Growth and change

Nothing beats the reality of how time has passed, than looking at children. Here is a comparison shot of the three Seah-blings.

2013 vs 2017

I remember the top picture very clearly. It was a National Day weekend where we celebrated birthdays in the family and it was our first visit to Pasar Bella, when it was quite newly opened. That explains the red togs and how adorable do they look!


The bottom picture was taken 2 weekends ago, also in August (same birthday month!) and because I'd just been prompted of this FB memory, I suggested the children re-enact the pic and so they did.


Seeing them grow is truly most gratifying, and yet another reminder to self that time passes so quickly and I must treasure the moments with them.


Oh children, Mommy does love you to the moon and back. I really do.

Majulah Singapura

So, after our top-notch seats to catch fireworks, this little boy was obviously inspired.

Spectators on the floating platform, watching the performer (perform) and
throwing confetti (he said 'powder'), with speakers (top right, he said 'radio')
and fireworks.

It shows me the observational ability of the child, how he discovers this form of expression unguided (I actually chased him away so I could do homework with the girl and he came back with this) and seeing his face gleam with pride, makes me so proud.


These moments make me happy!

The week that flew by

It's the last few days before we end this month of May and I cannot, cannot believe it.
Sure, it's been hectic; yes, we've had several exciting things happen in our lives, but still!
Last week, was one of those where time just whizzed by.

Wed: random outing with this girl.
Accomplishments: picked up her passport, attended the parent-teacher-session,
and spent time together, in general.

In between the day, I brought her to the office where she demonstrated some creativity at play.

(L): original fish on the wall. (R): she copied the fish and created more fish on her own.
FYI, the theme was "under the sea" so it looked very nice with more fish!

On the way to lunch.

Thursday, I went for a dinner date with this bunch of girls whom I knew in my previous work life, 10 years ago. It came about quite innocently when we were discussing our past.. and it struck us that it was indeed the 10th year anniversary where we were once-upon-a-time going through a most grueling time of our lives balancing work and this Masterclass. What resulted was this amazing friendship. The moment was topped off by us going back to the original place where it all began.

35 Robinson Road. Masterclass Team O, 2007.

Friday marked the last day of school and while I was at work, the doting grandpa brought the children to the trampoline party. Hooray!

Happy birthday Jaz!

Everyone loves bouncing around.

Look at how tall K is amidst the girls 2 years younger than her!

Saturday was a regular day.. we had class for the kids, errands in the afternoon, and the evening winded down nicely with some lamb that the husband made for us, as supper.

Mmmmmmm.

Truth is, we thought of bringing the kids out to play but the evening did not turn out the way we thought because of bad behavior. We ended up staying in to do some work (damn mathematics!) but after the work was cleared, we ended up doing home karaoke with the children singing songs that they picked.

Sing-along

Sunday was a regular affair of hanging out with the grandparents, I cleared more work-child-errands, then while the sister had suggested a healthy walk, it did not happen. Instead...

Everyone had to do some work. Arghhh.

The good thing is that we all did what we needed to do, but truly, I'd have much preferred to do some exercise.


And that, wrapped up last week. In between all that there was regular work, some drinks with friends, more work... and with that. We welcome the mid-year school holidays!

Bye bye, Hi-5

I was browsing on IG the other day and hi5world popped up. It struck me that I no longer have a need to follow them because my kids have grown out of hi5.

Unfollow.

Wow. When did it happen?


I think it did so slowly, but surely. I brought them to the shows (live) - both paid and unpaid, and it was so adorable while it lasted. I loved watching the kids sing-along, dance (though it was more like mini hops when they were toddlers) and even I got to know the hi5 team and their songs. I truly think that it was one of those shows that the kids grew up watching. I loved how creative the hi5 costumes are, and it was performance-based (by real people) versus cartoon; which was also another 'win' in my opinion.


Oh, hi5 took centrestage in our home for many years, when the girl (and I) first knew of it - she was probably, 2? - till last year when I felt that both the girl and boy have outgrown it. They have stopped watching hi5 on TV, I did not see the need to purchase tickets to live shows. These days, them 2 prefer watching live cartoon and even tween-type shows (dramas by teen actors).


