Zac's Birthday Party 03/02/08

Zac celebrated his 4th birhtday at Down town East and the kids were invited. We were the 1st to arrive as I did not want the kids to miss out the fun since they will be leaving early. The hubby and I promptly went for our cuppa while the kids played.

As usual, the party started late as all the kids find it difficult to leave the play area. Meryl and Kyle were the 1st to be seated down for lunch.

The kids playing their favorite game-musical chairs. I think Kyle was one of the last 2 but he did not win in the end.

My son having an adrenaline high. He is seen here running in circles and going on and on till like forever. In between he showed some TLC to baby Naomi.

Meryl has learnt from her own birthday party how a pinata works. Click on this video to watch how she hoards the goodies when they fall from the pinata (hilarious)

Flappy the mynah

Baby Jon took up the challenge to have Flappy onhis shoulders even though he was hesistant initially.

Meryl and her 'baby' who has just learnt how to fly.

Dr Kyle and Meryl Tan

Dr Meryl Tan trying to hear the heartbeat of Flappy as she is 'sick'.

The 2 kids playing 'Doctors' after their 2 'babies', Flappy and the recently christianed 'Skippy had had their baths.

Flappy just had her 1st bath (phew!!) and is ready to show off her clean, beautiful wings!!

Dr Kyle is gearing up before he gives the guinea pig, also called 'Baby, American Dragon and the most recent name 'Skippy" because it jumps a lot, a physical examination.

RESCUED!!

The little bat was rescued from the 3rd level in my school by 2 girls. There was no way of getting her back to her mother so I decided to bring her back and see if I could rear her. The kids were thrilled and tried feeding her but to no availed. After I googled some information, I tried to feed her by using a sponge to soak up the milk and attaching it to the wastepaper basket (placed upside down). It remained uninterested so I covered the basket with a cloth and let her go to sleep. Atlas her time with us was destined to be a short one. The next morning, after my son went to 'greet' the little bat, he forgot to place the basket properly and it crawled out and was gone!!

This is Flappy, a baby mynah which Meryl and I rescued while on the way back from school. She was bald and shivering in fright when we found her. We brought it back and nursed it back to health. Everyday, we fed it with bird feed mixed with water. Meryl was most diligent and so was I! The only problem was that she got hungry every so often and we had to feed her immediately when she started cheeping. The other problem was her poop. Everytime after she feeds, she will poop and the box will get dirty and so will she. I finally devised a way whereby I layered the box with newspaper and each time she pooped, I will fold it into half and then half again until it gets too small then I will throw it away and use a fresh sheet which is underneath.

In less than 2 weeks, the feathers sprouted (look at picture above) and she looked so different. The kids would play with it and pretend it 'nurse' it. It grew and grew and was hopping out of its box and attempting to fly. Finally we decided to bring it to their grandpa's house as he has a cage. He settled in very quickly and at one time, even flew to our hand when we beckoned it.

Our intention was to release him when he is fully independent but it happened sooner than we thought. He escaped one night when the maid opened the cage to feed him. We did not have a chance to say goodbye.

1st Month of 2008

Little Helper, Kyle

What fun is BBQ without mahjung?

The chefs, Roy, Linda and Jennifer.

1st Weekend

Kids went to Jennifer's chalet for 2 nights of bbq. On Sunday brought the kids to Downtown East Wild Wild Wet for a swim and then dinner at fil's place in the evening together with the cousins.

2nd Weekend

Meryl went for ballet as usual then we went Jalan Kayu for lunch with Amy and family. On Sunday, went fil's place for swim and then went to Bukit Timah NTUC finest to do grocery shopping with Tagu. Dinner at home.

3rd Weekend

Meryl went for her class then they went for a baby's 1st month celebration. On Sunday, they went fil's place to swim, kyle went to play golf with daddy and meryl went Chinatown shopping with Tagu. Mummy was busy in Batam for a retreat.

A Brand NEW YEAR

1/1/08 Tues

Woke up really LATE today. Meryl and I was only up at 10 and then did a mad rush of getting ready to go visit my dad. Arrived at the hospital at about 11 and met up with the rest. The grandfather was wide awake but unresponsive as usual and there were lots of comments about his loss of weight which some of us think is good to keep his weight low. Then it was mahjung time at 3rd Aunt's house while the kids went to the playground. The hubby was not happy when the game was still ongoing at 2 as it was way past the kids' lunchtime. Luckily there was a coffee shop selling delicious 'zhi char' just a block away and we had a sumptuous lunch. Then it was back home and we slept 3 hrs straight. Dinner was a simple affair of porridge and then we went over to Ta jiu's house to play x-box.

