Reflection : Challenge to myself to form positive emotions, thoughts or behaviors 身语意

Think of an activity or an exercise that you have tried before in order to try to increase your well-being. Did it work? Or an activity you have initiated with or for your child(ren) to try to cultivate positive emotions, thoughts or behaviors? How was the outcome?

Goodnight Teacher 晚安老师

儿子累了 听说老师去了植物园 问植物园有没有动物 有没有恐龙

当要说晚安老师 他问要怎么说 我告诉他 说晚安老师

他接着说 XX要睡觉了 又说XX我要睡觉了 然后咯咯咯笑了

［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.

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.

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.

2013 Christmas Greetings!

Woke up after a super long dream..at 615a. Weather's abit cloudy, but these few nights are very windy, and cold..sneezed whenever the main door is opened ajar once awake. Took a butter cookie, just in case the hunger pangs come 'knocking'.

Yes, it's a Green Christmas again. From the wrapping paper, to the scotch tape, and the carrier, they are either recycled or recyclable, resusable, and certainly reduced.

The only difference is I've outsourced the delivery for the first time to someone who's eagerly excited to be 'The Postman' to our neighbours. The Postman even helped to do the wrapping as well! Very helpful indeed.

Of course, something has to be sacrificed -- sleep, time and effort. As the saying goes, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained'.

This time, The Postman learns the true happiness of sharing and giving. The joy derived is directly proportional to the fun and enjoyment

going to-and-fro from door to door delivering one at a time.

23rd week of Pregnancy #2

2oct-8oct
Wed
Attended a preview talk after sending TK to Childcare by Prof Lin WX at around 1045a. Learnt that the boss of Unisoy is Mr. Loh. Fetched TK around 6plus. Hubby made porridge dinner with shell macrononi. Reached home around 755p.

Thur
Hubby sent TK to Childcare reaching around 955a. Hubby asked TK what's more important, Time or Freebie and TK answered the latter. Total round trip to send TK to Childcare from bus stop to bus stop at 930a is around 75 min, inclusive of 10 min tea break. TC called to say they've cameras installed to deal with the highrise littering and they'd work with NEA on this matter. Hubby went for a swim and haircut. TK said 'I want Papa' on the way to Grannies' home for dinner from Childcare, and wanted to give Papa 'sticker'. TK awarded smiley face :D for himself, Marmy and Meimei. Made Mee with purple cabbage, mushroom, carrot and cheese for Hubby's supper.

Fri
Seal Engraving workshop at NLB at 3-5p and the instructor helped to 'beautify' TK's Chinese Traditional name engraved. Met a neighbour Aunt A there who did so well as a first-timer. Left to fetch TK at 5plus. Hubby plan to buy TK the flip board in future for drawing. Left Grannies place with some leftovers. TK said misses us. So sweet. TK sent 'kisses' to Papa via SMS before going to bed.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a after making some porridge. Had porridge before leaving home after the packed lunch leaked and made a mess. Frustrating. Found out the Marigold Fresh milk Promotion was over last month. Toured around the area at Woodlands NLB and had tea at Toastbox while TK napped in the baby stroller. After TK woke up, found an eatery and sat down to enjoy a bowl of laksa which TK tried, saying the thick noodle wasn't hot. Snacked the biscuits and seaweed brought from home.

22nd week of Pregnancy #2

25sep-1oct

Wed
Rained in the morning. Waited for bus opposite the Childcare at 715p. Zi Char Aunt from coffee shop below Childcare asked TK if it's Didi or Meimei, TK was quiet. Most people guessed it's Didi.

Thur
NEA officers came to check again, this time for dengue breeding spots. Informed them of the litter (a few styrofoam boxes bundled with rubber band) on the air-con ledge by our neighbours above. Went to buy groceries and household products at Paya Lebar MRT before fetching TK.

