Chinese painting by Han Jin during a holiday program. I was very impressed and the teacher responded that the younger the children, the better they perform in arts, and she concurred that I will not be able to paint so well. :)
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Sunday, August 12, 2012
Chinese painting 中国画
6月学校假期的时候送瀚今去了好几个不同的假期节目。看起来最好的就是中国画的课。画的真是不赖。
Chinese painting by Han Jin during a holiday program. I was very impressed and the teacher responded that the younger the children, the better they perform in arts, and she concurred that I will not be able to paint so well. :)
Chinese painting by Han Jin during a holiday program. I was very impressed and the teacher responded that the younger the children, the better they perform in arts, and she concurred that I will not be able to paint so well. :)
Legoland Preview
Clearing my backlog after P1 registration. Some pictures on Legoland preview. Looking forward to its opening in Sep to utilise my annual pass.
Property Hunt
Continuing with our property hunting. Made 3 offers till date, but none came through - one I changed mind not to buy, the other the seller changed mind not to sell, the last still in negotiation.
It's actually quite a nice experience to view houses, take a look of the different decoration style, have a chat if the seller is friendly, look at the different landscape, and explore the surroundings.
Here we are at a park in front of our latest favor. Hope this deal comes through.
It's actually quite a nice experience to view houses, take a look of the different decoration style, have a chat if the seller is friendly, look at the different landscape, and explore the surroundings.
Here we are at a park in front of our latest favor. Hope this deal comes through.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
小一报名 2012 - P1 Phase 2A1
The critical month came. Counting to 19 Jul for phase 2B. Here is the chart from MOE website for the vacancies after phase 2A1. It speaks for itself.
I attended a P1 preparation talk, hosted by Pei Tong Primary and collaborated by 6 other neighbourhood schools.
So what will be my back up plan? Wish me good luck!!!
小一报名要开始了，3年多的义工，搬家。就在这个月的19号。截至上个拜五，我们钟意的学校58%的学额已经满了。到我的阶段，还有再多一个阶段给曾经有哥哥姐姐爸爸妈妈在那个学校上过的。祝我好运！
I attended a P1 preparation talk, hosted by Pei Tong Primary and collaborated by 6 other neighbourhood schools.
So what will be my back up plan? Wish me good luck!!!
小一报名要开始了，3年多的义工，搬家。就在这个月的19号。截至上个拜五，我们钟意的学校58%的学额已经满了。到我的阶段，还有再多一个阶段给曾经有哥哥姐姐爸爸妈妈在那个学校上过的。祝我好运！
Monday, June 11, 2012
Home Trip update - 池州
5月22日，到了池州。天气很少有完全放晴的时候，可是无损于这个小城的美丽。
孩子们最常作的活动就是去附近的游乐场玩耍画图，在楼下的小操场玩，和朋友打麻将？
家人总是给我们温暖和照顾，有哥哥姐姐玩的瀚今瀚月很开心。
妈妈和瀚月先离开了，月底要结账。看看妈妈不在的时候，瀚今的幸福时光！
Home Trip update - 上海
5月20日，从新加坡到上海，飞机上瀚今有一张很帅的照片。
见到了久违的大舅，一直在心里揣测为什么一身儒雅谈吐非凡的大舅会一直单身，隐约听说原来也是有过钟意的大学同学。。。一生的遗憾和怀念？
和方龙一家在一起，孩子们一直很羡慕别人有cousin.
磁悬浮列车。301公里每小时. Maglev @ Shanghai travels 301km/h. Maglev vs. Bullet Train, which one is faster?
见到了久违的大舅，一直在心里揣测为什么一身儒雅谈吐非凡的大舅会一直单身，隐约听说原来也是有过钟意的大学同学。。。一生的遗憾和怀念？
和方龙一家在一起，孩子们一直很羡慕别人有cousin.
上海滩十里洋场的夜景。仿佛有纸醉金迷的舞女低沉的吟唱。The Bund under the moon, recalls its glory in the thirties with all the banks, hotels, clubs and the many movies, songs and novels setting scenes in the Old Shanghai.
再见 - Yin Yin & Qing Qing
Just today, I said goodbye to two friends who are moving for good.
Yin Yin:
A really long term friend whom I know for over a decade, and we had worked in the same hospital in China (though not knowing each other then). She's probably one of my few girl friends who are still keeping contact not mainly for the sake of kid's gathering.
找到了很多年前的一张大头贴，清丽的友人。匆匆别过的时候离愁不是太浓，可是夜深的时候眼角涩涩的。从青葱时代的女友，一路走来，多亏了她对友情的时时维新，让懒惰的我还有自己的朋友。去到很远的US，应当是她随家人落根的地方。
Qing Qing:
Ling Ling's family is migrating to Melbourne. All kids went to play at newly opened Kiddy Fun @ Turf City.
玲玲一家要移民澳大利亚，皓俊是瀚今从小的玩伴和领队。皓清近期也成了瀚今的好朋友。又少了朋友。好像分别的时候，总是留下的人更孤单。
A really long term friend whom I know for over a decade, and we had worked in the same hospital in China (though not knowing each other then). She's probably one of my few girl friends who are still keeping contact not mainly for the sake of kid's gathering.
找到了很多年前的一张大头贴，清丽的友人。匆匆别过的时候离愁不是太浓，可是夜深的时候眼角涩涩的。从青葱时代的女友，一路走来，多亏了她对友情的时时维新，让懒惰的我还有自己的朋友。去到很远的US，应当是她随家人落根的地方。
Qing Qing:
Ling Ling's family is migrating to Melbourne. All kids went to play at newly opened Kiddy Fun @ Turf City.
玲玲一家要移民澳大利亚，皓俊是瀚今从小的玩伴和领队。皓清近期也成了瀚今的好朋友。又少了朋友。好像分别的时候，总是留下的人更孤单。
Montesorri
The 2nd day after our return, I sent Han Yue to the Montessori Childcare center at West Coast Recreation Center, which we had visited twice before our home trip.
The center is quite wore out compared to other newer center, but what really impressed me is the attitude of the teachers, towards children, parents, and their co-workers. On my first visit, a teacher (didn't get her name) received me after the admin staff explained about procedures. She spent at least one hour with, showing me around the school, explained the Montessori methods, led me through classes where the teachers are in action. I witnessed how the teachers handling a new crying child, how the teacher ask another colleague to attend to a child who wants to wee while she's hands are full with another child, how each staff acknowledges me and their coworkers.
On our second visit on a Sat, we met the form teacher, Ms Hassena who made the effort to engage Han Yue and introduce her to a classmate.
On the first day Han Yue went to the school, she let go my hands and walked into the room by herself. As there were one HFM case in the school, I was not allowed to accompany but to peep through the window. She was well composed, a little quiet, but followed through with no issue at all.
This is such a drastic comparison against another center in the same price range that I visited 3 times before, and sent her for half a day. The center is brand new with all fancy toys and decos, and is a branch of an established name. But the principal is rather rigid who insist us paying a full month fee even if we joined during the month at her advice as there were HFM outbreak in the early half of the month. Han Yue came back home wet. My maid said that she was crying and nobody attended to her when she fetched her.
So infrastructure vs teachers? I choose teachers, and hopefully the Montessori center doesn't fail me.
Some very blurred picture taken from iPhone from a distanced window. well, the center is old, but teachers are nice.
The center is quite wore out compared to other newer center, but what really impressed me is the attitude of the teachers, towards children, parents, and their co-workers. On my first visit, a teacher (didn't get her name) received me after the admin staff explained about procedures. She spent at least one hour with, showing me around the school, explained the Montessori methods, led me through classes where the teachers are in action. I witnessed how the teachers handling a new crying child, how the teacher ask another colleague to attend to a child who wants to wee while she's hands are full with another child, how each staff acknowledges me and their coworkers.
On our second visit on a Sat, we met the form teacher, Ms Hassena who made the effort to engage Han Yue and introduce her to a classmate.
On the first day Han Yue went to the school, she let go my hands and walked into the room by herself. As there were one HFM case in the school, I was not allowed to accompany but to peep through the window. She was well composed, a little quiet, but followed through with no issue at all.
This is such a drastic comparison against another center in the same price range that I visited 3 times before, and sent her for half a day. The center is brand new with all fancy toys and decos, and is a branch of an established name. But the principal is rather rigid who insist us paying a full month fee even if we joined during the month at her advice as there were HFM outbreak in the early half of the month. Han Yue came back home wet. My maid said that she was crying and nobody attended to her when she fetched her.
So infrastructure vs teachers? I choose teachers, and hopefully the Montessori center doesn't fail me.
Some very blurred picture taken from iPhone from a distanced window. well, the center is old, but teachers are nice.
Home Trip 回家
See, I can quite comfortably term going back my in-laws place, as going home. Over a lunch chat with colleagues, non-Asian cultured are quite surprised that I can address my in-laws as 'Baba, Mama.".
