss or extravagance.

A man with simple needs who doesnt spend money on himself. The most he spends on himself is to get a hair cut in a salon rather than a $10 barber or hairstylist. 

He however, needs his recreational activities and this is an occasional session of soccer on Sunday mornings, Facebook game of Wrestler (he, admittedly, is very good at this) daily (ie as soon as he comes home), surfing the internet daily, surfing the TV channels daily (when I sit with him occasionally, 80% of the cable movies he's watched!), watching American Idol weekly and maybe a new recreation of prawn fishing? Though the latter can get pretty expensive, depending I guess on # catch for the day!

Overall, a great father who will definitely bring the kids out on fun excursions every weekend. They may not see him much, but on the days they do, its easy to see how much they love their Papa and enjoys being with him. 

I, I could not have asked for a better person to spend the rest of my life with. Sure, there are grouses, "Hey, do more this, that", "Be more involved with the kids", "Spend more time with them"... usual rantings of a wife right? However, sincerely, he is more than good enough for me, a reliable and sensible man who just completes me, and makes me a better person.

Happy birthday bee, have a great year ahead! Sorry this post came so late, as I've only downloaded the pictures today.

And this' us

Nobody likes me

I just remembered, while protecting Sophie from Kayden squashing her today (he was playing fighting again, as usual, and one of the easiest person to bash up is the little sis), he mumbled softly "Nobody likes me".

Me, being so crossed at him, for always fighting, always jumping on his sister, I said "Yes, that's right" I wanted to be mean.

He lay on the floor and pretended to sleep, then was back to his usual self.

Of course, it made me feel so GUILTY.

I know I say a lot of "I dont like it when you do/say.." and I hear his Grandma telling him in Mandarin "Wo puk see huan nee (ie I dont like you)" when he is naughty. Our remarks were meant to stop him doing his naughty business, but I dont remember it working the way its meant to, ie the outcome's still usually the same.

I pulled him aside and gave him a long, big hug.

I had to let him know, "I like you, I like you a lot, I just dont like your behaviour". Then I explained it to mean that I dont like how he hits, jumps, plays rough, scolds others etc. That those are behaviours.

Its so important now, we watch our words.

As a mom, I never ever want him to grow up thinking he is not loved or liked by us. Cos it would mean that I would have failed to be a mom that I wanna be. Giving him unconditional love, but with boundaries he shouldnt overstep.

It's a tough job to be a mom. But its so easy to love a child, for they are so innocent, funny and most of all, vulnerable. I'm not taking another wrong step.

Silhoutte

2 weekends ago, we went to get Papa's eyes checked as he had recently been suffering from extreme sharp pain to his right eye when he is in the sun or looking at something bright eg computer, TV, even the fluorescent lights.

He got his eyesight tested and found that the said eye's degree had dropped significantly by 75 to only 100 degrees now. The optician found nothing wrong with his cornea and subscribed, therefore, a new pair of glasses.

He got himself a promotional no brand specs, and while waiting, the kids and i fooled around this pair of cool shades I found. 

Silhoutte brand, and only $99! Really a bargain ($200 off the normal price), I so wanted to buy them but they dont fit my face, tsk tsk... It sits on my puffy cheeks instead of the bridge of my nose. So, totally no go. And boy, did I try and try and try, upteempth times, you know, like maybe magic could happen and it will just mould to the shape of my face kind?

I took a pix for K, he took for me, I took for myself, then I took for Sophie. We all had a free go on the specs I so wanted to get. The one Papa said made me look like I have eyes of a housefly, thus sorry, no photos of moi.

The cool dude!

The best model, our babe Sophie!

Now dont you agree, the specs' super duper cool? And a real bargain too!

We're home!

We just got back from Air Papan.

Wow, the beach's really awesome, water's quite clear (but lotsa rubbish on the beach where the restaurants are) but if you walk further out to both ends of the beach, its really quite litter-free! 

We basked in the sun for 2 hours today, until noon, where I reluctantly packed the kids up to go back to the resort to bathe and check out as the inn owners had only allowed us to stay extend until 1+pm.

Lucky we did, cos 2 hours in the sun, I am so red! Sun burnt! 

But we had a whale of a time, going out to the South China Sea when it gets too hot, the water's calm and nice. The boys kicked a ball around. Sophie and I sat in our own personal lagoon (or "pool") the receding tide left behind. The small fishes nibble at us and we caught some hermit crabs, or are they sea snails? I even found a live clam (big one) and we brought it back, but I bet its probably bad or spoilt or dead by now, 24hrs out of the sea.

Overall its a really nice and easy place to be, to hang out. What we did all day is eat eat eat and then hang out in the beach. As Air Papan's stalls and eateries are not open on weekdays (ie only the local residents around) we drove into Mersing town for every meal, its only 15mins away. There are some good food there, with very reasonable prices.

The place is only 2hours drive and its safe and small enough for a family I reckon. The kids love the whole host of farm animals the villagers keep... The kids pet a kid (baby goat) and Sophie even kissed it 3 times when it wander into our garden. There are goats, goose, chickens, chicks, rooster, ducks, cats and kittens.

