Dinner at Yummy Claypot!

We celebrated Uncle William's birthday yesterday at Yummy Claypot Joo Chiat. Princeton boy was abit cranky and so is Paris. I didn't bring along my helper and of course i believed as Parents we must be able to handle ourselves.

Paris woke up since 3pm plus. She was really tired but couldn't sleep as it was too noisy. We went to Uncle William's place after the dinner, and cut the birthday cake:) As usual, Princeton boy love singing birthday songs. Hee... Suddenly, Aunt brought us a big bag of presents for all of us!! We were overwhelmed by the surprises. The guys wore their presents and took many photos! Thank you Uncle william & Aunt Sharon:) Thank you so much for all these and for carrying them back... it was so heavy!

After all the woo haa and phototakings, Paris soon cannot tahan anymore, it was 10pm. Zhenyu tried to coax her to sleep but couldn't work. My mum tried, lagi worse. So is gonna be me.... Of course i can handle my own daughter, but i got one superglue beside me. Princeton wants me to be beside him, and i got to carry xin upstairs to a more quiet place. So this is quite a challenging task ya?? Finally she dozed off in my arms, and i could sit down and have the cake.

I need to train Princeton boy to be more independent. I know its my fault for keeping him for myself. My class will resume in less than 2 weeks, i cannot be bringing him along for my lecture right. I had promise Zhenyu that i will get some distinction for my next semester, Credits alone doesn't look good in my transcript lol.

 Today Zhenyu went to pick tian from school. The teacher gave us his Portfolio for this semester. It contained every lesson the children had in school. It also state the progress of the child and some feedback. I'm glad Princeton boy is on the higher scale and he had mastered much faster than his peers. Though he needs to improve on his attention span and pronunciation skills. Time flies, i could remember clearly his first day of school carrying a bag and he was one of the smallest size queuing infront, hee.... Now he became the biggest size queuing behind lol. He was well liked by the teachers and the kitchen aunties who prepared their lunch and tea breaks. The auntie told me Princeton give face, always eat double servings! Wahaha.... inherit by his father isn't?

They will be having their class photo takings again in August. Princeton please give some smile this time round ok??

 

Zhenyu & Princeton Bonding time

This is the first time Zhenyu brought Princeton boy out without me. After dinner, they took bus back to Princeton's school playground. They went out for an hour plus, hubby compliment that his boy was very well behaved. hee... sat still in the bus and listened to him.

They just came back not long ago, Zhenyu took the initiative to bath Princeton boy. I agreed, and this is also the first time the dad went into the bathroom with his son. Sounds not right hor? I'm sorry, because Princeton had been falling left right front behind since he was young. So i'm so afraid that he might fall in the bathroom, that's y zhenyu never had a chance to bath him. But now then Princeton is 3 years old, i know that its time to let go. I can't be forever there for him.

I'm thankful that Princeton still love his dad alot. They just need more chances to get together and quality bonding time. Zhenyu told me that he wanted to bring Tian and xin for a walk every evening on his own:) haha... I told him okie!

I'm puzzled why nowadays Princeton had been more sticky than usual. Not only that, he had been kissing me every now and then. Kiss my hands, my legs, my cheeks, my pillow... LOL! Sweet... yes of course, but kind of 'overdose'. I do hope my children will love me, but i hope more that they can be independent when i'm not around.

I'm proud to say that Zhenyu is not only my best hubby in the world, but also the best father of all. Thanks my chubby man:) 

Ways of teaching a child

To me, there's never one best way to teach a child, because different child "eats" different tricks.  That's why Parenting is the toughest job. How we teach our children will depends on what concepts are we adopting, which means what kind of person i want them to be. Of course Concepts will change through different stages of their growing up process.

I'm so thankful that i have got my mum, my sis, my pil, my uncle, my close friends to share with me the many experiences of handling a child , whether they had encountered personally or through a friend's story. My cousin who shared with me the many stories about the importance of moral education for a child. 

