Drawing Circles

My little boy Joseph can draw circles already! You know with two kids in tow, sometimes some minor milestones nearly go unnoticed. Especially with the second child. The first child usually gets more observation from us because back then, we only have one child to look after. 

Anyways, when did he started drawing circles, I'm not sure. But all of a sudden that day he whipped out his doodle toy and started drawing circles. Then he proudly showed it to me saying, "Mummy! Look, circle!" What else, I whipped out my camera lah. The doodle toy comes together with a book. He tried to copy the picture with quite an impressive outcome. Considering he hardly draws at home. From my recollection, I think his sister draws more at his age. 

Doodling for the camera.

Proudly showing to the camera.

Trying to copy Lenny the Binoculars from Toy Story.

Then big sister wants attention and wants to join in too. So she started drawing space like planets and stars. She requested for her picture to be taken also. LOL. Kids, always want attention from their parents huh?

This is her version of Earth, Saturn and Moon. Hehe.

Now with other planets and stars even snowflakes. Look! She even wrote her name in chinese. I'm so proud of her. Thanks to Papa for making her practice during the holidays before school starts. 

On the other hand, Joseph's potty training has shown progress despite me being lazier the second time around. I was not as hard on him as I was with his sister. I haven't been using a diaper during his afternoon nap for already a few months. I didn't keep track of how many months exactly. He can now go to the bathroom to pee and even flush by himself. 

There's good news too in the poo project. It's been a few months too that he is brave enough to tell us he wants to poo. Now he sits on his throne with an additional baby toilet seat on the toilet bowl. Poos without fuss now. Previously, he used to be scared of the toilet bowl and wants to quickly come down. He used to suppress his poo from coming out too and waits until we put on his diaper at night, then he'll do his business. Got me so frustrated. Now when I put him up on his throne to poo, he'll say, "Mummy go, don't see me!" And I'll just leave him alone until he calls me to clean up for him. How cute and konon like an adult. As for the night time diapers, I still don't have the confidence to let him be diaper free. Some night he's dry but some nights his diaper is still wet. I hope diaper free nights will be here soon.

Joseph is 3 years and 6 months while Elizabeth is 6 years and 2 months.  

When your child vomits

In the previous post, I've mentioned that Elizabeth was down with vomiting and diarrhoea. She is fine now and already started attending preschool this week already. So far, no crying drama from her and she is going through preschool very well. After all, the teacher replied that she's a big girl already, she's six years old this year(actually she just turned five last November :P) when I asked the teacher how did she fare on her first day in preschool. I'll be crossing my fingers that there'll be no crying drama this year because I've endured her crying dramas for two years in preschool already!

I want to also share on what to do when your child vomits from my experience and advise from my paediatrician. When your child starts to vomit a few times and keeps rejecting any food he/she has eaten, of course you'll have to take your child to see a doctor. Take the medication he has given and besides that, the doctor advised that I don't have to give Elizabeth anything to eat at least for half a day. Your child will be ok as long as there's water. Give your child 2 tablespoons of warm water every 10 minutes to prevent from dehydration and replenish lost fluids from the body. Elizabeth had it very bad that she even vomited out that 2 tablespoons of warm water a few seconds or minutes after I fed her. But I still have to continue giving her. Then after half a day if your child has stopped vomiting, you can start giving him/her plain porridge or soy-based or lactose-free milk. Once your child starts having diarrhoea that is actually good news because it means that the vomiting bouts are over and the diarrhoea helps to get rid of the virus in the body.

With that said, I hope none of this happen to your child but just hope that what I share could be of use if it should happen. Sharing is caring they say.

Some random pictures to end the post. Have a nice day!

My lil' dahlings watching television and sitting so close together at the corner of the sofa.

My hubby was teaching Elizabeth to count coins but Joseph arranging the coins instead.

Elizabeth learning to count the coins.

Joseph Has Got The Pox

Day 1 when the blister-like spots started to appear.

It's confirmed. Joseph is down with chicken pox and it's already Day 7. I've never gotten chicken pox in my life so I need a doctor to confirm it for me. I took the chicken pox jab a few years ago so I hope it's still working. Elizabeth has got her chicken pox jab but only Joseph has not taken the jab. I just wanted to delay it and never expected him to get it so soon. Anyway, he's going through it very well I must say. He wasn't very fussy or whiny and still playing as usual. The spots also have started to dry up a bit.

