Lucky Luke & Lovely Chloe

Ms Answer Back

2012-02-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

I thought Lucas is already so advance in answering back but apparently Chloe is better. At her age, she talks like a teenager at times.

Me: Chloe, it's way passed your bed time. Go to sleep now.
Chloe: I'm not sleepy.
Me: It's late or else you won't wake up on time to go to school.
Chloe: But I'm not tired.
Me: Go now before I punish you.
Dominic walks into the room.
Chloe: Dad, I want to sleep with you.
Dom: Ok...you go sleep first and I'll come in 5 mins.
Chloe: Mummy, you don't sleep here. I'm sleeping with Dad!

Chloe: I don't want to eat.
Me: You have to eat your dinner.
Chloe: But I don't want to eat.
Me: Better go eat before I embarrass you by smacking you in front if everyone.
Chloe: You always smack me anyway!

Big Dilemma

2012-02-05T18:07:00.001-08:00

Can someone give me some enlightenment?? I'm in a big dilemma now. Since I started working last December, transporting my kids to schools have been a big headache. During my job interview, I was told the job is a virtual role a.k.a. work from home. When I started, I am expected to show up in the office everyday. Now, I am stuck for the next 5 months to 11 months, at least until my contract expires. So, I asked my boss if I could do 2 days a week from home, and he asked me to give him a schedule. So, Dominic said I should just scheduled 2 days from home a week and let him reject the plan if he doesn't agree.
Meanwhile, I was looking high and low for a transporter for the kids. I survived by sharing the load between Dominic and myself and my neighbour whom we car pool. It gets harder when I have more meeting in office and Dominic travels occasionally. So, I finally found a transporter who is willing to try out. I was delighted at first. Then after thinking it through and talking to Dominic, my family, I have my hesitation. Dominic never think it is a great idea. He always said it is easier to try to juggle it ourselves. My family disagreed big time. They are saying cannot trust the transporter. They may just kidnap the kids. I am concern about sexual abuse - read so much of those stories kids were sexually molest or abuse in kindergarten, or daycare. My in-laws does not know about this, but I know I will get an earful if they find out. Sigh...................

So, what now?? I'll tell my boss I'll work 2 days from home, and cancel the transporter. And wait and see how's things go. Sigh again.....

Similar Kids

2012-02-01T00:29:00.001-08:00

Chinese New Year comes and goes so quickly.
This Monday is already the 15th day.
The kids had a week off for Chinese New Year. Chloe of course cried on her first day after returning to school. She was ok on the second day. Third day is a holiday. Let's see if she is ok tomorrow.
Lucas did not shown much enthusiasm about returning to school. In fact, he is more excited about his Mandarin classes at home. He can recognize quite a few words now, but his pronunciation is off - he speaks like how a western would speak.

Chloe's teacher wrote a comment on parent's communication book - 'She is shy and takes quite some time to warm up. She can be very chatty when she is in her right mood.' When I read this, I had this deja vu feeling. I had read the same comment from Lucas's teacher! Yes, my kids are so similar and yet so different. Wonder it is the nature (the genes) or the nurture (how they are being raised). If it is nature, there's nothing much we can do. If it is nurture, I wonder what can I do differently. It is not good to be so shy when they grow older. Hard to survive this competitive world. Or just hope this is a phase thingy and it will go away...

Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year.
The first day and second day passed so fast....
I have a reunion with my secondary school classmates last Saturday, had lunch at my parent's place on the eve and dinner at in-law's place. Visited both in-laws and parents again on the first day...and today the second day, we get to chill at home. Took the kids for a swim this morning and I will be cooking my version of Chinese New Year dinner tonight!

Last Friday, Chloe finally did not cry when Dominic dropped her at school. But unfortunately she is having a week holiday and we will have to start all over again on coming Monday!

I have to physically go to office more than I thought and it is causing a lot of stress for me and the kids!

Chloe First Day in Nursery

2012-01-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, Chloe started her first day in Nursery. It is the same school as her Playschool, so she is familiar with the place and the teachers. The difference is in Playschool, I was in the class with her all the time. Now in Nursery, I am not in the classroom with her.
The first day was as expected. Tears. The second day was also as expected, more tears. However, today, her seventh day. the tears are even more and the wailing is even louder!! For the past few days, during her journey to school, she started saying 'I don't want to go to school'. When I entered the carpark, she started sobbing. When I passed her to the teacher, she started wailing. Today, she cried the loudest in her class. Wonder when the tears are going to stop.
When I picked her up to go home, she is in very jovial mode. The teacher said she cried for a few mins and then settled down. She is very bubbly after that and do all her activities.

In her uniform on the first day of school. Her uniform is so big even after alteration. I bought her shoes 2 size bigger as her previous shoes only lasted 4 months before she outgrown them. She is 'swimming' in her clothes and shoes at the moment.

Happy 2012

2012-01-02T06:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
New year, new beginning...
To welcome the new year, we did something different this year. We checked ourselves into a hotel at the heart of all the happening...near KLCC. We went around lunch time on the eve, checked-in, had lunch, rest in our room, went for dinner and watched performanced leading to the countdown and then finally the firework.
Everything was good except that the fireworks were too laud for the kids. They were afraid.

The kids got excited with the changed of environment. Jumping on the bed for 20 mins after we checked in.

Malaysia's iconic building. This is as good as we can get. Clear sky and almost postcard like background.

Not sure how much she understand what she was reading.

We received complimentary cupcakes that said '2012' and 'Happy New Year'. The kids were eyeing the icing.

Waiting for the fireworks to start just outside the hotel entrance.

Fireworks literally 'rained' on us. The hotel conceirge warned us about the falling ashes and gave us umbrella. However, it was too laud for the kids. Chloe was crying and Lucas was hiding behind me. I had to take them into the hotel lobby before the fireworks end.

Lucas asked for breakfast in bed and we gave him the experience. Seen here still in pyjamas. We went to sleep at 1am and the breakfast came at 8.45am!

Chloe and her breakfast in bed.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas weekend is coming to and end....how did we spend our holidays??
Nothing much except to laze around and eat. On Eve, we had our brunch. We had honey glazed ham and croissant. The ham was highly recommended by the butcher but it was a disappointment. Our usual French ham would have been a better choice. But nevertheless, the strawberries and juices were good. Then for dinner we head to our in-laws' place for sumptuous lobster and beef.

Christmas day was really lazy day. We had the same brunch as the eve, as I bought 1.5kg of ham (and we still have half untouched). Then we pretty much sat in front of the TV or take a nap until dinner time. Dinner was wedding dinner. Food was good and it was good that we actually get out of the house.

Boxing Day is better. We went for a swim and I will be cooking proper dinner tonight - roast pork, potatoes, grilled capcisum and pumpkin.

Enjoying time with my kids and dear husband. Merry Christmas, my dear friends.

Chloe started her meal with chocolate.

Lucas started his meal with strawberries.

7 Days to Christmas

2011-12-18T02:15:00.001-08:00

Yes, only 7 days to Christmas and we have yet to buy the most important presents i.e. presents to my in-laws. We have no clue what to buy!
I survived my first week of work....yah! I had to go office everyday but luckily the traffic was good as most people are on holidays. I won't dare to say the same in January. The job, the boss and the colleagues are not bad at all, but I can't work from home all the time....bummer. I'll see how I balance my time and office as I go along. The first day where both of us have to go office, Lucas was telling his father 'It is not fun when both of you are not at home'. Chloe got rather confused and asked 'Why are you going to Daddy's car?' Sigh.....When school starts in January, it is going to be a challenge sending and picking up the kids from schools. Sigh again....need to find alternative transportation.

The kids have been watching this cartoon called Peppa Pig. So, one day Lucas came to me and said, 'Mom, we have to put a glass of milk and mince pie near the Christmas tree so that Santa Claus can drink and eat them when he comes to deliver the present. And we will also know that Santa has come'. Guess who has to drink and eat on behalf of the Santa?? Daddy of course.

Putting up the tree.

Proud of their work.

Deep in concentration. What were they watching?

Watching carolling.

Back to Work

2011-12-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

After almost 6 months of being unemployed or lady of leisure, depending on how you look at it, I'm going back to work full time next Wednesday. I managed to find a job which is supposedly virtual aka work from home. I grabbed the opportunity fast and I hope it does turn out to be so. However, I need to be in the office at the beginning to show my face, to know who's who and how things work. Then I hope I can do most part of the work from home. Keeping my finger crossed.

Ah....I have so much errands to do and also much errands had been accomplished. Last list to do is to clean up my store room so that I can store more junk into the store room - make any sense?? I need to sort out all the kids' outgrown clothes, car seats, baby cot, playpen, toys to be given away.

Oh....looking forward to new challenges or not? I'm not sure. I will be able to tell in a month's time.

I Know, It's Only An Accident

2011-12-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Lucas's favourite phrases now are 'You know what?' or 'I know' or 'It's only an accident?'. When he wants to tell us something, he will begin his sentence with 'You know what? ..... '. If he is doing something he is not supposed to do and being reprimand, he will answer 'I know'. If he did something wrong and he fully aware of it, he will say 'It is only an accident.' Chloe has been picking up those sentences and use all of them today. She has been protecting her brother most time today too.

When I asked the kids to eat their dinner,
Lucas: Mom, it's rice again!
Chloe, Mom, ko-ko wants sandwich. (she knows her brother has been asking for sandwich last few days).
Me: No, ko-ko had sandwich for lunch.
A few minutes later,
Chloe: Mom, ko-ko wants sandwich for dinner.
How sweet of her to ask on behalf of his brother.

During dinner time, Lucas suddenly shaked Chloe's chair so hard while she was eating. I gave Lucas a nice lecture for doing that - telling him he can choke Chloe. Chloe sweetly defended her brother, saying, 'Mom, it is only an accident.'

When both kids are being tucked,
Chloe: Ko-ko, what's with the 'I know, I know?'
A few minutes later,
Chloe: Why are you always saying I know, I know.
Haha...asking her brother!

Oh...they are surely getting along well, teasing each other and partnering well to bully the parents!

Drama

2011-11-24T19:25:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, while we were trying to put the kids to sleep, there were so much drama. They both were drinking milk from the bottle. Lucas wanted Chloe's pillow. Chloe refused to give. Lucas smacked her. We pulled Lucas away as he was getting physical. Then Lucas cried. After coaxing, they both apology to each other and Chloe is willing to share the pillow with her brother. Lucas had this habit of wanting everyone elses pillow except his. Most of the time, he has 4 pillows on his bed - 2 his own, one borrowed from Daddy and one borrowed from Chloe.

Then there was a mosquito flying around. Dominic then said:
Dom: Chloe, ask ko-ko to smack the mosquito.
Chloe: Kok-ko, smack the mosquito.
Lucas: NO.
Chloe: If you don't smack the mosquito, then who? ME?

Doesn't Chloe sounds like an adult? I was wondering if I speak in this manner and that's how she picks it up!

Then the next drama unfolds, they were fighting for the same blanket.
Lucas: Give me the purple blanket.
Chloe: NO. You want the yellow blanket?
Lucas: NO. I want the purple blanket.
Chloe: No, but I give you the yellow blanket ok.
Lucas: NO, I want the purple blanket.
Chloe: You had the purple blanket yesterday.
Lucas: (whining and complained to me) Mom, she is not sharing.
Me: Chloe, can ko-ko have the blanket for another night?
Chloe: No, but ko-ko can have the yellow blanket ok.

See the difference in their character. Lucas tends to whine and complain to me when at home and complain to his teacher when at school. He gets frustrated easily. Meanwhile, Chloe is very calm and will try to negotiate her way around. We always think Lucas will excel in his academic and Chloe is the street smart one.

Holiday Plans

2011-11-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

Next week is Lucas's last week of school. Holidays again....
We have decided not to force him to go swimming. So we are scraping the 2 hrs a day 5 days a week swimming plan. Instead, he started taking Mandarin class. A teacher comes to the house twice a week, one hour each time. The teacher will read him story and they will have their discussion on that topic. On his first lesson, he learnt about bouncing big and small ball. After the class, the told his father that learnt about big and small but he has forgotten about how they are said in Mandarin! I'm trying to get my kids to be bi-lingual and trying so hard to switch the mother tongue from English to Mandarin. Each time I speak to them in Mandarin, they will both jokingly asked 'how put how?' (how are you or literal translation is fine or not?) and burst into laughter.

Other than Mandarin class, there is not much plan. Not travelling this holiday as Dominic has no more leave and we are getting a bit lazy. Staying in a hotel in city center on 31 Dec to party - eat and watch fireworks. Trying to arrange some play-dates for the kids and do some cookies baking for Christmas. I'm sure time will fly.

