The love of our life, little DinoEgg 小恐龙蛋

Shoo Mummy!

2011-10-15T17:33:00.003+08:00

Little DinoEgg : Mummy, can you please go to your bank today?
Me : Why?
Little DinoEgg : Because I want to help Teacher Shin clean up the brushes after class

Aye... me being chased off the class by my son (-_-")

So I left the school after I prep him for the class, went to have my breakfast (hungry!) at the food centre opposite the school. Took my time to enjoy my poh piah and fried carrot cake with dark soy sauce. Head back to school to sit in for a while before class ends.

And he did not help Teacher Shin clean up coz he was SLOW! Couldn't even finish his art work let alone help to clean up.

Teacher's Little Helper

2011-10-08T20:35:00.001+08:00

I left Little DinoEgg with Teacher Shin of WowArt n went off to run my errands. Came back @ 12.20pm and saw that there were no kids in the school. Silly me, I have remembered the wrong time, class ends at 12.15pm instead of 12.30pm. Was still so proud at myself for making it back on time *duhz*

I saw Little DinoEgg running out from the toilet with a bucket n some brushes in his hand. Teacher Shin says he is helping her cleaning the brushes n tidying up. She was all praises of him! She says he is very helpful, understand and follow her instructions very well. And [quote] "He is the first child that I do not need to teach him how to fold the apron." [unquote] Wow! I'm amazed and very proud of my son! Although I would love him to show such helpfulness and thoughtfulness @ me. No such luck yet hahaha~

I am glad that Little DinoEgg is enjoying his art class, I am relieved that the Teacher Shin and the other teachers does not find him too chatty too noisy too disruptive too independent. Shudders at that teacher's face & comments at the previous class conducted at Seng Kang community centre. I am glad that I made a right decision to stop that class after a term of lesson. Now, I can be sure that Little DinoEgg will have the correct guidance in drawing & painting. A chance for his little mind to think and explore, to see the world through his eyes.

No more copied drawings!
(This is what he did when he was with the community centre class)

Artists out at Play

2011-09-08T22:50:00.001+08:00

I finally meet up with the troupe after my work. We went for a delicious dinner at Genki Sushi @ Orchard Central

Our sushi feast!

After that we walked around, trying to digest our sumptuous food, sis decided to let the 3 artists pose with their works.

Here is a close up of Little DinoEgg's lotus. Can you spot a frog on the lily pad? Hahaha... its not very obvious but if u look hard you will find something a little bit weird.

Little DinoEgg's work

WowArt Sept Holiday Workshop

2011-09-08T15:12:00.000+08:00

Sis MMS this photo to me while waiting for taxi

I'm very interested in WowArt but regret that time is not in my favour. With the PV duties, swimming lessons and moving house, my schedules are chaotic!

Sis asked me if I am interested in their September school holiday workshop, but I told her I can't take leave today. She volunteer to bring Little DinoEgg to the class!!! Thank you Sis! You are Wonderful!

So now they are out there having fun while I'm sitting in the office working and wondering how's everything. Can't wait for the time to pass quickly where I can join them for dinner later in town.

2011 Teacher's Day gift

2011-08-31T17:17:00.000+08:00

Every year I always wonder what to get for the teachers. I wanted to get something useful and not too expensive. This year, I searched one of the popular parenting forum's Bulk Purchase corner and came upon some recycle folderable bags from Cheerybox. Both of these 2 type is $5.90, very reasonable.

A pile of bags, all 15 of them!

Finished "wrapping" them

Final product, ready to be given to Teachers!

I did not get any for myself though i was very tempted, but i got 2 free ones from Cheerybox~~ They happened to have a stall at a flea market in Tampines, I choose to collect the bags coz I was afraid mailing will take too long. I made a trip down, came home, check the bags (wallet type) and found that the zip does not work well in 4 of the bags. I sent an email to them and they replied very fast, told me to go down to change. As an apology, they gave me 2 bags (1 pouch type n 1 haversack type), for making extra trip down and spending about $40 on taxi fare. So now I have my own recycle folderable bags ^^, which I know I will find them very useful.

Getting there

2011-08-31T02:25:00.000+08:00

The house is in a major mess! It looks like some hoarder's staying here! LOL

We started packing stuffs about 2 weeks ago. Process is slow but slow n steady, we are getting there. Getting ready for the BIG move in a couple of days!

Chinese Tea Leaves Eggs 茶叶蛋

2011-08-28T18:53:00.001+08:00

My 2nd attempt on Chinese Tea Leaves Egg 茶叶蛋. The eggs are boiled just nice so when I put them into the sauce to boil it did not crack too much n spilling the egg whites. The are slightly nicer "marble" effect. I added 2 small pieces of Angelica Sinensis or dang-gui , the flavour is nicer. I also leave them in my ShuttleChef for 1 full day before I take it out to eat.

"I buy for u"

2011-07-18T21:51:00.000+08:00

I was browsing Zakka and happen to click on this owl pendant, Little DinoEgg saw this immediately shouted "Mummy! This is nice!! Buy!" I replied "It cost $10 and I don't have money to buy it." (give a sad face)

Little DinoEgg quickly run to get his spidy coin box, open it n dig through the box trying to find a $10 note. All he can find is $50 notes, and he looked worried. Then he went off to find daddy "Daddy! Can I take $10 from you, I'll give you $50." (hmm... not a fair "exchange") Daddy asked him and he told him that he wants to give me $10 to buy something. Daddy says to take $10 from his wallet which he did, then he really took the $50 from his spidy box n put it into daddy's wallet. He gave me the $10 and told me that now I have money to buy that pretty owl. So sweet right?

Of course the $10 eventually ends up in his spidy box hahaha~

Swimming 2011 Month#7 Lesson#1

2011-07-10T22:01:00.003+08:00

We went back to swimming class today! And I am very happy with Little DinoEgg. He did not throw temper, whine, complain, rude to Coach R etc etc. Well done!

I was afraid that he has forgotten how to swim so we went to the swimming complex early, reached there at 2.35pm and let the kids have some fun in the shallow pool. Little DinoEgg is so excited, he hit the pool immediately and was soon kicking away in the water happily. No sign of fear or hesitate.

When it was time for lesson, I reminded him on our "Swimming Class Rules";
1. No throwing temper at Coach R
2. No whining
3. No complaining
4. No stomping feet
5. If he feels upset, he has to calm down by "Breathing in through the nose and breathing out through the mouth".
6. If he feels anger, he can come out of the water to sit beside me while he calm down

If he breaks any of the above rule, it will be end of swimming class.

When doing the warm up laps, he went into the water holding on the top of the board without hesitate. However when its time to hold on the bottom of the board, he needs a little bit of encouragement n Coach R to pull him down, twice. After that he is ok.

Later on through the class, Coach R told him to do his bubble blowing, Little DinoEgg asked him how many times he has to do. Coach R says XX times, and he started bargaining with Coach. If it was last time, he will get mad, raises his voice to protest, cry then stomp his feet. Well, he did not do that this time!!!!! He simply laugh it off and agrees with Coach on the number!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!

I'm feeling all puffed up n proud with myself and Little DinoEgg. He has indeed improved in his behaviour, perhaps he has grown up a little bit thus he can remember things. Or perhaps the books that I read to him to help him deal with his emotions n anger helps too.

I'm so happy with Little DinoEgg today, besides doing the above he also manages to do the following (with a little help fm the back float) without any protest;
- did his free style right hand pulling with head turn sideway to breath in while holding on to the board.
- swim free style to Coach R w/o the board doing 4 pulls of the arms.

He was not confident in swimming free style holding on to the board and doing 4 pulls previously. Let's hope that next lesson he will do the same without the help from a small little back float.

Oh ya, he was clearly very happy to be back swimming coz he did his Chicken Dance which sends me n Catherine laughing so loudly n in an unglamorous manner. He also did this....

Clearly he is happy that he is back to the pool

Filler & Calmness

2011-07-08T17:44:00.003+08:00

Daily reminder of Bucket Filler and Calming Breathing have indeed make Little DinoEgg a better boy.

Whenever I have a chance, I'll asked Teacher Siti, 沙老师 and Teacher Sue about his behaviour. Of course he still goes into harmless kiddish squabbles with his handful of best pals or his sudden spur of naughtiness and mischievous acts. But no more shouting n screaming at the top of his voice to show his anger and unhappiness.

Just now I casually asked Teacher Sue when I was in the school fetching him. She paused and think for a few seconds then say "He is good, no complains from Teacher Siti." I was happy, if she paused to try to remember means Little DinoEgg definitely is behaving and was not sent to her room to calm down. I don't know why, but since he started N2, no teachers can handle him, he always ended up in Teacher Sue's room where she will talk to him quietly.

At last~ I can breath a little bit easier. And so I decided that its time for him to return to the pool.

My Mouth is a Volcano!

2011-06-20T23:21:00.003+08:00

Browsing through amazon.com and I found this book; My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook.

This is a book about Louis who has a habit of interrupting people.