Thank you hi5 for the years of entertainment and education to the children. I had fun too. Oh, what a ride it had been.

Things J says

This week, my husband cut J's hair. He's looking very spunky and adorable now #biasedmomdontcare


Yesterday night...


Me: your hair looks nice. Have I told you that you look handsome?
J: no.


Me: ok, you look very handsome.
J smiles.


Me: why?
J smiles, "nothing!" he says


Me: You know, when I say you look handsome and you smile, do you think
1. I feel so shy that you say that I'm handsome! or
2. I already know that I am handsome!


So, J, which is it?


J responds - quickly may I add: Number 2!


Me: ROFL

Letters to & from my firstborn

We started this book, where we'll write to each other. It's special because right now, the firstborn can pretty much write sentences and express herself, compared to the boy who's still at the cusp of learning to read.


I love this book of us, and wish we'd have more heart to do more; but some is better than none, I say!


In the latest entry from last week, this little girl was feeling particularly challenged due to a bad hair day. Oh, the woes a 7+yo goes through due to hair pains. -super rolls eye- but hey. Worries one feels is still a worry and I should not judge (but it's so harrrrd esp when we are late for school/something and the whining is incessant about hair?!)

Temper management

So, in this entry, she expresses her pains of her hair and her frustrations, as well as how she better managed it because she went to take a shower. There is also a tiny part about how annoying her little brother is. Ha!


Learning journey on temper management is so important and little wins are so super, duper important!


I am so proud of her!

Things Jake says

Last evening...


Me: I will be late tomorrow, darling. Mommy is going for facial so you will have dinner with cheche and mama and aunty ok?


J: Why must you go facial?


Me: you see? (points to face) I want to get rid of these dots on my face.


J - scrutinises my face upclose. Nods.


Me: I want my face to be as nice as yours. Yours is smooth and nice!


J - touches his face. "I want to go see" - runs to toilet to looks at himself


Me - hahahhaha


J returns.


J - my face is very nice.


Me: yeah it is.


J: my toes too right?


Me: what?


J - points to my 2nd toe nail that has no nail because it has fallen off (again, my recurring problem)
"Your rotten toes! Mine are nice!"


Me - HAHAHAHAHAHA

A boy and his toys

The children have a lot of toys. The helper and I devised a system where the toys get switched around from storeroom to play room on a random basis. The children forget what they had and always show super enthusiasm at being reunited with  the stored toys - "oh I was looooooking for thiiiissss" (yeah right)


The boy's current obsession of the last 2 weeks, was his LEGO blocks. I'm very proud to be in a very fortunate position to be able to provide plenty of LEGO toys for the children and even prouder that they engage with the building blocks. I truly think it's a great toy to teach them patience (building), and allow them endless creative possibilities (tickling the young mind)... but I digress. The point is, I'm happy that they love the toy.

Mommy, these are two fighter jets

Play

Masterpiece - this was a joint effort by K and J; it's an airport & aeroplane

Last evening, he spent 15minutes talking me through another of his creations, and explained to me the breakdown of colours, the characters, the way the builds can connect/disconnect because besides his house, there is a detachable boat, and there was a runway because that's where the airplane is parked!


Love the stories he creates!

Tic Tac Toe

I found the boy team in the room, heads together in deep conversation one evening last week. To my amusement, they were deep in discussion about strategy.
Where should you place your mark?
Where will your opponent place his?
How can you place your marks correctly after he places his so that you'll win?

Team strategy

Whoever knew that tic tac toe, the simple game that we learnt to play as children, can become so competitive and complex? The boy learnt it and has been eager to play it - as is the enthusiasm with novelty.


I was half amused, half horrified that a simple game has taken on such a serious spin. Of course, I was also the token 'opponent', to test if J has learnt the 'right' steps/skills to always win.


Ah, little perks of being able to turn everything into an education!

Achievement unlocked - the girl can cycle too!

After learning that her brother can cycle, this little girl had been grumpy, citing "it's not fair" that he got to try/master the skill and not her. The husband pulled his weight, squeezing in time to make this happen before he left for an overseas work stint and I am so proud of the girl.

Look at that beaming pride!

Whee!

