moments in a day

We Have Moved

2007-07-11T09:19:00.000+08:00

Hi, thanks for dropping by!

We have moved to a new site, The Little Feet!

Come over, say hi, see you there!

JD's FIRST report card

2007-07-05T16:14:00.000+08:00

So, semester one has ended, and JD brought home his very first report card. It was a nice celebration of a child's first semester in kindy, celebrating the steps they have all taken, some seems so small yet are so important.

It's also a big thing for me, because here I am, as a mom to JD, receiving his first report card, with his portfolio of art and craft, how could I not possibly be moved and proud. To see him grow, learn, adapting to a new environment, making new friends, trusting his teachers, talking about his friends in school are all first time experience for me. He is growing up quick, and not one day goes by when he fails to make me laugh. Even if on a bad day when we get onto each other's nerves, a child's love is something I have never experienced but growing to love more and more everyday.

At the back of the report card is a copy of JD's favourite drawing. When JD handed it to me, he said the person in the picture was me! Hahaha!

We also brought home a big bundle of his semester's work, of hand prints, fish painting, aeroplane, sea creatures...

In the teacher's comment, it says:

"Jayden we love to see your smiling face at kindy and listen to the interesting things you have to tell us. You love to play with the blocks and ride the bikes - keep up the good work!"

JD also got lots of practice on his fine motor skills where he was able to make shapes, identifying shapes, colours. He did well, but needed a bit of help to identify oval and diamond.

And he can count pretty well with his 10 little fingers.

JD's teacher also said he is willing to share, likes to help pack away but still developing in these areas.

But he is quite happy to try new things and enjoys music and movement.

So it has been a big year for him so far!

Apart from kindy, he also completed another term of swimming and has also done well for his first term at gymnastics!

Back to JD's teacher comment about him "telling interesting things". I can relate to that. JD started asking me if he could bring something from home for "show and tell". So I did and encouraged him to do so. I felt it was a big step for him to feel comfortable and confident to stand up in front of his friends to share a story. I wouldn't have been able to do that when I was his age!

So, guess what he has been bringing to kindy? Each week for the last 4 weeks? And the same thing every week?

(drumroll)

His favourite FIRE GREEN CAR! Sometimes I will listen in. And usually he will say something like "This is my fire green car. It is green in colour and has yellow fire. It goes really fast. My daddy bought it for me......" or sometimes he will recall the time when daddy brought him to see the Cars movie.

And reason why he names it the fire green car. Simply because the car is green, the yellow cover thingy looks like fire, thus Fire Green Car. I simply love the way kids label things.

On the note about sharing interesting stories with his kindy friends, apparently JD talks a lot about his family. A mom at the kindy once said to me, "My son said he likes playing with JD because JD always talk about his family." It was very sweet.

Green

2007-07-01T21:02:00.001+08:00

We have had red, blue, and the most recent was green. It was good being green. We ate lots of greens to start with, snow peas particularly which are in season, honeydew drizzle with some honey. We were also "green" to our digestive system by eating lots of wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta and brown rice! We talked about being green, by conserving energy in the house, turning off the lights when we are not using, turning off the TV on time by 9am to conserve energy, and and and NOT standing at the fridge with the door wide open! Ha, that was hard to achieve!

It wasn't hard to think of "green" activities. We made this frog puppet, which turned out to be of great fun. JD enjoyed this craft, and we were able to cut out circles and refreshed what we did 3 weeks ago on size comparisons. JD also learned about full and half circle from this craft.

Later on, JD hid under the table to perform a puppet show for his sister whom was sitting on the highchair. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to capture it, but it was a very nice moment.

We also took out this frog lifecycle craft we did a few months ago and went through it with JD. He could still remember most of it, though he tends to skip the part about the eggs turning into tadpoles. JD refused to pose for me but instead wanted me to pose with his craft work :)

There was also a "Grass Snake" that we made. JD liked this craft a fair bit because he had the chance to help me cut out strips of sticky tape for the snake, talk about simple fun! He didn't want to pose with the snake because he said "It looks too slimy!" and he was trying to shoot the snake with his Lego built gun! Yikes!

I also added in a bit of maths for him using some home made numbers flash cards and his marbles. It was fun for him but the excitement probably lasted no more than 5 minues before he started to get distracted by the sound of a delivery truck driving past, the barking of the dog next door, the postman on his scooter. It was time to take a break for some wholemeal toast with cheese!

Then there was more playdough fun where he made himself a "motorbike with strawberries" birthday cake, a gourmet fruit pizza and a "green apple monster with sticks"! I think the reason why JD has named his cake that way is because he likes motorbike and strawberries!

Since it was Green week, I took out one of JD's favourite Chinese story books " 扑通" and read it again. I usually read it in Mandarin then again by English to him. He knows the story now and here's a funny clip of him telling me the story. But, pardon me for his sneezing :)

As for Chloe, well, I think she went through a growth spurt last week. She just kept eating and I was always giving her something to eat througout the whole week. We also found out that she likes a good feed of Penne Bolognaise!

For Mandarin this week, we learnt about 小青蛙, 青色, 青菜, 青萍果, 青豆, 圆形.

Chloe is still doing the same stack of flash cards of 手, 口, 脚, 眼, 头, 妹妹, 哥哥, 爸爸, 妈妈 but I also added in a few new ones like 猫, 马, 大象, 绵羊, 狗 with my own animated voices which she found amusing.

Once again, I realised kids learn the most through play. Last week I realised she could recognise the word "头" when I asked her to put a block on my head, then followed by her head in Mandarin. I was quite amazed at how quick kids learn and it was marvellous. No doubt, she was very pleased with herself when I clapped loudly followed by one of her cheesy grins!

Kids are generally happy when we spend some time playing, laughing, reading with them, and at the same time meeting their most basic needs of food, drink, clean nappy, clean clothes, warm jumper on a cold day, a treat of hot chocolates with marshmallow on a cold and wintry night....

Monkey girl in action!

2007-06-30T11:57:00.000+08:00

My husband used to call JD the Monkey Boy. Now, we also have a Monkey Girl. Yes, she is a real monkey who loves to climb. Maybe 2 terms of Gymbaroo so far have done something good to her climbing skills! Well, just maybe not onto the table and I think soon she might want to stand on the table and sing us a song, hahaha!

Compared to JD, I just don't remember him being such a climber. And I first noticed that when we were at our weekly Gymbaroo session. JD used to avoid doing the ladder climbing, and he was much happier crawling through the tunnel and doing other stuff. Chloe, well, she was off climbing the ladder with little help the first time I put her on it, and that was probably 2 months ago.

Not only that, she likes to squat or stand on the little chair, bobbing her bottom up and down to music. Bollywood star in making perhaps! And I have to keep going back to her, sit her down on the chair and remind her "恺仪, 坐下来！坐好好!" or " Chloe, we sit on the chair, we stand on the floor!" Yes, repeat, repeat, repeat, it will sink in one day!

Nonetheless, I still caught her in action.

Uh huh, here I come, I see a target!

Another leg up and I am on the table top!

Well, my Gymbaroo teacher said to always go bottom down!

Heh, I am happy, got what I want (my mommy's camera lens cover!).

For now, I shall remain seated because my mom said "if I stand on the chair, I might fall and face the VERY scary consequence of 屁股开花! (bottom split open!)" Oops, I can't let them happen and definitely not in front of the camera.

My Robots - JD's Version

2007-06-28T22:23:00.000+08:00

JD loves robots, rockets, monsters and aliens. His passion for rockets and monsters have been going on for over a year, followed by robots for the last 3 months and in the last few weeks, the aliens are starting to join the scene too.

While doing his big business this week, he started talking to me about all the robots he has been building with his Lego blocks. I was only in the room next door sorting out the laundry and ran to grab the camera.

So, here you go, as JD talks about Spongy and what his robot and monsters like to eat.

A Very Long Overdue Date

2007-06-27T15:09:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was the first time in 2 years we had a day to ourselves, with no kids in tow, for a day anyway. Somehow we just kept pushing it back and back. There's always something that came in the way, like the husband's career change, the excessive workload that came with the job, timing not right, starting out a new business, a new baby, a growing 3.5 yo that requires lots of time and patience, me juggling working full time with a kid, pregnancy .... and the list can go on and on.

I guess, things are just starting to settle down now.

My husband took a day off, and we spent the whole day together by ourselves. We dropped the kids off at daycare bright and early by 8am! We went for breakfast, had coffee, read the paper, chatted, enjoying the company of one another. There was no worrying about the 3.5yo getting bored, not having to worry about feeding the baby, we were free.

To not have that freedom for so long was just exhilarating!

We went shopping, stocked up on a few things for the upcoming birthdays and xmas. We walked, we chatted again! It was good to talk uninterruptedly. Good, quality conversation.

We drove to places, we jumped in and out of the car not having to worry about buckling the little ones into their car seats. We chatted non-stop in the car. Not worrying about one saying "Excuse me, can I talk now?" or the younger one fussing over a toy that was dropped onto the floor. My hubby drove, I sat back, relax.

We walked holding hands, and my shoulder felt lighter all of a sudden. I didn't have to carry my bag stock with nappies, wipes, spare clothes, bibs, water, hats and what nots! I could carry my little handbag with just a purse, a phone and a set of keys! In fact I could not worry about bringing a handbag at all!

We ate. We lunched. Big time at the Oyster Bar. We sat in the warm winter sun, enjoying the view of a bright winter day in Perth! Maybe I ate a bit too much, but heck, this kind of quality time does not come around too often. Pic from top to bottom: We share entrees: Oysters Kilpatrick, Chilli Squid Salad and our Mains: Scoth Fillet Steak and my NZ Grouper!

4pm came! It was time to pick up the kids. It was a good day. A long overdue date.

BLUE

2007-06-25T15:56:00.000+08:00

Last week we were into everything BLUE! Somehow, somewhat, for some unknown reasons, we were all a bit disoriented. I had everything planned from Mon to Fri , but ended up we spent most of the week doing Playdough!

I had put down Playdough as one of the activities. So we made a fresh batch of blue playdough taken from this site. JD just wanted to do Playdough and so we did. Sometimes it's better to let him drive the interest than me trying to make him follow what I have planned. Well, within reasonable limit anyway.

Then he wanted to do racing cars! He woke up one morning and said "Today, I want to do everything with racing cars!" I really was scratching my head for idea until JD prompted me to turn on my laptop looking for a picture for him to colour! Ah! Initially he had wanted to colour the whole car in RED. Nothing wrong with it, but I am also trying to encourage him to try something BLUE. It was a big effort for him to stay away from red and coloured part of his car in blue.

JD is usually better with water paint. With crayons or colour pencils, he tends to lose the interest a lot quicker, and when he is bored with it, he will usually colour the whole picture in one colour and more often than not it will be red. Like this.

But along the way, we get to learn about 蓝色, 蓝天. Then we sidetracked and talked about the weather, the storm and some story JD made up about aliens coming to visit us on a stormy day :)

Then JD got an idea. He wanted to cut out shapes of strawberries. So we went further and he asked to cut out lots of blueberries using some red, green and blue craft paper. He is almost able to cut out a circle, but he needs a bit of help to finish it off. While JD was cutting, I noticed that he is still deciding between his right and left hands. He usually paint, draw, eat with his left hand, but he is more comfortable using scissors with his right hand.

But what got JD really excited was making a Blueberry Buttercake. He was almost jumping out of his skin when he knew we were going to get some blueberries from the shop. There he was, happily pouring in a cup of flour, sugar, eggs.

And happiest holding a bowl of blueberries!

While making the cake, JD learned about 糖, 牛奶, 腼粉, 鸡蛋. Then I refreshed his memory of counting and he could still remember 一，二，三，四，五，六，七，八，九，十! One thing though, I have no idea what blueberry is in Mandarin? Anyone?

The best thing though, we all get to have some delicious morning tea.

We don't often get the fresh blueberries here. So we usually get the frozen ones. But the frozen blueberries and strawberries have become quite a healthy snack for the kids when they feel like something sweet or icy! JD loves it!

As for Chloe, well, she has now claimed the green chair that once belonged to her brother. Each time we sit down at the craft table, she will climb onto the chair and sat herself comfortably there. Most of the time, she was more interested in grabbing the basket of fruits and giving them a lick! Just as well they are pretend fruits!

More than rainbow

2007-06-24T17:19:00.000+08:00

There was something very funny happening this afternoon.

I went outside to throw the rubbish. As I looked up, I saw this.

I rushed back inside telling JD there was a rainbow. He rushed out and we both stood there admiring it.

Then we stopped, looked at one another and almost together we said "Grab the camera!"

My husband stood there, laughing, and said "Hon, he is becoming like you!" Hahahaha! But at least we can count on him to take some cool family shot! Also taking on my sister's advice, we have given our 8 yo Kodak DC280 digicam to JD, and he gets to see his pics on the computer too!

Is that me?

2007-06-23T10:50:00.000+08:00

As part of our playroom, I sometimes set up a little home corner for cooking, fixing, washing the dishes, and sometimes I also put a "baby" there for dressing, nappy changing, rocking and etc etc. JD very rarely show an interest in the "baby" :) but lately Chloe has taken a keen interest in her.

They look almost similar in size, and quite often I would find her in the playroom, patting the baby's head, planting a wet kiss on the baby, before poking her eyes, tossing her around, and very often I also hear Chloe chatting to the baby!

RED

2007-06-20T14:50:00.000+08:00

Recently, I tried to put in a bit more thoughts on the activities I do at home with JD. Since having Chloe, I have had the opportunity to take extra time off from work , thus allowing me to focus more energy at home, the children and primarily for the family.

It has been a good change of pace though. It took me a while to adjust but now I really enjoy this special time I have.

Last week it occured to me that once in a while I should blog down on the activities we do. Our theme for the next few weeks are based around colours. Last week's colour was RED. It was JD's favourite colour! As you guess, he couldn't get enough of it.

We used crepe paper, cards, cut them out into shapes of tomatoes. We cut out strips of crepe paper, rolled them into balls, and glued them on. Then JD got creative and smarter, and just glued a piece of crepe paper on, then with my help trimmed the edges off nicely. But he still prefered crayons, and coloured the biggest tomato in red.

Doing craft was just part of an exercise. What I wanted to achieve was getting JD to learn Mandarin along the way. In that activity alone, I taught him to say and recognise:

红色, 西红柿, 大, 小

We learned about size comparisons, superlatives, with the use of his Lego blocks and building up various buildings of different heights before getting into some demolitions fun! It was much more fun that way as it involves him learning while doing the activity.

The next day, I cut up some apples and encouraged him to do some stamping with the cut apples. Once again, we went back to learning 红色, 红萍果, 萍果, 萍果汁. I became cheeky and taught him to say Cili Padi, and that his mommy used to have a "cili padi" temper :) His favourite part was painting his hands red and stamping them on sheets of paper. Chloe found it very amusing! And she also contributed to a set of hand prints too!