Aging...Part 2

2011-11-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought needing reading glasses and wrinkles are bad, I have just made a new discovery, a far scary new discovery. I have been feeling some pain on my breasts. First, I brushed it off as maybe I have put on weigh and my bras are just too small. Then I told myself maybe I should go for mammogram since I'm in the 40s club. And there I go for mammogram and ultra sound scan. The mammogram was clear and I was relieved BUT the ultra sound detected 2 lumps on m left breast. According to the radiologist, one lump is definitely benign and another is suspicious. My heart dropped a few inches when I heard the word suspicious. Then I went to see a breast surgeon who again said the bigger lump is 50-50% benign. My heart dropped another few inches. I had to get the lump removed and get a biopsy. So, I scheduled a surgery to get the lump removed. The best procedure I have learnt is remove the lump, send the lump for a frozen biopsy where you can get the result within 45 mins. If it is cancerous, the surgeon can remove the limp node immediately (in the same operation while I still had the anaesthetic on). If it is not, then that's it. Thank goodness, the bigger lump is also benign!! For once in my life, I thought I'm going to die young....cannot be right, my kids are still young.

Anyway, it is a huge relief that this nightmare is all over but it was scary that I experience such a close encounter with cancer. Enjoy life, my friends.

My Snobbish Son

2011-11-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

How do you tell kids that they are very lucky to have parents and have more things than they need??

Last December, we were at a bookshop. At the cashier, they were some postcards with names and the age of the underprivileged kids. Anyone can buy them book as a gift. So, we asked Lucas to pick a postcard. He chose a boy who was the same age as him and he chose one of the book from Mr Men collection as a gift. He was then given a card to write a message to the kid. And guess what my smart aleck son wrote - poo and pee !!! When we found out, it was too late. Asked him why he wrote such unpleasant message, he said it is funny.

Today, we took him to buy stationery for some underpriviledge kids again. His school is collecting stationery to be donated to underpriviledge kids. I told me beforehand as to why and where we are going. When we get into the shop, he chose his own stationery first. I reminded him we are buying for poor kids and he is not poor. He just ignored me. He did not even bother helping to choose what type of stationery to buy. Fine. When we get home, I was busy taking off the price tag form the items. He saw that there are a few angry bird stationery and he asked, 'Why are you buying these? They don't have iPad and they don't know angry bird.' Dah....what should I say? Snobbish or just plain innocent?

When I told Dominic about this, Dominic told Lucas, 'Maybe we should give your iPad to the poor kids. They will be really happy.' And you know what Lucas answer is.

One day a few weeks ago, we stopped at the traffic light. There was a van full with students beside us. Then I said:
Me: Lucas, look at the van. All the children are from your school.
Lucas: Why are they in the van?
Me: Because their Mommies and Daddies have to work and cannot send them to school. When Mommy and Daddy have to work, you will have to take the van too.
Lucas: Of course NOT.
Me: Then how are you going to school?
Lucas: I will go with Auntie S (my neighbour whom I car pool with)

Is he having it too good? BTW, he weighs 16.5kg and 108cm.

He just discovered he can move faster and easier in the pool if he stays in this pose.

He is more confident when he has cousin swimming with him. Jumping off the ledge ..

Little helper or trouble maker ?

He came back from the neighbour's house with the mask and hand robot saying the neighbour gave them to him.

Chloe's Ready for Nursery

2011-11-18T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, Chloe completed her playschool and will be starting Nursery in January. She will then be in school Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to noon. And, I will have some peace and quiet in the morning when both kids are in school.......yah!

On her last day, her Playschool had a Christmas party. The teachers turned the classroom into a playroom and lots of music, dancing, Santa Claus, presents and food. She had a great time, and now I will have difficulty telling her she is not going to school for the next 6 weeks.

She is 11.5kg and 88cm tall. Grown 2 kgs heavier and 4 cm taller since June. Not bad. She has been eating well lately - she eats meat more than her brother.

Getting her hand painted.

Her favourite toy, the balls.

Another favourite of hers, musical insturment, maracas.

Little gardener at home.

Sri Lanka

2011-11-10T05:56:00.000-08:00

Lucas has been talking about Sri Lanka a lot lately. Don't know how it get started. Last night, he had this conversation with his father.

Lucas: Are we going to Germany only?
Dom: Where else do you want to go?
Lucas: Sri Lanka.
Dom; What do you want to do there?
Lucas: (quiet for awhile). How far is Sri Lanka?
Dom: Sri Lanka is 6 hours and Germany is 16 hours by plane.
Lucas: Then why don't we go Sri Lanka?
Dom: When you are older, you can go on your own. Then maybe you can buy Mummy and Daddy the air tickets to go too.
Lucas: You will be dead by then. You will be over 100 years old.
Dom: Are you going when you are in your 60 s?
Lucas: ( quiet)

Dilemmas

2011-10-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was quite an unbelievable day. We did so much yet so little. We went swimming and Lucas forgotten all his swimming technics. Worse is he refused to practice it. During our one and a half hour in the pool, he only practiced three times.
He will sit on the ladder, giving excuses or reasons why he doesn't want to swim or not ready to swim. Only his father has the patience to listen to him.

After 30 mins of talking, he will take one plunge. He did not make it to the second line. Here. Dominic was standing on the first line. Then he will talked again for another 30 mins. So, in 1 1/2 hour, he made the plunge three times.

I'm on wits end. I'm thinking of sending him for intensive swimming during his December school holidays. 2 hours a day, 5 days a week until he gets it (hopefully before the school starts in January). That will also costs us a bomb, about RM4000 (US$1300)! What should I do - push him and spend the money or just let him take his time and save us some money??

Chloe is starting her nursery next year. She will be attending school 5 days a week from 8.30am to 12 noon. She is given a seat by her current playschool. I was thinking of sending her to Lucas's former nursery. Her current school has very good facilities and teachers, teaches in English and Mandarin but very expensive. Lucas's former nursery has a very good teacher, who can teaches the kids to be independent very effectively, at half the current school's fee. After some deliberation, Dominic said 'Let's for once give the girl something better than the brother. The boy has always been getting the good things'. So, I suppose decision is made.

We are going to Germany this coming April! Will be flying Airbus 380. Lots of planning to do for the trip.

Easier

2011-10-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

Lucas is having his one week school holiday. His school has the equal number of holidays and school days in a year. Just when I thought he settled nicely when the new academic year started, he is in a week holiday! However, Chloe still has her playschool. So, I took Lucas with me to Chloe's school. He went to the playground, had snack and went to the picnic with Chloe's play-dates.

As usual, he fills his time playing iPad, TV and kick balls. I had to control his iPad time or else it can be his activity for all his waking hours. He had 30 words he needs to read and spell (work from school) and I gave him some Math to do. So, one day I asked:

Me: Lucas, what is 4*7 ?
Lucas: (thinking hard)
Me: You plus 7 four times. 7+7+7+7
Lucas: (still thinking)
Me: what is 7+7 ?
Lucas: 14
Me: what is 14+7 ?
Lucas: (after thinking for a few seconds) It is easier if it is 14 + 14. That's 28.
Me: Hmmm...that's true. It is easier.

To practice his spelling, Lucas has a handwriting book with lines to guide him. One day, Chloe open Lucas's handwriting book and saw all the empty pages and said 'Ko-ko is such lazy boy'. I cannot helped but burst into laughter. This girl is fierce.

Last weekend, we went swimming. Lucas has forgotten about all his swimming technics! He forgot how to hold his breath underwater, forgot his hands and legs movement. Usually he can swim 2 lines across the pool, but last weekend, he couldn't do it and not very comfortable again. Yesterday, Dominic asked if he wants to go swimming. Initially he said yes. Then Dominic said he had to swim across 2 lines before he can play his water gun in the kiddy pool. Lucas then chose not to go swimming at all. Sigh...I need to get him continue with proper swimming lesson. Guess just have to push him until he can swims.

Grandpa teaching him Geography

Chloe at her school picnic.

The gate-crasher at his sister's picnic

Having fun

In front of the Halloween shop

Chloe in Punjabi suit for her school Diwali celebration.

The gate-crasher is there again...

Play-dates nowadays involves iPad. Lucas and his classmate are showing each other the latest and coolest games.

Meeting with Teacher

2011-10-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our session with Lucas's teacher to talk about his progress in school. He has been with this teacher for 2 months. Well, there were no surprises. The teacher pretty much said the same thing as last year's teacher. Consistent behaviour. He is above his peers in numeracy and literacy but he doesn't like drawing, coloring, singing and dancing. The teacher showed us his drawing and coloring work, and I must said it is pretty much as how he drew since 2 years ago. The human is still in 'stick' form. One color for the whole face. The teacher said he will do the drawing and coloring with hesitation but he will just do it to get it over with. During music class, he is the only person who does not participate. When we get home, we asked him why he behaves in such manner. His reply, 'It is so boring!'. What can I say?? Should I just let it be and let him get over it since drawing, coloring, singing and dancing are not essential survival skills? No?

And I'm meeting Chloe's teacher this Thursday to talk about her progress. Wonder what will the teacher says.

Calm After the Storm

2011-10-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

The dead rats are finally disposed off and there is no smell in the house, after 3-4 days of high drama. Life is back to normal.....

Lucas had his last swimming lesson last Thursday and he made very good progress. I'm very happy and think the swimming fee is money well spent. He is very comfortable in putting his head underwater and that is battle half won. He can do short distant of breast stroke and free style. But of course, he still doesn't know how to put his head off the water to breathe and thread water. Well...slowly. The sad news is he is not continuing with the swimming. He said he wanted to continue next year and the instructor also has no free slot for weekdays afternoon. Meanwhile, Dominic will have to be his instructor and continue practicing his strokes.

Chloe, the dancing and singing queen, is growing fast. She picks up pretty much everything from her brother. If her brother doesn't want any food, she will say no as well without even trying. Sometimes, she even bosses her brother around, commanding the brother to sit down and eat his food, don't do this, don't do that.

Later today, we have an appointment to meet Lucas's teacher to talk about his progress in school.
Me: Lucas, I'm meeting Ms M (his teacher) on Monday. What do you want me to tell her?
Lucas: Don't tell Ms M that I am very naughty, ok.

What A Week!!

2011-10-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

So far, this is the most 'interesting' and headache week. I talked about rats paying us a visit last week. Well, I called the pest control people and they came. They helped to cover the hole in the attic and put some baits for the rats. It sure worked!! A few days ago, I found dead rats in my attic!! Being in the attic, I am not able to see the dead rats until it smelled and it sure stink the house!! One rat died on the trap and was easy to find. Another died underneath the water tank. Thank goodness the water tank cover is secured. The rat that died underneath the water tank was hard to be removed cause there is little space to put the hand and hood in to get it. Now, I am waiting for the contractor to cut the ceiling where the dead rat is. My goodness...what a headache and not to mention we had to endure the stinking smell. Luckily the bedroom was spared from the smell or else it will be hard to sleep. It is much simpler to live in a condo!

A new headache just emerged. The water pipe to the washing machine burst and the water is leaking underground!! I have to call a contractor to hack the cement and look for the leak. Another mess! And water bill is going to be high this month. And to add salt to the wound, the contractor had more pressing problem to attend - my neighbour had a burst pipe and the ceiling is all wet. I now have to wait for the contractor to fix the neighbour's problem before he can attends to me. Why can't the developer get the plumbing right when they first built it, and of course the problem only occurs after the warranty has lapsed! Oh......the saying 'we are slaves to our possessions' is sooooo true.

Ms Bossy Bear and Mr Smart Aleck

2011-10-09T00:48:00.000-07:00

We always think our kids are not normal. But then again, there is not much comparison as we don't know our friends' kids that well.

Chloe: Mom, I want to watch Thomas, the Train.
Me: Where did you put the CD?
Chloe: I don't know, you look for it.
Me: (looking at the CDs pile) I don't see Thomas, the Train.
Chloe: Where, where is it??
Me: I don't know. Maybe it is still inside the DVD player. (look for the portable CD player and found the CD)
Me: It's here!
Chloe: Why didn't you look there (point at the portable CD player. What she meant was why didn't I know it is there!)

Chloe: Mom, switch on the air-con.
Me: No, ko-ko is coughing. No air-con.
Chloe: Just switch it on!

Chloe: Mom, I want to hold my balloon.
Me: The balloon in the car boot. When the car stops, I will give you the balloon.
Car stopped at the traffic light...
Chloe: Mom, I want the balloon.
Me: Wait...
Chloe: But the car stopped already..
Me: When we get home and the car stop.. (I have to be very specific from now on)
Dom: Her logic is very good also..

