Smart!

Kids are so smart now. Lil Shauna knows exactly when she can push my limits and when she has to behave. The former happens everyday and latter only when she sees big carrot dangling.

She literally helps me boils my blood when she:
- Insists that only mummy can do ______ for her and must do it now or she kicks up a big fuss;
- Cries and throws tantrum when she cannot get her way, yet can act as if nothing happens (as if there was no tantrum) when she finally had her way;
- Refuses to take "no" for an answer;
- Refuses to shower or refuses to get out of the shower;
- Refuses to wear clothes or insist on a dirty piece or an unsuitable piece;
- Insists on wearing unsuitable clothes to go out;
- Makes unreasonable demands before naps or bedtime, especially when I am dead tired.

Of course the list goes on. This morning, she was at it again, insisting that I make milk for her and helped her to at the potty while I was latching Lil Isaac. I couldnt and she cried and whined until I meet her demand.

A quick check with the rest of the mummies shows that I am not alone. I guess it is a growing phase that they all have to go through and we have to tahan. Meanwhile, I just have to let my blood boils. Then again, Lil Shauna will cooperate when she sees benefit of doing so and of course a little threat helps as well.

Yday, we brought her to Safra to play at the indoor playground. I was slinging Lil Isaac and we told her that she has to sit in her stroller or we will not go. Of course she obediently sat in it, no fuss at all.


Some days ago, Daddy Lim and I wanted to bring her for bfast. She insisted on wearing some unsuitable clothes and refused to change into some random pieces that I took from her drawer until we threatened to leave her at home and even pretend to step out of the house. Almost immediately, she chased after us with the pieces that I picked for her in her hands, asking me to help her change.

Haiz, suddenly, I wish that the kids will grow up.

Mummy Lim

Pregnancy Brain

My memory was horrible when I had Lil Shauna. My work station was full of post it then, reminding me of the outstanding tasks. Thankfully, I regained some brain power after I delivered but i think it took awhile.

When I had Lil Isaac, I was forgetful but nothing close to the time when I was carrying his jiejie. However, it is super bad now, as if I have given part of my brain to him. I am so forgetful. -.o"

It is no joke packing for 2 kiddos. Not only do we take much more time to get ready, it is tough trying to pack while getting the kids ready plus pacify and entertain them while they wait. It doesnt help that there are so many more things to bring.

Yday, we went to attend Baby V's full month bash. My mum brought Lil Shauna to Centris for a swim in the morning. I was trying to coax Lil Isaac to nap and was packing in between latches. While latching, I even mentally go through the items to see if I missed out anything. Apparently, it doesn't help.

Once out of the house and at the void deck, I remembered that we forgot the stroller. We went upstairs to retrieve it. At Centris, I remembered that we forgot the hot water flask. We had to borrow from my SIL.

All went well until we attended the bash and left. I was latching Lil Isaac when we were leaving and was trying to pacify him plus make sure that Lil Shauna is ok. I forgot to check if we took everything. We only realized that we left my bag with my wallet and hp at the celebration when Mummy YF called to inform us. -.o" I cannot believe how forgetful I am. As a result, we had to drive back and pick up the stuff at the end of the day with 2 very tired kiddos. Silly goose mummy.

Mummy Lim

So Shy

Lil Shauna will be completing her term with her current playgroup today and she has to miss school. She was given a certificate and her teachers made an assessment of her. Of course the assessment is generally pleasant, I mean, why would the teachers thrashed a 2 yo?

From the assessment, it is obvious that she doesn't fare well in areas that requires her to communicate with others. She's not participative in songs and dance too. The teachers commented that she's shy but likes story time and craft work best. All that were said are exactly what we noted of her too. At least we know that the teachers paid attention to her in school. Awwww, I love her teachers.

