2009 is not going to be an easy year in many aspects. Being a pessimist, I would use the word "tough" to describe it. Being an optimist, Patrick would use words like "full of opportunities" to describe it.
Despite the looming prospects, there are still many things that I look forward to in 2009.
I look forward to more family time with my loved ones.
I look forward to the growth and development of my little girls.
I look forward to growing "young" with Patrick (young at heart lah!).
I look forward to the birth of my baby niece.
I look forward to meeting up with those very close and best friends of mine since school days.
I look forward to fostering happy working relationships with my colleagues.
I look forward to a rewarding career at work.
I believe if we are prepared for the worse and stay positive, we'll be able to weather all storms and come out stronger.
Happy New Year to All!
Enrichment Classes
Shannon is 17 months now. I reckon it's about time I expose Shannon to some kind of playgroup activities so that she has the opportunity to interact with children of her age.
We sent Rachel to her 1st playgroup when she was 15 months old. We were happy with the outcome of our action as Rachel grew up to be an extremely cheerful and sociable child. She is also highly adaptable to new environments. When we stopped her babysitting arrangement and placed her at a new childcare centre at the age of 3, we never have to go through wailing and screaming episodes every morning when we dropped her off at the centre. I was in the centre with her for only first half of the day (although I was allowed to sit through with her for 1st 3 days) and then she was on her own after that. At age 4, I switched her to PCF Nursery class and then a new childcare centre (closer to home) at the age of 5. With every change and new environment, it was painless and Rachel adapted well. Patrick and I attributed it partly to the effect of the playgroup sessions that it had on her. I hope she will have no problem assimilating into yet another new environment when she enters Primary one.
I did some search over the internet but have not decided on which playgroup to send Shannon to. I am not even sure if we have the time to do that as these playgroups for this age group are usually held once a week on weekends.
Our weekends (more of Saturday as Patrick and I agreed to reserve Sunday for family time) are now packed with enrichment activities for Rachel. She has violin and gymnastic lessons on Saturday, and will soon start her Kumon class on Saturday morning as well.
Patrick used to (still does at times) reprimand me for being a "kiasu" mother and depriving our child of a childhood that she rightly deserved. I do feel guilty of it at times. So now, I am cautious not to let Shannon follows suit. But some friends commented that I neglected Shannon.
I guess there is no right or wrong. It all depends on every development stage of what is best for the child.
We sent Rachel to her 1st playgroup when she was 15 months old. We were happy with the outcome of our action as Rachel grew up to be an extremely cheerful and sociable child. She is also highly adaptable to new environments. When we stopped her babysitting arrangement and placed her at a new childcare centre at the age of 3, we never have to go through wailing and screaming episodes every morning when we dropped her off at the centre. I was in the centre with her for only first half of the day (although I was allowed to sit through with her for 1st 3 days) and then she was on her own after that. At age 4, I switched her to PCF Nursery class and then a new childcare centre (closer to home) at the age of 5. With every change and new environment, it was painless and Rachel adapted well. Patrick and I attributed it partly to the effect of the playgroup sessions that it had on her. I hope she will have no problem assimilating into yet another new environment when she enters Primary one.
I did some search over the internet but have not decided on which playgroup to send Shannon to. I am not even sure if we have the time to do that as these playgroups for this age group are usually held once a week on weekends.
Our weekends (more of Saturday as Patrick and I agreed to reserve Sunday for family time) are now packed with enrichment activities for Rachel. She has violin and gymnastic lessons on Saturday, and will soon start her Kumon class on Saturday morning as well.
Patrick used to (still does at times) reprimand me for being a "kiasu" mother and depriving our child of a childhood that she rightly deserved. I do feel guilty of it at times. So now, I am cautious not to let Shannon follows suit. But some friends commented that I neglected Shannon.
I guess there is no right or wrong. It all depends on every development stage of what is best for the child.
Mummy to the Rescue!
Just when Shannon's blog almost died a natural death, I decided to devote a little of my time to rescue it! I decided to revamp the blog to be one that I will use to pen down my thoughts, feelings, encounters, write about anything under the sun and most importantly, about my darling angels. I took a 2-min crash course last night to learn from Patrick how to publish posts on blog. Blame it on my laziness + I am never into IT, technology and web stuff to pick it up earlier. From now onwards, the content of all posts will be from Mummy's perspective; i.e. yours truly. So I have tasked Patrick to re-design this blog to reflect the change and he has till end of this year to do it! A new beginning for this blog in a new year!