Joseph started having fever first and I thought it was just a normal fever. Then some red spots appeared. Some looked like blisters. Initially, he started to scratch but after he was on medication he scratched less. As long as your child is taken to the doctor early, he or she should be doing fine. Joseph was given medicine for his chicken pox and for the itch. The doctor also gave calamine lotion for temporary relief due to the itch.

Chicken pox will spread easily when you scratch and the blister-like spots burst. So for me, to try to prevent that from happening, I dressed Joseph up with long sleeves and pants. I guess it helps a bit. Apart from that, I kept his nails short. Although the doctor do not believe in old wive's tale, I'll still try to abide it just to be cautious. Anyone with chicken pox have to avoid eating chicken, soya sauce, any beans like long beans, french beans, soya bean, bean sprouts to name a few, eggs and cucumber. If there are more, please feel free to inform me ok?

The doctor also warned me to be on the lookout after two weeks for any symptoms. Those who have gotten the injection before can still contract chicken pox. The only consolation is that it will be a mild one. But some may not have it at all. So I'm crossing my fingers that Elizabeth and I will not have it at all. Pleaseeeeee...

Get well soon Lil' Dahling!

The blister-like spots close up

He's still active that it's hard to get a clear shot of him.

Day 4 - Still so vain even with spots. I put calamine lotion on the spots, hence those white patches.

Christmas 2010 - Part 1

My poor Joseph is sick. The doctor said it's a virus that causes him to vomit, have diarrhoea and fever. He is quite weak and have no mood to play. Only managed a few weak smiles and only wants to be carried all the time. The doctor said when this happens it is best to keep him hydrated with water or salt water even 100 plus with water added (so that it's not too sweet). The doctor also gave medicine for stomach pain/wind. Poor boy is just so moody, I really hope he gets well soon.

He looks so weak.

Very whiny when sick.

Anyway, as promised earlier, I will start my story on my Christmas celebration. My parents, sister and nephews were supposed to come up to KL on 23rd December. So in preparation for their arrival, I got a Yule Log cake from Coffee Bean. It's a Christmas cum birthday cake because my nephew's birthday falls on 22nd December. We planned to celebrate his birthday a day later.

This is the Yule Log Cake from Coffee Bean.

My humble Christmas tree. Sorry I forgot to take another pic of the tree with additional presents after my family arrived.

The day arrived and I was so excited awaiting their arrival. Elizabeth was also so excited. Can't wait to see her gor gors. As for Joseph, he's still too small to know what's going on. LOL. My mom told me that my nephews were also excited. One kept asking numerous times when are they going up to KL and the other one woke up so early on the day itself! Sounds like me when I was young before going on a trip. Hehe.

Finally they arrived and after settling down, we were off to our first destination...1 Utama! We were there for a few good hours admiring the Christmas deco, letting the kids have fun and did some shopping too. We went home to have our dinner and to celebrate Benjamin's birthday (my nephew) too. I can see that he was thrilled and also happy to get a birthday present from hubby and me. Anyway, the cake was delicious and definitely worth my money. After dinner, we went to Pavilion. There's no stopping us eh? But we missed the fake snow falling, drat! So we can only admire the Christmas deco and took some photos.

The Christmas deco at New Wing 1 Utama. I don't like the pavement. It was so rocky. Makes it hard to push the stroller.

The little one admiring the deco with my nephew Brandon being his 'kuli'

Elizabeth and her beloved gor gors.

Me and my beloved lil' dahling

Christmas deco at Old Wing 1 Utama. The deco at the New Wing is more beautiful but at least the pavement here is smooth.

The little one decided to push the stroller at tortoise speed. You can see the look for boredom and frustration on my sister's face.

They had stalls to keep children busy like this Play-Doh stall. 

Elizabeth and her Play-Doh ice-cream.

She really can't get enough of merry-go-rounds and this time joined by her gor gors.

My dad bought for them blueberry candy cane and look what it did to their tongue. LOL.