2/1/08 Wed

Today was the 1st day of school for both Meryl and myself. She was accompanied by her dad for the 1st half of her school and I rushed down straight after school to catch her in action for the last half and hour. She seemed to be doing fine and her brother, for lack of nothing to do was also in her class! Took a lift from Siew Yei as it was still raining and put the kids to sleep after a snack. Meryl slept from 3.30 to almost 6pm! After dinner, we went to AMK hub to do some groceries and bought some durian puffs.

Christmas Week

New Year's Eve 2007

-went to collect clothes from a friend for Meryl and then lunch together

-went to visit Peiyin's baby with Pansy

-Dinner for kids at Ah pek's house

-proceeded to SICC for dinner at 710pm

We went to the wrong side of the club and had to drive to the Bukit Side for dinner. The restaurant was fully booked and our table wasn't ready till 9pm. The dinner was sumptuous and everyone enjoyed themselves. After dinner we went back to Ah Pek's place to do the countdown. The kids were still wide-eyed and energetic at 12am,1/1/2008, including baby Jon! We reached home at 1am and the children didn't sleep till 1.30! What a night.

The 3 cousins playing outside the restaurant. Kyle and Jay turned photographers but none are published here!

27-28th Dec 2007

I had 2 full days of meetings but luckily my kids were still very much occupied. On Thurs, Kyle was picked up by Tagu and he stayed overnight with Jay for 2 nights. Meryl was brought to Ikea by Uncle Ryan and then we had dinner at home.

On Fri, Tagu came and picked Meryl up to go to the zoo where they spent the afternoon and I was only back after 630 after my meeting ended.

29/12/2007 Sat

Meryl went for her ballet class in the morning. I had a small luncheon with old friends at home. They came only at about 12 plus. It was good time of catching up for all of us over good food by Tita Jo. Kyle was brought home by Ah pek but in the end, he went to his home as he doesn't want to leave kor kor Jay Jay.

In the evening we had to go over to Cousin Jay's place to pick up our 'wayward' son. We had dinner there and while the kids played, the adults also had mahjong.

John and Jerome entertaining themselves in the playroom

Christmas Morning

The kids were esctatic about opening up their presents in the morning. After their shower, we popped over to Dad's place for Christmas lunch with the family. We were the earliest and helped Joanne with her sushi (by eating) By 12, Pansy and family arrived followed by Leng's entourage and 2nd uncle and aunt. We had pasta, lasagne, sushi, salad and fish soup and cakes. After the kids finsihed their lunch, it was present opening time again.

In the afternoon, we decided to play mahjong and promptly went to buy a table from Hougang. We played and the kids also played all the way till evening. It was tiring but great fun for the kids.

Christmas eve

Brought Meryl to Vivocity in the afternoon. Kyle was barred from going for some reason, as usual. She was a darling and slept on the way there and did not wake up until Tagu arrived. By then I had already finished shopping at Daiso. We went to Pet Safari as she wanted to see the hamsters. Then we proceeded to Food Republic for some Toast as Meryl needed to much on something as did I. After lunch Meryl did some handicraft at a stall and had fun for only $2. She was very pleased with her bookmarks of fish, crab and ladybug. We then bought groceries from Giant for tomorrow's party but then had to go to NTUC Finest to get some other ingredients. Meryl slept for another 2 hrs. She had sotong ball and nuggets for dinner and it was already almost 10 when we reached home.

HSBC Tree-top Walk

23/12/2007 Sun

As expected the kids woke up late; as did we. It was 9 when I woke, followed by Kyle. Meryl finally woke up at 9.30. We quickly changed as we wanted to give our lungs a treat; fresh air at Macritchie. We went to pick up granddad and tagu then set off for the tree-top trail. The walk was very easy and scenic but too muddy from the rain yesterday. We walked for about 1 half hrs before reaching the tree-top but it was well-worth it as the view was quite spectacular from the top. It was only on the way back that it took a strain on the kids, esp Meryl who had been walking non-stop which wasn't an easy feat on her tiny legs. Yet she did not complain unlike the brother who whined and whined about how far it is and when are we stopping and that he wants to eat roti prata.

We decided on the way back to sent the hubby as a forerunner to get the car and pick us up halfway. Kyle stubbornly went with him which slowed him down considerably and ended up getting a tongue lashing from both tagu and me. We rushed Granddad back and the kids had a short swim before eating their lunch.

