Not Enough

The boys had so much fun boogie boarding on the cruise. Despite the hours that they spent boogie boarding (and the poor mummies waiting in the sun), they didn't get enough. So much so that they asked to continue part 2 with the Stingray @ Kallang when we are back. 

Zaky tried the Stingray 3 times. The 1st was a lesson and the next 2 were supposedly public sessions. However, he was the only one to sign up for the public sessions both times and the staff ended up giving him some sort of one to one private lesson. 赚到.

Booking was made for y'day bcos we fast hands, fast legs. Zaky and I headed down to the Kallang Wave mall after his Maths class and he started with a session at the skatepark. 

He got bored faster than usual bcos of the lack of companion. Me? I was sitting far, far away under the shade. Hoho. Fortunately, it was soon for the Stingray session and Zaky didn't bug me too much. 

I didn't think that there would be people as crazy as us but there were and 2 adults joined the same Stingray session. The instructor/ staff went very much by the book this time, starting with an off water briefing session that took a good 15 mins. 

Finally it was time to start the action. At least we were not baking under the sun. 

Despite being experienced, Zaky was made to start with the basis with the others. This basically means the superman position. Unlike the boogie boarding, the surfing is largely controlled by the body tiling and hands, which also means that it is much more tiring. Imagine keeping to the superman position all the time and then have somebody constantly splashing water into your face. Hoho. 

It was T's 1st experience with the Stingray but he picked up very quickly. He too mentioned that it is more difficult than the boogie boarding. 

The 4 of them had to take turns. About 45 mins into the session, they each had 2 go in that superman position. There was so much waiting and the boys were glad to have companion.

Then, they were all made to re-assemble for another briefing on how to kneel on the board. Yawnz... 

There was only enough time to do the kneeling position once. 

This position is so much relaxing and easier to steer. With that, the session came to an end. 

Was it fun? The boys all like the boogie boarding better bcos this session was so structured (aka boring). They got to do a lot more "patterns" with the boogie boarding. I think it has to do with the "crowd" and instructor. Zaky enjoyed alot more the last few times when he was the only one and was taught interesting wheel barrow and even tried the standing surfing. Aiyo. 

Would we book again? I am not sure but I hope better luck next time. 

Mummy Lim

Stingray @ Kallang Wave

I think the kids' 1st taste of the flow ride was back at Sunway lagoon a long time ago. Zaky fell in love with it but there aren't many places in Singapore with the facility. After procrastinating for so long, so much so that the Flow Rider in Sentosa has closed down, I finally signed Zaky up for the lesson at Stingray @ Kallang Wave. That was in February 20, right before we went into the lock down. 

We signed Zaky up for a 2nd lesson right after and Lil Shauna was also keen to try but the lesson never take place. Every now and then, Zaky would remind me to check but the lesson never resumed. 

His interest for the Flow Rider was re-ignited during the cruise. I like it too when Zaky goes for physical activities. Hoho. I was reminded to check the Stingray classes and while the classes are still suspended, the Stingray is opened for public booking at $35 per pax per hour. Let's go! 

We booked Zaky a 6.30pm slot last Saturday. It was a single kid Saturday bcos jiejie was fully packed with her youth group activities. Zaky didn't mind all the attention that he recieved from the parents. Fortunately the afternoon thunderstorm also passed right on time and we arrived to no sights of lightning warning. Yay! 

Only 1 parent/ guardian is allowed and I had the honor to accompany the boy. Daddy Lim found himself a spot to watch Netflix while he waited. Zaky was the only 1 booked for the slot though it allowed up to 5. 

Though it was a public session, there was a dedicated lifeguard and another staff manning the station. I remembered the staff to be the same instructor who coached Zaky in his last lesson. Neither of them recognize each other. Mummy knows best. Haha.  

It started with a safety briefing by the instructor. He was calling for Zaky, who didn't hear him. Thinking that Zaky is probably some Chinese kid, he ended up calling (again) and speaking to Zaky in Chinese. What ensued was a funny conversation in Chinese until Zaky had to ask if they can converse in English instead bcos his Chinese is so poor. Lol. 

Before they start the session, I was asking if there is a difference between the Stingray and Flow Rider. There is and the instructor went on to explain a ton that went over my head. Lol. Yay, lesson start!

We didn't know what to expect. Given that it was a public session, I had thought that Zaky would be left to do whatever. To our pleasant surprise, the instructor ended up coaching him and bcos he was the only person, Zaky ended up with an hour of private lesson. Hoho.

Zaky was taught various poses and even standing up, which he said was so straining on a particular knee. He also some barrow tricks that looked like him rolling around at the edge. Lol.