"All of his thoughts are very important to him and when he has something to say, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, they wiggle and jiggle on his tongue, and press firmly against his teeth, right before he ERUPTS (or interrupts). His mouth is a volcano! "

I received my copy today and planned to read it to him tonight.

Its a book with simple words, some of them repetition, especially the part where Louis' mind start think/racing and thoughts transforms into words which he eagerly want to share with every one. I tickled Little DinoEgg's tummy when I read the part about "his words rumble and grumble in his tummy" , this makes reading more interactive and exciting. The book recognizes that a child's words and thoughts ARE important, he probably can't wait to share with the whole world but it is rude to interrupts n chatter non stop, disregarding every one. It teaches the child in a fun way to show respect for others and to wait for their turn to speak.

You guessed it. Little DinoEgg is like Louis. He can go "mummy, mummy, MUM-MYYY!!" when I'm in the middle of a conversation/discussion, on the phone or in the midst of doing some work. No amount of teaching, explaining, scolding or what-so-ever drills the idea of DO NOT INTERRUPT into his head. He does this to every one and any one. Some people gets frustrated or feels irked at this rude boy. Some people are understanding and patient. Its time to teach him to be patient n wait for his turn to speak. Otherwise I fear that when he starts primary school he will be distracting every one in the class.

Look What am I up to

2011-06-19T21:24:00.003+08:00

Its 9pm+ and Little DinoEgg just "threw" me a task..... To transform this heap of vehicles into a robot.

10mins later, after trying to be a smart alec to fix it without looking at the instruction manual, thinking that its just simple job of linking 5 vehicles into 1, I gave up. Took the instruction manual, look at the picture, follow the steps and 5mins later... VIOLA!

One "gigantic" Transformer Robot

Father's Day gift 2011

2011-06-19T12:58:00.000+08:00

Lovely key chain

Little DinoEgg's gift to daddy for Father's Day, finally a "decent & useful" gift for daddy ^^, he made this in school. Daddy was clearly very happy with the gift. He keep saying he got nothing from him during the past Fathers' Day.

Earlier I whispered into Little DinoEgg's ears, telling him to give a hug to daddy and wish him Happy Father's Day. He was so excited n giggled. Then he tippy-toed into his room (while giggling which obviously gave him away), hide inside the room, peep at daddy (who is sitting at the study table just outside his room), then creep up to him and shouted "SURPRISE! Happy Father's Day, daddy!" follow by a big hug.

He is so funny! Of course daddy already saw him, have to act surprise and play along with him

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

2011-06-10T23:23:00.006+08:00

Earlier this week I was at Kinokuniya looking for some books that will help me teach Little DinoEgg to control his anger and temper when I come across this book; Have You Filled a Bucket Today? I read it through before deciding to get this for Little DinoEgg. I know this will help in to be a better person and in a way control his outburst of temper, actions. To show some love, thoughtfulness, gentleness, respects to others.

At the back of the book, it says "Through sweet, simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourage positive behaviour as children see how very easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation and love on a daily basis."

A little bit about the book. We all carry an invisible bucket that contains our feelings. When our bucket is full, we feel great. When our bucket is empty, we feel sad. A bucket filler is someone who says or does nice things for other people. By doing this, they are filling other people's buckets and filling their own bucket at the same time.

On the other hand, a bucket dipper says or does things to cause other people to feel bad. A bucket dipper empties their bucket when they say and do mean things.

The cheerful bucket with its rainbow colored hearts and stars attracts Little DinoEgg's attention. He sat there quietly listening to me reading, only interrupted me once (when we got to the bus driver), which is good coz he always interrupts me when I am reading or he will be distracted by something else or the picture on next page.

I guess he really like this book coz the next day when its Bedtime Reading, he get this book out for me to read again (he only have a handful of books that he fancy).

Now every morning after we usual hugs n kisses before I head off to work, I will tell him "Remember to fill some one's bucket today alright?" And when I reach home I will ask him "Did you fill some one's bucket today?" " Who's bucket?" He will proceed to tell me what he has done or who has emptied his bucket by dipping into it etc etc.

A chat with his teacher yesterday gives me some pleasant news. She says he no longer shouts or scream or protest loudly when some one is doing things that he does not like, snatched his things, teacher punish him etc Instead he will be calm and behave himself. Well, is this the work of the Invisible Bucket? I hope it is but we still have a long way to go to determine it. As of now, I am happy that he is no longer showing those bad attitude n temper tantrums. Hope he keeps it up.

Angry Octopus

2011-06-09T23:33:00.008+08:00

I was browsing the net for some books that help children deal with their anger n temper when I came up this book; Angry Octopus by Lori Lite.

The book's introduction says these;

"Children love to unwind and relax with this fun exercise known as “progressive muscular relaxation”. Children relate to the angry octopus in this story as the sea child shows him how to take a deep breath, calm down, and manage his anger. This effective stress and anger management technique focuses awareness on various muscle groups to create a complete resting of the mind and body. Muscular relaxation can lower stress and anxiety levels. It can be used to decrease pain and anger. This engaging story quiets the mind and relaxes the body so your child can let go of anger and fall asleep peacefully."

The many reviews in various site by many readers who bought this book to help their kid(s) or little patients (they are doctors, psychologist :P) are good. Thus I decided to give it a try. Plus I like the colorful pictures (saw the preview in amazon.com). Its bright colors should attract Little DinoEgg to sit down and listen to the story.

I got this book today and couldn't wait to read it to Little DinoEgg. We sat down at our Reading Time and I started to read it to him.

The story started with this page, give us a feeling of calmness, serenity, peaceful, the feeling of waking up fresh n happy in the morning. This already sets us in our relaxed n calm mood, we snuggle to get us into a more comfortable position while I read on.

The words the author uses are very expressive. When I read it, I feel that I am the Octopus getting pent up, frustrated and angry, then feeling the energy going out of my body, releasing the tight feelings in my chest out from my mouth then finally feeling calmed n relaxed.

"Now close your eyes and take a deep breath. Breathe in through your nose and let out the air out of your mouth..." AAaaahhhh~~~

We follow what the Sea Child told the Octopus to do, Little DinoEgg find it so much fun! Curling his toes, tucking himself into a ball, squeezing his face etc etc. At the end of the book he was giggling and laughing away and wanted me to read the book a second time!

This book is great for both kids and adults. Inside the book, the author wrote "Follow the Octopus along as he learns to calm down as he relaxes his mind and body. Notice how he learns to be the boss of his own feelings, body and anger." Sometimes we forgot how to relax and kept our frustrated feelings inside us. We inevitably vent our anger on our loved ones, which are no good. Learn how to be the boss of our feelings, body and anger. We will be a better person n have better relationship with others.

I hope Little DinoEgg benefits from this book. I would very much like him to better control & manage his anger n frustration. No more sudden outbursts from him, no more shooting high blood pressure for me and daddy. *keeping fingers crossed*

Swimming 2011 Month#6 Lesson#1

2011-06-05T23:21:00.005+08:00

We left the pool barely 10mins into the lesson.

I did not see what happened but Little DinoEgg was in the water doing the warm up laps. I just turn my head away from the pool to talk to Catherine when I hear him screaming for Coach R. I turned back and saw him struggling in the water, Coach R walking towards him. Then Little DinoEgg shouted "Its D!!" He has accused D of pulling his legs when he was swimming BUT D was sitting on the ledge at the other end so it was definitely not her. Coach R tried to explained to him but he was not listening, starts to wail n raises his voice and he sends him to me.

I tried to calm him down, make him lower his voice etc but it does not work. Getting frustrated and fed up I dragged him away, telling him that we are going home RIGHT NOW! Of course when he realized that I was not only verbal threatening or warning but REALLY leaving the pool, he fought back, refusing to stand or walk. So I dragged him along ignoring his pleads, wail, cry etc etc. I am very tired of such things happening again n again on every Sundays. It makes him cant enjoy and learn swimming (which was my intention), and turns my Sundays lousy.

When we reached home I told him very clearly n sternly that he is not going for swimming lessons any more since he chose to show his bad n rude behaviour during the lesson. Later that night i text Coach R that we will be stopping swimming as I think I need to deal with his temper tantrums n anger issue before anything else. I was exasperated n dejected. Most of all I was tired of all these, it makes my scream at him more often, something that I would not want to do it. Its time I settle this once and for all, otherwise it will get out of hand (it is actually going out of hand but still within control).

1st meal using Shutter Chef

2011-06-05T22:38:00.000+08:00

I cooked my 1st dinner with my new toy; Themal Shutter Chef, and we are very satisfied with the results.

I cook herbal chicken soup in 1 pot and stew pig pork belly in the other pot. Both turns out very good, tastes the same as I have cooked over the stove fire for 2.5 - 3hrs. Our dinner consist of these 2 dishes, steam cod fish and stir fried kouji leaves with prawns. The fastest dinner I have cooked so far; dinner ready in 30mins

My 1st GSS 2011 loot

2011-06-03T13:41:00.001+08:00

I've heard about "magic thermal cooker" earlier this year but knowing that its a pricy item, I've decided to wait till GSS (Great Singapore Sale) to see if I can get a good deal.