We were back at granddad's place again for dinner but the swim was cancelled as it rained very heavily. Feasted on popiah, ba kut teh, braised duck and chng tng. The kids played to their hearts content as we stayed on till the match between Man U and Everton ended (2:1) at 10. Tonight is the 1st night that Meryl is sleeping on her own in our bedroom...so far so good..

Night out at AMK Hub

Meryl had her ballet class in the morning after which we went to Tagu's house for lunch. We missed the cousins who were just on their way back. As usual, Kyle took the longest time to finish his food and got punished...again. I was so glad to be home as I was having about of diarrhoea and in dire need of sleep. I slept for 3 hrs straight and woke up to see the family in the middle of their dinner. After dinner, we watched a bit of tv and then decided to go AMK hub at 8.30. On the way Meryl already feeling sleepy as she slept only for an hr in the afternoon. We decided to stretch her. We went window shopping, then had french fries at Mac's, then bought some stuff at the exhibition hall, then grocery shopping at NTUC. The kids were quite hyper by then as it was already 10. They had biscuit and then some more bread along the way. By the time we reached home it was already 11. Meryl was still singing and playing and refusing to sleep. She was very 'high' as it was way past her bedtime. Finally the kids went to bed at 11.30.

Christmas Party at Wilson's

21/12/2007 Fri

Today was the annual gathering of a group of my friends. I went early with kids to Wil's place to help. Merylslept from 2.30 to almost 4 but Kyle again refused to sleep. Bea came with Auntie Grace and her son, Sol to pass Wil the dessert she made for the party. Then Uncle Rob and Auntie Meg came with their peranakan food of chicken korma, chicken masala, babi punteh, assam fish and ink squid. Then Mel and Chris came with their must-have tao suan and yu char kueh.

The kids entertained themselves watching Rui en and Chong meng play tennis on Wii console and then Kyle and Meryl played a round of boxing too. They played one game after another until dinner time when my kids get to watch their Little Einsteins. The food was great and spicy. Henry and Lena and Michelle and kids came while we were halfway through our food. The hubby came his golf to fetch the kids home while mummy played mahjung. The party ended at 9.30 for the kids and 4am for me! I was really K.O by then but $40 richer!!! :0)

Hari Raya Haji

20/12/2007 Thurs

Meryl woke up at 7 to pass urine then slept till 910 again. Had a slow morning reading papers then turned into a mad rush when we realised that we had to meet Tagu and 4th Aunt for brunch and we still needed to buy groceries from Giant. I wanted to get salmon which was at $1.09/100gm..Cheap! and oranges at 5 for 99cts..Cheap! Cannot miss...thus began our rush down to Giant Tampines, then back home to deposit our things then down to Tao payoh to meet the rest. The hubby was in a grouchy mood due to insufficient sleep and had a tiff with his sister over his son... Meanwhile Meryl was busy eating carrot cake, chee cheong fun, egg tart and mango pudding. We proceeded to Ah Chor's place where they continued eating peanut candies and biscuits. Then we headed home. Meryl and I slept from 4.15 to 7.15. Shiok! After dinner, Kyle received a heavy stroke of the cane from his daddy for being rude to me and for always disturbing his sister. I doubt he will forget this lesson easily.

After dinner of porridge, the hubby wanted to go 'gai gai' somewhere...in the end went to Compasspoint to walk and eat Ya Kun Roti with Tajiu and Jiiumu. Back home by 10.15 and kids slept by 11.

Orchard Road at X'mas

The children having their lunch after playing

The cousins on an outing to Orchard Road with Tagu

20/12/2007 Wed

Alex and Alisssa came to play with Kyle and Meryl. He was banned from watching tv for eating his breakfast too slowly. Trying to finish my History SOW. Helped Amy with her handphone crisis at home. Children lunched together. Napped from 2-4pm.

Tagu came to pick us ta 4.45 and then Jay at his place. Headed for Tangs to buy shoes for Jay then Sushi Tei at Taka for dinner. As usual Kyle got scholding but this time for talking loudly while Tagu on the phone. After lunch Tagu shopped for gifts for her 2 brothers then we walked down Orchard Rd. Left at about 9.20. Jay and Kyle stayed over. The huby came and picked Meryl and I home. Meryl talked and talked during bedtime. Finaaly went to sleep after a harsh scolding. By that time it was already 11.30pm.

