TD's First Fund Raising Concert

 

 It was a short one hour plus performance.  Still, the kids had practised weekly during their music class, had two rehearsals @ NYGH, my old school, before the big day.  TD danced to Oh Mickey.  Lao Shi said as TD's timing was one of the best, he was the first to run out leading the boys.  Up till the very last minute, we were still not very sure if TD would perform as he seemed apprehensive whenever there's loud clapping.  TD actually seemed very at ease on stage.  At the finale while Zoe Tay the compere was talking about the fund raising, TD spoke to me from the stage, Mummy why are you laughing? Of course I was all smiles that day.  Seeing him happy was what made me really happy!

ok short entry here as I am typing with one hand, & the other on my pump...zzzz

Breastmilk: Why Do We Care?

We may think that second time round, breastfeeding may be easier with experience and you would have learned from the errors from the firstborn.  Well it hasn't become simpler.  Here's how breastfeeding my second kid may actually be more complicated.

I breastfed TD till he was 13 months. I hope to do the same with Ath. The journey is challenging with Ath as she is so aware, I will call it. Firstly after we introduced bottles to her, she preferred to drink via bottle since it is easier. Constant flow. No need to deal with let down. That got me a little frantic as my helper can only feed a bottle a day.  Plus pump just does not work as well in terms of extracting all milk since I get engorgement issues quite frequently.  In addition I feel more tired pumping than latching.

 

Plus this time round with more milk, the flow is too fast for Ath to handle.  I frantically tried to cut flow so as to latch her well.  In the beginning I was fed papaya fish soup three times a week to build the milk flow.  That might have overboost the supply haha, although no one should really complain about too much milk.  Typically she only needs to take one side which would be 70 - 100ml per side which can fill her up.  Anyhow, she was frustrated when the flow was too fast.  I finally found the solution.  To lie down to latch to slow the flow.  Plus if it feels very full, to pump out 30ml first.  Now this method is working.

 

 

  

Then came my first engorgement, when I overslept because of DOM.  7.5 hours without pumping *gulp.  I had fever 38.5 - 38.7 degrees.  Had to get the massage lady to clear the clogged duct.  She took 1.5 hours to clear.  I was breaking out in cold sweat and had to bite a tissue.  Yes it was really painful.  What would normally be a 10 mins process became 1.5 hours.  Anyway I really needed that as the clogged duct was threatening to reduce my milk flow.... complex?

2nd time, I was out for 5 hours with TD and I got engorged again.  I was desperate to spend some time and reconnect with TD.  As I looked at the old FB pictures of TD, it reminded me of how precious he was to me, where I put him above everything, including myself.  But now, not only do I not have time with him, he was getting scolded by me as he swings the door too loud with a bang which wakes Ath up, wants to shake Ath's cot to wake her up, wants to jump on me while I am  breastfeeding - all to gain more attention from us. 

So now I am coping with this 2nd engorgement.  I must say I am recovering slowly well from it.  Got my papaya soup again since supply seems to clog, and this morning Ath drank very well which helped to clear the clogged ducts.  I will probably get my favourite massage lady again in June to clear again.  Next week will be a good time since TD is in the school June holiday program till 2:30pm...yeah! haha (instead of usual 11am)

Now, Ath drank only 30ml last night instead of the usual 90-95ml.  Now, she prefers not to take the bottle!  She is better at latching now, and she has decided to switch to latching?  Huh?  TD was open to options previously.  You give a bottle, he takes, you latch he takes.  The only issue I had with TD then was also fast let down.  But it was resolved as he got older.

If Ath does not take the bottle, then it would be a problem when I return to work.  The confinement auntie says she will try to feed via syringe tonight.  I am sliently confident though much as Ath knows what she wants and is being picky now she would eventually be open to both options.  I hope ;)

It may not seem so cool to blog about breasts, milk leakage, breastmilk, latching, but what do others know?  The fact is it is a significant part of motherhood.  It is a challening journey, even for many of my friends who are second time mothers.  We desperately want to give our children the best antibodies, the best resistance, less medication and unnecessary chemicals.  We try our best to read up on this new chapter, invest in expensive pump sets, seek experience advice from friends all in the aid to try to offer the best to our precious babies.

Regardless of the hurdles to come, I am determined to attain the one year mark.  Please let me achieve my goal!