I believed Characters can be taught. As a Parent, we are their role models. Easier said to be done, ya? There was once, when i'm queuing up to buy Princeton a waffle, there was a scene infront of me. A boy 4/5years old was reluctant to share his waffle with i think his cousin who is about the same age. The girl's mother who was beside her immediately told him off. She reprimanded the boy that he is selfish. The mother even told her daughter, you see korkor so selfish and so rude. The boy's mother who heard everything told her son that you must share with your cousin. The boy just refused and ran off. (Both the kids were laughing happily and chasing each other)  

So, what do you see in this story?? Tian saw everything, and he looked at me. (Waiting for me to explain to him) I just told him that we got to share things OK? Must be a good boy, share things and everybody will be happy. I will not criticize another person infront of my children. Nope. I will not say for example, Princeton you see this korkor very rude, this meimei very stupid, this uncle very selfish, that auntie very noisy etc. ALL these are negative words negative thinking to them. To put it in a nasty way, that girl's mother thought that her daughter is perfect princess? U mean your girl never been rude or selfish? How could you reprimand other children, not taking into consideration that you are saying the boy's parent cannot teach well? Come on, have some SA!! (Situational Awareness) Not as if your princess is flawless, or whatever. To me, we have got no rights to thumb down another kid because of your own child.

I bet the girl will soon grow up like her mum who loves to complain about her friends and even her teachers. Mummy, teacher teach very slow leh, cannot make it lor. Mummy, my friend very bad, always don't share things with me. (Everything under the sun is wrong, only her daughter is right.) That is why there are so many typical SPOREAN parents.

The next thing i felt is important for my children, to rule out the LAZINESS in their dictionary. While some kids are intrinsically more active than others, most kids are not naturally lazy. I personally cannot agreed children sitting on the prams (with their eyes open, not sleeping), shopping around. Children as big as 4,5,6! If they are tired, and they wanted to sleep, FINE. Some parents might think this is more convenient. So, your "convenience" will conveniently breed the laziness into your child.

Well, talking about others, i myself also need constant reminder from hubby. Hubby doesn't like me to "spoon feed" Princeton. One thing i can't do is to help our boy to keep the toys. If Princeton wanted to play his Lego, he got to keep his puzzles first. Second thing we cannot help to keep his shoes. He got to take it off himself and placed it on the settee. Sounds very trivial matter right? But it will makes a big difference.

I hope i can teach my children with an open mind, nature them with positive thoughts and breed them into a useful person.

Steamboat gathering at our place

Our TABLE event was held at our place this time round. The reason we called it a "TABLE", not bcoz of Mahjong, not bcoz we are squarish... haha. T=Tays (our family), A=Aws (Gladys&Jeremy), B= Bongs (May&Wentong), LEe( Jasline&Mic). Meaningful isn't? These are my group of close secondary school buddies.

I am fortunately to have varies group of friends. It takes effort to organise gatherings and patience to get everyone to get together. Last weekend we met up my ex navy friends. Hopefully i can catch up with my polymates soon. Kinda missed them alot. 15 of July, there will be a mega primary school gatherings at West Coast Park. Haha..... The organiser took much pain and effort to get everybody together, and sure i will attend:)

Friday i went to the wet market to buy all the food. The stall owner was very friendly, he told me to drive the car over, and unload the food for me. I'm his regular customer, haha... Upgraded to auntie already lol. Brewed the soup base myself, though my pal had given me a packet of instant soup base. But zhenyu preferred me to brew it with ikan bilis and pork ribs. 

Saturday morning, we brought Princeton boy for mac breakfast as usual, and then he went for his phonics lesson. After that, we went to his classmate Steven's birthday party. The kids were playing madly, running happily. Princeton was so excited about his best friend's birthday, and grabbed a guitar and sang the bd song. He was overwhelmed by the Barney cake and snatched to cut the cake. haiz.... still not sensible enough. Already told him its not his birthday!

