Koala Bear

Alicia likes to cling on to Teacher Lee. When I pick her up from school, I'll usually see this koala bear attached to the "tree". See... she even has to sit on her lap when playing with the rest of the kids! I'm glad Brandon is not like this! Else, the teachers won't be able to handle them!

Climbing into the Cot

I was shocked when I saw Caden climb up his cot. He must have learnt from gor-gor! Within seconds, he was inside the cot!

I always leave the cot open. Looks like, it has to be closed from now on.

Anyone needs a Model?

...for glasses! Pretty hor???

Praised

Brought Brandon for a haircut @ Uncle Simmon's salon yesterday. All the aunties there praised him cos he was sitting still. He was so cool!!!

Alicia? Initially, she said she wanted to have a haircut. When everyone praised her when I tied her hair, she decided to keep long hair le...

2 Visitors in a day

We had 2 group of visitors yesterday! In the morning, Auntie Diana brought Baby Ethan along. This 6-month boy is almost the same size as Caden! When he slept on Caden's rocker, Caden leaned over to sayang him but not long after, he started pulling his hair! Oops!!!

In the evening, Er-gu's friend from Germany dropped by. She gave Caden a bunny chocolate. Caden loved her so much that he sayang her and let him carry. He even waved goodbye with 2 hands and gave her a flying kiss! Food works wonders with my kids...

Scooter Skates... Off We Go!

Promised the kids we'd bring them to Bishan Park to try out their skates after their nap. They were so excited over the scooter skates that they napped less than an hour! When they woke up, Mummy was still busy assemblying them! After a short while, they said they needed a rest!

Brandon's helmet came with the knee guards while Alicia's skates came with the elbow & knee guards. But, they both refused to wear cos they found them too tight!

What did Caden do there then? He went dogs & bird-watching!!!

Nicklelodeon Sale!!!

Woo hoo!!! Mummy jus came back from a Nick sale! Uncle Koeman sneaked me in cos it was MTV Asia private sale... Guess what I bought? Dora & Diego scooter skates & helmets and lotsa Dora & Diego apparels @ $2 - $15. Spent $130 (the consolation, according to Uncle Koeman, is that the proceeds goes to charity!) and couldn't carry them home myself. Luckily, there's my hero... Daddy to the rescue! He picked me up from Plaza Singapura and had lunch with me.

Thank you, Uncle Koeman! The kids would be grateful cos they've been pestering Mummy for a scooter skate for months! Thanks, also for the Dora & Diego coin box which u bot for them.

The barang which I bought - some items are hidden!

Kids trying out the helmet -

Bite bite...

Caden has a bad habit of biting people & pulling hair. Poor 99 got so many blue-black scars...

C & C

Mummy Ching & Caden are down with flu! Dunno how this happened.. but my poor little boy is sick again. Sigh... self-medicate for now and hope he recovers quickly.

Dessert for the kids

Daddy came back early from work last evening and brought us out for dessert @ Serangoon Gardens. The kids were so happy!!! Alicia ate so much that she complained that she's too full till she burped! Too bad, Brandon was so naughty on our way back that I caned him when we reached home. Must really use the stick at times... he was such a good boy till this morning.

They loved the rocking horse.. while Caden was so afraid of the horse's hair!

Playing Peek-a-boo

Watch Caden running after me when playing "yao... da..." (the hokkien version of peek-a-boo).

Walker

Mummy kept Caden's sit-in walker and brought out a Tomy push-along walker from the store. See how engrossed he was with the new toy.  Look at the amount of saliva too! He's salivating too much! Eww!!!

My little soldier

Received this picture from Da-gu when I was with Caden at TMC. O... how I missed him then.

Caden's TMC's pix

Took some pix using my handphone when Caden was "holidaying" at TMC. Here's my poor little boy - who kept "Neh" when I wanted to take photos.