Lucas and Dominic playing the name the country game...
Dom: What country starts with N?
Lucas: I know....North Pole
Dom: North Pole is not a country, it is a point in the Arctic. North Pole has no flag.
Lucas: North Pole has no flag because it is too cold. The flag will be destroyed outside.

Coming Apart

2011-10-07T01:34:00.000-07:00

This week is a real 'adventure' week as Lucas might called it. Almost all gadgets in the house decided that they need to see their 'doctor' and so are my 2 kids. The kids are down with cough and flu and had to visit paediatrician twice. Then, the water filter decided to take a rest and stopped filtering. The water to the washing machine is brown. The garden and the hedge need to be trimmed. The hose to the toilet decided to take a leak. The lights in the garden decided to fuse each time they are switched on. The cooking hood decided to send the smell to the whole house. The air-cons haven't been service since they are installed. What else.....the rat decided to come pay us a visit. So, here I am calling all the 'doctors' for servicing and waiting for them to come and save me.

An interesting week indeed.

Lucas is 5!

2011-10-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, darling.

Admiring all the presents.

Even Chloe has lots of presents.

On Oct 5, 2006, I was not working. Dominic took some days off. I was rescheduled to be admitted to hospital at 9pm. So, we took our time, drove around looking for food. We saw durian, and Dominic asked if I wanted some. I was tempted but had to resist. The doctor would cursed me if I do eat the durian. I was scheduled for caesarian at 9am the next day. For dinner, Dominic cooked spaghetti cabonara. After dinner, I had my shower and washed my hair and checked myself in the hoospital. At 9+am the next day, Lucas was born. Fast forward 5 years, we celebrated Lucas' 5th birthday.

He is 5 and for presents, he asked for 2 paid games for the iPad. He chose Fruit Ninja and was so engrossed that he forgot about this second paid games. We did not have to give him other presents. He got lots from grandparents and relatives from Germany. Even Chloe received just as many presents. It is more like Christmas than birthday. I am keeping the presents I intended to give them for Christmas instead.

He asked for a Angry Bird cake to bring to school to share with his classmates. The angry bird with long beak that can turns into boomerang. I brought that particular bird sticker to the cake shop and asked them to make it. The beak in the cake turns our to be sooo short. But Lucas is pleased with it nevertheless. So, it is ok. I bought a raspberry torte cake for home and it was delicious. We had roast chicken for dinner. If it is weekend, we probably would have gone out for dinner.

So, now that the boy is 5, he asked his father, 'Dad, now that I am 5 year old, can I go to bed at 9.30pm instead of 9pm?'. And his father said, 'Ask your Mommy'.

Aging

2011-09-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

I don't feel the impact of aging, until recently. Thinking about it is a very daunting task. A few days ago, I was trying to get the right nose decongestion for Chloe. We had 3 types, one for infant, one for toddler and one for adults. I was trying to read the label to make sure I had the right one and also to make sure the nose drop has not expired. I CAN'T READ A WORD!!! Everything is just so blur even the biggest font. First, I thought the room was too dark so I moved to a brighter room. I still can't read a darn thing. Then I removed my short-sighted glasses and the words magically appeared sooo clearly. Oh bummer....I need a reading glass! If that is not a sign of aging, I don't know what is.

There are plenty of eye-cream on the market and I have been using them diligently. Then I saw something not so normal around my lips and I thought I did not 'shave' properly. Then it dawn to me that the wrinkles around my lips are becoming very visible - even to my short-sighted eyes. Oh....another bummer.

I wonder what's next??

iPad and TV

2011-09-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

Lucas is on his third week of school. He hardly tells me anything on what he does at school. I was wondering if he is coping well with his new teacher and new class-mates, until today, when he comes back with Star of the Week award for 'excellent behaviour and setting example to others' and a merit. Think he is doing alright in school. He is sooooo obsessed with his iPad that he thinks and talks about it all the time. He will tell everyone about his games, how he was doing and what is he trying to achieve. I have to limit his iPad time to one hour in the afternoon, a few mins after his dinner and while waiting for his shower. We are supposed to get 2 paid games for him on his birthday but I told him I changed my mind. Until he knows how to control his addiction, he is not getting any new games. This morning, he walked to my room at 6.30am asking if he can play his iPad. I said NO. Then he very creatively re-phrased his question, 'If I brush my teeth, drink and my milk and change to my uniform, can I play for a while?'. I can't say no to this, right.

As for Chloe, she walks to my room everyday without fail between midnight and 2am. Then she asked for her blanket or handkerchief (comfort toy) and drinking water. After that she will say, 'Pat me.' I slept better when they were younger. Then when she wakes up in the morning, she will push me and said 'I want milk!' and she can't wait. Then she will say, 'I want to watch TV'. My new boss. She is also enjoying her playschool. Asking to go to school everyday when Lucas is leaving for school. She just can't wait to grow up.

Holiday is Over

2011-09-06T00:01:00.001-07:00

It's back to school!!
After we returned from Gold Coast, Lucas spent a week in my parents' place playing with his cousins. He enjoyed it so much that he refused to come back. My sisters made sure they are entertained. Meanwhile, Chloe enjoyed staying at home with us. She enjoyed the one week where she is the only child and get our undivided attention. I just realised that she never had that privilege while Lucas had it for almost three years! Well, new experience for all of us.

Lucas started his new academic year yesterday. He is excited about going back to school. However, when I asked him what he did in school, he will said 'I have forgotten' or 'We did so much activities'. Nothing specific that was worth mentioning. Oh well....I'm just glad he is happy to go to school. He finished his drum trial course and the teacher asked him to come back when he is 6-7 years old. We think he did quite well in drum and he did not protest about going to the class nor he showed enthusiasm. Will get him to continue when he is 7. This Saturday will be his last piano lesson. Again, he said he will continue when he is older. So, no music class in the next 2-3 years. He still has his swimming class. We will see if he should continue thereafter or we stop it as well.

Chloe started her playschool. Twice a week. She loved it. Refused to come back after the class finishes. On the way home, she kept saying, 'I don't want to go home'.

Glorious Gold Coast

2011-08-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

We survived our first trip!!
The flight there was good. The plane was rather empty and we get extra seats for the kids to sleep. The kids were excited for the first two hours and then felt asleep for the rest of the journey. It was a midnight flight and that helped.

First time on air plane. Chloe was fascinated with the window.
Cosy on the same seat...for awhile.

On the first day, we took it easy. Arrived at 7am, picked up the rental car and went to a park while waiting to check into the apartment. The weather was pleasant for outdoor. We went to a gourmet market for food and bought some food for dinner. The food was delicious.

Beautiful beach but we were not geared for it....it is winter and too cold for tropical people like us.
Keeping themselves busy while we had lunch.

On the second day, we went to the SeaWorld. Chloe shown more interest than Lucas but unfortunately Chloe was sleeping for most of the time. On third day, we went to Movie World. Lucas loved this place. Initially, we thought Lucas was to afraid to try the rides but he proved us wrong. It is like Universal Studio but much smaller scale. On the fourth day, we took it easy by driving to the vineyard, mountain. It was a very pleasant stay, and if it rained less, that would be perfect.

Carousel was pretty much the only thing Chloe can do. She does not fulfill the height requirement for most of the rides.

Movie World was where the kids really had a great time, especially Lucas. We spent 2 days in this theme park.

Lucas liked this roller coaster so much that he rode for 7 times. Dominic was commented that he felt dizzy after all the roller coaster rides with him.

He went to watch stunt driving show (I had to stayed outside with Chloe as she was asleep and the noise level for that show is high) and got so excited that he told me what had I missed.

He loved this free drop ride so much that he went for the ride 4 times.

Admiring the rainforest as we walked on the skywalk.

Then we spent 2 nights in Brisbane, about an hour drive from Gold Coast. The was nothing much to do in Brisbane for kids. We took the ferry for sightseeing and hop on hop off at certain interesting places.

We took the water public transport for sight-seeing. It was different than the usual walking.

While waiting for me to inquire on the tickets for kids' play in a theather.

On Brisbane ferris wheel....

We took refuge in a restaurant while waiting for the rain to stop. The kids posed when the rain stopped.

Enjoyed playing with their cousin in Gold Coast.

Overall, we all had a great time. We also agreed that one week holiday is the longest we can take with the kids. Anything longer will stress the parents out. Lucas liked is to much that when we get home he said to me, 'Mommy, I still like Australia very much. Can we go again next year? Next December?'

Australia, Here We Come

2011-08-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

Yes....we are leaving for Gold Coast, Australia for a week starting tomorrow. I'm done packing the check-in luggage. 2 hand carry luggages to go. We got this super duper discounted ticket (RM2500 for 4 of us) and will be flying budget airline. The downside is there is no entertainment system and no much food (and not free) available. Let's see after this experience, if we will still be using budget airline.

Chloe admiring the older children in her ballet trial class.

Their favourite dessert, gummy bears.

Common Enemy

2011-08-10T23:56:00.000-07:00

My kids have already gang-up to bully me. Their common enemy is me, and it gives them so much joy and laughter to run me down.

Lucas: Chloe, you are a stubborn stubborn girl!
Chloe: NO! You are stubborn!
Lucas: No, you are the stubborn one!
Chloe: Mummy is the stubborn one.
Lucas: (giggling and whispering) Yes, Mummy is the stubborn one.
Chloe: (giggling and satisfied)

Chloe: You are very naughty, ko-ko.
Lucas: NO!
Chloe: YES!
Lucas: Mommy has gone crazy (giggling)
Chloe: (giggling) Mommy has gone crazy.

Half-Way

2011-08-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Lucas is half-way through his school holidays. He has lots of programmes that make me more exhausted than him. I sent him to proper swimming lesson where a qualified instructor teaches him on one-to-one basis. On the first lesson, he started making a fuss about not wanting to go even before the lesson starts. We persisted and he survived the first lesson. The teacher said he was a bit nervous about going underwater. On the second lesson, again he started making fuss before the lesson. Some miracle happened in the pool - the instructor managed to 'break' him and now he is looking forward to his next lesson. In fact, he wanted to go swimming today but I'm just too tired to take 2 kids to the pool again.

He asked for piano lesson and of course I found a class for him. Now, he had drum and piano class on Saturday. He liked the piano lesson better because there is theory and the teacher gives out stickers!! Dominic is not impressed with his piano teacher and kept wondering if the teacher knows how to play piano, but Dominic was very impressed with the drum teacher. He is considering of learning drum himself.

Lucas is such an expert in playing his iPad games than even adults cannot beat his high score. His Ninja Jump score is the highest and Dominic is trying very hard every night to beat Lucas's high score. Even my sister is trying to beat his high score. Can one earn a living by playing computer games?

I sent Chloe for her baby ballet but it was not very successful. She is still abit young and the teacher is not very baby friendly too. Will have to wait for another few months and try again. In fact, I need to introduce her to classroom environment first. Will be sending her to playschool twice a week starting September.

Meanwhile, I have some time to catch-up with my reading. Have been buying more novels for myself. Next week, we are going to Gold Coast for a week with the kids.

What Do We Do?

2011-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Trying to get the kids busy during their waking hours in school holiday is a real challenge. They are either too hooked up to the TV or iPad and that is not good at all. Since, I am not working, I have no excuse not to get them off the TV or iPad. So, what do we do??

- We go swimming more often, like twice a week.
- We have playdates where we meet with Lucas's other friends in indoor playground and let them play for hours.
- We try to cook/bake more together like making jello. Will start on making cupcakes soon (once I'm confident it is going to be turned out well).
- We go to the outdoor playground more, whenever the weather permits.
- I took them to grocery shopping with me.
- They go to the grandparents' place more often.
- I sit down and get them to do some activity (like homework).
- I send Lucas for whatever trial class I can find. So far, he has attended drum class and Wing Chun Kung Fu class. He is asking for piano class and I will sure find him a trial class to attend. Chloe has also been asking for music class but nobody wants to take her at such tender age. I am trying to find a ballet school for toddler for her.

Honestly, I am more exhausted now than when I was working.

Learning to hold the drum stick correctly in his first lesson. The teacher initially was reluctant to teach him as he was saying Lucas is too young. After the first trial, the teacher was impressed enough to take him on for the full trial program i.e. 4 lessons. I was impressed too. He remembered all the drums names and can follow instructions from the teacher. Now, I am trying to brain-wash him by saying playing drums is cool. His grandmother kept asking if I really want him to learn drums - all the noise during practice. Let's see how long his interest goes.

I wasn't there when he had his Wing Chun Kung Fu but according to Dominic, the first thing Lucas said after the class was, 'This is so tiring!'. What a worm! But according to Dominic the class is not suitable for him. The kids are from 5 to 17 and he is too young there. It is very frustrating for his sparing partner whom is older. So, no more Kung Fu. Next, I will try him for football.

