Peacefulness

I cannot resist taking this picture. The peacefulness before the day starts with the active kids.

When one is a mummy, they appreciate the strangest things in life.

Mummy Lim

The Tiger Mum is Talking

Ever since we started PV-ing at WGPS, I draw the conclusion that all neighborhood primary schools are about the same. Haiz. Since there isn’t a better choice, we sort of resigned to fate and enrolled Lil Shauna in the same school that we have committed 40 long hours. 

Since the Primary One registration started, I found myself green eyed and drooling at every other parent who told me that their kid is going into so and so school due to some kind of affiliation. I lament that I was enrolled into a neighborhood primary school that doesn't even exist now and wonders if history will repeat itself, i.e., I am bringing harm not only to my kids but to my grandkids as well. Oh no. After we registered Lil Shauna, I probably looked somewhat dejected, which triggered my mum to keep asking us on why we didn't try to enroll Lil Shauna in a better school. Duh!

This was made worse when we visit the BASCs on Tuesday. While walking to the centers, we see different groups of WGPS boys (different race, different cliques) gathering at the void decks doing or intending to do what seems to be cheeky usual boys stuff. I rolled eyes and told Daddy Lim that I could see Lil Isaac doing the exact same thing a few years down the road. I took comfort in the fact that I started the kids early on academic enrichment programs. 

My emotions took another plunge when my ex-SHSS vball coach posted videos on FB of the C girls’ games at the East Zone finals. They are so unbelievably good as compared to when I was a C girl. I was totally impressed and this triggered a discussion of Direct School Admission (DSA) using sports at the SHSS chat thread. They were discussing how some kids already have the sports foundation during their primary school days and the question of what sports to sign our kids up NOW popped. I feel cold sweat. WGPS doesn't have an impressive list of CCAs. Sob. T.T By the way, the C girls took home the East Zone championship. 3 cheers.

I started wondering if we haven’t done enuff for Lil Shauna. Maybe we should have shifted our house to be near a better primary school and did PV in that better primary school. Should we now change plan and try to do so for Lil Isaac? Then we could transfer Lil Shauna over if Lil Isaac manages to get it. And like usual, my nonsense starts again. 

The topic of what sports/ skills to sign the kids up is also recharged and I have been bugging Daddy Lim. After all these years of swimming lessons, I am pretty convinced that the kids are not exactly talented in the waters, just like music with Lil Shauna. We are taking a break from swimming lessons, which leaves our Saturday morning free for a while. I am again convinced that I want to sign Lil Shauna up for skating classes. I thought Tennis sounded really good for Lil Isaac and JW Safra runs kids programs when I check many months back. If Lil Shauna is keen, they can both go for it! Daddy Lim asked why not soccer or Tekwando for Lil Isaac. I have no preference actually but kept having this impression that good soccer training would usually take place in atas places like Turf club and traveling is a pain. As for Tekwando, I wouldn't be very pleased if Lil Isaac tries his moves on us.

So, it is back to the drawing board. I shall be making my calls today.

Mummy Lim

Mr Lizard

Mr Lizard shifted into our house some time back. I was nice to co-exist with Mr Lizard as he wasn't much of a nuisance; he was quiet, hid his presence well and lives peacefully in the kitchen. I am not a very anti-lizard to begin with. However, in recent months, he has crossed the line and this got me very angry. Tsk, tsk.

First, he developed bad toilet habits and started to poo poo at visible spots in the kitchen. This constantly reminded me of his presence. As if not enough, he now makes himself visible at the most inappropriate times and made sudden dashes in the kitchen, enough to make me jump. Bad! I started wondering if he walks over or even shares the food and water that we have in the kitchen. Maybe he swims in it! *gulp*

I have decided that he has to go and bought lizard traps from NTUC. Fortunately for him, his life is spared for now on Popo’s interception. Popo thinks that nobody kills lizard and it is too cruel to kill a lizard!!?? Then why would there be commercialize lizard traps? I also think that she needs to have a talk with Auntie J, who is terrified of those little creatures and is never merciful to them. Haha. Anyway, Mr Lizard can count his blessings for now. And a word of advice, pls behave and it is a no-no to invite your friends into our house or start a family. Thank you very much.

