Ice Skating 28

The rink was closed for Halloween event on Friday and Saturday. Actually, there weren’t anything much, just some Halloween decoration at one end and a big inflatable Halloween centerpiece. 

Maybe more people would dress up in the night?? Anyway, student pass and groupon voucher cannot be redeemed and we had to pay $18 each for entry, which is more expensive than usual entry. 

As a result, Lil Shauna’s class was at 8.30am on Saturday and we didn't practice after that. I had wanted to bring Lil Shauna to the rink earlier to practice but couldn't wake up and reached the rink with like 10 mins before class for her to warm up. Oops. Mummy also refused to pay extra $$ to use the rink for practice. We saw C – a regular ice skater and she told us that one of the compressor was down and the ice was bad. The rink would be restricting the number of skaters per session. Lil Shauna didn't felt much given that there weren’t many skaters and so the ice was great. Additionally, she had the opportunity to practice the entire rink, instead of the usual 1/3.

Most of Saturday class was spent practicing the moves that she already know and to try to correct some of the bad habits for her waltz jump. Then the remaining time was spent on her salchow jump. We had watched some youtube prior to class and practice jumping off ice. Lil Shauna gets the idea of how the salchow jump works off ice but back on ice, she was simply fearful of falling down. Nevertheless, she made little progresses. The rest of the Saturday morning was spent at MacDonalds savoring nice bfast and reading. Ahh.. life..  

I had actually wanted to practice with Lil Shauna on one of the weekdays before her class but realized that the rink had been closing early on weekdays. Maybe it had to do with the broken down compressor. So we decided to go ice skating on Sunday instead. Lil Isaac benefited. He was exciting to go ice skate. 

Lil Shauna had class until 3.30pm. We were thinking of going for the 3 to 5pm session actually. When we were at the rink at 2ish, the ice was bad and very wet, probably due to the malfunction compressor. Daddy Lim was hesitant about Lil Isaac ice skating. The wet ice would mean that it would be super slippery and we could already imagine Lil Isaac gliding on the ice when he falls. Daddy Lim almost wanted to bring the boy for a movie instead but there was no children friendly movies screening. Then we realized that the 3pm session was sold off. I supposed bcos the rink restricted the number of skaters. We eventually bought the 5.15pm session with our groupon vouchers.

Lil Isaac was super excited to go onto the ice. 

We got him a seal at $15, thinking that it would help him to fall less. It had been a while since he went ice skating thought the last time, he was fairly stable. 

Somebody benefitted from his seal bcos he used it for less than 5 mins and decided that he would do without the seal. Waste my $$. Daddy Lim skated very much with the little boy while I practice with Lil Shauna. Lil Isaac could skate fairly well and Daddy Lim seemed to had a good time skating with him. We spent a lot of time trying to make her Waltz jump higher and further. We tried Salchow too and Lil Shauna ended with a wet butt bcos the ice was very wet. Then we tried spinning too. 

The ice was indeed wet. You could glide very far and fast without using much effort. The little boy continued to fall and was quite wet. But at least he didn't think so much of wanting to perform tricks this time. The only trick that he did was to line his skates together. I don't know if his balance improved or the heelys helped but he was fairly stable on ice this time and could even navigate his way in between skaters. He also learnt from the very pro skaters and kept his arms on his back. I didn't even dare do that, I need my hands to balance or grab something if I lose my balance or break my fall in the worst case. The boy is just fearless. And he looked quite good. Lol.

I am tempted. I think he might be able to do better than jiejie if he really does start ice skating bcos he has no fear and his desire to want to do tricks and to go fast. However, there is only 1 me. I cant tear myself into 2 to practice with the kids. I asked Lil Isaac if he would choose TWD or ice skating. He said TWD now and after he complete, he wanted to do ice skating. Haha. We all had a great time.

Mummy Lim    

New Year, New Schedule

Year 2015 is coming to an end and I am looking forward to December – our long awaited Korea holiday! I think it is a nice way to end the year. Holidays are always nice. Hehe.

I do look forward to year 2016. Next year, Lil Shauna would be in the morning session. I do not know the exact school timing but have decided to send her to an after-school student care center on some days. In this way, she can better utilize her afternoons on homework and I need not sweat in the evening, adding on that her bedtime would probably be brought forward. I have seen how she can rot for hours in front of the TV or on handheld gadgets. Speaking of which, it is time to take leave and visit some of the student care students again.

