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July 31, 2008

Today, He Flipped!

Yes, 3 months and 3 days old, Brayden boy flipped without aid!

This morning, he turned to his side, trying to turn over with all his "milk strength"...TADA...he did it!

Not a perfect flip, his hand got sandwiched between his tummy and the bed. Was crying for help and I went to his rescue! Both Ethyl and I cheered for him as he finally managed a flip after trying for almost 3 weeks.

Well done, my Brayden boy!

July 30, 2008

Morning Madness

Mornings are usually filled with many things to do. When Bray wakie, I had to quickly warm his milk, bring the potty for him to do his big and small chores, bathe them both, pump milk, bathe myself etc.

Mommy is nice to drop by even on weekends to help me bathe and feed Bray so that I can pump and bathe Ethyl. With her around, I am not worried about my little boss being whiney.

Last Sunday was an exception. Mom had to help Dad and was not home. I had to handle all the above myself. I told Ethyl what is expected of her the night before, and true enough, she is a great help to me.

Baby woke up early, I fed him and he does his deeds in the potty, bathe and I settled him on the bouncer while I bathe Ethyl. After Ethyl's bath, I settled him in the room, with Ethyl's help, I can finally pump and bathe.

My little boss is not all so patient. He was whimpering by the time I finished bathing, and waitng to be fed and go out at the same time!

Settled him on the stroller and off we went to the playground! Had promised little girl to bring her there for a short while if she looks after the boy and behaves well. She did it, that's her reward.

Once the morning madness is over, everything is back in place. Cooked lunch for Ethyl because she prefers homecooked food. We both enjoyed our lunch, while Bray is snoozing away...

When he woke up, I fed him, and played for a while and both the siblings took a nap. That's also when I can catch a breathe and read a little. *smiles* I really enjoy their presence.

So, if you are a breastfeeding Mommy, and able to pump at ease and comfort...u are one lucky Mommy! I did it in hurry and anywhere my babies are (but do it discreetly of course *winks*)!

July 29, 2008

Blame Me Lah!!!


These are exactly what's on my MSN. I am just as upset and it pains me more than anyone when the baby is sick. Yes, Bray boy is sick AGAIN!!!

He had flu, then today, he developed fever! How weak he is!

MIL casually mentioned that I didn't take tonics and didn't eat good when pregnant. I ate the same when I had Ethyl what! Today Mom said the same thing to me and I almost broke down! So it's my fault! If I am going to know tonics will help, no matter how I loathe that smell and taste, I'd gulp it down!

Poor chap of mine...I am feeling so stressful...didn't dare suggest any outings to Hubby these days as I was afraid that he'd catch those bugs while out there. Still, he fell sick. What can I do to make him better? I'd rather be the one who's sick! Pass the ails to me boy!

July 28, 2008

Snap Snap Snap

Been using my mobile phone as the camera lately...Bryaden is very much a cheerful baby. He is always smiley, but when he throws his fits, it's no joke.

Lately, he fell in love with his "drumsticks". He'd savour his fists and happily exploring the use of his tongue to lick things around him. Be it pillows, our hands, our clothes etc.

He also loves doing the "Gong Xi Gong Xi" stint. He's very responsive and a very alert baby. He has his good points too...at least he'll cue us whenever he needs to poo. *proud momma*



The siblings get along really well! I am happy whenever they interact with each other in the mornings. He loves "chatting" with jiejie.

The first thing Ethyl woke up to is his cries and laughters...her greetings were always meant for Bray then me...joking told her I am jealous, she'd come over, hug and kiss me...so sweet!

They are both lovely and I love them to bits! Somehow EThyl's still very attached to me, while surprisingly, Bray seems to adore Daddy more...hmm...

Nevertheless, the joy they brought us is a great deal!






July 25, 2008

She Asked a Question That Bothers Me...

While we were waiting for her school bus at the lobby just now, sweetie popped a questioned that bothers me...this is also a question that I have "prepared" myself, as I forsee she'll ask this one fine day.

"Mommy, why Daddy always work? My friends' Daddy work, but when they never go to school, the Daddy bring them out and play, how come my Daddy always work huh, Mommy...tell me..."

Indeed, to Ethyl, Hubby is always working. Weekdays, weekends and public holidays...

I also wish he could have more time with us, especially the kids as Daddy tends to do different things from Mommy. On weekends that he had to work, we'll try to maximise his "usable" time to visit my ILs, or go out with the kids for a walk etc. All these are always done in a haste as by the time we were ready to go out, it'd already be dinner time.

