I woke up to my alarm clock at 3am and realized that Lil Isaac hasn't woke up for his night feed! I was excited at the aspect that he could finally be sleeping through, the first since after his sleeping through at 9 weeks! Now, on good nights, he woke up once, usually between 11+pm to 1+am. On bad nights, 2 times.
I struggled for awhile before I decided not to wake him to latch but to express. I was keeping my fingers and toes crossed, hoping that he is really sleeping through. I was
also worried that he would wake up right after I expressed and I don't have enough milk for him.
I went back to bed at about 3.30am and couldn't sleep. I finally fell asleep after turning and tossing and woke up to the familiar "mdm, mdm" at 4.20am. The prince has burst my hope of sleeping through. I finished latching and put Lil Isaac back to his cot at 4.40am.
When I went back to bed, I was surprised to find Lil Shauna's pj and panty on the floor and a naked jiejie sitting on the bed. She wet herself despite going to the toilet before bed.
So, it was much this-pj-or-that-pj, chatting at 4am, make milk, patting her, rolling around the bed for a comfortable position before she fell back to sleep. The last I checked, it was 5.20am. Then, I felt Daddy Lim shaking me vigorously to tell me that we will be late for work if I still don't get up. Great!
Blehhhhhh....
Mummy Lim
Saturday, June 11, 2011
School Hunt
I have arranged for Lil Shauna to visit 3 CCs on Wednesday morning. This is my backup plan in the event that she continues to reject school when it reopens in July or if she cannot adjust to the afternoon session and give us hell. Either way we will die a terrible death.
We have actually visited all the 3 CCs a year ago when I was deciding between sending Lil Shauna to CC vs hiring a maid. As guessed, Lil Shauna can’t remember anything of her previous visits to these CCs. We started our hunt from 9.30am. All the 3 CCs are across the road and within walking distance. But they are not that near, about 10 mins away but at least somebody can walk her to school. I am just a little worried that ferrying her will be tough when it rains. I was perspiring like mad by the time we arrived at the 1st school. Chiam ah, sun also cannot, rain also cannot.
EccoKids
I made an appointment to visit EccoKids CC. I saw a banner and followed the address and found EccoKids but thought that it unusually quiet. CC still operates during school holidays and there should be kids jumping around mah.
The principal met me at the door and asked if I was looking for EccoKids CC or Kindergarten. I was at the Kindergarten. I was surprised to know that there is an EccoKids Kindergarten and was excited to find out more. Afterall, I do not need to send Lil Shauna to a CC, a Kindergarten will meet our needs and I always have this opinion that CC is inferior in academic terms (in comparison to main stream Kindergarten) as their focus is more on providing child care services while the parents are away at work.
I was in luck that the Principal was around as it was school holidays. Lil Shauna insisted that she didn’t like the school but obliged when I insisted that we tour the school. Bcos there was no class, the Principal was able to explain to us their curriculum, show us their own school material that looks like enrichment books and also how they prepare the kids academically for Primary school. She seems like a nice lady.
The kids will start to learn pencil skill and phonics starting from nursery. Words recognition in K1, spelling, ting sie, hanyu pinying, show and tell in K2. There is also maths and science lessons too. The Principal mentioned that there will be no exams for P1 & 2 but the time Lil Shauna starts Primary school and Show & Tell will form a large part of the assessment, thus EccoKids also focused on Show & Tell to get the kids ready. The Principal was also sympathetic towards our situation and thinks that it is fine if the kids are unwilling to wear their school uniform and mentioned a girl in the school who refused school too and how they overcome that problem.
As there is no school, we will be going back to visit them when school re-opens and the Principal invited Lil Shauna to sit in the class for an hour to experience. They have vacancy! Lil Shauna was told that they have rabbits, which were sleeping while we visit and she can come back and see the rabbit. The school fees will be a little more expensive as compared to what I am paying now (school + bus fees). I left with a good feeling. The only thing that the school lacks is outdoor playground. They only have one pathetic slide and that definitely didn’t go well with Lil Shauna.
Oh, the principal has a good chat with Lil Shauna too and she actually replied! She mentioned that Lil Shauna is pretty advance for her age. Hohoho, I am a proud mummy.
Ichiban Montessori (98 Pioneer Cresent)
There are 2 Ichiban Montesorri in the vicinity under 2 different management. I actually made a booboo. I only realized that I called and made appointment with the branch in CCK when I called them to ask for directions. We did found the Ichiban located on Pioneer Cresent eventually but the teacher told us that they were unable to take visitors as they were busy. Their Principal was also unable to speak to us.
Well, it was my fault and I didn’t persist. Then again, it was also bcos I saw this girl who kept standing inside the gate looking at us the whole time that we were there talking to the teacher. While talking, the whole flock of children came, they are probably very shorthanded. And when we were leaving, the little girl at the gate was rolling on the floor and nobody seems to care about her. The teacher didn’t impress me too – a Filipino.
My colleague’s daughter is also attending the same CC and he mentioned that quite a few teachers had left recently and the CC hired a few PRC teachers as replacement. Great, a CC full of foreign talents. And he said that quite a few of his daughter’s classmates were withdrawn by their parents. Failed.
