Friday, 16 August 2013
Consolation?
Sometimes I wonder if I should console myself that at least the only complaints I have with Matty’s schoolwork are his illegible handwriting and carelessness… or worry that he can’t even get basics like these right.
Thursday, 18 July 2013
Good Luck
A funny conversation that ensued after going through the spelling list in preparation for Elaina’s spelling quiz the next day…
Me: Good luck for your spelling tomorrow.
Elaina: Thanks. Good luck to you too.
Me: Why are you wishing me “good luck”? I don’t have spelling quiz.
Elaina: I hope you won’t get fired from your job….
Me: Good luck for your spelling tomorrow.
Elaina: Thanks. Good luck to you too.
Me: Why are you wishing me “good luck”? I don’t have spelling quiz.
Elaina: I hope you won’t get fired from your job….
Monday, 6 May 2013
It Has Been a While Yet Again
It really felt like forever since I wrote about the development of Matty and Elaina. Probably because hitting a milestone comes far and few at this age. But ironically time passes quickly. With too many other matters which we need to attend to, everything else just takes precedence. I sometimes think (or simply finding an excuse for myself) that it is similar to why we have very few videos and photos when on a trip, to an outing, for a special occasion – we are so absorbed with the moment and enjoying while in the midst of it that putting the memories on physical record seemed less important. Of course I think either way it will leave behind some form of regret in the future. We just can’t win it all.
For the last one over year, we had shared many moments of fun – a beach vacation in Danang, stay-cation at Sentosa, couple of performances, visits to the Science Centre, Gardens By the Bay, museums, aquariums, exhibitions, mini-golfing, movies, biking and the list goes on like most people. Needless to say the children displayed evidences of growth both physical and emotionally as well - from the dropping of milk teeth, outgrowing their shoes and clothes, juggling between the need to prepare for spellings and completing the schoolwork as opposed to having fun, adding another candle to their birthday cake (a party thrown in for Elaina’s 6th birthday even), to putting up a stage performance.
While I have my grouses about the children because they make me breathless each time I need to repeat myself countless times just to get their butts moving, I need to admit that it is a relief when the teachers in school haven’t found any compelling reason to call me up to lodge a complaint. I take it in a positive light when the teachers do not have much to say about Matty or Elaina at the parent-teacher meeting and we always take half of the allotted time to complete the session.
Actually if I ever need to keep a record, it should really be on the many quirky stuff that gets spewed out of their mouth on an almost daily basis.
For the last one over year, we had shared many moments of fun – a beach vacation in Danang, stay-cation at Sentosa, couple of performances, visits to the Science Centre, Gardens By the Bay, museums, aquariums, exhibitions, mini-golfing, movies, biking and the list goes on like most people. Needless to say the children displayed evidences of growth both physical and emotionally as well - from the dropping of milk teeth, outgrowing their shoes and clothes, juggling between the need to prepare for spellings and completing the schoolwork as opposed to having fun, adding another candle to their birthday cake (a party thrown in for Elaina’s 6th birthday even), to putting up a stage performance.
While I have my grouses about the children because they make me breathless each time I need to repeat myself countless times just to get their butts moving, I need to admit that it is a relief when the teachers in school haven’t found any compelling reason to call me up to lodge a complaint. I take it in a positive light when the teachers do not have much to say about Matty or Elaina at the parent-teacher meeting and we always take half of the allotted time to complete the session.
Actually if I ever need to keep a record, it should really be on the many quirky stuff that gets spewed out of their mouth on an almost daily basis.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Whoosh.....
"Whoosh"... that's how I would describe the period since I last updated this blog. Christmas came and gone, Matty's first day at formal school and now Chinese New Year is lurking around the corner with just about 48 hours away.
All I can remember is the fuzzy madness in trying to pull everything together, and in the midst burning a hole in my pocket. Once again, life is starting to get into a routine... which is good in my opinion. I don't fancy too many changes or events all happening one after another. I like my boring and predictable days. No surprises equate to less stress.
For once, I worry more about Matty than Elaina. Elaina is back to a new school year with her same set of friends and familiar environment. The only thing that has changed is the teachers. The first day was school was simply a "drop-and-go" for her. Matty's situation is quite the reverse - I worry if he will be able to find his way, if he remembers to make his visit to the loo, whether he will lose his belongings and if he behaves in the class.
It really got to me within the first week of school that Matty simply doesn't remember what he needs to get done. Homework and reminders weren't jotted down in his handbook and I had to pull everything out from his bag to run through with him. The beauty is that he didn't seemed as stressed as me and even told me that the deadline imposed by the teacher was "whenever it gets done". I wondered about how I was going to survive the next 10 to 15 years with his kind of attitude. I worried about my school work more than 2 decades ago and it dreads me to no end that I had to go through the process yet again.
2 weeks on, the situation did improved, just not sure if it is because he is getting a hang of how things should work or me growing immune. Whatever it is, I am looking forward to the long weekend of 4 days not needing to worry about homework and checking the school bags!
All I can remember is the fuzzy madness in trying to pull everything together, and in the midst burning a hole in my pocket. Once again, life is starting to get into a routine... which is good in my opinion. I don't fancy too many changes or events all happening one after another. I like my boring and predictable days. No surprises equate to less stress.
For once, I worry more about Matty than Elaina. Elaina is back to a new school year with her same set of friends and familiar environment. The only thing that has changed is the teachers. The first day was school was simply a "drop-and-go" for her. Matty's situation is quite the reverse - I worry if he will be able to find his way, if he remembers to make his visit to the loo, whether he will lose his belongings and if he behaves in the class.
