One day, Popo called me to ask if we should changed Lil Isaac's milk powder simply bcos he is drinking very little.
There used to be a time that he can drink 180ml and more. He would even cry for more after his bottle. I was pleased. Now, he can barely finish his 120ml and he drinks very infrequently, about 4 bottles a day and 1 in the middle of the night. He may drop one or two bottles depending on whether it is a "I dont want milk" mood. The drop took place after he started solids.
Lil Isaac took solids pretty well. He takes 3 meals a day and plenty of snacks in between. His main meal is largely made up of carbo. Popo says that he is a greedy boy. The last I check, he was about 10.9kg, which is probably the 50%tile.
Base on the amount of solids that he is taking, I think it is fine that he is taking less milk but Popo is not pleased. Why? She says that milk babies are chubbier. Hohoho. Well, I do agreed that I would like Lil Isaac to be a little chunkier. Then again, Daddy Lim and I have the fats genes, it is probably a matter of time. Oops!
Mummy Lim
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Inspired
Last night, Daddy Lim proudly proclaimed that he is greatly inspired by his princess.
Inspiration 1: Earring
Daddy Lim had his ears pierced long time ago but hasn't put on any studs since he joined the ship yard. After Lil Shauna's attempt to get her ears pierced, Daddy Lim was inspired to put back his. Now, Daddy Lim has studs on both ears but his inspiration remains with only one ear pierced.
Inspiration 2: Rollerblading
Daddy Lim's inline skates disintegrated several years ago, shortly after I bought mine. He didn't replace those skates since the kids came along shortly and we didn't have the opportunity to indulge in rollerblading. I only recently put on my while trying to coach Lil Shauna to rollerblade.
After 3 short sessions, Lil Shauna can now shuffle independently. She cannot blade yet but is moving in small steps. Mad cute. Seeing how his princess started "skating", Daddy Lim is inspired to find back his passion for rollerblading and has been browsing inline skates online. I think it will be soon that I find new skates at home for the BIG boy.
Lil Isaac will have to grow up soon to join the blading league. Errr... I want to spend $$ too. I should look at the kids for some inspiration too, right? Hehe.
Mummy Lim
Inspiration 1: Earring
Daddy Lim had his ears pierced long time ago but hasn't put on any studs since he joined the ship yard. After Lil Shauna's attempt to get her ears pierced, Daddy Lim was inspired to put back his. Now, Daddy Lim has studs on both ears but his inspiration remains with only one ear pierced.
Inspiration 2: Rollerblading
Daddy Lim's inline skates disintegrated several years ago, shortly after I bought mine. He didn't replace those skates since the kids came along shortly and we didn't have the opportunity to indulge in rollerblading. I only recently put on my while trying to coach Lil Shauna to rollerblade.
After 3 short sessions, Lil Shauna can now shuffle independently. She cannot blade yet but is moving in small steps. Mad cute. Seeing how his princess started "skating", Daddy Lim is inspired to find back his passion for rollerblading and has been browsing inline skates online. I think it will be soon that I find new skates at home for the BIG boy.
Lil Isaac will have to grow up soon to join the blading league. Errr... I want to spend $$ too. I should look at the kids for some inspiration too, right? Hehe.
Mummy Lim
Reading
It is a right choice to send Lil Shauna for phonics with LCentral (LC). She can now recognize all the 26 alphabets in both upper and lower case. There are definitely incidents of mistaken identity but she’s doing really fine in my perspective. Seriously, why must they make “b”, “d”, “p” and “q” so similar? Then there is “a” and “e”, “k” and “x”. Aiyo…
She is still far from perfect with her writing. They sometimes look like worms and pretty often, the letters didn’t turn out how they should be but I can see that she is trying hard. She still has a problem reading from left to right. Sometimes, she read (alphabets and numbers) the opposite way.
A few weeks back, I was trying to revise the alphabets with her and she surprised me by sounding ALL of the alphabets. Yes, you heard me right. I was uber impressed as if Lil Shauna just spelled for me the most difficult word in the world. She can now hear the 1st and the last sound consistently. We are struggling with the middle sound. It is not her fault. I cant hear the middle sound sometimes too. But it is actually a matter of technique, once she gets it, she will find it easy, breezy. Maybe we should look underneath the bed tonight… When we are doing her homework for the middle sound and I tried to get her to practice, she will ask me to “keep quiet” if she is not in the mood. Hmm… apparently she is trying to play mother.
Last week, I was helping her with her homework. She is supposed to read the picture aloud. The middle alphabet(s) are given and she will have to fill in the missing 1st and last letter, which isn’t really tough if she knows what the picture is, can hear the 1st and last sound, knows how to sound the letters and also how to write them. Hehe. Once again, she impressed me, especially when she wrote the front and back "t" for “tent” without my assistant bcos I got distracted by the little tiger.
I am also teaching her sight words. These are words that do not follow the phonics rule and there are plenty of them. As the name suggested, we recognize these words by sight. I taught her when I read her the story books and we attempt one word per week. So far, she has learnt “the”, “she”, “my”, “is”, “and”. These are on top of “pink” and “love” that she already recognizes. Geeezzz, how is it possible that most Singapore kids learnt how to read when they are 4? We are a long way from reading.
I was told that the kid will usually take 3 terms to progress to the next level. I think Lil Shauna will learn how to blend a word and thereby reading the word before she will be "promoted". She is currently in the 2nd term. I am in no hurry and still believe that it is more important for her to enjoy herself.
Mummy Lim
She is still far from perfect with her writing. They sometimes look like worms and pretty often, the letters didn’t turn out how they should be but I can see that she is trying hard. She still has a problem reading from left to right. Sometimes, she read (alphabets and numbers) the opposite way.
A few weeks back, I was trying to revise the alphabets with her and she surprised me by sounding ALL of the alphabets. Yes, you heard me right. I was uber impressed as if Lil Shauna just spelled for me the most difficult word in the world. She can now hear the 1st and the last sound consistently. We are struggling with the middle sound. It is not her fault. I cant hear the middle sound sometimes too. But it is actually a matter of technique, once she gets it, she will find it easy, breezy. Maybe we should look underneath the bed tonight… When we are doing her homework for the middle sound and I tried to get her to practice, she will ask me to “keep quiet” if she is not in the mood. Hmm… apparently she is trying to play mother.
Last week, I was helping her with her homework. She is supposed to read the picture aloud. The middle alphabet(s) are given and she will have to fill in the missing 1st and last letter, which isn’t really tough if she knows what the picture is, can hear the 1st and last sound, knows how to sound the letters and also how to write them. Hehe. Once again, she impressed me, especially when she wrote the front and back "t" for “tent” without my assistant bcos I got distracted by the little tiger.
I am also teaching her sight words. These are words that do not follow the phonics rule and there are plenty of them. As the name suggested, we recognize these words by sight. I taught her when I read her the story books and we attempt one word per week. So far, she has learnt “the”, “she”, “my”, “is”, “and”. These are on top of “pink” and “love” that she already recognizes. Geeezzz, how is it possible that most Singapore kids learnt how to read when they are 4? We are a long way from reading.
I was told that the kid will usually take 3 terms to progress to the next level. I think Lil Shauna will learn how to blend a word and thereby reading the word before she will be "promoted". She is currently in the 2nd term. I am in no hurry and still believe that it is more important for her to enjoy herself.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Terrible Fours
We screwed up the kids’ routine as a result of the holiday and the leave that we took before and after the holidays. It didn’t help with Lil Shauna’s frequent tantrum throwing. Ah yee sent me an article after seeing one of Lil Shauna’s meltdowns. It is about the Terrible Fours. Lil Shauna didn’t have much of a Terrible Two as she was very advance in her speech then and was able to articulate her needs pretty well. She is really shy and didn’t behave like a monkey when she was three. Things are however very different at four. She yells, cries, demands and throws a fit when things are not going her way. It is very frustrating both for her and us. It is very tiring alternating between coaxing, threatening and disciplining. Sometimes it works and we arrest a potential tantrum. Other times, we get a nuclear meltdown, she behaved like a spoilt brat and Mr Cane has to make his appearance.