Fri
The Ikea red cupboard bought last year SGD169 is now selling at SGD139, SGD30 less. Hubby had vegetarian meal at Nature Vegetarian along Jalan Bukit Merah. Tr D said TK didn't read after her. TK sang 'Shi Shang Zhi You Ma Ma Hao' 《世上只有妈妈好》 on the bus, and asked to be touched and TK sounded 'Fireman'. Hubby reached home for late supper again.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. The Marigold Milk Promotion at NLB (loan receipt of 8 books for a small packet of fresh milk) is on till end of the month at Bishan. TK asked to drink a packet of cold fresh milk and gladly shared with Marmy. TK was able to hold a mouthful and wait till the milk was not too cold before swallowing. Great job! The final one is at Woodlands for the month of October.

How to speed read..如何速读

First time at a Chinese Storytelling session at NLB..
a handful of little children in the room..

then more arrived towards the start time..
but how come haven't started at 2min past 12 noon..
still a few children are crawling around and under the 3 chairs on stage..
more children joined..running around..

a young jie jie still seated near the corner in front..looked like the storyteller..
and parents, children still engaging in own conversation..

during the session, a parent took out her mobile to take photo..
and children went to the bookshelf at the front left corner of the room and helped themselves to the books..
and more followed..
A little boy is seen showing how to do speed reading after taking a storybook from the shelf in the following..

All these while, the storytelling continued..the first story is about Love 爱情..guess today's theme is 'Love'. The next one is 公鸡爱上猪
 

[差一点点]

一对夫妻带两岁七个月大的孩子走到海边，孩子指着远处对父亲说：“我要去那边。”
母亲纠正孩子，说道：“应该问‘爸爸，请问我（你）可以（带我）去海滩玩吗？’ 而不是‘我要去...’, 知道吗？”

母亲站在码头那儿守着推车，父亲便带着孩子走在沙滩上，一步一步小心走着。因为担心沙子进孩子的鞋袜里，父亲还亲自示范如何把脚举起后再轻轻放下去给孩子看。

父子俩玩了好久，母亲则忙着拍照。父子在沙滩上不停来回地走上走下，避开海浪，不愿弄湿那穿在脚上的运动鞋。突然，父子不约而同地大叫一声“哇！”，接着开心地笑了。 原来，是差点儿被海水弄湿了鞋。

两人玩得不亦乐乎！最后孩子在父亲的陪同下走回来，兴奋地问母亲：“妈妈，一起玩[差一点点]吧！”母亲听得一头雾水，想了想才恍然明白那是怎么一回事儿。
父亲示意母亲陪孩子去玩新游戏[差一点点]，结果孩子又再次玩了许久，还在沙滩上画画。

Don't miss this! Asian Civilisation Museum - Special Exhibition

Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor and His Legacy
24 Jun 2011 - 16 Oct 2011
@ Special Exhibitions Gallery, ACM Empress Place


The terracotta army buried near the tomb of the First Emperor of China is perhaps the most important archaeological discovery of our time. Unearthed in 1974 outside Xi’an, the thousands of pottery soldiers and horses are striking works of art that tell us a great deal about early China.

This exhibition features one hundred artefacts from Shaanxi province in China. Besides terracotta figures, the display contains important bronzes and jades from the Qin state before the time of the First Emperor, Shi Huangdi. The Han dynasty inherited the legacy of unified China, and charming terracotta figures from this later period show how the First Emperor’s tomb influenced later burials.

The exhibition highlights new interpretations and poses questions about what we really know of the remarkable terracotta army. Recent excavations have revealed a variety of objects, including painted warriors, acrobats meant to entertain the emperor, chariots and life-like birds. Many of these will be presented in the exhibition.

This is the first exhibition of the actual terracotta warriors to be held in Singapore, as well as the first presentation in Southeast Asia.