Meryl's 3rd Birthday

18/12/2007 Tues

Meryl woke up at 9 today. We had our breakfast, showered, dressed up and there was still time to spare as we were ALL ready by 9.45. Jo brought all the presents and goodies to the car and we waited for it to be 10.10 as we were meeting Amy downstairs. YY and Alex and Alissa were already downstairs and we arrived at Downtown East at 10.35. Quite a lot of our guests were already there. The kids were each given a name label before they entered. My photographer Jac got lost and I had to meet her. She was instructed to take pictures of the kids in action. I was busy running around making sure that everything was in order. With Mel's help, we filled up the pinata with the goodies, then I went to order food for the adults.

At 11.15, we changed Meryl into her fairy princess outfit and she was tasked to gather all her friends in the function room for their lunch. My photographer again got lost and went out of the playgym...sigh... The kids tucked into their food happily and Meryl couldn't stop eating. She must be famished from all the excitement. After their meal, the coordinator played with them musical chair and what was funniest was that most of the kids refused to get a seat after they saw that the one who was out of the game getting a present. That included my son! The winner in the end was Celeste. Next was pinata time. All the kids, even baby Alissa got a chance to pull a string to bring the goodies down. Boy, were the children fast! They went down on all fours immediately to gather their favorite candies and in no time, their bags were full. On top of that, each kids also received a water bottle from the party organiser.

Then it was cake cutting. The cake was from Sweet Secrets with 3 beautiful Princesses, Ah em's present. Took lots of photos and the kids loved the cake. That was not the end of the party as the kids still get to continue playing at the playgym till 2.30. Each kids also recieve a balloon sculpture before they leave. Most of us stayed till 1.30 before heading home. The kids were exhausted and Meryl fell asleep in Amy's car. She woke up after we reached home and slept again at 3 with me. I was equally knocked out and woke up refreshed at 5. The kids had another meal of KFC with their macaroni and watched their shows with ah ma while the mummy had her own program!

Meryl's birthday celebration at Downtown East with 19 friends

Meryl's mini Birthday celebration

Popped over fil's place after breakfast with kids. Read newspaper and chit chat while waiting for brunch! As usual, Tagu bought a wide assortment of food, including the kids lunch at 11. Both kids wanted their dad to feed, I was more than happy :) At one point he refused to heed my advice not to give mushroom to Meryl and a struggle ensued with Meryl keeping the food for more than 20 mins in That mouthful. In the end, he accepted defeat.

We brought lunch for my mom and then the kids went homr for their nap and I was totally knocked out till 5. We hurried over Fil's place for a swim before the rest came back for dinner. Tim and I wen out to buy a cake from Angie's choice for the celebration later. For dinner the butter crab that Pansy bought was simply divine...ummm..yum yum..then TY and his family came right after our dinner. The kids then segregated in the bedroom as usual but this time they were kept separated as some had not fully recovered. Leng became the 'bridge' between the well and not so well ones. The kids, nevertheless, still had fun just seeing each other.

At 8, after Fil returned, we set the table for the cake and took lots of photos. Meryl was in a new dress made by her Xiaogu and her hair tied in pleats just like the girl in her cake. She got to blow all her 3 candles this time under the watchful eyes of her Ah pek as none of the boys dared to defy his order. Meryl was thrilled with the vanity dressing table bought by her Xiaogu but was to open only onher actual birthday.

Grandma's little drama

Today, at her ballet class, Meryl told me to wait for her outside and I happily obliged. Chatted with Jan while waiting and exchanged anecdotes of our kids. After class, I collected Meryl and Raine and waited for Byron to pick us. Meryl danced a little for grandma before she left to meet her friend.

5 min after she left, she called saying that her sandals broke and she slipped and fell and possibly twisted something. We went down with another pair of shoes and saw her to the bus stop. Along the way, met Amy with Nerise and went to her house to do some 'tattooing'. The kids had fun playing with the Dora tent and we stayed till 12.30.

The hubby and I went to pick mom up to send her to see a sinseh. Then he went to cut hair and I did some more grocery shopping. Kyle again refused to nap and I brough him up to Amy's again to play with Raine and Nerise. Then Raine came to our house and stayed till 5.30, playing toys and watching some video clips with her in it. Meryl get her wish of crispy fish tonight, something that she was requesting for this afternoon. now they are still eating. The hubby is feeding Kyle now...let him have a taste of how SLOW his son is... Tonight we are having mahjong..yeah!

