All About Eve On CK's Birthday

Tis CK's birthday and our ROM Anniversary. Here's what I wrote on his FB wall.

"44 yrs ago, a single wail from a baby boy brought great joy to his parents and family... 44 yrs fast forward, he's a great husband and dad. He works hard so that his children can be cared for by their SAHM and receive good quality education. He perseveres in his passions and strives to challenge and outdo himself always. He's not a saint but who's looking for perfection anyway. He's just a good man and I'm so glad he's ours...

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Almost forgot... Happy Anniversary too!"

CK went to his friend's pub for his regular gig tonight. This was my first time as audience there since before Sophie was born. It's always great inspiration to see him perform. He's so determined and passionate about it.

Doting Jie Jie - Ultragirl

This morning, Sophie attempted to draw an Ultraman for Alfee. Somehow, she drew a girl instead without even realizing. I think she might be drawing herself. Maybe she wished that her little brother would love and admire her the way he does Ultraman. Or I'm just thinking too much...

Ultraman Vs. Ironman

It was love at first sight for Alfee. Papa showed him a MTV of a song for Ultraman and he caught a glimpse of the legendary hero. Incidentally, the song was sang by Papa's favourite Japanese band 'Alfee' whom our son has been named after. Ever since, he's often caught mimicking Ultraman at the most inappropriate moments.

Then his doting mum decided to buy him an Ultraman DVD and that made him almost fanatical about that old fashioned man in rubber suit. The little guy is very forgiving about the outrageously disproportionate characters and ridiculously incompetent monsters or aliens.

Now I am on the hunt for anything that resembles Ultraman in the market. Our little man has lost interest in keep his pants dry in school. Thus we are figuring out a way to motivate him again. Apart from the Ultraman hand gesture he gets to perform after each successful toilet visit, he gets a sticker as well. Yesterday I could only find Ironman stickers so I hope that works for him as well. Today I found Ultraman at last. That ought to excite him!

Sleeping Alfee With His Ironman Sticker

I remember those days when Sophie needed extra motivation to keep her pants dry. We had to appeal to her sense of compassion. Each visit to the toilet was a chance for her to feed the poor, hungry toilet bowl. We roped in the school for a consistent action plan... somehow I forgot how her journey ended. I guess I'm just glad it did. This morning, she watched longingly as I gave Alfee his first sticker. I had to give her the task of instructing Alfee's teacher about our plan so that she feels involved. Knowing her, I bought her some princess stickers as well even though she has too many already.

End Of The Day 

More Chinese Sentences

I am hoping that this method will eventually help Sophie learn her Chinese better. At least this gives some meaning to what she is learning unlike some random sentences or characters. As she builds up her vocabulary, I hope she will soon create her own sentences and maybe just ask for help in writing certain characters. 

Swimming With Daddy

Sophie has swimming lessons on Saturday late afternoon, but she always missed it due to rain. Today, it didn't rain, so we hurried down to the pool. I was sick so I just watched them. Unfortunately, Uncle Shawn didn't intend to have lesson today due to Qing Ming. Thus, CK swam with the kids instead.

After 10 minutes in the baby pool, Sophie got restless and asked CK to take her into the Jacuzzi pool. I protested because I worried that he couldn't managed both kids in there but to no avail. I had all sorts of sadistic scenarios playing in my mind and I was even prepared to jump in if need arose. Then I watched with amazement how Sophie managed just fine in the 1 m pool. I know she could touch the floor with about 20 cm of her head above water, so it means she has to jump to breathe. She used her floats and toggled between swimming and floating. Occasionally she took some risks and I could see her struggle to regain her composure. But she always go back to the side of the pool when she had doubts. 

Alfee was just having all the fun in the water. He enjoys water play very much and he always appreciates his pool time. Like any other boys, he likes CK throwing him about in the water. I think Soon, I will also get Uncle Shawn to really start on his swimming lessons. Then both of them can swim together. 

Learning Chinese

Beginning of the year, I started Sophie on writing Chinese sentences. We did very little, just copying a few random simple sentences. She resisted writing Chinese characters so much that progress was slow and rather painful. So I tried using her favourite Chinese storybooks to make her more keen to just copy a sentence or two. Somehow, I knew that copying is a skill she might need soon. 

True enough, now she has to copy a lot from the whiteboard daily. She needs to write more Chinese characters and even form sentences on her own. So, I have to step up on her practice at home. Fortunately, her Chinese teacher always give me good advice on how to help her at home. Although I don't always agree on her ways of teaching, I respect that her method works for some children. For us, I have to modify it to suit my Sophie.

So instead of getting her just memorise the words she has learnt in her textbook and write them out randomly, I used the words to form meaningful sentences for her to write out on her own. That way, I can help her remember how to write those words and form sentences with them as well. I must say that she is definitely very capable. In less than 3 months, she could write Chinese characters much better and faster than before. 

Getting More Involved In School - Getting to Know My Daughter Better

A few days ago, I received a call from a fellow parent and staff of Sophie's school. When she asked if I'm Sophie's mum, my heart skipped a beat. Oh no, what has she done now? I closed my eyes, held my breath and waited for her to 'break the news'. As it turned out, she just wanted my help in setting up the materials for Catholicism class. Oh! She isn't in trouble? I almost asked anyway.

I admit I'm v paranoid about Sophie's behaviour. Although I don't strive for impeccable manners and godly behaviours, I always fear that she would impose her will on others. Perhaps I'm worried that others may feel drained and offended by her constant need for interaction... just like I do.

On the contrary, the parent and her mum like Sophie very much. She is very inquisitive, they said. She's lovely, they said. I remember another teacher commented that she is such a joy to have around. That she's friendly and loving towards the younger kids. She has 'this amazing gift' of opening up shy children. She's always cheerful and energetic. These are just some of the positive comments I get from both teachers and fellow parents. It's not so much their fondness of her that surprises me, it's the fact that EVERYONE knows Sophie.

Every since she started her new programme in school, she has been spending most of her time there. I only get to see her for a couple of hours before she goes to bed each night. I really appreciate feedbacks  on her from anyone who has some contact with her. I volunteer in her school more so that I get to know how she's doing in school, without her mummy around. I must say, she's doing a lot better without me hovering around her back and breathing down her neck. In fact, she's starting to fit into her new class and friends now. 

Gone are the days Sophie looks at me as if I am the centre of her universe. She now challenges me with new knowledge she picks up from school. She's beginning to be be very aware that I haven't been telling her everything about this world and some information has been deliberately censored. Sophie is definitely growing up. She's definitely capable of more ... if her mummy let go of the tiny string that still ties her to my side. Time for another change... 

Alfee's Class

Alfee's classmate celebrated his birthday in school today. His parents were there and they took this picture. His mum sent it to me and said Alfee has got a great smile. I do agree that he's a cheeky little fellow. And this little one has finally got his own class and friends. Occasionally, I would hear his friends call out to him or say 'goodbye' to him. He would also talk about them at home. Amazing my little man is really beginning to grow up and he's carving out his own world... a world with less and less of my presence.