How to know if a parent looking for a tutor is likely to be difficult to deal with/ terminate a tuition assignment after a few months/sessions

he/she will
- ask for a phone interview before considering to take the tuition assignment with the tuition agency
- make known/clear his/her expectations of the tutor is to keep the child occupied during the tuition sessions & the child has tuition/enrichment almost everyday
- delay/postpone the commencement of the first session after confirmation of the assignment
- refuse to pay for fees and offer to pay only for the transport when the tutee is not at home upon arrival & waiting outside the door
- cancel sessions saying child is sick/has alot of school homework
- chat with you before &/or after the first session of tuition

- SMS &/or call you after a few sessions to discuss about the progress and/or how to make the lessons more effective/suitable for the tutee
- SMS on a weekend and if you do so in future, will request to have a chat with you after a lesson to tell you not to SMS him/her on a Sunday as it is Family Day

- request for reminder for payment of fees
- repeated delay in the payment of fees
- expect the tutor to check the tutee's class website for Homework/Tests & updates
- question you if you end the session a few minutes earlier than the stated timing &/or the tutee will ask you when did you arrive/the session started/session will end

- Some examples of parents:
1. Blk 145 P*tong P*sir Av* 2 Ms. D*an* HP 98**2882
2. 45 Pem*mp*n Pl*ce Mrs. Ch*n HP 92**4858
3. Blk 236 Buk*t B*t*k E*st Av* 5 Ms. Di*n* HP 97**4690
4. Blk 177 B*sh*n St 13 Ms. Ch***tine (tuition agent is Ms. K from T**tutors 9***7089)

106th week Dearest Baby TK

11sep- 17sep'12
721 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke up 710a; slept p;
722 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke up 8?a; slept at 1010p; had pasta for dinner at 7p;
723 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke up 755a (9.75h sleep); slept at 1030p;
724 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke up 735a (9h sleep);
725 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; climbed onto dining chair on your own at Granddad's hs and surprised Grannies; warned not to do that again, which you did for a few more times
726 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 3p for 2.5h; went to the NEA Recycling Week 2012 at the Atrium, and played shooting gun; had curry rice w dau ghee, xian cai for lunch at 2plus before you fell asleep 3p; Grandparents came after dinner;
727 days' old, you poo at 8a; woke up 730a; didn't finish milk in the morning (left 2oz); used 4 disposable diapers in all; no longer wears diaper after returning home from childcare till bedtime; able to tell us when you need to pee 3-4 times in the evening; Grandma came ard 830p and left an hour later, successfully fell asleep at 10p

106th week of motherhood

10sep - 16sep'12
thur
- SIL birthday today

fri
- sent TK to mum's to stay after 24 days
-
-
sat
- 大愿地藏菩萨Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva birthday
- end of the 7th lunar moon
-
sun
- hubby is having a testing today
- fetched TK from mum's

105th week Dearest Baby TK

4sep- 10sep'12
714 days' old, you poo at 720a & 730p, 815p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke a; slept p;
715 days' old, you poo at 745a; woke up 720a; slept at 1030?p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; went to childcare for the first time without diaper
716 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; went to childcare without diaper again; woke up 8?a; slept at 1040?p;
717 days' old, you turn 2yr old; poo at 729a; woke up 720a (8.67h sleep); slept at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Grandmum's place for stay; brought home a 'gift' from childcare, specially designed to teach son how difficult it was when Marmy was pregnant carrying foetus in womb;
718 days' old, you poo at 740a; woke up 717a; slept at p; had egg cake for breakfast at 820a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; wore shorts to the food market w/o diaper; pee 840a, 859a, 10a, 1033a, 11a
719 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 130p for 2.5h; woke up 730a; slept at 1050?p; had celebration at SBF Monthly EL Puja (Sep) and had mee suah,cake,fruit cocktail for lunch at 1250p, and later tok cab to Xiyao childcare and waited patiently for Marmy till 6plus (had mee suah for dinner again), playing dough w Dardy at the waiting area, had milo & bun;
720 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke a; slept p;

105th week of motherhood

3sep - 9sep'12
- attended a 5D喜耀生命课程 course at Xiyao childcare
- Ma went to fetch & bbsit son in the evening, putting son to bed 10plus

- TK came home w a present for Marmy on his birthday (a hard-boiled egg instead of a fresh egg where birthday child carries with him/her for the whole day to experience how his/her mother take cares of her little unborn during pregnancy)
- Hubby overseas till Friday, arrived home earlier than me (around past midnight)

104th week Dearest Baby TK

28aug- 3sep'12
707 days' old, you poo at 725a, 830?p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 7a; slept 745p;
708 days' old, you poo at 815a,715p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke 8a; slept 11?p;
709 days' old, you poo at 730p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke 8a; slept 1130p;
710 days' old, you poo at 745a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke 730a; slept p;
711 days' old, you poo at 835a, 12p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 2p for 1.83h; Dardy bbsat you while Marmy went to work, and Grannies bbsat you while Dardy attended Dharma class in the evening; celebrated birthday at Lil' Grandaunt's hs and finished a piece of chocolate cake w berry; woke 830a; slept at 1125p;
712 days' old, you poo at 815a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; woke 8a; slept p;
713 days' old, you poo at 750a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h pm nap in all; woke 730a; slept p;

104th week of motherhood

27aug - 2sep'12
tue
- made 1st batch of 5 tokens of appreciation (farewell to 3G aunts) for 3G aunts and Xiyao Childcare teachers from TK

wed
- made another bag of tokens at 5-530p while preparing dinner
-

sat
- Hubby bbsat TK while I went to work before handing TK over to Ma
- Pa went to collect TK's birthday cake at 8plus
- met neighbour Sis S at lift lobby and chatted for almost an hr
- went to Lil' aunt's hs to celebrate TK's 2nd birthday after work
- none of TK's cou are present and TK wasn't even clapping hands or smiling when we sang birthday song before cake cutting
- took TK to pee in toilet and changed diaper before I prepared for cake cutting, and ask Pa to set the table
-

How to boil fresh eggs that make peeling the EASIEST

6 Simple Steps to boil fresh eggs that make peeling the EASIEST

 

1. Bring a pot of water to boil.

2. Lower eggs into water.

3. Boil for about 13 minutes.

4. Take out of water.

5. Rinse under cold water or place the eggs in a basin of cold water.

6. Replace with more cold water when water becomes warm.

Ta-da! The eggs will peel easily!

P/S: Use fresh, room temperature eggs that are not refrigerated. Take eggs from the refrigerator 60 minutes before cooking.

How long can eggs stay fresh? How to tell that the eggs are still fresh?

Refrigerated you have 3 months from lay to eat them, easily.

The FLOAT Test
Eggs are good when:

Fill a bowl with water.
Place the eggs in a bowl so that all the eggs are submerged.

If the eggs settle to the bottom and lay on their side...they are as fresh as can be and yolks do not need to be thoroughly cooked.

If the eggs, while still on the bottom of the bowl, start pivoting upward they are a little less fresh but can still be used for baking, scrambling..