Due to change in maid arrangement, we made multiple changes in home trip tickets. My parents came by to help over the transition, and my family went back to Chi Zhou, my in-law's place only.
Last Trip Summary - May 2011
This Trip Summary - May 2012
- Nice Scenery, nice people;
- Father in law is taking good care of mother in law, and we hired a stay in helper for them;
- Han Jin is still perfectly behaved with 100 marks;
- Han Yue improved remarkably from 60 marks to 90 marks, the only issue is that she sleeps with me after the return, and not sure how to arrange upon Han Jin's return (another 1.5hrs).
More photos to be updated when daddy brings the camera back.
Han Yue participated in a promotional enrichment class, and she followed through.
Due to change in maid arrangement, we made multiple changes in home trip tickets. My parents came by to help over the transition, and my family went back to Chi Zhou, my in-law's place only.
Last Trip Summary - May 2011
This Trip Summary - May 2012
- Nice Scenery, nice people;
- Father in law is taking good care of mother in law, and we hired a stay in helper for them;
- Han Jin is still perfectly behaved with 100 marks;
- Han Yue improved remarkably from 60 marks to 90 marks, the only issue is that she sleeps with me after the return, and not sure how to arrange upon Han Jin's return (another 1.5hrs).
More photos to be updated when daddy brings the camera back.
Han Yue participated in a promotional enrichment class, and she followed through.
Mother's day
This year's mother's day passed with celebration with friends. I almost said that there were nothing from the family, but remembered daddy's bird nest, and two cuties' cards.. ;)
Mother's Day and Zi Zhou's 1st Birthday at Wan Ying's. 母亲节庆祝和子洲一岁生日，看朋友的更新照片吧！
We then had dinner at Xi'an restaurant along Clark Quay with Max's family. We strolled along the river, watched the thrilling bouncing tower, took photo in balloon city, and had fun.
updated with the presents from the kids.
Mother's Day and Zi Zhou's 1st Birthday at Wan Ying's. 母亲节庆祝和子洲一岁生日，看朋友的更新照片吧！
We then had dinner at Xi'an restaurant along Clark Quay with Max's family. We strolled along the river, watched the thrilling bouncing tower, took photo in balloon city, and had fun.
updated with the presents from the kids.
Ballet
Han Yue started a Ballet class at Joyful Steps and Rhythms at Sunset Way.
Ms Jaime, the teacher is a very elegant young dancer who has a degree in BA, but has a passion for ballet and a RAD registered teacher. The moves she teaches looks to be more professional than what Han Yue attended before.
The little flaw is that she carries a little air and not really very patient with the children. But overall, her gracious moves and pretty instrument (want, hairband, fairy wings) and formal pink leotard and tutu and ballet shoes won Han Yue's heart, then, there goes mine as well so long as she likes.
Ms Jaime, the teacher is a very elegant young dancer who has a degree in BA, but has a passion for ballet and a RAD registered teacher. The moves she teaches looks to be more professional than what Han Yue attended before.
The little flaw is that she carries a little air and not really very patient with the children. But overall, her gracious moves and pretty instrument (want, hairband, fairy wings) and formal pink leotard and tutu and ballet shoes won Han Yue's heart, then, there goes mine as well so long as she likes.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sentosa Farewell to Ayi 圣淘沙
In May, there were no post, but there were changes in the family.
* we sent off Ayi Imelda who was with us for 4 years;
* we welcomed to Auntie Mini to the family;
* we went back China to see grandparents, my in-laws;
* Han Yue came back with mummy and started Montessori half day care, and her ballet class;
* my parents came to Singapore to stay;
* we bid farewell to Yin Yin's family and Qing Qing's family;
* Han Jin is coming back 2 hours later with daddy, starting his holiday programme.
This post is about the Sentosa trip we went with Ayi Imelda. Again, my heart-felt thanks to her for taking care of the family and my prayer for her with the new baby and a settled life.
* we sent off Ayi Imelda who was with us for 4 years;
* we welcomed to Auntie Mini to the family;
* we went back China to see grandparents, my in-laws;
* Han Yue came back with mummy and started Montessori half day care, and her ballet class;
* my parents came to Singapore to stay;
* we bid farewell to Yin Yin's family and Qing Qing's family;
* Han Jin is coming back 2 hours later with daddy, starting his holiday programme.
This post is about the Sentosa trip we went with Ayi Imelda. Again, my heart-felt thanks to her for taking care of the family and my prayer for her with the new baby and a settled life.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Zoo
Han Jin let me out, in exchange of a song of ‘Calabash Brothers', my childhood memory and one of the few good kids cartoon domestically produced when I was young. I planned to submit the paper for the new maid, but WP on-line is not available after 10pm. So I have the luxury of time now to update the blog.
The quality of the mass production does look to be as good, though. :)
A busy today:
- went to meet the new maid and current employer at Clementi mall at 8am;
- went to zoo with Max's family;
- went to Plaza Singapura for Han Jin's Yamaha, bought a watch for Ayi as the farewell gift, and went to Musee for underarm hair removal. heehee;
- went to meet the maid current employer again to get the signed form;
- went to block 18 to meet and play with our usual cliques..
The quality of the mass production does look to be as good, though. :)
A busy today:
- went to meet the new maid and current employer at Clementi mall at 8am;
- went to zoo with Max's family;
- went to Plaza Singapura for Han Jin's Yamaha, bought a watch for Ayi as the farewell gift, and went to Musee for underarm hair removal. heehee;
- went to meet the maid current employer again to get the signed form;
- went to block 18 to meet and play with our usual cliques..
HJ Level 2 升二级了！
After 3 months' weekly session with APS swimming school, Han Jin passed the level 1 for beginners.
What he can do now:
- swim about 5 meters with a board;
- blow nose bubbles for 10 times, and 10 seconds each time;
Here is his certificate! and a sumptuous home-made dinner at Max's and the pretty mum who cooks well!
What he can do now:
- swim about 5 meters with a board;
- blow nose bubbles for 10 times, and 10 seconds each time;
Here is his certificate! and a sumptuous home-made dinner at Max's and the pretty mum who cooks well!
DIY Soap 手制肥皂
Participated a RC event to Soap Ministry @ Orchard Central, for soap making workshop with the kids.
Children had fun and made their own soap. Procedure:
1. we cut the goat milk soap base;
2. the staff will cook the soap base to melt into thick liquid;
3. we measure the ingredients, including herbs, essential oil, color, vitamin E etc, and mix the ingredients;
4. when soap base is ready, it was poured into the cup and we have to stir quickly to mix well all the ingredients;
5. pour the semi-liquid into molds;
6. go for a lunch with friends (Renae in the picture with big eyes :);
7. get our hardened soap after lunch
和孩子们一起参加一个手工制作香皂的学习班，据说天然无害，eco-friendly.
我们的成果，瀚月最爱的粉红色和瀚今最爱的小汽车。
Children had fun and made their own soap. Procedure:
1. we cut the goat milk soap base;
2. the staff will cook the soap base to melt into thick liquid;
3. we measure the ingredients, including herbs, essential oil, color, vitamin E etc, and mix the ingredients;
4. when soap base is ready, it was poured into the cup and we have to stir quickly to mix well all the ingredients;
5. pour the semi-liquid into molds;
6. go for a lunch with friends (Renae in the picture with big eyes :);
7. get our hardened soap after lunch
和孩子们一起参加一个手工制作香皂的学习班，据说天然无害，eco-friendly.
Bowling + New Ayi 保龄球/新阿姨
带孩子们去打保龄球，他们不亦乐乎。重要的是儿童道的两边有护栏，怎样也不会掉到沟里。我就没那么幸运，打的超烂。。。
最近在积极准备孩子要换阿姨的心态，有点担心他们不会适应。所以会告诉他们妈妈去找新阿姨，会带看得上的阿姨再见第二次和孩子们一起，会询问孩子的意见。一段对话：
Mum: Ok, kids, we need to change a new Ayi.
HJ: Ok.
HY: Why?
Mum: Because Ayi need to go home to take care of her own children and her mum.
HJ: .....
HY: Why?
Mum: Because Ayi's mum is sick and she couldn't take care of Ayi's children any more.
HJ: .... (playing his toys)
HY: Why Ayi's mum is sick?
Mum: Ayi's mum is getting old.
HJ: ....
HY: Why?
Mum: While, when people are old, health condition is not very good, and will fall ill easily.
HJ: ....
HY: Why she is old?
Mum: everybody will turn old one day. You will grow up and mummy will grow old.
HJ: ....
HY: (ponders), when I become mummy, you will be old?
Mum: yes, that's right. Would you love mummy when I'm old?
HY: I love you, mummy. I will bring you to playground, and buy you pink camera and hello kitty toys.
HJ: Mummy, I love you. When you are old, I will take you to the zoo and buy you toys. I will buy a Ferrari, and sell it and then I will have a lot of money.
