My Precious Lil' Princess

Julia Gabriel Term End Party

2007-03-09T19:46:00.000+08:00

It was the term-end party for lil' Ash today! Theme for the term: Things People Do. Thus, she was dressed up as a lil ballerina.

Lil' Ash dressed in her tutu, standing

next to her sweet German classmate

Lil' Ash has completed 1 term of English Playclub. It was a regret that I couldn't join her for the party today. The rest of her classmates turned up with their parents. Lil' Ash was the only one without the company of her parents. Hubby & I are truly guilty that we couldn't be with her due to work commitments. Helper mentioned that she wasn't in a cheery mood. Perhaps, she felt the absence of her parents.

Helper has been telling me that she has become attached to her teachers. She is always standing in front, listening attentively. It's a pity that I am not around to witness her behaviour & developments.

As usual, she's standing right in front of

the class again, making the "U" sound

The quality of the playclub programme is indeed a cut above other enrichment programmes I can find in Singapore. Activities conducted in the class are able to instill interests in learning for her. After she has started attending this programme, her development accelerated. She dances and sings, and her vocabulary and word comprehension have greatly increased. It's money well-spent.

Back in Action Soon

2007-03-06T19:11:00.000+08:00

Will be back in action soon.

Two pink lines.... here n gone....

2006-06-30T16:58:00.000+08:00

Two pink lines, albeit one faint yet visible to the naked eye and to the pragmatic lil' Ash's papa. I had to strain and squint to make the faint line darker so it would seem more definitive, more certain. I was skeptical but I didn't want to worry much.

We all thought we were going to have a new 'addition' to our family in March 07, lil Ash was going to be a JIE JIE in a few months' time......

All our hopes were dashed. I had a chemical pregnancy (a very early miscarriage) today, on 30th June 2006.

I was "technically" pregnant (produced the chemical HCG), but a normal pregnancy did not result.

Suffering from a miscarriage can be traumatic. Not only is it taxing on me physically but emotionally as well.There were lots of mummies who wrote about multiple miscarriages with years of trouble conceiving, late-term miscarriages, and still births. I am considered "luckier" as compared to these mums. I hadn't bonded with this baby, hadn't sung to it or felt it kick. I hope I can emerge as a stronger person after this ordeal. Afterall, I am blessed with lil' Ash.

Discharged!

2006-06-29T23:25:00.000+08:00

Lil' Ash seemed to be a cheery mood when she woke up this morning. Perhaps, her medication and calamine solution helped to ease her itch.

Her rashes have started to fade. She was feeding well and no longer fuss as much as she did yesterday. She was back to her 80% of usual self... she could play with us, nurses and the other mummies in the ward.

Fever has subsided. Pruritic rashes have definitely faded too. She no longer needs to face the masked doctors or nurses. She no longer needs to sleep on the uncomfortable cot mattress in KKH. She was officially discharged today!!!

The diagnosis still remains a mystery. The principal cause of her illness may be due to antibiotics allergy. It is still unknown. Nevertheless, I can't wait for the return of my lil' healthy precious girl!

Scarred

2006-06-26T22:21:00.000+08:00

From a cheerful and cheeky lil' girl.....

to a lil' girl covered with horrendous red spots!

How would you feel when you see your own child in this state?

I was utterly heartbroken.

Questions ran through my mind to narrow down the root cause of these horrendous rashes. Was it caused egg yolk allergy? Was it caused by air contaminants? Was it caused by drug allergy? Were they post-viral fever rashes? Was she down with measles? Or was she down with some incurable disease?!

The rashes started as tiny red spots that resembled diaper rashes. The spots seemed to 'bloom' within a short period. She was attacked by another bout of fever again. This time round, she cried unconsolably. We knew she was feeling awful coz of her fever and itch! Constantly, I felt bouts of sadness whenever she was brawling big time. All of us seemed to be in a frantic state.
We had no choice but to send her to KKH. She was on her unusual behaviour. A girl who seldoms cry became a brawling toddler overnight. A girl who smiles sweetly at me became a sick and grouchy toddler overnight. All of us couldn't accept the fact.

