Today went to visit Sam's future childcare centre: The Little Skoolhouse By-The-Treehouse at Safra Jurong. It seems great! They can go to the water playground & the indoor playground once a week, and there's actually a courtyard for them to play ball games & ride the tricycles!
Now hoping very hard Sam would take well to the new whole-day curriculum. He seemed to like the new place when we went today, especialy after he saw the tricycles. ;) 1st June, can't wait for it to arrive!
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Monday, 20 April 2009
1st Visit to the Zoo
Yesterday finally managed to get into the Zoo. Had planned for the trip on Good Friday, only to find the carpark already full & roadside parking all the way down to the Orchid Garden at 10:50am.
So was rather glad it wasn't so crowded on a 'normal' Sunday at 9:50am (yes, we made the effort to go earlier this time round). Sam still refused to put on sunblock, but after the distastrous Birdpark experience I covered him in the white cream despite all his protests and cries. And am I glad I did!!!! Look how red he was that night after a mere 3 hrs in the Zoo! (and half that time in the shade too!)
Fortunately most of the red-ness faded this morning. Now, only the area around his neck is still itchy from the sunburn.
Talking about the trip to the Zoo, Sam's reactions to it really burns me up! Oh, he did seem to enjoy seeing the hippos & the otters & one crocodile sleeping in the water. But while I was excited we managed to catch the feeding of the mousedeer etc at the Rainforest, Sam was actually frightened by the sight of feeding gibbons. Goodness knows why??
And when hubby excitedly pointed out the white tigers to the little bugger, he found the exhibit of the tiger sounds more interesting than the sleeping big cats. Okay, to be fair, it would really be more fun pressing the buttons to hear the tiger's roar than to watch them sleep............
But not to be interested in the Elephants of Asia show????? The animal show is only 30 min, we had a clear view of the magnificent beasts, and Sam spent the 1st 15 min snacking & drinking (ok, so he was hungry). Then, hunger satisfied, he started sucking his thumb and cuddling up to me, and after another 5 min, told me: "Mummy, no zoo, go 'gai gai'!"
I nearly went up in smoke!!!! He rather go shopping than visit the zoo!!!! What more can I do???????
So was rather glad it wasn't so crowded on a 'normal' Sunday at 9:50am (yes, we made the effort to go earlier this time round). Sam still refused to put on sunblock, but after the distastrous Birdpark experience I covered him in the white cream despite all his protests and cries. And am I glad I did!!!! Look how red he was that night after a mere 3 hrs in the Zoo! (and half that time in the shade too!)
Fortunately most of the red-ness faded this morning. Now, only the area around his neck is still itchy from the sunburn.Talking about the trip to the Zoo, Sam's reactions to it really burns me up! Oh, he did seem to enjoy seeing the hippos & the otters & one crocodile sleeping in the water. But while I was excited we managed to catch the feeding of the mousedeer etc at the Rainforest, Sam was actually frightened by the sight of feeding gibbons. Goodness knows why??
And when hubby excitedly pointed out the white tigers to the little bugger, he found the exhibit of the tiger sounds more interesting than the sleeping big cats. Okay, to be fair, it would really be more fun pressing the buttons to hear the tiger's roar than to watch them sleep............But not to be interested in the Elephants of Asia show????? The animal show is only 30 min, we had a clear view of the magnificent beasts, and Sam spent the 1st 15 min snacking & drinking (ok, so he was hungry). Then, hunger satisfied, he started sucking his thumb and cuddling up to me, and after another 5 min, told me: "Mummy, no zoo, go 'gai gai'!"
I nearly went up in smoke!!!! He rather go shopping than visit the zoo!!!! What more can I do???????
Friday, 17 April 2009
Getting Sam to Drink Water
Sam hasn't been drinking water during his playgroup since last week. He may have finished his biscuits, but his water bottle would remain full when I fetched him from 'school' 2 hours later. Bugging him about it only got him to take small sips.
So yesterday I went on a shopping spree in NTUC Xtra (yes, I know, of all places, but that's the only place open in Jurong Point at 9:45am in the morning) and bought 3 new bottles: a 250ml Rubbermaid, one tall Bob the Builder with shoulder strap, and a very tall bottle with racing cars pictures.
Well, Sam didn't touch his biscuits today, but he finished the whole bottle of Rubbermaid! Talk about the appeal of a new item!!!
So now I'm keeping his Pigeon bottle for home use. Plan to use the small Rubbermaid one for his playgroup. The Bob the Builder one for when my mum fetches him after school, so that there'll be extra water for the journey to his grandmother's place. And the ultra tall racing car version for weekends when we go out, then won't have to worry about running out of water.
Hopefully this will be enough to keep his interest in drinking water...........
So yesterday I went on a shopping spree in NTUC Xtra (yes, I know, of all places, but that's the only place open in Jurong Point at 9:45am in the morning) and bought 3 new bottles: a 250ml Rubbermaid, one tall Bob the Builder with shoulder strap, and a very tall bottle with racing cars pictures.