Mummy Lim   

July Gathering

It was the usual SHSS monthly gathering but the gathering took place at Ms Teo’s place, as it was her bday. Her place is in far, far away Tampines. Did you see my face turn green? It took us a long time to finally get there. Luckily for us, Daddy Lim managed to knock off early and could fetch us from church. Otherwise, the amount of Youtubes that the kids would watch on the train would probably burst my pathetic 2gb data plan.

The last time we visited Ms Teo’s place was during last year’s CNY (if my memory proves me right). Then, the kids were smaller and they couldn't run as fast. On Sunday, Ms Teo’s place suddenly seems so much smaller with bigger size kids trying to squeeze into corners during hide and seek and running from room to room. I was sure that the screams took up whatever empty spaces that were left. As Ms Teo’s house isn’t kids’ friendly, we were constantly worried that somebody would smash something. Luckily her house still looks very much intact at the end of the gathering. And though there were no toys, the kids were very innovative and turn chairs and pillows and whatever furniture into play things. Her furniture are really durable to sustain those rough play. No wonder we can only visit her place once in a long while. Lol.

There were plenty of food. The small people were too focused on play to feel hungry so the big people ended up happily tucking in and in and in. This is no good for my diet plan but it was too yummy to resist.  At certain point, we adjourned to the swimming pool for the kids to use up whatever energy they were left with – which was a lot! The kids needed the space to run and jump and yell. The adults happily eyed-power the kids and catch up while making sure that all the kids were well. After swimming, the kids were finally hungry. However, back at her house, before food could hit their mouths, they were off running and playing again. 

They did get to eat some cake though. Apparently, little people love candle blowing.

We left Ms Teo’s place in the early evening. It was a great gathering with good catch-up. 3 cheers to over 20 years of friendship! I was so full with food and was hoping to head home when the kids started yelling that they were hungry, now that the fun was over. What great timing. 

It was again another long drive back home after dinner, however, a quiet one. Lil Isaac was knocked out and slept all the way to this morning. Lil Shauna barely made it awake home. Sleep was easy not only for the kids but also for Mummy Lim. Hehe.

Mummy Lim

P1 Registration

Today is the day.
After 40 long laborious hours, we qualified for phase 2B. There are 4 registration slots over 2 days and we opted to register during the last slot. I have been monitoring the vacancy status everyday and at this point, I am very sure that we will get into WGPS without balloting. The school staff even called us up this early afternoon when they realised that we had not registered. Their school must be not very popular. Lol.

We visited 3 nearby before/ after school care (BASC). The intention was to enroll Lil Shauna into one. We will send her to school in the morning and pick her up from the BASC at the end of the day.

Happy Kids
This BASC is nearest to the school but very run down. It is located in a bomb shelter, in a basement. It is air condition and has 4 classrooms. There is a small dining area one level up and right next to shower cubicles and toilets.  The dinning, shower and toilet areas are bad. They aren't exactly dirty but not clean and feel very old.  I thought there was an awful smell too. I can already imagine Lil Shauna telling me how stinky the area is. This center is definitely our.

DStar
I remember reading quite good reviews about this BASC.  This is a few blocks away from the school and it is also located in the in the basement with air conditioning. The center is not very new. However, in comparison to Happy Kids, DStar is so much brighter, cleaner and cheerful. I also see a number of WGPS students enrolled in this BASC too. The shower/ toilet is also next to the dining area, though old but much, much cleaner and there is no awful smell. The administrator was helpful to suggest that we could enroll Lil Shauna in mid December to help her get used to the center before school starts in January. I thought that is a fantastic idea.

Peach Tree
This is located on the other side of the school and the kids have to cross a road to reach the center. It is the only center on the ground floor but not conditioned. However, it is bright and airy. It is the furthest from the school and smallest of the 3. There are only 2 classrooms but the shower and toilet area is the cleanest. The other drawback is that the center only opens from 7.15am though the administrator assured us that the cleaning auntie would normally be in the center by 7 am.

The timetable of the centers are more or less the same. I have no preference between the 2nd and 3rd centers. Daddy Lim prefers the 2nd one given that it starts at 7 am and it is nearer to the school. So I guess we more or less have made the choice.