On another afternoon, we made Mr. Red Pepper taken from this site. It was a simple task of colouring, cutting, gluing. Once again he learned about 红色, 红辣椒. We also talked about the taste of chilli, I showed him a chilli plant, how we can use it in cooking and etc. It was a lot of fun talking about cooking the chilli as JD and I both love cooking and eating! Here's JD trying to give me a thumbs up for this craft!

So there you go, it was our week of RED. This week's theme is BLUE which I will blog about if I get a chance.

Curry Pork Bread Rolls

2007-06-17T12:08:00.000+08:00

Lately I am into cooking again.

Part of it is also because JD is at the stage when he will request for me to make something different. Each time he eats something nice, he will turn around to ask if I could make the same. He has requested for me to make croissant which I am yet to attempt, cheese and vegemite scroll which we did last week, his favourite Siew Yoke a few days ago. Yesterday he wanted me to make some fresh bread rolls!

Thank goodness for the person that came up with the idea of a Breadmaker. The machine did all the mixing, kneading, rising for me! After 1 hr 10 mins, I took the dough out, broke it up into 15 portions and roll them each into a ball.

Next I fried some onions and garlic in the wok, add some minced pork in, seasoned it with curry powder, some salt and sugar. Leave the filling aside till it cooled.

When the bread roll has risen to double its side, I flatten them again and put a heap teaspoon of filling into the bun and tucked in the ends. Put the kneaded ends face down and they are all ready for the oven.

And 15 mins later, we have some fresh curry pork bread rolls!

I love the aroma of a fresh bread on a cool and chilly evening! It warms up the house as well as the heart. Seeing my kids enjoying them was enough for me though.

Right now, I am off to finish sewing the little apron for JD!

Chloe - 11 months old + JD - 3.10 years old

2007-06-16T21:10:00.001+08:00

Oh Miss C at 11 months old is a funny one. She is cheeky, real cheeky. She gets really happy and excited everytime she tries something new. And it could be the simplest thing, such as sitting on a rock for the first time, feeling the sand in her hands for the first time, crawling on the grass, learning to blow air onto my face, copying my actions and so forth.

She is finding out lots of things around her. The grass, the sand, the leaves, the birds singing, cars driving past, sound of aeroplanes flying above the sky, new sounds, music, actions, new faces, familiar faces...it's a whole new world for her.

One thing that I find amusing about her is during our daily Chinese flash cards session. I usually do that during their meals time. Without fail, she would always give me big smile by scrunching up her face everytime she sees the flash cards.

Apart from that she is great eater. She knows when I am preparing meals for her and JD in the kitchen. She would crawl into the kitchen at a lightning speed, holding onto my legs going "Mummmmmmm". And if I happened to put the food out for her brother first, she would crawl quickly to his table trying to grab his food. Then when she couldn't succeed, she would get horribly upset.

She likes her vegies. And we discovered that she enjoys eating a corn cob!

She also likes to play with her brother's toys, much to his annoyance at times. She likes the Duplo blocks just as much as JD. And JD gets really annoyed with her when she tries to destroy his special built rocket - not intentionally though! But JD is a good brother - he would just call out for me to grab her and is usually very gentle with Chloe.

Conversely, she is the one that likes to pull his hair. Yikes!

JD loves his sister and they pay a lot of attention to one another. He likes to make Chloe laugh when they are sitting at the back of the car. She finds him immensely amusing and I often hear her chuckle at his antics. Sometimes Chloe will make noise that sounds like "Jayden" and true enough JD would get very excited and said to me "She calls me Jayden!" I think that's beautiful.

I am also trying to include her in our daily activities. Lately, I have put her on the high chair when we do some Play Dough. She would feel it between her fingers and try to eat it when she thinks I am not looking. But a little piggy like her, I have to keep my watchful eyes on her.

I have also included her in some painting sessions. For her age, it's mostly me holding her chubby little hands to do some finger painting or just put some colours on her fingers and let her mess around.

It's a bit of effort, but it's better than me trying to hold her in my arms and stop her from interfering with her brother.

That way, they both get to enjoy and I don't really mind the mess as we can always clean up after that :)

Growing Up Again

2007-06-16T20:52:00.000+08:00

JD just showed me that he is growing up again.

In the last 2 weeks, I felt a change in him. He is becoming even more independent and sometimes his independence almost caught me by surprise.

I was going to tuck him in last night. And as we walked towards his room, he dashed off and stopped at his door. He turned around and said to me "Mommy, this is my room. Goodnight!" I asked "How about a kiss and a cuddle?". He said to me "No mommy, I don't need kiss and cuddle anymore. I can go to sleep now!" Wah!!!!!!!!!!!

Then this morning while I was still half asleep in bed, not wanting to get up from my warm bed. I heard some shuffling noises from the hall way. I heard the little steps going into the toilet, overheard some tinkling noises, then back to the bathroom, tap turned on, electric toothbrush went on for a while. Yep, JD got up and did all that while I was still in bed.

I was smiling in bed when I heard all that. I was expecting he would come into my room, but he didn't.

Then the house went very quiet. Too quiet for my comfort to get up and investigate.

This was what I found.

The TV turned onto the kids channel. And he has gotten the bread, margarine out and made himself some breakfast.

JD is growing up.

Quick Dinner 4 Busy Day

2007-06-15T08:05:00.001+08:00

Thursday is usually one of my busiest days, especially in the afternoon. We try to keep it easy in the morning starting with some morning walks, then some craft time with JD. After that he is usually happy to sit down to build his LEGO blocks. Chloe would have her morning nap around 10am. Then I would have to prepare JD's morning tea, lunch, pack his bags and etc.

In any case, I would have to get both kids finished lunch by 11.30am, then drive JD to kindy by12pm, after that to Gymbaroo class with Chloe by 12.20pm, finished by 1.30pm, do some groceries on the way home, dropped the shopping off at home by 2.20pm, picked up JD from kindy by 2.30pm, home by 2.45pm, light snack for the kids, then both have a short nap by 3.30pm!

And after that, I would have to quickly prepare dinner before both kids wake up. JD is usually easy, he is happy to entertain himself when I am doing the dinner. As for Miss C, well, she would always be the one hanging onto my legs when I am trying to cook, and it really isn't the safest thing to do. I have to constantly distract her with pots and pans, spatulas, egg whisk, cheese grater, wok, colander and whatever I could find.

Hainanese Chicken (minus the rice) from this website is what I love to do on a busy day, just put the chicken into a pot of boiling water with some ginger and chicken, take the chicken out from the pot 15-20 mins later, let it rest and cool and that's one dish done. I usually mix the soy dipping sauce while boiling the chicken, and leave it aside till it's ready to be served.

Japanese tofu with minced pork is another simple dish. I usually pan fried the tofu ahead of time, leave it aside. Then stir fried the minced pork with some garlic, ginger, seasoned with some light soy and oyster sauce. Once again I would leave it in the wok. When dinner is ready to be served, heat up the meat sauce, lightly mix the tofu in and that is another dish.

Vegetables are my favourites. I like to lightly blanched kai lan in some hot water, drizzle some oyster and light soy sauce over it. No oil required at all!

Zoo Outing

2007-06-14T16:56:00.000+08:00

We took the kids out to the zoo on Sunday. It was a beautiful day. Of all the animals, JD's favourite were the orang utans. He spent a long time watching them, hanging on the bar, climbing, monkeying around and he kept going back to see the chimps!

Chloe on other hand was quite fascinated with the elephants! She kept bouncing up and down on her daddy's shoulder when she saw the elephants, communicated to the elephants with her own baby language. It was a funny sight and for the other spectators.

It was very hard to take a good picture of JD as he had this thing about camera lately. As if he was being hounded by paparazzi! And when I managed to get one, it's always him with this cheesy smile!

And Chloe would always give us a smile everytime she try something new. We placed her to sit on this giant rock and she scrunched up her face with this smile!

As usual, trying to get them look at the camera the same time is never easy. This was the closest.

And daddy trying very hard to have a pic with the 2 monkeys!

But at least one of them is obliging, well, kind of :)

PS - Both kids are still sleeping when I am doing this blog, so no one has to be kept behind bars :)

Behind Bars

2007-06-13T20:30:00.000+08:00

Well not exactly.

One of her greatest past time recently, is holding onto the gate, swinging one of her legs back and forward, left and right, bobbing up and down, cruising along the gate.

And when she wanted some attention, she would squeeze her face against the gate with a "Mommy, please please let me in" look.

And reluctantly, I would have to let her in. Most of the time is because I wanted to do some blogging :)

Yummy roast pork

2007-06-12T22:27:00.000+08:00

I got a really great Siew Yoke (roast pork) recipe from this and that site. They are both busy moms but yet so good and creative with their cooking.

I have a pork belly sitting in my freezer. I was wanting to make a stew out of it, but my husband wanted me to roast it.

So, I got to work and this was the end result. For a first attempt, I was rather happy with the result and everyone loves it. Hubby ate the most - no doubt, JD said it was "yummy tummy", Chloe also ate some, I only had a few because I was already running late for a training tonight.

When I got home, and hoping for a late dinner, all the Siew Yoke were gone!

But at least I managed to take some pics of it before I went out of the house.

And both kids couldn't wait for dinner!

Boy's Talk

2007-06-11T16:31:00.000+08:00

I have had lots of funny conversations with JD lately.

I sat down to play a game of Dominoes with JD after lunch. Whilst playing, he was very reluctant to match any of the puzzles with the picture of a cow on it. He flicked it aside everytime he saw one, telling me "I don't want a piece with the cow on it!". After probing, his reply was:

JD: Mommy, I don't love cows

Me: Oh, then what do you like?

JD: Mommy, I only love snails!

Yep. He likes catching snails in the garden!

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Another incident happened over the weekend. My hubby in the mood to celebrate a big milestone in our lives together, got a new LCD screen for the family room. Upon waking up from his afternoon sleep, JD was shocked to see the new screen! And the following conversation took place:

JD: Daddy, why did you get such a big screen for?

Daddy: Oh because I think it looks good

JD: Daddy, I think this screen is too big, I think you should take it back to the shop

Daddy: Oh, please let me keep it!

JD: Ok, have you worked hard for it? Let me go look at your star chart

JD: Mommy!!!!!!! Where is daddy's chart? Has he got enough stickers yet?

Hahahaha. At home to avoid me nagging JD to get himself ready everyday, I have a star chart for him. He needs to get up in the morning, brushes his teeth, get changed, have his breakfast without any nagging or fuss, have his shower in the evening, and lastly pack the toys away.

On top of that we have another incentive chart when he has to work hard for 30 stickers in return for something special.

In the last month, he has gotten himself 30 stickers for a new set of LEGO.

Call it bribery perhaps in a child's world. But heck, it saves me nagging and repeating myself. JD usually picks up his act when I reminded him to check his chart :)

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Another incident happened in the car when driving back from the zoo. Chloe was playing with her rattle and she dropped it. From the sound of it, I figured that she was trying to reach it from her car seat. And from my rear mirror, I saw that she looked at JD and mumbled a few baby language to him.

It seems like JD understood it all:

Chloe: Yayayayaya, ngek

JD: Oh that's ok Chloe!

Chloe: Ngek, bababababa

JD: Sorry, we can't get it now, nothing we can do about.

Chloe: Silence

JD: Chloe, close your eyes for a while, have a rest!

Hahahaha.

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Also recently, while explaining to JD about being water wise, that we are facing drought here in OZ. As a results the farmers are suffering, costs of fruits & vegetables going up and that we must not waste any water or food. In other words, I was trying to show him about being grateful for what we have. But I also felt that he took in a whole meaning of it. That he emphatize with the farmers.

So one night while my husband let the water ran freely in the sink to prepare for washing the dishes, JD almost furiously walked into the kitchen:

JD: Daddy, please, mommy said not to let the water run

Daddy: Huh!

JD: Tsk, because there won't be enough water for the farmers

JD: And, I would have no strawberries to eat!!!!

Truth is, sometimes I hear a little ME speaking in the background. Oops!

Parenting Challenged

2007-06-10T17:20:00.000+08:00

I thought I have put that incident to rest. But my parenting role was being challenged again. My MIL decided to buy JD a toy machine gun this time. She very well know my stand on this. No guns, no swords, no pretend shooting, no killing whatever ... I know it probably is a natural instinct of boys at times to play guns and swords. But I am still against it, and JD knows that very well. And when I couldn't prevent it, I always make sure it is kept to a minimum. JD knows it well, because we would have walked past a toy aisle in the shop with guns countless times, and that I have said NO each time to getting a gun for him.

My MIL knows my stand on this, but yet she decided to ignore it, and satisfy her own desire of pleasing her grandchild. My husband and I have said to her many times not to get it.

But how could a 3.5 yo contain his joy when he sees that gift? That his grandma has promised him a surprise present he has been patiently waiting for all night. My heart wrenched when I saw that. I felt hurt. I felt dissapointed. I was lost for words. I wasn't happy.

But I still reminded JD to observe his manners, by thanking his grandma for the surprise.

He was elated. He said he loves it. He said he has always wanted one. He couldn't stop playing it all night. In the morning, I was woken up by the sound of the machine gun. My head was going crazy with the sounds of the machine gun firing away, at the same time a baby crying for a feed, the kettle boiling away, me trying to fix breakfast for myself and the 2 kids, hubby watching the morning news in the background...

I thought about it this morning and I made the decision to have a word with my MIL. Sometimes, things need to be said for it to be taken seriously.

And I did. She happened to come by again this afternoon. I said that as parents, me and Phil, we are very much against children playing with guns, swords or ammunition of any sorts. It was nice that as a grandparent, she knew what would bring joy to JD. As a parent, I totally understand her heart and intentions. However, I also made a point to say that this would be the first and last "ammunition" toys she would get for JD or any of my kids in the future.

The intention was right, but just not the gift. A bit like advertising at times!

I hope my words on this matter have been taken seriously this time. Because parenting is made harder when we are not consistent. Because I felt once again I have to justify my own parenting decision. Because parenting is hard it is at times, and I don't need to be thrown another surprise again.

So I hope I have put this matter to rest and that my words have been taken seriously. Because I was serious when I said what I said.

I don't wish to take a pic of the machine gun, because I don't even wish to glorify it!

Anyway, that said, I know I will look back on this matter one day and have a good laugh!

Where My Heart Is

2007-06-09T20:58:00.000+08:00

Perth has been my home for almost the last 10 years.

Kelly recently asked me if Perth is a nice place - to me it is. It has been my home for the last 10 years, it still is, and I think it will be for a long time to come. I feel settled here now and I no longer have the itch of moving to another city.

I spent a big part of my life growing up in Brunei, I came to Perth to finish my high school and university, then went to Singapore to work for a couple of years. But I am a Malaysian, and still holding onto a Malaysian passport for other reasons. I have never really lived in Malaysia, except for going back to visit my parents and relatives.

