Fruitful Monday with our children

Yesterday hubby told me that he might be able to get half day off today. Therefore he suggested that we bring Princeton to Orchard to see xmas lightnings last night. We told Tian and he was so enthusiastic about it! Last night we walked quite a distance! From cineleisure to Wheellock place, we passed by CK Tang, Wisma and Taka. Princeton walked by himself and still full of energy. He asked me to take so many pictures of him, and many of them he pose it himself! Inherit by me:p love taking photos. We reached home at 1am plus..... 


This morning, after i brought Tian to school, i quickly took bus home and got xin prepared. As Zhenyu will be fetching us at 11am. We head to Paradiz Centre, Paris dozed off throughout the Journey there. When we reached, she woke up smiley, and was so pleased to see that place again (seems that she remembered she was here before) My princess appetite getting bigger and bigger. She ate one whole bowl of the rice given! With 6slices of fishes and soup too. Zhenyu fed her and felt so satisfied she finished everything. hahaha..... We had our steamboat for an hour then left to Bugis Junction as Zhenyu wanted to buy some new clothes. Brought xin to the arcade for some kiddy rides, very soon she felt tired and dozed off in her pram. We had tea break at TCC then left at 530 to fetch Princeton at school. Thought of going JP for dinner, but  hubby disliked crowded places, especially it was peak hours. So we went to Sakae Sushi instead. The lil Ps enjoying eating chawanmushi and tempura. 

We head to the Yamaha Music School after dinner, to let Princeton had a feel of how the lesson would be like. So delighted to see his positive reaction and he told me he love it. The lesson will commenced on 4th Jan at 8pm. Hopefully he can learn something out of it.


I couldn't believe we spend an amazing and fruitful Monday. Thanks hubby for taking the time off! He fought for it, luckily his boss was kind enough. But unfortunate incident happened.... Princeton bang himself against the edge of the wall/door. He was walking backwards and turned himself too fast that he didn't realised he was so near to the wall. I was so heartache..... But my brave boy did not cry like a baby. He did whimpered awhile then was ok after i "caned" the wall. hee.... He then told me he was stronger than the wall (as if....)


God, please blessed Princeton that he could recovered soon. No side effects, no headaches. I understand that falls made them stronger, on the other side if we overprotecting them, they might become so weak, no confident and can't withstand little pain, cried easily. But not on the head please....... haiz.....

Time to coax them to bed. I need a massage tmr!

Kids Explorer @ Downtown East!

Zhenyu on duty today..... If not he would have join us at Kids Explorer, the biggest indoor playground in Singapore. Prepared the kiddos at two pm (after tian's phonics and breakfast) Then came home and changed their clothing. The journey to the East was indeed long.... It was raining while we were on the way. Princeton took a short nap in the car, but Paris was enjoying the raining scenery, haha... 


We reached at 3pm. Go straight to the place, and i registered Princeton as the member, as i guess we will come to this fun place quite often. A very colourful and exciting place. It catered for older age group, but there was a section for Paris age group too. The lil Ps were very happy of course. 


Princeton is getting more adventurous, he could climb to the highest floor, and took on the steep slide! I gave him the encouragement by sliding after him! And he was cheering all the way.... (my bones almost cracked''') After which, he self entertain himself while i attend to Paris. My princess love swimming inside the balls! She was laughing away when i slide her down the baby slide. My helper look after the belongings, as i have got my wallet and car keys inside the bag. 


Outing with or without my helper doesn't makes a big diff, but without hubby is really very tedious... I need to handle both, and most of all, need to climb up and down with my boy. (btw, he is super active type) We left for dinner after two full hours. Paris dozed off throughout the dinner.. Which makes my meal easier:p Princeton was so hungry that he ate one adult size of Japanese rice with salmon and chicken herbal soup. Whenever he ate that much, really makes me happy. Today he tried a new dessert! Vanilla ice cream! He was reluctant at first, but after seeing me scoping one spoon after another, he gave it a try. And he finished up that cup of ice cream! Though it's not good for children to indulge in sweet stuffs like ice cream and chocolates, but i do believe minimum amount doesn't hurt:) In contrast, if we restrict too much for that child, he might become a very fussy eater, result in lack of nutrition, weak body and often get sick. 

