Ay, tis the season of gifts and giving again. Usually, I get into the Christmas mood by popping my all time favourite Christmas CD (A Christmas Story by Point of Grace) into the player. But this year, it's already 19 Dec and its quiet in my home. No Christmas songs. Just no mood la.
Anyway, we were surprised to hear carols just now after dinner. Turned out, the neighbour across the street had a bunch of carollers over. They are catholic, so quite a number of the carollers were dressed in red and had Santa caps on. There was of course, a Santa. Aidan and Sean were excited but we couldn't see much from our house. When the carollers were leaving, Sean and Aidan were watching from my front door and Aidan sadly remarked, "Mummy, the Christmas Man is leaving!" He meant Santa Claus. I didn't correct him cos I didn't want to get into who's Santa Claus. Not tonight anyway. I prefer my kids to know that Christmas is really about Jesus.
The carollers reminded me of some of the best times I had as a teen. I was in Evangelical Free Church then. Each year, we'd pack into a school bus and go from house to house singing carols. We'd do this for two nights at least. We'd be laughing and singing in the bus and enjoy the cool, windy night. We'd always be so full from all the goodies at each home that it's sometimes hard to sing. I remember, one house we went to, the host, a doctor handed out lozenges to everyone! haha!
Yup, those were really good times. Doing two of the things I love most - hanging out with friends and singing.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Psychology
I find psychology fascinating. I've always had a habit of analyzing why people behave the way they do and sometimes even predict what they'll do or say. Dunno how or why I do that. Just seems like it comes naturally to me and I've been doing it forever.
Of course, I analyze myself the most. And most of the times, I don't like what I find. I'm still trying to be comfortable in my own skin after all this time (no, I'm not that old!) and sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be comfortable with myself.
I don't have a degree on the wall so much of what I analyze and perceive...I've no concrete proof whether its right or wrong but I've seen what a vicious cycle is and its one of the most horrible things ever. Sometimes I feel like I'm disconnected....head and heart has lost its link and I find myself staring at a monster. A monster that's been trying to get out of a cycle but might as well try to get out of a whirlpool unaided.
So. JESUS be my AID. I need YOU. Amen.
Of course, I analyze myself the most. And most of the times, I don't like what I find. I'm still trying to be comfortable in my own skin after all this time (no, I'm not that old!) and sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be comfortable with myself.
I don't have a degree on the wall so much of what I analyze and perceive...I've no concrete proof whether its right or wrong but I've seen what a vicious cycle is and its one of the most horrible things ever. Sometimes I feel like I'm disconnected....head and heart has lost its link and I find myself staring at a monster. A monster that's been trying to get out of a cycle but might as well try to get out of a whirlpool unaided.
So. JESUS be my AID. I need YOU. Amen.
Monday, December 15, 2008
What Lies Beneath
Aidan will be 3 years old this Friday. Time sure flies. My baby is no longer a baby. But he's still very cute. His vocabulary and observation has improved much these past months resulting in many funny, cute and endearing remarks or conversation. Today was no exception.
He woke from his nap but Sean was still asleep. He wanted to go to the loo and as I was dressing him after that, I thought I'd seize the opportunity to talk to him about wearing underwear. We wanted him to start wearing underwear sometime soon but so far he's refused. So, I told him its time he started cos he's a big boy now and etc. At first he wasn't keen and I left it at that. Then he said, "I want a red one". Oh boy, the ones I bought him were different shades of blue. I showed them to him anyway. All with Spiderman design. He pointed to Spidey and asked, "Is Spiderman wearing underwear?" Well, obviously, not on the outside like Supes but I said, "Yes".
He chose the dark blue one and after I put it on him, he looked pleased and said, "I'm so proud for my underwear" (I think he meant "of"). I was surprised cos he's not used the word "proud" before. And then, "I love my underwear because it look so nice. Thank you mummy, for buying my underwear."
After half a minute, he sat up and said, "Am I still wearing my underwear?" He lifted his t-shirt, checked and said, "Yes, I check edi, I'm still wearing my underwear."
After that, he proudly announced to Sean, my parents and Jason that he's wearing underwear cos he's a big boy.
Haha! So cute!