It is strange how Lil Shauna will clamp up in class especially during song and dance lessons but will sing like anything at home for us. I am forever wondering why is she so shy. I remember I wasn't this shy when I was young. Daddy Lim remembers that he was shy but not sure if he was this shy. For awhile, I was worried that her shyness could affect her learning as she's not participative but she appeared to be learning well. We duno how to help her overcome her shyness, we have brought her to so many classes but she's still so shy and takes a long time to warm up. She will be clinging to us for her dear life when the rest of the kids are already running around. -_____-"

So, why is she so shy? I think it is really in the genes. I have heard about how Fione is shy in front of teachers and while in classes (all kind of classes) and I witnessed it myself last Tuesday. I signed Lil Shauna up for a free trial art creative class in Safra and Fione was attending some other classes in the same place. We arrived at the venue and Fione had just finished her class and waiting for my brother to pick her up. She was doing some colouring and smiled at us when we arrived. Lil Shauna joined in the colouring too. Three of Fione's teachers were trying to make her communicate with them but she just clamped up, just like how Lil Shauna would react in strangers' presence. They tried for a long while but Fione just refused to speak. She refused to even speak to me. I basically see a duplicate of Lil Shauna in her. -.o"

And when Lil Shauna went for her trial class, she refused to let me leave the classroom. It was supposed to be an independent class, i.e., no mummy but I didnt get a chance to escape. She wasnt willing to participate initially. She only did with lots of encouragement from the teacher and me. She took a long time to warm up and whispered replies to teh teacher's questions after a long time. Well, at least she's willing to talk.

After the trial, I was hestitate to sign her up for the class. Maybe she is not really. The trial was an one-to-one but it is usually one teacher to 4 kids and if there wasnt so much attention and prompting from the teachers, I am worried that Lil Shauna will end up wasting her time and my money in the class. Then again, I thought the independent class will be a good avenue to train her for pre-nursery next year. Hmm.. let me think again and ask the princess if she's really interested.

Mummy Lim

Bad Night

I am used to night feeds and had been handling all the night feeds since Lil Isaac's arrival. My mum or Auntie MA may sometimes help when Lil Isaac wails badly but I am dead asleep but otherwise, I am handling alright. Lil Isaac now wakes up about 2x per night, 3 to 4 hourly apart. On good nights, he fall asleep after feed and he is usually good.

BUT, I hate it when both the kiddos have to wake up at the same time! Lil Shauna doesn't usually wake up in the night but when she does, she is usually crying and screaming for mummy.

Last night, and Daddy Lim's 1st night away, the kiddos had to wake up at the same time, not once but TWICE! The 1st time, I had latched Lil Isaac on one side and was changing his diaper and soiled clothes while I heard Lil Shauna calling for me. I have to ask Popo and Auntie MA to continue with the baby while I attended to the toddler. Luckily, she fell asleep shortly.

The 2nd time, Lil Shauna woke me up. I have no idea what time it was until my alarm clock rang and it means trouble bcos it is supposed to be Lil Isaac's feed time. I was trying to tuck Lil Shauna back to sleep when I heard Lil Isaac's cries. -.o" Yes, Lil Isaac can be as accurate as the clock at times.

Auntie MA tried to help but she neither has my breasts nor can give the attention that Lil Shauna wanted. I tried to latch didi and pat jiejie at the same time. Auntie MA tried to help by taking over whoever that is more willing. We struggled for an hour before both kiddos fell asleep.

By then, it was 6am and I decided to go for a jog. My mum had been reminding me for so many times that I am fat and asking how am I gg to lose weight. Then again she cooked so much good food for me during confinement and kept asking me to eat. I think I ate a whole pig, a whale and 3 dozens of chicken during my confinement. Like that how to lose weight? I had wanted to swim but swimming takes too much time. When I had Lil Shauna, I was able to sneaked out for an hour of aerobics while my mum helped to look after her. Now that there are 2, whatever free time that I have is spent sleeping. Hohoho. My mum suggested jogging instead and i thought that it was a good idea, just that I am laaazzzzyyyy...

