Family outing to The Amazonia

 It's a cooling and raining morning. Princeton and i overslept! I quickly bath and asked zhenyu to bath tian. But, tian refused, and threw tantrums. As time is running out, I'm not even ready. My mood turned nasty:( Out of control, i caned the boy. The more i cane, the more rebellious he got. I knew he is not going to make it for his phonics today. Thought of that, makes me boiled. Called the centre, and arranged a make up lesson next Sunday.

He was crying non stop. Kept pestering me to carry him. Usually i will carry him and tried to pacify him. But not today. Dunno what had gotten with me:( Perhaps i was very fed up, why must i do everything, why can't the dad handle the children. If he could have make more effort, the LiL Ps would have stick to him, and not so superglue to me.

Yes, my children only sticks to me. I am thankful... not trying to complain. Just that, when I'm busy, i was hoping hubby can take over awhile. JUST AWHILE... let me take a breather. In the past, when i was working, Princeton was as close to me, but at least he was still a baby, easily coaxed. Now? Nothing can bluff through him.

OK, i understand it's my fault too. I was too paranoid, and too possessive. When Tian was much younger, he often met with injuries and accidents. That makes me turned into a kan chiong spider mother, and keeps him with me all the time. Resulted in the situation now. i had learnt let go now... Hubby brought tian out every Sunday morning. Drove him to school while i stay at home. A pity, the bonding is still not strong. I don't expect them to be like me and Tian. But at least i hope our boy won't repelled when the dad wanted to bath him. 

After all the screaming and punishing. I had a good talk with Princeton. He was still sobbing breathlessly:( Explained to him that he cannot say he don't want daddy. When mummy is busy, daddy will help to bath u. He nodded his head. A good thing that Princeton recovered fast, and he was all ready for his daily photo shot after bathing.

We set off to Great World City. Had a good brunch at Crystal Jade. Wanted to go Imperial Treasure, but as expected, FULL house during weekends. Tian^XIn both had beef soup with rice, while hubby and i had dim sum. We head to Amazonia after eating. They were so excited. Tian held his sister's hand and march into the place. 

The price is on the high side. But looking at the amount of fun both of them had, it's worth it. I felt its one of the most interesting indoor playground, but still, explorerkids at downtown east came in first! There were still many new places to go, wait till my exams is over. 

The LiL Ps climbed up and down, (4storey high), we got to follow of course. My back is aching and my legs got cramped. Seriously.... this is a challenge if we were to come again. Serve me right for not exercising. 

After 2hours of non stop FUN, Princeton was sweating and xin was getting sleepy. Korkor said, mummy time to go, i'm hungry. We brought him to the foodcourt for noodles, and xin KO after drinking milk. HAHA!! Princeton finished the whole bowl of fishball noodles. Indeed hungry..... We shopped around the place, bought our favourite snack ~ Popcorns! Garrett popcorns really fantastic. Hubby and i love it to the max.

It was almost 6pm. We left to Alexandra food centre. Bought dinner home... Tian had knocked out during the car journey, while xin just woke up. When we reached home, i woke tian up for dinner. They had beef soup again... heehee!! Though they don't eat the meat, but drinking the soup is as good. Soup lover, both of them finished the whole bowl. 

Hubby had some playtime with them. Opened the toys which we bought yesterday. 9pm, both of them went to bed and ZZZZ. Yeah, great! I can some revision, and hubby went for car servicing. He wanted to change the wiper as well as to check on the brakes and tyres.

End of March. A brand new month tomorrow!! Hope to be more productive! Jiayou!   

My daily routine with Tian&Xin

Weekdays with the LiL Ps are quite routine.
8am- Xin will be awake at 7am, and after her milk, she will take a rest then a quick bath.

9am - Brought tian to school. Go marketing, buy breakfast for xin and my mum. Paris usually will eat fish porridge, if not rice with luncheon meat/fish fillet.

10.30- a stroll with xin downstairs, or at the park.

11.30- Xin will have her first nap (30-45mins)

1pm- Watch dvd with xin, and read her books. (She is able to sort shapes, and to point at letter A and B. She could point at the correct cartoon characters. (Compare to her brother, Tian could complete a puzzles at 18months) By 24months, tian could complete a puzzles designed for 3years old and above. So, it's time to introduce simple puzzles for my lil Princess.

2pm - Xin have her tea break. Biscuits or bread to keep her occupied. haha!! After that, will be her free time playing. She could play on her own, while i do my own things.