Ichiban Montessori (50 Pioneer Cresent)
Fione attended this school before she started CC and I know that this school is very academically driven. I spoke to the Administration Director (AD) who is a PRC. I think the boss is also a PRC. They are indeed very academic focus. The kids in Nursery are already writing and when we visited, they were having their mid-term assessment! The K1 students will start spelling, ting sie, hanyu pinying, show & tell. The kids in K2 will learn grammar and can add and subtract!
My only concern is that they seem a little too academically driven and wonder if that will kill the fun of learning. While touring the compound, I can’t help but noticed that most of the teachers are aunties-class and plump. Hmmm… The AD didn’t particularly impress me too. Her HP was ringing during our meet-up and she couldn’t really tell me the teaching methodology used. It seems like the school was more profit driven, pitched as a money spinning business. I also noticed that there are quite a few PRC kids. I heard that this CC is stronger in Mandarin than English. Well, this doesn’t bother me that much. I am just worried that the teaching is by memorization. PRCs are well-known for that and I always think that learning by memorizing is a passé, something that I used during my times and is definitely not the best method. I also check with the AD on her take about kids who refused their school uniform. There wasn’t any concrete answer but she just replied that she found it strange that Lil Shauna started off fine but reject subsequently. Oh well, maybe I am just prejudice that the school is run by PRC. ;p
The school fees is about the same as what we are paying now and there is school during the school holidays. They do not have vacancies now but think that it shouldn’t be a problem to enroll Lil Shauna next year in their Nursery class. Then again, the AD was kind enough to suggest that we check again in August/ September if Lil Shauna continues to reject school as there might be kids who are withdrawn due to house moving or parents relocating.
It looks like we have 2 choice now – EccoKids Kindergarten and Ichiban Montessori @ 50.
Lil Shauna remembers that EccoKids has rabbits and she loves the different slides that she sees at the Ichiban Montessori. Based on my account above, you can probably feel that I prefer the former. Then again, my opinion might change will I see the teachers when we go back during school term. I had initially hoped that Lil Shauna will take to the afternoon session well and we will keep her with the church. But just the other day, my SIL was telling me that she too felt that New Life Center doesn’t seem that academically driven and she was wondering if she should switch Felicia. Her words fueled the Kiasu-ism in me and I started thinking too if I should switch Lil Shauna too even if she adapts well. -__-“
I guessed I will have to pray for discernment. I really want Lil Shauna to grow up in a church environment. Then again, I can simply do more at home and also bring her to church on Sunday. I think I will have to talk to the New Life Center Principal again when the school re-opens. When we signed Lil Shauna up for New Life Center, I didn’t do my homework and didn’t check what does New Life Center teaches their K1 and K2. We have also been reminding Lil Shauna that she will go to school, in the same school bus with Felicia when school re-opens. The last I discussed with her, she said that she doesn’t like Mrs Teo, her form teacher bcos she is very fierce. I think Lil Shauna will have the same teachers in the afternoon class.
Pls pray for me as well. The last thing that I want is to change school for Lil Shauna and found that she cannot adapt and we have to go through this whole saga again. This school changing is as tough as maid changing. -___________-“
Mummy Lim
We have actually visited all the 3 CCs a year ago when I was deciding between sending Lil Shauna to CC vs hiring a maid. As guessed, Lil Shauna can’t remember anything of her previous visits to these CCs. We started our hunt from 9.30am. All the 3 CCs are across the road and within walking distance. But they are not that near, about 10 mins away but at least somebody can walk her to school. I am just a little worried that ferrying her will be tough when it rains. I was perspiring like mad by the time we arrived at the 1st school. Chiam ah, sun also cannot, rain also cannot.
EccoKids
I made an appointment to visit EccoKids CC. I saw a banner and followed the address and found EccoKids but thought that it unusually quiet. CC still operates during school holidays and there should be kids jumping around mah.
The principal met me at the door and asked if I was looking for EccoKids CC or Kindergarten. I was at the Kindergarten. I was surprised to know that there is an EccoKids Kindergarten and was excited to find out more. Afterall, I do not need to send Lil Shauna to a CC, a Kindergarten will meet our needs and I always have this opinion that CC is inferior in academic terms (in comparison to main stream Kindergarten) as their focus is more on providing child care services while the parents are away at work.
I was in luck that the Principal was around as it was school holidays. Lil Shauna insisted that she didn’t like the school but obliged when I insisted that we tour the school. Bcos there was no class, the Principal was able to explain to us their curriculum, show us their own school material that looks like enrichment books and also how they prepare the kids academically for Primary school. She seems like a nice lady.
The kids will start to learn pencil skill and phonics starting from nursery. Words recognition in K1, spelling, ting sie, hanyu pinying, show and tell in K2. There is also maths and science lessons too. The Principal mentioned that there will be no exams for P1 & 2 but the time Lil Shauna starts Primary school and Show & Tell will form a large part of the assessment, thus EccoKids also focused on Show & Tell to get the kids ready. The Principal was also sympathetic towards our situation and thinks that it is fine if the kids are unwilling to wear their school uniform and mentioned a girl in the school who refused school too and how they overcome that problem.