Well, Sam didn't touch his biscuits today, but he finished the whole bottle of Rubbermaid! Talk about the appeal of a new item!!!
So now I'm keeping his Pigeon bottle for home use. Plan to use the small Rubbermaid one for his playgroup. The Bob the Builder one for when my mum fetches him after school, so that there'll be extra water for the journey to his grandmother's place. And the ultra tall racing car version for weekends when we go out, then won't have to worry about running out of water.
Hopefully this will be enough to keep his interest in drinking water...........
Friday, 3 April 2009
Teaching Good Friday
Once in a while I'll get into those crazy highly enthusiastic mothering moods that die down as quickly as it came. 2 weeks ago I bought 2 different toys - a 10-piece jigsaw puzzle & a counting puzzle - for Sam in an attempt to improve Sam's concentration & reduce his TV time. Needless to say, I gave up after 2 days and I myself went back to doing my own stuff while he watches TV quietly.
Today was buying Polar curry puffs for hubby when the salesgirl started her sales talk for their cross buns: "very nice, only made for this festive season!". I ended up buying one @ $1.20, thinking no harm letting Sam (& myself) try something new.
By the time I reached home, I'm contemplating how to introduce the Good Friday & Easter holiday to Sam. After all, he's already participated in the Chinese New Year & Deepavali celebrations in the school when we were in KL. Since the current playgroup doesn't do such activities, I thought: why not do it myself?
There comes the problem: I'm no good in teaching kids. Least of all my own son. And I know nuts about Good Friday. And Easter.
Just now I actually went to Wiki up Good Friday, hot cross buns, and Easter. After all the reading, I can only conclude: since we ourselves are not Christians and don't celebrate these holidays usually, I'll just leave it as that.
The most I think I can manage is teaching Sam to eat hot cross buns on Good Friday and chocolate Easter eggs on Easter Sunday. Not exactly the right thing to do, I know, but then I'm not expecting much from my yet-to-be three year old either. I mean, I haven't even yet figure out how to explain a 'holiday' to him, you know what I mean????
Today was buying Polar curry puffs for hubby when the salesgirl started her sales talk for their cross buns: "very nice, only made for this festive season!". I ended up buying one @ $1.20, thinking no harm letting Sam (& myself) try something new.
By the time I reached home, I'm contemplating how to introduce the Good Friday & Easter holiday to Sam. After all, he's already participated in the Chinese New Year & Deepavali celebrations in the school when we were in KL. Since the current playgroup doesn't do such activities, I thought: why not do it myself?
There comes the problem: I'm no good in teaching kids. Least of all my own son. And I know nuts about Good Friday. And Easter.
Just now I actually went to Wiki up Good Friday, hot cross buns, and Easter. After all the reading, I can only conclude: since we ourselves are not Christians and don't celebrate these holidays usually, I'll just leave it as that.
The most I think I can manage is teaching Sam to eat hot cross buns on Good Friday and chocolate Easter eggs on Easter Sunday. Not exactly the right thing to do, I know, but then I'm not expecting much from my yet-to-be three year old either. I mean, I haven't even yet figure out how to explain a 'holiday' to him, you know what I mean????
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Sam Sick Again
Me quite fed up, Sam fell sick again!
Think this time hubby passed the germs to Sam: he got the flu last week, and Sam started having phlegm on Monday. Tuesday night he was coughing through the night, so I brought him to the doctor on Wednesday morning.
Dr Ong said to monitor Sam's temperature, cos a lot of kids recently developed chest infection. That got me worried, so followed doctor's advice to a tee - plenty of rest, no trips to the playground, plenty of water, no citrus fruits, etc etc.
Already had to forgo the planned trip to the Science Centre with my sister & her daughter on Wednesday cos of the doctor's visit. Had thought if Sam's illness was not serious, could go the next day. Instead, now I can't even bring him to Jurong Point for the Thomas & Friends show on Friday as planned.
Sigh! And now, me also stuck at home because of him. :(
Think this time hubby passed the germs to Sam: he got the flu last week, and Sam started having phlegm on Monday. Tuesday night he was coughing through the night, so I brought him to the doctor on Wednesday morning.
Dr Ong said to monitor Sam's temperature, cos a lot of kids recently developed chest infection. That got me worried, so followed doctor's advice to a tee - plenty of rest, no trips to the playground, plenty of water, no citrus fruits, etc etc.
Already had to forgo the planned trip to the Science Centre with my sister & her daughter on Wednesday cos of the doctor's visit. Had thought if Sam's illness was not serious, could go the next day. Instead, now I can't even bring him to Jurong Point for the Thomas & Friends show on Friday as planned.
Sigh! And now, me also stuck at home because of him. :(
Monday, 16 March 2009
A Toilet Training Attempt
Today had the sudden brainwave of letting Sam trying wearing underwear instead of diapers. Thought he would understand the need to go toilet to pee better when he's not wearing diapers.