He woke from his nap but Sean was still asleep. He wanted to go to the loo and as I was dressing him after that, I thought I'd seize the opportunity to talk to him about wearing underwear. We wanted him to start wearing underwear sometime soon but so far he's refused. So, I told him its time he started cos he's a big boy now and etc. At first he wasn't keen and I left it at that. Then he said, "I want a red one". Oh boy, the ones I bought him were different shades of blue. I showed them to him anyway. All with Spiderman design. He pointed to Spidey and asked, "Is Spiderman wearing underwear?" Well, obviously, not on the outside like Supes but I said, "Yes".
He chose the dark blue one and after I put it on him, he looked pleased and said, "I'm so proud for my underwear" (I think he meant "of"). I was surprised cos he's not used the word "proud" before. And then, "I love my underwear because it look so nice. Thank you mummy, for buying my underwear."
After half a minute, he sat up and said, "Am I still wearing my underwear?" He lifted his t-shirt, checked and said, "Yes, I check edi, I'm still wearing my underwear."
After that, he proudly announced to Sean, my parents and Jason that he's wearing underwear cos he's a big boy.
Haha! So cute!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Works of Art
It's the school hols and Sean & Aidan are bored. Well, they get bored during school days too but the bored-o-meter is much higher during the hols. My stress-o-meter is higher too. :) Anyway, Sean starts bugging me to give them art & craft to do. So I bought a box of water colours, a palette and brushes. They couldn't wait to start.
I wanted to show them something fancy so I cut ladies fingers and dipped it into the paint and pressed it onto the paper and...they weren't impressed. *sigh* They just wanted to get their hands on the brushes and paint away. (Good thing I didn't make potato stamps too).
So paint they did. It was shaky at first as they weren't used to brushes and each colour in the palette turned black because they got too excited to remember to wash the brushes before dipping into a different colour.
But soon, Sean got the hang of it and started painting trucks. What else?! That's all he draws and talks about. Trucks, trucks, trucks. Aidan was busy experimenting with colours and turned out some abstract pieces.
I took snapshots of the paintings and put it in my Facebook. Just click here.
Now, to put my thinking cap on for the next art & craft project.
I wanted to show them something fancy so I cut ladies fingers and dipped it into the paint and pressed it onto the paper and...they weren't impressed. *sigh* They just wanted to get their hands on the brushes and paint away. (Good thing I didn't make potato stamps too).
So paint they did. It was shaky at first as they weren't used to brushes and each colour in the palette turned black because they got too excited to remember to wash the brushes before dipping into a different colour.
But soon, Sean got the hang of it and started painting trucks. What else?! That's all he draws and talks about. Trucks, trucks, trucks. Aidan was busy experimenting with colours and turned out some abstract pieces.
I took snapshots of the paintings and put it in my Facebook. Just click here.
Now, to put my thinking cap on for the next art & craft project.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sean's playlist
Sean developed his playlist when he started going to kindy. He'd want me to switch on the radio the minute he's in the car. The morning will begin with "Blesed Be Your Name" followed by "Better Is One Day" and "Heart of Worship" all by Matt Redman.
Then it's
"Everything that has Breath" (by Matt Redman)
"From the Inside Out" (Hillsongs)
"I Believe in Jesus" (Hillsongs Kids)
I have to listen to these songs Mon-Fri, twice a day. It sure got pretty tiring. For me. Sean would be happily singing along. He knows all the lyrics and even the ad libs! It can be pretty funny.
I was a tad worried that he was growing to be an "old soul" - these songs are all slow songs! I'd try to switch to some faster, rockier numbers but he'd steadfastly refuse. I'm his MUM and I prefer rockier tunes! Ha!
Finally, one fine day, he started showing interest in a couple of tunes by Tree 63. I was elated! Yeehah! My boy's startin to groove! And that's when the MP3 player in the car "died-ed". Aaargghhh! Turns out, it's the "car's fault"...some connection problem. *sigh* Hopefully, it can be repaired soon so that we can be rockin again.
Then it's
"Everything that has Breath" (by Matt Redman)
"From the Inside Out" (Hillsongs)
"I Believe in Jesus" (Hillsongs Kids)
I have to listen to these songs Mon-Fri, twice a day. It sure got pretty tiring. For me. Sean would be happily singing along. He knows all the lyrics and even the ad libs! It can be pretty funny.
I was a tad worried that he was growing to be an "old soul" - these songs are all slow songs! I'd try to switch to some faster, rockier numbers but he'd steadfastly refuse. I'm his MUM and I prefer rockier tunes! Ha!