Mummies with babies shunned away from us when they saw lil' Ash in such a state in KKH. Though I felt hurt by their reponses, as a mother myself, I understand their worries.

Trust me, her rashes certainly looked worse. We didn't have the mood to take photographs of her when the spots seemed to 'bloom' within a short period. Confluent rashes were found not only on her face, but all over. Her limbs, arms, tummy, back....... whole body were covered with big red spots that showed signs of darkening. PD admitted her for further medical examinations. Poor lil' girl was pricked so many times! It was a heart-wrenching moment for Papa Ash and me to see our lil' girl crying her lungs out. She refused to be placed in the cot. Apparently, she was tired. But she couldn't sleep due to the itch. All we could do was to sign and rock her to sleep. Evetually, she fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion.

The medical team in charge of her ward couldn't figure out the cause of her rare case of occurrence of such rashes. They suspected mycoplasma pneumonia (infection of lungs, rashes & fever are one of the symptoms) but her blood test and x-ray results didn't confirm that she wasn't infected by this deadly bacterium. They suspected that the anitbiotics she had more than a week may be the 'culprit'!

Thank God, within a few hours, her fever was settling after suppository was given. Rashes started to fade when she was given anti-histamine to reduce the rashes.

V is for Varicella

2006-06-19T21:53:00.000+08:00

Chicken pox is becoming a disease of the Stone Age so to speak.

Although chicken pox vaccination is available and recommended, it is not universally a part of the standard immunization package, and therefore, I am leery about trying it. But I can't imagine lil' Ash being covered with epidermal eruptions.

Although this varicella vaccine is only 70-90% effective & she's going to half-day childcare in 6 months' time, we went ahead to let lil' Ash take this vaccination as a preventive measure.

With so many vaccinations on the schedule already and many more in the pipeline, I do feel a little overwhelmed. In 2 months' time, she has to take MMR and pneumococcal jabs! Yikes!

Height: 76.5cm
Weight: 8.835kg

Paracetamol! Amoxycillin! Syringe! Suppositories!

2006-06-15T21:26:00.000+08:00

These four are lil Ash's 'instruments of torture'! High fever! Cough! Sore throat!

Her PD was away for a holiday, we had no choice but to consult a GP in our vicinity. She was prescribed antibiotics amoxycillin for treatment of her sore throat. I was skeptical as it was her 1st prescription of antibiotics. I am quite apprehensive about the consumption of antibiotics at such tender age. However, GP reassured us that it's the only fastest way to cure her sore throat. I gave in.

Her fever was hovering as high as 39.8 degrees celcius. It was no joking matter. She coughed till her face turned red, cried till her voice turned husky. All we can do is to force medicine into her mouth, stick suppositories into her anus so as to bring her temperature down.

Meaningful

2006-06-15T07:00:00.000+08:00

Among all the hongbaos & gifts lil' Ash has received for her 1st birthday, this hongbao is the most meaningful.

An hongbao from lil Ash's "Da Gu Po" (Big Grand-Aunt). Meaningful words written on an hongbao by a sick woman... ... she is diagnosed with cancer and has to undergo chemotherapy. Coz of the post-therapy side-effects she is suffering from, she isn't in a good condition to join us for the party. May she recover soon.

My Lil' Toddler

2006-06-12T15:22:00.000+08:00

I love you my pretty lil' princess,
You're 1 year old today.
You're a really precious bundle
A happy sun-shiny ray.
You simply love to smile,
And beckon with your laughters.
You're our lil miracle,
Your antics we can't get enough.
At times it can be trying,
But we know you're worth our while.
Just like a marathoner
We're counting down every mile.

Happy 1st Birthday!

Lil Ash's Very 1st Birthday Bash Part 1

2006-06-11T19:56:00.000+08:00

The BIG DAY has come & gone... ... It's lil' Ash very 1st birthday bash.

Did she enjoy herself? Perhaps not very. Not with guests clustering around. Not with the party hat which she has to put on. Not with the lack of sleep for her. Nevertheless, she enjoyed the company of her lil' friends and of coz, she got to savour her birthday cake and other dishes from the buffet spread.

