Growing

Lil Shauna looked rounder after the school holidays.  She is definitely well fed. Other than the proper meals, she had access to endless supply of snacks by Popo. Haiz. She definitely takes after me. Her limbs are skinny but that tummy... ooooo.... what is she hiding in there? Aiya, why didn't she take over the better genes?

I was hoping that it would help now that school has started. It hasn't, not when Popo offered her 2 mini ice cream after dinner and duno what else before school. Zzzzz.

Before bed, we were trying out attire for ice skating this Saturday, something that would cover the protective gear that we are going to invest in. We tried a few pairs of leggings that she hadn't wore for some time and she complained that I was trying to suffocate her thighs. Zzzz. We tried a few dresses over a finally-comfortable legging and the dresses suddenly grew shorter but the real issue was around the waist. She seriously looked like a bah chang. There wasnt space for even an ant to crawl through. Eventually, we settled for this. She hates both the dress and legging but has no other option without looking ridiculous (like some pom pom skirt and a tight top that show off her tummy) and chubby. The dark color must have helped.

It must be time for shopping. Just 2 weeks back, I bought her 4 much bigger and looser tops to replace those tiny ones that totally show off her tummy. Looks like we need new dresses too. 衣服本来刚刚好....

She must stop those snacking.

Mummy Lim

Taekwondo

Lil Isaac attended the trial class a few weeks back. Then something-must-happened every Saturday afternoon and we only managed to bring him back for class last Saturday afternoon.

He was super excited. He had to stay at home in the morning while mummy took jiejie for ice skating. I "exchanged" Lil Shauna for the boy in the afternoon and took the MRT with him to Clementi.  There is a free shuttle bus to West Coast Plaza (WCP) but we didn't quite know where to board and ended taking public bus to WCP. It wasn't so bad.

We arrived 20 mins earlier and had a hard time trying to tell the teacher (Master) that we were there to start class. He couldn't understand English very well and the baby class was taking place with super loud music. I was super relief when he finally understood me. We paid $140 for 4 lessons a month. While I was trying to communicate with the Master, Lil Isaac was pestering me to buy him the uniform. He eventually got what he wanted and lesson started shortly.

They started with stretching.

The little boy didn't quite know what was happening at times. The Master leading the warm up was a handsome, young Korean chap. At times, he was styling his hair  and Lil Isaac followed, thinking that it was part of the routine! Too funny. They did plank somemore.

Then they had a game, running away from a big bouncing ball. They had great fun! Finally, it was real Taekwondo. Lil Isaac hasn't figured out "control". In his mind, it is still about jumping as fast and high and he looked seriously messy.

Anyway, he had fun. After class, we took the fun shuttle bus back to Clementi and then the MRT to JE to join jiejie. The journey back was a little tiring. Overall, it was great and he is looking forward to the next lesson. Yeah!

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 15

I sent her skates for sharpening on Tuesday evening. We were supposed to pick them up on Friday so that Lil Shauna could use them on Saturday. I forgot about the skates clean... By the time I remembered on Friday, it was almost 9pm. We called the mobile number that we found on the shop website but it rang out. Arrggghhh, I was so upset at my scattered brain.

On Saturday morning, we were up early but didn't manage to leave the house before Lil Isaac was up bcos Daddy Lim plugged my phone in the night before but did not turn on the switch. Popo was irritated that we took so long to get out of the house. I had to charge the phone before I could leave. Haiz.. what the....

We had bfast and went to the rink. This month, all primary school kids skate for free. The rink wasn't as crowded as when poly and ite students get to skate for free. I think it is bcos primary kids need their parents to bring them and many parents aren't aware or are just lazy. Haha. Unlike older kids who are independent and words pass around quickly too.

We still entered the rink on time and I managed to call the shop owner, Teacher Sally, who said that they would arrive at about 11am.  Lil Shauna didn't want to practice in rented skates and so we waited. We finally picked up the skates and by the time we were in the rink, we had about 45 mins left to practice before class.

It was the usual drill. Lil Shauna didn't have a lot of time to practice much. We had been working on the bunny hop and jump at home on land. It did work and Lil Shauna could bunny hop so much better and higher last Saturday.  She could surprisingly do her jump too, though she jumped barely off the ice. Lol. I had to constantly remind her to do bigger movements and she was not bad at times when she remembered. But we have a long way to go. She isn't "natural" like some of the talented young skaters are. Sigh.