When completely upright but still on the bottom of the bowl...the egg is still ok but must be thoroughly cooked (scrambling, used in batter for frying..)

Once the egg starts to float and is no longer in contact with the bottom of the bowl...discard it!

When things spoil, they oxidize; this may explain why the egg floats;)
On

103rd week Dearest Baby TK

21aug- 27aug'12
700 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; first time almond glucose powder added to milk; woke a; slept p;
701 days' old, you poo at 830p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; poo 2x /day since intro almond glu in milk; woke 645a; slept p;
702 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke a; slept 943p;
703 days' old, you poo at 757a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke 730a; slept 1008p; nap at 1255p for 1.55h; cried 6x in the night 1a,3a,555a
704 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke a; slept 1012p;
705 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; woke a; slept p;
706 days' old, you poo at 830p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke 740a; slept 1055p;

103rd week of motherhood

20aug - 26aug'12
- fetched TK from mum's
- hubby found a dead lizard in our bedroom floor

- went to see acupunture for backache
- abit painful and suspect slight bruised
- went to do groceries
-

- went to fetch TK 430p after cooking porridge
-

102th week Dearest Baby TK

14aug- 20aug'12
693 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke a; slept 950p;
694 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke a; slept 11p+;
695 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; vomitted 915p since TCM yesterday 8p for mucus, cold; woke before 7a; slept 957?p;
696 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; 1st day of 7th month lunar calendar; TK asking for 'getai' since 2 weeks ago a 'getai' competition at our place; woke a; slept at 825a before reaching Childcare & Ms L carried you into the office to continue sleeping for the first time; slept 950?p;
697 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 730a; slept 10p; gg to Grandmum's place for stay;
698 days' old, you cried 4 times in the night; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 1150a & 550p for 3.5h in all; woke 750a; slept p;
699 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; added flaxseed powder/oat bran to breakfast/lunch for the first time at childcare; woke 740a; slept 1015?p;

102nd week of motherhood

13aug - 19aug'12
mon
- Pa not working till Thur
- fetch TK while hubby made dinner
-

tue
- forgot to take the CL storybooks when I left home to send TK to Childcare
- bought guotiao beehoon for brunch but hubby gastric& headache, and have to avoid oily food
- Pa, Ma fetched TK and dined at the nearby aircon food eatery
- hubby is working on a freelance job portal for vegetarian or green writers
- went looking high and low for them, as the only clue was 'chicken rice stall'
- finally located them at the cafe nearby

wed
- bought vegetarian mee rebus for hubby (hubby lunched out and took mee rebus as tea at 4plus)
- took TK to TCM for vomitting
- Pa called as he insisted to fetch TK together
-

thur
- hubby fetched TK using my EZlink card
-

fri
- heavy rain
- video filming at Xiyao childcare till 9plus w Ma & TK
- delayed as PIE traffic jam
- shared our opinion on the Childcare and it's arrangement for the children's diet,teaching etc
-

sat
- hubby made vegetarian lunch for Q, but accidentally added chilli
- hubby almost hit by a speeding taxi outside Spring
- hubby went for hi-tea reception at euHabitat
- sent TK to mum's for the weekend
- not sleeping enough these 2 months as I woke up as early as Ma at 5am when alarm sounded

sun
- hubby need to clear all the 5 days of Childcare Leave
- Childcare is not closed on Teacher's Day, which coincides with TK's birthday
- fetching TK tomorrow from mum's

101st week Dearest Baby TK

7aug- 13aug'12
686 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 730a; slept 1025p;
687 days' old, you poo at 734a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke 717a; slept 9p; used a new packet of milk powder refill
688 days' old, you cried twice in the night; poo at 903a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke 718a; slept 928p for 52min; slept again at past midnight
689 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke 155a after 1.5h; woke again ard 730a; slept p;
690 days' old, you cried in the night as you're hungry; poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 840a; slept p;
691 days' old, you poo at 817a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; woke 750a; slept p;
692 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke 725a; slept 1008p;

101st week of motherhood

6aug - 12aug'12
- sent hubby off at Airport (60 minutes spent on travelling to Airport from home by SMRT)

- fetched TK home to watch the fireworks
- hubby watched the NDP Preview as he's overseas for the actual day

- hubby went to Bugis
- went to buy some Toy*g* closets & small chairs at 1pm
- Pa called at noon but I didn't answer as it wasn't convenient

- went to monthly SBF Eng Puja w Pa on Sun and celebrated his birthday
-

100th week Dearest Baby TK

31jul- 6aug'12
679 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke a; slept p;
680 days' old, you poo at 740a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke a; slept p;
681 days' old, you poo at 848a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke a; slept p;
682 days' old, you poo at 735a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke 730a; slept 1015p;
683 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 8a; slept 10p;
684 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 245p for 2.5h; woke 728a; slept p;
685 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h pm nap in all; woke 730a; slept p;

100th week of motherhood

30jul - 5aug'12
- sent Hubby off at airport at T2
- dry mopped floor
- packed some biscuits snacks to carry in handbag
- went supermarket to do groceries shopping
-
tue
- dry mopped floor
- treat TK's classmates some biscuits
-
wed
- washed kitchen sink
- went for acupuncture for the first time for backache

thur
- dry mopped floor
- dined at foodcourt at TK's childcare

fri
-

sun
- dry mopped floor
- had Indian prata for breakfast
- 

99th week Dearest Baby TK

24jul- 30jul'12
672 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke a; slept p;
673 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke a; slept p;
674 days' old, you poo at 728a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke a; slept p;
675 days' old, you poo at 745a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke a; slept p;
676 days' old, you poo at 1145a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke a; slept p;
677 days' old, you poo at 805a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; woke a; slept p;
678 days' old, you poo at 740a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all; woke a; slept p;

99th week of motherhood

23jul - 29jul'12
mon
- went to NLB to borrow storybooks and made redemption
- called CPF to make enquiry of status of GIRO application status


tue
- made coral seaweed jelly for dessert
- brought TK to see Chinese physician

wed
- wash kitchen sink
-
thur
- tidied and reorganised the plastic bags
- prepared tokens for TK's classmates at childcare to celebrate TK's 2nd birthday-cum-Teachers' Day
- made glutinous balls for O
-
fri
- made white fungus dessert
- Hubby tidied study room corner
- borrowed NBL storybooks and made redemption
-
sat
- mopped floor
- brought TK to see Chinese physician since Tue 4 days ago
-
sun
- made Duzhong Shouwu soup for dinner & multigrain porridge for lunch
- dry mop the floor before gg to the wet market
- had loti w Indian prata for breakfast
- Hubby bought Baby Bites for TK at nearby shop

98th week Dearest Baby TK

17jul- 23jul'12
665 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
666 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; go without diaper after returning from childcare till before bedtime for the first time;
667 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
668 days' old, you successfully pee into potty instead of wetting floor; poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
669 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
670 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h
671 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

