Hello Uncle XX..Conversation with neighbour is like an interview

Child: Hello Uncle XX. Are you taking baby for a walk?
Neighbour: Yes.

Child: Hahaha.. (not sure why Uncle XX talking baby language is so funny)
Neighbour: .. (Uncle XX talking baby language)

Child: Why do you have 1..2..3 children?
Neighbour: Mm..

Child: Can you see my tummy is big? (Imply that he's taken dinner)
Neighbour: ..

Child: Have you eaten?
Neighbour: ..my child is waiting for Mummy to take her dinner before feeding him.

Child: Uncle XX, it's dark (天黑了).
Neighbour: Mm..

Child: Do you know how to say 'Yes' 'No'? You have to learn English.
Neighbour: What have you learnt?

Child: I'm learning 'I'. 横..竖..横..
Neighbour: wow!

(Neighbour children running playing along the corridor after dinner at 745pm)

Child: Why are they running 跑来跑去?
Neighbour: ..

Child: Do you know the name of my baby sister? Lxx Hxxhxx.
Neighbour: (busy looking after his children) ..

(More neighbours and their children appeared along the corridor, and child wondered loudly why there's a commotion. Child returned to his desk to do some more writing while waiting for Marmy to finish her work at the PC and reminded Marmy that she's promised to show Child the video clip on the PC later.)

Child: Bye bye Uncle XX.
Neighbour: Bye bye..Have you bathed?

Child: No, it's too late. You'd get rheumatism.
Neighbour: Mm..

Do you feel loved?

When was the last time you feel you’re loved? Was it last month? Last week? Yesterday?
Well, if you stay on your own, and only get to meet your parents once in a blue moon, you’d probably feel the same way as I do.

My mother came to visit recently and after she left, she left many acts of love in the house during her brief stay while I was out for a quick massage. She managed to make black fungus drink for me before I hurried out of the house.

The clothes were washed and hung (the way she hang is different from mine), dried ones are taken down from the hangers and folded neatly (the way she hang and kept the hangers are also different from mine), the piles of folded clothes on the bed are re-folded neatly, the pot and bowl (used for making black fungus drink) are washed..

Never mind all the differences, the fact is, no matter how old she is, one must be truthful and honest to say, a mother’s love for a daughter is never the same as compared to a daughter-in-law. If not, she must be a true gem.

XX我爱你 Teacher, I love you!

孩子：妈妈，看（我）！ （开心地唱起儿歌）‘宝贝的小手又出现！ Little Baby's hand reappear’
母亲：还有吗 anymore？

孩子：没有了 no more。
母亲：为什么 why？

孩子：不知道 don't know。
母亲：（想了想，说）...妈妈要传简讯慰问老师。宝贝，你有什么话要对老师说吗 Marmy is going to send SMS to Teacher. Do you have anything to say to Teacher？

孩子：...让我想一下 let me think。

（过了一会儿，母亲正在书写简讯中 still in the midst of texting）

母亲：宝贝，你有什么话要对老师说吗 Do you have anything to say to Teacher？
孩子：给老师笑脸（give Teacher a smiley face）

（又过了一会儿，再问 Mother repeats question）

母亲：宝贝，你有什么话要对老师说吗 Do you have anything to say to Teacher ？
孩子：老师，我爱你！Teacher, I love you!

（又再过了一会儿，问）

母亲：宝贝，你刚刚说要对老师说什么 What did you say just now that you want to say to Teacher？
孩子：...

简单的几个字说了一篇，就不说了。三岁九个月的男孩怎么会这样害羞呢？
Simple words filled with love for a teacher of 25 months in Childcare...
took a shy 3y 9m old child great courage to say out..and sent via SMS..

'Thank you Teacher for teaching me how to love.'

A Day as a Housewife..

Have you ever wondered how much time is spent by housewives cleaning and scrubbing and washing everyday?

About 57-58 hours a week or 8-9 hours a day?

Reasonably close, I would say.

Sleep 5-6 hours a day?

Travel 3-4 hours a day on the road?

Feeding and meal time 3-4 hours a day?

Personal hygiene and grooming 1-2 hours a day?

How much washing and cleaning detergent is used?

How much chemicals are involved?

How much harm is done to the environment and yourself?

Please keep your pencil well

Father was in the study room working away in front of his notebook before bedtime, saw child drawing on the table with a pencil, paused before questioning.

Father: XX, why are you drawing on my table?

Child: (looked up as if in deep thoughts, took a quick glance at Father and continued drawing again) ..

Father: (repeated his question) XX, why are you drawing on my table?

Child: (walked over, stood beside Father, said calmly) Papa, please keep your pencil well, otherwise, I'd use it to draw again!

Father: (jaws dropped upon hearing such 'profound' reply from a 3y 8m 3w 1d old child)..

［自创版］我有一个好爸爸

我有一个好妈妈，我有一个好爸爸。妈妈爸爸都爱我，我也爱妈妈爸爸。Muack!”

我有一个好姑姑，我有一个好妹妹。姑姑妹妹都爱我，我也爱姑姑妹妹。Muack!”

我有一个好爷爷，我有一个好阿ma。爷爷阿ma都爱我，我也爱爷爷阿ma。Muack!”

我有一个好风扇，我有一个好妈妈。风扇妈妈都爱我，我也爱风扇妈妈。Muack!”
（哈哈哈哈）

我有一个好电视，我有一个好电话。电视电话都爱我，我也爱电视电话。Muack!”

我有一个好电视，我有一个好电话。电视电话都爱我，我也爱电视电话。Muack!”

我有一个好AA，我有一个好BB。AABB都爱我，我也爱AABB。Muack!” （哈哈哈哈）

This is a simple song /rap for a 2 year-old turning 3 year-old child which can be creatively sang with different combinations of people or things. Just like a apple pen song.