(Realising the conversation is drifting, I started to ask specific question.)
Mum: Ok. Let's talk about the new Ayi. Do you want a pretty or not so pretty Ayi?
Both: Pretty.
Mum: Do you want a tall or a short Ayi?
Both: Tall.
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to have long hair or short hair.
HY: long hair.
HJ: Never mind la.
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to be always happy and smiling?
Both: Yes
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to play with you?
Both: Ok.
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to read story book to you?
Both: Yes!
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to cook nice food for you?
HY: Yes!
HJ: Yes, I want chicken rice!
Mum: Do you want hte new Ayi to feed you?
Both: Ok!
Kiddies are geared up right now. So I throw the big question in:
Mum: Do you want a new Ayi?
Both: YES!!
.....
HY: Can I have a new mummy also?
????!!!!!! I'm outrageous. "ARE YOU SURE?"
HY: No No NO.. I want mummy only. (good that you know you made a serious misstatement).
To felt my importance again, I throw the last question:
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to sleep next to you at night?
HY: I want to sleep with mummy! (felt better...)
HJ: I want to sleep with mummy also! (felt even better... but it's another question on how to arrange the room after both new maid and my parents are here).
That was how I was preparing my kids for the change... what we can draw from the conversation: HY is really at the WHY stage and she can drill you to the last point. HJ has past the stage and becoming a little indifferent sometimes.
We went bowling, and I did badly. My scores are probably worse than HJ's, as there are shields on both sides of the kiddy runway.
最近在积极准备孩子要换阿姨的心态，有点担心他们不会适应。所以会告诉他们妈妈去找新阿姨，会带看得上的阿姨再见第二次和孩子们一起，会询问孩子的意见。一段对话：
Mum: Ok, kids, we need to change a new Ayi.
HJ: Ok.
HY: Why?
Mum: Because Ayi need to go home to take care of her own children and her mum.
HJ: .....
HY: Why?
Mum: Because Ayi's mum is sick and she couldn't take care of Ayi's children any more.
HJ: .... (playing his toys)
HY: Why Ayi's mum is sick?
Mum: Ayi's mum is getting old.
HJ: ....
HY: Why?
Mum: While, when people are old, health condition is not very good, and will fall ill easily.
HJ: ....
HY: Why she is old?
Mum: everybody will turn old one day. You will grow up and mummy will grow old.
HJ: ....
HY: (ponders), when I become mummy, you will be old?
Mum: yes, that's right. Would you love mummy when I'm old?
HY: I love you, mummy. I will bring you to playground, and buy you pink camera and hello kitty toys.
HJ: Mummy, I love you. When you are old, I will take you to the zoo and buy you toys. I will buy a Ferrari, and sell it and then I will have a lot of money.
(Realising the conversation is drifting, I started to ask specific question.)
Mum: Ok. Let's talk about the new Ayi. Do you want a pretty or not so pretty Ayi?
Both: Pretty.
Mum: Do you want a tall or a short Ayi?
Both: Tall.
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to have long hair or short hair.
HY: long hair.
HJ: Never mind la.
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to be always happy and smiling?
Both: Yes
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to play with you?
Both: Ok.
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to read story book to you?
Both: Yes!
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to cook nice food for you?
HY: Yes!
HJ: Yes, I want chicken rice!
Mum: Do you want hte new Ayi to feed you?
Both: Ok!
Kiddies are geared up right now. So I throw the big question in:
Mum: Do you want a new Ayi?
Both: YES!!
.....
HY: Can I have a new mummy also?
????!!!!!! I'm outrageous. "ARE YOU SURE?"
HY: No No NO.. I want mummy only. (good that you know you made a serious misstatement).
To felt my importance again, I throw the last question:
Mum: Do you want the new Ayi to sleep next to you at night?
HY: I want to sleep with mummy! (felt better...)
HJ: I want to sleep with mummy also! (felt even better... but it's another question on how to arrange the room after both new maid and my parents are here).
That was how I was preparing my kids for the change... what we can draw from the conversation: HY is really at the WHY stage and she can drill you to the last point. HJ has past the stage and becoming a little indifferent sometimes.
We went bowling, and I did badly. My scores are probably worse than HJ's, as there are shields on both sides of the kiddy runway.
another keyboard player 瀚月敲键盘
Look at how Han Yue plays keyboard.... No one taught her before. 没学过钢琴的丫头也弹得是模是样。。。
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Maid 保姆
She's been with us for 4 years. When she joined us, there were just Han Jin who attends full day child care. There were grandparents around to help out.
Then there came Mei Mei. Grandparents went back. She takes care both kids, fetching Han Jin from school, with Mei in tow, shine or rain.
There were times that I am not happy about her behavior, attitude or dressing style. But at this time, when she needs to leave the country for good, I just want to say thanks to her for taking care of the children, filling their days when I'm not around.
She probably has spent more time with kids than I did. She was definitely part of their growing story.
However, I wonder, how soon the kids will forgot their Ayi (a very intimate name in Chinese generally means aunt). There will be other aunties later on. It's quite sad for these group of women, coming to a foreign land, taking care of other people's kids, while leaving theirs behind.
Thank you, Imelda. I wish you all the best in the future.
在我家工作4年的保姆突然要回菲律宾，真的打乱了我的一些计划。不想说我怎样取消机票，四处找新保姆，动员我的父母来帮忙。
只想说她在过去4年里照顾孩子，对孩子也是有着相当大的影响。真的帮了我很多忙。是我的孩子童年时期很重要的人之一。以后我们还会有不同的保姆，过久了孩子可能会忘了他们最初的‘阿姨’，这是一种很亲近的叫法，估计以后的保姆不会叫阿姨了。
祝福她一路好早！
Then there came Mei Mei. Grandparents went back. She takes care both kids, fetching Han Jin from school, with Mei in tow, shine or rain.
There were times that I am not happy about her behavior, attitude or dressing style. But at this time, when she needs to leave the country for good, I just want to say thanks to her for taking care of the children, filling their days when I'm not around.
She probably has spent more time with kids than I did. She was definitely part of their growing story.
However, I wonder, how soon the kids will forgot their Ayi (a very intimate name in Chinese generally means aunt). There will be other aunties later on. It's quite sad for these group of women, coming to a foreign land, taking care of other people's kids, while leaving theirs behind.
Thank you, Imelda. I wish you all the best in the future.
在我家工作4年的保姆突然要回菲律宾，真的打乱了我的一些计划。不想说我怎样取消机票，四处找新保姆，动员我的父母来帮忙。
只想说她在过去4年里照顾孩子，对孩子也是有着相当大的影响。真的帮了我很多忙。是我的孩子童年时期很重要的人之一。以后我们还会有不同的保姆，过久了孩子可能会忘了他们最初的‘阿姨’，这是一种很亲近的叫法，估计以后的保姆不会叫阿姨了。
祝福她一路好早！
Saturday, April 14, 2012
工作的意义
西海岸公园都快成我们家后花园了，3个休息日里去了两次。不太热的天气里瀚今和瀚月有玩新的游戏。瀚今可以独自爬上绳索塔，瀚月可以玩小飞狐了。淅淅沥沥的小雨后来下着，坐在麦当劳的椅子里，爸爸去买早餐，孩子们累累蔫蔫的，空气中凉丝丝的带着爸爸刚走开时有点暖暖的呼吸，红瓦屋檐滴答着雨。那一刻，在速食俗世的麦当劳，居然有世外的感觉。
第二天去上班地铁的路上，远远看见路边二楼上一个妈妈在教孩子给过往的行人挥手，上班高峰时间，也许没有人注意，绝对没有人停下来，我就这样前五十米就看着她们，唇角上牵，那个妈妈看到我，一个灿烂的笑，孩子不停对我挥手。我就这样咧着嘴笑开了，一直笑到地铁站。
工作的意义在那里？
- 工资可以供给家人，提高生活水平；
- 工作给人独立感，有助于提升自我满意度；
- 没有人是不可或缺的，所以对大环境影响不大；
- 但总体社会还是需要人们工作，来提高总生产值的。
我一定要工作吗？不可以在家带孩子吗？。。。。。。脆弱的时候的疑问，明天还是会乖乖去上班的。。。
第二天去上班地铁的路上，远远看见路边二楼上一个妈妈在教孩子给过往的行人挥手，上班高峰时间，也许没有人注意，绝对没有人停下来，我就这样前五十米就看着她们，唇角上牵，那个妈妈看到我，一个灿烂的笑，孩子不停对我挥手。我就这样咧着嘴笑开了，一直笑到地铁站。
工作的意义在那里？
- 工资可以供给家人，提高生活水平；
- 工作给人独立感，有助于提升自我满意度；
- 没有人是不可或缺的，所以对大环境影响不大；
- 但总体社会还是需要人们工作，来提高总生产值的。
我一定要工作吗？不可以在家带孩子吗？。。。。。。脆弱的时候的疑问，明天还是会乖乖去上班的。。。
Friday, April 13, 2012
Sushi making 做寿司
Ever since we joined PCF, the very grassroot level kindergarten, this is the first extra curriculum activities: sushi making and soybean drink making session for children and parents.
