Alfee & The Flu Bug

On Monday, Alfee started having a wee bit of temperature. I held back from sending him to Dr Ang because I was hoping that our immune system could cope with it. Also, he is not too thrilled about oral medication. Unfortunately, it has since escalated into a secondary infection. His mucus has turned thick and greenish and his temperature soared to 38.7 degrees. In the end, I still sent him to Dr Ang yesterday.

He was hell broke loose with his medication. Every time we springed medication into his mouth, he would gurgle before vomiting it out. Even when we tricked him into swallowing, he would somehow find a way to gag. In the end, I wasted two doses of anitbiotics and a couple of other drugs. Fortunately, we managed to force 70% of the anitbiotics down last night. His fever seems to be breaking (or at least longer intervals between medication).

This morning, we succeeded again with lots of distraction and my helper. He took all the wnitbiotics and some cough and runny nose medication. All in all, only 5 - 6 ml of 30 minutes of effort. Hopefully, the little man will recover soon enough. His voice is husky and his eyes look glassy now.

Great Day

This was a great day. Sophie was able to sit at her “office” for a long, long while and finished many pages of her Brain Quest Workbook. She just kept doing without bothering me at all. I was beaming with pride and happiness at the thought that my little girl has matured and stabilised overnight! Or was it the flu medication that made her extremely docile? I do not know but it sure felt great!




Then came the more challenging part, she had to colour the stated objects according to specific colours. Ahhh… my little girl could be such a mule sometimes! She refused to colour the clouds blue because clouds are white! In fact, it was so candid and comical that I just had to post it on YouTube (12 hours to upload this video!).

Great Day

This was a great day. Sophie was able to sit at her “office” for a long, long while and finished many pages of her Brain Quest Workbook. She just kept doing without bothering me at all. I was beaming with pride and happiness at the thought that my little girl has matured and stabilised overnight! Or was it the flu medication that made her extremely docile? I do not know but it sure felt great!

Then came the more challenging part, she had to colour the stated objects according to specific colours. Ahhh… my little girl could be such a mule sometimes! She refused to colour the clouds blue because clouds are white! In fact, it was so candid and comical that I just had to post it on YouTube (12 hours to upload this video!).

Working

I have always wanted to buy Brain Quest Workbook for Sophie, but I only bought it a few days ago from a seller at Singapore Motherhood Bulk Purchase. Prior to this, I thought it was too expensive for Sophie to abuse. She was not ready for serious work and I would get upset if the book is vandalised. Now, she is more stable and she can do the activities if I read her the instructions. Yet, the activities seem a little too simple for her now. In any case, it is always good for her to revise, I guess.

Just when I thought it was too simple for her, she mistook "d" for "b" and coloured part of the box. After I corrected her, she was quite embarrassed and kept explaining to me why it should not be "d". I also noticed she was colouring in a peculiar manner. Apparently, Papa has taught her to do so to help her keep the strokes within the box.

Next was the Kumon activity books. I bought these a long long time ago for her to practise cutting, folding and pasting. However, she was never able to follow my instructions properly so I hesitated in giving them to her. Today, she finally showed that she could do it pretty well. I am so relieved! Even though they are meant for 2-year-olds onwards.

I am so glad that she can complete the craft on her own nowadays. Sophie is finally able to do simple cutting, pasting and colouring. This is a great step forward because it shows she can do simple crafts independently from this point on. I do not need to hover and assist as much as before! Horray!

Working

I have always wanted to buy Brain Quest Workbook for Sophie, but I only bought it a few days ago from a seller at Singapore Motherhood Bulk Purchase. Prior to this, I thought it was too expensive for Sophie to abuse. She was not ready for serious work and I would get upset if the book is vandalised. Now, she is more stable and she can do the activities if I read her the instructions. Yet, the activities seem a little too simple for her now. In any case, it is always good for her to revise, I guess.



Just when I thought it was too simple for her, she mistook "d" for "b" and coloured part of the box. After I corrected her, she was quite embarrassed and kept explaining to me why it should not be "d". I also noticed she was colouring in a peculiar manner. Apparently, Papa has taught her to do so to help her keep the strokes within the box.