我有一个好爸爸..I've a good father..

Something TK learnt in Childcare..and said to us at 3y 8m 1w 6d old..

Child: (with action) 妈妈，来！“我有一个好爸爸，我有一个好妈妈。爸爸妈妈都爱我，我也爱爸爸妈妈。Muack!”
Mother: 再来（唱）一次！

Child: 是讲的，不是唱。　“我有一个好妈妈。爸爸妈妈都爱我，我也爱爸爸妈妈。Muack!”
Mother: Come, say to Daddy　宝贝，讲给爸爸听吧！

Child: “我有一个好妈妈。爸爸妈妈都爱我。Muack!”
Mother: （笑着说）Can be a little louder　可以再大声点。。。

Quotable Quotes

No matter how challenging breastfeeding may be in the beginning,

there's a light at the end of the nursing tunnel.

A Happy Day..

Yesterday before bed, dragged own body to change into pyjamas and wash up..crawling in slowing after taking off sandals (mounted the baby stroller almost dropping down as knees gave way due to fatigue at almost 11pm).

(Inside the bedroom with Father while Mother is outside busy)
Child: 爸爸，我今天很开心。Papa, I'm very happy today.
Father: （也许笑着点头 probably smiling at the child）。。。

Child: （重复地说）爸爸，我今天很开心。Papa, I'm very happy today.
Father: ...（听不清楚了 the rest of the conversation is too soft to be heard..）

Indeed, it was an enjoyable day, with well behaved child and good manners, greeting Uncles and Aunties on own, no crying and throwing tantrums when it's time to pack and keep toys, and asked for permission to play toys before doing so..

Any Rewards? Well, a well mannered child shouldn't be rewarded with material items for doing what's he/she is supposed to do. A smile, a nod, and a Thumbs Up is sufficient for a sensible child..

36th week of Pregnancy #2

1jan-7jan 2014

Wed
Woke up around 7a. TK cried TK and Hubby went to buy vegetables for dinner while Marmy made Bee Hoon and Guo Tiao with old cucumber soup.

Thur
First day of Pri school for neighbour Aunt A's child E gor gor.

Fri
Went for gynae appt at 12plus after sending TK to Childcare. Fetched TK to attend a Dharma Talk after Childcare at 5plus. Brought some bread and make a bowl of porridge to eat on the way. Had supper when reached home 10plus.

Sat
TK didn't celebrate Grandmum's birthdae in advance. Granddad and Grandmum attending a baby shower celebration at cou px place. Had vegetarian Bee Hoon for brunch and brought cake for tea. Made Bee Tai Mak for late lunch and lotus root soup. Grandma not feeling well. TK finally zz 315p after 'serious warning' just before the car alarm stopped.

Sun
TK attended Di Zi Gui first class this year.

Tue
Grannies attending Senior citizens activities in the afternoon. Grandpa came with some fruits and fetching TK later 5plus. Had glutinous rice for breakfast. Made pumpkin, lotus root and Tau Kwa to add to white rice and vegetarian mutton curry for lunch.

35th week of Pregnancy #2

25dec-31dec 2013

Wed
TK played the Glider and asked to stand on it instead. Ask to have a race with him on his Pooh car. TK napped at 2plus and woke up after 1h to watch the cartoon 'Ponyo'. TK loves it! TK helped to wipe floor area after Dardy and TK cleared all the toys and mat.

Thur
Woke up at 635a. TK wet bed. Grandma visited after dinner with raisin bread and TK played on his new Glider to convince her it's very simple.

Fri
TK woke up sleepy, and still abit cough and runny nose. Hubby fetched TK at 5p. Going to TCM at 7p before dinner.

Sat
TK wet bed at 535a, woke up at 8a, played a while before taking a cup of Milo and helped to wash sweet potatoes after returning from brunch and Hubby made lotus sweet potato soup with ginger for tea. Finally asleep 245p after story-telling and much struggling. Went to Lil' Grandaunt's place for gathering with pizza after dinner.

Sun
Went KMS for prayers & vegetarian 7-course lunch (final one this year and before EDD) with Grandmum. TK napped more than 2h, went to Aunt R's house for gathering. TK jogged hurriedly feeling excited after alighting bus holding Marmy's hand.

Mon
Peed TK at 345a, and again at 715a. TK already wet bed slightly. Had 2 slices of bread with vegetarian oat Ham.

Tue
Our anniversary. Sent TK to Childcare and have 2 options: A) stay at the nearby coffeeshop to read while waiting to fetch TK after lunch or B) go recee new places of makan nearby. TK grannies not coming over to see fireworks after dinner. Came and left home at 9plus instead, despite TK's persuasion.

Tombsweeping Day or Qing Ming 清明

Today is Tombsweeping Day, many people may not realise that the true meaning and essence of paying respects to our ancestors is to remind ourselves to be filial and grateful to our living loved ones, especially our parents..

Sad to say, Qing Ming has gradually become an activity for the elderly, like the CNY house visiting where few young people participate. Some may not even attend at all having reasons such as preparing for tests or exams, doing projects, having to work or simply busy with work/ family etc.

It will be best if children are educated from young the meaning of Qing Ming and why non-vegetarian offerings are inappropriate.

