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.
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!!