Finally, one fine day, he started showing interest in a couple of tunes by Tree 63. I was elated! Yeehah! My boy's startin to groove! And that's when the MP3 player in the car "died-ed". Aaargghhh! Turns out, it's the "car's fault"...some connection problem. *sigh* Hopefully, it can be repaired soon so that we can be rockin again.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Death
A morbid title huh? But yeah, death's been on my mind more often than I'd like these past 2 years. Ever since I lost my beloved Ah Kong in 2006. Before that, I'd been pretty much "death proof" in that it hadn't touched me cos no one close to me had died. I'd witnessed people's pain as they've lost loved ones but I've never felt "it".
So, ever since Ah Kong went to Jesus, I'd had fears of losing more loved ones. I'd become more aware of our mortality....and of how "old" (they're actually not that old but y'understand) my parents are and that scares me. And I know, the day will come when they'll go home to Jesus and I'd be left here to grieve and miss them and honestly, I don't think I'd be able to handle it.
I worry for the safety of my husband as he travels to work on his motorbike. I'd never be one piece again if I lost him. And - all parents will agree - once I became a mum, I experienced not only joy but a whole new fear. Fear of anything bad happening to my precious babies. I agree with Nichole Nordeman on her album, BRAVE. She recorded it after the birth of her first child and it's in there somewhere, this fear for one's child and the need to be brave.
And then all the tragedies in the world these past years - Hurricane Katrina, the Earthquake in China where so many children died and most recently the terrible tragedy that befell Steven Curtis Chapman's family last May (they lost their youngest daughter in a tragic accident) - it's like a blinking neon light on this subject I've come to dread.
But I thank God for SCC and his family. As they walk thru this terrible valley, they've spoke up of the faith that has kept them breathing and they've shared this on Good Morning America and also, Larry King Live (it's on YouTube) this week (I don't think you can watch these interviews without crying).
I thank God for their courage to share in the midst of such pain and I've been redirected to my Father to whom I should share all my fears instead of letting them trouble or overwhelm me. For to be afraid of death is to make light of Jesus' sacrifice for me on the Cross of Calvary. To worry is to doubt his Word that He watches over us and that everything is in His Hands. We may not understand why things happen the way they do but I'm reminded that His ways are higher. As Mr. Chapman said in his song, God is God
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God
Amen
So, ever since Ah Kong went to Jesus, I'd had fears of losing more loved ones. I'd become more aware of our mortality....and of how "old" (they're actually not that old but y'understand) my parents are and that scares me. And I know, the day will come when they'll go home to Jesus and I'd be left here to grieve and miss them and honestly, I don't think I'd be able to handle it.
I worry for the safety of my husband as he travels to work on his motorbike. I'd never be one piece again if I lost him. And - all parents will agree - once I became a mum, I experienced not only joy but a whole new fear. Fear of anything bad happening to my precious babies. I agree with Nichole Nordeman on her album, BRAVE. She recorded it after the birth of her first child and it's in there somewhere, this fear for one's child and the need to be brave.
And then all the tragedies in the world these past years - Hurricane Katrina, the Earthquake in China where so many children died and most recently the terrible tragedy that befell Steven Curtis Chapman's family last May (they lost their youngest daughter in a tragic accident) - it's like a blinking neon light on this subject I've come to dread.
But I thank God for SCC and his family. As they walk thru this terrible valley, they've spoke up of the faith that has kept them breathing and they've shared this on Good Morning America and also, Larry King Live (it's on YouTube) this week (I don't think you can watch these interviews without crying).
I thank God for their courage to share in the midst of such pain and I've been redirected to my Father to whom I should share all my fears instead of letting them trouble or overwhelm me. For to be afraid of death is to make light of Jesus' sacrifice for me on the Cross of Calvary. To worry is to doubt his Word that He watches over us and that everything is in His Hands. We may not understand why things happen the way they do but I'm reminded that His ways are higher. As Mr. Chapman said in his song, God is God
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God
Amen
Monday, July 07, 2008
Aidan's first day at kindy
Today was Aidan's first day at kindy. We didn't intend to send him to kindy this year. We thought next year when he'd be 4 (though technically only 3 cos he was born in Dec 2005). Last month, the principal of the kindy Sean attends encouraged me to consider sending Aidan for their 3 year old programme (it's called Sparklets) as they had an intake in June. Aidan was really excited about "going to school with kor kor" as he puts it.
