Thursday, February 28, 2008

Food thief

Kayla has been "stealing" food from the fridge! Ever since she learnt how to open the fridge door, she will help herself to some snacks or juice. So now we have to hide our junk food and drinks.

Yesterday my mom was shocked to see Kayla munching a big bar of kit kat. Then today, she "stole" some sweets. Time to buy a safety latch for my fridge! Need to be extra careful in case she mistakes the medicine for sweets.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Updates on Kayla's progression

Email from Kayla's teacher:

"...These 4 weeks, Kayla had been introduced to Annie Apple and Clever Cat.She recapped on the sound of the letters and the stroke of the letters.Words starting with the letter A were being introduced to her, eg: alligator, anchor, astronaut, etc. She had also been introduced to words starting with the letter C, eg, clouds, camel, caterpillar, etc.

For math, colors and counting from 1-5 were being reinforced.

See Mummy, it isn't tough leaving Kayla alone in class right...? She has improved so much! From crying non stop for almost 2 hours, to dropping tears for less than 2 minutes. And she has no problem interacting with her classmates and has not much of a problem conveying to the teachers what she wants. Kayla is a fast worker. She usually finished the work given to her faster than her classmates..."

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Short trip to KL

I realised when you have kids, plans are always impromptu and you need to master a skill: ready in 15mins!

Anyway, it was a last minute decision. We left home at 2.30pm on Friday and reached KL at about 6.30pm. My dad drove. SR couldnt take leave on Friday so he met up with us on Sat. He took a plane.. air fare was $89 and he didnt mind paying for it because it takes less than an hour to reach KL, compared to 6hrs by coach. Knowing my man, he cant sit still for long.

We stayed at Midvalley hotel. Midvalley is a huge shopping mall and it was so convenient. We did all our shopping there.

Friday night was a nightmare for my parents & I. Kieran woke up at 1.30am crying. I gave him some milk and changed his diaper. He refused to go to bed even though he was tired. When we were in Hongkong, the same thing happened. So my parents & I took turn to carry him. At 3.30am, I fed him milk again. When I tried to put him down on the cot, he struggled and cried. I was getting alittle frustrated.. Lucky Kayla was sleeping soundly. Finally at 5am, he slept in his pram. Maybe he is not used to sleeping in a foreign place.. *Panda eyes* Not him, ME!

We lugged back 6 tins of milk powder for the kids. Each tin is $10 cheaper! My kids drink milk like drinking water. Daddy always say the cost of milk = cost of petrol. How true!

Some photos..



In the car (on the way to KL). Kayla - singing and Kieran- sound asleep in my arms.

Mummy & Kayla.

"Yummy mango pudding!"

Blur...

More CNY photos

Finally, Kayla & Kieran had a chance to wear the traditional outfit on the last day of CNY. Photos taken on the 21st Feb.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Kieran at Tumbletots

Photos taken on the 19th Feb.



"Yes, I am the cute fussy- eater. Just finished my brown rice with meat and spinach."

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Little rascal is a fussy eater!

Obviously not Kayla.. Kieran is a fussy eater and its driving me crazy!

He is very different from other toddlers.. he doesnt snack. He doesnt put things like toys in his mouth as well which is a good thing. I tried giving him cakes, ice-cream and baby biscuits, he simply refused to open his mouth. The last time I saw his PD, he said I should let him try all kinds of food such as cheese, jiu kuei, cakes etc which I did. Desperate, I gave him jar food to try too. He takes the fruits puree only.

He loves brown rice, porridge and fruits. Because of his fussy eating habits, I have to crack my head to ensure each meal is a power packed meal! All the necessary nutrients in one meal.. different style, everyday.

My friend told me it takes about 10 tries before some babies like the food/taste. Well, lets see who give in at the end of the day!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Personal thoughts..

Sometimes I am amazed how much I enjoy cooking now.. the only dish I have yet to "master", despite all the tips fr mom and friends, is vegetables! Dont laugh at me.. I know its the easiest dish to prepare but somehow when I cook it, it will become yellowish! Meanwhile my family will have to make do with yellowish vegetables! :p

I remember when I was dating SR (aka Sicko Ricko aka daddy), I told him " I cant cook. You still want to marry me??" He replied, " Dont worry, I can cook".. till today, I have not tasted a single dish! Ha ha.. Ok, he made breakfast at times..