I'm amazed how this lil' beanie has emerged to become my lil' precious princess... ...

Goodie bags for the lil' children

Pink + Purple theme for her 1st party

My DIY "ASHLYN" to complement the pink birthday banner

Mylar bouquet, placed near our doorway

Lil Ash's Very 1st Birthday Bash Part 2

2006-06-11T18:40:00.000+08:00

Lovely mini-cupcakes

3D Pooh Birthday Cake, with compliments from lil' Ash's Nai Nai

The mini figurines on the "grass patch"

She's No Longer A Baby... ...

2006-06-11T08:04:00.000+08:00

Weight: 8.835kg
Height: 76.5cm

She will be OFFICALLY ONE year old tomorrow.

Look! How much she has grown! She has become my lil' toddler.

As I am writing this, I am reminiscing those moments I have spent with her. She is my pride & joy. I am most happy when I receive compliments on lil' Ash's sunshine personality and also how responsive and communicative she is.

Things she likes to do recently:
* Open & close her cabinet
* Dig into my bag for 'treasures'
* Touch the socket near the TV
* Engage in gibberish conversation with magazines/books/toys

Countdown 1, 2, 3... ...

2006-06-08T19:50:00.000+08:00

Countdown day – 1,2,3…..3 days more to go before my lil' Ash's “BIG DAY” come. We are going to celebrate her 1st Birthday this Sunday, 11th June 06.

We really want to mark her special day with a joyous and memorable birthday celebration. We are all ready and anticipating a good time. Hereby, in advance, I would like to wish my lil' sweetheart a merry merry happy and fun birthday. Ashlyn, you are the apple of my eyes.

Glenn Doman

2006-06-05T20:56:00.000+08:00

Finally invested 1K on English, Maths & Chinese flashcards. Struggled quite a while before I decided to spend such money. It makes me more motivated to flash to her everyday. Every time when I pull out the flashcards, I see that she knows it's study time and sometimes focuses intensely and giggles when I or papa Ash flashes her the card.

The Baby Einstein Series

2006-05-31T20:34:00.000+08:00

I finally got hold of the Baby Einstein series after months of procrastinating. I am not a huge tv fan myself. I am definitely not going to make the lil' one a tv addict. Somehow, the glare and fast moving motions worries me about early onset of myopia as lil' Ash has been watching Signing Time & Hi-5 everyday.
So many parents gave good reviews about the Baby Einstein series. I couldn't resist not buying one set of lil' Ash too.

Actually, I was quite disappointed by the show initially. Looks like some low cost production that is really boring, starring soft muppets talking in an incomprehensible squeaky tongue, a bunch of babies wriggling frantically, toddlers jumping wildly, followed by showing various pictures and their corresponding pronunciation, then video clips of them in real life setting, with lots of music and songs throughout. But that is exactly what babies need. Simple and clean images, at least not over whelmingly stressful to the tiny brain. I am keeping my fingers crossed that lil' Ash will enjoy watching the Einstein series as much as Signing Time series.

Teary Lil' Ash

2006-05-28T17:47:00.000+08:00

My heart nearly stopped beating today. There was so much blood. Well, for a first-timer like me, it was a lot. Her pyjamas was stained. My pyjamas was stained. Bed was stained... ...

She was brawling big-time at 1.30am. Turned on the lights. But what horrified me was to see blood trickling down from the corner of her lips! I was panic-stricken, didn't know what to do - the blood had smeared all over!

Brrr... it's a chilling sigh! Nothing we did, could appease or soothe her. Her piercing wails reverberated in our bedroom till 7.30am.

I snuggled up close to her. It hurt me to see her in this state. We could not apprehend how she had a cut on the side of her mouth, when she has only teeth in front.

Hat! More!

2006-05-27T21:51:00.000+08:00

Lil' Ash started signing MORE (putting fingertips of 2 hands together)and HAT (patting head with 2 hands) today! Good to know that the Signing Times DVDs are working well for lil' Ash. They manage to captivate her.. the music, stickiness of it all gradually grow on her.

