Last Day of Year 2010

It is a crazy way to end 2010. Lil Shauna woke up crying and whining over NOTHING. Then she decided that she will be a small baby today and keep mummy to herself and refused to share mummy with Lil Isaac.

Other than the crying and whining, she refused to change out of her soiled diaper and insisted that she is a small baby. -.o" When I removed her diaper, she refused her panty and insisted on a new diaper. Then, she whined and threw multiple tantrums the whole morning. I am going crazy. And of course, I cannot carry or latch Lil Isaac. To prevent me from doing so, she's lying all over me.

Then, she has to take painfully long to finish her food and reject her food without finishing them. It is so difficult to feed her recently.

I don't know what is wrong. She's not running a temperature and no symptoms of flu. Maybe she just wants to make the last day of my year memorable. Haiz. I am hoping that Daddy Lim can knock off on time today and share the pain with me. Hohoho. I also hope that she gets better as the day progresses.

So, year 2010 has come to an end. My achievements? Well, I have another baby, started attending church, toilet trained Lil Shauna and she is also starting to use her car seat. I hope year 2011 passes slowly. Of course, I have set my new year resolution, of which, losing weight always made it to the list. Hohoho. I also hope to spend more couple time with Daddy Lim, don't want to be robbed by the kids.

To end off my year, I have dated Daddy Lim for a coffee. If we have enuff energy, I do hope to countdown with him. Tired....



Mummy Lim

Update:
We did countdown.. almost together. I was in the living room expressing with ah yee on her laptop. And Daddy Lim? He was on the throne... Hohoho.

The Aftermath 2

Things are back to normal. I supposed that is the good thing when one has issues with their own mum, the negative feelings don't linger forever.

She complained to ah yee that she was upset that I yelled at her. That is indeed my fault. I tried to apologize to her after summoning all my courage but she cut me off. The next day, she first showed her displeases by fighting to do all the housework. I made MA do as much as possible too. Then she made sarcastic remarks and I had to play deaf, mute and blind, basically no retaliation at all. I kept quiet even when she got my points wrong, defending will only make her angrier and I know that she just needed to rant.

Thereafter, things almost went back to normal and were fine by the end of the day. Phew! Although it was a tough few days, the eruption really did clear off all the bad feelings in me. Now, I am trying my best to accommodate her routines, I have to remind myself that they come in a package. She is also easier on me with her words and tone. It appears that the outbreak wasn't that bad a thing and I just hope that I can at least tahan until I go back to work. By then, things should be better when I spend less time at home.

I still love my mum and appreciate her help and willingness to look after my kids; she has no obligations to do so. And I know of many grandmas who are unwilling to do so, afterall kids today are no longer gong gong like how we were when we are young. Hmmmm... Telling her 'I love you' is just as difficult as the 'sorry' that I said that night. But I hope she can feel my love for her.

Mummy Lim

The Aftermath

Cold war, as I had expected. She refused to speak to me and I didn't talk to her too unless necessary. She still went about the day's activity, helping with Lil Isaac, cooking, etc, just no communication between us or her and the maid. I supposed she's upset with me and trying to stay out of our lives.

After yday's outburst, I felt better. Maybe bcos I have gotten the bad feelings out. Without her snapping at me or barking at the maid, my emotional container is still empty. Don't get me wrong, I do feel bad for upsetting her.

Life at home went along fine. Without her insistence on the routines, there is also no major hiccups, the house didn't get burnt down, no kid was sent to hospital due to contamination. But I don't suppose it made her realized that her routines are NOT indispensable and they DON'T improve the quality of life.

I was feeling ok today, thinking that we just need some time to cool down until my sis texted me. My mum left the house after we brought Lil Shauna to the room. She called my sis to complain that I was very harsh yday and that she's better off living elsewhere. She was on the way to JP NTUC but we are not sure if she has the intention to run away. Haiz.

Then I felt that I was being blackmailed emotionally. She made me feel that I had begged her to come stay with us and now that I had my way, I ill-treated her. Sad. Perhaps it is really my fault, I had the wrong expectations. I had expected her to understand that I am the lady of the house, that she is here to help with the kids and not to rule the house, our lives. I didn't see that when I ask her to come, she comes with all her rules and routines, that everything comes in a package. I cannot cut her off her rules and routines.

I felt the same helplessness. I needed her help. Perhaps I have to take the whole package, there is no such thing as customization. I don't know.

I told Daddy Lim that he has to remind me to not live with the kids when they grow up and to stay out of their lives. I hope I will do a better job when it is my turn to be grandma and not be a pain in their neck.

Mummy Lim

Mega Fight

Great, I had a mega fight with my mum on Boxing Day. Come to think of it, there wasn't a specific thing that we were quarreling about but the accumulation of bad feelings. I dont know if it is one-sided but recently, she had been stepping on my tail everyday and I had to bite my tongue to prevent myself from screaming at her. I find that she had either been uber sarcastic or snapping at me recently. And I know that I don't have the best temper. As a result, I had been behaving negatively towards her too. I caught myself so frequently doing recently.

And so, I exploded. I actually drove her to tears. Yes, my bad. And there was no conclusion to the quarrel, just an outburst of bad feelings. At certain point, I yelled at her. -.o" I can't help but wonder if I am better off not asking her to come over to live with us but I also know that I NEED her help. I will not feel at ease leaving 2 young kids with the maid and MA is unable to handle both kids alone. But she is driving me crazy with her rules and routines with the maid is stuck between us, confused at times over the conflicting instructions. I pity MA sometimes. My mum kept thinking that I am siding with the maid but I am not! Just that her rules and routines are ridiculous and out of the norm and I do not agree with them. Naturally, MA doesn't do things her way unless told to and it seems like I am siding with her. Craziness.