He was really stoned this morning when I gave him his "nan nan". He actually rolled over and continued sleeping after he finished. I told him it was time to go to school and he immediately struggled to get out of bed. He was still pretty stoned at the sink getting washed and ready. It was really quite comical, the Garfield eyes and all. Once in uniform however, he was all raring to go. He called out a cheerful "Bye Daddy! See you later!" as we left the room.
At the breakfast table, he looked at his bowl of Honey Stars and said in an exaggerated voice, "Honey Stars! Beautiful!"
In the car, he was excitedly chatting and even let out a "Yee-ha!". At one traffic light, he commanded me to "follow that back hoe!" Sean was contently listening to his favourite playlist from the backseat.
When I pulled up at school, he asked in a small voice, "Can I bring Bear-Bear?" Now, I've prepared him beforehand that he can't bring his "Bear-Bear" and "Leon the Lion" to school. I reminded him and he quietly placed the Bear on his car seat and walked into the school, all excited. Teacher Michelle could not help but smile as he walked in...he looked so cute in uniform.
I was there throughout the assembly. Aidan was excitedly checking out the whole place (read: not participating in the assembly but wandering around). Just as the assembly was ending, he dashed into Sean's classroom. Teacher Betty told me it's ok, it's his first day and that they'll be able to handle him. So I snuck out and hid outside at the school porch.
Assembly ended and the students "choo-choo trained" to their classes. I could hear Aidan loud and clear - he doesn't like to "choo-choo train" because he doesn't like others hanging on to his shoulders - "Wei!" , "Go away!" , "That's not fair!" and "Where's mummy?"
They got him seated with the rest and proceeded to hand out the snacks. I could hear him asking for me and he sounded upset. I peeped and he was looking around for me, looking teary eyed and pouting. *sigh* My heart went out to him. My little boy looking so small and lost. Teacher assured him "mummy will be here soon". I left then. All in all, I hung around for about 45 min and he hadn't cried.
He was excitedly waiting to go to the playground with Sean when I arrived at dismissal. I asked Teacher Michelle how he fared. She smiled and told me that he cried after a while. "I want mummy! I want mummy now!" She carried him and he stopped crying. Put him down but he wanted to be carried. He told her, "My leg pain" (his typical excuse to be carried). Teacher asked him where and he pointed to some scar on his leg. He stopped crying for me when he was kept busy with things to do but would cry once the activity ended. Overall, teacher said he was very good.
Once in the car, he hugged Bear-Bear and was quiet for awhile before starting to chatter. But he dozed off halfway home. I could not wake him and laid him on the sofa.
Just now, preparing for bed, he was again excitedly stating "I go school again with kor kor!"
Aidan at the playground after school.
Tadika Permata Pintar's newest student - KO on the sofa at home!
He was really stoned this morning when I gave him his "nan nan". He actually rolled over and continued sleeping after he finished. I told him it was time to go to school and he immediately struggled to get out of bed. He was still pretty stoned at the sink getting washed and ready. It was really quite comical, the Garfield eyes and all. Once in uniform however, he was all raring to go. He called out a cheerful "Bye Daddy! See you later!" as we left the room.
At the breakfast table, he looked at his bowl of Honey Stars and said in an exaggerated voice, "Honey Stars! Beautiful!"
In the car, he was excitedly chatting and even let out a "Yee-ha!". At one traffic light, he commanded me to "follow that back hoe!" Sean was contently listening to his favourite playlist from the backseat.
When I pulled up at school, he asked in a small voice, "Can I bring Bear-Bear?" Now, I've prepared him beforehand that he can't bring his "Bear-Bear" and "Leon the Lion" to school. I reminded him and he quietly placed the Bear on his car seat and walked into the school, all excited. Teacher Michelle could not help but smile as he walked in...he looked so cute in uniform.
I was there throughout the assembly. Aidan was excitedly checking out the whole place (read: not participating in the assembly but wandering around). Just as the assembly was ending, he dashed into Sean's classroom. Teacher Betty told me it's ok, it's his first day and that they'll be able to handle him. So I snuck out and hid outside at the school porch.
Assembly ended and the students "choo-choo trained" to their classes. I could hear Aidan loud and clear - he doesn't like to "choo-choo train" because he doesn't like others hanging on to his shoulders - "Wei!" , "Go away!" , "That's not fair!" and "Where's mummy?"
They got him seated with the rest and proceeded to hand out the snacks. I could hear him asking for me and he sounded upset. I peeped and he was looking around for me, looking teary eyed and pouting. *sigh* My heart went out to him. My little boy looking so small and lost. Teacher assured him "mummy will be here soon". I left then. All in all, I hung around for about 45 min and he hadn't cried.
