By Thursday

By Thursday, this is what we get. Muahahaha.

Sorry buddy, you don't have a choice. 

Mummy Lim

Something Fun

Our kids are so busy… OK, I made them busy. Roooaaarrr. Their weekdays are packed with school, student care and some enrichment classes so that we can offload the weekends. During the weekends, we will be busy with ice skating and TKD. Thus, we made it a point to do something “fun” every weekend. Fortunately, the kids’ definition of “fun” is really simple, down to a playdate or simply running around at the poolside with the neighbors’ kids.

Daddy Lim had to work late on Saturday and I was with 2 kids after class at 4pm. Without a car, a lot of stuff to lug and 2 kids, we decided that the something fun would simply be the rest of the evening at the poolside. Even dinner was tabao-ed from JP and consumed at the poolside.

The kids ran, scoot, kicked ball, played basketball and badminton with the usual clique. We only went home at 8pm with much of the kids’ protest. I was so tired by then but they were still bursting with energy. School week would have been a breeze if they can just transfer some of this endless energy over.

On Sunday, we went to church with one of Lil Shauna’s Sunday school friends. I happened to catch the mummy and made arrangement bcos Faith Methodist church would be closed for renovation and the new service and Sunday school would be held at ACJC. How many years had that been? I think I have never once gone back to ACJC after I graduated though we drove by so many times.

The walk from the MRT to ACJC brought back so many memories. It is now a sheltered walkway and huge buildings took the place of what used to be dense vegetation.

It was a hot morning but the kids had so much fun with the extra companion and were immensely captivated by the nature that pathed the way. I remembered how I used to enjoy the walk to school too in the early cool mornings. It was a great way to start church. I was very grateful for the companion too, having attended church alone for the last 5 years.

After church, Lil Shauna was sent off to the rink for extra practice with Zaky in tow. We didn't skate and I was glad bcos the rink was so super crowded.  Lil Shauna headed off to the 1/3 ice and she was distracted for a while by other skaters including one of her favorites – C. However, she managed to focus for a good 45 mins and worked hard. She is almost there for her scratch spin; she has to watch out for unbalanced shoulders that affected her spin/ balance.

Bcos I was observing Lil Shauna the whole time, I felt bad neglecting the little boy and made Mindcraft babysit him. Thankfully, H dropped by and helped entertained Zaky for a while, then the other Isaac gorgor was also in the rink for the last half hour, providing Zaky with more companion.

What happened next was a mad coordination. Daddy Lim knocked off and sent Zaky to my bro’s place for a tiny bit of fun before sending him for back-to-back TKD and sparring classes. Zaky didn't mind at all; he had such huge passion for the sports. Lil Shauna and I grabbed a cab to my bro’s place after off ice. It was Lil Shauna’s turn to have fun with the girls. Meanwhile, I played dead. Lol. Daddy Lim stayed with Zaky and only came back with him at 7pm, where Zaky gobbled down dinner to have more time with the rest.

We left and rushed home at 8pm to prep for the school day.

It was a mad rush but the kids totally didn't mind bcos it was for something “fun”.

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 71

The magic is GONE!!!

I know it is my expectation or rather hope. I was hoping that being a brand new year, Lil Shauna would suddenly 长进 and worked hard like never before, be aware and correct her mistakes and then improve tremendously. In reality, that didn't happen. Zzzzz..

The rink was super crowded today, both the public skating area and the 1/3 ice. Being so ever timid, Lil Shauna spent more time avoiding people than actual skating, even on the 1/3 ice.

She didn't want me to go down to the ice. She put it so nicely that she was giving me a chance to rest but I think she just didn't want me on ice to drive her crazy. I wanted so much to not bug her but I really 看不下去, especially after the splendid performance that she showcased last Sunday. At times I found myself frustrated and speaking harshly at her. Haiz.

Her scratch spin improved and not at the same time. She couldn't straighten her spinning leg as much as last week but she body and hands are more in position. What she lacks now is definitely speed, which affects the number of revolutions she can spin... more hard work.