He hope to be able to do more for the kids, but the nature of his work simply doesn't allow that.

It is also a routine for me to remind him to visit his folks. It is not that he forgot, but he simply doesn't know if he should spend the available time with us, or with them. So, to avoid any misunderstandings, I'd always suggest we visit the folks, unless I felt I need some family time together with any disturbance from anyone.

When we visit ILs, our stay would be short. As he has to work the next morning, and driving long distance, I feel that he ought to rest more. MIL always asks why are we going home so early. I'd always fill her in that her son has to work early the next day, and that he needs rest so as to avoid any misunderstandings from arising.

For me, I grab the chance to fill him in on the kids' developments when I woke up in the wee hours to pump milk, and he, to feed Brayden. I let him play and interact with the kids when he is back at home from work. We also chat over the phone, he'd ask about the kids' and myself...

For me, I just hope that he can really have more time for himself, for the kids and for me. Even our september retreat is uncertain as he is not sure if he could be "freed" on that weekend he's supposed to be off, and we are to celebrate our 10th anniversary.

sigh...this is life...and it's seems so bleak.

July 24, 2008

Ethyl's Happy Flower

Mommy, everyobody is sick, I draw a happy flower for everyone so that they will be happy


This is what my Ethyl darling did for all of us. We were all down...first, it was me, having a bad tummy and fever. Follwed by Brayden, Ethyl and Hubby...all three of them had flu.

I didn't mean to neglect this blog...I have some stuff to update especially for Brayden and his developments. Just give me a little more time...I'll be back with more updates and pictures.

July 17, 2008

Learning to Flip

Wondering how true when people who has more than 1 kid telling me the second learns faster than the first born.


Brayden at beginning of his second month, has begun to sleep to one side and using his legs to kick himself and trying to flip over. Today, with a little aid from me, he managed to flip over successfully!


I left him on his tums for about a minute, at the same time, let him train his neck muscles. He has been able to hold his head up for quite a while! He seems to enjoy himself in this position...when I carried him up, he was panting a little. Haha..it must have exhausted him quite a bit!


Both Brayden and Ethyl are getting along really well...and lil missy has some time with me every saturday when we go to the library. I made it a point for her to read at least 2 books and borrow one back. It seems that I have misplaced her library card...hmm...better do a detail search and dig out her card soon.



one of the library trips we had together with her 胖胖舅舅。

July 15, 2008

Initiative

Ethyl is a girl who has lots of initiative. I am not boasting here, but she indeed displayed good habits that I would love my kids to have.

Many children wake up playing and ends their day playing...they played hard. Else the next thing they do is watching TV or gaming. Ethyl woke up to her books. She'd pick up her books and re-read them in the mornings, after reading, she'd go to her easel and starts practising her writing. If not, she will be sitting on the table drawing, colouring, doodling or even doing her tracing. *smiles* All are done on her own free will. I never force her.

We never told her what is desired of her, I only hoped she'd not be like my cousins who are by default playing gmaes whenever they are free.

Mom praised Ethyl for being so sensible. I hope she will remain this way...she has been doing well, being my daughter, being Brayden's elder sister. I really love her for who she is!

Queen Size

Can you imagine how the Daddy and Mommy slept when we have 2 kungfu masters on the same bed?

The arrangement is...Bray on my right, Ethyl on my left and Hubby on my far left...

Hubby and I decided that we shall change to a king sized bed when we shift.

Am now suffering from the aches on my shoulders and back...all thanks to Ethyl and Bray boy...

Mommy is nice to let Ethyl stay at her place for the night so that I can sleep well...but my girl has a mind on her own. She is fine when I suggested she sleeps on a mattress (on the floor), because she wants to be with me, and kept reminding me that she'll miss Mommy is she doesn't see me. *smiles*

What to do? The girl simply melts my heart...argh...am so looking forward to our king size bed!

July 14, 2008

Training Mini Boss

Sleeping through the night

Yes, we made an effort to train him because Ethyl slept through at 6 weeks old. This little man wakes up every 1 and a half hour, if we were lucky, 2 and half is the longest he'd sleep.

The decision to train hm 2 weeks ago crossed my mind...

How did I do it? Well, when he starts to whimper and wag his arms in the air, I would carry him to me, hug him to sleep. Somehow he does goes back to slumberland. So, I used the same method for about 3 nights, it worked. Initially he'd wake up twice, and since 4 nights ago, he only woke up ONCE! Quite a milestone for my little chap. Great job!