Well, its worth the wait. I went to Tangs (since I have a $10 voucher) with the intention of getting either an Endo or Tiger brand thermal cooker. To my dismay, a Tiger thermal cooker cost $299 AFTER DISCOUNT! Same goes for Zojirushi. The price is only for a 1 pot cooker, I am looking for 2 pots cooker. On top of that the design is bulky, with the handle sticking out. It will occupy more space in my tight kitchen counter plus the handle will create some kind of hindrance to me (I'm no lady in any ways).

I was very interested in Endo and La Gourmet as their price is slightly over a hundred for a 2-pots cooker. Was very curious about the price, asked the sales lady and was told that even though the brand is Japan & Germany, it is manufactured in Malaysia. She then recommends me Thermal Cookware, Shuttle Chef. The price is a hefty SGD299 after discount, usual price is SGD400+. I decided to part with my cash *painfully* and purchase this coz its compact thus does not take up alot of space, it does not have ugly "ears" sticking out at the side and most important it has 2 pots! Of course the freebies of x1 6litre pot and the frying pan of XXcm (no idea how big it is) makes me veered towards "go ahead and buy".

Yesterday night I tried out with water, put the 2 pots of water on the stove for about 10mins n then put them into the container. This morning when I open it, the water are still hot, this makes me very eager to try out with the soup. Now that it passes the "keep warm" test, will it pass the "cooking" and "tasty" test? We shall see about it.

Swimming 2011 Month#5 Lesson#4

2011-05-29T17:41:00.003+08:00

We planned to go to RSAF Open House 2011 : Our Air Force - Defending Our Skies but Little DinoEgg came down with fever on Friday night :( So we didn't get to go anywhere except stay at home n concentrate in getting well.

Drawing Animals

2011-05-28T23:17:00.002+08:00

Saw this piece of art on the table after Little DinoEgg went to bed. Seems like his drawing of animals are changing. Showing more of his own perception and style instead of following mine.

Swimming 2011 Month#5 Lesson#3

2011-05-22T22:41:00.005+08:00

I've decided to get a new board for Little DinoEgg since the current one is not making him perform well in the free style stroke. Didn't managed to get it over the week so a quick trip to Kiddy Palace to grab one this morning. He was very excited to get the board, same board as Coach R, I was excited too! Wonder whether it will really help him to gain more confidence in his swimming.

All excited, we head off to swimming class later. Well, new board need getting used to. Little DinoEgg jumped into the water holding the board slightly angled downwards n the force sort of hit the board upwards suddenly causing him to lose his balance. A little instruction from me solve the problem.

He's soon off swimming happily, with his new board n practicing free style in confidence!

Swimming 2011 Month#5 Lesson#2

2011-05-15T20:40:00.005+08:00

Practising bubble blowing

Doing 4 pulls

Mother's Day gift 2011

2011-05-06T12:43:00.003+08:00

After getting handcraft teapot with a packet of milo inside for consecutively 2 years I was really happy to receive this pretty bead bracelet.

Little Dinoegg told me that he made it with teacher's help. He choose the beads and put them through the elastic string.

Little DinoEgg help to put it on my hand on Friday night =) Sweet little boy.

I'm going to wear it today for the whole day, maybe wear to work tomorrow too.

Swimming 2011 Month#4 Lesson#4

2011-05-01T17:37:00.001+08:00

No lesson as its a Public Holiday; Labour Day ^^,

Who loves me MOST?

2011-04-29T21:32:00.001+08:00

GRANDMA OF COURSE!!!!

We were at the airport to send off Simon, Yaya & Yuan to Shanghai early today. After that Little DinoEgg had his favourite eggs n toast at Ya Kun as we left home real early without breakfast. We then shop around at T3 n I took the opportunity to snap these photos.

Swimming 2011 Month#4 Lesson#3

2011-04-24T23:28:00.011+08:00

Little DinoEgg is doing well WITHOUT the board but he still need Coach R to be by his side when he does the free style WITH the board.

DIY then.

2011-04-23T22:24:00.000+08:00

What do you do if you can't get the new toy that you wanted so much?

Little DinoEgg's new interest is Beyblade which he has been bugging us to buy for him since many weeks ago. We refuse to buy as we think he will not be able to play with it in the correct way (as in the case of the Bakugan). He did not even play with his Ben10 toy figurines much. So no way we are going to buy more expensive toys and let it collect dust at one corner.

For now, he is happy to play with his DIY metal fight Beyblade.

Goodie Bag for Daddy

2011-04-23T21:00:00.002+08:00

Daddy's receive a birthday goodie bag from his company~ First time in his life that he receives birthday goodie bag ^^,

No flowers but it sure fill with lotsa chocolates, nuts, crackers, juice, tea, coffee & biscuits.

Scrunchy Craft

2011-04-23T11:11:00.003+08:00

I bought this during Spotlight's sale some time back. Decided to do this with Little DinoEgg today. Something to occupy him instead of gluing his eyes to the teevee.

A pretty scrunchy red car and its proud owner.

Swimming 2011 Month#4 Lesson#2

2011-04-17T21:58:00.002+08:00

Today Little DinoEgg did the wailing act during the class *palms face* Coach R wants him to swim free style with the board, both hands, but he refuses. Keeps saying he can't, he's scared, he wants Coach to be with him etc etc but Coach have to attend to other kids too! I have to coax, encourage n reason with him to try to do it, then I got mad n have to scold him, barked at him to do. All went down the drain... He just keep on wailing n wailing. Coach R have to carry him while he wails away. He was clearly as unhappy as I am. He challenged him to wail as loud as he can and let the whole pool see & hear him.

He could do it without the board, from the side of the pool to Coach and back, but he just refuse to do it with the board. He could kick n swim while holding on the board either on the top or on the bottom of the board. He just couldn't do it while swimming free style.

I had my own thinking... which I shared with Coach R after class. Could it be due to the few incidents tt happened where he capsized while swimming with the board? He agrees that perhaps tts the problem, becoz he could swim very well otherwise, he mentioned that he is kicking faster n faster so he is not afraid of water or going underwater to practice blowing bubbles. Conclusion; its the board I bought for him. Coach R says its for more experienced swimmer. Geezz! Thats not what the Arena sales assistant told me! She says its for kids with NO swimming experience! Coach R says to try to use his board during the next lesson to see if its better.

Ok, I guess thats one "solution" which we can try the next week.

Our 1st Adopted Pet

2011-04-16T21:08:00.010+08:00

I've decided its time to get a hamster for Master Loh. He's been bugging me since last year after meeting Chris' Mini, Milo & Mojo. I think he is old enough to handle the hamster with care n love it with all his heart.

We went down to SPCA hoping to adopt 1 hamster, I was not having high hopes as I was unsure whether they have hamsters for adoption or not. Well, I was surprised to see at least 20+ small cages of hamsters, ready to go to new home!

The SPCA lady was really patient, bring out a few cages to let Little DinoEgg handle the hamsters. Some of them are not as docile n nipped lightly at his fingers. He finally choose one female hamster. She was calm n was not afraid of Little DinoEgg's rough handling (This is the 1st time he handles hamsters thus still need to teach him on the way he treats a small animal), no nipping or biting from her. About 45mins later, we are done with the adoption papers ^^,

The Adoption Paper and our hammie

And our new pet got her new name while we were waiting for our taxi, barely 20mins after we left SPCA. Little DinoEgg was sitting on the bench with the hamster, admiring her, playing with her then he suddenly blurt out "Joey~ come here~" Thats how she got her name.

Joey the Hamster

We head down to Serangoon North to buy some necessities for Joey at Pets Kiosk Pet Saloon. Got her a new cage, some food n treats etc.

New cage & stuffs for Joey

And here she is, looking so pretty with her big round eyes;

Ms Joey, the Pearl White Hamster

Times Table

2011-04-13T22:26:00.001+08:00

Daddy teaching Little DinoEgg the times table.

Surprise?

2011-04-13T17:44:00.002+08:00

"papa ur birthday want to buy what cake?
i buy den i hide
den give u a surprise."

This was what Little DinoEgg told daddy while on the way to school this morning. Of course daddy says no need to buy cake but he just won't let go. Keep asking him what kind of cake he wants.

I can picture the scenario if he ever did buy a cake (of course I'm the one buying). He'll probably run up to daddy when he comes in through the door after work, telling him excitedly that he bought a birthday cake for him but its a surprise for him. hahahhaa~

This little imp... full of ideas n imagination. Daddy's little Angel n Mummy's big devil. We both love you very much!

Swimming 2011 Month#4 Lesson#1

2011-04-10T22:09:00.003+08:00

Holding on to the side of the pool and practicing the free style.

Swimming 2011 Month#3 Lesson#4

2011-04-03T21:28:00.002+08:00

No swimming.

Little DinoEgg made the choice.

Either take a nap or skip nap and no swimming.

After rolling around the bed for an hour, he got up and made his choice.

He whine, he cry, he throw temper.

Told him about his choice.

And he kept quiet, sulking.