Well, what happened was, he enjoyed wearing his underwear - hand-me-downs from his cousin, Thomas & Friends print - but he didn't quite get the concept of having to inform me to go to toilet!
1st time he peed onto the floor, he was quite surprised, and a trifle scared. I guess he was afraid I would scold him. But then I didn't, explained the process to him again, then, let him try another underwear again.
1 hour later, during dinner, he started to position himself funnily in his Ikea chair, ramping himself all the way to the front. Yes, he's trying to stop himself peeing! So after cleaning up the mess I gave up and put diapers on him again.
Half hour before bedtime, he informed his grandfather he poo-poo. We rushed to the bedroom, plastic bag, wipes & diaper all in tow, only to find he's only peed in the diaper. Luckily I had the sense to ask him:"Sam wants to poo-poo huh?"
He said Yes! So a quick rush to put his training seat on the toilet bowl, plonked him on, promised him plenty of toilet paper to throw into the bowl should he succeed, and 2 min later, he did poo-poo into the toilet bowl!!!!
Ooooooh! was soooo glad he did, cos it was such a smelly affair!!! ;) Hope Sam would learn to do his 'big' business in the toilet bowl regularly, then I wouldn't have to clean him up!!!
Well, what happened was, he enjoyed wearing his underwear - hand-me-downs from his cousin, Thomas & Friends print - but he didn't quite get the concept of having to inform me to go to toilet!
1st time he peed onto the floor, he was quite surprised, and a trifle scared. I guess he was afraid I would scold him. But then I didn't, explained the process to him again, then, let him try another underwear again.
1 hour later, during dinner, he started to position himself funnily in his Ikea chair, ramping himself all the way to the front. Yes, he's trying to stop himself peeing! So after cleaning up the mess I gave up and put diapers on him again.
Half hour before bedtime, he informed his grandfather he poo-poo. We rushed to the bedroom, plastic bag, wipes & diaper all in tow, only to find he's only peed in the diaper. Luckily I had the sense to ask him:"Sam wants to poo-poo huh?"
He said Yes! So a quick rush to put his training seat on the toilet bowl, plonked him on, promised him plenty of toilet paper to throw into the bowl should he succeed, and 2 min later, he did poo-poo into the toilet bowl!!!!
Ooooooh! was soooo glad he did, cos it was such a smelly affair!!! ;) Hope Sam would learn to do his 'big' business in the toilet bowl regularly, then I wouldn't have to clean him up!!!
Saturday, 7 March 2009
School Holiday Planning
Sam has gotten to the stage where I've now joined the group of mothers worldwide on planning how to entertain our children during their school holidays!!!!!!
Yes! Sam's playgroup follows the schooling calendar, which means in one week's time, I'll be having Sam at home for a whole week! Oh, can't wait for him to get into the childcare centre so that I won't have this problem!!!
Anyway, now already on the lookout of all the different possibilities to keep him entertained & keeping myself sane. Already planning to meet friend on Monday, now thinking where's the best place to go.
Tuesday got training, so that'll be a day off for me.
Friday thinking of bringing Sam to see the Thomas & Friends show at Jurong Point. Now only wondering if I should try to get him for the 1pm or the 4 pm show. Both timings are very bad since they coincide with Sam's naptime.
Wed or Thurs I'm thinking of brining Sam to the Science Centre. It seems to be one of the few places where there'll be exhibits suitable for Sam to play & learn at the same time.
Or maybe can bring Sam to the Jurong Birdpark to play in the water playground. Now that hubby bought the 3-park membership, it won't be a heartache to go to the Birdpark for just a few hours.
Just remembered - 14 & 15 March supposed to have open house of Supreme Court. Must check that out if possible: I've never been inside the court before!
Important reminder to self: don't bring Sam out every single day, else he'll have a hard time adjusting back to school schedule again!!!
Yes! Sam's playgroup follows the schooling calendar, which means in one week's time, I'll be having Sam at home for a whole week! Oh, can't wait for him to get into the childcare centre so that I won't have this problem!!!
Anyway, now already on the lookout of all the different possibilities to keep him entertained & keeping myself sane. Already planning to meet friend on Monday, now thinking where's the best place to go.
Tuesday got training, so that'll be a day off for me.
Friday thinking of bringing Sam to see the Thomas & Friends show at Jurong Point. Now only wondering if I should try to get him for the 1pm or the 4 pm show. Both timings are very bad since they coincide with Sam's naptime.
Wed or Thurs I'm thinking of brining Sam to the Science Centre. It seems to be one of the few places where there'll be exhibits suitable for Sam to play & learn at the same time.
Or maybe can bring Sam to the Jurong Birdpark to play in the water playground. Now that hubby bought the 3-park membership, it won't be a heartache to go to the Birdpark for just a few hours.
Just remembered - 14 & 15 March supposed to have open house of Supreme Court. Must check that out if possible: I've never been inside the court before!
Important reminder to self: don't bring Sam out every single day, else he'll have a hard time adjusting back to school schedule again!!!
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