TD and Ath

TD and Ath

Here are my two kiddos.  TD took on the role of Big Brother on 30th March 2013.  Ath arrived more than three weeks early of the estimated date of delivery.  Oh well, 30th March happens to be Buddha's birthday.

Tomorrow on Saturday, we are celebrating Ath's turning of age of one month.  It has been a busy one month hence the lack of blogging.  It is indeed more of a challenge with two to handle.  Well, many have done it, even with more than two!  Now, why can't I?

Before I dwell on handling of two, let me recount my delivery day.  At 5am, I felt contractions, but I thought, thats not possible.  Its only March!  Then when I went to the washroom at 7am, as I could not sleep well, there was 'show'.  Oops, and my hubby happened to have a nasi lemak breakfast date with his army friend that morning.  I called him more than 10 times, and gave up.  Quickly called my parents' house.  I thought, whoever picked up the phone, please send me to Glen E.  Mum answered my call and they sent ne.  I told Mum I was not sure if its real... anyway so it turned out to be.

I delivered in 2.5 hours time.  I had epidural, but somehow in the middle of it I could feel contraction pains and I told the nurse, ' Hold on, why is it I can feel the contractions? increase the epidural, increase the epidural.'  That was called a breakthrough pain the nurse explained.  The epidural was increased and I was soon relieved.  I was not as numb as with TD, but I thought since its bearable and not as uncomfortable, let's go along with it. 

When Dr Gordon arrived, Ath's head was an inch of coming out.  Dr Gordon seemed a little surprised.  With two contractions, Ath was out.  I could actually feel Ath's body being delivered, without the pain.  It was quite a wonderful feeling. 

When TD arrived, I saw his face and the first instant I felt was 'Thats the most beautiful thing I have ever seen'.  With Ath, not sure why I don't remember her facial expression, but Ath held my fingers as soon as she was placed on me.  That was sure a wonderful feeling.  She cried for a while, and then stopped.  She was looking around the ward in alert mode, as if she could see haha... quite a cutie.

This one month has been quite an experience.  I am very used to TD being a very reasonable kid.  My focus was all on him previously.  Now, its diluted and he can feel it.  At the same time I do not wish to be unfair to Ath since TD had full attention then.  At times when I am in the middle of bedtime reading with TD, I would let Ath go hungry a little and finish the book first.  Oops... I mean I have to be sensitive to TD too right?  So thats the challenge with two kiddos.  Its really tiring!!!!!!!!!!  I know it will get better, I just need to discover the right technique to balance between my two precious...and yes not to forget my hubby....grrh, how about time to myself?....ok maybe ...later...

TD At Pre-Nursery

Imitating the teacher who announces his name with a microphone at school pick up.





 

It has been about two months since TD started pre-nursery.  This is a daily three hour school.  Daddy fetches him to school, and Gong Gong brings him back to home.

TD started out loving school very evidently for the first two weeks.  Nonetheless the one week of Chinese New Year school break plus he stayed at home for a few days due to cough made it difficult for him to return to school.  I think we made the school break fun too by bringing him to the zoo and us as parents spending a lot of time with him.

That made it tricky.  When he sees me in the morning in my work clothes, he would start to cry and said 'want mummy to bring to school'.  That followed by him giving reasons such as TD wants to poo poo at home in the morning, or he would say he wants to vomit in the car or that he wants to go home. 

That frankly was a rather stressful period for me as I seeked to understand how a one week break could change the routine so drastically. 

Thank goodness for my parents and Daddy's support.  They were all more indifferent about it, and said that TD has to learn. 

Indeed the situation improved after a week or so, but this time he requires my helper to go together in the car, he wants to bring his pillow to the car etc.  Well we gave in in the hope that this can help him to settle in.  Actually upon returning to school after CNY, I did notice a lot of kids crying at drop-off.    I saw the Principal at drop-off point and she also said warmly that its probably the long holiday.  Thats was the first time I saw TD's eyes watery.  Apparently he would cry too, but less than a minute after he reaches the classroom.  I spoke to Lao Shi over the phone and she feels that he is probably following other kids who cry...hahah

Anyway I had the good fortune to drop him at school this week.  He has improved tremendously!  This morning he even gave a big smile at drop off.  Lao Shi was quite amused and started smiling herself.