The True meaning of Buddhist Festivals 佛教节日的意义

佛教的节日有一个别于其他节日的特点：那就是每个节日都要敬佛布施。敬佛，是用自己的虔诚恭敬之心向寺庙或家里的佛菩萨供像敬献香、花、灯、烛、果、 茶等供品；布施则有两种内涵：一是布施僧众，二是布施诸己。 

布施僧众，即向僧人及其他贫弱众生布施财物和爱心，也叫外布。佛教的“诸己”是指各种不健康的心念或心理。佛教认为，人有几种不健康的心理就有几个不同的自我存在，而形成各种不健康的人格。如果把诸多不健康的心都布施掉了，人们就不会见到自私的人、暴虐的人、狠毒的人、冷酷的人、多疑多妒的人，人就与天地同心同德，有一个健康完美的人格，即是圣人即是佛了。

所以“布施诸己”即是布施我们自身的怨恨心、急燥心、妒忌心、贪娈心、淫欲心、偷盗心、欺诈心、陷害心、报复心、仇恨心等等，这也叫内布施。内布施正是佛教修行的根本。因此，敬佛布施的内涵和意义不外乎助人思过而已。这“助人思过”有着无限的空间供人们去发挥。这是佛教节日的意义所在。

Do you know..The Breastfeeding Diet?

Welcome to the business of milking and breastfeeding! It certainly isn't going to be easy, but here's some tips on the type of diet to take to help you get on the right track in this moo-moo journey.

Milk production burns 500 calories a day, which means that when you're breastfeeding, you'll get to eat an extra 500 calories a day (up from your pre-pregnancy numbers) to meet that need.


Quality matters as much as quantity, especially if you expect to stay vertical during those long postpartum days (and even longer nights). It's not difficult now that you're an old pro at eating well — what with all the practice you've had for the past nine months during your pregnancy.

Moreover, eating well while breastfeeding is very much like eating well during pregnancy, with slightly more relaxed rules. Go for plenty of healthy foods and steer clear of the less healthy ones.

Lastly, while calories definitely count, you still won't need to count them:

What to eat. Like eating well during pregnancy, eating well while breastfeeding entails getting the right balance of good food. The following is highly recommended for daily intake:

    Protein: three servings
    Calcium: five servings (that's an increase from your pregnancy requirement of four)
    Iron-rich foods: one or more servings
    Vitamin C: two servings
    Green leafy and yellow vegetables, yellow fruits: three to four servings
    Other fruits and veggies: one or more servings
    Whole-grain and other concentrated complex carbohydrates: three or more servings
    High-fat foods: eat sparingly — you don't need as much as you did during pregnancy
    Eight cups of water, juice, or other noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages
    DHA-rich foods to promote baby's brain growth (look for it in wild salmon and sardines, as well as DHA-enriched eggs)
    Prenatal vitamin daily

My Overall Weight gain during 2nd pregnancy Jan 2014

- second trimester

19th week: 0.248kg

21st week: 0.447kg, foetus gained 0.199kg; I weigh ?kg, gained ?kg

25th week: 0.777kg, foetus gained 0.33kg; I weigh ?kg, gained ?kg

- third trimester

28th week: 1.187kg, foetus gained 0.41kg; I weigh 44.7?kg, gained ?kg

31st week: 1.677kg, foetus gained 0.49kg; I weigh 45.8?kg, gained ?kg

34th week: 2.233kg, foetus gained 0.556kg; I weigh 49.1kg, gained 3.3kg

36th week: 2.588kg, foetus gained 0.355kg; I weigh 48.9kg, gained 0.4?kg

37th week: 2.743kg, foetus gained 0.155kg; I weigh 49.2kg, gained 0.3kg


38th week: 2.949kg, foetus gained 0.275?kg; I weigh 50.4kg, gained 1.7?kg

39th week: 2.988kg, foetus gained 0.05?kg; I weigh 50kg, gained ?kg

40th week: 2.9?kg; I weigh 49kg, lost 1?kg

40th week+2d: 2.615kg; I weigh 49?kg, lost 1?kg

Total weight gained: 8-9?kg

20 Good foods for New Mothers during Postpartum 坐月子

Do you know.. The following A-Z food are also good for anyone else in the family:

Abalone for its protein and vitamin E
Angelica (dang gui 当归 ) to enhance blood circulation
Black fungus (hei mu er 黑木耳) to cleanse the arteries
Black vinegar (hei cu 黑醋) to purify the blood
Blueberries as they are rich in antioxidants
Chestnuts (li zi 栗子) to invigorate and resolve irritability
Chicken to improve mood
Chinese wolfberry (gou qi 枸杞) to nourish liver, kidneys and eyes
Dark-coloured beans for being rich in fibre and folate
Dried longan (long yan gan 龙眼干) to promote restful sleep
Eucommia bark (du zhong 杜仲) for the kidneys, sinews and bones
Eggs to nourish the body and complexion
Fish, especially salmon, as a source of protein and Omega-3 fats
Lean beef as it is rich in iron, for energy
Low-fat dairy products as a source of calcium
Old ginger (lao jiang 老姜) to warm the body
Polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu 何首乌) to prevent hair loss
Red dates (hong zao 红枣) to improve energy and calm the mind
Sesame oil (xiang ma you 香麻油) for being rich in vitamin E, iron and calcium
Turmeric (huang jiang 黄姜)  for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties

34th week of Pregnancy #2

18dec-24dec

Wed
Woke up at 6a to carry TK to pee. Felt Lil' foetus heart beat when lying on side against towel as padding. Send TK to Childcare at 925a. Met the Uncle at the bus stop again whose bus 26 arrived then. Made Fusilli pasta for lunch with miso soup and dau kwa, dau pok, mushroom, black beans in Du Zhong Soup.