The article says that kids at four are very vocal, smart, defiant and are constantly testing the boundaries. I cannot agree more to that. It teaches a few tricks, most of them about setting boundaries, negotiating and striking an agreement with the kid, reward sticker system, understanding that the cane or time out is behind certain behaviors. I am thinking of starting some reward system. I hope it will work.
Just as we are grappling with her behavior issues and Popo gets to enjoy a few hours of peace with Lil Shauna in school every weekday, we have a Lil Shauna who excitedly chirped that Monday was the last day of school. We asked her why and she said that her teacher told her so. Upon verifying, we found that she is going for an excursion on Tuesday, the big kids are going on Wednesday and there is therefore no school. Today and tomorrow are Meet-the-Parents sessions and the kids are excluded. Thus Monday was really the last day of school. It also means the start of Popo’s nightmare. Imagine keeping 5 kids in the same house and the 3 older girls are constantly bouncing with energy. For times like that, I take comfort that I am a FTWM. Anybody know of any school holiday program that will keep the kids out of the house?
Mummy Lim
The article says that kids at four are very vocal, smart, defiant and are constantly testing the boundaries. I cannot agree more to that. It teaches a few tricks, most of them about setting boundaries, negotiating and striking an agreement with the kid, reward sticker system, understanding that the cane or time out is behind certain behaviors. I am thinking of starting some reward system. I hope it will work.
Just as we are grappling with her behavior issues and Popo gets to enjoy a few hours of peace with Lil Shauna in school every weekday, we have a Lil Shauna who excitedly chirped that Monday was the last day of school. We asked her why and she said that her teacher told her so. Upon verifying, we found that she is going for an excursion on Tuesday, the big kids are going on Wednesday and there is therefore no school. Today and tomorrow are Meet-the-Parents sessions and the kids are excluded. Thus Monday was really the last day of school. It also means the start of Popo’s nightmare. Imagine keeping 5 kids in the same house and the 3 older girls are constantly bouncing with energy. For times like that, I take comfort that I am a FTWM. Anybody know of any school holiday program that will keep the kids out of the house?
Mummy Lim
Disney On Ice
Daddy Lim brought Lil Shauna to Disney on Ice on Sunday evening. We decided that Lil Isaac will join next year and I stayed home with didi. Daddy Lim enjoyed himself very much. He was talking about it more than Lil Shauna after they came home. Lol.
He had a funny story to tell. He mentioned about how he spent $15 on some flimsy Buzzlight Year cap and candy floss. I half suspect that he wanted the Buzzlight Year cap more than jiejie. Daddy Lim has a thing for Buzzlight Year and the Alien.
After the show, on the way to the carpark, Lil Shauna saw some latex Mickey Mouse shaped balloons for sales and wanted one. Daddy Lim agreed to buy for her only to find that the sales does not have change for $10. The balloon cost $6. Daddy Lim insisted not to tip the sales and left with a very sad looking jiejie.
To cheer Lil Shauna up, Daddy Lim agreed to buy her something in replacement and they went to shop in the nearby Kallang Leisure. They found this party flavor shop and Lil Shauna picked a Princessy cup for $10.95. The shop owner uncle starting chatting with them and asked why Lil Shauna was looking so down and Daddy Lim related the Mickey Mouse balloon story. The uncle then enthusiastically pulled out the different kind of balloons that he has and they ended up buying a huge foil balloon, which cost Daddy Lim $25!
Instead of a latex balloon for $6, Daddy Lim ended up spending 4x more. Lol. The only comfort? Lil Shauna was very cooperative on the way back home with her big balloon. Daddy Lim mentioned that she didn’t fuss at all. She just sat quietly in the back passenger seat admiring her big princess balloon. Oh, such aluminum foil balloons last much longer than latex balloons too. Daddy Lim mentioned that he wanted to deflate it and inflate it again for Lil Shauna’s bday. ;p
Mummy Lim
He had a funny story to tell. He mentioned about how he spent $15 on some flimsy Buzzlight Year cap and candy floss. I half suspect that he wanted the Buzzlight Year cap more than jiejie. Daddy Lim has a thing for Buzzlight Year and the Alien.
After the show, on the way to the carpark, Lil Shauna saw some latex Mickey Mouse shaped balloons for sales and wanted one. Daddy Lim agreed to buy for her only to find that the sales does not have change for $10. The balloon cost $6. Daddy Lim insisted not to tip the sales and left with a very sad looking jiejie.
To cheer Lil Shauna up, Daddy Lim agreed to buy her something in replacement and they went to shop in the nearby Kallang Leisure. They found this party flavor shop and Lil Shauna picked a Princessy cup for $10.95. The shop owner uncle starting chatting with them and asked why Lil Shauna was looking so down and Daddy Lim related the Mickey Mouse balloon story. The uncle then enthusiastically pulled out the different kind of balloons that he has and they ended up buying a huge foil balloon, which cost Daddy Lim $25!
Instead of a latex balloon for $6, Daddy Lim ended up spending 4x more. Lol. The only comfort? Lil Shauna was very cooperative on the way back home with her big balloon. Daddy Lim mentioned that she didn’t fuss at all. She just sat quietly in the back passenger seat admiring her big princess balloon. Oh, such aluminum foil balloons last much longer than latex balloons too. Daddy Lim mentioned that he wanted to deflate it and inflate it again for Lil Shauna’s bday. ;p
Mummy Lim
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Cruise Holiday
Once again, we are back bcos all good things will come to an end. Boo! So did I have a break? Definitely! Did I feel recharged? You must be kidding me... It is the same "I need another holiday to recover from this one" syndrome. I am suffering from serious work blues. Nevertheless, it was a good break from work, from routine, from normal life and we definitely did enjoy ourselves.
It was a huge group this time. We brought my mum and my mil, my brother brought his pil and maid too. There were a total of 9 adults and 5 kids, 4 cabins. Nainai didn't do particularly much but I think she enjoyed herself, simply spending time with the grandkids. She and my mum were a great source of help, relieving me of most of the cleaning and feeding Lil Isaac's duties. Most importantly, they helped to chase after the little tiger too. These are the 3 of the 4 princesses.
We are no strangers to cruise, particularly Star Virgo. This is probably Lil Shauna's 4th or 5th sail and Lil Isaac's 2nd. However, as the kids grow, we get different experience each time. It was the same, "eat, walk, swim, sleep" routine for that short 3D2N, same as the previous trips. We did much more swimming though.
Jiejie is also old enough to enjoy the kids' center activities now and even went to the center to partake in activities without mummies but with the 2Fs. I also accompanied to take part in some games with some mascots in the kids' activities center.
We also caught a musical performance and magic show. Jiejie was captivated, didi too but with the help of lots of potato chips. There was plenty of space to roam for the little tiger. Most of the walkway is carpeted, which really suits the still not very stable but desire to roam freely tiger.
Lil Isaac ran so much on teh Sun Deck and then decided that he needed to lie down, right there and then.
We didnt gamble this time round but did enjoy a little drink after the kids turned in.
It all happened to quickly and we are back. I am actually feeling a little depressed to be back. I have to keep my eyes on next holiday in June to keep my sanity. And of course, It is time to start planning for the next holiday. I am just a mortal, I need a hope, something to look forward to in order to maintain sustainability. Daddy Lim, do you copy?
Mummy Lim
It was a huge group this time. We brought my mum and my mil, my brother brought his pil and maid too. There were a total of 9 adults and 5 kids, 4 cabins. Nainai didn't do particularly much but I think she enjoyed herself, simply spending time with the grandkids. She and my mum were a great source of help, relieving me of most of the cleaning and feeding Lil Isaac's duties. Most importantly, they helped to chase after the little tiger too. These are the 3 of the 4 princesses.