What sets it different from the activities that the previous childcare center offers: it is free of charge. Similarity: the teachers and staff are all very friendly, helpful and observant. For instance, we messed up the sushi making session as I have to roll 4 sushi for both kids while other parent makes only 2 rolls, and the teacher did not frown at all and was very amicable at my apology; the teacher offered to lend Han Yue a set uniform when she wet hers while tasting the soy drink...
Overall, it makes me feel that cost does not necessarily equate to quality. The low cost kindergarten is offering a caring environment.
瀚今现在的学校，基层类的学校，第一次有课外活动，老师教学生和家长做寿司和豆奶。
What sets it different from the activities that the previous childcare center offers: it is free of charge. Similarity: the teachers and staff are all very friendly, helpful and observant. For instance, we messed up the sushi making session as I have to roll 4 sushi for both kids while other parent makes only 2 rolls, and the teacher did not frown at all and was very amicable at my apology; the teacher offered to lend Han Yue a set uniform when she wet hers while tasting the soy drink...
Overall, it makes me feel that cost does not necessarily equate to quality. The low cost kindergarten is offering a caring environment.
瀚今现在的学校，基层类的学校，第一次有课外活动，老师教学生和家长做寿司和豆奶。
Matthieu's birthday
Han Jin's friend from Little Skool House, Matthieu's 6th birthday was held in Little Gym at Forum. He was thrilled to see his old friends, and there were lots of jumping, skipping, running, twisting and turning in the gym. Imagine the energy level emitted by 20 over six-years-old! Guided games and activities, McDonald and cake, friends and friends...
Maybe time to start planning Han Jin's birthday. well, Mei Mei's comes first.. well, daddy says, his is even earlier than Mei Mei..
Daddy and Mummy had a leisure time at Haagen Dazs..
瀚今在小小学堂的朋友，乐洋，过6岁生日。
Maybe time to start planning Han Jin's birthday. well, Mei Mei's comes first.. well, daddy says, his is even earlier than Mei Mei..
Daddy and Mummy had a leisure time at Haagen Dazs..
瀚今在小小学堂的朋友，乐洋，过6岁生日。
Genting 云顶
Thanks to Chen Ni who organised a trip to Genting Highland, which turned out to be very suitable for family with young children, abliet the long bus ride.
We set off before the dawn, and boarded a so called VIP coach. After 6 hours, arrived at Genting in a nice, cool, misty weather. Watched the magic show 'Freeze', not really fantastic. Mei was scared of the sound effect, as expected, and retreated barely 5 mins after the show started.
Surprisingly, she actually enjoyed most of the kiddy rides the next day, except for the boat riding into the Dianosaur cave. Han Jin liked the bumping car the most and rode it for at least 7 times. Hubby and I tried the space shot which Chen Ni and Wan Ying raised our expectation very high, along with the thrilling threshold. So, it didn't turn out to be a killer. Jia Cheng liked the go-cart rides.
Afterall, it is a theme park that caters for the family.
Both kids have definitely very positive feedback and want to go back again. Yes, I don't mind, if not for the 6 hour ride.
Btw, I won RM180 on jackpot with RM10 input, just nice for breakfast for all.
I bought the annual pass to Legoland in Malaysia, openning next year I think. Hope it's a good theme park.
和朋友们去云顶高原，6小时车程，孩子们很喜欢主题公园的活动, 有比较适合小朋友玩的项目。圣淘沙的Universal Studio比较适合大孩子和大人。
We set off before the dawn, and boarded a so called VIP coach. After 6 hours, arrived at Genting in a nice, cool, misty weather. Watched the magic show 'Freeze', not really fantastic. Mei was scared of the sound effect, as expected, and retreated barely 5 mins after the show started.
Surprisingly, she actually enjoyed most of the kiddy rides the next day, except for the boat riding into the Dianosaur cave. Han Jin liked the bumping car the most and rode it for at least 7 times. Hubby and I tried the space shot which Chen Ni and Wan Ying raised our expectation very high, along with the thrilling threshold. So, it didn't turn out to be a killer. Jia Cheng liked the go-cart rides.
Afterall, it is a theme park that caters for the family.
Both kids have definitely very positive feedback and want to go back again. Yes, I don't mind, if not for the 6 hour ride.
Btw, I won RM180 on jackpot with RM10 input, just nice for breakfast for all.
I bought the annual pass to Legoland in Malaysia, openning next year I think. Hope it's a good theme park.
和朋友们去云顶高原，6小时车程，孩子们很喜欢主题公园的活动, 有比较适合小朋友玩的项目。圣淘沙的Universal Studio比较适合大孩子和大人。
Friday, April 6, 2012
Fish vs Pond 羽毛？
一个周六去IMM, 顺道去爸爸公司拿东西。还是第一次去爸爸公司。PK一下。
办公室：爸爸有自己的办公室，贴着自己的名字和职位；妈妈坐在开放式的办公室里，站起来可以望得到整层楼的同事。
公司：爸爸的本地上市公司，第三梯板，股票S$0.35，潜力股，员工400；妈妈的国际投资银行，股票$26.6, 银行股，现在风险也挺大，全球员工5万，亚太7千多。
团队：爸爸有10多个职员；妈妈有6个。
职位：爸爸直接向CEO报告；妈妈在公司组织图上离CEO至少还有5，6层。
待遇：呵呵，保密。
是做小池子里的大鱼呢，还是大池子里的小鱼？是做凤凰尾巴上绚丽的羽毛呢，还是公鸡头顶上火红的冠带？
Went to daddy's office the other day on the way to IMM, the first time we were there.
He has his own office, bigger than that of our managing director. A local listed company vs an international investment bank. A Financial Controller in a local listed company vs a Vice President (urr, it's a big title, just a senior manager) in an investment bank. A big fish in a small pond vs a small fish in a big pond.
We are happy fish together, in our little family pond. :)
办公室：爸爸有自己的办公室，贴着自己的名字和职位；妈妈坐在开放式的办公室里，站起来可以望得到整层楼的同事。
公司：爸爸的本地上市公司，第三梯板，股票S$0.35，潜力股，员工400；妈妈的国际投资银行，股票$26.6, 银行股，现在风险也挺大，全球员工5万，亚太7千多。
团队：爸爸有10多个职员；妈妈有6个。
职位：爸爸直接向CEO报告；妈妈在公司组织图上离CEO至少还有5，6层。
待遇：呵呵，保密。
是做小池子里的大鱼呢，还是大池子里的小鱼？是做凤凰尾巴上绚丽的羽毛呢，还是公鸡头顶上火红的冠带？
Went to daddy's office the other day on the way to IMM, the first time we were there.
He has his own office, bigger than that of our managing director. A local listed company vs an international investment bank. A Financial Controller in a local listed company vs a Vice President (urr, it's a big title, just a senior manager) in an investment bank. A big fish in a small pond vs a small fish in a big pond.
We are happy fish together, in our little family pond. :)
Wedding & Gathering 婚礼和运动
我们ACCA会计注册学校时的美女结婚了。已经很久没有去过婚礼了，圣洁美丽的仪式依然让人感动，那是两个人的誓约，执子之手，与子偕老的誓约。
下午邀约朋友们来家里玩，一起打羽毛球，乒乓球。半个小时就腿软了，真的是缺乏运动呀！等到。。。 突然想起昨天在凤凰卫视看到一个私人视障儿童孤儿院的消息，当时觉得这才是让我心灵有归依的工作，当时也是对自己说，等到。。。 等到什么时候呢？瀚今瀚月上完大学？20年以后？？？
Kelly & Kevin's wedding. Friends' gathering at my place, for a sports day :). Badminton and table tennis.
下午邀约朋友们来家里玩，一起打羽毛球，乒乓球。半个小时就腿软了，真的是缺乏运动呀！等到。。。 突然想起昨天在凤凰卫视看到一个私人视障儿童孤儿院的消息，当时觉得这才是让我心灵有归依的工作，当时也是对自己说，等到。。。 等到什么时候呢？瀚今瀚月上完大学？20年以后？？？
Kelly & Kevin's wedding. Friends' gathering at my place, for a sports day :). Badminton and table tennis.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Princess returns 公主回归
The cough has been there for more than 10 days. I brought her to Dr Gong. After 10 mins, we are out with a nebulizer, a bag of medicine, a $300 poorer pocket and a much reassured mind. Dr Gong has the calming voice and the confident manner which is very reassuring for parents. Paediatrics, a choice profession, for Han Jin?
While, after the medication and 'smoking elephant', she's better and forget all about being a boy and wearing Han Jin's cloths. Her princess is back, with pink accessories, hello kitty dress, tutu skirt and an affection of anything pink.