Lil' Ash's "Face-lifted" Room

2006-05-22T21:22:00.000+08:00

From this,

to this!

Lil' Ash's room needed a face-lift. I found the green walls as dull as ditchwater. I decided to give a new 'look' and it took me 2 days to revamp her room. It was a great sense of achievement. We wanted to make lil' Ash's room an inviting and pleasant place for her to be in. The atmosphere should be attractive and comfortable. According to Maria Montessori, the environment itself has a profound influence on the child’s development and learning.

Painting: I had contemplated between pink & purple. Chose purple in the end. Thanks to lil' Ash's grandpa, the painting service was done by his worker so it was FOC! I merely paid for the materials.

Furniture: I laid my eyes on Ikea's Mammut series. Thanks to my sister Krystene and my future brother-in-law! They were the ones who spent hours helping me to assemble the furniture. It was indeed a remarkable feat!

Birthday Preparation

2006-05-21T12:29:00.000+08:00

In 3 weeks' time, lil' Ash will be celebrating her 1st birthday.
I am getting excited!

Part 1: Birthday Cake
I have ordered her 3-D Pooh Birthday Cake with Ecreative. It was a tough choice as lil' Ash prefers Tigger. But the Tigger design that Ecreative has, isn't attractive enough. Thus, Papa Ash & I have decided to have the Pooh instead.

Part 2: Figurines for birthday cake
Surfed the net for Pooh & family figurines since February 06. It wans't easy finding the entire family of Pooh figurines. Bought this set from Yahoo auctions after pondering for a week. It's only 2 cm tall per figurine. Hope the figurines won't "tarnish" the image of the birthday cake coz I'll be the one placing the figurines on the cake myself on that day!
Part 3: Decorations
I've gone to Party City in Raffles Place. Their items are super duper expensive. One Pearl helium balloon is $1.60!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Day-light robbery! One big pack of 100 balloons in Concourse is merely $10. Ended up buying the decorations, balloons & mylar bouquets in Concourse.

Part 4: Party Favours
I am spoilt for choices at Concourse which stocks loads of party stuff!

Part 5: Venue, Date & Time selection
Decided to hold a buffet party at our humble abode. Fixed on 11th June 06, 3pm! Ordered buffet from Neo Garden as we ordered from them for lil' Ash's full month before and they have 20% discount for first birthdays!

Part 6: Spring cleaning
Hmmm.... Some spring cleaning ought to be done a few days' before the party. Whole house is literally "colonised" by lil' Ash. Her things are all found in every part of the house, her bedroom, our studyroom, our masterbedroom, our living room, our storeroom and even the toilets!

I envy lil' Ash. I have never had a party in my life before!

No. 2?

2006-05-20T20:26:00.000+08:00

No... I am not expecting No.2. Perhaps, we may just stop at ONE.

I guess one of the best things to give lil' Ash is a sibling (That's just my personal view. Some are happy to have just one child and that's fine too if everyone in the family is happy with that)... I love my sisters, one 3 years and the other 8 years younger than me. I think they're great, our sisterly relationship will last until the ends of our days. If only I can provide a little sister/brother for her too.........

If second one comes along, the whole family dynamics changes dramatically. Lil' Ash has to learn to adjust from being the only one to become a sibling. With a sibling, of course, comes sibling rivalry and love too.

With the addition of lil' Ash, our expenditure increased. Papa Ash has decided to stop at ONE. Facing the facts, he feels that having a 2nd baby means we need more $. Eventually, we need to plan for our own retirement and build up our rainy day cache. If we have an additional child, it means our expenditure will increase two-fold. Of course, I was rather disappointed when he expressed his views. We have always wanted to have two or even three kiddos. To me, I believe with some belt-tightening, we can afford to have two kiddos.

Indeed, balancing the household budget can be a tricky thing especially for young couples, like us, who has just started our families.

There she goes: Buuu...Buuuu....