After dinner, we went for a xmas show, it was held at an open area, whereby all the kids sit down and listen to story telling (Princeton favourite!) There were musical dance as well, photo taking at the end of the session. Even Paris could sit still and enjoy the show:) 


We reached home at 8pm, and both of them still as energetic. Just coaxed them to bed, and i got one word to describe myself ~ SHAG..... but fulfilling. Downtown east is a nice place for family with kids, though it's far from our place, but with car is quite convenient. 


Sometimes i felt i'm very simple or easily contented. As long i can be with my children, nothing can be too tough for me. Because their smile and laughter is what i'm yearning for.  

Us with lil Ps at Vivo (again)

Vivo had became our usual hang out places, because there are simply too many places meant for the lil Ps. Toy r us is the main reason:) Today hubby brought them to choose xmas present!! Princeton chose a scooter initially, but in the end gave up for a Lego table and a dinosaur puzzle. Princeton boy chose one pressie for zachary too!! Bumped into Keng boon's mum, himself, Julie with Kaevan. Kaevan is 7months now, very fair just like Keng boon, but features a mixture of Kb but more like Julie, I felt so lol. 

We brought the lil Ps to Singkids again, they enjoyed the full one hour, and Princeton was really happy. We had snacks at Carls Junior, shared a burger with zhenyu, darn..... fattening. Tian&Xin was hungry munching crisscut fries, hee.... don't worry about junk food. They had proper meal before that, ate caifan and chawanmushi:) For me, children must had rice/noodles/bee hoon, before any snacks (junk food). This is a necessary discipline because eating habits is very important. You are what you eat.


We left vivo at 5plus, went Alexandra to dabao our favorite Avocado and duck rice. Chicken rice stall was closed today... The day without maid was not a vast difference. At least i knew that with or without a helper, i could handle the children. Of course is only one day, i couldn't feel the tension. But not all parents are willing to give it a try. 

Hubby tmr off, if the weather is good, we will bring them for a swim. If not, will bring the children to Haw Par Villa or Hort Park. As long as we are altogether, doesn't matter where we are. But hubby doesn't like to stay at home, he wants them to see and explore different thing. 


One more year, i will be back to the cruel workforce. I must treasure and appreciate my time with the lil Ps. Everyday me and zhenyu will be talking where can we bring them.  

Paris is listening to instructions now:) When we said no, she shook her head. When we said Yes, she nodded, hee.... When we asked, do you want biscuits? If she nod, means she wants. Hope to hear her saying yes/no soon:) But she still can't walk leh.... Like Tian, comes to walking, slow.... Hair grow also super slow:D heh heh. All zhenyu's fault! Inherit him lol. haha.... just joking, actually hair is the last thing we should be worrying about.


There are so many programs for me to plan in the coming weeks. My polymates gathering, my ex dbs colleage lunch, bring zac zac to gai gai, xmas party at Uncle William house, new eve party etc! Tuesday for my hair treatment, wed facial, thurs foot massage, Fri detox day! Zhenyu commented that my schedule seems busier than a working mum. I replied him, you want your wife to become yellow face housewife? He said DON"T WANT of course:D

Gathering for Jaden 3rd birthday

Today we had a gathering at May's house, to pre celebrate her elder son Jaden 3rd birthday. Princeton did not had enough rest/nap, as he only took an hour nap in the afternoon. He was feeling unwell also, perhaps a fever or some virus is coming soon:( Bcoz his temperature was at a higher end, 37.2,37.3. He was feeling moody too, specially sticky glue today. 


Reached May's house at 6.45pm, surprising we were the first TABLE group to arrive. hee.... Princeton saw unfamiliar faces, May's brother (Uncle Chin) and May's sister (Auntie Kaiying), immediately frown and hide behind me. He was expecting to see Uncle Mic, Aunty Jas, Uncle Bong and Aunty Xiaolin. But usually after warm up, he would be OK. Unfortunately not today....... I had a hard time coaxing him to stay for 2hours. He played awhile, then suddenly said he wanna go home. Bluffed him by teddy bears, playing hide and seek, and Xiaolin played puzzles with him for awhile. Then he said he was tired again. Hugged me and cry he wanna go. After blowing the birthday cake, we left and head to Chevrons. Princeton's mood changed, and he was so happy to had his dinner at Hans. Ordered scrambled egg and jelly for him.. Walked around the place, as he likes to see the fishes there. Went home at 9.30pm.

