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?

TK Vocabulary: E-E means 而已 and Fay Ler means 回了

Do you know..TK dictionary..?

1. the Big Wolf / Bad person 大野狼 / 坏人 : refers to TK Dardy. Usually used when TK Dardy is approaching TK bedroom before bed or coming into the house opening the grill gate / main door.

2. Bitu : Anything TK likes. Eg. Bitu teacher, Bitu friend etc.

3. No more..when the food is finished.

4. pssst..pssst : the christmas lights on the christmas tree

:

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

25th week of Pregnancy #2

16oct-22oct

Wed
Feeling a little sleepy on the way to fetch TK.

Thur
Went to Grannies for dinner. Grandpa bought vegetarian fried rice and noodles.

Fri
Going for gynae check-up. Lil' foetus weigh 777g and Mum at 47kg. Fetched TK to Granddad's for dinner. Grandmum made vegetarian beancurd rolls, but the skin abit too tough for Grannies and were further steamed. Reached home around 1030p drizzling and TK was sleepy.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. Raining heavily then. DVDs borrowed from NLB due today.

Sun
TK attended Di Zi Gui lesson at KMSPKS, followed by lunch.

Mon
Hubby going TCM for follow-up. Motto for Life: Make Right Decision, Do Simple task Right and Fast. More can be accomplished. Right attitude with enthusiasm and Principles. TK again sent flying kisses and asked if Papa is happy via SMS. Grandma came after dinner with raisin bread and walnut small cake. Grateful.

Tue
Hubby wanted to send TK to Childcare. Fumigation carried out in the morning at our place to fight dengue. Hubby fetched TK from Childcare. TK had cake on the way and recited Di Zi Gui. Went to TCM as TK coughing with phlegm since last week around 13 Oct after taking cold cocktail. Had Chinese cold medicine when having runny nose.

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.

19th week of Pregnancy #2

4sep-10sep

Wed
Was fined SGD12 (Initially Teacher said SGD15 but Marmy corrected saying the clock was 2 minutes faster) as there's heavy traffic. Marmy was a little hungry when the bus finally arrived opposite the Childcare at 735p. Hubby made dinner and went to meet us at TCM when Marmy sent SMS saying we walking (past) reached TCM.

Thur
Went KMSPKS for a Dharma Talk. Reached 7plus after fetching TK. Hubby bought dinner with some 10 people in the queue ahead and waited at the seating area near the lift lobby after taking his share. Traffic congestion and TK was very cooperative and well-behaved, and walked on his own. TK was able to sit through the entire talk till almost the end, with a teddy bear and colouring pens and paper. TK wanted to be carried and go home towards the end as TK was sleepy.

Fri
TK asked to hug and bid goodbye at Childcare in the morning. Challenged TK not to cry when leaving TK with Grandmum later in the evening and Marmy will show him the online video on the song 'Jumping on the Bed'. Hubby waited at gynae clinic after buying set lunch at Lingzhi Vegetarian Restaurant while Marmy made her way there after buying a packet of fried rice for lunch. Missed a bus when flagged for bus some distance from the front of bus-stop. Thought the bus was slowing down but it picked up speed instead, as the bus Captain drove past waving to say something (thought he meant no need to run so fast). Lil' foetus weigh 248g and Mum at 44.9kg. Fetched TK earlier at 4plus and passed TK to Grandmum at Raffles Place MRT. TK successfully peed into plastic bag before MRT started moving when it stopped at Bugis station. TK didn't cry and was awarded 3 imaginary stickers. Good job! Met Hubby and dined out. Hubby had slight headache and took painkillers before leaving home.

15th week of Pregnancy #2

7aug-13aug

Thur
Today is Hari Raya Puasa PH. Hubby went for a swim. Had dinner at TK grannies' place to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.

Fri
Watched fireworks LIVE!

Sun
TK was attacked by mozzie on hand and legs just seconds when we reached the bus-stop, swollen and very itchy. Remember advice from an Uncle in the wet market that white vinegar is good for insect bites, better and more effective than any medication.

Mon
Went to visit TK Grandma briefly to get the white vinegar for TK after sending TK to Childcare. The hand seemed more swollen. Dabbed a piece of cotton facial pad with the white vinegar and placed on the swollen area. TK resisted, only to ask for it to be removed after a few minutes. Maybe there's stinging sensation. TK was cooperative and agreed to leave the cotton pad on his hand longer. Well done for excellent cooperation!

Tue
Went to volunteer at KMS to make glutinous dumplings for sale during the prayers in the 7th month of lunar calendar. Hubby made curry for dinner while Marmy fetched TK. Hubby has a run in 2-3 weeks' time. Will there be sufficient time to be physically prepared for it? Not going to TK grandma's place anymore in the mornings after sending TK to Childcare to offer assistance during her Medical Leave on Day 26. The reason given was that staying for a mere 10min (actual time was 20min cut down from 2-3h to 1-2h during weekdays and today there's tension and fireworks felt in the atmosphere) doesn't offer much help/make any difference. But why wasn't it made clear in the first place, and only until today? Fine.

10th week of Pregnancy #2

3jul-9jul

Wed
Plan to fetch TK at around 430p. Searched online for vegetarian food places information websites. Grandma is fetching TK at last minute without prior notice. So is the character, and no plans can be made, or be announced in advance, or the plans will be kept constantly 'updated' or amended.