It really got to me within the first week of school that Matty simply doesn't remember what he needs to get done. Homework and reminders weren't jotted down in his handbook and I had to pull everything out from his bag to run through with him. The beauty is that he didn't seemed as stressed as me and even told me that the deadline imposed by the teacher was "whenever it gets done". I wondered about how I was going to survive the next 10 to 15 years with his kind of attitude. I worried about my school work more than 2 decades ago and it dreads me to no end that I had to go through the process yet again.
2 weeks on, the situation did improved, just not sure if it is because he is getting a hang of how things should work or me growing immune. Whatever it is, I am looking forward to the long weekend of 4 days not needing to worry about homework and checking the school bags!
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Emphasis on Attitude
Elaina has been acting up at school lately, specifically when she is having her English class.
It started about 2 weeks ago when she was told to write down a couple of words ending with “at” in an attempt by her teacher to make the kids learn to spell using their phonics skill. Despite that she could spell the words when working in a big group, she ended up brawling when told to go back to the desk and have the words written down. Being the drama queen she is, we promptly reasoned it as another episode of her trying to drum it up and get some attention. We further concluded that we were right because she could write the same set of words at home without any help.
Early this week, there was another spat of saga when told to copy down several lines word for word. In the midst of her rolling tears, she managed to jot every single word down. The teacher was baffled with her emotions and so were we, until last night after much coaxing and probing, she let out to me that at the point when she was doing the exercise she wasn’t sure if she would get it right and therefore the tears.
In my short span of motherhood, I have concluded (at least to me) that the important aspect of raising a school-going child is not whether he or she is getting the work right. It is not about whether he or she is getting ahead. It is definitely not about whether he or she attends any enrichment program, or if he or she is supposedly more intelligent than the peers (I noticed a lot of fellow parents enjoy being complimented that they have an intelligent kid… frankly these days, the children are definitely more smarter for whatever reason and we can no longer measure them by the yardstick we measure ourselves. They are mostly smart by our yardstick and so nothing strange). The hardest and most important part is instilling in them the right attitude towards learning and everything in life.
Matty and Elaina both had at some point slipped in this area in different regards and to a varying degree. It has been a challenge to me as a parent and I foresee it will continue to be so. I am somewhat consoled to learn that other parents have similar if not the same issue, just a matter of whether the parent recognizes it or not. Short attention span and preferring to doing something more interesting, some will shut down and refuse to try because they deem it too difficult, some have simply no confidence they will get it right, and of course a handful of whom are simply bored doing one exercise repeatedly because they fail to appreciate the meaning of practice makes perfect or simply because in life everyone will be expected to perform certain tasks even though it may be less palatable. I am sure the list does not end here and a child’s poor attitude can come in different form, shape, size and magnitude.
I can only hope for the ability to recognize potential problems and help Matty and Elaina by instilling in them the right attitude. I still firmly believe that is the way to raise my children well – to nip the problem at its root. Everything else will then follow.
It started about 2 weeks ago when she was told to write down a couple of words ending with “at” in an attempt by her teacher to make the kids learn to spell using their phonics skill. Despite that she could spell the words when working in a big group, she ended up brawling when told to go back to the desk and have the words written down. Being the drama queen she is, we promptly reasoned it as another episode of her trying to drum it up and get some attention. We further concluded that we were right because she could write the same set of words at home without any help.
Early this week, there was another spat of saga when told to copy down several lines word for word. In the midst of her rolling tears, she managed to jot every single word down. The teacher was baffled with her emotions and so were we, until last night after much coaxing and probing, she let out to me that at the point when she was doing the exercise she wasn’t sure if she would get it right and therefore the tears.
In my short span of motherhood, I have concluded (at least to me) that the important aspect of raising a school-going child is not whether he or she is getting the work right. It is not about whether he or she is getting ahead. It is definitely not about whether he or she attends any enrichment program, or if he or she is supposedly more intelligent than the peers (I noticed a lot of fellow parents enjoy being complimented that they have an intelligent kid… frankly these days, the children are definitely more smarter for whatever reason and we can no longer measure them by the yardstick we measure ourselves. They are mostly smart by our yardstick and so nothing strange). The hardest and most important part is instilling in them the right attitude towards learning and everything in life.
Matty and Elaina both had at some point slipped in this area in different regards and to a varying degree. It has been a challenge to me as a parent and I foresee it will continue to be so. I am somewhat consoled to learn that other parents have similar if not the same issue, just a matter of whether the parent recognizes it or not. Short attention span and preferring to doing something more interesting, some will shut down and refuse to try because they deem it too difficult, some have simply no confidence they will get it right, and of course a handful of whom are simply bored doing one exercise repeatedly because they fail to appreciate the meaning of practice makes perfect or simply because in life everyone will be expected to perform certain tasks even though it may be less palatable. I am sure the list does not end here and a child’s poor attitude can come in different form, shape, size and magnitude.
I can only hope for the ability to recognize potential problems and help Matty and Elaina by instilling in them the right attitude. I still firmly believe that is the way to raise my children well – to nip the problem at its root. Everything else will then follow.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Where has all the time gone to?
Updating of my blogs seemed to have dropped off my radar big time for a while. Not sure why each time something comes to mind to be written down, it never quite made it to print.
