Halloween

no formal party or celebration for Halloween, never in our practise to celebrate anyway.

Zethan slept till 8.30am which is a bliss for us and he did something so uber sweet to me. I was still half asleep when I felt the blanket pulled over my feet and was drowned with sweetness realising that it was Zethan who did that, awww.

In case you might be wondering why am I so meticulously blogging a post on a daily basis is because for the month of Oct is Blogtoberfest which requires blogger to publish a post everyday. well I did not participate formally by registering in the founder's website but thought to do it for fun and try it out. I was pretty surprised myself that I could hold it out and accomplished like 99% of the 'mission' that is only missing out on one day's post. It goes to show that if one set your mind to complete a task, nothing is quite impossible, at least true for me in this case. Initially was very skeptical on where on earth would I be able to find so many topics to blog about each day but I did it! Anyhow since today is the last day of Oct, it mark the end of Blogtoberfest as well. Although posting will no longer be on a daily basis but will try to keep it as updated as possible.

so how did we spend this halloween? suddenly woke in the morning recalling that there is a public holiday in mid of Nov so went to check it out. Was elated to find that 17 Nov 2010 is a PH thus we will be able to make it for the additional show at 2.30pm for SSO Babies Prom. Got all excited and tried to surf the Sistic website for booking of tickets. Now this is the first time I am going to a concert thus hopeless in online booking. after fiddling around for 20mins, decided to try my luck at the Sistic agents.

went to IMM for breakfast @ Cafe Cartel and Zethan does not seem to be keen in french toast and omelete but still down half slide of french toast with some sausages.

The experience at the Sistic counter was not a pleasant one to start with. They displayed a sign on the counter stating that due to technical faults, services are not avail but I waited anyhow. The lady attend to me after a 10 mins wait and she actually asked me to join the long queue at the Redemption counter! So I questioned her what is the differentiation between this Sistic counter and Redemption counter. She replied due to overwhelming response of duno what it is and she mumbled on which I take no notice of by cutting her long story short asking if it is down or avail. It was only then that she told me avail and went on to ask for details of the tickets to be purchased. Selecting seats is another nonsense, initially she leave only 2 options to choose from which is similar to each other being in the far end, just a matter of left or right. When I hesitated and queried again if there is no other options avail (she said no the first time I asked), then she 'released' the better seats which I booked with no questions asked. Not that they are very well located but at least much better than what's offered earlier and closer to the stage, aisle seats.

So yes, we will be going to SSO Babies prom. Have heard so much about it and response is really overwhelming, selling like hot cakes. It did not help that they open sales of tickets to SSO members being public so it is no wonder the intial 4 shows are totally sold out. So glad that there is this additional show and it fall on a PH! will write a review after attending!

JG Week 7

miss out on last week's class due to work reason. the daddy send us for class today as he is on leave before starting his work in a new company soon. Thinking that with extra help on hand, we would be able to leave for class on time but who knows....rather not go there.

anyway today is one of the rare occasion whereby both mummy and son slept from 10pm last night till 9+am this morning. as usual the sensor in him was activated 5 mins after I woke to wash up. and it was partly due to this reason thath Zethan missed his morning nap and had to attend class without one which worries me big time. crossing my fingers and toes that he will be fine in class which luckily he did except being much more sticky as usual, always demanding to be carried.

we learnt about letter M including Mary mouse, monkey and monkey not to forget Huo Zi (monkey in chinese). as for art & crafts, we did a paper cup monkey of which Zethan is not very keen in. He hardly spread the paint on the paper cup and did not bother to help stick on the face, hands, legs and tails. Though the glitters interest him abit an besides spreading on the monkey, he glittered himself too. For the chinese bit, it was a jack in the box monkey using a plastic container which is largely parents work. However Zethan is rather amused by the end result with the monkey popping once the cover is removed.

Snack time did not interest him much as well with sausages, papaya and this cereal looking snack which is sweet and hard. I was pleased that he brought the plate and cup to be kept away all by himself which received Safina's praise of him having good eye hand coordination. Music and story time is tiring as he cling on to me and had to be carried thoughout the whole session thanks to no morning nap, hardly have time for me to catch up on my breathe! As for outdoor activity, it was playground time and as usual he spent more than 95% of the time playing with balls.