Nonetheless, I am very thankful for Patrick who started this blog for our little angel, Shannon, when she came into this world. Despite his busy schedule, he has spent time building up the blog during the first 12 months of Shannon's birth. And I took the credit for it! Cos many readers would think that it was Mummy who was writing on the blog. Only those friends of ours who read this blog knew it wasn't me. :p Now, it's about time I take over and do something for my little girls. I am not sure if I can write as well as Patrick and not sure if I have the stamina and perseverance to keep the blog going, but I will certainly try my best. A new year's resolution!!?? Ha!
So, here it goes....my first post! Stay tune for more to come.....in the new year!
Nonetheless, I am very thankful for Patrick who started this blog for our little angel, Shannon, when she came into this world. Despite his busy schedule, he has spent time building up the blog during the first 12 months of Shannon's birth. And I took the credit for it! Cos many readers would think that it was Mummy who was writing on the blog. Only those friends of ours who read this blog knew it wasn't me. :p Now, it's about time I take over and do something for my little girls. I am not sure if I can write as well as Patrick and not sure if I have the stamina and perseverance to keep the blog going, but I will certainly try my best. A new year's resolution!!?? Ha!
So, here it goes....my first post! Stay tune for more to come.....in the new year!
Green, green, grass of...
On my actual birth date, Mum and Dad brought my sister and I to Singapore Botanical Gardens. We were supposed to go out very early in the morning to stroll along the long and windy path at the park. The air would have been fresh.
But, as with all our outings, there were lots of things to pack and prepare. Most importantly were my milk powder, hot and cold water, diapers, clothes, bib, wet and dry tissue, hat, stroller... The bag just expands magically to fit in all my things. Then, of course, were the food and drinks for picnic. My sister also brought her favourite ball to play with Daddy.
By the time we reached the park, the sun was high on top of our head. It was hot and humid but we soon found a nice spot with plenty of shade to set our picnic mat. Mummy got busy spreading the food, while my sister ran away with the ball with Daddy right behind her. After a while, Daddy came limping back to us. No, he was not hurt. The sole of his right shoe came off, apparently caused by too much kicking and chasing after my sister!
Soon, the heat was overwhelming and we called it a day. Next stop was ice-cream at NYDC.
But, as with all our outings, there were lots of things to pack and prepare. Most importantly were my milk powder, hot and cold water, diapers, clothes, bib, wet and dry tissue, hat, stroller... The bag just expands magically to fit in all my things. Then, of course, were the food and drinks for picnic. My sister also brought her favourite ball to play with Daddy.
By the time we reached the park, the sun was high on top of our head. It was hot and humid but we soon found a nice spot with plenty of shade to set our picnic mat. Mummy got busy spreading the food, while my sister ran away with the ball with Daddy right behind her. After a while, Daddy came limping back to us. No, he was not hurt. The sole of his right shoe came off, apparently caused by too much kicking and chasing after my sister!
Soon, the heat was overwhelming and we called it a day. Next stop was ice-cream at NYDC.
1st Birthday (updated)
I celebrated my 1st Birthday at home with my family, relatives and friends. Mummy planned everything - from the catering, decoration, guest lists, invitations, party packs for children to a very special double-tier Sesame Street-themed birthday cake. Xie xie ni, Ma Ma! Wo ai ni.
Splish, Splash, Splosh!
It is a bright and hot sunny day.
"Let's go to the pool", shouted my cousins who just came over to visit us. They could hardly wait to take a dip. After a quick split-second (faster than Superman changing in the phone booth), they were all geared up in their swimming trunks and ready to go. And off they went with my sister, without me!
"Mummy, I want to go, too", I blabbered. I think she understood me from my body language when I saw them running out of the house. "Wait for me!"
I am not Superbaby and Mummy was busy. It took a long time before I got dressed up. After about half an hour, she brought me downstairs.
"Here I come...", as I kicked my legs in the air excitedly.
The water was very cold although it was already late in the morning. I cried and Mummy pulled me out from the pool. She tried a few times and then, patted water on my body. It felt better, although it was still cold. After a while, it was time to splash around. Woo-hoo!!