I woke up this morning to the cackle of the roosters. The kids enjoyed feeding the little kitten that comes to our veranda when they sit there to eat their instant noodles. WK and I enjoy sitting on that same veranda last night just feeling the breeze on our faces and basically doing nothing. Away from the hustle bustle, where time just stands still. The people in Mersing town and Air Papan leads what seems an idyllic, simple and definitely stress-free life.

Its a nice getaway. Somehow I like it better than Desaru and all the commercial tourist places. It feels like a return to nature, and its easy to just follow the rhythm of a simple life. But whoo, with the food that we eat, I've definitely out on a pound or two, yikes!

Definitely would go again, and if you are thinking of going away to somewhere with no shopping, clubbing, etc, do go. Its an easy drive (but do drive in the day, see our old post where we travelled at night and ran into a pack of wild boars) and you'll not be disappointed with the beach.

Photos later, after I download them onto the laptop.. :)

Top Kids Activity - Outdoor

My top favorite children outdoor activity is....

Fish feeding!

TOP FACTS

Our favorite haunts....

KK Hospital's fish pond, Botanical Garden's Swans Pond and recently added, Papa's office's fish pond (Capital Towers) - picture above.

What's offered and what to feed....

KK Hospital

Terrapins & small fishes in the pond = Bread

If the timing is right, a flock of pigeons also feeds there = Seeds or bread

Botanic's

Terrapins & big and small fishes = Bread & Vegetable scraps you can buy cheaply from the wet market, some stall owners will even give them to you free... Go when the market's closing.

Swans = Favorite food's lettuce or cabbage. But will eat scrap veggies too, bread if necessary ie nothing else to offer :)

Cap Tower

Fat kois! = They come really near and they love a fresh loaf of bread.

Costs of excursion...

$1.20 if you buy the Sure Value big loaf of bread or more expensive depending on brand of bread.

 

$1-$2 if you feed vegetables.

Plus cost of transportation to get there.

ERP too if you are going down to Cap Towers... Hence, we dont go there often, unless we happen to pick Papa before the sunsets, haha :)

Overall...

The kids love it, and its good to be feeding the animals. But make sure what you feed is clean and hygienic, you dont want to contaminate the water or worst, cause the fishes, etc to die!

Best of all, for the parent or caregiver... A really easy activity to supervise :) And a big loaf of bread could give entertainment of at least 20mins :) 

Air Papan Beach Here We Come!!!

With 2 days off in the month of March, I've decided that our little family should go for a 2 day 1 night drive up trip to Air Papan beach in east coast Malaysia again. This trip will fulfill an unaccomplished dream that has been at the back of my mind for the last 4 years. We had an unforgettable trip when we drove up there 4 years ago when TT was pregnant with Kayden. The unforgettable moment of our last trip was however not about the destination as we only managed to spend an hour there. For the last 4 years, I've been dreaming about its sandy white beaches, tall coconut trees, long beach line, windy east coast roads & the banana fritters i had eaten along East coast Route 3!! This time round, I'll make sure we enjoy ourselves and explore the area thoroughly!

I did some research on Air Papan and Mersing. And these are some of the things that we intend to do there.

1) Have a good meal at Loke Tien Restaurant - which is supposedly the best restaurant in Mersing
2) Have breakfast at Sri Mersing Cafe - which supposedly serve the best traditional Kaya Toast with Butter
3) Buy some freshly made fish sausages at Jalan Awang Daik
4) Try out their best Chendol stall in town (Al Hamid Cendol)
5) Buy some fresh seafood ??
6) Stay overnight at one of those kampong style chalets in Air Papan
7) Do a mini barbecue on the beach?

Its a pity we couldn't find any other friends along for the trip. I thought the setting there was perfect for a family/friends get together and it looks child friendly. Also, it is only about 3 hours drive from Singapore.

Well maybe after this trip, we could promote this wonderful place to many people and we could make many more happy trips there.

So for the time being, AIR PAPAN HERE WE COME!!!

Singapore Flyer - The Night Ride

2 weekends ago, we went on the Singapore Flyer after it reopened from the mishap in December, where the engine stalled and the wheel stood stationary for a few good (or to those stuck inside, horrific) hours.

WK had gotten a complimentary ticket from his bank when the wheel opened last year, but we never got to use it as the intention was to let my brother use it when he came with his family in Dec, however, the wheel was closed!

So anyhow, the week before the expiry, the hubby had been bringing the ticket to work, intending to ride the wheel on his own, enjoying the night scene, WITHOUT US! :P How selfish is that, haha. OK lah, thought is noble, wanna save money, we dont all have to go up at this time since we've gone last year... BUT.... Ahahah

So anyway, his evil plan failed to carry through since he couldnt leave office early the whole week, and right on the last day, the 4 of us trooped down to the site on a cold rainy night. He had to bring us all in the end :)

It was indeed a much better ride at night than day I reckon. We could see the Grand Prix race track as well as the Barrage and the city views, etc despite the rain and it felt really cozy and nice being in the capsule overlooking the great Spore bright night lights. We do have a really nice city skyline, my opinion :)

The kids also realise the wheel is turning this time and indeed we are moving higher and higher up to the sky. Maybe cos its their 2nd ride, they were quite seasoned and knew what to look out for and what to expect being confined in the capsule for half an hour.