POSB PAssion Run for Kids 2011

The Run is back! You can help the children by participating in the POSB PAssion Run for Kids 2011. The money raised will be channeled to the POSB PAssion Kids Fund to develop initiatives for children.
Details of Run Date: 18 September 2011, Sunday Time: 7am Venue: East Coast Park Types of Run: 800m Kids Run (5 - 8 years old); 1.2km Kids Run (9 - 12 years old); 4.5km Fun Run; 10km Adult Run

TK's adventure at the Singapore Zoo at 9m 1w old

We set off at about 11 o'clock in the morning for the Zoo 新加坡动物园 for the first time.

Marmy took the information researched online earlier
(Dardy printed out) and
we planned out our itinerary and decided which show we can possibly catch
(Marmy hoped to catch 1130a show)

as we set off in the MRT with Grandma.

Went to AMK bus-interchange and boarded bus 138.

It was very crowded
and there were 4 baby strollers including ours.

We met an Indonesian family visiting Singapore (flying back in the evening)

and we chatted
with the elderly grandmother towards the later half of the bus journey.
She's the only one
who can converse in Mandarin in the group.

We took a map at the entrance
 We saw a monkey-like creature up in the tree.

They are also known as Sea Cow 海牛.
They spend 6 to 8 hours a day grazing on aquatic plants and

eat 50-100kg of food

(5-10% of their body weight).

The upper lip is split to form 2 flexible lobes, which function as 'hands' to grasp water plants.

This is the Caribean Manatee, also known as the nail manatee.
They are classified as hoofed animals and are closely related to elephants.

 We looked for the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre to watch the show
'Rainforest Fights Back' at 12.30pm.

The Orang Utans team up and fight for their home in this exciting presentation.

Dardy missed the remaining part of the show

when he went to the washroom.

Marmy carried TK when he woke up and was fortunate to see up-close

one of the monkey-like 'performers'
when it walked along the wooden fence from the top where
Marmy was standing
to where the audience was seated.

 Next, TK stared at the white tigers as one of them walked in the shallow waters.

 A tired TK posing here with a White Tiger.

Marmy posing with the hippo.
Hippos yawn to show off their teeth and threaten rivals.
But when a male yawns in the presence of a female, it's a sign of affection and as part of the courtship display.
So Marmy is definitely not a rival nor a subject of courtship.

 We saw an Iguana crossing the road before we saw the giraffes.
Marmy was the first to take a shoot of the little friend
before the other visitors struggled to follow suit
but the little friend quickly disappeared into the bush.

Marmy took a video of the giraffes and Grandma saw one of them peed.
Marmy took some time to locate the giraffe and found out to her pleasant surprise,
the giraffe took almost 5 minutes to finish its 'business'.

At the Australian Outback,
we walked to the feeding area around 430p and overheard that the Caucasian lady was the last person.
Subsequent visitors are only to pat the animals but no feeding allowed.

Kangaroos can hop for a long time.
The special tendons in their hind legs release more and more energy as they hop along.

 

Do you know?

When European explorers first saw kangaroos in Australia,

they asked an Aborigine what are they called.

He replied

'kangaroo' to mean

'I don't understand your question'.

The explorers took 'kangaroo' to mean the name of the animals.

We sat down briefly at the Ah Meng Kopi but no one served Dardy when he went to the counter.
We left shortly after.

 TK watching the African penguins in his baby stroller, better known as his 'Mercedes'.
African penguin is also known as
the jackass penguin because of its donkey-like braying call.

Can you spot the penguin eggs?
Do you know that
the African Penguin is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies?
The African Penguin is listed in the Red Data Book as an endangered species.^[3]
In September 2010, the African Penguin was listed as endangered under the U.S.A Endangered Species Act.^[1]

 We saw the penguins

but Marmy felt there're more penguins at the Jurong Bird Park compared to the Zoo.

We went for lunch

at the fast food outlet outside the Zoo near the entrance.

Marmy feed TK and pee him in the washroom (no need to change the diapers).

We continued to look for the next show 'Elephants At Work & Play'
at Elephants of Asia.
This is a spectacular show of skills and humour with an after-show feeding session,
as the elephants gently pick up bananas from their hands.

