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...

Theodore is 18 months

My boy is 18 months old. I wish I can write more, but this is the third day of my move to my new home, so I have to admit I am really zonked out. Yet I don't want to lose track of the wonderful things my boy is going through...

Thats him, taking his own initiative to hug a big soft toy he saw along the way at Plaza Singapura.

TD is starting to string sentences together. He said "water, bubbles, water come out". He was trying to describe how the humidifier in his room works.

TD's first complete english sentence is "What is Daddy doing?" since I always say that to him.

Oh yes, if I say TD is 18 months, he would repeat it after me like a parrot..."18 months, 18 months".

Irwin is setting up the CCTV in the new house now. Tomorrow is the first day I return to work after the move. I hope everything will be A-ok at home, and have reminded Sumini to be diligent and to supervise TD, and not let him playy alone. For a working mum, she can only pray and hope that everything at home is ok...

A very Busy Birthday
Yes I am 32

This was the most busy birthday I had. Usually, I would try to take leave and not work on my birthday. This year, my birthday falls on a Saturday, and because of the new house...phew was I busy.

The only time where it felt like my birthday was the many messages I received on Facebook and Whatsapp. Finally, in the evening, Irwin, Theodore and myself managed to steal a little bit of time to relax at one of our favourite Italian restaurant - Bella Pasta. This was also the only time I could tell Irwin, tonight it is your turn to take care of the little toddler while I tuck in to my dinner at my own pace..thank you :)

So I am 32. I don't mind writing it down as time seems to flies so fast I seem to be forgetting my age.

Showing Theodore the Aeroplane

Sunday morning, TD woke up at 7am. After his milk, he didn't go back to sleep and we decided to bring TD to the airport to show him what an aeroplane is.

Irwin and I headed straight to McDonalds first to fill our stomach with pancakes, while TD had his banana + kiwi + cereal + yogurt. TD was very interested in the lift elevators. He stood there for a while and was saying 'up up up', 'down down down', 'coming up', 'going down'. At 17 months 3 weeks old, TD stood at the lift and said 'Bye Bye Auntie', 'Bye Bye Uncle' as the strangers took the lift.

We went to the departure viewing level, and again as the aeroplane drove off, he said 'Bye Bye aeroplane', and was telling one of the Aunties "aeroplane". Quite a social and talkative boy yea...

So there he is, running off by himself. Daddy & Mummy decided to sit where we were to observe what he would do...He is growing up real fine isn't he :)

Counting my Blessings

Connecting with nature always bring back some peace into urban life. The weekend of Pierce Reservoir and Each Coast beach has lifted my spirits and the sense of calmness. That morning, we were running late as I had to heat up TD's lunch which was still in its frozen state. We also received a parking fine as we could not find a parking lot. We were expecting to 'swallow down' McDonalds on the beach mat so that we could cater to TD's tight schedule of meals and naptime. When we arrived, my Dad said 'No, go behind McDonalds, I will buy you breakfast'.

Yippie, thats how the calmness all began.

Having a sea view, and my mummy feeding TD meant that I could take a little break from the morning rush of packing his clothes and toys, and getting his meals and milk powder ready.

Why I feel very blessed... I have a very supportive and wise family. I have a very kind husband. TD is growing and developing well. He is happy and healthy - what more do I ask for?

At a point where I count my happiness, I would also like to share a page I read today (I have more time to read ever since I start to schedule TD's zzz time between 8:30pm - 9:30pm. It has been a success! but less time between TD and me after work ;(

"...the other class of counterproductive emotions -which include feelings such as lust, hatred, enmity (feeling of hostility or ill will), jealousy, and belligerence (hostile/ warlike attitude) - should not be expressed; they become more and more frequent. Expressing them tends to make them stronger and more prevalent. It is better to reflect on the disadvantages of engaging in such emotions and try to dsisplace them with feelings of satisfaction and love. We should forcefully overcome negative emotions when they appear, but it would be even better to find ways to prevent them in the first place."

The Beach

17 months 1 week. TD explored the beach at East Coast. Gong Gong suggested bringing TD to the beach. We were all so excited about it. Por Por went to check out four malls to buy a beach toy the evening before, but no avail - yeah how come Orchard malls no longer carry beach tools? haha. Luckily Daddy went to Ikea in the evening to buy some scoops and cups as a subsititute. Yes thats how much we care haha.

Apparently Gong Gong woke up at 4am and was very excited about how TD would react to the sand and sea too.

Anyhow, TD LOVES the Beach!! He was a bit apprehensive about the sand at first but soon got over it very quickly. He scooped sand into the red bucket and then poured it out and said 'empty' - his favourite word these days (He would intentionally take anything out in order to get it empty and then make his point that it is empty!).