Alvin and the Chipmunks

Waiting for a taxi in the middle of sengkang

We were stranded somewhere in Sengkang on our way to Tampines after receiving an sms from Vic that the show was 1030 and not 1040. We changed our plans from taking bus to cab but no cab was in sight. In the end, I had to call for one and we managed to reach there at 1035 . We quickly grabbed 3 booster seats and was in time to catch some trailers. Meryl was very happy with her seat, on the steps next to me as she was the only one there and there was absolutely no blockage! The kids including QQ enjoyed the movie and even more the popcorn. After we finshed, tajiu came to give us a lift home and Meryl, as usual, fell asleep in the car.

I spent the afternoon packing my wardrobe and clearing some clothes while my mom prepared popiah for dinner. Kyle woke up 1st and watched me pack. Then after Meryl woke, they watched Diego together. Auntie Giao came for dinner and happily helped me cart some clothes home. After dinner, Yang Yang kor kor came over to play games with the kids while I wrapped presents from 9-12! Never knew wrapping to be such a tedious job!!!

Island Princess Barbie at Raffles City

Our very own Princess Meryl in her birthday outfit

It was bright and sunny today so I decided to bring the kids out to watch Island Princess with QQ at Raffles City. The kids got ready in a jiffy but Jo was grouching about how it was a waste of the sun to dry clothes cos she had to keep them incase it rains and she's not here to collect. We arrived at about 1115 and immediately went to have our lunch. Vic and QQ arrived 15 mins later.

The musical was really good. It even had live band! The cast was strong and vocals powerful. The only thing lacking was action. Last year's dancing princess was full of dancing and drama. Anyway Meryl kept asking where was the princess and when I pointed out the lady in white, she insisted that it was only a 'beautiful auntie' as she wasn't in her princess costume yet.The kids enjoyed themselves and Meryl fell asleep in the cab after all the excitement.

During naptime today, Kyle raised a very good question. 'Mummy why you always so angry?' He then added that daddy always so happy but I am always so angry. I asked him what will make me happy and he said he doesn't know. I told him that eating fast will make me happy, taking care of his sister will make me happy and doing his work will make me happy. Can he make me happy and not angry? I know that I am not the best company to have around but I get so upset with him every time and it's hard to smile and not get angry despite the countless resolutions I've made to be nicer to him. I remembered my conversation with the hubby yesterday . He said that that we shouldn't restrict the children too much and just let them be. But do kids know what's best for them? If we don't discipline them, who will? We were unable to reach a consensus on this.

Tonight was the night the floodgate opened. Kyle was insisting on Little Einstein which starts at 6 but I told him that he had already watched 2 shows and now was time for dinner. He refused and was whining. I then negotiated with him that I will let him watch on the computer after he has finished his dinner but he was adamant and tried snatching the remote from me. He was being very unreasonable and after a few attempts at talking nicely to him, I caved in. I went for the cane and I whacked...and I whacked....and I whacked.... I ordered him to his room and stipulated that he is to have no tv tonight and whole of tomorrow. His grandma interceded for him and gave him his dinner. Here I am at the computer but the blood still boils when I hear the grandma asking him to chew his food. Uuurghhh....why why why can't he eat faster!!!!!

After his dinner, I had a 'debrief' with him. I asked him how tonight's incidence could have been averted. He was still evasive and did not want to admit his mistake. In the end, it boiled down to just 2 words that he could have used in order to save his skin, watch his favorite show and still go out with me. The 2 words are, 'Yes, mummy.' Simple but to a head-strong boy like Kyle, it's the hardest words to mouth.

That night he was barred from going out. Went Hougang Mall with Meryl and grandma. Meryl basked in our attention. While waiting for the lift at the lift lobby, she sang her favorite Hokkien song.

Daddy's Home!

12/18/2007 Wed

The hubby is coming back today. Time to get the fridge stocked up again. The maid and I had been living on leftovers the past few days and the kids had their fill of noodles and pastas but now that The Hubby is back, he is going to need real food. The menu today is fish head curry and black glutinous rice with ice-cream for dessert. All his favorite. Reckoned that I need to give him something to look forward to. So in the morning, we all marched downed to NTUC at Rivervale Mall.