Teacher Raymond worked on her footwork. Then, corrected some movement for her jumps, for example, to close her hands while jumping, something that I had been nagging her about but she just doesn't remember. Arrggghhhh. Then taught her forward spin, then switching to backward spin and then to forward spin. I no eye see; she can't even handle proper 1 foot forward spin, let alone switch direction. Haiz.

I asked her how she felt after class and she said that it was bad. She said that the rink was simply too crowded. Why is it so crowded huh? Angry.

Mummy Lim

Week 2 of School

Finally, another week is coming to an end. I can see the kids jumping in joy. So far, nobody loves school or the student care. How come I am not surprised? Lol.

The kids are getting into the routine better though it gets harder and harder to wake the tiger up. This was him on Monday morning. He was still half-asleep while attempting to swallow his bfast.

It wasn't really that bad; Daddy Lim just caught him at a bad moment and angle, somemore throwing flash into his face.

He wasnt as exhausted in the evening as the 1st week, though bedtime is still slightly before 9pm.

He is a destroyer. He lost his homework file on the 1st day of school. He didnt know what I was talking about when I asked him about the missing file. *palm-face* On the 3rd day, he lost his pencil box. He did manage to find his pencil box the next day; his student care friend found it and kept it for him, together with the Stellar book that he had also forgotten. He didn't even realise that he lost his book. Zzzzz. On Monday of the 2nd week, he had a big hole in his shoes. Though they are hand me down, I still had expected it to last a little. He claimed that the hole was there since day 1. I am in disbelief.

Miraculously, the homework file that he lost appeared in his bag today. I hope it is not the case of him taking his classmate's file by mistake but a sign that things are getting better.

As for Lil Shauna, she is old bird already and took to school like a pro. Well, I never really have to worry much about her in the 1st place.

On days that they do not attend student care, I must say that I am super pleased that they do their homework during whatever free time that they have before enrichment lessons. Though it could be bcos of the threats that I put in place, reminding them of torture if homework is not done. Lol.

Sidetracking, somebody lost another front tooth today! Apparently, the tooth dropped when he was sinking his teeth into a piece of cake! This kind of cake cannot buy. Haha.

Second week almost down, ONLY 50 more weeks to go.

Mummy Lim

Spins Again and Again and Again....

It was a busy Sunday for Zaky. We went to church, he has Chinese makeup class in the pm and TKD class in the evening. Luckily Daddy Lim had an off day and could help to ferry us around. Lil Shauna only has Sunday school and I thought that we could go to the rink for some extra practices in the late afternoon since she has no lesson this week; the rink was closed for speed skating competition.

I didn't tell the girl until after church only to meet her huge protests. She said that she didn't want to go bcos mummy always pushes her so hard. Win already. Daddy Lim stepped in and asked if she is really still interested in ice skating, which comes with hard work and practices or she should just quit. She mumbled about still being interested and left it at that. After a while, she said that maybe she wanted to quit. It was my turn to go silent after reminding her of the friends that she had made, the good times that she had. My heart ached. Maybe it is really time.

Soon after, she changed her mind again and I am so glad that she is fickle-minded this time. All in the span of 10 mins, she went from not wanting to go for practice to wanting to quit and then back to wanting to go for practice. She said that she thought about her ice skating friends. Awwwww….

So we went. The rink was opened to public only at 3pm and it was freaky, crazily crowded. We lingered and did some window shopping, aiming for the 5.15pm session. Though late, it was better than a crowded rink. She went onto the ice for her warm up at about 4.45pm and I was constantly worried that some crazy fast amateur skaters in hockey boots would crash into her.

The rink was still crowded when the 5.15pm session started. I told Lil Shauna that she can practice whatever that she wanted on her own. I promised to not “push” her but she can look to me at the spectators stand to check if her positioning was correct.

I had this thing about her acting as if she is not listening and not trying hard enough. I could repeat 100 times for her to correct some actions but she will repeat the same mistake 200 times. It is equally frustrating for both of us. This time, she showed that she heard what I said during the last practice and concentrated on her one-foot spin; something that she needed to conquer before she can move on to her sit spin, even though Teacher Raymond had introduced her to that.