Bath Princeton and changed Paris, got the both of them ready for bed time. Soon, they both got into lalaland.. Handling two kids indeed not easy, but it's our responsibilities. No child has an easy way out, each of them will have their difficulties. But if we keep thinking it's impossible to tackle them. Then our mindset had already diminish our confident level.

Maid off tmr, hubby and i going to bring Tian&Xin to have some good food, and fun place. Hope Princeton boy can feel better tomorrow. Hugs ^^

Quality time with the lil Ps

Hubby had overnight duty today... gotten used to it, 3-4times a month he couldn't be at home. In the past even worse, 2-3weeks sailing. Although 2 years later, he still need to be back in ship, so we would treasure the time he stay onshore.

Mum wasn't at home, maid busy washing dishes and clothes. I was playing crazily with the lil ones. Singing and dancing with them, playing hide and seek too!! Paris can hide like her korkor now, the scene is so hilarious!! Got to video it someday, haha! Princeton was hiding under the table, and Paris was trying to squeeze in too. No much space left my dear!

The sister is getting very naughty and rough... She bite her brother last night when Tian was hugging her by pinning her down. hmm... I didn't scold xin, instead i told Tian don't pin down meimei next time, she don't like it. She's young, she don't know. I did this, because i wanted the brother to understand that, Paris is young, as a brother we should give way to her, and try to accommodate her:p You are a big brother, you are sensible, and you understand that biting is wrong. Tian stop crying and said, yes i am good boy, i very strong, no pain! Meimei you very naughty! Then he continued playing with her. If i were to scold Paris, and beat her in the first place, Princeton will remember this routine, and whenever Paris do wrong thing, he will want me to beat her sister, then there will be no love between the siblings. Because he will then enjoy his sister being punished.

I tried my best to give both of them equally attention. Daytime, i would spend quality time with my daughter, by reading her a book, bringing her out, or simply just watch her favourite dvd with her. Evening when Princeton is back from school, i'll bath him, have dinner with him, and practise whatever he is knee to learn (puzzles, storytelling, drawing) Paris will self comfort in her playzone, if not mum or maid will accompany her. Night time, the 3 of us will have playtime together:) Hubby will join in if he is still awake. This is the my SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) everyday.

I got a bad experience from unfair treatment when i was young. Parents being biased:( People who are closed to me would even pity/sympathize me. Pathetic right?? Middle child syndrome:( Extra girl, why not a boy, not as clever, very naughty, not as obedient, whatever you can think of. Yes, sad to say, i belonged to that category. Of course, now i understand my parent's difficulties, the hardship my mum went through, all these indirectly added to my misery. i despised Parents who took favouritism. If you cannot give equal love, then don't give birth to them in the first place. So zhenyu and i always remind each other, never be a biased dad/mum. Even my pil love Tian more for example, i also cannot neglect Tian and out all my love to Xin. But in real case, my fil dote xin more and mil pamper Tian more. My mum appeared to be very equally, both are their precious.

If one person thinks that you are biased, maybe that person is wrong. If 10 people thinks the same way, we should stop finding excuses, and do some reflection. Initially, whenever I'm back from school, i would always call out for Princeton. "Tian Tian mummy is back!!!" My mum would comment, eh, you only remember your son huh? From that moment, i realised my mistakes, my wrong. I felt very sorry, and told myself that i must balance my attention.

当局者迷，旁观者清,  those closely involved cannot see as clearly as those outside. So when relatives/close friends gave me feedbacks, or even better, tell me straight, i am very glad and thankful. Because sometimes i lost my directions. Or at times if i got too stubborn, please scold me and help to wake me up. Don't smile smile infront of me, and mocked behind my back:(  I can be very blunt, very frank. When i said it's wrong, IT IS WRONG. Because there were at least 10 people shaking their head and waiting to see more wrong things happening. So be thankful when we get to hear nasty true stuffs.

We don't make things right to show others. But at least we heed advise, and we try to rectify. I'm disappointed to see till now Princeton boy still suffered from serious separation anxiety:( It's partly my fault, as i give in everything to him right from the beginning. Whenever he cry, i'll go to him. Whenever he wants me to carry, i'll carry him, as long he keep quiet. I tried all ways to explain to him, to assure him that mummy is here, don't be scared, don't cry etc. Once he wake up, i must be beside him. If i bath till halfway, doomed. I cannot poo, i cannot pee. I can only fart.

