29/01/2007
Since end of last year, the night routine for Kyle was for him to have his milk, brush his teeth and then storybook time before he is put into bed with hugs and kisses and then leave the door open for him as he goes to sleep. On good days, he compliantly goes to sleep all by himself without kicking too much of a fuss as he knows that I have to 'keep his daddy company' but sometimes, he will request that I stay inside with him for about 5-10 mins so that he can 'tell you about my school'. Other times, he will make his 'rounds' in the living room, asking for extra hug or kiss from his daddy or me or simply sneaking out to see what we were watching on TV.
That night, after storytime, as usual, I tucked him into bed. He asked for 10 more minutes to tell me about his school. Halfway, the conversation went something like this :
K : Mommy, can you go back to work?
Me : Why? You don't like mommy to stay at home to keep you company?
( In my heart, I was thinking if my hubby had bribed him to say that!)
K : Yes....I like mommy to stay at home...but can you go and work for a short time everyday?
Me : But why ? Mommy wants to stay home and spend time with you..
K : But I like mommy to work for a little while only..
( I was still thinking of what reasons he could have for saying that)
K : Mommy, you not tired? But I want you to sleep with me!
(Ahhhhh....that's the crunch!)
Background history:
Last year when I was still working, I will be so dead tired that by 9.30, after reading him 1 book, I will hasten him to sleep as I want to sleep myself. So we would be in bed talking about the day and more often than not, I will fall asleep before him by 10pm. This happened only when I was working, thus the request that I go back to work!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Isobel's Stayover
25-26/01/2007
It all started when Isobel wanted to follow Meryl and I home after a visit to her house. I was saying goodbye and telling them that I was going home when both Isobel and Joel also said that they wanted to 'Go home'. In the end, I took Belle home with me. That evening, she had dinner with K and M at the table and was the first to finish...all by herself. I was hoping that she will set a good example for K and M! It didn't work for K...K still took the longest time to finish and was whining and crying when I refused to let him sit at the computer with B and M who had already finished.
The kids enjoyed themselves at the Boowa and Kwala website before I whisked them off to shower. At 8, David came and drove us all to NTUC and we did our grocery till 9 plus.
The next day, I was thinking that Belle stay for dinner again then send her home at about 8. After K and B alighted from the school bus, they had a snack before I put them to bed. They were asleep within 10 minutes and woke up 2 hours later! They were treated to Kipper as it was raining and the playground was wet.
Again, at dinnertime, B was the 1st to finish followed by M and lastly K. I was having tuition with Judy all the while. After dinner, Kyle helped to navigate the Boowa and Kwala website and the kids entertained themselves. I showered them again and when it was time to send Belle home, she told me that she wanted to stay over. Her mother was informed and gave her consent. They then had their milk and storytime at about 9.30pm. By 10, they were all tucked into bed, including M who insisted on sleeping in the same room. It was Meryl, however, who was causing the most disturbance: talking to herself, tickling Belle's fingers, shouting across to her brother. In the end, I had to physically remove her from the room and back to her own.
Thankfully, by 11, they were all asleep. I woke up a few times in the night to pat Belle's back to help her get rid of the phlegm as she was coughing.
The next morning, there was a scare when she vomited twice in the morning. Once after she had her apple juice and another after I came back from the 7-11 with the 2 kids. She did not participate in the bubble game with K and M but just sat at the chair, looking forlorn. She also came to the kitchen to see us making pineapple tarts.
When her parents came, she surprised all of us by saying that she doesn't want to go back. It took a bit of persuasion + coercion to finally get her to leave. She was brought the doctor who believed that she could have caught the virus from school. Thankfully both K and M were alright although he gave me a fright when he started coughing vigorously after he woke up the next day. It was only caused by dryness of throat. Nevertheless, I quickly made the kids some honey and gave the chinese powder as a precaution.