It was really between the spin and her. I told her that I can’t help her and she has to figure out what would help her to spin better and adapt accordingly. The 1st few spins didn't turn out well. I was prepared that she would run back soon and complained that she wanted to go home. Amazingly, that didn't happen and she kept spinning and spinning, working hard even when she didn't get success.

She did figure out that it helps if she does certain things; still things didn't go as well. I gave her some pointers from what I observed and she went back to spinning. She spun so much; I would have puked if I was her. I saw her paused many times, as if to mentally prepare herself for the next spin.

Then Jasper and Ruby came for practice and they were very aggressive, going really fast and pushing themselves very hard. Their sit spins were great! There were some other very good figure skaters on the ice. I saw Lil Shauna observing them and had a mini breakthrough. She managed to do somewhat of a scratch spin (oh, it is a scratch spin and not stretch spin). I was so 感动! Jumping up and down in joy on her behalf. She continued to drive herself hard and spent almost 2 hours practicing in the rink. I was so mega proud of her. She didn't totally get her scratch spin but made good progress and corrected an ill positioning that is equivalent to like months of work. I am only hoping that she remembered what she had done yday and the hard work she had put in.

After the practice, she even complained that she was perspiring, which is like super rare bcos she usually takes it easy. She said that her friends’ presence helped to motivate her to try harder; that she could conquer the spin like them. She also said that she prayed for courage and strength and that explained the pauses. Of course she is super proud of herself. I reminded her of the sweetness of success from her hard work and that she should have this kind of push, which will help her to improve tremendously.

I couldn't stop smiling and couldn't stop telling her how proud I am.

Mummy Lim

Bye Bye Heelys

This is the 1st pair of Heelys that we got for Lil Shauna. It was her 6th bday present  (I think). She definitely used it very nicely and it lasted her for coming to 3 years. With her heelys, we almost didn't have to buy her any other shoes. It was so extreme that we were out of shoe options for grand event like Auntie Eunice's wedding, where she was the flower girl.

They still fit, largely bcos the thick cushion has worn down. It was so durable that it is still wearable after 2 over years of constant use. There are some holes though but the girl still uses her Heelys. She has gotten so good in them and can do all kinds of tricks, from going backwards, spins to jumps, often incorporating what she learnt in ice skating. Super cool.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. We wore them to Christmas Wonderland and walked in them in the wet weather. Probably bcos they are so old, the bearing rusted and the wheels can't roll anymore. Zaky's new heelys didn't suffer the same fate.

We have decided to let her dear Heelys go. She wore her new shinny gold pair yday but complained that the new pair is so difficult and tiring to roll in bcos there is only 1 wheel. I guess it will take some time before I will see Lil Shauna fly in her Heelys again. Maybe they are just outgrowing Heelys.

Mummy Lim

1st Week of School

At the end of the school holidays, Lil Shauna said that she was slightly excited about school. She is in a new class but has some of her old classmates and also her Centris swimming class pal with her. Actually, she was simply excited about using all her new things. Lol. At the end of the 1st week, she still look good and just told me that she enjoys school. She said that her English teacher is super funny. Sounds really good.

Zaky is a totally different story. He wasn't concerned about new things. In fact, he inherited jiejie's old school bag, old textbooks and even her old school shoes. He couldn't care less. He is often a mess anyway. Lol.

School took a toll on the little boy who is not used to waking up that early. By the 2nd day, it was a chore to wake up. Bed time became earlier and earlier at his request. He was totally beat after his 1st encounter with the student care. He doesnt adore school and his reply to whatever that I asked him about school is always "I don't know". I am taking comfort that at least he doesn't hate school  and no tears are involved yet. Probably jiejie's presence helped.

Yday, Daddy Lim fetched them from the student care. He complained that he was dead beat.

When he reached home, he flopped on the floor and complained that his brain and eyes were painful. It wasn't pretense, school life must be too much for the little tiger and he was down with fever. Poor thing.

As a result, we had to postpone the Chinese enrichment class and he had a much needed rest. I was hoping so hard that it wouldn't be a viral fever.

Lil Shauna took advantage that it was Friday and only went to bed at 10pm. Zaky's fever went down after a dose of paracetamol but he was in bed soon after 8pm. Fever or not, student care is tiring.

