Autopsy of Ann

Just when I thought I survived CNY without illness.....

2012-01-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought I survived CNY without the kids falling ill, both of them decide to pull a fast one with me....right after the public holidays.

It started with Christopher's 2 day bout of vomitting. He practically vomitted after every meal. And no....he didn't eat much junk so I can't even blame it on the junk. As a result he is in Ipoh as I write trying to put back on some weight.

After which on Friday evening, Caylee started developing a fever and a cough. This girl always gets a fever when she has any hint of an infection. It started dry and is fast developing into a phlegmy cough. As a result since Friday evening, she has rejected her milk. No matter what method or utensil I use to administer the milk, it fails. So....have been giving her some yogurt and cheese and a whole lot more fish to replace the protein.

And on Sunday, to make matters worse, she fell from her chair in the restaurant. It was one of those plastic chairs coz she refused to sit in her baby chair and how the h*** did I know a kid can fall off a plastic chair that way? Else I would have forced her to sit in her baby chair you would think.

She bit her lip falling backwards and the chair kinda 'softened' the impact of the fall on her head. Still she has a little red bump at the back. But the cut on her lip bled profusely. Thank God I wore red that day.

It's all swollen with some clots this morning. Poor baby did not even want to use the straw or spoon to drink some water. She has lost some weight. I can feel her ribs now. I hope the nanny will be able to get some food into her today.

And my mum just called to tell me Christopher seems to be down with a slight cough and runny nose.

Just when I thought I survived....I have be resilient and see it all through with a smile.

Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

Actually nothing much has been happening but I just want to remember the days to date.....will write at random as I try to recall.

House issues
I guess the main thing I did, since it is still outstanding now, is that I bought some direct on rust paint and started a mini painting project for my balcony grill. I decided to start on Saturday evening which drove my hubby up the wall coz he was scared I will fall ill standing there in the hot sun. Painted half and then half burnt told hubby "Can we pay someone to complete it for me?" It looks much better now, the half that I painted so the sense of achievement is taking over and maybe will complete the rest someday soon.

We have been house looking these days. More to keep tab on the prices of houses since our current place will be too small as the kids grow up. We still hope to maintain one guest room and hopefully I will get a store room. But a move will not be in the near future unless we see a good deal!

We also replaced the fan in the 2nd room. It was drama with that fan coz we bought an extension pole that did not fit the cover. Seemingly the new model of Panasonic and KDK fans don't have extension poles. But our kind electrician managed to find an older model of fan cover for us to use with the pole we had. And he only charged me RM35 to fix the fan. The waiting was horrible it being CNY coming and my parents sleeping in that room. Thank God for small miracles and resourceful people.

Christopher
Have been teaching Christopher dates on the calendar these days. Also trying to help him understand the concpet of yesterday, today and tommorrow. He always uses yesterday when he is refering to incidents in the past. So right now, he tries to remember to say 'last time' instead. He has been marking days off teh calendar too coz I got fed up with him asking if he needs to go to school tommorrow. But I think his mind goes blank when I get to 31st Jan and have to move to 1st Feb. Oh well....in due time.

I am still debating in my mind if I should let him go back for one week to Ipoh with my parents. He will miss one week of school but he will still be doing writing and reading in Ipoh. So, his studies will be alright. And he can eat and sleep much better in Ipoh. Just don't know if it will be a bad practice.

Started looking around seriously for a one to one Mandarin teacher for him. It will be more expensive but I want to kind of sit in during the class so that I can also learn a little bit from the teacher.

He has taken his duty as teacher to Caylee quite seriously. Once in a while I hear him telling Caylee to call him "kor kor" and he will give her a present. I actually told Caylee this one day and he overheard. So sometimes he says "Mui mui, you call mummy lah. Got present you know. Presents very nice wan."

Else he will say "Don't cry lah mui mui. You have to talk then only I understand what you want. You cry I don't know what you want."

He imitates what we say. And the sister imitates what he does! Sigh.....

On the 2nd day of CNY, I let the kids play in the pool in the afternoon. To cool them off since it was a hot hot afternoon and they were in a foul mood. They had loads of fun and I am glad they are still ok today without any runny noses. After everything was cleared up, I asked Christopher if he had fun. He said 'yes' and then he asked me back "Did you have fun too mummy?" And I told him 'no' coz of all the work to pump up the pool and after that to clean up outside and then take care of them so that they don't catch a chill. So, who is going to take care of mummy? And his hand shot up and he declared "I will take care of mummy". Awww......so he promised to be a good boy and sit quietly and watch his sister while I go take a shower. First time I leave them on their own and go upstairs. Thank God no mishaps.

Caylee
It is hilarious to see Caylee following the brother's antics. Right down to how his hand moves or whether he moves it up or down. If kor kor laughs and holds his tummy. She will laugh and hold her tummy. I also laugh and sake my head watching them.

That is when thye are not fighting. This girl really doesn't want to lose out. Whatever the brother has, she wants. And even more. But the brother has kinda given in to her. So much so I reckon the girl is taking advantage of it more and more.

She does call me "mami" when she cries. Once kor kor said she called "dadi" but I didn't hear it. She will talk in time I guess. Right now I am using song to encourage her to learn to make the right sounds.

On CNY day, I dressed her up in a red dress. Sorry....no pics. Took alot of effort and persuasion and distraction on our part to get her to leave it on and get out of the house. Even kor kor helped to persuade her to wear her dress. She really is a shorts/pants girl. But with all her climbing, I think sometimes best she wears pants. So she doesn't scrape her knee or show off her colourful diaper.

She's taking to eating rice now. Thankfully she still doesn't reject her porridge when I cook it for her. Thank God for her nanny who still cooks porridge for her. Christopher did not have such luxury of a longer nanny's care.

For CNY, Caylee drove almost everyone up the wall by insisting on trying every biscuit on the table. She was not satisfied until you gave her a taste...then she will decide if she wants another piece of not. Of course, when mummy says no, she better listen. This mummy won't give face even in public when it comes to their discipline. Pity the people around me who don't like to hear kids cry. She also tried to peel the mandarin orange herself coz I won't allow her to eat any. In the end she got some by sitting next to anyone who was eating one. And giving them some puppy look and sweet smile while pointing to the orange. This girl!!!

As for me
Before CNY, I was so in the mood to pamper myself. So, bought myself 2 pairs of shoes. One sandals at a ridiculous cost of RM40 (new arrival). But decided to just get it coz my current sandals is no good for CNY. It's black when it's supposed to be white! :) And the new one was really colourful so just went for it.

Also bought myself nail polish and decided to paint my toe nails. When the kids saw it, they REFUSED to come near me. And when my leg went anywhere near them, they would run away. Good for me coz my daughter bugged the dad for the next few hours unless she forgot I had alien toe nails. But by the end of day 1 CNY, both the kids were alright with it. The girl coz she saw kor kor touching my nails and nothing happened to him. The boy coz he at last believed that mummy painted the nails and they are not blood left by some alien. He received confirmation coz one of our relatives also painted her toe nails the same colour. So, how can it be an alien doing right? However, he asked me why I wanted to paint them and not leave them white. He says white is nicer woh! :)
That is more or less everything. We are still in the CNY mood. Right until we make our exodus to Ipoh and spend spend spend and eat eat eat the last few days of CNY. Then we will wait for March when our next big thing will be happening. And this year, I am so going to make Langkawi happen. Just trying to find the right time.

He's got homework

2012-01-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

Well....Christopher came back with 2 pages of homework yesterday. According to the principal, it's homework time for his age group.

Part of me is thinking.....what is he doing during daycare? Not his homework? Or was there too much that he could not finish it in the 4 and a half hours he was there. Or was the teacher too busy to look out for his homework?

Sigh....anyways, homework for kid is homework for mummy.

Allowed him some TV before dinner. Took him 1 hour to finish his dinner. Let him rest a bit for 30 minutes. And then another hour of homework. Everything was done only by 10 pm. He whined for some cartoons so allowed him 30 minutes more.

And while Christopher was studying, Caylee was upstairs with the daddy. Most of her toys have been taken upstairs now until I can get the other room prepped as Christopher's study room. Daddy is sulking coz he is also stuck upstairs from 9 pm onwards with the girl. :)

I was exhausted coz at 10pm after teaching Christopher, I still had to hang up the laundry, iron his uniform, wash his bottle and tidy up for tommorrow.

Some restructuring required to get the jives in motion for this year. Maybe I need to put my personal plans aside for a while.

10 days in Ipoh causing me a headache!

2012-01-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

So, my son spent 10 days in Ipoh. In this 10 days, I think I spoke to him 4-5 times. Most of the times, he had loads to tell me. And when he wasn't talking to me, I could hear him chatting away with his por por or kung kung.

Did I miss him? Truth be told not as much as I thought I would coz I was very busy house cleaning and taking care of the girl. Though as soon as he was back with me, I did enjoy his incessant chatter and his logic and working with him.

And in this 10 days in Ipoh, my son has put on significant weight - additional 2 kg. I was quite shocked when I saw him. I never knew he had the potential to put on weight. And he has gone darker too due to his daily 2 hour park time with kung kung.

He was a happy kid. Eating well, sleeping well and very even tempered because he was getting all the attention.

I wish he had a more rounded life in PJ. I wish I could tend to his lunch and give him a proper breakfast. I wish I could cook nicer dinners for him and get pomfret for him to eat every other day. But my energy and my time is failing. Cost aside for the pomfret, freshness becomes a concern.

So, anyways, since I cannot change much of what I can give him in PJ, the best I can do is to allow him to go back to Ipoh more often. But that would mean sometimes he would be skipping school. Which is really quite fine with me since he learns better with por por. He progresses so much faster in his Peter and Jane, has learnt to spell and write his name very well and has even learnt some science.

But Mandarin we cannot teach and if he will be missing some days of school, that would mean missing some Mandarin too. So, I am thinking of enrolling him with a home tutor who can teach him at his pace and replace classes that he misses. Any suggestions?

And I have decided to outsource some of my house work AT LAST! I think several people will be sighing with relief. But I have googled and cannot find a part time maid that can suit my timing. I am thinking of one for Wed (6-8pm) and another on Sat evening. Any suggestions again?

I gave my optometrist a hard time!

2011-12-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

I have had a long term affair with spectacles. The first time I put on my glasses, I was in Standard 4 with a degree of 300+. I remember taking DAYS to get accustomed to the slanting floor and the sharpness of dust particles in the sunlight surrounding me. My parents said that confirmed I was short sighted when they asked me to look at the birds (they were supposedly colourful) on the telephone pole. And I was like "where??"

Anyways.....it has been years. Now, if ever I take off my glasses, I feel a little naked and a lot insecure. During my wedding day when I got myself contacts, I found myself subconciously reaching up to 'fix' my glasses only to find myself grasping air instead.

Anyways back to the point.

I went to visit my favourite optometrist tonight. More coz Caylee broke the bridge rest of my specs and I had to have it changed. And since we were there, decided to test my eye sight. Of late my power has been steadily decreasing. So, my fear to get my eyes checked has turned into slight anticipation.

Went through the motions of answering "which is clearer? the 1st or the 2nd? the 3rd or the 4th? etc."
For the life of me, they looked all the same to me. So I kept giving the poor guy half hearted answers. And he sounded so incredulous asking me "Are you sure? Let's do that again. Ask me to repeat if you are not sure, ok". So, I sensed something was amiss.

And this was just for my right eye. We haven't even done my left!

Sometimes in between, he even told me "You are trying too hard! Don't overthink it. Just look at tell me."

"Close your eyes and relax. Just look and decide. Don't have to think so hard!".

At this point I was actually laughing and really felt sorry for him. I reckon after some 15 minutes, he gave up on my right eye and did my left. At least my left eye gave more consistent results!

In the end, he told me that for my right he was giving me a difference of up to 100 points and I was still telling him there is no difference! How can that be so? Poor fella....truthfully, there really wasn't much difference!

Anyways....in the end he put my current specs on. Put a reduction lens of 50 in front of me and WOW....what a difference. It was like a burden has been taken off my eyes. Things were so much clearer and so much easier to see.

Thinking of it now, I should have asked him to put a 100 reduction to see if things were even clearer! But I reckon that would be too sudden a drop.

His final word to me was "I think your eyes have learnt to accommodate too much. I am wondering if you were ever wrongly diagnosed a prescription."

Well, I wonder myself. But at least I know I am in good hands now. Thank you Mr. Edmund. So, to all my 4 eyed friends......if ever you want a good optometrist, head over to Bond Eyecare in SS2 and Mr. Edmund and his lovely wife will attend to your needs.

So, I will start my new year with new eyes, framed in brown. Seems that is the only colour that makes me look 'prettier'! :)

Have a happy new year one and all. Look with your eyes but see with your heart.

Year End Cleaning

2011-12-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

I had only one plan - to wipe all the fans in the house. But oh! what a plan it turned out to be.

Brought the ladder to the master bedroom one evening after work. Prepared the cloth and a pail of water. Climbed the ladder till step 3 and looked up! GOSH! The fan still looked so far away. Took another tentative step up and staright away came down. Spent a few minutes trying to motivate myself.

"One more step, it won't be that bad."
"At most, you just jump down on the bed."
"It's a ladder....you won't fall down."

No words of motivation helped.

In the end I took everything back downstairs. Tried the downstairs fan. OK....only require me to go up to Step 4. I can do this.

And I did.

Cleaned the lights and fan in the living room one evening.
Cleaned the dining and kitchen fan and lights another evening.

You see....I don't have to cook so my evenings are relatively free-er!

After comfortably going up and down 4 steps of the ladder, I thought I would be ok with Step 5 and attempted the master bedroom again.

Gosh....I am beginning to curse my high ceilings. Or that fact that I did not lower the fan!

I had to climb up to Step 6 on the ladder and even then I had to strain my hands and look up to clean the idiotic 5 blade fan.

And when you are up there, the walls sure looks dirty too!

So, as of Day 3, I have cleaned the sliding balcony door, all fans (except the other roon upstairs which is HIGHER than the master room), changed the master and living room curtains and mopped all the floors.

Before the day is through I need to at least wipe the walls a little bit and some furniture. Then for once at least I can say I am 80% satisfied with the house cleanliness.

Was just telling my colleague that day that there is always SOMETHING requiring cleaning in the house. I am never truly satisfied that nothing else requires to be done.

That's a house for you! I need some sweet sweet refreshingly cold juice now.

Christopher

2011-12-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

Christopher is a very sweet boy. My mum always comments that it makes taking care of him such a pleasure.

Just that day, we were at IPC and they had a craft session FOC. So, I sat with him to make a felt flower craft. And when it was done, I asked him who he will be giving this gift to? Without a moment's hesitation, it was 'Por por'! Nah....as a mum, I don't mind at all. He gives me enough hugs every night. :)

He eats much better now. Ever since I started the no TV, eat at the dining table rule. He still fidgets alot having to sit at the dining table, but he is getting there. Still eats about half the meal on his own and then requests that someone feed him. Still tries to talk in between bites and then forgets to swallow. He has a bad habit of biting....then talking....then biting again. Nope....no swallowing in between except for his saliva. Thus he sometimes requires water to swallow when the food gets too dry. I never knew there was a art to eating till Christopher!

He is 100% toilet trained, I would say since 5 months back, when I started 'complaining' that he would wake (only) me up to open the bathroom door for him. The door knob is kinda weird so I accept that he cannot open it yet in his urgency.

Still LOVES his vehicles. He especially loves to line them all up and pretend it is a car park/airport/traffic jam etc.

Reading is improving as well as writing. Doing some work with him everyday so he accepts it as routine to work with mummy.

Loves his cartoons though can't really sit through a cartoon movie.

Sleep time is 10.30 for him after his daily PowerPuff girls. I don't see his attraction to that cartoon....but there really isn't anything else bettter at that time.

So anyways, he will be going off to Ipoh later today. He has one more week of day care left before the holidays. So, instead of my parents moving up and down so soon, they have decided to take him home with them.

I will miss my son this Christmas. I hope he will have a swell time in Ipoh with my parents.

More love and affection adn time for Caylee, who I reckon has it lacking, being #2. Maybe will bring her to the nearest beach. Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Fainted

2011-12-14T16:12:00.000-08:00

What an experience. Now, I can look back at it and call it an experience.

I fainted in the bathroom on Tuesday morning, 13th of December.

Since the Malacca trip, I was already feeling a little at odds. Did not have much of an appetite. Slept badly. Overtired and overstressed. The kids have been fighting bloody wars.

Had a bad headache and a vomitting spell Sunday evening on the way back from Malacca. Dismissed it as hungry and ate some food. Felt better.

The feelings came back on Monday evening. Was on the way to the airport to pick up my parents. All the way in a half way crouch while holding on to the girl.

By the time we reached home, I was down with a fever and severe abdomenal pains. Crawled to bed after a milo. Spent the early part of the night asking hubby to sponge me down while I curled up shivering. It was terrible.

Slept at last.

The next morning, I thought I was alright, though still a little uncomfortable. Went to the toilet to get ready for work. The minute I opened the toothpaste, the mint smell made me sick. I literally felt a coldness sweep through me. Put back the toothpaste and toothbrush and was about the return to bed. And that was the last thing I remembered.

The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes and was wondering where am I? Why is the surface so hard. Why does my neck and head hurt? Why is there a beam over my head? Then I remembered.

I tried to sit up. After a few minutes, it was total blackness again and I lay myself down.

I think I attempted this a few times but I could never sit up.

Who found me? Christopher. He had come to relieve himself. And insisted on doing so first before he went to call daddy. Then he woke up the entire household as well exclaiming "Mummy fainted!"

When daddy came, he told me to get up and get to bed. But I could only faintly hear him. I was sitted up at that time and just lay down on the floor. Who cares about the dirty rag on the bathroom floor!

Well, he half carried me to bed and I just lay there for a good few minutes. Took some ribena and oats and felt slightly better.

2 days now and my abdomen still hurts. When I try to do something vigourous, I still feel light headed. My neck and head hurts like mad where I must have hit when I fainted. Had to resort to pain killers and muscle relaxants.

It was a good thing I did not hit my head on the toilet bowl or anything. I have never fainted thus far and till today I am wondering what was the real trigger of my downfall.

I am glad I still cry....

2011-12-01T23:02:00.000-08:00

I asked a simple question in my head one day. It was a gloomy day that day, in my heart and mind. I saw people around me achieving so much more than me. Going places, gaining experiences, experiencing fine things, trying new things, getting rewards, basking in praises....in short just having it better than me.

I tried to seek consolation in that perhaps I am a good mum. But my kids were ruder than her's. I tried to find an identity, a role, anything that I can take solace in. And all that came to mind was "You are a child of God".

And still the question came easily to my mind "Is it (really) enough just being a child of God?"

If you never had to question yourself, your existence and your worth, that's great. It ain't fun at all working through such emotions. But I am glad I still cry.

God is seeing me through this. Only God can. And I can say with an outstanding 'YES' that indeed being a child of God is not only enough but the only identity I want to relate myself to.

God has seen me through 2 incidents which I want to remember.

When friends fail not only to lend a hand but they turn away from you.
Matthew 26:36-45 tells us about the time just before Jesus was betrayed. He asked his disciples to keep watch with Him. 2 times Jesus came back to find His disciples sleeping. Yet at the end of the day, Jesus was a comfort to his disciples. And He could be a comfort because He had an endless well of comfort given to Him. As a child of God, we can reach that stage where we can continuously draw comfort. That we may always be a comfort to everyone else. God gives us all the help and all the acceptance and all the friendship we will ever need.

My life is insignificant
As long as we remain faithful and do God's will, it doesn't matter what we get or don't get on earth. At the end of the day, we are all evaluated based on our faithfullness. Like Paul and his letters. It may have seemed a small act at that time. But the effect of it is lasting generations to come. So, as long as I am doing God's will for me on earth. Even though right now my kids may seem ruder than others. Even though I am not seeing places or experiencing new things. I have a peace because I know it is the place and the time that God has willed for me.

I am so glad I still cry. I listen to sermons and I still feel my heart move and tears fall down my cheek. I still feel the need to stand for an altar call. Just that day, while stilll struggling with everything in my heart, I heard this song by Don Moen 'I will Sing' from a CD I picked up to play in my car. And I started to cry and cry so much so I had to pull over. But today I hear the same song and I can sing it with an understanding and am reminded of God's peace.

So, I am very glad I still cry. In tears I begin to know God.

A hectic week

2011-11-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

I just completed one long week of regional training. It was not as scary as I thought. Some areas were not covered as well as I would have liked it. But overall, all questions were answered and accepted.

Stayed in Parkroyal KL that week. So, didn't see the kids for 5 nights.

Caylee was surprisingly a little shy when I picked her up from the nanny on Friday. And she stuck to me like glue the entire night. Goes to show what a few nights away can do.

Christopher was also a darling. He kept looking at me and smiling. And even the next morning he hugged me and gave me a kiss.

The one week in Parkroyal should have felt like a holiday for me. And would have been a good time for me to catch up on sleep. But it was entirely the opposite. In fact by Friday, I was happy to go back to my own bed, sleeping at 10 pm with my daughter.

For the whole week there, I only hit the bed pass 12am. And only managed a 4-6 hour sleep.

However, I managed to watch some adult TV (not the dirty kind!), do some shopping and eat my dinner in peace. The late hours were mainly due to catch-up office work.

****
On the home front....

Christopher has taken to waking up in the wee hours of the morning of late to go to the toilet. At least he now knows how to wake up. But to me I feel it is quite disruptive to his sleep. He wakes up sometimes in a bad mood because of this. Hope things settle down for him soon.

Next year is school registration for him. Have left me considering what to do with his after school care when the time comes. Am considering taking him out of his current daycare and putting him with a daycare that also caters for after school care when he turns 7. At least he has 2 years to settle down with his daycare before the next big milestone in his life.