He was excitedly waiting to go to the playground with Sean when I arrived at dismissal. I asked Teacher Michelle how he fared. She smiled and told me that he cried after a while. "I want mummy! I want mummy now!" She carried him and he stopped crying. Put him down but he wanted to be carried. He told her, "My leg pain" (his typical excuse to be carried). Teacher asked him where and he pointed to some scar on his leg. He stopped crying for me when he was kept busy with things to do but would cry once the activity ended. Overall, teacher said he was very good.
Once in the car, he hugged Bear-Bear and was quiet for awhile before starting to chatter. But he dozed off halfway home. I could not wake him and laid him on the sofa.
Just now, preparing for bed, he was again excitedly stating "I go school again with kor kor!"
Aidan at the playground after school.
Tadika Permata Pintar's newest student - KO on the sofa at home!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Vege Tales!
A few minutes ago, Aidan was on my mum's lap, "helping" to "kopek sayur". My mum pointed at the veg and asked him, "What's this?" (meaning what vegetable is this?). His answer: Vege Tales! haha!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Mangoes vs Bananas
Sean used to love bananas. We used to joke that he'd go bananas at the sight of one. Unfortunately, his taste in food is changing. He used to eat all veggies and fruits but now he picks at the veggies and seem to like only certain fruits.
Anyway, one day, I was extolling the qualities of the humble banana to him. That it's got potassium...gives energy...brain boost...good for breakfast, etc. He listened without a word. Was quiet for a few seconds after and then he said....
"Mummy, you know ar....mangoes are very good. When you eat the mango and then you go to the playground ar, it helps you kick the ball better!"
What?! I never saw that coming! Of course it's his way of telling me that he loves mangoes and that I can't get him to eat bananas for breakfast.
Anyway, one day, I was extolling the qualities of the humble banana to him. That it's got potassium...gives energy...brain boost...good for breakfast, etc. He listened without a word. Was quiet for a few seconds after and then he said....
"Mummy, you know ar....mangoes are very good. When you eat the mango and then you go to the playground ar, it helps you kick the ball better!"
What?! I never saw that coming! Of course it's his way of telling me that he loves mangoes and that I can't get him to eat bananas for breakfast.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Kindy secrets
Last week, Sean & I were at his kindy playground. He was the only kid there. The rest were nearby and a few were watching him with envy (kids are only allowed at the playground if they're accompanied by a parent).
Suddenly, the two 6 year old girls who sometimes talk to him called him over. "Sean! Come! We have a secret to tell you!" They seemed excited. Sean dutifully walked over. They cupped their hands near their mouths and started telling him the secret. All I heard was, "Tell your mummy, she's...."
Secret told, they eagerly watched him to see if he'd come and tell it to me. He didn't. Just went back to playing. Of course I was curious to know the secret.
I asked Sean, "What did your friends tell you?"
Sean: Dunno.
Me: Didn't you hear what they said?
Sean: Dunno.
*sigh* The kid was totally not bothered! So like a boy to not get the whole "secret" thing! Aaarrrgghhhhhh! Curiosity kills the cat they say and at that moment, I felt like swiping claws at a nearby tree in frustration.
Suddenly, the two 6 year old girls who sometimes talk to him called him over. "Sean! Come! We have a secret to tell you!" They seemed excited. Sean dutifully walked over. They cupped their hands near their mouths and started telling him the secret. All I heard was, "Tell your mummy, she's...."
Secret told, they eagerly watched him to see if he'd come and tell it to me. He didn't. Just went back to playing. Of course I was curious to know the secret.
I asked Sean, "What did your friends tell you?"
Sean: Dunno.
Me: Didn't you hear what they said?
Sean: Dunno.
*sigh* The kid was totally not bothered! So like a boy to not get the whole "secret" thing! Aaarrrgghhhhhh! Curiosity kills the cat they say and at that moment, I felt like swiping claws at a nearby tree in frustration.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!
Yup. That's the title of Sean & Aidan's current fav book. It's simple but fun because they can "participate in the reading" by yelling "No!" whenever the pigeon pleads for a chance to drive the bus.