As there is no school, we will be going back to visit them when school re-opens and the Principal invited Lil Shauna to sit in the class for an hour to experience. They have vacancy! Lil Shauna was told that they have rabbits, which were sleeping while we visit and she can come back and see the rabbit. The school fees will be a little more expensive as compared to what I am paying now (school + bus fees). I left with a good feeling. The only thing that the school lacks is outdoor playground. They only have one pathetic slide and that definitely didn’t go well with Lil Shauna.
Oh, the principal has a good chat with Lil Shauna too and she actually replied! She mentioned that Lil Shauna is pretty advance for her age. Hohoho, I am a proud mummy.
Ichiban Montessori (98 Pioneer Cresent)
There are 2 Ichiban Montesorri in the vicinity under 2 different management. I actually made a booboo. I only realized that I called and made appointment with the branch in CCK when I called them to ask for directions. We did found the Ichiban located on Pioneer Cresent eventually but the teacher told us that they were unable to take visitors as they were busy. Their Principal was also unable to speak to us.
Well, it was my fault and I didn’t persist. Then again, it was also bcos I saw this girl who kept standing inside the gate looking at us the whole time that we were there talking to the teacher. While talking, the whole flock of children came, they are probably very shorthanded. And when we were leaving, the little girl at the gate was rolling on the floor and nobody seems to care about her. The teacher didn’t impress me too – a Filipino.
My colleague’s daughter is also attending the same CC and he mentioned that quite a few teachers had left recently and the CC hired a few PRC teachers as replacement. Great, a CC full of foreign talents. And he said that quite a few of his daughter’s classmates were withdrawn by their parents. Failed.
Ichiban Montessori (50 Pioneer Cresent)
Fione attended this school before she started CC and I know that this school is very academically driven. I spoke to the Administration Director (AD) who is a PRC. I think the boss is also a PRC. They are indeed very academic focus. The kids in Nursery are already writing and when we visited, they were having their mid-term assessment! The K1 students will start spelling, ting sie, hanyu pinying, show & tell. The kids in K2 will learn grammar and can add and subtract!
My only concern is that they seem a little too academically driven and wonder if that will kill the fun of learning. While touring the compound, I can’t help but noticed that most of the teachers are aunties-class and plump. Hmmm… The AD didn’t particularly impress me too. Her HP was ringing during our meet-up and she couldn’t really tell me the teaching methodology used. It seems like the school was more profit driven, pitched as a money spinning business. I also noticed that there are quite a few PRC kids. I heard that this CC is stronger in Mandarin than English. Well, this doesn’t bother me that much. I am just worried that the teaching is by memorization. PRCs are well-known for that and I always think that learning by memorizing is a passé, something that I used during my times and is definitely not the best method. I also check with the AD on her take about kids who refused their school uniform. There wasn’t any concrete answer but she just replied that she found it strange that Lil Shauna started off fine but reject subsequently. Oh well, maybe I am just prejudice that the school is run by PRC. ;p
The school fees is about the same as what we are paying now and there is school during the school holidays. They do not have vacancies now but think that it shouldn’t be a problem to enroll Lil Shauna next year in their Nursery class. Then again, the AD was kind enough to suggest that we check again in August/ September if Lil Shauna continues to reject school as there might be kids who are withdrawn due to house moving or parents relocating.
It looks like we have 2 choice now – EccoKids Kindergarten and Ichiban Montessori @ 50.
Lil Shauna remembers that EccoKids has rabbits and she loves the different slides that she sees at the Ichiban Montessori. Based on my account above, you can probably feel that I prefer the former. Then again, my opinion might change will I see the teachers when we go back during school term. I had initially hoped that Lil Shauna will take to the afternoon session well and we will keep her with the church. But just the other day, my SIL was telling me that she too felt that New Life Center doesn’t seem that academically driven and she was wondering if she should switch Felicia. Her words fueled the Kiasu-ism in me and I started thinking too if I should switch Lil Shauna too even if she adapts well. -__-“
I guessed I will have to pray for discernment. I really want Lil Shauna to grow up in a church environment. Then again, I can simply do more at home and also bring her to church on Sunday. I think I will have to talk to the New Life Center Principal again when the school re-opens. When we signed Lil Shauna up for New Life Center, I didn’t do my homework and didn’t check what does New Life Center teaches their K1 and K2. We have also been reminding Lil Shauna that she will go to school, in the same school bus with Felicia when school re-opens. The last I discussed with her, she said that she doesn’t like Mrs Teo, her form teacher bcos she is very fierce. I think Lil Shauna will have the same teachers in the afternoon class.
Pls pray for me as well. The last thing that I want is to change school for Lil Shauna and found that she cannot adapt and we have to go through this whole saga again. This school changing is as tough as maid changing. -___________-“
Mummy Lim
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Maidless
My bro sent back their maid last week. The maid was giving them attitude problem. Then, their new maid quitted on them on Monday. Their new replacement maid will only come in 2 to 3 weeks’ time, which means that they will be maidless until then. My SIL is heavily pregnant, the 3 girls are on school holiday. This is a deadly combination.
