It's almost the end of Nov and we now have to make a final decision on where to send Jarrett. Does he remain in his current childcare or does he go to Glory Kindi?
We have dragged making this decision for months.
I enrolled J in Glory Kindi early March this year, being the first to apply (VERY KS), thinking I best get a slot for J in my desired kindi ASAP. But then, we started thinking, maybe a child care is better, especially after the grandma raised the white flag and claimed defeat, saying she could no longer handle J.
We could have opted to employ a domestic help and let J stay with grandma till he turns 2 and start Glory Kindi in Jan 10, but then we could see the little one was bored at home and we hate the idea of having our privacy invaded. So we started searching for a child care ctr. Turned out Singapore mummies start chopping places in child care even before babies are born! So the top 2 ctrs we wanted turned out to be full. Heck, even the waiting list is full. Now dun get me started on how long is the waiting list at Nanyang Kindi, it's crazy. It's a crazy world!
So anyway, we finally found a place we like. J started school in Sep and managed to settle down after a few weeks. He seems to like his teacher a lot and been learning lots of new things each week. He sometimes surprises me with new skills or new words. Just yesterday morning when he saw my coffee, he went "Oh mummy coffee!" and made the drinking action. We said "No...no coffee for Jarrett". He pouted and said "Oh....poor Jarrett!"
And this morning, when Wx said "Jarrett, repeat after me. Say... I... am... a..... smart.... boy...".
Jarrett simply said "I'm a smart boy" and it sounded like it came with a smirk (hey! shortcut!)
I'm not saying he's a genius, but he's less than 2 and I am impressed with what he can say sometimes.
When J first started child care, I was still very adamant about him going to Glory. It's a good school with great reputation and most importantly to me, being part of the church, imparts Christian teaching to the children. I love that! I know I am not the most pious person around, so sending J to a Christian school will help greatly in introducing him to the faith. The plan was to use the child care as a temp. solution and transfer J to Glory a few months later. That was the initial plan.
So now, here's the cause of my headaches and Wx's as well:
1) Since J has settled down in Cambridge, we are reluctant to send him to somewhere new and get him to cry every morning for the next few weeks again. It's very heartbreaking and stressful.
2) I LOVE GLORY
3) BUT Cambridge seems to be doing a great job with J. He has been learning lots of new things, has his group of friends and loves his teacher.
4) The teacher to student ratio at the childcare is small, currently it's 2 teachers to 3 kids. It will prob grow to abt 1 teacher 5 kids next year when he moves up to N1.
In Glory, it's 2 teachers to 12 kids.
So in other words, J gets more attention in Cambridge now. But then may not be so next year when he goes to N1, but still a smaller ratio than Glory.
5) Cambridge is full day, with no long sch term breaks. Glory operates just like a normal school and has 2 long breaks per year. ie..no one to entertain J at home during the holidays. Even with a maid to help, the grandparents still can't provide much stimulation. J will definitly be well taken care of, but they are very old school and wun bother with activities to let J explore and learn. I know he's only 2 but he does get bored at home.
6) While I have warm up to the idea of having a domestic helper (dying here), Wx is still very reluctant to have someone else at home.
That's all I can remember now, but I am sure there's more...
So I'm off to kill myself trying to make a decison which I think will be best for Jarrett. Please dun call me, I'll be hard on my kneels, praying for a sign. Will it be a G (Glory) or a C (Cambridge)? Please God, heed my prayers....
Showing posts with label Motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motherhood. Show all posts
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Do u love........?
Papa: Jarrett........(kiss kiss kiss kiss) do you love mama or papa more?
Jarrett: Mama (loudly)!
Not giving up
Papa: Jarrett...........do you love Papa?
Jarrett: Syesh!
Mama: Do you love Mama?
Jarrett: Yesh!
Papa: Then do you love Mama or Papa more?
Jarrett: Mama!
Papa getting a little irritated
Papa: ok...do you love Papa or Mama more (notice the change in sequence?)
Jarrett very smart!
Jarrett: Mama!
Mama: Hahahahahaa
Man....motherhood...sweet
Jarrett: Mama (loudly)!
Not giving up
Papa: Jarrett...........do you love Papa?
Jarrett: Syesh!
Mama: Do you love Mama?
Jarrett: Yesh!
Papa: Then do you love Mama or Papa more?
Jarrett: Mama!
Papa getting a little irritated
Papa: ok...do you love Papa or Mama more (notice the change in sequence?)
Jarrett very smart!
Jarrett: Mama!
Mama: Hahahahahaa
Man....motherhood...sweet
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Return to reality
All it took was one day with J to completely exhaust all my renewed energy from a one week break. How powerful is this kid huh...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Chill..
Instead of howling at J every 5 mins with a "NO!", we decided to let the little kid had some creative play without anyone hovering around. We left him alone in his high chair in the dining area, with a bowl of apples and a mug of water. Actually, we didn't plan this, we just wanted to have 20 mins in front of the TV and veg. And also, we got tired asking J to "feed Mama, feed papa" when he obviously wasn't in the mood to share his food. So we pretended to be pissed off and walked away.
We checked on him from seconds to seconds, to make sure he didn't fall off the chair or stab himself with the fork, but what totally amused us was how much fun he had. We thought he would be upset being left alone but not at all.