Thur
TK celebrating X'mas at Childcare in the morning. Woke up 840a and had breakfast with Dardy. Told Marmy wanted to poo as TK didn't poo the previous evening. Pooed and changed into Uniform and was ready by 923a. Reached bus stop at 931a and finally bus arrived at 940a. Went to buy lunch and received news that TK Grandpa going to pray at Temple nearby around 1115a. TK Grandpa and Hubby fetched TK while Marmy napped abit before making dinner. TK came home greeting his papaya and carrot plants at the corridor, and proudly showed Marmy a packet of biscuits in hand. After washing feet and hands, TK showed Marmy a mini veggie tart which TK generously gave Dardy and Marmy to eat. So filial. Had Jade noodles for dinner (plained cooked ones leftover from Childcare). Grandma called at 8plus, and TK didn't want to talk on phone, and cried. Grandma later came with a loaf of SGD2.10 Pandan bread at around 9p.

Fri
Almost leg cramp when using right foot to pull in booster and pillow. Went to gynae for check up. Lil' foetus weigh 2233g and Mum at 49.1kg. Got a FOC Similac green handbag. Going for next appointment in 2 weeks' time. Rained when almost reaching home after lunch and milo. Fetched TK to Granddad's earlier around 4plus.

Hakka pronunciation of Chinese characters 慧涵

Unicode: U+6167 CCCII: 213F2F Big5: BC7A

EACC: 213F2F GB2312: 2759

Radical(no.)-stroke index: 11
Strokes: 15
Four corner: 55337	Cangjie:
Frequency: 42656 / 434717750 (frequent)

English
bright; intelligent; wise
Mandarin (hanyu pinyin)
huì
Cantonese (jyutping)
wai⁶ wai³ wai² wai⁴
Hakka (phonetic)
[Kwangtung] fui⁵ [Bao'an] fui⁵ [Dongguan] fui⁵ [Hong Kong] fui⁵ [Siyan] fi⁵ [Meixian] fi⁵ [Hailu] fui⁶
Minnan/Taiwanese
hui7
Japanese
kei e
Korean
hyey

Unicode: U+6DB5 CCCII: 214767 Big5: B25B

EACC: 214767 GB2312: 2613

Radical(no.)-stroke index: 8
Strokes: 11
Four corner: 31172	Cangjie:
Frequency: 12577 / 434717750 (frequent)

English
[1] damp and marshy; wet [2] [v] contain [3] lenient and broad-minded
Mandarin (hanyu pinyin)
hán xián
Cantonese (jyutping)
haam⁴
Hakka (phonetic)
[Kwangtung] ham² [Bao'an] ham² [Hailu] ham² [Siyan] ham² [Meixian] ham²
Japanese
kan
Korean
ham

Source: chineselanguage dot org

大埔客家 Dapu Hakka

大埔县志的资料,
县境语言属客家次方言，全县大致可分5个方言区：其一是百候和湖寮；其二是岩上、西河、茶阳、青溪及长治；其三是三河、大麻、英雅及银江；其四是高陂、古野及洲瑞；其五是桃源、光德、平原、枫郎、双溪及大东。除光德镇九社、古野乡蒲田分别在内部兼讲漳州、潮州话外，全县通行客家话。但由于受领县方言的影响，县内各地之间的方言声调又不尽相同，各有特点。

如包车一词，湖寮人念 bao1 cha1，高陂人念 bao4 cha1，枫郎人念 bao2 cha4。看望你 =湖寮人说 lao n,百候人说 lao hen,茶阳，大麻，西河人说 la n.

代表本县的方言是湖寮方言。 大浦方言有26个声母，44个韵母，6类声调。阴平、阳平、上声、去声、阴入、阳入。

有23个韵母与普通话发音相同=a,e,i,u,e,ai,ei,ia,ao,iao,iu,uai,ui,an,en,ang,eng,ong,ian,in,uan,un.
专有的19个韵母是 at,ak,iak,oi,ok,ot,on,et,eet,eu,en,it,ut,uut,uk,iang,ong,iong,uong.

大部分词汇与普通话词汇相同。大埔方言词汇很多与北方话词汇相同，如房屋、数目、碗等。由于大埔是文化之乡，读书人素来较多，受以北方话为主的书面语言影响较大。特别是近几十年来，报章杂志、广播及电视的普及，大量普通话词汇加入本县方言词汇，火柴取代了自来火，水泥取代了红毛灰。

基本词素与普通话相同，只加、变词头词尾和非主要词素。这类方言词有一定数量。如普通话的哥哥、姐姐、妹妹等。大埔方言都加词头阿，叫阿哥、阿姐等。加头如日头等，加公如虾公等。
与普通话词汇完全不相同，如代词你、他、我们等，这类词也占相当部分。

33rd week of Pregnancy #2

11dec-17dec

Wed
TK sent 6 icons to Papa via SMS in the morning. Rained heavily in the evening.

Thur
TK slept at 10 plus last night, managed to wake up at 815a this morning. TK asked to carry to knock door and piggyback before entering classroom with Teacher Li. Went to KMSPKS for final day prayers and lunch after sending TK to Childcare. Annual Year End Prayers 'Shui Lu Fa Hui' 水陆法会 lasted 8 days and ended today..Fetched TK from Childcare and reached home around 730p. Hubby prepared barley residue and drink into thermal flask and lunch box separately. Cou K had some pregnant milk powder for me at Aunt's place. Going over after dinner to take from her.

Fri
Made macaroni for lunch at 12p. Black Friday. TK's Cousin Aunt K gave birth to a baby gal. TK Grandaunt went to visit with 2.5L of Red Date Tea, but it turned cold in just a few hours. Puzzled.