A small cut

Alicia was jumping up & down when I was combing hair for her. Accidentally hit her left eye with the comb. Alamak! Got some blood... Worried, brought her to see our family doctor on Sunday. Dr Leong said it was jus a small abrasion and no harm was done to the cornea. Prescribed her with eye drops and anti-inflammation oral medication. Hee hee... made him write a note so that I could claim insurance for the $31 spent.

She sat on the $0.20 kiddy rides while waiting... I allowed her to sit 4 times. When I was waiting for her medicine, Daddy let her sit again. 5x!!! Well, as long as she's happy.

Taking Turns

Brandon had fever on Thurs & Fri, so brought him to Dr Ong's clinic on Sat. What else... but got to neb again. Dr Ong asked, "Huh? Why you taken turns to fall sick?" He prescribed him with anti-biotics in case he caught the same virus as di-di. He's well and recovering now. Let him go to school today after skipping for few days.

The siblings playing together...

Alicia loves to draw!

Mummy went to the Popular BookFest at Expo on Sunday when the kids were having their afternoon nap. Had intended to get a few activity books for A & B. Saw a few at $3+ and started putting them into my basket. After much searching, I found $1 activity books! The KS Mummy jus grabbed and grabbed... In the end, the basket was so heavy that I had to kick it around. Bought $65 worth of activity books & Chinese story books which were mostly $1 or $0.60. Crazy?

Managed to get a few cartoon drawings book for Alicia. She was so excited to try them out. Of course, Brandon tried too. But... his results can't be shown cos he ended up tearing his paper!

Alicia was very good - look at her girrafe! Treated them to colorful tao-huay...

Alamak! Coughing again?

Brandon woke up coughing this morning. Afraid that he'll catch a virus again, Mummy let him stay at home. He's happily playing & eating bread now.

See how tickled he was when Alicia played with him...

Early Easter

It's early Easter for the Tan Family when we received a hand-delivered package from Granny Tong. She's back from visiting Mummy Tong in Sydney. Thank you!!!

Signing up for classes

Dear Aunties,

Mummy wants to sign Alicia (and maybe Brandon) up for classes. She's interested in: - Art, - Singing or Music

Mummy may want them to try: - Swimming, - Gymnastic

The CC here at Braddel Heights doesn't have proper activities for them leh... Any recommendations?

Hock

Daddy dropped Mummy off at 99's place after sending the kids to school. 99 brought Caden down to see Daddy. Caden was so happy to see him that he kept grinning. When Daddy carried him, Caden suddenly said, "Hock!" Aiyo... now can even call his name.

By the way, I forgot to mention. Caden can now call Mummy me. However, instead of Mummy, he addresses me as Mama. It all started when the nurses were putting on the drip for him at the Thomson Resort. He can understand most things that we say and more words are coming from him now - throw, take, chou-chou (smelly).

Lost weight

Brought Caden to Dr Ong for a review today. Oh my... he lost weight (as if I didn't expect it). He's only 9.8kg today, down from 10.32kg. Good thing is, he's much better now. Dr Ong said he has sensitive airways. This could be genetic, i.e. from Daddy or Mummy. But no leh... none of us had such problems... anyway, have to monitor him.

Mummy also went to visit the our family doctor in the afternoon. He prescribed me with an anti-biotic which costs $49 for 7 tablets!!! Hope they are miracle medication which will help me recover from my cough faster.

Lorry passengers

Alicia asked me to draw a car for her. Then, she erased it and asked for a lorry - with dotted lines so that she can trace the drawing. After she took over, she added on passengers on the back of the lorry. Can u guess who they are?

"Ah Nehs!" I can't help laughing... mus hv been seeing such passengers on lorries too often.

The Little Things They Do

Thank God Caden is much better now. He's started drinking milk and eating porridge. He must have lost more than a kg and his tough fats have become "lem-beh". Dunno how long it'll take before he gets back in "shape".