Caylee still refuses to talk. She actually knows how to call me, her grandma and even her daddy but she has a mouth of gold. Her understanding of instructions is marvellous. She knows what to do when I tell her to 'Hold your spoon with your right hand, not your left'. And I say this without any actions mind you. I can talk to her like I do with Christopher and she understands completely 80% of the time what is expected of her. But she refuses to talk.

When I force her to talk, she will look at me sheepishly and try to change the subject. It normally works and I am allowing her the leniency of taking her time.

****
For the month of December, it will be really busy for me. Caylee's nanny will be taking leave. So I will have to take care of the little one by myself and also attempt to work. I am still expected to go to Parkroyal 1-2 days to give training. But in between all that, I am looking forward to a short holiday, just the 4 of us. And some Christmas cheer come month end. I wish I could go to Singapore and watch the broadway musical Wicked all by myself. But then again.....that's a whole different story.

Issues are looming ahead for me at work.....but there are some battles that are not yours to fight. So, will just have to embrace change and learn anew.

Thank God for God.

Indulgence!

2011-11-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

I always try to limit the number of tubs of ice cream I have in the freezer to 2. Mainly due to space and also, man! there has got to be some limitation. But today I broke my 2 tub rule.

Who can resist a Buy 2 free 1 deal when it comes to HD.

And each tub was selling at RM28!

And the other day, I was craving some ice kacang.

"Not Snowflakes?' hubby asked.

"No" I told him. "Something cheaper this time round...."

But behold....ice kacang has gone canggih on me.

And costing RM3 now.

Comes with spoon so you can literally eat and go!

AND

Since I was downloading pics.....my handbags from US.

There are 3 - costing USD 28, 32 and 45.

Guess which price tag belonged to which bag.

Sorry....no prizes for getting it right.

Places I have tried of late....

2011-11-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

1) Restoran Makanan Laut Wang Chiew @ SS2/103
Located in SS2 residential area, somewhere behind the Balai Bomba.
I was told it was really popular so I went early. The owner was a real friendly chap. Very mindful of the kids, to the point of telling off this Indon girl who served one dish over the head of my girl. Price wise very reasonable. I felt it a tad too MSG-ish but it could be just me and not them.

2) Blossoms Cafe, along the same row @ SS2/103
LOVE this cafe, although it is open only for lunch. We went on a Sat afternoon and had a satisfying meal with desert for less than RM30. Ordered 3 noodles each costing between RM5-7. Very home cook-ish which is GREAT for me. Tasty enough for my picky son, cheap enough for hubby and wholesome enough for me. Even my daughter had some noodles. For desert, had cakes. AND I TELL YOU....the cakes in itself is enough for me to go back there. No more Secret Recepie or whatever not for me. The durian cake we had was really good. And the ice cream is home made. Per slice costing about RM4-6. I can't tell you how excellent it is!

3) Cherry Cake Shop in PJ Old Town, same row as McD
If not for the fact that my bro in law told me about this shop, I would never have thought to enter it. It is like those olden really old cake shops. HOWEVER, their lunches are pretty good I heard. I went on a Sunday and they didn't have any lunch on a Sunday, so I can only tell you by what have heard. They have a speciality lunch everyday so go check it out and then decide which meal you want to try. Heard their spicy lunches are really nice. Anyways.....I went there to get their lemon cheese pie RM17. LOVELY ! Sour enough and not too filling. Tried their banana loaf as well RM5 (I think). YUMMY! And bought some bread which was equally good. They have those wife pastires etc. if you ever have a longing for them which I heard are very good too.

4) Restoran Pin Xiang, Aman Suria.
Read about this restaurant from here. When we went therem it was pass 7pm and there were a few tables who had just put in their order. I was dreading it coz with 2 active kids, I hate a long wait for dinner. HOWEVER, I was so surprised that the dishes came out so quickly. Price wise was ok. Rice was served in a metal container so you can take how much you want. Which was great coz Caylee loves white rice! Very cooling place coz it is at a corner. And service was great. THUMBS UP!

5) Big Brother Restaurant & Grill, Kota Damansara
The first time I went there was during lunch. So, hubby and I had set lunch which was quite good for the price. The second time was with the kids. When I was ordering, I commented on the price being a bit too high but then when the dish came, it changed my mind. The portion was worth the price for a Western meal and there was a quality to the meal. Shared a beef burger with my son and it was really good. Hubby shared some spaghetti with the girl. Price per plate about RM20.

There are 2 more places that I am keen on trying - Joy Cafe in Taman Megah and a Organic Restaurant in BU. Will blog about that when I get around to going.

In the mean time....all you bloggers out there. Go forth and try new places. Then let me know! Cheers to good food and obedient kids.

Chai blessing!

2011-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

I am blessed.

Since my post from NY on chai, I have received chai of various brands. So, I am enjoying my chai minus the stress of NY but with the necessary chill (it's been raining so much lately) to appreciate a hot cup of spiced tea at hand.

Much thanks to hubby and Simon. I feel truly blessed.

Caylee @ 1.5 years old

2011-10-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

It's a little backdated....but my little girl is a wonder. At 1 year 6 months, she is able to...

1) Kick a ball, run after it and then kick again.
2) Fasten the high chair buckle
3) Feed herself....soup included
4) Hold a pencil correctly and scribble hard
5) Put a book back in the bookshelf in vertical position
6) Climb into the car and then the car seat unaided
7) Carry my handbag
8) Look speicifically for lego blocks of 3 to build a tower. She rejects blocks of 4 or 2. And accepts blocks of 2+1 to make up 3.

She defaults a bye-bye and a flying kiss when she leaves.
She knows 'to hug someone' means to put your arms around them.

She can't speak yet but she has a marvellous way of telling you what she wants. It's clearer than speaking!

When kor kor tries to teach her to say the 'mi' in Ma-mi (mummy), she says 'Ma' and then looks hard at the kor kor trying to say 'mi'....upon failing just points to me and says 'Ma'.

She knows what she wants and when. When she is tired, she will 'bring' you to the stairs and point upstairs. And when she wants her water, she will 'bring' you there and point to her bottle. And she will stand there till you get what she wants....or climb onto you so that she is high enough to take it herself.

She is still as determined as ever. When she can't do something right, she will request to be taught and then try and try it until she gets it. Not even kor kor can break her concentration then.

Otherwise, she is agile and can follow her kor kor wherever he goes. She can even climb the stairs on her own and attempts to do one step per foot so that she can go faster. She is clever though....she knows she has to hold on to the sides to stabilise herself.

It was particularly cute that day when I saw her follow kor kor through a tight squeeze. Kor kor breezed through it coz he is thinner and the area where it is tight is at his waist. Whereas for her, it is at her armpits. So when she was going through, she frowned and looked at it and then squeezed through. And then when she was through she relaxed and went looking for her brother.

She may be 1 year 6 months, but oh boy! she is still one major cry baby. She knows cry means less trouble?

And she is a trouble maker of late. When the 2 kids fight, right now......it is usually instigated by Caylee. And kor kor 'fights' back the wrong way. So, if you come near my house on an ad hoc basis....you will hear Caylee cry, kor kor shout and then mummy scream! hahahaha......

Verbs are 'ing' words!

2011-10-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

It was late. And based on our earlier bargain, there would be no more bed time story tonight. Just a prayer and off to bed.

2 minutes later, Christopher told me "Mummy, you don't have to tell story. I talk about my school and you talk about my school, like that, okay?"

What he actually means is we talk about school and I was questions and he answers.

Oh well.....

So, I asked him what he did in school? And he told me what he learnt in Chinese class. He loves learning Mandarin so far. But he doesn't really understand what he is saying! hahaha....Yee Cheong has to come to the rescue soon coz this mummy is really clueless!

Anyways....after that, I asked him what he learnt in Mathematics class?
This mummy never fails to find some way to teach her son something. So, while talking I kept quizing him on his addition. And we rhymed our 1+1=2. 2+1=3 etc etc.

Then we talked about English. And I asked him if he has learnt verbs. He said No.
So, this mummy started explaining what is verbs. And I started giving him examples. And after a while he got it. And gave me correct answers to the sentences I was throwing at him.

AND THEN....he made an observation.

"Mummy, all the verbs end with the sound '-ing'. Like talk-ing, driv-ing."

Yes indeed. I forgot that was one of the first ways to help a kid recognize a verb. But I am glad that he got it himself.

Polka Ice Cream

2011-10-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

I found it by accident. But when they said it was limited due to season, I grabbed some.

And oh my gosh.....I am literally eating frozen durian. It's totally YUMMY!

Note : Ordered from The Last Polka website. Paid when collected the package at The Bee, Jaya One. It comes in that tupperware which really looks 'homemade'. It's small but worth every RM32. Good thing no one in the house is fighting me for it! :)

Now...to get the Guiness and Tea Tarik one.

Worse 12hours of my life so far

2011-10-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Can a mother ever turn away from a crying child?

I have.

It all started on Sunday afternoon when in her 3rd mouthful of porridge, Caylee breaks out into tears.

Now, this is normal given that she was banging on the iPad and I took it away from her to bring out another program to keep her occupied.

Sorry hubby..I think in the process of her banging, she BOUGHT something! Early online shopper here.

So, anyways, I carried her up and brought her out to distract her....and to feed her somemore.

But to my surprise, she didn't really stop crying. And everytime she cried, she would put her hand to her mouth.

She ate after 1 hour 3 quarts of her porridge....then she started spitting it out and crying while holding her mouth again.

So, I gave up. Cleaned her up.

But throughout the whole day, occasionally she would cry and hold her mouth. It was not normal, not a tantrum cry. Truly can see it was a discomfort cry.

When kor kor was around, she kinda played with him. Sometimes remembering her pain, she would break out in tears again.

It was tiring, given it was only me and my mum taking turns to carry her and having to give in to her all the time else her crying would start.

At night when I brought her up to bed, she cried and cried and refused to sleep. Kept on pointing out. Normally even if she was not sleepy, she would lie around in the room. Never like this, all crying.

This went on and on. In the end she slept only coz she was exhausted from crying. 30 minutes into sleep, she would wake up and cry again. For about 30 minutes then sleep again. And the cycle continued till about 3am. Around 2+ I gave her some propolis in case she was having a sorethroat.

It is Tuesday now. Monday she was really pushing her limit after all the giving in on Sunday. By evening, my mum lost it. And I had a stern word with both the kids. Both cried of course but I knew this was a 'sad' cry.

Caylee is back to her good self today. All mischief and smiles.

Till today I am still wondering what happened. An ulcer? Bone? Whatever it is thank God He kept it shortlived.

Yes, I do think I spoil the kids.....BUT

2011-10-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Bought this mat with streets and buildings from Giant for RM50.

Bought this die cast bus from NY for USD 7.

Yes, I do believe sometimes I spoil my son....BUT

these purchases give me some hours of time alone.

So, it's really WELL WORTH IT !

He got lost

2011-10-06T22:48:00.001-07:00

I have always been very strict with Christopher holding my hand when we are out, even in the shopping malls. Reason being he has a tendency to get in people's way. And of course for the obvious reason of safety.

So, it was a first for him and for me.

We were in Tesco. On the way IN to the toilet, he spotted those kiddie rides and told me he wants to go on them.

On the way OUT of the toilet, Christopher let go of my hand and ran towards one particular ride. Given hubby was at the check out counter right in front of me, I decided to go over to signal to him where we were.

For that split second, Christopher turned and didn't see me there. I had one eye on him all the time so I knew when he turned around and didn't see me. I saw his expression change and then he skipped/half ran down the corridor looking at all the check out counters.

I knew he was crying by the look of all the passer by mums and dads that he passed. They were really concerned seeing a child cry and then their expression changed to relieve when I nodded that I was the mum.

When he reached the end of the line of counters, he turned around, squatted down and cried loudly. Then he spotted me coming towards him.

All this while I was behind him but kids....they always look forward!

We reached each other and he hugged me and cried and cried. We walked slowly back to daddy, he hugging my leg the whole time.

He threw a tantrum later when the sobbing stopped. Scolded me for leaving him behind. I let him lash it out for just a little while.

We had a talk after that. He told me he made a rush for the ride coz he was afriad someone will sit on it if he doesn't hurry. I asked him which was more important, sitting on the ride or not getting lost? And to exaggerate my point, I told him about bad men who kidnap kids and put them in dark rooms and make them sit on the streets to ask for money. I think I scared him silly. Though later at night he retold me his version of a kidnapping story.

Anyways....he now knows that if he ever turns around and cannot find mummy, he has to stand still and wait. Mummy will look for him and find him. No point 2 people running and no one finding each other.

I did not teach him to look for a uniformed officer coz I seldom not know where he is going. He actually never leaves my side when we are out. And he will only leave me and go to someone else when that someone is within his sight. Besudes, I usually follow him when he lets me know he wants to go somewhere. Though maybe the next time we go out, I will point out to him uniformed officers and information counters, just in case.

Doing something worthwhile

2011-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

I am in the business IT line. My main job is to educate users on the changes in the business process and how that will work in the system.

Apart from providing training, we create interactive programs for users to learn while doing.

Since returning from a TOT session in NY, there has been several trainings going on. We call it missions in our organization. And sadly I will be unable to participate in these missions becuase hubby and my parents will be alternating travelling. So, there is no other caregiver for the kids.

So of course, I volunteered to do most of the work for the interactive programs.

I quite love doing these programs because I kinda love working on the program itself. And I love writing process flows.

But recently, I heard that HQ is holding back the server upgrade that is supporting this interactive program. Without the upgrade, the program could become obsolete. The business users claim a User Guide/SOP will suffice.

Now, any IT user would know that a good IT manual has to have some screen shots of the system. To box up and highlight key fields, to show the actual key messages that will appear etc.

It threw me off balance when I heard this news - that the program has to be defended to that extent. It is not easy creating a piece of workable and understandable program for lay users to utilize. And when you feel your piece of contribution is not being appreciated, it kinda makes you loose the drive to really put your heart into it.

A job is not a job when you feel you are doing something worthwhile. Otherwise, a job is just a job.

Note : I wrote this before realizing Steve Jobs has passed away. RIP Steve! He did a great job coz he loved what he was doing.

Up the stairs in heels

2011-10-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have not worn heels since 4 and a half years ago, when I became preggy with my son.

Recently, I bought myself a new pair of open toe heels.

My colleague told me that when she climbs the stairs, she only sets the flat part of her shoe/feet on the stair. In other wards, the heel is left dangling. She says it is much faster and easier to climb stairs with heels that way.

I don't know how to do that.

I have to place heel and all on the step before I feel it secure enough to put my weight down and climb. As a result I walk up the stairs really loudly and slower.

How do you climb the stairs when you are in your heels?

Makan Makan Weekend

2011-10-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

I came back in time to celebrate my 5th anniversary. It was different this year. Made an effort to go out and celebrate. Told my son about the special day. Stopped short of putting on a dress for the occasion and wearing heels. Reckon that would still not be practical running after 2 kids.

Its the empowerment that comes with being kicked out of your comfort zone. Suddenly everything seems new.

So, we went to Shogun at last. Frankly hubby has been wanting to try for eons now. And I gave in to a buffet alas. It cost us RM54++ each for a Friday dinner and since my conscience was at its best, we had to pay RM16++ for our recently turned 4 year old boy.

All I got to say it.....apart from the Japanese food there, the other stuff really didn't taste good at all. Sorry to say that.....but some of the cooked dishes were cold. And if they were not cooked in black pepper, they actually tastes bland. I tried the Fried Udon and I only managed a spoonful.

The sashimi was good though and the vareity of sushi was NICE.

Ice cream was ok, only for the kids. The green tea ice cream didn't have green tea taste at all. The cakes I gave a miss. And only some of the jelly was good.

Surprisingly the coffee latte was really good. Really really good. And the ginseng tea tasted like ginseng.

Cost us a whopping bill of RM150 after tax. Well....cheaper than staying in a hotel, which was my original plan....

****

Then on Saturday we went to try another place called Veneeze in Jaya One. Well....the real reason we were there was coz hubby bought this voucher.

Verdict.....really good. Mid range prices, cosy place, easy parking. I wouldn't mind coming in without a voucher.

We had spaghetti carbonara....and the delightful thing about it was they made it and served it with a runny egg yolk in the middle. You are supposed to break the egg yolk and mix it with the plate of spaghetti. Frankly I don't like egg yolk but I have only eaten such spaghetti 1 other time since. And the taste really is very different.

We also had the pizza which was really good too. Thin crust you can hardly feel you are eating crust. And enough cheese not to be too gooey. And with a pinch of tabasco sauce....it had me going slice after slice.

The mushroom soup was also VERY different. Brown soup with a side dish of fried mushrooms. You know you were having real mushroom soup.

The boy ate his share which was a good thing since he loves noodles and yet doesn't consider spaghetti noodles. He ate the pizza too although he doesn't like bread. The girl loved the soup and the garlic bread that came with it.

Walked around Jaya One. Decied to check out by chance if Starbucks here actually had my Chai. And found out that Starbucks now carry a 3in1 coffee. How much is it anyone knows? My bro in law told me it is RM8 a packet. I don't believe him! hahahaha....

****

We ended the weekend trying our luck getting to Logos Hope, after Simon's headsup. We had a jam getting into the parking lot which costs us RM3. Then when we reached nearer the ship we realised that there was a long line for tickets. It costs RM1 per adult. And the people were no longer seeling the tickets at the moment. Reason? There were already too many people in the ship and they had to clear out the ship before allowing other people to board. And there were already TONS of people waiting to board.

We left at 4.20 after spending some 30 min in the hot sun waiting. The boy was whinning of course....so close and yet so far away. Have to come really early next week and fulfill his wish. It was my wish too, boy....my wish too. Pray we will be able to make it on board next week.

New York! New York!

2011-09-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

Back from New York.

It was a real working trip this time round. No shopping at all during the weekdays. Blame it on the rain. Blame it on the General Assembly going on on the same time. Blame it on the fact that loads of people wanted to meet us for working lunches and dinners. Blame it on the fact we had 3 portfolios to juggle and complete daily.

However, having said that, it was really an experience to go during GA time. Certain portions of the street were closed. And only if you have the UN pass can you go in. We saw security snippers on the roof tops. And CIA lookalikes around having security stuff in their ears. We saw bodyguards around delegates. It looked just like an American movie.

Had Starbucks Chai every morning. I so miss it now.

The first week I was there, the temperature took a drastic dip on Thursday resulting in chattering me for 2 days.

Met my uncle on Sat and stayed over. Miss my cousins so much. Wish I had stayed for another night.

Amd now some shots....

At last I made a trip to Empire State Building. 3 times to NY and I never made it up. The view was great. Worth every USD 22.

On Sunday after church, walking around China Town, I reached the Italian town and found they were having a fest. It was super packed. They had grills every other place. And tons of gelato too. Had a great lagsane there with my uncle that day.

Yau Char Kwai wrapped in Chee Cheong Fun skin. Dip is soya sauce. Sounds simple but tastes really good. Heard we have this in Ipoh too! There was an option to have beef inside....but I opted for this simply dish for breakfast in Chinatown.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlet. Gap wasn't that cheap there actually. But Timberland was and shoes were going off at 50% with the 2nd purchase. My colleague bought 2 kids shoes costing like USD 30++. Coach was also going off really cheap like USD 90++. Pity I am not a Coach kinda person. Didn't have much time there and spent some time buying Samsonite suitcases.

It's the 10th anniversary of 9-11, so we found it befitting to see the memorial. This is ther building that is going up. My NY colleague cried when she was there. Me too.....the words displayed there was really touching. When I looked at the building, I saw reflections of other buildings. And the thought that came to my head was 'A reflection of hope'. It was a melancholic Friday evening with overcast skies.

So, basically that's it for NY. Purchased loads of shirts for hubby. Some scents from Bath and Body Works. And of course rewarded myself with Lesportsac and Kipling bags.

A NY Perspective

2011-09-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

It was really all work and no play.

I did not really look forward to NY initially. Blame it on the kids. But I knew the real reason was that I felt I was no longer as competent as I used to be. Blame it on the kids, really, and their causing me lack of proper sleep which was affecting my memory and my ability to react appropriately at the confidence-giving speed. I was really in a comfort zone. I was good at running a home more than giving opinions in public.

And that is what NY really is about, at least given the reason I was there this time round. There were some 30 odd people from different parts of the world gathered in one room for a session on training the trainer. Many were loud and opinionated. And some who were soft yet still made a point. I did not have a point to make and I was quiet. That literally puts you out of the map in the workplace in NY.

Frankly, it was depressing. I listen better than I talk. And I think longer than I should.

Then I overcame my jet lag and had more strong coffee and loads of Chai tea.

It was a whole new ballgame being in NY this time, leaving 2 kids and a house. I never knew work could be so fulfilling as well. And that I actually miss being in the game. I am so used to being sidelined that I had grew moss just sitting down. I realise I miss running around.

So, I can't say I was happy to be home.

I love being a mum. I love being with my kids and hubby and taking care of the home. But I am also afraid of who I will settle back in to be when I am home. I will miss the confidence that comes with being pushed to talk more, say more, listen and think faster, being asked and being listened to.

I begin to see myself moving to NY and working it out fine.

It was a whole new NY perspective this time round. Change due to being a mum, change due to the unchange happening in my duty station. Is the comfort zone always a bad place to be?

2 week hiatus!

2011-09-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

It's a strange feeling having to plan for something immediate when something bigger is happening also. Hard to put aside the bigger bugger and think carefully of the immediate activity. Doesn't help that hubby is away....so can't download.

Anyways.....the bugger which is so big is my impending trip to Manhattan. Going for 2 weeks on a heavily scheduled, do-you-think-I-have-2-brains training. With the HUGE expectation to provide training to some offices directly afterwhich. AND to provide a regional training later in the year. Why oh why don't I ever get to be trained just for the fun of it!