He is waking up later and later as the day goes. Initially he'd wake up at 2ish to 3, now he wakes up at almost 5am! No complains, as we get to sleep longer and woke up only once to pump, while hubby feeds him.

Potty Business

It never fails to send a grin on my face when I thought of this. He does signal when he needs his business done.

Nowadays, his diapers can last him through the night because he does not poop in it!

In the mornings, he'd wait till Mom comes over and put him on the potty. He'd pee and poo at the same instance. I am so proud of him for being such a clean baby!

Hopefully he can be off diapers faster than Ethyl...that would save us big dollars man!

July 10, 2008

She Skipped School Today...

Supposed to meet up with some blogging Moms today...but due to some unforeseen situations, the meeting was rescheduled.

I had a hard time persuading and explaining to Ethyl trying to tell her the meeting was cancelled and she has to go to school. She was reluctant to listen...and since I had already promised her, I had better fulfill my promise - no school for the day.

Off we both went to Lot 1 shoppers' mall! We strolled hand in hand and sang as we walked to the LRT station. Ethyl requested to take LRT, so I obliged.

Shopped at Kiddy palace to get some stuff for Brayden boy. Gave Ethyl a treat at New York New York (again!).




Our treat...
Hubby must be drooling over the sweet treat! It's actually his fave! Their waffle and ice-cream is really delish...Cartel's waffle is no where near their standard.

I enjoy such moments with Ethyl...

July 9, 2008

Estimation Goes Under

I have witnessed how some parents stressed out the kids by giving too much enrichment activities because they feel that the kids should go for so that they won't fall back. I kept reminding myself not to fall under this category...Yes, the reminders work. Till now, I am not a kiasu Mommy who signs up any other courses for my gal.

Now, I am going to sign her up in Act 3. Most likely when I started working. Her swimming sessions are coming up when she turns 4yo. Art sessions as well...and she wants to learn music and dancing too! She is the one who requested to go for the courses, the ideas only sits in my mind.

She proved me wrong when I thought all these are too much for her. When we teach her new things, she grasps the concept very fast. Be it reading, writing, or drawing.

I believe they foundation is built for her. I will introduce those activities to her gradually...had all in plan, just execution needed.

Ethyl has the privilege of our 100 and one percent attention. Hubby jolted me out of my dreams lately...I have never planned anything for Brayden. Yeah, he his so young...what to plan?

I am guilty for not playing my part well to him. He didn't had much pre-natal teachings, even listening to classicals is a hassle to me then. I didn;t really read him stories, I kill 2 birds because I thought reading to Ethyl is as good as reading to him. Makes me feel less guilty this way.

Now, I am gonna pull up my socks. I am going to look for flash cards (again!). Ethyl's cards are everywhere..and her cards are hers! I am gonna teach Bray mathematics when he turns 3 mo and is able to sit with aid.

I believe Bray can do as well. He is able to understand emotions at this stage. When I scold him, he cries. When I praise him, he smiles...He calls (coos) out for you when he felt neglected and ignored. He is just so cute!

If you ask me...most of the coaching at home is done by me. I am just ONE person, how much can I do? I need 48 hrs to accomplish all tasks including sleeping!!! Argh...I miss lazing and nuah-ing on the bed!!

July 5, 2008

Girl. Boy.

The Girl





Is still my dearest cheeky babe. She enjoys having people around her, loves the brother and loves to read and write.



Made her some M&M cookies to make her happy...though I know she is not a cookie person, I still make it for her...the cookies were wiped out by my cousin, the chubby in the pic and Hubby.



She is improving quite a bit...she can remember 3 Tang poems, the Three Characters script is still at the beginning learning stage, she had read about 8 chinese books and able to recognise more words.



Can you imagine a N2 kid teaching a P4 boy his chinese? This happened, but I didn't get to video down.



This little powerhouse is so full of energy that her old Mommy is unable to catch up...All I wish for is a good 8-hour undisrupted sleep.



She is proud of her baby brother too! We brought her to school, and she insisted she wants to "exhibit" her brother to her friends and teachers. Am glad she loves him and feels proud of him.



The Boy



What about him? Still a noisy little chap! He coos alot, and smiles alot. He loves his sister...

Oh, he is being potty trained at such tender age of 2mo! He did well...Mom told him she wants him to be a "clean" baby, and he'd give us signal when he needs to pee or poo! Good job! He has really amazed us and had done so well. He'd smile when he had done his dirty business in the potty.