We are no strangers to cruise, particularly Star Virgo. This is probably Lil Shauna's 4th or 5th sail and Lil Isaac's 2nd. However, as the kids grow, we get different experience each time. It was the same, "eat, walk, swim, sleep" routine for that short 3D2N, same as the previous trips. We did much more swimming though.
Jiejie is also old enough to enjoy the kids' center activities now and even went to the center to partake in activities without mummies but with the 2Fs. I also accompanied to take part in some games with some mascots in the kids' activities center.
We also caught a musical performance and magic show. Jiejie was captivated, didi too but with the help of lots of potato chips. There was plenty of space to roam for the little tiger. Most of the walkway is carpeted, which really suits the still not very stable but desire to roam freely tiger.
It all happened to quickly and we are back. I am actually feeling a little depressed to be back. I have to keep my eyes on next holiday in June to keep my sanity. And of course, It is time to start planning for the next holiday. I am just a mortal, I need a hope, something to look forward to in order to maintain sustainability. Daddy Lim, do you copy?
Mummy Lim
Birthday Celebration 2
I went JP to collect the cakes and fetch the kids from Centris after work. The bday cakes come in the form of a small round Dora cake and 4 square Hello Kitty cakes. Lil Shauna chose the design herself.
After the cakes, we left for the Amazon, an indoor playground at the Great World City. It was very expensive but the kids had great fun. The adults (ah yee, uncle ichi, auntie LK and myself) had to take turns chasing after the kids so that we get the opportunity to rest and breathe.
Then we met up with my brö's family for a family dinner. By then, I was exhausted. The Chan Family was really nice to come down to meet us and pass us Lil Shauna's bday present. Then booboo and Lil Shauna shared a slice of chocolate. Ok, cake again. Lil Shauna is so fortunate to not have to watch out for her weight.
This is Lil Shauna making her bday wish. She wanted of course, to become a princess. So cute.
Mummy Lim
After the cakes, we left for the Amazon, an indoor playground at the Great World City. It was very expensive but the kids had great fun. The adults (ah yee, uncle ichi, auntie LK and myself) had to take turns chasing after the kids so that we get the opportunity to rest and breathe.
Then we met up with my brö's family for a family dinner. By then, I was exhausted. The Chan Family was really nice to come down to meet us and pass us Lil Shauna's bday present. Then booboo and Lil Shauna shared a slice of chocolate. Ok, cake again. Lil Shauna is so fortunate to not have to watch out for her weight.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Birthday Present
Interestingly, this is the response that I got from Daddy Lim when I wanted to buy roller blades for Lil Shauna for her 4th bday.
“Are you sure? What if she falls down and injured herself?”
And when I suggested to bring her ice skating at the new ring at JCube, Daddy Lim exclaimed,
“Don’t want lah, ice skating is very dangerous. Have you heard of the story about how the skater lost his fingers bcos he fell and another skater skated over his fingers?”
Hmmm.. I thought I am the mother and those words should come from me. Moreover, we both used to roller blade and Daddy Lim, when he was much, much younger, do stances on his roller blade. Tsk, tsk, time does horrible things. Lol.
Anyway, the rollerblade plan went ahead. Daddy Lim was agreeable on the condition that Lil Shauna dons full protective gear when she blades. Woohoo! We got Lil Shauna a pair of shiny pink blades, which she totally hearts. She had problem standing after putting on her blade to test if the size is right. Of course, we got her helmet, knee, elbow and wrist guard, as dictated by Daddy Lim.
I brought her to the void deck to test out her blades 2 Sundays ago. She learnt how to stand. A mere 20 mins trial and we were perspiring like mad. Last Sunday, we brought her roller blades to nainai’s house and she got to try them again in the evening. This time, she started moving very slowly on her own. Mad cute.
She fell a few times but she was well protected and very much enjoyed the session. She was very proud of herself and so am I. At a point while she was moving unsupported, I thought I felt my tears welling. I have never thought that I will teach my own kids to blade. That feeling was just priceless.
Mummy Lim
“Are you sure? What if she falls down and injured herself?”
And when I suggested to bring her ice skating at the new ring at JCube, Daddy Lim exclaimed,
“Don’t want lah, ice skating is very dangerous. Have you heard of the story about how the skater lost his fingers bcos he fell and another skater skated over his fingers?”
Hmmm.. I thought I am the mother and those words should come from me. Moreover, we both used to roller blade and Daddy Lim, when he was much, much younger, do stances on his roller blade. Tsk, tsk, time does horrible things. Lol.
Anyway, the rollerblade plan went ahead. Daddy Lim was agreeable on the condition that Lil Shauna dons full protective gear when she blades. Woohoo! We got Lil Shauna a pair of shiny pink blades, which she totally hearts. She had problem standing after putting on her blade to test if the size is right. Of course, we got her helmet, knee, elbow and wrist guard, as dictated by Daddy Lim.
I brought her to the void deck to test out her blades 2 Sundays ago. She learnt how to stand. A mere 20 mins trial and we were perspiring like mad. Last Sunday, we brought her roller blades to nainai’s house and she got to try them again in the evening. This time, she started moving very slowly on her own. Mad cute.
She fell a few times but she was well protected and very much enjoyed the session. She was very proud of herself and so am I. At a point while she was moving unsupported, I thought I felt my tears welling. I have never thought that I will teach my own kids to blade. That feeling was just priceless.
Mummy Lim
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Eyebrow
I have been plagued by the fact that I have little and sparse eyebrow ever since I learnt about eyebrow shaping and had started tweeting them. There isn’t much that I can do since they are so little. I have started drawing them since I was in JC and had been doing so very faithfully. Without drawing, I am almost without eyebrow and I always try not to go around scaring people with my no-eyebrow look. I believe in karma. Lol.
Eyebrow drawing can be very frustrating. It is largely dependent on how focused I am and how steady is my hand at that point of time. Sometimes, I couldn’t get it right after many attempts – the arch is not right, the eyebrows are not balanced, the tail is not sharp enough, the tone is wrong, I look funny – the list can go on. It gets even more frustrating when I am rushing for time. I am also no alien to fading eyebrow as the day proceeds or only to realize that they are not balanced when I am outside, which is very embarrassing. Yet, the latter happens all the time. I must have drawn those brows while I was sleepwalking! My only savior is when I have bangs, like now. The bangs cover my eyebrow but I still draw them. We never know when strong wind will blow, right? Just that most of the time, I don’t have to worry too much and need not spend too much time on the brows since they are not visible most of the time.
So, I was very excited when eyebrow embroidery was introduced. Nope, we are not talking about the old school eyebrow tattooing that the “trendy” aunties spot. Not those that turned green after a period of time. These are supposed to be pigmentation done on the surface of the skin and look much natural than eyebrow tattoo. Touch ups are at every 8 months to 1 year interval. I have seen people with really natural looking brows after the embroidery and couldn’t wait to get mine done. I was simply waiting for the cow to retire. I was supposed to stop bfeeding for 3 days after the embroidery and wasn’t willing to do so then. I was a noble cow.
As I was on leave to celebrate Lil Shauna’s bday in school yday, I took the opportunity to do my eyebrow… finally. I went to Allure Beauty Salon at West Mall after finding some not too bad reviews about it. I was there at 2pm and it started with the kind of procedures that I want to do. Apparently, there are many different kinds of procedure with different price tag. The most expensive comes with a 4-digits price tag. The more expensive, the more natural it will look. The sales was pushy but I had my budget to observe and settled for the creative eyebrow that cost me almost $500. This is me before we started. I had haphazardly drawn my brow for the day.
The procedure started with numbing cream. I actually looked quite silly while waiting for the cream to take effect and everybody who walks by the salon can see me. I was just glad that it was a weekday afternoon and there wasnt much crowd.
Then, the Principal Trainer (PT) started to "design" my eyebrow and drew it on me and for me to approve. It was like some sort of art class and I was the drawing block. She made adjustments bit by bit until I was satisfied and we started with the actual "tattooing". So, was it painful? Of course it is until they put more numbing lotion after the initial "cuts". Thereafter, it was a breeze.