Life has been pretty much of a routine and I am seriously enjoying it, because come next year we will need to start making adjustments in a big way with Matty starting formal school, piano classes and swimming lessons for both of them. I am starting to sound like some kiasu mother trying to cramp everything into one. It wasn’t intentional but just happened to be the way it is. Matty has been talking about learning piano for more than 6 months now but each time I would just brush it aside thinking that he said it on impulse. Somehow he was very persistent and it came to a point that he had to question why I hadn’t done anything despite him asking me repeatedly to enrol him for one. And so there… I finally decided that he was serious about it and got my act together. Needless to say, learning how to swim is something I ruled as compulsory for the kids to get done at some point in time and since Elaina requested for it , I quickly jumped on the opportunity to drag Matty along too. Two years ago, we pulled Matty out from swimming because he refused to go for any more classess after drinking some pool water at the third lesson. It is probably high time for him to get back to it.
After registering him for Primary 1 back in July, the fact that Matty is not going to be a pre-schooler any much longer and that he is hitting a major milestone in his life made me gasp at time flying too quickly by. I admit that it is only now that I truly appreciate what people meant by “children grow very quickly”. It was not that long ago when we were worrying about his teething, sleeping pattern, milk feed and if he was eating well and sleeping well. I used to wish he grow up faster during those dreadful nights when he refused to sleep, now I just wish he could grow a little slower. Such is the irony of life.
Life has been pretty much of a routine and I am seriously enjoying it, because come next year we will need to start making adjustments in a big way with Matty starting formal school, piano classes and swimming lessons for both of them. I am starting to sound like some kiasu mother trying to cramp everything into one. It wasn’t intentional but just happened to be the way it is. Matty has been talking about learning piano for more than 6 months now but each time I would just brush it aside thinking that he said it on impulse. Somehow he was very persistent and it came to a point that he had to question why I hadn’t done anything despite him asking me repeatedly to enrol him for one. And so there… I finally decided that he was serious about it and got my act together. Needless to say, learning how to swim is something I ruled as compulsory for the kids to get done at some point in time and since Elaina requested for it , I quickly jumped on the opportunity to drag Matty along too. Two years ago, we pulled Matty out from swimming because he refused to go for any more classess after drinking some pool water at the third lesson. It is probably high time for him to get back to it.
After registering him for Primary 1 back in July, the fact that Matty is not going to be a pre-schooler any much longer and that he is hitting a major milestone in his life made me gasp at time flying too quickly by. I admit that it is only now that I truly appreciate what people meant by “children grow very quickly”. It was not that long ago when we were worrying about his teething, sleeping pattern, milk feed and if he was eating well and sleeping well. I used to wish he grow up faster during those dreadful nights when he refused to sleep, now I just wish he could grow a little slower. Such is the irony of life.
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Australia Once More (26 August ~ 10 September)
We planned for months and months, and in a jiffy, the holiday just whizzed by. It is so true that time flies when having fun.
That said, the holiday did start on the wrong footing. First our backpack zipper came off just when the plane was about to leave Singapore for Melbourne, then I had a spat with a particular stewardess (our stars were probably off alignment). Next, our connecting flight to Gold Coast got delayed by an hour, and to top it off Gold Coast decided to pour like mad while we were up in the air and the airport had to shut down causing the plane needing to divert to Brisbane instead. The ordeal dragged on for another 4 hours due to the diversion - we waited around the Brisbane airport for more than an hour for a coach to bring everyone back to Gold Coast Airport, followed by a 2-hour coach ride. The situation at Gold Coast airport was equally challenging with a beeline of stranded folks waiting for cabs to bring them home since they are not going to be able to catch their flight. The journey extended by an extra 6 hours leaving everyone's spirit dampen, cold, tired and hungry.
Not sure if it is a blessing in disguise. The heavy rain brought us a whole week of sunshine while we were in Gold Coast. We were bracing ourselves for occasional showers based on the 7-day weather forecast. It was certainly the best surprise to wake up the next morning to a bright blue sky and scorching sun. It's as if the rain came in one fell swop the day before. It was warm to the degree (pun intended!) that we were overdressed seeing the locals in tees, shorts and flip flops. We weren't quite packed for such warm weather. No complains though, because we could do our rounds through all the theme parks without worry that plans will be dampened.
Elaina and Matty were particularly fond of Seaworld that they requested for a second visit. Since it was a holiday for them, the adults obliged. I can't say the same about the factory outlet shopping that followed though. They obviously think it was "boring". But at least it meant that I could contain the amount of possible damage to my pocket.
To sum it up, Gold Coast was lots of good food (particularly Mario's that served up authentic italian without needing to break the piggy bank), lots of theme park, lots of popcorn, lots of sun and lots of fun. Not forgetting the best rented ride of the entire trip and that the kids are getting more gutsy when it comes to trying new rides.
Hobart sent us into a different kind of weather - wind chills with drizzles that comes and go, and a different environment. For a first time, the children got to experience a 1000 metre high mountain, nature reserves, hiking through a forest, rolling hills everywhere we go and running around a playground for hours without a single drop of sweat. Unfortunately due to age, Elaina and Matty are still unable to appreciate the rich history that envelopes Hobart. We pretty much ran out of things to do by the time we got to the last day in Hobart. The rain didn't help with the situation. One thing that never seem to bore the kids were the seafood. They gladly rotated between fish, scallops and shrimps.