Lil Shauna didn't quite like the idea of going to a student care but I am not giving her much of an option. I have compromised and agreed that she would only need to go to the student care maximum 3 out of the 5 days. On the other 2 days, she would be taking the school bus home and I would arrange for enrichment classes. This will help to free up our weekends – one stone kills 2 birds. Now, the tricky part is to get the kids’ same center enrichment classes to be on the same day and about the same time, so that Popo can help to send both.  

With the new schedule, there will definitely be some getting used to. Fingers and toes crossed.

Mummy Lim

Birthday Party Round 3

I took an entire day leave as Popo had her medical appointment and so I took care of the kids in the morning. Lil Isaac was in his party clothes and was looking forward to being the star for the day. He was pacified that mummy cant send him to school bcos mummy had to go pick up his cake. He happily posed for me when I sent him to the school bus. He was happy but commented that he wasn't as handsome bcos of his bandage. Lol. I assured him that he looked great. We even gave him Mickey Mouse plasters in place of the boring ones from the clinic. Lol.

Lil Shauna had no school bcos it was PSLE marking day. She had been so looking forward to going back to Kindergarten and meeting her ex-teachers. She was also very useful and helpful in helping to collect the cake and lugging the goodie bags to school. It was a freaking hot day.

Upon reaching the school, Lil Shauna so automatically greeted her ex-teachers, which is such a rare sight from the usual shy girl. She definitely missed kindergarten. Almost all the teachers commented about how tall she has grown. 

Lil Isaac was waiting excitedly for us to be in school for his bday celebration. Though almost the same classmates as last year, the kids were tamer this year. At least Lil Isaac wasn't jumping around excitedly like last year. Lol.

We had the usual rituals. 

Did you notice how the little girl right behind Lil Isaac was posing? So sweet!

Lil Shauna helped with the drinks distribution. There was some cake leftover, to be distributed to the staff. Lil Isaac finished almost 2 servings. We left about 30 mins later and I was so glad that he didn't fuss to tag along. Hehe. Before we left the school, Lil Shauna went to look for her favorite ex-teacher and was hugged fiercely. It was such a sweet moment.

I had to run a few other errands in the afternoon. The first was a way overdue dental visit. I get to use the kids’ room for the first time and enjoyed “Frozen” meant for Lil Shauna, who was waiting for me, while the dentist cleaned, polished and gave me a filling right on one of my 2 front teeth. I am so thankful for technology. The filling is identical in color to my teeth and I can barely tell that there was something done. Thumbs up. 

Then we headed for a snack. We intentionally delayed lunch so that I would have cleaner teeth for the dental visit. We visited Paris Baguette in Jem. Lil Shauna must be hungry bcos she was all praises for the food and lamented that mummy didn't bring her earlier. Lol.

We did some shopping too and ended off the alone time with a Baskin Robbins ice cream before heading to Joo Koon to meet Popo and Lil Isaac for dinner. Lil Shauna was so appreciative of the time spent alone with mummy. Me too. The time was really enjoyable. 

Mummy Lim

Ouch!

I was in the midst of a discussion with my colleague when I received a call from Center of New Life (CNL) on Monday afternoon. I supposed it was about the bday party that we would be having in the school the next day? When I picked up the call, Mrs Chong, the school principal was on the line.  Hmmm... doesn't sound good.

I was told that Lil Isaac ran, fell and knocked himself on the chair. There was some blood and the school was sending him to the clinic bcos the bleeding wouldn't stop. I didn't quite panic, maybe bcos he is always knocking and falling or maybe I was busy with the discussion.  I think Mrs Chong panicked more than I did bcos it was only at the end of the call, when I asked, that I understood that the wound was on his eyebrow. His eye was good. Phew. Mrs Chong said that she would update me again at the clinic.

Luckily my discussion was concluded quickly. The mummy instinct then kicked in and suggested that Lil Isaac would probably be scared and I should make my way to the school. I think he would be comforted by my presence even if it wasn't serious. Fortunately, my afternoon was free from appointments as well.

I arrived at the clinic not too long after. When I entered the treatment room, I saw the little boy on the bed, hugging a cushion while the doctor cleaned his wound. The doctor was just asking the teacher if she should stitch the wound or tape it. I saw the wound, it was about over 1cm long. I can't tell if it was deep but blood was still oozing. The doctor said that stitching and taping works the same just that taping would take more time - about 3 to 5 days. Lil Isaac opted for taping. Haha, I would too. Stitching sounded so scary.

He was done in a minute and was active the moment he jumped off the bed.