At home now, TD sings Majula Singapura, and the school song.  Somehow I feel very touched hearing him sing the song school.  I think the teachers are doing a good job even though they feedback that TD is rather quiet in class.  That smile on his face energised me a lot for the day!  I think once we become mothers, our world of perception changes.  No longer is it about what I receive or have or possess that makes me happy.  Seeing my kid happy is the best energiser for me.  It leaves me feeling peacefully pleasant.

TD also enjoys reading the Buddha book daily with me and asked me how to pray for this Buddha, and how to pray for the next Buddha.  When I leave him alone, I can hearing him chanting by himself.  Its quite hilarious actually.  Of course sometimes he talks about the colours rather than about the Buddha, or this Buddha is Daddy's or Mummy's or TD's favourite....oh well a three year old is really quite entertaining.   He is growing up fast isn't he.  Reminding myself to treasure every moment now!!

Discovering my 2 years 9 month old

After swim, and wanting to wear Daddy's hat.

Celebrating Jiu Jiu's birthday.  Seems like he always understand the conversation and humour going on.

A sweet smile - a quiet moment... thank goodness there are quiet moments while waiting for the food to arrive.  Tofu being his favourite tablefood.  Not sure why, but it sure is a good choice from my perspective.

TD is now 2 years 9 months old.  From building up a vocabulary of words, to developing humour, it has been really interesting.  Conversations that tickled my funny bone this week:

At bedtime,
TD: Mummy please use the duvet to cover the stomach so that the wind will not blow Mei Mei.

Daddy:  TD, will you teach Mei Mei to sing and dance next time?
TD: How about Gangnam style?

TD: Mummy please take out the wire (from the phone charger)
Mummy: Why?
TD:  I want to have a wire around my neck just like 老师‘s microphone.
Mummy: No, you will choke and then you cannot breathe.
TD: I don't want to breathe Mummy. (to negotiate what he wants)

Mummy: TD, today you will go to English class by yourself.  Mummy will go to work and pick you up at 4:15pm.
TD said ok everyday, until the last 15 minutes before class.
TD:  I want mummy to bring me to class, and tomorrow I will go by myself. 
Mummy: haha (good try, but its not going to work)

Quick Chat: At Pre-nursery

After three days of accompanied class with Mummy, January 7 was his first day of independence at pre-nursery.  Here's the daily update from Daddy who is in charge of dropping him at school in the morning.

Day One - Jan 7

Daddy:  Drop off was smooth.  Teachers seemed inpressed at his calm behavious.  One also said Aiyo, 真乖 (so good!)  TD was smiling a little (not the big smile) and looking around as teachers put on his school bag and took the stroller.  I saw other kids crying, and one girl refusing to move was her mom was trying to walk her into school.  Many of the others had helpers to walk the kid all the way inside the school.

Mummy: So cool!!! :)

Daddy:  I think his vest also made him look quite scholarly hehe.

Mummy: Hee Hee.  Hope he enjoys.  You will see quite clearly over next couple of days.  He's so cute. 

Day Two - Jan 8

Daddy:  Smooth drop off.  He said he is going to school 'by myself'.  I said mummy goes to work office by herself, daddy goes to work by himself, and TD goes to school by himself.  TD said daddy cry, I said no I don't cry.  He seems happy :)

Mummy:  So cool.  I am very proud of him.

Daddy:  Me 2!  Can see other kids are still resisting or have helpers to go with them.  I'm the only parent to drop off the kid by himself!

Mummy: Hehe

Happy New Year!

It is 2013 today!  We started the day by going to Botanic Gardens to view the Orchid Garden.  Well, we could not really plan much as Daddy had to work today.  Still it was a good one hour walk.  Gong Gong later came over and took TD swimming.  Hmm, he swam for an hour.  When it was time to go up, he said 'No not yet (in the cutest tone), TD wants to play.'  Because of his cutsy whinning tone, he got another 15 minutes, and nothing more.

Tomorrow TD starts Pre-nursery in a new kindergarten.  He has to wake up at about 7am and be in school before 8am.