I'm not neglecting Chloe either. Had been calling so many music centres if they teach any instrument to a 2 year old and the answer is always NO. I will just have to accept it. Now, I'm looking for baby/toddler ballet. She loves dancing, unlike her brother. She can just hyme some tunes and starts dancing. Also, looking for a playschool for her. Found one but the fees are rather pricy. Let's see if I can find a cheaper alternative. Planning to start her with playschool when Lucas is back to school in September. Then, I get some peace and quiet in the morning. :))

A Teenager in the House

2011-07-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Lucas had just completed his first week of school holidays and there are 7 weeks to go!! The first week was at times peaceful and at times full of drama. One incident I must note because it is the first....

Me: Lucas, go take your shower.
Lucas: Wait, after this game (he is addicted to these games called Ninja Jump and Run Run Chicken on the iPad).
Me: (after a few minutes) You better go now before I punish you with no iPad for the rest of the day.
Lucas: FINE!! (not pleased at all with the threat).

A few seconds later.....BANGGGG - Lucas slammed the bedroom door to show his displeasure!
Dom : He is not even 5 but he is behaving like a teenager.
Me: What is he going to do when he is a teenager, threaten to commit suicide or run-away?
Dom: No, we will not get that far. He will just out-talk us using logic.
Me: (not so sure and is worried)

The next day, he was playing too much iPad again. I get him to do a few pages of activity book to break his iPad time. When he was done,

Me: Lucas, put the book and the colour pencils back to the playroom.
Lucas: I am not a maid, OK!
Me: (stunned) Daddy, you know what Lucas just said?
Dom: What?
Me: He said he is not cleaning up his pencils and book because he is not a maid!
Dom: Lucas, you cannot be a maid! You don't know how to do anything to be a maid. A maid knows much better than you.
Me: OK, no more iPad for today.

Luckily, no door slamming this time.

Of Course

2011-07-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

The latest favourite word for Chloe is of course, 'Of Course.'.

Me: Finish your dinner or else no dessert for you.
Chloe: Of course I am getting my dessert.

Chloe: I want milk.
Me: No, it is still dark (wee hour in the morning).
Chloe: Switch on the light.
Me: The sun is not shining yet.
Chloe: Of course the sun is shining.

Chloe: I want to go to ko-ko's (Lucas's) room.
Me: No, ko-ko is sleeping.
Chloe: Of course he is not sleeping.

Me: You have another 5 spoons of noodles then you can have the ice-cream. It's a deal, ok.
Chloe: Of course it is not a deal.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Chloe

2011-07-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

I returned from London just in time to celebrate Chloe's 2nd birthday. There wasn't much fuss. Grandparents bought her a birthday cake (chosen by Lucas), presents and dinner. I arrived home at around 7.30pm. Did not have any time to prepare dinner and buy Chloe her favourite junk food. We had dinner, sang her the birthday songs and ate ice cream.

For 2, she is progressing very well. She uses the potty in the daytime and she knows how to tell us if she needs to go to the toilet! She is talking very well for 2, eating better than Lucas. All of them say girls mature faster than boys.

How I Spent My First Week as Unemployed?

2011-07-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

My first week of being unemployed was not bad at all. I was in London for a week, without kids and husband. My sister was in a business trip, and I bunked in with her. Dominic get my the air ticket. I spent the days shopping and more shopping - it was the great Summer sale and the whole of London, especially Regent Street and Oxford Street were on sale. I went with one luggage weighing 7kg and came back with 2 luggages weighing 23 kgs! I managed to catch a musical show, Mamma Mia in West End. It was very entertaining and I don't mind watching it again. I had a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath. Very relaxing and beautiful at the country side. I loitered around the city and I think I know zone 1 quite well now. It was a good trip but I am not in a hurry to go to London again.

Before I went, I prepped the kids, especially Lucas on me being away. Lucas was saying, 'Can you go for 3 days instead of 7 days? One day to go, one day to see the ferris wheel (London eye) and one day to come back'. When I returned, I asked Lucas if he missed me, and his reply was, 'No, because I have your picture in my head.' I wasn't sure what to make up of this but I supposed it is good. Meanwhile, Chloe resented me leaving her for a week. She refused to come near me for the first 10 mins!

Counting Down to Being Unemployed

2011-06-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

My sweet deal of being able to work from home is ending end of this month. Looking forward to not having any deliverables and dateline, but not the part of not getting paid though. So, I'm planning to take 2-3 months break while Lucas is having his 2 months school holiday from late July to early Sept. Hopefully, something will come in September/October. So, how am I going to keep myself busy and not spending too much money?? I have written a list of people I want to catch-up and meet, my massage and visit to hair saloon, visit to dentist and doctors, plan for the holiday in Gold Coast in August, organize more play dates for the kids. I think I will not have any problem filling in my time.

At the same time, I am also thinking if I should be a permanent employee instead of a freelancer, or try my hand on some small business, or just retire for good! Haha...I wish. Financially, I am not in a position to retire.

Bad Temper

2011-06-21T07:14:00.001-07:00

Lucas has such bad temper when he is at home. He is such an angel when he is in school or when we are not around. Today, we had the 'I don't want to eat rice' ordeal. He insisted that I change the food. I lost my patience after I tried to explain a few times. He lost this temper too and started pushing Chloe's high chair against the wall, kick the laundry basket which was on his way to the bathroom and smack me with his hand. I took out the cane. Cane him on his hands when he smacked or throw things, cane his legs when he kicked things. Even threatened him to give him all the cane mark to show his class-mates tomorrow. He then ate his dinner. But I won't let all those temper throwing go. As a punishment, he did not get his ice-cream. Then when I gave him his bath, the threw his wet face towel on me. He get a nice lecture from him and another punishment - I'm not reading to him and he has to go to sleep on his own. Oh....he is so difficult. I tried explaning, give him time out, take away his favourite things and nothing seems to work. You can be sure he is back to it again tomorrow.
I'm out of wits on what should I do.

Death

2011-06-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Out of the blue, while I was tucking the kids to bed, we had this conversation.

Lucas: Mom, when you are dead, do you want to wrap in cloth or you want to go to heaven?
Me: I want to go to heaven. I heard it is a very nice place.
Lucas: But heaven is far far away. I wrap you in cloth like mummy. Then you can still stay in this house with me.
Me: But I will smell. (not in a mood to explain the decompose part).
Lucas: But I will miss you if you go to heaven. (started to sob softly) Do you have to call the heaven to come and get you?
Me: I think the angel will know to come and get me.
Lucas: Do you have the number to call the angel?
Me: No. I don't.
Lucas: Good, then you cannot call the angel. I will wrap you in white cloth all over you except your eyes. Or else you can only see dark or white.
Me: OK.

It sure feels good to hear him say he will miss me when I died!

What a Difference!

2011-06-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Lucas has become a terror or rebel. Lately, he has been doing things unimaginable. He digs is nose until it bleeds. I told him to blow it out hard, but he still put his finger there. And this is not the first time his nose bleeds. Then he started playing with his saliva! Gosh....where did he get the idea! I threatened to apply some chili on his finger if he keeps digging his nose. Then I went further to threaten him by saying I will tell his teacher and he will get call by his principal. He was like 'Don't you dare go tell my teacher'. All these dramas happen before 8am in the morning!

Meanwhile, Chloe is the sweet thing...for now. She will say 'Good morning', 'I'm going to take my bath now. See you later.' Hope it lasts for a looonnng time.

Well, Lucas was a sweet little kid too before Chloe comes along....

It's Only Getting More Difficult

2011-05-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

Kids are harder to manage when they grow older. When they were young, parents keep track on their first word, when the kids can make 2-3 words sentence and all the what not milestones. And now, parents wish they kids talk a bit less.
This is why I said so...

Lucas: What are we having for dinner?
Me: We are having rice and soup for dinner.
Lucas: But I already had rice for lunch. I don't want rice again.
Me: What do you want for dinner then?
Lucas: Sandwich.
Me: Well, too late. I've already cooked dinner. Maybe we can have sandwich for tomorrow's dinner.
Lucas: No, I want sandwich for today's dinner.
Me: No.
Lucas: I can make my own sandwich, you know.

Throwing a fuss at the maid...
Lucas: Aunty M, why did you always cook rice?
Maid: Your Mommy asked me to cook rice.
Lucas: Next time, don't listen to her!

Lucas: Mom, why pork ball? I like fish ball.
Me: (Went to get fish ball and cook for his dinner)
Lucas: Mom, but I don't want fish ball today.
Me: (sigh)

Me: We have noodles for dinner tonight.
Lucas: I don't want noodles. I want macaroni.
Me: (holding my patience)

He has been getting very bad and short temper. Warned him many times and still not listening. I have given up spanking him. It does not work. Instead, I punish him by taking his favourites away like no TV, no iPad (has given him the iPad again but with password protection) and no ice-cream. He is so used to the punishment that he is not bothered now. Punish him with no TV for the whole day, he does not even bother pestering or anything like that. He said, 'Yes, I remember the punishment'. Wah...he is so immune to the punishment. Need to get creative..

Violence, Obscene and Kids

2011-05-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

How often I read about controlling children watching porns, violence and I could not relate to it. Now, I have a taste of it......

Lucas used to love to watch Disney Playhouse channel which is about all the kiddy education shows. I have no objection at all. Then, when he turned 4, he outgrown that channel. He started on more adult channel like Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. I did not object initially, thinking that he is getting too old for Mickey Mouse Playhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einstein. Little did I know that these so called children channels, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, need adult supervision. There are so many fighting shows, sadists story. I now have to lock the channel to reduce his airtime. I only unlock the channel for very specific shows like Ben 10 (Lucas latest craze) and Tom and Jerry.

Then the obscene or porn came in YouTube on iPad.... sigh. Both the kids like to watch short video on YouTube. Chloe likes the ABC songs and Elmo. Lucas used to like Tom and Jerry on iPad YouTube. Recently, Lucas made major discovery!! Some of these innocent looking kiddy videos have obscene scenes at the end. One of the ABC songs has phrases of f word. One of the Ben 10 video has scene of very obscene clips - even too obscene for adults! When I discovered that, I get Dominic to delete the YouTube from the iPad. He tried and could not figure out how. We goggle the forum and still could not find a way to do so. So, what are we doing now?? We HIDE the iPad.

Why on earth the producers / creators of these children videos do it? Are they sick or what?? And when the kids grow older and with the internet, how do parents monitor them? Oh...my hair is growing white.

Ms Bossy

2011-05-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

Chloe is another chatter-box in the making. I can imagine this house is going to be very 'merry' as they grow older. Some of the conversation Chloe had.

Lucas: (jumping all over the chair)
Me: Lucas, stop it!
Lucas: (keep jumping)
Me: Lucas, you better stop it before I punish you.
Chloe: Go to the bathroom.
Lucas: (screaming)
Chloe: Bad temper!

Arr..now you know how I talk to my kids and what kind of punishment I give them.

Chloe: (giving water tumbler to Lucas) Ko-ko, drink your water.
Lucas: (took a sip)
Chloe: Small sip only, ok.
Chloe: (after a while), Enou-gh.

Chloe: (Pointing at her hair clip on my hair) That's Chloe hair clip.
Me: Chloe is not wearing it, so Mommy wears it.
Chloe: Sooooo cute.

Left-Handed ?

2011-05-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to think Chloe is going to be a left-handed. I just realised she hardly use her right hand when she feeds herself or when she holds the pencils. I've only really notice when once I placed her spoon on her right side. She placed it to her left side, and then feed herself using left hand. I was shocked. From there on, I have began to pay more attention and hadn't see her use her right hand much.

When Lucas was at her age, he alternated between left and right. We then thought he was not decided if he wants to be a leftie or rightie. Now, he is definitely a rightie.

Left....

Left again...

Weird or Think Out-of-the-Box?

2011-05-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

During my last meeting with Lucas's teacher on his progress, the teacher said Lucas think out-of-the-box. She cited an example where the class was doing some artwork and they have to imagine what they are building. Most kids will say like 'I'm building a supermarket', 'I'm building a playground', all the common places/names. The smart aleck Lucas told his teacher he is building '2U', an imaginary name after a popular shopping center, 1U. The teacher was impressed. I was not very convinced.

Then 2 days ago, his classmate cum neighbour was sick and had to be hospitalised. I told Lucas to do a get well soon card for his friend. I gave him a piece of A4 orange color paper. I told him to use some color pencils to draw and write something. He asked for pencil. Then he told me 'This is my card. I can do anything I want'. He basically asked me not to boss him around. I left him alone. So, when he was done with the card, he showed me. Guess what did he write on the card???
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
getwellsoon.com

That's all he wrote!