Next was the Kumon activity books. I bought these a long long time ago for her to practise cutting, folding and pasting. However, she was never able to follow my instructions properly so I hesitated in giving them to her. Today, she finally showed that she could do it pretty well. I am so relieved! Even though they are meant for 2-year-olds onwards.



I am so glad that she can complete the craft on her own nowadays. Sophie is finally able to do simple cutting, pasting and colouring. This is a great step forward because it shows she can do simple crafts independently from this point on. I do not need to hover and assist as much as before! Horray!

Pillow Fight With My Little Man

Little Man did not want to take his nap after two long hours of coaxing and suckling. He might be too used to been carried by my helper to sleep in any other way. I guess it is time to reclaim my little man... Occasionally, I panicked at the thought that he would be closer to her than me. Not a pleasant feeling at all. Meanwhile, we had a bit of a pillow fight before I fell asleep.

Read

After dinner, I took out our Sunshine Phonics books and tried to engage Sophie in some reading practice. I am not expecting her to learn how to read this way but I wanted to get her used to prints and understand the link between the spoken and written form of the language. I am surprised that she could actually recognise a few words (probably by memory) already.

Then she decided she wanted to read the sight words reader so I let her. I think it was a lot easier to read that because there were more cues from the pictures.

Read

After dinner, I took out our Sunshine Phonics books and tried to engage Sophie in some reading practice. I am not expecting her to learn how to read this way but I wanted to get her used to prints and understand the link between the spoken and written form of the language. I am surprised that she could actually recognise a few words (probably by memory) already.

Then she decided she wanted to read the sight words reader so I let her. I think it was a lot easier to read that because there were more cues from the pictures.

For The First Time...

I have fed Alfee on the Bumbo before but he was never put in a highchair until now. Compared to Sophie, he is definitely much more pampered. My helper would always hold him while I feed him his cereal. Having said that, he is also much more manageable than her. At least he sits on my lap if I need to feed him myself. Today, I put him on a highchair, cushioned and buckled. He is so adorable...

Looking Up To Ah Mah

Ah Mah has a special feeling for the Little Man. And why not? He is one charmer, that baby! He is sitting like that because he cried everytime Ah Mah tried to carry him. Yet, Ah Mah still wants to be close to him...

Fast Forward

Alfee is almost 8 months old but he has not started crawling yet. He seems to be a little slower in his development of gross motor skills but as we all know, faster is not always better. He seems to thrive in his walker though. I do not like the walker because it does not help in walking at all. In fact, I deliberately lower the seat so that he will stand up to push himself forward. Still, he is really fast...

我哭了 One Take

Sophie is able to make sense of Chinese characters a lot faster than English words and phonemes.I suppose it involves memorising and decoding so she is able to "read" much quicker.

I believe I might have unconsciously motivated her to "perform" better with my video taking. Sophie loves to show off her "talents" in front of my camera because she gets lots of positive attention and praises from me.

我哭了 One Take

Sophie is able to make sense of Chinese characters a lot faster than English words and phonemes.I suppose it involves memorising and decoding so she is able to "read" much quicker.



I believe I might have unconsciously motivated her to "perform" better with my video taking. Sophie loves to show off her "talents" in front of my camera because she gets lots of positive attention and praises from me.

Noisy Monster

Somehow, Alfee does not like sitting down on his own to be fed. He likes to be cuddled and carried, even during mealtimes. My helper has to hold him while I feed him his favourite cereal. Of course, nobody would believe me since he "complained" so much during his feed. But trust me, he would purse his lips if he does not like the food.

Pretty Goofy

I am starting to appreciate Sophie's soft, wavy locks, her huge and bright eyes with long, curly lashes and her irresistible smile. She is turning out to be quite a good looking little girl! A little scary for me to imagine how we have to fend off boys eventually. I guess I will leave it to Papa. For now, however, she always refuses to smile to my camera and ends up with a goofy look!