It has been a good 2012.  Best of all, everyone is in good health with the exception of my Dad who really needs to watch his food intake and stress level.  The Company is doing better than before, although we know there will be a new challenge in 2014 when the new audit exemption kicks in.  There's Por Por and Jiu Jiu having dinner together at our place.  TD is always delighted to have people over at our place.  That's him doing the peace sign, & may 2013 be a peaceful, happy (lots of smile & fun), healthy and fruitful year for all!

Love

& It's Christmas

Drop-off routine June/ July 2012

Drop-off routine June/ July 2012

a daily journal...

• Day 2 (June 25) - Drop off was surprisingly easy.  Hardly any resistance.  He brought along An Pan Man.  TD wandered off into the classroom without much hesitation and started looking at toys etc, didn't say bye to Daddy, didn't turn back.  Daddy shouted out bye and that Kakak Wari till pick him at 11am (2 pointer fingers)

• Day 3 (June 26) - Went up to class and it was fine.  TD asked for his old teacher Jovanna.  Daddy explained that she was in another class.  TD then asked to go home and that Daddy carried.  TD started crying.  Daddy handed TD over while TD was crying.  TD wanted to go to the Book Room but it was not open yet.  Teacher Neelam carried TD into classroom.

• Day 4 (June 28) - Pretty rough.  TD cried all the way from home.  Wari had to go down with Daddy and TD to put him in car.  TD did not want to carry his schoolbag today.  Big cry at classroom..  Teacher Neelam said TD cried only for a while this morning, and then he was fine.  When Wari picked TD up, he was happy and told Neelam that TD was going to take a taxi to go home!

• Day 5 (June 29) - TD didn't want to leave home with Daddy only.  Wari had to go along to Daddy's car.  In the end, TD brought his favourite crab pillow.  Drop off was easy, teary eyes, but no crying.  In the car, he said "want to see teacher Neelam".  Looks like an improvement!

• Day 7 (Jul 3) - Drop off was okay.  A bit of whining but no crying.

• Day 9 (Jul 5) - TD asked Daddy "Are you ready to make pancakes?"  No fuss at all today.  TD went in and smiled and talked.  TD saw Daddy from inside class and smiled.  Walked in with a smile, turned around, saw Daddy and still smiled.  Daddy waved bye bye.  Daddy left quickly just in case.

• Day 11 (Jul 10) - TD was agreeable to leave pillow at home, but insisted on bringing a small lump of play-doh. 

• Day 13 (Jul 12) Mini whine, but otherwise ok

• Day 14 (Jul 13) Played sand with 老师 before class starts.  All good!

• Day 15 (Jul 16) No crying at drop off.  TD talked to Neelam, walked in and didn't turn around to say goodbye to Daddy!

• Day 16 (Jul 17) Zero resistance at drop off. TD walked in, turned around, smiled at Daddy as Daddy waved bye bye. 

• Day 18 (Jul 18) No whining or anything.  TD carried his bag and took the escalator with Daddy.  TD walked all the way.  Daddy hung up his bag outside class and TD walked in.  TD looked at Daddy and smiled on his way in :)

• Day 19 (Jul 19) After hanging his schoolbag outside class, Daddy heanded TD the plastic folder.  TD walked into class with the folder and gave to teacher.  Then Neelam asked him to sit on the mat and take off this shoes.  TD sat down and fiddled with his shoes.  Daddy left.

• Day 23 (Jul 25) TD walked into classroom, and went to the play area without turning around to say Bye!  Ran off just like that!

TD's first Independent Experience and Mummy's Emotional Experience with First Week of School

For TD's playnursery, there is a Parent and Teacher Communication Book so that we can communicate daily with the teacher, and vice versus should we want to.  On the first day of school when Mummy dropped TD off, he went into the playground area without even turning to say Bye to me.  I went in to tell him Bye and that Mummy & Kakak will pick him up at 11am.  Still he was fixated on the washing machine toy, asking me questions about what each button does... I guess he did not realise that this was an unaccompanied drop-off program.   

Well, following the right protocol, I walked off and downstairs to McDonalds to work.  I was certainly thinking of TD all the time, wondering how he would cope, and I missed him a lot.  Nonetheless, I kept reminding myself that this was a new journey that he had to go through now that he was older than two years old.  Kept reminding myself to concentrate on the work, just as I hoped that he would be concentrating in class. 