Since he was hogging his apple with so much fervour, he of cos started off with feeding himself. He would occasionally turned to face himself in the mirror and beamed with so much pleasure and turned back to eating more apples. And then he decided maybe eating apples just wasn't as much fun as making apple juice, so he turned his mug upside down and "washed" his hands before he proceeded to make himself some freshly squeezed apple juice. Very nice....he pinched the apples with so much might, I fear it would leave marks on his tiny fingers. He was very careful too, making sure the apple juices fell straight into his little bowl. But I gathered he wasn't too thirsty and wanted to perk up for the next day, cos he started giving himself an apple facial. He smeared his face with 2 little hands full of apple juice and made sure they reached his neck too. Very through indeed...
This went on for another 10mins or so. By then he had enough fun and was ready to terrorise us with his apple flavoured self. Didn't cost us anything, but it got us some 20 mins of bliss and so much fun for him. We should do this more often.
We checked on him from seconds to seconds, to make sure he didn't fall off the chair or stab himself with the fork, but what totally amused us was how much fun he had. We thought he would be upset being left alone but not at all.
Since he was hogging his apple with so much fervour, he of cos started off with feeding himself. He would occasionally turned to face himself in the mirror and beamed with so much pleasure and turned back to eating more apples. And then he decided maybe eating apples just wasn't as much fun as making apple juice, so he turned his mug upside down and "washed" his hands before he proceeded to make himself some freshly squeezed apple juice. Very nice....he pinched the apples with so much might, I fear it would leave marks on his tiny fingers. He was very careful too, making sure the apple juices fell straight into his little bowl. But I gathered he wasn't too thirsty and wanted to perk up for the next day, cos he started giving himself an apple facial. He smeared his face with 2 little hands full of apple juice and made sure they reached his neck too. Very through indeed...
This went on for another 10mins or so. By then he had enough fun and was ready to terrorise us with his apple flavoured self. Didn't cost us anything, but it got us some 20 mins of bliss and so much fun for him. We should do this more often.
Monday, July 06, 2009
my cuddly little bear
J never has an issue with sleeping by himself since birth. In fact, he didn't like us to cuddle him much right before sleeping. He preferred rolling around by himself in his cot, hugging his bolster and companion, Kaka, before falling asleep. When we tried to get him to sleep with us in the big bed, he would make a big fuss until we put him back into his little haven.
4 weeks again, he went thru a sudden transformation. Instead of the usual practise which was milk, kisses from mama & papa, and then to his little bed, he clung onto to me like a koala bear and refused to let go. So that night, he slept on me. He first slept right on top, with his face tuck under my chin, when I tried to move him, he still clung on and shifted to my tummy (very soft and nice?), and finally when I tried to shift him back to his bed, he stuck his face right to mine, with his butt high up in the air. Since then, every single nite (unless he falls asleep in the car first), he has been sleeping in our big bed, either with papa or mama. Sometimes he'll get to sleep with us thru the nite, but most times we'll shift him back to his cot right after he goes into deep sleep.
To be honest, I don't mind this change. I know....i noe..there are probably some horrified looks on some of your faces now, thinking I am crazy to let J grow into this habit, and how we should be cultivating independence at this stage and what about personal space and all. Seriously, how long do you get to hug and hold your kids to sleep? You don't need to do any maths to know it's only a few short years, if not months. How long do they stay such trusting little babies? Too short I say. Already J is showing signs of wanting to do things by himself, like "wearing" his own shoes, taking off his clothes, refusing to hold our hands when he wants to run....my little boy is growing up. Soon he'll reach the stage where kisses from mama is so not cool and I'll be left thinking about the little bear who slept on my tummy and clung on to dear life when I tried to shift him away. So is it wrong of me to love sleeping with him? Nah...I don't think so. It's something I quite look forward to at the end of a work day =)
4 weeks again, he went thru a sudden transformation. Instead of the usual practise which was milk, kisses from mama & papa, and then to his little bed, he clung onto to me like a koala bear and refused to let go. So that night, he slept on me. He first slept right on top, with his face tuck under my chin, when I tried to move him, he still clung on and shifted to my tummy (very soft and nice?), and finally when I tried to shift him back to his bed, he stuck his face right to mine, with his butt high up in the air. Since then, every single nite (unless he falls asleep in the car first), he has been sleeping in our big bed, either with papa or mama. Sometimes he'll get to sleep with us thru the nite, but most times we'll shift him back to his cot right after he goes into deep sleep.
