So Happening...

Since we were back from our holidays, there we so much happening with Christmas and New Year around the corner. So much food, catching up with friends and getting ready for 2010.

Lucas enjoyed this year Christmas. He knows about getting presents, chocolates, candies in abundance during Christmas. On the eve, as usual we had dinner at my in-laws place. After the dinner, it is time to open presents. Lucas knows how to tear away the wrappers by himself. No need help from us anymore. Then on Christmas day itself, he opened the presents we gave him. On the Boxing Day, he opened the presents from my family. He got so excited that he asked on Christmas Day if 'Is tomorrow Christmas again?'.

As for Chloe, she is still doesn't know any better. It is the time of the year where I dressed and dolled her up. Put on her nice and cute dresses and the hair accessories. She started on solid 2 weeks ago but I have stopped it a week later. She doesn't want to eat her apples and were getting constipation. I have to stopped to get the bowel motion back in place. Today, I tried the solid again. I puree the apple as opposed to grate the apple previously. She finished her apple but were complaining after that. Wasn't sure if the apple is making her discomfort or the teething. She has been drooling like nobody business and eating anything she can grabbed - her pillow, cot bumper, skirts, handkie. Poor girl. I did not try to give her the teething toy as I find it unsuitable - either too big or too hard. Nothing is as yummy as her tiny fingers.

I have also moved Chloe to her own room on Christmas Day. She is now sleeping on her own, in her own room. I have completed her room decoration project. Honestly, it is easier to move the kid now than later. She is sleeping well in her room. I have to a baby monitor for nighttime use. It was Lucas that is difficult to adjust. He walks to my room two to three times each night and I have to shoo him back to him own room. With the two kids out of my room, I have so much space in the bedroom!!

For myself, I am trying to finish the house project I was doing. The current task is to tidy up the study room cum home office. Need to file all the papers and books and junk neatly. One thing I just realised, there is no such thing as enough shelves or storage space. The clutter seems to fill itself up.

Next few days are going to be more food and entertaining friends. We have a friend and family coming over on Monday. Dominic is cooking wagyu beef. On Tuesday, it is going to be our few hours off. Going to watch Avatar while the kids are bonding with the grandparents. On Wednesday, some friends from overseas are coming. We are having Klang Bak Kut Teh and cendol - all food local for overseas friends. No plan yet on New Year Eve. We are going to missed the firework which we can watched from our apartment's balcony previously. New Year day, we are having my family over. Will be feeding them pork knuckles and sausages. Then............................it will be back to normal. Lucas starting school on Monday, I start work on Tuesday and the nanny is starting work on Wednesday.

For whatever it is, it has been a great year. Looking forward to 2010 when I will turn 40 ..ahem...and even greater happenings.

Merry Christmas

Cuti-Cuti Malaysia

After we had our share of holiday without the kids, we have to take the kids for holidays as well right. So, we had a cuti-cuti Malaysia or vacation as Lucas called it. We drove to Penang and stayed for 3 nights. The kids were surprisingly very well behaved in the long journey. It took us 7 hours to get to Penang (inclusive of pit stop time). The traffic was rather heavy in the long weekend. During the journey, Lucas asked 'Are we on vacation yet?'. He doesn't quite understand the meaning of vacation but he knows is going out and doing something. Chloe was contented to be sitting in her car seat.

Penang stay was good and relaxing. We stayed put with relatives and they helped out taking care of the kids. So, we do get some time off. Went to Penang Hill via the funicular train at 6am! Dragged Lucas along and he was still on his pyjamas and diaper when we left at 6am. It was all worth it. Also checked out the new Hard Rock Hotel. I must said the hotel is quite nicely done. And of course being in Penang means food and food. Lucas enjoyed the beaches.

Then we drove to Cameron Highlands and spent 2 nights at Cameron Highlands Resort. The hotel is nice and the weather was good - cool. The high during daytime was 18 degrees. It was the only time the kids get to wear the long sleeve shirt! This stay was also our first vacation with both kids without help. Boy...it was stressful. The whole day was spent taking care of them and not doing much. Lucas was not so interested with the scenery and Chloe was getting car motion sickness from the windy road. She cried and vomited. We now know the kids are not highlands people. I guess we need more practice taking them out on vacation and adjust ourselves to their schedule and interest.

Favourite pastime in Penang is to play with sand by the beach.

Favourite pastime in Cameron Highlands is watch TV.

Look, pancakes for breakfast.

Haircut Day

Both Lucas and Chloe got a haircut on Thursday. It was also Chloe's first haircut. Her newborn hair has yet to dropped fully and the new hair grown rather slowly. So, we decided to give her a trim to make her hair looks more even.

Lucas in his underwear getting his hair cut as well.

Chloe first haircut and I am keeping her hair.

Little Helper

I was at the backyard doing laundry this morning. I spilled some water from the bucket and Lucas who was playing sand there asked, 'Mommy, can I help you?' - very sweet of him. So, I asked him to dry the floor.