When I asked him why .com, he said 'I just want to do something silly'.
Is he weird or as his teacher said think out-of-the-box??

It's So Darn Hot

2011-05-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Last few days have been soooo hot. The temperature inside the house is 33 degree Celsius. Wonder what is outside??!! What do you do when it is soooo hot? Watch TV and read inside air-condition room. We can't get out of the house to go to the playground until it is 6.30pm (and it is still hot). Then in less than 40 mins, the sky gets dark. At night, the air-cond have to be switched on till morning. I don't need to be in the Middle Eastern countries to experience summer there. I have it right here. Time to emigrate?

I wonder what is better now, too much heat or too much cold?

The God

2011-05-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

One fine day, Lucas asked, 'What is God?'. The parents, being non-religious at all were struggling to give him a true but not so complicated answer.

Lucas: Mommy, what is God?
Me: (think for a few seconds) Nobody has seen God (true??). God is invisible, but God can see and hear everything you do and say.
Dom: Yes, Lucas, God may be just around us looking and listening to us now.

A few days later,

Lucas: Mommy, did you see my Dinosaur card?
Me: No, where did you put it last?
Lucas: Here, but it is not here anymore.
Me: Maybe you took it downstairs and you don't remembered.
Lucas: Maybe God took it. God is invisible.

Today, I found out that my first maid has scribbled some notes on the wall. It has the date she arrived. I was talking to my new maid.
Me: M, who wrote this?
M: Not me, it was already here.
Me: (Look closer to see what was written) See if you can clean the writing.
Lucas: Maybe God wrote it. God is invisible.

Best Hiding Place in the House

2011-05-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

My kids like to hide behind my bedroom curtain. Don't ask why. I suppose the thrill of walking along the window and know that nobody can see you, and then the few blind-fold seconds as they try to expose themselves.

Lucas hiding behind the curtain when he was 2+ year old.

Chloe hiding behind the same curtain recently.

Easter

2011-05-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

This year Easter was fuss free. We had an egg-hunt for the kids at home on Saturday, and on Sunday, we took the kids to the grandparent's place for another egg-hunt and brunch.

Waiting for the parents to get ready for egg-hunt.

Egg-hunting.

Enjoying their 'hunted' goodies. They like to sit at the bottom stair when snacking.

Back to Normal

2011-04-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today is Lucas first day of school, after 2 weeks break. He was very excited about going back to school. I told him yesterday that he needs to go to sleep early as he has to wake up early to go to school. He is ok with it and did not protest. In fact, he replied, 'You have to wake up early too. You have to wear for me my shoes and my socks'. What a boss! I used to brush his teeth for him till this morning. A few months back, we had a deal that he will brush his own teeth starting Term 3. And he honoured the deal we made. I must say he is very mature in this thinking for his age. If he agrees with the timeline he set, he honoured his word without any fuss. Just like he agreed to go to poo in the toilet when he turned 4 and he did.

So, this morning, when I asked him to eat his breakfast (usually a slice of cheese as he has his milk when he wakes up), he said 'Cheese is power food. I have a lot of power now. So, I don't need cheese'. He went early to have more play time in this school. Oh...I must say I am sooo glad that he likes school.

Meanwhile, Chloe was saying most part of this morning, 'I want to play with ko-ko (elder brother)'. She missed the play and fight she had with her brother in the morning. And Chloe is making good progress with the maid too. At least she allowed the maid to play with her for awhile, feed her and put her to nap.

Holiday Comes and Goes

2011-04-20T03:32:00.000-07:00

Lucas school holidays come and go so fast. What did we do?

Longing to go to the pool.

In a water resort .... more water activities for the kids.

Watching Lion King with my friend, Foong Yin and her 2 sons.

Chloe is enjoying the water with Daddy while Mommy and Lucas were watching the show. Wishing Daddy will buy her her first Ferragamo.

Riding on the Singapore Hop-on Hop-off double decker bus. First, Lucas did not enjoy it. After a few times, he insisted on sitting on the top decker despite the rain.

After looking at myself in the photos, I need a new hairstyle and lose a few pounds on my face!! I look so auntie.....yucks.

Complicated

2011-04-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, while Dom takes Chloe to her 45 mins music class, I take Lucas to grocery shopping. Once, while I was almost done shopping, with all the frozen food in the trolley, Lucas suddenly said, "I need to go to the toilet". I was a bit annoyed cause I was trying to pay for the food, put the food in the cooler bag and load them in the car boot.

Lucas: Mom, I need to go to the toilet.
Me: sigh...why are you so cumbersome?
Lucas: Why are you so complicated? I'm in a rush!
Me: (parked the trolley along the aisle and run to the toilet with him)

New Maid

2011-04-20T02:04:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was the last day of our maid. She has been with us since Jan 2010. So, on Thursday, I tried to tell Lucas that the maid will not be with us when we return from Singapore. I took the opportunity to talk to him while I was putting on his pyjamas.

Me: Lucas, tomorrow is Aunty C last day with us. She is not be coming back anymore.
Lucas: WHY?
Me: Because her daughter is coming to visit her. She need to spend some time with her daughter. We are getting a new aunty on Thursday.
Lucas: I don't want a new 'kakak' (eldest sister in Indonesia language).
Me: The new aunty is call M. Maybe you will like her.
Lucas: How many 'kakak' have we have?
Me: How many?
Lucas: Three (which is correct since we moved to this place).
Me: Who you do like best?
Lucas: Aunty C. Can I see the new 'kakak'?
Me: Ok. (boot up the PC and show him the new maid photo)
Lucas: I don't like her!
Me: Give her a try.
Lucas: (sobbing) I don't want a new 'kakak'!
Me: If you don't want a new 'kakak', then you have to take care of yourself. You have to feed yourself, shower yourself and go toilet on your own.
Lucas: I can't do all my myself. I'm not tall enough to reach the shower!
Me: Then you have to eat more and grow fast. Then we don't need a new 'kakak'.
Lucas: (sobbing and walking away) I don't want a new 'kakak'!
Me to Dom: Go and talk to him.

The comes Friday, when the taxi came to pick up the maid, he did not cry. Thank goodness.

Holiday & What Next?

2011-04-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

This week is Lucas last school week for Term 2. Then he will have his 2 weeks holidays and start Term 3. I still have not plan any activities for him other than spending one weekend in Singapore, and a 'staycation' in a KL hotel. What to do with him so that he is less hook to the TV and iPad??

My work contract is until end June and very unlikely it will be extended. Work load is tapering off and the project has no budget. I have been trying to get a flex hour job but to no vail. Going to be unemployed after June! Maybe it's time to change career??

Chloe is turning 2 in 3 months. I'm still undecided if I should start her playschool at 2 or 2 and a half? And which playschool to go to?

Decisions, worries and decisions.

Shopping is Expensive

2011-03-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Nowaday, going shopping is an expensive affair. A year ago, when we are out shopping, all Lucas asked to buy was a packet if gummy bears. Now, he asked to buy almost everything. When we are at a bookshop, he will ask to buy a book. Buying books is fine except that he chooses the book that he will not read more than once. He simply wants it because it has numbers, or he wants to complete his collection. To make the matter worse, he actually remembers. 2 weeks ago, he wanted to buy a scanimation book. He already had one which he doesn't read anymore. We managed to convince him otherwise. Last week, he raised that subject again before we left the house. He even said, 'It is 49.50 (the price). He can't refused him twice when he is so insistence, can we?

Then, in the supermarket, he wants all the junk food - ice-cream, rocky (chocolate coated biscuit), chips etc. If we refused to buy him those food, he will nag the whole time. It is more peaceful to give in than to have him nagging.

Last Saturday, we bought Lucas a new bicycle. His has outgrown his current bicycle. And while we were at the shop, guess what Chloe said?? 'WHERE IS MY BICYCLE?' So, we ended up buying 2 bicycles. And how many bicycles are there at home? 5!!

We are at a stage where we either buy nothing or buy 2 of everything.

Family of 4

2011-03-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

At night, when we go to bed, there are only 2 of us (me and Dominic) on our bed. When we wake up, there are 4 of us on our bed ! (me, Dominic, Lucas and Chloe - the whole family)

Lucas without fail will 'sleep walk' to our bed with his pillow in the middle of every night.

Chloe will run to our bed the minute she wakes up and know how to open her door. Here we are in a bed for 4 !!

Enjoying their strawberries or 'sto-ry' as how Chloe would say it.

Late

2011-03-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

My son is so demanding and I have no clue who's genes he has inherited!
I was doing some online transaction and was a few minutes to pick him up from school. When he was in the car, he asked:

Lucas: Mom, I have been waiting for you for so so so long.
Me: I'm only a few minutes late.
Lucas: It's more like an hour!

Duh......and he is only 4+. How many more of this conversation we are going to have until he gets his driving license?? Another 13 years!!

He and his favourite character.......Superman.

Di-sau-cer

2011-03-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

We were driving home after Chloe's music class. In the car park, there was a slight jam getting out from the car park to join the main road. Then this conversation happened.

Lucas: This is a di-sau-cer.
Me: What is a di-sau-cer?
Lucas: A di-sau-cer!
Me: You mean a disaster?
Lucas: No. a di-sau-cer.
Dom: When does a di-sau-cer happen?
Lucas: You know, it's like when someone take away the ice-cream you bought.
Dom: That's a definitely disaster.
Dom to me: Now you know what is a disaster in a kid's definition.

That was an eye-opener on the what is important to kids.

What a Long Time!

2011-03-03T07:11:00.000-08:00

Wow....I haven't blog for 2 months! Where did all the time go, I wonder!

Chloe is talking very well.....she is making 3-4 words sentences. Another chatterbox in the making. Her pronouncation and grammar are pretty good too.

Me: (dropped a stool on the floor and the crash was making lots of noise)
Chloe: What are you do-ing??

Chloe: I m eating rainbow ice-cream.

Chloe: (pointing at her shirt) Ni-ce shirt.

Me: Did you finish your milk?
Chloe: I didn-'t.

Chloe: (pushing me towards a direction) Go get it!

Chloe: (asking Daddy to go to her room to read bedtime story) Dad-dy, COME. COME.

Me: Chloe, where did you put the ball?
Chloe: I DON'T know.

Chloe: (gave me a pencil) Draw flo-wer.

Me: What do you want to eat for lunch?
Chloe: Noo-dles.

Meanwhile, Lucas got his first mid term report from school. While I was explaining to him what his teacher is saying about him 'Lucas is well mannered, helpful boy who is always polite ......', he interrupted 'Yes, that is what I am!!'. Aiyor, so 'perasan'. BTW, he is not as such when he is at home with me. Only when he is outside and when I am not around!
He used to be addicted to Playhouse Disney Channel 613. Now he has outgrown that channel. He is watching Cartoon Network and is crazy over Tom & Jerry, Ben 10, Power Puff Girls.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T04:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
How do we spent the last 2 months of 2010?
Not very exciting, I must say - we spent the time by trying to recover from virus after virus and visits to paed.
The kids recovered on time to go to Singapore. The trip to Singapore was so-so. Orchard Road was so packed with people that we can hardly walk. It was just too crowded. No more Singapore on weekend in December. After the trip, the kids felt sick again.

Then, they recovered on time to go to Penang. Penang was a change from Singapore. We stayed in a beach resort and therefore more relaxing. Somehow, on the last day, the whole family felt sick!! The next 2 weeks were recovering time. Lucas recovered on time for Christmas. He was pretty happy on Christmas. Chloe recovered 2 days after Christmas and she had a good new year's eve. I was so-so on new year's eve. Dominic couldn't care more and behaving like a normal person and recovered the fastest.

So, I am all happy now that we purged the virus in 2010! (hopefully).

I so like my presents. More please....

Packing bubbles can be confetti. Let grandma worries about cleaning up after that.

Can I open my presents now?

Hmmm...how do you like my artwork, how I put up the ribbon?

We are very nice to each others, for these few minutes.

Deep in thoughts.

Look at my yogurt mustache.

Elmo, Elmo

2010-11-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

Don't know when the fascination starts, but Chloe is so over Elmo.
We get the kids an iPad a few months ago and now they have been You-tubing more than me in my whole life!

Chloe knows where to tab for You-Tube. The screen will be usually be at the History. She then chooses her Elmo clip. She even knows how to pause/play, go back to History page. She will only get lost when she accidentally tabs on 'Featured', 'Most Viewed' etc. Then she will bring the iPad to me and say 'Elmo, Elmo'. Once I tab on the History page again for her, she will carry her iPad to wherever she was sitting and continue You-tubing.

Very often, Lucas and Chloe will fight for the iPad. They wanted to play and You-Tube at the same time. I have to set a time limit for each of them.