This is my newly done brow. Yes, they are very, very dark and thick. But the colours will slowly fade and they will become thinner and look much natural after about a week. I bet it was some sort of sales gimmick but the PT and the other therapists all starting praising how well my brows were done. Some aunties were also contemplating having their brow done and I became their "sample". -.o"
I am not quite used to such thick and "short" brow. I used to draw mine long and narrow but the PT who did my brow insisted that this is the right dimension for my features. I hope she is right. Daddy Lim says that I look like La Pi Xiao Xin now. Chey! So, my bangs are currently my life saviour.
I was given some tips to take care of my brow. Firstly, this oily soothing lotion to apply on my brow for 5 to 7 times a day. The lotion is actually quite yucky and the excess drips downwards to my eyes. Then I am not supposed to wash my brows for the next 7 days! I dont know how this is possible but I am trying and I am taking extra long to wash my face and shower. I will have to go back for touchup in a month's time. I hope it wouldnt be this painful then.
I quite like my new eyebrow and I enjoyed the freedom of not having to draw my eyebrow this morning. If it is not bcos the salon is too pushy, a little too auntie-ish and a little too pricey, I would consider going back for future touch-ups. We will see how.
Mummy Lim
Eyebrow drawing can be very frustrating. It is largely dependent on how focused I am and how steady is my hand at that point of time. Sometimes, I couldn’t get it right after many attempts – the arch is not right, the eyebrows are not balanced, the tail is not sharp enough, the tone is wrong, I look funny – the list can go on. It gets even more frustrating when I am rushing for time. I am also no alien to fading eyebrow as the day proceeds or only to realize that they are not balanced when I am outside, which is very embarrassing. Yet, the latter happens all the time. I must have drawn those brows while I was sleepwalking! My only savior is when I have bangs, like now. The bangs cover my eyebrow but I still draw them. We never know when strong wind will blow, right? Just that most of the time, I don’t have to worry too much and need not spend too much time on the brows since they are not visible most of the time.
So, I was very excited when eyebrow embroidery was introduced. Nope, we are not talking about the old school eyebrow tattooing that the “trendy” aunties spot. Not those that turned green after a period of time. These are supposed to be pigmentation done on the surface of the skin and look much natural than eyebrow tattoo. Touch ups are at every 8 months to 1 year interval. I have seen people with really natural looking brows after the embroidery and couldn’t wait to get mine done. I was simply waiting for the cow to retire. I was supposed to stop bfeeding for 3 days after the embroidery and wasn’t willing to do so then. I was a noble cow.
As I was on leave to celebrate Lil Shauna’s bday in school yday, I took the opportunity to do my eyebrow… finally. I went to Allure Beauty Salon at West Mall after finding some not too bad reviews about it. I was there at 2pm and it started with the kind of procedures that I want to do. Apparently, there are many different kinds of procedure with different price tag. The most expensive comes with a 4-digits price tag. The more expensive, the more natural it will look. The sales was pushy but I had my budget to observe and settled for the creative eyebrow that cost me almost $500. This is me before we started. I had haphazardly drawn my brow for the day.
The procedure started with numbing cream. I actually looked quite silly while waiting for the cream to take effect and everybody who walks by the salon can see me. I was just glad that it was a weekday afternoon and there wasnt much crowd.
This is my newly done brow. Yes, they are very, very dark and thick. But the colours will slowly fade and they will become thinner and look much natural after about a week. I bet it was some sort of sales gimmick but the PT and the other therapists all starting praising how well my brows were done. Some aunties were also contemplating having their brow done and I became their "sample". -.o"
I quite like my new eyebrow and I enjoyed the freedom of not having to draw my eyebrow this morning. If it is not bcos the salon is too pushy, a little too auntie-ish and a little too pricey, I would consider going back for future touch-ups. We will see how.
Mummy Lim
Birthday Celebration Part 1
So, I did end up in school yday to celebrate Lil Shauna’s bday. Daddy Lim sent us there and helped us bring the goody bags to the class. Lil Shauna helped too. She is a big girl now. Daddy Lim didn’t stay for the celebration. He probably felt awkward to be surrounded by female teachers and a whole bunch of kids. I wonder what’s with the male ego. Anyway, the celebration wasn’t anything much. Her teachers and friends sang her the bday song and she blew the candle. Lots of pictures were taken and then they got ready for outdoor and I left. All were done in under 30 mins.
The cupcakes were really nice and cute. I bought them from a colleague’s wife who used to own a bakery. The original plan was no mummy, only goody bags and cupcakes, so the cupcakes were individually packed for the kids to bring home in their goody bags if they do not want or have time to consume them in school. But I think they probably ate the cupcakes during snacks time. The cupcakes were too irresistibly cute. The kids were all so excited over the goody bags and the cupcakes.
Lil Shauna has a bigger cupcake for candle blowing. A stand was provided and all the cupcakes were put together. The overall effect looks really good.
Lil Shauna is very shy. She didn’t look at all excited. She’s very different when she’s in school and at home. She didn’t maintain eye contact or talk to the teachers who wished her happy birthday along the way from the school lobby to the classroom. She didn’t seem too excited to be the center of attention too. How can this be the Lil Shauna that we see at home! I think most importantly, she did enjoy herself.
Happy bday baby.. and we have another 2 rounds (at least) of bday celebrations.
Mummy Lim
The cupcakes were really nice and cute. I bought them from a colleague’s wife who used to own a bakery. The original plan was no mummy, only goody bags and cupcakes, so the cupcakes were individually packed for the kids to bring home in their goody bags if they do not want or have time to consume them in school. But I think they probably ate the cupcakes during snacks time. The cupcakes were too irresistibly cute. The kids were all so excited over the goody bags and the cupcakes.
Lil Shauna has a bigger cupcake for candle blowing. A stand was provided and all the cupcakes were put together. The overall effect looks really good.
Lil Shauna is very shy. She didn’t look at all excited. She’s very different when she’s in school and at home. She didn’t maintain eye contact or talk to the teachers who wished her happy birthday along the way from the school lobby to the classroom. She didn’t seem too excited to be the center of attention too. How can this be the Lil Shauna that we see at home! I think most importantly, she did enjoy herself.
Happy bday baby.. and we have another 2 rounds (at least) of bday celebrations.
Mummy Lim
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Ear Piercing
Fione and Felicia had their ears pierced a while back. They had asked to do it. We checked with Lil Shauna if she wanted to have her ears pierced too but she didn't want. She was scared. Fine with me. I see no hurry. When she's old and vain enough, she will have them pierced. That was what I did. I had my ears pierced in Secondary 4.
I went to buy some simple studs today. I have been losing mine and needed replacements. Lil Shauna got very excited and exclaimed that she wanted to pierce her ears. We told her that it would be painful and she said that she is not scare. Ok lor. We don't mind her piercing her ears either.
She was very excited at the shop while waiting for the lady to prepare. However, she looked really shocked when she got the first shot. I thought she was going to cry but she didn't. She only refused to get the other ear done. I tried coaxing and it didn't work, not even when I told her that Daddy Lim will have his ear pierced too if she does her. She asked instead for Daddy Lim to take the other piercing on her behalf so that she didn't have to continue with the 2nd one.
Lil Shauna still refused to continue after tons of persuading. So we left, with only one pierced ear. Hahahaha. Well, not that I mind. She can be some fashion statement even at 4. I don't care even if she continues with one pierced ear until she's 14. It is not important. I will just try to remember to ask her if she wants to complete the process every now and then.
What I hate is how whiny she is after the piercing. She kept telling us that it is painful. Hmpf, wasn't that what I said before you got your piercing? Arrggghhhh... She refused to shower and Popo was jumping, telling me how dirty she was. Hello, one day don't shower wont die lah. She is my daughter, this is my house lah. She did shower after that but still very whiny.