Didnt bring the cam this time, so only some blurry photos from my camera phone :)

Well basically what I want to say is... The ride's really good at night, and will definitely bring visitors at night :) And this is definitely a must-visit for sightseeing tourists into Singapore.

Sophie's potty trained!

Since Sophie and I met Am and Eliza for a trial class at Grace's Kids last month, I had come back amazed and determined to try harder at Soph's potty training.

Thing is, I have been leaving Gigi to do the potty training by instructing her to use cloth diapers so that the Princess will know how to let us know when she is wet. And hopefully thereafter, let us know before she pees. Every now and then, we'll let her just be in her panties, and sometimes, she pees on the bed, on the floor. So not too keen on accidents, we went on cloth diapers again.

But seeing that Am is diaperless, then she was 2yrs 3mths (and Eliza said its been a few months since she's not been using the diaper in the day), I realised that girls are indeed faster than boys in this dept, and perhaps its time to hit it full on with Soph.

So came home, and tried her without the cloths. She could do it! No wonder books advocate trying a little later if first time dont work, its all about timing.

So in the day, she's gone diaperless since a month back, ie maybe 2 years and 2-3 weeks old? 

I'm so happy and proud of her! She now owns 10 pieces of Marks & Spencer panties of various pastel colors and also those of white background with pink hearts! 

She doesnt like using the potty, and does it directly in our toilet bowls just like her brother. 

Only thing is, she calls both pee and poo "Urg Urg" still. Oh well, good to be able to communicate some sort of ways than none at all! :)

And now I am wondering when do I start night time training? Think in another half a year at least, she is still very grouchy if disturbed from her night time sleep!

More diapers for sale on eBay!

Daddy's Response to Mommy's Scatter Brain Thoughts

It is true that we are 'Type A' parents. We try to save as much so that our children can have more. This reminds me of a chinese phrase that goes something like 'The earlier generation plants the tree so that future generations can have the shade? or can IDLE under the tree?' whatever.... Anyway, i belong to the type that enjoys enduring pain, but not so much for TT. But still, i think we are doing a great job!!

I really envy my wife for being able to spend much more time with the kids than myself, but i do not envy her job scope :o Still, i think she has done a great job, and there is no way i could have achieved more in her role. I bet i'll spend even more time on the computer and leave every chore to Gigi (other than the recreational sessions with the kids).

I couldn't agree more with Godma XIaofen's opinion on whether we are doing the right thing by giving the kids the best we can afford. And of course, there will be others with differing opinion. One of my guy friend, who is now a stay home dad, once told me that what we think is the best might not be the best for the kids. I fully understand his view point and there is no right or wrong. Sometimes, we just have to make decisions and go with it without needing to think about the 'could have been's.

As for the 'third one', i just want to say that the best thing that ever happened to me in life was to be able to play a part in human creation. I simply love having kids, so much to the extent that i view it as some sort of 'Empire Building' process!! I wish i could have enough kids to form a soccer team but it is not possible. So, 3 would be ideal for me :)

Scatter brain thoughts

It'll be a year next month, that I had given up the power suits for a life of shorts and t-shirts. 9 years of office work traded for time with the children and being a family driver. 

I gotta say, I enjoy having no pressures of work and deadlines to meet. I enjoy being able to just do nothing and just plan the schedule of the children. Of course, I love knowing that I am here for them though I gotta admit, in recent weeks I have been using the computer more than I spend time with them.

On the good days, I feel really happy to be leading my life... Of having time to spend with the kids and meeting the few friends who are free occasionally. Of having a comfortable routine and the only pressure is to get the kid to school on time, get them to eat, and make sure their routine is followed.

On bad days, I berate myself for giving up the good $, the salary, whatsmore in this gloomy economy, it seems so special to have a job and with our new financial commitment, $ would come in so very very very handy. I also miss producing results. Having something to show and be proud of having completed or done. 

Sure, I could teach the kids. But I am someone with limited patience, I find myself screaming at them when they "spoil" stuff eg. dipping black paint on all other paint pots (ie turning all colors black!) or jumping on the bed and destroying my arrangement of the ABCs. 

You say, and me too now with hindsight, what's the BIG deal? What's there to scream or be angry for?

And it made me realise that I am someone who's been so used to having things my way, going in the direction that I want, that a little bit side track, I get annoyed, irritated. 

Kids, unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) are just not programmed to listen and obey. And dealing with one who wont listen, just makes me feel worthless as after all, I know better right?

Well, no. I dont. 

What's good for me is not for them. Whats right in my eyes just not right for them. Sure, if they follow what I say, things will be done efficiently and quickly, but then, when do they get to grow up their way?

My 2 and 3.5 yr olds are telling me, mom, give it up. Let us try. Do it our way.

I gotta start to let go being me and matriarchal all the time. Its time to let go, let them enjoy being children. Making mistakes. Making a mess (I SHUDDER even thinking abt it). Thats what children do right?

For every step they take on their own, it is making them who they are. For every knock and fall, they learn (hopefully) to not repeat the same "mistakes".

This post had gone on a different direction than what I had intended. The question was, was becoming a stay home mom worth it?