When he first saw the waves, he held on tight to Daddy's hand, but he soon let go, took a step, and then two and then three and was kicking in the water as Daddy held on under TD's arms. He had a good half an hour in the sea, despite sea water going into his mouth and eyes, he kept wanting to go back into the sea water. That was a really fun first beach adventure for the whole family!

Many things happened in the month of August, but I don't think I want to write about it, as I want to let it go and move on with my life. I learnt a lot from the incident, about myself, and about her. Last night, as TD went to bed at 7:30pm, that gave me some nice time to read How to Practise by Dalai Lama... "being constantly aware of what you are doing with your body and your speech" is important. In summary,

self-awareness to refrain from physical and verbal actions that cause harm to others- this prepares a person to move beyond the repeated round of birth, aging, sickness and death (samsara)

restrain the mind from falling into selfishness

focus on wisdom and compassion

abandon the ten nonvirtues:

- Physical: killing, stealing, sexual misconduct

- Verbal: lying, divisive talk, harsh speech, senseless chatter

- Mental: coventousness, harmful intent, wrong views

small acts of compassion grant meaning and purpose to our lives

In difficult personal circumstances, the best recourse is to be as honest and sincere as possible. By responding harshly or selfishly, you simply make things worse. This is especially apparent in painful family situations. When you experience a difficult period, do your best to avoid behaviour that will add burden later on.

Under no circumstances should you lose hope. Hopelessness is a real cause of failure.

A Trip to the Supermarket


Sunday, we brought him to the supermarket with us. No choice as Irwin is working all weekends, and that was the only opportunity to spend time together as a family. TD used to hate sitting in the trolley when younger, but clearly at 16 months, the supermarket and the trolley excited him. He was talking and laughing loudly, and the staff smiled and laughed at him. I don't know, at times he is quiet and timid; at times confident and loud. I guess all toddlers have their moods - just like adults, depending on whether we sleep or eat adequately as well.

Theodore at 16 months

This is my current iphone screen saver. Isn't he a delight? I have to say, I find it quite useful as my wallpaper. When I find the day going tough, or overly busy, taking just a second look at this picture takes all troubles away.

Everything has been going well with Theodore, and I am thankful for it. Looking at the famine in Somalia really breaks my heart. I made a small donation - what else can I do? Hope the situation can get better...

Our Family



Our family had an one night holiday at Mandarin Orchard (courtesy of Dad's complimentary voucher). TD was absolutely delighted. Jumping on the bed, exploring his reflection in the mirrors, playing with the cupboard knobs, looking down at the cars, swimming at the pool (despite the shivering he wanted to go back to the pool again and again). It was not that easy having a holiday with a toddler. In fact, it becomes TD's holiday. We were the facilitators of his happiness index. Irwin and I had a lot of fun watching him enjoy his hoiday, so we decided that even though it is hard work, our future holidays would still be with TD included.

Back to reality, there was another blowout in the house. So, this time FIL decides that the carpets should come back (again). TD's skin is much better now, but he is still sensitive to heat, extreme usage of perfume, and if it is a rather dirty place (no offence, but he does not seem to take food court and coffee shops well even if it is a cool day...maybe its the oil/ dirt in the air?). Thus I am highly suspicious that TD's skin will react to the dander infected carpets. I am afraid that he would develop asthma if forced to be exposed to the allergen over time since he was previously proven to be allergic to those carpets. Thus I got worried, stressed and agitated.

I am unable to understand FIL's love for carpets. I am unable to understand why his grandson's health should not take priority. I am sure he might have his reasons, but at this point, I can't see it. So I kinda blew up. I guess I should have handled it better, but who would understand a working mum's stress? I need to know that the home environment is appropriate for TD since I cannot be by his side. Frankly taking care of his skin is quite tiring and it is stressful watching him scratch. In-laws would never understand. In fact, I have seen how they "look after" him, they just allow him to scratch (or maybe they didn't notice?).

Dalai Lama says "Cultivating an attitude of compassion and developing wisdom are slow processes. As you gradually internalize techniques for developing morality, concentration of mind, and wisdom, untamed states of mind become less and less frequent. You will need to practice this technique day by day, year by year. As you transfrom your mind, you will transform your surroundings. Others will see the benefits of your practice of tolerance and love, and will work at bringing these practices into their own lives."

Appreciating Life

I have been feeling busy and tired. TD caught stomach flu from his parents. Recovered with just probiotics, so I should feel happy. Then there are always family issues, pulling me back from getting back to my work momentum.

However, tonight, two issues touched my heart.

