First Tooth

I completely forgot to blog about the falling of Lucas's first tooth.
He has all his milk teeth until Dec 2013. When his friends' teeth were coming off, he kept asking when is his coming off.
One day, he came home after school and said his teeth were wobbly. I took a look and saw the 2 newer teeth were growing behind. I got panic and said we are going to the dentist the next day. You know being the first experience, I was worried that the new teeth will grow out of alignment. So, we went to the dentist. On the way, Lucas kept asking why do we have to go. He was nervous seeing a dentist. The dentist had a look and said it is ok. There was enough room for the new teeth to grow and eventually the 2 milk teeth will be dislodged. He said, just leave it. Lucas was relieved. He even lectured me,'See, we come all the way here for nothing!'.


On fateful Dec 13, while having dinner with the grandparents and Dominic, the first tooth fell off. It broke into 2 and fell off. We did not get the chance to keep it. When the 2nd wobbly tooth came off, we managed to safe keep it.

Sleeping

This afternoon, Lucas came to me and said, 'Mom, today I will sleep on my own in my room'. I was overjoyed to hear that. We have been trying for years to get him to sleep on his own. Then we had some negotiation. I decided to bribe him before he changes his mind.
Me: If you sleep on your own for 7 days in a row, I will get you a B-Daman.
Lucas: If I sleep on my own for 4 weeks, I will get 4 B-Daman?
Me: Yes
Lucas: After 1 month, I should not get any more B-Daman because it will be a waste.
Me: That's absolutely right.
Lucas: This is a bet right?
Me: No, this is not a bet. This is a promise. A bet is something you cannot control the outcome like gambling. But this, you can do it. ( I am getting desperate).


Right before bedtime,
Lucas: Can I start next week?
Me: No, the deal is you start today.
Lucas: Can I sleep on night, and then the next night next week?
Me: No, the deal is it has to be consecutive. OK, If you sleep on your own until Friday, I will buy you a B-Daman on Friday.
Lucas: (thought for a moment) OK. Is it counted if I sleep walk?
Me: No, if you sleep walk to my room in the middle of the night, you have to start all over again.


Then at 8pm, he went to his room.
Lucas: Can you put the 2 remote for fan and air-con) on my bedside table?
Me: OK.
Lucas: Let me take the alarm clock. (he took from my bedside table).
Me: You read until 8.30pm. Then you go to sleep.


At 8.45pm when I go to check on him,
Lucas: Mom, I stopped reading at exactly 8.30 and I still can't sleep.
Me: Maybe you should switch off the lights. It is nicer to sleep in cold and dark.
Lucas: What time are you coming to check on me again?
Me: 10pm.
Lucas: Good night.


At 9.20pm, I went to check on him. He is soundly asleep. :)


Meanwhile, Chloe was excited too. She told me, "Yay, there will be nobody sleeping at the bottom of the bed to disturb me".

Happy Chinese New Year, Happy Valentine

Time comes and goes....
I haven't been blogging much because I am busy with work (usual lame excuse) and the camera was kaput. There was no pictures to post.


What have we been up to since Jan? Let me think. The kids school started for 3 weeks and then they have one and a half week holiday. All parents I've met have been complaining about the never ending holidays the kids get. It is hard for the parents and kids to adjust. During holidays, the kids can go to bed late and wake up late. A few days before school starts, I have the get them back to their normal bedtime. Just when they are adjusting well, it is school holidays again and the vicious cycle starts again.


The kids still have their activities. Swimming, arts and craft for both of them, drum for Lucas and piano for Chloe. Lucas enjoyed his drum so much that he is going for 2 classes a week. But when I suggested to him if he wants to go for competitive swimming where there are 3 lessons a week, he said no. I thought he should learn discipline and hard work. The good way is to be competitive in sports. But nevertheless, he enjoys swimming and can be quite independent in the pool.
Chloe is very excited about all her 3 activities. On the activity day, she will say '"Yay". She has finally overcome her water fear and a daredevil in the pool. She just started piano. Too early to say if she likes it but she definitely looking forward to her class.


We also had Parents Teachers meeting. Oh, well, Lucas is still at the top group of his class. To stay at the top is hard work. I told him he has to work a lot harder to stay at the top. There are so many other kids who work hard and will kick him off the group if he is laid back. Now, 4pm to 5pm is homework time. I bought some workbooks for him to practice his Math, Science, English. He has to write a short story everyday. One day, I will share with you the kinds of story he wrote! He is inspired to write Mr Men book.


Chloe has made good progress. Her teacher has 'promoted' her from middle tier to the smart tier. She has made very visible progress. She almost can read children books. The more than 6 letters words are difficult but others are no problem. A few months ago, I was worried. She hardly can made the sound of any word. And one day, she just started reading. I made her read a book everyday before she goes to sleep. I think it helps her with the practice and build her confidence. She can do Math minus and addition up to 10. Not bad for her age. 4pm to 5pm are also homework time for her.


The tiger mom in me......


Over the Chinese New Year, I also met up with lots of old friends. I met up with classmates from secondary schools, university mates and colleagues from a job 17 years ago! As one age, one gets nostalgia....ha ha