Chloe is 5 months old

We started Chloe on solid the day she turned 5 months old. So far, she has tasted cereal, carrots and broccoli. Tomorrow, I will introduce apple to her. The first time she had solid, she played the food on her lips and the tip of her tongue. She does not quite know what to do. Now, on her third day, she knows how to take the food from the spoon. The solid still is not able to help her sleep through the night. She still wakes up at 2+ am. I am contemplating waking her up and feed her at 10+ pm before I go to sleep. Hmm....better to let her sleep or eat??

I let her sit on the bouncer initially as she still cannot sit well. But she grows restless after 5 mins. Now, I strapped her on the high chair.

She weighs 6.3 kg. She can spin on her bed and turn halfway, not fully on her tummy. With her development pattern, I think she might just skip crawling and go straight to walking.

Food, oh glorious food.

Look, I can sit unassisted.....for seconds.

Starting Solid

Since we came back form Sydney, Chloe has not been sleeping thru the night. She woke up at 2+ am asking for milk. Previously, she needs her milk at 5+ am. During daytime, she is drinking more often than usual. That must be a sign saying she is ready for solid. So, when I get a chance to go to supermarket, I will need to get her the cereal and other food as well. Need to recall all the puree recipes.

She is not turning just yet but can spin 180 degrees on her bed. Can't put her on Lucas's bed. She is capable of falling off now. This morning, one of her feet was on top of the lower railing. Need to lower her bed by 2 notches. Oh...she is going to be mobile very soon and that means need to keep my eye closer on her.

Look, I have changed my position...

Baking Cookies

It all started when one fine day Lucas came to me and said 'Mommy, I'm making pancake (using his play dough) but I don't have a cooking hat (chef hat). You buy for me a cooking hat, ok.'
During one of our shopping trip in Sydney, we saw a pack of kids disposable apron and chef hat. It is a pack with 4 sets with all his favourite colours. We took the apron and hat but need to do something to use the apron and hat right. Then we saw Christmas cookies cutter with the shape of Christmas tree, reindeer, star, angels. So, it was decided that we are going to bake Christmas cookies with Lucas.

Mixing the dough.

Showing off the finished dough.

Cutting the dough with the cookie cutter.

Decorating the cookies with sprinkle.

Savouring his fruit of labour.

Dominic did most of the preparation and baking. I did the most important task, that is clean up the kitchen after all the excitement.
One Monday, Lucas brought the cookies to school to share with his friends. His friends asked for more. He and Dominic are all excited now and they are planning to make cupcakes next!

Christmas Tree is Up

My Christmas tree is up. Dominic's father helped us transport the fresh cut 6 foot tree from Ikea to home. This is the second year we are getting the fresh cut tree. It is nice and not too expensive. And the best part is there is no worry if the tree is not growing too well during the year for next Christmas. It is a new tree every year!
Lucas is older and hence understand more. He helped unpacked the decoration and passed on to Dominic to hang on the tree. At times, he even pointed the exact spots to hang the decorations. Maybe next year, he can hang those ornaments himself. Having said that, Lucas hanged THE ornament, the star on top of the tree.
Chloe was watching from her bouncer. Next year, she can participate.

Lucas is admiring the star he put up earlier.

Chloe is fascinated by the chasing lights.

Sydney

Our holiday in Sydney was great. Good weather, good food and good company.
During our short stay, we managed to eat all the food we wanted .... big shrimps, calamaries, mussels, fresh oyster, steak and even dim sum.
Sites we have covered were the ever famous harbour cruise and other cruises, wineyard on Hawksbury, beaches, bays, parks and a bit of shopping.
We catched up with some goods friends and have a good Aussie BBQ at one of their house.

Travelling first class with flat bed..

and champagne

At Hawksbury

Sydney's iconic view of the bridge

Yam Cha with friends

By the beach

While We Were Away...

The kids were doing just fine. We preped Lucas a week before the trip. First, he insisted that he wanted to come along. We told him children cannot go...
When we told him we will be away for 5 days, he bargained and said 1 day only. We said one day is not enough, then he was generous to say 2 days! What a negotiator.
On the actual day, when we about to board the taxi, he clinged on to me and cried, insisting that I should stayed. Of course I felt bad. When I called home from the airport, my sister said he was ok. Went about doing his own things. He was ok for the next 5 days..did not cry for us. But he was definitely very happy to see us when we returned. And we bought him tons of presents and chocolate to redeem our guilt.
Meanwhile, Chloe did not know any better. She was just happy that she she is being fed and entertained.

We figured we can't have this escape anymore. Soon, both of them will understand and won't let us off.

Brotherly Love

Best picture we got so far of the 2 kids together...

No But, No Why

Chatty Lucas has been talking a lot. One day, he and his usual 'But, Mommy, ......' (his way of expressing excuses) suddenly came to a halt and he said 'No But', 'No Why'. I asked if his teacher said that to him and he nod his head. Ha..ha..he must has been finding excuses and his teacher must have shut him up by saying 'No But, No Why'.

Chloe is getting bigger. She likes to try to sit up, smiling and laughing alot when she has enough sleep and food. Her hair - still not dropping much nor growing much. I will be starting her on solid food when she is 6 months old. Gosh, I have forgotten those puree vegetables and fruits. Need to refresh my memory.