Mummy Lim
I went to buy some simple studs today. I have been losing mine and needed replacements. Lil Shauna got very excited and exclaimed that she wanted to pierce her ears. We told her that it would be painful and she said that she is not scare. Ok lor. We don't mind her piercing her ears either.
She was very excited at the shop while waiting for the lady to prepare. However, she looked really shocked when she got the first shot. I thought she was going to cry but she didn't. She only refused to get the other ear done. I tried coaxing and it didn't work, not even when I told her that Daddy Lim will have his ear pierced too if she does her. She asked instead for Daddy Lim to take the other piercing on her behalf so that she didn't have to continue with the 2nd one.
Lil Shauna still refused to continue after tons of persuading. So we left, with only one pierced ear. Hahahaha. Well, not that I mind. She can be some fashion statement even at 4. I don't care even if she continues with one pierced ear until she's 14. It is not important. I will just try to remember to ask her if she wants to complete the process every now and then.
What I hate is how whiny she is after the piercing. She kept telling us that it is painful. Hmpf, wasn't that what I said before you got your piercing? Arrggghhhh... She refused to shower and Popo was jumping, telling me how dirty she was. Hello, one day don't shower wont die lah. She is my daughter, this is my house lah. She did shower after that but still very whiny.
Mummy Lim
What??!!
I was in an external meeting yday when Popo called me. I couldn't pick up her call and she left me with 4 missed calls. Her calls came fast and furious, one after another.
Thinking that it could be something important or urgent, I called back during toilet break and I had a very angry Popo yelling at me over the phone. It was something about Lil Shauna throwing a tantrum, refusing for auntie to tie her hair or help her change into her uniform. Then the refusal extended to Popo and she eventually refused to go to school totally. Popo added that if the maid does leave, i better not accuse her of driving the maid away. Right after she yelled why she wanted to say, she slammed down my phone. Win already. I was left in a semi-fazed and back to my meeting.
I wonder... Will she ever do that to my brother, calling him insistently, then yelling her complaints at him before slamming down the phone on him when he is at work. Will our life be easier if I send the maid away and the kids to the full-day childcare. Why is Lil Shauna so difficult at the 4 years old stage. I want to faint.
In the evening, things appear normal. Lil Shauna didn't go to school. She said that she was frustrated bcos both auntie and popo understand how she wanted her hair to be tied. Popo was probably angered over Lil Shauna's refusal to go to school. It basically screwed up the routine and Popo loves control and routine. I am the victim. But I have decided to play deaf and dumb. World peace.
Mummy Lim
Thinking that it could be something important or urgent, I called back during toilet break and I had a very angry Popo yelling at me over the phone. It was something about Lil Shauna throwing a tantrum, refusing for auntie to tie her hair or help her change into her uniform. Then the refusal extended to Popo and she eventually refused to go to school totally. Popo added that if the maid does leave, i better not accuse her of driving the maid away. Right after she yelled why she wanted to say, she slammed down my phone. Win already. I was left in a semi-fazed and back to my meeting.
I wonder... Will she ever do that to my brother, calling him insistently, then yelling her complaints at him before slamming down the phone on him when he is at work. Will our life be easier if I send the maid away and the kids to the full-day childcare. Why is Lil Shauna so difficult at the 4 years old stage. I want to faint.
In the evening, things appear normal. Lil Shauna didn't go to school. She said that she was frustrated bcos both auntie and popo understand how she wanted her hair to be tied. Popo was probably angered over Lil Shauna's refusal to go to school. It basically screwed up the routine and Popo loves control and routine. I am the victim. But I have decided to play deaf and dumb. World peace.
Mummy Lim
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Pre-Birthday
Lil Shauna helped to choose the goodies that go into her goodies bags. It was fun shopping for them. Last night, she helped to pack the goodies into the bags.
Just a year ago, she created more mess than help, was distracted midway and ran off before we were done packing. Last night and a year older, things were done in an orderly manner. She helped to take the empty bags out of the storeroom, put all the different goodies into the bags systematically and helped to put them back into the store room. I was very much impressed.
She singled out a bag for herself and one for her best friend, Ming Ming. FYI, MM is a boy. She specifically chose an ultra man ink stamp for him bcos he likes ultra man. I can see Daddy Lim's radar lit up. Daddy Lim says that all of Lil Shauna future boyfriends have to clear his stringent checks, lol.
Remembered that Lil Shauna didn't want mummy to celebrate her bday for her in school? Interestingly, she somehow changed her mind upon seeing the goody bags. I am now confused. How come I get the feeling that my little girl is behaving like a teenager when she's only 4?
Mummy Lim
Just a year ago, she created more mess than help, was distracted midway and ran off before we were done packing. Last night and a year older, things were done in an orderly manner. She helped to take the empty bags out of the storeroom, put all the different goodies into the bags systematically and helped to put them back into the store room. I was very much impressed.
She singled out a bag for herself and one for her best friend, Ming Ming. FYI, MM is a boy. She specifically chose an ultra man ink stamp for him bcos he likes ultra man. I can see Daddy Lim's radar lit up. Daddy Lim says that all of Lil Shauna future boyfriends have to clear his stringent checks, lol.
Remembered that Lil Shauna didn't want mummy to celebrate her bday for her in school? Interestingly, she somehow changed her mind upon seeing the goody bags. I am now confused. How come I get the feeling that my little girl is behaving like a teenager when she's only 4?
Mummy Lim
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Clubbing
The girls had been asking, tempting, cajoling, but I had to turn them away bcos I was a moo moo cow. They pounced on me the moment the cow retired and we made plans for a chill-out session. It didn’t come easy. Most of us are mummies (and wives of course) and we had to apply for “exit permit”. Thankfully, the daddies recognize the hard work and we earned the approval. The plan was even postponed once due to the many coordination difficulties. My neck grew longer and the excitement mounted. A couple of days before the night took place, I was grinning from ear to ear. The excitement was hard to contain. I was literally skipping around in the office, telling my colleagues and beaming with joy.
We planned to go to China One at Clarke Quay. After years of break, I no longer know what is good. In fact, Clarke Quay is itself a foreign land to me. Mummy L proposed the venue and we readily agreed. She is the only one that is still somehow active in the party scene now. We arranged to meet at 10pm and I thought I would be late, depending on how successful my plans were. I had negotiated With Daddy Lim to leave the house after I tucked Lil Isaac to bed and he will handle Lil Shauna. I went home to prepare after work while Daddy Lim fetched the kids from Centris. It was silly but I tucked Lil Isaac to bed in full make-up, which wasn’t elaborated since none of the kids noticed anything unusual. I was worried that Lil Isaac would decide to have his own party with me instead and was bursting with joy when he cooperated and went to lala land after his milk. With all my clothes on standby, I was out of the house in under 10 mins after Lil Isaac knocked out.
We all arrived at Clarke Quay at about 10pm. I was waiting for Mummy P at the taxi stand when I felt so inferior at the constant stream of skinny, sexily dressed and pretty meimeis that crowded Clarke Quay. Hey, where did all the fat people go to? Fat people do not partake in night life? I felt instantly auntified and was so glad when Mummy P finally joined me. Well, I am still the only fat one, but at least not the only auntie one. Lol.
The way to China One was crowded with plenty of teenagers. It reminded me of the good old days and I was surprised how young the kids look. I was even more astounded by how they dressed. There were plenty of legs and breasts to see. Digressing, I wonder how I would react if Lil Shauna dresses this way in another 14 years’ time.
We finally met up with Mummy L and her BFF and S and C and began our mission. These are the girls that I used to club with at different point of my party life. I shared plenty of wonderful memories with each of them. Oops, did I start to sound old already?
The place was pretty empty when we went in at 10.15pm and I started worrying that the crowd will only come in when it was nearing the time for me to go home. I had targeted to leave at 2am, latest by 3am so that I can still function on Saturday. The kids don’t slow down for us. The fear was unfounded bcos we had a lot of fun regardless of the environment. As an added point, China One filled up quickly.