I forced them to pose with their candy canes. :P

Oh it was so nice to take a break from feeding him once in a while. He really likes to bully me spitting out his porridge. At least with my mom, he is more civilised.

Getting rowdy already after the feed!

My parents and half of their grand children. :P

One for the family minus my hubby who was at work. It was hard to get everyone to look at the camera. Stranger's fault! But anyway, thanks stranger.

Finally Joseph is looking but the picture is kinda blurry. Oh well, whatever.

And of course must have a pic with my two lil' dahlings.

The happy birthday boy, Benjamin and his cake.

A complete family pic now.

I don't know what is Joseph so excited about.

Christmas deco in Pavilion.

It was hard to take a family pic with a 'worm' squirming to get down and run away.

Mom, sister and nephews.

Another view from top at Pavilion

Looks magnificent isn't it? That dude just had to spoil my picture.

Another view. Look at the crowd.

Christmas deco outside of Pavilion

Remember this? The same deco they had last year. This time it was placed at another location. I'm not that bird-brained, Pavilion. :P

I think that's a whole lot of picture for today and I shall continue with Day 2 tomorrow!

Entering the terrible two's phase

Is there really a terrible two's phase? Must every child in the world go through that phase? Sometimes I refused to accept it that it exist. But the reality is my child is already two years old. So whether she is in the terrible two's phase, I'll let you be the judge.

Some people say that your child will be more demanding and misbehave more when you're expecting a second child. I'm not sure whether this holds true or not. But I can't remember exactly when it started, lil' dahling never fail to get up every single night and make my hours of sleep lesser and lesser. And this is not even with the second baby around yet. I don't dare to imagine if the second baby arrives. Will I get just a wink? Every night is nearly the same thing. Yesterday, she sobbed softly with intervals in between and without moving. Usually, I just stay still as a log but feel like smacking my husband when he starts moving a little. Lil' dahling will start sobbing louder once she hears movement. So, I still let her be until finally she started calling me. Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? That's the cue for me to pick her up already from her cot. I tried negotiating with her in the wee hours of morning to let her dad pick her up instead of me since I'm pregnant now. But nope, I'm not a good negotiator it seems. It's as if her dad's hands has disease or something. She wouldn't let him touch her except me. Husband also gives up easily because he hates being disturbed from his sleep. Heloooo...who doesn't? So poor me had to pick her up. I felt the baby in me kicked me one time as I picked her up as if to say LOSER! Then it would be a different battle everyday. Either she would fall asleep at once or go on and on talking or show tantrum or demand for milk. I couldn't help laughing the other day, when she closed her eyes shut but only opened her mouth to ask for milk. She didn't get any respond from me but I was actually staring at her. She slowly opened her eyes to look at me but realized I was watching, she quickly shut her eyes and continued her acting. So I gave her milk in the end because she wouldn't stop saying those four letter words. (MILK, what were you thinking? :P) Anyway, yesterday she woke up twice! The second time was at about 5a.m. Her talking woke me up. Sounded so chirpy some more. I wouldn't sound that chirpy if I woke up twice in the wee hours of morning. She even called me up and asked me to 'sayang' her. This continued until my alarm clock rang at 5.55a.m. I went to brush my teeth and she followed me. Not long after, she informed me that she wants to do her 'business'. Lah..no wonder she woke up early.

Everyday I would be the one to pick her up from the nanny's house and nearly everyday after we've reached home, she would picked one dvd from her collection of dvds and asked me to play it for her. Usually, I would allow it because it gives me some 'me' time. She will sometimes pull me to the refrigerator and ask for ahkult (Yakult) or sheesh (cheese). Her latest craze now is drawing with her latest set of colour pencils. She'll asked for her colour pencils and paper. This latest activity doesn't really give me 'me' time because she wants you to sit beside her and draw together with her too.

Has anyone tried the time-out method? I've tried it twice. Of course I felt guilty afterwards but I didn't show it. I did the first time-out when I was in Malacca for CNY. We were suppose to take our afternoon nap but Eliza didn't went to sleep at once. She was talking, singing and banging on the headboard for about an hour. I told her to go to sleep many times until my volume got louder. When I couldn't take it anymore, I suddenly resort to the time-out method. I carried her into the toilet and locked her inside for about 45 seconds. She was wailing and banging the door the whole time. Once being released, we are not suppose to comfort our child. So I just kept my cool and explained to her why I did it. I don't know whether it went through her brain or not but she co-operated with me and really went to sleep. After that incident, I used the word "time-out" as a sort of threat to get her to co-operate.