Bedtime stories just got more interesting. :)
Bedtime stories just got more interesting. :)
Spiderman, Spiderman
Sean's favourite pair of pajamas is his "Spiderman one". Aidan wanted one too but we didn't get it till a few weeks later. That night, I laid out both pairs on the bed. I wanted to see if they'd notice. Aidan walked in, saw the pajamas and handed it to Sean, thinking that it was Sean's. Sean noticed that there were TWO pairs. And the commotion started. They were happeeee! Couldn't wait to put it on. And of course I couldn't wait to take the camera out.
Managed to get them to sit still long enough for these shots.
Even super heroes need to refuel.
Kyle XY Jr? Aidan & I checking out the snapshots.
Managed to get them to sit still long enough for these shots.
Even super heroes need to refuel.
Kyle XY Jr? Aidan & I checking out the snapshots.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
For the first time
Aidan said it for the very first time today. Curled up next to me. With Bear-Bear in his arms. With a cheeky smile. And his manja voice.
"I love mummy."
:)
"I love mummy."
:)
Monday, March 03, 2008
Little pray-ers
Sean & Aidan say a prayer, well, several prayers to be exact, before they sleep. They say a prayer for each other, one for mummy & one for daddy. Jason or I will say the prayers and they repeat after us.
Aidan will pray in the most manja voice. It just seems that when he prays, his voice becomes more manja than usual. It's so cute. And he knows not to repeat when we pray for him. He'd just have this cheeky-shy-smile on his face instead.
Anyway, a few nights ago, I was leading the prayer "session" and part of it went something like this....
Me: Please provide for our needs.
Sean: Please provide for our knees and legs.
Me: What?
Sean: Legs, mummy. Knees and legs.
Haha! I was so tickled but I had to control myself and not laugh. I explained that I'd said "needs" and not "knees." Of course Sean wanted to know what "needs" is and I had to explain. We usually keep our prayers short and use the simplest of words but I'd forgotten.
Aidan will pray in the most manja voice. It just seems that when he prays, his voice becomes more manja than usual. It's so cute. And he knows not to repeat when we pray for him. He'd just have this cheeky-shy-smile on his face instead.
Anyway, a few nights ago, I was leading the prayer "session" and part of it went something like this....
Me: Please provide for our needs.
Sean: Please provide for our knees and legs.
Me: What?
Sean: Legs, mummy. Knees and legs.
Haha! I was so tickled but I had to control myself and not laugh. I explained that I'd said "needs" and not "knees." Of course Sean wanted to know what "needs" is and I had to explain. We usually keep our prayers short and use the simplest of words but I'd forgotten.
Aidan?! Kindergarten?!!!
What?! Aidan? Go to kindy next year? That was my reaction when my sis-in-law mentioned it. Jason started to explain that Aidan's 2 years old and if we want to send him to kindy when he's 4, that's 2 years away, when it dawned on us.....
Aidan was born on 19 December 2005. That means, he's considered 3 years old this year even though he just celebrated his second birthday less than 3 months ago. That means...yeah, he's eligible for kindy next year. Nooooooooooo! He's still such a baby! Well, he may not be la, to be honest but in my eyes, he still is. I'm just adapting to the whole Sean-at-kindy thing. This is too much to fathom. Ha. *sigh*
Aidan was born on 19 December 2005. That means, he's considered 3 years old this year even though he just celebrated his second birthday less than 3 months ago. That means...yeah, he's eligible for kindy next year. Nooooooooooo! He's still such a baby! Well, he may not be la, to be honest but in my eyes, he still is. I'm just adapting to the whole Sean-at-kindy thing. This is too much to fathom. Ha. *sigh*
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Sean goes to kindy
So, the time came for Sean to go to kindy. I couldn't believe it. Still can't. I mean, I miss the little, cute, smiley baby he was and the precocious, irresistable toddler he became but now he's a pre-schooler?! I hide in my "baby-Sean" memories and pretend I've never heard of that word (pre-schooler) but alas, I couldn't put it off much longer; my lanky 3+ year old (well, he's 4 this year but his birthday's in April and so in keeping with my theme of denial, I prefer to be notoriously accurate and say that he's 3+) son is ready for kindergarten.
We decided to send him to Tadika Permata Pintar (TPP). It's far - 25 minutes drive and expensive as it's using the Fungates system but we felt it would be worth it because Fungates also places an emphasis on character building.