We headed back to Melbourne on 7 September and drove for 2 odd hours towards Philip Island. The drive was definitely worthwhile. Despite the cold, tiredness and hunger, catching the penguins do their nightly parade seemed to do justice to us being on the road since early morning. And it was definitely wise choice that we decided to stay on the island for the night instead of rushing back to Melbourne after the parade. I don't think the children will be able to survive the trip back to city without turning cranky. Not only that, it gave us the chance to visit the Nobbies the next morning. Didn't manage to sight any seals but the crashing waves and blowhole was an experience for a bunch of city dwellers like us. On our way out, we stopped by this place known as Amaze'N Things. It was pretty entertaining to go through the various bits that tricked the eyes and mind, creating false illusion - like the photo that had the adults looking much smaller than the children and a chair that slides "upwards" and defying gravity.
By the time we got back to Melbourne, it was also marked the fact that vacation was almost over. And since we only had 1 day we could only pick and choose what would be the most interesting and requires the least traveling time. I have to say that I was pretty impressed with the Melbourne Aquarium from the huge viewing area and how exhibits were logically grouped together and in an interesting way. Scienceworks delivered science facts in a truly entertaining way. Rather than just putting facts across in mere words, the visuals and simple explanations that made it digestible for children. There was nothing like rocket science or on stuff there were too abstract for kids to understand. It dwells on day-to-day technologies like how the dryer works, how the toilet bowl flushes and how we get sounds out from a radio. Not sure if our own science centre here has evolved to be just as good. If not, I would suggest that we send a team of people there to learn the tricks.
There's still so much to write, but like every holiday it is just not possible to jot every single detail down. Which is just as well... gives us a reason to revisit these places in the not so distant future!
That said, the holiday did start on the wrong footing. First our backpack zipper came off just when the plane was about to leave Singapore for Melbourne, then I had a spat with a particular stewardess (our stars were probably off alignment). Next, our connecting flight to Gold Coast got delayed by an hour, and to top it off Gold Coast decided to pour like mad while we were up in the air and the airport had to shut down causing the plane needing to divert to Brisbane instead. The ordeal dragged on for another 4 hours due to the diversion - we waited around the Brisbane airport for more than an hour for a coach to bring everyone back to Gold Coast Airport, followed by a 2-hour coach ride. The situation at Gold Coast airport was equally challenging with a beeline of stranded folks waiting for cabs to bring them home since they are not going to be able to catch their flight. The journey extended by an extra 6 hours leaving everyone's spirit dampen, cold, tired and hungry.
Not sure if it is a blessing in disguise. The heavy rain brought us a whole week of sunshine while we were in Gold Coast. We were bracing ourselves for occasional showers based on the 7-day weather forecast. It was certainly the best surprise to wake up the next morning to a bright blue sky and scorching sun. It's as if the rain came in one fell swop the day before. It was warm to the degree (pun intended!) that we were overdressed seeing the locals in tees, shorts and flip flops. We weren't quite packed for such warm weather. No complains though, because we could do our rounds through all the theme parks without worry that plans will be dampened.
Elaina and Matty were particularly fond of Seaworld that they requested for a second visit. Since it was a holiday for them, the adults obliged. I can't say the same about the factory outlet shopping that followed though. They obviously think it was "boring". But at least it meant that I could contain the amount of possible damage to my pocket.
To sum it up, Gold Coast was lots of good food (particularly Mario's that served up authentic italian without needing to break the piggy bank), lots of theme park, lots of popcorn, lots of sun and lots of fun. Not forgetting the best rented ride of the entire trip and that the kids are getting more gutsy when it comes to trying new rides.
Hobart sent us into a different kind of weather - wind chills with drizzles that comes and go, and a different environment. For a first time, the children got to experience a 1000 metre high mountain, nature reserves, hiking through a forest, rolling hills everywhere we go and running around a playground for hours without a single drop of sweat. Unfortunately due to age, Elaina and Matty are still unable to appreciate the rich history that envelopes Hobart. We pretty much ran out of things to do by the time we got to the last day in Hobart. The rain didn't help with the situation. One thing that never seem to bore the kids were the seafood. They gladly rotated between fish, scallops and shrimps.
We headed back to Melbourne on 7 September and drove for 2 odd hours towards Philip Island. The drive was definitely worthwhile. Despite the cold, tiredness and hunger, catching the penguins do their nightly parade seemed to do justice to us being on the road since early morning. And it was definitely wise choice that we decided to stay on the island for the night instead of rushing back to Melbourne after the parade. I don't think the children will be able to survive the trip back to city without turning cranky. Not only that, it gave us the chance to visit the Nobbies the next morning. Didn't manage to sight any seals but the crashing waves and blowhole was an experience for a bunch of city dwellers like us. On our way out, we stopped by this place known as Amaze'N Things. It was pretty entertaining to go through the various bits that tricked the eyes and mind, creating false illusion - like the photo that had the adults looking much smaller than the children and a chair that slides "upwards" and defying gravity.
By the time we got back to Melbourne, it was also marked the fact that vacation was almost over. And since we only had 1 day we could only pick and choose what would be the most interesting and requires the least traveling time. I have to say that I was pretty impressed with the Melbourne Aquarium from the huge viewing area and how exhibits were logically grouped together and in an interesting way. Scienceworks delivered science facts in a truly entertaining way. Rather than just putting facts across in mere words, the visuals and simple explanations that made it digestible for children. There was nothing like rocket science or on stuff there were too abstract for kids to understand. It dwells on day-to-day technologies like how the dryer works, how the toilet bowl flushes and how we get sounds out from a radio. Not sure if our own science centre here has evolved to be just as good. If not, I would suggest that we send a team of people there to learn the tricks.