Apart from that, Brunei was where I grew up, Perth was where I found a new sense of belonging, and where I met my husband. Singapore was a short 2 years stay but I struggled to find happiness when I was there. I found great difficulty adjusting to life in Singapore, and I knew my heart was not there. And more so, it was extremely trying to maintain a long distance relationship for 24 months and I only got to see him for a total of 24 days in that period!

Perth is a nice city. I like the feel of the city. The air is fresh and clean. It is spacious. It is quiet enough for me. There isn't the mad rush at all. Things move along in a nice pace. In the suburban area, it really is quiet even during the day time. Most people are off to work by 7am, kids start coming home from school by 3pm, and by 6pm, most people are home from work and spending time at home.

Whilst it suits me, it isn't everyone's idea too. Some people have found it too quiet. Shops are all shut by 6pm except once a week on Thursday night. The weekends are usually taken up by sports, kids activities, family picnic, home renovation, gardening, play at the park....

But living abroad also has its downside. In my case, my family are all back in Singapore or Malaysia. I am the only one here. So, I miss my family. And I feel it more since I have my 2 kids. I tend to rely a lot on the service of childcare, babysitter whenever I need a break, when I was working, or worst still when I am unwell or just needing someone to lend me a hand.

Then again, it is a conscious decision I made almost 10 years ago and one that I have learnt to accept and work with.

And I know that Perth is a place where my heart is. Hard it maybe at times with limited family around, but I know that if my mom could do it 40 years ago in Brunei bringing up 5 kids with no family around...... she would have instilled the same determination and courage in me to do the same.

Perth, I think is a great place to raise a family too.

A Quick One

2007-05-29T20:25:00.000+08:00

Things are better this week. Chloe is better, happily playing, giggling alongside her brother, eating, feeding, like her usual cheeky self. Her appetite is back. Tonight she gobbled down a small bowl of rice with tofu, a little bowl of lamb neck soup boiled with carrots, celery and sweet corn, plus some bananas for her dessert!

Thank you to all families and friends that have been thinking about Chloe!

JD is also doing well. He is crazy about LEGO these days, he builds them day and night, not allowing me to pack his bricks away, and I have to display everything he builds in the playroom, he brings them to sleep with him every night, brings them all out again in the morning. As I said, he amuses me sometimes.

And he is crazy about Buzz Lightyear too! Just last night he told me "I love everything about Buzz Lightyear!" And when I asked him to name one thing he likes about Buzz, he turned around and said to me "Hang on cowboy!" and "I have a laser and I will use it!".....I rolled on the floor and laughed.....

Here's just another clip of him trying to pull his basket of Lego bricks over with a homemade crane by using a skipping rope, a recycled paper roll...another activity that he quite often do at home...

He's been learning more Mandarin lately and he tends to pick up by listening in when I am doing the Mandarin flash cards with Chloe. I think he learns better that way rather than me forcing him to sit down!

Hubby is well, busy being month end, well you know, every accountant's life revolves around month end closing, forecasting for the next month, budgeting and so forth... And he is also busy with Lego, sourcing ebay for Lego and trying to bid for a 9 kilo bag of Lego bricks for $20.... I think JD can build a whole city with all that bricks!

I am well too. But very busy. A project close to my heart is moving forward and I have been staying up late the last few weeks trying to move it along.

So busy busy busy.

Red Dot Baby

2007-05-24T16:04:00.000+08:00

She had a fever on Monday, and I gave her some infant paracetamol to bring down the fever as recommended by the nurse. She seems better on Tuesday but was still grumpy. Yesterday she was happier. But today, she is not happy at all.

She cries everytime I leave her side. She wants to be held constantly. She is quieter. She lost interest in her food.

Initially we thought it was teething.

But when I noticed red spots and rashes over her belly and back, I knew it was something else. The alarm bells in my head started ringing and I quickly drove her to the doctor.

Poor Chloe has Roseola Infantum. It is a common mild viral illness in babies and young children. And my heart was pacing when I thought it was measles.

Poor girl. That's why she has been so miserable and the doctor said the rashes normally appears after the fever has subsided.

And I was trying all ways to make her happier. Including letting her typed away on my keyboard. But that didn't last long. Poor baby, as her brother said!

Well, that lasted for 10 secs, and she started crying and sucked her 2 little fingers for self-comfort. In a way, she is really sweet. She knows she is unwell, can't tell me exactly what she is feeling, so she keeps sucking her fingers all day to comfort herself. Kasihan!

Chloe - 10 months old

2007-05-23T14:58:00.000+08:00

My little baby girl is 10 months old and I can't believe how much she has grown.

At 10 months old, Chloe likes to tell the world that:-

She has 4 teeth. 2 on the top and two at the bottom. She doesn't enjoy the process of teething, and so she gets grumpy, teary and she goes off her food and milk feed. But she likes the coldness of yoghurt on her gum and that helps to soothe the pain

However, when she is not teething, she loves to chew on steamed cauliflower, green beans, carrots, broccoli, toast, water crackers, rice, roast chicken, pasta and she likes to feed herself! No spoon feeding is allowed with her because you will end up losing the battle

She is cruising along the furnitures, using the sofa, my legs, the daddy's legs, her brother's legs and much to his brother's annoyance as her support

She enjoys music. She bounces up and down on her bottom, waving her arms, clapping to all types of music

She cries when daddy goes off to work in the morning :( and her daddy feels terrible everytime she cries

She loves peek-a-boo and especially when mommy makes a fool of herself by hiding under the blanket

Her favourite game is when mommy and brother pretends to sneeze with a big "Ahhhhhhhhh-chooooooo"

10 wonderful months of joy Chloe has brought into our family. What a blessing she has been to us all.

Outdoor Fun

2007-05-18T15:05:00.000+08:00

I borrowed this Hexa Gym together with a ladder and slide from the toy library the other day. It's one of the best outdoor toys I have borrowed so far. It was heavy to lift into the back of the 4WD the other day, and a nice passerby came to give me a hand. I really like the idea of toy library. An annual membership of $50 entitles me to borrow lots of different toys including this one which would have easily cost me $150 to buy! And the kids get to play with different toys every 3 weeks or weekly if I wish to!

The kids have had so much fun climbing, crawling through the equipment. JD had a lightbulb idea of converting the slide into yet another racing track. So he spent most of his time racing his matchbox cars down the slide while Miss C would quite happily crawl in and out of the gym, climbing the stairs and learning to come down bottom rather than head first.

And because they were having so much fun out in the garden, and more so with the glorious autumn weather, we have been building blocks out in the garden, eating our tea breaks and lunches there, reading, stories time and etc etc. I even took the opportunity to wash the glass doors and windows while the kids were happily playing on the mat. As my kitchen overlooks the back garden, I could also prepare the meals quickly and easily while also keeping an eye on them.

Let just say they have been very well occupied this week :) And they are playing together very happily.

Black n White

2007-05-15T20:41:00.000+08:00

I was just having some fun with the camera. And really like this shot of Chloe.

It was a coolish autumn afternoon, and she was just happily listening to the birds while playing around in the cubby house.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-11T10:00:00.000+08:00

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I celebrate...

- That I have been a mom for almost 4 years
- That I have a mom that has been mothering for 40 years
- That I never knew I could love a child that much
- That I am capable of so much love
- That being a mom requires me to be so humble, patient while keeping my sanity

And....

- I redefine the whole new meaning of "multi-tasking" again
- I can actually survive on so little sleep some days
- I could actually wipe away the memory of labour pain
- All I listen to in the car is The Wiggles
- That having children bring out the best and worst in me at times
- Most importantly, I learn about loving unconditionally

But never did I realise...

- I could still be wiping those little bottoms and noses for many years to come
- That I will always have eyes at the back of my head
- That I will always be listening out for noises when I sleep at night
- That I will be feeding their hungry mouths for many many years to come
- That those damn little clothes, underwear, singlets are a pain to hang out and fold
- That I will be chauffeuring them from one spot to another day in day out for a very long time
- That it is absolutely normal if I go to work with some breakfast cereals still stuck in my hair

Also, realising the lesson that

- Having children can test and strengthened a marriage

And the hard truth that...

- That in the cold winter night of minus 3 deg c, I will still be the one waking up to a crying baby
- That I need to repeat myself 300 times before anything gets into their ears

Ah, motherhood. Hard as it may be at times.

Truth is, I love It because it is both a humbling and rewarding experience.

So, JD and I got together today to make some chocolate cupcakes for his primary caregiver, Andrea at daycare. Apart from me and hubby, Andrea has been the next person that has loved, cared our kids, not forgetting feeding them, wiping their bottoms, rocking them, while we left them in her care. She is like another mommy to our kids when we are away at work.

And to all the mommies out there, have a wonderful Mother's Day this Sunday!

Mother's Day AFternoon Tea

2007-05-10T15:42:00.000+08:00

I got an invitation from JD's Kindy to attend a special Mother's Day afternoon tea.

I got there at 1.30pm, walking into his classroom with all the little chairs lining up and children waiting eagerly for their mommies to arrive. Upon seeing me, JD ushered me to sit down in the front row and to take the RED chair - right in the middle.

After teacher Amanda introduced herself, she led the kindy kids in songs. Together they sang Baa Baa Black Sheep, I'm a Little Teapot with few versions for I'm a Little Robot, I'm a Little Toothpaste and Open Shut Them with actions.

I felt so proud sitting there watching JD and his kindy mates singing. I felt so proud to be a mother, and more so, for being JD's mom. My little boy is growing up, listening attentively, singing, dancing, giggling, laughing as his teacher guided them through the songs.

After the songs performance, one by one, teacher Amanda called out their names and each child walked up to their moms. And when it was JD's turn, he presented me with a special card and little pouch of bath salt before saying "Happy Mommy's Day, I love You". He even took the time to explain how I should use the bath salt, that the bath salt is pink in colour - and that it is only for girls and not for boys :)

I felt so touched by his gesture, and I was very close to tears seeing how much he has grown and that I feel so rewarded by just being his mom.

Oh JD, you are growing up so fast, but you are doing so well. I am so happy to be your mom.

But here is one of JD getting stuck into those party food, hee!

I really enjoyed the experience of watching JD at his kindy today, seeing how he played with other children of his age, the way they socialized, talking to one another, how they helped one another during packing up time...I feel like I am starting to see some early efforts bearing its fruits already.

Liss Miss C (Cranky)

2007-05-09T21:33:00.000+08:00

We have had some glorious weather this week.

We spent a bit of time outside, but Miss C has been rather cranky the whole day, most probably due to her battle with the new teeth. Poor gal, she is drooling, having runny nose, red cheeks, the whole works with teething. She gets upset the moment I am out of her sight, and only wanted to be held, cuddled tight. She didn't even sleep well the whole day. Oh, it's tough being a baby. She could only talk to me by crying pitifully.

The only place she would sit happily was on her brother's old push car. She calms down when she sits there, listening to the birds, feel the breeze until such time she gets bored and demanded to be pushed, yikes!

But she tried hard. She still managed a smile when I was taking her pictures, played and chuckled when me and JD played with her, until such time the teeth started to bother her again.

My arms were getting tired by late afternoon, so I put her on the bike, while I laid down on the grass for some rest. At the same time making sure I am not crushed by my son body slamming onto me. " JD, stop jumping onto me!!!!" you will hear me shouting from the backyard, hahaha!

Ouch, my ribs, JD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But my ribs were really hurting from the Monday night Pilates session. It was just abs work for that night, so I am feeling a little sore today.

Dance with Me

2007-05-05T19:44:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, I find JD very funny and cute.

I brought him and Chloe out for some ice cream tonight at Gelare. While walking towards the ice-cream shop, JD suddenly stopped to admire a red necklace and a red pair of heels displayed at a boutique's window.

I stopped and checked it out too.

As I stood there admiring the necklace, JD turned around and said to me...

"Awww mommy, look, they are all soooo beautiful!"
"Maybe we can get them?"
"Oh", I said, "for whom?"
JD said "For you mommy!"

Then he added, "You can wear them when you go dancing. Daddy will bring you out for dancing and I will sit on the chair to watch you."

And he reached out for my hands, and danced with me in a circle.

It was very cute.

It was such an impromptu moment, and I thought he was the sweetest little man I have ever met.

Oh JD, you made me so happy. BTW, red is his favourite colour.

Please Don't Judge Me

2007-05-04T20:22:00.000+08:00

An incident a couple weeks ago prompted me to write this down.

We attended a farewell party for one of hubby's colleague. We were the first one there. Upon entering the house, the host greeted us, we shook hands, introduced ourselves, then proceeded to the party.

JD was excited to be at a new place, excited to see the host's same age daugther, wanting to play with her. She quietly rejected his offer but he went on to explore the backyard overlooking a lovely golf course happily by himself.

5 mins after arriving and before the host could even offer us a drink, he made this judgement.

"I suspected your child has hyperactivity. Did you ever get him diagnosed?"

My husband went quiet. I was shocked at his statement. But I was not prepared for someone to judge my child after 5 minutes of meeting him. .

Rude. Insensitive. Arrogant. Judgemental. Such a host he was.

Without a doubt I responded, "My child has a high level of curiosity in him. He is of high spirit, filled with energy like what a normal 3.5 yo child should be."

With that, I excused myself.

Honestly, I had enough of people judging my child. And JD is my child, my son, my boy and nobody knows him better apart from me. I brought this child into the world, love him, nurture him, guide him, mould him, watch over him every day that has been given to me.

It hurts when people judge. And it hurts even more when once so often people judge him due to his happy, independent, determined spirit.

It also brought back a memory not so long ago when someone asked "How do you cope with a child like JD?" upon seeing him being active, running around in the garden chasing the birds. That question sounded almost stupid to me.

It didn't take me long to figure it out. But again I said "I don't cope because it is not a problem to start with."..."At least I have a child that is confident, sociable and not having to hide behind my legs everytime he meets someone new."

Ouch! I bet I touched their sore points too.

And on one of my recent conversation with a friend, this person was surprise to hear that JD is a child that would...

- shower me and his daddy with hugs, kisses freely

- rub my back when he sensed that I am getting stressed

- ask me if I am okay when he sees I am deep in thought

- lie down in a foetal position with me when I got a sick a few weeks ago

- remind his father to be careful on the road because it was raining

- ring his dad at work to say "I miss u daddy"

- say to his baby sis "It's allright, don't cry, mommy is coming"

- comfort his sister when she knocks herself singing "Hush lil baby"

- say "thank you mommy for the dinner" every night

- watch a cooking show with me and salivating over the food

- reminds me to have a good time when I go out for some ME time

- calls his mama (paternal grandma) if she wants us to bring her dinner

But most of all a very thoughtful boy that would constantly make sure whatever he has, there is always a share for his daddy, mommy and sister. It seems almost impossible to some people that an active child is also capable of a kind heart and loving spirit.

Now, if people has taken the time just to get to know him a bit better, perhaps they would be slower to judge but quicker to embrace his goodness.