As for me, I still have to 2 kgs to shield - if I ever can shield these 2 kgs. Am in a mood for shopping. Already thinking how to decorate the house for Christmas and what to cook for Christmas. Dominic and myself are taking a break from the kids next week. We are going to Sydney for a few days (complimentary from MAS Enrich points and hotel points). Will pack the kids to my parents for bonding period while I take my break :)

Yet Again?!

Lucas landed himself in trouble again, in school!!
It is a ritual now that I got discussion with his teacher every other day!
While waiting for him to finish school, I saw that the teacher is having another long chat with him. Then I told myself, what now?
So, the latest drama is this little boy asked his teacher to hold his penis when he wants to pee!! He did not want to hold his own penis and aim properly, instead asked the teacher to do for him!! Well, well...there goes the nice lecture from his teacher. Teacher told him penis is his private part and he cannot ask or let anyone to touch his private part except for Mommy and Ms A (his teacher) to clean him. She made him promised not to do so again.

Should I be embarrassed?

Naggy Me

Now I understand why all mothers are naggy!.
I nagged at Lucas all day long!!
In one day, I nagged him :
- twice to take his bath
- twice to brush his teeth
- twice to eat his food (lunch and dinner)
- twice to sleep (afternoon nap and at night)

Sigh....I really hate myself for being soooo naggy.

Lazy, Firm or Rebellious? Part 2

Oh well......it looks like he solved his own problem.
I asked him again today when I was reading him his bedtime story.

Me: Lucas, did you finish the work you did not finish yesterday?
Lucas: Yes.
Me: What colour did you use?
Lucas: I painted the basket under the balloon with brown only (so, it is not a heart shape picture)
Me: Did you ask Ms A (his teacher) first?
Lucas: No.
Me: Did Ms A say anything?
Lucas: Nothing.

So, he gets it done according to his own way......

And by the way, I said a new sentence to him today. He was asking me to see what's wrong with the TV (the Astro decoder was off) while I was nagging him to take his bath. So, I was annoyed because he refused to take his bath and decided not to on his cartoon until after his bath. So, I told him to 'go and solve your own problem'. Let's see when he will use that sentence on me!

Lazy, Firm or Rebellious?

When I went to pick up Lucas from school today, the teacher told me Lucas did not want to do his school work. I sensed something was amissed earlier. After their Good-Bye song, the teacher had a rather long chat with him. I was wondering if he made a fuss earlier and the teacher had to pacify him. When the teacher told me what happened, I was rather surprised. So, I told myself I need to get to the bottom of this matter. Asking him in school will be a waste of time. He will not want to talk about it. So, after we came home and had his lunch and bath, I subtly asked why he did not want to do his work in school. He said 'I do not want to be busy'. Ok...I let it go and will ask more later - one question at a time. If he doesn't want to talk about it, he will not say a word. If he wants to talk about it, he will spill all the beans - whether you asked for it or not.
At night, after I read him his bedtime story, he was very chatty. I took the opportunity to ask again. This time, he said 'I do not want to use 4 colours to paint the heart shape. It is too much'. Ok...so it sounded like he does not agreed to use 4 colours to paint the heart shape picture. Therefore his action of not wanting to do his work.

It is not the end yet. Tomorrow I will ask him what's wrong with using 4 colours? Can't he use whatever colours he wants? Will also tell him to tell his teacher if he doesn't agree. After that??? Tell him to stand firm by his opinion or just follow teacher's instruction?

Hair Dropping

There is a saying that the mother's hair will drop once the baby can laugh.
Maybe there is some truth....
Chloe can laugh out loud and spontaneously.....and my hair is everywhere on the floor!

What a Vocab!

My Mr Little Smart Alec has really some bombardist vocab. Some examples:

Lucas: Mommy, come up with me to watch TV.
Me: You go first. Mommy has to fold the clothes. Mommy will go after Mommy finished.
Lucas: That sounds good to me.

We were reading his book and there was a picture of sand castle.
Me: Do you know how to build a sand castle?
Lucas: That is a bit tricky.

Lucas dropped some gadgets on his bed.
Lucas: Mommy, you pick up my snake and ladder (small tokens to play snake and ladder).
Me: No, you spill it, you pick it up.
Lucas: Mommy, share. (means to pick up together with him)

While, I was giving him his bath one afternoon.
Lucas: Mommy, do you know Michael Jackson?
Me: Yes. What does Michael Jackson do?
Lucas: Sing and dance.
Me: Can you sing and dance like Michael Jackson?
Lucas: No. I can only sing balik kampung.
Me: How to you sing Balik Kampung?
Lucas: La - la la la ..la..
Me: That's all?
Lucas: YES

When his grandfather was sending Lucas home from school, the grandfather kept talking to him to prevent him from taking his power nap in the car. When Lucas was quiet for a while, his grandfather stopped talking thinking Lucas has dozed off. Then suddenly Lucas said.
Lucas: I thought you were talking to the wall!
Grandfather: (flabbergasted, then laughed)

His grandmother was trying to put him to sleep.
Grandmother: Lucas, let's go to sleep.
Lucas: Why?
Grandmother: Omi is tired?
Lucas: Why?
Grandmother: Omi is old.
Lucas: I am not tired because I am new.