To help, the 2Fs are either coming to our place or my mum will bring the 2 kids and MA to Centris. The latter is often a better choice since my SIL’s mobility is more and more restricted and there is more entertainment in Centris. I know that it would be a tiring period for all of us. On our part, we have been trying to leave work earlier, tabao-ing dinner and helping with the kids at dinner time. Yes, it is only an absence of a maid but I guessed we have all grown too pampered and reliant on our helper.
My mum has mentioned that it is taxing, MA also feedback that it is much more tiring than usual. And it has only been 2 days since they are maidless. Yday, I had a taste of it myself. I was on leave and helped to look after the kids in the afternoon while my SIL went for her medical appointment. We brought the girls for lunch, which is a mad rush like any normal day. Then the kids went window shopping at Kiddy Palace and I had to discipline Lil Shauna who threw a tantrum and burnt my already short fuse. Then, it was to Centris for lots of TV watching, jumping, shouting, running, snacking, bickering and fighting. I spent most of my time watching over Lil Isaac, my mum busied with the housework while MA looked after the 3 girls. I think MA had the hardest job. It is seriously not easy with the girls. They are very, very noisy. Haiz. Even playing toys is a noisy and messy affair.
Come dinner time, we tabao-ed again and had dinner at the swimming pool. I figured that it is the most important to create minimal mess and clean up at Centris for this period that they are maidless. My mum wasn’t that pleased. She kept saying that it is best for kids to have homecooked food. I supposed so but I bet 2 weeks of outside food won’t kill? I am just trying to be practical with the limited resources that we have. After dinner, the girls run around a little bit more before we finally made our way home. The day was exhausting and I wonder how they are going to survive the next few weeks.
I reminded my mum several times not to overwork MA. The last that we need is for her to run off to her embassy to complain that she’s enslaved or to MOM to complain that she’s working in 2 homes, which is illegal. We wont be in any good too if she decides to quit bcos of the heavier workload. I cannot picture what will happen now if both families are maidless. Looking after 4 kids is really no joke, especially the 3 hyper active girls and an infant, who required 100% attention. My mum is defensive and insisted that MA is not doing much extras. But if you ask me, after what I went through yday, it is indeed much more tiring than usual. Coupled with the hot weather, maybe hell isn’t much different.
So, I suggested yday evening that maybe my mum and MA should both try to put off the unnecessary stuff in OUR home and get more rest until my bro’s new maid comes. My mum blew and there were harsh exchanging of words. I am pissed. I cannot put sense into my mum, she kept thinking that I am siding with MA, that I am accusing her of over working MA. Yes, I cannot deny that I am worried about MA quitting, but I am worried about her too! I am just putting logical sense into the situation, same amount of work but one less manpower. So to maintain sanity and happiness, reduce the amount of work. And I am not even suggesting that we do less or don’t help my bro!! I am talking about doing less in my OWN home!
My mum then acted like a defiant kid, insisting on doing all the housework herself and free up the maid totally. Something that she always does whenever she fights with me over the maid issue. Arrgghhhhh!!!!!! Good, now I am the bad guy when what I am trying to do is to let them have more rest, for their good. I can only pray that their maid comes soon and that it is a good maid. Meanwhile, maybe I shouldn’t care so much since I don’t see much during workdays. Don’t care, don’t ask and only play my part after work. If MA quits, SO BE IT. If my mum chose to overwork herself, SO BE IT. It doesn’t pay to be kind. Pui, pui, pui!
Mummy Lim
To help, the 2Fs are either coming to our place or my mum will bring the 2 kids and MA to Centris. The latter is often a better choice since my SIL’s mobility is more and more restricted and there is more entertainment in Centris. I know that it would be a tiring period for all of us. On our part, we have been trying to leave work earlier, tabao-ing dinner and helping with the kids at dinner time. Yes, it is only an absence of a maid but I guessed we have all grown too pampered and reliant on our helper.
My mum has mentioned that it is taxing, MA also feedback that it is much more tiring than usual. And it has only been 2 days since they are maidless. Yday, I had a taste of it myself. I was on leave and helped to look after the kids in the afternoon while my SIL went for her medical appointment. We brought the girls for lunch, which is a mad rush like any normal day. Then the kids went window shopping at Kiddy Palace and I had to discipline Lil Shauna who threw a tantrum and burnt my already short fuse. Then, it was to Centris for lots of TV watching, jumping, shouting, running, snacking, bickering and fighting. I spent most of my time watching over Lil Isaac, my mum busied with the housework while MA looked after the 3 girls. I think MA had the hardest job. It is seriously not easy with the girls. They are very, very noisy. Haiz. Even playing toys is a noisy and messy affair.
Come dinner time, we tabao-ed again and had dinner at the swimming pool. I figured that it is the most important to create minimal mess and clean up at Centris for this period that they are maidless. My mum wasn’t that pleased. She kept saying that it is best for kids to have homecooked food. I supposed so but I bet 2 weeks of outside food won’t kill? I am just trying to be practical with the limited resources that we have. After dinner, the girls run around a little bit more before we finally made our way home. The day was exhausting and I wonder how they are going to survive the next few weeks.