I had to exercise self-control over the drinks, which wasn’t tough. It had been at least 4 years since I last touched alcohol. I knew I had to go slow. I knew it wouldn’t take much to make me happy. Anyway, I was there to dance and I did, 4 solid hours and I probably had about 3 glasses. I was still very sober when we left the place at 2.30am. Mummy P took some coaxing to go. It was afterall YEARS since the last time we clubbed and probably a long time before we can do it again. I was satisfied and exhausted after 4 hours of dancing. A good workout. Lol.
It was raining cats and dogs when we left the place and we found a horribly long queue at the taxi stand. Fortunately, Mummy L’s friend, who was a taxi driver was nearby. He was kind enough to drop us along the way to get a cab before sending her home. They were all heading towards the north and I had to drop before they hit the expressway. I dropped at this ulu bus stop in front of Regent Hotel, which was really a wrong choice. The place was really quiet and not many cars, let alone EMPTY cabs. The bus stop was at an awkward angle, which made it hard for taxi to spot me. Then again, not many taxis probably would want to stop for me. Imagine – a long hair lady stranded at a deserted bus stop waving for a cab at 2.45am during a thunder storm. Luckily, it is May and not July. The rain was really heavy and I was getting wet at the bus stop. I tried calling for a cab but I couldn’t even get through to the operator. I was wondering if I should make a dash to the hotel but decided against it. I wouldn’t want to be strike by lightning and I don’t think the hotel or the cab (that finally picked me up) would welcome a soaked me. So I stayed put and continue to hold on to the answering machine and was starting to worry that I will be stranded for another few hours. I even sms Daddy Lim to check if he was awake when a cab finally pulled up for me. I was so glad. The only comfort was that I was still very much sober. I think the rain would make me sober too even if I wasn’t. Lol.
I finally hit the pillow at 4am. Sleep didn’t come easy after a crazy night but when it came, it didn’t want to go. I was horrified to hear Lil Isaac fussing at 6+am. I couldn’t do much even when Popo was nagging at me. It wasnt just the lack of sleep.. the drinks, despite only 3 glasses, were creating havoc in my head. Popo was very kind and I managed to sleep in until 9am when jiejie woke me up. I managed to steal a cat nap in the afternoon too while Lil Isaac napped and jiejie entertained herself with the iPad. It wasn’t much, but good enuff to help me function for the rest of the day.
I had thought that I needed a few days to recover but I was fully operational by Sunday. More importantly, it meant that the concoction works – I just have to tuck in Lil Isaac and one of us can go on to have some nights out. I don’t think we are at the stage to both go out for a long night, but at least we can now spend some time with our friends. Anyway, I am still beaming from the night. There will be more to come, right?
Mummy Lim
We planned to go to China One at Clarke Quay. After years of break, I no longer know what is good. In fact, Clarke Quay is itself a foreign land to me. Mummy L proposed the venue and we readily agreed. She is the only one that is still somehow active in the party scene now. We arranged to meet at 10pm and I thought I would be late, depending on how successful my plans were. I had negotiated With Daddy Lim to leave the house after I tucked Lil Isaac to bed and he will handle Lil Shauna. I went home to prepare after work while Daddy Lim fetched the kids from Centris. It was silly but I tucked Lil Isaac to bed in full make-up, which wasn’t elaborated since none of the kids noticed anything unusual. I was worried that Lil Isaac would decide to have his own party with me instead and was bursting with joy when he cooperated and went to lala land after his milk. With all my clothes on standby, I was out of the house in under 10 mins after Lil Isaac knocked out.
We all arrived at Clarke Quay at about 10pm. I was waiting for Mummy P at the taxi stand when I felt so inferior at the constant stream of skinny, sexily dressed and pretty meimeis that crowded Clarke Quay. Hey, where did all the fat people go to? Fat people do not partake in night life? I felt instantly auntified and was so glad when Mummy P finally joined me. Well, I am still the only fat one, but at least not the only auntie one. Lol.
The way to China One was crowded with plenty of teenagers. It reminded me of the good old days and I was surprised how young the kids look. I was even more astounded by how they dressed. There were plenty of legs and breasts to see. Digressing, I wonder how I would react if Lil Shauna dresses this way in another 14 years’ time.
We finally met up with Mummy L and her BFF and S and C and began our mission. These are the girls that I used to club with at different point of my party life. I shared plenty of wonderful memories with each of them. Oops, did I start to sound old already?
The place was pretty empty when we went in at 10.15pm and I started worrying that the crowd will only come in when it was nearing the time for me to go home. I had targeted to leave at 2am, latest by 3am so that I can still function on Saturday. The kids don’t slow down for us. The fear was unfounded bcos we had a lot of fun regardless of the environment. As an added point, China One filled up quickly.
I had to exercise self-control over the drinks, which wasn’t tough. It had been at least 4 years since I last touched alcohol. I knew I had to go slow. I knew it wouldn’t take much to make me happy. Anyway, I was there to dance and I did, 4 solid hours and I probably had about 3 glasses. I was still very sober when we left the place at 2.30am. Mummy P took some coaxing to go. It was afterall YEARS since the last time we clubbed and probably a long time before we can do it again. I was satisfied and exhausted after 4 hours of dancing. A good workout. Lol.
It was raining cats and dogs when we left the place and we found a horribly long queue at the taxi stand. Fortunately, Mummy L’s friend, who was a taxi driver was nearby. He was kind enough to drop us along the way to get a cab before sending her home. They were all heading towards the north and I had to drop before they hit the expressway. I dropped at this ulu bus stop in front of Regent Hotel, which was really a wrong choice. The place was really quiet and not many cars, let alone EMPTY cabs. The bus stop was at an awkward angle, which made it hard for taxi to spot me. Then again, not many taxis probably would want to stop for me. Imagine – a long hair lady stranded at a deserted bus stop waving for a cab at 2.45am during a thunder storm. Luckily, it is May and not July. The rain was really heavy and I was getting wet at the bus stop. I tried calling for a cab but I couldn’t even get through to the operator. I was wondering if I should make a dash to the hotel but decided against it. I wouldn’t want to be strike by lightning and I don’t think the hotel or the cab (that finally picked me up) would welcome a soaked me. So I stayed put and continue to hold on to the answering machine and was starting to worry that I will be stranded for another few hours. I even sms Daddy Lim to check if he was awake when a cab finally pulled up for me. I was so glad. The only comfort was that I was still very much sober. I think the rain would make me sober too even if I wasn’t. Lol.
I finally hit the pillow at 4am. Sleep didn’t come easy after a crazy night but when it came, it didn’t want to go. I was horrified to hear Lil Isaac fussing at 6+am. I couldn’t do much even when Popo was nagging at me. It wasnt just the lack of sleep.. the drinks, despite only 3 glasses, were creating havoc in my head. Popo was very kind and I managed to sleep in until 9am when jiejie woke me up. I managed to steal a cat nap in the afternoon too while Lil Isaac napped and jiejie entertained herself with the iPad. It wasn’t much, but good enuff to help me function for the rest of the day.
I had thought that I needed a few days to recover but I was fully operational by Sunday. More importantly, it meant that the concoction works – I just have to tuck in Lil Isaac and one of us can go on to have some nights out. I don’t think we are at the stage to both go out for a long night, but at least we can now spend some time with our friends. Anyway, I am still beaming from the night. There will be more to come, right?
Mummy Lim
Again?
Ka-bomb! My SIL wats’app me last night that Auntie LK mentioned to their maid about wanting to go back (where?). It may be a mere complaint but she thought that I should know. My heart dropped. I was just doing cartwheels and celebrating LK’s one month stay with us. I had thought that things are starting to stabilize. I must be dreaming.
I had intended to talk to LK about it and heard my mum nagging at her at 10pm while LK was going about with the housework. I told my mum about the wats’app, intending for her to stop. Popo still cannot let go, observing her 101 rules like some sacred rituals. Seriously, I don’t see how a little dirt can kill and why we have to wipe with dry and wet and then again dry paper just to get rid of some crumbs. This is just one of the many quirks. How not environmental friendly, which Popo of course does not care.