3pm- Maid will bring xin for her afternoon stroll downstairs. Usually will bring a ball down, and it's time to exercise:) 

3.30pm - Xin second nap. (Will be an hour or abit longer) I can then have time to run errands, or take a nap too.

5pm- Bath xin, and she play with her Lego's and cooking sets. 

5.30-6pm- fetched Tian home. During days with enrichment program, i will picked him up much earlier. 

7pm -Dinner. After dinner, will be free time watching dvd. 

8.30pm- Will start some short revision. Be it practising writing, reading, counting. It doesn't last long, his attention span is very short. But at least he is willing to learn, and he makes effort. Could see improvement this few weeks:)

9.30pm - story telling (either me or zhenyu) Tian will sit still and listen. While Paris will run around and start distracting her brother:p

10-10.30pm - Bed&milk Time.

That's how i spend my day. Usually weekends we will bring them for some outdoor games. But because hfmd was so at its high peak last two weeks, they were discouraged to visit crowded places. This weekend, perhaps will go for dim sum, then to the library. 

Felt very contented to spend my day as routine or as stagnant. Because i can be with my LiL Ps, to be with them had became a habit. They are part of my leisure, my life. I must treasure this 2012, to give in my utmost effort in nurturing them. 

Scorching hot Saturday

These few days, the weather was excessively hot and humid. Causing me to have headache and giddiness. Thus, not being productive at all.... Have not started my revision at all -DOOM. 28April is my first paper, GOD please create miracle!

 

Today, as usual, brought Tian to mac for breakfast. Then head for his phonics at 11am. Meet up with Yenni and her daughter Shu Xian for lunch. Princeton's favourite playmate. Actually Princeton have got many favourite playmates, haha. He is very mischievous compared to his friends... lol. Had a good chat with Yenni. She was the one who recommended me to I CAN READ. SX joined one month ago, and Yenni regretted she send her in so late. Because right now SX can't name the category for each alphabets, eg: A for Aeroplane, B for Banana, C for Caterpillar etc. I told her it's never too late. Kids nowadays are very bright, fast learners. If we put in abit of efforts, they will pick up in no time.

I never believe in going for numerous courses, and that's it. Leaving it to the teachers to coach. I'll make sure Tian do his revision everyday. Just 10-15minutes will do:) A combination of both will be the most effective. I am not trained nor am i an experts in phonics, speech and drama or reading skills etc. That's why we need to send children for enrichment programs.

When i picked Tian up, the phonics teacher told me that there was a surprised evaluation test last week. I was shocked because i didn't got tian prepared... Then she gave me the result slips, and said, Princeton got full marks:) He could trace independently now, and phonology was good. I felt so consoled, and teacher said to keep it up. Princeton could reply, yes! My mummy said i must study hard. (Felt like crying when he said that)

He could say things like, 'mummy i learn many things, next time grow up earn money buy alot of things for u.' And, 'mummy my fingernails long, can help me cut? mummy your one also very long, i help u cut' Though he is really one naughty spolit brat, but he can be lovely at times too. Hope Zhenyu can show more tolerance towards him. Try to see his good points, rather than keep pinpointing his bad ones.

Brought the Lil Ps to JP for dinner. Paris is another active pie. After dinner, she can run and run and we got to chase and chase. It was rather crowded, and we carried her instead. She was screaming loudly, wanted to walk on her own instead. This princess is becoming more demanding. Well, this is part of growing up. Just hope she can learn to listen and follow soon.  

Enrolment in < I CAN READ>

I was down with a very bad flu this morning. Fortunately, hubby is going Tuas today, thus could help me to bring Tian to school. Had a short nap, and woke up to accompany xin for a walk downstairs. Felt much better rather than coping at home. The air at home is really still and humid.

Fetched tian early today, as he got an assessment test at 6.30pm. I booked an appointment last week @ I can Read Jurong East. Princeton boy had proved himself once again:) Not only reading A-Z, but the sound of each alphabets. Zhenyu don't even know how to sound the alphabets for it, and Princeton knew it. Example: B is sound ber ber ber, gorilla is ge ge ge. The Australian teacher was amazed, and she tested him by asking him to point out the letters which the teacher will 'sound' out. Princeton got most of it right, and the one he got it wrong, most probably he had slipped off his mind. At home when i do revision with him, he could answered correctly.  