I reminded my mum several times not to overwork MA. The last that we need is for her to run off to her embassy to complain that she’s enslaved or to MOM to complain that she’s working in 2 homes, which is illegal. We wont be in any good too if she decides to quit bcos of the heavier workload. I cannot picture what will happen now if both families are maidless. Looking after 4 kids is really no joke, especially the 3 hyper active girls and an infant, who required 100% attention. My mum is defensive and insisted that MA is not doing much extras. But if you ask me, after what I went through yday, it is indeed much more tiring than usual. Coupled with the hot weather, maybe hell isn’t much different.
So, I suggested yday evening that maybe my mum and MA should both try to put off the unnecessary stuff in OUR home and get more rest until my bro’s new maid comes. My mum blew and there were harsh exchanging of words. I am pissed. I cannot put sense into my mum, she kept thinking that I am siding with MA, that I am accusing her of over working MA. Yes, I cannot deny that I am worried about MA quitting, but I am worried about her too! I am just putting logical sense into the situation, same amount of work but one less manpower. So to maintain sanity and happiness, reduce the amount of work. And I am not even suggesting that we do less or don’t help my bro!! I am talking about doing less in my OWN home!
My mum then acted like a defiant kid, insisting on doing all the housework herself and free up the maid totally. Something that she always does whenever she fights with me over the maid issue. Arrgghhhhh!!!!!! Good, now I am the bad guy when what I am trying to do is to let them have more rest, for their good. I can only pray that their maid comes soon and that it is a good maid. Meanwhile, maybe I shouldn’t care so much since I don’t see much during workdays. Don’t care, don’t ask and only play my part after work. If MA quits, SO BE IT. If my mum chose to overwork herself, SO BE IT. It doesn’t pay to be kind. Pui, pui, pui!
Mummy Lim
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Splashing Good Time
Lil Isaac loves water. He enjoys swimming and thinks that probably he is swimming every bath time.
Poor Auntie has to wipe the floor after his every bath. Lol.
Mummy Lim
Poor Auntie has to wipe the floor after his every bath. Lol.
Mummy Lim
My Little Gym
I can't really remember but I think Lil Shauna had her first playgym trial when she was about 6 months old. With the lack of time and that I have already tried many different classes with jiejie, I am a little laid back for Lil Isaac. I have to intention to sign him up for classes until he is much older.
Jiejie was a member with My Little Gym and this entitles Lil Isaac to 4 free trial before her membership expires. We rode on that and brought Lil Isaac to 2 free trials. We didn't have time to fully utilize the trials and jiejie's membership expired.
Again, I can't remember Lil Shauna's reaction at their initial gym classes but Lil Isaac loves them. He enjoyed to be swing and carried during the first trial. Daddy Lim couldn't make it and I was dead tired by the end of it.
Daddy Lim joined in the 2nd trial and Lil Isaac was just as happy. He seems to enjoy himself very much.
Unlike jiejie, he loves the parachute, no tears at all. Interestingly, jiejie wasn't afraid of the parachute bcos of Lil Isaac.
I am tempted to sign Lil Isaac for the gym classes but that would mean that I would also need to continue jiejie's term for fairness.
I see the hole in my pocket already. Then again, jiejie has to move on to the next level and I think it is without parental companion. I don't know how ready she is for that. She sometimes still cling on to me after so many classes. Well, let's see. I think I have to first focus on phonics and music for jiejie.
Mummy Lim
Jiejie was a member with My Little Gym and this entitles Lil Isaac to 4 free trial before her membership expires. We rode on that and brought Lil Isaac to 2 free trials. We didn't have time to fully utilize the trials and jiejie's membership expired.
Again, I can't remember Lil Shauna's reaction at their initial gym classes but Lil Isaac loves them. He enjoyed to be swing and carried during the first trial. Daddy Lim couldn't make it and I was dead tired by the end of it.
Daddy Lim joined in the 2nd trial and Lil Isaac was just as happy. He seems to enjoy himself very much.
Unlike jiejie, he loves the parachute, no tears at all. Interestingly, jiejie wasn't afraid of the parachute bcos of Lil Isaac.
I am tempted to sign Lil Isaac for the gym classes but that would mean that I would also need to continue jiejie's term for fairness.
I see the hole in my pocket already. Then again, jiejie has to move on to the next level and I think it is without parental companion. I don't know how ready she is for that. She sometimes still cling on to me after so many classes. Well, let's see. I think I have to first focus on phonics and music for jiejie.
Mummy Lim
Gathering
We met up last Sunday and it was finally at our place as I had organized a mini bday celebration for Lil Shauna. Yes, the 4th and very last one. :)
The girls all complained that our place is uber far away and that is exactly how I feel when we travel to their place for gathering, especially if Daddy Lim has to work late and couldn't send us there. Hohoho.