After an hour, we had filled up one trolley full of food to last us the rest of the week. Then we proceeded to Mac's for a little treat for the kids. French Fries! while I shopped some more. Managed to get nice and cheap socks, a table cloth and a belt. The it was up the free shuttle heading home. Kyle kicked up a fuss again when it was time for his cold noodles, something that he requested for earlier. It made my blood boil when he does things like that. Giving him what he wants and he making it difficult. I railed at him which made him cry and me angrier at each passing second. He finally went to his chair after I almost burst a vein. I was telling myself.' one of these days he's going to get it really hard from me!' and entertained thoughts of a beating so hard that he will not dare do it again... and I fear for him and myself should I let the floodgate open.

After their nap, the kids watched the 12 dancing princess and I went to pick up their dad. The kids were still stuck at the dining table when we arrived home and despite their dad's presence, they continued to eat slowly...sigh.... MY patience is running out ...

Another Rainy Day

It reminded me of the predicament of the 2 kids in Dr Seuss' story, "The Cat in the Hat'. It was too wet to go out, it was too cold to play ball, so we sat in the house and did nothing at all'. My poor kids were stuck in the house whole of yesterday and today, it seemed to be the case.. again. While my maid bemoaned the fact that none of her clothes are going to dry today, the children seemed resigned to staying indoor. They watched their usual diet of Little Einstein and HigglelyTown Heroes, then played with whatever they laid their hands on and duly have their lunch and then read a little before napping. Today Kyle refused to nap again, so I let him do his own reading and play on his own. After I woke up from my own nap, they were playing 'doggie' game with Meryl acting as the dog and Kyle pulling her on a 'leash'. After dinner, we rushed to Meryl's ballet mate's house to measure her feet for the shoes and the kids had a great time there. NEW TOYS!! After that they went home and I rushed for my meeting.

1st Ballet Lesson

Meryl with Casey

8/12/2007 Sat

Meryl went for her 1st proper ballet lesson today after we drove her dad to the airport. She wore her leotards and her tutu and looked SOOOOO cute! The class was very small, only 2 other girls and a little boy (trial). She was very sticky to me after I told her that I cannot be in the room with her today. Luckily a sweet solved the problem and she became the most attentive student. The girls got a lot of attention as the class was small and Meryl enjoyed herself very much.

Went to Jalan Kayu with Uncle Ryan, Auntie Jennifer, 3rd Grandaunt, grandma and Tagu. Had a feast of Malay food before heading home for mahjong. The kids slept and after their dinner went over to stay at their granddad's place. Meryl was thrilled but still remembered that she needed to 'keep me company'. I told her that her mission is to look after her kor kor then she happily nodded and left.

The next morning, they feasted on Macdonald's breakfast and went to see the lights at Orchard in the evening. They were totally exhausted by the time they returned home at 10.

Poor Mummy

The hip got worse and I was walking with a limp. It affected the whole neck area as well and I had to stay home, as did the girl. So whilst the brother was out at Sentosa, riding cable cars, visiting wax museum and underwater world, my girl and I watched cartoons, read books and played online games.

She was such a dear. The only thing she asked of me was to sit down with her to watch the cartoon in the morning because 'Nobody watching with me. and to read her some books.

In the afternoon after lunch, while seated at the computer and after a talk with her brother on the phone, Meryl and I had a conversation that went like this:

Me : Mummy so saaaad...kor kor does not want to come home.
M : Don't be sad ok, I'm here.
Me : Why? Why kor kor doesnt want to come home?
Meryl thought for a while and tried to come up with an answer...finally she said this:
M : Because mummy always scold kor kor.
Me : Mummy also scold you, you still want to stay with me? Or you want to stay with Tagu?
M : I stay here with you...you don't be sad.. I keep you company, ok? I take care of you.

Heart warmed and smiles spilled... hugs and cuddles...and resolution to scold the kids less..

In the evening after the hubby had taken his dinner, we went over to 'visit' our son. We found him having fun in the shower with Jay. After his shower, we tried to strike up a conversation with him but to no avail. He persistently asked to watch Tom and Jerry. Only Jay was answering the questions. My son was Not interested in talking he only wants his TV. When it was time to leave, both parties were amicable...my son did not ask to go back with us and my girl did not ask for her brother to go home. ( she did mention earlier that kor kor never come home, she can sleep with me, is it?)

While mummy was away

5-6/12/2007 Wed and Thurs

I decided to take a break for myself since the hubby was going to be away next week for 5 days. I went Jb to re-charge and re-invent my working wardrobe. Although it was a mere 1 night, the hubby was most unagreeable citing leaving the children alone as reason that I SHOULD NOT go. The most inopportune thing to happen was my girl coming down with a cough and runny nose before I left (likely due to the long swim in icy cold waters on Sunday evening) Nonetheless, I went ahead, putting them in my maid's good hands and calling ever so often back to check on them!