Sat
Attended TK Childcare first Annual Concert after lunch at nearby foodcourt vegetarian stall. TK was quiet during lunch as TK must be feeling sleepy, and when Tr L carried into the Childcare at 130p. Rained heavily when we were leaving Childcare at 4plus. TK went first with Dardy to Grandaunt's while Marmy continued to do some dish washing and brought a baby bag for TK Uncle XX. TK played happily with his cousin H and his toy car flew into the air out of the bed several times, finally hitting his cousin J. Marmy warned no more dangerous stunts. TK had red bean soup and wanted more. Grandma had crab and showed it to TK when TK asked to have a look. TK imitated the crab walking. Happy.

Sun
TK woke up 940a, called out 'Papa', had soy drink and bread before going to market with trolley. Bought Tau gwa, cauliflower, french beans, vegetarian nuggets amounting SGD10. TK had Duzhong Soup and wolfberry, raisin. Made macaroni for lunch at 1230p. TK played for a while before nap. Went to Grannies for dinner after TK woke up at 5p and snacked at 5plus6. Hubby returned around 5plus. TK again said 'Da4 ye3 lang2' 大野狼 the Big Wolf (referring to TK Dardy) is coming back. TK brushed teeth at 11p after supper of bread with soya drink and went to bed shortly.

32nd week of Pregnancy #2

4dec-10dec

Wed
Had cramp at the right knee, shin and toe in the middle of the night again. TK had 2 big piece of french loaf slice, three-quarters of a slice of wholemeal bread, 2 big pieces of banana cake on bus. Trimmed some of TK fingernails into a litter bag. Had Mee Siam for brunch and bought fried rice. Went to collect Yellow Pages and had lunch at the nearby coffee shop. TK cried for help to remove socks and shoes in the morning. Tr J helped and put away on shoe rack for TK. TK wet his pants and bed again in Childcare since the past two weeks. No play after dinner is allowed. Reached home from Childcare at around 8p. Dark clouds.

Thur
Had cramp at the right shin and toe in the middle of the night again. Had a bit of Chocolate muffin, prune bread for breakfast, shared a packet of vegetarian Bee Hoon with TK, and followed by vegetarian glutinous rice for early lunch. TK wet his pants and bed again in Childcare. Hubby made macaroni and Chinese Red Spinach with diced burddock, tomato, carrot and baby corn. We had brown rice with olive vegetables and Medlar seeds for dinner. Grannies came to visit at 851p, bought 2 cranberries buns at SGD1.50 each and a packet of oats biscuits. TK washed his own soiled clothing with Grandma. TK successfully went to bed at 1015p.

Fri
TK pooed a lot in the morning. Wet pants at 6a again but bed still dry. Awarded TK an imaginary sticker plus 3 more in advance for not wetting bed/pants, not asking for accompany at nap time, not cry when leaving with Grandmum later on MRT to stay till Sat. TK asked for 4 hugs Sudden heavy downpour at 1130a, bought potato vegetarian mutton curry for lunch. Fetched TK earlier to go to Grannies to stay over for the night. TK was okay with Grandmum but wailed to be carried out of baby stroller when Mummy left MRT one station later. Hubby made brown rice porridge with two vegetarian dumplings, half teaspoon vegetarian ham small cubes, two vegetarian chicken nuggets, carrot, tomatoes, black fungus, diced ginger and preserved olive vegetables. Japanese cucumber was eaten raw before the meal. Hero Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95.

31st week of Pregnancy #2

27nov-3dec

Wed
Not having good digestion. Hubby made dinner. Fetched TK and missed bus at 710p opposite Childcare. Tomorrow will fetch TK earlier at 5p to attend a public talk with YJ parent on ‘伴随孩子一同成长’ near Boon Keng MRT at Hongwen Primary School.

Thur
Waited 32 minutes for bus. TK wore uniform halfway and went back to lie on bed after breakfast. Marmy waited while TK wore socks and shoes, put away his pyjamas and change into uniform. Played Enemy and Soldier Game while going to the bus-stop and looking out for traffic. Pretended there's enemy chasing us from behind, and we ran as fast as TK little legs could carry. Still missed 945a bus and finally boarded 1017a bus. What a record! Bought vegetarian Kway Chap for lunch. Had toothache for a few days and today there's numbness. Called the dental clinic to enquire and found out that if extraction is required when pregnant, will have to go to Specialist. Hubby worried about Marmy not getting enough hydration too. Rinsed mouth with salt water. Found out from nearby dental clinic that normal extraction costs SGD80. Specialist SGD800 to SGD1000 at Novena. Consultation for Specialist referral SGD20. Pregnant can't do X-ray. Wow! Think can still wait after EDD Had dinner at coffee shop Zi Char stall (our last meal there since Aunt F will not continue business next week). Aunt P treated us dinner. So generous of her. TK was tired towards the end of the talk by retired Teacher Chen Zhen from Taiwan, now based in Malaysia. Met Di Zi Gui teachers teaching at KMSPKS and Peiqun Primary School ex-Principal Tan.

Do I sound like I'm a Chinese national? Why are people of different race/age/nation treated differently when they chatted/laughed loudly on public transport?

Met the weird lady on bus again on

25 November 2013

after fetching TK from Childcare. Bus finally arrived around 645p after a long wait.

Tapped/poked my right shoulder thrice from behind (we're seated back-to-back),

and asked us to keep quiet.

After I told TK not to speak, I turned back to tell her there's no need to tap so many times on my shoulder (especially since I'm pregnant and it's so unlucky). She then asked me to return to China..Click HERE to find out more.

It's only a 3yr-old singing/talking on the bus. How loud can it be? It's not as if the child is shouting/screaming. Even if it's crying, you can't help it, and press a 'STOP' button to cut the crying.

I don't have to jump into the river to wake myself up,

to know that I'm a Singaporean.

Truly MIS (Made in Singapore) and not ashamed to declare my citizenship.

What happened to the Speak Mandarin Campaign 讲话语运动?