We were reading a book and there were pictures of 3 small bugs.
Lucas: This one will bite but these 2 will not bite.
Me: How do you know?
Lucas: These 2 are fami-ly. Girl. They don't bite.
Me: You mean feminine?
Lucas: No, fami-ly.
Me: What is fami-ly?
Lucas: Mommy, Daddy, Chloe, Ah Kong, Omi and Aunty Mercy.
Me: How about Kong Kong, Poh Poh, Yee Yee and Ciu Ciu?
Lucas: Yes. That's enough.

During dinner,
Lucas: Is Daddy at friend's house again?
Me: No, Daddy is on holiday.
Lucas: Where?
Me: A place with beach and sea. Daddy is swimming.
Lucas: But the water is dirty!
Me: You tell Daddy that.

I showed him the stickers I paste on Chloe's room which has swing.
Lucas: Can I move it (the swing)?
Me: You can try.
Lucas: (Tried to move the swing like in playground). Why cannot move?
Me: It is only a picture.

Lucas was singing and here is his lyrics...vroom vroom vroom on Daddy's Proton Perdana.

I was busying cleaning up after dinner.
Lucas: Mommy, I want milk.
Me: Wait, let me finished cleaning first.
Lucas: You bring the milk up here to me. Say OK.
Me: OK.

During bath, I spilt some water from his cup.
Lucas: Mommy, why you make my coffee (bath water) come out? You, naughty girl. Say SORRY.
Me: Sorry.

During our drive home from school.
Lucas: Mommy, I want a Nissan.
Me: I don't know where to buy a Nissan.
Lucas: Are you a big girl?
Me: Yes.
Lucas: Then why you don't know where to buy a Nissan.

Things that he said - wonder if he has offended/insulted anyone other than the fami-ly.

Retail Therapy

After months of 'holing-up' at home (during advance pregnancy and the birth), I needed a break badly. So, I embarked on a day off doing retail therapy while Lucas is in school and Dominic stayed at home with Chloe.
I had my hair cut and then started on my shopping spree. I went to a make-up counter and told the sales lady that I needed something to make my eyes look fresher. Business was slow for her and she gladly gave me a make-over. I walked away with a bag of goods. When I get home Lucas asked, 'Mommy, are you wearing make-up?'.
Then I proceed to shop for clothes. My wardrobe needed an overhaul badly. I was looking at the old photos, the trips we made before we got married till now. Guess what?? I'm still wearing those clothes!! As I'm taking a trip end November, I told myself that I do not want to be pictured wearing the same clothes as 7-9 years ago. At the end, I walked home with 2 tops and 1 pant. I wish I was doing better.

Retail therapy is only a temporary relief from taking care of the kids. When I'm back from shopping, it is actually very pleasant to see the kids. Retail therapy rocks when you are not too worry about the price tag.

Things that They Do

This is what happened when Lucas refused to take the afternoon lap....
At 6+pm, when Dominic took him for a ride, he comes back in this state

Sound asleep in the bicycle seat.

While they were out riding bicycle, I put on skirt for Chloe to try on. Then I was out for 2-3 mins to snap the picture of Lucas sleeping on the bicycle seat, and this is what happened to her skirt...


The skirt went up...so unfeminine. Dominic was saying 'Aiyor...which boy wants to go out with you?'

Chloe Sleeping on Stomach

Chloe never like to be on her stomach. She cries as though she has been tortured each time we tried to put her on her stomach. This morning, she was crying - having difficulty falling asleep. Dominic said since she is crying we might as well put her on her stomach. We think she needed more time on her stomach to feel more comfortable and eventually learn how to crawl. So, there he was putting her on her stomach and off I went for my shower. When I came out from the shower, it was all quiet. I thought she was asleep. She was asleep indeed but on her stomach.



She must have been so tired that she just knocked off. Now, I have to sit here and watch her to make sure her nose and mouth are not blocked. Let's see if she is more comfortable on her stomach after this episode.

Back to Work in 2010

My previous boss wrote to me and asked if I am interested in returning to work next year. I gladly said yes. This job is work from home and it's the most ideal for mothers with young children. So, now here I am looking for babysitter / nanny again. The place that I am living now must be in a middle of nowhere. I couldn't get a cleaning lady with car to come even once a week. Her reason was too far. Then I rationalize that nobody will want to come daily! I have tried asking around but all to no vial. So, the next solution is to get a live-in maid. Sigh...having a stranger living under the same roof is no fun. Loss of privacy, and have to take care of her (like another big child at home) and all the headaches she is going to bring!!
So, now here we are looking for a Filipino maid. We just got rid of one and looking for another one. Isn't it like jumping from one hot pot to another hot pot? Trying our luck again...isn't there another option? It will be a waste to send Lucas and Chloe to full day-care right? That really defeat the purpose of working from home where I can keep an eye on them.