Zhenyu told me don't care, let him cry all he wants. We tried that before too! He cried till lost his voice, then started coughing. Beat him worse, he cry till vomit. How??? But when i give in to him, carry him 10mins, coax him sit down for breakfast, make him laughed, after that he will be OK. But at times, I'll get frustrated too! Bath half way, heard him crying badly. I continuing bathing, by then i got to him, he is already so breathless:(

I did my research for this kind of situation and found out that, the child might got bad dreams, or uneasy imagination, or they might not have enough sleep.They need our comfort and assurance. We need to constantly explain to the child that everything is OK, and try counting down with them that bad dreams are over. I would follow and try my best to make him feel safe. It's absurd as he is already a grown toddler.

Tomorrow i'll be bringing Paris to explore new gyms! The one at UE Square had high recommendation. I must make sure of my free time now, to bring my children out for fun:)

Singkids Playsystem at Vivocity!!

A very fun and enjoyable family day at vivo city this afternoon. As we slept quite late yesterday, as we brought Princeton boy for supper at Upper Thomson The Prata Shop. Came home around 1am.... But my boy woke up at 8am today! He tapped my shoulder and said, mummy wake up, i wanted to cut my hair because very messy. I was laughing away as i got up. I said OK, let's changed up and go. He then said, after i cut my hair we go vivo city ok? You promised. Yup, he said the exact words! Now he could talk term with me.

Unfortunately, he caught a cold, vomited his milk. (Still very active and energetic) The weather was very bad recently.... It rained the whole night and suddenly very hot and sunny, then out of the blue downpour again. I fed him some medicine then we head to vivo city.

The lil Ps were so delighted to see that fun place! Full of balloon and its very colourfull. A pity its not as big as i thought.... Fidgets is much more spacious, but more suitable for older age group. Singkids is more exciting and amusing for Princeton and Paris!

They were both exhausted after playing non stop for an hour. Especially Princeton who was supposed to be drowsy from the medicine. He fall asleep on my lap when we were having our late lunch!

Everywhere we go, we try our best to bring both the lil Ps. (Most of the time we did) Unless its too late, like the supper last night. Paris had fall asleep therefore we just bring Tian along. But at least when we came home, Paris will be still sleeping soundly next to me and Princeton. If not, i would not leave anyone of them at home, and went out myself.... Especially Princeton, because he is old enough to follow me, and he could see and learn things now. There is no reason for me to cope him at home. As for Paris, unless she is really napping so soundly, if not i will still bring her out, just let her nap in the pram later.

Thanks hubby for making things happened again. By creating new memories for me and the children. To us, we love the lil Ps equally. Of course many people would see that i might pamper Princeton more. Bcoz he tends to me more sticky and more sweet talk to me:) Paris definately will stick to me too! I will make sure after i am back to workforce, my bonding with them will be as strong.

We going Jurong Point now for cheesecakes and my hot Vanilla! Of course my children are tagging along:)

A Great Day at The ZOO!!

My best friend May decided to bring her son Jaden to the Zoo today. She told me about it afew weeks ago, and i decided to bring Princeton boy to tag along:) As Tian had been asking when can he go to the Zoo again??

The weather was sunny! We reached as early as 915am. Went in and take a walk first while waiting for them. Princeton impressed me today, as he woke up at 7am this morning but slept 12plus last midnight. The impressive part was, he did not threw tantrums nor cranky, instead he walked all the way. I could see that he was trying his best to keep up his speed with us. Well done my Prince! As an adult, the 3 of us were worn out by walking for 2-3hours, let alone a kid like him. Must be the homemade porridge that gave him the strength HAHA!!! I woke up very early to prepare threadfin and salmon porridge for him. Brought it to the Zoo, and he finished it while waiting for the Elephant show to start.

Princeton boy gets to have some new adventure today!! First he get to feed the elephants and secondly he tried out the new area over at the waterplay area. At first he was scared, kept staying at the same old area. Then i decided to carry him over to the other side of the pool. I assured him that everything is OK (By getting myself drenched as well)^^ He was having fun after that.... yeah. Just hope he can be more adventurous, and i will give him the encouragement and motivation to do wonders:) There is nothing in the world, my boy cannot do.

It was an enjoying outing today, as i saw another level of Princeton. I told Zhenyu about him, and the dad was very glad and praised him:) Hubby also emphasized to me that children especially boys need to take hardship (training them to walk long distance is one way.) He said bringing Tian to the park every weekend do help in his stamina.