And I am so proud of JD being so independent, happy, loving, caring because he is such a secured child. And I am proud of the fact that my husband and I have been able to provide him with such security from the day he was born. And that we love him so abundantly. And because of the love he has received, he has been able to reciprocate it back to us and those around him so freely.

All well again

2007-05-03T21:42:00.000+08:00

So JD had the gastro flu. He is fine now and went back to kindy today. But it wasn't so fun when he was sick because as you know, sick kid can sometimes be grumpy, whiny, pesty little fellow, testing your patience and waiting for you to just wave the white flag at them !!!!!

Over the last few days, it was JD - 1 , Mommy - 1.

It was a draw because he was grumpy, and I was just exhausted from the lack of sleep.

I am feeling slightly more human myself. And that's after drinking a small jar of Brand's Chicken Essence. My mom swears by it. It's not the nicest thing to taste, but it works better than coffee, chocolates as a quick pick me up. Trust me, it works, though it tasted foul.

Anyway, back to today. I did my parent roster duty at JD's kindy again. Once a term, his kindy encourage parents to volunteer their time to help out in the classroom, be it cleaning the child's hands after a finger painting session, cutting out the fruits for snacks time, guiding them, talking to them...Most importantly, in instills a great sense of pride in the child's heart that his/her mommy is helping out the teacher!

I enjoyed it just as much as the kids.

I got to see what JD did in class, how he interacts with the others, how he would raise his hand for a chance to talk, how he would share with his teacher about what he ate for lunch, that his sister loves to put toys in her mouth, seeing how focus he is in getting his painting done, that he follows the teacher's instructions...

And my favourite moment was seeing how all the kids worked together in packing up their toys after a play. Little by little, they pick up the toys, put them back in the big box, together they carry the box back into the shed, with little steps.

The only thing was JD can be a pain. While sitting down on the mat at story time, JD saw that his kindy mate F was playing with the doll house. And bossy as he is, raised his hands, confidently saying to his teacher A "Excuse me, teacher A, F is playing with the doll house."

I was thinking to myself, well JD, you wouldn't have noticed that if you were also paying attention at story time. Ha!

But JD is crazy about rules! And that can be a bit too much at times.

Zombie

2007-04-30T17:03:00.000+08:00

I am feeling slightly zonked out the last few days. Miss C has been on this teething thing on and off, and she hardly slept a wink last Friday night. And she has been waking up at least twice if not more during the night for a number of weeks now. The lack of sleep is finally catching up on me, my body feels achy from the constant nursing and holding, and I am not quite there at the moment.

I am even finding hard to utter the right words to stuff, paying enough attention to what my 3.5 yo is saying let alone walking in a straight line.

And I am struggling to find something to blog about because of this zombie mind of mine. I am starting to feel a bit snappy because of the lack of sleep, and not the best person to be hanging around with, heeheehee (evil laugh!) No, I mean it, I am a cranky old woman right now.

My sister is here for a week, so that has been a much needed relief for me. At last, I have the chance to pass the baby to someone else when I needed to take a shower, cook the dinner, have my breakfast, not having to bring Chloe along when I needed to drop JD off at kindy, someone to play with them while I sneak out for a walk ALL BY MYSELF, it helps in many ways.

On Saturday night, I had the chance to leave Chloe at home with my sis while we brought JD out for a dinner with friends. We could have left the 2 of them with her, but we are not that mean, haha. May I say my kid sis is a pro at babysitting. She managed to put Chloe to bed without much struggle, checking on her while she is asleep, and even managed to soothe Chloe back to sleep when she made some noises halfway through her sleep.

And for the first time in many months, I had the rare opportunity to have a proper catch up with friends that night. And catching up without a baby in my arm, eating with a pair of chopsticks in another hand, making sure the 3.5yo is sitting down in the restaurant and not running around...you get it....honestly, most of the time I am just dying for the dinner to end, because honestly, eating in a noisy Chinese restaurant with young kids, while trying to engage in some form of adult comversations is just a joke for me these days. Good luck with that.

Right now I have the chance to blog, without having the 9 months old holding onto my legs or playing with the swivel wheels of my chair, while my 3.5 yo sits quietly watching his kid's show...
Tomorrow is my off day, so I am hoping to spend some time with my sis, have a coffee, lunch, satisfy her shopping gratification at Target.

That said, I just found out my 3.5 yo is running a fever of 39.5 deg c, so it looks like I might not get my day off tomorrow.

GO away fever!

Legoland

2007-04-26T20:23:00.000+08:00

My husband brought his Legoland Space collection of over 30 yrs old out from the shed. He was ready to hand this special collection to JD. Since then, JD was just captivated by the rockets, space ships, radar vehicles, astronauts in this Legoland collection. He sat on the floor, marvelled over the instruction sheet that came with it, mumbling to himself about the planets, earth, moon, asking me about the name of the various planets, borrowing books from the local library about the planets and so forth.

This morning he sat quietly in his playroom, very carefully trying to build a spaceship by following the picture on the instruction sheet. It was a bit hard for him but I was soooo pleasantly surprise when I sat down to look at his clever engineered spacecraft. I was speechless and was very surprise to see what he had built. And me of little faith had the cheek to ask him if he really built that. And he did.

Looks like JD has is slowly outgrowing his Duplo blocks.

My Morning Call

2007-04-22T11:57:00.000+08:00

She was ready to play at 6.30am when it was still dark and cold outside. I wanted to snuggle up in my warm bed a little longer. I put her back in the cot after giving her a feed, but she woke me up again half an hour later. Thank u darling!

I guess she was my reason to wake up.

It was chilly this morning, the father n son were still sleeping, the street was all quiet on a Sunday morning, it was very nice to be out walking on this fresh morning. On the way home, we stopped by at the cafe to have some toast and my flat white.

The only thing was I discoverd that she has tossed her beanie out of the pram somewhere along our walk and I didn't notice it. So we went back the same route again, found the beanie, phew and I got an extra 30 mins work out :)

I was so afraid of not finding the beanie because her daddy bought her that just 2 weeks ago.

A Family Date

2007-04-21T20:49:00.000+08:00

We just came home from a lovely night out. We have driven past this place, The Dux Restaurant a few times but never really went in to try. At 6.00pm, I rang to reserve a table for 4, casually mentioned that we have 2 young kids with one of them needing a high chair.

Upon arrival, we have a table set up in a quiet corner, candle dimly lit, crayons, colouring books placed on the table, with cute little cups and plates for the kids. We were so impressed with their thoughtfulness, and even more so for their friendliness, quick service, delicious food, the way they accommodate us. We felt touched.

It's never really easy to dine in a restaurant with 2 young kids, but their friendliness made us felt so at ease, meals never hurried, but quietly and happily, we enjoy our meals with little fuss.

Pop in there if you have a chance, the food is delicious!

But I only managed to get a picture of the tasting plate we shared, and it was very good!

Let's say if was a lovely date with the hubby, with 2 kids in tow :)

IKEA's Beauty

2007-04-21T20:38:00.000+08:00

The beauty about IKEA is you can always find some smart invention for a very little price.

This is our latest favorite gadget!

It doesn't get any better than that, and it works on apples, pears, potatoes...I love it!

Squashed with Love

2007-04-21T11:54:00.000+08:00

Hooray, it's Friday!

2007-04-20T21:11:00.000+08:00

Hooray, it's Friday, the last day of school holidays! I have been busy. JD is going back to kindy next week and I am looking forward to my half day break. We have been busy with activities every day, to the park, playground, walks, playdates, gardening, car washing, baking, painting, craft, his daily lesson time with me....and on one of those days when I ran out of idea, I even brought the 2 kids alone to IKEA.

I almost chickened out half-way driving there because I think it's just mad going IKEA alone with 2 kids. But I did anyway and we came home with lots of different containers to put JD's crayons, colour pencils, paint brush, craft papers away nicely, we got more drawing paper for his easel board, and ate more Swedish meatballs while we were there.

It turned out we had a great time there. JD was very sensible and helpful when we were there. He sat at the table helping me to mind his sister while I went up to order some lunch. He didn't move an inch from the table. When we got the food, he sat there quietly eating his sandwich, chips, juice and also helped me to finish the meatballs. He also tried to help me with the trolley except he nearly ran into a lady on crutches, oops!

We are also in the midst of shopping for a new oven, cooktop and getting a kitchen renovation done. So, it has been mad! Driving around with both kids to visit kitchen showroom, checking out the new ovens, and by now JD is quite a pro with kitchen reno! And my mind is just about to explode with all the different quotations, cooktops, ovens in the market!

And on my usual kids-free Tuesday, I have been busy attending training, so that means I haven't had a break to myself the last 3 weeks.

Oh, I am so hanging out for next week!

But for today, I abandoned all plans and just brought the 2 little monkeys with me to a cafe! JD has his hot chocolate with plain toasts, I have my flat white with a muffin and Chloe just nibbled on a bit of everything. I need to chill!

Which hat suits me?

2007-04-19T20:19:00.000+08:00

Chloe trying out the different hats she found in the kitchen cupboard.

The hard hat?

Or the straw hat?

But it seems like the hard hat has been rather popular with both kids in the family.

Chloe - 9 months old

2007-04-18T20:50:00.000+08:00

Oh Chloe, she turned 9 months old a few weeks ago. Not the little baby anymore, but an active little crawler. She crawls, she stands, trying to cruise along, grabbing stuff, dropping them, eat, sleep, drink, a very happy not-so-little anymore baby.

She is at a wonderful stage of copying us. She waves bye bye by flapping her arms up and down. She will also try to give us a very wet kiss when we ask her to, hee hee. She is very vocal, especially when we are a bit slow with food.

9 months old and she is showing her character more and more everyday. A week ago whilst looking after my nephew, the 15 months old snatched a toy from her hand. I was quite amused when I saw that she gave him a look of disapproval, crawled over to the boy, and tried to get her toy back. She didn't succeed but she tried. Hahahaha, too funny but good for her. That's my girl! You go gal! Go

She has got 2 sharp little teeth, and she can eat lots of food with that 2 powerful incisors. She loves grazing on steamed carrots, beans, pumpkin, bananas, water crackers, toast. And she loves using her hands to try feeding herself rice and pasta towards the end of a meal. It is a mess but then she has got to start somewhere.

I also think she has a great sense of humour. She finds the buzzing sound of an electric toothbrush funny. She would sit on the floor and giggles every time I brush my teeth. She also enjoys watching her brother and I guess she thinks he is the biggest clown.

Easter Weekend

2007-04-17T20:37:00.000+08:00

I should have posted something about our Easter weekend a while ago. But JD has been on school holidays, and I have been busy trying to occupy his time, bringing him out everyday to the parks, playground, bike riding, animal farm, science centre, IKEA and kitchen showroom!

We had a lovely Easter weekend and that included an Easter eggs hunt at a friend's place. JD collected enough chocolate eggs to last him till Christmas. This year I explained to him the meaning of Easter and I am not sure if he understands it all. I just don't want him to grow up thinking Easter = Chocolate Eggs and Hot Cross Buns!

We also brought him to Whiteman Park and he spent a good half day splashing around in the pool. We just sat back, watched him play, have coffee and enjoyed a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Play for Jayden is very simple. Water, slides and anything he can climb on. He can have hours of fun in a park, entertaining himself, making new friends, running around with kids he just met. Very simple fun really for a kid.

On this stormy night...

2007-04-15T21:45:00.000+08:00

Once in a while I really enjoy this kind of night.

Both kids are fast alseep by 7pm. JD fell asleep whilst having his dinner and Chloe is usually tucked in bed by 7pm.

At 8.30pm, I switched on the TV and saw that Grey's Anatomy was on. This is rare for me. And my husband had to remind me, "Sit down, watch your show, the kids are sleeping!" :) Truth is I quite often forget to sit down and have a bit of time to myself.

Later on, he came out of his office mumbling something about seeing a movie. I thought he was suggesting us leaving both kids at home while we catch a movie on this stormy night, heehee! That would be an idea since they are both sleeping, hahaha!

Then I did the same to him "Go, both kids are sleeping, I will be fine!"

The thing is my husband dearly loves his kids. He was hesitating about going tonight because he was afraid JD getting upset if he finds out daddy has gone to movie without him.

The father n son do lots of stuff together. JD misses his daddy when he is at work. JD would ask to speak to his daddy at work at least once a day. During the day, when JD hears a car driving past that sounds likes his dad's, he will jump up, rush to the door shouting "Is daddy, is dady!" I feel sorry for him when I have to keep telling him that daddy is still at work.

Every weekend, regardless of the weather, the father and son will pitch a tent in the backyard,
camping! They call it the "Boys night out". And my husband can't wait for the day when Chloe joins them in the tent.

But he just rang, and I told him to enjoy the movie, have his mega size popcorn, drive carefully when he comes home later.

I will continue with my blogging, reading, drinking green tea, checking on the 2 kids once in a while...

Learning Chinese

2007-04-12T19:45:00.000+08:00

A few days ago, I started to see a wonderful progress in JD. You see, I was brought up in 3 languages, Mandarin, English and Malay. I know all these 3 languages well, both reading and writing. I enjoy knowing the different languages and my knowledge of these 3 languages have come in very handy. Quite often at work, I would be call upon to translate documents or be a translator to overseas guests.

A few years ago, I even got a chance to appear on a foreign TV simply because I knew how to speak Mandarin, hee!

But I seldom speak any other languages to JD apart from English. The reason is because my hubby speaks only English and over the years I got used to it and English became my first language.

9 months ago, I made a big change. I started speaking to Chloe in Mandarin from the day she was born. JD didn't like the sound of the language at first. Infact, he hated it. He would quite often turned around and said "Talk properly mommy" when I speak to him in Mandarin.

But I persisted. My husband even encouraged me to speak more Mandarin to JD and Chloe.

3 days ago, as I was putting Chloe to bed, JD turned around and said "恺仪，再见！" (See you again, Chloe)

I thought I was hearing stuff. But when I asked him to repeat again he said "恺仪，再见！" (See you again, Chloe)

That was a WOW moment for me. I felt so happy knowing that he has been listening and he said it without me telling him to. I was so glad. So happy. Yes! My efforts are just starting to bear fruit. I should keep going and not give up.

And tonight, he said "妹妹，晚安！" (goodnight sister) as I put Chloe into her cot.

Oh, I feel so happy knowing that he has been paying attention and learning at the same time.

And my dad, JD's waigong would be happy to know that he can count "一，二，三，四，五" all by himself. No doubt we have a long way till he counts to 100 in Mandarin, but it is a working progress.

So, I am feeling a bit more positive of JD picking up another language. Because for a while I really thought that I have left it a bit late.

And I need to keep going and not give up.

On other hand, JD's sister, Miss C has been enjoying her music session with some of the chinese music CD my dad brought over.