妹妹的咳嗽反反复复10多天，家庭医生的药不见多大效用。去看了专科医生，渐渐好了起来。好起来的妹妹也忘了假小子情结，重新回归公主裙，粉红色，hello Kitty，首饰。。。
While, after the medication and 'smoking elephant', she's better and forget all about being a boy and wearing Han Jin's cloths. Her princess is back, with pink accessories, hello kitty dress, tutu skirt and an affection of anything pink.
妹妹的咳嗽反反复复10多天，家庭医生的药不见多大效用。去看了专科医生，渐渐好了起来。好起来的妹妹也忘了假小子情结，重新回归公主裙，粉红色，hello Kitty，首饰。。。
Friday, March 16, 2012
Swimming class 游泳课
瀚今学游泳学了3，4个月了，成绩就是可以把头放到水里了，可以扶着游泳板游一点，这对怕水的瀚今是很大的进步呀。虽然皓俊一年前就可以自己游一个来回了，套用金曲奖得奖者的话：我自己就是我的竞争对手。呵呵。。
Han Jin started swimming about 3 or 4 months ago. Till date, he can blow nose bubbles under the water and swim with a board. A remarkable improvement for someone who has water-phobia. Keep it up!
Han Jin started swimming about 3 or 4 months ago. Till date, he can blow nose bubbles under the water and swim with a board. A remarkable improvement for someone who has water-phobia. Keep it up!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Soccer Field 足球场
The family went to the Pandan Reservoir on Sun morning only to find out there is the tree around the reservoir and it was too hot to brave through. We then went to the soccer field at NUS. Luckily, at this stage, the kids are excited wherever they go, and they can make any place a new adventure.
I wonder when will be the day that they will refuse to go the places that they don't want to go. Han Jin mumbles boring at times when he wants to play games. I hope they will not find family outings boring any time soon. Hubby always says how nice it would be if the kids stay young, and we don't get old.. :) not possible. Looking at the cute buddies now, I can't imagine them being rebellious at teenagers, coming home drunk at late night, shutting the door behind them, and demanding me to leave them alone..... I hope not. I hope to be their friends forever. any if they allows, their best friends forever.
Very nice open green at the NUS soccer field. I sat under the tree taking shots for the boys.
Han Jin enjoys outdoor, being sweaty and Daddy loves play with the boy.
Mei Mei is still now well yet, and shuns from the lens and the only person who can make her laugh is Han Jin. Han Jin carries her, Han Jin hugs her, and Han Jin sayangs her on the way home.
拜天早上去户外走走，在足球场踢踢球，吹吹风。老公常常说，要是孩子们不长大，我们不变老有多好。我轻轻嗤之以鼻，宝贝们会长大，也许会有叛逆期，会和朋友们喝酒喝醉回来，关上房门让我不要理他她...... 只希望，我可以永远是他们的朋友，会倾听，不评论。
瀚今很喜欢踢球，和爸爸很亲近。妹妹还没大好，不要照相，只有瀚今可以逗她笑，可以抱抱她，可以哄着她。
I wonder when will be the day that they will refuse to go the places that they don't want to go. Han Jin mumbles boring at times when he wants to play games. I hope they will not find family outings boring any time soon. Hubby always says how nice it would be if the kids stay young, and we don't get old.. :) not possible. Looking at the cute buddies now, I can't imagine them being rebellious at teenagers, coming home drunk at late night, shutting the door behind them, and demanding me to leave them alone..... I hope not. I hope to be their friends forever. any if they allows, their best friends forever.
Very nice open green at the NUS soccer field. I sat under the tree taking shots for the boys.
Han Jin enjoys outdoor, being sweaty and Daddy loves play with the boy.
Mei Mei is still now well yet, and shuns from the lens and the only person who can make her laugh is Han Jin. Han Jin carries her, Han Jin hugs her, and Han Jin sayangs her on the way home.
拜天早上去户外走走，在足球场踢踢球，吹吹风。老公常常说，要是孩子们不长大，我们不变老有多好。我轻轻嗤之以鼻，宝贝们会长大，也许会有叛逆期，会和朋友们喝酒喝醉回来，关上房门让我不要理他她...... 只希望，我可以永远是他们的朋友，会倾听，不评论。
瀚今很喜欢踢球，和爸爸很亲近。妹妹还没大好，不要照相，只有瀚今可以逗她笑，可以抱抱她，可以哄着她。
Sick 'boy' 生病的‘小男孩’
Mei has been sick for about a week till now. Not really serious but has running nose and coughs; her voice is hoarse; her hair is always wet; her limbs are always cold.
Moreover, the sweet little princess is gone. Here comes an awkward little 'boy'. Looking at you with a pair of skeptical eyes, she asks to address in Han Jin's cloth and declares that she is a boy.
She refused to see doctor, and I have to lie that we are going to the doctor to see my rashes. Even in the consultation room, she denied that she was the patient. I was very cooperative and reassuring her it's not her. Then I was educated by the doctor that I should not lie to her, so that not to lose control and trust. True, very true. These days, I'm at the short end as a parent, and I need to tight the control and be more strict.... after a few days, she turns to the helper for consolation, and I lost my privilege of being the only person who can shower her........ tough for me, but I have to be a litter tougher towards her. maybe?
妹妹感冒了一个星期，不严重但是拖拉着不见好。除了脾气见涨，头发总是湿湿的，表情总是疑惑的，突然热衷于穿瀚今的衣服，公主裙情结突然消失，假小子样子出门了。
看医生是哄着去的，我被医生又教育了一下不可以太宠孩子。。。
Moreover, the sweet little princess is gone. Here comes an awkward little 'boy'. Looking at you with a pair of skeptical eyes, she asks to address in Han Jin's cloth and declares that she is a boy.
She refused to see doctor, and I have to lie that we are going to the doctor to see my rashes. Even in the consultation room, she denied that she was the patient. I was very cooperative and reassuring her it's not her. Then I was educated by the doctor that I should not lie to her, so that not to lose control and trust. True, very true. These days, I'm at the short end as a parent, and I need to tight the control and be more strict.... after a few days, she turns to the helper for consolation, and I lost my privilege of being the only person who can shower her........ tough for me, but I have to be a litter tougher towards her. maybe?
妹妹感冒了一个星期，不严重但是拖拉着不见好。除了脾气见涨，头发总是湿湿的，表情总是疑惑的，突然热衷于穿瀚今的衣服，公主裙情结突然消失，假小子样子出门了。
看医生是哄着去的，我被医生又教育了一下不可以太宠孩子。。。
Friday, March 2, 2012
Air Show 2012 航空展
Air Show 2012 on 19 Feb, slogan: Aisa's Biggest for Aviation's Finest.
Han Jin: Happy to watch the show and braved through the deafening noise, but not interested in the specifications or scientific display of the aviation technology.
Han Yue: completely put off by the noise and heat. What she enjoyed: painted a pink love box in an air-conditioned function room during the entire show at $12.
Daddy and Jia Cheng: probably enjoyed for guys. But we might have left too early (1pm?) otherwise Jia Cheng probably can have a better look of the aeroplane on display.
Me: more than half of the show were spent with Mei in the function room, quiet and cooling, but missed the show. Caught a few minutes at the beginning which is really impressive with the aircraft turns, dips, roars and spins.... amazing. Wouldn't the pilot be giddy after all these?
Next show: Feb 2014. Kids might be able to appreciate more by then.
两年一度的航空展。近距离的轰隆声很震撼，直觉的像战时就要扔炸弹的感觉。
3个男生应该挺喜欢的。妹妹很不喜欢，太吵太热，她躲在旁边的儿童室画画。
Han Jin: Happy to watch the show and braved through the deafening noise, but not interested in the specifications or scientific display of the aviation technology.
Han Yue: completely put off by the noise and heat. What she enjoyed: painted a pink love box in an air-conditioned function room during the entire show at $12.
Daddy and Jia Cheng: probably enjoyed for guys. But we might have left too early (1pm?) otherwise Jia Cheng probably can have a better look of the aeroplane on display.
Me: more than half of the show were spent with Mei in the function room, quiet and cooling, but missed the show. Caught a few minutes at the beginning which is really impressive with the aircraft turns, dips, roars and spins.... amazing. Wouldn't the pilot be giddy after all these?
Next show: Feb 2014. Kids might be able to appreciate more by then.
两年一度的航空展。近距离的轰隆声很震撼，直觉的像战时就要扔炸弹的感觉。
3个男生应该挺喜欢的。妹妹很不喜欢，太吵太热，她躲在旁边的儿童室画画。
Monday, February 27, 2012
Dinosaurs Live 恐龙展
Sunday morning between a workout at the Clementi Stadium + swimming and a trip to Science Center. The kids chose Science Center, and we caught the Dinosaurs Live display for the last day!