Finally, we had conquered the 1st week of school and we have 51 weeks more. Haha. I hope it is a matter of getting used for Zaky. It was a short week and he didn't even attend Phonics and Chinese enrichment. I will pray very hard that Zaky will suddenly have a lot more energy next week. Haha.

Mummy Lim

1st Day of Student Care

Zaky went to the student care for the 1st time yday. It was a long break for Lil Shauna too bcos she asked to totally not attend student care during the holidays. Lol. The arrangement would still be 3 days a week and they would take the school bus home for classes on the other 2 days.

Zaky was anxious about student care. I was too, worrying that he would end up in the school bus instead. Popo said that she was on standby. I watsapp the student care to remind them early in the morning and again to check in the afternoon to make sure that things went fine. It did. Phew.

I had wanted to pick them earlier at 6pm but there was a traffic jam. The next pickup time is supposed to be at 6.30pm but the kids were already waiting at the gate when I arrived at 6.15pm and they were released. Daddy Lim had to work late and we took the bus home with much complaints from the kids.

Did the kids enjoy student care? Apparently not. Lol. Lil Shauna is seasoned already and though she didn't love it, she didn't complain too much about it except how Zaky drove her crazy. Zaky said that student care wasn't fun and they were made to do homework. That's the whole point little boy. 

Lil Shauna also said that there were so many P1 in the student care this year and the center was overcrowding. As a result, the P2 and P3 were housed in the classroom instead. It is fine actually except that the classrooms aren't air-conditioned and everybody loves air con. 

Zaky was exhausted. When I picked them, he said that he was so tired and asked if jiejie was tired from student care. Jiejie has always been hardier and survived way better than him. 

Dinner was waiting when we reached home. Nice. By the time we had dinner and showered, it was already 7.30pm. With homework done in the student care, it was TV and iPad time before the kids go to bed at 8.30pm. Yes, bedtime had been shifted earlier bcos Zaky had could barely last until 9pm and had trouble waking up in the morning.

Zaky didn't even lasted until 8.30pm. He asked to go to bed at 8.15pm and was soon asleep. Lil Shauna was still happily on the ipad until I rushed her to bed at 8.40pm. She too was in lala land by 9pm, leaving me just enough time to take a call at 9pm. 

The kids are heading to student care again today. I could hear Zaky moan. Lol. This morning, he was lugging his sleeping bag and slippers to the school and then student care. The P1 kids get a short nap in the pm. I hope it would help Zaky to survive the day better. At least Daddy Lim is picking up the kids today and they get to take the car home. Oh, Zaky has Chinese enrichment in the evening. I really hope he survives.

Mummy Lim

First Day of Primary One

The 2 elder Fs slept over successfully. The last day of school holiday was spent with the 3Fs, who were in Centris to attend my SIL's nephew's bday bash. There were alot of running, playing, swimming, which also meant that the kids successfully go to bed at 9pm. Woohoo!

I rechecked the kids bag. Popo prepared the lunchbox and waterbottle- set.

Popo prepared the chool uniform - set.

I happily spent the rest of the quiet night watching my kdrama before turning in at 11.30pm. Shiok ah!

The plan was for the parents to wake up at 5.30am. The kids will wake up after we have used the toilet. We will have to get out of the house at 6.10am to catch the school bus at 6.15am. This routine worked fine since we shifted to Centris in April. However, we don't know how things would work out with 2 kids.

I heard the alarm went off and smacked Daddy Lim when he didn't wake up to hit the snooze button; he is the alarm clock guardian. Turned out, it was Lil Shauna besides me. Daddy Lim must have woken her and snoozed in the kids' room while Lil Shauna crept into our bed to snooze. Lol. We are all very creative when it comes to finding ways to snooze.

The routine then kicked in. The only difference is that I was on leave and didn't need time to get myself ready for work. Popo woke up too but I asked her to not help bcos we needed to be independent. It wasn't too bad and things were right on plan.  

The all important 1st day of school picture. Both kids in the same uniform again. 