Life Without Maid

This is my third day without maid (helper). It is not exactly relaxing but manageable...so far. That is with me and Dominic at home fulltime. Daily chores we have to do are:
1. open and close the windows - which are quite alot. If it rains suddenly, we both scramble to close them before the rooms get wet. And we have already stop bothering open/close the windows on the rooms that we do not use.
2. Clean the floor. I only sweep them. Forget about mopping. I leave the vacuuming and mopping to the cleaning lady that comes once a week. We are thinking about getting the iRobot initially but decided against it. iRobot can't clean bathroom and windows and these robots are not cheap either.
3. Do my own laundry, folding and ironing. Forget about ironing bedsheet. At one time, I was thinking of getting a dryer but Dominic is not game for it. He said why add more carbon the atmosphere, pay higher electricity when we get plenty of sunshine everyday. I was thinking of saving some time on hanging the laundry under the sun and clothes are generally less wrinkly after dryer.
4. Clean up after each meal. I put everything I can into the dishwasher. The rest have to be hand washed. We are also making sure Lucas is not making a mess after each meal. We used to be lenient on his mess cause we know we don't have to clean the mess but not anymore.
5. Boil drinking water. Haha...I just bought a water filter that comes with both room temperature and hot water. So, no need to boil drinking water and the water is also much cleaner.
6. Surface outside the house like the patio, garage and backyard don't get cleaned. If anyone wants to go out, just wear slippers. I make sure I put the slippers on all exit points.
7. Water the plant and clear the dried leaves from the garden.
8. Take the rubbish out.

Sometimes, I think it would be a lot simpler if we have a smaller place :) But Lucas enjoyed the space here.
My fingers are quite sore from all the cleaning after 7 months break. Need some really heavy duty hand cream to salvage those hands.

We have a conversation with Lucas preparing him for days without kakak. We told him he has to clean up his own mess like his playroom, bedroom and after each meal to take the plates to the kitchen sink. To our pleasant surprise, he knows how to clean up his own mess. He just need encouragement and persuasion to do the tasks. That's the blessing in disguise.

Mini Projects at Home

We have moved to this house for 7 months and there are still so much to be done. I am now doing up Chloe's room. Changed the curtain to a set of more girlie fabric with red/pink and flower motive. Bought some wall stickers but have yet to stick them on her wall. When I was renovating the house, she was not in the picture at all. Dominic is already planning on what to do with the space in our bedroom currently occupied by Chloe.

Got Lucas his dining chair cover. It is washable and partially water proof. Lucas has outgrown his high chair when we moved in and would prefer to sit on the same chair as us. Since our dining chair is made of fabric, I am very nervous each time Lucas eats. This chair cover will help (I hope) and can pass on to Chloe. Oh..and Lucas chose a bright orange color for his cover.

The garden light is finally up. When we moved in, we omit that part as we are not sure how do we want to do the landscaping. Now that we pretty much have planted the plants in the garden, we know where to position those garden lights.

My house is powered by the energy saving bulbs and I am not sure if it was a wise decision. Those bulbs are so darn expensive and they blow so easily. I just realised that I am using 112 energy saving bulbs and in 7 months, 15 bulbs already blew off!! Each bulb costs RM15 (US$4) ! The costs of changing the bulb may not justified the electricity saving.

My next project is to complete the garden. There are still scrubs and potted plants to be bought and planted. The garden looks rather bare compared to the neighbours. My house wall also looks bare. I have yet to hang any of my painting. Oh...work is never ending if you are trying to find them.

Talking about work, next week onwards are going to be challenging. I have sent my maid away as she is giving me her attitude problem and I just have no time to monitor her. She finds short cut whenever she can or whenever she thinks I am not looking. She is also not able to help me to take care of the kids, so I decided enough is enough. I am currently 'borrowing' my mother's maid until this Saturday. Next week, it is going to be me and Dominic and the 2 kids!

All these mini projects cost money. One two thousand here and one two thousand there - it all adds up. Sigh...don't know when will I have enough for the 2 kids and to retire. We were joking the other day - maybe we should hook up the kids with rich girlfriend / boyfriend. Then, hopefully the kid's financial will be taken care of! FAT THINKING!

Chloe is 3 months old

I have been in such a laid back mood that I lost track of Chloe's development. She dislikes to be on her stomach. When I put her on her stomach, she doesn't know how to position her head. Most of the time, I have to turn her head for her. She starts wailing after less than 2 mins. Wonder how is she going to crawl. However, she tries to sit up. She will try to lift her head when I carry her. Lucas on the other hand was an expert lying on his stomach when he was at Chloe's age. He slept on this stomach and can lift his head 45 degree on his second month.

Not much going on with Chloe's hair. Her newborn hair has neither dropped nor grow much longer. So, she still has her spiky hair and bald forehead. Lucas was almost bald when he was 3 months old.

Chloe is going to be chatty like her brother. She tries to talk by making the 'urr' and 'ahh' sound. She enjoys people talking to her and generous with her smile. Once in a while, she will laugh out loud.

She likes to eat her hand and drools a lot. Sometimes she choke on her own saliva. Her mitten is usually wet. Can't remembered that Lucas did any of these.

They both develop on their own pace.

Lucas is 3 !

Since it is his birthday, we allowed him to have more sugar than usual. Enjoying his candy floss.