To be honest, I don't mind this change. I know....i noe..there are probably some horrified looks on some of your faces now, thinking I am crazy to let J grow into this habit, and how we should be cultivating independence at this stage and what about personal space and all. Seriously, how long do you get to hug and hold your kids to sleep? You don't need to do any maths to know it's only a few short years, if not months. How long do they stay such trusting little babies? Too short I say. Already J is showing signs of wanting to do things by himself, like "wearing" his own shoes, taking off his clothes, refusing to hold our hands when he wants to run....my little boy is growing up. Soon he'll reach the stage where kisses from mama is so not cool and I'll be left thinking about the little bear who slept on my tummy and clung on to dear life when I tried to shift him away. So is it wrong of me to love sleeping with him? Nah...I don't think so. It's something I quite look forward to at the end of a work day =)
Friday, April 10, 2009
making use of my tools
I really couldn't wait for J to grow up, I had to start using the tools I bought, so tada...I made Japanese for lunch. I wanted to buy classic Jap bento boxes for us, the adults, but I just don't have the time to go shopping in Takashimaya or any of the Japanese department stores, so I could only make do and use a normal plate.See top left hand corner...we had car shaped eggs! Made that with a really cool gadget which can mould eggs into shapes. There's many designs out in the market, like stars, hearts, bunnies, and even hello kitty. Also made some rice, shaped nicely with the rice moulds and unagi which is Wx's favourite. I also made some cold tofu and miso soup, but nothing special about that, so no pics..I jus want to show the car shaped eggs. hahaha...
Sunday, March 15, 2009
random ramblings......
On falling sick...
22 days, I kept tab. It was a full 3 weeks where everyone (almost) took turn to fall sick. The last was me. I am actually quite impressed I could last that long before succumbing to the super duper bug. First was Jarrett, then Wx, then my father-in-law, next was my mother in law and even Wx's bro and then finally, me. I took so many days off during the 1st 2 weeks cos obviously everyone else was not able to care for the one super duper cranky toddler who refused to eat! Darn..i tell u, each time i manage to fatten up the kiddo, some virus will surface and wiped off the weight. We tried coaxing him to eat and drink with various method, at one point, we were even tempted to force feed, but of cos we didn't. The poor fellow (or was it us?) was brawling the whole house down (poor neighbours), that we just didn't have the heart to force him to do anything else.
On natural food therapy
In my quest to get the little one well, I adopted a pot of oregano. I wanted to use a more natural way to help J heal from the viral infection besides all those vile medicine. I am one who believe God has provided us with cures and solutions aplenty in nature, it's just up to us to discover, believe and make use of what is given. But of cos, He also provides us with doctors, so we still go see Dr. Yap lah...
Anway, this is what Oregano can do:
Has antibacterial properties and helps relieve chest infections, coughs and catarrh.
I have been adding a few leaves to the veg stock or J's porridge, together with a clove of garlic.
Garlic:
Has antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties.
Also, Shiitake mushroom:
Has antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties and is a natural source of interferon, which provides protection against viruses. also a good source of germanium, an element that enhances immunity.
Prior to getting the fresh oregano, I would add a pinch of dried french mix herbs to the stock. Boy...I never knew how that one pinch can add so much flavour to veg stock. I am so in love with my french herbs. It has a permanent shelf space in my kitchen now.
So J's fully recovered, I don't know how much the oregano and garlic helped but I am definitely sticking to the way of using food to help boost my baby's immune system. Not only is it more healthy, it also adds more flavour to the food which helps to whet the little one's appetite..so it's one stone killing 3 birds! I think I am one of those fanatic mama who beams with pleasure whenever the kiddo finishes his meal.....
ok...too tired to continue, so this is one abrupt ending...I'm off to bed..
22 days, I kept tab. It was a full 3 weeks where everyone (almost) took turn to fall sick. The last was me. I am actually quite impressed I could last that long before succumbing to the super duper bug. First was Jarrett, then Wx, then my father-in-law, next was my mother in law and even Wx's bro and then finally, me. I took so many days off during the 1st 2 weeks cos obviously everyone else was not able to care for the one super duper cranky toddler who refused to eat! Darn..i tell u, each time i manage to fatten up the kiddo, some virus will surface and wiped off the weight. We tried coaxing him to eat and drink with various method, at one point, we were even tempted to force feed, but of cos we didn't. The poor fellow (or was it us?) was brawling the whole house down (poor neighbours), that we just didn't have the heart to force him to do anything else.
On natural food therapy
In my quest to get the little one well, I adopted a pot of oregano. I wanted to use a more natural way to help J heal from the viral infection besides all those vile medicine. I am one who believe God has provided us with cures and solutions aplenty in nature, it's just up to us to discover, believe and make use of what is given. But of cos, He also provides us with doctors, so we still go see Dr. Yap lah...
Anway, this is what Oregano can do:
Has antibacterial properties and helps relieve chest infections, coughs and catarrh.
I have been adding a few leaves to the veg stock or J's porridge, together with a clove of garlic.
Garlic:
Has antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties.
Also, Shiitake mushroom:
Has antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties and is a natural source of interferon, which provides protection against viruses. also a good source of germanium, an element that enhances immunity.
Prior to getting the fresh oregano, I would add a pinch of dried french mix herbs to the stock. Boy...I never knew how that one pinch can add so much flavour to veg stock. I am so in love with my french herbs. It has a permanent shelf space in my kitchen now.
So J's fully recovered, I don't know how much the oregano and garlic helped but I am definitely sticking to the way of using food to help boost my baby's immune system. Not only is it more healthy, it also adds more flavour to the food which helps to whet the little one's appetite..so it's one stone killing 3 birds! I think I am one of those fanatic mama who beams with pleasure whenever the kiddo finishes his meal.....
ok...too tired to continue, so this is one abrupt ending...I'm off to bed..