It was so heart-wrenching to see him go thru the drips and extraction of mucus n phlegm when in hospital. However, this little boy was so brave & cute. Even with both his hands tied up, he could make use of the little fingers to wave goodbye to the nurses. He also used his little fingers to pull the tube. Aiyo, I was so afraid he'll bleed! Smart Mummy put on a sock to cover up his non-drip hand. And guess what he did - he tried to bite the drip n tube instead!

Then there's the physiotherapist. When doing physio, Caden cried and cried. The therapist will talk to him, asking him to clap hands and wave goodbye. She can't take it cos he'll follow her instructions even while crying.

When u tried to feed him porridge, he'll close his mouth and push u away. However, when u walk away, he'll open his mouth, and tempt u to feed him. Deliberate?

When I was at home these 2 days, Brandon kept touching my face saying, "I love you Mummy.. sayang u." Alicia on the other hand, kept wanting me to carry her.  Awww... I miss you too! 

The little things that my children do... I feel that I'm blessed.

5D4N 'Holiday'

Caden's back from "holidaying" at the Thomson Resort again.

Tuesday:

He slept from 11am to 3.30pm. As he felt lethargic and starting running a fever, Mummy called Dr Ong at 2pm. Only managed to speak to him at 4pm cos he was attending to a case in NICU. Rushed him down to TMC. My poor boy - he was warded at 5pm, set drip at 5.10pm and extracted phlegm at 5.20pm! When I tot all was over, the nurse came at 5.20pm to say he'll need a jab of anti-biotic. Luckily, it was jus an hour of drip instead of an injection. Surprisingly, his fever subsided since being warded. But, still refuse to eat & drink.

Wednesday:

He's set on the drip. We were restrained to the room and his cot most of the time. Still, refuse to eat & drink.

Thursday:

The swap results showed that he had been infected by an air-borne bacteria - a very strong one. Dr Ong prescribed another type of anti-biotic for him. His appetite seems better - started to drink abt 100ml of milk each time. Mummy brought his drip along each time we go "gai-gai" outside the room.

Friday:

His drip was removed. When Mummy tot he'll be so happy cos can move around better, we were told that he has to be "quarantined" to the room so as not to spread the superbug to other kids! All the nurses who came to our room put on a mask! Some even had their disposable apron on! Had to force feed milk thru the syringe today.

Saturday:

Dr Ong asked if we want to stay for another day or be discharged. He's much better. After much consideration, Mummy decided to bring him home. However, he has to be at 99's place so that he won't pass the germs to jie-jie & gor-gor.

He felt so comfortable at home. I'm so happy. Mummy settled his last neb before going home to see jie-jie & gor gor. I miss them cos haven't seen them since Tuesday morning.

The "holiday" has taken a strain on Mummy me. I've fallen sick - hopefully, it's not the germ. I'd like to thank:

99 - for helping me at the hospital, allowing me to nap for short while.

MIL & sis-in-laws - for looking after my A & B at home.

Birthday celebration in school

Alicia celebrated her birthday on Monday in school. Jus a simple cake-cutting as Mummy didn't have time to prepare goodie packs for her friends. I'm glad they all enjoyed the cake.

Special thanks to Xiao-gu who took leave to help out.

Happy 4th Birthday, Alicia!

Mummy canceled the reservation at Sol Playground Cafe on Sunday cos Caden was sick. Only managed to cut cake at home - a fast one, as Caden was running a high fever jus at that moment. Sorry girl, Mummy didn't even have time to go get a nice birthday gift for you. Thanks for being understanding and saying, "I don't need any presents. I already have many toys."

Fever Mania

Since Thursday, Caden has been running a high fever. Brought him to Dr Ong on Friday morning and was told he had caught the same virus as Alicia & Brandon. And I thought I've already separated him from his siblings since Monday. Dr Ong said, "Incubation period..." Sigh...

Fever mania:

Thursday: Highest temperature = 40.2

He started with mild fever & vomitting. By nite, temperature started to shoot up.