Opening his presents - more cars.


Yup...the boy is 3 now. And he knows what is birthday and expecting his presents. Everyone knows he likes cars and he has been getting cars for presents. Despite his vast colletion, he is still asking for more cars.

At 3, he weighs 13 kg and his height is 98 cm. Not short but skinny. He is such a fussy eater and he only like to eat mushroom, potatoes, egg, tofu. Vegetables need to be mashed so that he cannot pick them out. Meat need to be finely minced else he chew forever and then spit them out. Luckily, he likes fruits. I gave him lots of fruits to compensate for the missing vegetables. Candy, sweets are not a problem at all.

His mental development is fine. I think he is just like any other 3 years old kid. Very chatty if he chooses to talk. As for his character, he is a bit shy. Takes time to warm up to strangers. His grandfather described him, 'If he doesn't want to talk, you cannot make him talk. Once he starts talking, he is unstopped-able'. Very true.

Happy Birthday, Lucas.

Posing with his Sunglasses

Last weekend was quite exciting for Lucas. We got him a pair of sunglasses (he insisted on this pair of sunglasses despite being a bit too big for him) and he has been happily wearing it. He was wearing it to his school concert and even posed for Dominic to snap some photos.

Aren't I cool?

All dressed up to go for his school concert.

Driving his cabriolet Beetle, as he called his car.



Novelty wears off fast. Today is Monday and he has not asked for his sunglasses. And his cabriolet Beetle is having battery problem today.

Be Patient

I'm sure most parents get a taste of their own medicine. Things or words that the parents used on the kids eventually come back to haunt the parents.
I have a classic example. When Lucas insist on wanting something right away, I will tell him to be patient. 2 days ago, I got the taste of my own medicine.

Lucas: (watching the second episode of Mickey Mouse clubhouse at 9+ pm)
Me: Lucas, enough TV. Go to sleep now.
Lucas: I'm watching the second Mickey Mouse.
Me: It's late, please go to bed now.
Lucas: Mommy, be patient please. I want to watch the second Mickey Mouse.

Another incident:
Lucas: (15 mins after his bath, he is still playing in his bath tub)
Me: Lucas, enough. Get out of the bath tub.
Lucas: I'm making coffee for you and Daddy.
Me: I have enough coffee for today. Make it tomorrow. Go wear your pyjamas now.
Lucas: Be patient, I said I'm making coffee.

This boy really know how to use the word to his advantage.

I Cheated

Tonight, I wanted Lucas to go to bed early. He did not have his afternoon nap and was already sleepy during dinner. Most days, he will watch his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse from 8.30 - 9.00 pm. Then he will go to bed but will not fall asleep until 10pm. So, I 'brought' the Mickey Mouse show earlier. I played a pre-recorded Mickey Mouse at 7.45pm and it finished by 8.15pm. He then proceed to bed and fall asleep before 9pm...haha..what a cheeky mother am I. This trick will only work as long as he cannot tell the time. Hmmm..maybe I should not teach him to read the clock so soon!

This gives me time to blog and to read my book.

School Again

Today, I went to register Lucas in a new school for next year, Oct 2010. I was being kiasu and decided to register him before the empty slots are filled up. The reason we selected this future school is because it is very convenient, just 5 mins drive from the house, as opposed to the current school which is 20 mins drive away. Dominic intends to cycle Lucas to the future school. Well, he can just do so. I will take the car when it is my turn to send him to school. Then, the never ending debate on which school to send Lucas to for primary is still never ending.

The future school is a full school, that is from nursery to Form 5. There is an option to do local curriculum or British curriculum from Standard 1 onwards. The British curriculum fee is of course almost double that of the local curriculum. The nursery has only 1 curriculum.

One of Lucas' classmate just started the nursery in this school. The mother was commenting that the school rules are very strict and not so personal. Parents are not allowed to stay with the child in the classroom, not even on the first day of school. Mind you, these kids are only 3+ years old. The teachers did not even allowed parents to peep thru the windows from outside. If parents has any query for the teacher, the parents are to write on the 'diary' which the kid carry to school everyday. Likewise, if the teacher wish to tell the parents any news, it will be written on the diary as well. Not very personal, isn't it? But the mother said her son enjoyed it. Well, that is all that matter. The strictness is also reflected in the newsletter. One of the paragraph on the newsletter is really funny, or rather sadist - 'Swimming is one of the compulsory physical education. There is no excuse for exemption except on doctor's advice. If your child is fit enough to attend school, then your child is fit enough to swim' Dominic and myself were laughing when we read this.

As for Lucas' formal education, we are still deciding should he goes to Chinese school or private school. We would prefer something in between but of course there is no such option. We don't think Lucas will fare well in Chinese school. He asks too many questions and has his arguments and thoughts for everything, and he wants us to listen and answer him. Don't think the teacher in Chinese school has time for these as there are 40-50 students in a class. Imagine if all the 40-50 students are like Lucas ..... teacher will go crazy. The easiest way for the teacher to do is ask the student to be quiet or get punished. I can imagine Lucas will either stop asking or get punish everyday. We don't think it is good idea to stop children from asking questions. They are young and curious, and their curiosity need to be addressed properly. That's part of learning process.
On the other hand, private school is good as it emphasized on physical activities, music and arts and being a well rounder. But hey, we pay a lot of money for tax every year. Why should I pay again for private education when my tax money should cover that!

