We spent the first half of December holidaying in Switzerland.
It was quite a crazy trip. 9 adults and 4 kids aged 1 to 4.
We left on a Singapore Airlines flight at 0125h, so that was a crazy start already. There was so much luggage, including 4 strollers.
But I cannot complain. My 2 kids were relatively well behaved and settled during the flight. My 2 nieces were however a different story. Especially the littlest one... but it was a long flight. 12 hours direct to Zurich.
When we arrived, Zurich was covered in snow. We were quite unprepared for the severity of the weather. And then there was the transfers that we had to take with the kids and luggage to the hotel. Which was technically close ( less than 10 minutes by foot ) but with our bags and kids we had to take a taxi to the hotel.
Once we arrived at the hotel, we repacked, changed our gear to the warmer clothing then made our way to the main street just outside the train station. We had lunch at the Sprungli cafe ( which was supposed to be world famous ). And that was the start to our numerous hot chocolates we had throughout the trip.
The next day we caught a train to Zermatt, home of the mighty Matterhorn. We had to change trains at a town called Visp. Initially we planned to take it easy, allow ourselves 45 minutes between train transfers. But. When we arrived at Visp, it was snowing heavily, and the train station was open to the elements! We made the 8 minute dash between platforms with bags, 4 strollers and kids. The train ride was 3 hours in total, with the last leg climbing up the mountain towards Zermatt.
Zermatt was beautiful. It was covered in snow, and there are only horse driven carriages and electric taxis allowed on the streets. The main street outside the train station had many shops, especially luxury watch and clothing shops. We were fortunate to have come outside of the school holidays; I can't imagine the crowds when the holidays actually started.
We signed Madison and Elizabeth up for private ski lessons for the first 2 days. In retrospect we should have let them acclimatize first, because they were grouchy and tired during the lessons. By the 3rd day in Zermatt they had adjusted, but were then tired from skiing. The temperatures in Zermatt ranged from -5 to -23 degrees Celcius, which was the coldest I have ever experienced.
We were lucky my parents came along, because they refused to ski and were agreeable to babysit. So while the older 2 were having lessons, the rest of us went skiing. That was truly the best part of the entire trip. Those few hours of complete bliss, up on the mountains, with the powder and next to the majestic mountains. The runs were so long! It took easily over half an hour getting down to the next chairlift or gondola. We managed to cover the entire Zermatt ski trails the 4 days that we skiied.
Food was a big challenge. Initially we were all excited about the meat, sausage and cheese that they offered, but after half a week of the same food we started to baulk at another meal of sausages. In Zermatt we rented 2 apartments so we could make some meals. Trouble was that we didn't have much choice of asian foods at the supermarket.
We were quite sad when Zermatt came to an end.
The next leg went by really quickly. We caught the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur. It's a panoramic train experience, where you get wined and dined for several hours while enjoying the views of the mountains. Unfortunately when you have to also entertain the children for those hours, it was much less civilised. We also had a mix up in our ticketing and didn't get to sit in the first class cabins as initially planned.
We were at Chur for 1 day as a stopover after the Glacier Express. It was also freezingly cold. Chur is supposedly Switzerland's oldest town and also quite pretty. We walked around the old town for a bit the next morning. It was generally quite quaint but still too cold. Cobblestone streets and lots of buildings with pointy peaks and roofs.
The final destination was Lucerne. Surprisingly the weather was milder at Lucerne. It was definitely busier and more touristy than the other places we had been. Again we spent time looking at the touristy things such as the Lion Monument, a rock wall with a lion carved into it to commemorate the mercenaries who died during a war. There was also the Chapel bridge. We also walked around the lake to get to the Swiss transport museum, where we spent an afternoon. That was quite interactive and fun for us all.
We did quite a bit of shopping while in Lucerne, buying mostly cheese and chocolate. With globalisation quite a few of the shops that we saw in Switzerland are available here too. In Lucerne, we finally caved in and had dinner at 2 Chinese restaurants for the last 2 nights. It was unbelievably good. ( it's all relative )
We were meant to fly off from Switzerland at 10am, but our flight got retimed to 330pm. That really made our day easier. We had breakfast at the hotel, then made our way to the airport. Because of the delay the airline gave us CHF30 per person in meal vouchers, which we then took our time to spend it all!
Again, on the flight back, my poor sister was stuck with the 1 year old for the entire 12 hours! Madison and Annika were relatively ok... slept through most of the flight and watched TV the rest of the time.
Now.. its the post trip blues and recovery from jet lag! Both kids were sleeping in past 10 am this morning!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Karuna International: Medical mission to Nepal
I think I've just recovered from my recent trip to Kathmandu, Nepal!
My dad organised a medical mission for the second time to Namo Buddha in Nepal this year.
It's a general medical mission, done at a remote medical clinic up at a site called Namo Buddha. It's at 1700m above sea level, so nowhere near the difficulty of Base Camp.
We left for Kathmandu on Saturday morning, on the 27th October. After a stopover at KL, we arrived at Tribhuvan Airport at Kathmandu. There were 10 of us in the group, and we were to be joined by a further 3 volunteers ( 1 doctor, a nurse and a clinic manager ) at Kathmandu ( they flew in a day earlier from Melbourne )
We were met at the airport and then taken by bus to Hyatt Regency 20 minutes away. Kathmandu is hot, dusty and basically a mess... the hotel was like an oasis of peace and cleanliness in comparison. But things are relative. It's not like a 5 star Hyatt that you'd expect.
We went for lunch at a restaurant just outside the Hyatt that had fantastic Nepali food. Momo, Naan, various curries and their famous Marsala tea. We were warned.. the last meat we'd eat for the next few days!
Some of the group left for early shopping, while SY and I went back to the hotel for a spa session!
The next day we took a (larger) bus up the mountain to Namo Buddha. In Nepal, there is no boot space in their buses. Luggage is manually hauled up to the roof and strapped. These transport guys are pretty strong!
The ride to Namo Buddha was pretty spectacular. The first part took us past crowded towns, which gradually stretched out to quieter towns, then finally up windy roads up the mountain. We were also warned about the final stretch of non-road. Understatement. It was a soil trail! How buses and cars drive up there astounds me. We were bouncing around in the bus. Thank goodness for Ondansetron. The views, however, did do justice to the ride. It was spectacular. As beautiful as the Canadian Alps or any other alps in the world.
We were settled into the accomodation, which was basic. Beds, toilet and occasional electricity for hot water and lights. No heating. Food was provided by a central kitchen, which was completely vegetarian.
The first day, we started clinic in the afternoon for the monks living at Namo Buddha. It was a good test of our mission clinic.
The next 2 days were spent seeing villagers that walked to see us. They are cardiovascularly fitter than most of us seeing them! Our main difficulty was language. We were fortunate to have interpreter monks helping us. The casemix was varied too.. we had the typical osteoathritis, vague joint pains, a few gynaecological issues, 3 cysts for excision, a few warts, paediatric impetigo, eczema and malnutrition. Some of the kids were quite small... 4 year olds weighing only 12kg.
I think we saw close to 500 people in the 2.5 days we ran clinic. The last day was probably the best. Everyone was familiar with the workflow, and we managed to do 3 excisions of huge sebaceous cysts too. The volunteers who came with us were amazing. They worked really hard, probably harder than the doctors. These are well- to- do people from home, and it was heartwarming to see them knuckle down to work. They helped us with triage, taking blood pressures, blood sugars, height and weight. And corralled the patients to see the doctors.
Food was literally vegetarian. Rice/ noodles with 2 vegetable dishes. Nicely flavoured, but when you're working hard mentally and physically it doesn't feel like enough. We had our own supplies of cup noodles and snacks, so that helped us through the night. Nights were cold. We had our sleeping bags with us and disposable heat packs that helped. There was no entertainment, so we went to sleep really early! That didn't mean we slept well.. quite horrible to be up several times only to find 2 hours had passed since we went to bed!!
I think most of us were quite glad to return to Kathmandu on the 4th day. By then the Hyatt felt like a paradise. An oasis of luxury. It's funny how things are subjective. It was so fantastic to have choice in our meals. Meat!
We spent the last day on tour to a place called Bhaktipur. It's an UNESCO protected heritage site. I think the best part must have been this wood carving thing that had 24 scenes of the karma sutra engraved on it. It was quite vivid.
After that we went to Thamel, a huge street shopping area. That was amazing. We had dinner at Fire and Ice, most notable because it had free wifi, a large number of Caucasians, and decent Italian food. It was a good way to end the trip. Most people bought tea, cashmere scarves/shawls, hiking goods and leather goods.
The next day we had a leisurely breakfast at the Hyatt, then wandered over to the outdoor street market near us. Did more shopping, and then finally off to the airport.
The trip was really surreal.. time flew by so quickly ( although when it was the night it felt like an eternity ). The return trip via KL was too long. We had a 5 hour layover at KLIA so by the time we arrived home it was closer to 1 am.
I was so tired the next few days. I think I've just recovered and started feeling normal only today. I don't think I've ever felt so tired after a mission trip before. Age? Difficulty of trip?
Would I go again ? I think so! Experience definitely helps.
My dad organised a medical mission for the second time to Namo Buddha in Nepal this year.
It's a general medical mission, done at a remote medical clinic up at a site called Namo Buddha. It's at 1700m above sea level, so nowhere near the difficulty of Base Camp.
We left for Kathmandu on Saturday morning, on the 27th October. After a stopover at KL, we arrived at Tribhuvan Airport at Kathmandu. There were 10 of us in the group, and we were to be joined by a further 3 volunteers ( 1 doctor, a nurse and a clinic manager ) at Kathmandu ( they flew in a day earlier from Melbourne )
We were met at the airport and then taken by bus to Hyatt Regency 20 minutes away. Kathmandu is hot, dusty and basically a mess... the hotel was like an oasis of peace and cleanliness in comparison. But things are relative. It's not like a 5 star Hyatt that you'd expect.
We went for lunch at a restaurant just outside the Hyatt that had fantastic Nepali food. Momo, Naan, various curries and their famous Marsala tea. We were warned.. the last meat we'd eat for the next few days!
Some of the group left for early shopping, while SY and I went back to the hotel for a spa session!
The next day we took a (larger) bus up the mountain to Namo Buddha. In Nepal, there is no boot space in their buses. Luggage is manually hauled up to the roof and strapped. These transport guys are pretty strong!
The ride to Namo Buddha was pretty spectacular. The first part took us past crowded towns, which gradually stretched out to quieter towns, then finally up windy roads up the mountain. We were also warned about the final stretch of non-road. Understatement. It was a soil trail! How buses and cars drive up there astounds me. We were bouncing around in the bus. Thank goodness for Ondansetron. The views, however, did do justice to the ride. It was spectacular. As beautiful as the Canadian Alps or any other alps in the world.
We were settled into the accomodation, which was basic. Beds, toilet and occasional electricity for hot water and lights. No heating. Food was provided by a central kitchen, which was completely vegetarian.
The first day, we started clinic in the afternoon for the monks living at Namo Buddha. It was a good test of our mission clinic.
The next 2 days were spent seeing villagers that walked to see us. They are cardiovascularly fitter than most of us seeing them! Our main difficulty was language. We were fortunate to have interpreter monks helping us. The casemix was varied too.. we had the typical osteoathritis, vague joint pains, a few gynaecological issues, 3 cysts for excision, a few warts, paediatric impetigo, eczema and malnutrition. Some of the kids were quite small... 4 year olds weighing only 12kg.
I think we saw close to 500 people in the 2.5 days we ran clinic. The last day was probably the best. Everyone was familiar with the workflow, and we managed to do 3 excisions of huge sebaceous cysts too. The volunteers who came with us were amazing. They worked really hard, probably harder than the doctors. These are well- to- do people from home, and it was heartwarming to see them knuckle down to work. They helped us with triage, taking blood pressures, blood sugars, height and weight. And corralled the patients to see the doctors.
Food was literally vegetarian. Rice/ noodles with 2 vegetable dishes. Nicely flavoured, but when you're working hard mentally and physically it doesn't feel like enough. We had our own supplies of cup noodles and snacks, so that helped us through the night. Nights were cold. We had our sleeping bags with us and disposable heat packs that helped. There was no entertainment, so we went to sleep really early! That didn't mean we slept well.. quite horrible to be up several times only to find 2 hours had passed since we went to bed!!
I think most of us were quite glad to return to Kathmandu on the 4th day. By then the Hyatt felt like a paradise. An oasis of luxury. It's funny how things are subjective. It was so fantastic to have choice in our meals. Meat!
We spent the last day on tour to a place called Bhaktipur. It's an UNESCO protected heritage site. I think the best part must have been this wood carving thing that had 24 scenes of the karma sutra engraved on it. It was quite vivid.
After that we went to Thamel, a huge street shopping area. That was amazing. We had dinner at Fire and Ice, most notable because it had free wifi, a large number of Caucasians, and decent Italian food. It was a good way to end the trip. Most people bought tea, cashmere scarves/shawls, hiking goods and leather goods.
The next day we had a leisurely breakfast at the Hyatt, then wandered over to the outdoor street market near us. Did more shopping, and then finally off to the airport.
The trip was really surreal.. time flew by so quickly ( although when it was the night it felt like an eternity ). The return trip via KL was too long. We had a 5 hour layover at KLIA so by the time we arrived home it was closer to 1 am.
I was so tired the next few days. I think I've just recovered and started feeling normal only today. I don't think I've ever felt so tired after a mission trip before. Age? Difficulty of trip?
Would I go again ? I think so! Experience definitely helps.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Weekends
Why are weekends always so busy!
I remember weekends being a time to relax. Read the newspapers, have a lazy brunch. Catch a movie and stay up late Friday and/or Saturday night. Recharge for the new week ahead.
Now it seems like its merely a continuation of the weekday. Except busier.
We wake at the same ungodly hour ( why do kids not sleep in till 8 am on weekends??!!)
They still need breakfast quite soon after waking. ( means I still have to fuss around the kitchen getting it ready )
Once breakfast is done it seems the day just zips by.
This past weekend we were invited to the neighbours house for lunch and dinner. It was so nice to have a combined food effort. Plus company. It's like socializing for kids and adults all at once. And we didn't have to leave them at home and feel guilty about it.
There were crazy rain and thunderstorms both afternoons of this weekend so the kids didn't get to do their weekend twice daily swims.
A neighbour, E, took us to an indoor playgym called Royce at Liang Court. I'm generally not a big fan of indoor playgrounds so my kids don't get to go to these places. It wasn't too bad, basically a large room with every toy imaginable. The kids had a good time for an hour. It's a good alternative when outdoors isn't really an option. ( E and myself were quite bored though... Don't know why they don't think of having a cafe within the play area itself )
Friday night Chris had his post-exam 'thank you' dinner for his Surgery department at a restaurant called Suburbia at Sentosa.
Actually I was not that keen on going.. but I thought.. I really should... 1. am becoming too house/kid bound 2. it's his celebration dinner 3. Should not become dowdy ol wife who doesn't attend social functions.
It's just that when you have 2 large groups of doctors from the same department, it's IMPOSSIBLE for them not to talk shop. Which of course happened. And you feel really dumb sitting there trying to understand what or who they are talking about.
Still... I went.. and it wasn't too bad...
This weekend is a long weekend, and I'm off to Nepal!!
I remember weekends being a time to relax. Read the newspapers, have a lazy brunch. Catch a movie and stay up late Friday and/or Saturday night. Recharge for the new week ahead.
Now it seems like its merely a continuation of the weekday. Except busier.
We wake at the same ungodly hour ( why do kids not sleep in till 8 am on weekends??!!)
They still need breakfast quite soon after waking. ( means I still have to fuss around the kitchen getting it ready )
Once breakfast is done it seems the day just zips by.
This past weekend we were invited to the neighbours house for lunch and dinner. It was so nice to have a combined food effort. Plus company. It's like socializing for kids and adults all at once. And we didn't have to leave them at home and feel guilty about it.
There were crazy rain and thunderstorms both afternoons of this weekend so the kids didn't get to do their weekend twice daily swims.
A neighbour, E, took us to an indoor playgym called Royce at Liang Court. I'm generally not a big fan of indoor playgrounds so my kids don't get to go to these places. It wasn't too bad, basically a large room with every toy imaginable. The kids had a good time for an hour. It's a good alternative when outdoors isn't really an option. ( E and myself were quite bored though... Don't know why they don't think of having a cafe within the play area itself )
Friday night Chris had his post-exam 'thank you' dinner for his Surgery department at a restaurant called Suburbia at Sentosa.