The day before, FB prompted my memory 2 years back. It was Lil Shauna's 1st day of school. Look how cute the kids were.

Now, 2 years later. I think I need a new phone with a proper camera. 

We walked the kids to the school bus and were right on time.

I had time for a much needed coffee before heading to the school for an orientation briefing at 8am. I thought I should attend it having missed the orientation day. No need to work = happy!

 

I arrived to a school of parents.

We were soon invited to the hall for an 1 hr and 15 mins briefing. The Principal and the various HODs took turn to brief the parents about the P1 curriculum. I wasn't paying attention and wasn't the only one. I saw so many others scrolling FB, playing games and texting on their phone. Lol. The Principal and HODs were dealing with a group of very disinterested "students". At the end, I barely remembered 5% of what was being briefed. During the briefing, I was busy getting my connections. I found a FB friend whose girl is also in the same school and managed to get invited to the P1 parents' chat group. I was grateful to find 2 other parents with kids in the same class as Zaky. However, the parents of the group were super enthusiastic and I had to mute the chat. It was scary. 

The briefing finally ended on time at 9.15am and we made our way to the canteen to play the "try to find your kid" game. It was a real test of one's eyesight plus who can wave better to get your kid's attention. Lucky for me, 1A was seated nearest to the parents-viewing-area.

It took me a while to locate Zaky. I was blocked by the parents who gloriously claimed the front row and they weren't going to give it up until recess was over. By the time I saw the tiger, he was happily tucking in Maggie mee and his P4 buddy was standing next to him. I was quite surprised that the canteen sold such food that is usually classified as unhealthy.

Zaky appeared to be totally enjoying his noodles. I saw that he ate all of it except for the slice of apple that came with it. Lol. He looked up a few times before finally spotting me in the sea of parents. It must be my enthusiastic wave that I had honed in that 5 mins that I was standing in the crowd. He smiled at me happily and my heart melted. So much for worrying about him crying.

His buddy took great care of him; Zaky finished his food, cleared his plate and then came back with a pack of milo with his buddy. Ha! The boy must be pleased with spending all his allowance; the new founded freedom to buy what he wanted. The bread that he brought from home and his water bottle were nowhere in sight. 

I managed to speak with him and reminded him to use the toilet. He had been scared to use the toilet on his own and I was worried that he would end up peeing in his pants. I can't believe that I am so proud of my son using the toilet at 6 YO and even snapped a picture of him exiting the toilet. Lol.

Soon, recess was over and the P1 q to get ready to go back to class. I had to play ninja now to change my location quickly, tiptoed, weaved myself into empty space to try to spot the boy again. I found him! And waved goodbye to him before he went back to class. Parents are allowed to visit their kids at recess for 2 days. Popo said that she wanted to see him today. She had been so anxious about Zaky going to P1, so totally different from 2 years back. 

I headed back to JP and had time to do my long overdue facial. I was again coaxed to sign on more facial services. Aging is such an expensive route. Wrinkles 有没有少?

My facial ended right on time to pick up the kids though Popo was already there just in case I couldn't make it. The school bus was slightly later than usual. It must be the messy 1st day syndrome. I was standing by with my phone like other proud parents.

Finally the kids appeared and I had both kids back. The kids have to split their week between student care and the school bus. I had been reminding Zaky that he was to take the school bus on his 1st day of school and worried about him ending up in the student care instead. I also told Lil Shauna to tell the school bus Aunty if Zaky didn't turn up at the right place. 

The boy was visibly upset. I found out that he was sent to the gathering area for the student care bcos his name appeared in the student care list despite already informing the student care and him telling his co-teacher that he was supposed to take the school bus home. He said that he sat crying in the waiting area. Apparently the teacher didn't believe him. Lil Shauna was also dramatically relating how she panicked when Zaky didn't turn up for the school bus and was plotting the "save my brother" mission when he finally turned up. It was quite comical. 

We had to hurry home bcos we had hungry kids and kids who needed the toilet very urgently. Zaky will probably need a lot more practice before he learns how to ask for permission for the toilet and be brave to do so alone. The way home was also accompanied by animated kids who shared their 1st day with me. 