There's still so much to write, but like every holiday it is just not possible to jot every single detail down. Which is just as well... gives us a reason to revisit these places in the not so distant future!
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
I Want to be a Blonde
The following conversation ensued at least twice....
Elaina: Mummy, can I colour my hair next time when I grow up?
Me: Sure.
Elaina: I want to colour my hair gold.
Me: Why?
Elaina: Because Sleeping Beauty has golden hair and I want to be like her.
(Aurora is her favourite Disney princess only because she decks out in a pink ball gown... same reason why she supports Nicole Seah during the recent election.)
Elaina: Mummy, can I colour my hair next time when I grow up?
Me: Sure.
Elaina: I want to colour my hair gold.
Me: Why?
Elaina: Because Sleeping Beauty has golden hair and I want to be like her.
(Aurora is her favourite Disney princess only because she decks out in a pink ball gown... same reason why she supports Nicole Seah during the recent election.)
Friday, 1 July 2011
Happy Birthday, Matthias!
After being a lazy bum and not been updating my blogs for months, I dragged myself in here today only because it is such an important day and I just have to put something in as record. Matty turns 6 today and I just cannot believe how fast time flies. Those sleepless (screaming) nights are still so vivid!
This year, we finally did something different. We threw Matty a big birthday bash last weekend at Peek-A-Boo and it was exclusively for him and his classmates only. We thought that it will be a meaningful year for them, as they will soon part ways with each heading off to different schools in 6 months. I am sure they had loads of fun that day seeing how they went wild running around the indoor playground and it was even a topic of discussion back in school.
The only thing that didn't change is the 3-cake repertoire! Who could or would even have the audacity to forget that.
For the first 3 years of a child's life, there are always plenty of milestones to talk about. 3 years beyond that, I am not even sure what needs to be tracked. The only thing I have to say is that my boy is no longer the shy and timid guy we always thought he is. He has no any qualms about voicing out, being in the lime-light, bouncing and jumping around without fear of getting hurt and trying out new challenges (save and except where food is concerned).
He has indeed grown by leaps and bounds without us knowing in the last one year.
This year, we finally did something different. We threw Matty a big birthday bash last weekend at Peek-A-Boo and it was exclusively for him and his classmates only. We thought that it will be a meaningful year for them, as they will soon part ways with each heading off to different schools in 6 months. I am sure they had loads of fun that day seeing how they went wild running around the indoor playground and it was even a topic of discussion back in school.
The only thing that didn't change is the 3-cake repertoire! Who could or would even have the audacity to forget that.
For the first 3 years of a child's life, there are always plenty of milestones to talk about. 3 years beyond that, I am not even sure what needs to be tracked. The only thing I have to say is that my boy is no longer the shy and timid guy we always thought he is. He has no any qualms about voicing out, being in the lime-light, bouncing and jumping around without fear of getting hurt and trying out new challenges (save and except where food is concerned).
He has indeed grown by leaps and bounds without us knowing in the last one year.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
From Princess to Power Rangers
It was barely 3 weeks ago when Elaina celebrated her 4th birthday with a Disney princess cake and even named her birthday present (a teddy bear in nothing but pink from the fur to shoes to dress to hairband), Princess.
2 weeks into being 4 years old, she decided to switch course and is now completely into Power Rangers. She will talk about it everyday, imagine herself to be one and has even told us to call her "Lily" (the one in a yellow suit). It is still a mystery as to why the big and sudden change... and I thought that it will take at least another year to two before she gets out of the all-things-princess-stage.
2 weeks into being 4 years old, she decided to switch course and is now completely into Power Rangers. She will talk about it everyday, imagine herself to be one and has even told us to call her "Lily" (the one in a yellow suit). It is still a mystery as to why the big and sudden change... and I thought that it will take at least another year to two before she gets out of the all-things-princess-stage.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Thinking Ahead
Matty, barely 6 years old is already worrying about serving his National Service!
He told his father today that it must be very uncomfortable squatting in a jungle and that sleeping in his bed is much better. He even complained that it is so unfair that his sister will not have NS obligations.
He told his father today that it must be very uncomfortable squatting in a jungle and that sleeping in his bed is much better. He even complained that it is so unfair that his sister will not have NS obligations.
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Guess who has the quality of a diplomat?
Ms Angeline: Matthias, so what did you have for breakfast today?
Matty: Sausage bun.
Ms Angeline: How about me? Can you share with me?
Matty: There is one for me and one for 妹妹.
Ms Angeline: Huh?
Mummy: He is telling you subtly that there is none for you.
Elaina: Why so long never take the bus to work?
Matty: Sausage bun.
Ms Angeline: How about me? Can you share with me?
Matty: There is one for me and one for 妹妹.
Ms Angeline: Huh?
Mummy: He is telling you subtly that there is none for you.
***
Matty: Can I go to the airport today to pick up 姑姑?
Mummy: Sure, just remember to tell 公公 to bring you along.
(30 minutes later)
Matty: Maybe I won't go to the airport.
Mummy: Why? I thought you wanted to go?
Matty: I might be busy.
Mummy: What are you going to be busy with?
Matty: See how later... if I am busy I won't go. If I am not busy then I will go.
***
Elaina: Why so long never take the bus to work?
Papa: I won't be driving today. Would you like to walk me to the bus-stop?
Elaina: No, I am busy.
Mummy: Hmm... what are you busy with?