It all started when Isobel wanted to follow Meryl and I home after a visit to her house. I was saying goodbye and telling them that I was going home when both Isobel and Joel also said that they wanted to 'Go home'. In the end, I took Belle home with me. That evening, she had dinner with K and M at the table and was the first to finish...all by herself. I was hoping that she will set a good example for K and M! It didn't work for K...K still took the longest time to finish and was whining and crying when I refused to let him sit at the computer with B and M who had already finished.
The kids enjoyed themselves at the Boowa and Kwala website before I whisked them off to shower. At 8, David came and drove us all to NTUC and we did our grocery till 9 plus.
The next day, I was thinking that Belle stay for dinner again then send her home at about 8. After K and B alighted from the school bus, they had a snack before I put them to bed. They were asleep within 10 minutes and woke up 2 hours later! They were treated to Kipper as it was raining and the playground was wet.
Again, at dinnertime, B was the 1st to finish followed by M and lastly K. I was having tuition with Judy all the while. After dinner, Kyle helped to navigate the Boowa and Kwala website and the kids entertained themselves. I showered them again and when it was time to send Belle home, she told me that she wanted to stay over. Her mother was informed and gave her consent. They then had their milk and storytime at about 9.30pm. By 10, they were all tucked into bed, including M who insisted on sleeping in the same room. It was Meryl, however, who was causing the most disturbance: talking to herself, tickling Belle's fingers, shouting across to her brother. In the end, I had to physically remove her from the room and back to her own.
Thankfully, by 11, they were all asleep. I woke up a few times in the night to pat Belle's back to help her get rid of the phlegm as she was coughing.
The next morning, there was a scare when she vomited twice in the morning. Once after she had her apple juice and another after I came back from the 7-11 with the 2 kids. She did not participate in the bubble game with K and M but just sat at the chair, looking forlorn. She also came to the kitchen to see us making pineapple tarts.
When her parents came, she surprised all of us by saying that she doesn't want to go back. It took a bit of persuasion + coercion to finally get her to leave. She was brought the doctor who believed that she could have caught the virus from school. Thankfully both K and M were alright although he gave me a fright when he started coughing vigorously after he woke up the next day. It was only caused by dryness of throat. Nevertheless, I quickly made the kids some honey and gave the chinese powder as a precaution.
Conversations with Meryl
Scene 1 : Kitchen, seated at the breakfast table eating noodles. Along came curious Meryl.
M : Mommy, can I sit?
Me : Yes, take a chair.
M : Mommy, can I see?
Me : Sure....noodles...mommy eating noodles.
M : Mommy eating noodles? Is it hot? Can I eat?
Me : Yes, you can have some.
( Meryl opened mouth, then closed it.)
M : Mommy, hot? Mommy blow?
( Blow the noodles )
Me : Ok, not hot now.
M : Not hot?
( Meryl slurped up the noodle)
Me : Nice? Is the noodle nice?
M : Nice.......hot hot!
Me : No...not hot
Meryl : Not hot? Can I have some more?
Scene 2 : After school at Appletree, going to 7-11 to buy newspaper. A windy day.
Me : We go 7-11 to buy newspaper ok?
M : Yes...buy newspaper?
(Wind blowing strongly)
Me: Woo...the wind is so strong...mommy is cold....
M : Mommy cold?? Wear jacket!
Me : Wear jacket? But where?
( Appeared to be thinking for a while, then smiled cheekily and pointed her index finger behind towards our block)
M : At HOME!
Scene 3: Dinner time. K and M were seated at the breakfast table eating. Both were fighting over a toy)
M : Kor kor, give me please?
K : NO! It's mine.
M : No...mine.... it's mine....
(Whined and kicked up a small fuss)
M : I want...give me!!
( Brother ignored her and continued to play with toy.)
( Whining became louder and turned into screaming. After a while....)
M : Kor Kor, stop it! NAUGHTY KOR KOR! ( repeats )
( No effects on her brother who continued to taunt her by not giving her the toy...until mommy intervened!