I changed and put on my sister's running shoes (mine was spoilt a long time ago and I didnt get new ones bcos I stopped exercising, oops) and was initially worried about the stadium not opened yet or too quiet but my worries were unfounded. The stadium opens at 4.30am and there were already so many people at 6am! I joined the crowd and it was funny how we were all running in circles, in the same direction like hamsters. Hoho. I did 4 slow rounds and felt great. Hehe. At least I got started.

Now, I know what I want for Christmas. I need a new pair of running shoes, a new sports bra and a radio receiver. Pappy, I will buy them 1st and charge them to your account hor. Huhuhu.

Mummy Lim

Update:
Lil Shauna woke up with a fever!! No wonder she woke up 2x in the night, must have felt terrible. She measured 38.5 degrees when she 1st woke up and felt less warm thereafter. She measured 38.6 degrees at the clinic and we brought back so many types of medicine. I think her mucus is coming and will soon bring along cough. It was fortunate that Daddy Lim is overseas and i get the car. I drove wor. Hehe, so proud of myself.

I hope the fever goes away soon. She wasnt as cranky as I expected her to be, but night times are usually teh worse. I am keeping my finger crossed.

Business Trip

Daddy Lim is flying off for a short business trip. He will be back on Sat morning. It has been a while since either one of us went for business trip and the 1st since Lil Isaac's arrival.

Hmmm... I miss him already. And I am worried about the nights without him. Whenever Lil Shauna is difficult in the evenings, Daddy Lim is a great help and can pacify her more than Popo or Auntie MA. And he sometimes help me to entertain the princess before bed time so that I can steal some rest before the start of my night shift. I am sure that I will survive, just hoping that I won't grow extra white hair.

As for Daddy Lim, he says that he will miss us but will also enjoy these few peaceful days without the kids. -.o" Win liao.

Mummy Lim

Gang Up

I had a tiring night and was desperate to catch a nap this morning. Lil Shauna showed no mercy and I had no chance until she left for school. Lil Isaac was sleeping peacefully while jie jie monkey around. But he woke up instantly when jie jie stepped out of the house for school despite not his feed time yet. He ganged up with jie jie to bully me.

I brought him to the room and nursed him on my bed, hoping that he will fall back asleep. I didn't had much luck after struggling with him for 45mins. Then he poo poo so much that he stained his clothes and the bedsheet. The bedsheet was newly changed the very morning bcos I fell asleep and forgotten to put on diaper for Lil Shauna last night and she peed on our bed. -.o" I cannot help but believe that the siblings are out to torture me. Hoho.

Lil Isaac was very much alert after I clean him up and I was very dead. He went 'eh, eh, eh', demanding attention while I played dead beside him. He finally drifted off to sleep after I latched him again and I immediately concussed beside him until 1 hour later, awoken by Lil Shauna's shout for me. All good things must come to an end. :p

Oh, we need Febreeze with all the pee and poo and milk on our bed and sofa. I was very much taken in by the advertisement but didn't seem to see the product. Ah yee helped me hunt but couldn't find it in ntuc too. We are sleeping and sitting on dried pee/ poo/ milk and germs until we get febreeze. And ah yee complains that our room and the sofa stinks big time. Can kill 99.9% germs leh. The tv says one.

Mummy Lim

Finding Nemo

We bought Finding Nemo DVD for Lil Shauna a few months back and I watched it with her then. She didn't show much interest but is so crazy over it now! Whenever we tell her that she can watch tv, she will go for Nemo, despite having watched it just in the morning or for the 2658 times. -.o" She looks so interested each time she watches it, asking why this and that or telling me what she sees on the tv.

Me? I am bored to death. I tried selling her other DVDs but she insisted on Nemo. Haiz, I am now watching Nemo again. -.o" Give me Barney or High 5 anytime. At least I can sing along.

Mummy Lim

The Bed

I think there is something magical about our bed. Maybe some smells that only the kids can pick up? Lil Shauna loves our bed and sleeps on it with me and kicks Daddy Lim to the ti-lam on the floor.