Leaving on the 10th anniversary of NY's greatest threat. So, it won't be all that fun with security at the airports. Official letter with company logo - checked. Valid passport and working visa - checked.

Now for the little buggers.....

Got to get some socks for the trip tommorrow. So glad JJ is already open in 1U coz that is where I will be heading tommorrow.

And going to celebrate my dad and son's birthday together. One a bit late and the other a lot early. Was trying to squeeze cake planning and dinner venue planning in between my otherwise preoccupied mind.

So, got his Mickey Mouse cake. Christopher changed his mind from Ben10 to Scooby Doo to at last Mickey. Glad he did so coz Mickey is standard in most cake shops. Settles for Thyme and a 2 kg cake. Ah boy insisted he wanted fruits ALL AROUND. So....in total left me RM103 poorer. Hope the German Black Forest cake turns out good. Cos it will be my mum and Ah girl perhaps who would have to finish the whole lot.

And dinner for my dad will be at the much read about, couldn't wait to try Chinese Restaurant Chyniis @ SS2 Mall. I already have a list of stuff to order.

Will be uploading the review of this restaurant and the birthday party in NY if I have the time. Else it will be hiatus for 2 weeks.

See you all in a bit.....or two. Happy 3 weekends in advance.

Ice Bowl, UFO and Snowflakes

2011-09-06T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have been wishing for Snowflakes to come over to SS2 for ages now. The nearest outlet for me right now is Kota Damansara. And we all know the jam there...and the flood if it pours.

So, I was kinda happy when I found out something similar has landed in SS2 - Ice Bowl and now UFO.

All of them use the same concept actually - shaved black jelly ice topped with condiments.

Ice Bowl adds red bean as well apart from the usual taro and sweet potato bites.
UFO adds macha bites as the extra.

Verdict?

I think I still have to drive to KD for Snowflakes.

I don't like Ice Bowl coz the shaved jelly ice does not have that strong a black jelly flavour. Snowflakes black jelly tastes like Kua Lin Ko - slightly bitter and thus seems more authentic. I also don't like the red bean addition.

UFO's portion is smaller for the same price. The taste of the ice is much the same but the taro, macha and sweet potato bites tasted funny. Macha especially just didn't work.

The last time I had Snowflakes, I made this comment to hubby 'Ever wondered why they have the bites this particular size?'

My theory is:
If the bites were too small, you would have a tendency to scoop it together with the ice and black jelly. And your teeth would not be able to handle biting the bites and handling the cold jelly at the same time. You really need to suck the black jelly ice.
The bites are made big enough to make you feel that you can only scoop one into the spoon and put it in your mouth. Then you chew and get ready to put in some ice. By the time you get the ice into your mouth, the bites would be small enought to be mixed together and swallowed down.

Well....that's just me. Hubby laughed when I told him that. He thinks I analyse too much. :)

Have you tried Snowflakes? When did you last have it?

2nd night diaper free

2011-09-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday morning!

It's the 2nd night Christopher went without his diaper at night.

First night no accidents.

Second night only a minor leakage.

Is it too soon to rejoice?

We decided to go cold turkey on him. Will wait it out till Friday and then change the sheets.

And at Caylee's end....nanny is toilet training her too. According to her, her grandkids were potty trained by the time they turned 2.

I could be a happy momma with some extra cash in the pocket soon. Keeping my prayer going and my fingers crossed. :)

Last week

2011-09-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

Good morning. It's a Monday and I am happy. After 3 days with the kids, I am broke and tired. Always feel that if I am not earning money, I am just spending money.....

Let's see....what did we do?

Tuesday
It felt like CNY to me. Coz we were scheduled to spend the morning with my inlaws after not seeing them for 2 weeks. Had lunch with them in Klang. Was supposed to pay but my FIL's friend arrived and settled the bill for us.
In the evening, went to 1U to check out the new JJ. Not bad...knida love the new foodstores in front. Reminds me of Spore. But the crowd was !!!!! The boy insisted on eating in the Green Frog place - Sakae Sushi.

Wed
Hubby couldn't wait to wake up today coz he had planned to visit Tokyo Street in Pavillion. We timed a visit of 2 hours there. Parking costs a BOMB in Pavillion. Was disappointed with Tokyo Street. It was kinda small. But of course the Jap art and items was beautifully displayed. THe bento boxes looked like art not utensils to be used. Was hoping to get some shirts with Jap art but....
Big kiddo threw a tantrum during lunch. Slapped him in a crowd of food court eaters. I think everyone must have thought I was a super terrible mum. Sigh.....but the boy was down right rude and spoilt.
Went grocery shopping in the evening at Tesco. Loads of parking. GREAT! But the fresh food produce area was in a sorry state. Good thing I was there only for the tins and bottles and packages. Dropped by Snowflakes for my de-stress. DO you know about Ice Bowl and UFO in SS2?

Thur
Since I didn't get to treat my inlaws to a meal, decided to go to the Lan Je in USJ for lunch. No one my inlaws knew came, so I managed to give them and 2nd aunty a treat. Ah Boy learnt his lesson and ate up all his lunch.
However he was all keyed up that he didn't get a good afternoon nap. Resulted in moody boy in the evenings.
Took the opportunity to go to the night market for some fruits and vege. It was a quick trip coz we were each carrying a kid and our fruits as well. My arms ached terribly.
Drove to KD to try the belacan fried chicken since the traffic was light. Must use the opportunity coz other times it would be crazy to go to KD. One bite of it and I was asking 'where is the belacan taste?' Good only for a fried chicken crave.

Friday
Hubby went back to work. I worked at home to take care of Ah Boy! Was very strict with him making him eat at the table by himself, do some maths and reading and colouring. He didn't have a good time. But he was getting too spoilt by his grandparents who took care of him last week. My mum is like his servant! Gosh....

Anyways.....it was a good break. But I am glad to be back to work and some routine. And glad that Ah Boy is back to school and not just lazing there with in front of the TV.

Take care everyone. Seems the haze is around and alot of people are falling ill.

No gas, no gassssss.....

2011-08-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

I knew something was amiss when the spluttering of the serai and onions in my wok started slowing down. Looked down at the flames and yes, oh yes.....there burns the last breath of my gas.

Called my neighbourhood gas man.

"Today cannot help you miss. I am in Bangsar!"

WHAT?? So far the 3 times I have called him since I moved to my new place has him running over in about 10 minutes. So, this was a first for me.

"So how?" I asked. "What time can you arrive?"

After much debate, he gave me a reluctant promise of before 6 pm.

So, off I went doing my other chores. If my parents were not here, you bet I would have just packed everything into the fridge and went out to eat.

But I had my parents and I had my relatives who were coming over for dinner. Rice was cooked and everything was washed and cut. So, we waited.

At 5.50 pm, the gas man called. "What is your address? Not xxxx place meh?"

"NO!" I answered. "I told you my place is yyyy place mah."

He got the address wrong and thus was now caught in another traffic jam filled place.

"This time really cannot help you miss. By the time I reach your place will be 8+ liao."

SIGH....and here I was on my way out to fetch my aunty and grandma.

Well...to cut the story short, my dad went over to the gas man's house, hoping he would keep some spare tanks in his house. And this act caused the gas man to pity us so much that he sent his son to bring his own gas tank over for us to use.

So, my mum cooked dinner.

And at 8+, the gas man arrived to give us a new tank.
He took the oportunity to nag and nag for us to keep a spare.

Truth be told, I don't really have the cupboard space to put a spare. And neither do I have a storeroom. So....the reason why I didn't have a spare. And he has always been so reliable. And I thought I had an induction cooker, worse case scenraio. But the damn induction cooker gave me a fuse shortage when I hooked it on last night.

So this particular incident is not one I want to repeat. My mum doesn't do well with stress and given the gas man predicted my tank of gas would last only till Christmas. And gave me a warning that don't tell me half way cooking for Christmas....

Space or no space, I have a spare now. Hidden in corners only cockroaches go! :)

I end this with a kind word of gratitude for the gas man who thought of our dinner and let us use this tank of gas. It was so much trouble for him but he helped where he could. Such a good samaritan.

Did I consider other gas tanks? I did. But hubby says they could have a different head? Is that true?

Reggie by Reggie Dabbs

2011-08-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

The title of this book Reggie goes on to include 'You can't change your past, but you can change your future'. It is based on the life of Reggie who finds out in his second grade that his parents were not his real parents. And added to that, his birth was a result of a twenty-dollar deal his sixteen year old mother made to secure food. That was his past. And affect him this news did. But it did not stop him from making a future for himself.

The book progresses in this manner. Taking us through the years as Reggie grows up. The lessons he learnt and how we can apply these lessons into our life. There is a moment in the book that should cover most of what every other person is going through. Whether you are a teenager, a young individual or a father. He even adds questions and discussions at the end of each chapter for readers to ponder upon.

It is an inspiring book. A good read. Suitable for people from all walks of life. Thanks once again to Booksneeze for this complimentary book. It has certainly opened my eyes to a different perspective in life.

Caylee

2011-08-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Updates on my little girl @ 1y4+m.

She has got 4 teeth on the top, 2 at the bottom. Her bottom molars on both sides are sprouting. Thank God she has no fever or particular irritation.

No sign of talking yet, apart from a distinctive 'nen nen'. People ask me if I am worried. Frankly I am not. I have a feeling she will have speech diarrhoea when the time comes. She has always been slow and steady in her developments. And right now 1 talker in the family is enough to keep my mind and mouth busy.

Spoilt to the core. I blame her nanny. :) She gets coddled and carried and practically anything she wants from them. It is a ratio of 7 adults loving 1 baby in that house. So, you can bet she gets alot of brushing off at home, relatively.

Still wakes up at 2-3 am for PLAYTIME. I frequently have to bring her to the other room so that she would not disturb kor kor or daddy at that hour.

Loves to hold my finger or play with my nails while attempting to sleep. So, I have a permanent back ache due to my inmobility while putting her to sleep.

She is a real competitor. Always wants to beat the brother to things. Ask them to wash hands and this little girl will race to be first at the sink.

Loves to press the button on the ipad.

Knows the signal for 'no more'. And after seeing me lift my hand at another car to thank them for letting me pass, she now raises her hands at almost all vehicles passing by at the traffic lights. It's quite comical.

Loves to mimic us, especially kor kor.

Ask her who is Caylee, and she will pat her chest. Recognises most people. Mummy, daddy, kor kor, por por. kung kung....and even cher cher (my BIL's gf).

Loves the playground and will point at all the playgrounds she passes on her way home.

Recognises tiger and spider and ball and balloon and biscuit and dog and cat and bird and umbrella. Other pictures are a hit and miss. Starting to follow actions in nursery rhymes.

Very determined. Very focus. Able to do alot of stuff on her own after watching how we do it....including twisting the CNY red top cannisters and prying open a Jacobs cream crackers 900g tin.

Bought her a hair clip that day. Sometimes I can get it on her. Most of the time she prefers to put it on me.

Loves stickers. She thinks they are really pretty.

LOVES balloons. Up to the point I have to be careful not to walk pass certain shops in the mall that have those colourful balloons.

Still irritates the brother to high heaven.

Cameron Highlands

2011-08-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Highlights of our Camerons trip!

Food was excellent.

Recommended : Jasmine Cafe's smoked duck @ Tanah Rata RM28. Small portion but totally worth it. Hubby had the mixed grill which was nothing to shout about RM24.

Recommended : Lord's Cafe/T Cafe, Tanah Rata above Marrybrown. Simply food. Fried noodles RM 4.80. Great scones and chicken pie (approx. RM 2.80 each).

Read so much about the Strawberry Moment cafe. So, had to give it a try. Not bad for deserts. Had strawberry coffee ice blend and loved it. Loved it enough to buy a box of strawberry coffee...and still love it. We spent RM 48+ just on 2 ice creams, 1 coffee and 1 kids meal here.

The kids are not really into where we are going. As long as they have the food of their choice and the things they want to play with. In almost every farm, all Christopher wanted to do was to sit on those stuff and eat ice lollies! Caylee followed kor kor minus the ice lollies. She got a strawberry ball instead. And Christopher even managed to find an small aeroplane for me to buy.

The drive up to the Boh Tea Centre was exhilirating - only wide enough for one car. So certain parts was a real squeeze. But the visit was totally worth it. Nice walk up and nice cool air with breeze and so serene.

We + Ipoh in our trip. Tried a new eating place @ Stadium near Fairpark/Ipoh Garden. The fish head noodles were totally yummy - sour, not oily, totally yummy. They also had porridge for Caylee and the fried fish/meat fritters tasted like healthy keropok lekor.

Also chu chap chook for anyone who is interested!

Tried another shop near Pasir Pinji. I had the nyonya noodles, hubby had the BKT noodles and my dad had the curry mee. ALL of them were yummy. The shop is at the corner of the row where Kampar Cake Shop it. By the way....the wholemeal breads sold in this cake shop are totally good and fresh!

Konfeksi Ming Yue was THE place for salty peanut brittle, heong peang, small and good kaya puff and (cheap but tasty) mooncake. But no way can an outsider go there. These people have business so good they really won't bother if you walk away. Thank God for my mum and her goodwill! :)

At the end of the trip, hubby and I agreed - Camerons will be our always holiday location for a short break. The cool air allowed the kids to run around even in the early afternoon. So for once, Caylee slept uninterrupted till the next morning.

Moving to Cyberjaya

2011-08-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yes.....it inevitably happened.

When hints are dropped, hints are picked up. Decisions are made way up there in the hierarchy ladder. And then just as an offside...I wonder how the staff feel?

So no matter how I would dread the commute ("we stay 2 hours away, you know! she says."). How the additional time on the road would affect my already JIT schedule. How I would now have to cook the night before and forgo my already infrequent exercise.

Did I mention my supervisors, in fact most people in New York, stay some 2 hours away? But that is really by their choice when they initially chose the job! The nearest cheap housing estate is probably Queens and if you have kids, most likely New Jersey is preferable.

Well, we more or less got the message "We don't really care how you feel. Its a management decision. Either go with it or get out." Which I am really tempted to do since HP allows work from home and free gym, as far as I know.

But I am rambling. Actually I would like to know.....how best do I get to Cyberjaya from Damansara at 7+am? And what about coming back around 4pm? Is the LDP way doable? I don't fancy paying toll of RM11.80 everyday taking the Elite.

Someone please HELP!

last night....

2011-07-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Last night after dinner Christopher was walking around and saw a glass filled with ice and just a little bit of clear liquid left in the glass.

He climbed up the dining room chair, kneeled down and told me "Mummy, I want some 100plus." And then he took the glass and wanted to drink it.

I 'shrieked' at him " Don't drink that. That is daddy's glass. Daddy is sick. Put the glass down NOW."

My shrieking didn't help. And Christopher thought I was forbidding him to drink 100plus.

For your info, Christopher does drink 100plus. It all started with one innocent cup from my inlaws. And more subsequent cups every Sunday now. So....it is one of the lost battles I have given up on.

Anyways....he got a little mad. He 'slammed' the glass down and proceeded to complain about all the unfairness he gets from mummy. I ignored him for a while....which resorted to him getting more frustrated and started to hit my chair and hit me.

And this Caylee of mine always chooses the time when mummy and kor kor are at wits ends to get into my better books instead. And I don't lash it out on her....so this irritates the brother even more to no end.

So anyway, after a while Christopher starts throwing things around (and the ever innocent mui mui goes picking it up and giving it back to him). So, I bellowed to him to stop throwing his stuff around and showing a bad example.

Well....I should have known but I was too lazy to react.....Christopher started to take it out on his sister. And when push came to a shove, I smacked him on his hand 5 times HARD!

He cried (of course) holding his really red palm with the other hand.

Caylee of course clambours to me to be hugged, pushing kor kor away. Gosh!

So I get down, let her sit on one lap and after a few minutes hug Christopher to me on the other side.

Now....it used to be that whenever I do this last time, he would storm off and still remain angry. But since I had a talk with him about his anger and who the loser is with all this anger, he has learnt to quickly handle his emotions.

And that is why I am feel so good about my son as I hugged him to me. He is really learning to deal with negative emotions and work on it.

So, I told him the sequence on events from the time he slammed the glass causing him to get angry till right now, he is upset and crying. And then I told him how to handle it differently in future.

I told him that mummy sometimes 'shrieks' not cause I am angry but I am anxious and worried. So, he has to talk to me to find out if I am angry or just concerned.

He said sorry in the softest voice. And agreed that in future he will communicate better and try the other way.

Makes me really glad....also makes me realise that it is not in the things that we are good at that God looks at us. But in things we are poor at, when we listen to Him and learn that makes him please.

Much like me and my son. Much like me and my son.

last night....

2011-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I put away 3 loads of washing which has been left idle on the sofa. It was a HUGE pile blocking my entire view of the staircase.

When I plopped it down on the bed, after washing up the kids, my son said:

"Mummy do you need help? Can I help you?"

"Sure." I told him. "You can put away all your clothes. And Caylee's PJs go here ok?"

"OK. Mummy."

And off he went taking his clothes and putting them away as best he can.

"Look at mui mui mummy. She is messing up everything!"

"Yes....mui mui....don't disturb. Don't touch. GIRL!!!!!"

"Hurry hurry mummy. We do quickly and mui mui cannot disturb!"

So....the 3 loads of clothing was kept as fast as we could. And some of por por's clothes, he carried to the other room and also kept it inside.

The sight of him putting back the 3 adult pants folded in one pile all at one was comical. He was trying his darnest not to mess it up while placing it flat into the drawer.

Aaahhh...my son, my son. He is indeed quite a Handy Helper.

My 4 day weekend

2011-07-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

I took 2 days off to do my own thing recently. And now...I need another 2 days to rest. :)

SATURDAY
I had a product interview in the morning. Was supposed to last about 1 hour but ended up spending nearly 2+ hours at the place. Learnt about a new product (had to sign a form that I would not breathe a word) and earned myself RM60. This RM 60 is my consolation for a boo boo I made in my recent hotel booking to Camerons.

Afternoon stayed home to entertain my aunt and uncle and cousins. Had a good chat with them at home over nasi dagang from Kemaman. Totally yummy but 2 days of this rich tuna curry has left me with a sore throat.

Evening
Went to Bon Odori. It was a long walk under the warm evening sun. On the way there, Christopher kept muttering "I can walk. I have got energy." again and again. And after a few rounds at Bon Odori, he was complaining non stop "I want to sit. Mummy, where can we sit?". Poor kiddo.
Caylee was smarter. She didn't even ask. She just walked arond in circles, as if drunk (and loads of people had to avoid her while smiling), and then plopped herself down on the ground.
We left around 7+ pm after watching the drums a little bit. And thankfully on the way out, we managed to get the shuttle bus driver to bring us nearer to our car.
Before the bus ride, Christopher was lamenting "I don't ever want to come here ever again!" but in the car, he was happy to come again IF he gets to sit on the bus (again). :) Had Chatime as a reward for all the 'hard' work walking. :)

SUNDAY
Had church duty which was kinda fun! :) Managed to listen to the morning sermon since the kids were at home with my parents.

Afternoon, when the kids were asleep, hubby and I sneaked out to Toys R us warehouse sale. Yes, I managed to get Christopher a new fire engine for RM20. Saw some great Woody shirts there and ketp thinking of William. Pity I didn't know his size or Irene's number. Else surely I would have called them.

And in the evening we went to our inlaws place. And I had Snowflakes to reward myself. :)

MONDAY
Went out shopping as soon as the shops were open till the time I had to go home to pick the kids. Was suppposed to buy shoes but gosh be gosh...could not find one. I have a trip to NY this September so it has to be a comfortable formal walking shoe. And also a shoe that I can wear with a skirt. Any ideas anyone? Flatties? Short heels?

TUESDAY
Hubby was off so I was hoping for another session of shopping and eating. But lo behold I feel sick. The sore throat and flu got a hold of me after a long absence. I am wondering if it is due to my tidying up of the shoe cabinet and some winter clothing early that morning. Oh well...
Went to FOS opening at The Curve. Bought some tops and bottoms for the kids. Also went grocery shopping. Then headed for a good buffet lunch @ Tao. At RM 46++ per person, weekday lunch, it was fare. Loved the lamb and the scallops. And all through the meal, kept thinking of June! She would love this Japanese buffet.

Had Chatime again for dinner. Too much food. Needed ice drinks instead for my throat.

So, at the end of 4 days I didn't manage to accomplish what I originally set out to do...i.e to get my new shoe and some new clothing. Oh well....another excise to take leave again some time soon. How was your weekend?

The kids and some....

2011-07-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

It has been a call to catch up week. Once in a while, I make it a point to call all my closest buddies to find out what is happening in their lives.

I found out this week that, if I feel I have it bad, there are many others who have it worse. One of my closest buddy in Penang just lost her father a few months back. Her brother's autism is getting more pronounce since the incident. And just a few weeks back, she has had to deal with a minor stroke that affected her mum.

She sounded so tired when I called. My heart really went out to her. With a part time maid and on waiting list for a home nurse, I wonder where she finds the strength to cope.

It is indeed God's providence that she left her 9-9 job and have since opened her own classes. And is doing well too. So at least finances are alright and her time is quite flexible.

Indeed.....one has to go out and talk to more people to realise how blessed we all are.

Another of my closest buddies in PJ cut me off before I could even start a conversation. This one I need to make time and sit down with a cup of tea tarik to talk to. If you know who you are and read this, make time for me Sunday evenings ok.

My other friend from KL is 7+ months pregnant. The last time I called her, she didn't even breathe a word of her expecting....so you can imagine I literally threw 'daggers' over the phone when she let it slip! I am so happy for her....after 2 years of trying.