I don't know what will change after the quarrel, maybe it helps to erase the accumulated bad feelings and I can start over again with an empty container. I actually look forward to go back to work, adopting the out of sight, our of mind tactic. I was surprised that I enjoyed my ML and being a full-time mummy this time and was even more surprised that my mum is my motivation to go back to work. Haiz.

I thought people only have issues with MIL but I am actually having issues with my own mum! It must be the case of having to live together. Haiz. How? I think it is very sad if our relationship turns sour with all these issues and I bet there are more to come.

Mummy Lim

Sleeping Through

Lil Isaac is 9 weeks and 3 days old today. He is so different from Lil Shauna when it comes to sleeping habits. At 10 weeks old, Lil Shauna still wakes up for milk 2x a night but Lil Isaac appears to have slept through last night after his last feed at 9pm. This morning, I woke him up at 5.30 to feed and he is back to lala land.

Don't ask me how I do it bcos I didn't do anything. In fact, Mummy S has been telling me to stop waking him up for milk if he doesn't and let nature takes it's course. Then things will be easier when I go back to work. But I keep worrying that Lil Isaac is not drinking enuff and since I have to wake up to express anyway if he doesn't drink. And I also worry about him waking up for milk right after I express and he gets no milk even though I have been assured by different mummies that we are wonderful milking machines and will keep producing milk. The babies are also supreme pumps and can draw milk right after we have expressed. I also keep feeling that he is too still young to be sleeping through. Maybe I am comparing him with his jiejie when I know there should be no basis for comparison. One is a preemie and the other an overstayer. I know I am the envy of mummies whose babies are still waking up 3 hourly for milk. :p nevertheless, these truths don't do much to settle me.

So, now when I do wake up to express, I have to resist the urge to wake Lil Isaac up to feed. But I will usually express right before I sleep and sleep until Lil Isaac cries for me. The method works well for the past few nights and Lil Isaac woke up once in the night for milk. I did the same last night and Lil Isaac actually slept through.

Lil Shauna woke me up at 3am and I had to resist waking Lil Isaac for feed. I was also too lazy to wake up to express. She woke me up at 5+am and I could not resist this time. I woke him to latch and expressed thereafter.

So Lil Isaac has slept through. He may have slept through on earlier nights too if I have not woke him up. Still, last night was the historical moment. Strangely, I am not overjoyed. He is still a baby! He needs my milk! But I have to agree that he is growing well, developing thunder thighs and butt. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Tigers Congress

Recently, I met up with a few Oct mummies who live in the West.


Lil Isaac was fast enuff and he got to tale a solo pix with the only girl. Hohoho. They probably like each other. In this pix, they hold hands somemore. :p


Mummy Lim

Holiday

I am writing this post while Lil Isaac party with me in the middle of the night after his feed. -.o" He refuses to sleep and doesn't want to latch. I am waiting for him to feel sleepy.

The last time we travel was in Aug 10 to Malacca. We had travelled quite a fair bit after Lil Shauna turns 6 months.


After the Malacca trip, I got too big and I was worried about pre-matured birth. Thus, we stopped all overseas travel plans. I am dying to travel now but Lil Isaac seems a little too young and we cannot leave him in Sgp bcos I bu she de and he needs my breasts.

Whenever I and Lil Shauna look at the overseas pix, she will tell me that she "wants to go there". I think she doesn't have much recollection of those places that we have visited. Today, she whined non-stop when she saw this tv program where a sick girl was sponsored to Hkg Disneyland. She pleaded with us so badly and sounded like she never been to Hkg Disneyland before! We just went there in Feb this year lor. I bet she forgot, waste our $$. Lol.



Then, I read Mummy J's post about them going to Genting today. I drooled. Not to mention Mummy L and J going to Taiwan and w/o KID! Boohoo, I want that too.

We are already planning to go Korea or Japan in late April with Popo and Ah yee, but the wait is so painful. I had thought of going for a short trip before I start work but started worrying about bacteria and viruses after Lil Isaac fell sick to bacteria infection that time. Haiz.

I really want to travel and I think Daddy Lim was tempted too after he saw the show. Hohoho. Let me see what is there. Maybe a slack holiday in Bintan. :) The last time we were there was at least 4 years ago with 2 other couples. Then, most of us have no kids. Ahh, I miss hoildays where we do nothing but nuah by the beach. Need to get Lil Isaac's passport done.

Mummy Lim

Christmas Gathering

Again it is a full house of kids! But the older kids were self entertaining under MA's supervision and Lil Isaac spent most of his time sleeping. We did lots of chatting and munching on unhealthy snacks. Argghhhhh, I hate how I always lose self control at these gatherings and how I will fall into temptations when doctor C kept encouraging me to eat. I will sure regret tomorrow, in fact, I already felt regrets creeping in. Boohoo. But we had great fun, especially the kids.

There are so many kiddos, such that it is no longer possible to eat on the same table. There isn't a moment of silence in the house. It is funny how Christmas gathering has now centered around the kids, which prezzie for who, kids receiving and opening prezzies. It is no longer 'important' what I receive for Christmas, a sign that we have all grown old. Not that I am complaining, just amused at how our interest has shifted.

Christmas is coming and it reminds me that we have come to the end of 2010. This year has passed horribly fast for me, I can barely catch up. Then again, the years that I spent in K all seems to fly by. Hmmmm.. Is it too much to ask for to want to lead a life at a slower pace for the new year?