"Let's go to the pool", shouted my cousins who just came over to visit us. They could hardly wait to take a dip. After a quick split-second (faster than Superman changing in the phone booth), they were all geared up in their swimming trunks and ready to go. And off they went with my sister, without me!
"Mummy, I want to go, too", I blabbered. I think she understood me from my body language when I saw them running out of the house. "Wait for me!"
I am not Superbaby and Mummy was busy. It took a long time before I got dressed up. After about half an hour, she brought me downstairs.
"Here I come...", as I kicked my legs in the air excitedly.
The water was very cold although it was already late in the morning. I cried and Mummy pulled me out from the pool. She tried a few times and then, patted water on my body. It felt better, although it was still cold. After a while, it was time to splash around. Woo-hoo!!
Papa's home
It is wonderful to see Daddy home. He squeezed me tight and kissed my cheek when Mummy and I went to pick him up at the airport. What a nice feeling!
When we got home, I did not want to take my afternoon nap. I wanted to play with Daddy. I wanted to show him that I can now crawl on my own from one end of the house to the other. I can also stand up by holding on to the sofa, table or anything that I can grab on. He was pretty amazed at all the things I can do. I also like to "talk" and "sing" a lot, especially when I am sitting in my child-seat in the car. My sister likes to sing with me, too.
Do you like to sing? What are your favourite nursery rhymes?
Where is Mickey Mouse (Part 2)?
One of the magical moments at Disneyland is definitely the colourful and bright parade that circles around the theme park. I caught my first glimpse of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. When they appeared, the crowd went almost wild and started cheering and clapping. The atmosphere was amazing.
Where is Mickey Mouse?
My sister was very excited when we finally arrived in Hong Kong for 2 main reasons. One was because her favourite cousin from Singapore was waiting for us, secondly was that we would be going to Disneyland for a whole day.
We took the MTR from Yau Ma Tei to Disneyland. The journey was about half an hour. Since it was a weekday, it was not very crowded. But it was a very hot and sunny day.
I cried for milk when we reached Disneyland. Mummy found a seat and fed me, while the rest of our family dashed off. Daddy got busy snapping photos, while my sister pulled him to the nearest ride she saw. We did not see them again until about an hour later. Up next was the ever popular Space Mountain roller coaster ride in the stars. My sister did not want to go initially but she went ahead after our cousin brother said it is fun. And off they went. As there was no queue, they did not have to use FastPass at all.
We took the MTR from Yau Ma Tei to Disneyland. The journey was about half an hour. Since it was a weekday, it was not very crowded. But it was a very hot and sunny day.
I cried for milk when we reached Disneyland. Mummy found a seat and fed me, while the rest of our family dashed off. Daddy got busy snapping photos, while my sister pulled him to the nearest ride she saw. We did not see them again until about an hour later. Up next was the ever popular Space Mountain roller coaster ride in the stars. My sister did not want to go initially but she went ahead after our cousin brother said it is fun. And off they went. As there was no queue, they did not have to use FastPass at all.
Waiting for their turns eagerly... to go into space!!
5 minutes later, my sister came out crying. She said it was very scary. The ride twisted left and right, up and down into dark space, with only twinkling stars and loud music. She held on tightly to Mummy for the whole ride. Poor sister. She kept crying uncontrollably until we went on for lunch break. And then, it was as if nothing happened before... she was her fun old self again!
Have you been to Disneyland HK? Or any other countries? Share your stories with me...
Yummy King
I do not know where we were. But every few steps we moved about in Taipei, my family just stopped for food and more food. All of them ate a lot of delicious food the whole day while I had my milk and porridge. Yes, home(hotel)-cooked porridge!
Mummy borrowed a hot-plate cooker from kind Auntie Jemy. She woke up very early in the morning each day to prepare porridge for me while the rest of us were still sleeping like lazy pigs. How nice of her. Thank you, Mummy. I love you very much.
Sometimes, when my family enjoyed their food, they forgot about me. But Mummy always had some goodies in her bag for me that would always take away the tears from my eyes.