I'd think it is a perfect trip for Han Jin: Dinosaurs + water play + McDonald. He was excited about the Dinosaurs but more so of the free coloring and stamping in the display area. He loved the water play the most and had a heartful of french fries and milo and burger and claimed that 'my tummy is going to burst'. How deprived my child is from junk food!
For mei mei, it is fine trip as she likes water play, and was not so scared of the dim-lighted display area with the huge creatures. In fact, she took some pictures, did some coloring and named a dino-family as papa dino, mama dino, gege dino and meimei dino.
For me, I picked up two words: Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. I can't help to imagine what if all the jurassic animals become alive, and what should I do. I concluded that I should bear-hold onto the legs of a large one (not huge though), as I gauged that his mouth and tail could not reach the legs?? but what about my kids? am I able to hold one of them with one hand, and hold the animal's leg with another hand? umm, daddy takes care of another child. or four of us just run for life? day-dreamer..
史前恐龙展，不要活过来呀。。
I'd think it is a perfect trip for Han Jin: Dinosaurs + water play + McDonald. He was excited about the Dinosaurs but more so of the free coloring and stamping in the display area. He loved the water play the most and had a heartful of french fries and milo and burger and claimed that 'my tummy is going to burst'. How deprived my child is from junk food!
For mei mei, it is fine trip as she likes water play, and was not so scared of the dim-lighted display area with the huge creatures. In fact, she took some pictures, did some coloring and named a dino-family as papa dino, mama dino, gege dino and meimei dino.
For me, I picked up two words: Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. I can't help to imagine what if all the jurassic animals become alive, and what should I do. I concluded that I should bear-hold onto the legs of a large one (not huge though), as I gauged that his mouth and tail could not reach the legs?? but what about my kids? am I able to hold one of them with one hand, and hold the animal's leg with another hand? umm, daddy takes care of another child. or four of us just run for life? day-dreamer..
史前恐龙展，不要活过来呀。。
兄妹 together
I had bad-mouthed about mei mei in the last entry. To be fair, generally, she is a sweet little girl who is loved by all of us. Not only we two parents find she is so adorable, Han Jin also loves mei mei to the bits.
He thinks that mei is the prettiest and cutest. Whenever I ask him about the school mates or any other friends who happens to be a girl and if ask whether the girl is pretty. Good-natured Han Jin always nods and says the girl is pretty, but he always ends his sentence with ' but mei mei prettier.' (in fact a lot of time he says ' mei mei is more prettier.' urr, I have to correct the grammar.)
Mei mei loved Han Jin too. She wakes up and will ask where is Han Jin. She sends Han Jin to his various classes and waits patiently. She follows/imitates Han Jin. Lately, the bedtime routine is that they have to be showered together, and have to be by me. Han Jin rubs mei mei's hair and models alien hair on mei mei. They play dinosaur vs turtle fight in the bathroom. They dash out for moisturiser. They race to finish milk while waiting the moisturiser drying. They race to be donned pyjamas and favor matched pyjamas. Then it is the 'five little monkeys' that I rhythm and they put in action...
I love this routine. A remote concern is when should I introduce the gender difference. While, they are aware they are different. It is apparent and innocent. When should I stop allowing them to shower together? Not a concern at the moment. I trust my mummy instinct to tell me when it is the time. See, I am not a mummy by book...
Other than showering together, they do most of the things together when both present. Play together, fight together and the favorite activity is painting/drawing together. A few of their art pieces attached. It should be clear who's the artist for each piece.
相亲相爱的兄妹俩。瀚今很喜欢妹妹，每当我问他的同学或朋友漂不漂亮（看妈妈问的问题），瀚今总是好脾气地点头，但是一定会加上一句: 妹妹更漂亮。我要是问谁可不可爱，乖不乖，好不好，聪明不聪明，答案也一定是一样的。
网上流行的话叫做：妹控。。。
妹妹也爱瀚今，小小跟屁虫，但是个有脾气的小跟屁虫。。。
He thinks that mei is the prettiest and cutest. Whenever I ask him about the school mates or any other friends who happens to be a girl and if ask whether the girl is pretty. Good-natured Han Jin always nods and says the girl is pretty, but he always ends his sentence with ' but mei mei prettier.' (in fact a lot of time he says ' mei mei is more prettier.' urr, I have to correct the grammar.)
Mei mei loved Han Jin too. She wakes up and will ask where is Han Jin. She sends Han Jin to his various classes and waits patiently. She follows/imitates Han Jin. Lately, the bedtime routine is that they have to be showered together, and have to be by me. Han Jin rubs mei mei's hair and models alien hair on mei mei. They play dinosaur vs turtle fight in the bathroom. They dash out for moisturiser. They race to finish milk while waiting the moisturiser drying. They race to be donned pyjamas and favor matched pyjamas. Then it is the 'five little monkeys' that I rhythm and they put in action...
I love this routine. A remote concern is when should I introduce the gender difference. While, they are aware they are different. It is apparent and innocent. When should I stop allowing them to shower together? Not a concern at the moment. I trust my mummy instinct to tell me when it is the time. See, I am not a mummy by book...
Other than showering together, they do most of the things together when both present. Play together, fight together and the favorite activity is painting/drawing together. A few of their art pieces attached. It should be clear who's the artist for each piece.
相亲相爱的兄妹俩。瀚今很喜欢妹妹，每当我问他的同学或朋友漂不漂亮（看妈妈问的问题），瀚今总是好脾气地点头，但是一定会加上一句: 妹妹更漂亮。我要是问谁可不可爱，乖不乖，好不好，聪明不聪明，答案也一定是一样的。
网上流行的话叫做：妹控。。。
妹妹也爱瀚今，小小跟屁虫，但是个有脾气的小跟屁虫。。。
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Han Yue's update - 瀚月
Han Jin seems has grown a lot academically. Not Han Yue, who still cannot identify ABC (while, only identifies ABC among the 26 letters) and counts from 1 to 20, but not able to count any objects correctly as she will just continue counting until 20. This could be just a second child thing, that I don't have that much time to teach her, or it could be just a girl thing, that I want her just to enjoy life, at least when she's below 3, or 4..
Her interests lie in dressing up (she picks her clothing by herself, matches hair band to outfit, favors pink, favors tutu), dancing ballet (I signed her up for a kiddy ballet course but the school shifted last week and we withdrew as daddy thought it is not safe for me to drive her alone for so far??), and reading stories (finally something sounds more intelligent...).
She's in her full fledged terrible two stage. She snatches toys from Han Jin, hits him with whatever available and wails at the top of her lung if I scolded at her behaviour. I hope this is really temporary and she will revert back to a sweet little angel.
While, she is not THAT bad. She repeatedly asks "Are you angry with me?" "Do you still love me?" after each such incidents and promises that she will not do it again. So, not stubborn, ready to admit mistakes and having a good attitude to apologize and ascertain her being loved status.... but... she does it again... and again...
What should I do with it? I always find myself at the short end. What age is a good time to discipline? Some might say it is never too early, and I should probably be more stern and strict with her. I might should, but till she passes the terrible three period?
There were once at the playground, mei pushed a younger girl, and I ordered her to apologize which she refused. It took me a good five minutes to convince her that she was wrong. When I brought her to the victim to say sorry, the grandpa turned away as if we are the most disgusting people and sniffed 'not interested'. I stunned and said 'pardon?'. I received another sniff: 'bring your child up properly'.... urr.. yes, I need and will bring my child up properly. But how proper it is to respond to an apology in such a manner? After all, it's not unusual that kids push each other at playground. Am I too sensitive that his diminishing look actually started when I switched to Mandarin when persuading Mei Mei to apologize?
Hold on, you strayed from the topic. Yes, this entry is about Mei's progress.
She grew taller and is often mistaken as a 3 year old.
She goes to the same kindergarten as Han Jin for 2 hours a day. I peeped at her through the window on the first day and she was happily fishing at the small tank (pictured below). Quite lacking on studies at the moment. I intended to send her to a full day childcare nearby which is a new private center which I hoped to receive better care, but it didn't turn out to be any better, and I had her into the same school as Han Jin.
She is close to me, and 'protects' me when I fake cry if I got into something with Han Jin or Daddy. She is mummy's girl, for now, and I hope, forever.
(is this a fair entry after I had a full day of a sleeping-deprived her?)
瀚月近况：
- 越来越爱美，挑衣服，只爱粉红色，近期最爱的是蓬蓬纱裙和一件Dora的裙子（好像是睡裙，可是妹妹的审美观认为穿出街也是可以的）；
- 26个字母只认得ABC，数字数得到20， 但是没有数数的概念；
- 在不讲理的两岁，会欺负哥哥，被训会大声哭，会认错，会一再问我还爱她吗？ 我还生气吗？会跟哥哥道歉。。。 但是，屡教不改。怎么办呢？真的只能等到三岁吗？
- 喜欢去上芭蕾课，但是老爸嫌太远，担心我的驾驶技术？
- 和瀚今在一间学校，每天只上两个小时。是不是应该送全天的，去学学规矩？
只是这么可爱，我怎么舍得？不要太宠呀！
Her interests lie in dressing up (she picks her clothing by herself, matches hair band to outfit, favors pink, favors tutu), dancing ballet (I signed her up for a kiddy ballet course but the school shifted last week and we withdrew as daddy thought it is not safe for me to drive her alone for so far??), and reading stories (finally something sounds more intelligent...).