Oh well....we still have 2 years to decide!

Things that Lucas Does

Some of Lucas' pastime:

Watching his favourite cartoons, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.


Lucas: Mommy, I almost fall down today.
Me: What did you do?
Lucas: The house was turning (actually he was the one turning until he gets giddy)


Lucas: Mommy, I hide under the curtain today.
Me: Why do you hide behind the curtain?
Lucas: I spit my saliva because I need to draw.
Me: Yicks..which bedroom did you spit on?
Lucas: YOUR bedroom.


Dominic: Lucas, do you want to go cycling?
Lucas: YES
Dominic: Do you want to ride on my bicycle or you want to ride on your own?
LUCAS: I want to ride on YOUR bicycle.


While all these are happening with Lucas, Chloe is blissfully sleeping in her dreamland.

Early Celebration

We had a first round of celebration for Lucas' 3rd birthday last weekend. We have a cousin whose birthday is 2 weeks earlier than Lucas (different year) and we usually celebrate both their birthday together.
Lucas asked for the same birthday cake as last year.

Should Have Known

Lucas was down with running nose and cough last week. Luckily, there was no fever. I was so busy with him that I forgot the virus is contagious. Then it hit me yesterday that Chloe is the easy target. When one child is sick, the rest in the family will eventually catch the bug. So, yesterday, when I got home after spending a few nights at my parents, both kids had bad running nose. Chloe couldn't sleep well. I was worried as this is the first time she got the bug. Had to take Chloe to see the paediatrician today, just in case it gets serious. Lucas running nose is attacking him again.
Now, when Lucas is sick next time, how to I 'protect' Chloe from catching the bug?

Birthday Parties

Now that Lucas has his own friends, he got invited to birthday parties. His first party was from his classmate and at a very posh place .... KL Hilton for a 3 year old girl!! Dominic took him to the party as I chose to stay at home with Chloe. He had a good time there. This party was so high-class, as Dominic described it. There was a clown to entertain the kids, 2 professional photographers, free flow of beer (Dominic's haven), gift pack to the guests which probably worth more than the gift Lucas gave to the birthday girl, small indoor playground at the corner of the lobby lounge especially for the kids. You can't beat this party.

Lucas and his classmates and the birthday girl.

As for us, the parents, we have to stock up different things now. When we see toys / gadgets suitable for Lucas, we will buy a few. To keep for future birthday parties. We also stock up on kiddy wrapping paper, stickers for the cards and colourful pencils. This is definitely new to us. What a change of lifestyle.
His next party is tomorrow!!

Chloe is 2 months old

Chloe is 2 months old today - sometimes it feels like a long time (when she is fussing) and sometimes it feels like she was only born yesterday (when she is in a good mood).
For 2 months, she weighs 4.8 kg and her length is 59cm. Basically, she is not fat but tall. Oh well....I think all these patterns changed all the time as she grows..
Lucas 'ballooned' when he was 3 months old but he is such a skinny boy now.

At 2 months, Chloe can smile back. She knows how to turn her head to the noise or sound such as our voices or the rattle. Her eating habit is so inconsistent. It can varies from 1 1/2 hr to 3 hr per feed. I tried to keep to every 3 hours but sometimes she started wailing for food after 1 1/2 hour. One good thing is she sleeps well at night. If she was last fed at 9pm, she can last until 5am the next day. If she was last feed at 11pm, she last until 7am the next day - almost sleeping through the night. Hmm....I am planning to put her on her own room as soon as she is sleeping through. Right now, both she and Lucas are sleeping in my room. When Lucas made noise, Chloe will wake up. When Chloe cried, Lucas will wake up. I am perpetually putting each of them to sleep.

Clean Girl

This afternoon, Chloe had a big poo. She only poo-ed every 4 days for the past 8 days! The paed said it is ok...
She was drinking her milk when the big poo came. She cried and I can see her pushing hard. Her face turned red and of course there was the noise. Then she stopped drinking and wailed. I was thinking of changing her later just in case she has not finished her business but she insisted to be changed now. So, I cleaned her up and then fed her again. This time, she was all smile. What a clean girl she is.

Meanwhile, she does react to us. She does smile back and said 'ouuu'....

Just Let Her Cry

The true boss is back in action. At night, when I tried to put both of them to bed, which is a challenge, Chloe will cried asking to be carried. Sometimes, I get frustrated when I do not know which position she wants me to carry her. She will continue fussing even when I carried her. I will just put her in her baby cot and let her cry.

The true boss will say:
Lucas: Just let her cry, but don't let me cry.
Me: I will let both of you cry.
Lucas: No, let her cry but don't let me cry.
Me: Why are you so special?
Lucas: (smile)

Cheeky fella....