Elaina: You know... I need to eat my breakfast and take my shower.... I have a lot of things to do. The bus-stop is very far and I feel tired walking there. I think one time is enough already.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Perplexed!
Couple of weeks ago while chatting with an acquaintance from work, she started to talk about her daughter and how excited she was after being on a waiting list for one year, her daughter is finally going to the preschool of her choice.
She went on about how she hoped the little girl will get used to the environment, which lead to my question if she had considered putting her daughter in some sort of playgroup for once or twice a week during this one year of waiting to get the little one used to being in an environment away from home. Her answer to that was that she didn't like that idea because it would be all play and the daughter wouldn't be learning anything anyway.
Shortly after that, we parted ways and I headed to the train station to catch a train home but her statement left me wondering what else would she had wanted a two year old toddler to achieve? Isn't acquiring social skills, learning to co-exist and play alongside with another child, learning how to behave and react in an larger group all important lessons of life? Or as parents, do we only deem something as important if it can have a grade tagged to it?
She went on about how she hoped the little girl will get used to the environment, which lead to my question if she had considered putting her daughter in some sort of playgroup for once or twice a week during this one year of waiting to get the little one used to being in an environment away from home. Her answer to that was that she didn't like that idea because it would be all play and the daughter wouldn't be learning anything anyway.
Shortly after that, we parted ways and I headed to the train station to catch a train home but her statement left me wondering what else would she had wanted a two year old toddler to achieve? Isn't acquiring social skills, learning to co-exist and play alongside with another child, learning how to behave and react in an larger group all important lessons of life? Or as parents, do we only deem something as important if it can have a grade tagged to it?
Friday, 19 November 2010
Planning in Advance
Matty: Next time I want to have my wedding at Pan Pacific Hotel.
Mummy: Ok. How about Fullerton? I thought you like that place too.
Matty: But Pan Pacific is cheaper. I want to save money.
A little too early to be planning for his wedding but at least I can take some consolation that his concept on money management isn’t too fuzzy.
Mummy: Ok. How about Fullerton? I thought you like that place too.
Matty: But Pan Pacific is cheaper. I want to save money.
A little too early to be planning for his wedding but at least I can take some consolation that his concept on money management isn’t too fuzzy.
Friday, 5 November 2010
Handicapped!
The frustration as a mother finally hiked! What can be worse than not being able to scream at your own kids when they ought to be screamed at?
Since the thyroid surgery, I have been monitoring my voice like how an investment banker monitors the stock market. On some days, it can be good and on certain days, it just crashes for no apparent reason. Even on good days, I can only speak slightly more than a whisper in a quiet environment. Just imagine who the hell can hear me when the kids are bickering or throwing tantrum. I can’t even hear myself let alone them.
The frustration is beyond any that I have ever felt and my level of patience is being put to the ultimate test. I cannot take control of a situation, get tired from speaking and most of the time I can’t even be bothered to verbalise to the children my thoughts. Mostly I let them run wild (together with my blood pressure) until the father steps in.
I haven’t even gone past the 1-month mark and I am already very affected by the lost of voice projection. I don’t mind sounding a little hoarse even if my voice won’t recover fully, but I think at the very least the voice needs to be audible in a public place or amongst a bunch of rowdy kids. I wonder how am I going to live with the condition for a few more months to confirm if the vocal cord is merely strained from the surgery or is it permanently damaged.
On a lighter note, I am sure the kids don’t mind a mother who won’t scream at them under all circumstances.
Since the thyroid surgery, I have been monitoring my voice like how an investment banker monitors the stock market. On some days, it can be good and on certain days, it just crashes for no apparent reason. Even on good days, I can only speak slightly more than a whisper in a quiet environment. Just imagine who the hell can hear me when the kids are bickering or throwing tantrum. I can’t even hear myself let alone them.
The frustration is beyond any that I have ever felt and my level of patience is being put to the ultimate test. I cannot take control of a situation, get tired from speaking and most of the time I can’t even be bothered to verbalise to the children my thoughts. Mostly I let them run wild (together with my blood pressure) until the father steps in.
I haven’t even gone past the 1-month mark and I am already very affected by the lost of voice projection. I don’t mind sounding a little hoarse even if my voice won’t recover fully, but I think at the very least the voice needs to be audible in a public place or amongst a bunch of rowdy kids. I wonder how am I going to live with the condition for a few more months to confirm if the vocal cord is merely strained from the surgery or is it permanently damaged.
On a lighter note, I am sure the kids don’t mind a mother who won’t scream at them under all circumstances.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
All I want to do is dream…..
Matty recently started to have a clear understanding of what dreams are and that there are good ones and bad ones. Dreams are so abstract that I find having to explain what exactly it is to my kids really hard… it is there but not quite there… intangible and tangible at the same time. I used to tell Matty that it is in the mind and only happens when he is sleeping, and what he dream of are usually about things that are constantly on his mind during the day. I didn’t think that was a clear enough explanation but anything more than that will be way too mind-boggling for a pre-schooler to handle.
The school probably did a good job somewhere along the line and I knew about it because one fine day about two months ago, Matty just blurted out of the blue that he hated bad dreams and he has been having them almost every night (which also explained why he kept waking up in the middle of the night… ermmm like that is anything new?). He couldn’t narrate any of the details but could only tell me it bothered him. Surely he has to know what dream is in order for him to tell me all that.
Over the next couple of days, he started to ask why we have bad dreams, why he can see himself in his dreams, why is it that sometimes he can remember what he dreamt about but not all the time, what I had dreamt of in the past and which is my favourite and worst dream.