1) I just realised that my helper who is close to 40 was trying for a kid before she was asked persistently by MIL to come back to Singapore to help. After this contract, she will go back and continue her family planning as she currently has one daughter only. I felt touched. Imagine being at 40, she gave up her own family planning to come to foreign land to help out another family's baby. Based on her medical checkup, she is still able to have babies, so she will continue her plan when she returns.

2) I watched the Marine Parade GRC short rally between PAP and NSP (while pumping milk). Not sure why I got emotional and sobbed! Somehow I felt that whichever party wins, the fact is there are people who would step up to fight for values or justice they believe in. Their decisions can impact/ benefit millions of people (lets not talk about the unhappy minority - there will always be people unhappy whenever a policy has to be made - with this, neither does this indicate that I am a PAP supporter either).

I used to talk a lot about politics when younger. I questioned my Dad, Why this, Why that? Why is it like this? Then, one day while in the car, my Dad said, in Singapore, this is a country, if you don't like its politics, you leave the country. His point was, no point questioning it(maybe I was asking too much questions). With that, I stopped all politics inquisitiveness till now! Till I saw and read more about Nicole Seah.

The point is, there are people out there who are willing to serve the country for the good of all. How about me? How am I contributing to the society, to the world? Perhaps I am contributing to TD more directly...but can I be more useful?

I guess at this age, I do not have much of an option, but can contribute more in terms of trying to grow and make my family happy; contribute to my family business and hope that I make the right decisions and policies that can benefit the employees (they work hard, and I hope that we can make lots of $$ to remunerate them; and that they have a reasonable working environment that they can enjoy working in); and add value to our clients.

There were some challenges at work today. I am glad that I handled it well. It comes with maturity (age!). At a higher management level, it is important to be calm, insightful and compassionate. This paragraph from the Dalai Lama book best explains it:

Trouble is bound to come, so cultivating the right attitude is crucial. Anger diminishes our power to distinguish right from wrong, and this ability is one of the highest human attributes. If this is lost, we are lost. Sometimes it is necessary to respond strongly, but this can be done without anger. Anger is not necessary. It has no value.

Tired, but loving my day!

Update on the whirlpool

Yes it has been a whirlpool for both Irwin and myself. Irwin was hit with food poisoning over the weekend. I was not sure then if I should bring him to the clinic but upon my Dad's advice we brought him to Gleneagles clinic, where he was put on a drip for an hour or two. Finally his paleness faded and some touch of vibrance resumed. My Dad drove from home to pick us up and stayed with us through at Gleneagles without any hesitation. What can I say? A big thank you.

After he fetched Irwin home, he dropped me at NTUC finest at Somerset as I still had to do marketing for TD and cook for him. That was when my first diarrhea hit. I was all nausea by the time I called for a cab home. When I reached home, I cooked and pureed for TD. Shortly after, I lost appetite and was very nausea too. This continued till the next Monday afternoon. I didn't want to move much as I felt very nausea. Thank goodness somehow my Dad called again and he said he wanted to bring me to the doctor.

I had stomach flu and the doctor advised that both of us stay away from TD, and wear a mask at home.

Apart from the physical whirlpool, I/ we suffered a mental meltdown on Friday evening. MIL was frustrated that we did not cover the food after dinner. Even after I explained that I was very tired from work and forgot, she said "You are always like that, this is very basic." On Saturday, she quoted me out of context and said that I responded to her "I know I know" when she suggested that TD should wear anklet bells at home.

Basically I told her I would ask Irwin and she said "It is not to look good, its functional you know." I replied "I know I know, I will ask Irwin". She basically portrayed me to be very rude to Irwin.

I am glad that Irwin asked me and Sumini what happened, and he found the story to be different from what MIL said..(including the maid story, but I am too tired to write now). Irwin asked MIL why is her story so different from mine and Sumini's. MIL explained it was probably different perspectives. Irwin reminded MIL that in Buddhism there is a lot of emphasis on Body, Speech and Mind, and we cannot be untruthful about facts even if there are different perspectives of who is right or wrong. FIL nodded in agreement. (Apparently MIL was very nice and positive towards Irwin that day)

The Dalai Lama book, How to practise the way to a meaningful life, 2002 says that Harmony cannot thrive in a climate of mistrust, cheating, bullying and mean-spirited competition. Success through intimidation and violence is temporary at best; its trifling gains only create new problems.

Ok, why do I want to write this down? Not that I want to bear grudges, but this indeed has been a rather key event that has happened. Indeed there has been no peace in the family for a while because of mistrust. They think we are overloading the maid, we think they should help out a bit?... how about when we were sick? How about helping when we are both sick? Anyway there are always different perspectives.

My once again wise Dad told me. TD would be very close to me for perhaps another 20 years. Why not concenrate on the joy of bringing him up? Indeed, it will be more worthwhile. With that, I look forward to embracing more joyful days ahead.