Of course all fingers were pointed towards how naughty the kids are, how they bullied LK and that must be why she wants to leave. She goes on to insist that it cannot be her, how she doesn’t scold LK or already cut down on the routines. I must be quite blind bcos I do not see any difference. She even went to the extent of relating to me how Lil Shauna yelled at Auntie this morning bcos Auntie didn’t tie her hair the way she wanted and asking Lil Shauna to acknowledge that such an incident took place. She went on to call my SIL to confront and the usual – try to sell her side of the story.
Well, we all know that there is more to it. It can’t be an one-off incident. I asked my SIL if she knows the reason and apparently, the complaint usually comes after Popo’s incessant nagging/ scolding. Bingo! Do I get a prize for guessing correctly? Blehhhhh….
Popo still doesn’t get it. She insists that she didn’t scold LK but many times, the way she speaks to LK is as good as scolding. And her body language! The black face. I think that is more potent than the actual scolding. Then, we have to add on the nagging! I cannot comprehend why she has to say the same thing 3 times or more. Imagine that with a “not scolding but equally harsh” tone. I know too that the maid gets blame for things that are not within her control, like how very long it takes to feed Lil Shauna bcos she was trying to be a hamster and insisting to keep the food in her mouth and not swallowing.
Poor maid, poor me. I hate getting stuck in between. I hate it when she accuses me of standing on the maid’s side. I have figured that it doesn’t make sense to give conflicting instructions to the maid and learnt to let Popo handles the maid. I have learnt that there is no point hurting family ties bcos maid can change but not family. BUT.. I have made it clear that LK is the last maid for the time being. If LK quits, the 2 kids will go to full-time CC and we will get a part time helper to do major weekly cleaning. We will get a iRobot too to do daily sweeping. Popo can figure out what she wants to do during the day when the kids are in the CC.
Haiz, conflicts do not just happened with MIL. It happens so long as there is more than one lady in the house. Popo has forgotten that I am 33 years old and a mother of 2 myself. She forgot that I am the lady in the house. Luckily I do not cook and need not fight with her over the kitchen. To her, I will always be her daughter. I better start my research on the childcare.
I did speak with LK last night before she turned in. She said that everything is fine. She understands that Lil Shauna is in a tantrum constant phase. She knows that Lil Isaac will grow out of his activeness. Haiz.. my fingers and toes are crossed.
Mummy Lim
I had intended to talk to LK about it and heard my mum nagging at her at 10pm while LK was going about with the housework. I told my mum about the wats’app, intending for her to stop. Popo still cannot let go, observing her 101 rules like some sacred rituals. Seriously, I don’t see how a little dirt can kill and why we have to wipe with dry and wet and then again dry paper just to get rid of some crumbs. This is just one of the many quirks. How not environmental friendly, which Popo of course does not care.
Of course all fingers were pointed towards how naughty the kids are, how they bullied LK and that must be why she wants to leave. She goes on to insist that it cannot be her, how she doesn’t scold LK or already cut down on the routines. I must be quite blind bcos I do not see any difference. She even went to the extent of relating to me how Lil Shauna yelled at Auntie this morning bcos Auntie didn’t tie her hair the way she wanted and asking Lil Shauna to acknowledge that such an incident took place. She went on to call my SIL to confront and the usual – try to sell her side of the story.
Well, we all know that there is more to it. It can’t be an one-off incident. I asked my SIL if she knows the reason and apparently, the complaint usually comes after Popo’s incessant nagging/ scolding. Bingo! Do I get a prize for guessing correctly? Blehhhhh….
Popo still doesn’t get it. She insists that she didn’t scold LK but many times, the way she speaks to LK is as good as scolding. And her body language! The black face. I think that is more potent than the actual scolding. Then, we have to add on the nagging! I cannot comprehend why she has to say the same thing 3 times or more. Imagine that with a “not scolding but equally harsh” tone. I know too that the maid gets blame for things that are not within her control, like how very long it takes to feed Lil Shauna bcos she was trying to be a hamster and insisting to keep the food in her mouth and not swallowing.
Poor maid, poor me. I hate getting stuck in between. I hate it when she accuses me of standing on the maid’s side. I have figured that it doesn’t make sense to give conflicting instructions to the maid and learnt to let Popo handles the maid. I have learnt that there is no point hurting family ties bcos maid can change but not family. BUT.. I have made it clear that LK is the last maid for the time being. If LK quits, the 2 kids will go to full-time CC and we will get a part time helper to do major weekly cleaning. We will get a iRobot too to do daily sweeping. Popo can figure out what she wants to do during the day when the kids are in the CC.
Haiz, conflicts do not just happened with MIL. It happens so long as there is more than one lady in the house. Popo has forgotten that I am 33 years old and a mother of 2 myself. She forgot that I am the lady in the house. Luckily I do not cook and need not fight with her over the kitchen. To her, I will always be her daughter. I better start my research on the childcare.
I did speak with LK last night before she turned in. She said that everything is fine. She understands that Lil Shauna is in a tantrum constant phase. She knows that Lil Isaac will grow out of his activeness. Haiz.. my fingers and toes are crossed.
Mummy Lim
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Church
We finally went to church on Sunday. Yes, yes, God has mercy on me. I had been so lazy. It has been many months. We stopped when Lil Shauna started her phonics class on Sunday noon. It was too rush to go to church, then to school. We tried and I ended up running around, pushing Lil Shauna in her stroller as if I was competing in the 100m dash race. Then I had to feed her lunch before sending her to class and all the time worrying that she would be too tired to concentrate in class and waste my money. Her phonics class cost us about $50 per lesson!
I wanted to go back after she was promoted and her new class is on Sunday early afternoon but that would mean that I would be away from Lil Isaac for a long time and I was expressing then. It was too troublesome to find a place to express.
Finally, I stopped expressing and Lil Isaac is also old enough to enjoy church. So we finally made it. Lil Shauna didnt welcome the idea of going back to church. She knew that she will progress to the big girl class and she didn't want to attend the big girl class on her own. Interestingly, Popo tagged along, half worrying that I cannot handle 2 kids and also since she has no program on Sunday morning.
The church went well. I stayed with the kids in the jolly room. Lil Shauna participated actively in the worship session. The kids were separately but only by a drawn curtain that segregated the room after worship. I stayed with Lil Shauna, who was really shy. She was attentive when the auntie read them a story and enjoyed craft work. I hope she enjoyed herself enough to go back tomorrow.
Lil Isaac danced when he saw jiejie participating in the action songs but otherwise, he spent most of his time walking around the room. I had to swop with auntie at one point when he cried for mummy.
The few nights following church, Lil Shauna was full of interesting questions about God. The followings are a few of them.
1. Why did Jesus die?
2. What will happen after we die?
3. Why must we go to heaven?
4. How do we put God in our heart?
5. Why can't I see God?
It is tough trying to explain to a 4 year old. It is interesting to hear her questions now that she can reason. I hope she will continue to learn and grow in Christ.
Mummy Lim
I wanted to go back after she was promoted and her new class is on Sunday early afternoon but that would mean that I would be away from Lil Isaac for a long time and I was expressing then. It was too troublesome to find a place to express.
Finally, I stopped expressing and Lil Isaac is also old enough to enjoy church. So we finally made it. Lil Shauna didnt welcome the idea of going back to church. She knew that she will progress to the big girl class and she didn't want to attend the big girl class on her own. Interestingly, Popo tagged along, half worrying that I cannot handle 2 kids and also since she has no program on Sunday morning.
The church went well. I stayed with the kids in the jolly room. Lil Shauna participated actively in the worship session. The kids were separately but only by a drawn curtain that segregated the room after worship. I stayed with Lil Shauna, who was really shy. She was attentive when the auntie read them a story and enjoyed craft work. I hope she enjoyed herself enough to go back tomorrow.