Swimming 2011 Month#3 Lesson#3

2011-03-27T22:17:00.005+08:00

Today's progress =)

A little girl from Coach R's class from the previous school joined us today. She is trying all her ways n means to catch Coach R's attention, distraction all the other boys and interrupting Coach R when he is giving instruction or teaching them. She is annoying me alot! It upsets me when Coach R compares her with Little DinoEgg, saying that "both of them are very naughty"! Oh Please! My boy is mischievous but he does not jump into the water without the coach's instruction, he does not try to disturb or distract Coach or interrupt Coach when he is talking etc. He just sits there on the pool side either playing with water or disturbing the one sitting beside him while both of them waits for Coach to be done with the other kid(s). He knows discipline, he knows that I am watching him n do not do all the wrong things. So please! Do not put him together with this little ger D, he is NOT like her!

Block out the sun

2011-03-15T19:03:00.002+08:00

Look at my face after a month of being exposed under the glaring n harsh sun during swimming lesson has made me feel sad. My facial tone is uneven and I seems to have more freckles. This is not going well for me! Even though I am sitting under the shaded seats but the sun rays reflected fm the pool n floor is doing damage too.

I asked the gang what kind/brand of sun block they are using, trying to decide or have an idea which one to get; Avene, Cle de Peau, Clarins, Neutrogena etc, aiks! so confusing! They suggest that I try abit on my wrist to see if there is any allergic reaction to the product or not. *sigh* so troublesome -.- I decided to pop by Robinson yesterday during lunch time to look see. When I entered the shop, I saw Biotherm n made a beeline to the counter. I have used their products before and is sure that it is suitable for me.

15mins later I came out of the store with their White D-Tox [Bright-Cell] Make-up Base SPF 30 PA++ (Blue)

Today, I applied it on my face. Initially when I squeeze the content out n saw that its BLUE, I was hesitant... won't it make my face blue or blueish? Nevertheless, I still applied it. Immediately I fell in love with it. It glides on easily, blends into my skin well, doesn't give me a ghostly white look (as with some of the sun blocks), its non sticky or greasy too. Best of all, after I put on my make up, it gives me a more even toned face. Is my face looking abit brighter today?? hahahaa~~~

Swimming 2011 Month#3 Lesson#1

2011-03-13T19:18:00.003+08:00

As I have expected, Little DinoEgg dare not do the free style without the float on his back. He tried to bargain with Coach R, who sent him to me when he couldn't "win" him. He came to me whining "Mummy, I only wanna do 1 hand, but Coach R wants me to do 2 hands!" He got so agitated that he was raising his voice. My attempt to calm him down was unsuccessful. I finally managed to get him back to the pool, telling him to tell Coach R to let him try doing with 1 hand, then when he is ok he will do 2 hands. He went to tell Coach R who was trying to lighten things up by saying "ok, left hand = 1 hand, right hand = 1 hand, so only do 1 hand, right?" If its on normal days, Little DinoEgg would have just laugh it off but not today. Today is "Skip nap n be cranky" day. And he did the thing which he knows very well that I would not approve of; he show his temper at Coach R and shout at him.

The minute I saw that, I got up from my seat n started towards the pool, then I stopped at my track. Coach R was giving him a piece of his mind too. Good! He deserves it! However I think he is not fierce enough, perhaps he was afraid that I would disapprove of it? After lecturing him, swimming continues on with Little DinoEgg swimming with the board blowing bubbles as he swim.

At the end of the class, I took Little DinoEgg to one side, how can I let him off for this disrespect behavior? I told him patiently that Coach is also a teacher who teaches him to swim. He should show him respect just like he show respect to his teachers in school. I made him apologise to Coach R. He was unwilling to do so, choosing to stand far away fm Coach R n say out a word SORRY. He is unwilling becoz he know very well that he did something very wrong. I made him go up to Coach R and say a proper SORRY.

On the way home, I told him that I was disappointed with him. Told him that becoz he has chosen not to take a nap thus he has no energy to swim, cranky, bad tempered which leads to all the bad behavior. He looked at me in silence, knowing very well that I am right.

Painted Nails

2011-03-12T20:59:00.004+08:00

Went out with Chris & Mich earlier to AMK Hub for afternoon dessert. Actually to pass Mich our COACH shopping list =)

We went shopping at the mall, bought some stuffs, including some nail polishes at O2 Skin; $1.90 each for 3 or more. I was sitting down with my new nail polish, deciding which one to apply when Little DinoEgg saw me. He looked and ask me what are those. I told him that its nail polish; "to color mummy's nails and make it pretty." I show him my nails after I applied them, his eyes went very big and says "WOW~ So pretty! Mummy, don't clean it away ok?" Hahaha~ silly boy~

Steamboat Khakis

2011-03-07T23:13:00.004+08:00

We were yakking in facebook n decided to arranged for a pig out session, just the 3 of us since we were talking to each other. Actually we were talking about FOOD (glorious food!) and have a sudden crave of steam boat in super spicy 麻辣 style. You can practically see us salivating while talking hahaha~ So a date n time was set in record breaking time, and here we are at Chong Qing Hot Pot @ Suntec City.

we were on the dot, hungry n going crazy, have to keep ourselves occupied and not think of the FOOD.

And when Her Majesty made her grand entrance~~ All "hell" breaks loose!!! The ever friendly waitress who took our order decides to make things easy for us by suggesting that she help us to order some normal dishes to start off with, then we just add in any other dish later. Good idea! Especially when you have 2 very hungry ladies who are ready to swallow the food, pot n every thing.

When the mountain of food (I am not kidding you!), we literally just dump all into the pot, more on the spicy side since its what started this pigging out session.

All in, ALL IN!

Eating n joking n sharing news... I took the opportunity to snap these 2 shots haha~ Revenge is SWEET! Chris! I've got your unglam photo! Renee, dun come after me ok! However, I'm sure you have 1 unglam photo of me inside ur little camera you brought along *^^*

*munch munch chew chew*

I can't imagine the amount of food we (the 3 ladies) ate! We had cockles, (sinful! All Renee's fault), which I never had a chance to order when having steamboat with other friends. I was surprised that these 2 ladies wanted pork bellies too. I thought I was the only one who heck care what unhealthy n fatty food I stuffed into my body hahaha~

As usual, we ate n drink till nearing closing time. I was so full so full so full that I think I'll just skip breakfast & lunch tomorrow. Hmm.... this was suppose to be a eat-while-catching-things-up session but where are the catching up? I guess the food must have chased it away.

Swimming 2011 Month#2 Lesson#4

2011-03-06T19:55:00.006+08:00

Today's swimming lesson is about these~

A good start of the free style stroke without board in the 3rd video. However, while swimming back to the wall, he kinda lost his rhythm n did a... DOGGIE CRAWL~~~ He's swimming well today, all thanks to tt little yellow float at his back. Let's hope he can do the same when he is not wearing that *keeping fingers crossed*

I had a quick chat with Coach R after I pass him the next month's school fees. He says Little DinoEgg is progressing ok, he dares to swim, kick n do the strokes. Ok, now I'm happy, since he says there are some improvements.

客家算盘子

2011-03-06T18:46:00.005+08:00

This is my 2nd attempt, 1st attempt was only half successful. The "abacus" was too hard. I brought some over to let mum taste, she says I did not put enough tapioca flour. So this time, I make sure I put more flour then the last round.

The "abacus seeds"

This took me half a day to prepare n finally lay it on the table. Was kneading the yam dough when its time for swimming lesson, I throw every thing into the fridge n off to the pool for an hour. Luckily daddy help me to soak the dried mushroom, black fungus n dried shrimps. He also help me to cut them into strips while I was at the pool.

I heat up the oil, throw in the dried shrimp to fry it till the fragrance comes out. Next goes in the chopped scallion. In goes the mushroom, the black fungus, shredded carrots n follow by the meat (the meat mixed with some oyster sauce & sesame oil). After boiling the "abacus seeds" into a pot of boiling water (I added some oil into the water so that the "seeds" will be coated with oil and will not stick together), I threw them in to stir fry with all the ingredients.

The process of stir frying looks like a failure. The "abacus seeds" stick together, daddy says perhaps its coz I added too much tapioca flour. I was disappointed. Daddy to the rescue~ trying to salvage the dish n help me with the cooking. Well, it looks ok n yummilicous when its done.

The dish

Daddy took a small potion to eat n he says its tasty~ I was doubtful, how can it be tasty... it gave me an "abacus seed" to taste n wow! Its better then the 1st attempt. It has the "springy" effect when you chew it. Daddy says he can taste the yam after chewing it. So I was happy, at least its not a half or total failure.

Daddy says "next time u try to steam the "abacus seeds" instead of boiling it, see hows the result." Ok.... next time... maybe few months down the road haha~

This is a fairly simple dish, the only tedious part is preparing the "abacus seeds". First have to steam the yam till its soft, after it cooled down for a while, I mash them up. After that I knead them with tapioca flour till its a firm dough. Roll them into strands n cut into small size, roll them into slightly flatten "seeds". This whole process usually takes 2 hours to finish. By time my back n arms are already aching....

