The Rainbow Fish

Today was Papa’s solo day with Sophie. I had to attend Auntie Serene's wedding lunch at the church and her wedding dinner at night. He took her to Yamaha at 11 am for her music lesson, then let her nap in the car before getting her lunch.

After lunch, they made their way to the show “The Rainbow Fish” at 2.30pm. Unlike their previous experience with theatre performance, Papa was full of praises for this show. He said that it was engaging enough and Sophie did not fidget at all during the show.

There was also a little kiosk for children to do some related craft work ($6) before and after the show. I thought that was pretty smart since the parents would love to keep the little ones busy while waiting.

This was what Sophie came back with – a rainbow fish mobile. It was simple but she did it almost all by herself. She was so proud and happy with her work that she took it everywhere she went.

After the show, Papa had to take Sophie to her lesson at Act 3. They were good together until she came back around 5.30pm. According to Papa, she was well behaved and very cooperative that day. He enjoyed his time with her thoroughly. Upon hearing that, I decided to buy tickets for their next show "The Elves & The Shoemaker" in October.

The Rainbow Fish

Today was Papa’s solo day with Sophie. I had to attend Auntie Serene's wedding lunch at the church and her wedding dinner at night. He took her to Yamaha at 11 am for her music lesson, then let her nap in the car before getting her lunch. 

After lunch, they made their way to the show “The Rainbow Fish” at 2.30pm. Unlike their previous experience with theatre performance, Papa was full of praises for this show. He said that it was engaging enough and Sophie did not fidget at all during the show.

There was also a little kiosk for children to do some related craft work ($6) before and after the show. I thought that was pretty smart since the parents would love to keep the little ones busy while waiting.

This was what Sophie came back with – a rainbow fish mobile. It was simple but she did it almost all by herself. She was so proud and happy with her work that she took it everywhere she went.

After the show, Papa had to take Sophie to her lesson at Act 3. They were good together until she came back around 5.30pm. According to Papa, she was well behaved and very cooperative that day. He enjoyed his time with her thoroughly. Upon hearing that, I decided to buy tickets for their next show "The Elves & The Shoemaker" in October.

Heels... Girls Would Be Girls...

Sophie was so excited when she saw my heels. She quickly unwrapped them and put them on. She tried to walk in them but she could not balance. Thus, she just sat on the coffee table and posed!

Papa said the shoes looked good on her. She reminded me of Cinderella... that would make me... the evil stepsister???

Heels... Girls Would Be Girls...

Sophie was so excited when she saw my heels. She quickly unwrapped them and put them on. She tried to walk in them but she could not balance. Thus, she just sat on the coffee table and posed!

Papa said the shoes looked good on her. She reminded me of Cinderella... that would make me... the evil stepsister???

Funfair @ NCPS

 Auntie Jessy invited Alfee and me to attend NCPS Funfair today. We meant to leave the house early around 10 am but it rained very heavily so we waited until noon. Not a bad thing since we could feed Alfee before leaving the house.

It was great to see all my old colleagues again. Time seemed to have stopped at NCPS. Everyone was still doing the same kind of work that I found so familiar once upon a time. I saw their pupils' journal and became instantly hit by an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Then I saw my "UK - On The Wall", so old and worn out. I felt really sad that the school is still using my works (2001-2004). Anyway, it also gave me the opportunity to show Alfee my past glory. I wish Sophie could see that part of me too, and not just a mummy.

We did not stay long because I wanted to take Sophie to the Kite Festival. After some simple lunch with Auntie Jessy, we headed home. Alfee was not particularly cooperative today although he did charm many of my female ex-colleagues.

Kite Festival

Ah Gong is a kite fanatic (at least that is what my mum says) so he told me to take the kids to the indoor kite flying demonstration at Toa Payoh Hub (Kite Festival). I told him we would go together after I came back from NCPSFunfair, but he did not. Instead, he let Sophie take her nap (but she refused) and then he took her there by public bus, all by himself. I thought he was pretty brave.