Brought him to Changi Airport for some running around and exploration. He is fascinated with the conveyor belts and the baggages moving around and this weird fella insisted on playing at the playground when it did not interest him in JG and they are exactly the same. Threw his tantrum when I have to get him to change his diaper but was easily distracted. Dinner was bad for Zethan when he had a serious meltdown, reason unknown. He as eating fine untill the point he decide to fuss and cry badly. The daddy did not manage to pacify him or calm him down and clearly was embarassed by the situation yet again. I had to carry him away, brought him to a quite corner where nobody passed by and try to calm him down. It took a while repeatedly telling him to calm down while giving him a hug and it worked! we went back to finish his dinner quick and nice without a whimper.

Oh, Halloween tomorrow, no plans yet and not sure what to do.

Old

on this day 3x years ago, a premature baby girl (7 months gestation) was borned in KKH according to the lunar calendar.

mum said that she was being induced uncertain of the reason why though and she had to go into labour for more than 24 hours.

so today she insisted that having mee sua with TWO eggs is a must and that is actually what I have for dinner tonight. The mee sua & pork fillet reminded me of my confinement 20 months back....

Here it come

the true significance of Terrible Twos or some rather say its Terrific Twos...

Testing boundary in public is a very challenging affair not so much to myself but a great deal to the daddy. The first sign showed up earlier this evening.

As it is a known fact that Zethan is a super duper big fan of Mickey Mouse and it is amazing how he can spot one hidden in a corner behind a row of magazines, the smallest figurine in the showcase or even just a quick glance while passing by. So just now we were in the supermarket when he spotted the Kleenex tissue boxes printed with Mickey Mouse. He walked over and exclaimed very loudly Eeeee which is a norm by the way. He insisted on carrying a whole pack of 5 boxes and will not take no as an answer. We walked away while he stood there firmly crying out loud, refuse to budge. Naturally for me, ignorance is the best strategy and walked away oblivious to any stares. Within seconds, the daddy walked back to him and picked him up.

Part II ~ he held my hand and walked into the game arcade. We explore 2 rounds in the tiny confined rowdy space and I told him it's time to go. Meltdown once again, insisted on staying in the arcade. I opened the glass door walking out while he had no choice but to follow suit not before putting up a fight, crying and yelling while walking!

brave myself for more to come!

chores

as in household chores....

Zethan showed keen interest in helping out with the chores at home even though most if not all the time we does them when he is having his nap esp vaccuming, mopping, cleaning etc. Only during his naptime we do not have to spend double the time on the chores as the other half of the time is spent guarding against him and his disturbances.

Few days back, he dug up the packet of wet wipes from the diaper bag and started pulling them out piece by piece. Don't they just love doing that, uncertain of the reason why. Upon knowing that I am watching him, caught in action, he displayed super duper good behaviour by helping to clean with the wipes pulled out. Clean the floor repeatedly, clean the wall, clean the couch in living room, clean the dining chair etc.

Earlier in the evening, we were keeping his laundry so I sat on the couch folding them. Instead of his usual stunts of messing up the folded laundry, he chose to help and fold the clothes. It was a hilarious sight and I could not help giggling and had to ask him to pause and re-fold to be captured on video. A moment not to be missed!

Wow

lately Zethan love to go 'WAH' when he see things that fascinate him.

it can be as simple as stepping into the neighbourhood mall which he frequents ever so frequently yet he can go 'wahhh' upon entering the mall. wonder if the passerbys who heard him might think that he is some kind of mountain tortoise!

that is what happen just now. prior to that, i am waiting in the car for him at the foot of our block. he approach my car, flash his cheeky smile and go 'waahhh'....funny aren't he.

so yes, he is going to continue his 'wah' adventure for a good while.

Hort park

we have been talking about making a trip to Hort park for a walk since many moons ago but somehow it did not happen due to one reason or another. Either the timing is not right (naptime or mealtime) or weather is unbearable, it does not help when myself and Zethan is not very fond of being close to nature (read perspiring like mad).