It is a very first gathering at our place since my mum shifted in and there was endless supply of food. My mum busied herself at the 'production line' and kept encouraging the guests to eat. She kept asking why when they didn't help themselves to the food. At certain points, I did feel irritated and I felt guilty after that for feeling that way. So evil of me to feel irritated at her offer to help without me asking lor. That's why Mothers' Day is worth celebrating. :p
Our place turned into a market place instantly. Some of us were trying to catch the America Idol, there were lots of talking and the kids were going crazy playing. Madness, just like every other gathering. With the growing crowd, it is impossible for gatherings to be held in public places. The kids better grow up soon so that we can all confine them to a room to shut them up. They were crazily noisy but they reminded me of the good old days that I had as a kid at my grandma's house during gatherings. Always lots of fun with the cousins. I supposed this is healthy for the kids than tv and video games. I bet Joshua gor gor is super glad that the kids are growing up and played with him. For the longest time, he has been bugging the adults to play with him when he tagged along with mummy for the gatherings a long time ago.
Lil Shauna didn't really fancy eating her cake. She just loves seeing a strawberry shortcake cake, the bday song, the candle blowing and cake cutting. She didn't even eat much of the cake but was happily eating the sugar coating. Well, she needs the sugar rush and energy to supplement all the running around.
The gathering ended in the evening and we were all grateful to Daddy Lim who offered to bring Lil Shauna for a swim so that some cleaning can be done. Lil Isaac refused to nap during the gathering and was knocked out when the guests left. He must have enjoyed himself too. :)
Phew, no more celebration. No more cake eating until Lil isaac's bday in October.
Mummy Lim
The girls all complained that our place is uber far away and that is exactly how I feel when we travel to their place for gathering, especially if Daddy Lim has to work late and couldn't send us there. Hohoho.
It is a very first gathering at our place since my mum shifted in and there was endless supply of food. My mum busied herself at the 'production line' and kept encouraging the guests to eat. She kept asking why when they didn't help themselves to the food. At certain points, I did feel irritated and I felt guilty after that for feeling that way. So evil of me to feel irritated at her offer to help without me asking lor. That's why Mothers' Day is worth celebrating. :p
Our place turned into a market place instantly. Some of us were trying to catch the America Idol, there were lots of talking and the kids were going crazy playing. Madness, just like every other gathering. With the growing crowd, it is impossible for gatherings to be held in public places. The kids better grow up soon so that we can all confine them to a room to shut them up. They were crazily noisy but they reminded me of the good old days that I had as a kid at my grandma's house during gatherings. Always lots of fun with the cousins. I supposed this is healthy for the kids than tv and video games. I bet Joshua gor gor is super glad that the kids are growing up and played with him. For the longest time, he has been bugging the adults to play with him when he tagged along with mummy for the gatherings a long time ago.
Lil Shauna didn't really fancy eating her cake. She just loves seeing a strawberry shortcake cake, the bday song, the candle blowing and cake cutting. She didn't even eat much of the cake but was happily eating the sugar coating. Well, she needs the sugar rush and energy to supplement all the running around.
The gathering ended in the evening and we were all grateful to Daddy Lim who offered to bring Lil Shauna for a swim so that some cleaning can be done. Lil Isaac refused to nap during the gathering and was knocked out when the guests left. He must have enjoyed himself too. :)
Phew, no more celebration. No more cake eating until Lil isaac's bday in October.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Another Thing has to Die...
The computer!!! So, this blog will remain photo-less until the computer is up or we get a new PC. I think it is high time that we change one. This PC has been with us for a long time, since Daddy Lim's gaming days. Now that Daddy Lim is too busy to game, all we need is a simple, down to earth PC for us to store photos and do work (unlikely, I am never efficiency when it comes to working at home). And I think a simple PC isn't that expensive now.
The only headache? Some of the pictures that I have downloaded are not backup yet. Although all these pictures still reside in Daddy Lim's and my hp, I just find it a hassle to have to download them again. Yes, I am lazy.
Will computers be cheaper during this GSS sale? Or is the big IT show coming soon? I need the computer. My picture-less posts are so boring. Bllllleeehhhh..
Mummy Lim
The only headache? Some of the pictures that I have downloaded are not backup yet. Although all these pictures still reside in Daddy Lim's and my hp, I just find it a hassle to have to download them again. Yes, I am lazy.
Will computers be cheaper during this GSS sale? Or is the big IT show coming soon? I need the computer. My picture-less posts are so boring. Bllllleeehhhh..
Mummy Lim
Pump Adventure
After my half day leave was approved, I suddenly remembered that the service center doesn't wait just to serve me. I called and was told that they closed for lunch from 12 noon to 2pm. That is to say, I risk explosion if I cannot reach the service center before 12 noon.
If i am to wait till they open at 2pm, I will still need to wait for them to check if the pump is serviceable. If yes, then for them to service the pump, which I don't know will take how long. If not, then to source for a new pump. And, I will only be able to express after I reached home. Yes, my breasts are trained, but not that well trained.
So, I had to again ask for permission to leave office before lunch to be in time. And I cabbed all the way to Tagore Lane. The cab fare cost me $25. I was just in time and the technician was still around to service my pump.