It was my sister who motivated me to step into the kitchen and whipped up my first proper dish; my cousin's secret receipes and SR's contented and happy look after the meal that motivate me further :)

Siblings at the playground


Kieran loves climbing up and sliding down.. up down up down 10 times.

"I want to go back to the slide!"

"Look, I am so brave."

Happy challenging day!

Ever since I quit my job in Oct'06, I have the luxury to sleep till 9am daily (the time my kids wake up) :p But this morning, I had to force myself to get up at 6.30am! Drove daddy to Ang Mo Kio to take a private bus to work.

My mom went to M'sia so I had to bring Kieran along when I sent Kayla to school. I was hoping the teachers will allow me to stay in school because I dont know what to do with little Kieran around. Apparently not.. they "chased" me away when lesson started. As usual, Kayla was sobbing when I walked off..

I brought Kieran to NTUC. He was very good and cooperative. Sat in his pram quietly while I shopped. Fed him his lunch before going to the mini book fair at level 1. Bought flash cards and Noddy story books for Kayla (check out my loots below.. love the Elmo's world flash cards!).

Picked up Kayla at 1pm. Teachers told me she was very GOOD. She didnt cry and participated in all the activities. Wow!! Surprise! Surprise!

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Airport T3

Daddy has not seen T3 so we went there for lunch today. Kayla was so excited..

Lunch @ coffeeclub. Yummy muddy mud pie!

"I am bored."

"Yeah! Freedom!"

"My darlings"

Friday, February 15, 2008

Say Cheese!

"Opps.. mummy didnt capture a clear photo of my cute expression."

"Hmm.. this is better! Look at my pony tails."

"Mummy, whichever angle you take I still look like daddy."

Arrival of little Caden

My ex colleague, Ching, delivered to a handsome baby boy at TMC this morning. She is a mother 3 kids now.. as much as I love children I cannot see myself having a third one yet :)

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

Daddy & I cancelled our pre-valentine's day dinner yesterday because Kieran developed rashes so we brought him to see a doc. Today, I received a real sweet surprise!

"Daddy, mummy cannot stop smiling.. see she made me carry this heavy bouquet."


Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Slam dunk!

"Collector's items" Kieran's favourite toys!

Baby porridge = allergy

I noticed Kieran doesnt like to eat hard boiled egg so I made porridge in a different style today- with eggs, meat and tomatoes. But my baby developed patches of rashes on his left cheek and around his left eye after his meal.. sob!

Daddy and I brought him to see a PD near our home. When we reached the clinic, the rashes have subsided. Doc said it may be due to eggs, even though he didnt develop rashes the last time. My friends told me may be due to tomato because it is one of the food that causes allergy (???). Looks like I have to test again when Kieran recovers.

Dont disturb me, mummy!

Watching his favourite cartoon show. Refused to face the camera!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Sentosa Flowers 2008

We went to Sentosa to see the Lunar New Year floral extravaganza. Its beautiful.

Where's mummy

After staying in school with Kayla for 4 weeks (Wow, I cant believe I did that!), its time for me to let go. I didnt want to walk away without letting her know, so I said "Goodbye, see you later". Then I quickly dashed for the door, before her crying break my heart.

I bumped into my ex-colleague so we chatted for almost 45mins. Later I met one of the student's granny and she told me she just saw Kayla standing at the door crying.. My heart stopped a beat.

Lesson ends at 1.15pm, so I tahan till 1pm before walking back to her school. True enough, she was standing at the entrance.. hands reached out to me. I cried in my heart.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Steamed apples

My 3 weeks in tumble tots (Kayla's school) was a fruitful one. Why? Firstly, bonding between mother & child. Secondly, I've learnt many children's songs ha ha. Lastly, I got to know this kid's ah ma and she gave me many traditional receipes to boost immune system & to improve complexion.

They are suitable for children and adults. Ah ma said she is very particular about her granddaughter's well being so she spends alot of effort in preparing her meals.

Today I tried steamed apples. This is no ordinary steamed apples. It is supposed to "lun fei" or to treat minor cold/cough. My kids love it.