Well, financially no. But emotionally and socially, yes. I admit I wouldnt have been comfortable leaving them in others' primary care, whatsmore, WK would not have liked that at all too... But more than that, I feel that its my duty to be here for them, for as long as we are able to.

I noticed too that there are 2 types of parents.... One who will go all out to give the children everything best in the world, to the extent of giving up on personal wants. The other, who fit children into their lives, children get what is normal, not excessive, and all needs are fully provided.

No right or wrong, fortunately or unfortunately, we fall into category One. We scrimp and stretch, so they get the best we could afford. That dont make us good parents or best. Its just who we are.

And I've to say, WK and I enjoy the company of these 2 little ones in our lives. But having a 3rd one, is a scary thought for now.

Sorry my scatter brain's gone off again. Maybe I will write a more coherent post next time after this week long hiatus.

"Ye Ye Bin"

"Ye Ye Bin"..
"Ye Ye Bin"...
"Ye Ye Bin"...




TT & I had no choice but to give our full attention to Sophie who was blurting out these 3 words continuously while her brother's eyes were fixated on the television.

"Huh?? What do you want, Sophie?"
"Pls talk properly" TT said.

"Ye Ye Bin" Sophie replied with her usual angelic innocent look.

"Are you trying to say Rubbish Bin?" I asked.

"Ye Ye Bin" Sophie replied again.

TT & I looked at one another, trying to figure out what our dear daughter was trying to say. Initially, we thought Sophie was referring to 'Ye Ye' (Grandpa) 's friends who were in the room playing mahjong but it was not what she meant. And for a moment, i even thought it could be Osama Bin Laden or that my daughter actually knew Hokkien and she was trying to imply she saw someone on television that looked like her Grandpa. ('Bin' is 'face' in Hokkien, rite??)




Just as we were about to give up and ignore her, her dear old brother suddenly stood up. It was like he had awoken up from his dreams or rather his hypnotherapy session with Jurassic Park (The Lost World) television movie show. Kayden turned around and looked at us in the most scholarly way that i could ever imagine, and he said...

"OK everyone. I tell you what Sophie said."

"Sophie said Mr Bean"

Uh! Ah! Oh! MR BEAN!!!

Suddenly, everything fell into place.
'Amazing!' - TT must have thought.
'Ingenious!' - i was crying out loud inside.

And so, the mystery was solved. Sophie had wanted to watch 'Mr Bean' show on TV and god knows how 'MR' became 'Ye Ye'. The only logical reason i could think of was that there was a a slight resemblance between the two.
No wonder the saying goes, 'Great Minds think alike' and on the contrary, in this case, 'Little Minds' think alike too....

Last man standing...

Latest update -

1) TT - non-stop vomiting and diarrhea yesterday till today morning
2) Kayden - no more vomiting, only occasional diarrhea
3) Sophie - puked thrice since 6am till late morning
4) Daddy - sore throat and 'droopy eyes'



We brought the kids to see their Pedi and got some medication for the vomiting and diarrhea. Total damage to my bank account was $142.

According to the Pedi, it was probably one of the many viruses of 'stomach flu'. Vomiting usually comes first, then followed by diarrhea, and the latter could last for a week.

Sophie and i had slept in a separate room yesterday night. She woke up once in the middle of the night crying for TT. TT as usual, succumbed to her cries (much to my annoyance) and came over to pacify her. I was as usual, doing my best not to create additional noise, by lying very still... :) (That was after i failed in my final attempt to pacify Sophie)

I vividly remember overhearing TT lying to Sophie that she needed to go back to her room to kill cockroaches before coming over to fetch her over. Obviously, she didn't return... but who cares! as long as the crying stops!! The silence continued until 550am in the morning when Sophie started sobbing again. I knew something was wrong and brought her to the toilet sink where she vomited. After cleaning and changing her clothes, Sophie was back to her smiley self again but that lasted only for another 10 mins before she puked again. We couldn't sleep anymore and i read some story books to her, and not long after, brought her down for breakfast where Gigi took over.

So with all of us sick, we had to be confined to our rooms and i was extremely bored!! I was however, glad to have avoided the 'stomach flu' virus which i would have voted in my opinion to be one of the most disgusting illness. Instead, i was occupied with an irritating sore throat and a miraculous 'droopy eye' which Mr Chow Yun Fatt would have had gotten without his cosmetic enhancement done. Hopefully, we can all recover fast and do something meaningful tomorrow.

Confirmed sick

Yucks, this is the type of post I dont like...

K's had diarrhea twice today and me too... mine just started in the evening. There is a stomach ache and body ache, not to mention a feeling of vomitting.

We're both down with some stomach virus I guess, is it also called gastroenteritis? 

Amazing there are many types, as this one, symptom's little different from Rota.

For me, Rota was just a constant run to the loo, no pain of any sort. This one, whole body feels unwell and tired.

Guess we'll just have to wait it out, and take healthy probiotics to introduce good bacteria into the gut!

Gastro, no, I hope

After vomitting 7 times, K and I managed a good night's sleep :) 

Mei came to look for me this morning with a beckoning of Mama at our doorway being in her Papa's arms. We went down for breakfast and when we came back up at 8am, K was already awake and he said he had drank some water too... Wow, no vomit.