Actually I was not that keen on going.. but I thought.. I really should... 1. am becoming too house/kid bound 2. it's his celebration dinner 3. Should not become dowdy ol wife who doesn't attend social functions.
It's just that when you have 2 large groups of doctors from the same department, it's IMPOSSIBLE for them not to talk shop. Which of course happened. And you feel really dumb sitting there trying to understand what or who they are talking about.
Still... I went.. and it wasn't too bad...
This weekend is a long weekend, and I'm off to Nepal!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Lantern festival weekend, Mission trip for Chris
The past week was good and bad.
Bad because Chris left for a surgical mission trip to Myanmar early Wednesday morning.
I took him and Pa to the airport at 6am Wednesday morning. I actually got a little depressed thinking of the looming week where I had to sort everything out kid related by myself. And co-ordinate going over to meet the rest of the family...
Then that set me off thinking about our plans for next year...
This was just 5 days single parenting.
Next year Chris' boss wants him to go to Germany for an entire year.
Obviously the choices are whether to take the kids and go or to stay here.
I started looking up about expatriate life in Germany and frankly it doesn't really sound fun. That and the cost of having all of us in a European country would send our living costs up. Not forgetting the loss of one income. And what about Mandarin, music lessons, swim and tennis lessons? And of course, Warni? And least but not all, the clinic?
So obviously the answer is to stay here and let Chris go by himself. He could easily travel within Europe to various centres to train if he had to, rather than be bogged down by all of us.
The Good part of the weekend? ( Sans husband )
We had 2 lantern festival parties!
One with the neighbours on Saturday, and the other at C's place on Sunday.
Both were great.
Saturday's party had all the neighbours contribute to a potluck and there was so much food and wine!
It was really nice that the kids ran around, swam and raided each other's houses, while the adults were able to sit down to a relaxed meal by the poolside. And when anyone was done they just said goodbye and went upstairs! The conversation centred around the recent Cecilia Sue case, why that was so no one knew... guy thing??
Sunday morning the kids were at the pool again. I think Madison was in the water for over 2 hours! It's like an endless resort holiday for them. In the evening we had another potluck dinner at C's place with her 3 boys. C's mother was so kind to brew tea and cut moon cake up for us too. The kids got to play with sparklers.. I think the adults spent more time being paranoid about them burning themselves or the house down than enjoying the moment.
Chris got back safely late Sunday night. The kids were all asleep by the time he got home. I think he missed them quite a bit!
Bad because Chris left for a surgical mission trip to Myanmar early Wednesday morning.
I took him and Pa to the airport at 6am Wednesday morning. I actually got a little depressed thinking of the looming week where I had to sort everything out kid related by myself. And co-ordinate going over to meet the rest of the family...
Then that set me off thinking about our plans for next year...
This was just 5 days single parenting.
Next year Chris' boss wants him to go to Germany for an entire year.
Obviously the choices are whether to take the kids and go or to stay here.
I started looking up about expatriate life in Germany and frankly it doesn't really sound fun. That and the cost of having all of us in a European country would send our living costs up. Not forgetting the loss of one income. And what about Mandarin, music lessons, swim and tennis lessons? And of course, Warni? And least but not all, the clinic?
So obviously the answer is to stay here and let Chris go by himself. He could easily travel within Europe to various centres to train if he had to, rather than be bogged down by all of us.
The Good part of the weekend? ( Sans husband )
We had 2 lantern festival parties!
One with the neighbours on Saturday, and the other at C's place on Sunday.
Both were great.
Saturday's party had all the neighbours contribute to a potluck and there was so much food and wine!
It was really nice that the kids ran around, swam and raided each other's houses, while the adults were able to sit down to a relaxed meal by the poolside. And when anyone was done they just said goodbye and went upstairs! The conversation centred around the recent Cecilia Sue case, why that was so no one knew... guy thing??
Sunday morning the kids were at the pool again. I think Madison was in the water for over 2 hours! It's like an endless resort holiday for them. In the evening we had another potluck dinner at C's place with her 3 boys. C's mother was so kind to brew tea and cut moon cake up for us too. The kids got to play with sparklers.. I think the adults spent more time being paranoid about them burning themselves or the house down than enjoying the moment.
Chris got back safely late Sunday night. The kids were all asleep by the time he got home. I think he missed them quite a bit!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Montebleu weekend
We spent the entire weekend with our neighbours!
Saturday was literally non stop.
Wake, breakfast.
Music class for Annika
Tennis for Madison ( which eventually got cancelled because the teachers were busy or something )
I had to work.
Then it was lunch for the kids.
Chris went for a swim and the kids went swimming.
Nap for Annika, while Madison and Lynn watched videos.
After nap time it was off to Bishan Park with 12 kids from 6 different families in our block!
We packed a picnic to share. The kids got to run around, fight and have dinner.
I think the kids had fun! The only trouble we had was parking. That was horrendous.
We finished at 730pm, just as it got dark. Getting home was easy, because we all live in the same block.
Sunday we had a potluck dinner by the poolside. Prior to that the kids were in the pool swimming and splashing around.
Having your friends live in the same block makes it so easy. The adults get to eat/drink while the kids play together... the convenience of having the house just right there is hard to beat.
But of course the downside is that when we spend the weekend with the neighbours we don't see the family as much.. the kids are really lucky to have this choice.
In shopping news...the kids' ski gear have arrived! Pink Spyder jackets and pants to match. Even comes along with a pink back pack! Still waiting for their goggles and gloves to come.
I also hope the Swiss travel System doesn't screw up our train tickets that we've paid for.. it's supposed to arrive 2-3 weeks prior to departure via DHL.
I just heard from another Pat's Schoolhouse mummy that they are going to Switzerland for a family holiday too... apparently not her first trip there. Should have asked her before we booked... she's going to the French Alps to ski instead of Switzerland..
Saturday was literally non stop.
Wake, breakfast.
Music class for Annika
Tennis for Madison ( which eventually got cancelled because the teachers were busy or something )
I had to work.
Then it was lunch for the kids.
Chris went for a swim and the kids went swimming.
Nap for Annika, while Madison and Lynn watched videos.
After nap time it was off to Bishan Park with 12 kids from 6 different families in our block!
We packed a picnic to share. The kids got to run around, fight and have dinner.
I think the kids had fun! The only trouble we had was parking. That was horrendous.
We finished at 730pm, just as it got dark. Getting home was easy, because we all live in the same block.
Sunday we had a potluck dinner by the poolside. Prior to that the kids were in the pool swimming and splashing around.
Having your friends live in the same block makes it so easy. The adults get to eat/drink while the kids play together... the convenience of having the house just right there is hard to beat.
But of course the downside is that when we spend the weekend with the neighbours we don't see the family as much.. the kids are really lucky to have this choice.
In shopping news...the kids' ski gear have arrived! Pink Spyder jackets and pants to match. Even comes along with a pink back pack! Still waiting for their goggles and gloves to come.
I also hope the Swiss travel System doesn't screw up our train tickets that we've paid for.. it's supposed to arrive 2-3 weeks prior to departure via DHL.
I just heard from another Pat's Schoolhouse mummy that they are going to Switzerland for a family holiday too... apparently not her first trip there. Should have asked her before we booked... she's going to the French Alps to ski instead of Switzerland..
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Preschool: Pat's Schoolhouse
Madison is currently in her 2nd year at Pat's Schoolhouse.
I've been pretty happy with her progress at school and she seems to be enjoying herself. ( Although she still says she doesn't want to go to school almost daily... but she's all smiles and bubbles when I get her in the afternoon )
So next year she's going to be in K1.
This was when the furore started... the school decided to raise its school fees.
Not by tens of dollars, but by a whopping 25%.
Needless to say this rankled quite a few parents.
The other thing the school started pushing strongly for was for the kids to attend preschool for the full day program.
This means the kids are in school by about 830am, and don't finish till around 5pm.
The morning session finishes at 12noon, and the afternoon bit starts around 3pm.
They are also required to nap in between.
Of course they had this fantastic extra curricular program that included Speech and Drama class, math class and music class.
I was quite tempted, who wouldn't be?
But that would mean Madison would spend more time at school than at home. And she'd be napping! Which means she'd be up way past her bedtime at night!
I had a really hard time deciding what to do... in the end I asked my dad what he thought...
And he said.. kids need down time to do their 'own' thing... and discouraged me from having too many organized activities for her. He said organized activity kills creativity.
So that sealed the deal.
I've decided to keep her in the morning program for next year. I hope she'll be able to cope and be smart enough to figure things out on her own!
I've been pretty happy with her progress at school and she seems to be enjoying herself. ( Although she still says she doesn't want to go to school almost daily... but she's all smiles and bubbles when I get her in the afternoon )
So next year she's going to be in K1.
This was when the furore started... the school decided to raise its school fees.
Not by tens of dollars, but by a whopping 25%.
Needless to say this rankled quite a few parents.
The other thing the school started pushing strongly for was for the kids to attend preschool for the full day program.
This means the kids are in school by about 830am, and don't finish till around 5pm.
The morning session finishes at 12noon, and the afternoon bit starts around 3pm.
They are also required to nap in between.
Of course they had this fantastic extra curricular program that included Speech and Drama class, math class and music class.
I was quite tempted, who wouldn't be?
But that would mean Madison would spend more time at school than at home. And she'd be napping! Which means she'd be up way past her bedtime at night!
I had a really hard time deciding what to do... in the end I asked my dad what he thought...
And he said.. kids need down time to do their 'own' thing... and discouraged me from having too many organized activities for her. He said organized activity kills creativity.
So that sealed the deal.
I've decided to keep her in the morning program for next year. I hope she'll be able to cope and be smart enough to figure things out on her own!
Fertile block
There is seriously something going on in my apartment block!
Some of us neighbours have become increasingly close because the kids play together frequently, and also because of the large communal area at the poolside that encourages us to spend time together.
It's truly amazing how close our kids all are in terms of age! Most are under the age of 5, with an even mix of boys and girls.
And now, there seems to be a spate of pregnancies. There is one that is due in less than a month, and a few new pregnancies that have just been announced! Now that I think about it, there's only 1 other mother who isn't pregnant apart from me!
Yesterday, just another mother of 2 told me she's expecting her 3rd next April. Her first is slightly older than Annika, and her 2nd is close to 8 months. So she's quitting her job to focus on the kids for now. It's amazing how relaxed and easy she's taking it all. They are a great family, and the kids super cute.
Another one has 2 boys aged 3 and just 2, and she's expecting her 3rd boy in January next year. She's also another amazing mummy, calm and relaxed about parenting.
There are a few just on their 2nd.. I won't be surprised if the 3rd pregnancy gets announced in the next year or so!!
I think the best part of it all is that it demystifies the 3 kid thing... totally doable!! Right??
Some of us neighbours have become increasingly close because the kids play together frequently, and also because of the large communal area at the poolside that encourages us to spend time together.
It's truly amazing how close our kids all are in terms of age! Most are under the age of 5, with an even mix of boys and girls.
And now, there seems to be a spate of pregnancies. There is one that is due in less than a month, and a few new pregnancies that have just been announced! Now that I think about it, there's only 1 other mother who isn't pregnant apart from me!
Yesterday, just another mother of 2 told me she's expecting her 3rd next April. Her first is slightly older than Annika, and her 2nd is close to 8 months. So she's quitting her job to focus on the kids for now. It's amazing how relaxed and easy she's taking it all. They are a great family, and the kids super cute.
Another one has 2 boys aged 3 and just 2, and she's expecting her 3rd boy in January next year. She's also another amazing mummy, calm and relaxed about parenting.
There are a few just on their 2nd.. I won't be surprised if the 3rd pregnancy gets announced in the next year or so!!
I think the best part of it all is that it demystifies the 3 kid thing... totally doable!! Right??
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Colds and holidays
1. COLDS
this is one (*&(*&(*7of a head cold.
I don't actually remember ever being sick for so long in my adult life! ( maybe it's amnesia already )
It started with one of the kids.. Annika I think, she had a high fever for over 5 days, cranky, coughing and running nose for the next 10. Sounded like croup, and after almost 2 sleepless coughing weeks I caved in and gave her a dexamethasone shot.
Seemed to do the trick, she got better in a further 2 or 3 days.
Then I caught the bug, after stupidly letting her put the nasal spray in MY nose while trying to spray HERS. DUMB.
Now its been 2 weeks, I've been swallowing blister packs of paracetamol, naproxen and antihistamines like candy.
I sick of having this nasal congestion and particularly blocked ears. So irritating.
So I finally took some prednisolone ( I've always been a non believer in that stuff for colds ) .. but it seems to work!! IT's finally shifting.
2. HOLIDAYS!
Finally!!
Chris has been given the opportunity to go to Davos in Switzerland for an AO course...
so we are ALL tagging along!
It was Pa's idea.. I was actually considering just going without the kids...
It's going to be one expensive trip. We've booked the air tickets.. and they came up to a whopping SGD 14000 already. That's for 6 adults and 4 kids. MH's mother is coming along for the holiday.
We've been frantically searching for affordable accommodation. It's been a LONG search.
We're thinking of going skiing in Zermatt, at the mighty Matterhorn. Accommodation there is crazy expensive. The cheaper options look quite scary old, like 1960s old, and the newest apartments come at rates of over CHF 1000 PER NIGHT! ( 1 CHF roughly 1 USD). A really nice one had a price tag of over CHF 7000 per night. Sleeping 10.
We're still left with the Lucerne leg of the trip. Shabby old apartment or average hotel? The average hotel option came up to SGD 1181 per night for all of us.
But I think we're all rather excited... it'll be the first with so many kids on a long haul flight to somewhere quite unknown to us. I guess the first rule is to simply have NO expectations, relax and go with the flow... if Annika eats only fruit loops the entire trip, so be it!
this is one (*&(*&(*7of a head cold.
I don't actually remember ever being sick for so long in my adult life! ( maybe it's amnesia already )
It started with one of the kids.. Annika I think, she had a high fever for over 5 days, cranky, coughing and running nose for the next 10. Sounded like croup, and after almost 2 sleepless coughing weeks I caved in and gave her a dexamethasone shot.
Seemed to do the trick, she got better in a further 2 or 3 days.
Then I caught the bug, after stupidly letting her put the nasal spray in MY nose while trying to spray HERS. DUMB.
Now its been 2 weeks, I've been swallowing blister packs of paracetamol, naproxen and antihistamines like candy.
I sick of having this nasal congestion and particularly blocked ears. So irritating.
So I finally took some prednisolone ( I've always been a non believer in that stuff for colds ) .. but it seems to work!! IT's finally shifting.
2. HOLIDAYS!
Finally!!
Chris has been given the opportunity to go to Davos in Switzerland for an AO course...
so we are ALL tagging along!
It was Pa's idea.. I was actually considering just going without the kids...
It's going to be one expensive trip. We've booked the air tickets.. and they came up to a whopping SGD 14000 already. That's for 6 adults and 4 kids. MH's mother is coming along for the holiday.
We've been frantically searching for affordable accommodation. It's been a LONG search.
We're thinking of going skiing in Zermatt, at the mighty Matterhorn. Accommodation there is crazy expensive. The cheaper options look quite scary old, like 1960s old, and the newest apartments come at rates of over CHF 1000 PER NIGHT! ( 1 CHF roughly 1 USD). A really nice one had a price tag of over CHF 7000 per night. Sleeping 10.
We're still left with the Lucerne leg of the trip. Shabby old apartment or average hotel? The average hotel option came up to SGD 1181 per night for all of us.
But I think we're all rather excited... it'll be the first with so many kids on a long haul flight to somewhere quite unknown to us. I guess the first rule is to simply have NO expectations, relax and go with the flow... if Annika eats only fruit loops the entire trip, so be it!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Birthday weekend
Not the kids.. but mine... sweet 35!
I didn't have any special events lined up for me, my dear hubby forgot to get me a proper cake, and nope, no breakfast in bed from the kids either.
But... I am grateful for the other things.
The nurse in my clinic, D, DID get me a birthday cake a few days prior to celebrate. So I did have 1 cake.
We had a delightful Saturday evening with some new friends ( classmate of Annika's from Bibinogs ) --even Annika has a social life! We were invited to their almost-penthouse apartment, and the mother made a 3 course meal for us. And had drinks including wine and beer.
On Sunday morning I got up and got to go for a run with my sister... so that was her gift to me. We wound up in Upper Bukit Timah road, couldn't get a taxi so called my BIL for a lift.