M : Mommy, can I sit?
Me : Yes, take a chair.
M : Mommy, can I see?
Me : Sure....noodles...mommy eating noodles.
M : Mommy eating noodles? Is it hot? Can I eat?
Me : Yes, you can have some.
( Meryl opened mouth, then closed it.)
M : Mommy, hot? Mommy blow?
( Blow the noodles )
Me : Ok, not hot now.
M : Not hot?
( Meryl slurped up the noodle)
Me : Nice? Is the noodle nice?
M : Nice.......hot hot!
Me : No...not hot
Meryl : Not hot? Can I have some more?
Scene 2 : After school at Appletree, going to 7-11 to buy newspaper. A windy day.
Me : We go 7-11 to buy newspaper ok?
M : Yes...buy newspaper?
(Wind blowing strongly)
Me: Woo...the wind is so strong...mommy is cold....
M : Mommy cold?? Wear jacket!
Me : Wear jacket? But where?
( Appeared to be thinking for a while, then smiled cheekily and pointed her index finger behind towards our block)
M : At HOME!
Scene 3: Dinner time. K and M were seated at the breakfast table eating. Both were fighting over a toy)
M : Kor kor, give me please?
K : NO! It's mine.
M : No...mine.... it's mine....
(Whined and kicked up a small fuss)
M : I want...give me!!
( Brother ignored her and continued to play with toy.)
( Whining became louder and turned into screaming. After a while....)
M : Kor Kor, stop it! NAUGHTY KOR KOR! ( repeats )
( No effects on her brother who continued to taunt her by not giving her the toy...until mommy intervened!
2nd Bukit Timah Hill Climb
07/01/2007
Today, the group expanded to include my mother, T's father, Johnny and Jay. We headed for Bukit Timah 1st thing in the morning as Jay needed to be back by 11am for his lesson.
Upon reaching, we could hear sirens coming down from the hill. Apparently someone had fainted during a walkathon that was being held there. We parked our car and launched our climb...this time without the stroller.
The 1st fright we had was when i tried to give bread to the kids. The monkey, quick as lightning, appeared right in front of M and tried to snatch it away. I would have taken it all in good stride if not for the screams that came my way by anxious family members. Despite being a small matter, I was treated to earful of scoldings from all corners.
The weather was great although the sky was overcast and it drizzled a little...but not enough to cause any panic. The boys and J took the alternate route again and M, my mom and helper took the usual. Meryl again climbed with the help of seaweeds up the top. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my camera.
We climbed down in record time and then headed for Serangoon Gardens to have our brunch before returning home for the kids' nap.
Today, the group expanded to include my mother, T's father, Johnny and Jay. We headed for Bukit Timah 1st thing in the morning as Jay needed to be back by 11am for his lesson.
Upon reaching, we could hear sirens coming down from the hill. Apparently someone had fainted during a walkathon that was being held there. We parked our car and launched our climb...this time without the stroller.
The 1st fright we had was when i tried to give bread to the kids. The monkey, quick as lightning, appeared right in front of M and tried to snatch it away. I would have taken it all in good stride if not for the screams that came my way by anxious family members. Despite being a small matter, I was treated to earful of scoldings from all corners.
The weather was great although the sky was overcast and it drizzled a little...but not enough to cause any panic. The boys and J took the alternate route again and M, my mom and helper took the usual. Meryl again climbed with the help of seaweeds up the top. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my camera.
We climbed down in record time and then headed for Serangoon Gardens to have our brunch before returning home for the kids' nap.
Climbing Bukit Timah Hill 1st Jan 2007
01/01/07
We took loads of pictures (go dotphoto) for memory keepsake before we made our way down at about 12. The kids were given snacks such as seaweeds, biscuits and cheese. The walk down was much faster and easier although we took to walking backwards on the last lag.