So, while I wasn't there to witness her lesson, the husband gave me feedback that she did even better than the boy. Now, the boy picked up the skill within minutes, so to know that she did better truly blew my mind. Wow!


So thankful that the husband made time for this, and am so proud of my girl to have picked up this skill. Since then, she's been cycling and seems to be doing really well. The boy doesn't do so well on this taller bike, so we gotta find something more suitable for him to practise.


So proud of my little beings! -insert muscular emoji-

Achivement unlocked - J rides a 2-wheeler

It happened totally unplanned. The most thought that went into it was the husband's intent of wanting to teach the children to cycle on their bikes, minus the set of training wheels. It never happened because (1) their bike wheels went a bit kaput and the husband had to get a pump to mend the wheels (2) he was also looking for some tool to remove the training wheels.


On this Sunday morning, when the husband and I were planning to hit the gym when the kids were out, we spent it discovering this eureka moment instead!


It started because this naughty boy lost control of himself and ended up kicking his sister in the face - first thing in the morning! So, his treat of going out with the grandparents was removed, & he was stuck with us at home. We switched plans from the gym, to having bfast with him along.


Post-breakfast, we went to this playground nearby and there happened to be a boy with a bicycle there. The husband decided there and then to let him try - why not?



Lesson-in-progress

The kind boy who loaned us his bike

Going strong (10 minutes in)

Love his don't-give-up-I'm-trying-attitude

It happened really quickly. Within 15minutes, he seemed to be doing ok... and on this particular trial, the husband put him on the bike, held on, told J to "pedal!" and... stood beside me as the boy launched. I was a bunch of nerves! I couldn't believe the husband just let him go, I tried to hold the phone as steadily as I could (for some reason, I was trembling from excitement/anxiety?!) with one hand, while the other was covering my mouth. I know, it sounds so dramatic but I couldn't explain my thrill and I had to stop myself from squealing out - that'd freak him out and backfire the progress! It was so exciting.

His first time riding 2-wheels on his own!

Look at him!

It was amazing, his progress in such a short period of time, the husband's steady approach in training him, and ah-hem, I'll like to think I contributed by documenting this milestone. Ha!


He was on such a high after, exclaiming "I did it!" and I was so proud of him I told him so, and he parroted it back to me "Mommy, you feel proud of me right?"


Haha, so adorbs. Now, to get the girl on this too!

Jiggle like a jelly and our night routine

Part of the school routine kick-off is homework, spelling and Chinese spelling. I feel a need to highlight Chinese spelling as a separate item because it does take a ton of effort to accomplish that.


So anyway, last evening, the girl and I revised her spelling and one of the phrases was 'jiggle like a jelly'. It's pretty known that the sister does a mean jellyfish dance/jiggle and we were talking conversationally amidst the spelling and look what the girl wrote:

Number 7.

That cracked us up for a bit... and as much as I hate to be the naggy (boring) Mom who does work with them always, I think it's just a necessary phase of life.

Ting xie

Seeing the sister on her nightly routine of work in the evenings has set the boy off too. I roped him in to do some work with the primary intent of having him do sit down as he is always running or bouncing off the walls (playing). Turns out, I have discovered the innate drive in this boy who wants to do well. He asks for spelling (basic words from his reading classes) and I am very proud of his abilities!

Life.

Just for the record, here is a snapshot of our usual evenings:


Between 6-7pm: I will reach home
7pm: Dinner (the husband will join in if he finishes work early enough)
7.45pm: Shower


8pm: Work - there is always something to do.
Papers to sign, homework the girl couldn't do on her own (still training her to have the initiative to do what she can in the afternoon), spelling or ting xie to revise. The boy will join in on some days to do some writing (he practises ABCs and in the last 2 weeks I began giving him spelling to reinforce what he learns in class). Some days, we revise Chinese words on flashcards from Chinese enrichment class.


9pm: Head to the room
We have a mix of activities - read some books, play UNO, play minion game, chit-chat or play. It depends on what the children prefer and the amount of time we actually are in the room (there is some variance - some days we go in earlier, some days later)


10pm: Bedtime
I do prefer if this was 9.30pm, because there is still some time before they actually knock out. It's a trying process to get them to sleep and I have been trying to bring their bedtime earlier - since day 1! I shall not give up, and I firmly believe that the earlier they go to bed, the more rested they are. Afterall, the wake-up time is fixed and the only time we can manipulate is this bedtime.


