Starting Playgroup

Mummy signed up Caden for Playgroup. Am hesitating now, after seeing how Domi was badly scratched by a girl in school. 99 kept re-assuring me that Caden would be the nasty one instead of being bullied.. Hopefully, but not hopefully...

He's all ready, always the 1st to run into the school whenever we send jie-jie & gor-gor for their classes. Cross my fingers that he'll not cry and would settle down well from tomorrow.

Art Exhibition

Alicia's teacher held an art exhibition yesterday at the CC. Her class was also held at the exhibition hall. Er-gu & Cousins Denise & Shermaine also tagged along to see.

Alicia kept telling Daddy that the whole family could go see the exhibition. She was very happy and proud to see one of her drawings on display.

And her theme for yesterday was Clowns. Nice?

Craft or No Craft?

We went over to 99's place on Sat again. Mummy me signed up Alicia & Brandon for the craft workshop at Tampines Mall. We went over earlier to buy school shoes. Yikes.. they'll need to put on white socks and shoes for school next year. Brandon refused to join the group in the craft workshop. He said, "Mummy, we did this before... can we go see the yo-yo demo instead?" Toys R Us was having a yo-yo demonstration and this boy was jus so excited over it.

The craft which they were supposed to do. Luckily, they allowed me to bring hom the craft to do.

However, when we went there, Mummy was disappointed. It was only a guy standing at one corner demonstrating to those interested. Pathetic... Brandon quickly made his way to the Boys section. Da-yi genna 'ge-tok' and let him choose his Xmas presents. Power Rangers!!! When Alicia saw it, she quickly said, "Mummy.... where's the Princess toys?" Haa... She also got her presents lah!

Brandon insisted Daddy let him sit this $2 helicopter simulation ride.

Jealous?

Brandon skipped school last Wed & Thur cos he was coughing. He stayed overnite at 99's place on Wed. Caden was super jealous of him during the 2 days.

When he wants to nap, he'll insist on Mummy me holding his hand and pat him. Then, he'll request that 99 hold his legs! Why??? So that no one can look after gor-gor. When Mummy or 99 called for Brandon, Caden would be the 1st to run to us instead.

See how they made 99 put on the "cap"

Mummy brought Brandon along to meet Auntie Wendy who came back for hols from Sydney. He was super shy... But when it came to play time, he was very happy. We shopped around before going back to 99's place. He got his Ben 10 and he also chose a Princess toy for jie-jie.

Sitting Comfortably

They were sitting on the sofa comfortably watching VCD...

New clothes

Alicia has started putting on her new Dora clothes... partly cos she's gonna outgrow them very soon!!! The biggest size available from the Nick sale is size 6. Hv to start letting her wear le.

Baluku

Caden's been falling and knocking his head so often nowadays. This boy is climbing up & down everywhere and it's difficult to catch hold of him. Check out his latest baluku on his left forehead. The other one on the right has jus subsided last week...

Vain soldier

Er-gu suggested going to Ikea yesterday evening cos she wanted to buy a chair for Brandon, in replacement for the one which she broke! She changed for Brandon when Mummy went to pick Alicia up from her art class. When I got home, this was what I saw. My vain Brandon chose the clothes himself - soldier, and he also insisted on putting on Daddy's watch.

No photos when at Ikea, cos the dumb camera's battery went flat again. It's about time, I guess. This is an old camera. The current one is with Xiao-gu who went on holiday. So, most likely no photos or blur photos with Mummy's handphone for this week...

Rats

Alicia wanted to go for her arts class although she was still having runny nose. So, Daddy sent her there. The theme - Rats.

Dear Doctor Ong...

The kids are sick... We brought them to visit Dr Ong on Saturday morning. Alicia & Brandon are recovering, but Caden who caught the bug from them, needs to neb. Sigh...

Daddy so vain - wanted to wear the same top as Brandon. When I took photos for them, Alicia & Caden wanted to take too.
Alicia & Brandon doing some activities while waiting. Daddy was busy entertaining Caden...

Caden, our Ambassador, was going around saying Hello to everyone in the clinic. At one point, he even said, "Hello, Mr Tan." The uncle was so amused by him. But when he went in to see Dr Ong, he started crying again. Daddy said he was trying to hide his fears when he went around talking to everybody in the clinic. Really???

My damage - $330.

Ho Ho Ho...

The kids (or Mummy?) got an early visit from Santa this year. It's Santa Koeman!!! Uncle Koeman invited Mummy to the private Nicklelodeon sale at his office on Friday! Woo hoo!!!