Having some water fun

2011-02-27T20:13:00.000+08:00

He jumped into the water and refuse to get out after the agreed 15mins of fun.

Swimming 2011 Month#2 Lesson#3

2011-02-27T19:48:00.008+08:00

We couldn't make it early today for the swim in the smaller pool coz we were unable to get a cab. Waited for 15 mins before we were able to hop onto a cab, by the time we reach the pool, its already lesson time.

Little DinoEgg is still not going into the water on his own, still need Coach R to pull him down by the board. After a few times, Coach R did some thing smart. He pretend to pull him down but in fact only touching the board and Little DinoEgg went into the water. The next round when Little DinoEgg waits for him to pull him down, Coach R told him off "U come down yourself. Its the same whether I pull you down or u come down yourself!", refuse to help him this time. Little DinoEgg has got no choice but to go into the water on his own.

Bravo!

Still need Coach to swim besides him

After a few rounds of swimming with board n practicing blowing bubbles, Coach got him to swim without board. He gets into the water without any hesitation.

Lastly Coach R teach him free style again. Instead of doing 1 pull of one arm, he wanted him to do with both his arms. He did it beautifully, not perfect but acceptable, but he forgot to kick when he moves his arms.

Class ended with him doing 4 pulls =) Off he went dashing to the smaller pool.

Braised Pork Belly

2011-02-26T20:52:00.009+08:00

Daddy is a "meat person", I'm a veggie lover. I always try to cook some meaty dish for him but recently ran out of idea. Then I thought why not cook a simple braised some-kinda-meat dish.

Ingredients:

* 500g pork belly cleaned

* 1 star anise

* 1 cinnamon stick

* 1 piece of galangal (blue ginger), about thumb size, cleaned

* 6 cloves garlic, bruised but with skin on

* 2 tablespoon soya sauce

* 2 tablespoon oyster sauce

* 2 tablespoon dark soya sauce

* 3 tablespoon honey

* 1 tablespoon sugar

* 2 cups hot water

* 2 tablespoon canola oil (or vegetable oil)

Method:

1. Marinate the pork belly with 1 teaspoon soya sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soya sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar.

2. Allow this to stand at room temperature for at least half an hour.

3. Add the oil into a shallow non stick pot, once the oil is hot, sear the pork on all sides. Once it is browned…remove from pot and slice. (about ½ inch thick)

4. Add the remaining soya sauces, oyster sauce, honey, sugar into the 2 cups of hot water. Stir till everything is dissolved.

5. Add the star anise, cinnamon, garlic and galangal into the pot.

6. Turn up the heat to high, add the dark liquid mixture into the pot and allow this to come to a boil.

7. Add the sliced pork pieces in. You can add in any other ingredients that you like, such as egg or tua pok (u get the idea). I added a piece of defrozed tofu, cut into small cubes.

8. Once the sauce begins to boil again, lower the heat to a simmer, and allow this to simmer for about two hours, with the lid on.

9. Taste the gravy, if it add more sugar or salt if needed.

10. Serve immediately

Pork Belly - Marinated & seared

I served it at tonight's dinner, daddy was very happy, says its tasty. Even Little DinoEgg love the pork belly.

Frozened Tofu

Daddy's colleague taught us this when we invite them over for steamboat. She says to put the tofu into the freezer, later on take it out n defroze it. When u cut it, you can see that there are alot of "air pockets" inside the tofu. When you throw it into the soup, the tofu will absorb the soup like a tau pok, when you bite into it, the taste will be different. Its really very tasty when we had it during the steamboat so I thought I'd add it into the braised pork belly dish too. I like to use Unicurd's tofu, its very smooth n soft, taste good even if u just put them into the soup.

$2 tissue

2011-02-24T11:41:00.006+08:00

A year plus ago he starts showing up at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station on the exit to Penang Road. Sitting at his wheelchair on the far side of the entrance, his right arm stretched out holding on to the tissue papers, waiting patiently for people to buy them. He never communicates, never open his mouth to ask if any of us want to buy tissue from him. Perhaps its because he think no words are needed since everyone can clearly see that he is handicap, perhaps he couldn't speak clearly due to

During the year, in my split 30secs from the sec I see him when I emerge from the basement via the escalator till I walked pass him towards the bus stop, I've only seen a handful of ladies who stopped n buy tissue from him, most of them gave $2. I've wanted to help him too but sometimes I don't have $2 in my wallet or just lazy to walk up to him (which only takes 5secs) or sometimes I just plainly play blind. Sometimes I feel guilty after I walked pass him, telling myself that "tomorrow I will buy from him."

That "tomorrow" never really came till today. Took me less then 2secs to get my $2 out from my wallet, passed it to him and took the tissues from him.

Sure feels good to fulfill a promise I made to myself.

Spelling

2011-02-23T21:52:00.004+08:00

When I try to teach Little DinoEgg spelling (both English & Chinese), I always face a problem. He only want to spell the words or write the Chinese character once, the most twice. He is good at it, he sound it out when he wasn't sure about it, every time getting it right. He knows the Chinese character's stroke well by heart. If I tell him to do it another time, he will either give a frustrated big sigh before obliging me OR he will keep saying "I don't know how to spell/write." And every Spelling Day night his answer to my question is always "Yes, I know how to spell/write." I am giving him benefit of doubts, since he shows that he knows the words very well.

Today, I have confirmation that he really knows the words, at least for English spelling

Oh, look! There is spelling today! And I did not revise with him. But hey! He got it all correct =) Now I know I do not have to worry much on his English spelling. Lets wait and see how is the result for the Chinese spelling.

Wait wait wait!!! Whats with the mistake in the numbering???

Swimming 2011 Month#2 Lesson#2

2011-02-20T18:47:00.003+08:00

Last week,we were relaxing after dinner, Little DinoEgg told me that he do not want to go swimming any more, he say he doesn't know how to swim. I guess he was having 2nd thoughts after he capsized during class while swimming with 1 board, arms stretched out. Ytd when I told him we are going swimming today he said "Oh No! I don't want to go." I told him that I understand his concerns n worries. I assured him that it will be ok. "How about we go to the pool slightly early so that u can practice swimming in the smaller pool?". He said ok with out any hesitation coz he gets to play with the slides. While my main aim is not so for him to practice swimming (impossible to do that in the small pool with slides n many kids waddling around), most important part is for him to get into the water n play, I do not want him to be afraid of water or reject swimming becoz of the incident.

Anyway, we arrived 15mins early today, he dashes into the water with his board almost immediately. He did swim or try to swim coz its crowded, every one are either running, waddling or walking in the shallow water (the water level is till his hip), while he was kicking water with his board he bumps into some one in a few kicks. When it's time for class, he was abit reluctant to walk over, I have to reassure him that coach is there to help him, its going to be ok, he will not sink etc etc then he went up to the coach.

I watched him closely, wanted to see how he's doing. He was ok with getting into the water n blowing bubbles while holding on to the side of the pool. He was not ok to go into the water with his board. He sat there with his feet in the water, board in his hands, unwilling to move his butt into the water. He wouldn't move even Coach R gave him reassurances. In the end he has to pull him into the water, but he was ok once he hits the water. This went on throughout the lesson. Seems like we are going back to square one, leaping into the water seems to be a challenge to him occasionally. I hope he will grow out of this and gain more confidence soon.

Red packet from Coach

Little DinoEgg received a red packet (a gold packet in this case lol) from Coach. Hmm... its a few days late since the CNY ended on 17 Feb 2011 hahaha~ Nevertheless, I'm sure the kids still feel excited when they receive this, I know Little DinoEgg is. Especially he knows there are some yummy goodies inside it instead of boring money. And this Taiwan muah chee is one of his favourite.

Hitched a Ride on Kino Fantasies

2011-02-19T22:37:00.000+08:00

Kinokuniya is having store wide discounts again~~ 20%, thats alot! How can I miss this chance of grabbing some books? I roped Catherine in as she also wanted to get some books for Charlotte, especially The Gruffalo book.

I grabbed these books for Little DinoEgg. He wanted the Dragon's Dinner book the minute he see it, so its in our loots. I so love the Chinese books that I grabbed~ I have to start reading Chinese books to Little DinoEgg who still insist on English books though I did suggest Chinese books.

Hope the journey of introducing Chinese books will be a successful one.

Dinner with HIHS ladies

2011-02-18T23:58:00.007+08:00

I was the 1st one to reach Royal Plaza on Scotts since I am working in town. Chris came out late and she was caught in a police stop just outside Goodwood Park Hotel. She was pretty mad as she was stuck on the same spot for 15mins, apparently there are some big shots in town and police have to stop the traffic to let them go first. Renee was caught in traffic jam too but on the other side. Traffic is crazy as usual.

Me & Chris started first, we seen the spread and can't wait for the other 2 to come. Dun care them already! We finished our 1st round of cold cuts and Renee was here and we went 2nd round of cold cuts & sashimi with her. There is a good selection of cold cuts that consists of mainly alaska crabs, flower crabs, lobsters, oysters, various clams, salmon (1 whole fish!) *yum yum* The sashimi are very fresh, almost melts in your mouth.