My boy indeed is an animal lovers. He never gets tired to go to The Zoo. I hope to bring him here again with hubby and Paris soon:)

A cooling evening

Today is a cooling day.... especially it drizzled the whole afternoon. Evening was rather cold, and we had hot noodle soup for dinner:) Princeton had a big bowl, same size as mine. Woah! Paris also had some noodles, after having her porridge. Very glutton baby!

 After dinner, Princeton and i had some playtime with Paris, and hubby came back shortly:) Princeton was so delighted and ran over to hug him! Meimei was shouting for her dad at the playground, haha.... So heartwarming to see such scenes^^ 

After which, Princeton wanted to practise his puzzles and words spelling. He is learning word by word, and some of it he can read, eg PIG, BOOK. Teaching him step by step in recognising words:) Well, but counting in Mandarin he is rather slow, hee... it's OK i will teach him as long he willing to learn. 

Today i had settled the registration for Princeton at Yahama Music School. It's quite near our place at Frontier Community Centre, just opposite Jurong Point. Today, one of my friend asked me, is it too early for children to learn? Or we stressing them? My answer is, no. It's never too early to expose children to new things, or to take up new skills, or to learn a new language. Stress only comes in, when parents wants their child to be as good as others, or to make comparison. Yes, that is why some parents feel very stressful, because they felt their child is not as good as others. 

So, i felt is perfectly fine to expose children for some activities like kids gym and music gym as young as 3months old. You would be amazed how much they can learn. Of course must be within our financial ability.... Zhenyu praised me that i had settled the enrolment for Princeton today. And told me that, if he is really interested in Keyboard, we should invest in one at home. I agreed of course:) Then he added, But then no Australia trip then... because the extra cash will be for the keyboard instead. Oh..... i felt..... hmm..... ok....... i replied. Think about it, hubby think for the future for the children. He said it's as nice if we can plan for a nearby trip. The rest of the cash must keep it for the instrument, because most likely Princeton is going to learn this skill.

OK, never mind, the Australia Trip can always wait for me when i return to workforce. I believed very soon!! Princeton is watching Toy Story now.... Going to bed with him. Paris had fall asleep on her rocker at the living room with my helper. Later will carry her in and sleep together:) Good night and sweet dreams!

My Princeton boy growing up progress

Princeton is coming to 3 and a half years old, which is 4 years old soon. So glad he is growing and eating well. Behaviour and attitude still a long way to be improved. Had been learning constantly, and even request to learn piano/keyboard. Zhenyu and i had found out some info about it, the music school YAMAHA, and it's at Frontier Community Centre. If he is keen on learning, we shall enroll him next year in Jan. He will be having a Chinese enrichment program at Jurong Point next year. It's a famous language school name Tien Hsia. Brought him there for enrolment two weeks ago, he was very happy and told me he wanted to learn alot of things next time earn money buy present for me:) I do hope he will continue to have such interest and passion.

Zhenyu asked if all these are overwhelming for him. I replied, if our boy reacted like being forced by parents, crying and unwilling to walk into the classroom, i swear i will not waste my time and money to find all these trouble. Not to mention about disturbing others during lesson time, if he had no interest at all, can't even sit still and follow instruction, i will not let him join in any of the above. So, since he is positive about it, lets stretch him a little more and see how much he can absorb:) Every child is different, every child will have their own learning pace. We can't rush them of course, neither can we allow them to progress lazily and sluggishly... Therefore i felt is the parent's responsibility to bring learning and entertainment as one. Yes, childhood happiness is very important, but many people mistaking that a happy childhood only means play without limit, do whatever the child wants, do as they pleased... They are still small, let them enjoy and play as much as they want. Think again, how long can we allow it to last?? 6years old? or 10? So, you think by the time we wanted to bring them back to the right/study track, is it possible? That's why i always remind myself, my children must play hard and study hard at the same time. 

Do not quote me on the above. This is just how i felt, it's only a sharing thought. As my sis always mentioned, children do not know the limit, BUT we know. I wanted to shape the most memorable, enjoyable yet bring in the essence of their childhood. Princeton love to see the photo album, When i can always show him the many places i took for them, and Princeton is able to recall the place i brought him too! (the recent cruise trip, sentosa, the different hotel's buffet, the KL/genting trip, botanic garden, east coast park, etc) Hope to make their dreams come true, as they will be over the moon by the farm stay at Australia next year!