Are enrichment classes essential?

Woops.. did the month of March just fly by like that? We are already on the 2nd of April.

March was a good month for me as I got to spend 1/2 of with my darling son in Perth. It was a good time of bonding between mother and son although it would have been perfect if Papa was on the holiday trip with us. Nonetheless we had an enjoyable time and mummy was SHOPPING crazy... =P

The last day of march 2012 marked Little's R first official trial lesson at an enrichment centre. It was the first time we actually went for a class.

Here are some of my opinions and observation of the class.

Class was meant to be 1.5 hours but we spent about the first 10-15mins waiting for most of the kids to arrive in class. Class size is small 2 teachers to about 6-8 kids. During the first 10-15min while waiting, kids get to sit on this mat which seemed rather dusty and there were a few toys for the kids to play.

Class starts off with a goodbye song to the toys which teaches the kids to keep away the toys in a basket. Followed by an introduction to the no. of friends in the class and the Phonics of the day which was M for MMmmmm. Teachers went on to introduce a few items that was associated with the sound e.g. markers, muffin, moon but the kids did seem rather oblivious to them. This was then followed by a song that involves 10 finger with actions. After which we had a project time where kids were introduced the concept of fishing for magnetic fishes. Apparently they had learnt about magnets in the previous week. Little R enjoyed this activity a lot and he was able to follow the instructions of catching the fishes and passing them back to the teacher before going off for his next hunt.

After fishing, we then proceeded to a MUSIC room where we were greeted by another teacher on a keyboard. In this room, kids had to remove their sock and dance and jump to the music. They sang songs about counting lemons, the wheels on the bus and a story time about some animals (counting no. of animals). There was also a song about bubbles and a teacher was blowing bubbles for the kids to pop.

After this, the kids headed back to their original classroom for a 5 minute break then it was time for an introduction to an animal in the zoo bag. In line with the day's alphabet, out popped a mouse hand puppet from Zoobag. Its name was Missy Mouse. Kids hugged the mouse and we learnt that mouse like cheese. From there we somehow (*sorry there is a memory lapse in my brain at the moment) moved on to the topic of a moon and the teacher used whiteboard markers to draw on the kids hand a MOON (is this ok? I wasn't too comfortable with using markers to draw. Maybe I'm a little paranoid but aren't these toxic? What if the kid licks the ink?). This followed a run through of ZooPhonic A-Z song then the kids were given picture cards (*from the song) to match the animals on the wall.

That basically sums up the day. It does seem like a lot that is covered within a supposed 1.5 hr class but how much of this is really absorbed by the kid? Most of the the kids are all over the classroom and there is bound to be one screaming at some corner at one time or another. I mean what do you expect of 15-18 month olds? So therefore the question is it really essential and do the kids really stand to gain anything out of this? Or was it just one particular incident at this particular school?

Here's some milestone progess in Little R:
Words:

• Teeth / Star / Moon / Keys / Mummum / Sound of an Elephant / Golf / Juuuu for Juice /Full

With ♥

Mummy of Little R

Do you enjoy your weekends?

Every time Friday comes along, you often hear people say TGIF and YAY!!! its the weekend and on Sunday nights what you get will be SHUCKS here comes Monday BLUES... yet do they really mean what they say?

After becoming a mum, I really look forward to each an every weekend and public holidays. Why so? That's because I get to spend time with the little one to see his development and spend time with the bigger one to continue to bond as husband and wife.

On Sat, we left Little R at grandma's house so that we could go out and run our errands. Grandma and Grandpa also wanted to spend time with Little R as they were away for 2.5 weeks. What a perfect combination. Hubby and I get to spend the day out while Little R gets to spend bonding time with Grandparents.

The morning started out with usual routine of waking, having something for breakfast, followed by dropping Little R off at my parents. Then we headed of to see Dr WK Tan for an annual Pap Smear. What I really like about her is the warmth that she greets you with each time you visit her. She even asked if we are ready for no. 2. *winks* Time will tell....

After the checkup we headed to ION for some couple time. Hubby needed to get coffee capsules, followed by lunch and a little shopping at Daiso. Then we headed to J8 for his haircut and my pedicure session. By the time we reached back home, it was already 5 pm. Time to get ready for dinner. Had a shower and swung by my parents to pick little R up before heading to Conrad for dinner.

Today also marks my parent's birthday celebration. We had a sumptuous meal and Conrad. I did wish I could have eaten more. There were just too many things to try and sample. I'm pretty impress by the spread that was given to us.

Sunday: Was a day spent mostly at home. We had a lazy morning followed by lunch at my parents and back home for an arvo nap. After we (little R and I) woke, I brought him downstairs for a walk. There were many other kids of different ages downstairs and I guess R just loved being part of the company. At this moment, R's still too little to be wondering off by himself soon he's going to be running off and playing with the other kids.