Matty told me once a few weeks back that his favourite dream is of the family having ice-cream together which I absolutely forgot about (the problem with having kids is that they remember everything but not the parents). Yesterday when we were talking about dreams again, he asked if I knew which was his favourite dream, my instant reaction was to get him to tell me because I didn’t know and I was slapped right in the face with “I told you before right? It was about us having ice-cream together”. Obviously the content of the dream, even though something simple was a pure bliss to this 5-year old to make him want to label it as his best dream.
Today while holding my hand on the way to school, Matty asked if I dreamt last night. It was like hot topic of the week and had turned up as conversation topic two days in a row. He told me that he dreamt of him and his gong gong at the seaside and gong gong asking him if he wants to go to the airport. He replied with a yes and the dream ended there... and that to me was pure bliss - having my boy share with me a part of him on a daily basis.
The school probably did a good job somewhere along the line and I knew about it because one fine day about two months ago, Matty just blurted out of the blue that he hated bad dreams and he has been having them almost every night (which also explained why he kept waking up in the middle of the night… ermmm like that is anything new?). He couldn’t narrate any of the details but could only tell me it bothered him. Surely he has to know what dream is in order for him to tell me all that.
Over the next couple of days, he started to ask why we have bad dreams, why he can see himself in his dreams, why is it that sometimes he can remember what he dreamt about but not all the time, what I had dreamt of in the past and which is my favourite and worst dream.
Matty told me once a few weeks back that his favourite dream is of the family having ice-cream together which I absolutely forgot about (the problem with having kids is that they remember everything but not the parents). Yesterday when we were talking about dreams again, he asked if I knew which was his favourite dream, my instant reaction was to get him to tell me because I didn’t know and I was slapped right in the face with “I told you before right? It was about us having ice-cream together”. Obviously the content of the dream, even though something simple was a pure bliss to this 5-year old to make him want to label it as his best dream.
Today while holding my hand on the way to school, Matty asked if I dreamt last night. It was like hot topic of the week and had turned up as conversation topic two days in a row. He told me that he dreamt of him and his gong gong at the seaside and gong gong asking him if he wants to go to the airport. He replied with a yes and the dream ended there... and that to me was pure bliss - having my boy share with me a part of him on a daily basis.
Monday, 5 July 2010
There is a Reason for Those Tears
When asked why she is often caught crying over everything, Elaina explained to her aunt the other day (in her exact own words) that "When you need something, you need to do something."
5 Years of Motherhood
On 1 July 2010, I celebrated my successful completion of five years of motherhood. The first two years were tough with the night feeding, sleepless nights, terrible-two stage, tantrum throwing and the list goes on filled with things that I do not wish to go through again. Thankfully the last three years were much more enjoyable and I can finally feel that I am getting a grip on parenting.
Matty is now a sensible and well-mannered boy (on most days, except that he enjoys provoking Elaina… which is probably a boy’s thing) and well-liked at home and at school. I don’t think I can ask for anything more from a five years old.
As usual, we had the three-cake repertoire again. The only spoiler is the rain that came untimely and messed up our plan for a zoo trip that afternoon. This is our second failed attempt for a zoo trip, the first being a weekend of a school holiday and the carpark was so full that if we were to park along the road, it would take us a good twenty minutes walk to get in.
We ended up in a supermarket for some grocery shopping. I think I was more disappointed that the kids for some reason. They didn’t fuss about it and seemed fine just to stay in and dabble with the new toys. Matty has however decided that it will be a good idea for us to try the zoo again on my birthday which is coming this Friday, even though I would have preferred to just do nothing, laze around at home by myself and catch up on my sleep. He must have sensed my disappoint that day. I don’t think I have the heart to turn down his kind thoughts provided if the weather holds up this Friday.
And yes… his photo got selected for the Playhouse Disney birthday book this year. I found out that it was on a first come first serve basis (because this year they had indicated that on the website but not last year) and mailed out the photo in early May.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Taken For a Ride
Elaina was throwing a tantrum yesterday morning after a pooping session saying that her butts were in pain and needed a plaster over it *slaps forehead*… it was just the usual stunt that she pulls with her grandparents just to con some sympathy or a plaster which she often wears like a fashion accessory.
To pacify her, Gong Gong tried to distract her by suggesting that they make a trip to the library. The kids started to enjoy going over to the library with Gong Gong every now and then to while their time away. Except that the poor Gong Gong has reservations about bringing Elaina too often, because she makes him carry her all the way home with a bag of books from the library.
The little girl took the bait and even agreed to the condition set by Gong Gong that if they go to the library, she will walk and not demand to be carried. She gladly accepted it and walked all the way there as promised.
The minute the two stepped out of the library, Elaina promptly requested that Gong Gong carry her home. Gong Gong hastily reminded her that she had promised to walk. In the end the 63- year old man lost the battle to the 3-year old Elaina when she said this “Yes, I promised to walk to go to the library. But now we are going home.”
To pacify her, Gong Gong tried to distract her by suggesting that they make a trip to the library. The kids started to enjoy going over to the library with Gong Gong every now and then to while their time away. Except that the poor Gong Gong has reservations about bringing Elaina too often, because she makes him carry her all the way home with a bag of books from the library.
The little girl took the bait and even agreed to the condition set by Gong Gong that if they go to the library, she will walk and not demand to be carried. She gladly accepted it and walked all the way there as promised.
