I pulled out Ryan's tooth!

Yes, I did! I know, I am a little crazy not to have brought him to a proper dentist, but hey, I did mine on my own too many, many years ago.

I remember my first 2 front teeth extraction was done by some nurse at the local hospital. And I was rewarded with a bar of chocolates for being so brave.

Yesterday morning, Ryan's tooth was already half way out, it will fall anytime. Rather than miss it, I took a piece of thread and tied it to his tooth. After a couple of attempts to tie the thread, it was a go. One small yank and he did not even realised that the tooth was out! He was laughing all he way, think he was feeling scared and excited at the same time.

I had bought some gauze a day before, anticipating that this will happen over the weekend. He used 2 pieces and then it was cleaned. Good boy.

We made a small box to put his tooth in for the tooth fairy ... and I think she came ; ) But he is not up yet, so I am not sure how he will react to the little coins left to him. Yes, I became the tooth fairy - it will be another 19 times for him, 19 times for Megan (since she already lost one tooth) and hopefully, 20 times for the little one. Motherhood has so much to offer, but the challenges are unbelievable too!

I am so proud of Ryan - he is all grown up! And he was rewarded with a Elmo Play Doh set and a dinner at his favourite "cup cake" restaurant - Delicious.

My princess today

She is moving very quickly to her 2 year old mark now.I see her progress from a small tiny baby into an active, smiley, independent and strong willed girl.

She can take off and put on her shoes now, almost perfectly. She knows how to put them on the shoe rack and will take off her socks in the car or whenever she feels is irritating her.

She likes her cheese still and her pasta is usually eaten but will have bits of it stuck on her hair.She really adores food, no joke. And she is not afraid to try out new stuff.

She simply adores Ryan and will take after him, usually leaving me behind. And she gangs up with him too, against me.

She is also highly adaptable, sleeps easily and almost fuss free when sick.

She has now gotten some words together and can form phrases with her cute tongue sticking out when talking.

She recently also started to take on bears as her baby and carries one wherever she goes. It's quite cute really.

My princess Megan is a real joy to have around. May she have many more happy and healthy years ahead. I love you.

My hero is reaching another mile stone

Last night while changing Ryan for bed, he came to me with a worried look. And showed me his tooth, it was the bottom left incisor. It was loose. And he was a little alarmed. My little hero is growing up fast and I cannot stop it. I can only embrace it with all the challenges and moments in store. He had heard about tooth fairies and the money in exchange of the tooth and we look forward to that together. I am more excited than he is! I love you my little hero, in both the good and challenging times, although I still have to scold you.

Before it all hits me ...

There is a moment in the morning when I wake up and see my sleeping kids and am amazed at how much they have grown. I reflect and find myself wondering how they have made changes to my life. And then it hit me, they are not going to stay little for long, they will leave me one day and be on their own. And I resolve to be a great mum and be loving, and then one of them opens their eyes...and the day begins. Some days I cannot help but give in and marvel at them, others I cannot remember why I had them!! Before it all hits me, I say a little prayer - may they grow up happy and healthy, safe from harm and have the wisdom to live right. Thank you God.

Should we? Should we?

Our family is growing, and with it means that we are looking for a bigger car to drive all of us around.

I had not planned for a change of car since I got mine some 3 years ago. I had originally thought that it would last us a good 10 years or something.

Obviously now, with the anticipated arrival of the little one, we would have to consider a bigger car which can accommodate the additional car seat.

My original thought was a Toyota Wish or a Mazda or even a Chevrolet, but my hubby decided that those were not big enough. No, no, he is not thinking of something like the Ford F-150! That would be quite a bit of a trouble for me if there was a need to go to an auto shop!

He was actually thinking of the Estima. While I quite like the idea, it would also mean that the monthly commitment is much much higher than now. And I heard that the maintenance is not cheap either. And I have not seen many workshops where they can check engine light easily!

Can you imagine if anything goes wrong and I am stuck with the kids? It would be like I am looking for a San Diego auto repair shop!! Err, scary!