The last few days were pretty hazy and all are trying to keep acitivities indoor if possible. This afternoon, a heavy downpour not only dispersed the haze as well as kept the temperature low. After marketing and taking advantage that we are at mum's place which is just 5 mins drive to Hort Park, we decided to make a trip there.

Reached there at about 6pm and took a walk in the park which is very pleasant since the temperature is ideal and humidity is just nice. We spent about an hour there till the sky turned dark before we head back. It is rather interesting as we managed to show Zethan millipede which he took a look and went on to say goodbye to it without reservation, a look of disgust in his face. he is fascinated by the fishes in the pond near the entrance, the little flowers seen along the way, water features and best of all, super excited sighting the numerous slides.

Guess the walk is a little too much for the little guy and he attempted a few tries asking to be carried. A mental note, the next trip to bring along stroller / tricycle or buggy to push him around.

Gently

the whole family had a rush rush sat today, packed with activities adjacent to one another. First I had to be at work for the whole day (9 to 5) and had to miss Zethan's first class photo taking and parents chat at JG. So the daddy had to attend instead and does the multiple fetch and send.

okay, back to topic. We went to a Baby Callie's baby shower after Zethan's class. For once, Zethan was not very pleased when I held the pretty little thing and displayed a tint of jealousy by sticking closely. Zethan did not have had the chance to be up close to an infant in recent times thus I though it will be a good opportunity to test his reaction towards the infant.

So I told Zethan, "can you yang yang (carrass) baby, gently please?". It was so heartwarming to see him cautiously carrassing the baby's mitten and then very gently carrass baby's head & hair. Awww.....

New pattern

Chut new pattern, yet again, what's new?

sure signs of Terrible Two making its grand entrance, when situation do not goes his way, he layed on the floor and throw tantrum! be it yelling, screaming, kicking.....no rolling yet.

good thing is it only happened at home, not in public thank godness at least not for now. my instinct tells me that it will not be long before he displayed such behaviour in public, braving ourselves with such acts (quietly crossing fingers and toes it will not happen, will be such a blessing).

Haze

it's the time of the year where by like it or not, the haze is here to harasse us. It is indeed very irritating to be smelling the dry burnt smell everywhere you go. the sky is grey and gloomy somehow quite affecting everybody's mood and health!

started with very mild haze on sat with low PSI but definitely escalating over the last few days and hit a high of PSI 108 this evening. It is an irritant to the respiratory system to adults not to mention young children. So we are sure that outdoor activities will be kept to a minimum lest having to be expose to the dry stale smokey air.

Myself for one is already quite affected by the haze which is giving me a blocked nose followed by scratchy throat. Just this afternoon, was engulfed by sudden wave of nausea and giddiness which is causing great discomfort.

Never ending, year after year thanks to our neighbouring country.

Height

Zethan is 85cm tall and 11.6kg recorded during the last trip to PD for his MMR. Speaking of which, we have sailed past the 2 weeks incubation period of post jab symptoms of fever or rashes. Phews.

Back to topic, most of the guide as to whether a child needs to pay or not is majority based on height. Say for example, ticket in a cinema ~ 90cm, fares on MRT / Bus ~ 90cm (that's if I am right cos I am clueless here since we don't often take public transport) and the list goes on.

I wonder if the relevant corporation and authority might just think about reviewing into the height limitation that is currently in use at this moment. I mean come on, most children these days are well fed with parents in this mondern era well informed and concerned with their children's diet and food consumption etc. Take a look around and it is not difficult to identify that it is very likely that before even the child turns 2 years old, they would have exceed the stipulated height. In fact Zethan's buddies Cayden and Jon are fast approaching or rather exceeding the height when they are like only 21 months old now. It is ridiculous that young toddlers would have to pay for fares or tickets to get in the cinema.

Of course for profiteering issues, who would have bothered to do any adjustments or review.

Headrest

Did I mention that I bought a headrest the other day for Zethan to be used when he is in the car seat.