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Never underestimate the power of retail therapy
My 2 boys are sick. While the hb is almost recovered, the little one still has some way to go before a full recovery.We are not sure who gave what virus to who, but it's sure no small bug. Both grandma and grandpa are also sick now.
The last weekend was truly most exhausting. Taking care of 2 sick patients with household chores was no joke. Ever heard of the saying "Be careful of what you asked for"? God must have suddenly recalled my earnest prayer for patience.
Anyway, Wx tried his best to help and was a gem for doing some of the chores despite the drowsiness from the medicine. It was just our luck that the part time domestic help wasn't able to come over when we needed her most. The most difficult part of the weekend was to ensure J was well hydrated and fed. He refused most food and drinks and even when he did accept any, it was at most tiny sips.
Needless to say, by Monday, my hair's almost all gone (I need to start saving for YunNam) and patience sorely tested. I was exhausted and irritated and both Wx and I were ready to snap off each other's head. If there's such a term, I think I had a mother's burnt out. So....serious therapy was required to get my balance back. No lah....dun start shaking your head, I didn't run off and buy myself a new Dior bag or new shoes (maybe I should have? Duh...). I went for a bout of cheap retail therapy. I went to....Diaso!
And look what I got! Such amazing things they have for $2. I didn't have to break my piggy bank or my "vow" to watch my spending what with the bad economy..actually I subscribe to the school of thought that spending is the tool to ride out a financial crisis. The above was written more for Wx's peace of mind, so that he knows I'm not going to break the bank and spend J's education fund.
Well...back to my loot...I'm so pleased.
Bento tools....I am at this Bento crazy stage...I can't wait to start making crazy cute bentos for J.
So though he can't appreciate cute train shaped pancake or Pooh's sandwich yet, I better start practising now. It's no easy feat to make those super duper cute bentos k...
and just when I was wondering how to bring cool snacks for J on a hot day without lugging the cooler box/bag, ta...da....i found this cool snack box! It comes with a gel pack which can be frozen before use so that it helps to keep the temp down..I'm gg to try this soon to see if it works..darn..my bro's so rite...i'm getting more and more aunty..imagine getting excited over a snack box..i am such a sad case.
this is how it looks like inside.
I even got J some books and ahem....haha..i know I m crazy...i also got him a colouring book but aiya..it's never too early to start him on some fun ya..I'm gg to try doing it with him this weekend and prob end up colouring it myself..but what the heck..it's nice to relive my childhood once in a while..
The last weekend was truly most exhausting. Taking care of 2 sick patients with household chores was no joke. Ever heard of the saying "Be careful of what you asked for"? God must have suddenly recalled my earnest prayer for patience.
"Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find"
Both my bro and I believe that when you ask for things like patience and wisdom, it is often not handed out on a tray. Instead, there'll be lessons to teach you the values you seek. It happened just too many times. I am now much wiser and think twice if not thrice before asking for anything. LOL.Anyway, Wx tried his best to help and was a gem for doing some of the chores despite the drowsiness from the medicine. It was just our luck that the part time domestic help wasn't able to come over when we needed her most. The most difficult part of the weekend was to ensure J was well hydrated and fed. He refused most food and drinks and even when he did accept any, it was at most tiny sips.
Needless to say, by Monday, my hair's almost all gone (I need to start saving for YunNam) and patience sorely tested. I was exhausted and irritated and both Wx and I were ready to snap off each other's head. If there's such a term, I think I had a mother's burnt out. So....serious therapy was required to get my balance back. No lah....dun start shaking your head, I didn't run off and buy myself a new Dior bag or new shoes (maybe I should have? Duh...). I went for a bout of cheap retail therapy. I went to....Diaso!
And look what I got! Such amazing things they have for $2. I didn't have to break my piggy bank or my "vow" to watch my spending what with the bad economy..actually I subscribe to the school of thought that spending is the tool to ride out a financial crisis. The above was written more for Wx's peace of mind, so that he knows I'm not going to break the bank and spend J's education fund.
Well...back to my loot...I'm so pleased.
Bento tools....I am at this Bento crazy stage...I can't wait to start making crazy cute bentos for J.So though he can't appreciate cute train shaped pancake or Pooh's sandwich yet, I better start practising now. It's no easy feat to make those super duper cute bentos k...
and just when I was wondering how to bring cool snacks for J on a hot day without lugging the cooler box/bag, ta...da....i found this cool snack box! It comes with a gel pack which can be frozen before use so that it helps to keep the temp down..I'm gg to try this soon to see if it works..darn..my bro's so rite...i'm getting more and more aunty..imagine getting excited over a snack box..i am such a sad case. this is how it looks like inside. I even got J some books and ahem....haha..i know I m crazy...i also got him a colouring book but aiya..it's never too early to start him on some fun ya..I'm gg to try doing it with him this weekend and prob end up colouring it myself..but what the heck..it's nice to relive my childhood once in a while..So ya..the therapy worked. I' feel rejuvenated, whole and well. I'm back on tip top mothering mode. I say the economy needs more people like me. Forget about the spa, send me on a shopping trip! I dun need my gucci, I'm jus as happy with a very cool cookie cutter. hahaha
Monday, November 17, 2008
mummy & son
Jarrett standing in his cot, mummy sitting on bed. Both looking at each other.