But anyway, we are not in a hurry though, we are merely looking around to see where the best deals are so that we are prepared when the time comes and we really really need a car.

So, you guys have any ideas on what is a good 7-seater to consider? Low maintenance and reasonable prices are key to us.

My 5 year old hero

Yesterday was Ryan's Sports Day and I had spent the entire day on my feet. I was really tired. By the evening, my legs were so sore that I could not feel them. Slumping on the sofa felt really good ... and I did just that.

The kids were in the TV room playing, while I was trying to catch a quick nap there, although the kids were noisy!

I had told the kids to leave me for 10 minutes because my legs were sore. And after 10 minutes, I will do their wizard hats for them. Now because they did not know how long is 10 minutes, I managed to get time exceeding this!

And I did get up after my so-call 10 minutes were up and were doing some artwork with them. Their daddy came back and sat himself right in front of the TV and started to dictate some work to me about his product photos.

My 5 year old hero spoke up for me and told his daddy "Dad, don't ask mum to do anything. Her legs are sore. She deserves a rest!"

Wow, when I heard this, I was so happy that despite scolding them the most, I think they ultimately still believes that the mum is the best!!

Megan's first movie

Last weekend, we brought Megan for her first movie at the cinema - Sammy's Adventure. I have been meaning to bring her earlier, but there was not really a movie which I thought would appeal to her.

However, when this one came along, I was really excited that she could see the sea creatures that we have been introducing to her. Among the animals she knows are fish, turtle, dolphin, crab, octopus and all of these were in the movie!

She was able to sit for about an hour before she became restless and started to climb and walk around. At some point, I realised that she was actually squatting on the ground and not standing anymore, I had thought that she was tired.

But when I reached down to pick her up, I realised she was actually picking up popcorn from the floor and into her mouth!!! Arghhh!!! Thankfully, she did not develop any stomach infection after that.

Ryan went to this movie as well and could not wait for his sister to follow suit. He was enjoying his popcorn and sat through the whole movie.

Even her daddy could not pacify Megan after a while and thankfully the movie ended shortly. Overall it was quite a fun outing and I was so glad that Megan did not kick up a fuss about the dark and all.

Looks like another kid-appropriate movie is in the pipeline then.

I think gender dictates which toy section you go to

Ever since Ryan was a small boy, our visit to the toy shop has always been to the normal baby/ toddler toy section and as he grows, we will be heading to the Lego/ PlayDoh and more recently, to the computer games section.

Megan, on the other hand, has no interest whatsoever in any of the above sections. The last time we went to Toys r Us, she headed straight to the dolls section and began to press and cuddle the dolls there.

Hmm ... isn't that curious? I never thought that the kids are so different at such a young age.

But for sure, I will not buy any Barbie dolls for Megan. I really think that that doll promotes unrealistic views about the fairer gender.

I am wondering now, in a month's time, if we go to the toy shop again, if this behaviour will reveal itself again ...

5 months on ...

Time flew by really quickly when you are healthy and happy.

It has been more than 5 months since we shifted to the new house. Ryan is still asking if the house is still considered new. He can still remember the condo which we have stayed in for about 8 years.

Megan is oblivious to the whole thing. She cannot remember the condo and I don't think she cares. She just wants to be around us.

Me, I am feeling happy, although I can do with escalators in the house. I really can use it. But I shall not complain. I got what I wanted.

Hubby ... is adjusting well. He says it does not make sense to go out when the house is so cozy. I think he is secretly happy that we moved, despite earlier objections.

Contrary to what you may think ..

I have not stopped blogging. I just have loads to do and the internet connection at home is limiting my time even more!!

Anyway, I have decided to resume putting down my thoughts and following what my kids are up to.

Plenty have happened and I will try to remember as much and put them down before they outgrow the stage and this poor old lady is left wondering where the time has gone!

For now, let's take a day at a time and hope you are having a ball of a time!