Many a times, I have noticed that should he fall asleep in the car seat, mostly if not all the time, his head will fall in awkward positions throughout the journey, especially so when he is travelling in my car. Although he did not seem to feel the discomfort (since he continue sleeping soundly), it sure make the onlooker feel uncomfortable.

Having heard about very good feedbacks from Ophe and Sue Lin, I decided to get one to try it out which is not very costly in the first place. Coupled with discount offered in Taka, no reason to resist the temptation. Got the penguin headrest which is marketed as limited edition.

Verdict ~ he did not take to it very well which apparently is quite normal in the beginning. Hopefully very soon, it's a matter of can't live without it. Only once did he fall asleep with the headrest on but it is quote out of place and somehow do not feel right.

Sniffles

got it for 2 consecutive weekend, start on sat and last till sun even another day or two.

while the discomfort get to me, more concerned about Zethan catching it if it is a bug, hopefully not otherwise can be draining.

wonder what's wrong? burnt out? stress? weather? haze?

Read

I love sundays as it's the only day the whole family can sleep in together, that's it provided Zethan is willing to which hardly happen thus sleeping in become a luxury.

We borrowed a book titled Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? from JG library and I have been reading to him before his nap or bedtime coupled with some little actions tagged with words like "what", "see" etc. The story spoke about the individual animals and what they see which is another animal. As I flipped the page and read about the next animal, I will usually point to the picture of the animal in the book.

This morning something funny happened. I am still in bed and this Zethan decide to wake up very very early like 7-ish, whining and fussing with the daddy. I ignored him while the daddy had to see to him since Zethan is fussing with him instead (what a bliss right, for me). I continued to drift off to sleep and the next moment (not sure how long after), I felt Zethan sitting beside me and holding my hands pointing to the book! I peeped at him while he continue to do so, guess he must be trying to imitate me reading the book to him.

Little actions they do tend to surprise and never failed to amaze us don't they.

JG Week 5

I ~ Insect, Kun Chong

Class today did not start off well for Zethan. During freeplay, he was 'slapped' by a younger peer I believe unintentionally and good thing is the mum is apologetic about it. Well, I know it is unavoidable but it was a loud slap and somehow feel heartpain about it. That aside, it did affect Zethan as he is moody and clingy, demanding to go outdoor during music and storytime (this did not happen for past 2 lessons). He was observed to be very weary of his surroundings, retreat when people walked close to him.

He was not very keen in art & craft, making of caterpillar (using dough and sticking of pipecleaners on its body), fireflies. Snacks served was biscuits, cheese cubes and papaya. He only took less tha half of a cheese cube, 2 biscuits and dislike the papaya, spat out after keeping in his mouth.

Zethan must have enjoyed himself lots during outdoor activity which is waterplay! He took to it rather instantly and did not mind the splashes, squirting and water being poured on him when the teachers teased him. He is one of the last to leave despite the water trough being emptied and he even attempt to unplug the stopper in the trough.

Books

decided that Zethan have more than sufficient toys in fact a little too much.

Thus recently I have been inclined towards buying books for him hopefully to cultivate his passion for reading which he is seriously lacking in, at least as of now.

quite naturally been 'sniffling' around for good deals for books. The few most recent collection come from MPH as they are having children's day special at 30% off with purchase of any 3 or more books. It's a good deal which prompt me to buy 4 books at one go.

Last week after class, we went to JG library as well but to my disappointment, we are only allowed to loan one book! so pathetic.

wonder how will the daddy react if I were to suggest going to MPH sales at Singapore Expo tomorrow!

Pee

out of the sudden, this lil guy developed a weird bad habit.

Whenever his diapers are off, he will PEE!!!

be it before bath, after bath, diapering etc

time for potty training?

can try it out!

21 months

it seem like just yesterday when we were worrying about his milk feeds, sleep patterns blah blah blah and now he turned 21 months old.

the last 21 months isn't a totally smooth journey with it fair shares of ups and downs. On good days, everything was like a bed of roses while on a rough day, one can go bonkers with the hair pulling events.

Zethan is pretty adventurous with food these days and he will ask for table food despite finishing his own meals. We have relaxed a great deal on his meals especially over the weekend. Gone are the days when we have to lug along his food jar with home cooked food. I have decided that it is pretty okay to have a taste of outside food or junk food for that matter for the weekends since he get to have decent home cooked food over the week.