My Foot!!!

Last Saturday was Sophie’s second lesson at Yamaha (Thomson Plaza) with Papa. I carried Alfee and shopped around as we waited for their lesson to end. Then I saw a little kiosk selling foot orthoses and remembered what Dr Lim had said about Sophie’s feet. She has referred me to have her gross motor skills assessed at Mt Alvenia (Physio Department) but added that I could have her feet checked by an orthopaedician for any physical cause to her clumsiness in gait. She told me that they could be found at those kiosks selling foot orthoses in shopping malls. So, I quickly had a little chit chat with the man. 

When Papa and Sophie came out, I called them to join us at the kiosk to have our feet assessed. With just a scan to check our weight distribution, he managed to convinced us that ALL our feet pronate. Of course, mine is VERY severe and need insoles or risk having all sorts of pain and bunions. Our problem is largely genetic (unfortunate) but there is hope for Sophie. With those specially fitted foot orthoses (insoles) for 10 years before her bones are set, she can be “cured”. Of course, she needs to keep changing the insoles as her feet grow bigger. That is hundreds of dollars every few months. 

We almost caved in and ordered a pair for her since that will solve OUR problem of worrying about her clumsiness and falling. And he did mention that the “cure” is conveniently “… best if she starts wearing the orthoses around 3 years old… ”. Fortunately, Alfee was very cranky and Sophie was sleepy so we decided to come back next week to place the order instead. 

In the car, we talked about it and Papa suggested we should see a registered orthopaedician for a proper assessment before we make any decision. He feared that the insoles might cause more harm than help her. Back home, I did some research and found Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic at Gleneagles Medical Center. I quickly made an appointment to have Sophie’s feet assessed. I thought I also should have my knee checked since I have some knee pain forever. Our appointment was today – 3.30 pm. 

I left Alfee with Ah Gong and went to the clinic with Papa and Sophie. As it turned out, Sophie's legs are fine. Everything we reported about her (clumsiness in gait) was just a "learning process" to the doctor. He said that Sophie has to keep learning how to balance and coordinate her limbs over time. As far as he was concerned, Sophie's feet were "beautifully" developed with nothing to worry about. He was surprised that we were referred to a physiotherapist as he thought our pediatrician should be in better position to assess Sophie's feet. When asked if we should still go for an assessment at Mt Alvenia tomorrow, he exchanged glances with his assistant and grunted. We took it as a 'no' (loud and clear). 

As for my knee, I was advised to see him only when the pain affects my daily operation. I wanted to "talk" to him more about our concern, but he was not too keen to entertain anxious parents. He had a long queue of patients with broken limbs and other more serious conditions. I felt quite embarrassed that our issues were so trivial. We quickly paid for consultation ($120 each before GST) and my x-rays (approx $70, also before GST), took no medicine (because of my breastfeeding) and left for Mr Bean pancakes and soya milk before heading home to reunite with Alfee...

My Foot!!!

Last Saturday was Sophie’s second lesson at Yamaha (Thomson Plaza) with Papa. I carried Alfee and shopped around as we waited for their lesson to end. Then I saw a little kiosk selling foot orthoses and remembered what Dr Lim had said about Sophie’s feet. She has referred me to have her gross motor skills assessed at Mt Alvenia (Physio Department) but added that I could have her feet checked by an orthopaedician for any physical cause to her clumsiness in gait. She told me that they could be found at those kiosks selling foot orthoses in shopping malls. So, I quickly had a little chit chat with the man.

When Papa and Sophie came out, I called them to join us at the kiosk to have our feet assessed. With just a scan to check our weight distribution, he managed to convinced us that ALL our feet pronate. Of course, mine is VERY severe and need insoles or risk having all sorts of pain and bunions. Our problem is largely genetic (unfortunate) but there is hope for Sophie. With those specially fitted foot orthoses (insoles) for 10 years before her bones are set, she can be “cured”. Of course, she needs to keep changing the insoles as her feet grow bigger. That is hundreds of dollars every few months.