All these while, yours truly was busy taking pictures, videos and playing my sudoku. The time slot was perfect with the setting sun, unlike how it was on the crusie. Hoho. I didn't expect Zaky to last the entire hour, I can imagine how tiring it can be, but he did. Of course he was exhausted after the session and was telling me how more difficult the Stingray is bcos the FR is bouncy and this is not. Huh? Never mind, exercise is good for you. Hoho.

Mummy Lim

恶补

Zaky's will be having his grading test on Sunday. If he passed that, he will be recieving his junior black belt!

To be eligible for the test, he had to take at least 20 lessons, which meant 6 months of weekly class. It will mean another 6 months' wait if he fails this one. With a few days before the grading test, we had asked Zaky if he was ready, he said that he wasnt!! What??? Much as we would want to practice with him at home, we have no idea if what he was doing was correct.

The solution? A last minute extra class.

It had been a long time since I have seen him in his TKD class as it clashes with jiejie's off ice. My job of the day was the videographer. I video what he did in class so that he could revise at home if need be. Actually, he wasnt too bad!

Mummy Lim

Also?

Lil Isaac’s gym classes are coming to an end. He has about 2 more classes to go. His gym classes are expensive and he had been at it for quite a few terms bcos he really likes them. However, in recent weeks, I saw signs of him getting bored. He would escape during the middle of the class and come tell me that he is bored. I think it is high time that we stop.

I had been asking the boy if there is something that he would like to learn. No, I don't mean to load my kids with unnecessary classes (non-academic) but if they do want to learn something, why not? Moreover, jiejie is learning ice skating now. It is a matter of time that he complains that it is not fair. I think it is super important that the kids have an interest in what we sign them up because it all voice down to commitment and hard work at the end of the day. Having interest would probably make it less painful. We have tested and proven that with Lil Shauna – the failed electone and ballet classes are classic examples. The only problem is that unless they are naturally talented (which our kids aren’t), at this young age, it is tough to figure out what their interests really are. 

Lil Isaac has been asking to go ice skating. We brought him to the rink for about 5 times so far. He is definitely falling lesser as compared to when he 1st started but still falling. He isn’t that keen on classes and claimed that he already know how to ice skate. Haha, like real. He did ask to go for classes at times, especially right after I told him that he has to go for classes if he really wanted to ice skate. Then at other times, he changes his mind and maintained that he already know how to ice skate and even knows how to do tricks on ice. Zzzzzzz. Then he would tell me that he would want to learn soccer and even beach volleyball bcos we played those on kinnect and those are super easy in his opinion. What the…

I have also been hesitant to sign him up for classes. The core classes would take place before the 1st public skating session starts at 10.30am. Then the students are given 2 hours of free skating time thereafter. This would be the same time that Lil Shauna practices before she heads for her private classes.  As Lil Isaac becomes more proficient in skating, it will definitely be possible to “look” after both kids on ice. In fact, I see plenty of small kids ice skating on their own after lessons while their parents watch from the seats. But I foresee a clingy Lil Isaac on ice thereby minimizing the time that I have to practice with Lil Shauna. Seriously, it is quite boring to just skate round the rink without companion. At times like that I wish I could clone myself. It will make little time efficient sense to sign them up for lessons at different time slots. Hmmmm.. As for Daddy Lim, he thinks that Lil Isaac is super dangerous on ice and insisted that he must put on a helmet if we really sign him up for classes. Oh, Daddy Lim also said that he doesn't want Lil Isaac to go the figure skating route but is agreeable if he opted to go for speed skating. Haha.

Last night, we were at the same topic again, asking the boy if he would like to go for rollerblading classes, tennis classes, Taekwondo classes, ice skating classes. He did mention that he would like to learn ice skating. I just checked this morning and saw that the next Core 1 public classes would start on 6 Jun. We would miss 1 lesson as we would be in Vietnam. Should we or should we not? 

Mummy Lim  

The Boy Hearts the Little Gym

There was a time where I struggled about whether I should continue Lil Isaac’s gym class. I meant, he doesn't seem to pick up an identifiable skill and the classes are freaking expensive. I am not sure if the classes are anywhere pointing near to gymnastic in the future though I really don't think so. But the little boy loves his gym class. He wanted so much to continue with them and so we did for another term. And like I mentioned in my earlier post, it is my perfect bargaining chip for not bringing him along to jiejie’s ice skating class. And each time I bring him to his gym class, I just feel that I have made the right choice. Oh, did I mention that he totally adores his teachers too. That is like another big plus.

Just like any Sundays, I would bring him to his gym class after church while Popo sends Lil Shauna to her Chinese class. And like usual, he would run to the center, takes off his shoes by himself, have his temperature checks and dashes into his class. There is no clingy boy, a totally different boy from Sunday school that took place just an hour ago. It also didn't matter whether mummy is near the class waiting for him. He would wave and give me a huge grin if he spots me by the window. If he doesn't or even if he sees me leaves the center (to walk around the mall or get a cuppa), he is totally fine. That is like so rare for me. I mean, he is fine and goes to school/ class good when mummy is not in the picture. The nonsense starts only when I am around. Yes, I am the problem. Lol.

