Circle Time... Okay?

I always dreaded circle time in Cherrytots. Alfee was hard to contained and Sophie was equally, if not harder to tame. Sometimes, I just let Alfee go and do whatever he wanted because it's too senseless to even try restraining him. Although nobody had ever given me dirty looks for my kids' behaviour during circle time, I felt very embarrassed and often questioned the need for such an impossible task for toddlers and preschoolers... at least for my kids. Now, I understand. I chanced upon Teacher Tom and read his article about circle time and the need for a gather around. I still dread it but I suppose I feel better after seeing the bigger picture and appreciate it more than before.

Another good read is You're Okay which talks about acknowledging our kids' emotions. Although I don't brush their emotions aside, I do try to shush or pacify them in public. I suppose I need to practice a little more of my counselling skills on the kids. It is really hard when I'm one of the player. I have to deal with the audience and sometimes, I have to make quick decisions on whether they are genuinely distressed or just trying their luck in getting the attention they want.

Saturday

Sophie has lessons at Yamaha on Saturday mornings so today, we set off as usual although we were a little late today. While Papa was driving the car to the lobby, I got to watch the two rascals create a din. Alfee was basically mimicking Sophie in whatever she did. She hopped, he hopped. She screamed like a wild thing, he yelled like one too! I often wonder if all kids are like that or is it just mine?

I'm sorry to all Yamaha fan out there, but attending JMC is a pain in my rear. I appreciate the curriculum and all, but I really find it too boring to attend. I struggle to keep awake and look polite in class. I suppose that's why I am not music trained. Fortunately, we did a bit of monkey faces just before class and that kind of keep me from screaming...

We had lunch at home and the kids were put in the car straight after that to nap. I have switched Sophie's art class to Saturday 2 pm instead of Sunday 1.30 pm. The group is bigger with some boys so the dynamics are slightly to Sophie's advantage, I feel. I think she enjoys interacting with boys because they are in general more easy-going.

While Sophie was having a ball at art class, we loitered around to kill time. We were very relaxed and peaceful without her endless chatter. We took a leisurely walk to Wisma to have some tea and cakes. We found a nice place at Wisma Atria, Coffee Stars.

We ordered some cakes and drinks and chilled out a little. Of course, Papa was busy shotting away while I spaced out. Alfee was his usual noisy self, shouting or sometimes singing, "I like noise..." and banging his spoon on his plate. 

Papa said he felt like a 'light bulb'

Anyway, Ah Boh was also at Ngee Ann City, shopping with her friend. She came over to Sophie's art school to see the two kiddos. The kids were very excited when they saw Ah Boh (maybe because she met them just outside the toy shop).

  

It took a while before the kids were ready to move on from the toy shop. I seriously think the shop is there to torment parents. Anyway, I was glad we didn't have to buy anything to leave the place. Alfee was crying a little when we told him we had to leave but it wasn't a meltdown.

The street just outside Ngee Ann City was bustling with activities today. There were the regular promoters (drinks and balloons) and some buskers as well. The kids were mesmerised by the drummers and their upbeat performance. Alfee was bopping away while Sophie just stood fixated.

By the time we left town for home, it was 5 pm and we were almost late for our dinner appointment at home. My brother (Jiu Jiu) had organised this dinner with our parents to discuss our Taiwan trip in December. We were getting the food. I am not much of a host so I just do a takeaway and hope everyone would be happy.

Ah Mah had second thoughts about coming over and it almost became a crisis for us. Fortunately, everything turned out well and she came. Although I must say, they really should work on punctuality. The kids could not wait that long so they started their dinner first.



Dinner went alright and Sophie got to play with her cousin, Zixin. She really towers over Sophie (although Sophie's already quite tall) and Zixin's character is sooooo different from her. I'm so glad she's very accomodating towards my spirited girl. The guest left around 9 pm and the kids slept soon after. It was a tiring day for all of us and tomorrow, Sophie and I have a ballet to catch...



Brave New Step?