Scene 1:
Me: Call Mama
J spent a few seconds staring at mama.
Me: call ma....ma..
J: bird................... (or so it sounds. He noes what birds are)
Me: No....call ma....ma...
J staring at mama for a few more seconds.
J: bird..............
Me: Argh..........no lah! mama not bird (and walked away)
J: mama....ma...ma................
Happened 2-3 times.
Scene 2:
Me: call Mama...
J: Pa pa....(and gave me a smirk! I kid you not!)
Me: no...call ma....ma....
J: Pa pa pa pa pa pa pa (and jumping around in his cot, holding onto the side bar of cos)
Me: ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! (walked away)
J: MAMA..................ma................................
Happened too many times...
The joy of motherhood....
Scene 1:
Me: Call Mama
J spent a few seconds staring at mama.
Me: call ma....ma..
J: bird................... (or so it sounds. He noes what birds are)
Me: No....call ma....ma...
J staring at mama for a few more seconds.
J: bird..............
Me: Argh..........no lah! mama not bird (and walked away)
J: mama....ma...ma................
Happened 2-3 times.
Scene 2:
Me: call Mama...
J: Pa pa....(and gave me a smirk! I kid you not!)
Me: no...call ma....ma....
J: Pa pa pa pa pa pa pa (and jumping around in his cot, holding onto the side bar of cos)
Me: ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! (walked away)
J: MAMA..................ma................................
Happened too many times...
The joy of motherhood....
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Another evening all alone with my little one.
Can I say I have quite a "reputation" in my industry. Or rather my sis and I, we have quite a reputation. We once found out someone gave us the nickname "the fierce ones/sisters". Rather than feeling offended, I find it all too amusing. It's not a cutesy nick for sure, but i like it. We have other nicks of cos, such as the more common one "the pair of sisters", but this one is definitely my favourite. I once told someone who pissed me off "I eat little boys for breakfast" (besides Jarrett of cos) when I know he's already terrified of me. AHAHAHA..I am so mean..Wx once said if a newbie in telesales should call someone like me, he's downright suay.
Now, there's a saying which states that everyone has a weakness or as commonly said in Taiwanese shows, "Wo bai gei ni le". This is definitely the case for me when it comes to Jarrett. This evening is another mother & son quality time. Wx has a paper and so left Jarrett and I alone at home. I was a bundle of nerves before Wx left. I prepared everything in advance while Jarrett was napping, such as getting his dinner all nicely laid out on a tray, his pyjamas, wash cloths all ready by the side, my trusty Hotsling on stand by, his fav. CD (actually he only watches one) all ready in the player.... I was all prepared and ready. So confident was I, that I actually had the nerves to wake the little guy up from his nap! This takes a lot of courage ok, cos Jarrett strikes everyone in the family, grandma included, with fear when he's all cranky during meal time and this always happen when he's tired/sleepy. Infact, each time he refuses to nap, we'll all break down into cold sweat when his meal time comes. It's the same case when he doesn't get enough sleep.
God must have been watching over me this evening, cos Jarrett was a total angel! I know I sound like a really lousy mum, so terrified of doing the most natural thing every mother should know - taking care of their babies. But I am, I still have so.....much more to learn. Unlike Wx who's a natural parent, I confess I have so much more work to do, as in learning to be a parent. I can cook ok well for Jarrett, and I earnestly read up on parenting/child development but when it comes to practical, I am just so argh........
Anyway, today's a total success. Both of us had lots of fun together. Jarrett laughed at all the stupid things I did and we played balls. While submitting my report to the father, he even got a little jealous at how much fun we had. Well, today's not much but I certainly think it has made me more confident as a mother. =)
Now, there's a saying which states that everyone has a weakness or as commonly said in Taiwanese shows, "Wo bai gei ni le". This is definitely the case for me when it comes to Jarrett. This evening is another mother & son quality time. Wx has a paper and so left Jarrett and I alone at home. I was a bundle of nerves before Wx left. I prepared everything in advance while Jarrett was napping, such as getting his dinner all nicely laid out on a tray, his pyjamas, wash cloths all ready by the side, my trusty Hotsling on stand by, his fav. CD (actually he only watches one) all ready in the player.... I was all prepared and ready. So confident was I, that I actually had the nerves to wake the little guy up from his nap! This takes a lot of courage ok, cos Jarrett strikes everyone in the family, grandma included, with fear when he's all cranky during meal time and this always happen when he's tired/sleepy. Infact, each time he refuses to nap, we'll all break down into cold sweat when his meal time comes. It's the same case when he doesn't get enough sleep.
God must have been watching over me this evening, cos Jarrett was a total angel! I know I sound like a really lousy mum, so terrified of doing the most natural thing every mother should know - taking care of their babies. But I am, I still have so.....much more to learn. Unlike Wx who's a natural parent, I confess I have so much more work to do, as in learning to be a parent. I can cook ok well for Jarrett, and I earnestly read up on parenting/child development but when it comes to practical, I am just so argh........