The minute the two stepped out of the library, Elaina promptly requested that Gong Gong carry her home. Gong Gong hastily reminded her that she had promised to walk. In the end the 63- year old man lost the battle to the 3-year old Elaina when she said this “Yes, I promised to walk to go to the library. But now we are going home.”
Friday, 4 June 2010
That Was a Close One
It has been six months since Elaina had that nasty fall that caused her upper lip to split and swell like a sausage. Because of that fall, she has been going around with a discoloured and shorten tooth. At least the consoling part was that she didn’t complain about any pain… not until last weekend.
Elaina started to tell us that her tooth was in pain last Thursday evening after dinner and when probed she pointed to the discoloured tooth. The dreaded day finally arrived. Due to the long weekend that stretched from Friday to Sunday, the earliest appointment we could get her was on Monday noon.
During which she kept asking why we aren’t bringing her to the doctor. But as expected, the strong outer appearance crumbled at the dental clinic. The whole struggling, kicking, screaming, crying and attempting to stomp out of the clinic came as an entire package. After a brief view of the discoloured tooth, the dentist referred Elaina to a peodontic (basically a dentist for children) but did advice that between extraction and root canal, the latter would be preferred just to keep the spacing for the next couple of years until the permanent tooth comes in. We left the clinic with Elaina’s face drenched in tears and mucous, and some stickers in hand as pacifier.
Went back to 3 more days of waiting and each day the thoughts of putting her through a root canal and under sedative is enough to make me cringe.
Without a doubt the we had the whole works of struggling, kicking, screaming, crying and attempting to stomp out of the clinic once again at the peodontic’s clinic. It took 4 persons to hold Elaina still before the peodontic could take a close look inside her mouth. With that amount of struggling I wasn’t confident that the peodontic could even get a needle into Elaina to sedate her without breaking the needle or something.
The moment of relief came when the doctor made her first statement. She said that it wasn’t anything serious and that no intervention was needed. From the review, the gum and teeth were healthy. The discoloured tooth was still firmly planted and other than the discolouration it was fine. The pain needs to be one that can affect a person’s appetite and sleep to warrant concern and even though Elaina did point to us the discomfort she felt, she was still eating and sleeping well. Plus the fall happened months ago and it usually won’t take that long for the pain to set it. The best possible explanation was that Elaina could have bit on something hard during dinner to result in some slight discomfort. I pointed out to the doctor that it was unsettling to see the discolouration but she reassured that the discolouration could be due to broken vessel resulting from the fall and blood seeping into the tooth. Discolouration does not necessary equate to a dying tooth.
With that we were sent packing home with the possibility of returning to the peodontic six months later for a review as long as there is no immense pain in the meantime. Within a year of the accident, if the condition doesn’t deteriorate Elaina should be able to keep her tooth there until she loses her milk teeth naturally.
It was 80 bucks well spent for a peace of mind. To Elaina, I think she is equally relieved to know that the dentist is only there to count how many teeth she has. I have managed to con her to return to the dentist in December because she probably will have more than 20 teeth by then and we need the dentist to take count.
Elaina started to tell us that her tooth was in pain last Thursday evening after dinner and when probed she pointed to the discoloured tooth. The dreaded day finally arrived. Due to the long weekend that stretched from Friday to Sunday, the earliest appointment we could get her was on Monday noon.
During which she kept asking why we aren’t bringing her to the doctor. But as expected, the strong outer appearance crumbled at the dental clinic. The whole struggling, kicking, screaming, crying and attempting to stomp out of the clinic came as an entire package. After a brief view of the discoloured tooth, the dentist referred Elaina to a peodontic (basically a dentist for children) but did advice that between extraction and root canal, the latter would be preferred just to keep the spacing for the next couple of years until the permanent tooth comes in. We left the clinic with Elaina’s face drenched in tears and mucous, and some stickers in hand as pacifier.
Went back to 3 more days of waiting and each day the thoughts of putting her through a root canal and under sedative is enough to make me cringe.
Without a doubt the we had the whole works of struggling, kicking, screaming, crying and attempting to stomp out of the clinic once again at the peodontic’s clinic. It took 4 persons to hold Elaina still before the peodontic could take a close look inside her mouth. With that amount of struggling I wasn’t confident that the peodontic could even get a needle into Elaina to sedate her without breaking the needle or something.
The moment of relief came when the doctor made her first statement. She said that it wasn’t anything serious and that no intervention was needed. From the review, the gum and teeth were healthy. The discoloured tooth was still firmly planted and other than the discolouration it was fine. The pain needs to be one that can affect a person’s appetite and sleep to warrant concern and even though Elaina did point to us the discomfort she felt, she was still eating and sleeping well. Plus the fall happened months ago and it usually won’t take that long for the pain to set it. The best possible explanation was that Elaina could have bit on something hard during dinner to result in some slight discomfort. I pointed out to the doctor that it was unsettling to see the discolouration but she reassured that the discolouration could be due to broken vessel resulting from the fall and blood seeping into the tooth. Discolouration does not necessary equate to a dying tooth.
With that we were sent packing home with the possibility of returning to the peodontic six months later for a review as long as there is no immense pain in the meantime. Within a year of the accident, if the condition doesn’t deteriorate Elaina should be able to keep her tooth there until she loses her milk teeth naturally.
It was 80 bucks well spent for a peace of mind. To Elaina, I think she is equally relieved to know that the dentist is only there to count how many teeth she has. I have managed to con her to return to the dentist in December because she probably will have more than 20 teeth by then and we need the dentist to take count.