Lil Isaac danced when he saw jiejie participating in the action songs but otherwise, he spent most of his time walking around the room. I had to swop with auntie at one point when he cried for mummy.
The few nights following church, Lil Shauna was full of interesting questions about God. The followings are a few of them.
1. Why did Jesus die?
2. What will happen after we die?
3. Why must we go to heaven?
4. How do we put God in our heart?
5. Why can't I see God?
It is tough trying to explain to a 4 year old. It is interesting to hear her questions now that she can reason. I hope she will continue to learn and grow in Christ.
Mummy Lim
Egg
I bought fishball noodles to share with the kids without consulting her Majesty. So, it is definitely my fault that fishball noodles was not what she wanted. She said that she wanted eggs to go with her noodles. Ok, so we suggested steam egg, sunny side up, scramble egg or half boiled egg. She said that she wanted egg, oval shaped egg.
We assumed she wanted hard boiled egg. So daddy lim bought her half boiled eggs but specified for them to cook it longer. Lil Shauna was very excited when the eggs came after a long wait and bcos it was very hot, I took painfully long to peel the shells. It was almost hard except for the center of the egg.
Then Lil Shauna started cutting up the egg and asked for black sauce. She looked a little puzzled why the egg was so hard. That was when I realized that there was a miscommunication - she does want half boiled egg but didn't know how to express herself. She wasnt wrong to say that she wanted oval eggs. All eggs are oval in shape before the shell is broken.
She didnt finish the egg and we proceed to Ya Kun for another round of half boiled eggs. Mummy has the honor to finish the other hard boiled egg that Lil Shauna didn't even touch.
Mummy Lim
We assumed she wanted hard boiled egg. So daddy lim bought her half boiled eggs but specified for them to cook it longer. Lil Shauna was very excited when the eggs came after a long wait and bcos it was very hot, I took painfully long to peel the shells. It was almost hard except for the center of the egg.
Then Lil Shauna started cutting up the egg and asked for black sauce. She looked a little puzzled why the egg was so hard. That was when I realized that there was a miscommunication - she does want half boiled egg but didn't know how to express herself. She wasnt wrong to say that she wanted oval eggs. All eggs are oval in shape before the shell is broken.
She didnt finish the egg and we proceed to Ya Kun for another round of half boiled eggs. Mummy has the honor to finish the other hard boiled egg that Lil Shauna didn't even touch.
Mummy Lim
Friday, May 4, 2012
Sleep!
I don’t what went wrong. Maybe we went past Lil Isaac’s bedtime? He was wide awake when I tried to tuck him to bed at 9.40pm last night. He had his milk but I saw a pair of big, bright eyes staring back at me. Hmmmm, shouldnt he be asleep? I smelled trouble.
I think he wanted to play bcos he kept fussing and kept giving me his toy dog and pointed to the spot next to him. Yes, at 10pm and in pitch darkness. He tried to communicate with me using his “ehhh.. ehhh” language and pointing here and there. Tried as I might, I couldn’t understand his instructions and didn’t play pretend the way that he wanted which led to more “ehhhhh” but accompanied with frustrations and dissatisfaction. Win already. My fault that I cannot tell what this “ehhh” means and how different it is from that “ehhh”. Hello, I didn’t attend the “ehhhh” school.
After struggling and trying to play deaf to his cries for 30 mins, he still kept trying to give me instructions in “ehhh”, giving me his toy dog and then refusing it bcos I didn’t do things the way that he wanted it. I wanted to pull hair. Then jiejie has to peer into the room at that point. Lil Isaac came alive! I struggled for a while more after jiejie left the room before giving up. Daddy Lim took over while I entertained jiejie. Amazingly, the cries outside the door died down shortly and I was thinking that Daddy Lim must have exercised his daddy power, his daddy magic. I was secretly hoping that Lil Isaac had gone to bed and was prepared to give Daddy Lim a big pat on his back. Good job!
Barely 10 mins later, the door opened and a very excited Lil Isaac ran into the room. What? He wasn’t asleep? He was very giggly, very happy and even more active! What again??!! Then I found out that Daddy Lim carried him and brought him to the kitchen. They were at the fridge. He claimed that Lil Isaac was feeling hot and so he opened the freezer door for some cold air. Then Lil Isaac saw the ice cream and asked for one. So they ended up sharing a mini ice cream. Yes, at 10.30pm with a toddler who already refused to sleep. Sugar rush! No wonder the boy was so quiet for that 10 mins and was transformed into a happy energizer bunny and was disturbing jiejie who was finally settling down to sleep.
I took over Lil Isaac again and it was more crying and struggling. I even slapped his butt. That of course didn’t bring sleep but at least I vented some of my frustrations. I ended up putting him in the sling and bringing him to the park at almost 11pm for a walk. He was very excited to leave the house and I was struggling to keep him in the sling.
He finally fell asleep after many rounds in the park. I must have looked weird to be strolling in the park with an active toddler at 11pm. At times that Lil Isaac wasn’t struggling, I was walking with my eyes shut.
It was 11.15pm when I put him down in bed. Phew, at least he was asleep and I can have my beauty sleep too. I was worried that the commotion would give him nightmares but he slept pretty well or maybe I slept too well and didn’t hear him. I had also thought that the long night would knock him out but he still found the energy to wake up at 5am for his milk. Geez, where did all those energy come from?
Mummy Lim
I think he wanted to play bcos he kept fussing and kept giving me his toy dog and pointed to the spot next to him. Yes, at 10pm and in pitch darkness. He tried to communicate with me using his “ehhh.. ehhh” language and pointing here and there. Tried as I might, I couldn’t understand his instructions and didn’t play pretend the way that he wanted which led to more “ehhhhh” but accompanied with frustrations and dissatisfaction. Win already. My fault that I cannot tell what this “ehhh” means and how different it is from that “ehhh”. Hello, I didn’t attend the “ehhhh” school.
After struggling and trying to play deaf to his cries for 30 mins, he still kept trying to give me instructions in “ehhh”, giving me his toy dog and then refusing it bcos I didn’t do things the way that he wanted it. I wanted to pull hair. Then jiejie has to peer into the room at that point. Lil Isaac came alive! I struggled for a while more after jiejie left the room before giving up. Daddy Lim took over while I entertained jiejie. Amazingly, the cries outside the door died down shortly and I was thinking that Daddy Lim must have exercised his daddy power, his daddy magic. I was secretly hoping that Lil Isaac had gone to bed and was prepared to give Daddy Lim a big pat on his back. Good job!
Barely 10 mins later, the door opened and a very excited Lil Isaac ran into the room. What? He wasn’t asleep? He was very giggly, very happy and even more active! What again??!! Then I found out that Daddy Lim carried him and brought him to the kitchen. They were at the fridge. He claimed that Lil Isaac was feeling hot and so he opened the freezer door for some cold air. Then Lil Isaac saw the ice cream and asked for one. So they ended up sharing a mini ice cream. Yes, at 10.30pm with a toddler who already refused to sleep. Sugar rush! No wonder the boy was so quiet for that 10 mins and was transformed into a happy energizer bunny and was disturbing jiejie who was finally settling down to sleep.
I took over Lil Isaac again and it was more crying and struggling. I even slapped his butt. That of course didn’t bring sleep but at least I vented some of my frustrations. I ended up putting him in the sling and bringing him to the park at almost 11pm for a walk. He was very excited to leave the house and I was struggling to keep him in the sling.
He finally fell asleep after many rounds in the park. I must have looked weird to be strolling in the park with an active toddler at 11pm. At times that Lil Isaac wasn’t struggling, I was walking with my eyes shut.
It was 11.15pm when I put him down in bed. Phew, at least he was asleep and I can have my beauty sleep too. I was worried that the commotion would give him nightmares but he slept pretty well or maybe I slept too well and didn’t hear him. I had also thought that the long night would knock him out but he still found the energy to wake up at 5am for his milk. Geez, where did all those energy come from?
Mummy Lim
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