At the same time, I am trying to learn the full lyrics of 小星星 (Twinkle twinkle little stars)

Haha, my life as a mom has just gotten even more exciting!

Here's just a short video of Chloe enjoying her music session!

Bus Craze

2007-04-06T10:36:00.000+08:00

Sometimes a simple thing can brighten up his day. JD loves catching buses. He thinks it is the coolest thing! He looks at his daddy with such glitter in his eyes when he catches the bus to work. During the day when we spot a bus on the road, he would think that his daddy is still sitting on the bus, hahaha!

Sometimes on the weekend, we will leave the car the home and catch the bus to town.

As you can see, he was THRILLED!

And Miss C joined in the fun too.

Gotcha!

2007-04-06T10:21:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, we went to a Crab Festival in Mandurah. There were lots of yummy food on display and we had a little picnic near the foreshore.

Miss C has forever been eyeing our food. She likes to try the food we eat but I hesitated in giving her any crab as JD was prone to allergies previously. JD was munching on some fries, and without warning, she crawled over to grab hold of his packet of fries, thinking no one was watching! Ha, gotcha Miss Chloe!

6 weird things about me

2007-04-05T21:56:00.000+08:00

I was tagged by Irene a while ago, and I have to list down 6 weird things about myself.

These are the rules: Each player of this game starts out by giving 6 weird things about themselves. People who get tagged need to write in a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state the rules clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. After you do that, leave them each a comment letting them know you tagged them and to read your blog!

1. I love bittergourd (苦瓜 ). I hated it when I was a kid. But later on, I discovered a yummy way of cooking it through my late father in law! My FIL and I used to share a passion for this dish. He had a little patch of bittergourd plantation at the back of his house, once in a while he would pick some from his vegie patch, stew it over the stove with some fermented black bean sauce and chicken. Oh, it was so delicious that both of us would sit at the table eating it happily with bowls and bowls of rice. No one else in the family enjoy this dish except for me and my FIL. I still cook it for myself once in a while and I still remember those wonderful moments we shared!

2. I don't like seeing water stains around the kitchen. This habit drives my husband crazy. I would insist on wiping the kitchen bench top, sink area dry when I see spots of water. And I do the same at the office kitchen, my mum's house in Batu Pahat when I do go back, my MIL's house when I go over, friend's place. It's crazy.

3. I must make sure the house is tidy before I leave. I dislike coming back to a house that is untidy. So I would make sure the pillows on the sofa are rightly positioned, toys are kept away, newspapers neatly stacked, no dirty dishes left on the kitchen table, shoes neatly aligned...it's another strange habit of mine. I just like the feeling of a house that's neat and cosy when I return. And I also do the same before going to bed each night, so that I don't wake up to a messy house :)

4. But I can't always keep my wardrobe neat. I could keep the rest of the house neat and tidy. But I struggle a lot with my wardrobe. It only starts to get better a year ago when I put in new storage.

5. Cooking and baking is my stress relief. Baking particularly relief my stress. When I was pregnant with both kids, and when I find myself worrying about something, I would start browsing through my cook book, and starts BAKING. And to help me ease my labour contractions at home the few hours before going to the hospital, I baked for 2 hours in the kitchen while breathing and rocking my pelvis through each contraction. And the midwives got some nice fresh cookies as a "Thank You" gift. That only happened with the first labour, the 2nd labour happened too quick for me to even think of baking!

6. I can't sit through a movie without falling asleep and this only applies if I am watching a movie on DVD. My husband would always get some DVDs out for me, but most of the time I would fall asleep on the couch watching them. And it's not because the movie is crap, it's me being too comfortable on the couch!

As for tagging someone. This is my first time doing it and I can only think of 5 ... Well, no obligations at all, just do if you wish to. Have fun!

Kelly of Qianyi's World - Hee hee, becoz you haven't been tagged for this one
Crazy mommy - to take her mind off the glucose test :)
Cat Aunty - becoz she is one cool cat aunty that provides refuge for the cats
Diary of an Eternal Sunshine to Be - so she can relax by thinking of something else other than work
2 be fair - Got to be fair I guess, plus she keeps picking on her niece's botak head :)

Blue Hands

2007-04-04T21:11:00.000+08:00

Today being a recovery day for me, I pretty much let JD did whatever he wished. He wanted painting, so I set up the easel for him in the garden. He didn't want to paint with brush, but wanted to do "spray painting" instead.

Then he got hold of a tube of blue paint, squeezed it on to the paper, rub his hands ALL over it!

Honestly, I was worried that he was just going to rub his hand on my face or my clothes, hahaha.

And rest of the time, he entertained himself by doing hand painting, sponge painting and etc etc. He drew a sun and that's pretty much it for his art n craft session today.

Being Thankful

2007-04-03T15:36:00.000+08:00

I caught a nasty virus, most possibly over the weekend. I felt life I had been run over by a truck, extreme tiredness and by lunch time yesterday, I felt the whole house was spinning. It was bad. I was trying to put the kids down for a nap so that I could rest, but instead got JD to run out of the room to grab the phone for me. I had to ask hubby to come home quick because I wasn't able to manage on my own.

It was the worst feeling, dizziness. Later on, Phil drove me to the doctor and they gave me a jab to stop the dizziness.

I have been sleeping for the entire day. At 2.30pm, I finally woke up and felt strong enough to get out of bed. The doctor has given the husband 2 days leave so he can stay home with me and the kids.

Phil was worried about me because I lost my balance yesterday afternoon. I knew he was frantically trying to get things organised to drive me to the doctor.

I was trying to reassure the kids that mommy is ok while lying down on the floor trying to regain my balance.

But instead, JD walked over to me, lay his head on my shoulder to comfort me. And he just lied on the floor together with me.

He is such a sensitive little boy that brings tears to my eyes. He has got such a caring heart in him.

And I am so thankful that my husband wasn't caught in a meeting or off-station.

A note to myself -perhaps I should show JD about dialling for 000 in case of emergency.

And I always have the same worry when I am unwell - who is going to look after the kids? It scares me everytime I fall sick.

Silence is gold

2007-03-31T20:38:00.000+08:00

Before we had kids, travelling together in the car can sometimes be really quiet. Especially during those morning rides to work.

When JD came along, things changed a little bit. Sometimes we would have him cooing, chuckling by himself, or sometimes crying at the back.

Then when he started to talk, it became a lot noisier. He would quite often wants to join in the conversation, telling us about the boat, the motorbike, the crane he spotted, the person he saw....

At the same time, my husband and I would try to have our own conversation.

Sometimes, I find myself talking to hubby, nodding to JD at the same time. And now that we have Miss C, it also involves one of us turning around to make funny faces at her and etc etc.

Put it this way, it is nosiy!

Then, there is one of those odd and priceless ocassion.

When both kids fell alseep together in the car. Ahhhhh, silence! So rare, so good, so priceless!

"Skinny Dip"

2007-03-31T20:13:00.000+08:00

I really like this picture of the 3 of us. We were all so happy dipping in the pool, on that lovely warm Sunday afternoon.

At the time hubby took the pic, JD was trying to give his sister a kiss.

Autumn in the air

2007-03-28T14:17:00.000+08:00

Autumn is truly here. The morning air is so fresh and crisp, the clock has been turned back, I can hear the birds chirping away, the night is definitely cooler, kids are dressed in super cute winter pyjamas, my jeans are out of the closet again, I love the change in seasons.

The new flower seedlings are blooming...

We can sit in the garden enjoying delicious lunches...

JD running around unde the glorious sun and immitating my "downward facing dog" yoga pose

I feel a surge of energy today.

自弹自唱

2007-03-24T17:42:00.000+09:00

My husband call her the young Mozart everytime he sees her playing with the toy piano. I thought she was getting a headstart with "karaoke".

Noodle Boy

2007-03-22T09:22:00.000+09:00

JD loves noodles. He can have noodles everyday. Last night we brought him out to Nishi Japanese for some udon. And I was rather surprise when I spotted him using the chopsticks rather skillfully. Well kind of.

Motherhood ain't easy

2007-03-21T12:47:00.000+09:00

Once in a little while, some random comment will make me think, reflect, and slowly fear, uncertainty, regrets all begin to creep through my mind, little by little, eating me up. Quite often, they are issues closest to my heart, my kids, my relationship with them, my day to day impact on them....

Someone said to me yesterday "You need to sort yourself out. Quite often you pass your worries, anxieties to your kid. Sometimes you said he is difficult, but it's not his fault. You are the cause. He is a good kid with a good heart. He is a kid that tends to pick up a lot of feelings around him and tend to keep it in. He has no outlet to express. So he runs, he climbs, he jumps and physical acticity is his outlet."

I came home with a heavy heart. I vaccumed the house. Paid the bills. Clean the kitchen. Check my emails. And then I stop. And I feel pain.

Oh yeh. I haven't felt this bad for such a long time. Grief begins to wash over me.

Because so often we become so hard on ourselves when we try make everything right. We strive to be the "all-round-well-balanced-I-can-do-it-all" person. And more often than not we are still trying to. And I think really, most times we only do well in certain thing and not all. Afterall I am a woman juggling different roles sometimes all at once. So many different roles and responsibilities to play, to take on and no wonder once in a while I feel like I have lost my grip on things. I can't be the same woman as I was before.

Truly at the end of the day, I am just like anybody, I have my good days and my bad days. On a good day, I would be fine, contended, satisfied and life goes on like a breeze. On a bad day, things would easily go pear shape. I try to pick a fight with the husband, raise my voice. Frustrated at my own self. It becomes a cycle.

In hind sight, as always, I realise there is better way to a situation. And I am trying to be better everyday. Reading. Searching through the internet for information. Attending parenting courses. Or sometimes just by saying yes to the kid.

What she said to me was the truth. Perhaps along the way on this intricate world of motherhood, I have sometimes become insensitive to his needs and feelings. But those ocassions are still far less in comparison to the times when I have been there to nurse him, comfort him, feed him, dress him, reading him the same story over and over again, cook for him, putting up a brave face for him on his first day at kindy, that I was the one that couldn't sleep the night before he starts kindy, that I am still his main caregiver from the very first day I brought him into this world.

Who said being a mother is easy? It's never easy. And I am still learning everyday.

Sometimes I become paronoid that one mistake I made would completely tarnish his whole childhood, that he would never know how to have fun, that he would have complex, that he would struggle, that he would feel hurt, or even an odd chance he might be considered as a "weirdo" by some and etc etc.

But me of little faith sometimes. Surely as a kid, my parents would have said certain things to me that might have sounded awful at that time. But hey, I am still ok, at least I think I am.

So, what happened today was just a gentle reminder to myself that I can make mistakes too. But I learn from it and move on.

Also perhaps it's also time for me to dust off my yoga mat and rejoin a group yoga class again to stretch n relax.

Chloe - 8 months old

2007-03-20T11:05:00.000+09:00

Miss C turned 8 months old last week. JD and I went to the clinic with her and her latest stats were:

Height: 66cm

Weight: 7.380kg

Chloe is doing what every 8 months old would be doing. She is crawling, exploring various places in the house. She has now venture out of the family room and her favourite spot is the corridor leading towards the front door. She likes sitting there in the morning, admiring the morning sun, playing with the doorstop and when she starts to get bored, she will start chewing on shoes! She and her brother has the same habit :)

She has also been trying to stand and she does it with mighty effort. The funny things is once she got herself to a standing position, she will look like she is hanging onto her dear life.

We also spotted one tooth last week! Yep, one!

She loves her tucker. She is not a big fan for porridge but prefers food that she can chew on. She loves rice, toast, grapes, peaches, crackers, cheese and she also drinks lots of water in a day. We have also been giving her finger food and she could sit there chewing and tasting every pieces of food you put in front of her. She is a 小肥猪 ( little piggy) !

Chloe seems more attached to us compared to JD when he was a baby. JD would very happily play by himself and fairly independent from very early on. But man, no not with Chloe. She gets upset when we are out of sight, and that goes down to when she can't see her brother or me or her daddy. And we would constantly be shouting out "Won't be long, Chloe, I am coming back!" When we are a bit slow or trying to get something done, she will whinge, sob as she crawls with her fastest speed to look for us. It's really a funny sight.

Apart from that, she is happy little baby, drinking her milk, eating her tucker, crawling around the house, checking out the various rooms and toys!

But she is not that "angelic" all the time. I caught her snatching her brother's ice cream the other day. While she was sitting on her daddy's lap, she looked across spotted her brother's ice cream, and thinking no one was looking, she leaned across, grabbed her brother's arm and had a lick of his ice cream! Wahahahaha!

Grandfather's Joy

2007-03-18T20:32:00.000+09:00

A Grandfather's joy are rare
For they are pure
With little words said

But deep in love

A joy only seen in his eyes

As he pushes the swing for the child

With laughter and giggles

Ringing through an otherwise quiet morning

That only a grandfather knows

And only felt in the heart of the child

The smiles on his face

Yet hard to wipe

As he held the little baby in his arm

Resting her head on the grandfather

That you would have never known

Is only a grandfather's joy

With such abundance

To fill his heart

Censored Conversation

2007-03-17T21:03:00.000+09:00

On Tuesday when I picked up JD from daycare, his caregiver shared with me a bit of his day.

Over lunch, she heard this little man telling his friends about this.

JD: U know, my dad has got a willy
K: My dad got one too
JD: Yeh, but my mommy and Chloe don't have one
E: Yes, my dad got a big one too
JD: No no, my dad got the biggest one
K: Hey, tat's not fair, my dad has got a giant one

Oh my, at that point, Andrea the caregiver had to step in to offer them one more serving of lasagna!

The stuff that kids talk about can be very amusing. And perfectly normal for them to be so interested in "human anatomy".

Waigong is in town!

2007-03-13T22:48:00.000+09:00

My dad, the kids's waigong (maternal granddad) is in town for a week. JD and I excitedly drove to the airport on Sunday. JD was very happy to see his waigong again, though I am not too sure if he remembers him. The last time JD saw his waigong was during our 2004 visit back to Malaysia and JD was only 18 months old then.

Likewise, my dad was very happy to see his grandson, and literally just let his luggage trolley rolled away while getting down to give JD a big cuddle. I chased after the trolley and managed to catch up with them, phew :) JD hit it off very well with his waigong, showing him his bedroom, checking out any presents that his waigong has brought over, calling "waigong" everywhere in the house ... and even insisted on sleeping with waigong on his first night!

They have been going for morning and evening walks together. Everything is good with the walks, but he would bully my dad into carrying him because his little feet were too tired. Gee! JD knows whom to bully. And my dad being the doting grandparent, would happily obliged...

Then, there was the very first meeting between Chloe and my dad. This is his first time meeting her and a very special moment for both of them. Chloe loves to grab her waigong's nose and glasses, and she gets terribly upset if she couldn't grad hold of them, tsk tsk!

Like her brother, she also bully her waigong. I had to do a volunteer parent roster at JD's kindy on Monday. I left her with my dad. And she refused to go down for a nap on her own and would only settle by sleeping in her waigong's arms. And my dad did that for 2 hours, applause!