Lil Isaac now sleeps in his small rocker bed but he loves our bed too. He can sleep 3 solid hours when I put him on our bed! Just a few days ago, I was dead tired and tried to steal a nap. I placed a wide awake Lil Isaac beside me on the bed and he actually drifted off to sleep on his own. Hehehe.

And now, he is enjoying our bed while I am enjoying the peace. Hoho.


Mummy Lim

Lil Isaac's Full Month Bash

Finally, the end of my confinement. Then again, other than food, I don't really follow confinement rules. Hohoho, I probably drive my mum crazy. I had to run between home and hospital for both Lil Shauna and Isaac. I bath daily or risk stinking the kids to death and I washed my hair every few days. Seriously, in this weather, being sweaty, smelly and oily is something that I can do without.

The end of my confinement also marks Lil Isaac's full month bash. The 1st born somehow always gets better treatment. Lil Isaac's bash was on a much smaller scale, we only invited family and close friends. And to make sure that Lil Shauna doesn't feel left out, she gets to choose the party theme. We had a barney cake and barney balloons.



There was a simple "Happy Birthday song" plus blow candle plus cake cutting ceremony for the older kids while Lil Isaac had his milk. Each of the kid took turn to blow the candle and cut cake. It was funny how Lil Isaac was not part of the celebration during his party, but I dun think he mind at all. Milk was more important to him than anything else.



We also got a bouncer for the older kids.



I think Lil Shauna had a lot of fun. The kids were happy playing with the toys too. It was fortunate that we have so many toys to go around. The baby room was in a mess, filled with kids and toys.


I was just really glad that Lil Shauna doesnt stick to me and I get to do lots of catching up with friends. Hehe. And strangely, Lil Isaac was much alert for the main part of his celebration. When Lil Shauna had hers, she slept through her celebration and only woke up for milk when most of the guests left. She was peacefully asleep in her cot most of the time. This time, bcos Lil Isaac was so awake, he was passed around. Again, I was glad that there are people to entertain him and kept him busy while I enjoy myself. Hohoho.



He only fell asleep when most of the guest left in the early evening and he was really tired by then.


And while the prince slept on, the jiejies were happily opening his presents. To make sure that Lil Shauna doesnt feel left out, we got her presents too. She also received presents from Grandauntie, ah yee and Auntie J.


We all had an early night. It was seriously tiring to entertain guests. Although we only had family and close friends, the number was just nice for our humble little place and we finished most of the buffet food. Hehehe. And Lil Shauna skipped her nap for the 2nd time in her entire life. I am always strict about her taking her afternoon nap cos I still think that it is important for her to have a routine at this age. But mummy was too busy to tuck her in for her nap that day. Bad mummy. And there was too much fun for the princess to miss.

I am glad that the simple celebration went well. I didnt really put much effort into organising it, no fannciful decorations, no long guest list, no special effort. I love parties and get-together but I guess it will be a long time before we had such parties again.

Mummy Lim

First Field Trip

Felicia's school organized a field trip to the Yakult factory and some Pastamania outlet. Families were invited and I signed Lil Shauna for the trip too. So yday, a happy Lil Shauna joined Fione and Felicia for her very first field trip, under the supervision of Auntie MA, Auntie Breth (my brö's maid) and my SIL. I remembered how I used to lose school when the night before such school excursions. Hehehe.

The excursion was from 9am to 2pm with pasta lunch provided. The participants get to see how Yakult is manufactured and to make a pizza. I don't know if Lil Shauna enjoyed herself, she didn't show much interest when I asked her to help me baked cookies the last time. Well, Lil Shauna said that she did and I was glad to have that few hours of peace.

Lil Shauna came back with her masterpiece.


For some reasons, Auntie MA said that it is inedible. Maybe dirty hands or dropped onto the floor or undercooked? So, her masterpiece went into the dustbin after the photo and Lil Shauna didn't seem to mind at all. -.o"

Mummy Lim