Thur
Hubby said that even a Diploma graduate can draw SGD2.2k per month and easily earn SGD3k after a few years. After NLB storybook was found at Childcare, TK insisted saying that the storybook is NLB, not Childcare's. TK didn't cry, but wanted to be carried into lift at Childcare building. TK stood on crowded bus holding tightly to the railings for more than 12min, and was carried for 1 bus stop. Great job! SGX launching online platform for trading precious metals such as gold directly. Global interest rates are expected to rise, including SG. Bank loans for housing may hit as high as 3.5%.

Fri
Hubby packed dinner to meet us at bus-stop and transferred bus to PMT 6plus. Had dinner with Grannies to celebrate Grandma's birthday at Miaoyi Vegetarian Restaurant at Coronation Plaza at 7p. The dishes seemed to have shrunk in portion, and we were only 60% full after finishing 80% of a half kilogram of mango cake. Disappointing.

Sat
Brought TK to collect movie tickets at Lido and ear phones at 10plus in the morning after making porridge for lunch. TK urgently needed to pee and we left the queue, asking the lady in front to 'chop' our place. Was our turn when we returned to the queue. Waited for the rest to arrive, and found a seat to feed TK 11plus and continued again at 12plus. TK went to visit Grandaunt with Grandmum in the afternoon. Granddad having sore eyes, so TK not going over to Grannies to stay for the weekend. Dined out at nearby foodcourt before going to family gathering.

7th week of Pregnancy #2

12jun-18jun

Wed
Mozzie attacked again, for the 3rd time this week in 9 days since 2 and 8 days ago, this time 7 bites on the 6th floor of a HDB flat in Central of Singapore. Helpless. Slow traffic on PIE when fetching TK. Hubby fetched TK, missed a bus and reached home 6plus for dinner. Hubby was pleased as TK was very well-behaved on the way home. Grin. Steamed vegetarian Bak Chang for dinner. Cooked a little porridge for TK as glutinous is not easily digested and so won't be giving TK too much.

Thur
Cooked steamed egg for dinner to bring for dinner before movie 'Man of Steel'. Fetched TK at around 5p..reached the movie theatre around 645p. Hubby and TK Grandma went Toastbox for drink after dinner and buying our dinner.

Fri
Hubby went NLB before going home in the afternoon. Went for PPF at Lavendar MRT after fetching TK from Childcare at around 520p. Vegetarian stall at French Road (Lavendar MRT Exit B) coffee shop opened till 1p, so we ordered Luo Han Zi Char Hor Fun for dinner instead. TK was tired and started crying to be carried. Hubby pacified TK. Frown.

Sat
TK going Grandpa's to stay over after gathering at Grandaunt's place in the evening.

4th week of Pregnancy #2

22may-28may

Wed
Did I have craving for the snacks? My menus didn't come. Fingers crossed. Lasted for a day. More like stain to me.
Hubby is going for a trial treatment worth SGD150 (30min) and fetching TK from Childcare. Successfully rejected the buying of package slashed down to SGD50 per session.
Went home to prepare Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh Pasta for dinner for my babies.
Dark clouds hovered in the sky at 6plus in the evening.

Thur
Fetched TK and waited for about 25 minutes for bus and reached home around 730p.

Sat
Brought TK to TCM. Went out after lunch.

Sun
Hubby going for business trip. Send off at airport and took TK to viewing gallery to look at aeroplanes landing/flying. Went to friend's place at Eunos who's 2nd daughter just turned 1 year old.

Mon
Today changed bedding, read papers, made porridge for dinner and fetched TK. Reached home around 7plus. TK very obedient tonight, urinated and said 'Goodnight' to Papa before going to bed at 10p even though Hubby wasn't home yet.

At this time, we weren't aware of the pregnancy yet. No morning sickness.

爸爸，请吃！Papa, please eat!

On the 19 May 2013 evening, TK offered a packet of roasted seaweed to Papa with a bow.
Papa was very touched by this gesture of TK's filial piety.

TK didn't eat much though as the crispy sheets of seaweed were not shredded.

Nonetheless, this act of offering and sharing

was first captured on lens

at 2y 8m 12d old..

Something TK picked up at Childcare Centre..and still practising

since joining at 18m last April..

Q&A on child's discipline

Learning to Share

Q: child is very possessive of own toys. How to teach my child to share?

A: Some may want to show their dominance so that others would listen to them. You should teach your child the importance of taking turns through games and activities so that your child understands the concept.
You may:
- set a time limit for each child to play with the toy
- explore any reservations the child may have
- avoid giving the toy to the child that does not want to share

It is important to teach the child that it is only for a short time and the toy would be returned to him/her.

Q&A on child's behaviour

Sudden Rudeness

Q: child has been mean and rude to father recently. father feels like child doesn't even love him. No apparent reason for her actions.

A: She may
- have some negative emotions towards the father.
- get the wrong perception when she sees her father with mother, that she's fighting for attention or jealous.
- feel mother has not shown her enough attention thus trying to seek attention by asking her to do things for her
- feel anxious about changes.

Talk to her to find out more about her feelings and thoughts.
Explain to her if she has some misconception and provide support if she has fear.