While visiting the centers, we were told that WGPS would still be double sessions next year as their facilities would not be ready in time. This was confirmed by the school and it screwed up all our plans big time. I am still keen to send Lil Shauna to the center before school, which brings us to the next question of how to be in time for work after sending Lil Shauna to the center since it only opens at 7 am. One of the options is to hire the school bus to send get to the center. I am not sure if we would have this option and would only be able to find out at the end of the year after we linked up with the bus company. The other is for me to take the car in the future - I will drive to work after sending Daddy Lim to the yard and pick him up at the end of the day
 The thought of driving is so scary.  But I guess practice makes perfect and I have to start somewhere. Anyway, that has been my new year resolutions for many years.

Now, we just have to wait for the school to Send us the confirmation that we have been accepted into the school. Yeah!

Mummy Lim

New!

Lil Shauna's 4-wheeler bicycle is super lousy. It is hard to pedal and she has grown too big for her 14" bike. We have been thinking of teaching her to cycle but that means that we have to buy her a bigger bicycle and we needed somewhere spacious and as little crowd as possible. We dont want to kill somebody. Obviously, we didn't get down to finding both, until yday.

Yday, we dated the Chan family to Labrador Park. The park isn't crowded and it has long, straight path. So, we rushed off to grab a new bicycle before we met up with them.

Lil Shauna was very excited with her new ride. A while ago, she could actually balance a little while riding Felicia's bicycle in Centris. I already know that it wasn't too tough to teach the little girl and I was right. There was this point that she wanted to give up after crashing 2x. She eventually persevered on and it probably took us about 30 mins and mummy running up and down the paths quite a number of times. Soon, she was riding independently. Now, we have to teach her how to start riding on her own and negotiate bends and turns.

This was taken at our void deck. She must be so fast that Daddy Lim couldn't take a proper picture of her. Lol.

Lil Isaac damaged the scooter's brake yday. I was silently swearing that we have to get a new scoot when Daddy Lim reminded me that there are probably repair services available for micro scoot. And there is nothing the Internet can't help.

We brought the scoot to repair this afternoon.  The uncle carried a whole range of accessories and the kids ended up having made-over scoots. We burnt a hole in our pocket as well but the accessories are really quite irresistible.

We ended up poorer but very happy kids who couldn't wait to show off their scoots.

Mummy Lim

Simple Joys of Life

Seeing the smiles on the kids' face when they get to scoot before school.

And no tears but all smiles when they board the school bus. Love.

Mummy Lim

Festival of Biodiversity 2014

It was a not-much-program-planned Sunday. I had intended to throw the kids at Polliwogs, Vivo after church and was hoping that I wouldn't get dragged into too much play. I must be dreaming. Haha. 

We had our usual fast food breakfast and arrived in church to find that it was a combined service and there was no kids’ program. I don't remember the teachers talking about it. I should have checked the church website before we made our way to the church. We left without trying to squeeze in the overly packed service and headed to Vivo. I was half lamenting – if I have known that there was no kids’ service, we would have not left the house so early. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find the Festival of Biodiversity 2014 going on in Vivo. I think it is largely supported by National Parks and plenty of volunteers.

The kids started off with craft works. They made cute owl and jellyfish out of recycled styrofoam balls and then we went to explore the many interest exhibits. Did you see the purple and yellow balls on satay stick? They are Lil Isaac’s owl and chick respectively.

Each exhibit was well-manned by passionate volunteers who explained really clearly and nicely the wildlife in Singapore. Apparently, all the wildlife displayed are what could be found in Singapore either now or in the past. It was very educational and entertaining, even for me. There was plenty to see and participate and everything was free! Lil Shauna was attentively taking in the explanation but Lil Isaac appeared to stare in the blank most of the time. The kids even took pictures with the lions!

The kids also had some face and hand painting done. We make a small donation to one of the charitable organizations at the road show.

Then, there was also story telling. 

Then we went back to the craft session and made clay turtle and dragonfly this time.

The kids had a lot of fun and we spent almost 2 hours participating in the event. Thumbs up for National Parks in their effort to educate the public.