Imprisoned

2007-03-13T22:42:00.000+09:00

I was trying to fold the laundry, she kept crawling over them. So, I put her in the laundry basket as a "prisoner". Hahahaha, and as you can see, she wasn't too happy with the arrangement.

Friday Crazies

2007-03-09T15:27:00.000+09:00

I am a bit disoriented today, you know, just can't seem to find my bearings for what I need to do. Maybe it's Friday afterall!

We went out to do the weekly groceries, and stopped by at a nearby cafe for a coffee before heading home. Chloe was so happy after trying a bit of my blueberry muffin, and gave me this really funny smile. The muffin crumbs were all over her face. She is so funny!

And JD is just the same. I heard him ramsacking my kitchen cabinet while I was on the phone, then I heard a lot of giggles and out came him like this! He said he was trying to be Chicken Little with a baseball helmet! I nearly fell off my chair laughing and I couldn't continue with my phone conversation. He is my crazy kid.

Later this afternoon, JD wanted to race cars. He was trying to do a makeshift racing tracks with bumps and tunnel by stacking the sofa cushions on the floor. It didn't quite work.

So, I went through my recycled boxes and made this for him. I thought it was pretty cool and it occupied him for a couple hours.

My Must Have Everyday

2007-03-07T08:46:00.000+09:00

I must have my walks everyday. Once in the morning and if possible, once in the afternoon. I load both kids in the pram, JD in the front, the little one at the back, with my ipod, a hat on, the daily walks have become a bit of "me" time. It doesn't matter if the kids are with me, but I get to listen to some music, absorb in my thoughts for that 30 mins or so twice a day, once in a while engage in some conversations with JD, sometimes stopping by at the supermarket to get some juice or bread. I can't do without my walks and I can't do without my Phil&Teds double buggy. I feel sluggish if I have missed my walks, as if I haven't gotten a good night sleep at all. And I wouldn't have such joy with my walks have we not bought this last year.

The funny thing is, even if I really had a bad night sleep, the morning walk do wonders to kick start my day. And it's a great way to let the kids enjoy the fresh air in the morning. Both kids were up by 6.30am today, so I thought what better way to start the day by going for our walks before it gets too hot.

The mercury is gonna hit 42 deg c (107.6 deg f) again today, so we might skip the afternoon walk. It would be way too hot.

Now at 8.53am, the aircon in the house has already been turned on, blinds are shut, lots of ice water, fruits in the fridge ready for another hot day. I am feeling terrbile not doing my part to conserve the energy after watching An Inconvenient Truth about global warming the other night, but heck, it's 42 deg today!

6th March

2007-03-06T14:48:00.000+09:00

Today is Phil's birthday! I helped JD to make a card for his daddy. He applied the glue, sprinkled the glitters, rolled the crepe paper into little "cherries" for decorating the cake, it looks yummy enough to eat!

And here's the real cake we had tonight. This time we got the tripod out to take a family picture. Initially, I had planned to bake a cake for hubby with help from JD. But we are experiencing some serious heat wave and the mercury hit 42 deg c (107.6 deg f) today. So, I had to forgo the idea of baking and instead bought a cake from the bakery.

Today also marked the first birthday celebration hubby had with Chloe. A year ago, I was 4 months pregnant with her, and JD has matured so much in his look since then.

Family Time

2007-03-05T16:42:00.000+09:00

We went out to Fremantle yesterday to grab some lunch. I had a delicious chicken n avocado sandwich on a nice thick sourdough bread, JD had a ham n cheese sandwich while Phil had a Tempura fish n chips. It was a nice lunch with the kids.

After lunch, JD and I shared a mega size strawberry n cream gelato. I asked for a junior cone, but the ice cream gal just kept topping the cone with more and more. We couldn't finish it between the 2 of us, and Phil helped to finish the rest.

JD with a happy smile.

And Chloe having a chin wag with her daddy. Well, actually she stole a piece of chip from her daddy's plate and started munching on it. I love her chubby hands!

And since it was 元宵 yesterday, I called my MIL to come over for dinner. I made a dish of mapo tofu, snowpeas stirfried with carrots, sweet corn, pork and I also bought half a roast duck and some char siu from the nearby Chinese BBQ shop.

It turned out to be a really nice night. My MIL got to spend some time with both JD and Chloe. After dinner, we put a mat down in the back garden, enjoyed the evening breeze and some family time together while munching on some watermelon and oranges.

It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday as well as 元宵!

Another new trick of Miss C

2007-03-02T21:51:00.000+09:00

This has been Miss C's latest trick. It's okay if she does it at anytime except when I am trying to feed her dinner. And you wouldn't want a shower of porridge or oats all over your face and glasses either, yikes!

最佳美腿小姐

2007-03-01T19:57:00.000+09:00

Check out those juicy thighs! Kee kee kee!

JD - 3.5 yrs old

2007-02-28T14:20:00.000+09:00

Jayden is 3.5 years old, 6 more months he will be turning 4! There is something quite remarkably going on for a 3.5 yo. Overnight he has become an even more loving boy, whom is very fond of giving kisses and cuddles to his mum and sister. He not just me give one kiss before bed time, but he will request for "lots and lots of kisses to me". He will plant a kiss on my nose, my lips, my cheeks, my forehead, my chin and then he will give me a big cuddle before he is happy to go for sleeps.

And he does the same to his sister. He is very good at reassuring her. When she cries, he will say "It's okay Chloe, mommy is coming." He will bring her different toys when she is around, going through the toys one by one, asking her "Which one would you like, this one, that one, the red one, the blue one ...?" And when he travels in the car with her, he must make sure he holds onto her hand, "because she may cry" according to JD. Very cute again.

But sometimes he can be a bit too keen. Last night while I was busy doing the dinner, I heard Chloe fussing in the lounge room, but before I could even turn around to turn off the stove, big brother JD has already grabbed hold of her by the belly, and as he walked to the kitchen with Chloe looking seriously stunned and holding onto her dear life, JD just non-chalantly said "Is ok mommy, I am bringing her to you!". I quickly scooped her up and put her in her high chair while I continued on with my cooking. Phew!

He is also becoming very understanding. Previously, he would always ask me to get him a lolly or some snacks when we were out shopping. Over a period of time, I started to practice the act of not giving in. I will give him a treat once in a while but certainly not all the time. And supermarkets are the worst culprits, lollies, chocolates, snacks are always strategically placed at checkout counters and kids woud inevitably nag and nag their parents till they give in. I am the tough mommy though, I just give him a warning if he nags and nags and I stand firm...

Lately, when we go for groceries shopping, I noticed that when I said "no" to something, he will gladfully accept and then ramble on something like "Oh ok, we have plenty of that at home BUT I will get that when I am bigger or after my birthday!" Hahahaha! Honestly, this little maturity in him has made groceries shopping with 2 kids a lot easier.

On top of that, I found his listening and "following the leader" skills have been strengthened again. I don't have to repeat myself as much, I may say it once or twice, but he seems to get the message. Some days it's better talking to him than the husband, wahahahaha!

I haven't spoken to his kindy teacher in terms of how he is doing 4 weeks into it, but I personally felt that kindy has had a positive impact on him so far.

The first 2 weeks of kindy have been about "Integration & Friendship", helping the children to know about one another and settling in. These 2 weeks, they learn about themselves, their names, their body parts, being loving and kind to themselves and that they are special.

Last week, he came home with a crown he made in class! Just picture this, at the end of school last week, teacher Amanda opened the door, each child walked out of the classroom with a beautiful crown on their head...now would you not smile as a parent? I was definitely smiling, so thankful there are people out there that love my child just as much as I do!

Also, we have been experiencing some pretty strange summer weather. One day it's hot, another day it's humid, next it is thunder storm, then it is hot again. And JD would constantly give me a running weather commentary in the house. An hour ago, he commented about "Look, today is going to be a stormy day, I hear the thunders, it says doom doom doom, it is going to rain, you have to stay inside, we can't go outside, else you might get hurt, ooops...I thinkit's going to snow...oh, is sunny day again! " And the other day he rushed out to the back garden with the umbrella pretending to be the weatherman!

Reflections

2007-02-27T20:50:00.000+09:00

Well after a somewhat bad week, I am back onto my happy feet again! I made an effort to make myself feel good again. And thank you for the hugs I have been receiving through the wonderful world of bloggers!

It was simple. I was overwhelmed with the amount of things I have to do and deal with. Some are essential. Some I can do without. Some people drove me crazy, and I mean real crazy. Some situations are just plain stupid. Some people need to grow up and take responsibility. It was just a bad week, when all things roll in one, I had enough. There was an explosion of emotions. It was ugly. It was painful.

So during one of the quiet moments when both kids were sound alseep and husband away working, I came to accept one thing. Accepting that I can only do so much within my limit.

My most important role now is a wife to my husband, a dedicated mum to my 2 kids. These are my 2 most important roles and I need to focus on them. Other things can wait. Phones won't stop ringing, but I can screen my calls. People will irritate me, but I can choose to ignore. There are ways out of every situations.

And I need to remember to B.R.E.A.T.H. It makes a difference!

JD and Me

2007-02-21T14:12:00.000+09:00

Once again, I have forgotten to take a picture of the 4 of us on Chinese New Year. I had everyone dressed in red except for my hubby. We were so busy eating and totally forgotten about getting someone to take a picture of us. By the time I remembered it, Chloe was already fast asleep, hubby was too lazy to change out his boxer shorts...so instead JD and I posed for the camera ourselves.

Perhaps I need to take out the tripod at some stage.

On this note, it's been a B.A.D. week so far. I am getting frustrated with situations around me and I am just at a loss of finding ways to move forward. Everything sucks at the moment, and I am not in my best of mood.

Clicking Away

2007-02-19T22:03:00.000+09:00

Lately JD has this interest in using my digital camera to snap away photos. I cringed everytime he opens up my drawer to get my beloved Canon IXUS 700. But then again, I think he is becoming quite good in handling it. When he finished taking the pictures, he will ask to look at them on the computer.

I saw him following his sister around the other day, and he took this.

"My Sister"

Then he lined up his Power Rangers given by his 外公 last year and he took this.

My "Super Rangers". (He keeps mixing up Superman with Power Rangers.)

The he took he lots of random shots around the house, and he likes this the most.

"My Mommy's Kitchen"

新年快乐！万事如意

2007-02-17T21:20:00.000+09:00

Wishing everyone a happy new year, good health, good fortune, and a smooth sail for the Golden Pig Year!

Chloe - 7 months old

2007-02-16T19:58:00.000+09:00

Apart from JD starting kindy, I was also busy preparing for an exam. It's been a loooong time since I last hit the books. So as you can imagine, it was quite a task for me to just sit down study, without the temptation of jumping on line to check out the latest blog, replying emails, or doing anything except studying. But I eventually studied in between kids napping during the afternoon and night time. Good news is I passed my exam and that's one big stress off my shoulder.

Now for the little missy at home. Yes, Miss Chloe, she is 7 months old now. She is still doing her commando crawl, but she is trying to get on her hands and knees. She is trying really hard, and she practices everyday by rocking on her hands n knees. At times she lost her grip and falls flat on her face, ouch! And she cry, real cry, with big tears everytime that happens. Poor poppet.

The most amazing thing at 7th month is the bonding between her and JD. They are bonding very well. JD would muck around, she will look at him, chuckle. And he will do more to make her laugh even more.

Another thing with her is she will protest if anyone of us snatch something off her hands - you know when she chews on a piece of paper or tissue when she is not supposed to. She gets horribly upset. Likewise if another kid comes along to snacth her toy, she will respond with the same level of protest.

As for JD, he is probably very afraid of seeing her cry. Each time she gets upset, he will run to her "It's allright, it's allright, don't cry, shhhhhh, sorry sorry!"

And on this month, she also started spending half day with JD at family daycare. The brother and sister go to the same caregiver, except she gets picked up at 1pm and JD at 4pm. Reason is because we are slowly easing her into daycare and as she gets used to it, we will let her stay till 4pm. I am a lot less anxious about sending her to daycare, as the bro and sis are there together, but most importantly is because I have known the caregiver for over 3 years and she has been looking after JD since he was 8 months old.

For that half day I have, I would be busy with all the chores in the house, my own work, catching up on lots of things that I haven't been able to get to. Half day goes really quick and before I know, I would be out of the house to pick her up again.

Sweet moments

2007-02-16T19:21:00.000+09:00

So it's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged. So many things have happened in the last 2 weeks that I haven't had a chance to really slow down and rest.

JD started kindy 2 weeks ago. There are no more tears. I am sooooo proud of him. By the 2nd week, I saw a happy little boy, zooming around like an aeroplane into his kindy. On that particular day, upon arriving at kindy, he was a totally different boy. He was telling me about his teacher Amanda, that she is going to read him stories, play the tambourines, do paintings, playing sand with his friends and etc etc. I thought it's pretty cool he knows his teacher's name by the 2nd week, as that secures an important trust in him.

When the bell rang, I said to him "Jayden, mommy had to go now, have a good time." And with a reassuring look in his eyes, he looked at me, nodded his head and said "Bye mommy, I love you!, you go now!"

I almost cried when he said that. I almost cried because I felt so touch by his courage. That he knows that mommy was feeling just as anxious, and he was reassuring me. I cried a bit later on when I got home because I know whatever we have done in these first 3 years of his life are already bearing fruits. We have done something right as parents. We have been building the kind of trust, assurance, love in him that he is able to reciprocate back to us. And to see that a 3yo has such reassurance brings a lot of comfort to my heart.

As I was chatting about the incident to my friend that night, seeing our child growing up is one of the sweetest feelings as a parent. It is magical, and it is sweet.

It ain't matter anymore when all he wants at night before bed was just one more kiss, one more cuddle, one more squeeze, because I will always give him that.

And he is growing up so quick. My cheeky little monkey.

On that day after kindy, the first thing he said to me when I picked him up was "Mommy, I didn't cry today anymore." And he said it so happily with a very cheeky grin.

She says it all...

2007-02-01T20:54:00.000+09:00

My husband upon hearing that Chloe has started on solids, got extremely excited and dashed off to the supermarket to buy a few jars of baby food for her. He insisted that I try the Heinz Blackcurrant Gel on her. So, I did. Did she like it? You be the judge.

But this is the husband. He loves his kids. And is always the first one to buy things for them to try, be it food, toys, games or whatever new, he is always the first one there.

Another milestone for JD

2007-01-29T13:42:00.000+09:00

JD started his 3 year old pre-kindergarten today.

Over here, compulsory schooling is not required till the children turns four. As JD was born in August, he would have to wait till 2008 before he can starts official schooling.

The pre-kindy is just to help him settle into a school environment, let him interact with kids of his age and getting used to listening, instructions and maybe a bit of a rest for his mommy, haha.