2006-05-19T21:26:00.000+08:00

The turbulent nights were over for quite some time, but recently, lil' Ash is up to some new tricks again. Except for the refusing of the bottle, she has always been a very good eater. I always secretly congratulate myself for having such an "easy to handle" baby when it comes to meal time. Cereal, porridge, meat, greens, fruits, she will take them gladly. Except for some occasional fussing, she will sit on her high chair to let us feed her with TV turned on to entertain/distract her during meal time. Usually, she will finish her meal in about 10-15min, not much struggling or wrestling needed.

But she has just decided to make things difficult for me. She is into spitting out her food lately. One spoonful of the "oh so yummy and nutritious" baby muesli into her mouth, and there she goes, “buuu buuu buuu" like lava flowing out of the crater. And it just continues like this, one spoon in followed by another eruption. Well, she will take a few spoonfuls now and then when she feels like it, but goes spitting out the food most of the time. And this really frustrates me. She wasted the food, dirtied the chair, and smeared the erupted food all over her body. The worst of all, when I showed her a very black face and reprimanded her in a stern voice, she ignored me and started showing her pouted lips!

Is she tired of the food? Is she teething again? Or is she just naughty? Sigh* how can I make a baby understand that she is not supposed to do that!

Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-14T21:10:00.000+08:00

A Mother's Day Thought

Today is Mother’s Day
To honour you in a special way.
I thank you for all your love...
For all that you do and say.

I thank you for the many years
you worked to keep me fed.
I think about the unnecessary tears
that I caused you to shed.

The 11th Month

2006-05-12T22:05:00.000+08:00

Lil' Ash has turned 11 months, and in one month's time, she will no longer be a baby but will graduate to toddler-hood! This 11th month has been the most magical to us.

My little girl is more secure now and is learning to enjoy the pleasure of playing alone.

The 11th month really marks the start of another steeper learning curve. Where she just stared blankly at our actions during the earlier months, now she would try to imitate the adults though most of the times the hands ends up at the wrong places. The spirit of learning is blooming.

She has not talked yet, her vocabulary power is expanding. She knows "Clap", "No", "Yeah", "Papa", "Mama", "Flying Kiss" & "Bye Bye". She still uses " dah or yeyeye" when she tries to talk to us about her exciting world. I believe she would probably call "papa" first, because she goes "dah dah dah" all the time. Anyway, we are happy that she is making sound.

She has not walked yet, but is trying to do so. She has been standing up when holding furniture for support but never dare to make her first step forward. That must require a giant leap of faith or courage.

These are bits and pieces of lil' Ash magical month.

Papa's Dislocated Arm

2006-05-11T21:55:00.000+08:00

Yes, that's lil' Ash with Papa's arm in a cast.

Papa Ash was flung off from his bicycle during his training. I was overwhelmed when I first saw Papa Ash in CGH A&E.
In an arm sling,
With bandaged forehead,
Abrasions all over his body,
And an anguished face.
It was a heart-rending sight for me.

It was a relief that there are no internal injuries except for his dislocated arm. Maybe, it's a blessing in disguise. It's a chance for him to build a closer bond with lil' Ash during his MC days.

Bad Hair Day

2006-05-09T23:26:00.000+08:00

I am glad that lil' Ash's hair takes longer to dry. It proves that her hair is much longer and thicker. Looking forward to the day when I can tie her hair.

Hand-Foot-Mouth Scare

2006-05-06T20:47:00.000+08:00

On Labour Day, lil' Ash was down with fever. She recovered within a day after 2 doses of paracetamol. The same symptom occurred again on 4th May, the fever hovered between 38 to 39 degree celsius but we didn't bring her to see a paeditrician.

Today, she developed rashes all over her body, her limbs, her cheeks, her body.

Was it measles?

Was it HFMD?

My hands and feet turned clammy at the thoughts of lil' Ash having such diseases. I felt my heart crumpled like a paper ball. I was overwhelmed by uncertainty, engulfed by a sense of helplessness and paralysed by fear when I couldn't find a paeditrician at such hour on a Saturday evening! Fortunately, Whampoa clinic is opened from 7pm till 9pm on Saturdays.