Anyway, today's a total success. Both of us had lots of fun together. Jarrett laughed at all the stupid things I did and we played balls. While submitting my report to the father, he even got a little jealous at how much fun we had. Well, today's not much but I certainly think it has made me more confident as a mother. =)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A mad mother's rambling
I "caught" my nephew with his gf in the library the other day. I emphasize on the open inverted ", cos I didn't set out to catch them. I just happened to "catch" them when I was in the lib on Sunday. I can honestly say I am quite open minded when it comes to teenage dating. We have all been there after all. But the sight of the young couple made me sad. It's not because I am upset with my nephew (who's only 15 but then at 15, we all thought we knew everything rite) but I suddenly realised, my time with Jarrett where he's all mine, is relatively short. Was it just yesterday that my nephew was drooling all over himself and crawling all over as an infant? It certainly feel like a short time ago and now he's all grown up, dating a girl!
I don't think I'll become one of those crazy, possessive mummies who refused to let go of their sons and make their daughter-in-laws lives miserable. I am really quite a nice person (ahahaha) and don't think I'll ever become so mean. Independence is definitly a trait I want Jarrett to have. but I just can't help feeling miserable with the thought of him leaving the nest. I think mummies reading this may be able to empathize with how I feel while others may think I am mad.
Looking at how fast kids grow and mature these days, I better grab hold of the next 15 years and spend it well with Jarrett.
I don't think I'll become one of those crazy, possessive mummies who refused to let go of their sons and make their daughter-in-laws lives miserable. I am really quite a nice person (ahahaha) and don't think I'll ever become so mean. Independence is definitly a trait I want Jarrett to have. but I just can't help feeling miserable with the thought of him leaving the nest. I think mummies reading this may be able to empathize with how I feel while others may think I am mad.
Looking at how fast kids grow and mature these days, I better grab hold of the next 15 years and spend it well with Jarrett.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
@ the spa this evening
Got myself some "me" time this evening and pop over to the spa. When the masseuse was about to start the scrub:
Masseuse: Will you like your chest area to be done as well?
Me: No.
Masseuse: Oh..ok
Me: I'm still breastfeeding.
Masseuse: Oh....
30mins later when the massage just started and she was working out the knots in my shoulder and back:
Masseuse: So when I press like this (proceed to press down on my upper back), will the milk squirt out?
Me: erm...no...(DUH!!!)
Another 30mins later when she was massaging my arms:
Masseuse: so how come you can go around without feeding the baby the whole day and still no milk will leak out.
Me thinking "OMG KILL ME"
Me: Erm..I'll express the milk at work.
Masseur: Oh...........
Masseuse: Will you like your chest area to be done as well?
Me: No.
Masseuse: Oh..ok
Me: I'm still breastfeeding.
Masseuse: Oh....
30mins later when the massage just started and she was working out the knots in my shoulder and back:
Masseuse: So when I press like this (proceed to press down on my upper back), will the milk squirt out?
Me: erm...no...(DUH!!!)
Another 30mins later when she was massaging my arms:
Masseuse: so how come you can go around without feeding the baby the whole day and still no milk will leak out.
Me thinking "OMG KILL ME"
Me: Erm..I'll express the milk at work.
Masseur: Oh...........
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
I survived!
and I am so proud of myself. Seriously. It's not easy to go on a long trip as a nursing mum, especially when you are with a tour which cannot accomodate your needs. The first day was the toughest, on my 2nd pump on the plane, I felt really sorry for myself and I was plagued with worries on how to survive the rest of the trip when I got into Rome. So the first day was a bumper, jet lagged and stressed out. I even felt like going home, didn't help that I was missing Jarrett.
Surprisingly, it got easier from the 2nd day onwards, I just got into the swing, and had no problem expressing on the coach or anywhere else. It helped that the tour pace was relatively ok, sometimes with breaks in the day where I could hop back to the room for an hour or so. It also helped that my travelling companion, aka my sis was very supportive. She even helped me to time when would be the next pump and was very accomodating when I said I would need to return to the hotel every 4-5hours when we were on our own in Florence/Rome. The huge problem I had was when we got into Venice. There was some screwed up with the schedule and I had to go without a pump for 7 hrs. You can imagine how sulky I was and I went around whinning (ya..again). Poor sis had to endure with my black face. Apart from that, all went relatively well. I got a few weird looks now and then from the people sitting around and near us, and the tour director looked really curious when she came round our seats when I was in the mist of expressing, and the air steward who looked really shocked when he saw my bottles of milk (with no baby?!?) when I went to the gallery, asking where I could wash my bottles.
The tough part about the trip was missing Jarrett and worrying whether he was okay. Wx said he was really fussy the whole time I was away and drank so little milk. When I got back, the 1st time he saw me, he broke into a smile and then he got really angry and started shoving me away but at the same time holding on to me (does it make sense?) and wailing. The little one was showing me he was really angry I was away for so long, leaving him behind. I felt so gulity! While a part of me feel good knowing that my baby missed me when I was away, another part of me feel so bad that he had a really tough time and wasn't eating and sleeping well. For the rest of the day, Jarrett would follow me with his eyes whenever we were in the same room. This morning when I left him for work, he showed me his pissed off face again. Argh............I don't think there's going to be another long trip anytime soon! If there is, he's going to have to come with me.