We almost caved in and ordered a pair for her since that will solve OUR problem of worrying about her clumsiness and falling. And he did mention that the “cure” is conveniently “… best if she starts wearing the orthoses around 3 years old… ”. Fortunately, Alfee was very cranky and Sophie was sleepy so we decided to come back next week to place the order instead.

In the car, we talked about it and Papa suggested we should see a registered orthopaedician for a proper assessment before we make any decision. He feared that the insoles might cause more harm than help her. Back home, I did some research and found Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic at Gleneagles Medical Center. I quickly made an appointment to have Sophie’s feet assessed. I thought I also should have my knee checked since I have some knee pain forever. Our appointment was today – 3.30 pm.

I left Alfee with Ah Gong and went to the clinic with Papa and Sophie. As it turned out, Sophie's legs are fine. Everything we reported about her (clumsiness in gait) was just a "learning process" to the doctor. He said that Sophie has to keep learning how to balance and coordinate her limbs over time. As far as he was concerned, Sophie's feet were "beautifully" developed with nothing to worry about. He was surprised that we were referred to a physiotherapist as he thought our pediatrician should be in better position to assess Sophie's feet. When asked if we should still go for an assessment at Mt Alvenia tomorrow, he exchanged glances with his assistant and grunted. We took it as a 'no' (loud and clear).

As for my knee, I was advised to see him only when the pain affects my daily operation. I wanted to "talk" to him more about our concern, but he was not too keen to entertain anxious parents. He had a long queue of patients with broken limbs and other more serious conditions. I felt quite embarrassed that our issues were so trivial. We quickly paid for consultation ($120 each before GST) and my x-rays (approx $70, also before GST), took no medicine (because of my breastfeeding) and left for Mr Bean pancakes and soya milk before heading home to reunite with Alfee...

Pretty Goofy

I am starting to appreciate Sophie's soft, wavy locks, her huge and bright eyes with long, curly lashes and her irresistible smile. She is turning out to be quite a good looking little girl! A little scary for me to imagine how we have to fend off boys eventually. I guess I will leave it to Papa. For now, however, she always refuses to smile to my camera and ends up with a goofy look!

A Picture Tells A Thousand Words

Sophie drew a picture of Papa and herself at Singapore Botanical Gardens. In the picture, she is carrying Papa on her shoulders. She said she is "big already... and strong" so she can carry Papa. Behind them, is an apple tree with a fallen apple. In reality, it was Papa who was carrying her on his shoulders. Definitely, he has such positive impact on her that she will always carry with her fond memories of her relationship with her daddy.

Family Routine - Singapore Botanical Gardens

Papa loves taking Sophie to the Singapore Botanical Gardens. In time to come, Alfee will be old enough to join in the fun. Right now, the time belong to Papa and Sophie.

Sophie, without fail, will end up on Papa's shoulders. It is a wonderful way for her to feel like she is at "the top of the world" (Papa is 1.83 m tall after all).

When the morning is almost over, Alfee got his share of Papa as well. Now I know why both Papa and Mama are important to children. They complement each other in loving their children. Even though I do not really enjoy the heat, sweat and mud, I will never have the heart to stop Papa from taking them outdoors.

Poor Alfee! His routine often give way to Sophie's. Frankly speaking, I doubt Alfee really enjoyed the nature walk. First of all, he is not the one walking. Secondly, it was way too hot for him. And of course, he could not sleep properly. However, this seems to have become our family routine so he just has to get used to it. Here was how it suited Sophie more.

Sophie drew a picture of Papa and herself at Singapore Botanical Gardens. In the picture, she is carrying Papa on her shoulders. She said she is "big already... and strong" so she can carry Papa. Behind them, is an apple tree with a fallen apple. In reality, it was Papa who was carrying her on his shoulders. Definitely, he has such positive impact on her that she will always carry with her fond memories of her relationship with her daddy.

Singapore Botanical Garden

Papa loves taking Sophie to the Singapore Botanical Gardens. In time to come, Alfee will be old enough to join in the fun. Right now, the time belong to Papa and Sophie.