So we took it slow. 

He painfully took a dose of Motillium then followed me on the drive to drop Pa at MRT and Mei in school (Mei was OK this morning, chatted for half hour with pa as soon as she woke up, Pa OK-ed her going to school)... I had thought I'll have to bring him to the doc's so Gigi went with her today, for the end of term party.... Forgetful Mama didnt dress her up in any costumes re theme Things People Do (ie Occupation), tsk tsk.

Came back, I changed bedsheet again whilst K slowly digested his bread w jam with eyes fixated on the TV screen! He seemed so well that I could even bring him to Video Ezy and Cold Storage. 

The whole time, we had a trusty small bucket (in case he decides to throw up) and a small plastic bag... Better to be 2x ready, haha.

Everything was normal and I was still expecting some vomit, but, luckily, none yet, until now. His lunch also survived inside him. He's even having his afternoon nap, a thing of the past for months now.

Perhaps last night's session was just a case of being too full.. His grandparents said he had a big lunch with them, and perhaps dinner of sushi wasnt too friendly to his already full stomach.

Happy to report no vomitting episode for now and crossing fingers its not gastro. But then, how come he vomitted so much last night? Retching on an empty stomach even... Dunno dunno, and I havent brought him to the doc's yet... 

Gastroenteritis again?

So K is ill again with gastroenteritis, another strain it seems.

We've ran to the toilet 6 times in the past 2 hours. First one was the worst, he cried while lying in bed and had vomit flowing out from his mouth. There were lotsa food! Mostly dinner. Mei who was next to him, started to vomit just as well upon seeing and smelling his disgusting goop. Both carted to toilet where they cried and vomitted more... ala a throw up competition. K won. 

Whilst Gigi and I changed bedsheets, linens, scrub the soiled mattress, bathe the smelly kids, put on new pajamas.. routinely until she went to bed and I did it on my own where I  decided to just lay fresh new towels and change the soiled ones :) A much easier and wiser option since I dont have so many sets of bedsheets anyway.

So anyway, he vomitted again 5 more times thereafter, including the water and Motillium (anti vomit medication) that I gave him. Learnt my lesson during his Rota episode that nothing should be fed anymore. But he is still wretching his gut out though, the last 2 has been an orangey yellow liquid, kinda like the type Rusty vomits when he's not well. Stomach juice??Dunno!

Sure it could well be just normal food poisoning, but coincidentally his classmate just returned to school on Monday having recovered from a very strong strain of gastroenteritis. He spread it to his whole family and his 2yo sister was still sick with the virus when he came back to school.

If it indeed is the same virus as his friend's, I am thinking, why didnt his mom keep him longer home at home, he only stayed home a week. Moreover, his sister was still sick so he could have easily brought the germs into class since he now has natural immunity.

But shall not jump to conclusions, tomorrow, a visit to the PD again. I wonder if he needs to be hospitalised? Will it be so bad? 

Perhaps, I should just worry if I will even get a good night's sleep.. will he need to make more runs to the toilet? 

Papa will sleep with Sophie in her room next door. Hopefully they will both be OK since I am now quarantined with the boy... But if it indeed is gastro of the same strain, most of us will be down. His classmate's mom who's 7 mths pregnant had it so bad until she had premature contractions, she had to take medicine to prevent herself from going into early labour.

Timely aint it... next week school hols and K is sick. Sad thing is that both will miss their end of term party in school tomorrow and Friday (Sophie and K respectively)... And if is gastro, K will have to be confined to our room. Will keep both kids off school for the rest of the week, just in case.

P/S. We just did another run to the toilet... He was just throwing up nothing, saliva and more of the "stomach juice". Guess his tummy's really empty now.

Our frogs

And so, here they are.. Photos taken by Papa in the moving car as I realised I wont be able to capture a picture of all 23 if we wait till after school since Rozita's removing some for the class' tank.

Great news too that they ate some worms last night... but even without food, ie before worms were thrown in, they did already grow overnight! The tails have all disappeared. Interesting aint it.

If I can keep them alive, I wonder how big they will become, and then worst of all, what do I do with them thereafter??? I cant keep them in this little tank, and what will be their diets?? Will we have to be hunting for crickets (their fav food according to google searches again)... And die lah, I am scared of this scary slimy creatures.

OK breathe in breathe out, calm down. Let's take it one day at a time.

Ei, if they're edible frogs, maybe MIL can cook frog leg porridge??? hahaha. Disgusting thought indeed. Yucks.

P/S. Spent another 30cents today for the live worms from the market. Half been given to Rozita and half will feed tonight when my pet come home.

Our new pet

Last week, Rozita brought her son's small snails to school and showed the class.

The boys were all so excited to have a pet in class and simply found the creatures fun. Rozita said that Kayden was really most excited about them... we do know he loves animals.

She says OK to my offer of buying frogs for the class, and so I did.

Yesterday, after a shopping spree at Woodlands' food factories, we swung by the local fish shop and bought 23 baby frogs for $1. 