Mummy was very excited cos got quite a good deal last year. Although I couldn't go early in the morning to grab the limited items, Uncle Koeman grabbed them for me once he reached office. Got 2 sofa beds @ $15 each. The kids love them!!! He also bought a few items like the playdoh set, splash & ring toss set and a few haversacks.

The sofa bed which the kids have been napping on in the afternoons...

When Mummy got there, it was non-stop grabbing. Cousin Val said I'm worse than an auntie. Mummy jus grabbed whatever clothese which have the sizes I want. My hands were so full that I had to ask for a box to put those items aside. Val helped alot too. Thanks to her, else I won't be able to lug everything home. Hats - $2, Shoes - $3, Apparels (be it top or set of top & bottom) - $5. How can I miss this?



Thanks heaps to Uncle Koeman, for helping to carry the big box to the taxi stand too! We'll be back next year!!!


Daddy was abit worried when I called him. He kept asking Val for the amount that I spent. When Daddy saw the items at home, he agreed they were good bargains and I should have bought more! No worries, Daddy... I'll do so next year! : )

Last week

Mummy hvnt blogged for the past week. Been running about.

Daddy & Mummy celebrated our 7th year wedding anniversary on Tuesday. We had yummy black pepper crab at House of Seafood @ Yio Chu Kang, instead of a romatic candlelight dinner. O.. we love it so much that we'll be going back again one of these days.

Thank you Daddy for the past 7 years. It's been wonderful to be with you. And of course, thanks for the 3 wonderful children we have together.

On Wednesday, Mummy brought Caden to ICA to collect his passport. In the evening, Daddy & Mummy went to catch a show, The Informant, cos we got free tickets. Err... altho very well rated, we found that it wasn't that fantastic.

Power Rangers - Jungle Fury

Daddy & Mummy promised to bring the kids to Takashimaya to watch Power Rangers, and so we did. Daddy brought them to catch the 6pm Bakugan session while we were waiting for our dinner at Central HK Cafe. Aiyo... Caden was so afraid of the characters that he kept whining.

This meant that he won't want to watch the Power Rangers Meet & Greet session too. So, Daddy brought him shopping instead. Brandon was super-excited. He insisted on putting on the Power Rangers tee. He claimed, "When they see me wear the Power Rangers shirt when I shake their hands, they will "WOW!"..." Like real... For the record, so far, my kids have only watched 1 episode of the Power Rangers show on TV. Mus b peer influence that made them "idolise" the rangers. Anyway, as long as u are happy. : )

I love their poses! And they queued twice - 1 individual, and 1 together

We walked around to see the Christmas lightings after that. Sorry folks... Mummy forgot to bring the camera which had already been charged! Had to make do with the handphone camera which takes blur photos... Daddy said we shall go again to take proper photos on another day. Yippee!

Drawing Helicopter

Alicia's art class - Helicopter.

A little drama happened.

She wanted to sit in the front row. So, we sat beside a girl, who left her bag there while talking to the teacher. I wanted her to shift to the 2nd row as she complained of the cold air-con. However she refused. The girl beside her said, "I'm very hot ah!"

While we were waiting for the class to start, I told her she'll be drawing helicopters for the day. She started whining softly, "Mummy, I dunno how to draw. Can you help me?" The girl glared at her and said, "If you make some more noise, I'll tickle your armpit ah!!"

Oops! Alicia started tear-ing. I quickly comforted her and made her change seat. The moment after we changed seats, I saw another girl who went to sit with that girl earlier. O... no wonder she was trying ways and means to make my girl move lah. That seat was meant for her friend!

Luckily this incident din spoil my girl's mood.

Tired Hands and Tired Legs

Caden stayed at 99's place on Friday nite as Mummy me went shopping with Small-yi and Valarie. On Saturday morning, Daddy & Mummy brought the kids for breakfast at the Serangoon Gardens Market.

Then, we headed to Vivocity, with the intention of getting a pair of Crocs for Mummy. Sigh... design not available there. Alicia & Brandon chose a pair each for themselves! Too bad... Mummy knew of the promotional $20 discount voucher, so told the kids we'll get for them on another day. They were happy though, cos they played with the Ninetendo Wii and at the playground.

Headed to Tampines Mall to meet Cousin Sharlyn for their craft workshop after having lunch at Earles' Swensens. 99 brought Caden to meet us there.

Brandon was very fast to complete the craft, cos he "eat snake". Can see his skimpy mouse? They went "missing" after the workshop - gone to the open space playground!

After bidding Sharlyn farewell, they played at the arcade for a while.