They spent an uneventful day at home on Wednesday and had their grandma to play with in the afternoon and their dad who came back early in the evening to keep them company. Meryl woke up at 11pm and threw up a lot of phelgm and then slept fitfully for the night.

The next day the hubby sent Kyle to his Tagu's house as she had taken 2 days off to bring the kids out. According to her, Kyle and his cousin Jay had a rolling good time together so much so that they decided to also stay there for 2 weeks! The highlight of the day for them was the Night Safari outing which ended at 12 midnight. Meanwhile I returned from my shopping trip and spent the night with my girl and hubby. I pulled a tendon near my hip area and was nursing the 'broken' hip.

Angels and devils

This morning, the kids were angels. After their breakfast, Kyle wanted to watch TV but I told him that Little Einsteins is only at 1030 so he asked to play jigjaw puzzles on the computer. He entertained the little sister for half an hour before going for his bath which by then was time for his fave show. They watched it till 11am followed by Higglely town Heroes and then did not complaint when I switch the TV off. Then I suggested doing some reading which they readily agreed. Then it was 12pm, time for my lunch cum meeting with some new colleagues.

The kids had lunch at the same time as us but in the kitchen. After lunch Kyle and Meryl did the glass art painting without disturbing us. When they had finished, they played by themselves in the room until it was time for their nap. They really were seen but not heard and we could conduct our meeting in peace. At 3.35, Kyle woke up and watched tv followed by Meryl at 4. Our meeting ended fruitfully at 4.30.

To reward them, I did some more outlines of the glassart painting for them while they played with their toys. It was then the unfortunate incident happened. In the next room, Meryl suddenly cried very loudly. We all rushed into the room to see her lips bleedly badly from a deep cut. Apparently she had fallen down while trying to climb up the bunkbed with her hands full. Instead of showing her sympathy, I chided her for her her negligence. Despite her cries, I put her in her punishment corner and queried her on her action. She admitted that she was in the wrong. After we stopped the bleeding she was given a cold teething ring to reduce the swell. The we revisit the video that I took on "Bunkbed rules" (can be found on youtube). She dared not make any more noise after that and was still game to go playground.

According to Jo, she finished her dinner very fast despite the swollen lips and had no problem eating. But each time I see the wound, my heart cringe and I feel the pain for her. Even her father when he came back was wincing, ' Aiyoh, so poor thing!' ever so often that evening. Of course she had to sleep with me tonight despite Kyle vehement protests. He tried very hard to reason with us that they both should sleep with us but I told him that Meryl wasn't feeling well. It took quite a while to get him to back off even though he was told that tomorrow will be his turn...sigh... I believe next time when they grow up, they will be fighting over the exact opposite!

Skate Scooter

03/11/2007 Mon

The kids spent a lazy morning at home watching tv, playing along corridors then lunch followed by their nap. The highlight of today was at the playground where Meryl tried out her new scooter. They were very excited and asked to put on their helmets and wore their track shoes. Meryl was still very unfamiliar with how to skate while Kyle was far far ahead of us. In the end, she stood on her scooter and I pulled her all the way to the playground. We stayed for about an hour and they left reluctantly as all their friends were still there.

Ballet Trial lesson

2/11/2007 Sun

Morning was a mad rush...the kids were eating their breakfast so slowly, I just realised that the RC organised Kampong Spirit (which I bought 7 tickets) was today and Meryl's ballet trial was at 1015. We managed to get the kids showered and ready by 10 afterwhich Jo went to collect the gifts and snacks and I collected Raine to go for ballet. Luckily Tim agreed to drive us over.

The 2 girls were so excited about the lesson. They did not hesitate at all when the class started although Meryl kept asking to wear the leotard that looks sooooo cute! Both of them followed very closely to the teacher's instructions initially but soon Meryl's attention waned and she began her mischiefs, like looking around, hopping and calling out to me. Halfway through the lesson, Kerise, another neighbour's kid warmed up and also joined them. 5 min before the lesson ended, Amy arrived and Raine refused to dance anymore and Meryl followed suit. We signed them up for Sat classes and then headed home.