Thank God. Lil' Ash is fine. She is diagnosed with Roseola / False Measles. She was prescribed with a cream and Polaramine (dexchlorpheniramine) syrup to ease her itch. The rashes should go away in 1-3 days' time.

Often as parents we worry about anything and everything. Is baby eating well, gaining well, etc etc. The list is very long. When they have a fall or when they are ill, we worry even more. Worry, worry, endless worries... ....

It’s More Than Just Babysitting

2006-05-03T22:19:00.000+08:00

Am I doing the right thing if I leave lil’ash in a childcare centre when she turns 18 months old???

A simple search in www.streetdirectory.com, I can find many childcare centres and kindergartens in my area…. Pat’s schoolhouse, Eton House, Learning Vision, NTUC childcare, Cambridge Novena within a 3km radius.

It’s more than just babysitting. A childcare centre can provide the social and emotional experience which may help lil’ Ash becomes more mature and confident. I am considering back-up plans in case #2 comes along or current domestic helper decides to go back to Philippines at the end of her 2-years contract. Moreover, I’ve always believed that early opportunities for discovery through play provide long-term beneficial effects for later school learning.

My criteria of a suitable child care centre:

1. Caring, loving and attentive teachers who pay attention to ALL children.

2. Safe and clean environment, which means the tables and chairs, teaching aids, emergency staircase, toilets, nice playground, and etc are suitable and safe for children.

3. Location, not too far from home. Easy to leave and pick up children, where the kindergarten has a good "Come and Go" system for vehicles.

4. Easy to access or talk to the teachers about our children, if necessary.

5. Besides academic or homework, there should be some activities which emphasize on a child's well-being, like teaching them how to dress up, pretend play, sports i.e. gym and swimming lesson or outdoor activities, songs and dances, and MORAL too.

6. Not too many children in a class. I think 6 children to 1 teacher ratio is good enough.

Personally, I find the Learning Vision syllabus pretty good. They help to develop a child on the whole. The curriculum for toddlers focuses on interactive learning, providing opportunities for sensorial and kinesthetic exploration of hands-on materials.

We (Lil’ Ash, Papa Ash, helper & myself) visited Learning Vision @ Gentle Road. Apparently, there was some painting works which was still in progress. I wasn’t allowed to snap pictures of the interior.

I’ve registered lil’ Ash with Learning Vision @ Gentle Road to commence on half-day programmes in March 07. Wishes to let her go through a slow transition before converting to full-day programmes.
The reasons why I chose Learning Vision:

1. I like bungalow or semi-detached type of centre.
Learning Vision @ Gentle Road has the following extra facilities:
A small pool for water playing, a garden (with no flowers, only flat grass) with swing for play, a big area where the kids can play those kiddy cars. And since it is a house, it just feel more cosy (when I first go in, I like it immediately... just like a BIG home for the kids). And the whole place is fenced up, so it will be safer, no stranger peeping around.

2. Teachers are caring and the kids are happy.
When we visited this school, one class was having their craft lesson, the other was having their music lesson.

3. Fees are reasonable, according to what the school is offering.
Some centres charge very cheap. Well, I won't consider them because you pay for what you get. The full-day programme fee is $550 (after deducting $150 subsidy) per month.

4. I don't need a Montessori school.
The main thing about Montessori is that they let the kids play some educational materials on their own, to train them to learn how to solve things themselves. However, not all the 10 hrs per day is all Montessori approach. Perhaps, 1 hour is for doing this kind of "special activities". The rest of the time is just like a normal non-montessori kind of approach. Montessori's school fees are much more expensive.

5. The place is clean & tidy.
The toys and teaching materials are kept neatly on shelves. When I first stepped in, it leaves me a good impression.

6. Location
Though it is not a "within walking distance" school, it’s one of the nearest school. It’s quite accessible.

7. Ratio is 1 teacher:8 children.
Quite an acceptable ratio to me.

This is the tentative plan for her, nothing finalized yet.

It’s really not easy being a mum. I hope lil’ Ash can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

Feverish Lil' Ash

2006-05-01T12:21:00.000+08:00

I was truly upset when lil’ Ash woke up from her sleep today and I picked up the little fireball. She was burning up at 39 degrees celsius.