The frogs are meant to be fish food, and not to be reared as pets. But we do have a different idea, dont we? :)

Last night, they went without food as they refused the breadcrumbs as well as fish food we threw into the tank. Today, I didnt have any new offers, until evening, whereby I threw in some cooked egg yolk - a protein supplement for tadpoles from one of the Google searches. After doing so, and contaminating the new water I just changed, I realised that they are no longer called tadpoles as they all have 4 feet!! 

So I read more, and realised that most sites recommend mealworms or blood worms for their size and age. So I quickly drove to the same shop again and arrived 8.34pm - they have packed and was just rolling their shutters. Luckily I was one minute early and was happy to purchase 1 packet of frozen bloodworm cubes for $1!

Once home, I trimmed off portions of the cube and left them in the tank. Next, the tank was just sent to a dark room as I noticed the frogs are more jumpy at night... I guess the night is their day.

We shall see, tomorrow, if I had finally gotten their diet right. I better! Cos if not, I really dunno what else to do... Oh, I do intend to get some live tiny worms from the fish shop in the market tomorrow, one last try for my $1 frogs.

As with all pets, how come the adults end up doing all the work? Papa changed water this morning before going to work, Gigi had to clean the tank by removing big pieces of stuck food that's been contaminating the water, and me, the Mama had to be responsible for keeping them alive.

The kids? All they do is knock on the walls of the tank yesterday... And today, the tank's been sitting untouched the whole afternoon! Seems like it will become my new pet, instead of the children's!

Tomorrow, Rozita will remove some and keep them in another tank for the class.. their 1st official class pet! Hehe :) So fun.

P/S. Photos tomorrow as I definitely dont wanna see the jumpy frogs in the darkened room now!

To the Principal's

Have not been blogging much again, rather, had been spending time on Gmail catching up with a long lost friend, Cheng, who's been residing in Netherlands for maybe 18yrs now? Its great to have found a lost friend through Facebook, thats what the stuff is all about right? :)

Today, our 3.5 yo's sent to the Principal's office for the first time in his life. 

#1 - I wasnt too surprised as I found out in the past weeks that the teachers do start practising this from Nursery 2 onwards. But of course, when I first heard it, I was really surprised, cos after all they are only 3! Hmmm... Dont think it had ever happened in my time.

#2 - I wasnt angry this happened, unlike a mother I spoke to whose child was sent a few weeks back. I thought it was OK and within the bounds and parameters of the school

#3 - I do wonder how effective it is in the long run? Will he remember it was an unpleasant experience he wouldnt want occur again? Will he be a better behaved boy?

So anyway, what happened?

He was apparently in one of his foulest moods, refusing to take instructions (again, not something new to me, but is so to his teacher as she never (in bold and underline) had any trouble with him - hrrmpphh, I told her at least one of us is getting through to him, so its great!).

He didnt want to do his coloring, and simply refused to after various attempts and persuasion by the teachers to do so. He was just protective of his frogs (next post) maybe... So, he just simply refused to listen.

The teacher, after a while, escorted him to the Principal's, and apparently, in 5mins, he finished the coloring he had been refusing, and was able to return to class. Hahah.

In his words,

Kayden: Kayden was sent to Shanti's office today. I cried. 

Mama: What did Shanti say to you?

Kayden: Shanti asked me to stop crying and do the coloring. 

Mama: Did you stop crying?

Kayden: No, I cried and colored. And then I took the back stairs to go back to class, its closest to Rozita's (his teacher) classroom.

Mama: You cried the whole time?

Kayden: Yes.

Guess it must be scary for him, he's afterall just 3, and he does know that principal = authority. But anyway, heard from Rozita that he was only well for a while and he went back again to being cheeky again after a while and was thus made to sit by the teachers' side the whole morning.

When I arrived to pick him, he was standing by the classroom door, waiting for me, with his frog tank and bags in his hands :) He was OK totally happy :) Haha

Somehow, I know this will not be the one and last visit to her office as I can just simply see more coming! Boys will be boys, and Kayden definitely do not fall into the "guai" category :)

Cost Cutting measures

After doing our sums and giving our commitments to the most substantial purchase of our lives, TT & I are trying our best to cut down on some unnecessary expenses. Luckily for the kids, their daddy view their education as "untouchable", hence budget for their school fees will remain at the same high level.

A) FOOD
Nowadays, we avoid restaurants on weekends. Instead, we settle our meals in food courts or hawker centres. In the past, we thought it's a lot more convenient to eat in restaurants where service is better and things look a lot cleaner and more tidy.

In return, we pay bills of $80-$100 for each meal for at least once a week. For now, we only need to pay $20++ or less for a decent meal for all 4 of us. And most importantly, we find a lot more joy and freedom without the psychological constraint of having to eat in a restaurant. Also, the quality and variety of food available in food courts and hawker centres is of a desirable standard as well. Not forgetting to mention TT only buys things on sale nowadays!



B) BODY MAINTENANCE
Instead of going for the convenience of having my haircut done during weekdays office lunch time, i make an effort to go to the barber or a neighbourhood hair saloon on a weekend for my haircut. For that, i just need to pay for $10 instead of the usual $30+. Anyway, i figure that nobody looks at a married man. Who knows i might even consider reliving my good old days of being a 'botak' in one of my university years. I vividly remember laughing at myself every morning when i look into the mirror. Something Good for the heart!