We stay for an hour plus, then got to bring Princeton home for a nap. So that he got the energy to entertain our guests in the evening. haha.... We had our steamboat outside the house, so that its more airy and less hazard for the children. Princeton was indeed happy to see so many people, and he enjoyed the steamboat food as well. Ate a big bowl of rice with fishball, crabmeat and fishes. He loves the soup :)

Thank you all for helping me to clear the food. hee... though there were still many leftovers. Will be waiting to go over Jasline's place the next round event!!

Farewell Teacher May

Teacher May joined PCS childcare centre the same period as Princeton. I remembered Princeton first day was 1st April, and he was at Playgroup 1 at that time. There were 3 teachers taking care of 8-10 students. They were all between 18-28months. I'm thankful to the teachers, they took good care of Princeton, and some of them really pampered him alot. Teacher May was one of them. Because of their care and concern, their attentiveness, Princeton could adapt to the lifestyle in a months time.

I'm very sad to see Teacher May leaving... Bought her a pot of flowers plus a cake. Wish her all the best and we shall keep in touch in facebook:) 3months ago, Teacher Jasmine also left the centre. Haiz.... Princeton's favourite teachers all took turns to leave.. Though this is not a "branded" childcare, but I'm glad Princeton enjoyed his time there. As far as we could, we wanted to get him a good primary school in Jurong. (sounds too early? nope... 3more years only lol) Soon, Paris will be joining her korkor to school, i hope she will love it like her brother do. 

Ex-Navy Friends Gathering & Swimming at The Chevrons

Yesterday we meet up with my ex navy friends at Vivocity. We had a late lunch at Kim Gary. Princeton managed to address them correctly:) Uncle Boon, Auntie Julie, Uncle Danny and Uncle jor (john), haha.... 

Later on we meet up with junjie, joey as well as LiL Lewis!! They were meeting another group of friends at Partyworld. OK, i must admit, Lewis is simply the cutest boy i ever seen. So adorable and huggable. He is at 26months, could talk fairly and very interactive boy. This Princeton antisocial, Lewis wanted to shake his hand, he shoo him away. Lewis wanted to hug him, Princeton ran away! Lewis went near to Paris, Princeton quickly go over and "protect" his sister. hee.... When i saw Lewis, it makes me think of Princeton boy when he was at this age 24-25months old. When he just starting schooling at 22months,he was much adorable at that time. If he throw tantrums or being playful i would think he is very cute. But now.... if he does the same thing, it's not cute anymore, it becomes irritating and annoying. But luckily his highest level of foul mood is still bearable (according to his dad)

Today we had a gd timeout with Tian&Xin. We just came back from Chevrons, a good weather for a swim:) The children were enjoying especially Princeton boy lol. He also brought along his water gun brought by Uncle William:)

Paris was kicking happily, but we only let her play for 30mins. After that i quickly bathed and dress her up. She had her milk and dozed off shortly, while the brother continued his water gun shooting with the dad. Tian played for a full one hour, then we had our tea break at The Han's. Princeton finished up the whole plate of omelette, he simply loves eggs! Hope to have this kind of swimming time with the kids more often, but weather is a big concern. 

 More often than not, many fathers/husbands will get themselves occupied mostly with work, friends or their own leisure time like gambling, sleeping, gaming or watching tv. Thank you hubby that  you are not one of this kind, but is the one who always place me and my children first in your heart.

Princeton visit at KK Eye Centre

We noticed that at times Princeton's eyes could not focus, either his left or right eye might slant to one side. Teachers had feedback to me that it might be lazy eyes, and therefore i decided to bring him for an eye checkup.
I served many website, and felt that KK had the most comprehensive examination for children. Moreover KK is the only dedicated paediatric eye clinic within a children's hospital in Singapore:) 3 weeks ago, i managed to get a slot for Princeton, as the clinic schedule are so tight.