When I went up at about 10:50am, I heard my boy saying 'open the door, open the door'.  I think there were three new parents.  We were waiting like it was a scene outside the operating theatre.  I spoke to a mother and she said she heard her boy crying after she left him to pay for the fees.  Her eyes were red, well so was I, trying to hold it in.  Gotto be strong for the boy right?

Day 2, TD came home very happy, chatting & laughing a lot as usual.  He loves his new schoolbag.  Today, TD said, "Teacher Neelan says don't cry", and "Theodore wants Teacher Neelan to open the mouth."  TD started to string longer sentences while conversing at home, and Wari mentioned that TD is more independent at the playground. 

Day 3.  Teacher Neelan wrote that TD was sitting down, concentrating well during circle time.  Apart from anxiety during the first half an hour, the rest of the day activities went on very smoothly.  He did cry a bit in the morning but was diverted when the Teacher Neelan started to talk about the lift. 

TD did come home with his voice a little hoarse from the crying and talking.  Apparently, he was not happy with the last half an hour which was at the Music Room, as he could not see Teacher Neelam.

Day 4.  Cried for less than two minutes.  Hooray!

Came home, and while we were reading to him "sssh, he's fast asleep." Daddy puts his finger to his mouth.   TD said, "Just like teacher Neelam."

Hoping for a smoother Week 2!

TD Starts Playnursery at 2 years 3 months old

TD started an unaccompanied Playnursery program on Monday, 25 June 2012.  On Sunday night, Daddy & Mummy had to fill up a form about TD so that Teacher Neelam would get to know TD better.

Here's the gist which basically summarises TD's life and some of his loves at two! 

TD lives at home with Daddy, Mummy and Kakak Wari.

TD likes to sing, dance, play the piano, spin around and around, play the tambourine and read books.

TD's favourite songs are Wheels on the bus, Incy wincy spider, Twinkle twinkle little stars, Farmer in the Dell and Hush little baby.

TD can drink water by himself, ask to go poo poo, feed himself with snacks, and open & close his lunchbox.

TD needs help with taking his shoes off, open and close his schoolbag, and taking off and on his schoolbag

TD's favourite toy or comforter are a small pillow with crab pillowcase (spot on, and he did ask for it on the first day of school in class), playdoh waffle-maker, and kitchen equipment (washing machine & dryer, microwave, frying pan etc)

TD likes to watch the lift goes up and down.

That's it for now, as I would like to spend time with hubby rather than facing the computer now!

My Little Inspiration

So, they say life is different when you have a kid? I say life is very different. Maybe you would find yourself daydreaming about things you can do if you didn't have a kid. But in reality, once you have one, you know there is no turning back to not having such a special joy and purpose in your life.

You aren't as strange as you might think. Plenty of parents may complain about life with a kid, but most would continue to pop more. As for me, I am glad that my boy has turned two, and we celebrated this special occasion with a cosy family celebration at home.

TD Loves Balloons

Helium or non-helium, TD loves balloons. Somehow we always tend to have balloons at home, either through attending birthday parties or the in-laws would bring them from their own party, or the free ones from malls. For his birthday, I got him Elmo, which till today, three weeks later are still floating in my house.

TD's favourite people

I was contemplating between a big or a small party this year. I was too busy though with work, home, and the crazy Malaysia trip to have the time available at that point to plan. However, we invited TD's favourite people to the party. Seeing him really happy with his birthday party was all that matters.

At two, he talks non-stop. He likes to ask questions, "What is inside the sun? What is inside the stone?" He is a little manipulator too. When he wanted the coffee scoop from the kitchen and I said No, he said "Mummy carries Theodore"..so he ran into my arms "warmly", then he said "Theodore wants to see Ka Ka" (who is in the kitchen). So I said, you are a little manipulator aren't you? TD smiled widely and in a shy manner. I don't think he understands the word 'manipulator'; but still he knew he was exposed. Isn't he fun?

The trip...where everything went downhill

On March 2, 2012 TD took his first road trip. It was a 14 hours car road trip in total back and forth from Singapore to Kuantan, Malaysia and back in three days. He was fine with being in the car for about seven hours, although he refused his favourite pasta for lunch (probably out of excitment).