Lately, I am thinking of going solo without a domestic helper. Don't get me wrong, I'm never the housewifey kind of mum and I seriously doubt I'll do a good job - cooking, cleaning, child rearing and whatever else I'm suppose to do. However, I'm getting really frustrated and tired of dealing with the work quality of my helper and the whole bunch of 'helper reliance' crap from my kids. 

To be fair, my helper has been a great relief for me in terms of housecleaning, cooking and pest (mainly lizard) elimination. I say 'elimination' because she doesn't really do much prevention, mainly kill those unfortunate fellas who dare to enter my lair. However, she used to be much more efficient and reliable... before the whole handphone, home leave and weekly time off arrangement. Now, she's just doing the bare minimum and hoping to get by on a daily basis. Am I being overly harsh on my expectations on her? Trust me, I'm not. I'm about the fairest, most easygoing and meekest boss she can ever work for. I mean, I have NEVER raised my voice at her, except when I spotted a lizard and had to scream for her to help me. And it's starting to seem like MY FAULT that her work standard has dropped.

After 3 years, it seems unlikely I can ever lecture her into doing a better job. She should be very aware of my expectation and if she's not, then something is wrong. There's little excuse because she's suppose to be more experienced now. Thus, the only solution for me is to dismiss her and take over her job. I think it's tough for me and I might end up engaging another helper, but enough is enough. I refuse to be held hostage anymore.

Montessori And Us

At Cherrytots, we were talking about our boys and their readiness to go Nursery class. Some parents are very convicted that boys are harder to bring up and they are not as obedient as girls in general. They  were shocked that I feel Sophie is more challenging than Alfee. They kept praising Sophie for her nurturing personality and her sense of independence. Indeed, she has been very sociable and outstanding in school among her peers. When left alone, she seems to strive and develop beautifully... that's how Montessori work on kids. And Sophie fit well into that.

Alfee is much more easygoing. He doesn't get along with everyone he meets but he's friendly. I'm not so sure if he fits into Montessori as well as Sophie does, but I think he's also quite independent in learning. He observes and prefers to try out things all by himself. He still needs me around for reassurance but in general, he's not clingy or afraid to explore.

Flower For You...

Sophie was sitting with her friends at the porch, waiting for me to pick her up from school. When she saw me, she stood and and walked towards the gate and me. Suddenly she paused. I knew what she saw and what she wanted to do. Sophie loves to pick flowers (actually weeds) from her school garden. And there are some lovely yellow ones just by the side of the gate.

Sophie squatted and stretched her arm through the bars of the gate in attempt to reach the pretty yellow flowers. She gave me an awkward smile when she couldn't quite touch it. She stood up again and this time she walked out of the gate.

Sophie : Mummy, can I get the flower for you? (pointing at the biggest one)

I nodded and let her pick it up. Then she placed the tiny flower on my palm and said,"... for you..." before going back to get another smaller one for herself. I held the little flower in my palm, wondering how this tiny flower made my horrible day seem a little more bearable. That's what parenting is all about, isn't it? The kids made it all worthwhile and bearable...

As we walked out of the school, she examined it and asked me about how flowers grow and buds become flowers... Then, she dropped it by accident.

Sophie : Opps... nevermind, I don't really want the flower anyway... (looked longingly at the one still held cautiously in my palm.

Me : There, you can have mine!

Sophie : Oh really? Thank you, Mummy!!! I'll pick another one for you tomorrow!

I was all warm and fuzzy inside. Sophie obviously wanted the flower, but she cared enough not to show her disappointment and she refrained from asking me for mine. She's always picking flowers or making cards and drawings for me. She would ask me what makes me happy and try to do it.

Sophie reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, modern Asian version. She is so loving and innocent. I always think that her greatest challenge is to keep her heart pure. It is hard for her to deal with her emotions and she needs to manage them well. But for the time being, she's allowed to be the child she is. I'm still tough on her but I'm raising an adult, not a child. I see in her a passionate, creative, kind and loving young woman. She may not rise to the top in academic or occupational achievement, but she will live a full and happy life!