We did have dinner at PS Cafe at Dempsey Hill, which my mother likes ( that's why I chose it ), and I got lovely presents this year! A Nike+watch from Chris (yeah!!), Nescafe Dolche thingy that makes coffee from my sis and BIL and his mum, and a oh-so-soft Christian Dior black leather clutch from my parents. ( Just in time for my brother's impending engagement/wedding etc for next year )
Of course the icing on the cake was that Chris cleared his exits, so no more excuses not to do his share of parenting!
What else touched me was that I had good friends who remembered AND bothered to wish me Happy Birthday...I'm sometimes guilty of being too lazy to do it even though I see it's their birthday through FB or something else.
It was also sad to know that some friends that I thought would have been friends for life were no longer as close. And to know that I have now been excluded out of their lives too.
But its ok.. we all change and people drift in and out.
Now to start planning holidays!!!
I didn't have any special events lined up for me, my dear hubby forgot to get me a proper cake, and nope, no breakfast in bed from the kids either.
But... I am grateful for the other things.
The nurse in my clinic, D, DID get me a birthday cake a few days prior to celebrate. So I did have 1 cake.
We had a delightful Saturday evening with some new friends ( classmate of Annika's from Bibinogs ) --even Annika has a social life! We were invited to their almost-penthouse apartment, and the mother made a 3 course meal for us. And had drinks including wine and beer.
On Sunday morning I got up and got to go for a run with my sister... so that was her gift to me. We wound up in Upper Bukit Timah road, couldn't get a taxi so called my BIL for a lift.
We did have dinner at PS Cafe at Dempsey Hill, which my mother likes ( that's why I chose it ), and I got lovely presents this year! A Nike+watch from Chris (yeah!!), Nescafe Dolche thingy that makes coffee from my sis and BIL and his mum, and a oh-so-soft Christian Dior black leather clutch from my parents. ( Just in time for my brother's impending engagement/wedding etc for next year )
Of course the icing on the cake was that Chris cleared his exits, so no more excuses not to do his share of parenting!
What else touched me was that I had good friends who remembered AND bothered to wish me Happy Birthday...I'm sometimes guilty of being too lazy to do it even though I see it's their birthday through FB or something else.
It was also sad to know that some friends that I thought would have been friends for life were no longer as close. And to know that I have now been excluded out of their lives too.
But its ok.. we all change and people drift in and out.
Now to start planning holidays!!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
A relief
It's been a stressful month ( or year..) with Chris' exams..
Yesterday judgement day arrived.
And he cleared the hurdle!
Sweet relief. It's like freedom has been handed back to us. No more strategic weekend planning to get kids out of the apartment, no more late night studying ( for him ).
Just over the last weekend, we had a long weekend holiday( Malay Hari Raya celebrations ). Quite l-o-n-g.. Warni had Sunday off so it was a little stressful trying to keep it together that day. Mostly because the kids were still recovering from the last brutal round of colds. Annika was a grouchfest.
I am so grateful for good friends... C invited us over for playdate and dinner.. and when she realized we didn't have help for the day she was so kind to provide dinner for us all. And it was nice to have an activity to go to, that made the rest of the day seem more directed.
We had spent the morning prior to the playdate with family.. and boy, was it STRESSFUL..
First..we were supposed to go out for breakfast, but when I rang the house, turned out my sister had gone running and had not returned.Her husband had disappeared too. My parents were babysitting her kids without help either.
By the time she returned, showered and was ready to go, it was past 9am... we drove over to Takashimaya to Paul Bocuse for breakfast. Which we finally ate at 10am.
After brekkie, we wandered around the shops.. we wound up at the kid's section. Turned out they were having a Disney Princess promotion, and with purchase of $80 of their products we were entitled to a kid's photoshoot in princess garb.
Of course we were suckers..
Madison and Elizabeth both got to be Belle. The pictures turned out quite nice, but unfortunately Madison is not a budding model... she is sadly unable to smile naturally at the camera.
Shopping and the photo shoot took over an hour to accomplish... after which we had to find Annika some food.. she refused to eat breakfast earlier..
So while Chris and I were busy waiting in line to get her food/finding a table, we left Madison and Elizabeth with my parents and sister.
Halfway through Annika's meal, out of the milling crowds Madison and Elizabeth suddenly ran towards us. Just the 2 of them.
I was flabbergasted. Where were the 4 adults that were supposed to be with them????
So Chris and I wound up with all 3 kids. Waiting for the other 4 adults to look for us. And feeding all 3 of them.
Finally someone rang and of course they had been looking for the 2.
Amazing. 4 adults could lose the 2 of them.
Stressful morning to say the least.
So I was really grateful to C for inviting us over for dinner later that day.
Now that Chris has finished his exams, it's my turn to say 'thank you' to her... which will happen next month!! Spa treat!
Yesterday judgement day arrived.
And he cleared the hurdle!
Sweet relief. It's like freedom has been handed back to us. No more strategic weekend planning to get kids out of the apartment, no more late night studying ( for him ).
Just over the last weekend, we had a long weekend holiday( Malay Hari Raya celebrations ). Quite l-o-n-g.. Warni had Sunday off so it was a little stressful trying to keep it together that day. Mostly because the kids were still recovering from the last brutal round of colds. Annika was a grouchfest.
I am so grateful for good friends... C invited us over for playdate and dinner.. and when she realized we didn't have help for the day she was so kind to provide dinner for us all. And it was nice to have an activity to go to, that made the rest of the day seem more directed.
We had spent the morning prior to the playdate with family.. and boy, was it STRESSFUL..
First..we were supposed to go out for breakfast, but when I rang the house, turned out my sister had gone running and had not returned.Her husband had disappeared too. My parents were babysitting her kids without help either.
By the time she returned, showered and was ready to go, it was past 9am... we drove over to Takashimaya to Paul Bocuse for breakfast. Which we finally ate at 10am.
After brekkie, we wandered around the shops.. we wound up at the kid's section. Turned out they were having a Disney Princess promotion, and with purchase of $80 of their products we were entitled to a kid's photoshoot in princess garb.
Of course we were suckers..
Madison and Elizabeth both got to be Belle. The pictures turned out quite nice, but unfortunately Madison is not a budding model... she is sadly unable to smile naturally at the camera.
Shopping and the photo shoot took over an hour to accomplish... after which we had to find Annika some food.. she refused to eat breakfast earlier..
So while Chris and I were busy waiting in line to get her food/finding a table, we left Madison and Elizabeth with my parents and sister.
Halfway through Annika's meal, out of the milling crowds Madison and Elizabeth suddenly ran towards us. Just the 2 of them.
I was flabbergasted. Where were the 4 adults that were supposed to be with them????
So Chris and I wound up with all 3 kids. Waiting for the other 4 adults to look for us. And feeding all 3 of them.
Finally someone rang and of course they had been looking for the 2.
Amazing. 4 adults could lose the 2 of them.
Stressful morning to say the least.
So I was really grateful to C for inviting us over for dinner later that day.
Now that Chris has finished his exams, it's my turn to say 'thank you' to her... which will happen next month!! Spa treat!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Turning 2
Annika is almost 2.. will be 2 this Sunday.
For some bizarre inexplicable reason.. I think I may be getting a touch of baby fever.
So many people are expecting new babies!
On one hand.. its really nice to have 2 who are starting to be independent. Life is just starting to settle down, the kids can be palmed off once in awhile for us to have a break. We should probably think of doing more travelling. Ski trip? Beach holiday? Watch more plays?
Buuttt... of course people start announcing more babies via Facebook. And putting up pictures of babymoons... its quite amazing... people my age could be expecting anywhere from the first to their third kid.
Annika really enjoyed her party!
We invited a whole bunch of neighbours down, plus a few close friends. The kids had a ball! This was the most relaxed party I'd ever organised... didn't even have any games, just a little home cooked food, plenty of cold beer and drinks.
And when it came to opening presents, we did it in stages.
Annika was super possesive!
Of course Madison wanted to lay claim to the new toys.. but Annika was quick to protest :"itssss mmmiineeee...."
Clever little bugger.
Haven't really decided what and if we should do anything this weekend... maybe dinner for the family.
For some bizarre inexplicable reason.. I think I may be getting a touch of baby fever.
So many people are expecting new babies!
On one hand.. its really nice to have 2 who are starting to be independent. Life is just starting to settle down, the kids can be palmed off once in awhile for us to have a break. We should probably think of doing more travelling. Ski trip? Beach holiday? Watch more plays?
Buuttt... of course people start announcing more babies via Facebook. And putting up pictures of babymoons... its quite amazing... people my age could be expecting anywhere from the first to their third kid.
Annika really enjoyed her party!
We invited a whole bunch of neighbours down, plus a few close friends. The kids had a ball! This was the most relaxed party I'd ever organised... didn't even have any games, just a little home cooked food, plenty of cold beer and drinks.
And when it came to opening presents, we did it in stages.
Annika was super possesive!
Of course Madison wanted to lay claim to the new toys.. but Annika was quick to protest :"itssss mmmiineeee...."
Clever little bugger.
Haven't really decided what and if we should do anything this weekend... maybe dinner for the family.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Annika's impending birthday
My dear baby is turning 2.
Where did time go? I can hardly remember her baby days already.
I don't think I feel sad or anything... but maybe I do. I don't like the baby days really, but then time does go so quickly. When did she morph from being a fully dependent baby to this current terrible 2 stage of " I can do by myself...." imagine a whiny determined tone...?
With each birthday I get lazier and lazier. Poor 2nd and subsequent kid. At least she still gets a 'fancy' cake. I'm attempting to make Pingu the penguin. I let Annika flip through the children's cake making book and she chose the penguin. I tried to encourage her to pick the easier octopus but she was determined. And didn't change her mind over several months!
The past few months have been tough.. Chris is facing the final and probably toughest hurdle in August. He has to clear the exit exam and HE IS DONE. To his credit, he has been working and studying hard. But this also means that he hardly sees the kids, and when he does he seems distracted and distant. He has also been grumpy and less fair tempered... I hope this is not a permanent thing.
Last month, Chris organised for us to have a look at the penthouse at our apartment.
OMG... it would be so nice to have that extra space. But the $$$$$$... and of course the question of whether it's even a good idea to try and buy it. Or should we be looking at another location? OR just stay put and not stress over it?
We've got the agent started at getting our rental unit sold so if it does go then perhaps that option might become a little bit real?
OR is it too crazy?
I am going insane thinking about all this. Why can't someone just tell me what the right thing is?
Where did time go? I can hardly remember her baby days already.
I don't think I feel sad or anything... but maybe I do. I don't like the baby days really, but then time does go so quickly. When did she morph from being a fully dependent baby to this current terrible 2 stage of " I can do by myself...." imagine a whiny determined tone...?
With each birthday I get lazier and lazier. Poor 2nd and subsequent kid. At least she still gets a 'fancy' cake. I'm attempting to make Pingu the penguin. I let Annika flip through the children's cake making book and she chose the penguin. I tried to encourage her to pick the easier octopus but she was determined. And didn't change her mind over several months!
The past few months have been tough.. Chris is facing the final and probably toughest hurdle in August. He has to clear the exit exam and HE IS DONE. To his credit, he has been working and studying hard. But this also means that he hardly sees the kids, and when he does he seems distracted and distant. He has also been grumpy and less fair tempered... I hope this is not a permanent thing.
Last month, Chris organised for us to have a look at the penthouse at our apartment.
OMG... it would be so nice to have that extra space. But the $$$$$$... and of course the question of whether it's even a good idea to try and buy it. Or should we be looking at another location? OR just stay put and not stress over it?
We've got the agent started at getting our rental unit sold so if it does go then perhaps that option might become a little bit real?
OR is it too crazy?
I am going insane thinking about all this. Why can't someone just tell me what the right thing is?
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Uncle Anthony visits!
Chris' brother is here for a 10 day visit.
I think it's the school holidays in Australia hence the visit. (He's a school teacher)
The kids love it when he comes.
He arrived Tuesday (3/7/12) evening, so the kids got to go to the airport to pick him up. I made sure I checked the terminal that he was supposed to land at ( T3 ), so Pa dropped Warni and me with 3 kids at the departure area. Then I find out that he was supposed to land at T2 ( argh! ). Of course now I couldn't find my dad. So I call him and tell him to meet us at T2 while we took the Skytrain over.
It all worked out in the end, but it was crazy trying to herd 3 high energy kids around.
We had an earthquake at Swensens to calm all our nerves down after we finally met Anthony. (who had been waiting close to 30minutes by the time we finally met him)
When I see how he plays with the kids I think about how nice it is to just be with them. But I guess someone needs to do the crap daily stuff. And guess who that turns out to be. How come I get to plan meals/shop for food/chauffeur kids around everyday??
The best part of him visiting is that I get to go to work and not feel so guilty!
It's a pity he doesn't live here so the kids get to spend more time with him regularly.
I just hope he has a good time here and will come back again soon!
I think it's the school holidays in Australia hence the visit. (He's a school teacher)
The kids love it when he comes.
He arrived Tuesday (3/7/12) evening, so the kids got to go to the airport to pick him up. I made sure I checked the terminal that he was supposed to land at ( T3 ), so Pa dropped Warni and me with 3 kids at the departure area. Then I find out that he was supposed to land at T2 ( argh! ). Of course now I couldn't find my dad. So I call him and tell him to meet us at T2 while we took the Skytrain over.
It all worked out in the end, but it was crazy trying to herd 3 high energy kids around.
We had an earthquake at Swensens to calm all our nerves down after we finally met Anthony. (who had been waiting close to 30minutes by the time we finally met him)
When I see how he plays with the kids I think about how nice it is to just be with them. But I guess someone needs to do the crap daily stuff. And guess who that turns out to be. How come I get to plan meals/shop for food/chauffeur kids around everyday??
The best part of him visiting is that I get to go to work and not feel so guilty!
It's a pity he doesn't live here so the kids get to spend more time with him regularly.
I just hope he has a good time here and will come back again soon!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Watching the ballet
3 Adults and 6 kids. Watching the ballet at the Esplanade.
And we survived it. There were only supposed to be 4 kids and 5 adults, but for a turn of fate (ie, a pair of parents FORGOT they were supposed to be celebrating a 100 year old birthday, so sent 2 kids in their place ). Plus there was a bit of a mad rush at the start trying to pick the 3 other kids up because the said parents were running late with drop off.
The ballet itself was quite good. I didn't really understand the title to begin with, but once the performance began it was quite obvious. It was titled 'Peter and Blue go round the world'.
The first 30 minutes went well. We had silence, peace and appreciation of the dance. But at 45 minutes, the edginess started.
Thank goodness it lasted a grand total of 60 minutes. You'd expect to feel uplifted, relaxed and inspired after watching the ballet, but with kids it's a whole new experience. It was more like nervous checks to see that they hadn't fallen across the seats to injure some poor soul at the next row, weren't kicking the head of the next row, or "shush shush SHUSH!!!!"
Not recommended to have kids outnumber adults in such situations. Thankfully 2 of those kids were older than 5.
Of course after the show, because we were so caught up trying to get all the kids out intact and alive we promptly forgot our cameras which we had to surrender at the start. Now I know why they require us to give them a name and contact number.
The rest of the weekend went past in such a blur! I can barely remember what we did in those 48 hours.
Saturday was wake up, work , kids swim, lunch, swim (again, lesson for Madison), then we actually braved it to Orchard road for dinner at Marche with the kids. Which actually turned out fantastic! The kids seem to be able to play with restraint at the play area. Amidst crazy screaming kids who were running amok up and down the playhouse. I was so pleasantly surprised mine didn't go similarly crazy and sustain injuries. So then Chris and I got to eat properly!
Sunday was wake, breakfast, golf( for Madison ) while Annika and I went to the club to hang out(more space than at home, we both get the edgies doing nothing at home). Then lunch for kids at club, rush home to get ready for the ballet. We cut it too fine so nobody got to bathe. Then after ballet rush home to get ready to go to the Botanic Gardens to meet the rest of the family. Kids got to cycle. Dinner at Food for thought at the Gardens. That place is a pretty good idea for dinner! Safe, smallish outdoor playground that the kids can't seriously get injured in, plenty of seating, both indoor and out. Food is average, but hey, who actually eats when kids are involved?
And then it's Monday! Of course then I get to go to work and sit down and relax.
And we survived it. There were only supposed to be 4 kids and 5 adults, but for a turn of fate (ie, a pair of parents FORGOT they were supposed to be celebrating a 100 year old birthday, so sent 2 kids in their place ). Plus there was a bit of a mad rush at the start trying to pick the 3 other kids up because the said parents were running late with drop off.