Hohoho. Merry Christmas!

Mummy Lim

Oops

Lil Isaac caught the flu bug from me. I heard him coughing last night and heard his heavy breathing too, result of his stuffy nose. Boohoo. And I tot bf babies are stronger? Chey. I don't remembered Lil Shauna falling sick in her 1st year wor. I have already booked appointment for his vaccination next week, I hope he will recover by then.

This morning, he was coughing and sneezing. At one point, mucus ran down his nose. Boohoo. My bad.

Mummy Lim

Bottle

I have been so successful in breastfeeding that I am beginning to stock up on bm and it is already taking up 1/5 of the freezer and Lil Isaac totally loves my breasts BUT hates bottle. He was given his 1st bottle in TMC and subsequently in KKH and he was OK with it. He was then largely latched on. And when somebody (usually popo or Auntie MA) tried to bottle feed him, it is basically a nightmare.

He struggles no end and cries murder whenever he is bottlefeed unless when he is uber hungry and has no other choice. But most of the times he will be crying like mad and refuse to suck. Milk will then tickles down the side of his mouth or he gets choke. -______-"

Today, I went for a haircut and Popo decided to bottlefeed him. I just reached home whe Popo woke him up for his feed. We had thought that it would be easier to bottle feed him if he is half awake but we were so wrong. He cried like he was being tortured.



When Popo finally surrendered and ask me to latch him, he immediately stopped crying and latched on, sucking fiercely. -.o" We tried to unlatch him and exchange for bottle and he started crying again. We eventually gave up and latched him after he cried himself hoarse.

It does worry us. Lil Isaac will have to be mainly bottle fed when I return to work and it will be tough on Popo or Auntie MA if he is still not trained by then. Auntie MA is still not confident to handle Lil Isaac when he fusses and she will look at us helplessly, hoping that we will take over. We have decided to start training him in Jan 11 when jiejie starts pre-nursery and will be in school for half a day. I hope all will be well by the time I go back to work.

And this is the latest pix of Lil Isaac, request of Mummy L. Hehehe. Handsome boy? Look at his double chin. Tsk, tsk.


Mummy Lim

Bad Skin

Lil Isaac has really bad skin. It first turned bad when he was admitted to kkh. Then his skin became really dry and the doctors cannot tell if it was due to the antibiotic, prolong exposure to aircon or generally bad skin. We were given moisturizer and we had been using it faithfully. His skin appears less dry after he was discharged.

Then, he developed baby acne all over his face, particularly his cheek and cradle cap on his eyebrow. Instead of smooth baby face, his face was flaky and rough. -.o"

When the acne cleared, cradle cap appeared on his forehead and 3/4 of his head. It is clearing up very slowly. But his face looks better now.

Then, raw skin appeared behind his ears and it gave off a foul smelling discharge. The skin around his neck also became raw. We tried to clean as often as possible and keep those areas dry. Still, the situation doesn't seem to be improving. The neck area worsen as he put on weight and developed double neck. Boohoo. We have to pry open his neck area to do cleaning.

Just a few days ago, we found his left ear giving out a foul discharge. We feared ear infection but the discharge doesn't seem to come out from within the ear. We tried to clean and keep the ear dry and the situation seems to improve until yday.

Yday, there was so much smelly discharge from his right ear. -.o" We were worried that it is really ear infection that we brought him to the GP. But I half guess that it wasn't since he doesn't seem to be in much discomfort and there was no excessive crying.

We were relieved to know that it was just bad skin. Hohoho. We were given some cream to apply but were told to consult a PD soon. Lil Isaac may have eczema. Boohoo. And the raw skin at his neck are heat rashes.

We are trying our best to clean, dry and apply a whole ton of moisturizer and cream for him. His bath always take uber long. We hope that he will grow out of it. I remember Lil Shauna has not too good skin too but nothing near this. Haiz. We will be bringing him to the PD for his jab soon and can already hear the PD nagging. It will be the same PD who administered the jabs for Lil Shauna and he used to nag at us when Lil Shauna had bad skin.

Mummy Lim

I am Sick

I am down with flu and sore throat since yday. The flu was mild but the sore throat was uber irritating. I hate sore throat. Boohoo.

I duno who passed it to me but my mum, Daddy Lim and Lil Shauna all took turns to fall sick earlier. -.o" I hope I dun pass the virus back to them and not to the kiddos. Oops, I was still kissing the princess last night and continue nursing the prince.

Falling sick is likely to affect my milk supply but all seem good at this point of time. Antibody produces by my body will actually be passed to Lil Isaac via my milk. I just hope that the viruses wun go to him when I ha-choo while nursing him.

I didn't dare to self medicate since I will continue to nurse Lil Isaac. Am trying to whack fruits for all the vitamins that I can get. I hope I recover soon. I feel so tired and sleepy now.

Mummy Lim

Happy Birthday!

Daddy Lim turns 33 on Saturday! Happy birthday bb!

It is pretty sad that there is no great celebration since the kiddos came along. And whatever celebration that we do have usually end up circling around the kiddos, as if it is their bday instead. Lol.

On Friday, I bought a mini cake and Lil Shauna ended up celebrating her bday! She blew the candle and ate the cake, no Daddy Lim in the picture.


On Saturday, we were so busy running around that I forgot to buy a cake for the man. Oops. Lil Shauna did sing a bday song for her pappy but wasn't even willing to face him while doing so. Lol. Well, at least I got Daddy Lim a bday prezzie - iPhone 4. I hope he wun get addicted to the apps and me regretting the choice. :p

And after we tucked the kids in on Saturday night, we did go for a late coffee and cake and supper at Mac. We talked and set new year resolutions wor. An hour affair but it feels great to drink coffee without the kids.