It wasn't my Mother Tongue then, as we speak in dialect mixed with Mandarin and occasionally English when younger.

Does speaking in Mandarin imply that one comes from China?

Ridiculous in BIG CAP! 莫名其妙

是的 有一种丈八金刚，摸不着头脑之感。

I regretted not speaking much dialect with our child, who's not having much opportunity to speak with Grannies as they too speak in Mandarin and at times mixed with English with TK, now that TK speaks mostly in Mandarin, even to his English-speaking classmates and cousins.

Once the young learn to speak English as their first language, they will refuse/it'll be challenging to speak in others such as Mandarin/dialect.

30th week of Pregnancy #2

20nov-26nov

Wed
Hubby made dinner and liked it when Marmy suggested to use own creativity instead of list of what to do. TK reached home around 740p and fell asleep on the bus without taking any bread. TK must have slept little during the day nap at Childcare. Lots of food in fridge for snack/supper: muffins, kueh, Agar Agar, fruits..

Thur
Hubby forgot to bring earpiece and watch to work. Wanted to have vegetarian Western food for supper again. Made some longbeans again for dinner which was bought at offer price. Grandma called and chatted with TK. Grandma going for physiotherapy appointment tomorrow. Helpful? TK took supper before going to bed.

Fri
Hubby came after us to send us to the bus-stop after we left home in the morning. Next gynae appointment is next Fri. Met Kiddy Palace Manager on bus with another colleague. Office is near TK Childcare. TK cried for Marmy to carry at Childcare. Went in with Teacher L (long hair) and saw Teacher L (short hair) and still said 'wo yao ma ma' 我要妈妈. Went to buy lunch and some muffins at nearby factory canteen to treat the Coffee shop Zi Char Aunt F who's ending business end of the month. She had been very kind to TK, giving TK old storybooks, toys, rice cakes, 9-layered kueh etc. The factory nearby which was on fire on Monday still not in operation yet and TK still talked about it whenever we passed by on the bus. TK wet the bed again in Childcare. There were some slippers which come in a few colours beside the baggage shelf, but majority seem to be of the same size. Even those in PG class less than 36m old wearing smaller ones are a size too big. TK wanted to go to the washroom and Mummy heard TK telling Teacher C when she stepped into Childcare. TK wore the slippers and walked carefully. Later TK told Marmy when we left at dismisssal that Teacher pressed his head down 3 times. Marmy asked why and when did Teacher do that and TK replied Teacher told him to walk faster. TK explained further 'zou man dian bu ran xie zi hui diao ma' 慢慢走 不然 鞋子会掉吗 (Walk slowly or else the big size slippers will come off). Marmy agrees absolutely. Fetched TK to Granddad's for dinner. TK cried when Marmy warned not to pour the water in bathtub out as it's wasteful, and screamed when it's time to stop playing with bath water. Grannies pacified TK. Packed some food for Hubby as supper. TK tired and rubbed eyes when reaching home on MRT but still wanted to bathe Papa at 10plus. Such a mature and filial child.

Does your child(ren) have a daily schedule? Better to schedule or not to schedule?

Are you having the same dilemma too? Have you seriously been considering putting you family on a daily schedule to help organize some of the chaos in your lives? You'd like to find out if there's anyone out there who is currently utlilizing a schedule in their homes. If so, what are the benefits? What are the downfalls? Here are some points to consider when setting up your schedule:

In my experiences, having a schedule is the best thing. Awesome.
Set up a schedule to have in mind, but then go with the flow, and don't stress up too much to stick at the schedule will only do more harm than good.
Bedtimes and wake up times change a little when there is no school. But otherwise the schedule is pretty set. Be flexible.
Recommended to schedule for meal times, nap times and bed times.

For example, on a typical weekday:
Wake up 8-8.05am.
Nap 1-1.30pm.
Tea break 3.30-3.45pm.
Dinner 7-7.45pm.
Supper 8.45-9.30pm.
Bed 9-9.45pm.

Alternatively, consider to put your children on loose schedules.
Eat and nap at approximately the same time each day.
When they need to nap is based on how long they slept the previous night and when they wake up the following morning.
Nevermind if you are the dreaded playdate with the strict window of time because your lives may fall apart if you don't function this way. Ours fall on Sundays late evening.

We have daily routines. Previously when I had to report for work in the mornings, there are expectations of getting up, eating and leaving the house by a certain time. And believe me, if the child(ren) slept late the night before, they will have a difficulty time waking in time. There'll bound to be some struggle and it's a challenge to leave home in time. If we have activities after work, those influence our evening routine. On weekends or no-school days, we try to follow the feeding and nap schedule of daycare, but everything else is go with the flow.

29th week of Pregnancy #2

13nov-19nov

Wed
Hubby fetching TK from Childcare. Drizzled around 425p at home. Thunderstorm at Childcare area too. TK Uncle D brought some gifts for BB after dinner. Hubby wanted to have vegetarian Western food for dinner.

Thur
Check Watsapp after sending TK to Childcare. Made vegetarian Western food for supper.

Fri
Fetched TK from Childcare to Granddad's for dinner. Packed some food for Hubby as supper. TK likes the icon of a skull head 骷髅 in Marmy's HP SMS.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p.

Sun
TK washed the toilet floor with Hubby late at night after wash up.

Mon
TK Aunt birthday. TK tired in the morning, didn't want to go to Childcare and wanted to sit in the baby stroller. TK wanted to wait for Papa at the wet market on the way to the bus-stop to Childcare in the morning. TK was disappointed when Marmy said Papa was not coming, but was feeling better after Marmy help to make a phone call so TK spoke to Papa.