Sophie, without fail, will end up on Papa's shoulders. It is a wonderful way for her to feel like she is at "the top of the world" (Papa is 1.83 m tall after all).

When the morning is almost over, Alfee got his share of Papa as well. Now I know why both Papa and Mama are important to children. They complement each other in loving their children. Even though I do not really enjoy the heat, sweat and mud, I will never have the heart to stop Papa from taking them outdoors.

Swimming Assessment Assessment

The swimming coach from our condo will assess if Sophie is ready for swimming lessons this coming Sunday. He told us that a child must be able to follow instructions before he or she can learn swimming. I do not doubt she can understand instructions, but to follow them, well, that is not as straight forward. So, we decided to do our own assessment prior to her assessment on Sunday. Phew! Talk about kiasu-ism!

Of course we went to the pool together. I carried Alfee in my arms while Papa gave Sophie "swimming lessons". Well, he was trying out all sorts of positions with the tube and float to help her float.

No matter how he tried to adjust Sophie and the floats, she just kept sinking. She even drank some water in the process. I guess she was a little nervous as well so her body was stiff and rigid. At one point, Sophie was too tired to try some more.

Then, she managed to float a little. She was so tired that she stopped trying to float, as a result, she floated! Of course, Papa also found the perfect way to position the floats for her.

While they were trying to float in the waters, Alfee fell asleep in my helper's arms. She came down to watch Sophie and ended up carrying Alfee instead. She might think twice about joining us in the future.

We are still uncertain if the coach will accept her. Still, we will encourage her to swim because her life depends on it. With our genes and all, she has a weak respiratory system and only exercises such as swimming can help strengthen her lungs. Fingers crossed.

Swimming Assessment Assessment

The swimming coach from our condo will assess if Sophie is ready for swimming lessons this coming Sunday. He told us that a child must be able to follow instructions before he or she can learn swimming. I do not doubt she can understand instructions, but to follow them, well, that is not as straight forward. So, we decided to do our own assessment prior to her assessment on Sunday. Phew! Talk about kiasu-ism!

Of course we went to the pool together. I carried Alfee in my arms while Papa gave Sophie "swimming lessons". Well, he was trying out all sorts of positions with the tube and float to help her float.

No matter how he tried to adjust Sophie and the floats, she just kept sinking. She even drank some water in the process. I guess she was a little nervous as well so her body was stiff and rigid. At one point, Sophie was too tired to try some more.

Then, she managed to float a little. She was so tired that she stopped trying to float, as a result, she floated! Of course, Papa also found the perfect way to position the floats for her.

While they were trying to float in the waters, Alfee fell asleep in my helper's arms. She came down to watch Sophie and ended up carrying Alfee instead. She might think twice about joining us in the future.

We are still uncertain if the coach will accept her. Still, we will encourage her to swim because her life depends on it. With our genes and all, she has a weak respiratory system and only exercises such as swimming can help strengthen her lungs. Fingers crossed.

蝴蝶 Canto Pop Star

Although this was not the first time Sophie sang a Chinese song, I was impressed that she could sing the complete song without any help. She is begining to show signs that she is a born performer (like me) too.

蝴蝶 

蝴蝶，蝴蝶，生得真美丽。头戴着金丝，身穿花花衣。你爱花儿，花儿也爱你。你会跳舞，它有甜蜜。

Now, this is a mystery. Papa is always able to teach Sophie to perform all sorts of gigs with him, for him! Here is her canto pop attempt...

Gnawing Teething Biscuit

After Sophie followed her teacher into the classroom at Act 3, we sat outside and basked in the afternoon heat. In a way, we needed that hour of waiting to do nothing except chit chat. When I need some personal time for reading or napping, Papa would carry Alfee off to chit chat with his friends (who happen to send their kids there as well). And I would watch Alfee if Papa needs a power nap for driving later.