After the kids' nap, we went to fil's place where the kids swam. After dinner Tim and I went out to do grocery shopping at NTUC Xtra for 1 and half hours. We left fil's place only at 10. The kids had their milk , washed up, reviewed their behaviour and went to bed. It was kyle's turn to sleep with us tonight. He asked a lot of questions about good birds and bad birds tonight which I half-heartedly attempted to answer until the dad came in and gave the ultimatum. No more Noise!

Visiting Day

01/12/2007 Sat

Kyle was not home and the whole morning was so peaceful. Sort of missed his noise! We took our time getting ready before we popped over to Dominic's place. When we reached there, he was busy watching a show. I helped Amy with some editing then at about 11ish, popped down to Koufu with the 2 kids to buy lunch up. Dominic's roasted chicken was a success and the kids also enjoyed their macaroni. At about 1 plus, we wanted to get the kids back for their nap but Kyle simply refused to bulge saying that he's staying at Ta jiu's place for a week. It took much coaxing plus threats to make him leave. I believe that the main reason is that Tajiu gives in to his every demand whereas at home he does not get much leeway with his autocratic parents.

After our nap, we left for 3rd grandaunt's house for dinner. Our initial plan was to go Orchard to see the lights after but ended up playing mahjong while the kids watched 'Cat in the Hat'. We ended at about 9.30.

Conversation with Meryl 3

01/12/2007 Sat

Before we went to ta jiu's house.

M : Mummy, go out cannot bring toys, right?
Me : Yes, that's right, who taught you that?
M : I teach myself.

At the carpark.

M : Daddy I want to sit in front.
Me : No, no sit behind with mummy.
M : I promise I will not touch anything.
Dad : Okay, you be a good girl.

In the car.

Me : If you want to sit in front, you must buckle up yourself.

Meryl pulling the seatbelt and managed to buckle it herself.

M : See! I know how to buckle up.
Me: Wow, very good. Who taught you?
M : I taught myself...I am a BIG girl.
M: Daddy I want to read map (road directory).

She 'studied' the directory for the next 6 min until we reached the carpark.

M: I don't want already...my head very giddy.
Daddy was surprised that she knows what giddiness is.

Clayworks and Photo frames

30/11/2007 Fri

Kyle and Meryl were excited. Today their friends were coming over to do some claywork. Meryl helped me get up the mahjong papers on the wall for the kids to mess around with. At 10am, Belle and Joel arrived and they had some snacks before they began. Kyle monopolised the spray paint while Belle diligently colored the pictures that her mom drew for her.

At about 11, QQ came and we all got ready to do clay painting. The children started well, tyring to manipulate the brushed but the boys very soon lost interest and went to play with toy cars. Next to go was QQ then my girl and it ended up with the mummies salvaging the mess for them. But at least it was therapeutic for us and we too had fun. The kids then watched Little Einsteins together before having their lunch. Annette, Siew Luan's baby joined us at about 12. After lunch the kids continued playing till about 2 before they left.

After the kids' nap which was very short due to some renovation work upstairs, they had a quick dinner before Ta jiu came to fetch us to Tampines to buy Meryl's present. We had dinner then proceeded to Toys R us where Meryl chose a Pink scooter as her present. On the way back, Kyle decided that he wanted to stay at Ta jiu's house. He even suggested staying there for 1 week and then changed his mind, saying he wanted 8 weeks! The main reason I think is to escape punishment for his bad behavior tonight. Anyway, we packed his things and he happily left.

No TV Day

29/11/2007 Thurs

Kyle was barred from watching today whole day. Reason? He was rude to me when I tried to change channels the previous night. As the punishment was meted out by the dad who takes a Very serious view on rudeness, he meekly accepted. According to helper, he did not fuss about no tv and both of them played by themselves in the morning, busy with playdoh and scooter.

After their nap, we went on what Meryl called 'a mission'. Our mission today was to jog to Meryl's new Dance school at the CC. First we had to cross the road, then run across the field and walked by the river. Mission Completion! (Little Einsteins fans will know what I'm writing about) On the way back, we plucked some flowers to make dried flowers to make into cards. The children were Most enthusiastic about it...esp Meryl, who stopped and stopped and I had to shout and shout to get her moving!

Our plans to Giant was scrapped and instead we did the Christmas tree lightup. The kids were thrilled esp with one of the functions. The lights lit up and then fade. We jokingly told them that to blow the 'candles' and they had So much fun doing just that. When the lights fade away after they blew at it, they laughed and jumped around before the next round. Then we watched a documentary on sharks before the kids 'fought' about whose turn is it to sleep in our room.