The thing i like about here is, students are not group according to ages. They were assessed and group to their learning ablilities:

LITTLE BEARS CLUB. These early literacy interactive lessons are designed for very young children to encourage and develop their oral communication skills through a wide variety of child-centered activities that stimulate the child’s perception of the world and develop language. Age range 2.5 years to 4 years. (There were students in K1 still stuck in this group)

THINKING AND CREATIVE SKILLS
Designed to stimulate the imagination and develop problem-solving skills using language. Encourages cognitive growth through oral presentation, dramatic play, introduction to phonology (an early literacy prerequisite for learning to read) and appreciation of story. Age range 3.5 years to 4.5 years. (There were students who are in Primary one!)

I CAN READ PRELIMINARY.
Designed to develop both expressive and receptive vocabulary as well as essential pre-reading skills necessary before learning to read. Establishes the child’s phonological abilities, letter formation and the use of phonics in decoding. I Can Read Preliminary precedes the reading programme and is suitable for any age, depending upon ability.

The Australian teacher Sue, was very pleased with Princeton, and was sure that he could be in the Preliminary class. But something changed her mind, when Princeton loses his concentration, and started to walk around the classroom, playing a fool underneath the table. He was overly excited, and behaved like a wild monkey. Teacher Sue then suggested to let him strengthened his pronounciation in Thinking and Creative Class for 2months, then she will move him up to the Preliminary class. She commented, in that class, all students need to be able to sit still for 1.5 hours and must be independent to do their work. Princeton obviously failed to prove himself in this area today. Darn..... angry... i was disappointed because i knew that Princeton could do it, but because we were around, that's why he started to play around. (Attention seekers) 

I heed the teacher's advise. (even though i knew tian could sit still esp without our presence.) Tomorrow will be his first lesson @ I Can Read. I have confident, he will benefit from this enrichment courses. To date, Princeton could spell his own name. AND, he could successfully write his name, PRINCETON. Unable to download the video in the blog, some errors kept occurring. I felt a real sense of satisfaction, and i will continue to make learning a happy journey for him!

  

 

Weekly dinner at my inlaws place.

We went back at least once a week to my inlaws place. Sometimes twice, depending on my fil's working schedule. The LiL Ps were overly pampered whenever they go over. Good food, new toys, and fun companion. Their nainai never fail to cheer them with balloon badmintion games with them. Mil would brew birdnest for me and Tian also. Xin is too young to eat... after two years old, perhaps can start to consume a little.

These few nights, Tian will began to cough, and only during night time, the cough gets worse:( Brought him to the Chinese sinseh last sat. Tian really is my brave boy, he drank the bitter powered form medicine. Oh my! I don't even dare to drink! Gonna force him, and explained the medicine can help him. He seemed to understand, and drink it willingly. Could see his expression, how bitter was that. Bleah!!

He was diagnosed with gastric flu and too much wind in the stomach. haiz.... that's one of the bad points about going to childcare. Never ending spreading of virus... I just hope tian can grow stronger, faster recovery.

Appreciate my inlaws alot, for loving us and my LiL Ps. Tian & Xin, please dote yeye nainai alot when you all grow up ok?

End Of Team1 Review Session

This week had been a hectic week for me. As i was preparing for my International Human Resource project. It was an important one, as the weighage was 20% of my overall grading. Fortunately, speech and PowerPoint presentation was my forte. Got distinction for last semester:) But today wasn't as smooth as last year... The lecturer requirement was very high. It's OK, I'm contented with a Credit too.

Rushed to Jurong Point, hopefully can get to see Princeton live performance at Tien Xia. I never miss any of his performance( either in the child care centre or in any enrichment courses). But this time round, i had missed it:( Felt quite disappointed, as it clashed with my SIM Presentation. Zhenyu, ah ma, Paris went to support the big brother! Hubby got it all video down, and i am enjoying watching right now. Actually i felt really exhausted now, but it's really happy to see him singing and dancing. I hope one day, he could do a story telling on a stage:) 

Princeton got back his test results for last week. He got the highest in his class:) Very proud of him and of course felt the real satisfaction in myself. Been doing the revision with him everyday. I do not asked for highest mark every time. I just want him to do his best. As his mother, i knew exactly how much effort he put in. If he is lazy, i will not tolerate. If he had tried all he could, but still can't do it, i will stop and continue the next day. 

When they do well, we praised. But we cannot be complacent. But when they don't do well, we don't reprimand, instead we should encourage. I always believe, if we put in effort, we can see results someday.   

Excited for Paris's first lesson at the Zoo Phonics next month. I hope she can have the passion to learn. Time to enjoy tmr! IT"S WEEKEND!   

Each child is an Individual

Every child is different and matures at different rates and has different strengths and weaknesses. Children go through a gradual process of maturation, growth and development over the years of their childhood. Sometimes we can hit a rough patch where our child is exhibiting some unwanted behaviour and we're finding it really stressful. (It is probably the case now for me......)