What I truly enjoy about the walk is the bonding time he has with me. I'm always captivated by he genuine smiles. He's often cheerful and happy looking which makes my heart melt. He's actions are always sincere and he seems to understand the things we say and try to teach him. Papa's latest lessons are on how to mouth out the words "I LOVE YOU". There has been very good effort and progress shown by Little R and he may be able to say it clearly by the end of the week/month. His latest cutetest actions are to wave bye bye with his hand to the side of his face and the head slightly tilted waving and saying bye bye. How much cuter can this little fella get? MELTZ!

For Sunday's dinner, I tired my hands on frying Mee Tai Bak. It was a SUCCESS!! Gosh I love my new kitchen. Hopefully more creations from me soon. =)

With ♥

Little R's Mummy

All Grown Up

We are now in 2012. Oh what a FLASH time has flown by. 2o12 already? Weren't we just like in 2008 when I just got married?

Although we are only 44 days into the year, a lot has happened.

Firstly we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. YES 4th. I can't believe it. Already 4 years have flown by? It doesn't even feel like it. As it was a week day, there was limited things that we could do but once again Hubby dearest put in his utmost effort to spoil me rotten on the day. We had dinner at TWG followed by WICKED the musical and a surprise chocolate buffet at the top of MBS. Its a really good feeling that after 4 years of marriage we are still going strong and doing special things for one another on special ocassions.

Little R is now already 14 turning 15th months soon. His progress has been so fast that he seemed to be going through a spurt. He's getting cheekier as the days go by. Often he tries to test waters on what he can and cannot do. So discipline must be in place to ensure that the correct values are taught to him.

Here's a list of his favourites at the moment:
Cartoon Characters : BARNEY / MICKEY / ELMO
Toy: BALL (*all time favourite)
Show: Barney / Mickey Mouse Club House
Words: Papapapapapapapa / Ball / wooohhh woooh (*dog) / Baaaaaa (*for barney)

Looking after him everyday is a joy.

We've also recently shifted back to our own place. Finally moved out of mum's since confinement. My long overdue shift. Though being at mum's is comfty but I guess its different when you have your own place. I'm really happy that I now have my nicely renovated kitchen to do my wonders again. Over the CNY period we hosted 2 parties which were a great success. I'm also glad that little R has adapted well to our house as well. He's got 2 fans that live right next door. They are always excited to see him every evening when we get home and every morning when we leave for work. =)

Hubby has also started his course for the year. Personally I know that this is not an easy course for him as there will be alot of reading to be done but I'm happy that at least he's home physically at home to say good night to ryan each night. That totally beats him being at squardon. =P

My parents are currently away on holiday to Europe for 16 days. Thus looking after Ryan for the time that are away has been a challege as I'm working full time. Glad to have great helpers at home that are reliable and trustworthy. Thank you God for always being there in my darkest hour.

Till next time
♥ Mummy of Baby R

Where has the time gone?

The past year has gone by really fast. In a blink of an eye we are already in DEC. I did remember telling myself that I should blog as often as I can, so as to capture my memories down in words. WOW are we really at the end of 2011 already? As far as I can recall, at times I'm still blurrily writing down 2010 as the year...hmmm.. so it will have to change to 2012.


Hmmm so what have I achieved this year....

My biggest achievement I must say is my SON. The amount of things I've learnt from being a mother is amazing. I grow to love him more and more each day. He's growing so fast that I am treasuring each Hug and Kiss that I get from him as I know one day all these are going to stop. Soon ( i hope not too soon) its gonna be, mum stop kissing me... its YUCKY.


As a wife, I may have neglected hubby once in a while since there is a new love in my life. But we are coping learning and still enjoying each other's company as a couple and as parents.


Job wise: Same old same old. No change in status.

In Nov, my biggest accomplishment was planning my Little One's First Year Old Party. It was definately a BLAST and I've very happy with how it turned out. Though I think I overspent. But it was well worth every penny for the little one.

R's Accomplishments

• Taking about 5-6 steps on his own


• Able to call mama (Grandma), Kungggg (Grandpa),, Guuuuuu (Uncle). Papa and Ma (mummy)


• Calling out his favourite toy ELMO


• Saying More if he wants more food.


• Saying Nen Nen if he wants milk


• Pooing into a Potty.


• Drinking water from a straw.


• Holding his own milk bottle.


• Taking his first ferry ride to Bintan.


• Starting to kick really fast in the pool.

What A Lovely Child I have. We are Blessed indeed.

♥ Mummy of Baby R

OMG are we already in October?

Time really flies by while you have a little kiddo. All I want to do is to spend lots and lots of time with him. He is really such a cutie. Can't believe that my little charmer is turning 11th months is less than 2 weeks. He has developed so much.

Here's a little update on R's development progress:

• Started to say Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa


• Learning to say Baaaa "us" (without the us)


• Recognising where the Fan / Lights / Clock / Aircon are in the house


• Able to turn off and on the air con using a remote


• Standing and walking / running with support.