Happy bday bb, I want to spend many more bdays with you. Thank you for standing by me all these while. Muakz, luff you dip dip.

Mummy Lim

Back to Church... Finally

We finally made it back to church after a few months' break. We last attended church when I was in my 37th week and felt too heavy to move.

We went without Lil Isaac and Daddy Lim has to work. I stayed in the Jolly room with Auntie MA and the princess. Surprisingly, Lil Shauna had a good time and even participated in the worship! The last time we were here, she was clinging on to me badly. I hope to be consistent and soon be able to leave Lil Shauna with Auntie MA while I attend the service.

The next step? Returning to the PCM group. We stopped for a long time too, ever since the last maid left us. But if we go, we will have to bring Lil Shauna and no maid cos Auntie MA will have to be home, helping to look after Lil Isaac. We have always been attending the meeting with Lil Shauna and helper.

The PCM thingy is a little more tough. We still have not established the personal touch with the rest of the members. Daddy Lim found it even harder since he is a more private person. And it doesn't help that the rest of the members have known each other and been in the group for the longest time. And most of them attend a different service from us. Hmmmm... No solution, duno how to find motivation, God has to help.

Lastly, after getting myself comfortable in church, we will be looking at baptism. Need to attend classes de and I heard the classes last for months. Jia you.

Mummy Lim

It Is Snowing

Daddy Lim brought Lil Shauna to enjoy "snow" at Tanglin Mall last Sat. She was there last year too but didnt like the snow. This year, she totally enjoys it. This is her dancing to the music before the snow starts.
And them monkeying in the snow.
Daddy Lim says that it is one big underage foam party. Lol.

Mummy Lim

Jurong Bird Park

Daddy Lim manged to get the Corporate Card and take leave. We brought Lil Shauna to JBP on Wednesday. Ah yee was free too and offered to be our photographer. Poor Lil Isaac has to stay at home. He is too young to apprciate birds. Hohoho. And we realised that we do not have a complete family photo. We have loads with Lil Shauna.


Either that or Daddy Lim with the 2 kiddos cos I am holding the camera. -.o" But it is Ok, we have lots of time to build up on our album. :)


The last time we brought Lil Shauna to JBP was a few months ago and we can really see her grow. She now enjoy the birds much more and even enjoyed the show. I love JBP. It is so near our house and so compact, which allows us to explore in a good morning or late afternoon. Wednesday morning happens to be beautiful. :)

This is Lil Shauna stalking a bird. Apparently, you can touch the birds but we are too kiasi to allow Lil Shauna.


Ah yee also took many pix of us playing chase. Lil Shauna refused to take the stroller but was walking so slowly. We had to play chase until she was really too tiring and took to the stroller. Then it was our turn to run up the slope with the stroller playing chase. It was indeed a good workout. Lol.



And not forgetting our favourite Lory Loft, where the birds fly freely. This is Lil Shauna's favourite stop too.



We headed home after that. It was merely a 2+ hour trip but we all enjoyed ourselves. Hmmm.. when will Lil Isaac join in the fun?

Mummy Lim

Random Thoughts

Lil Isaac just fell asleep, finally after latching and struggling and spitting milk and smiling at me for the past hour. I woke him up for milk after tucking jiejie to bed. I had expected him to latch a little and continue to sleep but I was wrong. He latched and struggled and puked milk, then needed more milk to replace what was lost. So much tissues are wasted. -.o" I love to see him smile but NOT in the middle of the night. I am glad that he is finally asleep. I think his filled up tummy will keep him sleeping for a long while. -.o"

We watched Toy Story 3 on DVD in the evening. Daddy Lim and I were just contemplating to bring Lil Shauna for animation movie one day. She managed to finish the movie with us with lots of questions and comments. But it was an struggle. Towards the end of the movie, she was rolling on the floor and totally not interested in the movie. I think we can hold the idea of bringing her to the theatre. Better save that money. :p Well, at least we caught a "movie". Daddy Lim and I absolutely enjoyed TS 3. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Blood Boils

Lil Shauna got new patterns. We all know that she cannot take "no" for an answer. We just have to be prepared for her tantrum when we tell her "no" to some requests. Of course we dun want to give in just bcos she threw tantrum. So, it had been endless tantrum throwing and crying and fussing and whinning recently. She is simply testing my patience whenever she whines instead of speak. I have to remind her so constantly that I cannot understand her when she whines. -.o"

Then, she has doubled her stake. She will do something wrong, either accidentally or INTENTIONALLY and when we tell her that it is wrong, she will start crying, even before we start disciplining her. -________-" And this can happen so many times a day. Yday, it was climbing up her chair, onto the sofa and jumping off the sofa. We told her "no" to prevent accidents. Then in the night, it was kicking against the wall and the bed for NO reason. It was plain irritaing. This morning, she refused to go to school for reasons beyond me. In fact, she wasnt able to give me reason why she didnt want to go to school and had to be carried off crying. Haiz.

Other than that, she has started this "bu yao pappy/ mummy" when we tell her that it is wrong to do ___________, then she will start crying/ fussing/ whining and the next moment, she will ask for "mummy bao". Similar to the above, it just happens over and over and over again in a day. Initially, I was hurt when I heard her says "bu yao mummy", wondering if I have done something wrong to hurt her or made her feel rejected. But after so many "bu yao mummy" and each time after some "no" from me. I get immuned. Haiz, bad mummy.