As for the kids.....

Christopher broke 2 toys this week. One huge land rover car given to him on his 3rd birthday and his fire engine. He reported duitfully that the car was broken to his yee ma and yee cheong, since they were the ones who bought it for him. Carefull to announce that it really was by accident. And indeed, it was.

As for his fire engine....I did't know it was broken actually coz he still played with it. Actually just one side of the wheels have come off and the axil is broken so it cannot be repaired. He is 'begging' for a new fire engine now. But Atria toy shop, being near closure does not carry one big enough for him to demand.

By the way....the Atria toy/utility shop, known for really cheap China toys and all kinds of misc. will be moving to Serdang and another branch to Pearl Point. In case you want to know....

As for Caylee....

When I pretend to cry, she hits me. And no matter how far she is, she will come back to me and hit me. I don't know if she means to hit or pat and alert or....etc. But one thing I know if she wanders too far and I want her back, I need to pretend cry!

Her sense of observation still amazes me. She can spot a cat under a car across the road. If her nanny holds an umbrella, she can spot that I have one as well slipped at the side of my driver's seat.

She loves to look at people and watch what they are doing. My cousin from Australia was down last weekend and Caylee was carefully watching her 10 month old cousin cry, sit, wail, look. Pity the kiddo....he was tired out and had no patience to respond to Caylee.

Christopher ignored both of them the whole night prefering to talk to his yee cheong instead.

Well...the weekend is coming. Hope I can catch the Bon Oduri this year. Have a great one peeps!

SS Two mall and Blossoms

2011-07-10T20:43:00.001-07:00

I was out on a mission Friday evening. My mission was to NOT COOK and go check out these 2 places - SS Two Mall AND Blossoms.

My sis was the one who told me about Blossoms actually. It only opens during lunch and has such delectable cakes. When she told me it was behind the fire station in SS2, I was like "Huh? There are shops there?"

So...to satisfy my curiousity, I had to make a trip there. And lo behold....indeed they only open for lunch. Will definitely go there one day to see how the noodles fare up. However, we saw a chinese restaurant there open for evening. The many table in pink cloth is a good indication this open air coffee shop must serve up some cheap great food. So, we will be back.

As for the SS Two Mall. Well...we passed it several times. And given it has been open for quite some time now....time to go check it out.

I love grocery shops. But Urban, in SS2 Mall was nothing much to shout about. No feasting of eyes on much imported stuff. The Jaya Grocer (and equivalent) shops are much better.

There is an outdoor area in the mall where most eateries clutter around. It's kinda weird in a sense that at ground level, the outdoor area is not connected all around. You have to go back in and out again to reach the other 'wing'. The lower ground outdoor area was alright though. It had water spout fountains which kept the kids occupied....reminded me of Spore. And the lack of people made it alright for the kids to run around.

There are some interesting eateries there. However, we settled on Japanese - Yokoso Iciban. Took pics of food with hubby's phone and it's still sitting there now. :)

I ordered Japanese noddles RM12 and garlic fried rice RM10 for me and my boy. Hubby had some fried pork, egg and rice set RM18. Taste wise was just fare. At least boy boy ate up his portion.

The great thing about SS Two Mall was Chatime is also open there. And no queue for a drink here! Had the roasted milk tea RM4.90 and added pearl RM1.00. It's actually quite nice. And the pearls were chewy and soft. Hubby is dreaming macha tea now with pearl.

All in all.....a relaxing Friday evening.

We can't decide!

2011-07-05T18:16:00.001-07:00

We have 3 destinations in mind for a short break this August.

Kuantan/Chukai
Cameron Highlands
Malacca

And we can't decide.

Christopher doesn't really like the beach or the pool. But it could be Caylee's first time to both. And hubby has never been to the East Coast so mid year is a good time.

Both the kids have never been to a highland. Should be no jam in Camerons since it is not a school holiday. No need to walk too much, just drive and stop to visit farms. But nothing much to do in Camerons apart from that.

Both the kids have never been to historical places in Malacca or the zoo. And Caylee will require carrying since she can't walk a whole load of distance....and gets distracted too much! And we really need to get more San Shu Gong coffee.

So....where do you think I should go?

Hubby is BACK!

2011-07-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hubby is back and I am happy!
At last went out yesterday to cut my hair.
At last went out for a nice dinner.
Wanted to go eat Snowflakes but the jam was HORRIBLE going in to KD.

Happy happy me!
Coz I finished washing almost all his dirty laundry.
And finished unpacking all the goodies he bought.
And distributed them to my parents and inlaws.

Happy happy me!
This weekend I can go shopping.
No need for me to push the stroller.
And I can leave the kids to look for clothes and try them on.

Happy am I!
I get to take short breaks in the evening.
Go out for a short walk in the park or shopping complex.
Do small chores like going to the bakery without feeling that I am tiring anyone.

I am happy.
Although I need to go back to cooking
and washing and cleaning all on my own.
And picking up the kids....

Happy me.
Coz hubby has lost some weight and looks good. :)
And yearns chinese food and pork so much that
everything I cook will taste good.

I am happy.
It is good to be happy.
Happy Happy Me! :)

Report card day

2011-06-29T20:21:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday was report card day for Christopher. I went alone with him coz hubby is out of town.Christopher didn't want to go initially coz 'it was a Saturday!'. But when I told him I will be going in with him and only for a little while, he agreed to show me around his school.

For 2 years now, everytime we show up to get his report card, one of his buddy's parents would also show up at the same time. So, at least our 2 boys could keep each other company while we waited for the teacher to attend to us.

It was rather late by the time the teacher got to talk to me. Reckon she was tired and I was tired. Basically I learnt that Christopher is doing alright in school. Looking through his books, I realise that he is way more advanced in his learning at home. And not due to my pressure or stress.

When we go to the bookshop, Christopher picks up the books he wants to buy himself. Which includes maths, alphabet writing, numbers writing, mandarin strokes, colouring and some other acitivty books. And when he is at home, he takes out whichever book he wants to do and does them himself. Occasionally he would ask me to read out the instruction for him and tell him how to do a certain activity.

This year in school, they are just starting him on writing capital letters. He already has alot of completed books of capital letters and small letters at home.

For numbers, he will be writing and counting 11-20 in school. At home he is already counting beyond 20 and sometimes writing up till 30/50. They have not started him on addition yet or identifying which number is bigger/smaller. But he is already doing addition up till 10 at home and using the '>/<' signs.

Mandarin, he is at par coz I have requested for his mandarin books every week so that I can also learn and then reinforce up till the same level.

Colouring is of course not an issue for him. He loves to colour. Colours with different colours. Can colour minuet areas well.

As for reading....he is just completing Peter and Jane 2A. My mum says he is rather slow. But I realise it is because at home we don't continue the next page when there is a word is as not yet mastered.

Christopher used to jump to the 4 year old classes when he was 3 coz he went to school rather early and so he learnt faster than his peers. But this year, the principal decided not to do this anymore so that he would have his own classmates and move along with them.

I don't know if this is the right level for 4 year olds. To me, I feel he is ready and able to do so much more than this. Of course, there are areas where he is weaker. And thus the general level for 4 year olds are such, I guess. But my colleague told me her daughter in a chinese kindy is already doing addition. And last year itself, they were already writing capital and small letters.

Which makes me wonder.....should I send my daughter to this kindy as well. And if I do....reckon she won't need to go so early coz if the rate of learning is that slow, she would be able to catch up.

Maybe coz I have the time and interest to teach them at home that I feel the school is going a little too slowly. Although I also know that it is more important to cultivate the interest to learn than how much they have to learn at a certain level.

Anyways....can you tell me what your kiddo learns in school at 4?

The kids so far....and things to come

2011-06-13T18:11:00.001-07:00

I have Glee playing in the background. Managed to get some videos converted from Youtube to MP4. And some others to MP3.

Decided some has happened and time to get it recorded. Unfortunately our use of the camera is limited these days. We have 2 kids struggling to grab it even before the pic is taken. Everything is thus blurry!

Caylee
She's a cutie pie. Her actions are so girlish they are bordering on over poweringly sweet. When you praise her, she extends her hand down and front and smiles a shy smile. When she walks around, she swings her arms up and down like she's exercising.

That day Christopher woke up from his nap and she brought his bottle for him to drink water. Waited for him to take a drink and then took it back to the table. And now everytime she is in the room, after Christopher's bath, she will grab his clothes for him to dress up. She is quite meticulous - taking shirt, pants and even underwear. If she can't find any 1 of the 3, she will attempt to open the drawer to get it.

She learns very quickly too. She doesn't just observe and see how you do it. But she understands the concept of it and tries other ways to get it done when the usual normal way is 'closed' to her. For example, opening a tin. If you hold the handle so that she cannot hold it to open the tin, she will pry the sides open with her fingers and get it opened from the sides.

She also knows what we mean when we ask her to 'throw away'. She will walk to the rubbish bin and throw it in.

She has also learnt to do a flying kiss after 2-3 times of showing her. And gosh...she gives you such a sweet shy smile while doing so.

She is also really loud. And she chuckles when we grimace over her loud singing. She chuckles so comically that we can't help but chuckle too. And then she goes over and over again.

She still LOVES to climb. She will fall and cry but then up she goes again. She sometimes knocks her head and still laughs. She has no fear. She walks into a dark room unafraid and alone.

Christopher
I am very glad that last Sunday, Christopher was good enough to sit through the entire church worship. He was a bit squirmish coz Isaac, his good buddy was around. And there were other kids as well playing in the Baby room. But this mummy made him sit quietly through worship and then some prayer before letting him off to Sunday School.

I believe kids can and should do it. Sit quietly when necesary, worship and pray with the adults. Feel the attitude of prayer, listen to things which are affecting the nation and the people. They are never too young to start praying.

And thank God when I am strict about such things - prayer, keeping quiet in church, giving tithes and being thankful, I do see fruits from Christopher.

I see him understand. I see him keeping quite for as long as the prayer is. I see him clasp his hand together and close his eyes to pray. I see him asking questions about why I raise my hands. I see him looking at me worship and praise God. I see his knowledge of the Bible slowly increase. I see him being open and responsive.

Nothing beats good character in a child.

Christopher prayed for me again last night . He has done this for me several times now. And it has never been upon request but on his own and using his own words. I feel so thankful for the person he is growing up to.

Schedule
This will be hectic times. Alot of things are happening at work (espeically at work) for me and for hubby. We literally have to sit down with our calendar to see what weekends we are doing what.

Hubby will be going away the following weekend. This weekend we are full as well with inlaws stuff. When hubby comes back in July, we will have visitors from Australia. In August, my uncle from the US will be here and staying 3 weeks at my place. In September, hubby and I will be going to Bangkok for a wedding and then I will be off to US till early Oct. November I will be giving training in Bangkok (or Malaysia). And then it will be the end of the year.

Reckon the 2nd half of the year will fly pass.

Church
Last Sunday's sermon still vibrates in my heart. It was regarding Malaysia and our need to stand in the gap for the nation. Malaysia has indeed been blessed - no natural diasasters, political crisis, religious discrimination etc. But seems we are getting too comfortable, praying only for ourselves (nothing wrong with that) and not for the nation. So the burning of churches etc. is just the tip of the ice berg of things to come when God pulls away his hand of protection over Malaysia.

And thus my increasing diligence over Christopher's prayer life.

Movie
And to end on a more exciting mode, Twillight's last saga is coming end of this year. Can't wait! :)

On buying ceiling fans

2011-06-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

Our ceiling fan kaput last week. I have frankly never heard of a ceiling fan ever failing on anyone. So I was aghast (terribly aghasted...if there was ever an extreme).

I actually made a mistake with the 2 ceiling fans I purchased 2 years ago for the upstairs rooms. I had a grand idea to have all the fans upstairs of similar model so that their remote controls can be interchangable. Bought a fairly priced one of RM180 advertised as Alpha. And now I know Alpha fans can never be this cheap. And if an advert for Alpha fans are this cheap, it must be their cheaper counterpart - Wings.

And Wings fans suck BIG TIME. Their motor isn't all that powerful. Silent it may be (Panasonic fan blades made with metal rust and sink and thus make noise after a while) but slow too.

So....lesson of the day. Don't buy fnas with metal blades. And don't ever get Wings.

Truth be told, our fan motor is still barely under warranty. BUT....given hubby and I don't fancy the slow wind (and thus higher usage of air con) too much, we decided to IGNORE the warranty.

So, we went fan hunting last weekend (and prepaid data plan hunting too). It didn't help that Saturday was someone's birthday and some shops decided to also celebrate. (will I be persecuted for writing this?)

Well...to cut the story short, we decided to take a drvie to SS2. Now everytime we go to SS2, the big kid sees the big M and decides he wants french fries. No matter how much of carbs he already had during dinner.

We passed a store called Legend along Murni in SS2 and decided to go in. It wasn't having any promo signs displayed but hubby claims he has seen Legend send alot of electrical stuff to the houses around us (alot of us moved in at pretty much the same time).

And well.....I can understand why. At least the sales guy that was dealing with us was pretty good (unlike the other 2 shops we earlier visited). I may be a sucker for convincing talk. But when you don't know any much better (and have limited budget), we have to trust what is recommended.

His motto was "You don't like trouble, I don't like to give you trouble. So, we shall only go for fans I know won't cause either of us trouble. And if I give you trouble, who knows....your next purchase might be a BIG one and then you won't come to me anymore."

Well....that is TRUE, you got to admit. And so, we went with his recommendation. Which brings me to the point of my post. What fan did we get in the end? We got a Deka fan.

This Deka fan to be exact. What caught my attention was that it has a reverse speed. So if you have this fan in your bedroom, it circulates the air without actually blowing air down. So, the air is circulated without the kids being exposed to too much direct wind. Excellent for air con rooms, in my opinion. Coz direct wind in air con rooms tend to get a wee bit too cold especially for kids who refuse blankets.

It was listed as RM399. He originally told me that he can bring it down to RM 290 (best deal already!) I was still having second thoughts since most of the fans we have bought actually cost RM250 (2 years back!). So, that was what I told him. I told him to recommend a good fan that only cost about RM 240-250. In the end, he brought down the Deka fan to RM 260 (with credit card).

So, now....I am waiting for an electrician to be free to come put up my new ceiling fan. Can't wait to try the reverse cooling.

And another thing....anyone has a light timer? Which is better? The timer one or the censor one?

Kids these days

2011-05-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hubby got his ipad2 at last. It was my gift to him for the year - all occasions covered! :)

When Christopher saw it, he was like "hmmm....mummy, what is this?" He had that look in his eye. So I told him "It's daddy's things. Cannot touch."

Later in the night, hubby was showing me some of the stuff he had downloaded for me. Again, Christopher came up and sat beside me looking at the ipad2. He asked me again "Mummy, what is this? Is it a big phone?"

I looked at him and put the ipod next to the ipad. "It's something like this ipod. But it's bigger. It's called an ipad." No point hiding the gadget from him since it's going to be around alot. And better to tell him what it is rather than agreeing that it is a big phone!

Anyways, I have decreed that Christopher is not allowed to play with the ipad. He is to have limited use of the ipod and that is it.

Later that night, I was thinking about these days...

Travel these days is easier thanks to AA. Parents these days are getting more generous. There are more things these days that are seemingly good for us. And so kids these days are getting alot at an earlier time.

What used to be a luxury for us is now becoming common for kids. We never got to go overseas when we were young. If ever we got to go, it was when we were much older. Now, kids are travelling as soon as parents find they can handle them overseas.

And computers and handphones were only given to us when we were college students or we got it ourselves when we started working. And back then it was a necessity not a fashion statement. These days primary kids have handphones. Admittedly it is an easier way to reach them....but....parents can be creative if they want to be.

As for toys and books and presents! Gosh....I remember getting presents only for my birthday. And that too not all the time. Now, kids get presents every other weekend.

I wonder if the ball keeps rolling this way, would my grandchildren be travelling overseas every holiday? Presents becoming a daily thing? The 'i' (pod/pad/phone) or any other technology be a common appearance in their infant lives? What would be the reward for generations to come?

Our Weekend

2011-05-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Penang 2011. Lunch @ Lorong Selamat.

I actually had big plans to have lunch @ Old House in Lebuh Cintra. BUT I forgot to bring my print out map. The kids were getting agitated and the sky was getting dark. So, we ventured back to safe territory.

During lunch, it poured. Caylee pooped AND spitted out all her porridge on her clothing. Christopher was the saving grace - he ate up all his koay teoh t'ing! One less worry.

Decided to give Lebuh Cintra a go after settling Caylee. Set the GPS and headed there. Penang was super JAM! And I thought KL was bad.

Mission FAILED. We found the road but hubby made a turn off too early...and the shop was on the other end of the road. So, I never found it. And thus didn't manage to get my bak zhang either.

The kids were pratically WHINNING by now. As Christopher says "Where are we going mummy? Why are we stuck in the car? The place is so far away meh?" I can understand how he felt.

Hubby reset the GPS for Lebuh Chulia to Rainforest Bakery. We found the road (GPS cannot go wrong) and hubby asked me to look out for the bakery. I was too busy with the kids.....told him to forget it. Anyway, he found the bakery and went in to buy the organic focacia bread. We ate it up before I remembered to take any pics. It was GOOD! :)

Drove on to the hotel.

Caylee is one curious girl. Set her down in the room and she makes a headway for drawers and bathtubs and toilet bowls and the 'bar' food. See the kids going through the 'bar' basket. And Caylee grabbing 2 items and claiming it to be HERS!

We got her a cot. But she wailed her way out of it. She much prefers the bed. In the end, we had to carry her to sleep before putting her into the cot.

If Penang = food, my holiday was a disaster. I was eating up Caylee's porridge which she insisted on spitting out after her 8th bite while she decided to munch on biscuits instead. The only tidbits I had was Or Chien, which was the only thing I really wanted to eat after all. I had hotel biscuits for supper due to lack of a proper dinner! Sigh....

HOWEVER....I managed to get my totally yummy goreng pisang for a Sunday treat. On the way from Batu Ferrighi to town, look out for this van on the right. I saw it and force hubby to make a U turn to get it for me.

It was SOOOOO worth it. The batter was thin and crispy. The banana was sweet and ripe. Oh....just thinking about it now makes all the stress of the kids worth while.

As for beach and pool? Christopher was screaming blue murder when I tried to bring him to the beach. Days of watching the Tsunami on the news backfired on us. He was afraid the waves would eat him up like it did in Japan to 'those' people! And he literally screamed for me to come back to 'safety' when I wanted to at least dip my legs into the water. Sigh...

He had a good enough time at the pool.

As for Caylee....sigh....we didn't manage to get her a swimming suit in time. So she mainly sat by the pool. And daddy being the one managing her didn't want the hassle of making her wet and dirty. So, she was mostly safe in daddy's arms watching us from a near distance.

They had a snake show though. And brave little girl touched a snake. No pics coz I was in the pool.

We went to Hard Rock for the first time too. GOSH...the place is lovely. Christopher exclaimed "Mummy, we stay here. Don't go back to the other hotel!". I understand how he feels.

I would say my favourite day was Monday. Grandparents took care of the kids while I had 2 hours of retail therapy. Bought 2 pants from Giodarno, present from hubby. Parents also got me a Berry Choc Cheese Cake from Secret Recipie.

We came back to KL on Wesak Day. Took me 4 hours to clean up the place, change the sheets and iron clothes for work tommorrow. Had birthday dinner at this place. We were all tired and in not that great a mood. Managed to pull through the night with minimal fuss.

The kids meal came in a boat which thrilled Christopher.

Caylee had some mash, again rejecting her porridge.

Kids update

2011-05-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Caylee is a late bloomer but she puts the phrase 'slow and steady' to full usage.

Her 2 bottom teeth spouted fully on her 11th month. And as of now, her top 2 teeth are just erupting.

She was a good crawler right till her birthday, walking only an occasional step or few. But now she is walking steadily everywhere she goes. Only when she needs to be FAST or cannot walk (like on the bed) she will resort to crawling. And she is very steady on her feet. Dancing aside when Christopher comes around her. And stepping over obstacles. And inching away when doors close.

She plays toys as how they are to be played. Fisher Price stackers are being stacked big to small and careful through each donut hole. She turns pages and presses all the right buttons to make noise.
She has better focus and is at the stage of mimicing, so she looks at how we play with the things and follows suit.

She is also a keen observer. Take her to a new place and you will have her staring away. Bring her to the park and she will be looking at everyone around.

And she loves to climb. She will climb everything she can get her little feet on to. She has mastered the bed and the sofa. And loves to follow her brother up the slide. Mummy has to be with her unfortunately coz Christopher is not patient enough to wait. And mummy is scared! hahahaha....

Last night, hubby and I were alternating asking her to pass us stuff. So, she knows who 'mummy' is and who 'daddy' is. She understands 'water'. She knows how to 'give' and 'take'. Doesn't do her byebye anymore. Bored already. When she puts food to her mouth, she goes 'ummm'. She understands 'nen nen' and 'mumm mumm'.

She knows what I expect when I say 'No' but half the time her curiousity get the better of her. She is a very stubborn and strong willed girl. If she wants to touch something, she WANTS to touch something. I guess survival kicks in coz she need to 'fight' for everything with kor kor - mummy's time included. Tried disciplining her that day and ended up she in hysterics and me giving her an alternative. It would take some time and effort. Reckon there are some things I would just not do to avoid her getting 'angry'.

Every night she loves her short play time. She will pretend to lie down on the bed and then when I am about to come to pat her, she will scramble for her dear life away from me. And then look back and laugh and laugh. We play 'chase' all around the room. And then take another 15 minutes or so to wind down, pray and sing songs.

I usually try to get her to bed by 9 pm so that I can have some time with the son.

Christopher.....

Well....he is a sensible boy. I have always prayed for him to be and indeed he is growing up to be one.