Class went well. The only new thing that she learnt was to include the hands swinging to complete the jump. She seemed to have plenty of fun during class too, smiling and giggling away.

After class, Teacher Raymond asked us to bring Lil Shauna for cycling or jogging etc to strength her legs. Just as I expected, she didn't push hard enuff and as a result, didn't have the speed to do many of the moves. Teacher Raymond said that Lil Shauna learnt quite fast but the lack of speed is hindering her. I totally agreed. Lil Shauna is probably fearful of falls and therefore not pushing as hard. He suggested for protective gear. It doesn't really protect, but add as a psychological aid to overcome the fear. The gear that is wore like a shorts to protect the butt and hip coat $88! Zzzzz.

I told Lil Shauna about the conversation that I had with Teacher Raymond and asked her if she is not pushing hard enuff due to lack of strength or fear. After some thought, she said that it is fear. She seemed to accept the offer of the protective gear after some persuasion. That is also if we pair it with a nice skirt and leggings so that the gear isn't visible to the public.  She doesn't to be seen with a big bum. Haha.

That would be what we would be doing this week. I really hope that the gear would help her psychological. I will know the power of my $88 this Saturday.

Mummy Lim

Shopping Queen

In the very 1st week of primary school, after the "buddy system" had ended, Lil Shauna went without food during recess for a couple of days. Without the senior's help, she didn't dare to buy food. She said that the q was way too long and she didn't have enough time to q and eat.

To make sure that she doesn't go hungry, Popo started packing food for her. We still give her a daily allowance, just in case she needed to buy food or a drink. For months, she had been packing food to school. She did grow bolder and occasionally bought some drinks, ice cream and snacks.  But those remain occasionally.

I had been encouraging her to buy her lunch. She still prefer to keep to her safe packed lunch. So, I encouraged her to try the bookshop, thinking that if she dares to buy things from the bookshop, buying food would come naturally. Again, it took her months before I finally saw her 1st purchase, which was some cheap and lousy toy. I bet the bookshop from plenty of those. Lil Shauna said that she didn't rarely have enuff time to visit the bookshop after her lunch.

I believed her and thought that it must be miserable to have such a short recess until.... new pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, colour pencils and weird whatever started appearing very frequently. Lil Shauna seems to be having some kind of shopping spree very other day. It was so bad until I had to give her boundary - no more than 1 purchase from the bookshop a week. I mean, how many pens/ pencils/ erasers does she need? That was towards the end of the last semester.

School just reopened on Monday. Lil Shauna still packs lunch to school but is now brave enough to buy drinks and snacks on a few days out of the week. And she went back to her shopping spree, totally forgetting the boundary that I had set. On Monday, she bought a notepad. I reminded her that she had reached her quota for the week. On Tuesday, she brought home a fan and lied that it was a gift from her friend! She confessed eventually. Yday, she bought a mini pen but gave it to me and claimed that it was a gift for me. I don't know how to fault her for that.

Sigh, I shouldn't have encouraged her to head to the bookshop. Zzzzz. I also wonder how much allowance does Popo give her. Like all grandparents, she dotes on the princess and thinks that it is no big deal to do a little shopping at the bookshop. It is after all "not expensive". I hope it is a passing phase and she grows out of it. But I didn't, shopping is always good. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Last Weekend

Lil Shauna didn't have ice skating class on Saturday but we headed off for our weekly practices. XY and P were at the rink too for practice. We spent almost 2 hours practicing. Like what Teacher Raymond said, Lil Shauna could do most of the moves but just lacked that strength (therefore speed) and precision. But I think the one main improvement is that Lil Shauna is starting to internalise that too and is starting to agree (or repeat?) with me that it is not about being able to do it but do it with “big movements” as we called it. This is probably the result of all my nagging. Hahaha. And I hope it stays with her during class bcos she doesn't have mummy besides her nagging at her during class. 

The girl is a vain pot in her new pony leggings. And had a chance to take a picture with JR.

Lil Isaac delayed the start of his Taekwondo class by another week bcos he wanted to go for a wedding lunch with Daddy Lim. I bet he doesn't know what he got himself into but jumped at the chance bcos jiejie once went alone with Pappy to a wedding lunch. Lol. Unfortunately for him, none of Daddy Lim’s friends brought their kids along and he was the only kid at their table. He was well-entertained by the iPad though.