C) HOLIDAYS
Despite having provided for the above expenses for all 4 of us in our budget, It took TT & I a while before deciding that we should go ahead with our Bangkok trip sometime this month. It will be the first and only trip for us without the kids and I'm definitely looking forward to it! Obviously, the go ahead comes with a clause - I decided that we should go do some bulk purchases there and sell them for a profit back in SG - Sounds cheapo huh!! But definitely fun, at least for me!!


D) WEEKENDS ENTERTAINMENTS
Already, this is almost non-existence for both TT & myself. As for the family, we go to value adding and affordable places like the farms in Kranji & Lim Chu Kang (rather than Singapore Zoo, which i think is excessively costly!). We picked up some cheap and interesting new experiences in the form of prawn fishing, visits to the fire stations etc. Paying more attention to the promotions and advertisements during my daily MRT rides also helps - we can go to events (e.g. Supreme Court open house) organised by the national boards, both raising awareness and at the same time support the campaigns being promoted by our stat boards.




All these efforts might sound cheapo to some people but hey! We find joy and pride playing our part in the funding of our first dream home. We were both excited and worried when we first made the purchase, but with the cost cutting measures in place, a good bonus in hand and various good investments in place, I'm feeling comfortable and definitely looking forward to the next 5 years ahead!

And by the way, the photos are meant to be inspirational.... :)

When her eyes twinkle

Fifi, thats what I call my dearest daughter Sophie.

Its so easy to fall in love with her these days... Think mainly cos I am seeing her in a different light as I now finally understand her for who she is as a little person. Her temperament, her personality and style. I'm loving what I see!

As per my previous post, I've found understanding her difficult as mainly, she was looked after by someone else. But since end last year, her dear Daddy opened my eyes by explaining about her. I finally understood Sophie and I am so grateful for what he did, rather than just accusing me of favoritism. It calls for a separate post, but my dear other half completes me perfectly by grounding my emotional thoughts and behaviour. We are just so different, its so important to see things from his eyes, it helps guide me to be a better person, to understand the other viewpoint.

So coming back to Sophie, thats the reason for this post... I am important in her eyes, as no matter what a Mommy is key and integral in a kid's early childhood. But I am not the one who sets sparks in her eyes, not the one she thinks of fondly... Guess whO?

Its her DADDY! Her Papa.

She loves being with him, in her company. She asks for him daily when he is at work. She asks to pick him up from the MRT station at all times of the day eventhough she knows he only comes back when the sky is REALLY dark.

Just today, I read her the word Papa I wrote on a paper (in an effort to teach Kayden to read), immediately she smiled and said "Papa loves me". I said "Yes, a lot" and she was so happy she grabbed the word and ran to proudly show her Grandma and say "Papa!"

Her Daddy accords her special status too, as she is just so sweet and gentle. No other word to explain it other than just a father-daughter bond. 

Its sweet, and at least the scales are more balanced now... WK used to complain of being the odd one out as Kayden only want me... 

I do wanna post of picture of them, but I dont have it in the laptop! So perhaps, another day :)

Pa - You've made it since Happy Days! Congrats! :)

Time with Sophie

Yesterday I spent the whole morning with Sophie since she couldnt go to school with a runny nose.

She was an excellent companion, and so easy to care for.

We went to run an errand, supermarketing and also had breakfast at Toast Box. The girl loves her kaya toast dipped in soft boiled eggs, just like her Papa. She is independent and loves walking on her own. She listens and obeys. She climbs up on the stool by herself when i set the food tray on the table, and feeds herself with Milo. 

It is so amazing, 2 years, and she is now my little princess. How time flies, and I now know with prior experience, 2 years old is the magical year... This is the year they are funny, they make you laugh out loud, and also they make you proud.

She can talk so much now, and she is so friendly, she waves to anyone who says Hi to her. She is patient, and as long as handled with care, she is a heart warmer. She is loving, and gentle.

I think God must really be fair, for the now horrible boy, I got a sweetheart in return for 2009.

Although I've been spending 2 weekday mornings with her in class weekly, the lesson's so intensive I dont get to enjoy my little girl. From now on, we will definitely be going for our girly morning dates with the boys gone. Its the only time she will have solely for me, as next year, she starts the gruelling schooling process...

Its amazing how a mom sees, treats and loves her kids in different ways. Having not cared for her 100%, she has turned out to be so much more independent than Kayden. Or perhaps, maybe cos she is no 2, she naturally knows how to share, whilst her brother, is so used to having everything to himself, and also for everything to be served to him on a diamond encrusted golden platter.

Everywhere we go, its usual "She looks so much like you". Dunno if should be sorry for her or otherwise :)

But you know, I am so glad I got my wish for a daughter, and yes I am looking forward to being her Mama all the way :) Though as my previous post, motherhood is not easy, it'll be a very bumpy ride!

The Mommy with a Boy named Kayden

I'm back! 

Time to share a nursery rhyme,  The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe...

There was an old woman,
Who lived in a shoe;
She had so many children,
She didn't know what to do.
She gave them some broth,
Without any bread;
She whipped them all soundly,
And sent them to bed.

And in just an hour from my previous post, TT's edited version is...