But of course the time-out method doesn't work for long. Just when it started to "lose its appeal" I used it again like a refresher course for Eliza. LOL. She was not co-operative for many days. I had to practically beg her to come and get herself cleaned up for bedtime. It was so tiring that finally I decided to do the time-out method again. I did the same thing again and earned her co-operation once again. I told her to say sorry and she said it obediently still sobbing. I was worried she would be traumatized but this method has been used by many. Still I don't hope to use it the third time.

Going out is also a challenge. She might not want to be in her stroller all the time. Sometimes we don't even bring the stroller along. Kids will be kids. So when she sees something that catches her eye, it won't be easy to remove her from that spot. I've tried many ways of persuasion and even end up shouting. My husband even had to carry a kicking and screaming girl away from her spot. Then I discovered something which still seem to work. Which I hope will work forever. LOL. The magic words. I just say "other things". Like "come let's go see other things" or "we are going to see other things". She'll follow at once like magic! My husband couldn't get it right the first few attempts. You see, he didn't say those magic words. Once he started using it, it worked. So mothers out there, maybe you can try this next time. Wouldn't guarantee it'll work for your kid. But you can try it all the same.

Eliza was recently down with flu. So I took her to the doctors. My sister in-law accompanied me because my husband couldn't be back on time. The clinic closes at 9.30p.m. Anyway, Eliza refused to enter the clinic. Had to drag her in. She wasn't like this before. When the nurse called her name, she started crying on the top of her lungs. My sister in-law volunteered to carry her in. But she kicked and screamed. We were actually called into the waiting room so because of the commotion she had to ask us to wait outside and she'll call us in the doctor's room later. Her crying didn't stop until we enter the doctor's room. I couldn't even hear what the doctor was saying. After a quick check on Eliza with her struggling on my lap, he chased her out with my sister in-law. LOL. I finally could have a quiet time with the doctor. He said Eliza must've been extra rebellious today because her aunt was around. In other words, he said she's a lousy aunt for spoiling Eliza. LOL. I agreed because she wasn't like this before at the clinic. I hope she won't repeat this again because it's truly embarrassing with all the stares from the other parents. And you know what? While we were waiting for Eliza's medicine, another baby was crying in the doctor's room but wasn't as loud as Eliza and Eliza had the cheek to say, "Baby, ku ku" ( ku means cry in mandarin). Yeah right, you cried even worst, Eliza.

So terrible two's phase or not, as far as I hope the phase will soon be over, she is still my precious daughter. It can be a funny experience when you look back and laugh over it. Moms have to take it as a challenge and accept it. But if it is not too much to ask, can I please have my sweet angel back? :)

Weaning From The Pacifier

Yesterday was the 3rd night my daughter was off her pacifier. And it was the worst night instead. I thought it would get better but seems like I was wrong. However, I think I will still persevere and harden my heart until she totally wean herself from the pacifier.

I decided to stop lil' dahling from the pacifier since a few months ago but thought it would be too difficult for her to cope and understand. Initially, I gave myself till her 2nd birthday as the deadline. But recently, her both pacifier at the babysitter's and at home broke. So I took that as a chance for her to stop using the pacifier to sleep. I showed her that the pacifier is broken and explained to her that it is already spoiled and cannot be used. So I asked her to take and throw it in the wastepaper basket because she knows that anything that goes in the wastepaper basket is to be disposed.

The first day was not too bad. She cried a little and then kept crawling down the bed to retrieve the pacifier from the wastepaper basket. But I stopped her and explained over and over again. So in the end, she fell asleep on my chest. The 2nd day was not much different than the 1st just that she didn't crawl down the bed this time. She must've thought that the pacifier is not around anymore since I've thrown away the rubbish and replace the wastepaper basket with a new plastic. Little did she know that while she was sleeping, I went to dig it out again and hide it in the drawer. Just incase.