Mummy borrowed a hot-plate cooker from kind Auntie Jemy. She woke up very early in the morning each day to prepare porridge for me while the rest of us were still sleeping like lazy pigs. How nice of her. Thank you, Mummy. I love you very much.
Sometimes, when my family enjoyed their food, they forgot about me. But Mummy always had some goodies in her bag for me that would always take away the tears from my eyes.
Up, Up & Away
"Hello, bb! Welcome on board Cathay Pacific", greeted a lady in red with a big grin on her face.
"This way to the left aisle, please", as she showed the way to my Mummy.
As we moved through the narrow path towards the rear of the aeroplane, Mummy soon found our seats. She sat down and was promptly offered an infant seatbelt. The air stewardess helped Mummy with the use of the belt. "Click"... and I was securely fastened together with Mummy.
The noise on the plane grew louder and louder. I wondered what was happening outside. Then it started moving. Daddy prepared a bottle of warm water for me. Then, Mummy grabbed hold of me much tighter than before. The noise drowned out Mummy and Daddy's voices and I wobbled in Mummy's arms. I felt a sudden push to the back and leaned back on Mummy's chest.
"We are flying up, Shannon!", exclaimed Mummy.
"Woo-hoo!", shouted my sister with delight.
I started "digging" my ears after a while and fidgeted in my seat. Mummy let me drink water from my milk bottle. She said I would feel better. I do not know why but I think it did help.
As the plane climbed, I saw the ladies in red busy walking up and down the aisle pushing trolleys of food and drinks. Meanwhile, Mummy got a TV screen up in front of us and plugged in a huge headset. And that was how I enjoyed the rest of my flight to Taipei...
More stories on my first trip overseas coming soon... Drop by my Daddy's blog for a few of his stories.
My nose ran away
Mummy brought me to doctor and told him that I have runny nose. I then twitched my nose, touched it. Still there. I wonder why Mummy said my nose ran away. Anyway, I do not feel well now. It is very hot here since we came back from Hong Kong. Little droplets of water keep coming out from my head and body. So uncomfortable. When is Mr Rain coming to our house?
Worldwide Link Love
Oh, dear! Constance has tagged me. What does it mean? I have no idea at all. When I dropped by her site, I saw this message. Then, I just followed the instructions. Looks simple and sounds like fun. So, here it is. :D
~start copying here ~
Join the Worldwide Link Love!
Benefits of Worldwide Link Love!
1. Make new friends around the world.
2. Feel the Link Love.
3. Gain new readers and subscribers.
Rules:
1. Copy from ~start copying here ~ to ~ end copying here ~ and paste it on your blog.
2. At the end of the list, put your name and the country you are in, it doesn’t matter what’s your nationality just put the country where you are publishing your blog. Don’t forget to put links at your name.
3. If u have many blogs, you can link all of it, just make sure you post the same on each blog.
4. Tag eight (8) or more of your blog friends.
5. Tip for blogspot users: make sure you copy and paste the code in Compose mode.
Wanna join, and you can’t find your name on the list? Just leave a comment here.
Worldwide Link Love! Participants:
1. Julia (Philippines) 2. Catherine (Malaysia) 3. shimumsy(u.s.a) 4. Mitch (Philippines) 5. Hailey (Philippines)6. Sexymom (USA) 7. Liza (Philippines) 8. Geng (Philippines) 9. SunnySideUp Foodie (Singapore) 10. Caramelcorn (Singapore) 11. Constance (Singapore) 12. Twinkle (Singapore)
~ end copying here ~
Hmm.. who can I tag now? Ok, drum roll please.... Gargies, Aclx, Stephie.
~start copying here ~
Join the Worldwide Link Love!
Benefits of Worldwide Link Love!
1. Make new friends around the world.
2. Feel the Link Love.
3. Gain new readers and subscribers.
Rules:
1. Copy from ~start copying here ~ to ~ end copying here ~ and paste it on your blog.
2. At the end of the list, put your name and the country you are in, it doesn’t matter what’s your nationality just put the country where you are publishing your blog. Don’t forget to put links at your name.
3. If u have many blogs, you can link all of it, just make sure you post the same on each blog.
4. Tag eight (8) or more of your blog friends.
5. Tip for blogspot users: make sure you copy and paste the code in Compose mode.
Wanna join, and you can’t find your name on the list? Just leave a comment here.