3 January 2008 - Sean's first day at kindy. I woke him really early and to my surprise, he didn't make a fuss but was really excited. He wasn't jumping-around-excited but quiet-excited. I, on the other hand, was nervous. I was wondering how to help him adapt to kindy. Specifically, how to be on his own for the very first time in his life. TPP allowed parents to be with their kids for the first week only. So, I decided that I'd encourage him to make friends and try to distance myself bit by bit. But Sean stuck to me like glue.
We were early, in fact, he was the very first of his class to arrive. Teacher brought him to a round table and gave him building blocks to play with. Smart woman! Soon, other 4 year olds arrived (and they all look like 3 or 4 year olds where Sean was confused for a 5 year old. Turned out, he's the tallest in his class.) and were also given toys to play with. I tried to encourage Sean to talk to them but he didn't want to. I left it at that and just sat by him and started taking photos.
This is the first photo I took. Yeah, awesome isn't it? The first photo of his first day at school and he's showing off his glorious gums in an almighty yawn! heh heh!
In the next photo, he pulled a cheeky pose.
Sean's kindy hours are 8.15am-11.45am but the kindy worked towards it slowly. The first week, kindy ended at 10.00am. Next week at 10.30am and so on. It was easy going the first few days. More activities than actual lessons, to ease the kids into the routines of the class. Sean stuck by me the entire time. It was rather embarassing because by day 2, most mums had left leaving only 3 of us mums-with-sticky-kids....surrounded by crying kids! ha!
I decided to leave Sean on his own on day 5. I informed the teachers on day 4 and they were ready. Teacher Betty walked him into the school and I took off without Sean knowing. Boy, it was kinda difficult! I felt bad for sneaking off and was worried that he'd be difficult to handle. I almost cried. *sigh* Yeah, I'm a softie.
I was greeted by a very loud "Mummeeee!" when I arrived to pick him up. He was so happy to see me he ran to hug me and he wasn't angry with me for leaving him because....the teachers had told him I went for breakfast and was caught in a traffic jam. Huh?! Well, I wasn't entirely comfortable with that fib but I let it pass. The teachers told me he cried very loudly but not for too long. They gave him a sticker when he stopped crying. He proudly showed me the stickers he received for good behaviour.
All in all, he cried for 3 days. You could've knocked me over with a feather - I was that shocked! I was bracing myself for a week or two of tears and fears but Sean proved me wrong. I was so proud of him!
Now, I'm happy to see that he's slowly but surely making friends. And get this, whenever I go to pick him up after kindy, there'll definitely be more than one little voice yelling, "bye-bye Sean!" including one or two 6 year old girls! I have no idea how that came about! He'd proudly show me the stickers he'd collected for good behaviour. He'd pasted them on his hand but after a few days of "ouch-es" cos they hurt when he peels them off, he wised up and pasted them on his uniform instead.
Here are more photos taken during those first few days....
Sean in class. They were given a bean bag each and the teacher was encouraging them to be creative and imagine it was a boat, elephant, etc and then they'd sing an action song.
Snack time. At TPP, that means biscuits and fruit. Yup, fruit. Teachers would encourage the kids to eat the fruits by rewarding them with stickers.
The very best part of kindergarten - the playground! Sean was quite taken with these rings the first two weeks but he grew tired of them cos he was rather tall for it to be comfortable.
This is Sean's all-time favourite (though I can't see why). It's just an enclosure of sorts. This yellow-tee uniform is for Fridays - activity day. Mon-Thu, it's the light blue and pink uniform.
Sean gets some ideas from a 6 year old kid. The boy can do a full sumersault on those rings!
More kindy stories later!
We decided to send him to Tadika Permata Pintar (TPP). It's far - 25 minutes drive and expensive as it's using the Fungates system but we felt it would be worth it because Fungates also places an emphasis on character building.
3 January 2008 - Sean's first day at kindy. I woke him really early and to my surprise, he didn't make a fuss but was really excited. He wasn't jumping-around-excited but quiet-excited. I, on the other hand, was nervous. I was wondering how to help him adapt to kindy. Specifically, how to be on his own for the very first time in his life. TPP allowed parents to be with their kids for the first week only. So, I decided that I'd encourage him to make friends and try to distance myself bit by bit. But Sean stuck to me like glue.
We were early, in fact, he was the very first of his class to arrive. Teacher brought him to a round table and gave him building blocks to play with. Smart woman! Soon, other 4 year olds arrived (and they all look like 3 or 4 year olds where Sean was confused for a 5 year old. Turned out, he's the tallest in his class.) and were also given toys to play with. I tried to encourage Sean to talk to them but he didn't want to. I left it at that and just sat by him and started taking photos.