 Mummy Lim

Boys will be Boys

There was this article that I read on FB written by a mum with boys. She described how boys’ behave differently from girls and her descriptions were funny. At the end of the article, I was all smiles bcos the descriptions perfectly match that of Lil Isaac, though the author seems to exaggerate a little at times.  

I felt comforted to know that Lil Isaac is normal and not overly active. I mean, I do hear boys’ mummies complaining of how active their little ones are but never really seen them myself. Those behaviours that I observed durimg gatherings cant really count bcos the kids were having fun and so even the girls were running wild. And of course I have seen really attentive and well-behaved boys, who often caught my attention bcos they are so different from the little monkey that we have at home. So, I am also comforted that I am not the only mum going through crazy times (with many ssss) with my boy. He simply couldn't keep still. He not only has ants on his knees, he has them all over his body. No wonder I adore how he looks when he first falls asleep. Haha.

There were also times that I was worried that he wouldn't grow up “properly” having surrounded by his jiejie and cousins almost everyday. There are afterall mostly girl’s toys at Centris, but he definitely did fine. He is very much boys and is about jumping, tumbling, showing off his gungfu moves, cars, planes, guns, swords, fighting and super heroes even with all the girly stuff that surrounds him. It is interesting how all these are innate despite the environment. He does play girly stuff with the girls but would go tumbling and wrestling with the boy (read Joshua gorgor) when he has the chance.

Over the weekend, we found a rare Batman story book in the library and he couldn't get his hands off the book. He had been asking us to read and re-read and re-read the book. I got bored of reading the story but he is still excited to hear the same story over and over again.

Well, boys will be boys, even after like 40 years. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Passport Step 1

Lil Isaac needs to have his passport picture changed. He was a baby when he had his passport made and it does take a keen eye to see that the passport belongs to him. Two trips back, while exiting Singapore, the Immigration Officer suggested that we should change his picture. Since then, I have been worried that we may have to call off a holiday or couldn't come home bcos he couldn't pass the immigration. Luckily he responds to his name. Lol.

Our passports are all expiring either in 2015 or early 2016. Passports need to have a 6 months’ validity before one can travel. I have to physically collect my passport at ICA as I am changing to the new biometrics passport. Lil Isaac has to do so too as he is below 6 YO. Lil Shauna would be tagging along when we make our way to ICA. As such, we have all decided to change our passports at the same time.

I remembered that I did an online application the last time I applied for the kids’ passport. Then, ah yee was around and took super power pictures with her super power DSLR. I had intended to do the same and attempted to take the required passport pictures using an app downloaded into the phone. Apparently, it was a miserably failed attempt.

Firstly, we had to take the pictures at night and we had to rely on the ceiling light. So, we had uneven light cast on the faces. Then, there was shadow and the phone’s flashlight wasn't strong enough. Finally, we have to have really steady hands and the kids had to be very still in order for us to get really sharp pictures. I tried and Daddy Lim tried too and it was very much a heartache.

It was fairly easy with Lil Shauna and we got done with it after a few tries. It was super painful with the little boy who couldn't hold the required position for even 5 seconds and he just couldn't keep still! Eventually, we had a flaring Pappy and a crying boy and had to call it a day. We actually had some nice pictures but didn't make the cut.

The app also allowed selfie and I tried one on myself. I look super bloated with the angle suggested by the app.

We opted for Plan B, which is to have the pictures taken by professionals and it cost us $10 per pax. At the studio, we were told that we should be in sleeves and I had to have my pictures taken another day as my top was sleeveless. I ended up using one of those self service photo taking machines. These were the pictures taken. Do you see any similarities?

The kids were wearing the same T-shirt! Lil Shauna was in a sleeveless dress too. So we had to yank off the boy’s T-shirt and squeezed jiejie in it to have her pictures taken. Lol. She’s not that big and she didn't tear his T-shirt. It was just a little body hugging. Lol.

Well, I think the kids look better in the self-taken pictures, especially Lil Isaac, who was very much stunned stareing at the photographer. But at least he didn't dare to fidget too much and we completed the mission fairly quickly. Step 2 – complete and submit the application form.

Mummy Lim