Blotchy Work

The kids were bored so I took out some tubes of paint and prompted them to do blotchy art. Regrettably, I gave them small pieces of paper so the paint kind of overflowed (due to their generous nature, of course). 

Alfee basically just squeezed the tubes with all his might and almost always put too much paint. Unlike him, Sophie did plan where to put the blobs of paint and tried to execute with care. Sad to say, her work didn't always look better as a result. 

Alfee's Progress

The little man is definitely growing up fast and furious. He's a great joy although he tends to wear me out sometimes. He will not walk if he can run, he will not talk if he can yell and he will not hug if he can throw himself at you. His teachers were telling me he's ready to enter Nursery 1 next year. He can express himself and his needs well and he's independent enough to be away from me. The other thing is his toiling. I have yet started on toilet training. He's physically ready but not psychologically. I told the teachers I'm targeting July intake. That will give me at least 6 mths to train him next year. 

Irresistible - Wax Resist & Sibling-hood

It was Monday again. Every Monday and Tuesday, Alfee attends Cherrytots so we leave for school together. We would go to the lobby and wait for Papa's car at the bench. It's always wonderful to see the kids get along lovingly. They don't always agree or play nice, but there's no doubt that they love each other very much. In fact, I have grown dependent on Sophie's affection and care for Alfee. 

After his lunch and nap, Alfee wanted to do some painting. I took the opportunity to try out wax resist with the kids. Sophie also woke up by then, so she joined us. I'm never good with wax resist, unfortunately. It never seemed to work well. Maybe because Crayola wax crayons are washable so they don't resist paint as well. 

Alfee requested for a fish so he got a simple one. Then he started doing random work with his roller and paint, creating quite lovely wrapping paper sort of picture.

Alfee was also fascinated by Sophie's drawings even though she often laments that she's not good with drawing. In fact, I actually thought her drawing of the underwater world was quite good. Again, the wax resist effect could not be seen.

Restless, Alfee started scribbling with gel crayons. He enjoys the motion of applying colours onto the paper, I think. Sophie also painted another picture of a mermaid which I thought was quite good also. Maybe I am bias, but I think she's not too bad for her age.  

Incredible how soon it was before it was time for dinner and bed. The kids enjoy reading time a lot. I don't really enforce the reading together time because Alfee occasionally gets too tired and disruptive. But tonight, they were wonderful. Sophie read to Alfee and I just sat there watching in amazement. 

Thank you, Ah Boh!

I remember asking my mom why my eldest sister and elder brother got all the attention and gifts from our aunties and uncles when we were children but I was pretty much the forgotten niece. And she told me, my sister was born the right time and my brother the right gender. My sister was the only niece at that time and most of my aunties and uncles were already working. They would shower her with gifts and take her out to play. As for my brother, he came when some of them were married but they had no children of their own yet. Also, he was the only nephew so they doted on him. By the time I came, everyone was busy with whatever they were doing then. Thus, I didn't get any gifts or attention from my aunties or uncles. In fact, my parents were even too busy to take pictures of me when I was a baby. I don't even know how I looked as a baby.

Now, I envy Sophie. She's got a doting aunt who showers her with gifts and attention. Sophie used to spend hours playing with Ah Boh at Toa Payoh when she was younger. Now, she is old enough to go shopping with her. Today, Ah Boh bought TWO pairs of shoes for her. We just bought her a pair of Clarks and Crocs recently, so now she's super happy. Sophie is crazy about shoes (thanks to Cinderella) so she gets all excited whenever she sees those stilettos  on the shelves. I don't know if she has thanked Ah Boh enough, but thanks Ah Boh for showering the kids with your love and time! 

Shopping Weekends

Yesterday, we started our day with Yamaha at Thomson Plaza. We decided not to eat at home so we had lunch at Peach Garden. Although we have always managed our weekends out without my helper, sometimes it could be really tough to stay sane. Occasionally, I would feel particularly bad when I see very calm and well mannered ladies with their young children at other tables. I wonder if something is wrong with me...

On weekends, the kids nap in the car. I secretly like that arrangement because I don't have to nurse Alfee to sleep or nag Sophie to bed. I can steal a moment to stare blankly out of the window and enjoy the peace and quiet... that is, IF they actually sleep. 