The appt date was yesterday at 915am. Zhenyu was unable to take leave, busy to keep up with his lesson and students. (now he is an instructor at changi naval base) Well, doesn't matter, i can always bring Princeton out on my own. The journey was quite far, but luckily my boy could sit still and enjoy his dvd. He was chatting with me throughout the journey. Kept talking about his friends and the story teacher had taught him. (Although i didn't managed to understand everything, haah)

Princeton woke up at 630, we left the house at 0745, and reached at 0845. Half an hour earlier than the appt time. Thought we were one of the earliest, but the clinic was already quite crowded! The young receptionist "fell in love" with tian the moment she saw him. heehee.... kept praising him, and asking about his likings and hobbies. We were told that there might be 4-5 series of test, and the whole thing might take about 4hours! I was shocked.... and began to worry, can Tian endure bcoz he woke up very very early. 

We went for Mac breakfast since its not our turn next. Tian understands that, i'm bringing him for an eye checkup and he is mentally prepared. The first test was on matching the correct shapes and colors. It was a fast one, and tian did it smoothly. The second test was on eye alightment, to check if Tian could follow and write the dotted lines. And yes, he could to it:) After which there was a Pediatric eye exam on how far could he see. Letters and shapes were show at a distance, but the picture gets smaller and smaller. Tian had a list of pic on his hands and was supposed to point out the correct one. Each eye was being patched on and tested, and the doc was flashing the pic so fast! Tian was very excited, and pointed very quickly too, haha. Point and giggled, the doc laughed too. She said, your boy loves games ya. Tian got a perfect eyesight for this test 6/6, he could see the smallest letter (which i can't... haiz....)

The third test was a long wait... tian spent his time reading some books and playing with my iphone. 45 mins had passed, finally is our turn! The nurses need to apply eye drops on tian. 3 separate times some more! I explained to tian about it, and he was rather reluctant, but still he listened, and lie down on the chair, but with his eyes closed!! The nurses forced open his eyes, tian struggled and cried. But as soon as it was done, he stopped crying. The nurses said, he was a brave and good boy:) Second and third interval waiting time took about 15mins and obviously Princeton boy doesn't want to walk into that same room again!! The nurses gave him some sweets and stickers, and this calmed him down... 

The third test was using the machine, and tian was asked to focus his eyes on the machine to test for his degree. We were told eyesight wasn't the issue. Lastly... to wait for the PD to consolidate all the results. By then tian was grouchy and started asking me to go Arcade. He kept saying mummy i want go IMM arcade, i want go i want go. Oh dear.... i must think of a quick way to shut him up. Then i told him, mummy but present ok? He smiled and nodded. I bought him two colourful balls and this kept him occupied for another 15 mins. 

The conclusion made by the PD was Princeton had a slight squints, and he felt that it was not much of a corner. Most of the time will go off when they grew up. He also commented that Princeton was a smart boy and knows plenty of stuffs. I'm overwhelmed by his praises. The doc had a 2years old son too, and asked me where did i send my boy to school. I said it was a normal cc near my inlaws place, not those expensive Famous Childcare centre. He then said i must have taught well and guessed that i must be a stay at home mother! Of course i felt so proud of it! 

He assured me that if i'm still worried about the squint thingy, i can bring Princeton back for review 4 months later. We left the clinic near to 1pm. Princeton boy drank his milk, and the moment he finished it, he dozed off in the car. Super tired boy.... He made a fuss when we reached home, cried non stop because i promised him earlier on to bring him to IMM (tat time i said so to appease him if not he would be bugging me nonstop) But, i was so wrong, because he REMEMBERS and i had break my promise. Took quite awhile to quiet him down, and finally bath him and make him sleep again.

An exhausted day indeed. However, no words can describe my sense of satisfaction. I hope i can bring both Tian&Xin out on my own one day. As long as Xin is willing to sit still on her baby chair, then i think its not a problem:)     

Lunch at Kam Boat/Shopping at Ikea 5th June 2011

A happening weekend as usual:) Sat after Tian's phonics, we brought him for his favourite movie, Kung Fu Panda2! Funny show and Princeton boy was enjoying it. But who koes after an hour, he wanted to play with my iphone3. Before that, i already told him, if he wants to play, no problem, but got to play it softly. He agreed, and can even repeat what i said. "mummy play pop pop pop (iphone) soli... (softly) shh..