I don't know what's so tiring with wedding lunch. Oh, he was so happy that he could sit in the front passenger seat bcos jiejie did that once too. Lol.

We met up in the late afternoon, and also with the Chan family. The fathers and the kids headed for the Jurassic World after dinner while the mummies chilled over coffee. The coffee was seriously a great break from the noisy kids. 

On Sunday, we headed to church and Lil Isaac didn't cry for the 2nd consecutive week! He was clingy at the start and I thought that I would be doomed. Fortunately, he was really cooperative and agreed to join his friends for snacks and craft without much negotiation. I hope this would continue for the many more weeks to come.

Both kids were in their roller shoes yday and Lil Isaac and I went practicing after sending jiejie to her Chinese class. The boy finally understood the concept was started rolling. It is probably a little bit of an incorrect technique as well as lousy shoes and he couldn't go very far or fast. But I think it would work for now. Lil Shauna is an expert with her heelys. She could like roll forever and is starting to self-realise how to do tricks. Lil Isaac could only drool for now.

We went rollerblading in the late afternoon in WCP. It had been a long while and it took us some time to get used to be on wheels. Lil Shauna balances really well now. Lil Isaac is still falling but is improving too. We also bought durians to feast at WCP. The whole world seems to be eating durians and we were tempted too. Lil Shauna tried a tiny bit and didn't like it. She said that it tasted worse than it smelled. Haha. Lil Isaac refused to try it. I was so nice. I took pictures of the durians and sent it to ah yee in far away Paris. Hohoho. 

With that, we ended the last weekend before school starts. I hope all work well and back to routine. Oh, did I mention that Lil Shauna would be in the morning class next year? That is what is stated in the MOE’s website. Soon, we will have to start to look for an After-School care for Lil Shauna.

Mummy Lim  

Finally Promoted!

Lil Isaac is coming to the end of the 3rd term for his Launchpad, phonics class. I remembered that Lil Shauna was promoted after 2 terms and she was just finishing nursery class then. Lil Isaac is already half way through k1 and I had been wondering when will he ever be promoted. I was getting a little anxious and had been asking Teacher Lindsey, his phonics teacher, if Lil Isaac can be promoted. "Almost there", "very soon", "a little bit more", I was told. But when lah. Roar.

We had worked hard to help Lil Isaac since the beginning of this year. Especially when I discovered that he is already in k1 and didn't progressed naturally academically as I thought he would, like what happened with Lil Shauna. We started off with writing alphabets, sounding them, writing numbers and his name. Then we finally proceeded to sight words. To date, he knows about 50 sight words.

In the beginning of Launchpad, Lil Isaac learnt the middle sound, on top of the 1st and last sound that he already knew. To progress from Launchpad to Liftoff, Lil Isaac needs to know how to blend easily 3 and 4 sound words and break them. That is to say, he has to be about to read words like "d-o-g" and "c-l-a-p" and he has to be about to spell them not by memorising but listening and using phonics to decode them. On top of that, he has to recognise a list of about 30 sight words.

We had been setting aside some time every evening for homework - either that from school, church or enrichment classes. I am glad to say that Lil Isaac had made obvious progress for his phonics and I thought he fulfilled the requirements for promotion and I had been impatient when Teacher Lindsey didn't say so. Aiyah.

Finally, last Friday, Teacher Lindsey that he did awesome during class and could be promoted starting July! Hohoho. I am so happy. That also mean that we have to reshuffle the lessons and we are thinking of starting him on Maths soon, same as Lil Shauna. Luckily we were able to do so. To me, Liftoff is the most difficult level among all the phonics levels. This is the level that the kids learn to read and learn the sight words that add on as weeks progressed. This is also when spelling will start. I remembered having to practice so hard with Lil Shauna everyday then when she was at that level and it was somewhat like a nightmare. Jia you!

Mummy Lim

Staycation

Do you know the definition of a staycation? 
Basically, you don't get a stamp on your passport but spent almost the same amount of $$ as you would have if you had left Singapore. Haha. 