We were more interested in the cold cuts, sashimi, the side dishes and desserts. Main course was ok (perhaps we were not tempted by it kekeke), we ate abit just for taste. We were too busy eating that we forgot to take photo of the delicious food! These were the photo which we remember to take BEFORE it ended up in our tummy =)

Oysters, alaska crabs & lobster

Desserts, desserts and more desserts!

And of course, we talk n giggled n giggled n joke n talk n exchange child raising ideas n do silly things n gossip n say funny stuffs n talk n talk.....

We stayed from 7pm till 1030pm. Time just zoom pass while we were having fun n eating good food. Here we are, 4 tummy satisfied ladies who had a great 3 1/2 hours together.

We already have our next gathering on mind since Joanne & Jacqueline was unable to join us today.

TGIF!

2011-02-18T16:28:00.002+08:00

And so happy that I am meeting Chris, Renee & Joirene for dinner!

Swimming 2011 Month#2 Lesson #1

2011-02-13T21:08:00.000+08:00

1st swimming lesson after 2 weeks break!!!!! I'm excited, Little DinoEgg is excited! But I'm also abit worried, not sure how Little DinoEgg will react after such long break. Will he still jumps into the pool without hesitation? Will he be afraid of the water or Coach R (which is most unlikely)??? We reach the swimming pool 15mins early as Little DinoEgg wants to play in the slide area. He took his googles & board, got into the pool n start kicking while holding onto the board. The water level is low and there were many kids running around in the pool but he dun care about them, just happily kicking n moving forward in his slow pace.

When its time for class, I beckon him towards me and we walk over to the corner. He suddenly stopped at his track, pulled my hand n refuse to move. Shy? Scared? Not sure. Coz when I pointed out Coach R to him, he eagerly runs to him n starts calling him way before he reaches. RELIEVE for me. A while later upon Coach R's instruction, he jumped into the water with a big SPLASH~ WOOT!

Another good news, there are only 2 kids in the class; Little DinoEgg and another older boy =) 50% of Coach R's attention.

Its the same routine of blowing bubbles and swimming to the red n white flag, this time Little DinoEgg did it with only 1 board. He jumped in with his board n happily kicking n swimming forward. Later on Coach R teach him the free style, only the hands, breathing techniques shld be at later stage. Well, now I am confident that Little DinoEgg is at least improving otherwise Coach R would not have taught him that. So 1st lesson after 2 weeks break went well.

Was talking to Coach R regarding some fees issues. I feel weird talking to him... Wait wait, hold ur horses! Listen to me before any one of u think towards the wrong direction. I feel weird coz he is wearing a sun glasses with reflective lens... Firstly there was no eye contact (can't even see the shadow of his eyes). Secondly, when I look at the sun glasses (gotta have eye contact right???) I see my own image in clear view, makes me feel like I am talking to myself. Gives me a "I think I'm crazy" feeling at tt moment lol

U are the Ass!

2011-02-08T22:19:00.002+08:00

Was wondering around Plaza Sin not knowing where or what to have for dinner. Feeling frustrated, I decided to head home. Its rush hours, the train will be packed, I wanted to take a taxi back. However I decided take the train since I am near the station.

It was indeed crowded, I couldn't even get into the middle of the cabin and have to stand near the door :( While more commuters squeeze into the cabin, those already in the cabin was being forced to move back. Initially I felt a finger poking at my lower back. I thought nothing of it, perhaps its just coincidental. When the train stops at the next station, pple are rushing to go out n get on the train. There were a bit of pushing n shuffling which is normal. I was forced backward, I am sure that I did not bumped into the lady behind me OR stepped on her toes or whatever. Why am I so sure? Coz she pushed me away *ggrrrrr*

Then the words "What an asshole" floats into my ears. (Well the usually noisy cabin was exceptionally quiet that day, therefore I hear it very clearly.)

I turned around, looked at that lady and said calmly "I heard that." (She was clearly shocked that I confronted her.)

She shrugs "Well, I just think that people should look behind before they move. I looked before I stepped behind."

"I was pushed." I said in a as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

"You should have told him to look behind before he moves back." (She does not dare to look at me in the eye, keeps adverting and looking else where.)

"I know he did not do it intentionally. He has to moved abit to let others out of the train."

"Well, still he should look behind before moving." (Hello, u deaf or wat???)

"As I said, he did not do it intentionally, he was pushed by the other person too."

"Alright, alright..." (eyes looking at her hands)

When the train stopped at the next station, she said a loud EXCUSE ME n got off the train.

So who is the bigger asshole now! PUUTWEEEEE!!!!

Gruffalo 2011 - The Play

2011-02-06T23:29:00.003+08:00

We missed it last year (so sad!) but we managed to get tickets this year! I asked Catherine along, it wasn't till end December 2010 that I have time to pop by sistic to buy the tickets. I was so afraid that the tickets will be sold out, luck is with me, I managed to grabbed 4 tickets for today's show and with very good seating too! I guess its the CNY weekend so most of the parents are busy visiting relatives or they are out of town. Their Lost My Gain *evil laughter*

Today's play is a compilation of both books; The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, but more towards The Gruffalo's Child. The play started with the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's child in the cave getting ready for bed. The Gruffalo told the Gruffalo's child a bed time story about his adventure and how he met the Big Bad Mouse. Ignoring his father's warning, the Gruffalo's Child steps out of the cave with the Stickman to search for the Big Bad Mouse who is terribly strong, his scaly tail is terribly long. His eyes are like pools of terrible fire, and his terrible whiskers are tougher than wire

Along the way the Gruffalo's Child met the snake in his new shimmering skin who is out for a party to celebrate his new skin, he sashayed, cha-chaed n salsaed but ran away when he heard of the Gruffalo, he definitely does not want to become a scrambled snake!

Then came the not-so-wise owl who taught flying lessons n tries to teach the Gruffalo's Child to fly. Of course he can't since he is not a bird, he turned at the not-so-wise owl, wanting to make him into owl ice-cream! The not-so-wise owl escaped after directing the Gruffalo's Child to the Big Bad Mouse's where about.

Last but not least he met the cunning fox who tries to sell him mice! "Two for the price of one!" says the fox. And like all cunning salesmen, the fox tries to con the Gruffalo's Child, but all he wants is to find the Big Bad Mouse. He manages to escape before he becomes roasted fox.

Unable to find the Big Bad Mouse and feeling terribly hungry n scared (even he has the Stickman to accompany him), the Gruffalo's child ran through the deep dark woods in search of the way home. He ran and ran till he bumped into the mouse, feeling hungry, the Gruffalo's child wanted to eat the mouse on a slice of bread. In order to avoid being eaten, the mouse invites the Gruffalo's child to meet the Big Bad Mouse. It then tricks the Gruffalo's child by standing on a tree branch to use the moonlight to enlarge its shadow. The Gruffalo's child flees, believing the shadow to belong to the real 'Big Bad Mouse'.

It was a good play, there were laughter, squealing, screaming, clapping throughout the 60mins, alot of interactions to keep the little audience on their seats n eyes glued to the stage.

Little DinoEgg enjoy it very much, he love the Gruffalo~ I guess with him being older, he can understand the play better and participate when the characters prompt them as compare to earlier years where he will just look on or I will have to move his hands for him. At least he did not say he wants to go home in the midst of the play *grins*

Our next play shall be... ... ... haha~ not sure yet, will keep a look out for some good ones.

DIY Ang Bao Gold Fish

2011-02-04T05:13:00.007+08:00

ok so I woke up at 1.45am, that's cause we slept at 8.15pm the previous day. Hey, its a tiring day for all of us, CNY visiting, constant eating, playing, laughing etc etc. So I chased Little DinoEgg to bed even though he is still wide awake and everything. However the minute his head hit the pillow, he's yawning away :P

Anyway~~~~ waking up so early, after surfing the net, I decided to do some "work". Every year I have alot of left over red packets both at home and in the office, I thought "why not make full use of these pretty red packets?" So I search the net and easily found some clear instructions this pretty gold fish.

Swimming 2011 T1 Lesson#4

2011-01-30T13:42:00.001+08:00

We changed our swimming lesson to be on Sundays, this was going to be the 1st Sunday's lesson. Mr Sun is not cooperating, Ms Dark Clouds n Ms Rain decides to join hands to create a downpour. Master Thunder decides to join in the fun too.

Yupe... it starts to rain in the morning and no sign that it is going to stop any sooner. Received a text from Coach R that lesson will be cancelled. And so we head off to our snuggling soft bed and enjoy a long nap instead.

English Spelling

2011-01-27T22:10:00.000+08:00

As if I am not worried about Chinese spelling, now I have to worry about English spelling too!

Swimming 2011 T1 Lesson#3

2011-01-22T14:46:00.001+08:00

I watched Little DinoEgg like a hawk, walking up n down the pool along side with him while he kicks n swim to the red & white flag. Catching Little DinoEgg when he misbehave or disturb his friends while sitting at the pool waiting for his turn to swim. I was starting to get a little bit vexed... coz Little DinoEgg does not seems to be improving. Still swimming with his "bat man wings", I would have expected Coach R to encourage him to go for 1 board today.