But he disappointed me, when he asked to on the loud loud. He kept screaming i want loud loud. Then started to get cranky. It was at the peek of the movie and i told zhenyu to carry him out... haiz... i should have told zy to carry him all the way behind and sit on the floor. Then actually we still could continue to watch the movie. Wrong move, bcoz by leaving abruptly, makes the rascal cry even louder! Well, its my fault, i should have handle it in a better way. But hubby said its ok! Though he was rather pissed off, but he agreed that we should not stop bringing Princeton for movies! Instead we will even bring him to watch it more often! We always felt that, the more we resist, the more things get persist. This theory applies to everything.

The more i protect tian from falling down, or hurt himself, the more "accidents" he will meet! So now, I allowed him to roam freely in kiddy palace and we will peep him from a corner. After our lunch at Kam Boat Shaw Centre, we went to an indoor playground at IKEA. Parents are not allowed to go in. Only children above 90cm-130cm can go in (free of charge). And of course the child must be able to play independently. Tian was enjoying happily inside, chasing other ppl, and of course snatching balls with people. Zhenyu and i were busy taking photos on our own, haha. Suddenly, we saw tian and another toddler of the same height were fighting. Wah... fierce man.... can hugged each other and roll on the floor somemore. I was rather calm, and even took a video of it. Zhenyu was quite anxious, and wanted to go in already. I told him ,dear relaz.... this is normal. If kids don't fight, then u must start to worry. To me, as long as it don't cause life danger, don't lead to head injury, the rest are ok. 

Well, in the end, tian's nose was hit by the person's head. Tian cried out loudly, and that boy quickly go pacify him. Princeton cried, and a few ppl came around him to find out wat happened. That was when i stop videoing. There was a much older boy, who touch tian's nose, trying to asked him, r u ok. But Princeton go boxed that korkor! In the end, that kor kor also wanted beat tian out. oh no! That's the point i got worried:( Bcoz the boy was so much taller and bigger in size. Luckily, a malay staff stopped them in time. If not i think Princeton boy will end up bruises on his face:p

That's part and puzzle of growing up. And for boys, got to be tougher and much more independent. We must remember, they will be serving NS in the future. 3 years old is a good age to start culivating them. Overpampering and overprotecting will only do them harm. I explained the fighting situation to Princeton, and told him that if people push you, you just walk away. If people snatch toys from you, u must share toys. But if people beat your nose, beat back!! heehee.... He understood, and repeated wat i said. Zhenyu heard it and was laughing away. He added in, Princeton, if u want to fight, cannot cry!! Whoever cry loses! But we got no intention to breed violence into him. However, self defence is a need. Time to enroll him in martial arts or Taekwondo lessons! I LOVE KUNG FUUUUU ^^  

Princeton performance at PCS 1st June 2011

Princeton is 3 years old! He had a fantastic celebrations this year, and received alot of presents:) Thank you everybody for their wishes.

Today Princeton childcare centre had a Mother's day cum Father's day event. The children had been practising their singing and dancing for weeks! Well done children! This is the second time Princeton had participate in the performance. The first time he was 2.5years old during the Xmas party in school last year. I am so proud of my boy, not only he doesn't have stage fright,the teachers even praised that he was one of the better dancer and singer?? I was like..... wow ^^

The K1,K2 children are very smart, they played games like guessing riddles and making puzzles. Smart students comes from smart teachers, yeah? And not to mention, they sang really well, thumbs up. 

Sister and siyong came over for dinner yesterday. Siyong bought 3 big presents for tiantian! He was overjoyed of course. Love openly presents, and he got a puzzle set, a utensil set and a tent! All from Toy Story, his favourite cartoon. Thank you ah tio!!

I had uploaded Tian's 2010Xmas performance video as well the one i took today. I felt that it is important to be involved in the school activities and be there for our children. So whenever there are school outings, Tian will be delighted to join in. And if the teachers allowed parents to go, me and zhenyu are willing to have fun together.