Anyway, I quickly went down by cab with Alfee to meet them. I found them sitting at the steps of the open space, waiting. Apparently, the demonstrations would only start at 5pm. By then both Sophie and Alfee were very tired and hungry. Alfee fell asleep in Ah Gong's arms while I tried to engage Sophie in appreciating the kites. The demonstration was alright, but the organisers were not very good. They were pretty aloof and could not answer any of my queries. At one point, one of them even invited Sophie to paint on a kite (someone was already painting on it) so I had to restrain her. The other girl would be quite devastated to have her work "destroyed" by an overzealous preschooler. In the end, I had to promise her a kite to paint on before she was willing to let it go.

At home, Sophie took out a piece of paper and started drawing her experience at the Kite Festival. She drew someone flying a kite (Princess design). Then I taught her to spell the words for her sentence.

Kite Festival

Ah Gong is a kite fanatic (at least that is what my mum says) so he told me to take the kids to the indoor kite flying demonstration at Toa Payoh Hub (Kite Festival). I told him we would go together after I came back from NCPS Funfair, but he did not. Instead, he let Sophie take her nap (but she refused) and then he took her there by public bus, all by himself. I thought he was pretty brave.

Anyway, I quickly went down by cab with Alfee to meet them. I found them sitting at the steps of the open space, waiting. Apparently, the demonstrations would only start at 5pm. By then both Sophie and Alfee were very tired and hungry. Alfee fell asleep in Ah Gong's arms while I tried to engage Sophie in appreciating the kites. The demonstration was alright, but the organisers were not very good. They were pretty aloof and could not answer any of my queries. At one point, one of them even invited Sophie to paint on a kite (someone was already painting on it) so I had to restrain her. The other girl would be quite devastated to have her work "destroyed" by an overzealous preschooler. In the end, I had to promise her a kite to paint on before she was willing to let it go.

At home, Sophie took out a piece of paper and started drawing her experience at the Kite Festival. She drew someone flying a kite (Princess design). Then I taught her to spell the words for her sentence.

I can read

A few days ago, I started on our “Wall of Sight Word” with Sophie. I felt that she is ready for some simple sight words recognition and reading. Thus, I introduced some sight words using her sight word readers. She seemed to remember well.

Then I decided to test her and write a few sentences using those sight words and included a few common words like “apple”, “boy” and “ball”. To my surprise, she could read the sentences. So I pushed her further by getting her to do a simple dictation “I see a boy and a ball in a picture.” and she did it. Of course she had to draw the ball, the boy and the picture instead of writing the words.

Yesterday, we tried again. This time, she was able to read better and she even remembered those non-sight words. I am impressed that she has improved so quickly. I believe it is time to encourage more independent reading.

I can read

A few days ago, I started on our “Wall of Sight Word” with Sophie. I felt that she is ready for some simple sight words recognition and reading. Thus, I introduced some sight words using her sight word readers. She seemed to remember well.

Then I decided to test her and write a few sentences using those sight words and included a few common words like “apple”, “boy” and “ball”. To my surprise, she could read the sentences. So I pushed her further by getting her to do a simple dictation “I see a boy and a ball in a picture.” and she did it. Of course she had to draw the ball, the boy and the picture instead of writing the words.



Yesterday, we tried again. This time, she was able to read better and she even remembered those non-sight words. I am impressed that she has improved so quickly. I believe it is time to encourage more independent reading.

Practising Piano

Tomorrow will be Sophie's third piano lesson. She was given some homework based on her 'ability' and my first response to her teacher was 'You've got to be kidding!' followed by 'No way, she can do that!'. In fact, she was not even willing to try it in class last week.

The rest of the week was stressful for both of us. I am not musically trained so I cannot correct her mistakes. Thank goodness for IPhone! I asked the teacher to let me take video clips of what she needed to practise so that I can help her at home.

Practising piano really requires a lot of discipline and time. I hope Sophie will continue and eventually learn to play the instrument. Meanwhile, we survived this week... Hooray! We will face tomorrow's challenge bravely.