98th week of motherhood

16jul - 22jul'12
- dry mopped the floor
- prepared olive spread for TK breakfast meal at childcare instead of eating Planta as it contains non-veg ingredients (TK is on vegetarian diet)
- prepared small portions of dhall (rich in protein) and mustard seeds for each meal serving to cook
- went to exchange a box of dates at the supermarket as there seemed to be a tiny insect in one of the dates
- took some time (almost 1.67h) to choose the right amount of items for exchange

- went groceries shopping on Tue after sending TK to childcare
- hubby attended Dharma class after work in the evening at Awareness Place, The Well-Being Centre at Bras Basah Complex

- prepared TK's birthday tokens of appreciation for classmates at childcare
- took a nap at 1p after lunch

- retrieved $0.23 claim for EZ-link at the Ticket Office
- went groceries shopping again to enjoy $3 off $30 purchase and above using Citi SMRT paywave for payment Promo till end of month

- scrubbed toilet floor & dry mopped the floor
- went to the NLB to borrow books and redeemed a folder for a loan of 12 items

- attended a famil wedding dinner at Swissotel Merchant Court
- hubb scrubbed toilet floor
- cleaned the window grills in the living room, kitchen
- dry mopped the floor

- went to the wet market in the morning w hubb & TK
-

97th week Dearest Baby TK

10jul- 16jul'12
658 days' old, you poo at 750a, 727p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
659 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h
660 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
661 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay; woke 718a; slept 935p;
662 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 715a; slept 920p;
663 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; woke 715a; slept p;
664 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all; woke 645a; slept 905p;

97th week of motherhood

9jul - 15jul'12
- went groceries shopping after lunch for consecutive few days
- made Duzhong shouwu soup 杜仲首乌汤 on Sat
-

96th week Dearest Baby TK

3jul- 9jul'12
651 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 740a; slept 943p;
652 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; woke 733a; slept 1035p;
653 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke 715?a; slept p;
654 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
655 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke 730?a; slept p;
656 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h
657 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all; woke a; slept 1030?p;

96th week of motherhood

2jul - 8jul'12
- Bro birthday next week (hol in Thailand)
-

95th week Dearest Baby TK

26jun - 2jul'12
644 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
645 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h
646 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
647 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
648 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
649 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h
650 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

95th week of motherhood

25jun - 1jul'12


- enquired at CPF hotline

- cleaned the stand fan & dry mop the floor
- borrowed NLB books and redeemed a folder
- attended a Seminar at CPF in Mandarin

- first & last class at The Sentinel (Novena MRT) till the end of the year probably

- borrowed NLB books and made another redemption

- hub made Duzhong & shouwu soup for the 2nd time this month
- went wet marketing in the morning

94th week Dearest Baby TK

19jun - 25jun'12
637 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
638 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h
639 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
640 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
641 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
642 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h
643 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

94th week of motherhood

18jun - 24jun'12

- went to S&S shopping for groceries for the 5th time and enjoyed $3 off for $30 and above purchases..limited to one voucher per day during the promotional period when paying by PayAndWave using Citibank SMRT card

- hub made duzhong & shouwu soup for dinnner for the first time this month

- the officer and the workers from TC came to clear the debris on the air-con ledge after calling for request for the first time

- attended the CommunicAsia & ExpertiseIT2012 at Marina Bay Sands taking CCL from Dhoby Ghaut MRT instead of BS to Promenade, transfer train at the same platform
- had breakfast set for lunch, as there's no veg stall there

- hub dry clean/mop the floor on Sat morning
- bought dahl at the wet market to cook for TK for the first time

- went to deliver bb gifts to long-time friend at Eunos after sending TK home from mum's place
- Ma was watching TV at hm when we reached home around 8pm
- hub was home around 9plus 10, and by then TK was almost asleep

93rd week Dearest Baby TK

12jun- 18jun'12
630 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
631 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h
632 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
633 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Grandmum's place for stay
634 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; went to Lil' Grandaunt's hs for gathering
635 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h

636 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

93rd week of motherhood

11jun - 17jun'12

-

92nd week Dearest Baby TK

5jun- 11jun'12
623 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; woke up 655a (8.67h sleep); slept at 1010p;
624 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 753p for 0.83h; woke up 725a (9.25h sleep); slept at 1135p;
625 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; woke up 750a (8.25h sleep); slept at 1030p;
626 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for the first time this month; slept at 950p;
627 days' old, you poo at 630p & 843p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 1235p for 0.4167h & 225p for 1.67h; 2.08h pm nap in all; called 公公 'gong gong' loudly for the first time (previously made sound in the throat); woke up 705a; slept at 1025p;
628 days' old, you poo at 1248p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 128p for 1.5h; woke up 753a; slept at 10p;
629 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all; woke up 740a; slept at 1004p;

92nd week of motherhood

4jun - 10jun'12

-

91st week Dearest Baby TK

29may- 4jun'12
616 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
617 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h;
went to TCM for 3rd time this month for heaty
618 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
619 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
620 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
621 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; sent Dardy to the airport
622 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

91st week of motherhood

28may - 3jun'12

-

90th week Dearest Baby TK

22may- 28may'12
609 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
610 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; poo at 740p;
611 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; poo at 750a;
612 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
613 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
614 days' old, you used 6 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; sent Dardy to the airport
615 days' old, you poo at 740a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

90th week of motherhood

21may - 27may'12

- went to Popular Bookstore to buy some Chinese storybooks for O on Thur
- last week of school for all Primary & Secondary school students
-

89th week Dearest Baby TK

15may- 21may'12
602 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;

603 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h;

604 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
605 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Grandmum's place for stay after attending a wedding dinner at Civil Service Club, Tessensohn rd
606 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; went to TCM for 3rd time this month for abit runny nose after high fever subsided the following day of TCM on Mon;
607 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; 
608 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

89th week of motherhood

14may - 20may'12

- celebrated Hubby's birthday with dinner with family at Miaoyi Vegetarian Restaurant
- attended a fami wedding dinner at Civil Service Club, Tessensohn rd
- TK fever subsided slightly and took 1 day MC at Childcare
-

- Ma came over after dinner and amused when heard TK said 'good boy'
- TK enjoyed equivalent to 1 month free in a year at Xiyao Childcare as there's 20% discount till August, compared to 2 weeks' of free trial last December
- TK was not eligible then as min age is 18m
-

88th week Dearest Baby TK

8may- 14may'12
595 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
596 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h;
597 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
598 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
599 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
600 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; abit runny nose and high fever;
601 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

88th week of motherhood

7may - 13may'12

- Fri sent TK to mum's place to stay
- celebrated 2nd Mother's Day on Sun
-

- Mum made organic rolled oats for breakfast
- towel bath TK as he's having high fever after dinner
- monitored TK's temp in the night and prepared to take TK to the nearest hospital A&E if fever persist
-

87th week Dearest Baby TK

1may- 7may'12
588 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; runny nose and slight cough since last week;
589 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; runny nose got better after TCM med 2 days' ago
590 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
591 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Grandmum's place for stay
592 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
593 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
594 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