We had a staycation in Sentosa last Sunday and played tourists. Lucky us that Popo had a free night stay at Michael hotel, RWS. Otherwise, we would really end up spending a lot of $$. Daddy Lim didn't apply for leave and the plan was for me to stay over with the kids and make our way home the next day.

On Sunday, Popo brought Lil Isaac to RWS after church to meet up with my brother’s family while I brought Lil Shauna to Chinese class. Daddy Lim picked us after work and we arrived at the hotel at about 4.30pm. Naturally, the next thing to do is to dip in the pool and Popo disappeared into the casino almost immediately. Dinner was at one of the hotel cafes. The food wasn't too bad and was decently priced. 

The kids then each bought a lego set and we headed to the hotel room. This is Lil Isaac’s 1st mini Lego set and he had a great bonding session with Daddy Lim, fixing up his spiderman set. I am quite amazed with Lego actually. The set is meant for 5 YO and I thought that it would likely be too tough for the little boy, given the many mini pieces and instructions but he did it alright, just like what Lego said.

Meanwhile, Lil Shauna was independent and complete the 7 YO set totally on her own. 

Daddy Lim left at about 10pm. The 2 elder nieces decided to have a sleepover and the rest of the family left shortly too. Popo did appear bcos she was supposed to help with the kids. Not surprising, all she did was to instruct the girls to brush their teeth, settled in bed (to watch TV) and then she disappeared again. Zzzzzz… She didn't stay for more than 30 mins and only returned in the middle of the night. The hotel room only had a double bed. Sleeping arrangement got very creative that night. Ouch, my poor back!

We woke up bright and early the next morning despite the late night and went in search of bfast. We had donuts bcos Mac was jam pack. After bfast, I brought the kids to try the luge. I had always wanted to try the luge since like forever but never get down to doing so bcos it was too late; too hot; too little time; too expensive; too whatever.

Lil Isaac met the minimum height of 110cm but was too young (need to be 6YO) to ride the luge alone. I could easily pass him through but decided that he should pillion with me eventually, which is a great choice. I was glad that we were early bcos the q started forming after us. The luge wasn't tough to drive for an older kid or adult but would need certain strength/ body weight to easily operate it. We paid for 8 rides, inclusive of the skyrides at freaking $76! The idea was to each go for 2 rides. 

Lil Isaac and I had to be the last luge.. Felicia had some problem operating hers and soon, the other 2 girls disappeared and went out of sight. Felicia did get the hang of it after a while but didn't really enjoy the ride. I let Lil Isaac drive the luge at times but a couple of times, I thought that we would fly out of the luge. He basically went into full speed and swiveled at the turns! Not intentionally though. Imagine if he had been alone!

At the end of the ride, we took the skyride back to the top. The kids were worried at 1st but the ride proved to be great.

It was an express q for people who do repeated rounds. Then, Felicia decided that she had enough. So we the rest of us went for the 2nd round without her. Poor girl. Given that we still have 1 single ride left (Felicia’s), I paid for extra rounds. Eventually, Fione and LiL Shauna each went 4 rounds while Lil Isaac and I went 3. You can imagine the hole in my pocket. Blehhhh…

We rushed back to the hotel and couldn't be gladder for aircon. My brother offered to pick us and his girls up and sent us back home. It is pretty cool for a staycation but I would opt for a vacation if I have the choice. Sentosa is so expensive.

Mummy Lim

Lil Isaac

We always struggle with leaving Lil Isaac alone in Sunday School.  I can't remember the last time that he would allow me to leave the class in peace. There was always pleading and tears. Haiz. So after 2 weeks' break, I was dreadful to bring the boy to Sunday school.

We agreed that mummy would leave and he would be alone for only snack and craft time. That would be barely 30 mins. He was great in the beginning, sitting with the other kids and participating while I tucked myself at the back of the room. He just needed to have my presence in the room. The usual clinging and bargaining came during snacks. He did eventually let me leave the room.

I was back half an hour later and my 1st question to the Sunday School teachers was basically if the boy cried. Surprising, no tears! Even the aunties were surprised. Haha. I was so proud of the boy.

After Sunday school, I praised the little boy.

ML: Zaky, you didn't cry during Sunday class!
LS: (nods in acknowledgement)
ML: Wah, you are so brave.
LS: Ya, I am a different Isaac.