So I have been preparing him for this day. We borrowed books from the library about children's first day at school. We walked past his school every day when we go for our morning walks. We packed his school bag together. We talked about the activities, games he would have fun with. We went for the open day last week and met his teachers. Pretty much I talked to him about school every single freakin' day!

I was a bit nervous myself last night. I expected some tears from him as he has been on a month's break from daycare while his caregiver went on holidays. We have been spending lots of wonderful times together and I imagined it might be hard for him. And by the way, his mommy used to cry all the time when she started P1.

This morning, he woke up loudly exclaimed "Let's go to school!". He put on his red kindy shirt, blue pants, Bob the Builder's undies, a pair of new red sandals he chose for himself, put his little backpack on his shoulder. He had his toast and was ready. I wasn't sure. I hope he was really ready. We were the first one there, and we sat quietly on the bench while we waited for the door to open.

JD being JD, is an outdoor boy. He dashed off to the sandpit once he went in. I had to bring him back in as kindy always start with story and puzzle time on the mat. After 5 mins of mat time, I really had to go, I gave him a kiss and he cried with the biggest drop of tears "I want mommy!!!". I left him to the teachers and calmly but painfully walked out of the classroom.

I came back 10 mins later and I didn't hear any kid howling. I gathered it was fine.

So I did my errands. Went to the post office. Went to get a police clearance check. Did some groceries shopping. Saw my chiro. 2 hrs later I went back to pick him up.

At 11.30am, the teacher opened the door, she called out the kid's name one by one as they came to the door. Some kids were happy. Some were a bit teary. Some looked a bit lost.

As for mine. He walked out looking slightly puzzled but rather pleased to see me again.

The teacher said to me "He did really well". Smiles. I felt really proud of him as he showed me his wet chalk and water colour paintings. He said to me "Mommy I cried because I wanted you". And I said to him "Yes, I know, but I will always be back to pick you up!". And he was happy. And the next thing he said "Mommy I am hungry". That would be my boy.

I want to move it...move it

2007-01-27T20:21:00.000+09:00

On the day Chloe turned 6 months, we spotted her moving forward on the floor little by little. She started first by pushing against her feet, then she found her arms, she pushed and pulled, and finally she found her rhythm. Since that day, she discovered a whole new world around her.

She is mobile. She can move. She can go around in circle. Take a turn. She goes for her target. And there is no stopping now.

Her up side has been the down side for her brother. He will be sitting on the floor building his blocks, she will make a beeline for it, snatched a block from the floor and starts licking it. He is annoyed. He moved away thinking she would give up. But it didn't work. For now, he found a safe place by sitting on the sofa, but doubt that would be for long.

For Phil and I, we can't believe our baby is growing so fast. It still seems like just yesterday we had her at the hospital. But she is already kind of crawling. JD started when he was 8 months old, the first day he started at daycare. Perhaps because she is the 2nd child, that she is not going to lose out on all the excitements around her. Or her weekly Gymbaroo session or our daily tummy time with her from 6 weeks on. Whatever it is, she is a baby on the move.

Like her brother, she has been such a joy for us all.

Xmas 2006 Holiday (Part 2) - JD The Farmhand

2007-01-26T15:51:00.000+09:00

One of the excitements for JD apart from the fresh strawberries while staying on the farm were the geese!

Each evening, like a little farmhand, he insisted on taking off his shirt, running to the back of the farm, calling out "geese, geese, where are you, come here, come here NOW!!!!". And the greedy bunch of geese knowing what this little boy had for them, would waddle close to the fence waiting to be fed. It's a funny sight, but something that I enjoyed watching everyday. I felt such joy in my heart knowing he has had the opportunity to experience so many different adventures at such a tender age.

One month on since our holiday, JD is still talking about the strawberry farm, the geese, and asking if we are going back to the farm again.

More photos here.

Pretty in a dress

2007-01-21T20:51:00.000+09:00

Chloe wore her very first dress yesterday - it was a gift from a friend. I can't help but smile when I put the dress on for her. She looks so sweet, cute and I just want to cuddle her. She looks like she is ready for a party! All she needs is a pair of red shoes :)

The Little Chub Chub

2007-01-19T20:23:00.000+09:00

Looking at her, I know I am definitely not starving her at all. She is such a joy at this age.

And yesterday I saw her moving along on the floor by pushing herself forward with her hands and feet. A bit like the commando in action! I caught it on camera but haven't figure out how to put in on blog yet. Nonetheless, it was so exciting for all us including JD!

Chloe says "I am happy with a full tummy!"

Chloe says "Neh neh neh neh, brother cannot catch me!"

"Ok mommy, I have enough of the camera!"

"But I will still pose with my teddy"

Speaking Mandarin

2007-01-18T20:27:00.000+09:00

Recently, Crazy Mommy asked me why I am speaking more Mandarin to Chloe. The reason is because I really want my kids to grow up knowing another language and that Chinese is also part of their origin. I grew up learning 3 languages, Chinese, English and Malay.

My husband is an Australian born Chinese, and he speaks limited Cantonese and no Mandarin. My in laws migrated from HK over 30 years ago but my MIL still speaks very little English till this day. I know a bit of Cantonese from watching the HK movies when I was a kid. After I got married, I found it difficult to communicate with my in laws as I was struggling with my Cantonese and likewise they (esp. my MIL) were struggling with English. Over the years, I have become quite fluent in Cantonese.

But then I really miss speaking Mandarin. I like the sound of it. I am always on the lookout for someone that can speak the language, whether it be my colleague, a friend, the shop owner at the Asian grocery store, the old aunty at the supermarket struggling witn English and looking for someone that knows Mandarin.

Or sometimes eavesdropping on someone's juicy conversation :)

Mainly. I always feel such joy and satisfaction when I find someone that can speak the language.

Sometimes I wish my husband can speak and learn Mandarin, but after all these years, he has only picked up 我爱你 and 你好吗？ Recently I also started to type in "pin yin" and I found so much joy and satisfaction when I could type up word by word in Mandarin.

I look forward to the months ahead when I can start printing up Chinese flash cards for Chloe and JD.

With that thought, I became more motivated to pass on this language to my kids. I was a bit slack with JD when I didn't cultivate the habit of speaking Mandarin to him. Whilst it's never to late to introduce the language to him, I wish I have started when he was just an infant.

So I am becoming more diligent with Chloe. I speak to her everyday in Madarin, hoping she will pick up this beautiful language and hoping this will instill an interest in JD as well.

And I look forward to the days when I can have a conversation with my kids in Mandarin. Maybe one day when they both sit on the kitchen barstool, telling me about their days in school while I prepare meals in the kitchen : )

Because that was what I used to do as a kid when my mom came from from work and siting in the kitchen talking to her about who's naugthy in school, who got a detention, who did what, what the teachers did and etc etc

Chloe vs. Sleep

2007-01-17T14:34:00.000+09:00

I am not quite sure what's been happening to Miss C's sleeping habits lately. For at least the last 3 months, she has been the coolest baby! She wakes at 7am in the morning, have a 90 mins nap at 9am, feed at 11am, nap again at 1.00pm for another 2 hrs, then feed at 3pm, sometimes even have a power nap at 4.30pm and would settle to bed by 7pm without a whinge each and every night. I was so happy with the routine because her nap times have allowed me to do lots of 1 on 1 activities with JD.

But this week has been a bit crazy. She wouldn't settle to sleep by herself on Monday night and my husband had to carry her till she falls asleep. Unfortunately, I was out attending a parenting course and he had to handle it by himself. Last night we had the neighbours kid testing out his new sound system and the noises were keeping her up. My main struggles lately have been her day naps. She would wake up crying after about 45 mins and would not settle till I put her in my sling.

Our routine is out of the window this week. I hardly did any craft/activities withJD in the morning as she would be crying after a short nap and it is hard for me to do things when I have her in the sling. JD would want me to have a race with him but then how to run with her in the sling oh? And if we sit down to play a board game or read a story, she would keep grumbling because I am not moving around. Hmph.

I am scratching my head for answers. Is it developmental milestone? Is she hungry? Is she thirsty? Or maybe the new rice cereal is upsetting her? Or hehehe, she is telling me she is not so angel afterall? I mean she maybe little in size, but man, her cry is LOUD! It's so loud and pitiful.

She is currently asleep in the sling while I type this with my other hand.

See, now she is happy, but then her mommy is crazily looking for answers. Or maybe I should just go sit down with a cup of camomile tea and hope her body clock gets itself back in order again.

And then I am stressed out about not doing enough proper activities with JD. I am dying to get him learn the alphabets, numbers, crafts, Mandarin and everything an almost 3.5 yo should also be doing but he is more interested in building a rocket with his blocks, grabbing the white board marker off my hand to doodle when I try to draw an aeroplane to show him the "A" sound, or doing anything, anything that involves sitting down to learn. He is starting kindergarten in 2 weeks time, would he be ready? Maybe he is going to be the teacher's nightmare :(

I know JD is the active type, or the 屁股有刺 ( got ants in pants) as my chinese teacher used to say, so getting him to sit down quietly can be hard, but I still want to make sure he gets a balance between active and quiet activities. How am I supposed to do that? I don't know.

Maybe I should just stop worrying for a while. Hmph. On that note, I am going to look for chocolate in my fridge now.

Guns n Not so rosy

2007-01-14T20:38:00.000+09:00

One of my biggest dilemas came knocking on my door today. JD went to visit his mama (his paternal grandmother) and he came back with this.

Hmph, it was one of those difficult situations for me when I try very hard trying not to introduce toys of that nature to him. Guns, swords, pistols or anything of that nature, I do my best to avoid it. I constantly warn him when I hear him running around "pretend playing" with shooting.

But what would you do in situation like this? I know it was a gift from his grandmother, but it was against my own set of rules, and I know sometimes my MIL and I have different opinions about raising kids or boys in general. On other hand the child was crazily happy with the new gift.

Can I take it away from him and said it's our house rule that we don't play with guns?

Or maybe I can ask him to put it away?

Or maybe get him to pretend that it is something else other than guns. What's the point?

Or just hide it away when he is asleep and hoping he forgets it. Too mean? Too coward?

Or advice my MIL the appropriate toys for his age.

But my son has got the memory of an elephant. He remembers everything! Hiding it wouldn't solve the problem.

So eventually, I sat down with him. I talk to him like I would talk to an adult. Telling him that mommy doesn't agree in playing with guns, though it's a special present from his grandma. Telling him that we always have this policy at home "No pushing, no pulling, no hitting, no shooting and etc etc". It's the same when mommy said "We play toys, but we don't play guns".

After a good talk, I let him kept his present in his drawer as he wouldn't let me put it away. So I did. But did he understand my talk? I wasn't sure but glad I have explained it all to him.

A few hours later, my MIL rang about something else. My husband answered the phone but JD wanted to talk as he knew that was his mama.

And this was what he said to his mama: "Mama, please don't give me guns anymore. Because I can hit Chloe and hurt her."

I think he understood it all. I didn't have to say anything to my MIL.

Miss C's Report Card

2007-01-13T16:33:00.000+09:00

Miss C turned 6 months old yesterday. My sister said Miss C can be Miss Cheeky, Miss Chubby, Miss Chloe or all of the above. We also call her 小肥妹! (Fei miu miu in Cantonese).

Chloe is growing up quick. Phil and I felt that she suddenly feels heavier in the last week or so and I feel it when I hold her under the arm. She also went through a growth spurt recently when she would very kindly wake me up every 3 hours in the night time for a feed. Half of the time, I would fall asleep with her still in my arm before she finished her feeds.

She still loves sucking her hands though she mostly does it when she is tired, which is really a sign for her to sleep. She is rolling onto her tummy and back everyday. Her latest trick is rolling around in her cot till she gets into the corner and not able to roll back, hmph! That's when she lets out a big protest for someone to rescue her. She always give me that cheeky look when she does something like that.

I have also noticed that she is very attentive. She will follow us around in the room with her eyes, turning her head to see where noises are coming from. She still spends a lot of time on her tummy and would prop herself up with her arms straight - a bit like the cobra yoga pose!

She is showing a lot of interest in her toys. At this stage, she is into all the banging and sucking toys, she will hold the toys in her hand, bang it on the floor, on the table before sucking them, eeeee....

Chloe is also babbling away. The 3 sounds I hear most often from her is "Aieh", "Ngeh" and
"Ummmmmm". I speak mostly Mandarin to her and she will look at me when I call her Chloe or 恺仪 or "fei mui mui" . Sometimes when I put her on my lap while doing things on the computer, she will turn her head around to look at me, babble away before tuning back onto the computer screen again, as if telling me something she sees on the computer. She gets really excited when she sees colourful pictures of babies! She shows her excitement by flapping her arms up and dow!

One of the most exciting things this month was her starting solids. At the moment she is only eating rice cereal. I have tried to mix it with cooked puree apples or bananas, but she just scrunched up her face and that expression said it all. But she is one little piggy. She gets really excited when she sees me with her food by banging happily on her table. And she is so "kan chong" (hurry) when she eats. She will keep snatching the spoon off my hand trying to feed herself and gets terribly upset with me if I take it back. Ummmm, got temper already!?

And oh yes, not forgetting she can hold her own bottle when given a drink of water. Cool huh I think!

That's all for her 6 month's report card.

So true

2007-01-12T11:34:00.000+09:00

I did a quiz from this website whilst sourcing home activity ideas for JD. It was indeed what I have always thought of him.

Your child has exceptional charisma and physical ability. You may be living with the next great athlete, Tiger Woods or Serena Williams. These children can even grown up to be actors. Don't be surprised if your child is the next Richard Burton or Nicole Kidman. Your adventurous child may even grow up to be the next Sally Ride or Neil Armstrong. Your child loves to move, climb on things, and loves activity and adventure. These children are sometimes labeled hyper active when they don't have outlets for their energy.

Not that I think he will be the next Tiger Woods, but just that he is very strong in his physical ability. He is always doing something. He would not even glue himself to the TV for long. I could let him watch something on the TV, but he will still be doing something while watching TV, be it building blocks, drawing on some paper, coming around to see me when I am cooking, playing with his sister or whatever. And yes, it's true that he LOVES to move. Bring him to a park, that's heaven to him, he can run, he can climb, he can do stunts that I would not even consider. He is quite brave that I need to remind him to slow down at times. His carer's comments about him is always "JD is the usual today, full of beans, happy as Larry!".

We only worry when he suddenly becomes quiet or have no interest for food. That's always a sign that something is wrong.

So true I found! I know a lot of times at friends gathering, people are quite amazed with JD's energy level. Some moms have labelled him as hyperactive. Some said they would have gone crazy if given a child like him. Some always have a worry look on their face when they see him and ask me "Is he ALWAYS active like this at home?" Actually, I think he is just a normal 3 yo boy and it never came across my mind that he is hyper or unusually active for his age. I know he isn't because he is just my very energetic and high spirited child.