The wedding was what pushed his limits. The entertainment singer and her microphone was going at about 96 decibel. That is the equivalent of a hand drill (a normal conversation is at 60 decibel). At 95-96 decibel, sustained exposure can hearing to hearing loss. I am glad that TD chose to stay out of the restaurant 95% of the time.

After the wedding dinner, we still had to drive back in the dark for about 30 minutes with no street lamps, but occasional oncoming traffic with their incredibly bright flashlights were glaring, and probably intimidating to a 23 month old. This was not well-received. TD wailed really loudly and asked to sit on Mummy. This was extremely rare, as TD seldom cries and wails. We stopped the car, and I went to back to sit with him.

On Saturday, TD caught a cold. I knew he was going to catch a cold, but I also knew that if I put on a jacket FIL would comment that its too warm, so I didn't and indeed he caught a cold. In the night, he had a fever. I didn't bring a thermometer, not any medication for him as TD seldom fall sick in Singapore, and I didn't think he would within a three days span. My bad. Indeed he did, and the nearest clinic was 14 km away. We were so desperate. I used cool towel as he slept, and chanted Green Tara, hoping the fever would go away. In a way, we didn't really trust seeing the doctors too. It was a miracle, his fever went away.

On Sunday, we drove back. Lunch was at 3pm, and the lack of breaks during the seven hour car ride led TD to wail again.

He didn't eat much during the trip, and all he had appetite for was apple and bread.

When we returned to Singapore, TD's flu was mild so he didn't require medication. It took about a week to recover. My helper caught a cough too due to lack of water. My MIL and FIL were sick. I had to work extra hard as I was away from work for a few days, and now that TD and helper were down. In the end, I caught flu myself. Luckily, I recovered within a day.

Alas, my FIL came to visit with a cough. On that very night, my helper who was recovering well, started to cough, TD started to cough with fever (!) and I had fever and cough (!!)...

With no choice, I had to feed TD medication. He was recovering slowly but well. All in all, TD and my helper recovered fully in two weeks.

As for me, this is my second week of cough, and I am still coughing. I have seen two different doctors. With no luck tonight, I will see another tomorrow. I usually recover within a week for cough, but this time it is different. I would wake up hourly at night from the coughing...

Sorry, this isn't the usual positive and optimistic post. Irwin and I learned lessons the hard way. We will only travel with others if we have control of the timing in future. We had no idea it was going to be a 7 hour car ride each way. We had no idea that we couldn't plan his meal times appropriately. Having coughed for two weeks, and seeing TD lose weight and coughed in the night, and as we battled with his fever which went up to 39, all I can say is Health is the most important. Treasure it and take steps to build a healthy body. We will not compromise health to appease anybody else in future. We need to make responsible decisions from now on.

TD's Instructions

Since young, TD does not really like to be directed. Now, we realise he is actually a little bossy! While it is definitely positive that he has a mind of his own, Daddy and Mummy are often directed by his instructions.

Here is one example. Well it is not a very good example, still every piece below was made under his instructions!

Playdoh

First, TD asked for the vacuum cleaner, then he played with it for a few seconds like he is vacuuming, and asked for a pillow for the vacuum cleaner. Then he asked for a blanket for his v.c.

Next he asked Daddy for a lamp, which Daddy volunteered a lamp that comes with a side table. Then he asked for a blender on a table.

Then a bus, and lastly, the moon.

I guess that very much sums up TD's favourite things at 22 months and three weeks old!

TD loves to read




That's Daddy and TD at the library. We have meant to attend the Dinosaurs Stomp mini concert at Forum, but the loudspeaker was unpleasantly loud. We have decided to hide at the library upstairs instead. Somehow TD was not in a reading mood that day. He was more immersed with the different coloured stools, and asking Daddy and Mummy to sit on the green, the red or the blue stool. Yes he loves to give instructions.

Mummy makes half an hour before bedtime a reading routine. I hope that can calm TD down before bed, and hopefully he would ease into sleep with less effort...athough these days he can take up to one hour after his last milk.

When TD is in the mood, he likes to complete the last few words of every page. That makes reading to him easier!

Last Day of Chinese New Year

It was the last day of Chinese New year yesterday, so we went to Ye Ye's house for dinner. Only Tai Por came. This year's Lunar New Year felt a little crazy with a 22 months old toddler. Juggling between his meal times, nap time, and being wary of individual or children who are sick. We also invited Ishitani-san and family on the sixth day of Lunar New Year. Celebrated with champagne and beer rather than the traditional chinese tea.

