Big Fat

I was browsing in Guardian and waiting for Daddy Lim. Then I was chased by this irritating sales auntie who started asking what product I was looking for. I wasn't looking for anything in particular and told her that I was browsing.

The auntie was very persistent and asked if I was looking for body lotion. I smiled. Then she suggested slimming products.. Tummy trimming products... Arrrggghhhh.

Yes, I know.. And Daddy Lim has to eat laksa yday. I couldn't resist drinking his gravy! Then Popo has to cook curry and asked us to go home for dinner today. Boo! Today, I am probably "big fat" in Lil Shauna's lingo.

I need to learn how to live on air and water.

Mummy Lim

The Middle Sound

I was worried for a while when Lil Shauna didn't seem to get her middle sound. I know it would be easy breezy once she gets the idea but couldnt help wondering how long this phase will drag.

We always have a difficult time when we tried to do her Phonics homework. Sometimes she get it, others not and it gets very frustrating when she doesn't. She tried guessing and we could go on and go until I gave up and tell her the answer.

Last week, we were at her homework and she seemed to suddenly recognize her middle sound. The middle sound was stuck with the last sound but it was fantastic progress. I asked her to sound words every now and then and she really did seem to get the idea and was getting better. Hehe.

Today after class, her teacher came to talk to me and asked me what have I done to Lil Shauna bcos she is getting all the middle sound and very quickly. I told her that I didn't do anything and was impressed too but I was über proud. Hehe.

She finally crossed that barrier. Now she can move on. I think it will get more and more challenging. Mummy needs to go for phonics class too.

Mummy Lim

Wonder Pets

We were watching Wonder Pets and I asked Lil Shauna what is the tortoise's name (there are 3 mains, another duck and hamster).

Lil Shauna replied, "Lim Puay Teck".
Muhahahahahahahaha.

Mummy Lim

Toys

The kids are outgrowing the toys. I have given away those meant for babies but continued to keep the others. I am hoping that the kids will one day discovered them again and find joy playing with them. That explains the amount of toys at home. We have reached the point that when I do buy a new piece, the first thing that I consider is how compact the toy is when it comes to storage.

Lil Shauna is outgrowing her toys fast. Her whole collection of Strawberry Shortcake figurines are accumulating dust along with her many other collections. We take heart that at least there are some evergreen toys like Lego, Playdo and cooking toys. Lil Isaac is also approaching the age to join in the fun.

More importantly, I also see jiejie slowing down in her requests for new toys. I am so glad that she doesn't always end up in tantrum when we refused to oblige to her request or she actually relents when we tell her that the particular toy that she has chosen is too expensive. My jiejie is growing up!

There seems to be lesser suitable toys as one grows. It is so difficult to find a suitable toy for Lil Shauna now and we are switching to art and craft. Fortunately, there are many if such craft works in the market. We now have so many homemade bracelets and necklaces at home, homemade caps, drawings, etc. Well, at least those are good for improving her fine motor skills.

I am actually thrilled at the thought of cleaning the toys out of the house. They take up so much space. Then again.. how to entertain the kids then?

Mummy Lim

Future Gamer

Lil Isaac was eyeing the keyboard and wanted to sit on the chair. Daddy Lim obliged. He started banging on the keyboard and playing with the mouse and Daddy Lim ran excitedly to grab his iPhone. He exclaimed, "the future gamer"! and snapped a few shots.

Then Daddy Lim decided that gamer make no good $$ and proceeded to ask his son to learn how to make computer games instead. Battlefield 7 ok? To which, Lil Isaac obdeiently nodded his head. Boys' talk.

Mummy Lim

Blog Layout

I have finally changed the blog layout. That is bcos Daddy Lim has fallen asleep and I have the computer all to myself. I have been blogging so much from my iPhone recently bcos it is so convenient, just that I can't do anything to the blog's layout.

I have changed the background. Yes, one of the standard templates but at least I bother to change. Give me some credits lah. See, it is so refreshing now. Lalalalala... I have updated Lil Shauna's Lilypie. I have removed the chatbox that had been plagued by duno-what-silly virus. No friends chat with me but some silly msgs kept popping up. Enuff! My precious friends can wats'app me instead. Hehe. I have also removed the other blog addresses, most of them are outdated. Tadah! I am so proud of myself.

Mummy Lim

Exercise

I went for an hour of netball practice on Friday. Yday, I brought the kids for half an hour of swimming. This morning, I went to the stadium to jog for 2km. I feel so healthy.

Digressing, JW is such a healthy estate. There were so many people jogging when I was there. There was also a big group doing aerobics and also big group practicing yoga. When I left the stadium, I saw another group doing qigong outside of the stadium.

I hope I will continue with my exercise regime, but I doubt so. I hate jogging. And somehow, I feel so much hungrier and ate so much more. Boo.