It is always tough for me when my parents are down to take care of him. Reason being, they coax him to do stuff. And wait for him and walk with him to do chores. Me? I will be hanging clothes and then yelling to him from the kitchen to come in to brush teeth like NOW. Of course I wait like 2 minutes and then shout again. So much as I love my parents to be here, when they leave, it will be a few days of tantrum throwing and heavy disciplining.

But he is sensible in that he knows I mean business and that the 'honeymoon' period is over. Time to get his butt moving before he gets a slap on the butt! But well...he also realises that if he is good, that would mean mummy would spend more time with him (instead of fuming in one corner).

He loves colouring. I tell you....we can make money selling all the colouring pages he has done. He also loves writing and counting. Every night, we would do 20 minutes to an hour of colouring/writing/counting. He is not much of a reader, so only some nights we read his Peter and Jane. However, he still loves picking out words in magazines and brochers and newspapers that he knows. So, reading is not totally lost on him.

Picking up his mandarin pretty well. But the teacher says his interest seem to have waned. Partly coz he doesn't like the fact that he has to continue studying while some of his friends are downstairs playing.

Now a Ben 10 Ultimate Alien/Alien Force fan. Believe me, these kids know the difference. And which monster/alien is in which cartoon. So, 6 pm is HIS time on channel 616.

As for the 2 kids together....

Sometimes they play together. Most times they fight.

Caylee cries before she intends to take any of kor kor's stuff.
Christopher hardens his fist and growls at her.
And I have to take her away before either she hits him or he hits her.

Occasionally, kor kor will stroke her hair when she cries. And he can really distract her out of her crying.

Penang Penang here we come!

2011-05-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just confirmed a booking to Penang on the 14th weekend. It will only be one night. So, Please God let the weather be good. Hope the police don't do their raids that night. I really want to get my GLEE DVDs.

Any GREAT suggestions where to eat? CHILDREN friendly places please.

***Addition***
By the way, my colleague told me there is this air con place which has good hawker fare along Lebuh Cintra. Downstairs selling antiques and the shop is upstairs. Anyone know about this shop and if it is open for lunch/dinner?

So the rant has become a cheer now! :)

I'm tired.

2011-05-04T23:11:00.001-07:00

I wish fullstops could be bigger. Then I would write I(fullstop) AM(fullstop) TIRED(fullstop).

My colleague is in a rotten mood. She is doing an assignment and I guess she is at the stage of almost wanting to throw it away. So, I better stay a feet away from her until she is done. Her books are quite thick and will surely cause harm if she flings one my way.

Hubby is still away in Bangkok. Coming back Saturday evening. But I reckon he would be too poofed to entertain the kids. Considering he has to wake up at 5 am to catch his flight.

And he just told me he would need to travel again next month. And one more longer one in October.

Which means in between he would be rather busy catching up on his routine work. And the extra effort of orientating himself with what he has learnt.

Sigh....I wonder who has it worse? The one doing the travelling or the one staying at home?

Anyway....this is just a rant. A tired rant.

Weekend gone awry

2011-04-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

I had BIIIIGGG plans for this weekend. My inlaws were supposed to be out of town. So, that would mean an extra evening free. They were scheduled to bring relatives from Australia to Teluk Intan and then Penang. So, my plans were: Butterfly farm visit on Sat morning. Cycling on Sat evening. Church on Sun morning and some grocery shopping on Sunday evening.

HOWEVER, on Friday evening, hubby saw through FB, a notification from his cousin mentioning that their flight was cancelled. Will only be arriving KL on Sat evening. Mother in law was notified! And we were put on stand by mode for dinner on Saturday.

Given my previous experience, I didn't really stand by. I cooked fried rice and waited. And fed the kids and still waited. And was hungry so ate my portion and still waited. In the end, hubby also ate his portion and we told them we would not be joining them for dinner.

Why?

Caylee had fever for the pass 3 days. Nanny and I thought it was coz she was teething. Her top two teeth seem to be pushing out. So, we just took care of the fever. Thursday night, her fever broke through. But come Friday evening, rashes started to 'sprout' out.

This feels so familiar. Yes. Roseola has striked on #2. I looked through my blog on my previous experience with Christopher. Put some barley to boil and just waited out the rash outbreak. AND cancelled any idea of putting my initial plans to action. Seems the only thing that had to STAND BY was my plans.

It got worse on Saturday morning and by evening, it was BAD. Another reason why we decided going all the way to Klang for dinner at 7.30 was a bad idea.

And of course Sunday being Easter....well....Christopher had to go to church. Hubby had to go too coz we were on breakfast duty. And now he has to do my part as well. Christopher came home half way for lack of attention and some acting up.

He was full of junk so I fed Caylee her porridge.

It's afternoon now. I am munching on hot cross buns that are no longer hot. Packed by hubby from church.

If weather permits, I might take Christopher out for a cycle on his NEW BICYCLE. And given my inlaws are not around, I would also need to stock up on veg and meat for the week.

Well....as long as everyone is still happy....a weekend with the family is still a GREAT ONE!

Conversations with Christopher

2011-04-20T22:18:00.000-07:00

We have been going around recently looking for a suitable bicycle for Christopher....

Went to a few places and came out of a few places....empty handed.

And each time Christopher would ask me how come we have not bought it yet. And each time I would tell him that either the price is not right or there is no 'nice' bicycle there for him.

Last Tuesday, he must have been in a buying mood.

He looked around for his bicycle. There was none. So he asked me to get him a motorcycle instead.

Went to the biscuit section and wanted to buy Panda. I told him he already has a packet at home.

Passed by a cake shop and asked for Spider Man bread.

Went to a pharmacy to get some panadol for Caylee. Came out empty handed. He was more disappointed than me.

Hubby went to take some passport photos. He was sad coz this shop 'nothing to buy wan'.

And at last on our way home, we passed by a pet shop and he said "Ok lah....everything also cannot buy. We buy a puppy!"

I was like 'What??'. From bread to biscuits to bicycles to someting as BIG as a puppy?

C : Come lah mummy, buy a puppy for me. I lllooooovveee puppies.
Me : How to buy puppy? Puppy very expensive. And cannot just buy like that. Need to buy food first and need to prepare place for puppy to sleep.
C : But I loooveeee puppies woh. How?
Me : Don't want to buy puppy lah. We can go to a place to adopt a puppy. (Then I went on trying to explain what is 'adopt' but he cut me short)
C : I don't like dog mummy. Puppy only.
Me : But puppy will grow up to be dog woh. Then puppy grow up to be dog already what are you going to do? Give the dog away?
C: Yes. I don't like dogs. I only like puppy.
Me : But puppy will grow up woh. Like Christopher grow up to be big already. Then how? Mummy also give you away ah?
C: Don't want. I love dog and puppy lah mummy. Both also I love.
Me : Yes. Puppy grow up to dog, still have to love dog. Same like Christopher grow up, mummy still love you.
C: How about cat? I don't like cats. We don't buy cats.
Me : Yes....mummy also don't like cats. We don't buy cats.
C: Then how about daddy? Daddy like cats or not?
Daddy : No....daddy also don't like cats.
C: OK....mummy, daddy and Christopher don't like cats. Then mui mui how? Mui mui want cat or not?

I am remembering this conversation for 2 reasons.

1) It was so funny when he went on and on about buying things....right up to a puppy.
2) And the first time he responded positively and quickly to a reason. The fact that he cannot only love puppies but dogs as well. I thought I would need to explain to him more and more. But he understood the concept at once.

The cat topic is totally not related. Only to complete the converstaion. :)

Baby Stuff

2011-04-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have been doing alot of searching for 2nd hand buy/sell webistes recently.

Have to do one or 2 selling. And some buying.

Kids! They use and outgrow things so quickly. It doesn't help that I have a boy and a girl, who looks like a boy.

So, I really have to dress her up in PINK for her NOT to be mistaken to be a boy! :)

Even when she is in purple and wearing a distinctively girly shirt, some will ask me if this is a boy! SIGH....

And sometimes she can be wearing pink but wearing denim and her brother's shoes (which are BLUE) and still smoe will ask me if she is a boy.

I think I need to put something on her head and maybe the questions will stop. Anyway....I am running amok on the topic.

Anyone know any good websites that buy 2nd hand stuff off you? I want to sell my baby carrier cum car seat. Used only for 8 months.

And anyone know any webiste or anyone who wants to let go of a quad-cycle for my 3+ year old son?

First attempt @ straw

2011-04-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

Caylee's first attempt at a straw cup. She bit at it the first time. But when we put it in her mouth the second time, she sucked at it. And she was surprised when the mouthful of water entered her mouth.

She sucked and sucked. And when we took it out of her mouth, she reached for it even more.

First attempt at a straw cup and Caylee drank 4 oz of water.

Bravo girl!

Caylee's First Birthday

2011-04-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

AT LAST I got Caylee's brithday shots uploaded.

We went to Backofen @ Taylor's Lakeside campus in Sunway for her birthday. The restaurant was kinda quiet given it was a Saturday. Try going during the weekday lunch and chances are it would be hard to find a place to sit. But with no classes on Saturday, this place is EXCELLENT for a celebration.

A little bit about the place. If you have never been, you really have to go one Saturday. We were told that the campus was mainly for Taylor's Hospitality Courses. There is a small (very small) hotel in Broadwalk (which is the building where Backofen is) for the student's parents to spend the night. And surrounding the lake is the campus and many restaurants. Landscaping there is also VERY NICE. Christopher had a grand time running around given that the weather was not that warm.

A pic of the restaurant.

And another pic of the birthday girl and her 'made to order' cake.

I wanted lemon cheese cake for her birthday but Backofen didn't have it. So, they custom made it for me. The cheese was really cheese, unlike those from Secret Recipie. So for the first time Christopher ate his portion of the cake. And since cheese doesn't rise, the baker added a layer of sponge cake in between to make up the height. So, you can imagine the quality of the cake.

Caylee had a good time. She wore shoes for the first time and was encouraged to walk a bit outside. She can walk but her fear is getting the better of her. She rather prefered in the end to be carried. She ate bread while the rest of us had our meal. She loves her bread, thank God. The lamb is WONDERFUL here and so are majority of the dishes. So, we all had a really good lunch.

All in all, it was a quiet family lunch in a great place with great food and a good walk around after that.

Happy Birthday darling girl. Mummy wishes you will shine like an angel and touch the lives of everyone with God's love in you.

My first A&E

2011-04-08T23:22:00.001-07:00

I have always read of other parents having to go through an A&E situation. I never thought I would have to go through it too.

Due to Caylee's illness, she and I have been sleeping in a different room from Christopher and hubby. So, the events when the 'incident' happened I take from hubby's account.

According to him, in the early part of the morning, he was awaken by Christopher crying. He was faced down at the edge of the bed. Hubby asked if he fell of the bed. He said yes. Hubby then carried him back to bed and Christopher slept on.

Only during his morning bath did hubby notice how big the bump on Christopher's head was. And this from a fall from his 5 inch mattress. Anyway, not thinking much about it, Christopher was sent to school. At 4 pm, the school called us telling us that Christopher has been having nose bleeds the whole day. It was farely light, mixed with his mucus. But no doubt there was blood. And it has been happening since morning. The principle was a little anxious and told hubby to send him to the doctor.

The doc, according to hubby(I was at home taking care of Caylee), was not so eager to dismiss it as 'noting'. He wrote us a referral letter to bring Christopher for a CT scan at Damansara Specialist Hospital.

By this time, I was frantic. I had not seen my boy yet and was not sure what the principle said and how bad it was. I carried Caylee and frequently stood waiting at the door.

Christopher was his normal monkey self when he came home. When I inspected his bump, I would say that nearly half of his forehead was bruised with certain areas bearing more blood clotting. There was also a huge bump where most of the impact must have landed. It was bright redish blue and have 2 small cuts. Plasmatic fluid had formed so I presume there must have been blood earlier. His nose at this point was still slightly bleeding.

So, with Caylee dropped at the bbsitter and Christopher full with dinner, hubby and I made our way to the A&E. Gosh....there were many kids and old folks requiring emergency attention there.

Dr Zurin, the neurosurgeon was called to attend to our case, under the supervision of the attending doctor. She recommended a CT Scan to be on the safe side. Now, for a 3+ year old kiddo to do a CT Scan, they have to be sedated first. Believe me all kinds of questions were going through my head - raditaion, sedation, side effects...etc.

Christopher had to be brought into a 'ward' and the moment I asked him to lie down and he saw (from that angle) all the machinery and medical stuff, he CRIED. He fought us and wailed. And he only had to have the sedative meds put into his bum.

We got it done. And hubby carried him after that. Hoping to lull him to sleep faster. Guess what happened. He told me shortly after that that he needs to pee....and then he needs to poop. The meds made him feel like pooping. I can understand.....:)
And gosh of all goshes....he FOUGHT the sedation too. We waited like 30 min and he was still talking to us and asking us this and that. In the end we decided it was getting late and we wanted to try the scan without him going under.

The first round we tried hubby went in with him. From the outside of the door and way down the quiet corridor, I could hear my son screaming and shouting and (undoubtedly) kicking. The door opened some 10 minutes later with a dejected and irritated daddy.

Christopher got a mild scolding for being so un-coperative. We gave him a pep talk for about 20 minutes and decided to give it another try. He went in with cries like "I don't want to be brave mummy" and "Mummy please can we go home please." My heart really felt like taking him home.

This time I went in with him and showed him the machine. We turned on the laser lights and positioned the bed properly and I showed him it doesn't hurt. He tossed and turned and tried to get up crying all the while. In the end I had to raise my voice and get him to concentrate on my talking. And then I started to ask him to count. TO close his eyes and then concentrate on mummy counting.

The position ready, the attendant was ready to do the scan. But I had to leave now coz I wasn't wearing protective gear. So, hubby took over holding his hand and counting. And as I stepped outside I could hear Christopher starting to count as well. Outside the door, I was praying OUT LOUD with both my hands against the door. I wonder what anyone would have thought of me. Well.... When I heard 20, I heard hubby say "All done!" Christopher appeared a little SMUG that he was brave enough after all.

I left after the scan coz it was nearing 11.30 pm and Caylee was still at the nanny. Thank God for my Cher Fu and Cher who came to pick me up and pick Caylee up as well. As soon as we got home, I called hubby who told me they were on their way home too.

The CT Scan didn't show antyhing bad. So, we were just given pain killers for the head ache Christopher was having and the probable injury on his nose. Another day of monitoring just in case. But all looks good.

That's Christopher fighting off the sedation:

And the bill ? Some RM750+ for 3+ hours at the hospital's A&E.

What I surfed on Google today

2011-04-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

My job occasionally has bouts of free time in between. And during these hours, I google alot of things. Usually as a result of topics my colleagues brought up. Or about things certain people said which I wanted to clarify. Or things which I want to do that I don't know how. Or places to eat.

So, one day I decided to write about things which I google about. Only the interesting and allowable ones.....

Google 1 : Does yellow snot indicate an infection?
I went to the doc last Tuesday coz my mucus took a turn from clear to yellow. And my congestion was not clearing. The doc (not my usual nice one) told me that a yellow mucus does not indicate an infection. And so....
Top Google results indicate that yellow snot does indicate an infection.

Google 2 : Does the MMR vaccination cause autism?
My colleague's siter in law did a course on child pyschology and it was indicated that the increase in autism could be linked to the combination of the MMR vaccine. Compared to the previous years when it was given in 3 seperate injections. SURPRISING huh!
Top Google results show several articles on this. And some cases in US where vaccine companies have paid out alot to cases like that. However the word autism is taken out coz they don't want it to be a direct link. Read this article if you are interested.

Google 3 : Cash Converters
I really need to sell some baby stuff to clear the clutter and get some extra cash to buy stuff for big C. Was trying to see if anyone wrote about an experience selling stuff through Cash Converters. But sad to say....none.

Google 4 : ipad
Just wanted to find out if I bought an ipad in US, can it be used here. I suck at technology so really had to surf about it. No need any like 'jailbreaking' what ever the term is. Got misdirected and ended up looking at all the cool Apple gadgets in the end. :)

So, if you have any info that is different or something to add to my google search database, please let me know.

Conversations with Christopher...

2011-04-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

I was a little down when my parents left after spending some 3 weeks with me. So, I told hubby in the car ont he way back from my inlaws place last Sunday night:

Me : Sigh...now poh poh no longer around, I have to do everything by myself.
C : Why mummy? What is wrong?
Me : Mummy is sad. Poh poh went back alread. Now mummy have to do everything by myself. Are you sad poh poh and kung kung went back to Ipoh?
C : Yes, I am sad too mummy. I love kung kung and poh poh.
Me : So how?
C : Never mind lah mummy. Don't be sad. I will protect you.
Me : (laugh)
C : But not all the time I can protect you mummy.
Me : Why not ?
C : Coz sometimes I am in school and you are at work mah. So I cannot protect you then.
Me : (laugh) ok. So when you are home you will protect mummy?
C : Yes. Don't be sad ok?
Me : So you will help mummy and not make mummy angry?
C : Yes. I won't (lists all the things he is not supposed to do).
Me : Ok. Promise?
C : Promise. Don't be sad ok? (put out his little finger to seal the promise).

And the other time when I was sick and having fever....

C: Mummy, you are not feeling well?
Me : Yes. Mummy is having a fever.
C: Oh...like that day I was having a fever too. And you put the cold cold thing on my head. That one not nice mummy.
Me : (smile) But it help to bring your fever down. So must put, ok?
C : Don't want lah mummy. Are you ok mummy? You didn't put the cold cold thing?
Me : Mummy already take medicine so fever will go away soon.
C : Never mind. I pray for you then you will not have fever anymore.

His prayer - God, please make mummy's fever go away so that mummy don't have to put the cold cold thing. Make mummy strong so that she can play with me. Amen.

C: Mummy feel better now? I pray already mummy will be better. Now mummy can play with me?

Sick, sick also die die must play with him.
****

As for Caylee....she's ONE today. Will be posting about her first birthday soon.

Car Trouble again....

2011-04-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Time : 7.23 am. Monday, 4th April
Place : Caylee's nanny's house

It was drizzling. Parked my car in front of my nanny's house. Saw that the kids were getting ready to go to school. Must be waiting for their mum to get ready.

Turned off the air con and radio. Turned off the engine. Almost at once, I knew something was not quite right when I turned off the ignition.

Took out my umbrella, sheltered nanny has she came out to get my girl. Went back into the car. Mum was already preparing to start her engine to ferry her kids to school.

SHUCKS of all SCHIMUCKS.....I could not start my car! THe light came on but when I turned the key, it would not start. No sound at all except for a click.

SHUCKS of ALL SCHIMUCKS.....SH*T! I am going to make the kids late for school!

After a few minutes, exclaimed to mum that I could not start my car. Told her to help me push the car out so that at least she can get out. And then I can push it back in again into their porch so that I would not disrupt the traffic.

It was still drizzling. GOSH!

My nanny, her hubby, her son, mum and 2nd daughter helped me push the car. Eldest daughter carried my girl.

Did I mention it was still drizzling? And of all days, I decided to be pretty and wear a skirt with heals!

We managed to get the car out of the way. Nanny proclaiming "Why your car so heavy?" And nanny's hubby just recovering from a leg injury what more. Thank God at least there was one strong man to help.

Called hubby SOS to come get me. Nothing can be done at the moment....so went inside, dried off and had my breakfast. Had quite a good time bonding with nanny's family actually. Got to know some 'secrets' too! :)

Hubby came to get me at about 8.05, Christopher still in the car. GOSH ! And hubby had an appointment at Honda workshop too that morning. Rushed to get Christopher to school and then off to the Honda workshop. Pity his colleague who was already waiting there to ferry him (and me, now) to office.

In the afternoon, hubby went back to Honda to get his car and came back to office to get me to do my car.

What a day! Full of CAR CAR CAR!

Picked up our usual mechanic on the way with a new battery and a device to reset the electronics if necessary. Learnt a few things:
1) Myvi's lifespan for battery is seemingly very fast. Faster that other cars.
2) You can use bluetooth to reset a Myvi with the proper devices. So a mechanic (who knows how to do it) can do it wherever you are. No need to toll the car to the garage!

Found out it was not really the battery problem but the immobilizer had to be reset. Changed my car battery anyway - dry cell costing me RM210. But he didn't charge me for the resetting or the labour. We are old loyal customers of this mechanic going back to my father's time. :)

It took them a mere 15 minutes to get the car going. Whew....

Now I am wondering....any Myvi owners have such problems as well? Or is it just mine/my batch? I don't want to get stuck somewhere on my own with no cell phone coverage.

Keeping it positive

2011-03-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

We have enrolled Christopher for Mandarin classes this year. His is not a mandarin kindy and that is fine since I (more I than hubby) do not intend to enroll him into chinese school.

So anyway.....he has been doing quite well in his mandarin classes. In fact the teacher has praised him. After a few weeks, he even saw that behind his English ABC books, there are some mandarin stroke books. He pestered me to no end to buy those for him. When we got some for him, he then pestered me to go home RIGHT NOW so that he can start pracitising his writing.

He now recites his 1,2,3....10 in mandarin very well. But ask him what he is saying, he will tell you "mandarin lah mummy". He doens't know yi = 1 and er = 2 etc. He just loves the ryhme of it.

And what's more....he is singing mandarin songs. Started with 'liang ke lau hu' and now his latest song is 'ke ren lai'. Surprisingly he says all the words correctly though not always in the right sound. But ask him the meaning and he will look at me blurly.

Yesterday while in the shower, I did explain the song to him. Thank God for my few early years of mandarin tuition. And he continued to ask me each and every word's meaning.

So, I deduce. He loves music. Not so much he loves mandarin. But he just loves rhyming. Put a rhyme into his Peter and Jane and I bet he would learn that much faster too. So, I am looking for some music classes for him and intedn to introduce him to poetry with more vigour.