He takes instructions well in class and totally has a blast jumping and climbing and rolling. He tumbles and falls and knocks and sometimes I choose to look away but at least it is in a safe environment.

After class, if we have time, he sits and builds structures with blocks. 

Then, we walk around while waiting for Daddy Lim to pick us. He may fuss at times but is well-behaved generally and I think it is bcos he totally enjoys the attention that I showered on him solely. We are also starting to wean him off his stroller. He is way too big for his stroller and the stroller is also starting to disintegrate from the years of wear and tear. He walks and doesn't complained. Oooo-hoo!

Ahhh, I love his gym class as much as him. 

Mummy Lim

My Little Gym

Lil Isaac really adores his gym class and he loves his teachers. When Lil Shauna was attending My Little Gym class, she didn't show as much enthusiasm as Lil Isaac. Lil Isaac's eyes shone when we talk about his classes. Like today, he was napping on the way to gym class but jumped out of the stroller and straight into his class when he saw Teacher Richie in the class. I didn't even have to cajole him like we usually need to. 

He looked like he had plenty of fun in class.

Today is the last of his class and I am wonder if I should continue. The classes are really expensive and they don't really learn a specific skills basically just coordination. I do like how Lil Isaac learns how to climb and jump safely in class and to wait for his turn. There isn't much otherwise. 

Maybe we would stop for a term. Hmmm.. let's see.

Mummy Lim

Promoted to Launchpad

Lil Isaac started his phonics class with LCentral in December 2013, when he was 3 years and 2 months old. Jiejie was also that age when she started hers. I don't remember how long she took before she was promoted to the next class – Launchpad, probably 2 terms. Yday, Lil Isaac’s teacher told us that Lil Isaac is ready to be promoted. He took about 2 terms as well.

I didn't quite know how to react when I heard the news. We have always been worried about Lil Isaac’s development especially his speech. His speech is still unclear at times and he missed pronouncing many sounds and eats his last sound frequently. I have always thought that he would progress slower than jiejie, whom I still think is pretty advance in her English language. But I could just be another one of those proud parents who think too highly of my kids. Lol. Anyway, I was prepared for Lil Isaac to take longer than the norm to progress and was somehow shock and elated to know that he is normal. Lol. For the past few lessons, Teacher Rebecca has also feedback that Lil Isaac is progressing really well. He even sits still and does his work when he has to. I observed that too when I peeked into his class on several occasions. This is so much better than the boy who cried every lesson initially and on one occasion, cried non-stop for 15 mins during class. I guessed it helps that he is a year-end baby and is exposed to structured lessons longer despite being younger.

However, on the other hand, I was worried. Foundation (which is the beginner class that Lil Isaac is attending now), is plenty of fun. Other than phonics, there are singing and games and plenty of fun. The real work comes when the kids get promoted to the Launchpad classes. I remembered that Lil Shauna was exhausted at the end of the initial Launchpad classes that she attended. She even cried and complained that she was too tired, which was eventually resolved after we shifted her to an earlier class and she also got used to the rhythm subsequently.  I hope Lil Isaac doesn't cry and hate phonics class after we move him up. I have been starting to prepare him mentally and hoping that it helps. I am also trying to put him in a class taught by a teacher that he likes, Teacher Lindsey relived the Foundation class for a period when Teacher Rebecca went on maternity leave.

We will probably move him up in another week. I needed time to prepare him. I will also move him to a weekday class so that we don't have to burn both weekends like what is happening now. Ah.. my baby boy is growing up too. Too fast, too fast!

Mummy Lim

Doing Homework

Lil Isaac was assigned his very first homework of his life from his phonics class. It was very simple. He had to do 3 pages of homework. For 2 of the pages, he was to name the pictures (total of 4 pictures in 1 page) and then colored them in. He also had to trace the dots of the last page of homework. This is just the beginning and he is building up on his vocabulary and also his penmanship.

Jiejie found it so interesting to do didi's homework and started helping Lil Isaac with the coloring. She was even telling him how to do the coloring.

When Lil Isaac got bored and ran off to something else, Lil Shauna was still patiently filling in the empty spots left out by Didi. She even helped to beautify the pictures. So funny. Haha.

How I wish she shows the same eagerness when doing her own homework or learning her spelling. 

Mummy Lim

Phonics Class for Lil Isaac

Lil Isaac started his first phonics class on Sunday. Jiejie was also about 3 years 2 months when she started phonics. 

Lil Isaac was ok to go to class. He didn't cry. Jiejie also has class at the same time, in the classroom right next to him. We made it a point to have one of the adults in the center, just in case he needed somebody. We saw him peeped at us every now and then and also heard him chatting with his new friends and teacher Rebecca.