My in laws always felt that he is a bit on the naugthy side. That looking after him takes a considerable amount of energy. Well, maybe, because I do a lot of physical activity with him. But then to keep up with him, I also eat a lot of very nurtitional stuff to keep up my energy level. Not easy, but certainly worth the effort.

And from this website, it recommends ways to nurture his talent.

Any type of sports, group or individual, such as soccer, karate, and dance. These children usually love large motor activity. Some ideas for their physical activities are jungle gyms, balls, tricycles, and skates. Also they may like active handwork such as clay, playdough, sewing, and finger painting.

Some other great activities would be wall climbing, playing in the children's play area at your local fast food restaurant, the slides, pools of balls are great free activities for your child.

The good thing is I am already doing lots of activities such as those with him. It just takes more commitment and discipline from myself to come up with activities every day to keep him stimulated and occupied.

Xmas 2006 Holiday - Part 1

2007-01-11T20:15:00.000+09:00

Over the recent Xmas and New Year break, we headed down south to Albany for a break. Phil and I have always liked Albany due to its coolish weather, friendliness and a nice feeling each time we are there. We set off on the morning of Boxing Day and it was quite exciting because it was Chloe's first holiday and our first holiday as a family of 4!

I have to say after many driving holidays, my husband is getting really good at packing the car with lots of room left in the boot. We also have the advantage of putting lots of stuff on the roof rack.

We headed off at the time we agreed and both kids were really fantastic in the car. JD at the age of 3 can get a bit bored sitting in the car for a few hours but he was kind enough to keep himself amused by spotting the cows and sheeps as we drove past the farms, yelling out loud when he saw a big truck, singing along to his Wiggles music in the car, making me tickle his feet, snacking, drinking and dozed off when he got tired.

And Chloe, being Chloe, was always laid back, slept a fair bit and only fussed when she was hungry. Chloe always look like when is meditating when she sleeps in the car. Just look at her hands.

During the car trip, JD had a favourite saying of "Are we there yet? " Phil had promised him that we would be going to a nice beach when we get to Albany. But it was 4 hours from where we live, so poor kid, was very patiently waiting for the beach his daddy had promised.

This time round, we stayed on a strawberry farm. It was lovely. The place was run by a lovely couple, with 2 very fat labradors. In the morning, we wake up to the sound of birds and kookaburra, in the evening, we retire to the sounds of cricket, frogs and the stillness on a country farm. At the back of the house, there's a large open area where the geese, 3 bulls and a peacock resides.

At 5 o'clock every day, the geese would come out and JD would rush out to feed some wheat to the geese. That was his favourite part staying on the farm. He couldn't get enough of it.

And the other beauty was we get to eat lots of freshly picked strawberries.

On out first night there, JD as you see was really happy. He was thrilled with the fact of living at a "Strawberry Farm House".

And using Phil's digital camera, JD took a picture of us. We were laughing really hard because it was a funny scene watching him taking the pictures with his very chubby hands.

Tonight's Dinner

2007-01-10T20:55:00.000+09:00

The weather has taken a sudden cooler change today. It was thunder storm last night, coolish followed by a light drizzle this morning. So what better to have for dinner than a nice hot curry chicken.

I have been trying to imitate my mom's curry for years, but I just never got anywhere close to hers. So tonight, I added a few more spices and used quite a lot of oil to get that nice layer of chilli oil floating on the top. I think I am close to it. We ate that with some frozen roti prata (Buatan Malaysia)! Yummy, slurp slurp!

He is my boy

2007-01-09T21:32:00.000+09:00

JD and I have had lots of interesting conversations recently. Partly because he is not attending daycare this month and we are spending lots of time together.

JD saw me putting the Christmas tree back in its box and ready to be put back in the shed. He looked a little bit dissapointed as he saw me carrying the box out.

JD: "Mommy, why are you taking down the Xmas tree?"
Me: "Oh, because Xmas is over, Santa has gone back to Noth Pole and it's too hot in Australia now!"
JD: "Awwww, no more party!?"
Me seeing his dissapointment then said "Oh, Chinese New Year will be coming soon next month and we can have another party!"
JD: "Oh yeh, then we can eat LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF CHOCOLATES!"

Oh dear!

And tonight while watching the news, a jewellery shop commercial came up during the news break.

Me: "Oh wow, that's a beautiful ring!"
Hubby: "U like it? JD you buy one for mommy?"
JD: "Yeh, I have money, I will buy mommy one. Not for daddy. Diamonds only for girls"

Wahahahaha, he knows about diamonds already!?

On the note about JD not going to daycare this month, my bank balance is looking pretty good for the last few weeks. Everytime I open my purse, I smile seeing there's still cash in there and not being paid out to daycare. I am not sure about other parts of the world, but I find daycare in OZ is expensive. In last year alone, I spent around $10k on one child when I worked 4 days a week. Ouch! And as a couple, we pay the maximum tax and get the minumum rebates back from the government, tax system in Australia S.U.C.K.S!

Holiday after effects

2007-01-05T21:02:00.000+09:00

I don't think this muffin can get any sweeter than it already is.

My 3 yo is missing his father terribly after spending a week of holiday with him and having his father with him 24/7 for that whole week. This week he keeps asking me "Where has daddy gone? Still at work?" and he would bring the phone to me wanting to talk to his daddy.

Yesterday afternoon, he woke up from his afternoon nap wanting to make a cake for daddy. So I took out a box of cake mix and helped him make this chocolate muffin for his daddy.

He misses his daddy. And I think my husband is missing the kids too. Because he calls me just too many times in a day to ask what we are doing, if the kids are behaving, are the kids having a nap, what is JD doing, what is JD eating, does JD like his bike, is Chloe a good girl, is she sleeping, what time did JD wake up, and etc etc...

Hello 2007!

2007-01-04T14:46:00.000+09:00

We have been back in town since new year's day but I have been busy cleaning the house, packing and unpacking, stocking up on groceries (again) and pretty much easing into 2007. We had a wonderful break but I shall blog about that later on when I have a bit more time. We spent lots of time with each other, hanging out with the kids, lazed around on the beach, building sandcastle, eating, sleeping, reading and bummed around.

So here's wishing you a good year ahead from my 2 crazy kids. Looks like we already know whom would be running our lives this year.

January will be a busy month for me as I having both kids with me full time, 24/7...till JD starts kindy in Feb. And if you haven't heard from me on the blog, I am still around but maybe just buried under the pile of toys, laundry, nappies, cooking, story books, playdough and anything a 3yo and a nearly 6 months old would play and do :)

Christmas Day

2006-12-25T22:44:00.000+09:00

It was a lovely day.

JD had a lovely surprise with his new bike. He took it for a ride on the street with his new Spiderman helmet. Some of the kids on the street got a new skateboard, a basketball hoop, a mobile phone, some got a keyboard and all the kids on the street were running around with their newest present.

Chloe being the little darling she is, just enjoyed watching the festivities around her. Unlike her brother whom was going around shaking and volunteered to open everyone's present, she was the happy contended little baby happy to be in our arms.

We had a feast tonight. Fresh prawns, salmon, turkey & chicken sausages, black pepper steak, my homemade chicken satay, a watermelon & prawn salad and a huge plate of Greek Salad made by my brother in law. We finished all the food, no leftovers! Yeh!

Everyone were happy with their presents.

No doubt, with festive day like this, you always get some hyper kid whom have consumed far too many candy canes, overtired running around throwing a tantrum and being an absolute pain. Yep, we had that, and I whipped out my "naugthy corner" tactic and put a stop to any tantrums that might show its evil eyes again in the night.

Luckily we ended the night happily with everyone clutching their presents going home for a good night sleep...

I am going to have a good rest for the rest of the year and going on a holiday with my little family unit tomorrow.

I have had a great year 2006, with lots of wonderful events especially the arrival of my baby girl in July, my ever so crazy n loving JD who is still bringing me lots of smiles, my hubby, my wonderful family whom have made a special trip to Perth this year! I love you all!

Till the new year, have a good one everyone, with lots of love from us all here in Perth!

One more sleep...

2006-12-24T21:31:00.000+09:00

Now, u better be good! Otherwise Mrs.Claus Junior won't be bringing u much Christmas cheers this time round! And remember to leave her a glass of milk and a cookie :)

Here's a special Merry Christmas from our 5 months old celebrating her very first Christmas!

2006-12-24T19:27:00.000+09:00

And a special present is now sitting under the tree. I can't wait to see the look on JD tomorrow morning.

JD builds

2006-12-23T21:25:00.000+09:00

Lately JD has a new interest. Building. He builds and builds, through day and night. Lego blocks, Duplo blocks, Gear blocks, you name in, he builds it. And he is into rockets, space ship, aeroplanes and robots these days. He will build them using his blocks.

We can spend the whole day together building blocks.

"JD's Robot"

And he gets really upset when his sister accidentally kicks his creative genius while doing her "aerobics" on the floor. He said "Chloe, you are still too little to play my blocks!" Eh seh!

This morning, he told me he is building a city! A city with dinosaurs that came to eat children! Oh my! You see JD lying down on the floor. He would actually spend some time admiring his own creation each time he finished building something. A proud achiever indeed. And he should be.

JD posing with his "Scary Dinosaur"

My city

2006-12-23T21:00:00.000+09:00

Perth is a beautiful city by night! A place that I have called home for the last 9 years.

He is catching on

2006-12-22T16:47:00.000+09:00

Now this is funny. I always carry my digi camera with me everywhere I go. I take pictures of the kids, my food, people, scenery, myself, my cooking and etc etc. This morning I was taking pictures of some of JD's creations which I will talk about in another post. I think he had enough of me clicking away constantly he decided wanting to have a go. So I did, and look at this, picture of me by my 3 year old. I was impressed, more than impressed.

Only 4 more days

2006-12-21T10:39:00.000+09:00

Yes, only 4 more days to Xmas! I got my Xmas dinner sorted, but I still have a huge to do list. Better get off my chair and stop blogging!

Xmas Baking

2006-12-20T22:14:00.000+09:00

This year, I am doing something a little bit different for Christmas in terms of gifts for friends and families.

My kitchen Aid mixer has been working overtime, my oven has been baking hundreds of biscuits over the last few days, I recycle gift boxes, I got JD to help me roll the cookies dough into little balls, I cut the cherries, he helped himself along the way...all for the fun of Chrsitmas baking. I spent all my time in the kitchen the last few days, basking myself in the oven heat and while it was 35deg c outside. And I wasn't doing anything to conserve energy either, I had to turn on my aircon at one point to cool the house down.

Unfortunately, I was too busy trying to bake all the biscuits and forgotten to take any pics of JD in his little apron stuffing his face with cookie dough and cherries.

But here is the final product, box of Custard Cherry Biscuits and beautifully wrapped for JD's care provider at daycare.

Scare tactic...NOT!

2006-12-19T21:32:00.000+09:00

I brought the kids out this afternoon to get some groceries. Along the way, I stopped by at a shop hoping to get some vegies. And we bump into this Asian lady whom was friendly at first but soon turned into my joke of the day! Luckily I was in a rather humorous mood, and wasn't offended by the conversation.

This was our conversation with this Asian lady at the shop about Chloe and what I think my little baby girl must have be thinking as the Asian lady rattle on in Mandarin.

唉哟妹妹，你的脸为何红红的？

妈妈说因为我还小，有时因为天气热，皮肤会痒。

所以就红红咯！

可是老Aunty说，

妹妹脸红红是因为妈妈没给她搽 cream！

还说是妈妈的手有 “poison”,

所以有搽cream，妹妹的皮肤也是痒！

我看老Aunty有点“something wrong” 吧！

You see, I have noticed that the elderlies at times like to use silly stories to frighten us. Come on, I am not a first time mom, well, 2nd time mom, but I am not stupid to believe her old wives tales!

And the English version of the above conversation, and speaking in an Asian accent:

Old lady: "Eh, why your baby's face so red red ah?"

Me: "Oh, she has a bit of eczema and the heat makes her more prone to it"

Old lady: "You got put cream or not? Eh, your cream good one or not?"

Me: "Oh yeah, as prescribed by her pediatrician"

Old lady: "Ummm, u know what, I think hor, is because your hands got poison lah. So hor, even you apply cream for her, the poisons on your hand also make her skin red red you know!"

Me: "Ummm, is that right?"

She makes my day because I have never laughed so hard at someone's silly idea and she said it with such conviction! But then just imagine if that was someone else suffering from anxiety or slight depression, that person would have been heartbroken.

An Aussie Must Have

2006-12-17T21:01:00.000+09:00

Since moving to the OZ land 9 years ago, I have a few Aussie must haves.

One of my "must haves" is to own a barbecue (or barbie as we call it here)! Yes, an Aussie household is not complete without a backyard barbie, where you can throw pieces of steak, fish, sausages on the barbie, sit outside in the back garden, have a nice cold beer on a nice summer evening.

For years, I have had wanted to get one. But each year I kept putting it off, maybe just not sure of which one I really like, or I was just too stingy not wanting to part with my money.

Anyway, after spending countless evening, breathing in the aroma from the neighbour's barbie, hearing the laughters in the back garden, thinking how nice it would be, I decided I am getting myself a barbie for Christmas this year. Actually for the family.

And so we did. I walked into a barbie shop with Chloe last Tue morning, greeted by a very helpful middle aged salesman, half hour later and a phone call with the husband, I was sold. He was honest, straight to the point and he thought Chloe was cute as a button.

So, we spent an hour this afternoon putting it together and we had out first barbie at home this evening. I was thinking, this will be a way for the husband to do the cooking on the weekend. Hee hee.

And we are definitely having a barbie for this year's family Christmas dinner. I am not cooking a big fat turkey with the oven going at 200 deg c and when it is forcasted to be 39 deg on Xmas day and at the same time with my air conditioning going at full blast, it just seems so silly!

Play Safe

2006-12-16T09:31:00.000+09:00

Yesterday, after packaging up JD's Xmas crafts for the families back home, I went off to the post office with Chloe hoping to just get some stamps and sent them off. I was preparing myself for a long queue at the post office given this time of the year. The queue wasn't long but the process of just sending five A4 size envelopes took over 20 mins!

Apparently, the Xmas crafts JD made were considered to be "suspicious and potentially dangerous" materials! As they were not just the usual printed materials, and his crafts had some "gold dust", I had to fill in a custom declaration form to say they are" safe and posing no terrorism threat" and showing my ID!!!

Geez...and and, I had photos in one of the envelopes...and apparently the powder that used to print the photos were considered as explosive materials! Oooppps!

Anyway, so after filling in 6 custom declaration forms, letting the postie chick feel and touch and scan my envelopes, weighing them one by one....checking my ID, I was out of there! Hmph!

Sometimes I tend to think we can take things too far or just simply playing safe.

Happy Birthday!

2006-12-15T17:08:00.000+09:00

To my mom, Happy Birthday! Hip hip hooray! Lots of love from all of us here in Perth!