I duno if she's doing all these to seek our attention or simply part of growing up. Haiz. It simply gets on my nerves and at times, I lashed out at her. It is so obvious that I am less patient with her now. Whose fault? Hers or mine? Just a vicious cycle. Maybe it will be better when I go back to work. I duno. Pui, bad day. I am waiting for Daddy Lim to come home and bring us go gai gai. I am wanting a sinful ice blended from coffee bean. Hoho.

Mummy Lim

The Pump Died on Me

Yes, I don't know why but it suddenly died on me when I was expressing yday morning. I was trying to express before bringing Lil Shauna out for bfast. Luckily I already got most of the milk out before it stalled. But I had actually spent quite a fair sum buying spare parts for the pump before Lil Isaac comes along lor.

The pump is not cheap, I think $300+ when I got it 2.5 years ago. But it has served its worth for the 8 months that I was expressing for Lil Shauna. Of course I had hoped that it would continue to serve me while I give Lil Isaac milk but too bad. Maybe it is a blessing in disguise that it died on me now and not when I am back in the office where I rely mainly on d expressing. I can imagine my breasts turning rock hard and bursting with milk. Hoho. At least I have the super pump aka human pump with me. Everything will be well if he cooperates and sucks me dry.

I went back to mumsfairy, the online website which I bought the initial set and they are still carrying the pump at $365. Can't remember if the price went up, I was just overjoyed to learn that they have ready stock and I can get the new pump yday.

While waiting for the delivery, I was anxious, kept thinking that the human pump didn't do a good job and emptied my breasts like he is supposed to. And I also waited impatiently when he overslept. I was in agony. So, you can imagine my joy when mumsfairy delivered the new set into my hands.

The pump looks different from the set that I have. The set looks sleeker and it is a little quieter too. With the new investment, it only makes more sense if I express longer after I go back to work. Hmmmm, I am not sure if I can do it as there will be a lot of uncertainties when I go back after my ML.

Jia you, jia you. I am doing well as a moo moo cow now and am already stocking up. Just hope that I can provide ebm to Lil Isaac for a long time after I am back to work.

Mummy Lim

Dead Tired

Just when I blogged about Lil Isaac dropping his night feed, he has to come back and torture me. I bath him at 6.45pm last night and fed him thereafter. He finally fell sleep at 8.45pm. He woke up and nurse for a short while at 9+pm and settled for the night.

His 1st night feed was at 1am as I had predicted. He didn't empty my breasts. And he has to wake up at 4am and 6.30am for milk! Strange, what happened to sleeping through?

And his jiejie had to join in the fun. She woke up at 1am asking for milk too while I was nursing Lil Isaac. Daddy Lim had to take over the baby while I pat the toddler to bed. We were lucky that the baby was half asleep and the toddler went back to lala land quickly.

Then, Lil Shauna had to wake up at 5am and started crying. I was dead tired by then. I guessed she had a nightmare and was crying about auntie and asked for her vitamin sweets! I tried to pacify her and she asked for milk again. I was so glad when she fell back to sleep.

And now, the little one is throwing a tantrum at my breast, refusing to latch and crying. Why lah? Sob, I am zombified.

Mummy Lim

The Siblings

Lil Shauna has learnt to tell us when she needs to pee or poo. She can go diaperless the entire day now. Strangely, she enjoys doing her stuff on the big "potty".


We were bored and she wanted to do hand painting. We didnt have much paint left and mixed whatever we have. She ended up with black hands.



She went gaigai today and I finally managed to get her to dress up properly. Hohoho, what a pretty princess.


Is that a social smile from Lil Isaac?



Mummy Lim

Night Feeds

I found it hard to believe but Lil Isaac has drop to 1 night feed and if I am to time his feeds strategically, he can sleep through the night already (last feed close to midnight).

Lil Shauna was still at 2 night feeds when I returned to work 10 weeks. She only dropped to 1 feed when she was 4 to 5 months old and took another few months to sleep through. Then again, she was a preemie and needed all the milk to grow quickly plus has a small tummy and needed to feed small amount frequently.

Lil Isaac is definitely bigger than her jiejie. The last I measured, he was about 4.7kg at 7 weeks. He suckles strongly and is growing well. But somehow, I find him not chubby enuff and is reluctant to drop the night feeds. Yes, he is developing double chin already but i think he can afford to be chubbier. Hoho.

Sometimes, I purposely wake him to feed and I need that night feed to maintain my ss too. I could have just express but am worried that he would wake up for milk right or shortly after I expressed.

Haiz, strange that I am not overjoyed with him dropping night feeds. Other mummies would be happy with the extra sleep.

Mummy Lim

CSI

Popo, pls stop buying cheapo toys for Lil Shauna. Pls save your $$ and use it on yourself instead.


Arggghhh, who killed the barbie doll inmitation?

Mummy Lim

New School

Lil Shauna's ex-playground ends its term last Thur. By right, she will stop school until Jan 2011 where she will start pre-nursery. However, she can be really difficult sometimes, demanding all our attention or be really fussy. Sending her to school gives us a couple of quiet hours. Thus, I was keen to send her to a school just beside the carpark, which runs classes during the school holiday. Felicia is there too ever since she's out of childcare. She too will start nursery in Jan 2011 in the same church as Lil Shauna.

Remember how shy Fione was with teachers? But she totally has no problem with school. In fact, she started school when she was really young and I don't remember much crying or fussing. She even took school bus to school at a really young age. Felicia is independent and too had no problem with school. I wonder why Lil Shauna doesn't get that gene. She's forever crying when school is in the picture. Haiz.