Mummy Lim

My Faithful Casio

I have a Casio watch. I think it is at least 10 years old. I remembered that I was in NUS when I bought it then and it was probably about $30+. It went into cold storage for a few years when I was crazy over big, funky, chunky watches. I think motherhood has made me practical. This watch returned as one of my favorites bcos it is so simple, no frills, easy and comfortable to wear.

Sadly, it's buckle has came loose and it is always dropping off. It has reached a point that it irks me so much and I decided that it has reaches it maximum capacity.

I was about to throw it away when I stopped and took a pix of it. Then, I realized that it has too much sentimental value to go into the bin. So, it has now retired to my cupboard.

I was thinking of replacing it with another good ole Casino to last me another 10 years. Inflation is definitely on the rise bcos I see a similar one at almost $50. Save $$, save $$. I have many other watches around.

Rest well, old pal.

Mummy Lim

A Brown Bear, a Moon and a Caterpillar

I brought Lil Shauna for her 2nd play, “A Brown Bear, a Moon and a Caterpillar” on Saturday. It was screened at Genexis at One North and we caught it together with Mummy SY, Booboo and their friends. I had high expectations for the play as we really enjoyed the “Three Little Pigs”, the first play that we caught which was very lively and energetic. It makes one really happy with all the singing and music. Sadly, this one is a little slow and a tad too arty farty.

There were 3 short stories, the first was about a hungry caterpillar that eventually transformed into a butterfly after chomping non-stop, a second about the things that the Brown Bear saw. The last was about a little girl who wanted the moon. The play was staged in total darkness and the equipments were illuminated under the UV lights. The visual impact was great but the storyline a little too boring.

I think I even dozed a little during the 2nd and 3rd story, waking up every now and then at Lil Shauna’s comment. I felt bad for actually dozing off. Then I realized that I wasn’t the only one doing so. Lol. It only goes to show how boring the play was. Nevertheless, Lil Shauna enjoyed the play. She loves stories and always listens attentively when someone reads to her.

She was still in a happy mood after the play and smiled and posed really nicely for photos.

After the play, the kids ran around in the opened space in One North. Somehow, I think they enjoyed the running around more than the play. Even so, we will go for more plays in the future. They are quite nice and I hope to bring Lil Isaac along soon.

Mummy Lim

All are too Tired

We had a very tiring Sunday.

It was really sunny and I decided to bring the kids swimming at the swimming complex next door. Unfortunately, the water was unexpectedly icy cold while the morning sun was scorching hot. It wasn’t a good combination. Lil Isaac didn’t last very long in the waters. He was shivering and I had to send him home while Lil Shauna stayed in the pool with auntie. I went back to take over auntie after Lil Isaac was safely in Popo’s arm. I then continue with Lil Shauna in the lazy pool. We went 5 rounds and I surrendered. Lil Shauna was still asking to go around more. Faint.

Then, I brought Lil Shauna to JP to run some errands while Lil Isaac took his nap at home. We went directly to her Phonics class from JP. By then, Lil Shauna was visibly tired and my eyes were so heavy. But she didn’t nap. I don’t know where the kids got their energy from. I was dead tired when we made our way to Nainai’s house after Lil Shauna’s phonics class and that was after I stole a power nap while waiting for Lil Shauna. I actually dozed off while trying to post a blog entry on my iphone. Lol. The kids were still bouncing at Nainai’s house.

At Nainai’s house, Lil Shauna practiced her roller blading. She wasn’t too willing but I made her do it. Lol. Then it was running around at the playground, watering of plants and the usual bathtub bathing (actually shallow pails). We tried doing her phonics homework but it led to some frustrations as she could not concentrate, probably bcos she was too tired. By 8.30pm, Lil Shauna asked to go home, something out of the unusual. She was far too tired. As expected, she knocked out soon after she stepped into the car and slept through the night.

Lil Isaac was tired too despite the 2 hours nap that he had. He didn’t roll and flip as violently as he usually would. I fell asleep soon after tucking the tiger in, I didn’t even have the energy to watch my Korea drama on the iPad.

Lil Shauna must be really tired bcos she went back to sleep after I woke her up at 6am this morning to pee. Usually, she would spend some time talking to us and may or may not go back to sleep. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Save Money

Lil Shauna hasn't been saving the coins ever since our last and first trip to the bank to deposit the coins that she had accumulated in her old piggy bank. We went on a weekday that I was on leave and was told that kids who wanted to deposit their coins should come on Sunday. The lady who served us was really nice. She ended up counting the coins bcos their coin sorting machine malfunction. I was so pai seh.

Her piggy bank then became a toy and it didn't last long. We didn't start saving since.

This morning, the kids were fighting to deposit coins over a spoilt piggy bank. That was when I decided that they should start saving.