As for nearly one Caylee.

Well...she is a real gem when it comes to waking up from bed. She still wakes up in the middle of the night. To reach for my hand or climb onto my bed and lay next to me. But most times when I put her back onto her mattress and ask her to go back to sleep, she will look at me and 'nod' with her understanding eyes. Most of the time she will roll around or find stuff to play with and leave me alone.

She is an early riser. But if she wakes up at 6+ am, she will check if I am still sleeping. And if I am, she will not disturb me until she sees me rise. Then she will make a bee line for me and climb into my lap.

As I am writing this, I remember my boy being the same. Hopefully unlike Christopher, Caylee will not outgrow this. And let mummy sleep on for another 1 hour max before she tends it too long.

My quietest weekend, as seen from public eyes

2011-03-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was literally MIA from the world. Anyone short of ringing my door bell could not get me.

Why? I was alone with my mum at home taking care of the kids. My dad was in Malacca and hubby was in KK. Actually it wasn't that long a time but after the first 24 hours, my mum and I had aches here and there and took longer than normal to respond to a cry.

Well, I had big ambitions too to put up the 2 new bookshelves for Christopher and rearrange some furniture in the living room. I bet that contributed to spasms in my lower back throughout Saturday night. Leaving me feeling not rested at all when I woke up on Sunday.

Added to that, Christopher demanded for rice, chicken, brocolli and cauliflower for Sunday lunch. And I realised no fool will open 'chap fan' (mixed rice) business on a SUNDAY!

My indifference was more apparant due to the chaos happening outside. 2 of my closer friends delivered their little girls and amidst panic.....I kept mute. In fact I didn't even know there was a crisis calling for prayer until well.....hubby came home and asked me if I replied any of the sms-s. Huh? What sms?

Well....mum has declared my daughter the most tomboyish girl she has ever come across. She will greet you with a closed fist and box you if you aint careful.

Pics? yeah yeah....have to get to downloading them after her upcoming 1st birthday. We have found a special place to go and she will be having a specially ordered cake in its normal round form. But we gave the baker freedom to decorate it however she wants.

And reason why I am not blogging as often? CITYVILLE has taken over my few free hours when I am not working. My friend has just told me how to strategise in this game. And all along I was just making my city beautiful instead of making money! Hai....

In a time like this

2011-03-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Of late, I have been wanting to break free. The mundane chores of daily living has been taking a toll.

Added to this is Christopher's recent acting up. For the first time I can say my little boy is breaking my heart EVERY day. And a hug doesn't mend it as quickly. He is at the stage of defiance to the core. Shouting back, talking back, purposely not doing what he has been asked to do, hitting me, demanding things, throwing tantrums (which usually end up with him on the floor). It really saddens my heart. And I have questioned if his behaviour is my doing.

But it doesn't do me or him or anyone any good if I were to brood on this question. I have done my best with him in the pass 3+ years. Of coruse I have made mistakes. But I need to learn from them and better my parenting ways. The road of parenting will not get any easier. So, I hold back my tears, harden my heart and get down to business. Christopher will be going through a tough lesson of R-E-S-P-E-C-T until he GETS IT!

Pray for me. I cannot do this alone.

As for Caylee, sigh......nanny has been complaining about her alot these days. A sick baby with teeth sprouting is not easy to face daily. Although she is getting MUCH better now, she is still super clingy to the nanny. And worse of all she doesn't allow anyone to carry her. Only 2 other females in the house so far can replace my nanny for a few minutes. I can understand her frustration coz there are chores to be done in the house that she cannot do due to Caylee. But it does affect me when she makes claims that she has never had to take care of so difficult a child before. Sigh.....

My 2 kids sure have strong characters!

And my colleague is planning a holiday to Maldives. And showing me pics of the Conrad/Hilton hotel she will be staying. Makes me feel like I want to be a piece of her luggage!

In a time like this, I feel so much like escaping for a while. But I can't.

And so my escape is through a big black book and a smaller purple one. The Bible and my journal. May the Lord so enlighten and equip me to face my greater purpose in life.

It's a Girl thing!

2011-03-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Caylee is such a girl! (ah-but-then.)

If she looses her balance just a wee teenie bit, she cries pitiful sounds that sound like 'why didn't you hold me, mummy!'

If she is playing in one corner and sees you sit down, she will leave what she is doing, crawl to you and climb into your lap.

If you pass her by without acknowledging her, she cries for you to turn back, say Hi and then pick her up.

If her kor kor hits her, she hits him back. And then she cries in case kor kor decides to report it to us.

She is just sprouting her 2 bottom teeth now. Started seeing white end of Feb. Which caused her one week plus of 'flowery' (as they call it in cantonese) diarrhoea.

Walked her first step end of February and now manages (sparingly) a step or two between 2 steady objects. If I hold her by the hand, she still tries to come in front of me so that I can carry her. Cruises along, no problem!

Started climbing up to the sofa (aarrrggghhhhh!!!) to disturb kor kor. And has no problem climbing up and down the queen bed from the single bed beside it.

Can climb up and down stairs. So, we have put up the gate again. For which she will try to squeeze herself through the railings! (and then cry) Sigh....

Runs away and hides after her bath when I try to put on her clothes.

Will cover her eyes with her hands and call for us to play pee-ka-boo with her.

Has outgrown her car seat. And taken over kor kor's! (Have to get a new one for kor kor now)

Still has quite little hair in the front. But reaching her neck at the back.

Calling 'da-da' and only ONCE called me 'ma-meeee' when she was crying so hard for me to pick her up. Speaks gibberish otherwise apart from mumm-mumm and ta-ta (hit in cantonese).

LOVES twinkle twinkle little star and will do the approriate hand movements.

Used to say Bye Bye but now no longer wants to do it.

LOVES to lean back and look at things upside down!

Kisses herself when she sees her image in the mirror.

Very aware of her surroundings - where you have gone, where things are being hidden etc. And loves to look out of the window/door to look at things. Also loves to look at people and see what they are doing.

Scared of a tickle under arm. And will move away when you try to tickle her.

Still has a great chuckle and a sweet smile.

Going to be ONE in a month's time. Time sure passes by really fast. Time for mummy to do some planning.

Japan's Earthquake

2011-03-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

I was at home with my sister when someone called her to tell her to turn on the TV to CNN. We watched LIVE what was happening to Japan.

My heart really goes out to the people of Japan. Imagine the government itself needs to rebuild the country. How much can they help their people. If this were to happen to Malaysia, how do we rebuild our lives?

We worry about which school, where to buy house etc. But if a diasaster such as this strikes us.....where to buy house? Where there is a house. What education? There is not even enough food.

If we have relatives in neighbouring areas, at least we can look to someone for temporary shelter. But what if our nearest help is an airplane away?

I talked to my colleague about this and she mentioned about the sins of the Japanese in the past and that they have what is coming.

I think generational sin and try to recall what the Bible teaches us about this. But I can't.....

What a life our kids will have. A life in the end times.

And I remember.....that our eternity is in Heaven. Philippians 4:6 comes to mind.

We have that little time on earth to do good in what ever way we can. To show God's love to others in whatever way we can. To bring up our kids, since we already have choosen to have kids, so that they can continue showing God's love to whoever they can.

For at the end, what good is a big house or a high flying job at the cost of eternity. Everything can crumble down in a second.......

I am not sure if this affects you. But I can say AT LAST I understand God's great commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

Termites

2011-03-03T17:28:00.000-08:00

Did I ever mention that we have termites in our 2 year old house?

Well, we discovered it last year November when we saw some mud-like sendiments at the edge of our kitchen cupboards. Googled some termite control companies. Got 2 to come look see and give us a quotation.

In the end settled for NLC. Not so much due to the price but the professionalism of the consultant and the frankness of price and package.

Put us back some RM2,300 for termite control, pest control and an insurance for 1 year. The insurance works such that after the treatment, if the termites come back, they will continue treatment for free. Of course like all insurance, we have to pay annually.

It's March now. Lask week of Feb they came to check on the termites and there is no more activity. Seemingly the termites had wanted to build a nest in the kitchen cupboards but DIED.

So, the Sentricon baits are all gone now. A whole lot of cleaning to do since there is alot of mud where the baits and termites were. But at least I don't have to worry if the cupoards will fall apart on me! :)

Continuing with the pest control and they will continue to monitor for termites in the next few months.

My opinion of NLC? Very good service. One main person will be assigned to a house so you deal with the same person all the time. They are very punctual if not early. And they are always the ones who call to make the appointments. Not conviniently forget to follow up.

We may continue with the insurance until the entire area around our place has been built up. Currently many small areas are being developed around the area so colonies may be moving around a bit.

In all our years, hubby and I have never had to deal with termites. Trust our first experience will be our last.

Out it comes.....

2011-02-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

Just as I thought we are coming to the end of illness week(s), Christopher causes me to flip with a bout of vomitting again.

He woke up Friday feeling malaise. Had a slight fever. And vomitted 3-4 times. By night, kungkung and porpor were threatening him with hospital visits and drips if he doesn't eat.

I am wondering if he has a eating disorder? He always tells me that he has trouble swallowing. And he just lets the food stay in his mouth for ever and ever. If we don't remind him to bite and swallow, he will just leave it there.

And recently he has been using water to wash his food down rather tahn swallowing. Do any of your kids have this swallowing problem?

****
As for Ah Girl.....AT LAST we can see the white of her 2 lower teeth. Gosh....almost 11 months and no teeth yet? Although she is excellent at crawling now and walks using furniture as support.

She has excellent leg control squatting and standing constantly. And sometimes doing some tai chi poses squatting mid way with her hands out. Still no guts to take the first step though!

****
As for hubby and me.....reckon we need some time off.....thinking of a local holiday. Any good ideas in the Selangor district?

Untititled for lack of definition

2011-02-23T16:11:00.000-08:00

Well...indeed it has been a LONG month since.

It was Caylee's first bout of illness and gosh was she a downer when she had her 5 day fever, nose block and hacking cough. She didn't smile and was tantrum throwing every day. She didn't let me out of her sight either.

So at the end of HER illness, with my low immune system and back to office, I caught my colleague's virus. I had a fever lasting 4 days, inflamed glands and a dry cough. Now I am nursing a conjunctivitis (which surprisingly my colleague has as well!). I have had 4 days of MC which I could not take and had to still work from home. But....well....home nevertheless, so I could still nap a bit.

Hubby has gotten Caylee's virus (or Christopher's?) and was at home with me for 1 day nursing his phlegmy cough and flu.

Yes, it has been some time since the whole family fell ill. Thank God Christopher's rate of recovery these days are much quicker. I guess all that propolis, cod liver oil, mulitivits and Vit C is doing some good. Perhaps he is also much bigger now.

Other things that have happen of late.....

Did you know Lite FM has health talk experts in their morning show? It's quite interesting. One of the days they were talking about stress management. And so happen it was the same day I was working from home and then called back to office at the eleventh hour. Gosh....indeed I was in a state of panic. They mentioned that well.....traffic jams are a part of stress and you know you can't get out of that jam, so why concentrate your energy on it? If we concentrate our energy on something more positive like music or something else rather than on the negative which is the jam, our body will not be in such a stressed state. Sounds theorietical? Well....unless you are like dying to go to the bathroom or hellraising late, I actually tried this once and found myself relaxing considerably. Anyways.....

I came across a piece that day also which I skimmed through. And this phrase kinda stuck to me. As a Christian, 99.99% of our time will be spent in Heaven. Earth is just a place where we will spent a miniscule amount of time. So, what the heck are we so caught up with worldly things for? And why be anxious? Why be fearful ? Why be stressed? Why not do good? Why not hold the tongue? What good do we get annoying the other person? Anyways......

I planned to write this post with a picture of our family medication! :) But my camera battery died-ed on me and no, I have not had the time to charge it yet. But when it comes to antibiotics, I am on a higher dosage now - Ciprobay suppposedly is needed to kill the super viruses of today!

Cheers to all. Now on to blog hopping! :) And that's what I do in between work.

Night owl (not)!

2011-02-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

10 pm - brought the kiddos up to bed. Some patting, some stories....
11.35 pm - little girl was tossing and turning and whimpering. Touched her forehead, she was having a fever. Woke up hubby and gave girl her medicine. Took a lot of patting before she fell asleep.
2 am - little boy started crying, complaining of a tummy ache. Brought him to the toilet but nothing. Started rolling around in bed crying and complaining of tummy ache. Seemed he was getting feverish as well. Decided to also give him panadol.
2+ am - after taking medicine, he cried harder. Crept to bed and then vommitted. His crying woke up the girl. Sigh.....Cleaned him up, changed the sheets.
Nearing 3 am - at last both the kids fell back asleep.
3+ am - boy woke up again crying saying tummy ache again. Took him out of the room so that girl won't wake up. Went downstairs and he managed to sleep a bit on the sofa.
4+ am - boy woke up saying he wants to vomit. Vomitted in the toilet bowl.
Near 5 am - Boy went back to sleep. Soaked some rice for porridge tommorrow.
7 am - Woke up to start work (from home).

Chinese New Year so far

2011-02-10T00:56:00.001-08:00

So far....

Reunion dinner in GoldLeaf Restaurant Klang. We had the set dinner costing about RM 400++. It was like eating a wedding dinner! :)
Big C took a sip of wine just as I was turning around. Thought I saw someone put the glass in front of him. Sigh....He was also given a 2nd bowl of cold longan desert at the request of a certain someone even though I made it clear he can only take 1 small bowl.

1st day was at inlaws place till about 4 pm. Surprise surprise it rained cats and dogs in the evening. Went to McD drivethrough for dinner.
Big C was ill since the weekend before CNY and was on the road to recovery by CNY. So his reward for not eating too much CNY goodies was some french fries! He also accomplished his 3 little CNY steps very well (like Agent Oso). Step 1, wish people Gong Xi. Step 2, say thank you if aunty/uncle give ang pau. Step 3, give ang pau to mummy to keep. :)

2nd day CNY, we went to Malacca. Little C fell ill.
We rented a house near Ujong Pasir. A 4 bedroom house with coffee, hair dryer, iron etc. It was a very comfortable house costing us about RM438.
We also realised that Caylee is starting to get upset when mummy, daddy and kor kor goes out without her.
Dinner with father's side at a Nyonya Restaurant in Melaka Raya. Tasted like pre cooked food heated up!
Went to Jonket Street at night. Super crowded. Bought San Shu Gong coffee. Bought pop pop for Christopher. He didn't really enjoy playing it. I reckon his ears are a bit sensitive to loud noises.

3rd day CNY, made our way back to KL. Took us about 3 hours.
Yesterday, confirmed Caylee gets sad when mummy and daddy goes out with Christopher. When we went out, she crawled to the door and sat there looking out. She refused to move and threw a tantrum when por por tried to distract her.

Now I am ill. Little C is also ill. Big C is much better.

This weekend we will be travelling to Ipoh to see mum's side of the family. Big C is with them, effectively missing 3 days of school including next Monday. I will be working from home in Ipoh. Hope I get well there. Hope Caylee gets well there too.

And here's a pic for the album!

Parenting.....

2011-01-25T23:53:00.000-08:00

Bet word of the Tiger Mother has got to you?

No? Then enlighten yourself with this short article.

What do you think ?

Truthfully.

If Amy Chua is 100% tiger, where would you rate yourself on the tiger scale?

Reckon some people I know would rate me definitely pass the half way mark! :)

I consider myself quite strict too.

At any rate, I want my kids to echo what Sophie said in her past para in this article.

It is how I was brought up and it is an attitude I want to instill in my kids.

That you are capable of loads more if you only pushed yourself to achieve it.

Discipline your mind.

Put your hands on the plow and push. Hard.

Never stop learning. Learn something new each year.

Grow. Life can never be stagnant.

It is a sad thing, we are lazy by nature.

The incidence of a CNY dinner

2011-01-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

So, CNY kicked of for us with our annual SG CNY dinner. We had it in Pantai Seafood this year. Total bill came up close to RM600 for 6 couples.

This is (some/all) of what we had:

Kudos to WaiYin for arranging everything - from booking to ordering. We just had to arrive on time! :)

Was it fun? Got to admit, I have had better outings.

I was busy making sure the boy ate without creating much of a mess and that the girl wasn't crying. And with 5 kids of the same age around, you bet that as soon as the last spoon of rice was in their mouth, OFF they went to see the fishes. Good thing the younger 3 stuck to their parents (Caylee stuck to daddy, not by choice). And the elder 2 helped to look after the other 'mad' toddlers.

There was an incident though which really 'spoiled' my mood later in the night. The 4 toddlers were playing in a reasonably open area, although there were table on each side. And our table being in a corner of where they were playing.

When the 'game' got a little wild, the kids started chasing each other around one table. I reckon they ran round that table maybe 2 times. I sensed danger. There were 2 of us looking after the kids. The other father was carrying his son as well. So, I decided to take some action to reduce the toddlers' madness down a notch. And to stop them from running around that particular table.

BUT.....

I was a little too late. The 'queen-of-the-table' called out to me and gave me a earful.

Was I mad? YOU BETCHA. My dad hated kids who ran around in restaurants. It was a nuisance to other diners and very dangerous. So I was brought up to bring up my kids to never run around in the restaurant.

And although Christopher has been told and he was not the one running around this peron's table, I still had to swallow this earful down and take responsibility. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

It was the first time I actually raised my voice at ALL the kids. I literally shouted them all back to their parents. And asked hubby to clear the bill, I wanted to leave.

To be fair, I left it as that. When the kids were with the parents, I relinquished responsibility of their further action. I just put Christopher in check and took Caylee. Shortly after, we cleared the restaurant and went outside to chat a little more.

You bet Christopher was upset. He gets sad when I scold him. But after some talking to, he was alright. I don't really blame him for playing with the rest. After all he is only a kid. And I don't blame the other kids for being a little 'mad'. They are only kids after all. And I also don't blame the 'queen' who complained. She had a right to.

Am I making a big deal out of this? I know there are some who don't really bother about kids running around. Do you? How strict are you with your kids on this matter?

Chinese New Year

2011-01-24T15:40:00.000-08:00

I reckon for many of you, the Chinese New Year (CNY) flame is already burning. Everyone seems to be running around getting new clothes, changing new money (recycled by BN this year), buying/baking cookies, buying mandarin oranges, stocking up on raw food and planning the reunion dinner.

I have to admit, celebrations have always been rather low key in my family. My parents have never been consistent with the new clothes rule. I don't remember having abundance of cookies in the house. My mum would only get what was needed to give to the elders. Reunion dinner was the only constant hoo-ha. 3-4 women would be in the kitchen, my mum included, preparing the 2 table feast. Us kids would then have to clean up afterwards. Usually my sis and I would be the ones left behind to wash up all the dishes.

Only when I grew up and earned my own moolah did I start buying cookies for CNY. But that was all I did. No new clothes, no changing new money.

Now that I am married and with kids, I still find there is no real need for new clothes and new notes. Hubby begs to differ. So, the kids have new clothes. Hubby will always have a new shirt and I try to have at least one new piece of clothing. And hubby changes new notes not only for ourself but for his parents and his brothers as well.

For me, since young, the only thing I equate CNY to is TRAVEL. Hubby being a KLnite never did need to travel. So he bears with my CNY travel plans and I bear with his CNY new-ness. And we both bear with $$ of bickies and raw food and eating out and other requirements that make CNY memorable for the kids.

So, upon reflection, I wonder if the hoo ha of the celebration is such an important memory for the kids. When we got Christopher's new shirt, we just asked him which colour he wanted and I did not emphasize the fact that CNY required new clothes. It didn't seem important to me.

Would travel be the only thing the kids would remember of CNY? Would the gathering of family be what they equate CNY with? And in the back of it all, of course, the red covered tins of goodies forever available on the table.

And if tradition continues, my kids will also have the memory of the CNY annual dinner with their fellow cell mates.

It would be nice that they have strong memories of CNY eating and catching up with the family - both blood and spiritual. It would be nice that even without decorations and new clothes, my kids would look forward to CNY for the warmth of family ties renewed.

Which radio station?

2011-01-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

So, the big drama for red.fm listeners when J.D. and Dilly went missing is resolved. For those who have not yet realised it, the 'dynamic duo' is under mix.fm now.

Hubby found this out for me the first few days of Jan itself. He is a frequent radio surfer when he is on the road. And it was a mystery we were intending to solve when Jan 2011 approached.

So, I happily defaulted my radio back to mix.fm.

I thought that DJs were quite important to the popularity of the show. Especially since I was quite put off with red.fm when Pietro came on board the morning show. Sigh....

However, of late, I have been finding that I am not sticking to mix.fm even in the mornings...even with J.D. and Dilly. I have been switching between lite.fm (my first time favourite) and red.fm. It's not them, per say. Though the daily dilemma is somewhat tiring and J.D's classifieds is well running a little too long. Is what they do what they want to do or what mix.fm wants them to do?

I prefered their carefree banter when they were in red.fm.

My other reason for now leaving mix.fm is that I really don't like Reefa@mix.fm when I am on the road at 5+ pm. Give me Rex @ lite.fm or that 'I-love-you' DJ @red.fm (can't remember his name now!) anytime.

So, the conclusion is it's not entirely the DJs that count. The radio station's vibe/strategy plays a greater importance.

Now that I am premanently at lite.fm, I may get a little outdated with the latest songs (was so ontop of it when I was with red.fm) but then again 80's music has always been my cuppa tea.

By the way...anyone heard the Dell advert? There is one part of the advert that says something like "the ppl will come and repair your Dell whether you are at home or on the road." Followed straight away by the girl saying "And they will come the next working day."
Which strikes me as....on the road? the next working day? They shouldn't have put the 2 sentences together. Or they shouldn't have mentioned on the road. Well.....just a random thought.