浴佛偈

Buddha bathing during Vesak 2556:
浴佛时可默念< 浴佛偈>：

我今灌沐诸如来
净智莊严功德海
五浊众生离尘垢
同證如来净法身

87th week of motherhood

30apr - 6may'12

- went to Swissotel for dinner at 'Out of the Pan'
- happiest day of all my birthday makan
- had an extra crepe and leftover packed for supper (cheesecake)

- gg to receive a surprise gift tomorrow after viewing the model online
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86th week Dearest Baby TK

24apr- 30apr'12
581 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; runny nose and slight cough since yesterday
582 days' old, you used 4 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h;
583 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay
584 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
585 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
586 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
587 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all; went to see TCM as coughing worsened in the night

86th week of motherhood

23apr - 29apr'12

- went to fetch TK and sent to mum on Thur as hubby and I went to PMT for Dharma Heart Sutra class
- TK enjoyed the dinner (multigrain porridge with brocoli, carrot, baby corn, french beans etc) cooked by hubby
- Pa came to use AXS to pay for his bill
- went to S&S to shop and it drizzled when we left
-

- TK walked to the bus-stop on the way to PG at 812a
- had kueh chap before leaving the canteen below TK's PG at Shunli

-  went to the Vesak Celebration on the open space along Gullimard Rd (opp SBF) on Sun
- TK sat on the chair for almost 1-2h as hubby went to buy food & drinks with the coupons.
- even though the weather was warm initially, it was quite breezy sitting under the fans.
- TK had mushroom soup with bread & apple juice for the first time
- TK was still having runny nose and a little cough
-

85th week Dearest Baby TK

17apr- 23apr'12
581 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
582 days' old, you used 4 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h;
583 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
584 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for the first time since enrolling into PG; no longer brings Teddy Bear to PG after Marmy washed took off Teddy's bathrobes to wash;
585 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
586 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
587 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

How to handle situation when parents don't pay for tuition (Part 2)

When the tuition agent doesn't respond to your calls and SMSes, and the ultimatum is sent via SMS indicating that should the agent is still uncontactable, legal assistance will be sought.
The agent responded finally to the SMS.

Even though the agent did not help to fight for the payment of 45min fee, pushing all the blame to the tutor, finding fault etc, and siding the client, there's nothing the tutor can do as the legal fees involved is much more than the tuition fees if tutor decides to pursue at the Small Claims Court.

The tuition agent is Ms. K from T**tutors 9***7089.

The assignment is for P5 Chinese at Blk 177 Bishan St 13 and the client is Ch***tine G**.

How to handle situation when parents don't pay for tuition

Tuition assignments assigned by tuition agent if not carried out for any reason given by parents, the tutor will not be paid.
The parents may offer to reimburse the transport and not pay for the tuition as scheduled.
At most, the parent may agree to pay for 50% of the tuition fee. ie. pay for 45min instead of 90min session.

Tutors will have to agree to the arrangement or parent may get too angry if tutor request for tuition agent to intervene. At most, the tuition agent will propose you to charge 50% of the tuition. However, if the parent decided to terminate the tutor, he/she would not be paid at all, even the scheduled tuition which did not take place.

A tuition agent Ms. K from T**tutors 9***7089 is one such agent.

The assignment is for P5 Chinese at Blk 177 Bishan St 13 and the client is Ch***tine G**.

The student is a polite girl, but the same cannot be said for the parent and grandparents.
She offered the tutor a cup of water after rinsing the cup but was chided by the grandmother saying she'd make the cup even dirtier by washing, and hurry the granddaughter to quickly return to the room for tuition as time is precious.
The tutor later praised the girl for having good habits to rinse the cups before serving drinks to guests.

It was later learnt that the student had 4 other tutors previously, and 3 of them share the same surname as the 5th tutor.
How is it possible to have 4 tutors in by P5 1st quarter?
That is quite unbelievable.

Who knows, any subsequent tutor who is brave enough to take up the assignment may have to be prepared to handle the parent and not the student.

85th week of motherhood

16apr - 22apr'12

- When there's no reply from the tuition agent after last Mon, I went down this time, for the lesson 1 at 117 bishan st 13 and reached earlier than scheduled time
- the student and the maid stood at the door but instead of opening the gates for me, she told me that her mother had told her there's no tuition today
- I told her that I wasn't aware, and tried calling the tuition agent Ms. K, but to no avail
- I sent an SMS to Ms. K relating the situation hoping she'd get back to me soon
- I don't have the parents' contact no.
- the student went to call her mother but she's in a meeting at the moment and was uncontactable
- I went in to wait (sat down on the sofa without being asked)
- after 15min of waiting, the grandmother finally told the granddaughter not to wait anymore and to begin tuition
- towards the end of the tuition, I received 2 missed calls (I didn't answer as I was having tuition)
- Ms. K SMS at 543pm 'i already tell u parent wants to terminate u. cos of ur attitude. u wan her to pay full lesson for the first time u go.'
- this wasn't true as there's no such confirmation stating the above claimed.

- trying to reach Ms. K via SMS and phone since but to no avail
- on Wednesday I sent an ultimate SMS at 1208pm to her, saying that I may have to seek legal advice and assistance on the matter if she's uncontactable
- she replied SMS 3 hours later (after 1 week's of absence) at 305pm saying 'the parent did inform u after the first time u go. and ask u whether u wan her to compensate half lesson and still continue with lessons in future and u told her u wan to collect 1 full lesson's fee. and she refuse and even told u if u wan 1 full lesson's fee then nvm she will terminate u straight. y didn't u get back to her? u insisted her to pay 1 full lesson's fee right. i even ask u also u did not reply me on whether u wan 1 full lesson fee or half lesson's fee and straightaway proceed to the 2nd lesson when u already know that the parent is very angry already.'
- there wasn't any such thing as the parent mentioned in the phone call the week before, if i insist to charge full lesson (which I didn't) after 10 lessons i no need to come anymore. (not the same as in Ms. K SMS reply above)

- replied SMS at 419pm 'u did not reply with ok. i kept on sms u but din receive reply from u. and ur msges were always very slow. u did not even confirm properly before going for 2nd lesson.
- I asked her if she's remembered the wrong person as I'm always very prompt to reply SMSes, and quoted her the timings of my sent replies and post her a question asking why there's no confirmation to make the 45mins fee payment as promised should the parents wish to terminate the assignment the previous week and so on and she replied 'i did not remember the wrong E****.

- how can tutors protect their rights and be given justisfied treatment and payment for their professional services rendered to clients recommended by tuition agency?