We gave Alfee a teething biscuit today as we waited for Sophie. Unlike Sophie, Alfee gnawed at his biscuit fiercely. I do not like mess but I knew I need to let it go or he may end up as fussy as his sister.

It's Our Time... Papa & The Kids

We feel a little more relaxed now that we have withdrawn from I Can Read (Bukit Timah Plaza) at 9,30am. With all due respect, I disagree with how the Little Learners programme has been run by the centre and its curriculum. We were offered (just before our feet stepped out of the sliding door of the centre) a promotion to the Little Thinkers programme if we should change our mind and reinstate but we turned them down... and joined YAMAHA instead!!! Finally, we can let Sophie build some good music foundation, something I have always hoped for. I am no musician so I want my kids to be musically trained. And after just one lesson, Papa reported that both of them (parent accompanied programme) really enjoyed it. In fact, I was so inspired that I decided I should buy a piano from Uncle Simon and start learning pop piano.
That aside... now Papa can enjoy some bonding time with the kids on Saturday mornings before we head down to Thomson Plaza for Sophie's music lessons. He has very little time on weekdays for them so he really enjoys playing with them on weekends. And of course, I love it that we can even have a cuppa (as a family) at Thomson Plaza before her lesson!

蝴蝶 Canto Pop Star

Although this was not the first time Sophie sang a Chinese song, I was impressed that she could sing the complete song without any help. She is begining to show signs that she is a born performer (like me) too.



蝴蝶
蝴蝶，蝴蝶，生得真美丽。头戴着金丝，身穿花花衣。你爱花儿，花儿也爱你。你会跳舞，它有甜蜜。

Now, this is a mystery. Papa is always able to teach Sophie to perform all sorts of gigs with him, for him! Here is her canto pop attempt...

It's Our Time... Papa & The Kids

We feel a little more relaxed now that we have withdrawn from I Can Read (Bukit Timah Plaza) at 9,30am. With all due respect, I disagree with how the Little Learners programme has been run by the centre and its curriculum. We were offered (just before our feet stepped out of the sliding door of the centre) a promotion to the Little Thinkers programme if we should change our mind and reinstate but we turned them down... and joined YAMAHA instead!!! Finally, we can let Sophie build some good music foundation, something I have always hoped for. I am no musician so I want my kids to be musically trained. And after just one lesson, Papa reported that both of them (parent accompanied programme) really enjoyed it. In fact, I was so inspired that I decided I should buy a piano from Uncle Simon and start learning pop piano.

That aside... now Papa can enjoy some bonding time with the kids on Saturday mornings before we head down to Thomson Plaza for Sophie's music lessons. He has very little time on weekdays for them so he really enjoys playing with them on weekends. And of course, I love it that we can even have a cuppa (as a family) at Thomson Plaza before her lesson! 

Me And My Water Bottle

Until now, Alfee still rejects formula and bottles. I am trying to let him get used to the bottle by feeding him water, however, he seems to like chewing and squeezing the teats more than anything. It was really amusing when he squirted water onto his own face and he turned away to avoid it. 

I also noticed that he can hold his own bottle very well. Sophie could not, or maybe would not do it. Well, I am still tring hard to get him to drink from a bottle. I have a gut feeling, he is going to skip the bottle and go straight for the cup.

春晓

Sophie's grasp of the Chinese language has improved leaps and bounds. She speaks Mandarin in short, simple sentences voluntarily now. She is able to translate the English names of some common items to Mandarin as well. I would like to think the credit goes to her school, mainly. I doubt one term at Berries has made much difference although I am sure her teacher is very experienced and effective.

春晓 

春眠不觉晓，处处闻啼鸟，夜来风雨声，花落知多少。

春晓

Sophie's grasp of the Chinese language has improved leaps and bounds. She speaks Mandarin in short, simple sentences voluntarily now. She is able to translate the English names of some common items to Mandarin as well. I would like to think the credit goes to her school, mainly. I doubt one term at Berries has made much difference although I am sure her teacher is very experienced and effective.



春晓
春眠不觉晓，处处闻啼鸟，夜来风雨声，花落知多少。