But yesterday she went beserk. I think she couldn't hold it any longer. Maybe her tolerance level is already off limit. LOL. She refused to go to bed. Screaming, kicking and crying fit ensued. I nearly wanted to give in but she fell asleep in the end out of tiredness I guess. Then at 1-ish A.M. she woke up and cried because she pooped in her diapers. After changing and fussing, she was ready to sleep again. She had difficulty falling asleep and kept tossing and turning. Then she lost her temper again and screamed. She's angry that she can't have her pacifier. Persuading her was no use. I got fed up and turned my back on her and covered my ears with the pillow. So finally she stopped because she was tired already. I felt bad so I turned back towards her and carress her to sleep. She managed to open her eyes and look up at me and called "Mommy?" Oooo touching.

But seriously, if any mommies out there. I hope you can share with me your experience on how you tackle this issue. I really would like to know. Hopefully she will be ok in a matter of days. Keeping my fingers crossed.

A Girl With Attitude, Leaves Dad Heartbroken

I've been missing in action for weeks. I hope no one has stop visiting. :P There's many reasons behind my absence. For one, I'm experiencing a "blogger's block". My friend created this brilliant phrase. Another reason is there has been some changes going through my life. I still need time adjusting and am still trying very hard. It was devastating news but somehow I need to come to terms with it. Another reason is I was hooked on a hk drama I've been watching online and finally finished it.

Anyway, the main reason of me blogging is to keep myself updated with the things going on in my life with my lil' dahling. So far, lil' dahling has reached a few milestones worthy of mentioning here like doing her business in the potty. Just look at that cheeky face and sexy shoulder!

This video shows how excited she was when I wanted to bring her for a swim.



Lil' dahling also just recovered from fever and flu. Even though down with fever, she's still chatter away and active. She now allows me to wipe her nose whenever she has runny nose. She used to hate it and avoid me last time when she was a few months younger. Here's her picture of her pitiful face when she was sick. I still took her out galavanting anyways. Hey! It's the holidays, don't blame me. We can't just stay at home. Moreover, she enjoys it so much anyways.

During her sick days, she was more 'manja' than usual. So this is what you get. A sleeping-on-mom or dad's-chest baby.

Oh yes and another milestone. I just discovered lil' dahling knows how to use the cup to drink already. Though there were many spills, that's why I didn't dare to let her try before this. I just suddenly had the urge to let her try during this long break and she did it!

I am so happy that lil' dahling is finally letting her hair down in her Gymboree classes. She's participating in every activity! Woo hoo! I'm so relieved and so proud of her. It just suddenly happen during her 3rd class. During her first two classes, she picked to do certain activity and screamed whenever she doesn't want to participate. I tried my best to encourage her and assure her that I'm with her and that she's perfectly safe. Finally she relented and what reward did she get? Praises from her teacher. Praises, hugs and kisses from her mommy. I'm ecstatically happy and I think she's ready for her music classes at Gymboree. Yipee!

Lil' dahling has suddenly become so attached to me. She's so sticky like a glue until sometimes I can't breathe. But better appreciate it now before they get bigger and feel embarrass to be close to their mom. She's so in love with me that she follows me everywhere in the house. Sometimes she doesn't allow me to bathe or pee. Sometimes I even have to let her in the bathroom and let her watch me bathe or pee! So this girl with attitude, made her dad heartbroken because she only wants me. She only wants me to feed her, bathe her, change her clothes..everything lah! Her longing father can only watch in sadness. She calls me lovingly whenever she feels like it and I will respond to her. Sounds like we're lovers right? LOL.

This little girl would ask for her toothbrush whenever she sees us brushing our teeth. She would ask for her hair to be combed after bath and her hair must always be decorated after combing. If you decline, she gets angry. Such a vain girl at this age. I took her to church the other day and let her wear her hat while we were walking under the sun. So I took it off once we entered the church but she demanded it to be put back on her head. It can be quite hot in the church and I know that she was sweating but vanity got the best of her. LOL. She also picks her own shoes and sandals now to go out. She would make a fuss if you never follow her command. Now she's choosing her shoes, next what? Dress? She'll also gets angry when you channel surf while she's watching her Playhouse Disney. I experimented it yesterday..:P

That's all folks. Quite a long post to make up for my absence..hehe.