He checked this and that and informed that the motors are still working. Some parts probably came loose or "dislocated" and the problem for both pumps should be able to be resolved within half an hour. The news were music to my ears.
He also spoke about helping to retrieve records of warranty from their data base and the fees for the other pump with expired warranty if it is serviceable. Well, $$ is my least concern now. Afterall, if i dont pay to service the pumps, i have to buy a new one. The technician was kind and understand mummies who urgently need to save their breast pump so as to save their breasts. He even told me that I need not cab home but can take bus no. 138 to AMK MRT station. Thanks, but I really want to go home asap and Daddy Lim has kindly offered to foot the taxi fares.
After barely half an hour, the technician came back with both pumps repaired. He even cleaned them for me. He tested them and showed that the pumps are working fine and no weakening to the suction power. Woohoo. The old pump cost $50 and I bought an addition adapter at $60.
I left the service center hoping to get a cab home but no empty cab pass by that ulu place. In the end, I ended up on bus no. 138 to AMK MRT station. But I took a cab back from the MRT station.
I wonder if I should buy a manual pump to standby. All these mad rushes and agony when the electrical pump died are so painful and they are well-known to die without warning. Nobody can guarantee if the repaired pumps will be in good working order for how much longer. There will be a 3 months warranty but I don't think I will bother to come back to service them again if they died within the next 3 months. Lousy.
Mummy Lim
If i am to wait till they open at 2pm, I will still need to wait for them to check if the pump is serviceable. If yes, then for them to service the pump, which I don't know will take how long. If not, then to source for a new pump. And, I will only be able to express after I reached home. Yes, my breasts are trained, but not that well trained.
So, I had to again ask for permission to leave office before lunch to be in time. And I cabbed all the way to Tagore Lane. The cab fare cost me $25. I was just in time and the technician was still around to service my pump.
He checked this and that and informed that the motors are still working. Some parts probably came loose or "dislocated" and the problem for both pumps should be able to be resolved within half an hour. The news were music to my ears.
He also spoke about helping to retrieve records of warranty from their data base and the fees for the other pump with expired warranty if it is serviceable. Well, $$ is my least concern now. Afterall, if i dont pay to service the pumps, i have to buy a new one. The technician was kind and understand mummies who urgently need to save their breast pump so as to save their breasts. He even told me that I need not cab home but can take bus no. 138 to AMK MRT station. Thanks, but I really want to go home asap and Daddy Lim has kindly offered to foot the taxi fares.
After barely half an hour, the technician came back with both pumps repaired. He even cleaned them for me. He tested them and showed that the pumps are working fine and no weakening to the suction power. Woohoo. The old pump cost $50 and I bought an addition adapter at $60.
I left the service center hoping to get a cab home but no empty cab pass by that ulu place. In the end, I ended up on bus no. 138 to AMK MRT station. But I took a cab back from the MRT station.
I wonder if I should buy a manual pump to standby. All these mad rushes and agony when the electrical pump died are so painful and they are well-known to die without warning. Nobody can guarantee if the repaired pumps will be in good working order for how much longer. There will be a 3 months warranty but I don't think I will bother to come back to service them again if they died within the next 3 months. Lousy.
Mummy Lim
The Pump that Betrayed Me
For the past few nights, I was too tired to express when Lil Isaac couldn’t empty my breasts during the 1st night feed at past midnight. He had been waking up only once for comfort latching for the past nights, latching only for awhile before falling back to sleep. The moment I put him back to the cot, I crawled back to my bed too. Then I tried to wake up a few hours later to express. I am trying to maintain the night pump, which I read is important to maintain supply.
Last night was one of the many nights where I was simply too tired and couldn’t stay awake to express when Lil Isaac didn’t empty my breasts. The next moment that I regain conscious, my alarm was going off, telling me that it is time to wake up for work. I would usually snooze a little more but jumped off the bed this morning to express, partly bcos I missed my night pump and also bcos I had a lunch discussion and had to make some adjustments to my usual expressing schedule.
Just when I was finishing expressing (I think I was done), the pump DIED on me! It is the same problem that I had with the first pump that died on me a few months ago. I heard the same “ennhhhh… ennnhhh… ennnnhhhh..” and then there was no more. My heart died together with the pump. Why? Why? Why? This month is barely 6 months old! And it is not cheap lor. Money is one thing, I heartache at the fact that I will have to find ways to express in the day without my pumps. Boohoo.
So, I will be taking half day emergency leave this afternoon to bring both pumps to the service center at Tagore Lane, which is some ulu, ulu part at Thomson. The 2nd pump is definitely still under warranty but I don’t know where the warranty card or receipt is. I bet I didn’t keep them as I had absolute trust in my Ameda pump and didn’t expect it to die on me so quickly. I read that sometimes the servicing takes mere minutes, simply to put the misaligned parts back on track. I hope this is the case with at least 1 of the 2 pumps. If the servicing takes longer, I hope they have loan sets to spare. Otherwise, I will have to go find a new set. All these while, milk will be accumulating and I will only be able to “release” when I am home after the mad rush.