The ballet itself was quite good. I didn't really understand the title to begin with, but once the performance began it was quite obvious. It was titled 'Peter and Blue go round the world'.
The first 30 minutes went well. We had silence, peace and appreciation of the dance. But at 45 minutes, the edginess started.
Thank goodness it lasted a grand total of 60 minutes. You'd expect to feel uplifted, relaxed and inspired after watching the ballet, but with kids it's a whole new experience. It was more like nervous checks to see that they hadn't fallen across the seats to injure some poor soul at the next row, weren't kicking the head of the next row, or "shush shush SHUSH!!!!"
Not recommended to have kids outnumber adults in such situations. Thankfully 2 of those kids were older than 5.
Of course after the show, because we were so caught up trying to get all the kids out intact and alive we promptly forgot our cameras which we had to surrender at the start. Now I know why they require us to give them a name and contact number.
The rest of the weekend went past in such a blur! I can barely remember what we did in those 48 hours.
Saturday was wake up, work , kids swim, lunch, swim (again, lesson for Madison), then we actually braved it to Orchard road for dinner at Marche with the kids. Which actually turned out fantastic! The kids seem to be able to play with restraint at the play area. Amidst crazy screaming kids who were running amok up and down the playhouse. I was so pleasantly surprised mine didn't go similarly crazy and sustain injuries. So then Chris and I got to eat properly!
Sunday was wake, breakfast, golf( for Madison ) while Annika and I went to the club to hang out(more space than at home, we both get the edgies doing nothing at home). Then lunch for kids at club, rush home to get ready for the ballet. We cut it too fine so nobody got to bathe. Then after ballet rush home to get ready to go to the Botanic Gardens to meet the rest of the family. Kids got to cycle. Dinner at Food for thought at the Gardens. That place is a pretty good idea for dinner! Safe, smallish outdoor playground that the kids can't seriously get injured in, plenty of seating, both indoor and out. Food is average, but hey, who actually eats when kids are involved?
And then it's Monday! Of course then I get to go to work and sit down and relax.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Becoming a NAG
I realize I am becoming my mother.
Or at least I Think I am? And not the nice bits, just the nasty bits that I remember from when I was growing up.
The nagging, scolding, the impatience.
It starts at 7am. Almost every morning unless Chris happens to be around, which is mostly on weekends.
Getting them to JUST EAT BREAKFAST. Minus the dawdling, endless questions, fighting/snatching.
Then to PLEASE CHANGE OUT OF YOUR PYJAMAS.
Please BRUSH your TEETH, now...not after cutting up some paper/drawing/fighting again.
Then finally to PLEASE put your shoes on, get INTO The lift and into the car.
That takes ME 10 minutes. Takes the kids over an hour!
Yesterday Madison had her piano lessons. It's usually a mad rush for me, right after work, go home, (hopefully) pick her up (quickly), wait in the endless queue to get INTO the stupid carpark at United Square before we finally get to the studio for the 30 minute lesson.
This is how it is exasperating:
1. REFUSE to nap (which is fine on non piano days) and then be narcoleptic in front of the teacher at 5!
2. Suddenly FORGET stuff she knew. Of course the teacher looks at me quizzically and asks how come she doesn't know 'X'. ???Q!!
3. Go completely shy and lose her ability to communicate in front of the teacher. Who she already is familiar with since she was 2.
So that means trying to incorporate 10 minutes of piano in the mornings.
For some reason, trying to teach my child something draws the evil mom out of me. I have no patience and it exasperates me when she/they cannot remember something for 5 minutes. And I cannot hide my impatience.
I can't imagine what it's going to be like in another few years when I have to face the primary school stuff. I think I will go batsh!t crazy. I hate tuition myself, so it's unfair to dump tuition onto them. (right?) Or is it inevitable? Can you imagine trying to teach a 6 year old multiplication???!! OR whatever they do in school now? Don't forget spelling lists in Mandarin AND English.
They really should allow the internet in the classroom. Just teach the kid to use Google. Everyone would be happy.
I really admire people who can stay at home and do this EVERYDAY. And not become some witch b!tch while they are at it. I'm sorry... but somehow I'm not built like that. I hope my kids will understand one day. (Probably when they are mothers themselves?)
Or at least I Think I am? And not the nice bits, just the nasty bits that I remember from when I was growing up.
The nagging, scolding, the impatience.
It starts at 7am. Almost every morning unless Chris happens to be around, which is mostly on weekends.
Getting them to JUST EAT BREAKFAST. Minus the dawdling, endless questions, fighting/snatching.
Then to PLEASE CHANGE OUT OF YOUR PYJAMAS.
Please BRUSH your TEETH, now...not after cutting up some paper/drawing/fighting again.
Then finally to PLEASE put your shoes on, get INTO The lift and into the car.
That takes ME 10 minutes. Takes the kids over an hour!
Yesterday Madison had her piano lessons. It's usually a mad rush for me, right after work, go home, (hopefully) pick her up (quickly), wait in the endless queue to get INTO the stupid carpark at United Square before we finally get to the studio for the 30 minute lesson.
This is how it is exasperating:
1. REFUSE to nap (which is fine on non piano days) and then be narcoleptic in front of the teacher at 5!
2. Suddenly FORGET stuff she knew. Of course the teacher looks at me quizzically and asks how come she doesn't know 'X'. ???Q!!
3. Go completely shy and lose her ability to communicate in front of the teacher. Who she already is familiar with since she was 2.
So that means trying to incorporate 10 minutes of piano in the mornings.
For some reason, trying to teach my child something draws the evil mom out of me. I have no patience and it exasperates me when she/they cannot remember something for 5 minutes. And I cannot hide my impatience.
I can't imagine what it's going to be like in another few years when I have to face the primary school stuff. I think I will go batsh!t crazy. I hate tuition myself, so it's unfair to dump tuition onto them. (right?) Or is it inevitable? Can you imagine trying to teach a 6 year old multiplication???!! OR whatever they do in school now? Don't forget spelling lists in Mandarin AND English.
They really should allow the internet in the classroom. Just teach the kid to use Google. Everyone would be happy.
I really admire people who can stay at home and do this EVERYDAY. And not become some witch b!tch while they are at it. I'm sorry... but somehow I'm not built like that. I hope my kids will understand one day. (Probably when they are mothers themselves?)
Monday, May 28, 2012
Girls' night out
It's been so long since we've had a girls night out!
Finally the stars aligned and everybody happened to have time to go out for dinner.
It was also perfect timing that C, who lives in Kedah now, was also back for a holiday. (Since her hubby was away on conference in Paris)
It took a really long time to even decide where to go. Nobody could suggest a dinner location.
Finally, hours before we were supposed to meet, J finally suggested Clarke Quay.
Clarke Quay?
The messages started firing. Where about in CQ? Are hubbies going? Are we sure? Driving ? MRT ? ( We usually just take the safe route and meet at Novena Square, so nobody gets lost and parking is really easy )
We finally decided to meet at Central. I don't know how or where to park there, so opted to take public transport. The initial plan was to meet Ca, but on the way there C calls, and offers to drive us there.
We did get a little lost but managed to arrive and park within a reasonable time. Fortunately S knew the place well and gives good directions over the phone.
We were all a little hyped up about going out for dinner. Determined to go 'somewhere nice'. Meaning, outside our comfort zone of restaurants found at Novena or United Square.
Unfortunately by the time all of us arrived, the first 2 had already chosen and grown roots in Manhattan Fish Market. In Central Mall. They refused to leave because they had already drunk their 'welcome drink'. We could have gone to Novena Square! Fish and Co are on the second floor in Novena Square.
Just when we sat down, made our orders and started to relax, C's mother calls. Apparently her older son was inconsolable and she HAD to come home.
Well, at least we got a group photo. Proof to our kids that their mothers had a life outside of home.
After dinner, we decided, we HAVE to get outside to Clarke Quay. At least get a drink. Definitely alcoholic.
After wandering around for another 10 minutes we finally went into TCC. TCC! Also available at Novena square. Unbelievable. Either Singapore is boring or we are sad, sad people. Maybe both. At least the drinks had alcohol in them.
We stayed out past our bedtime. And it was also really nice that J got her dear hubby to send Ca and me home! Perks of being on a Girls night out with married women!
(And it was nice that the kids were all sound asleep when I got home. Peace. )
Finally the stars aligned and everybody happened to have time to go out for dinner.
It was also perfect timing that C, who lives in Kedah now, was also back for a holiday. (Since her hubby was away on conference in Paris)
It took a really long time to even decide where to go. Nobody could suggest a dinner location.
Finally, hours before we were supposed to meet, J finally suggested Clarke Quay.
Clarke Quay?
The messages started firing. Where about in CQ? Are hubbies going? Are we sure? Driving ? MRT ? ( We usually just take the safe route and meet at Novena Square, so nobody gets lost and parking is really easy )
We finally decided to meet at Central. I don't know how or where to park there, so opted to take public transport. The initial plan was to meet Ca, but on the way there C calls, and offers to drive us there.
We did get a little lost but managed to arrive and park within a reasonable time. Fortunately S knew the place well and gives good directions over the phone.
We were all a little hyped up about going out for dinner. Determined to go 'somewhere nice'. Meaning, outside our comfort zone of restaurants found at Novena or United Square.
Unfortunately by the time all of us arrived, the first 2 had already chosen and grown roots in Manhattan Fish Market. In Central Mall. They refused to leave because they had already drunk their 'welcome drink'. We could have gone to Novena Square! Fish and Co are on the second floor in Novena Square.
Just when we sat down, made our orders and started to relax, C's mother calls. Apparently her older son was inconsolable and she HAD to come home.
Well, at least we got a group photo. Proof to our kids that their mothers had a life outside of home.
After dinner, we decided, we HAVE to get outside to Clarke Quay. At least get a drink. Definitely alcoholic.
After wandering around for another 10 minutes we finally went into TCC. TCC! Also available at Novena square. Unbelievable. Either Singapore is boring or we are sad, sad people. Maybe both. At least the drinks had alcohol in them.
We stayed out past our bedtime. And it was also really nice that J got her dear hubby to send Ca and me home! Perks of being on a Girls night out with married women!
(And it was nice that the kids were all sound asleep when I got home. Peace. )
Monday, May 14, 2012
Next birthdays: MH and Elizabeth
This week is another round of birthdays.
Monday( today ) is MH birthday. Beats me what the plans are! He's not a dessert fan so I'm not offering to make the cake.
And then on Saturday they are celebrating Elizabeth's 3rd. My parents are hosting it at the Raffles Town Club. They went shopping yesterday and bought her a bicycle as well.
I offered to make the cake. ( Felt bad if I didn't offer ).
I was going to try and make the Angelina Ballerina cake, but after Googling 'Princess cake' the first thing that came up was actually the 'doll-in-the-cake' idea.
I think I'm sold.
Rushed out Saturday lunch time to find MH a gift, AND buy the Barbie doll that will be going into the cake.
Initially I wanted to get some el cheapo doll for the cake, but they didn't look that nice. So Barbie it is. I think Friday shall be cake making day. It's buttercream, so less complicated than the fondant AngelinaB cake. I still need to get more supplies from a cake making shop..
MH got a Bodum french press from us. He's a coffee fan, but I'm not sure he'd make his own??
It's the thought that counts right?
Mother's Day weekend
I had a good weekend last week.
Clinic was quiet so I didn't have to work on Saturday.
This meant Saturday morning wasn't a huge rush to get everything done. The kids went swimming downstairs in the morning after Madison's tennis lesson. Which only had 2 kids so it was almost like a private lesson. (For $30...unlike Wednesday afternoon where she had a privately organised session at $50 for 30minutes!! )
After naptime we went to the club for Madison's swimming lesson. We took our neighbour's daughter Lynn with us. The lesson was chaotic. They didn't even tell us that the usual coach was away or something and this other guy who could barely keep the kids in order was in charge! Anyway... at least the kids had fun together afterwards. I'm really happy the club is finally mostly done, so the kids pool is functional again. The water is incredibly warm! The new playground is a big hit too.
Of course the kids went down Saturday night without fuss and it was blissful peace!
Sunday morning came waayyy too quickly. Warni had her day off so it was just us. And we had the rest of the family over for dinner as well. We spent the morning at the club (again). What better way to wear them all out??
In the afternoon Lynn came down and then E came over to swim. More swimming.
Since the entire family was sans helpers we ordered food back for dinner. The meal wasn't too bad, we managed to eat in between breaking up fights and screamy tantrums. The tears were coming mostly from E... not sure what's up with her, but whoa... some screamy moods recently..
This morning, Warni finally found the missing terrapin! Madison has gotten into this habit where she takes the darn things and puts it in odd places. And then promptly forgetting where she left it!
The small terrapin was lost for like 4 days? Poor thing. Warni finally found it in the toy box. Of all places. Amazing it was still alive.
Clinic was quiet so I didn't have to work on Saturday.
This meant Saturday morning wasn't a huge rush to get everything done. The kids went swimming downstairs in the morning after Madison's tennis lesson. Which only had 2 kids so it was almost like a private lesson. (For $30...unlike Wednesday afternoon where she had a privately organised session at $50 for 30minutes!! )
After naptime we went to the club for Madison's swimming lesson. We took our neighbour's daughter Lynn with us. The lesson was chaotic. They didn't even tell us that the usual coach was away or something and this other guy who could barely keep the kids in order was in charge! Anyway... at least the kids had fun together afterwards. I'm really happy the club is finally mostly done, so the kids pool is functional again. The water is incredibly warm! The new playground is a big hit too.
Of course the kids went down Saturday night without fuss and it was blissful peace!
Sunday morning came waayyy too quickly. Warni had her day off so it was just us. And we had the rest of the family over for dinner as well. We spent the morning at the club (again). What better way to wear them all out??
In the afternoon Lynn came down and then E came over to swim. More swimming.
Since the entire family was sans helpers we ordered food back for dinner. The meal wasn't too bad, we managed to eat in between breaking up fights and screamy tantrums. The tears were coming mostly from E... not sure what's up with her, but whoa... some screamy moods recently..
This morning, Warni finally found the missing terrapin! Madison has gotten into this habit where she takes the darn things and puts it in odd places. And then promptly forgetting where she left it!
The small terrapin was lost for like 4 days? Poor thing. Warni finally found it in the toy box. Of all places. Amazing it was still alive.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Another birthday weekend
This weekend we celebrated:
1. Pa's birthday
2. Elaine's (Lynn's mother) birthday
3. Wang Fang's dad ( Chuyi's granddad ) birthday
And the amazing thing? All on the same day.
Talk about fate. It's spooky.
I baked a chocolate cake with ganache from Martha Stewart's website. AFTER I baked the layer, I decided to read the comments ( how stupid ). Of course that made me panic because some were downright bad.
BUT.. it turned out quite good! I used good ingredients too. Fresh vanilla pod, unprocessed dutch cocoa and couverture chocolate from Jones the Grocer. It looked quite amazing too, with the double layers.
We were supposed to go to Jumbo seafood at ECP. But at 6 pm we were still at home. By the time we got even close to the place traffic was a snarling mess. 30 minutes drive there, then another 20 back to United Square for dinner instead. I was not a happy camper.
It ended well, after dinner, we headed back to Elaine's party which was in full swing back at the condo. I had my second round of drinks, supper and cake. Her party ended close to midnight.
This past Friday I went to SGH as usual. WS finally came back after a 2 month hiatus. Then we were told that they didn't need us for the time being till August or September. To be honest, I heaved a big sigh of relief internally. I think I've also had enough of this job. It was actually getting stressful, for me. Initially it was for a bit of variety, since THEY needed us to help. And those days when we actually just worked it wasn't too bad. (depending on the consultant that day)
But the past few weeks have started to drag a little. And I started to get a little anxious about going there. Partly because you never know before hand who you get assigned to.
Still... it's probably perfect timing. Just enough exposure to get the hang of some of the procedures.
But Yeah! I have more time now to do other stuff during the week!
1. Pa's birthday
2. Elaine's (Lynn's mother) birthday
3. Wang Fang's dad ( Chuyi's granddad ) birthday
And the amazing thing? All on the same day.
Talk about fate. It's spooky.
I baked a chocolate cake with ganache from Martha Stewart's website. AFTER I baked the layer, I decided to read the comments ( how stupid ). Of course that made me panic because some were downright bad.
BUT.. it turned out quite good! I used good ingredients too. Fresh vanilla pod, unprocessed dutch cocoa and couverture chocolate from Jones the Grocer. It looked quite amazing too, with the double layers.