He then related how he fell, that he cried a little and it wasn't that painful. We headed back to his school to collect his bag and I noticed blood coming through the bandage. Aiyo. Back in the school, the teachers had gathered around to discuss. His Chinese teacher, who was in charge of the class when the incident happened, was so apologetic. I was actually quite embarrassed. I am quite sure it wasn't the teacher's fault.

To be double sure that the tape would hold, we headed back to the clinic and his tape was changed. This time, I could see that bleeding had somewhat stopped. The assistant who changed the tape mentioned that it is common for the wound to be oozy and the tape would hold. However, if the oozy gets bad or continues, then we have to bring him back for stitches.

We took a cab back home after that. The little boy was pleased that mummy was there to fetch him. He even posed for pictures. Lol.

There was no sign of fear back home.  He was his cheeky self, monkeying like usual. Faint. He also better related what happened. There sounded like quite some blood on his shirt, his hand and floor. The teachers sent him to the clinic, which is really near to the school, via car. He also said that he was rejected by 2 clinics, asking the teachers to bring him to a hospital. Only the 3rd clinic was able to help.

Later in the day, the principal and different teachers called to check on him. So nice of them. Well, the little boy is good. It is probably just superficial wound. The doctor did ask us to observe him for the next 10 days. I hope he has learnt his lesson... but it doesn't seem so. Zzzz.

Mummy Lim

All By Himself

It took him 2 separate settings. He did this all by himself. Mummy has to help to look for the pieces amongst the hundreds though. I almost went blind. Lol.

The rugged truck looks a little too colorful though.  We couldn't find the exact pieces and make do with whatever color we could find. At least the truck still looks like and truck and nd so do the speedboat.

Next, I thought of rebuilding the big princess castle that Lil Shauna has. That one probably will take many more settings. Lol. Or the SG50 set from school. I do hope that the pieces are still intact.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 27

I think I looked forward to Lil Shauna’s ice skating class more than she does. Lol. Maybe it is bcos I love seeing the little girl continuously progressed in her skills. Or maybe I simply enjoyed spending that few hours with her without distractions. As for Lil Shauna, that 1.5 hrs with mummy on the ice before class is definitely hard work. Most of the kids would be playing chase or simply enjoying with their friends while Lil Shauna would be practicing hard on her drills over and over again. One thing for sure, she is not naturally talented in ice skating. I have seen very talented kids who would naturally put in efforts and advanced rapidly. I am just so very glad that Lil Shauna is still interested in ice skating and therefore didn't reject the hard work.

There would be a Halloween event next 2 weekends at the Rink.

We spent a little bit more effort on her jumps and spins before class. She could occasionally executive a nice jump but most of the time is inconsistent. Most of her jumps are so mini. Sometimes, I get frustrated bcos I cannot tell if she’s really putting in the effort bcos she surely didn't look like it. Zzzzz… She is starting to understand how spins work and is finally starting to spin. I really have Youtube to thank for that. I should have Google much earlier. Now, it is again just a lot more practice so that she can stand straight while spinning. It isn't easy to balance while spinning. 

During class, Teacher Raymond made her do double 3-turns on the same foot. Lil Shauna struggled quite some. With that, Teacher Raymond progressed to the Salchow jump and oh boy, it sure looked complicated. My jaw dropped when I saw Teacher Raymond demonstrated that jump for her. After 15 mins, Lil Shauna was still getting nowhere. I also didn't understand how that jump works after looking at the video of Teacher Raymond executing the jump for nth time. I immediately turned to Youtube. It still looks tough but at least some videos are in slow motion. I think that will be an interesting jump to master. By the way, according to the Youtube videos, the salchow jump is one of the easier edge jumps. Errr.. how much more difficult?

Bcos of the Halloween event in the rink the next 2 weeks, Lil Shauna’s class would be super early at 8.30am. She also wouldn't get to practice after that. Looks like we have to find other days to hit the rink. Meanwhile, let me watch more Youtube on Salchow jump and see if I could figure out something.

Mummy Lim

Birthday Party Round 2

Sunday morning started off fine. To make space for the new toys, I cleaned up the toys chest and cleared off 4 big bags of old toys to the recycling station. Some of the toys are still in good condition but just super old and left untouched for months (or even years). I hope the recycling station would do the toys some good. 

We went to church and the particular auntie who tells great bible stories was conducting Sunday School. So I escaped easily. In fact, Lil Isaac is very independent in Sunday School now. There was barely much clinging when I said I would leave and no tears for sure. When I was back to fetch him, he was happily doing his craft and didn't notice me until much later. 