3y4m & 9m

2011-01-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

The 3Y4m kiddo

Christopher went back to school with not much problems. He was a little sad the first day back but I reminded him that we talked about this and he was ok with going back to school. So there should be no reason so be sad. He stopped being sad after about 2-3 minutes and went back to sleep.

At about 3y, Christopher remembers selectively (as in only stuff which is to his advantage to remember). I cannot use temporary suggestions to stop a tantrum or his whining now. He would remind me what I suggested we do if he was good and request that it be fulfilled.

It's a good thing actually though it takes more effort on my part to discipline him with reasoning. And I find I have to tell him more behavioural stories and moral stories to encourage better behaviour on his part. Preventive action rather than curative reaction.

He is no longer that crazy about Barney now. Though he does watch it when it is on TV. Doesn't like Handy Mandy. Not sure if it is due to hubby's persuasion that Handy Mandy is not nice so let's change channels or that he really doesn't like it. Prefers movies now....as in Bolt, Incredibles, Avatar etc.

The boys in his school must be playing hero and villian coz he is ultraman-ing me and playing swords and guns with me now. Recently asked my parents for a transformer as a gift after 2 days of excellent behaviour.

This reward system is practiced (I realised) by my parents and in part my husband. Though my husband balances both the reward and the fear treatment to get him in line. For me, it is retraction of reward if reasoning does not work. I realise that my boy doesn't like me to be angry with him coz I play with him more than hubby. So, he will not do anything I don't like. Of course, I need to exercise patience on my part too.

As for the 9m old kiddo.....

She is crawling now and even attempting the stairs. The way she crawls is really weird. One leg in the usual crawling position, knee on the floor. But the left leg would remain in a cross leg position and then swung in front when the right leg has moved sufficiently in front. Or sometimes she will attempt to use the left leg to crawl and end up walking with the left leg and crawling with the right. It's too weird!

She is also pulling herself up on anything that can support her and will walk along the sides. We are training her now to walk while holding onto her hands but she takes too giant steps when we do that.

What amazes me though is that she is very good at getting from the standing position to the squat. And then only to the sit. She goes down slowly to the squat and sometimes from the squat stands back up again. Sometimes she even can stop and hold midway.

Wakes up in the middle of the night for a feed now. She is taking 7 oz, 4-5 times a day with 2 solid meals and 2-3 snacks. She has more milk and more snacks during the weekend coz mummy is too lazy to cook 2 meals a day! :)

Caylee doesn't like soft toys but loves books. She can flip through books pretty well and seems interested in the texture and colour. She will turn everytime a tune can be heard on TV - may it be an advert, start/end of a show. She can wave bye bye and clap her hands very well.

Started bathing her using the shower and she seems to love it. She giggles and smiles when the shower hits her body and neck. And she will look at the shower head and look at the white hose connecting the head to the heater. It's like she is examing where the water comes from.

When she hears a noise, she will try to look for the source. She also loves to throw things to see where the will go. She understands that things can be hidden. And will go in search for them usually in the right place.

When kor kor runs into the room, she will no longer look at me and wonder where kor kor is. But will continue to head towards that direction to look for her kor kor.

Health wise, she seems to have more skin problems. Alot of rashes not only on her bum but her neck and even on her arms and legs. We are using alot of Daktarin cream and powder for her.

As for the 2 together....

I try to engage both of them in play together. And the only way to do so would be to make Caylee the enemy/monster and Christopher and I would shoot at her or circle around her. And sometimes there are casualties coz Caylee puts stuff in her mouth and we pretend that she is a monster eating them up. Or that her saliva is poison and thus the ppl/vehicle will die! Caylee doesn't know better, so she doesn't mind. She just enjoys the fact that she is in the middle of our play. And yeah....that would mean I have to wash most of Christopher's toys before playtime.

Invasion by Jon S. Lewis

2011-01-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

Invasion is about a typical 16 year old boy surfer boy, Colt who has is living a totally out of this world life after his parents death. Shortly after moving in with his grandpa, he receives mysterious messages that his parents’ death is not an accident. He comes across mind blowing vehicles and weird looking creatures that are after him. Of course, he has friends with him to share his journey of adventure.

This book is what every UFO interested teenager or adult would love to get their hands on. A world where comic heroes and flying motorbikes are real and the world we live in just secondary.

For a reader who has never been into this super hero stuff, I quite enjoyed Invasion. Although I admit it was quite hard for me to imagine the red eyed people and the green alien creatures. However, it still kept me so interested till I realized I was half way through the book and well, dinner was still not on the table. It’s an easy read, with a mixture of some high school emotional drama in between the fast and furious chase of alien beings.

I won’t mind reading more books like this if they are as good as Jon S. Lewis’s narration.

Disclaimer : Booksneeze provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

Year end. New year!

2010-12-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

As soon as Christmas is over, the Chinese New Year bash starts. Year end and the beginning of the year is one of the most exciting, I would say.

Though I wish sometimes people would take a slower pace and enjoy the season while it still lasts. After all Christmas is a 12 day thing. So, CNY can wait since that will last another 15 days anyway.

Almost everyone I know does something for Christmas. Even my colleagues and friends who are non christians. I guess everyone wants to join in the festivities leading up to the new year.

There used to be a time when new year was a significant moment for me. A time to dress up and paint the town red. Of late however, the new year has been catching me in bed with no resolution and no dramatic change.

A person is supposed to grow as the years go by, not only in age (that is inevitable) but in skills, experience, interest, both spiritually and emotionally. This transformation takes alot of wisdom, patience and will. A resolution is to be made only if it is to be kept.

But I reckon since marriage, and even more since the kids came along, the realization of things learnt and the absorbtion of the lesson to the soul cannot be done just once a year. It's everyday, every moment. The impact of it dependant on the situation.

So, as the new year approaches, I move towards it with regular steps. Steady feet above patience and a slow tongue. My resolution perhaps would be to frown less, so I don't look so stressed (as Shang, Wai Yin and Mike always says I am!), Christopher permitting.

Happy New Year to all.

Christmas is indeed pass since school starts soon. Looking forward to the passing of the chinese New Year as well. Gong Xi! Gong Xi!

psst....anyone know where to get splendid loveletters?

Photo printing service

2010-12-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I am actually uploading picutres and maintaining an album in eoe online for the purpose of printing the album.

Once the pictures are uploaded, the printing process is really super easy.

It's a matter of choosing the pictures you want to print, or just a check of the button to print all. Then in a few clicks, you can select all to be printed with size 4R and then confirm your address and method of payment.

Currently 4R prints are at a steal of RM0.30 per piece and RM0.50 for 5R. There is also free delivery services if the total amount is RM35.00 or more.

I love their photo prints coz the quality is really good. And it sure beats waiting around the shopping complex for 3 hours waiting for the photos to be ready. Or returning to the shop at a later time to pick up the photos. And added to this is the joy of the postman giving you a little present.

So, in this 12 days of Christmas, I have decided to send in some photos for print. Currently the house is only filled with pictures of Christopher. None of Caylee. So, hoping the fill the house with pictures galore. Hope eoe online will fulfill my Christmas wish!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-19T22:28:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas time again.

And it always starts off with a blast @ Simon/Wai Yin's place. Pot bless with our spiritual family is always a noisy affair. This year, there were 12 adults, short of Patrick and Shang. And 11 kids, short of little Alycia. Hope I got the numbers right.

Next year would be a bigger blast prayerfully with Caylee being a cher cher to 2 little ones.

This year to me was not (at all) about the food or the pressies. But looking at us grow together in numbers and in experience. This is really a great group I have attached myself to. They are very frank with me in terms of how I can improve myself. And we all share our ups and downs. Nothing beats learning to be a better mum together with all the other mums and dads.

And the kids have play mates who are all the same age group. Thank God for Alyssa who is really the TAI ka cher to all of them. She will be a real pillar of stability when the kids grow up. She has excellent temperament and is a good role model.

Wai Yin played a fast one on me this year. No thanks to Terence. But it was all in good fun. And at least she didn't make me do it on my own. Good thing 'We are the reason' is my favourite Christmas song.

Christopher is bigger this year. He understands Christmas better. Sadly not yet in terms of Jesus but more in presents and Christmas deco and parties. But he is a kid. He will realise in time.

It's Caylee's first Christmas. Reckon she enjoyed herself tremendously since she loves kids! She was carried and watched by everyone. And she didn't really bother coz she was too busy watching everyone play. The cutest thing was to see Vanessa and Caylee together. They are exactly 1 year apart. So, Vanessa's 'boisterousness' was still not beyond Caylee's capability. Caylee see, Caylee take, Caylee do!

Occassionally, Caylee would look out for me and give me a smile. And she frequently checks to see who is carrying her or sitting behind her. She enjoyed herself, I reckon.

Coz now (nightmare) she knows that it is so much nicer sitting outside her playpen with toys surrounding her that she wants to do the same at home too. Sunday was filled with tears everytime we put her in the playpen.

Have to 'yan' (tahan/stand it).

Watching No Regrets and I just learnt that the 'yan' word is alike the 'tou'(knife) word sticking in the 'sam' (heart) word.

Well....this Saturday is Christmas. We will be having another meal, this time with family at my sister's place. What are your plans this weekend?

Can I scrutinize you first?

2010-12-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

Caylee is at the age of scrutinizing people. Yes, indeed, she will scrutinize you. Look at you at all angles and up and down.

We had her infant dedication last Saturday at our home. It was great. My parents were there. My spiritual family was there. Pastor Reynold and Aunty Florence were also there to perform and witness the dedication. It felt more intimate doing it at home rather than in church.

Anyway, Aunty Florence wanted to carry her. But before she could do so, she had to spend a good 20+ minutes talking to her and allowing Caylee to look at her, while I carried her. Caylee would occasionally look back at me while Aunty Florence was doing this. As if seeing if I am friendly with this person. And after that, when Aunty Florence put out her hands again wanting to carry her, Caylee reached out for her hands.

Yesterday my nanny told me another story. Her twin sister came to visit her that day. And they were sitting in front of Caylee's playpen. When Caylee woke up, she sat in her playpen and looked around. When she saw the twin sister and her nanny, she looked at each so carefully. Nanny said she kept on staring at her twin sister and then looking back at her nanny. She sat and stared, stood up and stared. And after all that staring, when the twin sister wanted to carry her, Caylee turned away. And turned towards her own nanny instead.

Yeah...its the smell! :)

Her self preservation is very strong. She doesn't really allow people to carry her and would cry if I attempt to pass her to someone she doesn't want to go to. In fact I am finding it hard to pass her to the nanny's husband or the nanny's daughter when I drop her off. She won't cry but she will show reluctance. In fact would even turn away and hug me. But she reaches out and goes willingly to her nanny.

Good thing she accepts my parents and my inlaws. At least when they are around I can vanish from her sight with no worries.

Christopher was vastly different.

My(vi)'s first accident

2010-12-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, indeed my v has now a dent and alot of scratches on the passenger side front and back.

Where did it happen? Along the SS2 main road, I was turning into Cheow Yang. The right lane was as usual lined with cars waiting for the traffic lights. So, I only had the left lane stream of cars to deal with. BUT the traffic light may be going to turn green soon, so I did not encroach into the right lane. Thus, my vision of vehicles coming was partially blocked and I had to guesstimate looking through the vehicle's car windows.

Fact 1: I really did not see any more cars coming and decided to make the turn.

Fact 2: I was turning slowly always looking on my left to see if any vehicles are coming.

Fact 3: My car was already blocking the left lane and into my required lane when I looked straight.

And then I saw at the corner of my eye a motorbike loose its balance and bang straight into my car.

Sigh.

I drove into the lane. I looked at the mirror, saw the guy fall and get up again. There was no place to park. It was pasar malam night. So I made a turn into the first lane on my left and waited there.

He arrived sometime later. I turned off my engine and waited till he got off. And I got out.

He scolded - saying I didn't bother to stop the car (as in in the middle of the road). And that I would have just ran away if not for the fact he could get up and look for me. According to him if an accident happens, you should stop right away and no one will bother if you are blocking them or not. Well....

He also argued that this is all my fault. Since he was on the straight road. It was his 'jalan' and I was the one turning. So I should have been more careful. Well.....

He told me the damage to his motorbike. Mirror part came out (not broken), front rim 'bengkok' and one part at the leg there also 'bengkok'.

I was shouting and shaking in the middle of the road like a mad woman.

Damage to me (monetary) : RM100.

After the accident, some told me:
"Aiyah, he bluff you. Why you give him so much. RM50 also too much already."
"Motorbike very troublesome. RM100 to get peace of mind is ok lah."

When hubby came home after his Motorshow, he told me he would help take care of the car this weekend. To me, if it can be polished so that it would not rust, I don't want to bother about the dents.

As for my son, he said "Why motorbike hit you mummy? You didn't bring out the gun and shoot him? If motorbike hit you next time, you tell me and I will bring gun out and shoot him, ok?"

I only thank God that he was ok (in fact I told him 'nasib baik Tuhan jaga you', which kinda surprised him that I mentioned Tuhan.) and that Caylee was not in the car when it happened. If the kids were in the car.....

Milestones?

2010-12-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

My mum was alone with me one night. Just put Caylee to bed and Christopher was out with hubby and kungkung. And my mum said "You know Caylee is a little slow in speech development. Christopher at her age was already calling you and making sounds like ma and pa."

Gosh! Really?

I kind of know in my heart that I have not been monitoring Caylee's development as closely as Christopher's. The weeks pass by and I am suddenly reminded how old Caylee is when someone asks me if she is 1 year old yet.

No, she is only 8 months. And I always catch myself...."Oh, she is 8 months." What can a 8 month old baby do? What can she eat?

With Christopher I was very diligent in letting him try new food. Also his nanny and I talked alot about when he will be able to eat what. For Caylee, I just fed her stuff which was convinient and available at the time. She has already eaten combination food. And I didn't really think much about the 1 new food every 4 day rule.

She is standing alot now and can walk around her playpen, though she does fall down often. If she is not in her playpen, she will be in her walker. It's very hard for me to sit with her on the floor and encourage her to do crawl. Christopher is her main distraction.

As for speech, she babbles alot. Caylee's nanny is chinese and talks to her in cantonese. So, I have the tendency to talk to Caylee in cantonese for the length of time I am at home alone with her. And when Christopher comes back, I suddenly find myself reverting back to English with her again. My vocab for cantonese is quite bad so I guess I am not really repeating words for her to learn. Of late (after one incident when I told someone she is nearly 8 months already), I am teaching her to say "mumm mumm" and the usual mummy/daddy.

Since my realisation of her growing up, I have also started to sing to her. And she looks at my mouth while I sing and not my actions. I find her a very different child in that sense. The things that catch her attention are quite different from Christopher.

Recently Christopher picked out a pull string aeroplane. When you let the string go, the aeroplane will move and ther will be lights on the plane. Christopher at Caylee's age would be fascinated by the movement of the plane and the lights. But Caylee would look at the string retracting instead and try to catch the string. Very minuet stuff.

So, yes, Caylee is 8 months as of today. And I have to be more aware of her milestones now. And start bringing out simple picture books to show her. And also start using simple one words with her.

Indeed number 2 does receive less attention that number 1. But I hope my realisation of this fact will help in her development as well. Although all kids will learn at the end of the day, its good to give her some concentrated effort.

Mickey everywhere

2010-12-01T21:31:00.001-08:00

Ever since hubby subscribed to the Cartoon channel on Astro, the Astro is more or less permanently on 613.

Christopher has dinner with Pororo and drinks his before-sleeping milk with Animal Mechanics. He snacks every weekday with Mickey.

Of late, he has been spotting Mickey everywhere. I didn't manage to take pics of Mickey so I have to describe them. Hope you see them as well as he did.

Mickey 1
when he was playing with balls half way, he suddenly told me, "Mummy, Mickey!". 3 balls were together in like a triangle. 2 were the ears and the 1 below was the face.

Mickey 2
when we went out for dinner and he was using the plates and saucers to 'cook' for me, suddenly he told me "See, mummy. Mickey!" He had the 2 saucers as the ears and the bowl as the face.

Mickey 3
when he is drawing and he 'accidentally' draws one circle, he will draw 2 more and say "mummy, see Mickey!".

And most of the time he will also say "Mummy, my Mickey no eyes and no mouth."

So, does that mean I have to bring sticker eyes and sticker mouth with me to make his creativity complete? :)

Buckets full of goodness!

2010-11-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Everyone who knows me knows I love my ice cream.

Of late, essentially after the birth of my 2nd child, I have given myself the license to wallop ice cream to my hearts content. I need to manage my stress and I better do it while I can still afford (in RM and weight) it.

I have been eating loads of Sunnyside ice cream, boxes of Bulla and some Tiptop. Christopher joins at my side especially when I buy his favourite strawberry!

And now.....I have another brand to add to my ice cream list.

BUCKETS !

I tell you the taste is out of this world SUPERB. I don't taste the mixture of water and fat (like in most of our local ice-s). I don't 'feel' the fat or the heaviness after eating (like in some flavours of Sunnyside). I don't feel just a little unsatisfied (like when I have Bulla frozen yogurt).

I just feel this is so fulfilled.

When the guy there let me taste the orange flavour, I tell you, it really was a SURE SIGN that no flavouring was added. It really tasted like orange. And was not too sweet, even mildly sour (it was a sorbet, after all). He told me: "All Vitamins intact too!"

The Belgian chocolate was smmmoooottthhhhh with just a tinge of bitterness.

And the mango was a BOOM WOW WOW in the mouth.

They change the flavours every week and we are expecting DURIAN this mid week. He says: "It will be like you are eating cold durian!".

I am so waiting for their peppermint with choc chips. He told me that peppermint is white, do you know? And so all the green peppermint ice creams that you see have colouring/flavouring.

There are of course flavours which I didn't like. BUT I still highly recommend this place if you want some great ice cream.

Per cup is about RM6+ (cheaper than Gelato). And you can take away the smallest amount for about RM19, after discount (which will have about 4 big scoops). I took away the family pack which has about 7 scoops for RM28.90.

This is a pic from their website:

There is a map to the Kota Damansara shop in their website. But for the sake of directions with landmarks, the shop is behind Subway. And Subway is in front of Tune Hotel.

They are planning to open one in Bangsar Shopping Centre soon. Also there are plans for diabetic approved ice cream (with natural sugar called stevia) and ice cream cakes.

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Klang & Tropicana: Opening soon!

Caylee, oh Caylee!

2010-11-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

For the pass few nights Caylee has been somewhat a troublemaker in the night.

She goes to bed usually around 8+ pm, unless we go out for some 'air' after dinner. And even then, she will be in bed latest by 10pm.

Of late, she has been getting up in the wee hours of the morning. It starts with a caterpillar pose and then she will sit up. And she will call us. If no one attends to her at this stage, she will stand up and call for us even more.

Once she is on her feet, it will take longer to get her back to sleep again. So, I have taken to jumping up and making her her bottle as soon as she whimpers, hoping the drug of the warm milk will lull her back to sleep.

And ever so often, she would also whimper in her sleep - almost every two hours throughout the night. For which I would have to squirm my hand between the cot bars under the bumper to pat her back to sleep.

Of course all this means - total lack of sleep for me. Which I am finding difficult to bear these days. I must be getting old. And of course lack of sleep means frequent bouts of flu for me. I must be getting weak.

BUT (drumroll), last night was the worse.

I was heavily sedated with Actifed given my congested nose. So, told hubby to take over the night watch.

At 12 pm, I was awaken by her call. And she was already sitting down, getting ready to stand up. I nudged hubby and told him to faster deal with her. SIGH...hubby brought her to our bed.

Which really is a bad thing coz coming to our bed is her motive and it signals play time with mummy and daddy for her. And of course me being sick, I don't want to pass the bug to her.

So, I got out of bed and told hubby to make her milk and put her back into the cot. I got of bed to drink water coz I was hacking!

She didn't finish her milk mind you coz she was so distracted by the activity in the room. And hubby gave up eventually.

To cut the story short, Caylee kept me awake for 3 hours. She finally dozed off only after a 2nd attempt at warm milk at 3 am. In between she sang to us and talked to us and hoped for a response. I originally talked to her and told her to sleep, sang to her, hushed her. But then I realized it doesn't work at all. When she doesn't want to sleep, she doesn't want to sleep. And I was dead tired by then that my sleepiness could override my maternal instincts for 5-10 minutes before it kicked in again. So, I was aternating looking at her while lying down pretending to be asleep to discourage her from thinking I was up to play and dozing off. Which really is more tiring than just being awake!

At 3 when she at last fell asleep, I thought I could have at least 3 hours of uniterrupted sleep before I had to get to work.

I WAS SO WRONG.

Caylee woke up again at 5+ and I had to get up again to hold (by force) her bums down so that she would not sit up. And then sing, pat, hush her back to sleep.

I was so reluctant to get up when my alarm rang at 6.30 am. And surprisingly when I got out of the bathroom, still drugged mine you, our little 'angel' was already up and smiling at me.

Reckon if it happens again tonight, I will have to take MC tommorrow. My head can't take this semi drug state!

The Sings My Soul Special Edition by Robert Morgan

2010-11-22T05:36:00.000-08:00

For anyone who loves hymns, the title ‘Then Sings My Soul’ brings a tune to your head straight away. And hymns are what this book is all about. Each page tells the story behind the hymn. From the traditional hymns like the title to common Christmas hymns. With Christmas coming, it sure will make an interesting topic of conversation. And as a bonus to music literate readers, the page beside contains the score of the given hymn too.