Surprisingly, it got easier from the 2nd day onwards, I just got into the swing, and had no problem expressing on the coach or anywhere else. It helped that the tour pace was relatively ok, sometimes with breaks in the day where I could hop back to the room for an hour or so. It also helped that my travelling companion, aka my sis was very supportive. She even helped me to time when would be the next pump and was very accomodating when I said I would need to return to the hotel every 4-5hours when we were on our own in Florence/Rome. The huge problem I had was when we got into Venice. There was some screwed up with the schedule and I had to go without a pump for 7 hrs. You can imagine how sulky I was and I went around whinning (ya..again). Poor sis had to endure with my black face. Apart from that, all went relatively well. I got a few weird looks now and then from the people sitting around and near us, and the tour director looked really curious when she came round our seats when I was in the mist of expressing, and the air steward who looked really shocked when he saw my bottles of milk (with no baby?!?) when I went to the gallery, asking where I could wash my bottles.
The tough part about the trip was missing Jarrett and worrying whether he was okay. Wx said he was really fussy the whole time I was away and drank so little milk. When I got back, the 1st time he saw me, he broke into a smile and then he got really angry and started shoving me away but at the same time holding on to me (does it make sense?) and wailing. The little one was showing me he was really angry I was away for so long, leaving him behind. I felt so gulity! While a part of me feel good knowing that my baby missed me when I was away, another part of me feel so bad that he had a really tough time and wasn't eating and sleeping well. For the rest of the day, Jarrett would follow me with his eyes whenever we were in the same room. This morning when I left him for work, he showed me his pissed off face again. Argh............I don't think there's going to be another long trip anytime soon! If there is, he's going to have to come with me.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
the thing with over enthusiastic grandparents
Once the grandparents heard Jarrett's starting on solid, they couldn't wait to start giving him treats. Last Sun, we all went out for dinner to celebrate my niece 15th birthday. Boy was it a stressful night for Wx. We ended the meal with a really cute watermelon cake (tasted and looked like one). Now, before the cake, the grandparents had been cooing over the baby and kept saying Jarrett's a big boy now, and should be given bits of food to try. Hello!!! Little Jarrett is only 5.5 months old! To which, my Mum very proudly insisted I was fed with porridge at 3mths! Horrors!!! No wonder I grew up a fat kid! My stomach probably never had enough time to mature before it was stuffed with food and it was all left in there to rot! And when I asked her when I should introduce meat, she said "Don't know. When you wanted to eat, I just fed you" Argh...and was told I went on to rice when I was 9mths old. Let's just say I am glad I am the one in charge of Jarrett's diet now. Oh ya..my dad also very proudly claimed he introduced me to my 1st sip of beer when i was in my toddlerage, which probably explained why I love my drinks..but strangly not beer and probably why I didn't end up in Harvard cos I lost some major IQ points there.
Ok, side track too much, back to the cake. So the birthday song was sang (3x) and the cake was distributed. This was when the stress started. My dad started saying Jarrett should be given a taste of it since the little fellow had been "licking" his lips the whole night and sticking out his tongue whenever he saw the adults eating. I, of course said no. My sister kept quiet but kept giving me the look. I'm guessing it was the "oh o...." look. Then my mum chipped in and said a little wouldn't harm and it would be fun for the baby to try. I again said no and explained very patiently that Jarrett's not ready for butter, cream, sugar and food colouring! He had only started on rice cereal and pumpkin thus far. My dad picked up his fork and dug out a small piece of cake and proceeded to shove it into Jarrett's face! Ok, it was war time! I yelled no, covered Jarrett's mouth and shot my dad murderous looks. Poor Wx was just caught in the middle, cause Jarrett was seated on his lap while me and my dad went on a tug of war. Lucky for him, Jarrett was due for a feed, so we packed up and left before the others did.
I'm not surprise if I'm named the "VERY DIFFICULT MUM" now. Yes, I'm fussy but I'm not sorry about it. I'm just being the mother hen, taking care of my little one. I'm also not saying my mum did a lousy job taking care of me, cos she certainly brought me up well. It's just that time has changed, and with it brought new knowledge and methods of parenting. With my family history of allergies, I have to be more diligent than the other mummies. So folks, sorry if I had offended you, I'm sure I loved your porridge when I was 3months old and I now know why I can hold my drinks so well!
Ok, side track too much, back to the cake. So the birthday song was sang (3x) and the cake was distributed. This was when the stress started. My dad started saying Jarrett should be given a taste of it since the little fellow had been "licking" his lips the whole night and sticking out his tongue whenever he saw the adults eating. I, of course said no. My sister kept quiet but kept giving me the look. I'm guessing it was the "oh o...." look. Then my mum chipped in and said a little wouldn't harm and it would be fun for the baby to try. I again said no and explained very patiently that Jarrett's not ready for butter, cream, sugar and food colouring! He had only started on rice cereal and pumpkin thus far. My dad picked up his fork and dug out a small piece of cake and proceeded to shove it into Jarrett's face! Ok, it was war time! I yelled no, covered Jarrett's mouth and shot my dad murderous looks. Poor Wx was just caught in the middle, cause Jarrett was seated on his lap while me and my dad went on a tug of war. Lucky for him, Jarrett was due for a feed, so we packed up and left before the others did.