We met Chin Min and her family at the foot of the HIll. They were deciding whether to climb the Hill or not as she did not bring any food for the kids. I passed them some biscuits and left after we took some pictures together.
The kids went without a proper lunch today. They had their shower, drank their milk and went straight to bed for their well-deserved nap.
By the time we left the house after getting everyone ready, it was already 9+. Instead of going straight to the Hill, J suggested doing her usual routhine, ie, to have breakfast at Thomson before heading for the Hill. Again, I was concerned about the time, worrying if we would be back in time for the kids' lunch.
The Prata Place was decorated with colorful balloons, remnants of the New Year's eve celebration. K and M successfully got one each and happily settled down at the table waiting for their prata. Luckily, feeding them was easy despite them having had their breakfast of oats earlier. Still, it was ten + when we finally set off for Bukit Timah.
We were greeted by hordes of monkeys once we turned into H Drive. They were all over the car park and and on cars. The kids were obviously thrilled. Being our first time there and not knowing what to expect, we decided to push Meryl on a stroller which turned out to be a mistake.
The 1st part of the climb was the most tedious as the slope was steeply inclined. Even without Meryl in it, pushing the stroller was tedious. At the 1st rest point, my leg muscles were stretched. The journey thereafter was easy and a mere 20 minutes or so.
K was really excited and did a good job running and showed most enthusiasm. He follow J on an alternate route up a flight of steep steps to the summit whereas T, M and I ploughed on the last lag of the journey. With the use of seaweed as a lure, M successfully climbed up, all by herself, to the summit! She was rewarded a packet of cold drinks by a group of fellow Malay climbers whom K met along the way. Apparently, they were impressed that a 3 yr old boy can climbed up the steps without any complaints.
The Prata Place was decorated with colorful balloons, remnants of the New Year's eve celebration. K and M successfully got one each and happily settled down at the table waiting for their prata. Luckily, feeding them was easy despite them having had their breakfast of oats earlier. Still, it was ten + when we finally set off for Bukit Timah.
We were greeted by hordes of monkeys once we turned into H Drive. They were all over the car park and and on cars. The kids were obviously thrilled. Being our first time there and not knowing what to expect, we decided to push Meryl on a stroller which turned out to be a mistake.
The 1st part of the climb was the most tedious as the slope was steeply inclined. Even without Meryl in it, pushing the stroller was tedious. At the 1st rest point, my leg muscles were stretched. The journey thereafter was easy and a mere 20 minutes or so.
K was really excited and did a good job running and showed most enthusiasm. He follow J on an alternate route up a flight of steep steps to the summit whereas T, M and I ploughed on the last lag of the journey. With the use of seaweed as a lure, M successfully climbed up, all by herself, to the summit! She was rewarded a packet of cold drinks by a group of fellow Malay climbers whom K met along the way. Apparently, they were impressed that a 3 yr old boy can climbed up the steps without any complaints.
We took loads of pictures (go dotphoto) for memory keepsake before we made our way down at about 12. The kids were given snacks such as seaweeds, biscuits and cheese. The walk down was much faster and easier although we took to walking backwards on the last lag.
We met Chin Min and her family at the foot of the HIll. They were deciding whether to climb the Hill or not as she did not bring any food for the kids. I passed them some biscuits and left after we took some pictures together.
The kids went without a proper lunch today. They had their shower, drank their milk and went straight to bed for their well-deserved nap.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Feedback on Meryl
Meryl is very well-liked by the grandparents of other kids in her school. They often praised her for being so brave despite being the youngest as she adjusted very well to her new environment within a short time. They also always comment on her cute-ness as she was also the shortest in class and the most talkative. What impressed them was that she can wear slippers (the clasp-on type), she is caring ( she will always 'sayang' those who are crying) and that she is not easily bullied. 
See how small she is compared to her classmates?
A grandparent who was inside during one of the lessons recounted this to me : One of the students was snatching toys from another girl even though there was plenty around. She even pulled the girl's hair. She tried doing the same to Meryl only to be pushed back and Meryl repossessing the toy and saying 'It's mine!'.