It's nearly the end of January and our routine is pretty accomplished. It will be a bit messed up with Lunar New Year (holidays!) coming up, but that will be a break we all welcome.

Kate turns 7

We had been planning this day for weeks. This little one knew that she wanted a party with some friends and the husband and I obliged by arranging for a playdate with a small group of friends. The night before, she was happily reminding us that 'it is 17 September tomorrow!'
The day rolled along and in our half-asleep state (while the kids were already bouncing off the walls, as usual), we hugged our firstborn and wished her HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Our morning routine was business as usual, and we all met at home after lunch. K was visibly excited and couldn't wait to head to the club to meet her friends.

Waiting for her guests to arrive

She was impatient (obviously, minutes felt wayyyy too long) and started bouncing off the walls, asking every few moments 'what time is it?' Finally, after half hour, we gathered most of the children and started to play.

Most of the little ones

The sister and I deliberated if we ought to play some games, and I think despite our lukewarm efforts, we didn't have to worry too much as the children were not too focused on quality it seems. They gamely played along, and we cut our losses by cutting down the number of games played - especially since I was barely audible with my croaky voice.

Simple games



Simple games - special mention to the sister for getting these balloons!
(In hindsight, we could have just used the damn balls at the gym!)

Playing catch

The highlight - water play!

JUMP!

Party food

Happy Birthday K

My beautiful child

With her little friends

It was past 7 by the time most of her little friends left, and I am thankful for the patience for my family who came by to just hang around. Family support is so helpful when there are situations, or just to shower love and I am extremely thankful because my family is truly super awesome. As my kids continue to grow up, I must say we are looking forward to more mini ones - looks to the brother and sister!

With the loving grandparents

Missing the busyB

PRECIOUS

Dear baby K,


No matter how old you become, you will always be my special baby. A parent will truly understand this statement, regardless of how cliché it sounds. A firstborn will always be a firstborn as you introduce so may 'firsts'.


You have brought change to my life (and your Papa's), teaching us responsibility, growing pains, laughter, unconditional love. You brought awareness of many matters - observing traditions, leading through behaviour, sensitivity... the list of lessons is endless. This year has been pretty significant, with the start of primary school and I know that you have struggled through as much as I have; but we shall not give up because this is just another phase of life that we will soldier on and we shall become stronger and better as we do so side-by-side.


You have matured and laugh at jokes that your little brother makes alongside us adults, as you understand that he is the baby now and is less aware. You become more territorial as you begin to treasure your own space. You are growing up and learning to deal with responsibility that comes with school in terms of managing money, making new friends, learning new routines and cope with the awe that comes with the 'big world' as you are the littlest in this 'big children school'. I only hope that you learn within these hopefully safe environment, as the school we have picked for you is one that will allow you to thrive.


There are so many wishes I have for you, and I hope that we will always be able to talk to each other about things big and small, so that I never stop adding to this list of wishes I have for you and I, as we both learn on this journey. This year, you become the bogay child with your toothy, dimpled grin and I marvel at how beautiful you are, how mischievous and sensitive you are, and how blessed I am that you are my baby.


Happy birthday, my child. I love you beyond purple balloons, to the US of A and right back to your little bogay smile.

May you continue to soar to greatness

Teachers Day

I am not an 'active' parent, who goes the full 9 yards to purchase gifts for teachers on behalf of the kids, nor do I bake (not just for them, I just am undomesticated generally).


I do remind the children that it's teachers' day and they should draw a card for their teacher.  For posterity, here is a card that K prepared for her form teacher.

Front

Inside

I like how her brain functions more in words than merely pictures now, and while there are spelling errors, I also like how I am able to decipher what she is trying to say because she is trying to form the word using phonetics.


My little girl is growing up so quickly and sometimes, I feel at a loss how to manage her. K's not an overtly expressive child and she is still rather immature, though so sensitive and thoughtful at the same time.