We reached there just when the show ended
as we stopped on the way to see some of the animals.

Next we saw the skeleton of the flightless bird on the left and that of a flying bird on the right.
The breastbone of ratites is flat.
Without a keel for attachment, wing muscles cannot develop into huge muscle mass.
Thus they are small and not powerful enough for flight.

 

 

The lionesses and lions lying around.
We saw the Dwarf Hippo, the zebra..too
We even went to the main attractions too (Australian Outback and Cat Country).

Welcome to the Wild Animal Carousel!

The Rainforest KidzWorld Waterplay area was closed for cleaning.
Dardy's colleague only found out when they reached there in the morning and the Lil' ones were very disappointed.

We came to the Tropical Crops and spent some time looking at the crops.
Most of the crops were familiar to us and we wondered if anyone get to eat them.

More of the tropical crops will be featured in another post.

Dardy is showing Lil' TK the birds flying
in the sky
when we rested at the water fountain
in Honour of
Dr. Ong Swee Law
25 August 1919 - 4 February 1995

He conceived the Zoo in 1968 and
served as Executive Chairman from 1973 to 1995.
For his achievements,
he's rightfully known as the "Father of the Zoo".

We went to the Malayan Tapir before we headed for home.

We thought the baby tapirs look somewhat mouse-like but
we learnt that they look like black and white 'walking watermelons'.
They will lose their spots and stripes by about 5 months' old.

This is the adult tapir.
The upper lip and nose are fused to form the trunk.
The trunk acts as a finger
to grasp leaves and guide them into the mouth.

There's an Orang Asli Folklore..
The Malayan tapir was said to be a handsome animal
with black glossy coat.
He was strong and had an impressive horn.
However, he was vain and a bully.
One day, the bamboo rat and some mice drugged him,
cut off his horn, and filed down his sharp teeth.

They also painted part of his body white to brand him like a criminal.
When the tapir woke up, he felt disgraced and went into hiding.
This is how he got his black and white coloration,
became so shy and a vegetarian.

We didn't take the Tram which cost $5 (for adult) or
paid for any animal photography or feedings.
By the time we left the Zoo, we were all dead beat.
Dardy and Marmy both dozed off (Dardy was standing then) on the bus journey
and felt really refreshed after that.
Don't worry, there's Grandma who is carrying a sleepy TK in her arms.

Nonetheless, we had an enjoyable adventure at the Zoo.
Next adventure
should be back to the nature.

kidsREAD@LAA

Saturdays, 4.00 - 5.00pm (commencing on 2 Jul 2011)

Children are encouraged to stay throughout the reading programme.

This programme is available only to children with household incomes below $3500.

To sign up, please contact LAA at 6513 3013 or enquiries@toph.com.sg

 

41st week of motherhood

13jun - 19jun

- went for post-AVM check-up w hubby while mum ma bbsat TK
- have to finalise the itinerary for tomorrow's trip
- searched online for info and it's done by 230p (thanks to ma who bbsat tk while i worked on the computer in between preparing for dinner, warming up the food for lunch, making milk for TK, updating my blogs and checking emails)
- leaving after ma bathed TK
- took the free shuttle bus to the hospital and took a ride to City Square Mall - City Square Mall - Singapore's First Eco-Mall
- dozed off during the short journey and the elderly lady sitting beside me woke me up
- hubby treated me to beancurd and soya drink while waiting at the pharmacy (took 1 mth of med instead of 3m as I'd be gg for next med appt w doc)
- made first part of dinner and hubby finished the rest to whip up yummy dinner
- pa came to join us and he too enjoyed the dinner
- pa took TK for a stroll and as usual TK look left look right and seemed curious and excited at everything
- hubby applied the lotion to my back for muscle pain relief and it felt so wonderful (both the effectiveness of lotion and wonders of the touch of the index fingertip)
- successfully pee TK in the toilet for 3 times in total