She's in her full fledged terrible two stage. She snatches toys from Han Jin, hits him with whatever available and wails at the top of her lung if I scolded at her behaviour. I hope this is really temporary and she will revert back to a sweet little angel.
While, she is not THAT bad. She repeatedly asks "Are you angry with me?" "Do you still love me?" after each such incidents and promises that she will not do it again. So, not stubborn, ready to admit mistakes and having a good attitude to apologize and ascertain her being loved status.... but... she does it again... and again...
What should I do with it? I always find myself at the short end. What age is a good time to discipline? Some might say it is never too early, and I should probably be more stern and strict with her. I might should, but till she passes the terrible three period?
There were once at the playground, mei pushed a younger girl, and I ordered her to apologize which she refused. It took me a good five minutes to convince her that she was wrong. When I brought her to the victim to say sorry, the grandpa turned away as if we are the most disgusting people and sniffed 'not interested'. I stunned and said 'pardon?'. I received another sniff: 'bring your child up properly'.... urr.. yes, I need and will bring my child up properly. But how proper it is to respond to an apology in such a manner? After all, it's not unusual that kids push each other at playground. Am I too sensitive that his diminishing look actually started when I switched to Mandarin when persuading Mei Mei to apologize?
Hold on, you strayed from the topic. Yes, this entry is about Mei's progress.
She grew taller and is often mistaken as a 3 year old.
She goes to the same kindergarten as Han Jin for 2 hours a day. I peeped at her through the window on the first day and she was happily fishing at the small tank (pictured below). Quite lacking on studies at the moment. I intended to send her to a full day childcare nearby which is a new private center which I hoped to receive better care, but it didn't turn out to be any better, and I had her into the same school as Han Jin.
She is close to me, and 'protects' me when I fake cry if I got into something with Han Jin or Daddy. She is mummy's girl, for now, and I hope, forever.
(is this a fair entry after I had a full day of a sleeping-deprived her?)
瀚月近况：
- 越来越爱美，挑衣服，只爱粉红色，近期最爱的是蓬蓬纱裙和一件Dora的裙子（好像是睡裙，可是妹妹的审美观认为穿出街也是可以的）；
- 26个字母只认得ABC，数字数得到20， 但是没有数数的概念；
- 在不讲理的两岁，会欺负哥哥，被训会大声哭，会认错，会一再问我还爱她吗？ 我还生气吗？会跟哥哥道歉。。。 但是，屡教不改。怎么办呢？真的只能等到三岁吗？
- 喜欢去上芭蕾课，但是老爸嫌太远，担心我的驾驶技术？
- 和瀚今在一间学校，每天只上两个小时。是不是应该送全天的，去学学规矩？
只是这么可爱，我怎么舍得？不要太宠呀！
Han Jin's update - 瀚今
Ever since last Sep, I had not actively recording the progress of the kids, and looking back the entries, I found another benefit of keeping a blog: it helps to recall the happenings and refresh how they looked like and what they did at that time. That is probably the original intent of this blog.
Okay, about Han Jin:
He continues to be a good big brother to Mei Mei, who looks after her, feels good about being able to take responsibility of another person (eg. I asked him to look after Mei and the seats while I order food, fetch water etc).
Han Jin grows quite a fair bit lately, stronger and better built. A lot heavier to carry. I have not carried him for a long time other than sitting down and carrying him on my lap.
A pre-requisite of the growing, is his appetite has improved a lot. We ever took him to traditional Chinese physician and put him on cordyceps. It stopped after he retreat from liking the flavor and I obviously welcomed the monetary savings.
After shifting, we enrolled him into a Government-aided Kindergarten for half-day program with only 40 weeks a year. I have to scratch my head when the term break starts. A handsome saving from the previous private full day child care program. I can't comment too much on the quality, but it is definitely convenient as it is just downstairs. I don't have to worry about safety when the helper needs to fetch both of them. Dear boy, mommy is not cutting corners on investing in your education. You know how busy you are.. :)
Parent-Teacher communication here is lesser, and I made appointment one day to see the teachers, who commented that HJ did well and adapted well and is a very amicable boy. Yes, he is.
Han Jin started on table tennis class which runs 3 times a week and 2.5 hours each time, and his latest progress is being able to bounce the ball continously for 41 times. I also enrolled him in a Chinese enrichment center for PinYin. The only class at the moment that I am contemplating is an art class...
Overall, my dear Han Jin is a sweet boy and I love the way he is. :)
关于瀚今的一些近况：
-长壮了，耶！胃口好些；
- 好哥哥，爱护妹妹的；
- 搬家转学，据老师说，适应的不错，只是要早起，挑战呀！
- 开始打乒乓球了，可以颠40多个球，还没开始打；
- 开始学汉语拼音了；
- 有路人夸瀚今帅。 呵呵。。
Okay, about Han Jin:
He continues to be a good big brother to Mei Mei, who looks after her, feels good about being able to take responsibility of another person (eg. I asked him to look after Mei and the seats while I order food, fetch water etc).
Han Jin grows quite a fair bit lately, stronger and better built. A lot heavier to carry. I have not carried him for a long time other than sitting down and carrying him on my lap.
A pre-requisite of the growing, is his appetite has improved a lot. We ever took him to traditional Chinese physician and put him on cordyceps. It stopped after he retreat from liking the flavor and I obviously welcomed the monetary savings.
After shifting, we enrolled him into a Government-aided Kindergarten for half-day program with only 40 weeks a year. I have to scratch my head when the term break starts. A handsome saving from the previous private full day child care program. I can't comment too much on the quality, but it is definitely convenient as it is just downstairs. I don't have to worry about safety when the helper needs to fetch both of them. Dear boy, mommy is not cutting corners on investing in your education. You know how busy you are.. :)
Parent-Teacher communication here is lesser, and I made appointment one day to see the teachers, who commented that HJ did well and adapted well and is a very amicable boy. Yes, he is.
Han Jin started on table tennis class which runs 3 times a week and 2.5 hours each time, and his latest progress is being able to bounce the ball continously for 41 times. I also enrolled him in a Chinese enrichment center for PinYin. The only class at the moment that I am contemplating is an art class...
Overall, my dear Han Jin is a sweet boy and I love the way he is. :)
关于瀚今的一些近况：
-长壮了，耶！胃口好些；
- 好哥哥，爱护妹妹的；
- 搬家转学，据老师说，适应的不错，只是要早起，挑战呀！
- 开始打乒乓球了，可以颠40多个球，还没开始打；
- 开始学汉语拼音了；
- 有路人夸瀚今帅。 呵呵。。
CNY 龙年大吉
Chinese New Year - came and gone. There were no much celebration this year. Last year, I had mei mei wore 4 different Chinese costumes, but this year, none of them fits her in. Han Jin's outfit which last through the past 3 CNY celebration has proved to be too small. So both of them got one new outfit, just one for each.
This is my year of Dragon, and I will take precaution in everything I do, as the year of the person's animal sign is generally believed to be more eventful. I wear a lucky cat bracelet from a friend :)
一点点新春的照片，今年更是冷清，大概是万颖家的老本营不在。：）瀚今和妹妹都穿了新的唐装，比起去年妹妹4套不同的造型，今年是简单了。参加了一些社区的活动，吃吃睡睡，妈妈都长胖了。。。
本命年呀，大吉大利，诸事顺利！
This is my year of Dragon, and I will take precaution in everything I do, as the year of the person's animal sign is generally believed to be more eventful. I wear a lucky cat bracelet from a friend :)
一点点新春的照片，今年更是冷清，大概是万颖家的老本营不在。：）瀚今和妹妹都穿了新的唐装，比起去年妹妹4套不同的造型，今年是简单了。参加了一些社区的活动，吃吃睡睡，妈妈都长胖了。。。
本命年呀，大吉大利，诸事顺利！
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Usual spots
Some photos at west coast park with Yin's family. It is very near to our new place and naturally one of the usual spot that we play and meet friends. Yin's parents are in town, reminding me of the time when my mom were around.
We sat back watching kids play, for which they can do pretty well without much supervision. Yin recounts the fond memories back in Xi'an and declares that Arben is the true love. Yes, it is good to express your feelings. Love that. :)
In between, we took pictures, and Han Jin took charge of camera & had a few nice shots of me :)
We went to Max's for dinner and Mei was fascinated by the swing sparsely distributed at ACSI, where Max's Dad works.