When Coach R ask if I want to change to Sunday class I was in for it almost immediately. He says there too many kids in this class and he would like to put the lower level kids together. Our thinking are mutual hehehe~ I shall wait for his good news.

I can do it myself

2011-01-20T17:22:00.006+08:00

Its been very frustrating every morning when its time for Little DinoEgg to wake up. Usually I will wake him up before I head off to the bath room to brush my teeth n bath; told him that when I am done it will be his turn to get up and brush his teeth. Every morning without fail it will be at least 30mins before he gets out of bed. By the time I will be either frustrated or mad.

Ytd I got so upset that I left the house for work with him still lying on the bed. I told him that if he still does not want to get up, I will leave for work, he did not bulge, choosing to ignore me even when I threw his uniform onto him and told him to get dress himself WHEN he decides to get up. Off to work I went, feeling frustrated.

That night daddy says he got out of bed shortly after I left the house, brushed his own teeth and change into his school uniform himself. He did not make a fuss, misbehave or gave daddy any problems. "He was an angel this morning." says daddy.

Ok~~ my little boy is growing up, he is more independent then I thought. Time for me to start letting him do more things by himself.

Swimming 2011 T1 Lesson#2

2011-01-15T21:58:00.002+08:00

Happiness is...

when you swim with your beloved Coach
when you see your child swimming happily

At least in this situation...

I wasn't sure if Coach R is able to take in Little DinoEgg even though he mentioned that he has 4 kids in his pte class. We reached the swimming complex at 2.45pm, I wanted to look for him at the usual pool area but Little DinoEgg stopped at his track outside the toilet and refuse to bulge. He suddenly feel shy, refuse to walk to the pool with me. He wants me to find Coach and see if he say OK then he will (change into his swim suit) go to the pool. I did not see Coach nor his class mate Bryan too. I thought maybe the class is postponed or they are at some other parts of the pool. I walked back to the toilet area to tell Little DinoEgg, was about to walk to the other side of the complex when I say Bryan's daddy *phew*. He told me the class starts slightly later. Since there are about 15mins more to the class, Little DinoEgg joined Bryan in the pool for some water fun with the slides and every thing.

Luckily Coach R says ok to continue teach Little DinoEgg otherwise I will have to deal with a super duper disappointed child who will most likely cry his heart out.

There were 7 kids in the class; including Little DinoEgg, all at different level, Little DinoEgg & Bryan being the most "elementary" lol They are still practicing swimming with their "batman wings", blow bubbles and swim to the red & white flags. 3 weeks of no swimming really is bad :( Little DinoEgg lost abit of confidence, he was able to swim with 1 board before. Never mind, he can build up his confidence again.

When I see so many kids in the class, I feel that its too much for Coach R to handle. I was right... half way through the class, he gather the kids and told them that to listen to instructions carefully and do not jump down into the water unless he instructed them to do so. "There are 7 of you, and I need your FULL corporation. Listen to me, swim only when I tell u to swim. DO NOT swim on you own." I guess he got spooked when Little DinoEgg was struggling and almost capsized while swimming with 1 board. He was too far away to help, luckily I was there, keeping an eye on him, managed to pull him to the side before he goes under. From then on, I am by the pool, watching Little DinoEgg, watching the kids, just in case some of them need help to get out of the pool.

The hour pass so fast! And it started to have a downpour just when the class is ending. I was drenched while running fm the pool to the sheltered toilets. Must remember to throw brolly into "swim class bag". We head off to Mac for some food and to wait for the rain clouds to pass.

PS : I gotta get a foldable stool soon! That way I can sit by the pool side instead of standing for the full hour.

"Getting better at cooking"

2011-01-15T20:06:00.028+08:00

That's what daddy says when I asked him about today's dinner *I'm grinning from ear to ear* This is our dinner tonight.

CASHEW CHICKEN (腰果鸡丁)
Ingredients
* 1 boneless & skinless chicken breast, about 10 oz. (cut into small cubes)
* 1/2 cup cashew nuts
* 1 small green bell pepper, about 4 oz. (cut into small square pieces)
* 5 slices ginger
* 1/4 onion (cut into small square pieces)

Marinate
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon corn starch
* 1/2 teaspoon rice wine

Sauce
* 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
* 3/4 teaspoon soy sauce
* 3 tablespoons water
* 3 dashes white pepper powder
* 1/2 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon rice wine
* 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
* Salt to taste

Method
1. Marinate the chicken meat with the baking soda for 15-20 minutes and then rinse the chicken thoroughly. (Please make sure that the chicken is properly rinsed clean of the baking soda.)
2. Pat the chicken meat dry with paper towels and then marinate with the rest of the ingredients for 15 minutes.
3. Mix the sauce together and set aside.
4. Heat up a wok with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and stir-fry the chicken meat until the color turns white or half-cooked. Dish out and set aside.
5. Add another 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into the wok and add in the ginger slices, bell peppers and onions.
6. Stir-fry until you smell the peppery aroma from the green peppers and add the chicken meat back in.
7. Add in the cashew nuts and do a few quick stirs.
8. Add in the sauce and stir continuously until the chicken meat is cooked and well coated with the sauce. Add salt to taste.

*As usual, I got this recipe online, so I just take away those that I do not wanna add or do not have them on hand at the moment. This time I did not put the pepper powder, onions (dun have it), rice wine & sugar.

Sauteed Dou Miao With Carrot
Ingredients
* 1 packet of dou miao
* 1/2 carrot
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

Method
1. Cook the carrot till soft, dish out and set aside
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add in minced garlic till fragrant
3. Add in dou miao and stir fried till tender
4. Add in sliced carrot
5. Add pinch of salt for taste
6. As the moisture from the dou miao leaves evaporates, add in water, simmer for a while

I did not prepare the fish. Daddy decides to do it, he is after all a Teochew so he wants this to be hhmmm~~ per-fect!

Steam Fish (Teochew style)
Ingredient
1. 1 whole fish, either seabass, white promfret, garupa or this red fish (I have forgotten its name), ask the fish monger to celan it
2. 1 clove of salted vegetables, sliced thinly
3. 1 - 2 tomatoes, sliced
4. 3 - 4 ginger, cut into thin stripes
5. 1 salted plum
6. 1 - 2 tablespoon of bean paste
7. 1 - 2 tablespoon of steam fish sauce

Method
1. Make 2 diagonal cut along the fish's body on both sides
2. Place the salted plum in the stomach
3. Put the fish on a plate, place the salted vegetables & tomatoes all over the fish. Lastly put the bean paste on top.
4. Once the water in the wok boils, put the fish in and steam it for about 15 mins

Drama King!

2011-01-14T23:11:00.000+08:00

On the way to work when daddy called me, saying that Little DinoEgg complained that his leg is very pain and he cannot walk, tell me to take leave to bring him to see doc. I was puzzled, when I see him this morning n when I left the house just barely 30mins ago, he was ok, no complain of pain or anything. Daddy says he was limping & can't walk when they were about to go out, he has to carry him.

I was worried, called the school and was told that he was ok, walking around the school, not limping, no complaining of pain. Teacher Sue says she will observe him and let me know later.

I called again at 1pm+ Teacher Sue says he is ok! She even did a small experiment, she called out to him at a distance, telling him that she has something to show him. This imp... got so excited by her tone and skipped n ran to her =.= She teased him, asked him if his leg is pain or not? How come he is not limping any more? And this fella just smile at her cheekily.

I told daddy and he was upset... coz his son made him so worried n it turn out to be a lie. However I feel that Little DinoEgg just want some extra attention from daddy today. Later that night, daddy says he really know how to act, he was holding on to his knee, limping n his face shows that he is in GREAT pain. Both him n grandfather was fooled by him.

Must be the Act3 classes that he went to haha~ teaching him how to act hee~ Next time must be very careful when he complain of any pain n sore. Dun wanna be fooled by him again.

Chinese 听写 sentence

2011-01-14T20:02:00.002+08:00

"我有一个头、口、手、耳" that what Little DinoEgg wrote after I test him on next Monday's Chinese spelling word of 头and 我. These are the Chinese spelling words for this month. And by the look of it, he does not need to practice it haha~

He tried writing his name many many times on 2 pieces of paper. Why so many times? Not that he does not know how to write. Its the pencils... the ones that Granny gave him keeps breaking, and the sharpener are lousy... A few strokes with a newly sharpened pencil and the lead broke again. And he does not continue from where he left off with another newly sharpened pencil, he has to start all over again coz when the lead broke, the strokes were out.

He managed to write his name and show it to Granny, proudly.

Popiah days

2011-01-10T19:13:00.000+08:00

Recently, Elizabeth has been ordering popiah to share during lunch, we've eaten those from Food Republic & Malacca Cafe in 313@Somerset. Today early lunching alone @ Plaza Singapura I thought I buy 1 as snack in the office later. While eating, suddenly I remember my younger days, the days when Mum decides that "today is popiah day". We will be excited about it (or at least I am) coz Mum's popiah is truly yummy.