28th week of Pregnancy #2

6nov-12nov

Wed
Hubby made western food for dinner. Hubby fetched TK and sent Marmy some instructions via SMS to make dinner, which Marmy didn't follow.

Thur
Bought some cooked vegetables and made porridge for lunch. Plan to clear some more stuff at Grannies this weekend to make more room. Are there any things to prepare for the lil one's arrival?

Fri
TK Uncle R birthday. Going for gynae appointment after sending TK to Childcare. Waited and pass when it was my turn. Grandpa came with Hubby. Found out the radiation at Sim Lim Square is very strong at the top level. Dark clouds in the sky on the way to fetch TK. Hubby bought new black shoes and sandals for SGD62. Good bargain. Bought some rice for TK to eat at coffeeshop before going to Granddad's for dinner. News on TV2, Malaysia: It's great to be Singap****n t*day! PM official website was hacked. TK sent Papa smiley face and a rose via SMS and asked, 'kai xin ma?' Hubby made po chai mee for supper.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p.

Mon
Hubby went swimming. Found a stall called Little Gingerbread Boy selling muffins (2-3 flavours daily) at SGD1 and cupcakes at SGD2 (special design a little more expensive) which has been in business since January 2013. Maybe can order some for future family celebration. TK loved the muffins too. Heard that there's a confectionery shop selling vegetarian eggless cakes at Blk 4 Joo Seng Road/Upper Aljunied Road. TK wet pants in class again. TK sent flying kisses via SMS to Papa saying 'wo ai ni ba ba'. Warmed porridge for Hubby as supper.

CNY festive goodies knowing they are high in sugar, fat and calories?

Are you still thinking of feasting on CNY festive goodies knowing they are high in sugar, fat and calories? Before you act on impulse, here’s a quick look at what is a healthy daily portion of popular CNY festive foods such as pineapple tarts, preserved meats, Bak Kwa and sweetened beverages:

1. Pineapple tarts: Eat No more than three tarts a day.


2. Preserved meats: Eat No more than one slice of Bak Kwa or waxed duck per day. Eat In moderation.


3. Bak Kwa: Eat No more than one slice of Bak Kwa or waxed duck per day.


4. Sweetened beverages: Better not to take at all. Instead, drink Healthier beverages such as plain water, mineral water, reduced sugar drinks or sugar-free soft drinks.

Click HERE for more.

Bak Kwa 肉干 or waxed duck lovers

Do you know...

two slices of Bak Kwa can exceed half of the recommended daily salt intake for adults and contain 600kcal of energy (the same as a plate of chicken rice). 

75% of this energy is provided by the fat in the minced meat and sugar or honey which are added for flavouring.

As for preserved meats, two pieces (40g) of waxed duck contain about 880 mg of sodium (2 g salt) which is about half the recommended daily salt limit.

For non-vegetarians, Eat No more than one slice of Bak Kwa or waxed duck per day.

As for us, like last year, we're not even buying vegetarian Bak Kwa.
To read more, click HERE.

A Touching True Life Story 《佛教故事介绍》之[母亲强忍剥皮之痛 临死前给孩子喂奶]

这是一则真实的故事 This is a true life story，
这是一位出家僧人的亲自口述，
他讲到：
他在未出家前是个猎人，专门捕捉海獭 before he became a monk he was a Sea otter poacher。

有一次，他一出门就抓到一只大海獭 caught a big Sea otter。
等剖下珍贵的毛皮后 remove the skin，就把尚未断气的海獭藏在草丛里 hid the dying Sea otter in the bush。

傍晚时，猎人回到原来的地方，却遍寻不着这只海獭。
再仔细察看，才发现草地上依稀沾著血迹 found a trail of blood on the ground，一直延伸到附近小洞穴 to a nearby den's opening。
猎人探头往洞里瞧，不禁大吃一惊 He was shocked when he peeked in：
原来这只海獭忍着脱皮之痛，挣扎回到自己的窝 the dying Sea otter had struggled back to its den despite in great pain。

为什么这么做呢 Why is that so？
等猎人拖出这只早已气绝的海獭时 the poacher found the dead Sea otter， 才发觉有两只尚未睁眼的小海獭 and saw two baby Sea otters with their eyes still closed，正紧紧吸吮着死去母亲干瘪的乳头 still sucking and trying to feed on their dead mother's nipples。

Some Questions to Ask Your Obstetrician During Pregnancy

You've just found out you're pregnant, but you don't have an obstetrician yet. What questions should you ask potential candidates to figure out whether they're right for you?

Good prenatal care is one of the most important ingredients in the making of a healthy baby. The benefit to finding your perfect match now is that you’ll be able to build a strong bond with someone who can help you through all your gynecological needs. Here are a few questions you may ask your candidates:

1. Do you practice solo or as part of a group?
There are pros and cons to each scenario. Chances are you’ll get plenty of personal attention from a solo practitioner, but if your doctor is on vacation or at the hospital delivering someone else’s baby, you may have your appointment canceled…or you may end up delivering in the hands of someone you've never met. If you choose a group practice, you won't see your primary doctor at every visit, but everyone in the office will be thoroughly familiar with your medical history.

2. How involved can I be in making decisions about my own care?
The more pregnancy decisions you’re involved in making together — such as creating a birth plan and deciding when and whether you’ll be given an epidural — the better you’ll feel about your birth. By asking a potential candidate this question, you’ll get a better sense of how much the doctor will let you have a say in the process.

27th week of Pregnancy #2

30oct-5nov

Wed
Reminded Hubby of TK Annual Concert at Childcare in 2 weeks' time and fees for the costumes and accessories at SGD35 to be submitted next week.