They ran around with 99 when Daddy and Mummy were shopping at the Nike store. It took us more than an hour there cos we were bargaining for discounts! The store, which has the same management as Royal Sporting House next door, doesn't have the voucher promotion. We got what we wanted in the end, but Daddy got more than what Mummy had intended to buy for him in the end. Instead of jus 1 Man-U jersey, he got 1 jersey, 1 training jersey, 3 berms, 1 shorts and 1 pair of shoes! So, that's it - anniversary + Christmas presents, all given!!! Daddy is a happy man!

We went home after having dinner at 99's place. The kids were all knocked out. They slept in the car on the way home. After settling down in bed, Alicia said, "Mummy, we went out for so long today. We're so tired, that's why we slept in Daddy's car hor?" : )

Busy year ahead

Mummy has decided to switch Alicia & Brandon to another school, Bethesda Kindergarten at Bukit Arang. Instead of a full-day school, they'll be attending classes from 8.15am to 11.15am only. It's further from the childcare that they are attending now, but there's a few reasons for the change.

1. The teacher turnover for the school is high. They've been changing teachers for so many times, I can't recall. The only "oldest" teacher still around, i.e. their favourite Teacher Lee also hinted to me that she'll be leaving soon.
2. The school is more like a child care centre rather than a proper school for students.
3. Mummy wants to spend more time with the kids, especially now that they are growing.
4. Mummy wants the kids to attend enrichment classes. Am already looking around for Chinese language, speech & drama, swimming, music, etc. But, I'm also worried that I'll be too tied down with the kids. Can I cope???

Next decision to make is - when should I start Caden on his playgroup?

Feeding himself

Caden has been insisting on feeding himself for the past few weeks. Mummy doesn't like the mess, so, have been very relunctant to let him do so. Have always been giving him a bowl and spoon to play along when I feed him. He was happy with it initially. Now, he's smart. He'll insist on the food in his bowl! Well, I must say he's very good at feeding himself now. Another milestone on record - coming 21 months, Caden can feed himself.

On the contrary, the 2 bigger kids who can feed themselves always want me to feed them!!! Headache!!!

Frequent visitor

Caden is a frequent visitor of Bishan Public Library now. Today, Mummy brought him there again. Once he reached there, he wants to get off his stroller. Off he walked and walked round the children's corner. I jus concentrated on browsing for books for the kids.

When we left the library, I told him we're going home. He was quick to remind me, "Mummy, sit Barney car car..." Oh yes... I had promised him before we left home!

When we reached home, I nearly freaked out. I borrowed a book - First 100 Words for Caden. Can you find anything wrong with one of the words?

Is it Pajamas or Pyjamas? Did I remember wrongly???

Look Before You Cross

The theme for Alicia's art class - Look Before You Cross. Not very well done this week.

Mummy fetched her after class and we walked to meet Daddy at the family clinic nearby. Daddy took the H1N1 vaccination as a precaution. He wanted me to take too. Dream on... : )

Alicia happily taking the 20c and 50c rides while waiting for Daddy.

New haircut for B & C

Alicia refused to follow us to the hairdresser despite enticing her with a McDonald's lunch. She was afraid we'd cut her hair short.

Caden also refused to sit down and let Uncle Simmon cut his hair. Mummy had to carry him throughout.

Brandon? No worries! He's more than happy to cut cos he can get gel on his hair after that.

Ulu shopping mall

We went all the way to the ulu Katong Shopping Centre to have chicken rice for dinner on Saturday. We love the achar that comes with the meal. The kids? Had their dinner at home already, but still wanted to eat the chicken rice too!

The different kiddy rides they played with after dinner
Daddy decided to drive through Orchard Road to let the kids see the Christmas light-up. Who knows, it was so jammed! We had to leave at the Scotts Road turning cos the traffic was at a standstill! Next time lah...

First Ride

Daddy wanted to jog this morning, so we headed to Bishan Park. Brought along the kids' scooter skates so that they could play too.

Er-gu rented a bicycle. So, the kids got to have their first pillion ride on a bicycle!!! Initially tot Caden would be afraid. He was quite happy riding on it. Daddy took over after his jog and gave Alicia & Brandon a ride round the park too. Comment - Alicia's too heavy!!! So, next time, she shall have a bicycle with training wheels to ride on her own.

They loved the playground... Mummy forgot to bring along the sandcastle set for them to play. Caden looked like a turtle hidden in his shell on the swing... hee...

We had our brunch at Acacia at the park. The kids drew on the drawing paper before their food came. Their hands were so dirty! Comment by Daddy -look at the 2 kids' drawing/graffiti and you would be able to tell the difference between who attends art lessons vs who doesn't.

What's the result of the good workout this morning? 4 sleepyheads! Daddy knocked out straight after shower. Mummy gave all a good food rub with the Bodyshop peppermint cooling foot lotion. Hope their feet feels great...