Ryan is in love ....

Well, Ryan started to notice girls very early on, think round about when he was 3 years old and first started school.

And throughout the years, he has been having good friendships with girls and you can tell that he is rather fond of them. With the boys, they are his fight mates, really. When he talks about a boy, it is usually the one he fights with. The girls, well, he usually has nice things to say.

Last weekend, he had asked me to wrap a present for his class mate. I had asked "whatever for? and he said it was his gift to her ... and it was ball which I bought him, the kind which bounces and has a blinking light. All throughout the weekend he was very excited.

Yesterday, after getting up from bed, he immediately went to look for his present and proceeded to give it to his friend in school. And this morning, he told me that he loves her ... oops.

I met the little girl's mum in school and she said ... "My little girl says Ryan loves her but she wants to marry Christophe!"

We were both laughing hard about it. Isn't it cute? Kids, they really make your day. Of course, it is a different story if this happens in 10 years' time.

Megan runs

I have been totally slacking these last few weeks cause I was so caught up with all the packing and unpacking and moving and shifting etc. that I have totally forgotten to document all the development that the kids are going through.

For starters, Megan started running beginning of May, right smack in the middle of all the chaos. She decided to amuse us with her legs stunt that I was utterly impressed with her.

She started with little steps, walking really fast and then it went on to almost skipping and then it went full on to really lifting her legs off the ground and running with little steps!

I know I am darn proud of her, but I also anticipate that mischief will follow her ... and it has, but that is another story all together.

I am 36

To many females, age is not something to be revealed.

For me, I am proud to declare my age because to me, it means I have another year to enjoy my kids and my family. It also means I have another year to work on my future.

I think, ageing is great, although I can do with more stamina and less wrinkles!

Have a great birthday to me!

We are shifting house today

Although the new place is not fit enough to be slept in yet, we are holding the prayers and move-in-house ceremony this morning.

I have a mix emotion in me - a little bit of sadness and happiness and excitement. I think generally, this is going to be a good move.

Will update with photos soon.

Megan today

Megan is now past her 15th month and it has been a joy to have her around. Among her many amusing ways are:

1) She is a no care in the world girl. If she falls, she will pick herself right up and the world goes on for her. Sometimes, she will wail if it got too much, else she will move right along.

2) She can be wet from playing with water, messy after a meal or even sweaty from so much running, but none of these things will bother her ... seems like she can glide through the messiest of messy.

3) She has this habit of hanging out her right leg over her high chair and she will shake it while eating. Bad habit I know, but it is really funny, always makes me smile secretly.

4) She thoroughly enjoys her food. She is not afraid to eat with her hands, elbows, fingers etc. so long as the food gets into her mouth! And she slurps her noodles in and flashes you a big smile!

5) She is feisty. Fights with her brother and usually uses her nail and scratch you like a cat! Don't get near her when she is in this mood!

6) Last week, we went for a swim and she cannot wait to get out of her float and into the water. She literally jumped into the water without any float, arm floats etc. Gave her brother a real scare! Now, she has taken to arm floats and swims around with ease.

7) Brother's dog really likes her. Maybe because he can identify with a her. Puppy = toddler. And she is also into the pup, except when she is too near her too often. That is when she will turn around a slap him a bit.

8) She also babbles and attempts to talk a lot, a lot, a lot. I am soon going to have to tape her up!

Baby Megan is growing so well, she is now really a darling to be with. Looking forward to her growth tomorrow.

Lost my child in Ikea

Yesterday, I was at Ikea with Auntie M with the kids. We figured, between the 2 of us, we can take care of the kids. I wanted to get some accessories for the wardrobes.

Somewhere in the middle, the kids were bored and Megan wanted her milk. I then carried her and Ryan was between Auntie M and I. Between Megan in my hands and trying to find my stuff, Ryan was getting a little restless and he wandered off. Before anyone start to scold me, understand that I will never leave him unattended. He was about within my ear shot because I heard him talking to me.