84th week Dearest Baby TK

10apr- 16apr'12
574 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
575 days' old, you you are on your own to Playgroup (PG) today after mum accompanied for 2 days; used 4 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; gg to Grandmum's place for stay less;
576 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
577 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
578 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
579 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
580 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

84th week of motherhood

9apr - 15apr'12

- On Monday, there's a heavy downpour as I was walking to the nearest bus-stop to fetch TK
- hubby is buying dinner after work

- P5 student from new assignment stayed back in school without prior notice and so there's no tuition
- grandparents were also unaware of the tuition scheduled
- after standing at the door briefly, I suggested to the grandmother to call the mother to enquire and inform her
- parent offered to pay me for my transport
- I explained that since there's no cancellation of the tuition prior to the scheduled time, and upon arrival to the venue, it'll be best to consult the tuition agent on the best justified solution.
- I was told on the phone that if I insist on full payment today (which I didn't), after 10 lessons, there's no need for me to continue (hostility in the tone)
- after I repeated that parent to consult the tuition agent for professional advice, parent asked if what the agent said will be final
- the conversation ended when I repeated that the agency will have prior experience on such situtation to best handled the situation
- I somewhat briefly explained to the student's grandmother (no facial expression) what the parent told me over the phone before i left the place

- the tuition agent replied SMS at 604pm 'hi e**** can u jus charge 45mins fee for the 177 bishan st 13 assig? i noe its the parent's fault but she din do it on purpose. we won charge the 45mins fee.'

- after I asked if today was considered lesson 1, the agent Ms. K replied SMS at 726pm 'not considered 1st lesson. next lesson den count commission onwards ok?'
- I agreed to charge for 45mins and my reply at 806pm 'Ok. But what if parent terminate this assign after first 4 lessons? What's the minimum no of lessons the parent agreed with you? Thanks.'
- there's no further confirmation or reply from the tuition agent..

- it's an established online tuition agency (T**Tutors) in Singapore and only the mobile phone 9***7089 of the tuition agent's in-charge Ms. K is provided
- when the assign is confirmed, an email will be sent to the tutors with the details of the assign (usually the unit no. of the venue will be missing from the SMS assign sent earlier)

- in such cases, when a tutor turn up at a new assignment, and the tuition was cancelled for some reasons, will tutors get paid partially? Are there any rules/regulations to state the standard procedure to handle such case?

- in the email assignment confirmation sent by Ms. K on 5 April 12, it's stated that the tutors are still entitled to 50% of the total amount of tuition fee the tutor had attended, and in this case, tutor has been promised 45mins fee:

Name of Client: Ch***tine G** (the student Chl** K*w is studying in the nearby KC Pr***yter**n Pri school, she's had 4 tutors previously, and the last three share the same surname as me).

As per our terms and conditions, tutors who were found to be under performing (e.g. late for lessons, sleeping or having too many distractions during lesson, etc.) or requested to postpone/terminate any assignments before the end of 4 weeks of lessons, shall not be entitled to any tuition fees payable. However, if it is the client who requested to terminate the tuition, tutors are still entitled to 50% of the total amount of tuition fee of the number of lessons the tutor had attended. Tutors who terminate the assignment before first lesson will be liable to pay for the full commission. Despite the above conditions, we still encourage you to stay committed to this assignment, at least till the end of the tutee’s final examination in school.

- on Tue went to NLB after sending TK to PG
- hubby bought laksa + rice for lunch

- attended Dharma Heart Sutra class on Thur
- 5 more lessons to end of workshop

- sent TK to ma's to stay overnight on Sat

- on Sun went to ma's hse after l10p and hubby arrived after work
- dined at nearby food centre and ordered kueh chap kosong since there's no vegetarian stall there
- took TK for a stroll after TK had his stroll with Grandpa as hubby queue to buy food
-
 

83rd week Dearest Baby TK

3apr- 9apr'12
567 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
568 days' old, you you are on your own to Playgroup (PG) today after mum accompanied for 2 days; used 4 disposable diapers in all; nap for less than 0h; gg to Grandmum's place for stay less;
569 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
570 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
571 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
572 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
573 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;

83rd week of motherhood

2apr - 8apr'12

- sent TK to Playgroup at Xiyao Childcare (Kaki Bukit) and stayed there on first 2 days
- serves vegetarian meals every Tues & Thurs
- hubby went for brunch at canteen nearby and left for work
- had brown rice porridge with the other children

- went for a family photo shoot at Braddell Tech after TK had his nap
- gg to hubby's cou dinner at Mandarin and reached ard 8p with Pa, Ma
- bride sings Cantonese songs and gave detailed 'Thank You' speech
-

82nd week Dearest Baby TK

27mar- 2apr'12
560 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
561 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h am nap & 0h pm nap in all;
562 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
563 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
564 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
565 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
566 days' old, you are gg to Playgroup (PG) today after an Orientation Tour(2) last week; used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 222p till 310p for less than 1h (first to wake up and among last to fall asleep); gg to Grandmum's place for stay less

82nd week of motherhood

26mar - 1apr'12
- went to enrol TK in a newly established Xiyao Childcare for playgroup class
- provide veg meals to all on Tues and Thurs
- has 22 children in all currently

- hubby went to TCM for 2nd time before flying overseas for work
- sending TK to playgroup class tomorrow

-

81st week Dearest Baby TK

20mar- 26mar'12
553 days' old, you poo at a; used 6 disposable diapers in all;
554 days' old, you poo at 905p; used 7 disposable diapers in all; took 2.5h am nap & 1.4167h pm nap in all;
555 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 2h nap in all;
556 days' old, you poo at 105p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
557 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
558 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
559 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for a week tomorrow

81st week of motherhood

19mar - 25mar'12
- bro bought a pandan cake from Bengawan Solo and we had a slice after dinner

- didn't attend the Dharma class on Thur as hubby still not well
- took hubby to TCM and felt much better after taking 1 dose of medication

- went for a 1-Day Dharma In Action Symposium at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple organised by the BPC (Singapore) with hubby
- took a personal loan from hubby to pay the outstanding endowment premium and credit bills (inclusive of ST phone bills, S&CC, PS etc)

80th week Dearest Baby TK

13mar- 19mar'12

546 days' old, you poo at a; used 5 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for a week
547 days' old, you poo at a; used 7 disposable diapers in all; took 2.5833h nap in all;
548 days' old, you poo at 145p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 1.4167h nap in all; 
549 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
550 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
551 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at p for ?h;
552 days' old, you used 0 disposable diapers in all; nap at 1230p for 3.0833h; slept for 9.5h at night and woke up at 810a

80th week of motherhood

12mar - 18mar'12
- went for a consultation at a weight management centre at Orchard Taka and was rejected for a free trial treatment as I was 2.4kg below acceptable (required) weight (the digital weighing scale was 0.5kg difference from another digital bathroom weighing scale)

- did a very foolish thing and made hubby very ill
- today is Dad's birthday

- fetched TK from mum's after dinner and went to family gathering
- packed TK's neccesities for overnight stay at Ma's
- fetch TK after lunch with hubby (still feeling weak)

79th week Dearest Baby TK

6mar- 12mar'12

539 days' old, you poo at a; used 6 disposable diapers in all;
540 days' old, you poo at a; used 8 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
541 days' old, you poo at a; used 7 disposable diapers in all;
542 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
543 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
544 days' old, you poo and pee at 810a; used 4 disposable diapers in all; nap at 255-510p for 2.25h;
545 days' old, you used 4 disposable diapers in all; nap at 1205-135p for 1.5h;
gg to Grandmum's place for stay for a week tomorrow

Qingming Festival (清明节）

Yesterday was the traditional Chinese Qingming Festival 清明节 (Qīng míng jié), meaning Clear and Bright Festival. It is a day to mourn the departed people. Traditionally, the Chinese believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors will look after the family. Hence. Qingming Festival is the traditional day for people to visit the graveyard, so it is also called Tomb Sweeping day.