Ah yee and I left for lunch when Popo came to take over our "shift". When I went back to the center at 2pm, I saw that Popo had taken cover in one of the empty classroom as it was too chilly in the waiting area. 

When the kids were released from class, Lil Isaac was red-eyed. He cried so pitifully when he saw me, asking to be carried. Teacher Rebecca said that Lil Isaac couldn't find us in the lobby when one of his classmates opened the door for the toilet. That was towards the end of the class and then he started crying. Haha. Otherwise, Teacher Rebecca said that Lil Isaac was great. He was participative and interacted with Teacher Rebecca and the other kids. He is so unlike Lil Shauna who took a long time to warm up when she first started her phonics class. 

We explained to Lil Isaac that we were in the center waiting for him and didn't leave him. We told him that we would do likewise next week when he goes for his class. I hope he will continue to enthusiastically go for his class. *cross fingers and toes*

By the way, we have finally introduced to him all the alphabets in upper case! We just introduced N to him this evening. He can't remember all of them now especially the ones that we just taught him, but I think he would do fine soon. Arrgghhh.. There are still the lower case!

Mummy Lim

My Little Gym

Last Sunday, Lil Isaac attended the last lesson of My Little Gym. We signed him up for 7 lessons. He started with the parent and child classes for 2 lessons before he was switched to the independent classes for the remaining 5.

He always took a long time to warm up for the independent classes. Other than 1 time that he ran into the class freely and without mummy, he was sticky for the rest and even cried when he was urged to join the rest of the class while mummy sat by the wall to watch. I could escape from the class only when he had warmed up but he would peep and make sure that I was still outside the class waiting for him. Last Sunday, it was family week, where the family was invited to watch the kids “performed”.

Lil Isaac started crying as well when he joined his class in the activity. He was the only one who cried and mummy’s heart melted when the teacher comforted him and led him away while he was still sobbing. It is interesting how he would be upset and cry yet understood his role and participated while sobbing away, just like during the school graduation concert.

Things went well when he started to warm up and he had a great time hanging and swinging on the bar, walking on the high beam, rolling and jumping. He, along with the rest of the kids, received their medal at the end of the class.

They look so cute standing n the podium and waving to the crowd.

We will be stopping his gym class bcos they are really costly, about S$50 per lesson. Secondly, Lil Isaac will be starting phonics on Sundays, right after church with jie jie. It clashes with his gym class and I couldn’t find a more suitable time for him to do his gym classes. We may start him again a few terms later, when he starts to ask for them again. Maybe then, we could find more suitable timing.

Mummy Lim

My Little Gym

Daddy Lim always says that Lil Isaac got it worse in terms of enrichment classes. I felt bad and had been wanting to bring him back to the gym classes. After like forever, I finally signed him up for My Little Gym class.

He wasn't as excited as I thought he would be before the class. However, when he entered the class, he went "wow" when he saw the colourful obstacles and started running around and challenged the various obstacles. Amazingly, he was also good in observing instructions when the class starts.

He was really brave and attempted all the difficult stuff like walking independently on the high beam. He looked like he had a blast. 

He was so relunctant to leave at the end of his class. Naturally, we signed him up for a term. That means $415 poorer. I almost signed up without a thought and I wonder why I thought so long and hard when I had to buy a LV wallet for myself that isn't much more expensive. Lol.

This is the start. Soon, we will have to start him on phonics classes. Phew, not easy on the pockets to have kids.

Mummy Lim

My Little Gym

I can't really remember but I think Lil Shauna had her first playgym trial when she was about 6 months old. With the lack of time and that I have already tried many different classes with jiejie, I am a little laid back for Lil Isaac. I have to intention to sign him up for classes until he is much older.

Jiejie was a member with My Little Gym and this entitles Lil Isaac to 4 free trial before her membership expires. We rode on that and brought Lil Isaac to 2 free trials. We didn't have time to fully utilize the trials and jiejie's membership expired.

Again, I can't remember Lil Shauna's reaction at their initial gym classes but Lil Isaac loves them. He enjoyed to be swing and carried during the first trial. Daddy Lim couldn't make it and I was dead tired by the end of it.

Daddy Lim joined in the 2nd trial and Lil Isaac was just as happy. He seems to enjoy himself very much.



Unlike jiejie, he loves the parachute, no tears at all. Interestingly, jiejie wasn't afraid of the parachute bcos of Lil Isaac.



I am tempted to sign Lil Isaac for the gym classes but that would mean that I would also need to continue jiejie's term for fairness.


I see the hole in my pocket already. Then again, jiejie has to move on to the next level and I think it is without parental companion. I don't know how ready she is for that. She sometimes still cling on to me after so many classes. Well, let's see. I think I have to first focus on phonics and music for jiejie.

Mummy Lim