We bought 2 really nice teddy bear coin banks and they are only $6.95 each. What's more, we can even draw on it.

This is Lil Shauna's "Love". Pretty nice an creative name if u ask me.

Mummy Lim

Money not Enough

It is interesting how lifestyle easily matches up to income. When Daddy Lim and I got hitched 6 years ago, our pay was much lower and we spent most of it. Savings only exist during bonus time. Now, 6 years later and with 2 kids in the picture, we are still at Square 1!!! Our lifestyle has somehow quietly crept alongside with the increase in pay cheque and we still end with almost nothing in our pockets at the end of each month. Hmmm… where did all the $$ go?

I do not think that we are spendthrift. Thinking back, I do not even see a significant change in lifestyle. We still visit food courts, there aren’t many branded stuff at home, we are still driving a decently humble car… Should we then be putting the blame on inflation? But I do realize that we do give lesser thoughts now when it comes to purchases, big and small alike. The kids at also at the receiving ends; we have subconsciously tried to soothe our feeling of guilt of not spending enough time with them via purchases. You will understand if you see the amount of toys at home or the amount of useless and unnecessary stuff that we buy for the kids bcos Lil Shauna says “pleasssseeeeee”. And it is not fair to didi if we only buy for jiejie.

We have some financial plan in the pipeline and have decided to tighten our belts. Unexpectedly, it is difficult. In comparison, I am the thriftier one at home and I already found the attempt tough. So it is probably worse for Daddy Lim. The urge to want to spend $$ is huge, amazingly tempting. Like yday, we were walking around JP after dinner while waiting for the kids. Daddy Lim was dying to spend $$ and I had to constantly stop him. Myself? I ended up buying a pair of shoes for my mum (hers spoilt liao), a cheap singlet for Lil Isaac, a swimming float for Lil Shauna and a swimming cap for Felicia (I promised her). I was actually glad to spend $$ even when they are necessities. Still, it doesn’t come with that instant gratification that comes with spending $$ on “wants”. I was surprised when I realized the different emotions tagged to spending $$. No wonder retail therapy works wonder.

So did I feel good after spending $$? This morning, while looking through the receipts, I was appalled at the amount that I had spent last evening over that small number of items and I am knocked back to reality. Well, that is until the next time that I am overtaken by the illogical urge to spend $$. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Stress

We attended the 2nd lessons for Yamaha Junior Class (YJC). I hope Lil Shauna enjoys the class as much as her previous Music Wonderland (MWL) bcos I find this one so much tougher and therefore, less enjoyable in my perspectives. The teacher expectations are much higher and there are more homework, practice and preparation to do. I am a typical kiasu Singaporean parent and gets stress when Lil Shauna lags behind in class or does not follow instructions. Arrghhhh, she’s only 4 and this is not even real school. Relax, breathe, enrichment class lah. I won’t die if she decides that music is not in her blood. Children who do not know how to play any music instrument still grow up anyhow. Breathe…

I am definitely enjoying less. I found myself constantly looking at the clock and willing it to move faster. There are so much homework and practice to be done after class. The homework is not tough but needs time and time is something that I do not have, at least not in excess especially when the little tiger has delayed his bedtime. This week, we are required to watch a few of the song pieces on the DVD and also learnt part of a song by heart. We tried watching the pieces in the car but Lil Isaac demanded noisily for Dora to be screened. And in order to teach Lil Shauna, who must learn too? Your truly has already mastered the required part but our princess is not even paying attention. So I kept singing the song aloud the entire evening. I sang it so many times until Daddy Lim learnt the words too. I hope Lil Shauna will learn through osmosis.

We have yet to buy the Electone and will be dragging it a little while more to make sure that Lil Shauna is really keen to continue learning. She still looks happy in class. I guessed the fact that it is a parent-child class helps and she is probably happy to get the attention, no need to fight with didi. I will press on until Lil Shauna tells me that she has enough and I hope that day doesn’t come.

Oh, we have not done her phonics homework for this coming Sunday class. -.o”

Mummy Lim

Finally! Pierced!

Lil Shauna had her ONE ear pierced some months ago. She backed out after one ear and had been smartly donning only one earring for the past months.

I have no issue with her having only one earring. However, I do look forward to buying pretty earrings for her and earrings come in pairs. So, I have been asking herself every now and then if she's ready.

Her answer has changed from "no" to "tomorrow" and "later". I supposed she is starting to slowly forget how painful it was. So, we patiently waited. Yday, after so much coaxing, she finally agreed and we wasted no time.

She finally got her other ear pierced. It was actually funny how she turned red after her ear was done and started sobbing when Daddy Lim carried her. There was no tears the 1st time lor.

So, she was all puppy eyed and clinging to Daddy Lim for the rest of the night. We probably have to tolerate her whines for another few days but yeah, we finally got the other ear pierced!