Hahaha, I almost burst out laughing.  So where is the difference?

Looks the same cheeky monkey to me. Haha. I hope it is a good start to Sunday school.

By the way, I bought him new cheapo roller shoes. Lil Shauna started with those too. These cost a fraction of Heelys, but doesn't go as fast. Lil Shauna caught the technique within a day with her cheapo roller shoes. I don't remember her falling much as they wasn't that slippery. On the other hand, Lil Isaac started falling all over the moment he wore the shoes. Zzzzz.  He still couldn't roll but insisted on doing tricks the moment he saw jiejie doing so in her Heelys. Zzzzz. Different Isaac? Same lah.

Mummy Lim

School Hoildays

This June school holiday seems to fly by. We are already in the last week of holiday.  I was surprised that school is starting. Even Popo agreed that time flies. She used to dread school holiday a lot. It is seriously no joke to have kids bouncing around the whole day but she didn't complain much this time. I don't even remember about the kids going to my brother's place much during the school holidays.

I thought about it and guessed there are a few reasons. Firstly, we were away for a whole week of holidays and basically left with 3 weeks of school holidays. 2ndly, if the kids played as well (at home) as we were in Ho Chi Minh city, they basically made great play companion. Popo said that Lil Isaac loves to play with jiejie. It is usually Lil Shauna who grew bored first and ditch the whatever game. Lastly and more importantly, Lil Shauna is beginning to value school holidays and that rubbed off didi. The theory that whatever is good and valuable always disappeared quickly always apply. Haha. I just heard her complaining that school is starting soon. Ah, school holiday.  I can't remember but I bet I used to love school holidays too.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 14

I had thought that Lil Isaac would want to take up ice skating lessons as well and had intentionally switched Lil Shauna's lesson to the afternoon yday. The plan was to skate with the boy in the morning and then switched to the girl in the afternoon. Well, the boy had decided to learn Taekwondo instead and his class would be on Saturday afternoon.

We had thought of starting Lil Isaac on his Taekwondo class yday and have even informed the center. I had totally forgotten that I had arranged Lil Shauna's class to the afternoon too. Then, Daddy Lim was on duty until 4 pm. Zzzzzz. Popo offered to send the boy to class but he insisted for mummy and was even willing to skip his Taekwondo class simply bcos mummy cannot bring him. Win already. So, we all headed to the rink instead.

The boy was really excited, so much more than jiejie. His last visit was jiejie's bday party. On the other hand, Lil Shauna really needed the practice having missed the ice last weekend. Unfortunately, she wasn't exactly on form yday. Well, she normally isn't. Zzzz.  They were so loving for the pic, which is so rare.

Our crazy pix before heading to the ice.

It was frustrating in the rink though. Lil Shauna lacks the precision that she so needed. She had learnt some new turns since a few weeks back but we still couldnt figured out which side to turn, which foot 1st, which arm up. Haiz. Then, Lil Isaac kept fighting for attention. Bcos he had little, he started doing funny things that he deemed as tricks but basically made him even more dangerous to the other skaters and himself, like a sudden 360 turn in his own way. I am just grateful that the rink was fairly empty yday. Nevertheless, I have to say that the boy is getting really good on the ice. He barely fell today and was so fast on the ice! One of the crews who was Lil Shauna's bday party host also helped to entertain him at times.

When Lil Shauna headed to class, I was busy filming her and had to fish the boy out of the rink too. But I ended up letting him skate alone bcos he insisted and even "loaned" (without permission) somebody's penguin skating aid. Again, I am grateful that the rink was not crowded. Popo was with us and she helped to eye power the boy and shout out to me if need be.

Lil Shauna's class went fine. She learnt a new and her very 1st jump yday! Teacher Raymond also combined the Mohawk and 3-turn. At the end of the class, Teacher Raymond said that she could do most (or was it all?) of the moves but her movements are all so small (lack of precision). I cannot agree more. Haiz. She needed to push with more power. Otherwise, she wouldn't have to strength for the moves.

During practice, I had to nag and nag at her to raise that hand, a little more on that leg, etc. But she would have forgotten about all those the moment she ran off to class. Zzzz. I have signed her up for class for every Saturday in July. Hopefully, the extra time with the coach will make her better. Did yiu hear my pocket scream "ouch"? Jia you!

Mummy Lim