Her fever had made much of a dent in her behaviour. This time, she was super lethargic, whimpering a little here and there, and just wanted to be carried all the time.

I am a little “laissez-faire”, given that lil’ Ash has always recovered remarkably fast in the past. I didn’t bring her to see her Paediatrician, just gave her fever medication with the Koolfever Patch. I reckon her fever was caused by the 6th teeth (upper left lateral incisor) that is erupting.

Thank God, she managed to recover within 24 hours.

Lil' Ash 1st Mobile Phone

2006-04-30T10:27:00.000+08:00

Chanced upon a make-shift stall outside the market selling cheap toys for kids this morning.
Saw many toy mobile phones and thought lil' Ash may love it since she loves playing with our handphones. So, I bought one for her so that she can stop meddling with our handphones.

Lil Ash's Very 1st Mobile Phone

Lil' Miss Pouty

2006-04-29T22:42:00.000+08:00

Not a provocative pout......more of sullen pouts from lil' Ash when she shows her displeasures recently. Her pouts appear almost instantaneously especially when I say "STOP!" or "No!". Nevertheless, her pouts brought smiles to many people around us, especially lil' Ash's grandparents. She's becoming more and more irresistible.

A Head-Start on Potty Training?

2006-04-26T19:53:00.000+08:00

"Where do I get help?" "Where do I turn to for information?", "When do I start?", and "What's next?"

There are no classes or television programs that cover this subject. Potty Training seems like taboo or some unspoken thing. No one wants to talk about it, yet potty training is something we all must go through. Why is it when I left the hospital, after lil' Ash was born, that no one ever gave me a list of 10 things I absolutely need to know when it comes to potty training. They tell us how to hold our baby, how to wash and breastfeed our baby, but nothing on how to potty train our baby!

I realize that I am a little too early to start lil' Ash on potty training now. Being "pro-active", I couldn't resist buying a potty for her when I came across the potty section. The potty is getting more and more fanciful! No longer those 'obsolete' red plastic potty we used in our days!

"Specially-customized" Potty for Lil' Ash

GUG Term End Party

2006-04-23T18:59:00.000+08:00

It was the term end party for lil' Ash. Amazing how fast the last 8 weeks have flown by! I guess lil's Ash has enjoyed herself today, so much playtime, and so much "junk" food!

Lil' Ash's contribution to the potluck party

Lil' Ash overturning the plate!

Lil' Ash having a fun time with Teacher Zee, Teacher Herly & her classmates

New Pair of Mothercare Sandals

2006-04-22T23:43:00.000+08:00

Lil' Ash didn't really like to wear her Shoo Shoos & her Clarks shoes. Her feet were always wet with pespiration after a trip out with either pair of shoes.
I have been hunting high and low for a nice pair of sandals so that it's "airy" enough for her. Finally settled with this pair from Mothercare.

Sleeping Beauty

2006-04-16T21:44:00.000+08:00

She was simply too tired. I seldom see her K.O (Knocked Out)when she's out shopping. Perhaps, the 1.5hrs at Growing Up Gifted has really drained her energy away.

Lil' Ash sleeping soundly in her Quinny Zapp, hugging her FARM ANIMALS fabric book.

So In Love!

2006-04-15T20:15:00.000+08:00

Lil' Ash is so in love with this "不怕不怕" animated MTV(http://www.flash8.net/flash/22836.shtml).
She is always so engrossed in watching this animation whenever I play it for her.

Happy 10 Months Old, Baby!

2006-04-12T17:08:00.000+08:00

I sooooo can't believe that lil' Ash is 10 months old...the whole pregnancy and birthing experience seems kinda surreal..here are her developments...
She hasn't been seeing Dr. Ong for the last mth, so these are Mama's rough estimation of Lil' Ash's growth statistics.

Weight : Should be around 8kg
Height : Should be ard 75cm

Mobility
Crawling - Still an amateur.... she's kinda lazy to crawl. Only crawl when we tempt her with toys.

Cruising - No signs of cruising yet. Can only stand while holding our hands/furniture as her support.