Sophie dear, you gave me a little flower... I give my prayers that you will always be blessed with love and bliss.

Heartbreaking...

Alfee has caught the flu bug so he was feverish and his throat is sore. He refused food and oral medication, screaming "No... enough! Don't want... please! No more!" the whole time at dinner. He was crying so hard that he vomited. In desperation, I tried the suppository on him. To my horror, he found it so offensive that he squeezed himself shut and forced it right out. The second one was denied entry of course. He kept saying "Sorry, Mummy... No!" My heart broke as I listened to his pleas. He thought I was punishing him so he kept saying apologising to stop me. My poor boy... sad sad night for me...

Beautiful Child

At the school gate today, Sophie came out smiling and I thought she really looked beautiful and pure. Little did I realise that it was her heart that I was seeing...

Ms C (her teacher) : Hi... Alfee's sick?

Me : Yah... 39.2 degrees this morning... (stopped when I noticed that Ms C wasn't particularly attentive, she seemed to have more to say)

Ms C : Oh, I got to know because I heard her (Sophie) praying for him... so sweet!

Me: Oh... (grinning)

In the cab, I asked Sophie about her prayers...

Me : Sophie, what did you tell God today?

Sophie : I told him I would play properly with Alfee and (that) he won't have high fever anymore!

Me : Oh... That's very nice of you...

I thought Sophie was really very innocent, she believes that God would grant her her wish if she is obedient and play nicely with her baby brother. That has always been a constant struggle for the two of them - to share, take turns and play graciously. Yet, she is willing to make a little sacrifice and put in some conscious effort for her baby brother's health. Though she's unlikely to be able to follow through with real actions, her thoughts are very much appreciated.

Some ice-cream to keep the little girl sweet...

Staycation (Festive Hotel)

Auntie Cindy and Jessy found a good 2D1N staycation (with breakfast for 3) deal at the Festive Hotel through Groupon. Although we aren't fans of RWS or staycations, we were happy to join our friends for a bit of fun. Unfortunately, our strength was reduced by half this time... We miss the rest of the mummies and kiddies!

We had a late check in for two reasons. First, our reno guys came to rectify some carpentry works until after lunchtime. Second, the official check in time for Festive Hotel is horribly late at 3pm. It didn't help that they were having problems with housekeeping so they delayed the check in time to almost 4 pm.

Thus by the time we settled in and put our luggage aside, we were barely an hour or two from dinner time. We quickly grabbed out stuff and gathered the kids to the Hard Rock Pool. This time we went all prepared with floats and swim wear. I suppose with all the 'barang barang', we could let the kids play a little longer with less restrictions.   

We were both surprised that Alfee was completely at ease and enjoying himself in the water. He looked like he could stay there forever. He wasn't keen on any other water play, he just wanted to chill... We could easily tell that his gross motor skills are definitely better than Sophie. He already understood floating and he was always trying to move forward by paddling his arms and legs (with the life buoy).

Sophie, on the other hand, was all over the place. She wanted to try the slide and have a go at building sand structures. Occasionally, she wanted to join her friends for a game or two in the water, but she still preferred not to stay in one activity or game.

Of course, how could we have possibly taken any of the pictures if we were in the water? That's the beauty of having company on such trips. Thanks Auntie Jessy for taking the pictures! Fortunately, I looked too far away and small to look bad!

The kids were forced out of the pool as the sky grew darker. We had to quickly shower them and go get some dinner. We were all famished after the workout in the pool, so we could do good with some nice food. The kids were very hungry so they had some milk on the way to Malaysian Street Hawker. We ordered chicken rice, claypot rice, satay and ice kachang for dessert. Sophie sat with her friends throughout the dinner. I no longer try to force food into her in such occasions. It would be far too stressful for us all.

After our almost fuss free dinner, we took a walk around the place. Auntie Jessy had to take Xiao Ci and Yun Er back to rest much earlier because Xiao Ci was feverish. We lingered a while longer before we were hit by the sleepy bug. 