I tot things will be better for her now that she's in the same school as Felicia. I heard how Felicia wave byebye to my SIL on her 1st day of school. *envy* On Lil Shauna's 1st day with the new school, she willingly changed into her uniform, something which is a constant struggle with her ex-playground. For the past month that I was home, she will tell me that she doesn't want to go to school and refuses to change into her school uniform. Maybe she really did welcome school a little bit more now that Felicia is there.

Then, I heard about how Lil Shauna was chatty and happy on the way to school but stuck to Auntie MA upon reaching the school compound. And she clamped up in school like what she usually does in unfamiliar environment. -.o" Auntie MA stayed with her thru school on her 1st day and didn't manage to escape n Tue & wed as well. Auntie MA tried to use the I-go-toilet trick but Lil Shauna start wailing immediately. Haiz, I cant help but worried about school come Jan 2011. Is she still insecure? What can make her more secure?


Mummy Lim

Drives Me Crazy

Yday was a horrible day. Lil Shauna was noisy and fussy at home and Daddy Lim and I decided to bring her out to jp. She's usually well behave when she's outside and was for a large part of it yday. However, she peed in her pants when we were right in front of the toilet bowl. -.o" And while I was shopping for new panties for her, she wanted to poo poo. While she was at it, there was no toilet paper and I had no hp. I had to leave her in the handicap toilet while I ran to find Daddy Lim for my bag and tissue. The whole toilet affair drained me, but I know it is part of toilet training.

Then, she had to whine for new toys, which I refused and sparked her non-stop whining until we were home. I don't understand why she cannot talk properly. Haiz. Her whining thins my patience and I would have spank her if she pushed my limit a little more. Fortunately for her, she didnt push her luck too far.

When we were home, I was already tired from the mental torture. The Lil Isaac was wailing non-stop bcos he was being bottle fed. He refuses to drink from the bottle and was crying non-stop, refusing to suck. He rather cries and goes hungry while the milk tickled down the side of his mouth. -.o" My mum was frustrated too and kept nagging that we have to bottle train him, alternating between latching and bottle feeding him. Ok lor, I never say that I dont allow bottle feeding mah. I know that she was also tried from the battling with the baby and kept making sarcastic remark. I kept quiet, I know I will blow if I were to talk back then.

It is times like that that I hate my mum's routines. She set crazy routines that drive me crazy. Her all-must-shower-immediately-after-we-come-back, otherwise we are "dirty" and cannot touch the kids (if the kids have showered or did not go out). Her everything-that-have-been-brought-outside-must-wash theory. Her maid-must-throw-rubbish-in-the-night-and-must-immediately-go-shower rule. Her all-these-clothes-must-be-handwashed-and-cannot-be-machine-wash rule. The list goes on. And it is impossible to change her. These routines had been with her for donkey years. She brought them to my brother's house and now to my house. -______-" I am familiar with all these but they dont bother me in the past bcos I can simply turned a deaf ear and hid in my room then. Now, it is impossible bcos she made the maid follow her rules. She just cannot let go and rather that we all go into some mad frenzy following the routines, setting off crying kids, all to get "clean". Arrgghh, how contaminated can the outside be?

I can only rant to Daddy Lim and my sis and close both eyes. We are in a delicate situation. We need her, especially after I go back to work. it is really no joke looking after 2 kids and we need her help. Haiz. It sets me wondering. How did my SIL tolerates her all these years huh? Her "ren gong" must be top notch. Or maybe it is simply getting used to. I am used to being the lady of the house and doing things my way until my mum comes in and disrupt the way things are done? Maybe I will get used to them one day... or so I hope.

Then again, other than the crazy routines, nagging and sometimes senseless comments, she's really great. Doing things and helping me that only a mummy will do for her kids. I still love her, just need to complain about her at times. Hohoho. I wonder, 30 years down the road, will Lil Shauna and Lil Isaac complain about me being a pain in their neck like how I am complaining now. I think so. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Learning Fast

Lil Shauna is picking up new things everyday. This is her trying to nurse her friend.


And we have been telling her bedtime stories, most of them made up. She will help by chosing the characters and what they do in these stories. On rare occasions, when she's in a good mood, she tells us bedtime stories too. Hohoho.



Mummy Lim

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

Not Handsome Liao

Lil Isaac kena baby acne. It started recently and he had small pimples all over his face, mainly his cheek n forehead. There are some on his neck, body and arms too. We tried cleaning with water, applying lotion but it didn't seem to help. To add on to the problem, he developed cradle cap! Cradle cap usually affects the scalp but could appear on the face and ears too and Lil Isaac got his on his eyebrow. -_____-" The skin at his eyebrow is all flaky and it looks pretty painful. Poor Lil Isaac.


I am not exactly worried cos these are the common baby problems. They just take time to heal by themselves, Lil Shauna suffered from cradle cap too. But Popo is upset. She kept harping on the fact that he won't look good at his full month bash today. Hohoho. What to do, Lil Isaac never inherit my pretty genes. :p Come to think of it, he is really quite poor thing. When we had Lil Shauna, we took so many pix of her everyday. Lil Isaac paled so much in comparison. I had so much problem trying to find a nice pix of him to put in the card for the full month cake package. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

First Official Outing

We finally brought Lil Isaac out yday, his 1st official outing. Bo bian, Popo couldnt take my nagging and allowed me to go out + bring Lil Isaac along. It is really tough trying to bring 2 kids out. We spent almost an hour getting myself and the kids ready and it was chaotic. When we are almost leaving the house, Lil Isaac had to choose that time to be hungry and cried non-stop. I had to latch him while walking when I have yet to master the art of nursing him outside lor. -.o"

While in the car, Lil Shauna had to insist to sit on mummy's lap while I nursed Lil Isaac. Then it was more waiting for my brother's family to be ready. We drove my brother's car instead bcos ours was too small. We were joking that the next car should be a 20 seater mini bus. Hohoho.