Walking - She hasn't started to walk yet although she is taking tiny wobbly steps when we support her on her underarms.

Language
Speaking - Kept saying "Jie... jie" and "Ar...ar" and a whole bunch of babble talk!

Understanding - She understands it when I or Papa says a firm NO. She starts to blink her eyes whenever we scold her, jerks her hands and body to show her anger. When I say CLAP YOUR HANDS or HIGH-FIVE, she will show the actions accordingly. *Provided she is in a good mood*

Singing - I can't quite make out the difference between her babbling and singing. But she seems to be humming a song at times.

Hands / Legs Coordination
(1) She can wave bye-bye and is slowly learning how to blow kisses from her hand. But she always ends up sucking her own palm.

(2) She knows how to clap her hands in her own way (her left hand will be tapping on her right palm, we see signs that she'll be left-handed.)

(3) She can pick up tiny objects between her thumb and index finger. She has been pointing with her index finger recently.

(4) She's very curious at this stage...she's very interested to know what's in the bag, explores the things we give her to play.

Diet
3 semi-solids meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) comprising of threadfin porridge with different kinds of vege (arrot/broccoli/sweet potato/potato), organic muesli, brown rice & multigrain.... quite a varierty so that the lil' princess will not be sick of her food.
Drinks Enfapro milk 5 times a day, 4-5 oz per time (Amount is still quite pathetic.)

Teeth
She has 4 teeth now, 2 on the upper gums and 2 on the lower gums. Love to see her grins.... no more toothless grins. I've started to brush her teeth and gums with 1st toothpaste on a daily basis.

Others
(1) She knows when we want to place her in her highchair, exersaucer or pram. She will grab us tight.

(2) She still has preference to crumple the pages of a book rather than looking at them.

(3) She would object when we take something away from her by crying loud + her high-pitched screams.

(4) She can lean forward and kiss us on the lips when asked to do so. But her kiss is always very WET coz she doesn't kiss in the proper way, she will kiss in her own special way by opening her mouth wide, throwing to grab our upper & lower lips.

Two Little Dicky Birds

2006-04-09T16:49:00.000+08:00

Two little dicky birds sitting on a wall,
One named Peter, one named Paul.
Fly away Peter, fly away Paul,
Come back Peter, come back Paul!

This is the new Nursery Rhyme Lil' Ash has learnt in Growing Up Gifted today. This is her 'self created' nest with 3 little eggs. It wasn't a wonderful piece of handicraft done that one can rave about. But lil' Ash has definitely enjoyed painting the nest and I'm happy to see her enjoying.

Happy 9 Months, Baby!

2006-03-12T20:32:00.000+08:00

Lil’ Ash turns 9 months old today... Just amazed how time flies, 9 months ago, she is just a tiny lil’ baby and now she does many things. For the past weeks, lil’ Ash seems to be more active, more dynamic, and I would say she’s more fun to play with. She grows taller this month to 71.5cm but weight gain has slowed down, a mere 700g gained over the past 3 months. Hmm…. must be her mobility that slows down her weight gain.

Now, our lil’ bundle of joy can do the following:

Physical Developments
(1) Started crawling. We are concerned about this as she seems to be rather "lazy"
in moving herself.
(2) Knows how to clap, wave hi/bye when we prompt her to do so.
(3) Able to feed herself with small biscuits.

Emotions
(1) Will not smile at just anyone now. She will look at the person first and depending on how the person reacts before responding back with her signature smile(Grinning with closed eyes).
(2) Will squeal in delight when she sees her at the gate.
(3) Starts to have strong separation anxiety with me, Papa Ash and her paternal grandparents.
(4) Knows how to throw tantrum by throwing things away or screaming.
(5) Objects when we take something away from her.
(6) Understands the word 'NO' and able to recognise the tone of our voice.

Speech Development
Some of the stuff she babbles out...
(1) ye-ye
(2) mem-mem
(3) pa-pa
(4) ta-ta
(5) ee-ee
(6) oo-oo
(7) aaaaaaa
(8) hmmmmmmmmm