Seventh day of Lunar New Year, there was a dragon dance downstairs. We thought TD might be scared, but he acutally enjoyed it a lot. He kept saying 'See dragon, see dragon' when we wanted to cut the walkabout short.

Ok, this has to be a short entry...it has been a little crazy these days... hope to have more time to do reading, and to post an entry from time to time!

Theodore Learns



At 20 months, TD attended the holiday program at Julia Gabriel. This video is of him on the 5th consecutive day when he had lossened up and decided to particpate!

After weeks of no classes, and today was his first in 2012, he was a little difficult this morning.

He knows his name is 'Theodore' and says it many times at home, but would refuse to say his name when the teacher asks him so.

When the teacher asked him which colour card to choose for his fun pass between red, yellow, blue and green. He said 'purple', as Jovanah's nails were purple. Jovanah asked TD again, which colour, and TD said 'fun' as he recognised the word 'fun' on the card. Jovanah was very surprised that he can read words; but anyhow TD still did not choose a colour.

The letter of today was 'h' for helicopter. When the teacher turned on the remote helicopter, all the kids were thrilled and took turns to take it from Jovanah and place it back to the centre of the mat after taking off; but TD said 'off, off, off'.

Slowly, slowly, I hope with routine, he would be back to how he enjoyed class during the holiday program!

Holiday Program




23 November 2011, I brought TD to the holiday program at JG, where we spent half a day at the Bird Park.

It was a five days, two hour each playgroup at Forum.

So, I spent the week bringing TD to playgroup in the morning; and then rushing off to work in the afternoon, and then being home by about 7pm for dinner.

I had a lot of fun and felt a lot of love spending so much time with TD together.

On the flipside though, I seemed to have burnt out a little haha..

When I return home after work these days, I stop playing flash cards with him....guess I just need some time to get back to routine haha

After work these days, I am pretty exhausted. After reading to him at bedtime, I will kinda glue myself to my computer, although doing brainless stuff.

When I first moved in, I will spend some time reading on my bed before bedtime. Now, even when I have time, I don't get down to chanting nor reading a book (which I should).... I just stone and surf the internet....kinda like a waste of time...hmm what is happening to me?

Hopefully, I will get some useful routine back ;)

Everybody Loves Coke

It's amazing how a can of coke can be highly desirable by a 19 months old. TD's development has been amazing to me.





Here are some of his funny conversations that are memorable to me.

Saturday Nov 19 2011, I woke up and decided that positivity starts from home. So I gave TD three to four big smiles while playing flash cards with him. On the fourth smile, TD smiled back at Mummy, and said "What's so funny?"

Tuesday Nov 22 2011, I was having breakfast with TD, and he wanted some of my fresh milk. I gave him a spoonful.

TD: Thank you.
Mummy: :)
TD: What must you say?
Mummy: surprised, and giggled back uncontrollably "You are WELCOME!"
TD: So loud
Mummy: ?

Its Playtime!

Theodore started an once-a-week, two hours playgroup at Julia Gabriel at 18 months. It is an accompanied playgroup with myself so far, and my mum for one lesson. TD is the youngest in class with most toddlers being older than 20 months. So to the rest of the class, TD is like a baby. TD clings onto me almost half the time, with the exception of playground time. This is the only time where I can disappear and TD does not really care. He can play with the teachers, while I chat with the other mummies not within his sight...



Today is Deepavali, a public holiday. Hubby is in Hong Kong for a few days, so I had the opportunity to spend an entire day with TD.

It is amazing how his speech has developed from singular words of 'fan', 'machine' etc to phrases and now sentences. His favourite daily sentences/ phrases these days are:

• Daddy makes coffee in the morning.


• Mummy uses the hair dryer.


• Barrier goes up...inside (trying to say that the barrier goes up so that the car can go inside the carpark)


• Wipers dry the window.


• Washing machine.. dirty clothes


• Metronome please


• Put Back

Seems like his favourite phrases are all to do with machineries or something mechnical. Rather focused and peculiar to me. Thats why I have been wondering if Montessori might be more suitable for him than a fixed curriculum. I do not have much knowledge in this area though...researching and trying to understand at this point...