His development in speech improved slightly with a new found favourite word NO. At times he appear to understand what is meant by NO coupled with shaking of his head otherwise he think it's fun to say NO for the sake of saying it. He pronounced Daddy very clearly especially so when he bid him goodbye at the doorstep for work (protesting ~ simply unfair!)

Thanks to the daddy who chose the easy way out, he is very addicted to Iphone either watching his own videos or MMC which so far remain his all time favourite. While I do not approved of it, I must admit that it does help to pacify him when time is of essence e.g. mealtime, ours that is.

He can take instructions pretty well if he feels like it. Of late he is rather well behaved which I chose to believe it is a passing phase or rather perhaps calm before a brewing storm but I'm enjoying these moments while it last. Just the other day, we were eating out at a food court. As we were early, the place is rather empty. I led him to a table and instruct him to stay at the table while I grab a high chair for him, all the while observing him and keeping him in sight. He did not move an inch till I returned.

His afternoon nap is reducing tremendously with previously accumulative of minimum 3 hrs to current barely 2 hrs affair. This is tough for me since I can't be sure when he will be up thus unable to complete my chores or even start any of my chores when we are alone on sat.

Meanwhile I am still considering if we should place him in child care next year when he turns 2 years old. This is pretty tricky at this point of time as we are in the process of possibly relocating so unable to plan till concrete decisions are made.

Chace

A post specially dedicated to the Ang Family.

Welcome to parenthood once again and big warm welcome to Chace arriving 12.10.2010 at 9.19am weighing 2.68kg and measure 50cm in 'height'. Cool numbers spotted huh and coincidentally Chace and Caleb Kor Kor share the same birthday 12th only on different month and different year of course. Not to forget my little guy as well who turn 21 months today!

We paid a visit to the Ang Family in Gleneagles earlier (Zethan included)and what a sweetie pie Chace is. Ophe looks good despite the side effects of Hapidural getting to her while Jason is clearly overjoyed!

Weird enough, Zethan is not very keen to look at baby Chace so no chance to take a photo together. However I did take one with Chace, such a precious moment! Photo to be uploaded soon when I lay hands on it (taken with Ophe's camera). Updated with photo!

Once again, congrats to Ophe and Jason on the new addition to the family!

Excitement

Had an eventful today.

Slipped and fell this morning in the carpark because of some inconsiderate idiot who left a big puddle of engine oil at the entrance of the carpark. What a relief that I am not pregnant or not carrying Zethan otherwise consequence is unthinkable. Break the fall with my knee instead of landing on my bum fearing of hurting the tailbone. My kneecap hurts on & off, hopefully nothing fractured.

In a dilemma to join the dinner gathering with the Jan mummies because of the fall and I am glad I did. We had a very nice pizza dinner at Greenwood Ave and it is really the yummiest pizza I had till date and what a sight, a pizza as big as a manhole. Coolz. The turnout was small but perfect for a nice chat without having to fight against the noise and shout across the table. Chat anything under the sun from property to child bearing to labour and the list is endless.

I had this instinct that Ophe isn't feeling very right and from my observation, can see that she is abit uncomfy with the flushing on her face and restlessness. We were close to ending the day when she excuse herself to the restroom with a strange feeling of discomfort. She returned minutes later announcing that her waterbag leaked though uncertain out of which we confirmed her suspicion! Quickly sent her going and get Jason all prepared to set off to the hospital.

courtesy of Leona

High on excitement, speaking as though I am the one in labour. Having said that, a wave of mother instinct washed over. Oh how very strong that urge to get pregnant and reminisce the feeling all over again!

Weather

super duper humid & hot for the past few days.

that had hinder us from going for a walk in the park today partially as I am the type that hate to perspire and feel all sticky, yucks!

most of the days we do not sleep in aircon as personally I do not wish for Zethan to be too reliant on aircon otherwise can't get to sleep. The other reason being I have noticed that he appear to have some signs of sinus (just like the daddy), his nose does get a little stuffy after sleeping in aircon. Not torturing him either as usually our room is pretty windy at night, can get cold even with the fan circulating.