Practising Piano

Tomorrow will be Sophie's third piano lesson. She was given some homework based on her 'ability' and my first response to her teacher was 'You've got to be kidding!' followed by 'No way, she can do that!'. In fact, she was not even willing to try it in class last week.



The rest of the week was stressful for both of us. I am not musically trained so I cannot correct her mistakes. Thank goodness for IPhone! I asked the teacher to let me take video clips of what she needed to practise so that I can help her at home.



Practising piano really requires a lot of discipline and time. I hope Sophie will continue and eventually learn to play the instrument. Meanwhile, we survived this week... Hooray! We will face tomorrow's challenge bravely.

While You Were Away...

While Sophie was away in school, Alfee roamed around her spaace and started groping everything within his grasp. He attacked her art materials and books, he played with her toys and he messed up her area, basically.

Other than creating havoc, Alfee loves to sing and make merry as he explores the house bit by bit.

Making Music

I really hope music is in Alfee's genes. I would like to see him play the piano or violin someday.

The Great Escapist Cum Explorer

Lately, Alfee has learnt to "escape" his play yard through a gap. He would carefully push it aside to create a wider space for himself to crawl through. I find it amusing but it also signals a time for more "drastic" measures to keep him safe.

Unlike Sophie, Alfee was never taught to pull drawers open. Somehow, he observed how we have been doing it and mimicked us. He is such a gem!

However, he is also a real headache because I must start to re-locate Sophie's stuff. He seems a lot more "mobile" and "inquistive" than Sophie, even though he does not show any interest in books like his sister did around his age.

I Want That Doll!!!

Alfee is such a cutie pie sometimes. Maybe it is not so appropriate to describe him that way but blame it on my poor command of the language. It is better probably better than describing him as “pok” by Papa.

He was trying to take the doll from the shelf, but he was also afraid that it might hit his head. So, every time he tried to grope for the doll, he would cringe in anticipation for a hit and squeal in delight at the same time.

Water Parade

Alfee, like Sophie (at his stage), loves to drink water. However, unlike his sister, he drinks from a sippy cup. He was around 6 or 7 months when I saw a younger (or smaller) baby drink from a sippy cup. It was then I realised I need to help him learn to drink without bottles. It was not too hard because he never really liked rubber teats anyway. Not only is he able to drink from a sippy cup, he can hold it himself! I know many babies are able to do that, but Sophie did not even hold her own bottle until 2 yrs old! So I am amazed... even though he did not seem like really capable in the video (11 July 20 11).

The Very Hungry Caterpillar And Other Eric Carle Favourites

I was stuck at Fusionopolis with Alfee for more than an hour while Papa and Sophie were in the Genexis Theatre watching The Very Hungry Caterpillar And Other Eric Carle Favourites (Sophie's blog). I was suppose to be the one watching with Sophie, but our helper was on leave today, so I thought Alfee would be happier with me. Unfortunately, I was quite wrong. The wait had proven to be much longer than he could bear. He was cranky, there was not much going on in the building and I was struggling to keep myself awake as well. The shops (most) are closed on Sundays and there are many shop space vacant. We took on ly 15 minutes to scout around and we ended up doing grocery at the Market Place. After an excruciating hour or so, we were finally united with Papa and Sophie.

The show ended around 3.30pm sowe were pretty early for dinner. We headed for Vivocity in hope that we could do some window shopping before we settle our dinner. It was a big mistake that we decided to dine at Dian Xiao Er. The staff was friendly enough but the place was filthy (by Papa's standard). We sat at a round table with a grooved circle (a poorly designed table top) that trapped dirt and grime. Obviously, the staff did not bother to clean it and to Papa, it was a blatant problem of hygenie. Unfortunately, I had already started feeding Alfee, so he just whispered to me to quickly finish our dinner and leave. Then Sophie asked me to take her to the toilet so I let Papa feed Alfee.