Parenting is hard, and with all the hard stuff that is going on in the world, I remind myself to give thanks that my children and family are healthy, they are developing and they are learning each day, just as I am. I am also thankful for the brave ones who are with children as their jobs. Sure, I am a parent (and that is a job too) but teachers, they don't have it easy either.


I wish that this teacher's day, the children learn to love and appreciate those who guide them through their school journey, and may the children enjoy learning as much as can be so that they can flourish and become the most amazing people they want to be.


Happy Teacher's Day to all who dedicate their lives and hearts to nurturing our young.

Kate earns a reward

Drawing inspiration from a friend, I came up with a reward system for K. After 5 weeks where she successfully scored full marks for her spelling at school, I rewarded her with $5 to buy a treat. She went to Smiggle to pick a stationery of her choice.

 

Little Miss Grown-Up

My observations are that this reward system does work with K. She put in more effort in her weekly spelling, and it's most apparent of her fulfillment when she proudly announces her scores to me week after week. She was also keeping track of the number of times she scored and she was definitely looking forward to the treat as she gleefully reminded me several times that "today I am going to Smiggle!"

It was a pleasure watching her go amok in the store, testing out what she fancied and it was also endearing to have her check the prices of the items, to see if they were within budget. I am going to continue this form of reward system, because I do see its benefits; plus I am not giving her a big amount of reward (in my opinion).

Let's see if this is a sustainable way to motivate this little one to continue putting in good effort.

First day of school 2016

It didn't seem too long ago that we were at the Primary One orientation; yet here we are waking up in the dead of the night (ok, I exaggerate. It's 630am on this first day of school as school started at 8am. Only the first day!) After breakfast and all the usual to-dos, the husband and I drove her to school together. Traffic was smooth and we managed to make it to school on time (phew).  

My little kimgek and I in the school courtyard

We led her to class together, and sat her down in a random seat.

Paying attention already - great sign!

 

We had to leave the classroom so that the teacher can get on with what she needed to do (she politely invited us to leave if we had no questions to ask) and like the obedient co-operative parents that we are, we did.

Not before we took a family pic together!

While I sat through a session with information on parent volunteers, the husband headed to work. I was thankful that I had girlfriends to sit with and chat. Before long, it was recess time at 9.40am. The school had cordoned off an area at the perimeter of the canteen so that parents may see their child, without interrupting with the child's routine at school. It felt rather barbaric that we had to peer from the sides and it was a madhouse! It took me more than 20minutes to locate K and when I finally did, it was pure happiness!

Spotted!

It was very endearing that she was craning her neck to look at me too and I felt very loved, and I hoped she felt too. Being the independent girl that she is, I'm sure that she would be fine. Yet seeing her like a little-big girl does pull at my heartstrings and I feel as if she is, afterall, little. I also knew she was anxious because she had expressed her anxiety while on the way to school and we assured her that it's normal to feel excited and nervous all at once, because this was a new adventure. I felt very proud of her though, and while she was looking out for me, she still seemed fine and I remind myself that she is in a great environment which will train her to be a fine young lady.

Yay I got to see her upclose!

 

After recess at 10.15am, I made my way out from primary school and headed towards kindergarten to see my little boy. When I arrived, it was assembly and I stood by the sidelines watching this little boy who was standing so confidently, singing along. It took him a while to notice me and when he did, his smile was amazing.

My little big boy

I stayed only for a while, as there was little for me to check on - I managed to kiss him and say goodbye before the husband came to brighten his day too by checking in on him - and sent me home.

 

Being on leave, I was able to pick both children up.

 

Love this pic of us!

Mommy will always be behind you both, supporting and guiding you
whereever you go, my babies.

 

I felt a bunch of emotions as I spent this first day of school with these babies. I know that they are growing up and I know that I need to adjust my own expectations of them and myself too. It is amazing how quickly they become independent and I know that they will be fine.

 

I asked K, especially how school was, because the change is so much greater for her with changes in everything from school bus, to school, to environtment and routine; being the champion she is, she responded with a smile and thumbs up! As for J, he's always been a confident little chap and as expected, he rose to the occasion like the strong little soldier he is.

 

So proud of them for being so brave in embracing their new school life in 2016!