This is the first photo I took. Yeah, awesome isn't it? The first photo of his first day at school and he's showing off his glorious gums in an almighty yawn! heh heh!
In the next photo, he pulled a cheeky pose.
Sean's kindy hours are 8.15am-11.45am but the kindy worked towards it slowly. The first week, kindy ended at 10.00am. Next week at 10.30am and so on. It was easy going the first few days. More activities than actual lessons, to ease the kids into the routines of the class. Sean stuck by me the entire time. It was rather embarassing because by day 2, most mums had left leaving only 3 of us mums-with-sticky-kids....surrounded by crying kids! ha!
I decided to leave Sean on his own on day 5. I informed the teachers on day 4 and they were ready. Teacher Betty walked him into the school and I took off without Sean knowing. Boy, it was kinda difficult! I felt bad for sneaking off and was worried that he'd be difficult to handle. I almost cried. *sigh* Yeah, I'm a softie.
I was greeted by a very loud "Mummeeee!" when I arrived to pick him up. He was so happy to see me he ran to hug me and he wasn't angry with me for leaving him because....the teachers had told him I went for breakfast and was caught in a traffic jam. Huh?! Well, I wasn't entirely comfortable with that fib but I let it pass. The teachers told me he cried very loudly but not for too long. They gave him a sticker when he stopped crying. He proudly showed me the stickers he received for good behaviour.
All in all, he cried for 3 days. You could've knocked me over with a feather - I was that shocked! I was bracing myself for a week or two of tears and fears but Sean proved me wrong. I was so proud of him!
Now, I'm happy to see that he's slowly but surely making friends. And get this, whenever I go to pick him up after kindy, there'll definitely be more than one little voice yelling, "bye-bye Sean!" including one or two 6 year old girls! I have no idea how that came about! He'd proudly show me the stickers he'd collected for good behaviour. He'd pasted them on his hand but after a few days of "ouch-es" cos they hurt when he peels them off, he wised up and pasted them on his uniform instead.
Here are more photos taken during those first few days....
Sean in class. They were given a bean bag each and the teacher was encouraging them to be creative and imagine it was a boat, elephant, etc and then they'd sing an action song.
Snack time. At TPP, that means biscuits and fruit. Yup, fruit. Teachers would encourage the kids to eat the fruits by rewarding them with stickers.
The very best part of kindergarten - the playground! Sean was quite taken with these rings the first two weeks but he grew tired of them cos he was rather tall for it to be comfortable.
This is Sean's all-time favourite (though I can't see why). It's just an enclosure of sorts. This yellow-tee uniform is for Fridays - activity day. Mon-Thu, it's the light blue and pink uniform.
Sean gets some ideas from a 6 year old kid. The boy can do a full sumersault on those rings!
More kindy stories later!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Funk
2008 is only an hour and a half old and I'm already in a funk. Actually, I've been in a funk for some time. Started sometime in October 2007, I think. Can one really put a finger on these things? Anyway, I had a difficult batch of students then and I was feeling discouraged. And I began to dread going to work. Still feel pretty moodless about work.
And then there was the accident. Yeah, I was in an accident on 27 November. Some stupid biker ran a red light and smashed into my car. Didn't pay a dime for the damages. That really got me upset. Still upset. Yeah, I should get over it but I'm not even trying. That's bad, I know.
I've not been in good health either. Toothaches, mysterious earaches, bloating, weird joint pains, hairloss, etc. Maybe my sleep debt has reached it's limit and my body can't take much more.
It feels like I'm just breathing, going through the motions but powerless to affect the things around me but everything and everyone around me have the power to affect me. I feel helpless. And tired. So very tired. Physically, emotionally spent.
What a way to start the new year.
And then there was the accident. Yeah, I was in an accident on 27 November. Some stupid biker ran a red light and smashed into my car. Didn't pay a dime for the damages. That really got me upset. Still upset. Yeah, I should get over it but I'm not even trying. That's bad, I know.
I've not been in good health either. Toothaches, mysterious earaches, bloating, weird joint pains, hairloss, etc. Maybe my sleep debt has reached it's limit and my body can't take much more.
It feels like I'm just breathing, going through the motions but powerless to affect the things around me but everything and everyone around me have the power to affect me. I feel helpless. And tired. So very tired. Physically, emotionally spent.
What a way to start the new year.
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