Gadgets, oh gadgets!

Is it Normal?

2010-11-30T07:28:00.001-08:00

Last month, there was parents teachers meeting and I went to see Lucas's class teacher. These are some of the observations she made:
- he doesn't participate in activities like singing and dancing. He is watching and know what's going on, but just don't participate. His expression is like 'why are you asking me to do all these silly things!'
- He is very gentle, never throw any temper. Only once, I caught him asking his friend 'Can you just shut up!' when his friends was singing too near his ears. He already gave his friend the warming when he covered both his ears with his hands.
- He does participate in other activities. He puts up his hand to answer questions and walks up to talk.
- When he was standing in front of his classmates, and did not get the answer right, he feels a bit shy and curve his lips. But it is not a problem because he usually gets it right.

What does that tell you??
He is going to be a book worm and a 'kaki bangku' (not sporty type)?

Today, I had a meeting with his Music teacher and ICT teacher. This is what his Music teacher said. 'I am concerned for him. He does not join his friends no matter how much fun they are having. When I asked him to join, he will just give a smile. But he is listening and observing every thing. One day, I passed by his class and saw him standing at the corner while his friends were riding bicycles. I asked him why and he said 'they are cycling too fast. I need to protect myself. They might hit me'. He is very smart and he thinks differently'

I am concerned too now. Is this just him and normal for children his age?

The ICT teacher observation was rather vague. I think she doesn't know exactly which is Lucas. She said 'He need a lot of assistance to do his work to navigate the mouse.' I know this is not true at all. Lucas can start Internet Explorer, go to Favourites and click on his 'Playhouse Disney' and plays all the games and activities. He can even print the pictures till the printer ink cartridges ran out of ink. He is expert in playing computer games and has no problem navigating the mouse.

Should I get him assessed by a specialist to see if his behaviour is normal? Or just let it be?

Updates, Changes & Antics

2010-11-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

I just realised it has been more than a month since my last post. I have been busy and lazy...more of latter.

So, what happened since then?
The 2 kids were down with serious fever. Chloe had it first. One morning she just woke up with warm body. Her temperature did get to 40 degree Celsius. I had to monitor her very closely. Gave her Paracetamol every few hours. Even had the Voltran (pill that stick to the rectum to bring the fever down quickly) ready. After 2 days her fever came down to about 38.5 but her nose started running and coughing. All in all, it took her one week to recover and 3 visits to the paed.

Of course, after she recovered, the virus got passed to Lucas. Lucas fever was very high, quite often above 40 degree Celsius. On the first day, I gave him Paracetamol to see if his body can fight the virus. After 12 hours, his fever was still high. Took him to the paed who gave him a Voltran. The paed was so good that he did not even realised that something went inside his rectum. That night, I had to wake up every 4 hours to gave him medicine. The paed gave a schedule alternating the different type of fever medicines. His fever took 4 days to come down. After that, his voice became coarse, till today. I'm wondering if I should take him to the paed again. His voice has been coarse for longer than usual. It took him a week to recover and also 3 trips to the paed.

That was my stressful, anxiety filled 2 weeks!

When the kids have fever, I let them sleep on my bed. It is easily to me to put my hand on their forehead to gauge the temperature. If it is very warm, I will get the thermometer. If it is mildly warm, I'll go back to sleep. Chloe was so restless when she was on my bed. She tossed and turned and couldn't sleep tight. The minute I put her back on her baby cot, she was knocked out immediately. On the other hand, Lucas loved it when he is sick. He gets to sleep on my bed. Even after he has recovered, he said 'Mommy, I am really sick. Can I sleep with you?'

Now that they are both back to normal (except for Lucas's coarse voice), things are back to normal. I seriously hope they will not catch any virus or bug anytime soon. Very stressful for the mothers when children are sick.

Christmas is commming. The tree is not up as we have not buy it yet. We usually buy the fresh cut tree from Ikea. But Lucas was very excited and we have put up our Christmas table cloth and the angels (decoration on the table). Have to find a day to go to Ikea to get the tree. Buying the tree is easy but transporting a 6ft tree home is difficult in a sedan.

This Friday is Lucas last day for this term. He is baking cookies in school on Thursday and having a Christmas party on Friday. Then he is off for 1 month. We planned some short holidays too. Driving south to Singapore for the weekend to see the Christmas lights on Orchard Road. 2 weeks later, we will be driving north to Penang to visit some relatives. Hope we get some nice weather to go to the beach.

Christmas shopping....managed to get some gifts for people we are meeting in Singapore and Penang. The rest.....will see when I have time to go shopping. It is more of I don't know what to buy!

As for me, I'm busy trying to finish a trilogy by Stieg Larsson. Good read.

Chloe's Pictures

2010-10-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

Look at my bunny teeth!

I'm unlike my brother, I'm not afraid of birds.

I can sit on a balloon without bursting it.

Happy 4th Birthday, Lucas

2010-10-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Time has come and gone - Lucas celebrated his 4th birthday. Nothing fancy but he was pleased with his celebration.

Too shy to pose for the camera. Lucas with the cupcakes he is sharing with his class-mates.

Cupcakes that says ' U R 4 Lucas', just as how he wanted them.

Lucas is pleased with his Mr Perfect cake.

Lucas together with the October kids in the neighbourhood party.

Can't Wait to be a Toddler

2010-10-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

There is a saying that the second child will grow up faster and I find there is some truth in the saying.

Chloe is barely 15 months and she doesn't want to eat her baby food. She doesn't want to eat her cereal for breakfast. Instead she wants toast with jam.

She stopped eating her porridge and baby pasta. She is now eating the same food as the rest of us. Rice with soup, noodles (she even liked la la (clams) beehoon), pizza etc. Deciding what to eat is a challenge now that I have to consider food that Chloe and Lucas can eat and consciously reduce the salt, sodium, preservative.

Mind you, Chloe only has 7 teeth but the 7 teeth sure can do wonders.
Lucas was only into the adults food when he was 2+ year old.

Chloe is also talking a lot earlier than Lucas. She can said a number of words and the pronunciation is very good. She can says 'Momy, Dady, car, share, apple, one, bread, raisin, cheese, rotan, open, shoes, remote, cream, hair, more' quite well.

Shy and Cool

2010-10-06T00:38:00.001-07:00

The last time I dropped Lucas to school (Dominic usually send Lucas to school in the morning), his teacher asked me if Lucas is very shy. That was like a week after he had started school. He did not talk much in school. I told his teacher that once he warmed up, he talks non-stop. The teacher said OK, she will wait for the moment he opened up.

Today, I dropped Lucas to school. His teacher had a chat with me. She said 'What you said is true. Lucas is very chatty and he likes talking to older children. But I also observed that he is very cool. He doesn't want to be involved in some of the activities'. I told her, 'He does not like to participate in singing, dancing or anything like that. He looks bored and his expression is like 'why are you making me doing all these silly things' '. She nodded and said yes. Then the teacher said 'Let's see how we can help him on this.'

I am grateful that the teacher is paying close attention to his social development and finding ways to improve it.

Star of the Week

2010-10-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

I think Lucas is one of those students who fall under 'teacher's pet' category.
During his short term with the school so far, he had received 4 smiley stickers. The teacher gives him a smiley sticker when he behaves himself. He said two stickers were for sitting properly (crossed legs and hands on the lap so that friends will not step on them), one for queuing in line, and another one for helping the teacher to shut down computers after class! Well done, Lucas.

Today, he was given a certificate and a special sticker 'Star of the Week Award'. He was so happy and so are we. Dominic was teasing him asking if he can be a star at home as well. Yes, if only he is a star at home too............

Birthday Preparation

2010-10-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

Lucas is turning 4 in a few days and at this age, he knows how he wants to celebrate his birthday. These are some of his wishes:

Lucas: I want to invite E, C, J to my party.
Me: How about we bring a cake to your school and you can celebrate with all your friends?
Lucas: OK
Me: (relief)

Lucas: I want a big sign that says "Happy Birthday Lucas" so that everyone know it is my birthday.
Me: OK.
Dom: Maybe we do a DIY.
Me: It would be cheaper to buy one and recycle every year than the ink cartridges.
Me: (found one at Toy R Us for RM8 but not sure if it meets his expectation)

Lucas: I want a stop watch for my birthday.
Dom: That's not too difficult.

Lucas: I want a purple bedsheet with pictures of cars.
Me: I don't know where to find it. If I see it, I will buy for you.

I wonder what would be his wish list next year.

You Don't Know Anything

2010-09-15T23:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was quite a long weekend with 2 days of public holidays coupled with weekends. Dominic was travelling and I took the kids to stay with my parents.
Two third of the journey, Lucas suddenly remembered he did not bring any books with him. He insisted that I turned back to the house and I refused. We already had been on the road for 40 mins. He was annoyed. Then he said there is 24 hours a day, which is correct. The time he wakes up till the time he goes to bed is 24 hours. I told him it is only 12 or 13 hours. The other hours are when he was sleeping. He did not believed me and was annoyed even more. Then he blurted out 'Mommy, you don't know anything. You only know I have a lot of taxis!' I replied, 'If you said so'. He quickly added 'Yes, I said so'. What a fierce boy. Do you call this parent abuse?

Chloe is not any better either. One morning, I was picking her up from her bed in the morning. She asked 'milk, where?'. Then during breakfast, while I was feeding her cereal, she pointed at her yogurt and said 'Now. now.'

Wow....they are not even 5 and already talk to parents this way. Am I the only parent who get abused by the kids?

Change of Career?

2010-09-08T23:35:00.001-07:00

My work from home job is ending end of this year. I have been looking for jobs with flexible hours and so far failed miserably. There is nothing close to what I have now. So, I am wondering if I can switch career at my age??!!

Selling my junk/excess on e-Bay? Was told transaction costs are high (have to pay e-Bay and Paypal) and consume lots of time for a small profit.
Be a property agent?
Be an 'investment' adviser for ourselves (with our peanut capital to go with it)?
Be a full-time homemaker and fire my maid?

Any better ideas?

First week of School

2010-09-08T23:09:00.001-07:00

Lucas had 5 days of school and now he is on 10 days break!
What a life - holidays are more than school days.
Thank goodness, he enjoys going to his new school. He starts at 8.30am, and finishes at 1.15pm. During that period, he has his snack time and lunch in school. I thought I can escape the one hour nagging him to eat, but it was not meant to be. When I asked him if he finishes all his food, he replied, 'I had 3 spoons and then I throw away the food.' So, when he gets home, I still give him his lunch, albeit a smaller portion. Yesterday, he said he finished all his food in school. I did not believe him and made him eat half a sandwich at home. 20 mins later, he said 'Mommy, I got stomach ache. I think I ate too much.' :)

His classroom is filled with gadgets and apparatus to play. He loves it. The gadgets and apparatus are all laid out on the tables/floor space - not stored in any storage box - hence easy to access all the toys. He zooms right into play dough first thing - that's because I ban him from playing play dough at home - messy. He is able to tell me in chronological order what he does in school. I take this as good note and the activities are interesting enough for him to remember. Yesterday, out of sudden, he told me 'We watch Good Morning (short story) 3 times and it is so boring!'

Some of the parents are the ugly/selfish few. See, the parents walk the kids to their classroom. That means, we have to park the car. Nursery has different hours from primary and secondary. Since it is not a peak hour, there are plenty of parking space. Of course some of the parents want to park the closest to the classrooms, meaning parking at the road curb and obstructing the traffic, when 10 steps away, there are plenty of parking space. How are these parents going to set a good example to the children! Sometimes, I feel like telling the parents off, but decided to keep my mouth shut. I'll probably talking to the wall.

Chloe's Keeping Herself Busy

2010-09-03T23:33:00.001-07:00

Pushing stroller for my dolly

Posing with my brother's sunglasses

All ready for school but I have to wait for another year and more.

First Day of School

2010-09-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

Lucas all excited about his first day at this new school. Dominic sent him to school on his bicycle.

Holiday Started and Ended

2010-09-02T01:43:00.001-07:00

Lucas had his school holidays last month and he started his new school yesterday.
During his holidays, we did not plan much activities for him and surprisingly the days passed rather quickly. He spent his morning playing with Chloe with some painting and pasting, afternoon watching TV, later afternoon outdoor with his bicycles, playground and trampoline at neighbour's place, night with some reading before going to bed. On one of the weekends, we took the kids to Kuantan, the nearest decent beach around. Lucas loved it so much that he kept asking to go to Kuantan again. He loved the kiddy pool where there were other kids as well. He also loved the pool bar - once he insisted on having a drink at the pool bar. When I asked him what he wanted to drink, he replied 'let me sit down at the water stool first. Then I decide what I want to drink' - like an adult, he savoured his strawberry smoothies in the pool bar.