Knowing his ABC

Caden not only knows how to recite from 1 to 10, he can also recognise the numbers too. The only numbers which he gets mixed up at times are 1 and 7. Sometimes, 1 looks like 7 to him, if they are not written with jus a stroke down.

Coming 21 months, he also knows his ABC now. He recites them by singing the ABC song. Althoug not very clear, this was the best I could to let him allow me to record it!

Projectile Pee

I jus had to blog on this. Remember I was saying Brandon's not putting on diapers to sleep at nite le mah? It was smooth sailing for a few nites. Mummy woke him up twice for the first few nites and subsequently once per nite. But, the 100% success rate din last long. He started wetting himself once a nite. Then, on that fateful Saturday nite, he pee-d at 9pm before going to bed. Mummy was about to wake him up at 12.30am to pee when I found him wet again. Sigh... carried him to the toilet, intending to change into dry clothes for him. The moment I took off his pants, he pee-d on me!!! It's my first projectile pee from my kids!!! My night gown was wet!

Then, woke up at 3am to get him to pee again. And, guess what? He's wet again! This time, I'm smarter. Made him stand in front of the toilet bowl before removing his pants. He can pee again lor.

Can't take any chances. Woke him up at 6am to pee again. Luckily, he wasn't wet yet. But, he has pee lor.

5 times for the nite. How much water did he drink on our bird park trip? Or was it cos of the cold weather? Yawn.....

Practising for their performance

Alicia & Brandon's annual graduation concert is coming up in December. They've been practising hard in school. Mummy made them perform for me at home too. I like to watch Brandon sing and dance - find him so cute. Even Caden wants to join in... Daddy said that they can sing n dance so well at home. But when the actual day comes, they'll be so stiff. Enjoy!

The Muscle Man

What made Daddy so tired and have body ache on Sunday? This muscle man had to repeat this for dunno how many times. Not only his own 3 kids, but few other kids too!!!

Scarecrow

Alicia drew Scarecrow during her art class yesterday. When I picked her up at 4.15pm, she was already packed and ready to go. Very fast... cos I told her we'll be going out after picking her. Her first question to me - Mummy, what did u bring for me? Greedy girl.........

Fishing without net

We were all ready for the trip to Lower Peirce Reservoir last evening when dark clouds started to form. Was about to cancel it when Daddy said, "Jus try our luck." Luckily, we did! The weather was fantastic!

We brought along the fish tanks, but didn't have any fish nets! Check out what they tried to catch fish with... a spade from the kids' sand castle toys.

Caden insisted on stepping on the stones and accidentally slipped one foot into the water! See this cheeky boy!

They played at the playground and Daddy carried them onto the flying fox, sliding to and fro. Kids who saw also made Daddy carry them. When a girl came running by, Daddy asked Denise to carry her instead. She walked over to Daddy and looked pitifully, saying, "Can you carry me?" You say leh??? Of course he did lah!

He's now complaining of body ache! Why? Video to be uploaded later...

Jurong Bird Park

It rained cats and dogs on Friday evening till about 6am on Saturday. The lightning was so scary. But, thanks to it, we had a cooling weather for our bird park trip, all thanks to xiao-gu's corporate pass! It's the kids' first, and Daddy & Mummy's first in more than 10 years. Ah-ma and maids Sri & Yeli followed along.

We decided to walk about to explore the place and hence rented the wagon at $15 for the kids. Another reason - the panorail ride for one round is $5 per adult, and $2.50 per child!

We started off with the Penguin Expedition. There was a little penguin who kept following Brandon and played with him, making him very happy.

Then we walked over to the Flamingo Pool to take some photos.

We caught the Fuji World of Hawks show, followed by the Birds & Buddies Show at the Pools Amphitheatre. The kids were snacking... See Caden "stealing" food from gor-gor? Where's Alicia? She was sitting further up with Ah-ma and xiao-gu cos she was afraid of the birds flying about.


Saw this playground after we went to see the owls at the World of Darkness. Even Daddy played along...

Feeding at the Lory Loft. Initially, the stingy Daddy used our own container, which looks exactly the same, to put water. None of the birds came to feed on it. Haa..... no choice, he jus had to give in and paid $3 for the food as the kids kept pestering him!

Outside the Bird Discovery Centre. Caden fell asleep the moment we stepped in, cos it's air-conditioned!

At the Waterfall Aviary... Caden was still sleeping!

They jus had to sit on the kiddy rides before we leave.

We had our lunch at the Bongo Burgers Cafe. Kids loved the animals chairs.

Before we left, we took photos at the entrance. Alicia started posing standing on one leg, jus the flamingo, and we all followed...