Friday: Highest = 40.3

Mummy brought him to see Dr early in the morning. Started to cough. Refused to eat porridge & drink milk. Late afternoon, started to pass out thick eye discharge.

Saturday: Highest = 40.2

Still refused to eat porridge & drink milk.

Sunday: Highest = 39.9

Still refused to eat porridge & drink milk. Had to syringe milk into his mouth in small quantity.

Called TMC A&E at 8pm as Caden was running a high fever and feeling lethargic, to request to speak to Dr Ong. Was already preparing to go TMC Resort. Held up the suppository in case they give him a jab in the hospital. Genna scolding from Dr Ong, "What are you waiting for? Go feed him the neurofen or insert the suppository NOW! Come see me tomorrow for a blood test."

Monday: Highest = 39.9

Fever at 8am. Gave him his neurofen & paracetemol. Brought him to see Dr Ong. The clinic was so crowded!!! Nurse allowed me to skip queue and went in to see him. Did a blood test & x-ray which showed that he has virus & bronchilitis. I thought he'd be warded at the resort again. Dr Ong said unless I want to drip him, else can go home & neb. He had no fever thru-out the time in the clinic and seems alrite. The moment we went home, his fever started... Faintz...

Tuesday: So far, so good. 

Forced him to drink milk and he did - 60ml. Improvement. He's been living on plain water for the past few days. Please... get well soon.

Review at Dr Ong

Brought both kids to Dr Ong's clinic for review today. They were still running a fever yesterday, so started them on anti-biotics as prescribed earlier. Luckily the temperature is not as high today - highest @ 37.9^.

Brandon kept coughing at nite. Alicia is also very chesty. So, Brandon has to continue his neb, while Alicia starts hers. If both still haven't recover, they'll need to go back for review next Tuesday.

Damage: $231.66

While waiting at the clinic, I let them play with the aqua doodle.

What they've been up to

Brandon's cough & wheezing seems to be getting worse. Sigh... jus hope he doesn't get warded at the TMC Resort again when we go to Dr Ong for review.

Daddy said to let them eat & sleep, eat & sleep. Easier said than done. Then he said dun let them play & run about. I tried... So, what have they been up to? Reading, building blocks, puzzles, play-doh, coloring, writing, activity books & watch cartoons. But still, how can we stop them from running & screaming? I still remember - when Brandon was warded in Dec last year, even Dr Ong said, "How to... at this age, they won't understand."

Drawing

Alicia passed this drawing to me... so nice hor?

My darling, get well soon for your birthday celebration, ok? Mummy's ordered a cake for your celebration in school on Monday and made a reservation at the Sol Playground Cafe for your birthday lunch this Sunday.

She chose a Dora cake again this year. The cheeky girl initially said she wanted this "pi-gu" cake for her schoolmates!

You can't help it...

... but give in to them when they are sick!

The house is in a mess now. And boy, are they noisy too.

Not sure why, but Brandon has a habit of beating people now. Hope he gets over this stage soon, cos Jie-jie is the one suffering!

Fever - up again...

Their temperature went up again at nite. Dose of paracetemol & neurofen. Brandon was also forced to put on the cold pack. Mummy's not in the mood for photo-taking. Hope they are ok thru the nite.

Fever again

Alicia hasn't been feeling good since she came back from school on Friday. Finally, she came down with fever on Saturday, and Brandon on Sunday.

Alicia also has a chesty cough & runny nose. Brandon, as usual, is coughing & wheezing with the runny nose.  As the fever was up & down, Mummy brought them to see Dr Ong today. Must be some virus flying around.

Damage: $243.50. This is nothing, as long as you get well soon, my kids.

Caden can walk!

Since Saturday, Caden has been walking around the house on his own. Although wobbly, he can walk quite a long distance now. Great job, Caden!

Mummy has been trying to record his first steps, but he kept refusing to walk or grabbing my camera whenever I wanted to do it. Finally managed to capture a quick one.