It is always tough to be Papa's models, especially when both kids were not very cooperative. But, every so rarely we might get a good shot or two! 

The kids pretty much slept during their usual bedtime. Sophie decided to sleep in the loft bed with her Papa. However, Papa came down moments later because he found the bed very uncomfortable. Good for me because I was suppose to sneak out for our mummies late night rendezvous. We almost had to cancel because Auntie Cindy had a backache. Fortunately, she had a bag of popcorn to share so we met at the legendary 8th floor lobby.

Happy to chit chat when the kids are sleeping... 

After a reasonably rested night, we were up and about as early as 6 am. We waited and waited until 7.25 am before we started out to get some well deserved complimentary breakfast! Yeah! I love breakfast, especially buffet! I don't actually eat a lot, but I enjoy the spread and variety. 

Sophie was also quite excited by the spread although she wasn't too adventurous about trying them out. Instead both kids attacked the scrambled eggs at the egg station. Usually I love eggs too, but I wasn't about to eat eggs when there were so many other yummy stuff to eat.

So while I was away 'hunting' the smoked salmon, Papa was busy shooting the kids. It's really great that he love photography. He could take gorgeous shots of the kids. I shy away from his camera though. I think I really look bad as I grow older. But that's another story for another time!

Somehow, I feel that the kids play crazier and wilder when their Papa is around. He's like their license to let go since Mama cannot join in the fun half the time. I'm not sure why but my sense of humour doesn't extend to children. That is somewhat a mystery...

Lovely shot of Alfee... so adorable!

How about a Nescafe advertisement?

An episode of prank on pranks... Little Brother Alfee pretended to be angry (probably pretending to be me!) while Big Sister Sophie crept up behind him to surprise him. When she held his head from behind, Alfee threw his back and surprised her instead! How delightful it was to have that captured on pictures!

Reluctantly, we headed off from our $28 per pax (but complimentary) breakfast to roam about Sentosa before we checked out. It was hot and seriously, most of the places were still closed. 

We took a tram but we didn't find any good places to visit (all require expensive admission fees) so we ended up resting by the beach. Papa took Alfee to the beach to do some photo taking while I blew bubbles for Sophie.

After a while, Sophie got bored with bubbles and asked me to look for Papa at the beach. Apparently, he had found a nice, colourful location for his photography. 

The kids were fascinated by the 'boats' all arranged in neat rows. They might have thought they were those machines at malls that move or rock when you feed them with $1 coins. 

This part of the beach is surprising quiet and nice. I like the almost natural state (besides the fake fine sand and canopies etc) without excessive amusement structures. I think it's quite ideal for relaxing  with a couple of good friends and their families.

By the time we left the beach, Sophie was very tired and bothered by the heat. We let her sit behind Alfee in the pram. Before we knew it, they fell asleep with Alfee's head on Sophie's bag. Not the best or most comfortable position so I bet they were extremely tired.

Soon the discomfort really got to Sophie since she was the one taking the weight. She woke up so we quickly did some damage control and got her out of the pram without waking Alfee. He slept all the way until after we had checked out and found our lunch place. At the hotel lobby, I saw a very enticing cupcake and bought one for Sophie. 

Lunch was at Ramen Play which was nice. We left out luggage in the car at the hotel so that we could move about easily. We even took a pass to go back to sentosa for free if we decided to go to Vivocity (which we did).

My Contemplation Look

A 2D1N staycation at Festive Hotel is really a bit of a rush. We ended up only enjoying the Hard Rock pool. After we checked out and lunch, we went to Vivocity for some house related shopping. So technically, we could have just stayed at home and go to the Hard Rock Pool as a day trip. Of course we wouldn't be able to loan any bath towels then...

Love the way he tries to communicate with us...

Overall, we still enjoyed ourselves. Nothing beats quality time spent with family and friends! The kids also love it despite nothing much was done. Sophie can't wait for our next holiday... Taiwan with Gong Gong, Ah Mah, Jiu Jiu and family! That ought to be fun...

Exhausted, on the way to Vivocity....