One of the recent days, we went to Yin's for steamboat dinner. I got to know where to buy the ingredient. Perhaps I can chalk something similar up. for someone who has no gifts in cooking, it looks simple enough and delicious enough to give a try. :)
We sat back watching kids play, for which they can do pretty well without much supervision. Yin recounts the fond memories back in Xi'an and declares that Arben is the true love. Yes, it is good to express your feelings. Love that. :)
In between, we took pictures, and Han Jin took charge of camera & had a few nice shots of me :)
We went to Max's for dinner and Mei was fascinated by the swing sparsely distributed at ACSI, where Max's Dad works.
One of the recent days, we went to Yin's for steamboat dinner. I got to know where to buy the ingredient. Perhaps I can chalk something similar up. for someone who has no gifts in cooking, it looks simple enough and delicious enough to give a try. :)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Yamaha 2nd book
Another term finished at Yamaha Music School. Attached a group performance which took me more than 2 hours to upload.. my broadband connection might need to be upgraded??
Look at the class, and an under-aged little tot among them. :)
瀚今音乐课期中表演，妹妹自己走上台去加入哥哥姐姐们的行列。
Look at the class, and an under-aged little tot among them. :)
瀚今音乐课期中表演，妹妹自己走上台去加入哥哥姐姐们的行列。
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
35
I turned 35 on 8th Jan, where my birthday changes every year since I celebrate my lunar birthday.
I'm officially middle-aged, by official definition, I couldn't be in Youth Chapter any more.
35, halfway through life, or a third, if I'm lucky enough. :)
Probably a good time to take stock, while, my stock of valuable people and stuff:
- a pair of lovely children whom I can give up everything for;
- a loving husband while being a caring daddy; I'm finally certain that this is the man I will age (gracefully hopefully) with in a peaceful warm light; I missed him terribly during his short business trip shortly after Chinese New Year, and realised that he is so so important to me and kids;
- parents and siblings, though far away and I could not attend to or accompany them, I know they love me dearly;
- all of us are healthy, but need more exercise (actually, some, since we do not exercise right now).
- healthy financial status;
- a decent job which I like and give me the sense of satisfactory as an independent individual;
- a young heart.. :))
I am lucky. Thank God!
Spend the birthday with a family lunch at a Japanese restaurant, in between of sorting out/cleaning up the new house, and cut my cake with friends in my dusty household outfit.
I like to be 35, with the fine lines, jiggly tummy, freckles and.... the knowing smile, knowing who I am and what I want.
35岁了，人生的一半，幸运的话，三分之一。
按照官方的划分，不可以再算作青年了。我，正式进入中年。
是合适的时候停下脚步，看看我所拥有的，我所奢求的。
拥有的：
- 可爱的儿女，贵重过我的所有；
- 亲爱的老公，我确定的知道，这是我要一起慢慢变老的人，我孩子的好爸爸，他不在身边是会有一颗心悬着的人；
- 父母兄嫂，我不能堂前尽孝，知道他们是爱我的，像我爱我的孩子；
- 我们所有人还算健康，要多一点运动，要开始有一点运动；
- 经济状况健康；
- 一份让我满意和独立的职业；
- 一点童心：）
奢求的：
- 让时间停止，大爱现在的状态；如果不可能，让拥有的不要失去。
感谢上苍的眷顾！
在搬家的灰头土脸当中，合家去吃生日餐，和朋友一起切蛋糕。
喜欢我的35岁，35岁的皱纹，小肚腩，雀斑，和脸上的浅笑。
知道我是谁，知道我要什么的浅笑。
I'm officially middle-aged, by official definition, I couldn't be in Youth Chapter any more.
35, halfway through life, or a third, if I'm lucky enough. :)
Probably a good time to take stock, while, my stock of valuable people and stuff:
- a pair of lovely children whom I can give up everything for;
- a loving husband while being a caring daddy; I'm finally certain that this is the man I will age (gracefully hopefully) with in a peaceful warm light; I missed him terribly during his short business trip shortly after Chinese New Year, and realised that he is so so important to me and kids;
- parents and siblings, though far away and I could not attend to or accompany them, I know they love me dearly;
- all of us are healthy, but need more exercise (actually, some, since we do not exercise right now).
- healthy financial status;
- a decent job which I like and give me the sense of satisfactory as an independent individual;
- a young heart.. :))
I am lucky. Thank God!
Spend the birthday with a family lunch at a Japanese restaurant, in between of sorting out/cleaning up the new house, and cut my cake with friends in my dusty household outfit.
I like to be 35, with the fine lines, jiggly tummy, freckles and.... the knowing smile, knowing who I am and what I want.
35岁了，人生的一半，幸运的话，三分之一。
按照官方的划分，不可以再算作青年了。我，正式进入中年。
是合适的时候停下脚步，看看我所拥有的，我所奢求的。
拥有的：
- 可爱的儿女，贵重过我的所有；
- 亲爱的老公，我确定的知道，这是我要一起慢慢变老的人，我孩子的好爸爸，他不在身边是会有一颗心悬着的人；
- 父母兄嫂，我不能堂前尽孝，知道他们是爱我的，像我爱我的孩子；
- 我们所有人还算健康，要多一点运动，要开始有一点运动；
- 经济状况健康；
- 一份让我满意和独立的职业；
- 一点童心：）
奢求的：
- 让时间停止，大爱现在的状态；如果不可能，让拥有的不要失去。
感谢上苍的眷顾！
在搬家的灰头土脸当中，合家去吃生日餐，和朋友一起切蛋糕。
喜欢我的35岁，35岁的皱纹，小肚腩，雀斑，和脸上的浅笑。
知道我是谁，知道我要什么的浅笑。
Xmas 2012 又是一年圣诞节
这一年的圣诞，新年，春节都过得匆忙，围绕着搬家事宜，加上我对穿越小说的痴迷，没有多少时间沉淀心情，体味当下。
好在有一帮朋友热闹地组织，在万颖家（我们的据点）的聚会很开心的，大家potluck的聚餐，孩子们的表演，妹妹可爱的公主裙礼物和瀚今的McQueen赛车。和朋友一道去了Tanglin Mall的泡沫雪景。新年的当天，搬家。
Another Christmas, another year, a growth in age, a growth in fine lines, a growth in contentedness, a growth in (hopefully) wisdom. Another beautiful year, where kids grew and expressed themselves better day by day.
We were buried in the mess of house shifting, and joined along the Christmas party organised by friends, and went for Tangling Mall's Snowy Christmas.
Thank god for what he has brought into my life, my love, and my family.
好在有一帮朋友热闹地组织，在万颖家（我们的据点）的聚会很开心的，大家potluck的聚餐，孩子们的表演，妹妹可爱的公主裙礼物和瀚今的McQueen赛车。和朋友一道去了Tanglin Mall的泡沫雪景。新年的当天，搬家。
Another Christmas, another year, a growth in age, a growth in fine lines, a growth in contentedness, a growth in (hopefully) wisdom. Another beautiful year, where kids grew and expressed themselves better day by day.
We were buried in the mess of house shifting, and joined along the Christmas party organised by friends, and went for Tangling Mall's Snowy Christmas.
Thank god for what he has brought into my life, my love, and my family.
Monday, January 30, 2012
十月其它事 Other Happenings in Oct 2011
Backlog for Oct 11.
A. Circle Line opened and we went along with a few friends.
地铁环线开通，我们去凑热闹。
B. Raye's 8th Birthday, one of our best friends at Holland. Hardly see each other after our shift. Went back a few times but didn't meet them. In our circle of friends, it is rare that we have both boys and girls and who can play along well. Mei takes Renae as her best friend. :( Happy New Year! Raye and Renae and family!
志睿的8岁生日
C. 植物园里露天华乐交响乐团演出
Singapore Chinese Symphony Orchestra's performance at Botanic Garden.
D. Mei's taking a leisure at playing iPhone games with her favorite pink watch; she tries out my shoes and bags; Chen Chao's girl, Yi Xuan made her name as one of the little winners for naming the Tunnel Boring Machine as Downtown line.
休闲的妹妹；去做工的妹妹；朋友的女儿的照片。
A. Circle Line opened and we went along with a few friends.
地铁环线开通，我们去凑热闹。
B. Raye's 8th Birthday, one of our best friends at Holland. Hardly see each other after our shift. Went back a few times but didn't meet them. In our circle of friends, it is rare that we have both boys and girls and who can play along well. Mei takes Renae as her best friend. :( Happy New Year! Raye and Renae and family!
志睿的8岁生日
C. 植物园里露天华乐交响乐团演出
Singapore Chinese Symphony Orchestra's performance at Botanic Garden.
D. Mei's taking a leisure at playing iPhone games with her favorite pink watch; she tries out my shoes and bags; Chen Chao's girl, Yi Xuan made her name as one of the little winners for naming the Tunnel Boring Machine as Downtown line.
休闲的妹妹；去做工的妹妹；朋友的女儿的照片。
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