We were supposed to go to Jumbo seafood at ECP. But at 6 pm we were still at home. By the time we got even close to the place traffic was a snarling mess. 30 minutes drive there, then another 20 back to United Square for dinner instead. I was not a happy camper.
It ended well, after dinner, we headed back to Elaine's party which was in full swing back at the condo. I had my second round of drinks, supper and cake. Her party ended close to midnight.
This past Friday I went to SGH as usual. WS finally came back after a 2 month hiatus. Then we were told that they didn't need us for the time being till August or September. To be honest, I heaved a big sigh of relief internally. I think I've also had enough of this job. It was actually getting stressful, for me. Initially it was for a bit of variety, since THEY needed us to help. And those days when we actually just worked it wasn't too bad. (depending on the consultant that day)
But the past few weeks have started to drag a little. And I started to get a little anxious about going there. Partly because you never know before hand who you get assigned to.
Still... it's probably perfect timing. Just enough exposure to get the hang of some of the procedures.
But Yeah! I have more time now to do other stuff during the week!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Birthday weekend
3 parties this weekend that just passed!
The first belonged to Chris' colleague. Her son turned one so she had a lunch party at TOTTs' bistro. Totts is a huge baking/cooking supplies shop at the end of Bukit Timah Road. It was pouring when we went. Party went ok, cupcakes were a hit!
The second party was in the afternoon. Caroline's eldest turned 6. Pizza and pasta party, ended off with cake and candles. Didn't stay late because she just had her 3rd son less than 3 weeks ago.
On Sunday, we had just 1 party to attend. This belonged to Madison's classmate, so Chris took her after her golf lesson. It was a 'Prince and Princess' dress up party too, so Grandma's fluffy white dresses finally got used. This party was the longest, started at noon and finished at 4pm!
Warni had the day off on Sunday too, so it was awfully busy just getting stuff done during the day. The grandparents came over for dinner as well. Pa and Geok did a competitive race in the morning too. Well done.. 10k for Pa and the half marathon for Geok.
This past weekend the final contents of the Novena house were moved out. It is officially a shell now. I think power is to be turned off sometime this week. I haven't been back there for almost a week! Have to remember to take some photos. Although we probably should have done that a month ago. We're obviously not terribly sentimental people.
Time is moving terribly fast. It's almost halfway through the year!
The first belonged to Chris' colleague. Her son turned one so she had a lunch party at TOTTs' bistro. Totts is a huge baking/cooking supplies shop at the end of Bukit Timah Road. It was pouring when we went. Party went ok, cupcakes were a hit!
The second party was in the afternoon. Caroline's eldest turned 6. Pizza and pasta party, ended off with cake and candles. Didn't stay late because she just had her 3rd son less than 3 weeks ago.
On Sunday, we had just 1 party to attend. This belonged to Madison's classmate, so Chris took her after her golf lesson. It was a 'Prince and Princess' dress up party too, so Grandma's fluffy white dresses finally got used. This party was the longest, started at noon and finished at 4pm!
Warni had the day off on Sunday too, so it was awfully busy just getting stuff done during the day. The grandparents came over for dinner as well. Pa and Geok did a competitive race in the morning too. Well done.. 10k for Pa and the half marathon for Geok.
This past weekend the final contents of the Novena house were moved out. It is officially a shell now. I think power is to be turned off sometime this week. I haven't been back there for almost a week! Have to remember to take some photos. Although we probably should have done that a month ago. We're obviously not terribly sentimental people.
Time is moving terribly fast. It's almost halfway through the year!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Goodbye to Family home
It has officially begun.
Sunday my parents moved out of our family home of 26 years, and the movers shifted most of the stuff out.
Over the next few days more things will be taken out, including light fixtures and electrical appliances. Power will be turned off on Wednesday.
I'm not sure what will happen over the next few months (to ?1 year) as my parents have temporarily moved to G and MH's house. I don't know if they'd want 4 kids terrorizing their home everyday.
It's a little sad, saying goodbye to the home that we grew up in, and where our kids spent a few years too. But it's also exciting, looking forward to a bigger facility for everyone to use. I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a protracted construction nightmare. The Swimming club was supposed to be completed last year but is still a work in progress.
The other thing that's been on my mind is that of purchasing a piano. With this move, the current piano is to be moved to a makeshift kid play area at the office space near the Novena house. And as it is, Madison doesn't practice during weekends if we don't go over to the grandparents' home. Maybe it's time we considered having a piano at home if we are serious about her (and Annika) playing it for the longer term.
The only trouble with that is
1. cost ( I imagine they cost at least $5k? )
2. space! It's so big! ( we'd have to shift furniture around )
3. Maintenance. ( regular tuning? )
In other news... baby fever! C has delivered her 3rd,one friend is halfway through her 3rd pregnancy, another friend is actively TTC, and another is JUST pregnant. And it seems like half our apartment block has newborns or under 1s.
But now's not the right time for us. Chris HAS to clear his exams, and he has to go overseas next year for at least 6 months. I really don't want to be stuck with a newborn, a toddler and preschooler to look after by myself WHILE the grandparent's house is in shambles ( ie no place for the older 2 to run amok/stay over once in awhile ) and Chris is merrily away 'working' overseas!
As for Annika, seems like Bibinogs was a right decision. She loves going there, and already in 3 sessions has started picking up Mandarin words and can say her name. Amazing.
Anaesthesia at SGH is going so-so.. I still harbour thoughts of quitting but I shall persevere. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger, right? I have to see where it will take me. It must be going somewhere?
Sunday my parents moved out of our family home of 26 years, and the movers shifted most of the stuff out.
Over the next few days more things will be taken out, including light fixtures and electrical appliances. Power will be turned off on Wednesday.
I'm not sure what will happen over the next few months (to ?1 year) as my parents have temporarily moved to G and MH's house. I don't know if they'd want 4 kids terrorizing their home everyday.
It's a little sad, saying goodbye to the home that we grew up in, and where our kids spent a few years too. But it's also exciting, looking forward to a bigger facility for everyone to use. I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a protracted construction nightmare. The Swimming club was supposed to be completed last year but is still a work in progress.
The other thing that's been on my mind is that of purchasing a piano. With this move, the current piano is to be moved to a makeshift kid play area at the office space near the Novena house. And as it is, Madison doesn't practice during weekends if we don't go over to the grandparents' home. Maybe it's time we considered having a piano at home if we are serious about her (and Annika) playing it for the longer term.
The only trouble with that is
1. cost ( I imagine they cost at least $5k? )
2. space! It's so big! ( we'd have to shift furniture around )
3. Maintenance. ( regular tuning? )
In other news... baby fever! C has delivered her 3rd,one friend is halfway through her 3rd pregnancy, another friend is actively TTC, and another is JUST pregnant. And it seems like half our apartment block has newborns or under 1s.
But now's not the right time for us. Chris HAS to clear his exams, and he has to go overseas next year for at least 6 months. I really don't want to be stuck with a newborn, a toddler and preschooler to look after by myself WHILE the grandparent's house is in shambles ( ie no place for the older 2 to run amok/stay over once in awhile ) and Chris is merrily away 'working' overseas!
As for Annika, seems like Bibinogs was a right decision. She loves going there, and already in 3 sessions has started picking up Mandarin words and can say her name. Amazing.
Anaesthesia at SGH is going so-so.. I still harbour thoughts of quitting but I shall persevere. What doesn't kill you will make you stronger, right? I have to see where it will take me. It must be going somewhere?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Bibinogs
Annika finally started at Bibinogs last week.
After much consideration, I decided to pull her out of Joy Little and enrol her in a parent accompanied Mandarin and Tots class twice a week.
And she is so much happier for it!
Initially she was hesitant about the class, but once it started, she was enthusiastically clapping and singing along with the teachers!
Today she was so excited about going there, she got her schoolbag ready and wanted to carry it around while waiting for the rest of us to get ready.
Madison, on the other hand.. grrr.. totally driving me nuts in the morning.
Took FOREVER to eat breakfast. Fighting with Annika/ taking her stuff etc. Then out of the blue she decided to fling this hand held candy filled Thomas-the-tank engine toy across the living room. Of course the thing broke and out spilled all this multicoloured choke-risk beads of candy!
OMG. I was so pissed. We had like an hour to get everyone dressed, teeth brushed, clothes changed, breakfast done and she just had to do this.
I made her pick it all up and throw the stuff out. Then after that she starts fiddling with her terrapin and nearly spills it and it's water all over the floor.
Anyway... we managed to get everyone to school. Annika did great at Bibinogs. Although she does get bored quite quickly. And asks to go home. But once they start some interesting activity she quickly participates again. Of course come nap time she is knackered!
In other news... the grand old dame of dear Novena house is to be knocked down within the next weeks. That poses some child care issues, but I figure things will sort themselves out when it happens.
We've also had a change in tenant at our old apartment, and the new one wants furniture and fittings. How come I didn't think of that the first time and keep my old furniture??!! So dumb. So we had to make a trip to good ol' Ikea to pick some stuff up. And INSTALL the stuff. I thought "ooh.. would be fun to have the kids around while we set the furniture up!" Of course now I know better. Hindsight.
A good friend also delivered her 3rd boy over the past week. Super cute newborn. NO wonder they call it baby fever. When you look at the innocent small baby you inevitably think " should I? " Haha.. yes...for about 30 seconds... then the PTSD flashbacks of sleepless nights, endless boob feeding, daytime zombieness happen.. yikes... thanks, but no thanks! Why can't we skip all that and just go to 2 years old?
After much consideration, I decided to pull her out of Joy Little and enrol her in a parent accompanied Mandarin and Tots class twice a week.
And she is so much happier for it!
Initially she was hesitant about the class, but once it started, she was enthusiastically clapping and singing along with the teachers!
Today she was so excited about going there, she got her schoolbag ready and wanted to carry it around while waiting for the rest of us to get ready.
Madison, on the other hand.. grrr.. totally driving me nuts in the morning.
Took FOREVER to eat breakfast. Fighting with Annika/ taking her stuff etc. Then out of the blue she decided to fling this hand held candy filled Thomas-the-tank engine toy across the living room. Of course the thing broke and out spilled all this multicoloured choke-risk beads of candy!
OMG. I was so pissed. We had like an hour to get everyone dressed, teeth brushed, clothes changed, breakfast done and she just had to do this.
I made her pick it all up and throw the stuff out. Then after that she starts fiddling with her terrapin and nearly spills it and it's water all over the floor.
Anyway... we managed to get everyone to school. Annika did great at Bibinogs. Although she does get bored quite quickly. And asks to go home. But once they start some interesting activity she quickly participates again. Of course come nap time she is knackered!
In other news... the grand old dame of dear Novena house is to be knocked down within the next weeks. That poses some child care issues, but I figure things will sort themselves out when it happens.
We've also had a change in tenant at our old apartment, and the new one wants furniture and fittings. How come I didn't think of that the first time and keep my old furniture??!! So dumb. So we had to make a trip to good ol' Ikea to pick some stuff up. And INSTALL the stuff. I thought "ooh.. would be fun to have the kids around while we set the furniture up!" Of course now I know better. Hindsight.
A good friend also delivered her 3rd boy over the past week. Super cute newborn. NO wonder they call it baby fever. When you look at the innocent small baby you inevitably think " should I? " Haha.. yes...for about 30 seconds... then the PTSD flashbacks of sleepless nights, endless boob feeding, daytime zombieness happen.. yikes... thanks, but no thanks! Why can't we skip all that and just go to 2 years old?
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sick kids, guilty mom
Why does motherhood have to be so guilt ridden?
This time it was because Annika came down with a high fever.
Last Thursday the kids slept over at the grandparents because Friday is SGH anaesthesia day.
Of course everyone is bouncing off the walls and absolutely FINE Thursday evening.
And of course I find out that Annika is running a high fever VIA SMS just as I am at my maximum stress.
Why? I get to SGH feeling a bit worried ( do they still need me anymore? they recently added to their MO head count!! )
Then the roster person takes a while to reply to my message telling me where to go for the day. Actually she replies "who is this?" to my message. Great. So I go up and look for her and she is all flustered trying to sort things out. So she tells me to go send the fella ALREADY at L8 to the day surgery(WHHHAT??I'd rather go to day surgery!!)
SO I get there and try to get ready. Of course the case turns out to be some cancer with neck dissections etc..argh! I start to panic. Have to wait for consultant to come and decide what they want to do.
And then the surgeons etc turn up but NO consultant anaesthetist. Panic more.
Of course in the end I manage to piss the consultant anaesthetist off( not my fault if he doesn't answer his phone ! )
Right in the midst of all this I get this sms that Annika is having a high fever so no school for her?
ACCK!!
Everything turned out ok in the end, Annika was sick but still happy, I got to put an arterial line in, played with the fibreoptic scope for like 2 minutes, and babysat the case till 5pm.
And yesterday was Madison's turn to fall ill. The fever's been pretty high.. she hasn't had a real fever for a few months now. Of course we hardly slept last night.
I'm getting a little tired of doing this anaesthesia thing, but I feel that I should persist. Otherwise why even start? There must be a greater meaning to it. It just sucks to go there so early every Friday, get screwed by some anaesthetist and feel generally tense. And then the kids have to sleep over Thursday night (which Madison LOVES).
Maybe they'll tell me soon that they don't need me to come in anymore. I keep thinking that'll happen anytime now. Especially since they have been sending out emails about new doctors joining them. Sigh.
This time it was because Annika came down with a high fever.
Last Thursday the kids slept over at the grandparents because Friday is SGH anaesthesia day.
Of course everyone is bouncing off the walls and absolutely FINE Thursday evening.
And of course I find out that Annika is running a high fever VIA SMS just as I am at my maximum stress.
Why? I get to SGH feeling a bit worried ( do they still need me anymore? they recently added to their MO head count!! )
Then the roster person takes a while to reply to my message telling me where to go for the day. Actually she replies "who is this?" to my message. Great. So I go up and look for her and she is all flustered trying to sort things out. So she tells me to go send the fella ALREADY at L8 to the day surgery(WHHHAT??I'd rather go to day surgery!!)
SO I get there and try to get ready. Of course the case turns out to be some cancer with neck dissections etc..argh! I start to panic. Have to wait for consultant to come and decide what they want to do.
And then the surgeons etc turn up but NO consultant anaesthetist. Panic more.
Of course in the end I manage to piss the consultant anaesthetist off( not my fault if he doesn't answer his phone ! )
Right in the midst of all this I get this sms that Annika is having a high fever so no school for her?
ACCK!!
Everything turned out ok in the end, Annika was sick but still happy, I got to put an arterial line in, played with the fibreoptic scope for like 2 minutes, and babysat the case till 5pm.
And yesterday was Madison's turn to fall ill. The fever's been pretty high.. she hasn't had a real fever for a few months now. Of course we hardly slept last night.
I'm getting a little tired of doing this anaesthesia thing, but I feel that I should persist. Otherwise why even start? There must be a greater meaning to it. It just sucks to go there so early every Friday, get screwed by some anaesthetist and feel generally tense. And then the kids have to sleep over Thursday night (which Madison LOVES).
Maybe they'll tell me soon that they don't need me to come in anymore. I keep thinking that'll happen anytime now. Especially since they have been sending out emails about new doctors joining them. Sigh.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Madison's 4th
I think I'm starting to get the hang of kids parties.
The first time I was really stressed, trying to get everything perfect.
We invited so many people, it was really a bit out of control.
This time, I waited till the last week to organise food and drink, and didn't even plan the decorations. The only "planning" I did was to get the chairs guy to deliver kids furniture for the event.
This time, we invited close friends with kids I knew would be keen to actually go swimming; last time none of the kids even went into the pool.
So I think it went great!
The kids started arriving just after 10 (as advised), the rainy weather stayed away so we had glorious sun the entire time.
The only thing I didn't realize was that it was seriously LABOURIOUS to grill 400 sticks of satay! I imagined in my head it would take a few minutes per batch, hence 400 didn't seem that daunting to me.
BUT.. I didn't realize the barbeque pit was NOT designed to mass cook satay! It took AGES to cook all of it, by which people had already left! ( so early! )
Still... the kids had fun in the pool ( which was the main thing anyway ), then they did finish most of the pre-cooked stuff: noodles ( that I cooked!), fishballs ( fresh from Whampoa market, boiled chipolatas and chicken pie (prepared by 'auntie Melba') and chicken parmesean cooked by Warni.
And the piece de resistance was undoubtedly THE CAKE ( if I may so brag!! )
Darn icing took over an hour just to do. I was sweating buckets in an airconditioned room trying to colour THEN roll out the silly fondant to a huge rectangle (iMPOSSIBLE!!)