When I came back, he told me the three waitresses resting just next to our table was very dirty and they would be serving us so he said we were leaving for another restaurant. The first was digging her nose, the second squeezing her pimple and the third picking at her teeth!!! OMG! In normal situation, I would worry that they would be offended if we just leave since we fed Alfee there already. However, I decided we must be truthful. I told Papa to complain to the manager before we leave. I do not know if they thought we were just using their premises to feed our baby, honestly, I do not really care. They ought to reflect upon their hygenie standards. In the end, we had our dinner at Brotzeit and even though it was expensive, we felt better knowing that the place was at least clean.

I felt a bit bad that Alfee could only watch us eat. He was bored to tears...literally! We gave him packets of sugar but he soon got too cranky to be pacified. I had to wolf down the last bit of my food and take him for a walk. The weather was not perfect but good enough for us to stroll comfortably. Soon, Papa and Sophie joined us. It was a good feeling to take strolls like that after dinner. I enjoy family time, simple yet fulfilling!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar And Other Eric Carle Favourites

We first saw the billboard for this show at Act 3 during Sophie's weekly lessons. I decided then I would be taking her there. She has never attended any plays or performances like this before so I thought we should choose a familiar show for a start.The plan was for Papa to watch Alfee with my helper while we spend quality time bonding. Well, we used Plan B. Our helper was on leave so I thought Alfee was better off with me. Papa would watch the show with Sophie while we wait outside.So we headed for Fusionopolis (sorry, I have never heard of this place), Genexis Theatre.

It was unfortunate that Papa did not like the show at all. He said most of the children were cranky and noisy in the theatre. Halfway through, Sophie started crying for me. I presumed she was too bored. Papa also complained that the show was exactly like the books and the DVD animations we bought for her so there was no "wow" factor at all. He maintained that such shows should be interactive because children lose their attention very soon. When I asked Sophie, she just said she liked it but that was about all. She did not ask for more or look for the books at home. She just put it behind her. Frankly I was disappointed. I was hoping she would thoroughly enjoyed herself like everyone else I was told. Should she be excited and raving about it? Now I am worried about The Rainbow Fish because Papa have to take her again. Hopefully, Papa would not fall asleep...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar And Other Eric Carle Favourites

We first saw the billboard for this show at Act 3 during Sophie's weekly lessons. I decided then I would be taking her there. She has never attended any plays or performances like this before so I thought we should choose a familiar show for a start.The plan was for Papa to watch Alfee with my helper while we spend quality time bonding. Well, we used Plan B. Our helper was on leave so I thought Alfee was better off with me. Papa would watch the show with Sophie while we wait outside.So we headed for Fusionopolis (sorry, I have never heard of this place), Genexis Theatre.

It was unfortunate that Papa did not like the show at all. He said most of the children were cranky and noisy in the theatre. Halfway through, Sophie started crying for me. I presumed she was too bored. Papa also complained that the show was exactly like the books and the DVD animations we bought for her so there was no "wow" factor at all. He maintained that such shows should be interactive because children lose their attention very soon. When I asked Sophie, she just said she liked it but that was about all. She did not ask for more or look for the books at home. She just put it behind her. Frankly I was disappointed. I was hoping she would thoroughly enjoyed herself like everyone else I was told. Should she be excited and raving about it? Now I am worried about The Rainbow Fish because Papa have to take her again. Hopefully, Papa would not fall asleep...

For the rest of our Sunday, visit Alfee's blog.

Spitz - スピッツ / テクテク

This is one of Papa's favourite Japanese band - Spitz. Somehow, Sophie is particularly interested in this song, especially after she watched the MTV. I like the song too! She kept asking why the girl left and the orange monster cried. She has such a tender heart sometimes.

Spitz - スピッツ / テクテク

This is one of Papa's favourite Japanese band - Spitz. Somehow, Sophie is particularly interested in this song, especially after she watched the MTV. I like the song too! She kept asking why the girl left and the orange monster cried. She has such a tender heart sometimes.