Paris is going to the stage of 'terrible 2'!! More frequent in throwing tantrums, scream when she's upset, and fight for her own 'rights'. Scary ya? Fortunately, she is not as 'clusmy' as her brother, who fall and hit on his head like 20 times? She is more 'sensible' as in when i told her the toilet is slippery, cannot go in, you will fall down. She understands, and bring her chair to sit and wait outside the bathroom. Unlike Princeton, who dashed in while I'm bathing, in the end, knocked himself left right centre.  

Even though every child grows and develops at his or her own pace. Still, child development tends to follow a fairly predictable path.

  

I got this from the child care centre, and i snap it for curiosity... Read it, and am glad both lil Ps are on track. I'm more concerned in their independent skills, rather than their academic knowledge. These chart consoled me, for my decision to put Princeton in a full day child care is a right choice. He is able to finish his meal by himself, to go to the toilet without assistance, to dress/undress himself:) The amazing thing: he is able to pack and unpack his own school bag. (Which contain, sleeping mattress, bathing towel, his undergarment, one set of school uniform, and an exercise book.)

Princeton was slow in speech. His first word was ah ma, and only ah ma.... until he reached exactly 24 months, suddenly he could speak in short sentences! I want sleep, i want eat. I don't want, mummy come, etc. Since infant, Princeton doesn't make many noises. Just simple woo, ha, ah, that's all. But now, I'm very happy he is speaking and communicating well now. So, i always tell my sis, it's OK, don't worry Zachary is not bubbling noises. It's still early... Princeton is a good example, he can even tell me a joke now. 

"Mummy i tell you something very funny today. I comb Shu Xian hair. hahaha" (laughed by himself)
Me: Oh really? So is Shu xian happy?
"Mummy, i never use comb leh, i use my hand to comb her hair" hahaha. (the laughter gets louder)
Me: Did you wash you hand???
"No leh, shu xian never ask me go wash.
Me: HAHAHA!! You dirty fellow!

Recently, i was considering of signing up Princeton for another course -I CAN READ . The reviews were very positive, and the location is at Jurong East Gateway. I was in dilemma, because the school fees are of higher range, and i might not have the time to rush them to all these programs next year (when I'm back in workforce). But right now, Princeton is absorbing positively, and he has got the passion and desire to learn. Shouldn't i go all out to let him explore his ability?

I believed in long term commitment in all these classes. I don't like the idea of going for first few months, after that give up and change to something else. This will only waste time and disrupt their learning process. Got to discuss with Zhenyu in details...

I believe playtime is equally important to study time. Many children, only obsess in playing and enjoying everyday. Minimum time to study. While other children are too stress up by all the books and enrichment programs.

Are we unwittingly lowering the quality of life for those we mean to nurture? Or Are we degrading childhood by demanding ever more of our children?

Our 5th Year Wedding Anniversary

Looking back from how we got to know each other ~ From our first chat phone call, to our first meet up, to our first date, marriage and children.... we had gone through a high & low peak of 15 solid years. We got to know each other when i was in secondary 3. We were of very good friends, and often chat through phone calls for hours. We got together when i was in Poly First Year, ie when i was 18. The toughest time in my life, due to the tragic of my brother. Zhenyu stood firm by my side, just like my pillar of strength. I am glad, and i am proud i am his first woman in life, that is his first girlfriend. The first girl whom he brought home to see his parents:)  

We dated for 7 years, only then he was ready to propose to me:) We spend one whole year in planning our Wedding, and all our savings in building up our dream wedding banquet, our ideal honeymoon, our first new car, and our 5 room flat. All these came true because we had the same goal, direction and frequency! 

My wedding and housing planning processes were the most exciting and memorable memories for me. Basically i did nothing, but enjoyed my moment of being the happiest bride! The only thing i did was to choose my jiemeis, and give hubby my guest list. Many thanks that i got help of Uncle William and the brother's coordination that day. Best of all, my sis to settle my wedding gown and accessories! Because we flew to Europe for honeymoon the very next morning:p

Throughout these years, of course there were ups and downs, so long my smiles could cover up the frowns. heehee... Whatever i asked for, will be given. Whenever i'm pissed off, there will be sorry. Wherever i am, he will always be there to pick me up. When i'm unreasonable, he kept quiet. When i'm sad, he tells a stupid joke. When i'm confused, he lead me to a direction. I got nothing more to ask from this wonderful guy. Thank you for your everlasting love, your enduring patience, your marvelous tolerance, and your unconditional commitment to me and the family. Please pardon me for all my bad doings, my ugly side, and my numerous mistakes.