I will be cabbing from office to Tagore Lane and back home. My office at Tuas and the ulu ulu Tagore Lane are definitely not the best places to get cabs. Please, God, have mercy on me. -________-“
Mummy Lim
Last night was one of the many nights where I was simply too tired and couldn’t stay awake to express when Lil Isaac didn’t empty my breasts. The next moment that I regain conscious, my alarm was going off, telling me that it is time to wake up for work. I would usually snooze a little more but jumped off the bed this morning to express, partly bcos I missed my night pump and also bcos I had a lunch discussion and had to make some adjustments to my usual expressing schedule.
Just when I was finishing expressing (I think I was done), the pump DIED on me! It is the same problem that I had with the first pump that died on me a few months ago. I heard the same “ennhhhh… ennnhhh… ennnnhhhh..” and then there was no more. My heart died together with the pump. Why? Why? Why? This month is barely 6 months old! And it is not cheap lor. Money is one thing, I heartache at the fact that I will have to find ways to express in the day without my pumps. Boohoo.
So, I will be taking half day emergency leave this afternoon to bring both pumps to the service center at Tagore Lane, which is some ulu, ulu part at Thomson. The 2nd pump is definitely still under warranty but I don’t know where the warranty card or receipt is. I bet I didn’t keep them as I had absolute trust in my Ameda pump and didn’t expect it to die on me so quickly. I read that sometimes the servicing takes mere minutes, simply to put the misaligned parts back on track. I hope this is the case with at least 1 of the 2 pumps. If the servicing takes longer, I hope they have loan sets to spare. Otherwise, I will have to go find a new set. All these while, milk will be accumulating and I will only be able to “release” when I am home after the mad rush.
I will be cabbing from office to Tagore Lane and back home. My office at Tuas and the ulu ulu Tagore Lane are definitely not the best places to get cabs. Please, God, have mercy on me. -________-“
Mummy Lim
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hope?
We have been battling with Lil isaac's eczema for the longest time. There are 2 red patches on hid cheek. The skin at his arm fold often breaks. His neck must be really itchy and makes him cranky. Recently, the folds behind his knee started looking sore too. Haiz.
We have tried so many different lotions and creams on him. If somebody says that a cream/ lotion is good, I will buy to try on him. I have come to accept that different cream works differently on different people and started stocking half finished creams that don't work. I also have so many unused creams, which I bought to stock up bcos they did work initially but losses it's effectiveness on him after awhile. And these creams are very expensive. -.o"
He is currently on Physiogel, which works on him initially. It didn't fully tame his eczema but at least his eczema doesn't flare and his skin doesn't break. However, it seems as if it is losing it's effect too.
Then, I saw this on the bp. http://bunchcircle.com/eczema-c-2/hopes-relief-therapeutic-cream-p-3
Apparently, it is some cream made of largely natural ingredients especially for eczema. I was skeptical but still bought it to try.
We were on cruise when we first started this cream for him. It didn't seem to help much initially but after a few days, we saw great improvement! The areas that are prone to eczema actually started to clear. They recovered so well. Then, we ran out of the cream and his eczema flared up. The red and angry patches came back and his skin started to break again. My heart ached at the broken skin.
I have bought another 2 tubes and the seller said that she has mailed them out yday. I hope I can receive them tomorrow. The mail box was empty when I checked just now.
I didn't dare to order too many at one go fearing that it may lose effectiveness and the cream is very expensive. A small tube of 60g cost $27 and can barely last for 1 week! Haiz, but if the cream can really tame his condition, we don't mind spending that $$. Mr Postman, can you pls work harder?
Mummy Lim
We have tried so many different lotions and creams on him. If somebody says that a cream/ lotion is good, I will buy to try on him. I have come to accept that different cream works differently on different people and started stocking half finished creams that don't work. I also have so many unused creams, which I bought to stock up bcos they did work initially but losses it's effectiveness on him after awhile. And these creams are very expensive. -.o"
He is currently on Physiogel, which works on him initially. It didn't fully tame his eczema but at least his eczema doesn't flare and his skin doesn't break. However, it seems as if it is losing it's effect too.
Then, I saw this on the bp. http://bunchcircle.com/eczema-c-2/hopes-relief-therapeutic-cream-p-3
Apparently, it is some cream made of largely natural ingredients especially for eczema. I was skeptical but still bought it to try.
We were on cruise when we first started this cream for him. It didn't seem to help much initially but after a few days, we saw great improvement! The areas that are prone to eczema actually started to clear. They recovered so well. Then, we ran out of the cream and his eczema flared up. The red and angry patches came back and his skin started to break again. My heart ached at the broken skin.
I have bought another 2 tubes and the seller said that she has mailed them out yday. I hope I can receive them tomorrow. The mail box was empty when I checked just now.
I didn't dare to order too many at one go fearing that it may lose effectiveness and the cream is very expensive. A small tube of 60g cost $27 and can barely last for 1 week! Haiz, but if the cream can really tame his condition, we don't mind spending that $$. Mr Postman, can you pls work harder?
Mummy Lim
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