And then, at the blink of an eye, he was gone. I started to get anxious and then, I panic. He could not have wandered far and we tried in vain to look for him. I finally approached a Ikea personnel and said that I had lost my child.

She calmly phoned customer service. And then, it happened - my phone rang together with the announcement over the PA system "We have a Chinese boy aged 5 years named Ryan with a red Ben 10 shirt here". My heart almost stopped.

The man on the other side of the line told me "Miss, we have your son here".

Apparently he walked off when we were talking and then, after a few turns, he was lost and cried out for me. The Ikea personnel figured he was lost and so, led him to the customer service centre where he gave her my phone number, his name and age.

The lady said he was so clever when I collected him. My poor baby was all traumatized and he was silent for a good 30 minutes or so. I was beside myself and could not resist giving him a lecture. Auntie M came shortly and told him about bad people who cut limbs etc. of kids.

After all that, I must admit that I was proud that he could talk so calmly and could also remember my number in those times of panic.

I will now think more before taking them along with me to these types of places. I cannot imagine what would have happened if I could not find him.

Bless him. And thank goodness for the staff of Ikea. Thank you.

My baby calls me MA-MA

Being a mother is one thing, but having hear your baby acknowledging it by calling you so is another thing altogether.

Megan is now close to 15 months old and she called me the first time, very clearly, last Friday night when I came home.

She flashed me her big smile and said "Ma-Ma". Sweetest thing ever. Made all the cries and pain tolerable now.

On Sunday afternoon, she heard her daddy come through the door while we were getting ready for our afternoon nap. She said "Da-dy". Her daddy did not hear it, but I did and I just want to hold on to that for a while before I let it out to him.

My baby, she finally acknowledges me.

How my kids delight me

In one of those horrible tired days, my kids delight me in so many ways. Amongst them ...

RYAN: Mum, let's play hide and seek.
ME: No, of course not.
RYAN: Why?
ME: Cause I am too big and I have no where to hide.
RYAN: Aiya, you just hide somewhere lo, your stomach is so soft, people will think it is a pillow!
ME: *not sure I should cry or laugh*

But I should go to the gym more often!

In another, I was on the floor lazing around when Megan came to me grinning away and then proceeded to SIT on my tummy. Then, she decided it was more fun to bounce up and down on me!

Now, she is not exactly light and my tummy is not exactly toned, and so, the pain is truly felt! When I push her off, she comes right back at me, grinning. On top of that, she has discovered that it is more fun to poke my navel than hers!

Her ko-ko is of course finding this all amusing and is rolling off the bed laughing!

Me learning phonics

For the life of me, I cannot remember learning any phonics in school. Most of my English is learnt through my reading habits. The foundation came from my mum who was adamant that I should learn my tenses and verbs and past/ present participles - I still don't know all this theory till today.

I usually just speak and write according to what seems right grammatically and if all else fails, there is always spell check!

So when Ryan came back one day and showed me a list of words I was supposed to practise with him - I was dumbfounded. It was a list of phonics which we had to practised on the sounds and the emphasis etc.

To him, it was almost easy since they converse this way - they actually have a ABC song sang to the phonics way. Can you believe that? And I had to struggle to say it out. Finally, I owned up and said that I will ask his teacher to go through with me before we learn together - I don't want to say the wrong thing and be laughed at, you know.

Yesterday, his teacher finally sat me down and went through with me. Imagine, he was running around while the teacher and I sat on the small little chairs and went through EACH word and then she told me to think of a begin sound and see how it linked up. Thank goodness the teacher is older than I, else it will be utterly embarrassing!

Can you imagine next time he goes to primary school and I had to go back to his teacher to learn how to do maths and such? I think I had better go do some work books before he reaches there!

Power to charge

Yesterday, we were in bed in the morning. The kids were lounging around and I was to get up to make some pancakes.

I asked Ryan to give me a big fat juicy kiss to charge me up so that pancakes are on the way. He came, gave me a big hug and a big fat juicy kiss.