Meanwhile, Chloe enjoyed the sea. She loved it when the waves splashed on her. She picked up anything she can get from the sea. Once she picked up baby fish which Dominic had to release to the sea. Both kids loved the sand.

For the parents, it was tiring. Both Dominic and I were on 24 hours duty. We fed them, bathed them, entertained them, and can't go to sleep until they were asleep. It was harder for them to entertain themselves as there is no familiar place and toys like at home. With the limited space in the hotel room, it was a challenge trying to contain the energy which they had loads.

All in all, it was fun time for the kids and it is all that matters.

Loud and Tough

2010-08-10T06:35:00.001-07:00

Chloe is just the opposite of Lucas in terms of character. Chloe talks loud that the neighbours can hear her. She is not shy of trying to say the words out loud. That's why she is blah blahing all the time. She walks when she is still not very steady.
Lucas is just the opposite. He is soft spoken and gentle. He doesn't talk loud and will only say the word when he is very confident. When he is 1, he doesn't say much. He only started after he turned 2, and his words were very accurate. Less blah blahing. When he walked, he is already very steady, no falling down. That tells us their characters.

Chloe is tough. She makes her displeasure known. No doubt about that. There is no wrong or right character, or better and worse, it is just them. We always joked that next time in school, Lucas will get bully and Chloe will come to his rescue. She will tell the bullies 'Hands off my brother'. We have no doubt about that too!

Biggest and Smallest

2010-08-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

I bought some books for Lucas, preparing for his school holidays. He was so excited, he started reading the books and doing the exercises. Then, one of the exercise is circle the biggest number (from a list of 4 numbers) and cross the smallest number (from a list of another 4 numbers). He doesn't understand the meaning of biggest and smallest number. I tried to explain by saying 'If you count from 1, the biggest number will be the number you reached last. The smallest number is the number you reached first'. He doesn't get the explanation and got most of the exercise wrong.

Later that night, I asked Dominic if he has better explanation. He said the same thing as me:( Now, we have to think harder on how to explain the concept to him. Is this the beginning of a more difficult explanations to come? If he learns new concept from me, I am very happy that I can 'educate' him. It's the parents' job and not tuition teachers' job, right?

Last Week of School

2010-08-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

Lucas is in his last week of school with his current playschool. It is sad to have him to move to a new school, but I suppose we have to move on. He truly enjoyed himself there - the teacher, his classmates, activities that they did. I like that school too. One an a half year ago, I was desperately looking for a school for him when we moved to this current place. I took him to 2 others playschool in the neighbourhood for trial classes. He did not like them at all. I weren't that impressed either. On the second day of trial, he cried when we are at the compound and he refused to get out of the car. I did not want to force him. Then I found this current school. It was a bit far from the house. Lucas knows what he wants, very precisely. After his first day trial, I asked if he wants to come back and he nodded his head. I must said this is the best decision we made for his schooling. He enjoyed learning so much - that's a good start for young children.

Now, I hope he will enjoy his new school just as much. Or else, I'm in trouble.

I tried to prep him about his last week of school - he won't see his teacher and classmates. Instead, he will have a new teacher and friends.

Me: Lucas, this week is your last week of school in PJ. Then you will have holidays and T starts on Sept 1.
Lucas: Why can't I stay at PJ?
Me: You are too big to go to PJ. You have to go to big boys school.
Lucas: But Y (his classmate) is 6 years old and she is still in PJ. S (his other classmate) is 5 and he is still in PJ. I am only three and three quarter.
Me: Urg.....

Dominic said I should just tell him it is too far to drive him there. Knowing him, he will answer 'But you drive me to school everyday. Why not tomorrow?'. How to out talk him? I know these because we had this kind of conversation earlier.

Before leaving for school,
Me: Lucas, wear your own school shoes. (I always wear for him and decided that he needs to do it himself. I knew he knows how to wear his shoes and socks because he did it in school)
Lucas: You wear for me.
Me: No, do it yourself.
Lucas: You wear for me everyday, why not today?
Me: Urg...

Going to the toilet. I always take him to the toilet and again decided he needs to do it himself and he knows how to do it.
Lucas: Mommy, I want to go pee.
Me: Go on your own, you know how to do it.
Lucas: But you do it for me all the time.
Me: I have changed my mind. I am not doing for you from now on. You have to do it yourself (sounds like I am smarter now, isn't it?)
Lucas: You are not allowed to change your mind!

Walking & Chatting Away

2010-07-30T01:44:00.000-07:00

Chloe started walking a week before she turned one, and Lucas started walking a week after he turned one.

Now, the girl is half running when she walks. Her walking is still not very steady and she balances herself by raising both her arms up. That means she moves a lot faster. The stairs gate has to be closed at all times. With her new found mobility, she wants to go out all the time. She will say 'ka-i ka-i' (go for a walk) and then point to her shoes and the door. She can get quite persistent.

She is also learning to talk. Blah blah blah all the time. She can says a few word if we listen carefully.

One day, she did something that annoyed Lucas. I can't remembered what it was. They get into each others nerve rather often now. Lucas smacked her and walked away. Chloe followed him and then smacked him back! Things are not going to get easier from now on.

Front Seat

2010-07-14T07:08:00.001-07:00

I did not noticed something at all until this morning. Lucas made a big fuss this morning when I sent him to school. He wanted me to take the car without his car seat. He insisted that I put his booster seat in the front seat. We usually took the car with his carseat planted at the backseat. At 8am in the morning, I am in no mood to scold. So, I gave in and did what he says.
On the journey to school, he was so amused. When I pressed any buttons, he will ask what are the buttons for. He asked almost what are all the buttons for - to wind down windows, screen mist remover, the clock, the radio stations etc. Then he said 'Mommy, I can see so much things here'. It strikes me then that he was always at the backseat and had his view partially blocked by the driver and front seat.

When Daddy found out about this, Daddy was not so amused. Daddy said no more front seat until he is 12 years old. Good luck Daddy. Try convincing him.

Milestone

2010-07-14T06:52:00.001-07:00

When I took Chloe for her one year old check-up, I took Lucas along for his check-up. Boy! Both my kids weigh below average. Sounds like I have been starving them.

Lucas weighs 14.3kg and is 103 cm.
Chloe weighs 8.4kg and is 78 cm.

Lucas has turned from an idol babies in terms of eating to nightmare when he was around two and half years old. He is such a fussy eater. No vegetables at all, no matter how finely chopped. No meat. It takes him forever to chew and he ended up spitting the food after keeping the food for 10 mins in his mouth. Fish, sometimes. He only eats mushroom, eggs, beancurd and cheese. I am giving him more noodles with mushroom now. Fruits, he only eats strawberries. He used to eat apples and bananas but not anymore. I have to resort to giving him vitamins with lysine to boost his appetite. In addition, I am massaging him with essential oil which is supposed to boost his appetite as well. His has such dry and sensitive skin. Even his nails are so brittle. I am massaging his nails too with Jojoba oil mixed with some essential oil.

Chloe is a good eater so far but is slowly turning to a nightmare. When both she and Lucas are eating, she will not want her food but instead insist on eating Lucas's food. I have to make sure they don't eat at the same time to ease this commotion. She is more adventurous and willing to try new food and fruits. But, let's not talk too soon. See how she turns into when she is a toddler. Despite eating well, she is still weighs below average.

My task now is to get Lucas to eat more varieties of fruits and vegetables. Maybe I will try fruit juice or smoothies. Let me google the recipe.

Happy 1st Birthday, Chloe

2010-07-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

It is Chloe's first birthday today. No big celebration but rather celebration centered around the kids. We had lunch at a restaurant with the grand-parents. Later in the afternoon, Omi came with a home baked cake for Chloe. Dosed both kids with ice creams, chocolates, gummy bears - the best present the kids can asked for.

Our Holidays

2010-07-09T01:49:00.000-07:00

Some shots from our short trips to Singapore and Penang.

It Has Been Awhile

2010-06-28T07:01:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I last post. Life has been hectic and crazy at times.I still work and have no help during weekends. So, weekdays are working days and kids, and weekends are kids and kids. That's life and I believe I am not alone - so I don't feel bad.

Lucas has grown more mature mentally. He was and still is very much protected. Lately, he has been mixing with his classmates who have different personalities than him - good practice for him of what to come when he attends the primary school. He is such meticulous and fussy kid. Things have to be done his way or else he gets upset and angry. Really testing my patience at times. I lost my patience many times and always have remind myself not too..sigh. Physically, he hasn't put on weight for the last one year. He only grows taller, and hence skinner. He is a fussy eater - no vegetables, not meat. He likes cheese, yogurt, mushrooms, tofu, macaroni. Lately, I have been able to get him to drink soup - telling him his muscle will grow bigger if he finishes his soup. Lucas has stopped taking his afternoon nap as well. I figure it is not worth nagging him for 45 mins to nap. He sleeps early without nap, between 8 to 8.30pm.

Chloe on the other hand is giving her brother a good fight. A girl not to be bullied. If Lucas snatches things away from her, she is not going to let him go easily. She even knows how to work Lucas out. One day while they were in their car seats and I was driving, Chloe decided to blow saliva to Lucas. Lucas obviously get upset and told her to stop it. The more Lucas asked her to stop, the more she blew at him. Lucas got so upset and shouted at her. I have to get them to stop. Guess this is only the beginning.

Chloe has 3 teeth - two on the bottom gum and one on top. Thought those teeth come in pair, isn't it? I believe she is more than 8 kgs now. She will have her one year check-up next month. She wants to eat everything, especially the food Lucas is eating. She has cereal and yogurt for breakfast, porridge for lunch and dinner. In between, she has her snacks (cheerios, biscuits) and fruits. Her favourite fruits is apple mix with pear. She doesn't fancy banana anymore. I gave her strawberry once and she developed some rashes! Stopped the strawberry for the time being. Chloe sleeps tighter at night now. She doesn't wake up in the middle of the night crying (hope it stays that way). She sleeps from 8 - 8.30 am to 7.30am and naps twice a day, with about 1 1/2 hr each nap.

Meanwhile, for me, my work contract is until Sept. Most likely there will be no extension this time, as the work load has reduced tremendously. Time to update my CV and keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I will find another flexible job. I have also been into healthy lifestyle lately. Get some essentials oil for the family and trying detox program. And watching World Cup when I can.

Van Gogh or Dilbert?

2010-05-21T02:22:00.000-07:00

This is how Lucas drew himself! Very good for his age, I must said... His handwriting is clear and neat too.

His logic reasoning is getting better too. Here are some example:

Me: Lucas, hurry up. Brush your teeth. What are your ears for if you are not listening.
Lucas: I pretend not to have any ears.
Me: Let me pull your ears then you remembered you have ears.
Seconds later - he was asking for his body lotion and I was not listening.
Lucas: Mommy, let me pull your ears. You are not listening to me.

Lucas: Mommy, you, me and Chloe go shopping to buy Mr Day Dream (he is crazy about Mr Men books now).
Me: It is still early. The shop is closed. The shop will only open when you are in school.
Lucas: I don't want to go to school.
Me: You have to go to school. We will buy after your school.
Lucas: No, we go buy now.
Me: I don't know the way to the shopping.
After a few minutes of pestering,
Me: OK, I will go and buy while you are in school. I will give you the book when I pick you up.
Lucas: But, you don't know the way to shopping!.
Me: Urg..I call Daddy and ask him.

Meanwhile, as Chloe grows older, she can express her expression, she is getting more assertive. If Lucas snatched a toy from her, she will answered with 'urgggg', clearly showing her displeasure. When Lucas shouted at her, she will give the same answer. Not a person to be bullied.

My weekend starts today and it's a long weekend. Taking the kids to Singapore. It is going to be Chloe's first trip outside Malaysia.

I just realised I have lost my credit card. Must have dropped out of my wallet when I last used it last Friday, and only realised it now! There is already a RM1500 fraud on the card. Sigh...have to file a fraud report and don't know if I will be seeing that money again. These few weeks have been really lousy - lose unnecessary money like this fraud and buying so darn lousy unit trusts. I need to 'change' fate (chiun wan)

Manicure

2010-05-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

What do you do with kids who love colours? One day, I passed by a neighbourhood nail shop and walked in to get the phone number. Lucas saw the nail polish colours displayed on the shelves and were awed by them. He pulled me in and pointed at the nail polishes. The worker was kind enough to let him chose a colour and painted one of his nail. On the way home, he was complaining why only one nail has colour. He wanted another 9 colours for the other nine nails. When he got home, he told his Daddy, 'There were thousands of colours on six shelves'.