This milk monster is wasting my milk. He'd be drinking on average 80ml every hour to one and a half hourly...this exlains why I am so drained out. From almost 3 litres of ebm, I am now keeping about 1.5l for him everyday for his need. The milk has a stale smell after 24hrs, and I do not like the idea od keeping frozen milk. For now, I need to work harder to pump so that I can satisfy my little milk monster's appetite.


I can't wait for him to grow up and call me Mommy! Haha...Ethyl's waiting for him to grow up and play with her too! Daddy's waiting for him to watch soccer and shout "GOAL" together too!

Both are so precious..so adorable to me...*beaming Momma*

July 3, 2008

Braver than before?

Am I?

I was so worried when Ethyl had to take her jabs. I asked Mom to bring her into the immunization room, while I waited outside.

This time...

Dad went with me, I brought Brayden along...I saw how the needle poke into his thigh...no fear, not heart pain.

Why?

For Ethyl, she is a girl. To me, she is too fragile...even when I didn't see the process, my heart ached and almost teared when I saw her crying from the pain inflicted.

For Bray, probably he is a boy, deemed to be braver, it is more manageable for me. I witnessed the whole process, he was sleeping when the jab came. He just let out a soft cry and continued to sleep after that. Brave boy!

I love them soooooo sooooo much!

July 1, 2008

Sibling Love

* I witness it this morning...both were just awoke and were interacting with each other*

This is love...sibling love.

Both woke up almost the same time, jiejie greeted us with "good morning", and they both were interacting with each other. I wanted to grab my cam and video this down, but I do not want to miss any part of the "conversation" and smiles.

This is etched in my memory...a loving picture of my kiddos living with each other in harmony.

Jie jie kissed the didi and the didi coos to the doting jiejie...he smiles...she loved him. He chuckles, it amuses her...I am so blessed to be able to witness such a loving picture this morning. Nothing brightens up my day more than this...

Cruising the Days

The weekend passed too quickly. What have we done?


Went to Ethyl's school on saturday for her mid year progress report. Teachers gave positive feedbacks on Ethyl. Almost all the teachers I met said she had improved leaps and bounds (I realise that too. Especially so for her writing skills.


Her writing on her easel...she can spell her name


Teachers commented that Ethyl is very observant when she is being taught of new things/concept, and would also be able to carry out instructions and disciplined in class. She would raise her hands when told to answer questions, if her mates were to answer without raising hands, or when teacher had not ask anyone to answer, she'd be upset and reprimand her friend for not following instructions properly.


Her phonics is one pf her forte. She is able to sound 4 letter words with or without help. Teacher R commented that she has got very strong language skills...hmm...I actually have plans to start her on a third language, but fear giving her too much stress. We'll see how.


Her chinese teacher has all good comments. Her chinese language improved tremendously over the past few months. She can recognise more than 20 chinese words already. *beaming* Her ability to speak mandarin in proper sentences impressed the teacher. All I can say, she is effectively bilingual. Oh yes, she can write some chinese words very nicely (neither the school nor I started to teach her writing in chinese. I only showed her the strokes)...I'll try to take some pics and post them if possible.


We spent a good 40 minutes in the school.


Next, we went to the library. A favourite place of Ethyl's that we have not been going for the past weeks months. Ethyl borrowed 2 books, I borrowed too! We are planning to go back this weekend again!


We finished off the evening with a shopping trip to Vivo City...it's always awesome to tow 2 kiddos out and get some glares from the shoppers...I am always proud of my two little ones.


Sunday, Hubby's supposed to go and work on his off day. He couldn't get up on time because he was too drained out! Haha...we earned ourselves a family day! YIPPEE!!!


hmm...suddenly forgotten what we did! Oh, we spent the day simply. Went out only at 3ish to AMK Hub. Our first time there...and I didn't like the design of the carpark.


Went shopping around and settled for an early dinner at New York New York. Enjoyed my root beer float...yum...


Oh, there is a nursing on the 3rd floor as well, cosy and clean, albeit there is no hot and cold water dispenser. I had to warm up my ebm at NY instead.


And a little bit on little guy...2 weeks ago, he bagun to smile alot. He is beginning to coo and interact with us! Everyone loves his smile especially the jiejie.

I love him alot too! In fact, having boy is not as boring as I thought...just that his wardrobe is not as interesting as the big sis'. But there are plenty of shoes I can buy for him!