I also like the fact that I'll be at Takashimaya while waiting for Sophie to finish her art class. Despite everything, I am at least not bored or bothered by the heat. Sophie enjoys her art class and her treats after that. I will grab some snacks for the kids and they usually love the treats. Today, they got lollipops. 

We made a trip to 313@Somerset after that. We wanted to shop for stuff we need for the trip. We are slow and shopping gets tough with the kids close to the end of the day. Dinner at the food court was miserable. The kids couldn't stand the dishes and rice... I couldn't really blame them. My appetite wasn't any much better, especially after the horrid service provided at the stall. 

Today, we decided to ask Ah Boh to watch Sophie while we did some shopping with Alfee. We needed good, waterproof shoes. Of course, Sophie was elated. She took a short nap after her swimming lesson and it was off to Toa Payoh.

We went to Timberland at City Hall. It was crowded like a madhouse. I could hardly manoeuvre with Alfee in a pram. We are considering dumping the pram and letting the little guy walk on his own. Although he's much more active than Sophie (then), he's also more aware and willing to cooperate.

We then bought more clothes from Fox. They have quite good clothing for kids, especially if the parents are like us. We want simple designs and comfort. 

Ah Boh took a train with Sophie to City Hall to meet us for dinner. While waiting at the shop, Alfee started playing rough and hit her on the face. When confronted and told to apologise, he refused. He gestured instead, 'sayanging' Ah Boh's face. Yet, he pursed his lips and his eyes turned red and watery. The little man was stubborn. He simply refused to apologise. 

Perhaps he saw it as an accident due to play so he didn't see it as a mistake that warrant an apology. Forcing it from him seemed futile and without conviction, it would be useless. We left it as it was... until I asked him again just before we sleep. Out of frustration, I told him 'no milk if you don't apologise' and for that, he relented. 

I forgot the name of this candy place at City Hall. I found the treats for the goody bags I am getting ready for Sophie's birthday. I really like those and hopefully, the guests would too!

Housewarming (Uncle Simon & Auntie Adelene)

Uncle Simon and Adelene moved into Bishan Jumbo flat with their family about the same time we moved back. Their flat is huge and they have a very impressive music studio for both of them to teach piano. If I have ever complained about the number of guitars Papa has... I shall keep my peace after what I saw there. We are very impressed by the thought they put in for the design and everything looks bright and modern. 

Shopping With Ah Gong & Ah Mah

Ah Gong, Ah Mah, my brother, his family and ours are going on a holiday trip to Taiwan. This is the first time we have planned something like this. The last time I went on a holiday with my parents, my late sister and brother, was a decade ago, way before the kids. Everyone seems excited but I can't help but to be a little anxious about the logistics and of course, the kids... plus my aged mother. 

Times like this I wish my relationship with my brother was as good as that of the kids'. Then we could talk more about my family history, my aged parents and my late sister. For years, we all grieve but in solitude. We don't talk about it, we just mourn in our hearts... As parents now, we really want the kids to love and support each other when they are adults. The common background and history shared between them are invaluable and unique to them only.   

Anyway, we took Ah Gong and Ah Mah to Plaza Singapura to shop for some winter wear for the trip. We had to go early because we had a housewarming to attend in the afternoon. Most of the shops were not open yet but we managed to catch them just when they start business.

While Ah Gong and Papa were shopping for a jacket, I took Ah Mah to get her a pair of Crocs. Her bunion is very pronounced so she needs a pair of shoes with a broad front. To be honest, I'm doubtful she would wear them but at least she has the option if she wants to.

The kids got hungry around 11 pm, their usual lunch time. Fortunately I had some bread and milk with me (knowing Sophie too well). After our shopping, we had lunch at Swenson. Ah Mah tried the crayfish spaghetti while Ah Gong tried the salmon spaghetti. They weren't too thrilled by semi-Italian food but they were in good spirits. 

I couldn't say the same about Sophie though. She knew her doting grandparents were around so she tried her luck to get away with her annoying antics. I'm sure this will be what to expect when all of us are in Taiwan... *Shivers*