Worldwide Link Love! Participants:
1. Julia (Philippines) 2. Catherine (Malaysia) 3. shimumsy(u.s.a) 4. Mitch (Philippines) 5. Hailey (Philippines)6. Sexymom (USA) 7. Liza (Philippines) 8. Geng (Philippines) 9. SunnySideUp Foodie (Singapore) 10. Caramelcorn (Singapore) 11. Constance (Singapore) 12. Twinkle (Singapore)
~ end copying here ~
Hmm.. who can I tag now? Ok, drum roll please.... Gargies, Aclx, Stephie.
Learning By Example
The best way to learn something is by show and tell. That was what Mummy did with me over the weekend. First, she taught me numbers (6-9 months, 1 year old, 2 years old). I also learned about alphabets (S, M, L) and colours (pink for girls, blue for boys). This is fun. I am already eager to start my next lesson.
P/S: I wonder what the girl behind was so curious about. I am just learning, you know.
Where are you?
Daddy, daddy,
where are you?
Mummy, sister
and I miss you.
Daddy, daddy,
play with me.
Make me laugh
and tickle me.
Daddy, daddy,
come home soon.
Can you return
before noon?
where are you?
Mummy, sister
and I miss you.
Daddy, daddy,
play with me.
Make me laugh
and tickle me.
Daddy, daddy,
come home soon.
Can you return
before noon?
Bite, bite!
Yippee! My teeth (yes, it is correct. Not tooth...) finally popped out from my gums. Two of them came out about the same time. Amazing, right? That was why I drooled very much recently and kept licking my gums with my tongue.
I have some questions that I hope you can help me to answer:
1. Is it normal to have 2 teeth growing out at the same time?
2. Why do they come up from my lower gums and not my upper?
3. When can I chew (like baby biscuits)?
4. When should I start brushing my precious new teeth?
5. When will the rest of my teeth grow?
6. How many teeth will I have by the time I turn 1 year old?
Sand - toss - ah?
Mr Sunny was up very early today. He looked very happy and was playing with Mr Cloudy and Miss Windy. All of them wanted to let me have a wonderful day outdoors because this would be my very first trip to a beach.
Mummy told me that we were going to Sentosa. I did not know where that is but all I knew was that I had to sit in my car seat for very long. When we reached a bridge, my sister jumped with joy as she pointed to cable cars flying above. My Sunny played hide-and-seek with me as we drove round the windy road which were well-shaded by trees. Peek-a-boo!
Soon, we found a lovely spot to set up our picnic mat. Mummy prepared sandwiches, snacks and drinks. And I had my porridge, too. After applying some lotion to protect our skin, my sister hurried off with her "barang-barang" (toys). Mummy placed me on the sand. That was fun. I could not help kicking away with my legs. And my sister gave me a little fork to play. Now I know why they call this place Sand-toss-ah!!! I love it here.
Chairman...
Should be chairbaby. That's what you call a baby who sits on a baby chair. :p
Mummy bought me this "oh, so expensive" chair from Takashimaya Shopping Centre. It is made in South Africa from very soft rubber material. It fits my little bum-bum very well. A few days after Mummy bought it, she received a mailer from Isetan. They had the same item at less than half the price, plus a free gift! Oops, poor Mummy.
Leftie or Rightie?
Mummy observes that I use my right hand more than my left to grab toys. Does that mean I am a right-hander? But experts from BabyCenter says otherwise. At 7+ months, it is still too early to tell. Probably have to wait a few more months or up to my 1st year birthday. When Mummy gives me a toy to hold on my left hand, I will grab it, too. But just that I use my right hand more often.
Does it matter if I am a right- or left-hander? Daddy told me that Grandma used to scold his sister when she was young for using left hand to write. It was seen as not normal because most people use their right hand. But my Daddy's sister (my auntie), secretly practised writing with her left hand anyway. And she grew up to be capable of using both hands to write. She is also the smartest child in Daddy's family. Hmm... something to think about.
Does it matter if I am a right- or left-hander? Daddy told me that Grandma used to scold his sister when she was young for using left hand to write. It was seen as not normal because most people use their right hand. But my Daddy's sister (my auntie), secretly practised writing with her left hand anyway. And she grew up to be capable of using both hands to write. She is also the smartest child in Daddy's family. Hmm... something to think about.