According to Wikipedia,

“For the Chinese, it (Qingming) is a day to remember and honour one’s ancestors at grave sites. Young and old pray before the ancestors, sweep the tombs and offer food, tea, wine, chopsticks, (joss) paper accessories, and/or libation to the ancestors. The rites are very important to most Chinese and especially farmers. Some people carry willow branches with them on Qingming, or put willow branches on their gates and/or front doors. They think that willow branches help ward off the evil ghosts that wander on Qingming.”

Is a vegetarian diet suitable for my babies?

Myth: Babies/young children taking vegetarian food will be lacking in certain nutrients.

Fact:
Vegetarian food for babies can be very nutritious. If you are bringing up your baby as a vegetarian, it means that you probably won't give him any meat, fish, seafood or animal by-products, such as gelatine. Most vegetarians, however, eat some animal products, such as milk, cheese (there're some made with vegetarian rennet) and eggs.

To help your baby enjoy his food and get the nutrients he needs, offer him a variety of foods from the four main food groups:

• bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods (carbohydrates)
• fruits and vegetables (green leafy vegetables are great source of iron)
• milk and dairy foods (some vegetables such as 黄花、香菜、油菜、洋白菜 contain 463g, 170, 140 and 100 of calcium respectively for every 100g of vegetables and walnuts are a great source of calcium as well)
• cooked-through eggs (including the egg yolk which is a great source of fats, Vitamin A and iron), beans and other non-dairy sources of protein, including soya, pulses, nuts and seeds

Some vegetarian food may have too much fibre and not enough energy (calories) for babies. So make sure your baby gets plenty of energy-rich foods, such as avocado and hummus.

It's also fine to give your baby white bread, pasta and rice as well as wholegrain versions. This is because too many high-fibre foods can stop him from absorbing important nutrients, such as calcium and iron.

Your baby will also need a source of milk. Oat, rice and soya milks (even if they are calcium-enriched) do not provide the same amount of energy, protein or essential nutrients that breastmilk and formula milk provide. Find out what some experts have to say about soya formula milk.

If you need advice on which milk is suitable for your baby, talk to your health visitor, practice nurse or a dietitian. They may suggest you continue to breastfeed or give your baby formula milk for longer than you were initially planning.

79th week of motherhood

5mar - 11mar'12

- went to the nearby food centre for lunch with TK and he said 'bird-bird' as he saw the birds
- Ma came to visit TK after dinner at 8plus on Mon

- sent TK to mum's in the morn and went to the supermarket for groceries shopping for diapers again (offer till tomorrow, and another till next Mon)
- hubby went jogging again on Tue
- TK took a square firm cushion to the floor and stood on it, and took another to make it higher, and this time he sat on it (after we've warned of the danger of standing on them before) , and started to sing and dance, moving his head and body as he 'oooh'
-

78th week Dearest Baby TK

28feb - 5mar'12

532 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
533 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; 
534 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
535 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
536 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
537 days' old, you poo and pee at 810a; went to the market with Dardy and Marmy and helped carry the big umbrella; went to the nearby CC to read the newspapers and went to pee at the washroom; Ma came to visit you at before your lunch; nap at 258p;
538 days' old, you poo at a; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for a week

78th week of motherhood

27feb - 4mar'12

- carried TK as he is teething on Mon

- went to NTUC shopping with TK and grannies and bought brasmati rice, diapers and groceries etc
(there's no BYOB discount for buying disposable diapers unless you bring your own bags, carry by hand will not be considered for BYOB discount as the sticker 'PAID' pasted on the disposable diapers will be equivalent to using the plastic carriers from the supermarket)

- accepted an extra tuition class on Wed at Woodleigh (took more than 100min to reach from mum's place by MRT $2.06) to prepare student for test on Fri
- reached home 730p (after 40min chat with parent) and hubby re-heat food for dinner
- hubby bought the food from nearby food centre after jog (had wanted to jog together)

- Thur is Leap Day and waited long for bus in the morn
- attended a new Dharma class on Heart Sutra at PMT with hubby
- made boiled-cum-stir-fried beehoon for lunch-cum-dinner before going for class at 730p
- reached PMT at around 715p
- left upper arm muscle still ached for the 3rd day after carrying TK as he felt discomfort from teething

- fetched TK from mum's after dinner alone as hubby had a function dinner on Fri
- mum sent us to the MRT station control as usual since I didn't let her accompany us home (to-fro journey will be about 170 min)
- reached home around 940p (more than an hour's journey after having missed a train at CCL Buona Vista, waited another 4min and mistakenly went to the Street Level at Bishan instead of NSL platform to take train home)
- must be sleepy and unable to focus well

An old story of a sick King and The Happy Wood cutter

Once a King of rich kingdom fell sick, no doctors were able to cure him. The king was in severe pain and was not able to sleep at all. Finally the courtiers brought about a wise old doctor.

The wise old doctor listened to king, the king complained that he is not getting any sleep and and is always in pain. He also told Doctor that he would reward him very handsomely if he cures him.

The wise old doctor smiles and tells King and his courtiers that the cure was very simple, they just have to find a happy man and give his shirt to the king.

King sent his best messenger across the kingdom, first to meet him were Nobles. They said "we happy no way, king is ill, he can remove us any day he wants we always are stressed to remain in his good books".

Next messenger went to rich merchants, on asked if they were happy they said "Of Course not, how can we happy when King levies so much tax, business can fall any day.

And the list went on with servicemen, army and all.

Finally the messenger reached end of Kingdom and was sitting in forest and was about to give up, he heard a wood cutter whistling while working. He thought to give it a last try and asked him whether he is happy, The wood cutter replied "Of course, I have plenty to eat, there is enough wood in forest to sell in market and have decent living. "

Upon hearing this King's messenger said "quick man give me your shirt". The wood cutter replied "I have none".

Happiness and being rich or wealthy are two completely different things. This fact itself was first espoused by Buddha who was the prince of Kingdom and left his home to find enlightenment.