Having said that, on days when the heat is unbearable, we will choose to sleep in aircon just like the past few days. While I am at this post now, we are enjoying the aircon too.

JG Week 4

Based on my observation, Zethan is getting 'seasoned' in his lesson despite today being his 2nd lesson so far or even 1st lesson since last week is a trial.

He shows enthusiasm in participation of the acitivities such as helping to put away toys, helping to place the basket of toys back in place even to the extend of helping to move table to the side after snack time.

I was touched by a moment in class today. Zethan had his Playclub pass created today and he dropped it into the postbox pretty much without much assistance but with instructions. What touched me was when his name was called out by Huang Laoshi, he walked over to collect his pass without hesitation, not even nudging required from me. I am pretty much like 'Wow'. Even though it is too early to tell if he is indeed picking up skills from class, I am indeed amazed without doubts.
Peharps it is due to eating with company, he is rather adventurous with food / snacks served. He had watermelon, biscuits and cocktail sausages today. I am a little reserved about giving him the sausages initially but decided that it does no harm for him to give it a try and we are not going to offer him that frequently so why not. It was so heartwarming to see him putting in the effort to clear his utensils although assistance is needed. One can see that he looked proud and has the look of accomplishment when he left the utensils on the table. Now coming to the downside of him being seasoned in class means that he is back to his roaming self once again. It must have been due to being in a strange environment with too many people around that he is weary of his surrounding. Today he displayed 'complacency' whereby he can explore on his free will thus need some constant reminder and catching back in order not to disrupt the class.
Nonetheless, I was pleased to observe the difference in him and the behaviour exhibited. As to whether it is for better or worst, time will tell.

Haircut 3

While the mummy went for her $3.80 haircut, Zethan's haircut cost $20!

Zethan's hair grew long very fast and for the last few trips, we have been faithfully going to Junior League Suntec in particular even though it is indeed costly for a toddler.

We love to go there as the hairstylists are very professional and they are very good at handling the children especially the fearful ones. They are very quick as well and pretty efficient in distracting the children, assuring them.

This trip to JL, we decided to change Zethan's hairstyle. Since his hair growth is so fast, we are going all the way for a very short hairstyle, almost close to that of an army boy though slightly longer.

We were very satisfied with the result, he look very boyish and what a handsome fine little man! Pardon me, allow me to praise my little toddler.

Diapers

I am one of the kind mummy who had this madness thingy on diapers. Seriously one might just freaked out looking at the inventory of diapers I have for Zethan only. It's hard to imagine in future if we have number 2, what will happen.

Zethan is now currently on size XL for most of the brands of diapers. Since infancy, he can never ever wear Drypers because it gave him very bad nappy rash. There was a period of time he can't take Pampers as well which is good news for us, goes to show that he does not have expensive buttock!

Anyhow he have been on Mamy Poko and Huggies for the longest time ever and till this moment, I still swear by both brands. Huggies Dry Comfort for day use diapers and basically it had hardly failed us (in terms of leakage) considering the fact that Zethan pee a great deal. It is very soft to touch and absorbency is great though personally the downside I feel is that it is pretty elongated in shape thus do not look good on him.

For night use, we have been swearing by Mamy Poko ever since he is like few months old till now. Never once are we faced with leakage and mess which certainly no parents are looking forward to in the middle of the night. Who would like to have sleep disturbed to be confronted by a frustrated child. Besides the good absorbency, it fit snugly and look good and Zethan appear to feel very comfortable in it without any restrictions in movement.

Last but not least, for outings, Mamy Poko pull up pants are used which had equally not disappoint us as well. though there is one or two incidents leakage happen, not due to the absorbency issue but we had forgotten to change him after like 8-10 hours.

Back to my inventory of diapers practically everywhere in the house. Last count 8 packs of Huggies Dry Comfort XL, 2 packs of Huggies Dry XXL, 3 packs of Mamy Poko XL, 4 packs of Mamy Poko XXL, 1 pack of Mamy Poko Pull up pants XL, 1 pack of Huggies Pull Ups XXL, 3 packs of Huggies Pull Ups XL (which he outgrown).