And the cake itself! I baked 4 failed batches of mango cake before I called it quits and made a vanilla butter sponge! I wasted at least 8 eggs, 500g flour, 2 huge mangoes and close to 500 g of butter!
Lucky thing the theme was Nemo/Under the sea/fish/shark so I just hid the imperfections with seaweed/fish/coral!
We had just the right number of guests this time round, so I actually had time to sit down and chat with most of them. I'm always touched when people take out precious weekend time to come and attend the party, because I know how rare time off is.
Thank you to all my dear friends who came on Saturday... I'm so grateful you are part of my life!
1 down! 1 more to go!
The first time I was really stressed, trying to get everything perfect.
We invited so many people, it was really a bit out of control.
This time, I waited till the last week to organise food and drink, and didn't even plan the decorations. The only "planning" I did was to get the chairs guy to deliver kids furniture for the event.
This time, we invited close friends with kids I knew would be keen to actually go swimming; last time none of the kids even went into the pool.
So I think it went great!
The kids started arriving just after 10 (as advised), the rainy weather stayed away so we had glorious sun the entire time.
The only thing I didn't realize was that it was seriously LABOURIOUS to grill 400 sticks of satay! I imagined in my head it would take a few minutes per batch, hence 400 didn't seem that daunting to me.
BUT.. I didn't realize the barbeque pit was NOT designed to mass cook satay! It took AGES to cook all of it, by which people had already left! ( so early! )
Still... the kids had fun in the pool ( which was the main thing anyway ), then they did finish most of the pre-cooked stuff: noodles ( that I cooked!), fishballs ( fresh from Whampoa market, boiled chipolatas and chicken pie (prepared by 'auntie Melba') and chicken parmesean cooked by Warni.
And the piece de resistance was undoubtedly THE CAKE ( if I may so brag!! )
Darn icing took over an hour just to do. I was sweating buckets in an airconditioned room trying to colour THEN roll out the silly fondant to a huge rectangle (iMPOSSIBLE!!)
And the cake itself! I baked 4 failed batches of mango cake before I called it quits and made a vanilla butter sponge! I wasted at least 8 eggs, 500g flour, 2 huge mangoes and close to 500 g of butter!
Lucky thing the theme was Nemo/Under the sea/fish/shark so I just hid the imperfections with seaweed/fish/coral!
We had just the right number of guests this time round, so I actually had time to sit down and chat with most of them. I'm always touched when people take out precious weekend time to come and attend the party, because I know how rare time off is.
Thank you to all my dear friends who came on Saturday... I'm so grateful you are part of my life!
1 down! 1 more to go!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
4 years old!
4 years ago on this very day I delivered Madison.
It's so strange, that I can still remember how everything went that day. But from then till today things are already a little blurry. I can barely remember her as a toddler, much less a baby! Somehow between toddlerhood and Annika she just grew up.
Of course now we are dealing with different issues than before, and I'm sure there will be more. I hear primary school is a nightmare.
I don't know when my patience ran out... why is every morning such a struggle?
1. Getting her to eat breakfast at a pace faster than a snail takes to crawl across our living room
2. Getting her dressed for preschool
3. Getting her OFF the floor and OUT of the house in time.
4. Getting her to put on shoes
5. Getting her NOT to constantly fight with her sister while we are trying to get to the car
6. Trying to placate 2 kids wanting to listen to different music!
And days when Annika goes to playgroup is probably even worse. Because there are now 2 of them to deal with!
But it's pretty cool to see her develop. She can now reason somewhat with me and her interest in sharks and dinosaurs is unparalleled! I'm also touched that she knows how to give in to her sister SOME of the time.
Today I finally dropped Annika off to school. I was a bit nervous since previously Warni would accompany her for awhile before leaving. So we got to the front door, and her teacher walked up brightly and took her in. I said"bye!" and walked off. The look on her face was priceless! In between shock and horror?
Anyway, I waited outside for the shrieking to begin, but surprisingly it was rather calm!
So.. I'm bringing cake to school for Madison this morning, and will probably bring Elizabeth along to enjoy the party spirit. This weekend will be her pool party, and I think she's rather excited about it!
It's so strange, that I can still remember how everything went that day. But from then till today things are already a little blurry. I can barely remember her as a toddler, much less a baby! Somehow between toddlerhood and Annika she just grew up.
Of course now we are dealing with different issues than before, and I'm sure there will be more. I hear primary school is a nightmare.
I don't know when my patience ran out... why is every morning such a struggle?
1. Getting her to eat breakfast at a pace faster than a snail takes to crawl across our living room
2. Getting her dressed for preschool
3. Getting her OFF the floor and OUT of the house in time.
4. Getting her to put on shoes
5. Getting her NOT to constantly fight with her sister while we are trying to get to the car
6. Trying to placate 2 kids wanting to listen to different music!
And days when Annika goes to playgroup is probably even worse. Because there are now 2 of them to deal with!
But it's pretty cool to see her develop. She can now reason somewhat with me and her interest in sharks and dinosaurs is unparalleled! I'm also touched that she knows how to give in to her sister SOME of the time.
Today I finally dropped Annika off to school. I was a bit nervous since previously Warni would accompany her for awhile before leaving. So we got to the front door, and her teacher walked up brightly and took her in. I said"bye!" and walked off. The look on her face was priceless! In between shock and horror?
Anyway, I waited outside for the shrieking to begin, but surprisingly it was rather calm!
So.. I'm bringing cake to school for Madison this morning, and will probably bring Elizabeth along to enjoy the party spirit. This weekend will be her pool party, and I think she's rather excited about it!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Party Sunday
We were invited to 2 birthday parties just on Sunday alone!
Both happened to be neighbours as well.
The first was held at Fidgets at Turf city. We were there last year too. This time it was for Lynn's 4th. I think Madison had a great time. Last year she needed to be accompanied up and down the indoor playground, but this time she was off with Lynn.
Annika was invited too, and we were all set to take them both but right smack on Sunday morning she develops a fever.... when Madison got dressed and put on her socks to go, Annika went and put her monkey socks(her favourite socks!) on... I felt so sorry that she couldn't go! Of course she was crying and screaming when we left. We did however, get a goody bag for her. Of course it's like the best present ever now.
After we got back from the first party, we went downstairs so Madison could go for a swim. Of course it happens that preparations are in full swing for another party, and when the neighbour saw us he invited us to his daughter's 7th birthday!
This one was an eye opener! The usual suspects of cake, helium balloons and food AND.. a 3 hour magician show! 4 guys, 'theatre' backdrop, glitzy lights and a live bird! After 1 hour, I started wondering when the show was going to end... then the entertainers told the parents to start eating while they were entertaining...
After WE finished our meal they had a short break for the kids to eat.. then it continued!
At 8pm I took Annika upstairs to give her medicine and then came back down thinking the show would be over. It wasn't! Then they had cake cutting, complete with popping confetti! At that point I thought, ok.. get a slice and we can go home... but no! Pinata was next! The entertainers got the kids to go back into the function room, line up to take turns hitting the penguin pinata!
I didn't think Madison would want to participate, surprise surprise... she went back in. (groan) And she actually took a hit!
2 parties in 1 day. Without a nap the entire day.
But.. I had a peaceful night last night! (1 heavily medicated sick kid, 1 KO from an entire day of partying)
Both happened to be neighbours as well.
The first was held at Fidgets at Turf city. We were there last year too. This time it was for Lynn's 4th. I think Madison had a great time. Last year she needed to be accompanied up and down the indoor playground, but this time she was off with Lynn.
Annika was invited too, and we were all set to take them both but right smack on Sunday morning she develops a fever.... when Madison got dressed and put on her socks to go, Annika went and put her monkey socks(her favourite socks!) on... I felt so sorry that she couldn't go! Of course she was crying and screaming when we left. We did however, get a goody bag for her. Of course it's like the best present ever now.
After we got back from the first party, we went downstairs so Madison could go for a swim. Of course it happens that preparations are in full swing for another party, and when the neighbour saw us he invited us to his daughter's 7th birthday!
This one was an eye opener! The usual suspects of cake, helium balloons and food AND.. a 3 hour magician show! 4 guys, 'theatre' backdrop, glitzy lights and a live bird! After 1 hour, I started wondering when the show was going to end... then the entertainers told the parents to start eating while they were entertaining...
After WE finished our meal they had a short break for the kids to eat.. then it continued!
At 8pm I took Annika upstairs to give her medicine and then came back down thinking the show would be over. It wasn't! Then they had cake cutting, complete with popping confetti! At that point I thought, ok.. get a slice and we can go home... but no! Pinata was next! The entertainers got the kids to go back into the function room, line up to take turns hitting the penguin pinata!
I didn't think Madison would want to participate, surprise surprise... she went back in. (groan) And she actually took a hit!
2 parties in 1 day. Without a nap the entire day.
But.. I had a peaceful night last night! (1 heavily medicated sick kid, 1 KO from an entire day of partying)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sailing solo
Ack! The friend that got me started doing this locum anaesthetic work has decided to stop doing it for at least the next 2 months!
This is terrible. Now I feel that I should probably continue on my own because I DO enjoy doing this ONCE a week, but then it is rather lonely not having a friendly familiar face to do it with.
Also.. it seems rather pointless to have started down this path and to give up after a mere month or so.
After last week's session, I remember more of why I decided to give up the job.
It sucks being stuck in theatre all day with another person that is barely friendly to you.
It sucks feeling less than worthy or feeling incompetent.
It probably sucks more being made to FEEL incompetent.
It's stressful wondering what the other (more senior person) wants you to do. Whether or not to strike up friendly conversation. The entire day.
But I like knowing that I can still do the stuff that I used to do. I think it's mostly having the confidence to pull it off.
Another old friend apparently is thinking of coming back to do the same... I'm hoping HE DOES!
This is terrible. Now I feel that I should probably continue on my own because I DO enjoy doing this ONCE a week, but then it is rather lonely not having a friendly familiar face to do it with.
Also.. it seems rather pointless to have started down this path and to give up after a mere month or so.
After last week's session, I remember more of why I decided to give up the job.
It sucks being stuck in theatre all day with another person that is barely friendly to you.
It sucks feeling less than worthy or feeling incompetent.
It probably sucks more being made to FEEL incompetent.
It's stressful wondering what the other (more senior person) wants you to do. Whether or not to strike up friendly conversation. The entire day.
But I like knowing that I can still do the stuff that I used to do. I think it's mostly having the confidence to pull it off.
Another old friend apparently is thinking of coming back to do the same... I'm hoping HE DOES!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Children
A good friend of mine delivered her 3rd child this week. (Congratulations, btw!)
Then my sister sent me a link to a blog post on having a 3rd child.
And of course my MIL incessantly asks if I'm pregnant yet, "going for the boy?". That and any random stranger who sees me with my 2 girls.
That set me thinking about 'the 3rd child'.
I think in theory it would be nice to have another, but could I please skip the pregnancy, delivery and the first year?
Madison and Annika are at an age where they can function quite well together and are fairly independant.
That and sleeping quite well almost every night.
Apart from the monthly round of illnesses life is quite good with a preschooler and a toddler. We can go out as a family for meals now, and as long as I have no real expectations of actually sitting still and sipping wine we generally have a good time.
I guess this is all part of the cycle of change? Contemplation phase?
This month we are on our second round of URTIs already. There's also the evanescent HFMD that's also going around in school. It started off with a snotty nose, some weird rash and now it's a cough. I'm running out of ideas as to how to treat these stubborn paediatric coughs.
Annika has also progressed to being dropped off at school now. And it sounds like she's coping alright! I still get Warni to pick her up earlier than the rest of the kids and we're still at twice a week. I think as she gets used to school she might be able to go three times? Everyday? I don't know why I second guess myself so much this time round. With Madison I had a plan for everything. I knew exactly how often she was to go to school, what other activities to try. Now I am just plain UNSURE. And lazier.
Madison 'joked' with me just the other day!
I asked her why she didn't have water play for the day, and she told me that her teacher said she was coughing so she couldn't participate, and that her teacher messaged me to tell me that!
Then she laughed and said, "just joking!"
I couldn't believe it! And I actually believed her. Oh no... I'm getting old. Becoming a parent. I remember telling these 'jokes' to my parents.
I guess while I miss the babyness of my kids, every age is better and they do become more enjoyable as they get older.
So.. to 3rd child or not?
Then my sister sent me a link to a blog post on having a 3rd child.
And of course my MIL incessantly asks if I'm pregnant yet, "going for the boy?". That and any random stranger who sees me with my 2 girls.
That set me thinking about 'the 3rd child'.
I think in theory it would be nice to have another, but could I please skip the pregnancy, delivery and the first year?
Madison and Annika are at an age where they can function quite well together and are fairly independant.
That and sleeping quite well almost every night.
Apart from the monthly round of illnesses life is quite good with a preschooler and a toddler. We can go out as a family for meals now, and as long as I have no real expectations of actually sitting still and sipping wine we generally have a good time.
I guess this is all part of the cycle of change? Contemplation phase?
This month we are on our second round of URTIs already. There's also the evanescent HFMD that's also going around in school. It started off with a snotty nose, some weird rash and now it's a cough. I'm running out of ideas as to how to treat these stubborn paediatric coughs.
Annika has also progressed to being dropped off at school now. And it sounds like she's coping alright! I still get Warni to pick her up earlier than the rest of the kids and we're still at twice a week. I think as she gets used to school she might be able to go three times? Everyday? I don't know why I second guess myself so much this time round. With Madison I had a plan for everything. I knew exactly how often she was to go to school, what other activities to try. Now I am just plain UNSURE. And lazier.
Madison 'joked' with me just the other day!
I asked her why she didn't have water play for the day, and she told me that her teacher said she was coughing so she couldn't participate, and that her teacher messaged me to tell me that!
Then she laughed and said, "just joking!"
I couldn't believe it! And I actually believed her. Oh no... I'm getting old. Becoming a parent. I remember telling these 'jokes' to my parents.
I guess while I miss the babyness of my kids, every age is better and they do become more enjoyable as they get older.
So.. to 3rd child or not?
Monday, February 20, 2012
Planning parties
February is coming to an end and I STILL haven't planned Madison's 4th yet!
In fact, I'm feeling rather lazy and part of me would rather just not deal with the hassle of a party.
But Madison is really excited about it and she already told me she wants to invite 16 friends!
16! Where on earth would we find them!
Initially I toyed with the idea of Fidgets, an indoor playground thingy with a function room/host. But that was taken by my neighbour after I told her about it. And her daughter's birthday is exactly 1 week before Madison's. But in any case, indoor playgrounds+kids= GERMS...
So I guess, pool party/ satay/ ?? at home?
As for Annika.. she's really growing up fast! And she's so smart!
Yesterday she wanted me to unwrap a lollipop for her and I was struggling with the plastic wrap. She watched me intently, then looked and me and said "scissors?". Very clearly. She's 18 months! I didn't think an 18 month old could suggest solutions?
Annika seems to enjoy her playgroup too. This morning as we were about to leave to send Madison to school she promptly brought her schoolbag along. And when you ask her when she goes to school she knows it's "Tuesday and Friday"! And what did her teacher tell her? "Don't push kor kor! (older brother)"
My SGH day went fairly smoothly too. I was fortunate to be rostered to a consultant that I had worked for 2 weeks prior so she was somewhat comfortable with me. For some strange reason I've ONLY worked in orthopaedic theatres ever since I started! This week was no different, except that it was A CRAZY list. The surgeons were fast though, so we did manage to finish at 5pm.
I do notice that after I leave the hospital I feel really flushed and then I get really tired and sleepy afterward. Probably breathing in the anaesthetic gases? I can't remember what it was like previously.
The only blip to this weekend was that for some reason Chris and I seemed to be at loggerheads recently.
First when we were giving the kids dinner. He was trying to make Madison eat her vegetables and she was like gagging, tearing and just absolutely miserable. So I just told him not to mix all her food up and not to force her to eat the stuff. Then he got worked up and insisted she ate it. After 5 minutes of sobbing and screaming, I finally dealt with it by asking her to feed herself. And she did.
Then again when Annika started crying after she went to bed. The first time she went back down after crying for 5 minutes. The second time occured close to midnight, so I got up and asked him if he thought she was cold. ( she always kicks the covers off ). She must have heard me and started to cry harder. And so he blames me for making her cry!
Guess everything can't be perfect.
In fact, I'm feeling rather lazy and part of me would rather just not deal with the hassle of a party.
But Madison is really excited about it and she already told me she wants to invite 16 friends!
16! Where on earth would we find them!