Today as both of us look back
with happiness and pride
upon the 15 cherished years
that we've spent side by side,
May every memory that we share
of dreams we've seen come true,
help make this special Golden day

for you. Happy Wedding Anniverary Zhenyu!

   

My Lunar birthday

Yes... i am 30 this year. Friday was my lunar birthday, and my mil especially cooked longevity noodles for me:) Asians have the tradition of eating longevity noodles (aka long life noodles, or 长寿面, “Chang Shou Mian”) on our birthdays. I am blessed to have it every year (since I'm married into the Tays)

My mil believed that eating these noodles is auspicious as the long strands of noodles symbolize a long life. I appreciate her goodwill and really felt thankful to have a caring mother inlaw. My LiL Ps are blessed to have wonderful grandparents, who dotes and pampers them to the max. But I'm sure they do not spoilt them, even if they do, it's fine. Because grandparents are meant to spoilt their grandchildren! Haha. We as parents are the one who should be doing the disciplinary. For those 'weekends' parents, then i could only say, it's just too bad, you gonna risk the chance of changing roles with your parents or pil.

Tian&Xin only met yeye&nai nai once or twice a week, therefore whenever my inlaws saw them, they focus on them 100%. Feed them, play and bond with them. Quality is definitely is better than quantity. Mil prepared sumptuous porridge which she brewed for the whole morning, with 2kg of pork ribs and herbs. Just for the LiL Ps. No wonder my porridge can never win hers.... LOL. She would standy desserts and snacks like bird nest, sandwiches, apples, biscuits, fishcakes etc Princeton was like eating buffet, and of course nai nai was so delighted.

Yeye especially dote xin. Often buy new toys for her.... The whole room are full of their loots! Luckily my pil house is neat and spacious, to accommodate so many toys.

Today, i picked up tian from school at 4pm. Drove them to fetch hubby in Tuas Naval Base. We went to Soup Restaurant for our monthly family dinner (Juze4ofus) We dine almost everyday at home, but we wanted to make it a point to bring them out for good meals at least once a month. 

Tmr will be meeting Uncle William, Aunt Sharon and Candice for dinner:) Thanks Uncle for celebrating our birthday every year. Sunday will be meeting sis,sze yong and my baobei Zachary! 

Have a great weekend peeps! 

Princeton's revision for his first Chinese Test

He had went for his 7th lesson at Tien Xia last week. I was told that next Friday, there will be a class test for them. The students will be tested to circle the correct word, and second part was to read out all the Chinese characters which was being taught. If failed, there might be a need for remedial lesson?? Which means extra charges? 

That's not going to happen.... i spent 2 short evening to do an intensive revision for Princeton. Fortunately he was interested in the challenge. This was because i told him, whoever can read out every word correctly, can have cooking set toy later. I understand that giving rewards might not be the best way. And this cannot sustain for long term.... what if in the future he asked for something much more expensive?

After learning, he was satisfied:) He said, mummy i can do it already! He looked happy and contented. I then explained to him, see? You must be hardworking, listen to mummy, and learn properly. Next time when you grow up, you will know alot of things. Yes? Princeton could replied, Yes mummy! And i also can earn alot of money buy present for you. These were the exact words he said to me...... I felt consoled.

I don't expect my children to be top in everything. I don't want them to be obsessively stress over school work, test or exams. I hope to make learning a pleasant experience for them. To me, school grades is not everything. As long they don't fall too badly behind, no complains from teachers. To me, attitude is the most important. Be it in school work, to people, to friends, in work next time. They must have the right attitude. Right now, to give the LiL Ps a cheerful, enlivening, and sprightly childhood is still my priority. I want them to be bond as the closest and happiest siblings. Just like me and my brother.

We shared secrets, we confides to each other, we cried and laughed together. We held hands to go shopping, just like a couple. We raised hamsters together despite my mum strongly disagreement. He always give in to me in poker card games, and in monopoly, he always give in to me in catching and hide and seek. We save money to buy a portable tv with dvd set. We save up money to buy Swatch. We allied against my sister, and end up being kneel down cum pulling ears. I guarantee there can be no closer siblings like us. Who says different gender can't be any closer. It's own mindset. I don't see Zhenyu and his brother Zhenxiang is anywhere closer than us. Infact, they are like hi bye friends.

I want Princeton boy to set a good example for his lil sister. Be it in studies or in behaviour. I will discipline them as my children, and not in their gender or age. Being biased is the worst parenting act. Please bear in mind all.