On every Tuesday, the shop has 30% off the manicure/pedicure services. Today is Tuesday and I do not have a late afternoon / evening call. And it rained rather heavily. Lucas can't go and play in the garden. He was watching TV again and I wanted him away from the TV box. So, I suggested if he wants all his nails painted this time. Of course, he said YES immediately.

Selecting his nail polish colours

Getting his nails painted

Pleased with his more than rainbow colour nails.

Why he was busy getting his nails painted, I had my pedicure done :)
Let's wait and see what Daddy says when he comes back, and what his teacher will say tomorrow!

TV & Computer

2010-05-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

We always tell ourselves not to let our kid be a potato couch or hook into computer games. And somehow, we failed thus far. Lucas is into watching TV. He can spent his whole afternoon, after school and lunch, watching TV. He doesn't mind if the shows are re-run for umpty times. Then, he is into computer interactive games. Playhouse Disney has interactive games for most of its shows and he will somehow managed to navigate the mouse and started playing the games. Pathetic activities for a 3 1/2 years old.
So, I am determined and trying to break his bad habit. I tried to get him to do any other activities other than watching TV and playing games. I got him watercolours to draw - this took 30-45 mins off TV time. When I am not in a conference call late afternoon, I will get him out of the house. We will either go to the neighbour's house jumping on trampoline or in the garden playing with ball, sand, water or cycling.
Now I understand what it means when others said you need to spend time with your kids. The kids need to be encouraged and accompanied to do their activities. If they are left alone or the parents do not have the time, watching TV is the best solution for both the kids and parents. Sad but true.
Everyday, I am thinking what can I do to get Lucas to do to get him off the TV and computer. And when will he be old enough to do this own things without being accompanied 100%. It is not easy.

Sleep, Oh, Sleep

2010-05-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

And don't know why, Chloe has been waking up more often in the middle of the night. The last 3 nights, she woke up 3 times at night and she stayed awake for an hour. The first time it happened, I let her cry until she goes to sleep. Then the next morning, Lucas told his teacher 'I'm tired. I didn't sleep well. My sister was crying all night.' Argg....I got the message. The second night, I did not want her to wake Lucas up, so I sleep standing beside her cot, while she sings, happily kicking away. After a while, I couldn't take it anymore. I just bring her to my bed and she felt asleep soon after me ( I guess. I was asleep before her). The third night, I did not want her to expect to sleep on my bed, so, there I was sleep standing again until she dozed off. What a peaceful sleep I had! Hope it will stop tonight - fingers and toes crossed. The first thing I need in the morning is strong coffee.

Meanwhile, Lucas has been just the opposite. He falls asleep before her and sleep thru the night. When I complimented him the next morning, 'You are such a good boy. You came to Mommy's room zero time yesterday'. He gave his proud smile and said 'Thanks Mom'.
Lucas has stopped taking afternoon nap. When I asked him to nap, he will reply 'I am not sleepy at all'. I have stopped pressuring him to take nap. He sleeps much earlier at night 8.30pm and it is better for me and him.

Chloe's Teeth are Out

2010-05-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Oh....after months of false alarm about her tooth coming out, it did finally make its grand entrance. She has 2 teeth on her lower gum. But that doesn't stop her from sucking her fingers all the time.

She is crawling fast, climbing stairs, cruising like a pro and bringing everything her hand can reach down with her.

Assessment

2010-04-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

Lucas's assessment to enter the new kindie is finally over. My biggest fear was to get him to the school and get him to be cooperative. I have been preping him a few days before the event. So, finally on the drive to his new kindie, he said:

Lucas: Mommy, I don't want to go to T now. I only want to go when I am 4 years old.
Me: You are only going for 1 hour to meet the teachers and check out the new school.
Dom: You are invited to go to T today. Remembered when we cycled here the last time, the guard won't allow us in.
Lucas: But, I don't like this school. I want the teacher to say they do not want me to come to this school.
Dom: OK, you tell the teacher that and see what the teacher says.

While we were parking the car.
Lucas: Mommy, this is a giant school.
Me: Yes, it is. Let's go check-out the school.

We went to the Administration Office to tell them Lucas is here.
Me: We are here to take the assessment.
Clerk: Lucas , it is?
Me: (puzzled how she knows it's Lucas) Yes.
Clerk: Have a seat outside. The teachers will come and get you.

While hanging around waiting for the teachers to come and get us, there were other parents and their children waiting as well. There were 2 kids doing some kind of work on activity books!. Some were just loitering around like me.
While waiting we walked around to check the campus.

Dom: I like this design. It is just like a college campus.
Me: It is a school campus. (thinking harder, I understand what Dominic meant. The design is very conducive. The center of the place is a green courtyard. The building lined along this courtyard. You can't see the courtyard from outside. If one has to get from one building to another, one has to walk on the courtyard. So, the courtyard is the 'life'. Nice to see the kids there).

Then the teachers came to get us, and we followed them to the classroom. The classroom has a few stations, each with their own apparatus. Lucas sat on the station with paper and scissors. I waited with him for a while and then walked out. Thank goodness he was ok with me leaving the classroom. That was my biggest fear!.

From the window, I saw him cut the paper (to test his motor skill). When he was done, the teacher moved him to another station, where there were watercolours. He said after the test, that the teacher asked him to draw himself. I saw a circle with what looked like eyes, nose, mouth and 2 legs. His third test was to fish number and alphabet from water and sand. Then there were flashcards and numbers. Last task was colouring with crayon. After that, the teacher walked him out. He was first to be done. I suppose that is a good sign?

After the test, we went to the canteen. He had some biscuits and while eating he said:
Lucas: Mommy, I like this.
Me: You like the biscuits or the school?
Lucas: I like both.
Me: You can come to this school for a long long time if you like it. Err...just make sure Mommy and Daddy have enough money to pay for your school fees.

At home:
Lucas: Daddy, I like T school.
Daddy: You said you don't like it earlier. Did you change your mind?
Lucas: Yes, I changed my mind.

Now, we just have to wait for the result.

Born Bossy or True Boss?

2010-04-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

When we were younger, we were afraid of our parents. You tried to answer back your parents and see what happened! Now, kids are a whole new bred. The parents are afraid of their kids.

At 7am this morning, Lucas asked for milk. I said wait until the sun is up and the alarm clock goes off at 7.45am. Guess what was his reply ? He said 'You go and make my milk right now. Or else I will smack you.' Aiyo-yo, should I smack him at 7am?

Then after his milk, he asked for junk food. I said no. He then replied 'You cannot say no. You have to give me the answer I want.' I was shocked of course. Then I asked Dominic if we ever talked like this. Dominic candid answer was 'I think he is born a true boss. He talks like one.'

The way Lucas talks, one of these days, he is going to be beaten up by his friends. Maybe this is more effective than me trying to talk logic into him.

How Do They Get Along?

2010-04-20T18:57:00.001-07:00

Lucas and Chloe are getting good with each other. They adore each other and sometimes they get into each other nerves, which I suppose is normal. Some interesting incidents.

Chloe was crawling towards the wires and power point.
Me: Chloe, come here. Don't go to the fan.
Chloe: {stopped to look at me momentarily and continued crawling}
Lucas: Chloe, don't go there.
Chloe: {continued crawling to her destination}
Lucas: {wrap both his arms on Chloe's stomach to prevent her from going further}
Chloe: arg-blah blah {protested}

When Lucas snatched a toy from Chloe.
Lucas: Ch-loe. Don't take that.
Chloe: {could not be bothered}
Lucas: {snatched the toy away from Chloe}
Chloe: arg-blah blah {protested and pulled Lucas' hair}
Lucas: Ch-loe, you are such naughty and stubborn.

I was about to feed Chloe medicine for her cough and wheezing.
Lucas: {started sobbing} Mommy, Chloe doesn't like that.
Me: But Chloe needs it. She is sick.
Lucas: {took the medicine and out it far away from me}
Me: Lucas, please give me the medicine.
Lucas: No, I said Chloe doesn't like that. {still sobbing}

When Chloe is awake in the morning.
Chloe: {sit on her babycot facing the door}
Lucas: {started talking and open her room's door}
Chloe: {stand up and get very excited}
Lucas: Good morning, Chloe
Chloe: {dancing happily and gave her brother a big smile}

Photos

2010-04-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

The photo shot went well. The photographer would like to do more but the kids were not cooperative. Lucas kept making funny faces and Chloe was tired after half an hour. But we have a number of nice shoots.

Mature Conversation

2010-04-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

My little smart aleck is getting smart again. Today we had this conversation.

I'm tucking him to bed.
Lucas: Mommy, you have to sleep with me.
Me: Why?
Lucas: Be-cause, you are my best friend. Best friend sleep over sometimes.
Me: What is sleep over?
Lucas: Sleep over is when 2 people sleep in the same bed.
He must have learned this from TV.

A few weeks ago, we stayed over at my parents' place for the weekend.
Lucas: Mommy, who is your mommy?
Me: Poh-poh is my mommy.
Lucas: Who is your Daddy?
Me: Kung-kung is my daddy.
Lucas: You must be very happy now be-cause your Daddy and Mommy are here.
Does this statement tell me something?? It definitely does!

Mobile Chloe

2010-04-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

Chloe is so mobile now and she is not even walking. Can't leave her for seconds. She is crawling and cruising everywhere and her new favourite discovery is toilet. Have to close all the toilet doors now. She also likes to open up the mosquitoes net on the door. She likes the 'click' sound when the magnetic mosquitoes net hit the grill door. When we are upstairs, I always have to close the stairs gate. She can get to the stairs in seconds. Oh...she also figured out how to open and close drawers..and in the process had her tiny fingers squashed now and then. But that doesn't stop her.
At 9 months, she still does not have any tooth. She has been drooling and having itchy gum for months but still no sign. When I applied Bonjela for her today, I do not feel any bump on her gum but she is behaving like her tooth is going to pop up anytime.
We took her for swimming yesterday and she drank some dirty pool water. Now, she has slight fever, running nose and coughing. Sigh..it is going to be a long weekend.

Home Studio

2010-04-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

Since last year, one of our mini home projects is to hang the paintings. Well, we did for the paintings we wanted to put up. We still have space on the staircase wall for the kids' photos. So, today, Dominic's good friend, a famous photographer (also our wedding photographer) came over and took some photos of the kids. We turned the living room into a studio. Check out his work .

Will have to wait for the final prints

Good Friday

2010-04-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

We had a BBQ on Good Friday. Dominic's specialty dish, the steak, is as good as ever! We had big prawns too and they are just as yummy.
To end the feast, Minnie's Creation, baked him some cute and delicious cupcakes.

Lucas's favourite is biting the bee's and the rabbit's ears off.

Minnie's Creation will also be baking Chloe's and Lucas' birthday cake. Can't wait for the piece of art she will be creating. Can check out Minnie's Creation at facebook.

Assessment for Kindie Entry

2010-04-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

I registered Lucas in the neighbourhood school, which has kindie, primary and secondary. And he has to go for assessment before they can accept him! This is the first time Lucas has to do a test and I don't think he knows what is a test. When I asked the school what does he has to prepare, the lady answered very calmly - nothing. All I can do is to tell Lucas 'You have to answer when the teacher asks you a question, and you have to do what the teacher asks you to do'. I heard so much stories about the mother having stress when the kids are taking exam and now I know what that means. It is more the worry of the kids sabotage themselves by purposely not doing what they know, for the reason on known to them.

It's Good Friday today, and we are having BBQ for Dominic's family and relatives. It is going to be surf and turf. Tomorrow, we are going to check out a RM3.5 million apartment - not that we can afford it, just to KPC. No plan for Easter Sunday. Last year, we had gifts for Lucas. This year, we were just too lazy. And annoyed that the boy has been really naughty and stubborn.

School Holidays...Half Way

2010-04-01T23:07:00.000-07:00

Lucas had 2 weeks out of his 4 weeks holiday. He said he missed school. It is quite amazing we all survived. Last 2 days, his temper was horrible. He threw things, smacked me and screamed when he doesn't get what he wants. I had enough and punished him today after his lunch. Locked him in his room but he walked out through Chloe's room (both their rooms are inter-connected via the bathroom). I closed the stairs gate, which he hasn't figure out how to open. So, he was trapped upstairs. He kept calling for me and I ignored him. He finally stopped and played by himself upstairs. Half an hour later, I asked him if he is going to behave himself and he said yes. He has mellowed down since then. Managing kids is no easy tasks!
Things he did during his holidays:

Having friends over.

Jump on the trampoline at neighbour's house.

Play in his sand box.

Play in his baby pool.

Photos

2010-03-21T07:17:00.001-07:00

Baking cookies.

Lucas's car collection.