Imitate

Zethan is at this stage whereby he imitate almost every single little thing he watched.

It is indeed scary to think about what the adults might do or behave unconsciously in front of the child.

Just few minutes ago, Zethan demonstrated what I mean which left me dumbfounded.

His chow chow dropped onto the floor and as naturally as he can be, he used his left foot to clasp and pick up the chow chow before reaching with his hands!

The guilty parties ~ both parents and grandma!

Bravo

My little man is such a brave boy and I am very proud of him **clap clap**

The little man did not whine abit during his MMR vaccination considering the fact that he had his last jab 14 months ago.

He is very late for this Measle, Mump, Rubella vaccine as the recommended is at 15 months (he is exactly one week shy of turning 21 months). Weird enough he always fall sick when he is scheduled for a jab and this MMR is pretty jinx. Supposed to be scheduled Sep but had to be postpone due to his high fever saga.

Nearly had to miss today's appointment as Zethan appear to be coughing since 3 days back though it did not sound very serious or intense, just the occasional 1-2 sound over 3 episodes. Dr Ng gave him a check and his kungs are clear and we decide to go ahead with the jab, might as well get it over and done with. The scheduling part can be frustrating.

Guess the grandma and parents are much more paranoid than Zethan is as we have no idea how he would react to it. We appear to be getting into the motion of preparations for a battle. Armed with tutu & chow chow, MMC playing on the daddy's Iphone, we are all ready for it. Obviously Zethan is very focus on his MMC thus very distracted away from the commotion; grandma holding him & his hands tightly, nurse grabbing his thigh firmly.

The cannula penetrate ~ no reaction, PD pushes the vaccine in ~ starting to feel it and before he can even yell or whine, it was all over, chop chop.

I was so very pleased and proud of him for being so brave. Okay you might be thinking 'chey, no big deal what, my child also'. still I am going to say Zethan, mummy is very proud of you for being so brave. well done darling!

half minded about varicella. Next in line will be 18months booster which can be scheduled one month away.

Fuming

I am seriously fuming mad, still at this point of time and this time of the day, refuse to speak to him totally.

The him refer to the daddy.

What did he do?

Coming home from dinner while walking back from the carpark, he literally let Zethan run loose in the middle of the service road! Naturally I yell out of urgency. Guess he feel embarassed thus snapping back at me. he said there are no cars and he is all ready to run after him!

Not acceptable regardless of what he said. So why am I still so mad, because I would never ever compromise the safety of my child, NEVER!

Park

weather look good in the early afternoon making it perfect to head outdoor for a walk, not having to worry about getting 'heatstroke'. Chop chop went around to change Zethan while I rush for a quick shower. Who knows when I am all done, stared out of the window only to have bright shining sun greeting me along with the heat.

We decide to play by ear and dilly dally in the house before the next course of action. Left the house at around 4.30pm and leave the daddy to decide to head for West Coast Park or Bottle Tree Park. Was shocked to see the super crowded carpark at WCP but luckily we managed to get a lot after less than 10 mins wait.

I was very very surprised that Zethan walked cautiously on the sand but did not whine or fuss when sand get into his sandals. I was totally shocked yet happy to know that he is much more flexible and adventurous now. However the playground at WCP wasn't very catered to young toddlers and suit older children better. We spend a short while in the sandy playground before walking to the 'beach'. He is so curious over the drainage grille and love to walk on it, stop and stare right into it. Was it water he saw in the drain or was it his own reflection which caught his attention?

He said cheese, the 1st time!

We reached the seaside seperated by breakwater. He is very cautious and stopped in his track 5 steps away from the edge. When I try to encourage him to move nearer, he refused. Guess the splashing waves is a little to overwhelming for him still though it was considered as great improvement from the last trip to the beach. He is fascinated over the sight of boats / ship and keep pointing to them saying BO. If not running late for dinner, would certainly love to stay longer.

enjoying the sea breeze

It was a nice and pleasant walk in the park to catch some fresh air and greeneries and we totally enjoyed ourselves. Zethan is elated over the sights of dogs which he called out in excitement, tapping his thigh, kites in the sky etc. Shall make it a point to come by at least once every month, picnic sounds fantastic with some snacks and relaxing among the greeneries.