There was a grumpy mommy,
Who has a son named Kayden;
The boy eats so slowly,
It made her go crazy.
She gave him his dinner,
And 45 minutes to eat;
To which he gobbled 3 spoonfuls,
Before being sent to bed.

He only sat there to stare and stare. He said he would eat but his tummy must have been aching. So anyway, he only ate a little and since I am not feeding him, he has been sent to bed at 6.45pm with an empty tummy. No milk, no cake, no Ben 10. 

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Kayden = Rioter?

Its 2 weeks to end of Term 1, and its parent teacher meeting at K's school again.

Today I met his Mandarin teacher, her comments "Kayden behave like a baby, won't sit still, puts things into his mouth - fingers or etc, pulls his socks, looks around, all the while not listening intently (as a matter of fact, one would think he is just plainly not paying attention). But he would actually be listening (he just dont want to show you)".

In the informal chat after class, his Berries teacher tells me every single week "He is so 'wan phi' (I guess means naughty/cheeky), refuses to listen, never follow instructions and is behind in class (ie he cant recognise the words etc). When we say no, he will do it once we have our backs turned to him. Last year he was such a good boy, so quiet, but this term, he is so 'wan phi' (she emphasises this word a lot every week)".

Also in my informal chats with his class teachers in Chiltern House, his teacher Rozita would say "He is cheeky, but a bright boy". The assistant teacher Diane gave me a big shy smile when I asked is he was cheeky yesterday "He is VERY active (being politically correct)".

SIGH.

Actually, what they dont know is that, he had always been so cheeky/naughty/difficult! Perhaps last year, he was just a lot more shy, not daring to speak much, so he usually just sits and observes.

This year, knowing that he is a big boy, he is showing his true colors. Now everyone is shocked isnt it?

Who is he?

If I can describe, a boy who cowers at strangers, ignores you when you talk to him although he heard what you were saying, will not answer any questions, bossy, excellent with recognition of places and roads, no patience, unable to sit still.

We could repeat a sentence 3-4 times and yet, he will not acknowledge he is listening nor respond. Until I sternly say "Kayden xxx has been talking to you, can you answer". He will then glance at us, utters his response. See? He knows how to answer, he had been listening just playing "bo chap" (don't care attitude) all the time.

In his class performance 2 weeks ago, he again, did not sing nor do the hand actions. Today, even the goodbye song at Berries, he had his palms on the floor and was walking his feet up the wall behind him. If not, he would have his palms to the ground, and donkey kicks his legs up into the air whilst the rest of his classmates' sitting still next to him.

He drives me nuts. At home, he doesnt listen too. Although I hate it, the only way is to threaten him ie "if you dont do this, u dont get this" kind of talk. Am I fuelling this negative behaviour? ie is he only waiting for the dangling carrot, failing which he just bo chap? Or the reverse ie do something so he wont lose a privilege?

No one can control him. Except me, with threats.

He throws a tantrum too to try to get what he wants. He puts everything into his mouth - be it thumb, fingers, anything. He even licks it sometimes.

Rozita says I need to be firm with him. Not shouting, cos it loses its effectiveness, he'll think Mama shouts all the time, and wont ever listen. Be firm. Be clear with the consequences eg if you dont do thi, this is what will happen.

I am really at wits ends with him. A soft approach didnt work (ie reasoning), so am now on the hard approach where I just force him or just plainly ignore him but most of the time, I will scold him.

Nothing works magically at present, what is guaranteed is that I will lose my cool with him. 

I wonder if this is a phase and if he will ever behave properly??

Motherhood so far is the toughest thing that has ever happened to me.

Btw, rioter as defined on Google... "troublemaker who participates in a violent disturbance of the peace; someone who rises up against the constituted authority" (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn) . 

How apt, describes K to the tee.

Another chance

And see what my mom says...

===================================================

OMG , why are you so furious?
Tho it was not 100% honesty, the lie is quite small, I can say it's a
white lie level.
Frankly speaking, you will not be able to find another better than Gigi
person.

Yet she has apologized & you shd forgive her.

Mum

=================================================

Think not only her, WK thinks I am nuts too for making such a small thing so big. I withdrew the children from her and didnt ask her for help and most of all, didnt talk to her after the incident.

She was in tears the whole day yesterday with eyes puffed up. But was diligently cleaning scrubbing.

I contacted the agent yesterday to get biodatas of some new maids. She heard, though I had not intended for her to.

Last night I thought about what my mom and WK have to say. Give her another chance.

So I just spoke to her and asked what does she want now? A new employer or stay? She kept on apologising and say she wants to stay, and very sorry as she really felt lost not being able to look after the kids. She apologised to Sophie as well.

Sure, one never 100% know the sincerity of another. But I'm giving her another chance. She knows if it ever happens again (which will never occur) she will be sent home. And yes, she will stay on. 

No more lies. I've asked her to write it down, one copy for me, one she keeps, so she remembers how much her Madam dont like lies. 

Guess some of you may think I am nuts, for everyone lies. True. Very true. But as an overprotective mom (I confess I am), I try hardest to find them the best alternate caregiver. Gigi still is everything good in a helper, and if she never lies again, it will be really perfect.

We shall see, only time can tell.