- gg to the Zoological Gardens for the first time w family (had been there several years ago for work purpose)
- stayed awake after TK's night feeding at 326a
- made veg dumplings w dow bok, dow gua, veg fishballs etc for 2 persons
- set off at ten minutes to 11 o'clock in the morning (50 minutes later than scheduled and 110 minutes later than ideal)
- TK first visit to the Zoo at 9m 1w old
- dozed off on the bus 138 on the way home (hubby too dozed off while standing)
- slept very well after a long day (reached home about 6p)
- successfully pee TK in the toilet for 3 times in total

21st week Dearest Baby TK

25jan'11 - 31jan'11

141 days' old, you enjoyed playing rattles & tried to hold them tightly;
142 days' old, you enjoyed reading flash cards w Teacher E; napped 7h in total (ave to date 4.826h);

143 days' old, you visited the Jurong Bird Park with Grandmum, Dardy & Marmy for the first time;poo
144 days' old, you took 21.25oz or 603.8ml in total;
145 days' old, you are meeting your Uncle M & Aunt again and their little friend for the first time; gg for Parents Tea Session w Dardy & Marmy; napped more than 7h in total;
146 days' old, you are having Reunion Dinner with Granddad, Grandmum, jiu jiu & jiu mu;
147 days' old, you poo at 530p aft 51 hours;

What to do during the weekends this Jan 2011?

This is something I've been looking forward to..something Darling suggested to bring Little TK along.
The 'Terry Fox Run' may be too crowded for us..
The workshops for children 5-10 yrs old will have to wait another 5-6yrs in the year 2015 or 2016.
so Darling decided to bring us to (to find out, Click 'Read More' below)

Alternatively, click the link below to find out more.
National Parks

BookFest @Singapore 2010 till 19 Dec

BookFest @Singapore 2010 - Celebrating 5 Glorious Years of the Best in Educating and Lifestyle

Venue: Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre Hall 601-603
Time: 10am-10pm
Free Admission

Join them in a last effort to raise donations towards The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund! Only on 19 Dec 2010.

All English books at 30% off. All Chinese books at 40% off.

BUY A BOOK, LEND A HAND.
BookFest @Singapore is donating S$1000 cash with every 10,000 copies of books sold at the fair.

A Hairy-Fairy Fest

Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale
In 3D Cinemas 25 Nov & Islandwide 2 Dec 2010


A Hairy-Fairy Fest
27 Nov, 6pm
Bugis Square, Level 1

Come on down to Bugis Junction for an evening of hair-raising activities.
Take part in various games and activities such as Toss and Shake, Have Hair Will Travel, My Best Hair Day, Locks and Look Photo Me, etc for chance to win Phytodensium Travel Kit + Serum and other exciting prizes.
Don't miss a spectacular show by local hairstyling icon Jeric See.


Rapunzel - A Tangled Tale Instant Lucky Dip
Spend $120* from 19 Nov at any shop in Bugis Junction and participate in RAPUNZEL: A Tangled Tale Instant Lucky Dip to win an exclusive movie premium or a pair of movie passes.

CapitaCard Members need only charge $90* to their card to participate.

*Max 3 combined same-day receipts. Receipt(s) can only be used ONCE, and not valid for mutiple promotions. While stocks last.

Sesame Street Lovers?

Bukit Panjang Plaza, Plaza Singapura & Sembawang Shopping Centre Presents

Christmas at Sesame Street

1. SSC Atrium Level 1
23-28 Nov 2010

2. PS Main Atrium Level 1
30 Nov-12 Dec 2010

3. BPP Atrium Level 2
14 Dec-19 Dec 2010

Showtime
Tue-Thur: 1pm & 7pm daily
Fri-Sun: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm daily

Get Your Photo Pass Now!
Spend a min of $30* at BPP, PS or SSC to redeem a Photo Pass (admits 4) to get up close and personal with Sesame Street!
CapitaCard Members need only charge $20* to redeem.

*Limited to 30 passes per session per mall. Max 3 combined  same-day-same-mall receipts/charge slips.