School

Yes to 'school', here we come for the next 7 weeks till end of the term @ Julia Gabriels, Evan.

I have been in talk with the daddy on why we should expose Zethan to some enrichment class on weekend. Seriously speaking he is usually at home left in the care of grandma and to a large extent not learning much except spending a great deal of time on watching TV program, turning into a TV addict. Of course the child can be learning via other means such as interacting with grandma whom teach bits and pieces of everyday life and media such as educational DVDs. Somehow I feel that it is insufficient and Zethan should goes to school for socialising with other toddlers, interacting, exposure to scheduled school program, developing independence etc.

So I went around to checking with JG on their availability for weekend classes. Trust me but I was told that majority of the timeslot especially that of saturdays' are full. I am not for classes on sunday because sunday apparently should be family day and all are allowed to rest and relax. Then they have rules that say that 'walk-ins' are only allowed after week 2, not to mention the long list of wait list they have to go down on. After the blah blah blah, we managed to register for a trial class today. The reason for a trial class being it's a 2 hours program and 2pm can be tricky for Zethan since it is pretty close to his post lunch naptime so I am not confident and is unsure if he is up to it.

Despite napping for an hour and being woken while changed to leave the house, he is in a cheery mood today. He behaved pretty well throughout the class although 1.5hrs into the class, he showed some signs of tiredness and it doesn't help to have music time before outdoor play. But the 15mins outdoor play perk him up again. It is interesting to note that as compared to the holiday camp in June, his ability to follow instructions improved tremendously with attention span lengthen drastically. He shows enthusiasm in most of the activities even painting the green turtle with great interest, whining a little when paints get on his fingers.

At the end of the lesson and a wee bit of discussion with daddy, we decided to sign up for the class thats if there is a slot. In fact I received a call 2 days back informing that even for 2pm class, it's full and we have been placed on the waitlist. It was a surprise when we are told that there is slot for 2pm - Teacher Safina thus we confirmed the class and daddy made the payment. Thanks daddy!

So it will be 7 weeks of ferrying and attending the 2hrs bilingual Playclub with Zethan, sure looking forward to the fun.

Children's Day

May all the children in the world including those young at hearts be blessed with a Happy Children's Day!

Just this afternoon, I was giving a talk to some nurses and at the end of the talk, wish them Happy Children's Day. The remark she have left me pondering over them. She said that all of our are still children as we are children to our parents! How very true and many a times we have forgotten about that. Coincidentally, my colleague sent me an email this morning bearing similar message of never to forget about loving our parents.

This is the 1st year we are 'celebrating' children's day with Zethan even though he is approaching 21 months old. Gathered that it does not make much sense to celebrate for him last year when he is so young.

I have been cracking my mind on what to get for Zethan as children's day pressie. It need not be expensive but of course ideally something practical and useful. Toys are definitely out of the question since he have tons of them and grew tired of them easily.

So the pressie we bought for Zethan is a set of child size table with 2 chairs from Ikea. Did not cost much and practical enough to let him get used to the idea of sitting by the table in preparation for school in the near future. I have observed how interested he is over the mini chairs during the JG Holiday camp.

Got it fixed up in 15 minutes when Zethan is away at mum's place. What a pity we came home late after a dinner date with the mummies and family, so Zethan is asleep and did not managed to catch a glimpse of his pressie on children's day!

Speaking of which, a short update of our dinner date with the Cheongs, Chiams and Tans. Went to this nice restaurant at Suntec ~ Gaia. The korean fare they served are really authentic and taste so yummy. Kimchi so so nice, should have taken another helping. Zethan was exceptionally well behaved over dinner today, seated in the highchair throughout dinner only demand to go roaming around when we are done with our dinner.

Oh thanks to Aunty Ophe for the nice home baked cornflakes cookies and Aunty Sue Lin for the Crayola doodling set. Happy Children's Day!