Another incident that was told me was this: Meryl was playing with the rest when she saw that one of the kids was monopolising some toys. Apparently, she watched this with interest and when the kid was not looking, she quickly took away some of the toys and gave it to another girl. The grandparent who saw this was greatly amused.
Also to her credit, Meryl is always the 1st to be seated when its time for the singing and dancing and she never fails to put up her hands when the teacher asks for volunteers. I seriously hope that this enthusiasm for school will continue throughout her school days.
Meryl's Appletree
On the 1st day of school, Meryl eased into the program without any signs of fear or anxiety. Maybe it was because I was present or maybe there were so many new things to distract her. She played with the toys, went around comforting those who were crying, colored the activity worksheet, sang and danced and followed Teacher Salmah's instruction down to her very last word. She was simply adorable (see her on youtube under 'World of Kyle and Meryl').
Meryl happily doing her work
However, in the 2nd week, albeit still excited about school, she showed signs of separation anxiety at the doorsteps just before going into class. She would cry a little and wanted me to carry her. Then when it was time for me to leave, she would wail and reached out for me...a far cry from the 1st week. The good news was that I would linger for a while outside the classroom and after about1 -2 mins, her crying would stop. According to her teacher, she only cries for a short while and then she will participate in the activities. Only periodically when she hears another kid crying will she remember and cry again.
Even then, after each lesson, I would meet her at the gate and there she will be, lined up and smiling ever so sweetly before she runs into my arms.
Meryl walking home with her good friend Kor Kor Jay Jay
Meryl happily doing her workHowever, in the 2nd week, albeit still excited about school, she showed signs of separation anxiety at the doorsteps just before going into class. She would cry a little and wanted me to carry her. Then when it was time for me to leave, she would wail and reached out for me...a far cry from the 1st week. The good news was that I would linger for a while outside the classroom and after about1 -2 mins, her crying would stop. According to her teacher, she only cries for a short while and then she will participate in the activities. Only periodically when she hears another kid crying will she remember and cry again.
Even then, after each lesson, I would meet her at the gate and there she will be, lined up and smiling ever so sweetly before she runs into my arms.
Meryl walking home with her good friend Kor Kor Jay Jay
On Kyle's new school
Kyle has settled very well into his new school. He goes up the bus without a fuss and has not asked me to follow him since day 3. He comes back with good reports about the fun time he has in school and what he did. My only complaint is that he refuses to take his afternoon nap after he returns at 3.45pm. For the 1st week, I gave in to him and did away with the nap. Dinner now starts at between 5 -5.30pm, finished earliest by 6.30 or 7pm. The kids get to play for an hour or so then its time for milk at 8 whereupon they are whisked into the room to get ready for bed. By 8.30 or 8.45, Meryl will be fast asleep and Kyle slightly later at 9ish. The problem comes about 1 or 1 half hour into his sleep. He will suddenly wake up crying and mumbling incoherently and most of the time, it is to relieve himself. It usually lasts for 5 mins or so then he is back to bed. I doubt he could remember what happened the next day. This continued for a week!
Last week, I decided to put my feet down and made him take a short nap after he comes back from school. I succeeded only 2 times and both times, there wasn't any episodes of night terror. I believe that the night terrors were caused by insufficient rest as he wakes up now at 7.15-7.30 instead of 8.30am, in part due to his excitement about school. I really need to re-establish the habit of napping after he returns from school. Trying but necessary.
Last week, I decided to put my feet down and made him take a short nap after he comes back from school. I succeeded only 2 times and both times, there wasn't any episodes of night terror. I believe that the night terrors were caused by insufficient rest as he wakes up now at 7.15-7.30 instead of 8.30am, in part due to his excitement about school. I really need to re-establish the habit of napping after he returns from school. Trying but necessary.
Asleep on the school bus after a tiring day
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