Initially I toyed with the idea of Fidgets, an indoor playground thingy with a function room/host. But that was taken by my neighbour after I told her about it. And her daughter's birthday is exactly 1 week before Madison's. But in any case, indoor playgrounds+kids= GERMS...
So I guess, pool party/ satay/ ?? at home?
As for Annika.. she's really growing up fast! And she's so smart!
Yesterday she wanted me to unwrap a lollipop for her and I was struggling with the plastic wrap. She watched me intently, then looked and me and said "scissors?". Very clearly. She's 18 months! I didn't think an 18 month old could suggest solutions?
Annika seems to enjoy her playgroup too. This morning as we were about to leave to send Madison to school she promptly brought her schoolbag along. And when you ask her when she goes to school she knows it's "Tuesday and Friday"! And what did her teacher tell her? "Don't push kor kor! (older brother)"
My SGH day went fairly smoothly too. I was fortunate to be rostered to a consultant that I had worked for 2 weeks prior so she was somewhat comfortable with me. For some strange reason I've ONLY worked in orthopaedic theatres ever since I started! This week was no different, except that it was A CRAZY list. The surgeons were fast though, so we did manage to finish at 5pm.
I do notice that after I leave the hospital I feel really flushed and then I get really tired and sleepy afterward. Probably breathing in the anaesthetic gases? I can't remember what it was like previously.
The only blip to this weekend was that for some reason Chris and I seemed to be at loggerheads recently.
First when we were giving the kids dinner. He was trying to make Madison eat her vegetables and she was like gagging, tearing and just absolutely miserable. So I just told him not to mix all her food up and not to force her to eat the stuff. Then he got worked up and insisted she ate it. After 5 minutes of sobbing and screaming, I finally dealt with it by asking her to feed herself. And she did.
Then again when Annika started crying after she went to bed. The first time she went back down after crying for 5 minutes. The second time occured close to midnight, so I got up and asked him if he thought she was cold. ( she always kicks the covers off ). She must have heard me and started to cry harder. And so he blames me for making her cry!
Guess everything can't be perfect.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Week 3 SGH.. and life goes on
Last Friday was the 3rd week of work at SGH.
Surprisingly things went quite well!
Of course I had been rostered to a different theatre from the previous week, so it took me a while to orientate myself.
I proceeded with the usual machine check.. and OMG.. it wasn't even possible to do a manual check! Thank goodness I can READ and sort of follow instructions off a ventilator!
I had a nice but quiet consultant for the day, and she liked to send me off for breaks so that she could also do the same.. but I kind of wanted to stay in the theatre. I guess when you don't have to do this everyday you get the feeling of missing stuff being 'on break'. Besides there was hardly anyone I knew to 'have a break' with. The orthopaedic surgeon was pretty cool too, played funky music during the entire 9 hours we were there.
But, at the end of the day, I was really happy to go home, and go back to my simple life! Missed the kids so much!
When I got home, the 2 girls were playing happily, no one was missing anyone, and life went on as per normal. Friday night Chris' friend from Malaysia was down visiting, so we took him and the girls out to the Botanic Gardens to feed fish and have dinner.
Saturday was maniacal as well. Clinic was busy busy.. then home to see the girls, then we had lunch with M.Han at his restaurant 53. We were supposed to start at 130pm, but it was closer to 2 when we finally did start. It was worth the wait though. The menu has improved and the food was inspiring. Our 'simple lunch' turned out to be a 6 course degustation meal!
We also got to meet his new love, C, who is an entrepreneur doing internet based restaurant booking systems. She was chatty and friendly, so the 3.5h lunch went by quite fast.
Of course by the time lunch ended it was almost time to go to dinner at NUSS Guild house at Bukit Timah to celebrate Geok's birthday! Again, another 5 course set dinner. With dessert and a birthday cake. Death by chocolate cake.
Sunday was meant to be a nice quiet day, since Warni had the day off. BUT.. as things would have it, our neighbour suggested an afternoon out at the Bird Park....uuhhhh... alright.. Madison was so keen. Even though WE were exhausted from the week.
Turned out... the kids had a really long afternoon nap, followed by bad weather in Jurong ( thank goodness we didn't make it there!). So that turned into an afternoon at the ECP flying kites and playing with sand. Followed by a dip in the pool at the Swimming club and dinner. It was fun! I just wish the club renovations would proceed at a faster pace so that we can start going there regularly again to swim and eat.
So.. another week has passed, and I am happy that this anaesthesia thing happened to me. Happy that I have supportive family that allow me to do this. Happy that the kids coped well with the change. And of course happy that I now know what I want to do with my life! That's for now.. Things do change...
Oh.. the only thing bugging me now is our rental property. IT'S becoming A PITA. The tenant defaulted on rent AGAIN, and when I sent the agent on her, turns out she doesn't want to continue with the lease! Gee, thanks.. just NOT pay instead of nicely telling us that you don't want to continue? So now we've got to start tenant hunting again. I hope we find one soon enough. She wasn't even paying as much as G's unit which is 4 floors down!
Surprisingly things went quite well!
Of course I had been rostered to a different theatre from the previous week, so it took me a while to orientate myself.
I proceeded with the usual machine check.. and OMG.. it wasn't even possible to do a manual check! Thank goodness I can READ and sort of follow instructions off a ventilator!
I had a nice but quiet consultant for the day, and she liked to send me off for breaks so that she could also do the same.. but I kind of wanted to stay in the theatre. I guess when you don't have to do this everyday you get the feeling of missing stuff being 'on break'. Besides there was hardly anyone I knew to 'have a break' with. The orthopaedic surgeon was pretty cool too, played funky music during the entire 9 hours we were there.
But, at the end of the day, I was really happy to go home, and go back to my simple life! Missed the kids so much!
When I got home, the 2 girls were playing happily, no one was missing anyone, and life went on as per normal. Friday night Chris' friend from Malaysia was down visiting, so we took him and the girls out to the Botanic Gardens to feed fish and have dinner.
Saturday was maniacal as well. Clinic was busy busy.. then home to see the girls, then we had lunch with M.Han at his restaurant 53. We were supposed to start at 130pm, but it was closer to 2 when we finally did start. It was worth the wait though. The menu has improved and the food was inspiring. Our 'simple lunch' turned out to be a 6 course degustation meal!
We also got to meet his new love, C, who is an entrepreneur doing internet based restaurant booking systems. She was chatty and friendly, so the 3.5h lunch went by quite fast.
Of course by the time lunch ended it was almost time to go to dinner at NUSS Guild house at Bukit Timah to celebrate Geok's birthday! Again, another 5 course set dinner. With dessert and a birthday cake. Death by chocolate cake.
Sunday was meant to be a nice quiet day, since Warni had the day off. BUT.. as things would have it, our neighbour suggested an afternoon out at the Bird Park....uuhhhh... alright.. Madison was so keen. Even though WE were exhausted from the week.
Turned out... the kids had a really long afternoon nap, followed by bad weather in Jurong ( thank goodness we didn't make it there!). So that turned into an afternoon at the ECP flying kites and playing with sand. Followed by a dip in the pool at the Swimming club and dinner. It was fun! I just wish the club renovations would proceed at a faster pace so that we can start going there regularly again to swim and eat.
So.. another week has passed, and I am happy that this anaesthesia thing happened to me. Happy that I have supportive family that allow me to do this. Happy that the kids coped well with the change. And of course happy that I now know what I want to do with my life! That's for now.. Things do change...
Oh.. the only thing bugging me now is our rental property. IT'S becoming A PITA. The tenant defaulted on rent AGAIN, and when I sent the agent on her, turns out she doesn't want to continue with the lease! Gee, thanks.. just NOT pay instead of nicely telling us that you don't want to continue? So now we've got to start tenant hunting again. I hope we find one soon enough. She wasn't even paying as much as G's unit which is 4 floors down!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Working at SGH, Annika's first day of school
Everything went surprisingly well!
First, me..
I had an enjoyable 2nd session doing anaesthesia at SGH.
I got there early this time, (but STILL forgot something-my stethoscope!). Since the kids spent the night with my parents I didn't have to rush around dropping anyone off in the morning.
I was again sent to the orthopaedic theatre, surprise, surprise, the same theatre that MH was working in for the day! The anaesthetist I was working with for the day was really nice, relaxed and she gave me the chance to intubate. She was amazingly cool about everything, didn't get stressed or tell me off when things went wrong. (not seriously, but like minor inconveniences like when I somehow managed to disable the contraption that dispenses propofol/remifentanil to keep the guy asleep!!) The freaking alarms were going off and I was freaking out... of course the surgeons were all like..'haha, that sounds like a car reverse sensor man!)
It's nice to go back this time, sans stress of sitting and studying for exams, with little expectations of the job. I think retrospectively now, that if I had not sat the exams so early in my career the last time I might still have been doing this job. Of course having done GP work also makes a difference... I have more empathy for patients now and also more confidence in dealing with people. So.. no losses.
As for Annika, she went to 'school' for the first time. So sad that I wasn't the one to take her there.. but
Apparently she had FUN!
I was told, she was running around abit, but could sit and participate in some of the activities.
When snacks were served at 1030am, Warni took the opportunity to give her a meal, and apparently she enjoyed the group eating!
By 1130 or so (as I expected) she started getting tired and Warni took her home...
I hope that the school will allow Warni to stay as long as Annika needs... I'm happy she had fun at school.
First, me..
I had an enjoyable 2nd session doing anaesthesia at SGH.
I got there early this time, (but STILL forgot something-my stethoscope!). Since the kids spent the night with my parents I didn't have to rush around dropping anyone off in the morning.
I was again sent to the orthopaedic theatre, surprise, surprise, the same theatre that MH was working in for the day! The anaesthetist I was working with for the day was really nice, relaxed and she gave me the chance to intubate. She was amazingly cool about everything, didn't get stressed or tell me off when things went wrong. (not seriously, but like minor inconveniences like when I somehow managed to disable the contraption that dispenses propofol/remifentanil to keep the guy asleep!!) The freaking alarms were going off and I was freaking out... of course the surgeons were all like..'haha, that sounds like a car reverse sensor man!)
It's nice to go back this time, sans stress of sitting and studying for exams, with little expectations of the job. I think retrospectively now, that if I had not sat the exams so early in my career the last time I might still have been doing this job. Of course having done GP work also makes a difference... I have more empathy for patients now and also more confidence in dealing with people. So.. no losses.
As for Annika, she went to 'school' for the first time. So sad that I wasn't the one to take her there.. but
Apparently she had FUN!
I was told, she was running around abit, but could sit and participate in some of the activities.
When snacks were served at 1030am, Warni took the opportunity to give her a meal, and apparently she enjoyed the group eating!
By 1130 or so (as I expected) she started getting tired and Warni took her home...
I hope that the school will allow Warni to stay as long as Annika needs... I'm happy she had fun at school.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
School for Annika
I have been rather stressed about sending Annika to school this year.
It was already organised last year, so as Febuary drew closer I kept asking myself if it was the right time to send her to school... for some reason Annika seems like such a baby to me! ( Madison was already attending drop off classes 3 times a week at 18 months! )
So I emailed the principal at Joy Little, just to check that she was indeed supposed to start.
They didn't reply to the email, but a teacher gave me a call instead.
So it's confirmed, she's to start Friday, 3rd Febuary.
Now that I've started this new thing with SGH on Fridays, this means the kids sleep over at Novena Thursday night. My parents willingly volunteered to help with transport to and from school for Madison, so that leaves Warni with Annika.
I feel guilty and a little sad that I'm not going to be accompanying Annika to school for the first 2 weeks, but it's probably better for her that it happens this way. Warni is to stay with her for the first 2 weeks, then depending on how she copes, just to bring her lunch in early subsequently and take her home whenever she got tired. I think she'd be more clingy and fussy if I were there and then tried to leave. Or worse still, dropped her off. It's like the naps. When I put her down she fusses and cries and it just seems so stressful, but when Warni does it all is well.
Yesterday Annika was looking for Warni all afternoon! She actually didn't "want" me and specifically looked for Warni. And cried at night when we were about to go home! Of course I felt a little sad, BUT, again, hindsight is really useful. Madison did something similar at the same age, and of course, it was a phase.
Anyway.. I made sure to spend more time with her this morning. She does spend quite alot of time with Warni, and I'm happy that she is loved and well cared for. Her speech is developing at a phenomenal pace, which is also why she would benefit from a Mandarin playgroup.
When I googled "preschool for 18 month old", I was taken to a Berkeley parents network forum discussion on the topic. Looks like this is a universal concern amongst parents(specifically, MOTHERS). I wonder why fathers don't seem to have the same concerns! Or have this type of discussions on forums!
It was already organised last year, so as Febuary drew closer I kept asking myself if it was the right time to send her to school... for some reason Annika seems like such a baby to me! ( Madison was already attending drop off classes 3 times a week at 18 months! )
So I emailed the principal at Joy Little, just to check that she was indeed supposed to start.
They didn't reply to the email, but a teacher gave me a call instead.
So it's confirmed, she's to start Friday, 3rd Febuary.
Now that I've started this new thing with SGH on Fridays, this means the kids sleep over at Novena Thursday night. My parents willingly volunteered to help with transport to and from school for Madison, so that leaves Warni with Annika.
I feel guilty and a little sad that I'm not going to be accompanying Annika to school for the first 2 weeks, but it's probably better for her that it happens this way. Warni is to stay with her for the first 2 weeks, then depending on how she copes, just to bring her lunch in early subsequently and take her home whenever she got tired. I think she'd be more clingy and fussy if I were there and then tried to leave. Or worse still, dropped her off. It's like the naps. When I put her down she fusses and cries and it just seems so stressful, but when Warni does it all is well.
Yesterday Annika was looking for Warni all afternoon! She actually didn't "want" me and specifically looked for Warni. And cried at night when we were about to go home! Of course I felt a little sad, BUT, again, hindsight is really useful. Madison did something similar at the same age, and of course, it was a phase.
Anyway.. I made sure to spend more time with her this morning. She does spend quite alot of time with Warni, and I'm happy that she is loved and well cared for. Her speech is developing at a phenomenal pace, which is also why she would benefit from a Mandarin playgroup.
When I googled "preschool for 18 month old", I was taken to a Berkeley parents network forum discussion on the topic. Looks like this is a universal concern amongst parents(specifically, MOTHERS). I wonder why fathers don't seem to have the same concerns! Or have this type of discussions on forums!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Back at SGH
I did it!
Took some planning to get the logistics right, but the stars were aligned so I got to go back to SGH to work for the day.
1. Music class got postponed
2. Madison fell sick --so no school anyway!
So Thursday night Madison stayed over at Novena while Annika came home.
Friday morning was a mad rush! I had to meet WS at 0750h, but at 0720 Annika was still asleep. Of all days! Then I realized I probably needed to bring my stethoscope along, so made a quick dash to the clinic to pick it up while Chris was still home.
Got home and she was still sleeping! ACK! Running late, so I made Chris drop her off at Novena instead. Drove like mad to make it to SGH, ended up being only 3 minutes late!
At SGH, had to figure everything out again. Managed to get changed, gowned and then met up with the consultant in charge of the roster. She sent us off to the tea room to wait while she went to sort stuff out.
Fortunately by 9 we were then dispatched to L2(me) and L8(WS). I was so thankful I was paired off with a really nice consultant. IT was like being thrown into the deep end. Everything looked familiar yet foreign.
But... it's kind of like riding a bike. Or skiing. You just stumble around like an idiot for a few hours, then it slowly gets familiar again. I managed to only botch 1 iv plug up(amazing!). Didn't get to do anything fancy( phew!) and we managed to finish by 5!
A few things:
1. It's SOOO COLD! I was literally shivering the entire time I was there. Especially just prior to lunch.
2. I forgot to bring socks, or theatre shoes. YUCK.
So, looks like I'll probably stick this one out for now, not sure how long they'd need us anyway. It was good to have this sensory overload for the day,it sure went by really quickly. But I'm glad I don't have to do this everyday. I really missed the kids, since I didn't get to see either of them since Thursday night.
IT also made me appreciate my life as is now, and the time I have for everything since I'm not in the rat race. But getting out to do this ALSO gives me the patience with the kids, because it tires my brain out and gives me intellectual stimulation.
Let's see how long this lasts!
Took some planning to get the logistics right, but the stars were aligned so I got to go back to SGH to work for the day.
1. Music class got postponed
2. Madison fell sick --so no school anyway!
So Thursday night Madison stayed over at Novena while Annika came home.