Thur
TK asked to hug hug at Childcare and Marmy squatted down to pat hug TK who pretended to be tired. This was seen by Tr L. Fetched TK to Grannies for dinner. TK sent Papa smiley face and flying kisses via SMS and asked if Papa is happy. TK took closer look at Papa photo on HP left top corner, and asked '爸爸在哪里？在这里啊？ba ba zai na li? zai zhe li a?' ''Where's Papa? Here? Ooh.."

Fri
TK woke up listless but drank soy drink on own before changing into TK Uniform, socks and shoes. Tr bought another 2 bottles of TK baby shower gel. This month promotion for laundry detergent saves SGD11 for 2 (UP26 each). Thunderstorm in the afternoon just before fetching TK to Granddad's for dinner. Reached home around 1040p to make supper for Hubby. TK sent smiley face, flying kisses and a rose via SMS to Papa, and said Papa will be very happy. So adorable.

Sat
Deepavali PH, no story-telling session at NLB at 11a, went wet market before lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p.

26th week of Pregnancy #2

23oct-29oct

Wed
Forgot to bring house keys. Warmed up porridge to eat. Sitting area in Safra has powerpoint for people to charge their devices.

Thur
TK very cooperative and walked fast on own. Ran out of soy powder and gave TK Attain drink for breakfast. Going City Hall Convention Centre around 1p for lunch-cum-seminar till 6p. Fetched TK, peed and took a sip of water before taking bread at bus-stop opposite Childcare, said 'excuse me' and 'sorry' when boarding MRT and travelling up/down the escalator to Grannies. Such good manners.

Fri
Had sandwich and salad with baked beans, dates, nuts, wolfberry, raisins, lettuce, olive oil, mixed vegetables..for lunch after sending TK to Childcare. TK said preferred old one when new Teddy bear's fur comes out easily when pulled gently. Warmed porridge for Hubby's supper at 10plus11.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. TK attended a Fairytale trails act at NLB 2-3p and visited Grandaunt after dinner before going to Lil' Grandaunt's for gathering.

Cleaning During Pregnancy: 5 Dos and 3 Don'ts

Many things change when you’re expecting, including how much housecleaning you should do — and what’s safe and what’s not. So before you start to vacuum or scrub, take note of the Dos and Don’ts of cleaning during pregnancy.

DOs:

1. Read the labels.

Cleaning products that have low “acute toxicity” (most glass and general cleaners) probably won’t bother you, but since no one really knows how these chemicals could affect your baby, experts recommend erring on the side of safety by reducing your family’s “toxic burden” wherever possible. So get a little greener before your baby arrives. Look for products labeled nontoxic and all-natural instead. 

2. Make your own safe cleaning supplies.

Another way to make the switch to more natural products is to DIY. The following are particularly inexpensive and effective:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to make an all-purpose cleaning solution for countertops, tubs and tile.
2. Baking soda makes an excellent hard-water-stain remover in your tub or shower. First, wipe the area with a rag soaked in white vinegar (wear latex gloves so your hands don’t stink), then sprinkle generously with baking soda. Scrub the tile clean with the same vinegar-soaked rag.

What is a placenta? What to expect during the final stage of labour? What happens when delivering the placenta?

After much pushing and the baby is delivered, the final stage of childbirth is it's time to deliver the

Stage 3: Delivering the Placenta

With baby finally out of your birth canal and into your arms, the hard work is over — but childbirth isn't. This last stage of childbirth is actually a very important one — and a very symbolic one. The placenta, also known as afterbirth, provided bed and board for your baby for most of his or her stay in your uterus, and its delivery represents the end of that era, and the beginning of a new one on the outside.

This last stage of childbirth usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes or more. Mild contractions that last about a minute each will help separate the placenta from the uterine wall and move it through the birth canal so that you can push it out. Your practitioner may help speed up the process by putting gentle pressure on your uterus (you may feel a little discomfort). Once the placenta is delivered, your practitioner will stitch up any tears and you'll be free to enjoy your new baby.

After delivery you'll notice bloody vaginal discharge (called lochia) that's comparable to a heavy period, and you may experience chills. Expect to feel hungry and thirsty (especially if labour was long and you weren't able to eat or drink) and a wide range of emotions — especially relief, elation, and impatience to get your hands on the baby!

What can you do during the second stage of labour? What are some pushing tips?

When the first stage of childbirth (or labour) is over, the next thing to do is push and deliver.

Stage 2: Pushing the Baby Out

With dilation complete, it's time to help your baby through the birth canal by pushing. Delivery generally takes 30 to 60 minutes (second and subsequent babies usually pop out a lot faster than first ones), but it can be as short as a few minutes — or as long as several hours. During this stage, your contractions should be more regular (usually about 2 to 5 minutes apart), but they'll still last for 60 to 90 seconds each.

You'll move into the pushing position of your choice and, following the instructions of your practitioner or the hospital or birthing center staff, you'll push at regular intervals, usually three times with each contraction, or as you feel the urge. You might want to rest for one contraction if you're getting tired. Put all of your effort into each push, but maintain control, too — you don't want to push with your upper body or strain your face (could actually leave you with black or bloodshot eyes or bruises on your face). Here are some pushing tips:

• Push as if you're having a bowel movement — the biggest one of your life. And speaking of bowel movements, put all your concentration and focus into the pushing — not into worrying about whether you'll be emptying your bowels or passing urine while you're at it.
• If you're propped up on your back, make sure you put your chin to your chest to push. This will help you focus your pushes to where they need to be. It might also help to look down below your navel so you remember where your pushes should originate from.
• The nurses might tell you to hold your breath and push while they count to ten, but feel free to do what comes naturally if that makes you more comfortable. Follow the urges you feel to push rather than holding your breath, and if that means pushing for only five seconds per push, that's fine too.