We brought Lil Shauna to an indoor playground at Kallang Leisure Park and she had great fun. She needed minimal supervision and was happily climbing up the structure and down the slide. daddy Lim and I took care of Lil Isaac and relax one corner most of the time. Lil Isaac was drowsy and chose to sleep most of the time. I even had to wake him up to nurse and he fell asleep shortly. I was worried that my breasts might burst. Hohoho.

It was managble overall but I think a little too long for Lil Isaac. We left the house at 10+am and only reached home at 6pm. Gosh, I was exhausted by then. I fell asleep on the sofa at 7pm until 9pm to tuck the princess to bed. And I was right about Lil Isaac taking revenge in the night. He slept so much and nursed so little in the day and he woke up for milk at 11pm, 1am, 3am, 5am, 6am and nursed at 8am, 9am and even 10am. -_______-" And he often latches for comfort and will latch for 10 mins on only one side and fall asleep again. No amount of tickling can wake him. I was also too tired to try to wake him and was grateful that he wasnt wide awake after nursing but pissed that he woke up so many times yet nurse so little, robbing me of my beauty sleep.

I am tired, I better catch some sleep before Lil Isaac wakes up for milk again and before the princess comes home and demands my attention. Zzzzzz... Oh ya, must practic emore and learn how to latch Lil Isaac outside.

Mummy Lim

Dirty Post

Last night, Lil Shauna went to bed diaperless and I fell asleep after tucking her in. I forgot that she was diaperless and to help her put on diaper when I woke up for the 1st night feed. In the end, she wet our bed. She 'fell' on Daddy Lim who was sleeping on the mattress on the floor and he felt her wet butt. He changed her and helped her put on diaper. So nice of him.

Then, during one of the night feeds, I smelled Lil Isaac's poo poo while latching him. As he appeared to not want to poo poo some more, I changed his diaper. I put him on the sofa and just as I cleaned his butt and took away the soiled diaper, he gave an explosive poo poo with a loud fart! It was so loud that both I and Lil Isaac jumped. And he soiled the sofa. -.o"

So, I have a soiled bed and sofa in one night. -.o"

Mummy Lim

Weird Dress Sense

I miss those times where Lil Shauna will don anything that I make her to. I will dress her up so nicely before we go gai gai and I will be uber proud of her. She has come to a stage where she wants to be independent and wants to chose what she wants to wear. It is a torture EVERYDAY after shower cos it will be so tough to coax her to wear something. She will run around naked or take ages to choose what she wants or cannot decide what she wants or insist that she wants to wear something that is in the laundry or wear something that is totally unsuitable, like a jacket. It just drives us crazy. So, we now have a situation where she will wear gaigai clothes at home and insist that she wants to wear home clothes to go gai gai. -___________-"

Now, we have to get her approval before we buy something for her and that still doesnt mean that she will wear it. But if it is something that she doesnt want, we can be sure that they can sit in the drawer to collect dust until such a time that she grew too big for them. Faint.

It irritates me even more that she will pick only that few pieces to wear despite all the great and nice clothes that I buy for her. The nice clothes are just collecting dust despite my numerous attempts to "sell" them to Lil Shauna. She insist that she doesnt want to wear them. Now I understand why some kids can have a great wardrobe but always end up wearing that same few pieces.

Just today, I spent almost an hour coaxing her to change into proper attire. 1st, she wanted to wear a shirt that is pretty worn out and getting a little too small with a tutu skirt. She is going to an indoor playground with the cousins and I dun see how she's going to climb around in a tutu skirt. I told her that the tutu skirt is not appropriate and she bargained to wear her pyjamas long pants instead. -.o" I took a long time to coax her to change out of the top and skirt and wanted her to pick one of the 2 really nice white tops that I bought for her but she has never worn before with a recently bought new purple Gap shorts. In the end, the shorts was my only success. She still insist on the worn out top. -_______-" Then I tried to help her put on knee length socks but she screamed murder and I have to give in to her demand for some other socks cos we were running out of time. Goodness me, my idea of dressing her in a sleeveless white top and a purple demin shorts with knee length socks totally failed lor. Boohoo. And I dont think I will ever have my way with her liao. This is one of those times that I rejoice at the thought that I have 2 kids. Now, I can at least turn my attention to Lil Isaac and make him wear what I wanted until such a time that he starts resist. Hohoho. But boys clothes are so boring. Haiz.

Mummy Lim

Orientation

Lil Shauna started attending playgroup in February this year. She took a long time to warm up and still needs auntie MA to stay in the class with her for a short while or we will end up with a crying kid. I heard that she's not very participative in class but will come home and sing for us what she has learnt in school. She can now recognise numbers and some alphabets. Thus, school is good.

Although she adores her teachers, we are switching her to a new school next year. The current playgroup does not focus much on academic aspect. Our princess will be attending pre-nursery and we have signed her up with a church in the Jurong West area. This will also allow her to have exposure to a Christian background at a young age. If the school is good, she will do her nursery and kindergarten years with the school too. The class duration is 3 hours and she will have to take school bus to school. Unlike her current playgroup, parents/ guardians will only be allowed to accompany the kids on their 1st 3 days and they will then be on their own. I shivered at the thought.

