Showing posts with label my firsts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my firsts. Show all posts
1st Lesson at LNT!
We have finally signed Shannon up for her 1st enrichment class at Little Neuro Tree. She took a short while to warm up but was really enjoying herself at the end of the lesson. The methodology, class structure, teaching materials of LNT are similar to that of Shichida which Rachel attended for slightly over a year when she was 2. However, the course fee is 3/4 of Shichida's. LNT focuses on right brain training of children between 3 months old to 6 years old using very creative teaching materials. I was pleasantly surprised with the standard and quality of the teacher at LNT. I will recommend LNT to my sister for Elysia.
Primary 1 Registration
Today is the 1st day of Phase 2C Primary One school registration in Singapore. I made an important decision today, i.e. to decide a Primary school for Rachel. To me, it is an important decision because deciding for one child, also means it affects the other child in 4 years' time.
I have been deliberating over the choice of 2 schools, both near to our home vicinity (within 1 km). The reason for shortlisting these 2 schools is because, one has a string ensemble CCA (which I hope Rachel will be able to join when she progresses to Pri 3), and for the other school, hearsay among mothers and teachers in the neighbourhood that it is a better school in terms of its academic results as it gives out a lot of school work for the children.
Up till last night, I could not decide which school to pick. So I drove Rachel to both schools for her to take a look and gave the choices to her. I asked her which school does she prefer to study in for her Primary school years. To help her further, I told her, if 1 school has to play violin, the other school has a lot of homework to do, which one would she choose.
She replied me without hesitation, the latter school. The choice is clear to her. When I asked her why is it that she does not like to play violin. She said because she can't sit down when she's playing violin. What a reason!
Hearing my little girl, I finally sorted out my thoughts, as much as I would like her to continue playing violin, I do not want to assert too much pressure on her that she must take up a CCA in that in school. I will just let her continue with her weekend violin class.
The primary one placement results will be out on August 11. Past records of this school showed that balloting is required even for those staying within 1km. I hope I do not have to go through the balloting phase this year given that the birth rate was considerably low in Year 2003.
I have been deliberating over the choice of 2 schools, both near to our home vicinity (within 1 km). The reason for shortlisting these 2 schools is because, one has a string ensemble CCA (which I hope Rachel will be able to join when she progresses to Pri 3), and for the other school, hearsay among mothers and teachers in the neighbourhood that it is a better school in terms of its academic results as it gives out a lot of school work for the children.
Up till last night, I could not decide which school to pick. So I drove Rachel to both schools for her to take a look and gave the choices to her. I asked her which school does she prefer to study in for her Primary school years. To help her further, I told her, if 1 school has to play violin, the other school has a lot of homework to do, which one would she choose.
She replied me without hesitation, the latter school. The choice is clear to her. When I asked her why is it that she does not like to play violin. She said because she can't sit down when she's playing violin. What a reason!
Hearing my little girl, I finally sorted out my thoughts, as much as I would like her to continue playing violin, I do not want to assert too much pressure on her that she must take up a CCA in that in school. I will just let her continue with her weekend violin class.
The primary one placement results will be out on August 11. Past records of this school showed that balloting is required even for those staying within 1km. I hope I do not have to go through the balloting phase this year given that the birth rate was considerably low in Year 2003.
Our Pet Lobster
This is the fresh water lobster that Rachel brought home from her violin concert. Actually, not exactly the same one, because the original lobster that was given by her teacher died after 2 weeks. Cause of death : unknown.
So I went to the aquarium shop and bought her a new lobster. I don't think we will ever let the children keep any animals (such as cat, dog, hamster, rabbit etc) as pets in the house. We don't mind to keep a little water creature in a small plastic tank at home to let the children play with. Still can qualify as a pet right?
Fresh water lobster is easy to rear. Just feed it with a few grains of cooked rice every day and change its water twice a week. We used filtered water, really "fresh" huh? Hope this replacement lobster will survive longer than the first. So far so good. It has been with us for more than a month now.
So I went to the aquarium shop and bought her a new lobster. I don't think we will ever let the children keep any animals (such as cat, dog, hamster, rabbit etc) as pets in the house. We don't mind to keep a little water creature in a small plastic tank at home to let the children play with. Still can qualify as a pet right?
Fresh water lobster is easy to rear. Just feed it with a few grains of cooked rice every day and change its water twice a week. We used filtered water, really "fresh" huh? Hope this replacement lobster will survive longer than the first. So far so good. It has been with us for more than a month now.
Toothless Angel
Rachel's lower front milk tooth dropped off today. This was her 1st tooth that came off. She was really excited and called me at the office to tell me the news. I asked if it hurts and she said no. What a brave girl!
The Little Big Club Show
Here we go to watch The Little Big Club Band Live in Singapore! I brought the 2 kids to watch this family entertainment show which consists of Barney, Baby Bop, BJ & Riff, Bob the Builder, Wendy & Spud, Fireman Sam & Norman, Angelina Ballerina & Alice, Fifi & Bumble, Pingu, all 14 cartoon characters in one fabulous show!
Jie Jie has been to many of such shows (such as Disney on Ice, Sesame Street, The Barney & Friends Show, Hi-5 Concert etc) but this is the first time I brought Shannon to watch a kids concert. She was really excited.
Jie Jie has been to many of such shows (such as Disney on Ice, Sesame Street, The Barney & Friends Show, Hi-5 Concert etc) but this is the first time I brought Shannon to watch a kids concert. She was really excited.
Suzuki Violin Level 1 Assessment
Rachel has been preparing for her violin assessment test for the past few months. If she passed this assessment, she would be able to attend the Suzuki Graduation Concert in March. She took her assessment on Feb 7 but did not manage to get through. I was surprised when the Teacher told us there is a re-take for those who failed because initially I had thought that she would have to wait for another year to take the level 1 assessment again.
I must say the piece that she had to play for her assessment was not an easy piece for a 5-year old child. I don't think I would be able to play it well myself. Sometimes, I feel guilty of giving my little girl too much pressure instead of allowing her to enjoy learning music.
Take a look at her practice session:
I must say the piece that she had to play for her assessment was not an easy piece for a 5-year old child. I don't think I would be able to play it well myself. Sometimes, I feel guilty of giving my little girl too much pressure instead of allowing her to enjoy learning music.
Take a look at her practice session:
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!!
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.
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.