77th week Dearest Baby TK

21feb - 27feb'12

525 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; went to the market with Dardy and Marmy and helped carry the poh chai mee; went to the nearby CC to read the newspapers and went to pee at the washroom;
526 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; went t
527 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
528 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
529 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; went to Lil' Grandaunt's house after attending Dardy & Marmy's Graduation Ceremony at SBF; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for a week
530 days' old, you
531 days' old, you poo at a;

77th week of motherhood

20feb - 26feb'12

-

- made steamed-fried beehoon for lunch-cum-tea-break continuously for 3 consecutive days
- fetched TK home from mum's after brunch after hubby returned from a lunch meeting
- Pa came to visit on Fri after dinner with some ripe Thailand Honey mangoes

- went for Graduation-cum-Orientation Ceremony after Sat class, and reached there in time for dinner break at 515pm
- hubby came shortly after with TK and Ma, YY in cab
- missed the group photo-taking with the Venerables and lay-teachers when I took TK to the washroom to pee/change disposable diapers
- took cab to Lil' Aunt's place at $9.75 after event ended around 840pm

- took TK to the market to buy some dau gua and dau gay on Sun, but dau gay sold out at po po stall
- Pa and Ma came to visit TK after dinner, Ma came after lunch to get her stuff
- served seaweed after dinner

76th week Dearest Baby TK

14feb - 20feb'12

518 days' old, you poo at 845a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; celebrated your 2nd V Day; went to the market with Dardy and Marmy and helped carry the poh chai mee; went to the nearby CC to read the newspapers and went to pee at the washroom;
519 days' old, you poo at 748a; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all; went to dine at nearby foodcourt and you pat your chest a few times after someone walked behind you and accidentally kicked the leg of the high chair (indicating you had a shock);
520 days' old, you poo at 7a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
521 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
522 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; not gg to Lil' Grandaunt's house; gg to Grandmum's place for stay for a week
523 days' old, you went to pay respect on Granduncle F's 100th day Death anniversary;
524 days' old, you poo at a;

76th week of motherhood

13feb - 19feb'12

- wish hubby a Happy V Day on the eve before midnight (for the second time this year I wish hubby first)
-
- made multigrain porridge with pumpkin, tomato, carrot, broccoli for TK's lunch on Tue

- hubby took TK for a walk at nearby supermarket in search for 'cheese' on Wed
- went to dine at nearby foodcourt with Pa, Ma and hubby and TK
- put TK to bed after asking if he needs to pee, and change to diaper pants
- replied emails after TK fell asleep
-

- made poh chai mee for lunch and multigrain porridge with broccoli, carrot, tau gua for TK on Thur
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Why does my toddler get angry when he doesn't get his way?

Some advice from developmental psychologist on how to handle a child when he doesn't get his way which may lead to a 'hitting' problem
1. Try not to take it personally. Your toddler is undergoing some amazing changes right now and needs to be able to express his emotions. In the beginning, he wasn't aware of himself as a separate entity, a person with preferences and dislikes. Starting early in his second year, though, as his language skills and intellect developed, he began to discover his individuality, realizing that he was a "me" and an "I." That "me" wants his way, but hasn't yet learned self-control.

Imagine someone thwarting you when you tried to get something you really wanted — a raise at work or a much-needed vacation. You'd probably get mad, just like your toddler does. But as an adult, you're able — at least ideally — to put your disappointment into perspective. Your child can't. Right now, every goal is important to him, and he doesn't understand that he may get what he wants later — but not right now, when he wants it. The promise of a future payoff ("We can't get you a treat now, but after we finish grocery shopping we can go to the toy store") doesn't soothe an impatient toddler since he has only a vague concept of time and exists primarily in the present.

Your child's reactions are a sign that his emotions are maturing as they should be. The intensity and frequency of his anger may also be a function of his temperament. Has he always been quick to take offense, fussy for long periods of time, or difficult to console? Some children are more easily upset and more difficult to calm down. Consequently, they may at times seem truly inconsolable.

2. One thing you can do as a parent is to pick your battles and let her have his way when it makes sense, so that he gets what he wants some of the time. For example, if he demands to bring his stuffed bear and wear mismatched clothes to school, and there's a rule at school saying toys aren't allowed, you can let him choose what he wants to wear and say no to the bear. At least he can feel empowered because he got to make him own decision about what to wear that day.

3. Try distracting him so he doesn't dwell on his feelings and becomes occupied with another task instead. If he is upset that you won't let him eat chocolate for breakfast, for example, make him laugh by taking a swig of milk and showing off your milk mustache. You'll be surprised at how easily distracted toddlers are.

4. Finally, talk to your toddler about what he feels, and why he can't have what he wants. Explain the reasoning behind your refusal. For example, instead of simply saying "no" to her request for a second helping of pie, tell her, "We don't eat two desserts because that might give us a tummy ache."

What's most important is that you are able to set limits for your child without ruling with an iron fist. When your child is conscious of having reasonable boundaries (and knows that manipulation won't help his get away with anything) but also feels free to express his desires, he'll be able to learn one of life's basic lessons: You don't always get what you want.

75th week Dearest Baby TK

7feb - 13feb'12

511 days' old, you turned 17m; woke up at 630a and went back to sleep after milk; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay and was really hungry at 12plus in the afternoon; took a bottle of milk once we reached;
512 days' old, you poo at a; p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
513 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
514 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
515 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; couldn't play with your cousins at Lil' Grandaunt's house as you were taking dinner(2) when cou X arrived; return home after dinner at Grandmum's place; stayed over at Grandpa's
516 days' old, you splashed water as usual at shower and made Grandma 'wet' but happy;
517 days' old, you poo at a;

75th week of motherhood

6 feb - 12 feb'12

- sent TK to mum's early on Tue and arrived before 1pm
- mum and dad were at the supermarket nearby
- fed TK the porridge mum cooked and he fell asleep after that
- today is the 15th day of the 1st month lunar calendar (元宵) which is also known as the Eastern Valentine's Day

- updated the assignments received so far on Thur
- did some household chores in the morn
- accepted around 10% of the assignments
- did a draft(3) of my personal monthly expenses
- went to PS St**h*b to have a transfer of name for my mobile
- overheard a well-dressed lady sitting beside me on the MRT speaking calmly using her mobile
- she alighted at Novena, probably carrying a notebook in a black bag and a handbag

- hubby bought brown rice for dinner

- did a draft(4) of my personal monthly expenses on Fri
- shocking fact that a person like me (with no car, no condo, no maid, no fine-dining) is very poor i.e. living from hand to mouth
- cleaned and tidied the cabinet in my bedroom and sorted the clothes
- did household chores (laundry and folded the clothes, cleared some cobwebs on the window grills in my bedroom)
- took out the ingredients to steam-fry beehoon for lunch
- couldn't hear clearly when hubby spoke to me with his face away from me again (recent incident was 5 days ago at the Expo exhibition - A Moving Masterpiece)
- learnt not to criticise others before self
- warm in the evening and went for a dip before 5pm
- learnt that I saved $0.10 for every entry using a stored value card instead of cash payment of $1

- fetched TK on Sat at around 5pm
- left after early dinner and went to Lil' Aunt's place for a while
- had some fried sweet cake (年糕)
- packed some clothes for TK's #2 camping at Ma's place

- went to fetch TK after lunch
- updated the website for TT

TK went to 'The Moving Masterpiece' exhibition at 2 days to 17m

A Journey to view

A Moving Masterpiece 动感《清明上河图》

We left home in the morning to visit a Kindergarten at Eunos

before meeting Ma at Expo.

We bought take-away lunch at Vegan Burger

We prefer the pepper mayo to the tarta burger.

There were a long queue in the exhibition Hall, waiting to get their audio sets.

Many visitors stop at the entrance

to read the introduction on Song Dynasty,

including Ma and hubby.

I asked hubby to come and take a photo of the wall at the entrance.

Hubby commented that every time we take a photo,

many people will follow suit.

Quickly, I thought if 'chopping' the place before others crowd around

and called Ma (see if she'd like to come take a shoot).