Sniff, sniff!
I am having runny nose now. Very uncomfortable. My sister is not feeling well, too. She was looking forward to going to the zoo with her classmates and teachers tomorrow. But she told Mummy that she does not want to go anymore because she feels tired.
Peas Porridge Hot
Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold
Peas porridge in the pot 9 days old
Some like it hot, some like it cold
Some like it in the pot 9 days old.
Peas porridge in the pot 9 days old
Some like it hot, some like it cold
Some like it in the pot 9 days old.
Mummy started me on porridge about 1 week before Chinese New Year. From just a tiny mouthful of rice cereal early this year, I moved on to bigger (mouthful) of food. I can now finish a whole bowl of porridge. Yummy!
New Friends
Added 2 new Friends of Angels - Miracle baby of Alan&Jemy and My Precious Darlings. See links at right side.
I went to little Shawn's baby shower (full month) on 1st March 2008. He is so cute... even when he is sleeping in his Mummy's arms. And the other sweet looking girl is sister Ashley. :D
I went to little Shawn's baby shower (full month) on 1st March 2008. He is so cute... even when he is sleeping in his Mummy's arms. And the other sweet looking girl is sister Ashley. :D
Sister's On Stage
Armed with more than 8 tickets, my family and I went to show our support to my sister's second violin performance on stage. It is Suzuki Students' Graduation Concert held at DBS Auditorium. Well, not that my sister is graduating, but she is one of the little twinkle performers. Literally, the stars of the day.
Before this day, my sister has been practising on her violin almost every night with my Mummy. Sometimes, though, her practise sessions can be quite a scene when she refuses to follow instructions. I heard cries at times but other times, laughter, cheers and claps fill the room.
Waiting for her turn with her best friend...
Twist here, twist there... last minute tuning
So serious...
3...2...1...Camera...Action!
97...98...99...100!!
Wow! That was tiring. It is no mean feat to do 100 push ups everyday, you know. Well, not that I did it continuously but I think the number is very close for the number of times I lift myself up each day and night. Every night Mummy puts me into my baby cot to sleep, I will turn and toss over in no time. And I will start my push up routine. Healthy lifestyle starts from young. :p But if Mummy catches me doing this during bedtime, she will then turn me over on my back again. And it repeats until the next morning.
Sit Up
I am now over 6 month's old. Let's see what I have learnt recently. I can sit up on my own but only for a few seconds before I fall forward on my head. Could it be because I have too much food inside my head? Mummy feeds me lots of milk and porridge everyday. Maybe I should learn how to jump, then the food will drop into my tummy or my bum-bum. That should help me to sit better. Any other helpful tips, please?
Balik Kampung
"Balik kampung" means back to village in Malay. This is what my Daddy does every Chinese New Year. Now, I am part of the family going back for my 1st CNY celebration. Daddy drove all the way back to his hometown, which is very very far away. I think I woke up a few times, drank milk and went back to sleep. Can't really help from falling asleep when I was well padded in my infant seat (thanks, Auntie Jemy).
Have a safe trip!
Gong Xi, Gong Xi
Mummy told me that Chinese New Year is coming soon. She has been teaching me how to clasp my hands together and moving them up and down while saying, "Gong Xi, Gong Xi... Gong Xi Fa Cai" (directly translates to Congratulations & Prosperity). I heard that I will be getting lots of angpow (red packets), too. Wonder why everybody is so excited about this. I will find out soon.
To all my blog fans out there (if there are still any left...), have a special and fun Chinese New Year!
To all my blog fans out there (if there are still any left...), have a special and fun Chinese New Year!
Rock and Roll
"Why such a long silence?", asked my fans.
That is because I have been busy learning how to roll over. It was not easy at first. Each time Mummy placed me on my back on my tiny cot, I would wriggle around. Then, with a little more twist and turn, I could flip around and rest on my chest... with a hand pinned underneath though. Still figuring out how to pull it out.
Any ideas?
That is because I have been busy learning how to roll over. It was not easy at first. Each time Mummy placed me on my back on my tiny cot, I would wriggle around. Then, with a little more twist and turn, I could flip around and rest on my chest... with a hand pinned underneath though. Still figuring out how to pull it out.
Any ideas?