His daddy asked for one too and this is what he said ...

"I only have enough energy to charge one battery only la"

*doink*

How many books did you read in 2009?

I wonder if there is such a thing as addiction to buying books? If there is, I wonder if my behaviour qualifies. Every time I am near a book store, chances are I will go in and come out with a couple of hundreds worth of books, magazines, etc.

However, I must admit though, I usually read about 1 out of the stash that I bought at one time and the rest will sit on my shelves till I am ready to read them.

Last year, I read a total of 11 books, I had set my goal at 13 books. This year, I am going to stretch myself a little and will aim for 16 books. And it does not include my kids' books which I also read to them.

Among the books I read last year are:
How to make HOT cold calls
Positive Discipline for Pre schoolers
Twelve Pillars
Problogger
Secrets of A Millionaire Mind
Things I Want My Daughters To Know
Seven Years to Seven Figures
Dated Jekyll, Married Hyde
Confessions of a bad mother
Secrets of Happily Married Women
What to expect when you are expecting

I must say it is a pretty good list of parenting, fiction and business books there. And I think that is important to keep the interest alive.

I am currently reading several at one go - Psychology of selling, The art of closing the sale, Positive Discipline for 1-3 years, The toddler years and Think and grow rich.

So what are you reading now?

The story with Angel(s)

So, this morning, before I send Ryan to school, I said my bye-bye to Megan and called her my little angel. And this is what Ryan has to say ...

RYAN: Don't call Megan little angel.
ME: Why?
RYAN: The Angel in my school is a very rude and naughty girl, so please don't call Megan, angel.
ME: But mummy has a friend called Auntie Angel and she is a nice lady.
RYAN: Yeah, but you have an auntie ya? This girl in school is not an auntie. She is not nice. So, don't call Megan an angel.
ME: Haha, I think Auntie Angel will think you are very cute.
RYAN: Yes, she will think I am a cute little Ryan.
ME: *laughing very hard*

How la like this? He is only 5 years old and already so witty. Wonder what it would be like when he grows a day older tomorrow.

Situations where my son stumps me ...

I remember when I was a kid, I never had the last say. Mum was always right, mum always had the last word, no matter what.

So, when my son said the following things, I was a little stumped and frankly, I actually found it amusing.

SITUATION 1 - One of those busy mornings where I had to nudge him along.
ME: Mummy is sick, why do I still have to nag you? I cannot talk properly now.
RYAN: But you are still talking so much??
ME: *Blink, blink*

SITUATION 2 - I usually bathe Ryan first so that he can dress himself while I bathe Megan.
ME: Aiyo, I am done bathing you sister already, why are you still not dressed? What if you catch a cold?
RYAN: Because I am waiting for the moon to come down lor.
ME: *Blink, blink*

SITUATION 3 - I sometimes have problems getting Ryan to sleep at night.
Ryan: That is because you night time is my morning and your morning is my night time.
ME: *Blink, blink*

SITUATION 4 - Last week Ryan got sent to the Principal's office because he was fighting with another classmate. When he came back, his class teacher asked him what the principal said.
RYAN: I don't know what she said, she talked so much, so much, I cannot remember already.
His teacher shared this with her colleagues and they all had a good laugh.

SITUATION 5 - Ryan hates to cut his nails.

RYAN: Why you always ask me to cut my nails? Your nails are so long too. Why you don't cut it? Huh? Huh?

ME: *I finally cut my nails cause it was too much trouble, but it still stumped me*

I am sure he will continue to brighten my day in the coming weeks. For now, I am still thinking about whether I should continue to put on a stern face and laugh to myself or should I just burst out when he says these things. What say you?

I am one proud mummy!

Today while I was sending Ryan to school, his gym teacher stopped me on my way out. What she told me for the next 5 minutes or so made me beam from ear to ear.