We had our second round of celebration at lao gou’s house with Daddy Lim’s extended family in the evening. There was definitely plenty of good food. The kids did get a little bored at times. We need more kids into the family! … not mine though. Haha.

Nevertheless, they were fairly well behaved bcos they were all waiting for the candle blowing moment. 

Round 2.

Mummy Lim 

Birthday Party Round 1

If I have my way, this would be the last bday party for a while. I already told Lil Shauna that she would not have any more bday parties moving on. She's trying to negotiate for one more... well, we'll see how it goes.

After the last hectic bday party at the Rink for Lil Shauna, I just wanted to do a fuss free one for the boy. Most of the kids have outgrown of indoor playground. So we opted for the other kind of indoor playground for big kids - the trampoline park.

It was meant not only to be fuss free but also mini. We only invited my brother's family and the SHSS gang - a total of 10 kids. We booked the kids for 1 hr of jump in the trampoline park and ordered delivery for dinner. Ta-dah, bday party completed.

The park was crowded. It appeared to be a good day to hold bday parties. There was 1 before us and 1 bigger one taking place at the same time as us.

The kids had fun, dropping into the party room only for drinks. The parents had a great time catching up and tucking in while the kids expelled the energy. Great combination.

The kids poured into the room when time was up. Most of them sweaty and exhausted. Next, things happened very efficiently.. cut cake, feed kids, pack up and leave - all within 40 mins after the jump slot.

Back home, the kids indulged in the usual tear-off-wrapping-paper ritual. The kids with the presents.

The 1st present to open? Definitely the one that jiejie bought for him using mummy's vouchers. Haha.

A super long and complicated train tracks that required Daddy Lim's engineering skills to build. Lol.

Happy bday Lil Isaac. Enjoy turning 5!

Mummy Lim

The Sinner's Prayer

Many many moons back, I remembered praying the Sinner's Prayer and asked Jesus into my life. Similarly, I prayed the Sinner's Prayer with Lil Shauna too. However, she was really little then and was probably too young to understand and have no recollections.

For some weird reasons, I totally forgotten about it when it comes to Lil Isaac... must be age catching up. I was reminded when the Sunday School was asking for personal data and asked if Lil Isaac prayed the Sinner's Prayer.

Though reminded, for even weirder reasons, I still didn't pray it with the little boy until recently. I finally sat down alone with him and said the Sinner's Prayer.. or whatever version of what I can recollect.

Maybe that wasn't right bcos God sent the right version through Lil Shauna's Sunday School.

Since Lil Shauna didn't remember a single thing, both kids prayed the Sinner's Prayer again. I am so glad that they are learning so much about God in Sunday School now. May God bless their little hearts.

Mummy Lim

The Little Man

This morning, the little boy woke up shortly after realizing that mummy was missing from his side. In his usual half-asleep state, he lugged his skinny nono to the master bedroom and plop onto the bed, regardless of the fact that he is now a big boy and there is seriously a lack of space. I am so super sure that he is undergoing a growth spurt. Though still skinny and lean, oh my, I can feel my back breaking when he insisted to be carried. Anyway, he then happily declared that he is turning 5 tomorrow. So super cute. Mummy then had to reply him in the most boring voice, “ok, go back to sleep”. Bcos it was the middle of the night and nobody wants an over-excited boy in the middle of the night.

Lil Isaac is not turning 5 tomorrow but we would be throwing him a mini party with the immediate family and usual gang. The boy had been so looking forward to his big day bcos he is so dying to receive bday presents.

Despite being all bumpity knocks, falls and very boy, Lil Isaac is very sweet.  He is ever so cuddly and never saves on his hugs and kisses. He loves Lil Shauna fiercely even when jiejie doesn't always reciprocate the love. He is still very much a mummy boy and I look forward to the day that he stands tall and brave. He still smells fabulous during most nights, probably bcos of the physiogel that we still smeared on him religiously to prevent bad skin. I came to associate that scent with him and secretly wish that smell never go away. Hehe. 

Additionally, he has memorised my hp number. He would now occasionally called me on my mobile to tell me "I love you, mummy!". I tell you, my heart melt already. 

Soon, he would be 5, a big boy already.

I have always thought that my kids are really young and I have a long way to go. In the recent global meeting that I have attended, I found out that many other colleagues have babies and toddlers and suddenly realized that my kids are so old! Soon, they would really grow up and not need mummy. I better stuck to them as much as possible now.

Mummy Lim