Ingredients:
- 1 red apple

- 1 wu hua guo (wet)
- a pinch of zhen chu fen (pearl powder) & chuan bei
- 1-2 small drops of honey

Methods:
- Slice apple into half (with skin)
- Remove seeds/core
- Rinse and slice (thinly) wu hua guo
- Put wu hua guo and zhen chu fen/chuan bei into the center of the apple & put the two halves tog (1 whole apple)
- Steam for 2-3hrs

- When ready to serve, remove apple's skin and wu hua guo. Add 1-2 small drops of honey. ENJOY!

Note:
- Purchase zhen chu fen & chuan bei from chinese medical hall and request to grind into powder form. Next time, I will just get chuan bei becuz mom told me not necessary to add zhen chu fen (too ex!).

- I bought top grade honey as it has no sugar and no preservatives. Better for kids. 1 small bottle cost me $25. You can choose not to add honey as wu hua guo and apple are naturally sweet.

Clockwise (front): Wu hua guo, zhen chu fen/chuan bei (powder), honey, apple (sliced into half).

Ready to serve!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Lunch at Uncle Beng's house

Today, we went to Uncle Beng & Aunty Molly's lovely home to have lunch. Su-wen (daddy's cousin) & her hubby were there too. Aunty Molly cooked yummy noodles (with lots of abalone!) & herbal chicken. We even had "lo hei".

As usual, Kayla helped herself to the food and enjoyed every bite. They were so amazed she knows how to use the chopsticks.. Well, she will do anything to get the food into her mouth! Ha ha.

Kieran "ransacked" their home while we were eating. He hid the oranges under the sofa; played with the cookies container; tried to open Uncle Beng's lap top and explored their rooms. They all had a good laugh..

Saturday, February 9, 2008

I love my baby brother

1st day of CNY. Daddy took a photo of them in their new outfit (Kieran's top is from his nai nai & I bought Kieran's dress from Taka).

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Cranky Kieran

I am extremely tired today! Woke up at 8plus, gave them their milk; cooked their lunch and bathed the kids.. nothing unusual.. however, daddy is not feeling well so he rested the whole morning. I had to look after them myself. After feeding Kieran his lunch, I put him in the playpen and fed Kayla. Kieran got a little impatient staying inside and started screaming. So no choice but to wake up daddy to watch over him..

About 1pm, I put Kieran to bed. I quickly went to shower when Kayla was watching playhouse disney. Kieran woke up 15mins later! I tried to put him to bed again but he kept wanting to come down to walk.. again no choice, I have to ask daddy to company him (daddy was feeling drowsy from the flu med).

I gave Kayla her milk and she slept at 2pm. I have no appetite so just ate cup noodles and biscuits. After my so-called lunch, I put Kieran inside his playpen to watch his all time favourite BARNEY show. This is the ONLY way to make him sit/stand still. I sat next to the playpen, preparing my ang baos for CNY.

Just as I thought I can lie down for a while (backache!!), Kayla woke up from her nap! Gave the kids apples and rested on the sofa.

Kieran kept walking around the house.. daddy and I took turns to follow him around. We tried to trick him into the playpen (again) with toys but he will scream his lungs out. At 4.30pm, I tried to make him sleep but everytime I put him down on his bed, he will cry. So no choice, daddy carried him (at least Kieran got some rest).

At 6pm, we set off to my parent's place for reunion dinner (in laws are in Melb).. At my parent's place, Kieran kept fussing/crying.. maybe he was abit scared to see so many relatives.

We reached home at 9.30pm. Bathed the kids and daddy put Kieran to bed. Kayla was good, she slept after a bottle of milk. Then Kieran woke up crying at 10.30pm.. drank half bottle of milk only. He must be teething.. so moody and uncomfortable. Finally, he slept at 11pm (fingers crossed!!).

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Gong Xi Gong Xi

When we were kids/teenagers, my mom never failed to get new pajamas, shoes and clothes for us. And when we wake up in the morning (1st day of CNY), we will find red packet under our pillow "ya shui qian". The feeling is wonderful... of having such a loving, thoughtful mother.

So I want my kids to experience all these little fun traditions I went through.. Check out the PJs and the sister-brother T-shirts I bought..

Had a hard time getting them to sit still!

School

Cut, cut, cut..

"Hmm.. Is the scissor faulty??"

"Look! I am so brave.."

Teacher Marie-ann & Kayla

"Why is teacher Fiona laughing?"
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