Her first comment was that Ryan is a very nice boy. He is very caring, gentle and makes way for the others in his class. Not only that, he is also nice to the others during his day care session. This coming from a teacher who sees him 3 times a week for gym and sometimes in the afternoon for day care. I'd like to think that it is sufficient a time for her to know him in the last 2+ years that he is in school.

When I think about all the time that Ryan has been with his sister, I do see him as a gentle soul. Of course, there are those times when he can be a terror. But I think one should expect to have some downs to compensate all the ups that you will get when you have kids.

Whatever it is, I am one proud mummy today!

Chinese New Year once again

The year has flown by very quickly.

And while many may sigh, I choose to think it is because we are healthy and therefore, time moves quickly for us. And that is a good sign.

So many changes happened in the Year of the Ox - Megan came into the family, we bought a landed house for the growing kids, financials have been in place, I chose a new route for my destination and I an very happy with the way things worked out.

Sure, there were challenges and there were problems and tears. Throughout the year, laughter has managed to tame many unpleasant situations.

I have been unable to keep up with the many events that has been happening but I am thinking of blogging it over the next one week or so and back date it to the days when it happened. I know, I know, I am cheating, but really, I wish I had 34 hours a day you know.

For now, at this hour, I am attempting to clear some of my mails etc. ... it is really a daunting act.

And tomorrow, I have many many errands to run. Looking forward to it though.

Have a blast!

My baby turns 1

On 9th January 2010, my baby turns into a toddler. She is 1 year old. And this is how she looks now.

We celebrated her birthday at home with my parents and brother. It was a simple family affair with home cook food and cupcakes to add. Ryan loved them so much, he ate like 2.5 of them! Megan, unfortunately, did not take the taste too well since her taste buds are still a little raw. She even spit out her red eggs!

The next day, we had a small party with family and close friends. While it was meant to start early and end early so that the kids are well rested, it turned out quite the opposite. Guests were so fashionably late that the kids were quite worn out.

However, pools like this always save the day. Megan is seen here to enjoy herself thoroughly.

We also had a small cake - all the favorite Disney characters - isn't it cute?

Auntie M brought vodka for mummy but ended up Megan was holding on to it. I wonder if it is due to my alchohol consumption when I was pregnant. Megan seems to be quite drawn to bottles and cans of drinks.

At the end of the day, we were all worn out. We had a great time despite the delay, rain and tiredness. It was a time for me to reflect on those moments leading up to her birth, leading to the day I received my little princess.

Megan - a name I had thought off for more than 5 years ago. A name I finally used a year ago when my little princess was born with all the perfect little features.

I am thankful for each day that I have her. Thankful for the joy she has brought us. Thankful for the tantrums and cries each day for it means she is healthy. And my little Ryan is so much into her that it could not be more perfect.

Happy birthday Megan, may you have a beautiful day.

First day at school 2010

Today is first day of school for Ryan in his 5 year old class. What an exciting time!

We had tried to be early and aimed to be in school by 8.30am. However, we only left the house at 8.30am. Hubby had sent Megan to baby sitter while I took Ryan. Hubby was to have come straight from the baby sitter to Ryan's school.

We arrived at the school in good time and were waiting in the car for hubby to come. One thing that truly touched me on this day is that hubby came despite his busy schedule and all he had to do was to send Ryan up to his class, said a round of bye-bye and then leave. For a brief 5 minutes, hubby battled the morning traffic and busy schedule and turned up to bring his bag and hold his hands.

Isn't it good? I took the whole day and later went to fetch Ryan. He was truly delighted to see me, as I am to see him.

The teacher said that the whole day was good for Ryan and it was a bliss for everyone.

Ahhhh ... so big boy my Ryan is now ...

I am suddenly blank

Must be the new year and the challenges I have formed in my mind, but I am suddenly blank, really blank, don't know what to write and don't know how long it will take to recover.

Have not been updating as regularly as I wanted to. My kids are growing by leaps and bounds, but I am blank.

Let's see how tomorrow.

Happy New Year 2010!

Can't believe I forgot all about putting a post on this here!