I Have No Time

Lucas new favourite phase is 'I have no time'.
When I asked him to fetch his sister handky, he said 'I have no time'.
When I waked him up in the morning to go to school, he said 'I have no time'.
When I asked him to go for his bath while he was watching Mickey Mouse Playhouse, he said 'I have no time'.
A true boss material!

Meanwhile, this is his first week of school after a month holiday. His grandfather is so kind to offer his chauffeuring service. But this boy is not used to having his grandfather sending him to school. To him, grandfather picks him up to go to grandparents house and go shopping, not to school. He makes fuss every morning, demanding that I go to the car with him. Next week, when I send him, we will see if he still make any fuss.

Cheeky Lucas

Lucas's vocabulary has improved so much to the extend of being cheeky / rude now. Some snippets on our conversation:

Lucas: One two, buckle my shoe, three four, shut the door..............
nine ten, big fat Mommy....(laugh)
Me: Is Mommy fat?
Lucas: Yes (laugh again)


One day, after I gave him his bath:-
Me: Hurry up, come and wear your pyjamas.
Lucas: Is Mommy smelly?
Me: No, Mommy had her shower.
Lucas: Is Daddy smelly?
Me: No, Daddy had his shower too.

2 days ago, Lucas walked to me:-
Lucas: Mommy, you are a slow turtle.
Me: Lucas is as slow turtle, not Mommy.

During bedtime at my parent's place, my sister was talking to a cousin while Lucas was trying to sleep:-
Lucas: I don't want to hear anymore noise.
My sister: wow.....(surprised with his choice of words)

Back to Reality

The confinement lady has left and Dominic is back to work (weeks ago). I now have 2 kids to care for. I must say it is really a challenge. I am lucky to get to clean my teeth by noon and have my shower by 11pm. The kids always have their demand...
Yesterday, Chloe was making a fuss after her feed. When I tried to carry her, she continues fussing. I had enough of her 'unreasonable' demand and decided to let her cry her heart out. So, I put her on her baby cot and watched the time. It was 10.10pm. I just lied down and watch her to make sure she doesn't vomit and choke herself. She cried for 10 mins and take a breather for 5 mins. Then she continued crying and take another breather. She keeps doing that until 10.47pm and finally goes to sleep! I suppose that is not too bad considering this is her first time. On another note, she has grown quite a fair bit. Think she doubles her birth weight. Will get the official measurement when she goes for 2 months check-up and vaccination.

Meanwhile, Lucas missed his 'comfort' zone. We spent a few days at my parent's house and he is glad to be home. He missed his cars and bicycle and the cartoon channel, Playhouse Disney. Schools starts Sept 1 and I have to figure out how to send him to school with Chloe in tow. Lucas has been 'bum-ming' on our bed since Chloe's birth. It is going to be another training to get him to sleep on his own room. The last time, it took me 3 months to train him to go to sleep on his own room. Another 3 months this time round?

As for myself, I have 4 kgs to shield.......

Cry Baby

Lucas has turned to a cry baby these few days. He doesn't talk but he cries. When he opened his eyes first thing in the morning, he cried and said 'I don't want the fan, I want air-con'. Then, he cried, "Mommy asked Kakak (the maid) the make milk and water'. After his milk, he cried again and said 'Mommy open the gate (children stairs gate). I want to go down'. 5 mins after he went downstairs, he will cried and said 'I want to go upstairs'. The grouses go on and on....and every grouses have crying tone to them...sigh... He is definitely feeling very jealous and neglected. I tried to be accommodating but I just cannot accommodate him all the time.
When I an feeding Chloe, he will come and said 'Mommy, I want to go pee'. He wants me to take off his pants and put him on his training toilet seat. I can't do that as I am holding Chloe and Chloe takes forever to feed herself. He does not want the maid and the confinement lady to help.
Very often, I lost my patience. I will just scold him after trying to explain to him numerous times. He is very insistence that I should attend to him and not Chloe - after all Lucas got my 24 hours attention until a month ago.....

Bottomless Pit Chloe and Bored Lucas

Chloe has her fair share of growth spurt. On her third week, one night, she had 9 ozs of milk in 4 hours. She cried for milk every 2 hours. Initially we ruled out the food factor as she has just eaten but her mouth was like a bird 'searching' for food. We couldn't believe it when she finished all the milk we gave her. I nicknamed her bottomless pit and sometimes I nicknamed her eating machine. My milk supply is not able to catch up with her and I have to use the spare milk from the freezer. Yesterday, she drank 9 ozs of milk in 2 hours! This girl will only go to sleep when her stomach is very full.


Meanwhile, Lucas always asked 'What should I do now?'. I always replied 'What do you want to do?'. He is spending 2 afternoons a week with his grandparents. I need to arrange a playgroup for him. This morning, he found a feather-duster and that keep him occupied for an hour.

Chloe's Fullmoon

We threw a small party on Chloe's fullmoon. We decided not to be lazy. Invited a few close friends and neighbours. Ordered some simple food from a caterer.
Chloe at one month old
Me and the kids on Chloe's fullmoon
Dominic and the kids on Chloe's fullmoon
Chloe is all ready for her first outing (besides the trip to the hospital)
Dominic & the kids during a walk. It was also Chloe's first outing