After lunch, the kids got TV time while I tried to sort out the 200 books that they were asked to bring to school the next day. The books would then be kept in school. Looked at the mess!

I had a shock when I checked Zaky's bag. His homework file was missing, his pencils were thrown into his bag and outside of his pencil box. I found these, all . He obviously had a long way to go. When I asked him what happened in school today, he was totally clueless. Maybe he didn't attend class and was hiding somewhere else?!

The rest of the afternoon was spent doing homework, watching TV, playing ipad. The boy was obviously tired. He was so freaking whiney and sticky. Every thing was a potential tantrum spark. I was so hoping that time would pass and bedtime would come. I contemplated sending him to bed earlier but it eventually worked out fine and the kids were all knocked out at 9pm. Day 1 is a success!

This morning, the same routine started. Zaky was obviously a lot less enthusiastic. Daddy Lim had to literally pull him off the bed. Lol. There is swimming class in the afternoon and they are supposed to take the school bus. To make sure that he doesn't get passed to the student care again, I wrote a mini note and asked Zaky to show to his teacher if the teacher didn't believe him. I am quite sure bed time would be easy tonight. Haha.

Mummy Lim

The Not too Great New Year's Day

I thought NYE ended in a good way; I managed to countdown! I even made plans to meet my brother's family for Christmas Wonderland at Garden by the Bay on NY's day. One of the skaters' Dad was raving about it and sent me wonderful pictures. Lil Shauna was also bugging to go after seeing the advertisement on TV. The event ends on NY's day and it was the last chance.

We booked the only time slot available at 3.30pm on Sunday. It cost us $8 each for entry. We also prebooked the 1st ice skating slot at 4.30pm and then the snow playground at 6pm. Total damage was $108. Ouch!

NY's day started with off ice training! The other kids were having lessons and therefore Teacher Raymond planned off ice training. Lil Shauna didn't object and off we go! I dressed up in matching attire but for show only. Lol. It was hard work for her; a great way to start 2017.

Daddy Lim had to go to the yard but knocked off on time to attend Christmas Wonderland. On the way to Garden, dark clouds were looming and it started to drizzle. It didn't feel good. The drizzle got heavier when it was about time to enter the event ground. Zzzz.

The area was decent sized. Other than the activities that we had prebooked, there were many more, such as funfair, rides, photos, snacks, etc, to make people spend more $$. We must take some iconic pictures after spending so much $$ to enter the garden. See the super tree.

We had an expensive Texas Chicken snack before heading to the ice skating session. It was still drizzling but the rink was covered. Each kid only allowed 1 adult to accompany into the tentage.

It was lousy ice for sure and I heard that they don't do resurfacing. We even brought Lil Shauna's skate and she appeared to be the only one who enjoyed the ice better. Even Zaky complained about the ice and skates. He said that they were too slippery and those were hockey skates; different from what he usually used at the rink.

The ice was tiny and there were 30 seal aids to be used on a 1st come 1st serve basis. Additionally, there were others skating without aids. Basically, it was mad crowded. The kids didn't complain too much and still managed to have fun nevertheless.

After the skating session, we went out of the tentage to join the rest at the eating place. Just when we were in the open area, it started pouring and there we were, running like crazy. Luckily the shelter wasn't too far away.

We took a rest at the eating place before moving back to the same tentage for snow playground. I am quite sure it was more fun than the ice skating. Haha.

The session was only 20 mins as compared to the 45 mins ice skating. Coincidentally, ah yee texted to say happy new year and was boasting about snowing in Paris. Chey, we also have snow! Haha.

Time passed so quickly.

It was still drizzling when we were done. The lights started to come on.

It would definitely be great if it had been darker and NOT raining. Boo. We left the park after a couple more shots.

It was totally not worth the $$. I am sure there would be more walking around and looking at scenery and taking pictures if it had been dry. Sob!

We had dinner in JP and the 2 elder Fs had a sleepover at our place. I was too tired to take picture though. Lol.

The night didn't end too badly. The kids had fun with the sleepover. Lil Shauna got me this really nice bangle. She paid a small portion and Daddy Lim bore the rest. So sweet!

Mummy Lim