• Using his index and thumb to self feed himself biscuits.


• Holding a cracker and feeding by himself.


• Eating more solid food like porridge with shredded meat and pasta


• Having travelled on the airplane once. A good little traveller I must say.


• 3 teeth - 2 below and 1 above with another popping out soon.

If I could, i will really like to be a SAHM to look after him.

♥

Baby R Mummy

A Good Nights Rest

I constantly tell myself I must blog down my thoughts and the happenings that revolves around my life. This is so that when I look back one day, I'll be able to recall many of the happy moments. Not only for me but also for my little to know what he was like when he was growing up as most of us will have no recollection on our own early child hood days.

For those who know me, I am Miss Sleeping Beauty. I require a minimum of at least 8 hours of rest a day. Sometimes I can even go on 12 hours stretches (esp at the beginning of school). Ever since the birth of baby R, I've not slept for more than 4 hours in a row. This is because of the baby's needs to be fed and diapers to be changed once or twice a night. For the past 7 months or so this has been the case thus it has somewhat become a habit to wake. At times I'll wake and just stay awake to wait to hear the baby's cry before picking him up from the cot. Sometimes after he feeds and changes diaper, he decides to want to play with mummy for an hour or two before falling back asleep. With hubby being away on a trip for 7 weeks, it's been just me on night duty every night.

Last night (4th July 2011), I put baby R through his usual routine. 7pm shower, 240ml milk then sleep by about 815pm. I then headed to watch my 9pm show downstairs before having a chit chat with Papa on whatsapp before dropping off to sleep at about 1130pm. I woke a few times in the night to play the music which R is used to listening to sleep but I when I finally really woke to look at the clock it was about 520am and I was quite surprise that R has not made any noise to drink milk. I did hear shuffling here and there from time to time in his cot but he managed to soothe himself back to sleep. For once the managed to sleep for about 10hrs without a feed. I hope this is the start of him sleeping through the night. If so it will be just... PURRRFECT!!! I'm only hoping... though I'm well prepared if it doesn't happen.

On another happy note, 10 days till Hubby comes home!

♥

Mummy of Baby R

Almost 7th Months

I really can't believe how time flies. Little R is almost 7 mths now. I know I've not been blogging lots but once in a while I do think about penning my thoughts down. It will be good not only for me to look back at little R's growing days but also for him to know what he was like as a little baby.

The last four weeks or so were the toughest weeks for me. Well I wouldn't use the word toughest cos it wasn't really that tough but rather the first set of challenges where I had little help in looking after baby R.

27th May 2011 - Mama & GongGong left on a holiday to the US to visit ah gu for about 3 week.

29th May 2011 - Papa left for a mission for a period of 7 weeks.

So who's left at home? Its just me and baby R and 2 helpers. During the 3 weeks, I was only able to take off for about 1.5 weeks. Other times I was thankful that my ah yee (R's YeePo) and other mama was able to come to the house to "gagar" the helpers and play with baby R.

I'm really thankful for Baby R. I may have mentioned this before but he is truly a God sent gift to me and hubby. I look forward to the end of each and every work day so that I can go home to him. His smiles are infectious and it refreshes me no matter how tired I am. Each morning he wakes to greet me with a smile. That's his way of saying good morning. Everday when I come home from work I'm greeted with a smile followed by him wanting a hug / cuddle from mummy. I see the excitement in his movements when mummy gets home. Currently he is able to stand with support. Whenever he gets excited he'll kindda jump up and down with lots of smiles from him.

I always look forward to our evening walks together. To me this important. As a mother I do not get to spend much time with him on weekdays as I have to work. Thankfully the job that I'm in now allows me to get home on most days by 5:30pm. On a daily basis I get to spend about an hour in the morning before I head off to work and only about 2 hours after i get home with baby R. 3 hours a day is not enough but at least I still get to shower him twice a day, spend our mother and child time alone on our walks and most of all I get to cuddle him to put him to bed. I really treasure these 3 hours that I have with him.

The week that I took off was excellent. I realised how nice it was to do nothing, not think of work and just concentrate on baby R's needs. I'm so looking forward to our holiday together in Sept. Hubby has given me the option of not working but after some consideration, I know this is not the time. There will be the time where I will have to give up my job in exchange for time that I will take to nurture little baby R but now's not that time.

Papa and I have a prayer for an opportunity which will allow Baby R and us to have more family time together. If it's in God's will, I really hope that this opportunity will come to us. =)

Baby's R Development Progress:

• He's able to lift either leg and put his toes right into his mouth.
• Able to sit upright supported.
• Able to stand upright supported.
• Able to hear sounds and turn to look in that direction
• Started on solid food - puree carrots / pea / potatoes / apples / bananas
• Started on cereals
• Started on porridge with nghor hee
• Blabbering Baby Language which I take as "Mummy I Love You!"
• Sucking of fingers