She thought I'm hurrying her and said she's reading the poster..

before she could finish her sentence,

I heard ‘让她看完’。

 Fine, I said to myself, and proceeded to join the long queue inside,

as the people were 'shooed' in,

and someone was telling us that there's a long queue inside.

Sure enough, it was long.

Finally, it was our turn to get the audio sets.

It was fairly easy to use

(there's a monitor at the queue by the wall to explain how to use the audio set).

TK was awake all the time, even though he's not napped in the morning

(most of the time he'd nap by noon, if not latest 2-3pm).

I put him to sit in the baby stroller even though he refused

so I can feed him the multigrain porridge I've prepared in the morning.

 He seemed to be more interested in the audio set hanging from from my neck.

He was looking here and there,

sometimes pointing and saying words only he can understand.

I guess he's trying to tell us what he's seen and that he is feeling excited.

We started with the 5 Elements:
Fire, Wood, Earth, Water and Metal (火、木、土、水、金)

I stayed with TK till he was done with the porridge,

pushing him to each station, stopping for him to 'view'.

There were many exhibits at each of the 5 Elements.
The following are some of them:

 

Interesting facts and statistics in the Making of the the animated version of the Lengendary Chinese Masterpiece - Qing Ming Shang He Tu

Finally, we came to the highlights of the exhibition to view the ‘清明上河图’.

We didn't bother to view the different characters before entering

(as they all look similar).

Rather, we went into the viewing Hall which was quite dim
to be immersed by the spectacular magnified scroll
created by
Zhang Zeduan 张择端 , a native of Dongwu (Zhucheng, Shandong today) and
an imperial artist of the Northern Song Dynasty.
It captures the daily life of people from the Song period at the capital city of Bianjing (Kaifeng today),
in praise of the clean governance of Emperor Song Huizong's 'Qing Ming'
which means 'clean and bright'.

The original painting is now kept in the vaults of the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City, Beijing.

Strangely, we saw a queue before an exhibit of the ‘清明上河图’in a horizontal see-through case.

We wanted to join the queue, but hubby was more interested to see the 'moving masterpiece' instead.

 

We spent a long time there, walking, standing, watching the different parts of the projection

while listening to the audio explanation.

Luckily, there were some seats at the back for the tired feet to rest but still not enough.

I finally figured where the 16 different parts of the projected 'masterpiece' are (at each part there's a picture of the scroll on the audio set for you to locate before you press the 'play' button).

We saw a little boy jumping up and down on the little boat (picture on the right above is slowly moving towards the bridge from the right) under the ‘虹桥’

as the boat nearly hit the bridge (picture on the left above is the bridge).

We had a fruitful day, and our feet were tired,

and we rested briefly before hubby went for a final view from right to left.

There're some exhibits on the different parts of the scroll before the exit of the viewing Hall below:

To see more of the exhibits and read more about the moving masterpiece, click below.

TK went ‘Namo Namo’ with palms together at 5 days to 15 mths’ old

Since he heard the chanting
in the morning of his late Granduncle’s prayers,

he went ‘Namo Namo’ and chant along with a little bow and palms together.

That surprised us as we didn’t expect him
to pronounce a two-syllable word at 5 days to 15 months’ old.

Hence, we want to make sure
he gets the correct greeting
on the auspicious day as most people do not wish to be greeted as if in praying with palms together.

74th week Dearest Baby TK

31jan - 6feb'12

505 days' old, you woke up and went back to sleep after milk; used 0 disposable diapers in all; gg to Grandmum's place for stay and was really hungry at 12plus in the afternoon; took a bottle of milk once we reached;
506 days' old, you poo at a; p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; took 0h nap in all;
507 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
508 days' old, you poo at a; used 0 disposable diapers in all;
509 days' old, you poo at p; used 0 disposable diapers in all; play with your cousins at Lil' Grandaunt's house if early; return home after dinner at Grandmum's place
510 days' old, you poo at a;
511 days' old, you poo at a;

74th week of motherhood

30jan - 5feb'12

- hubby reminded that we've to constantly be more positive and say 'YES' to 'TK' so he'd be more confident and ready to learn compassion and wisdom

- rained heavily and was drenched even with umbrella
- sent TK to mum and had lunch

- blogged in the morning before breakfast on Thursday
- gg to mum's place for dinner and see my Lil' cutie
- did a summary of the phone bills and paying around $77+ a month for the mio Plan

- made steam-fried beehoon for breakfast and ended up taking as lunch
- updated household expenses and 2012 CNY expenses and the summary for the past few years
-

- gg to fetch TK home after dinner on Sat
- gg to visit the exhibition at Expo on Sun
-

73rd week Dearest Baby TK

24jan - 30jan'12

498 days' old, you poo at 930a; used 3 disposable diapers in all; 
499 days' old, you poo at 820a & 735p; gg to Grandmum's place for stay; used 5 disposable diapers in all; took 1.5h nap in all;
500 days' old, you poo at 1025a; used 8 disposable diapers in all;
501 days' old, you poo at 10a; used 9 disposable diapers in all;
502 days' old, you poo at 125p; used 9 disposable diapers in all; played with your cousins at Lil' Grandaunt's house; played cards (shuffled them on the floor) with Dardy before sleep; fell asleep at midnight
503 days' old, you poo at 755a; went to Granddad's place after early dinner to go house visiting; shower with Dardy standing after sitting in the bathtub; used 4 disposable diapers in all;
504 days' old, you poo at 815a;

73rd week of motherhood

23jan - 29jan12

- fetched TK after lunch at Ma's place before gg to Mum's place for early dinner
- went to Lil' Aunt's place for house visiting and 拜年
- successfully remembered all the exact nos. of children/grandchildren of hubby's relatives while giving angbao
- ate a bowl of ginko dessert and had 2 pieces of white chocolate candies (very sweet)
- Ma helped to feed TK porridge dinner part(2) and was asked why feed TK so late

- went to Ma's place for dinner on the 2nd day of CNY before gg to Lil' Aunt's place for gathering
- went to Mum's place for dinner on the 3rd day of CNY and gathered briefly before dinner

- went for breakfast with hubby and some stalls at the market are finally opened for business on the 5th day of CNY
- gg to fetch TK after dinner on Sat
- gg for house visiting at Pa's relatives on Sun

72nd week Dearest Baby TK

17jan - 23jan'12

491 days' old, you poo at 815a & 12p; pee 3 times; used 4 disposable diapers in all; tasted chilli in Hokkien mee for the first time and kept rubbing your mouth with hand with tightly closed eyes;
492 days' old, you poo at 815a & 745p; gg to Grandmum's place for stay after visiting Jade Buddha Exhibition with Grandpa; used 5 disposable diapers in all; took 1.1667h nap in all;
493 days' old, you poo at 435p; used 10 disposable diapers in all;
494 days' old, you poo at 1235p; used 9 disposable diapers in all;
495 days' old, you used 7 disposable diapers in all;
496 days' old, you poo at 845a; used 5 disposable diapers in all;
497 days' old, you poo at 10a; left Granddad's place after Reunion Dinner;