I love inspirational reading. And I wanted this book badly because nothing can be more inspirational than that which results in art/music. So, you can imagine my utter astonishment when I got the book, complements of Booksneeze, that this book had music notes I could play on my piano. And it does make me appreciate the hymn so much better knowing the story behind it. My son sits beside me at the piano learning the hymns as well. And later I sing the hymn to him at night and tell him the story as well. There are a lot of stories about strength and love from hymns. So, if you love inspiration and hymns, I really would recommend this book to you.

Today I cry

2010-11-18T22:58:00.000-08:00

"When things are good, we never ask God "Why?" but when things go bad, we always question God."

I truly agreed with this statement.

But today I questioned God.

I know all things happen for a reason. Yet when the inevitable happens, I still cry out to God "Why?".

Darling Samantha, I have never met you. But I love you. As I am sure your mummy and daddy loves you. And more so our Father. May your days be ever brighter in the arms of our Father.

Kimmy, Julie, Jonathan, may the Lord give you a double portion of peace and strength.

An eventful weekend (addition)

2010-11-17T23:26:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah...now that I am back home and just looked inside the fridge, I am reminded....

Hubby and I went back to the JJ Swiss Roll again this trip. They have moved to a proper shop just round the corner.

We bought half a durian roll and half a cempedak roll.

Verdict?

The cempedak roll was EXCELLENT ! The durian roll palatable.

And we already have our eye on the blueberry roll and chocolate mint roll.

All cost RM12 per roll and its HUGE !

An eventful weekend

2010-11-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

We had GREAT plans for this weekend - Taiping zoo, Camerons etc. But I guess our two mindedness caused it all to come to naught.

Anyway, we left for Ipoh on Saturday morning after a stop by Christopher's school for the year end PTA meeting.

He is doing well in school. Joined the 3 year old class the first half of the year and the 4 year old class the 2nd half of the year. His tracing of alphabets (big and small) is good. And his numbers 1-20 is progressing well. He is also almost completing 1A of Peter and Jane.

Next year, he will be starting chinese. Thinking to maybe get some chinese books at home too so that he can practice his strokes. Anyone know where I can get them? My boy does love to do some work at home. I don't force him at all. He takes the books out himself and does it. Although when he does take it out, I do sit with him and guide him a bit.

I am not that worried with his schooling and whether he is a top student or anything. As long as he is happy learning, I am sure he will get there one day.

Back to the trip....

We had lunch at home upon my mum's previous insistence. It was a meaty affair. She bought 2 roasted pork leg (RM7 each) from the Pasir Pinji market. And stewed with mushrooms a whole pot of chicken feet (RM3 only). We were meatily satisfied. Yummy.

For dinner, hubby and I decided to find this 'Wonderful' fried chicken from Menglembu. Asked around and found the supposedly 'wai sek kai' at last.

Sure doesn't look like much of a happening place!

But anyway, tis the food that matters!

This is what we came for - the Wonderful chicken! Below shows the fried chicken, the honey roasted chicken and the fried mushrooms!

I got to say, I kinda loved the honey roasted chicken more than the fried chicken. Can't say I can fund something like this in PJ. They have the paper wrapped chicken as well but we didn't try that.

Now that we know how to get there, definitely will have to go back and try the paper wrapped chicken the next time.

Disappointedly, I got to say that is more or less all we really got out of Ipoh.

We wanted to eat the Drunken Chicken Noodle @ Kedai Kum Kee, Pasir Pinji but it was closed. Sigh.... We did eat the egg toast though. It is still yummy!

Wanted to try the char liew @ Wok with Kim, Jln Yang Kalsom but it was also closed. Someone told me it opens at night. Is this true?

And the reason why our trip was so fruitless was coz....drumroll....we were all sick!

We did visit a pead and a pharmacy though. And got to say the Tiara pharmacy in Ipoh Garden East is quite good. The flu meds we got for Christopher tasted like Ribena and was quite effective @RM5 a bottle.

Just before we left, hubby and I realised that:

1) We did not even drink white coffee

2) We did not eat Taugeh Chicken

3) We did not get to eat this goreng pisang

Next round, next round....

And finally something about Caylee....she is able to get herself into sitting position now. And is attempting to stand. She is ambitious in that she wants to stand and then release her hold. Which of course just causes her to fall down again.

Caylee @ 7 mths

2010-11-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

She has been stagnant at 8+ kg for the pass 2 months now. For her age, she is slightly below average. But her height is at the top percentile - can't remember the number, only saw from the graph the pead plotted. These numbers don't really mean much to me as long as the pead doesn't voice any concern.

But what really amazes me about this girl is her character.

She is very much into detail. Minuet things like my ear studs attract her. And the little bell on my bracelet holds her focus for minutes. I don't really think its a girl thing. Coz she looks at other small things with equal interest.

Did I mention she grasps things very well? Not a rough fist grabbing but pinching between fingers. So she manages paper very well.

However, she is less acrobatic than her brother. Christopher was standing on his head, in an inverted V, with one thumb in his mouth and the other hand balancing himself at her age. But Caylee is still attempting to lift her bum up with only knees and hands for support. She moves by way of propelling herself. From a sitting position, which she sometimes is able to get herself into, she makes a leap forward towards wherever she wants to go.

And while Christopher never went commando in his crawl, Caylee pulls herself forward with her arms, dragging her bum along. And she turns herself around with her belly button as the focal point.

And I have to applaud her upper body strength. She has a great capability to stretch her upper body right up to her fingers to try and reach for Christopher's toys. And if she manages to get it, still manages to pull herself back to sitting position. Amazing!

Her playpen has been lowered at the nanny's place because Caylee is attempting to stand now. And soon I reckon she will be moving arond more. She has got a strong kick too so I have no doubt her legs have strength as well.

She does seem to be a strong one. God really answered my prayers far more than I expected.

What makes her laugh? Christopher for sure. She really looks up to him. Everytime he turns around and talks to her, she will chuckle. In fact she will laugh really hard when he does some kind of stunt. Gosh ! My 2 kids seem to enjoy the adrenalin rush!

And if anyone can topple over a bumbo chair, my girl can. The bumbo chair can't contain her anymore.

Really can't wait for her to grow up and watch the 2 kiddos play together.

A slow day

2010-11-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

It does seem like a long time since I updated anything. I actually have alot I want to write. But between work (and squabbles with a particular colleague what more!), 2 kids who are mildly ill and trying to stop my flu from exploding out, my attempts at blogging has been put aside.

Christopher is at home today due to a mild fever. So, he has to skip his (annual) photo session in school. He is fine with it. He prefers to stay at home with mummy. And when he is alone with me on adhoc days like this, he can be really good. He knows he has a bonus day and doesn't take it for granted.

He was rather shocked though that this bonus day doesn't apply to his little sister. And he has told me 2 times now to go pick up his little sister.

Spending time with him has also got me getting creative. No...not in crafts and all that. I can't stand the fact that I have to clear up all the mess after which. And yell instructions while at it as well.

Instead I have been creative telling him stories - combining Godliwocks (is that the right spelling) with Little Einstein. And combining Litte Red Riding Hood with the 3 bears. And each story somehow works its way to a moral ending. Sometimes I amaze myself! hahahaha.....

And creative also in cooking coz this boy requires highly flavourful food.

Anyway, he is so into Toy Story 3 now. Requesting me to look for the horse/donkey in the show. What a request! Even Woody or the robot (whatever his name is) would be easier to find. But then again, maybe if he can't find it and I can't find it, it would be one less thing he wants to buy without any money!

I am looking forward to this weekend. Going back to Ipoh and making a one day trip to Taiping. I am still thinking if Camerons would be a better trip. Would a farm visit or a zoo be more fun to a kid?

He of course chose the zoo. What does he know about farms anyway? But reckon if he had a choice, he would rather go see an aeroplane or sit on a train. He so loves his vehicles!

Snowflakes

2010-10-31T22:24:00.000-07:00

Shaved soya ice with red beans and green tea balls @RM6.

Snowflakes best seller @RM6! Shaved grass jelly ice topped with grass jelly. Added into this is taro and sweet potato balls. And creamer to top it all up.

I don't usually rave over shaved ice! But these 2 bowls of 'snowflakes' were quite a surprise to me. It's surprisingly GREAT! Will definitely go there again next weekend. And this time maybe will try the hot version.

Warning : Try to choose off peak desert time as this place can get really crowded.

Snowflake Dessert Cafe
26-1, Jalan PJU 5/10
Dataran Sunway
Kota Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Business Hours: 1:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. (Sunday - Thursday), 1:00p.m. - 12:00a.m. (Friday - Saturday)

They have branches in Pavillion and SS15, as far as I know.

Stretching it

2010-10-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

I thought everyone did it. Apparently I was wrong.

I have 2 friends who have been told to make a conscious effort to stretch when they get up from bed and anytime during the day. One of them is on the onset of a lumbar arthritis. I had to google that to find out what it was. The other had pain near her hip right up to her shoulder blade.

I stretch quite often. Sometimes not as soon as I get out of bed coz the baby requires attention ASAP. But I still stretch my legs and wiggle my toes while feeding the baby. And as soon as I get up again, I love to stretch on my toes right up to the 'sky'.

Even as I write this now, I feel like stretching. Maybe the word stretching as the same effect as yawning.

I read a book once that had a short piece on yawning. The short piece took about 15 minutes for an average reader to finish. It contained the word yawn in almost all its sentences making yawn appear again and again in the mind. As the article was coming to an end, it predicted that reading the word yawn so often would make you feel a strong urge to yawn. And you would actually yawn by the end of the article. And indeed I did. In fact I yawned 2 times.

So anyway, back to stretching. Do you stretch? Do you ask your kids to stretch when they get up. Reckon you should stretch now. And stretch often. Not only as a warm up before a jog or exercise regime. And do you notice babies stretch quite often?

Really Woolly Bible Stories by DaySpring

2010-10-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

I loved this little pink book as soon as I received it, compliments of Booksneeze. It's a very different book on bible stories. Different in what way? The stories are in rhyme. It would be a perfect introduction to poetry for my kids using stories they are already familiar with.

It's a hard cover book with thick pages so my little Miss Toddler will have no trouble turning pages. One page holds the story and one page is the illustration. Little Miss Toddler will love the colourful pictures.

And it is easier for me to capture active Mr Toddler's attention as to what the story relates to. Reason being the main gist of the story is also drawn in the picture. And there are some cute small pictures drawn around too which I didn't notice but my son did. And these small pictures are also related to the story.

The stories are common ones which are great for reinforcement. And the words, although poetic are still simple. Also, the message stays true.

Lovely indeed. I may be colour biased, but I reckon this litle pink book will be a great keepsake for a little girl.

Finding yourself

2010-10-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Who do you think you are?

No, I am not scolding you and this post is not targeting you. But it is asking you "WHO do you think you are?"

Do you ever feel that there is a need to define who you are? Well, not really WHO you are since you should be someone wife/husband, someone's mother/father, someone's daughter/son and defintely someone's friend. So, who you are does not really define you, does it? Those are just roles in life actually.

So what defines you? Does your talent define you. What you are good at. Does doing what you are good at define you? Getting recognition for what you do and do well most certainly feeds your pride. So, maybe what you are good at should not be what defines you. Since then you would be just slightly, if not more, egoistic/prideful.

When it comes to talent, God says to use the talent He has given you for good works. So, talent which does relate to what you do well is to be used for God's purpose.

So, God defines us. If I seek God, will He tell me who I am?

4 in 1

2010-10-24T20:23:00.000-07:00

There are 4 of us in one room now. It works out really well since all of us require air con when sleeping. But of late, I am thinking otherwise.

Reason being, my daughter is a great singer and she loves to entertain us as soon as she gets up. Which recently has been a wee bit too early NOT. If she is a good girl, she will get up by 5.30. But half the time, she is naughty which means any time between after 4 am.

And of late, she has been waking her brother too. Daddy just takes his bolster and covers his ears! hahahaha....

If it was the weekend, I would not mind as much since we would just take an earlier afternoon (although not yet even afternoon) nap.

And on some days he can be very sweet like this one time when Caylee cried, Christopher got up and a little blur, crawled over to her cot. Stroked her head and asked "Why mui mui? Why cry?" And told me after that to make milk and insisted to hold the bottle and feed her. And later patted her back to sleep.

But there are days like today when my son woke up and cried when he saw me leaving the room. Had to have a talk with him about how the weekdays are and how they are different from weekends. He did crawl back to sleep after our talk. But according to hubby, he didn't fall back asleep straight away. And later could/did not want to get up to go to school.

Told hubby its so difficult for me to jump out of bed when the girl cries now. If I do that, chances are I can get her out of the room before she wakes up anyone. I used to survive pretty well with 6 hours of sleep. Now a days I feel I still want to slumber on.

By the way....our steriliser is a goner. So, I am back to boiling bottles. 6 more months to go. What luck!

And lastly some pics of the kids in their Sunday best. Christopher put on his clothes himself with a little struggle and some help.

Christopher's new Barney utensils courtesy of Julie!

6m12d

2010-10-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

Caylee is now pass her 6 month mark. She celebrated it by having her first bowl of porridge at the nanny's place.

1 week after eating a full bowl at 4.30 pm everyday, she now eats porridge 2 times a day, the other time being 11+ am.

When she was about 5 months, she was actually already eating baby organic oats with milk every evening.

She LOVES her porridge (or course) and swallows each mouthful gLeefully and quickly. The nanny comments that she has no problem at all getting her to swallow and open her mouth for her porridge (as compared to when she was on oats).

Being the grabber that she is, she is always trying to grab the spoon and the bowl that holds her porridge coz she wants to stuff the grub into her mouth herself. She even grabs her milk bottle when she can and holds it (with some help) until she tires out.

Every time we eat, she smacks her lips in anticipation and whines when she has nothing to put in her mouth. So, we have resorted to baby bites for her when we eat out now. Rusks (I discovered) requires 1 hour of cleaning up after that (have to wash baby, clothes and car seat after that). She is a messy eater.

And here is the little girl enjoying her bicky.

Which exercise

2010-10-17T23:28:00.000-07:00

If I want a quick workout at home, these days I have 3 choices.

The fastest is 20-25 times up and down the stairs. It takes me about 15 minutes and by the end of it, my heart would be racing and I would be slightly out of breath. But I would not break out into a sweat.

The other thing I can do would be to jump on my trampolin. It helps if I want to watch TV as well since I can place it in front of the TV. Try to do it for about 20-30 minutes. This gets my midrif area very itchy (due to all the flab fibrating up and down). Which is a good thing I suppose since that would mean all the blood is going to that area, possibly breaking down the fat? But I don't break into much of a sweat and I am not breathless at all and my heart does not really race.

And the last thing I can do would be to cycle on the stationary bike. I always read a book when I cycle....which means my hands are not moving as they should. But without a book I get really bored just cycling and looking at the cobwebs on the wall. I try to do this also for 30 minutes. My heart doesn't race (I don't cycle that fast) but I do break out into a sweat (dripping) after 20 minutes. So that would mean 10 minutes of real exercise sweat.

I deduce I choose my exercise depending on
1) time
2) what feeling I want to have (sweaty, heart racing, itchy skin?) and
3) what activity I want to do (TV? reading?)

Yeah....and I know outdoor exercise is always the best. But at least I try to put in some exercise apart from mopping the floor and washing the car.

I think today I will jump on my trampolin again. Got to empty my bladder before I do this. The kids have weakened my ability to hold! :)

Eating Breakfast

2010-10-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

Christopher had a bout of tummy flu this pass weekend. He was puking and purging badly on Friday night and his purging is just about ending now.

His tummy flu didn't get passed around this time coz we took all the necessary precautions. But the 'flu' did and I am having such a bad case of congestion.

Oh well.....

So, his tummy flu resulted in him having tummy aches alot. Most of the time when we are trying to get some warm food into his system. So much so he now does not give some biscuits a second look coz he says "the biscuits cause him to have tummy ache".

My mum is down to help since hubby is away (again) to KK. And his lack of appetite is depressing my mum.

Mummy (as in me) doens't care to coax them to eat. You either eat or go hungry. And stop that whinning or you will get a beating! And no biscuits or junk food. Are you mad? And no sweets either.

You get the gist of how it is with me.

But it's a different case for grandma! She coaxes him, negotiates with him and thinks real hard what she can cook for him.

But seems the table has turned around. Yesterday I came back from work and asked my mum what Christopher had today. She kinda looked at me sheepishly (hmm...something is so up!) and told me he had potato chips for breakfast!

hahahaha....gosh.....

Anything to get his weight back up. As long as he eats right?

But she did try to make things balance out by boiling him some herbal drink after that and making him drink one whole cup.

Later that night she was nagging me about the whole issue of making him eat a normal breakfast. Her point mainly is about how he will be able to concentrate in school (when he turns 7, that is) when he does not have breakfast? And it's not a matter of worrying about it when he turns 6 coz having breakfast is a routine and has to be built from young.

Now, the trouble is my son is not really a 'sweet' eater (except when it comes to sweets). So bread and kaya/jam/peanut butter does not work. He would take the occasional sweet cereal or cookies but it cannot be a daily affair. So far his weekend breakfast has been fried eggs.

Right now I don't feel it's much of a big issue coz he takes his milk (which he also hates and has to be forced to drink) in school and haves some food by 10 am. And I am not the one taking care of him in the morning so hubby has to support me 100% on this since the effort has to come from him. But it is true, the eating breakfast routine has to be cultivated soon.

Do your kids eat breakfast? What is the world do you feed them?

UNited against child abuse

2010-10-12T06:02:00.000-07:00

RAISE YOUR HAND

AND BE COUNTED.

STOP CHILD ABUSE NOW.

This is the latest public program by UNICEF.

To raise your hand, log on to this website 'Unite Against Abuse', scroll to the bottom of the page (if the whole page is not visible on your screen) and click to get on board.

There is an effect to an additional person. There is an effect to you.

If a shoe fits....

2010-10-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

I was lucky. When I had boyboy, hubby's cousin from Singapore gave me alot of shoes for his growing feet. The shoes were quite 'high-end' in nature in that they came from reputable companies known to put research and effort in getting the shoes right for babies and toddler's feet.

So, I never knew how important a good shoe and a good fit was until I had to get shoes for my son myself. It's really not the price that matters when it comes to kid's shoes. Coz if it is uncomfortable you will have a tough time getting them to walk on their own. And not to mention the blisters and their posture in the long run.

Thank goodness I have help from shoes shops like this, that has oh-so-cute baby shoes for Caylee and so much variety for Christopher. Much better than buying in store! As it is shopping in store in itself is a hassle.

And videos such as this also really helps!

Caylee will benefit greatly since I am so educated in shoe shopping now.

ASUS as a lesson

2010-10-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

My colleague looked at me and said "Can upgrade mah!". Her answer when I told her that the desktop I have at home is a version 6 which is a version insufficient for the work we do.

I felt the need to justify my purchase. "No lah, I don't have space to transfer the desktop out to the living area."

Which by the way is true. But take me back a few years, I perhaps would have made the desktop move possible and argued my way through it (coz most people would have disagreed that I add another furniture in my already cramped living room).

So, anyway, I have made my purchase of a new laptop. An Asus, by the way, costing me RM 2198 (with Windows and a one year free anti-virus).

I don't usually spend on myself (I find it easier to spend on someone else). It's a family trait. I reckon my most expensive 'want' to date has been my handphone. And even then, I keep the range of choice below RM 800 if possible. Some have preferences for cars but for me, a car is a car is a car. Even when I was looking for a jewellery box, I loved one which cost nearly RM300 but didn't get it in the end, settling for an alternative costing only RM60.

So, when my colleague said what she said, it caught me by surprise too that I really went through with my purchase all within a 2 week period. Over the years I guess I have somewhat learnt to let go. To love myself a little more.

Also, when I do allow myself to get stuff for myself, I wouldn't feel that I always have to be the one to sacrifice my wants while hubby just gets stuff without really thinking twice. Up to a limit, it has allowed me to be less restrictive of hubby's indulgence in gadgets and splurge on hobbies.

So, for this year, this is my anniversary lesson. To put a limit to my savings and spend some on things I love and cannot find alternatives for. And allow hubby to also do the same.

Role Playing

2010-10-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

My son is very much into role playing. Started when he was about 2 and a half. It can be irritating at times but useful too.

Irritating in that when he pretends to be the teacher, he will take his drum stick, pretending that it is a ruler and bang it on the floor asking us to tidy up. Which we roll our eyes and tell him that he made the mess, he tidy up. Mummy and daddy will just help you.

And when he pretends to be us, that's the worse! He will tell us "You naughty, I take the cane and beat you then you know. Want to be naughtyy some more?" For which I always end up telling him he cannot say that and blah blah blah.....

So, what we say to him when we punish him gets thrown back at us when he is angry with us. Given this circumstance, I cannot scold him with such 'meaningless' words anymore. Instead I will always have to reason with him why he cannot have this or that or do this and that.

As I say....irritating...and very tiring too.

But lately, it has become useful too. Coz of late he has been learning to read in school and frequently he would tell me that he is the teacher and I am the student. And he wants to teach me to read Peter and Jane.

And its quite comical because he would read and when he comes to a word he is not too sure about, he would ask me to read. So I go "You tell me teacher. I don't know." And I can see him struggling to remember. Sometimes he does. Sometimes I say "Is that the word 'here' teacher?" And he would say "Clever girl." and continue reading.

And I can see how the teacher (in her exasperation) teaches him coz he will say the same to (ignorant) me like "Can't you see this is the same. It's the same word. How come you don't know?"

eg : Here is Peter and here is Jane.

So anyway, I was relating this to my colleague and she told me her son does not do role playing. He doesn't ever pretend to be someone else. Which in my mind I am thinking - oh! at least then you don't have to choose your words too carefully when scolding him for fear he will use the same words in the same tone and throw it back at you.

(of course no excuse to use harsh words or simply raise your voice....you know what I mean, I hope!)

Does your child role play alot?