Friday morning was a mad rush! I had to meet WS at 0750h, but at 0720 Annika was still asleep. Of all days! Then I realized I probably needed to bring my stethoscope along, so made a quick dash to the clinic to pick it up while Chris was still home.
Got home and she was still sleeping! ACK! Running late, so I made Chris drop her off at Novena instead. Drove like mad to make it to SGH, ended up being only 3 minutes late!
At SGH, had to figure everything out again. Managed to get changed, gowned and then met up with the consultant in charge of the roster. She sent us off to the tea room to wait while she went to sort stuff out.
Fortunately by 9 we were then dispatched to L2(me) and L8(WS). I was so thankful I was paired off with a really nice consultant. IT was like being thrown into the deep end. Everything looked familiar yet foreign.
But... it's kind of like riding a bike. Or skiing. You just stumble around like an idiot for a few hours, then it slowly gets familiar again. I managed to only botch 1 iv plug up(amazing!). Didn't get to do anything fancy( phew!) and we managed to finish by 5!
A few things:
1. It's SOOO COLD! I was literally shivering the entire time I was there. Especially just prior to lunch.
2. I forgot to bring socks, or theatre shoes. YUCK.
So, looks like I'll probably stick this one out for now, not sure how long they'd need us anyway. It was good to have this sensory overload for the day,it sure went by really quickly. But I'm glad I don't have to do this everyday. I really missed the kids, since I didn't get to see either of them since Thursday night.
IT also made me appreciate my life as is now, and the time I have for everything since I'm not in the rat race. But getting out to do this ALSO gives me the patience with the kids, because it tires my brain out and gives me intellectual stimulation.
Let's see how long this lasts!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Revisiting old work, CNY
Last week, an old friend from Anaesthesia/ GDFM days emailed me regarding going back to SGH to locum for the anaesthesia department.
I was torn.
Part of me was definitely interested, to see if I could still do the stuff I used to do. Maybe even (horrors..) consider a change in career (again!)
Of course the other part immediately quashed all that. What about the clinic! what about the kids!
and the first part started thinking, why is it my problem again? How come I can't be the one to leave for work everyday at 7, 7.30am, and let other people feed/change/ferry my kids around and plan their schedules every day?
So initially I thought I could just ignore it and hope that I didn't have to decide so quickly if I wanted to do it.
Then another message: he was going to start Friday 27th! So soon! So I said, no thanks, Madison has music that day, can't make it!
Then guess what? Just at that very moment, after I replied his message, I got one from the music teacher, saying she was away Friday 27th, no music class!
So I took that as A SIGN. Guess I should give it a shot. The universe has aligned for me to do this.
Once I made that decision, things happened really quickly. Emails, phone calls and text messages fired away from various directions. Finally my BCLS recertification was organised, and we were booked to come in on Friday morning at 8am!
I'm not really sure what to expect or what to think, but I guess after having 2 kids, I've learnt to let go a little and just go with the flow. See where and if it'll take me anywhere.
CNY 2012
Our first Chinese New Year in Singapore. Turned out pretty good actually. Since all the family was away, we didn't have to do anything special. We did have dinner at home and the kids got to toss Yusheng(twice!). We were also kindly invited to New years' lunch at our neighbour's place.
And was it a good thing we opted out of travelling this year. Apparently it was a nightmare getting to KL!
I was torn.
Part of me was definitely interested, to see if I could still do the stuff I used to do. Maybe even (horrors..) consider a change in career (again!)
Of course the other part immediately quashed all that. What about the clinic! what about the kids!
and the first part started thinking, why is it my problem again? How come I can't be the one to leave for work everyday at 7, 7.30am, and let other people feed/change/ferry my kids around and plan their schedules every day?
So initially I thought I could just ignore it and hope that I didn't have to decide so quickly if I wanted to do it.
Then another message: he was going to start Friday 27th! So soon! So I said, no thanks, Madison has music that day, can't make it!
Then guess what? Just at that very moment, after I replied his message, I got one from the music teacher, saying she was away Friday 27th, no music class!
So I took that as A SIGN. Guess I should give it a shot. The universe has aligned for me to do this.
Once I made that decision, things happened really quickly. Emails, phone calls and text messages fired away from various directions. Finally my BCLS recertification was organised, and we were booked to come in on Friday morning at 8am!
I'm not really sure what to expect or what to think, but I guess after having 2 kids, I've learnt to let go a little and just go with the flow. See where and if it'll take me anywhere.
CNY 2012
Our first Chinese New Year in Singapore. Turned out pretty good actually. Since all the family was away, we didn't have to do anything special. We did have dinner at home and the kids got to toss Yusheng(twice!). We were also kindly invited to New years' lunch at our neighbour's place.
And was it a good thing we opted out of travelling this year. Apparently it was a nightmare getting to KL!
Friday, January 13, 2012
School for Annika, HMDP
Last year I started thinking about school for Annika.
My initial plan was to accompany her for a few months in some form of Mandarin based programme, starting with an hour or so once a week, then gradually progressing to a drop off class, 3 times a week, max.
My preference was also Joy Little, which is a stone's throw away from us, rather than the one Madison attended at Serene Centre.
But, as it turned out.. Joy little didn't have any of those things I wanted. So I hesitantly signed up for drop off classes twice a week starting Feb.
I was(am) still quite nervous so today I took Annika down to the centre to have a second look.
Turns out, Annika went right in, started playing with the stuff at the school! She's really quite a sociable person with an endless amount of energy. No wonder she stays skinny.
And I got to talk to the teacher/principal, and was quite reassured:
1. They allow the kid to be accompanied for up to 2 weeks at the start
2. They are rather flexible in pick up times: so this means Annika can start with a shorter class and be picked up earlier if I so wished.
That really took a big load off my mind. So looks like Annika will be starting next month at the school, and depending on how she copes she might end up going between 3 to 5 times a week.
HMDP: Human Manpower Development Programme
That's the fancy name for the fellowship year.
After all this time, FINALLY Chris will (hopefully, fingers crossed) be exiting this year and become his profession.
After that, he has to consider taking 6-12 months off to work overseas.
Most times the family accompanies the husband.
Should I do that too?
What would happen to the clinic?
What would happen to Warni?
What about school?
But 6-12months seems rather long to be apart too... although my parents did it for a year each.
And it would be time well spent with the kids.
I really don't know what to do.
I know in 5 years time it probably won't matter whatever we do, but for now there is a decision waiting to be made.
Hopefully the answer will come by itself.
My initial plan was to accompany her for a few months in some form of Mandarin based programme, starting with an hour or so once a week, then gradually progressing to a drop off class, 3 times a week, max.
My preference was also Joy Little, which is a stone's throw away from us, rather than the one Madison attended at Serene Centre.
But, as it turned out.. Joy little didn't have any of those things I wanted. So I hesitantly signed up for drop off classes twice a week starting Feb.
I was(am) still quite nervous so today I took Annika down to the centre to have a second look.
Turns out, Annika went right in, started playing with the stuff at the school! She's really quite a sociable person with an endless amount of energy. No wonder she stays skinny.
And I got to talk to the teacher/principal, and was quite reassured:
1. They allow the kid to be accompanied for up to 2 weeks at the start
2. They are rather flexible in pick up times: so this means Annika can start with a shorter class and be picked up earlier if I so wished.
That really took a big load off my mind. So looks like Annika will be starting next month at the school, and depending on how she copes she might end up going between 3 to 5 times a week.
HMDP: Human Manpower Development Programme
That's the fancy name for the fellowship year.
After all this time, FINALLY Chris will (hopefully, fingers crossed) be exiting this year and become his profession.
After that, he has to consider taking 6-12 months off to work overseas.
Most times the family accompanies the husband.
Should I do that too?
What would happen to the clinic?
What would happen to Warni?
What about school?
But 6-12months seems rather long to be apart too... although my parents did it for a year each.
And it would be time well spent with the kids.
I really don't know what to do.
I know in 5 years time it probably won't matter whatever we do, but for now there is a decision waiting to be made.
Hopefully the answer will come by itself.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Injections, injections
I'm so glad the final round of vaccinations is finally OVER!
Yesterday Annika went for her last round of immunisations. My plan : for her to receive the last round of diptheria/tetanus/pertussis shots and then I would follow up with her last round of measles/mumps/rubella and chickenpox shots.
What she ended up with? ALL OF THEM. I was slightly nervous about giving them all at once, was it an overkill of antigens??
But her paediatrician said:" how many antigens are we exposed to on a daily basis?" Which is true, I guess. And of course, that would make it her FINAL round of routine shots. Which was probably the best selling point.
And while we were there, she also asked me if Madison has had her booster dose of the MMR. Of course she hadn't, I was "saving" that for next year. And of course I was sold on the idea of having BOTH their shots done once and for all.
Madison heard the news and she immediately protested. But she was really logical. When I asked her if she would rather get measles and have fever/rash/abdominal pain blah blah she agreed on having the shots. Then she told me she wanted the shots at home! How amazing was that!
Annika was first up to receive the shots. She wasn't too bad. Yelled for a split second and then stopped when she was distracted.
Madison was next. She knew what she was up for, so gave me instructions specifically as to how she wanted it done. 1. Sitting on my lap. 2. Left thigh. 3. ASAP! She kept telling the nurses to do it NOW ! while they were busy checking her name, her allergy status etc etc.
But, she was fantastic. Not a tear, not a scream. Took it bravely. I was so proud of her. And she didn't even ask for compensation!
So they both have their vaccination certificates all printed out ready for school, and they were "discharged" from the paediatrician! Hooray! (makes me think really hard if I could do this all over again another time!)
Yesterday Annika went for her last round of immunisations. My plan : for her to receive the last round of diptheria/tetanus/pertussis shots and then I would follow up with her last round of measles/mumps/rubella and chickenpox shots.
What she ended up with? ALL OF THEM. I was slightly nervous about giving them all at once, was it an overkill of antigens??
But her paediatrician said:" how many antigens are we exposed to on a daily basis?" Which is true, I guess. And of course, that would make it her FINAL round of routine shots. Which was probably the best selling point.
And while we were there, she also asked me if Madison has had her booster dose of the MMR. Of course she hadn't, I was "saving" that for next year. And of course I was sold on the idea of having BOTH their shots done once and for all.
Madison heard the news and she immediately protested. But she was really logical. When I asked her if she would rather get measles and have fever/rash/abdominal pain blah blah she agreed on having the shots. Then she told me she wanted the shots at home! How amazing was that!
Annika was first up to receive the shots. She wasn't too bad. Yelled for a split second and then stopped when she was distracted.
Madison was next. She knew what she was up for, so gave me instructions specifically as to how she wanted it done. 1. Sitting on my lap. 2. Left thigh. 3. ASAP! She kept telling the nurses to do it NOW ! while they were busy checking her name, her allergy status etc etc.
But, she was fantastic. Not a tear, not a scream. Took it bravely. I was so proud of her. And she didn't even ask for compensation!
So they both have their vaccination certificates all printed out ready for school, and they were "discharged" from the paediatrician! Hooray! (makes me think really hard if I could do this all over again another time!)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New school year
After a 2 week school holiday, Madison is finally back at preschool.
I cannot imagine what kids her age do at home if they didn't go to school! 2 weeks seemed like a really long time when she was home everyday! I had to think really hard of things to occupy her everyday. It is great that Anthony is here with us at the moment so he's around to referee the kids fights. If it wasn't Madison vs Annika, it would be Annika vs Elizabeth, or in the worse case scenario Madison vs Annika vs Elizabeth and all 3 would be screaming/crying .
Anyway, drop off on Day 1 wasn't too bad. I went into the school with her because we had to find her new classroom. It was great that her Chinese teacher was the same so not everything was new. I think class numbers went up so she had more classmates.
When I picked her up she seemed ok but she did tell me she didn't really talk to anyone. Over the next day or so she seemed a little more emotional than usual, so I figured it must be due to the "new class" effect.
Today, I checked the shoe boxes carefully and then I realized: her best friend was no longer in the school! Most of the other kids were from her previous class but her closest friend didn't seem to be there anymore.
Anyway, I talked to Madison and encouraged her to socialize and talk to her other friends. I think today must have been better because she seemed to be more cheerful and back to her usual self.
Next year Annika will start school with Madison. Already I've been bringing Annika along with me to pick Madison up, so she gets to walk around the classrooms. She seems to like the place, but I guess it will be different once she realizes that I'm leaving her there! But it will be quite different to have both of them occupied the entire morning! I can't imagine starting again with another kid by that stage...
I cannot imagine what kids her age do at home if they didn't go to school! 2 weeks seemed like a really long time when she was home everyday! I had to think really hard of things to occupy her everyday. It is great that Anthony is here with us at the moment so he's around to referee the kids fights. If it wasn't Madison vs Annika, it would be Annika vs Elizabeth, or in the worse case scenario Madison vs Annika vs Elizabeth and all 3 would be screaming/crying .
Anyway, drop off on Day 1 wasn't too bad. I went into the school with her because we had to find her new classroom. It was great that her Chinese teacher was the same so not everything was new. I think class numbers went up so she had more classmates.
When I picked her up she seemed ok but she did tell me she didn't really talk to anyone. Over the next day or so she seemed a little more emotional than usual, so I figured it must be due to the "new class" effect.
Today, I checked the shoe boxes carefully and then I realized: her best friend was no longer in the school! Most of the other kids were from her previous class but her closest friend didn't seem to be there anymore.
Anyway, I talked to Madison and encouraged her to socialize and talk to her other friends. I think today must have been better because she seemed to be more cheerful and back to her usual self.
Next year Annika will start school with Madison. Already I've been bringing Annika along with me to pick Madison up, so she gets to walk around the classrooms. She seems to like the place, but I guess it will be different once she realizes that I'm leaving her there! But it will be quite different to have both of them occupied the entire morning! I can't imagine starting again with another kid by that stage...
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Year 2012, sleep training kid 2
Another weekend flew past.
New Year's eve celebration was held at Novena as usual. The grandparents had organised a countdown party, complete with catered food and alcohol.
Turned out pretty good. Not all of the invited guests came, which made for a cozier group of people.
We catered from Chilli Api, which serves Peranakan food. It was surprisingly good for catered food. There was a good selection of seafood and the spice level was tempered so nothing was excessively hot.
By midnight, we were down to a few closer friends and family. MH's family were visiting as well, but they were sound asleep at champagne toast! The kids were sound asleep upstairs too. We took them home afterwards.
Sleep training:
I think we are at it again, but this time with Annika. She used to be such a good sleeper till the past few months! I really don't know what happened. Maybe just teething, being sick etc. Now she goes down really well, but then starts to whine and cry in the middle of the night. Most times she would settle but then do it again at least once more before dawn. Exhausting, to say the least.
The other night she was inconsolable! Chris wound up sleeping in Madison's room, and she slept on the bed with me. She slept amazingly well that night.
So Chris decided to be firm with her. For 2 nights he has been putting her to bed, ignoring her cries and just simply shushing her to sleep. Apparently she doesn't want him to pat her down or to be carried. After a bout of screaming, she went down. And stayed asleep till the next day! The second night she started crying again in the middle of the night, but Chris went in and repeated his actions. Seemed to work till morning. Hopefully we are on to something? Why can't kids just SLEEP already!! That is all WE want to do!
New Year's eve celebration was held at Novena as usual. The grandparents had organised a countdown party, complete with catered food and alcohol.
Turned out pretty good. Not all of the invited guests came, which made for a cozier group of people.
We catered from Chilli Api, which serves Peranakan food. It was surprisingly good for catered food. There was a good selection of seafood and the spice level was tempered so nothing was excessively hot.
By midnight, we were down to a few closer friends and family. MH's family were visiting as well, but they were sound asleep at champagne toast! The kids were sound asleep upstairs too. We took them home afterwards.
Sleep training:
I think we are at it again, but this time with Annika. She used to be such a good sleeper till the past few months! I really don't know what happened. Maybe just teething, being sick etc. Now she goes down really well, but then starts to whine and cry in the middle of the night. Most times she would settle but then do it again at least once more before dawn. Exhausting, to say the least.
The other night she was inconsolable! Chris wound up sleeping in Madison's room, and she slept on the bed with me. She slept amazingly well that night.
So Chris decided to be firm with her. For 2 nights he has been putting her to bed, ignoring her cries and just simply shushing her to sleep. Apparently she doesn't want him to pat her down or to be carried. After a bout of screaming, she went down. And stayed asleep till the next day! The second night she started crying again in the middle of the night, but Chris went in and repeated his actions. Seemed to work till morning. Hopefully we are on to something? Why can't kids just SLEEP already!! That is all WE want to do!
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