Mummy Lim

Cheeky Tiger

So cheeky!

Mummy Lim

Sick Again

Errrrr... Why are the kids falling sick again?

This flu virus strain is so persistent. It started with Daddy Lim, who passed it to Lil Shauna, who passed it to Popo and auntie and then Lil Isaac. Before Lil Isaac recovered, he passed it back to Daddy Lim again and I also got it. Just when I am recovering, Lil Isaac and Lil Shauna fell sick again with flu.

It is the usual mucus and phlegmy cough. We are relying on the leftover medicine. I hope they will recover soon.

Mummy Lim

Homework

Lil Shauna gets distracted easily and doing homework is always hard work. She ends up talking about anything and everything unrelated and wanting to do other stuff. Now that we are into middle sound and Lil Shauna hasn't master it, doing the phonics homework is a pain. It takes lots of coaxing, alternating with coercing. At the end of the session, I think I feel more tired than her.

I remembered Mummy P telling me how Jiejie C can do her phonics herself and without supervision. I listen with envy. Left alone, I think Lil Shauna will be doing everything else other than her homework.

I wonder how many white hairs I will get when she goes to school and I have to help her with her homework. I can already picture the heartache that accompanies the school examinations. Haiz.. This is part of the parenthood deal.. I can hear Daddy Lim asking me, "now, is the family complete?".

Mummy Lim

Ouch!

My company holds cross business units' sports competition every year and it is treated every seriously. There are multiple events ranging from sports like basketball and netball to cyber games and 8-ball pool. It usually ends off with some running event. There are auditions and training sessions. Very highly competitive.

I was active in these competitions many years ago. Getting pregnant 2x was my saving grace. I have successfully avoided the games for the last few years. Hehe.

This year, a colleague asked me to join the netball competition and I went for the training yday. Daddy Lim only words to me was not to fall down. -.-"

Yes, I am not young and not fit. I can't even remember when was the last time that I exercised and the training started with netball drills. Drills! I was already panting and puffing when we barely started the drills. By the time they actually started to play the games, I was half dead. My legs refused to run, my lungs was grasping for air. The coordinator had to change me out and even asked me if I was alright. I probably looked damn bad. Actually, I was feeling alright, just not too keen to run. The training finally ended with shuttle run. Boo! Shuttle run??? I am 33, not 13!

Last night, I thought that my lower half of my body felt wasted. Today, my muscles are screaming and I walked like a duck. But at least I had a good workout. I have been wanting to exercise again. I tried to go swimming last Saturday in preparation of the training but it had to pour when I was only into my 3rd lap. Boohoo.

Will I go back next week for training? I don't know. I only know that I have to recuperate for a week. Hohoho.

Mummy Lim

Yahama Junior Class

Lil Shauna has been promoted! Actually she transit naturally to Yahama Junior Class (YJC) after completing her 6 mths of Music Wonderland (MWL). We need to buy her an organ but have been putting it off for fear that she gives up shortly into the course. This second level course requires parents to practice with the kids after lessons. Plenty of hard work.

Lil Shauna seems alright for the first lesson. This time, we have a seat towards the front of the class. During MWL, we were seated at the last row and Lil Shauna was often blocked. This is an hour class, 15 mins longer than MWL and she seems to lose steam and focus towards the end.

The teacher is definitely livelier but stricter too. Or maybe bcos the expectations are different now that they are in level 2. Lil Shauna did well and it appears that MWL did help. She's familiar with most of the exercise that they did in class.

We will probably hold the purchase the of the organ for a little while more. Yeah, we are turning Lil Shauna into a musician.

Mummy Lim

Tougher

It is getting tougher and tougher to tuck the little Tiger to bed. Long gone are the days that he would fall asleep at the bottle. In fact, his bedtime has shifted backwards to 9ish and he is usually still very awake and active when I chased him off to bed. He has also reverted to the “lesser milk” phase and often decides that he has enough when he has barely taken half of his 120ml. Waste my money.

It now takes about 30 mins to tuck him to bed after his milk. That half an hour is my pain and it comprises of lots of rolling and moving around on the 2-single size mattresses. Lil Isaac no longer wants me to carry him to sleep and prefers thrashing around on the mattresses. He talks to me, talks to himself, talks to the air, pretends to feed me food and go on and on and on. How I now treasure those days that he would drift off to sleep peacefully in my arms. What happened huh? He is so different from jiejie. The only similarity that he shares with jiejie is the insistence that I cannot pat him to sleep while lying down. He will whine and grumble and yell and pull me until I surrender and sit upright. I have also given up singing to him bcos any noise that I made encourages him to carry on with his activities.

He will still be thrashing around when he finally closes his eyes. Arms and legs moving wildly in the air, random sounds, sudden sitting up and rolling around, until there is finally silence. Phew, tucking him to bed now is hard work.

Mummy Lim