Daddy Lim and I brought Lil Shauna to her orientation last Friday. Her new class will probably have about 12 to 16 students and all of them are born in year 2008. As expected, she clamped up and cling on to us the moment we reached the church compound, like what she usually does in an unfamiliar environment. It took us lots of coaxing before she was willing to join the rest at the table to play toys.


And they had mandarin music session and Lil Shauna again adopt her koala bear stance. She refused to stand, refused to participate while the rest of the kids tried to imitate the teacher and dance to the music. Some of the kids looked so much younger than her but she is the only one clinging on to me, refusing to let go. I sense big trouble. She was a little more willing to join in story time and was willing to sit on the mat but refuse to participate when the teacher asked for volunteers. I seriously duno how she will survive school come January 2011. I already foresee alot of crying and I-don't-want-to-go-to-school every morning. Haiz. I should start praying that she will miraculously love to go to school then.

The only big plus point is that the school has a huge outdoor playground with slides and cars and stuff. Lil Shauna came alive when we left the class and saw the playground. All the previous shyness left her. -.o"


I am not sure what she was scared of. The teachers? The crowd? Too many adults? She is fine when she's at the playground or when she saw other kids. We went for breakfast at a nearby MacDonalds after the orientation and she saw a jie jie at the table beside and even asked the jie jie for her name lor. Then she initaite to wave to a mei mei at the table behind us. So why is she so clamped up during class? Haiz, I just hope that she will suddenly overcome all the shyness come January 2011.

Mummy Lim

2 Kids

It is super frustrating when both kiddos fuss at the same time. The younger one will not stop until I latch him but the older one wouldn't let me go insisting that I play/ carry/ feed/ pat/ sayang/ fill in the blank, while the younger one wails on. Going to the younger one will immediately set on the crying sensor in the older one. -.o"

It is during this time that I wish there are 2 of me or that my breasts can be detached from my body or that the kids have a switch. A switch that allows me to turn one off 1st while I attend to the other one. Seriously, I don't know how to handle them simultaneously. I flipped, throw in the white towel if I have a choice. Heng I still have my mum and helper. Time will pass, they will grow up, things will get better.

Mummy Lim

Diaper Free

We have been quite successful in toilet training Lil Shauna so much so that she refuses diapers most of the time now including nap and bed time. But seriously, diapers must be really uncomfortable. Lil Shauna always end up with sticky butt when clad in diaper. Then, there is the nasty diaper rash.

We had allowed her to go diaperless most of the time now including nap time but had to help her put on diaper after she's soundly asleep in the night. Cannot lah, too dangerous liao. And I dun think she's ready to wake up in the middle of the night to use the toilet.

She can now hold her pee and only let go every few hours. When she's in good mood, she will tell us that she needs the potty. Otherwise, she still very much required our prompting. There are still many accidents. In fact, she can soil many bottoms a day but at least we are progressing.

Lil Shauna has started to go diaperless in school this week. She peed in class on the 1st day but went accident free subsequently. She still doesn't know how to tell the teachers that she needs the toilet but auntie MA stayed around to make sure that she uses the school toilet during the toilet break. To us, this is a great achievement already. We are hoping that Lil Shauna will be able to go diaper free when she attends pre-nursery next year. Hehe.

And there are episodes that she goes diaper free and without accidents when Daddy Lim brings her to the playground or when ah mah brings her to Centris. Lil Shauna also sometimes goes diaper free in Centris. Hehehe. Hopefully, she can soon go diaperless even when we bring her go gai gai. Yeah!

Mummy Lim

Forgetful

I was undressing Lil Isaac just now to get him ready for bath. He was lying half naked on the bed, waving his arms and kicking his legs, probably reflexes and looking totally helpless. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I dislike this infancy stage and that there is a long way to go before this squirmy thing will be independent. And I was wondering why did I choose to go through this again. Afterall, I tried this 29 months ago with Lil Shauna and I already knew that I dun like it. -.o"

It must be forgetfulness. -.-" Human beings are plain forgetful. After 2 years, I forgot how painful pregnancy is and how dreadful is it to take care of newborn thus our decision to have one more to torture ourselves. Hahaha.

Maybe I can take comfort that time will pass really quickly and soon Lil Shauna and Isaac will all grow up and I will forget how difficult time had been. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Jiejie and Didi

We used to hear how the elder sibling will suddenly become a baby again when the younger one arrives. How true. This is the younger one crying.


And the older one imitating.


The younger one on the pacifier, which he doesnt like and still prefers mummy's n****e.


And again the older one wanting to try too.


So cute hor?

Mummy Lim

Daddy Lim and His Princess

Daddy Lim has been spending so much more time with the princess now that the little one spent so much time at my breasts. Daddy Lim also took over the role to entertain the princess during the weekends cos I am on confinement and had spent a fair bit of time in the hospital.

He is so confident of handling her now, having tucked her to bed countless times and he even brought her to bicycle shops, West Coast Park, Suntec, swimming, breakfast, window and grocery shopping, etc. And the princess enjoys his company so much. Haiz, I wish to join them in their fun soon.

This was taken during one of those trips. Envy.


I am so proud of Daddy Lim. He used to be pretty distance from Lil Shauna but has become so close to her now. Just yday, the princess threw a tantrum at bedtime and was crying in the baby's room as she insisted for Lil Isaac to sleep with her on the bed in our room. I refused. Not is it too dangerous, we also have enuff on our plate with a bouncy toddler, we dun need another crying baby. Eventually, she asked for Pappy to carry her back to our room wor. I lost favor liao. -.o" Hohoho. But all as well, there is only one me and 2 kids!

Mummy Lim