I'm not surprise if I'm named the "VERY DIFFICULT MUM" now. Yes, I'm fussy but I'm not sorry about it. I'm just being the mother hen, taking care of my little one. I'm also not saying my mum did a lousy job taking care of me, cos she certainly brought me up well. It's just that time has changed, and with it brought new knowledge and methods of parenting. With my family history of allergies, I have to be more diligent than the other mummies. So folks, sorry if I had offended you, I'm sure I loved your porridge when I was 3months old and I now know why I can hold my drinks so well!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Exhaustion has done me in..
I'm a bad mummy. I did the unthinkable yesterday. I hit my baby "wail.....................". In case you are thinking, no..i didn't bash him against the wall or kick him in the head...it was a tap on his hand but I am dying from shame and eaten by guilt ever since. How could I hit my precious little meatball??? I am a monster!!! The father has been shaking his head at me which adds on to my guilt.
What made me snapped was exhaustion. I have been trying to be a supermom, and boy, it's not easy. Having to juggle a career with motherhood and being a wife is no joke. After a long day in the office, I return home each day, eager to spend some time with my son, but along the way, there are endless chores to be done. There were a few times where I felt like I was going to black out. I know I should take it easy and probably leave the baby with my in laws who are all too eager to take up the duty of babysitting overnite but I want to spend time with my baby too. 24hrs are no longer enough, I feel like I am racing against time and at times I feel like my heart is going to pop out from my chest as I run from one place to the next. I even feel like sleeping when I am behind the wheels.
So on Sunday when the little one just wouldn't calm down and stopped crying, coupled with my super duper low tolerance level whenever I am very tired, I snapped and hit him on his hand. I am not feeling very proud now. Exhaustion is not an excuse. Mummy's sorry Baby Jarrett.
I now understand the saying "when a parent beats a child, it's the parent who will hurt more".
What made me snapped was exhaustion. I have been trying to be a supermom, and boy, it's not easy. Having to juggle a career with motherhood and being a wife is no joke. After a long day in the office, I return home each day, eager to spend some time with my son, but along the way, there are endless chores to be done. There were a few times where I felt like I was going to black out. I know I should take it easy and probably leave the baby with my in laws who are all too eager to take up the duty of babysitting overnite but I want to spend time with my baby too. 24hrs are no longer enough, I feel like I am racing against time and at times I feel like my heart is going to pop out from my chest as I run from one place to the next. I even feel like sleeping when I am behind the wheels.
So on Sunday when the little one just wouldn't calm down and stopped crying, coupled with my super duper low tolerance level whenever I am very tired, I snapped and hit him on his hand. I am not feeling very proud now. Exhaustion is not an excuse. Mummy's sorry Baby Jarrett.
I now understand the saying "when a parent beats a child, it's the parent who will hurt more".
Monday, March 03, 2008
My first weekend with Jarrett
Yes, I have been a mother for 10 weeks, and no, prior to last weekend, I had never really been alone with Jarrett. There were a few times where Wx had to go out for 1-3hrs, leaving baby and I at home but being a newborn, Jarrett spent most of the those time sleeping.
So last weekend was the first time I was really alone with Jarrett. For one whole week, I was feeling so stressed about THE WEEKEND! I whined to everyone who would listen to me and thought of ways to prepare myself.
For those who are not aware, Wx has been the one doing most of the work when it comes to taking care of Jarrett. I mostly only nurse, comfort and play with him. My sis laughed at my anxiety and told me when the time comes, I would automatically slip into maternal mode and enjoy myself.
Was she right? Yeap..she was! I enjoyed myself alright. There were a few stressful moments like lugging my 12kg pram into the car boot with a fussing baby and Jarrett crying when I was cooking noodles, but overall, the weekend was a success. I have picked up a few new skills along the way, like eating with a baby on my lap, driving alone with Jarrett and operating my stroller which is not easy ok! I did mention it's 12 kg rite?
By the time Wx returned home at night, Jarrett had fallen asleep in my arms. I felt a profound sense of achievement and motherhood had never felt so great. I'm definitly looking forward to more time alone with my baby son. 
Taken over the weekend just before he took his nap.
So last weekend was the first time I was really alone with Jarrett. For one whole week, I was feeling so stressed about THE WEEKEND! I whined to everyone who would listen to me and thought of ways to prepare myself.
For those who are not aware, Wx has been the one doing most of the work when it comes to taking care of Jarrett. I mostly only nurse, comfort and play with him. My sis laughed at my anxiety and told me when the time comes, I would automatically slip into maternal mode and enjoy myself.
Was she right? Yeap..she was! I enjoyed myself alright. There were a few stressful moments like lugging my 12kg pram into the car boot with a fussing baby and Jarrett crying when I was cooking noodles, but overall, the weekend was a success. I have picked up a few new skills along the way, like eating with a baby on my lap, driving alone with Jarrett and operating my stroller which is not easy ok! I did mention it's 12 kg rite?
By the time Wx returned home at night, Jarrett had fallen asleep in my arms. I felt a profound sense of achievement and motherhood had never felt so great. I'm definitly looking forward to more time alone with my baby son.
Taken over the weekend just before he took his nap.
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