Mum will start preparing the ingredients early the morning. Peeling the turnips, carrots, pounding the peanuts, fry the eggs, cook the prawns, then there were lettuce, lup-cheong (chinese sauasge), bean sprouts etc etc. Its labourous! And the results is of course way over the meaning "satisfying". When all the ingredients are ready, Mum will lay them on our round dinning table. The colors of the ingredients already makes us salivates n couldn't wait to sink our teeth onto one of it as soon as possible. I have to ask mum for the recipe, the Lim's popiah receipe hahaha~

I love to wrap my own popiah but I prefer Mum to do it for me. Somehow the ones that she wrap tastes million times better then the one I did it even though we are using the same ingredients n sauce. I especially love Mum's chili; she laborously pound the chili padis n mix them with some thing (i forgot what, must ask her). I remembered I had it as lunch n dinner~ woot~ yummy!

I remember I had a popiah gathering during my ITE days too. The few of us gathered at Christin's house n pig out (^^,) Of coz Auntie prepare the ingredients while we do the eating. We just wrap eat chat drink play mahjong.

Come to think of it, a dish that costs less then $10 to gather the ingredients needed to complete it, but can make so many to feed a village can cost so much per piece! $2 - $2.50 per piece... no wonder every where you turn you see stalls selling this very profitable dish.

不怕、不怕！

2011-01-09T01:53:00.003+08:00

All ready for our first 听写, the word with proper stroke sequence.

Am I being too "over"?? Go out all the way to do this just for some writing :( But my intention is for Little DinoEgg to learn to write beautiful Chinese characters, not the ugly scrawl like mine. No one has commented on my crazy doing, at least not yet, but I just have this thought... *sigh*

Another good book about dinosaurs

2011-01-08T22:05:00.004+08:00

Popped by Catherine's house after returning from granny's house ytd to collect her christmas gift to Little DinoEgg :) Only managed to open the pressie now;

Its a book of dinosaurs~ and Little DinoEgg was very excited when he sees the book, eagerly flipping through pages.

The book, Extreme Dinosaurs by Robert Mash have lots of interactive elements such as pull-outs, gate-folds, flaps, moving parts etc that really catch a young child's interest. I am sure this will be another father & son bonding book that both daddy and Little DinoEgg will enjoy.

Practice writing

2011-01-08T18:02:00.005+08:00

"Mummy, can you teach me how to write my name?"

I took out the exercise book I bought yesterday and write out his name (see my super duper ugly handwriting!) and he sat down to write patiently. He was so proud when he wrote the 1st line.

Half way through, daddy came back, he turn the exercise book over and this silly boy says "Papa~ Nothing! Nothing ok? There is nothing in this book." I whispered to him that he can continue when daddy goes into the room to change. But daddy was doing something in the living room so he took the exercise book and ran into his room to finish up the writing before showing it proudly to daddy.

Family Portriat

2011-01-08T17:33:00.004+08:00

~*~*~*We are the Flying Family*~*~*~

Swimming 2011 T1 Lesson#1

2011-01-08T17:32:00.003+08:00

NONE.

ABSENT.

AWOL.

MISSING.

EVERYTHING!!!

Becoz he simply refuse to get up from his nap to change and meet the new coach. He keep saying "I dun wanna go swimming with the new coach! I want Coach R!"

Give up......

1st Chinese 听写

2011-01-08T11:44:00.001+08:00

Last Thursday I open up the blue comm book and saw this....

Yesterday evening 2nd Bro Simon wanna fetch Little DinoEgg from school so I took the opportunity to dash to Popular and grabbed some XL squares exercise books so that Little DinoEgg can practice writing this weekend.

Then it struck me.... my written Chinese character is ugly to the MAX! I definitely do not want Little DinoEgg to learn my ugly handwriting. I thought "just print out the words, cut and paste on the page for him to write". With that I printed out the words in the office, thinking "problem solved!". While on the way home it struck me again.... how about the strokes sequence? We have seen how this fella write his Chinese name, strokes are all wrong =.= This morning I search frantically for some websites that shows Chinese character writing with numbered strokes, just that the ones you see in school. I couldn't find it :( There are some site where they show you the strokes online via video. Some let you generate worksheets for the words you want to practice BUT you have to pay a price to join their membership (BA!)

Not willing to give up, I continue to search and it pays off! I chance upon Learn Chinese Everyday 每日学华语 and my problem is solved! It not only shows the stroke sequence in video, it also audio to let you know how to pronounce the word correctly. Best of all the blog owner 敏敏 has worksheets that show the step by step stroke sequence and its FOC~~~ 敏敏 also have useful Chinese Tools such as Pinyin Chart with Tone, Pinyin Generator & Online Chinese Input. Very helpful for adults learning Chinese for the first time or checking out the pronunciation of unfamiliar characters. I am definitely going to bookmark her website in my blog.

I have found the words in 敏敏's worksheets, emailed to daddy for him to print it out in the office (no printer at home). Going to stick them on the top of the exercise book, tomorrow will be 听写练习日。

End of agony wait

2011-01-07T23:57:00.003+08:00

I got the call I am waiting for and the truth is;

Pencil poking

ZX was not making noise nor was he talking. He was doing his writing quietly, in fact everyone was concentrating on their writing. Teacher Sha walked away for a minute and she caught Little DinoEgg putting the pencil into ZX's ear. I already suspected that he is not being 100% true to me. I was telling Chris this morning that sometimes when Little DinoEgg knows that he is in deep trouble, he will make up stories to "save his butt".

Scissors cutting

This is 100% an accident. It happened as what Little DinoEgg said. Teacher Sue says Teacher Siti told her its just purely an accident. And the cut could have cut open a vein thus the blood flows out so much n so fast. I feel so sorry for this incident, this morning I prepared a tube of Dr Lily's aloe vera gel, write a little note and told Little DinoEgg to give it to Teacher Siti the moment he sees her in school. Just now when I see him at granny's house, the 1st thing he told me is "I forgot to give the aloe vera gel to Teacher Siti." *faintz*

These incident makes me more determined to strive to my target, to be a SAHM when Little DinoEgg starts P1. Daddy, if you are reading this, BE PREPARED lol

1st sign of disasterous behavior?

2011-01-06T21:17:00.008+08:00

"Son use pencil to poke friend's ear n scissor cut Teacher Siti's hand" - daddy's 1st text.

"Teacher Siti's index finger was covered with blood" - came the next text.

My heart fell to the floor and broke into many pieces. I immediately picked up the phone and called the school. Managed to speak to Teacher Sue and she wasn't sure what exactly happened, she did not have a chance to speak to both Teacher Sha on the ear poking incident and Teacher Siti as she has to attend to some other matters.

While on the way home, I ponder n wonder how I should hand this problem. I want to get the truth or at least the near truth out from Little DinoEgg but I do not want to have to scold, threat, demand or see tears or hear screaming or crying, the last thing I want is to send my blood pressure soaring up up and away~~~ I search my memory bank for the various methods I have read from the few good parenting books. I decided to do it in a calm n non threatening way; I'll have to keep reminding myself not to blow my top though, I text daddy to tell him not to scold Little DinoEgg or tell him that I am going to scold him.

When I reach home, I went on as usual, pretending nothing is happening. Then I called him to join me in his room to play with his toys. Casual talking while playing. Then I asked him how's school which he replied "perfect.", I proceed to ask if he has anything to tell me. He gave me a sad look and said "Yes... I cut Teacher Siti's hand with scissors." However he clammed up after saying that, I have to reassure him that I am not going to scold him before he continue.

Here is his version of the story;

Pencil poking
"ZX was talking and making alot of noise, he don't want to stop and listen to me so I put the pencil into his ear to make him listen to me."

Scissors cutting
"I was cutting paper then daddy come to fetch me, Teacher Siti's hand move forward and I cut her finger."

I am giving him benefit of doubts on the 2 incidents. Of course I went on to tell him (calmly) that it is wrong to put pencil or anything into his friends' or his own ears. I reminded him about the ear diagram he saw in The Body Book (as he called it) and the things that daddy taught him about the ear. What happen when we break the ear drum, the consequences of doing such act etc. He was very remorseful about it and accepted the punishment of no playing with Lego till next week, without any protest. I made him promise that he will give Teacher Siti a hug n kiss (which sparks his immediate reaction of eeeeeeeeeeeee) follow by "I'm Sorry".

With that, our small little talk is over. I pat myself on the shoulder for a job though not skillfully carried out {YET} but done with my desired outcome achieved. My heart is still sad, I will only know the real truth tomorrow when Teacher Sue call me after she talk to the 2 teachers.

PS : The No Lego Punishment was thrown to the back of his head when we stepped out of the room... He threw a scale 3 tantrum when I told him to keep the Lego and reminded him about the punishment we talked about in the room. He threw a scale 8 tantrum when I told him to go to his room to cool down before talking to me. OMG! He has short term memory like me?????

T3 for some fun

2010-12-28T22:54:00.001+08:00

Well, I finally got to go T3 (^^,)

The 1st thing that Little DinoEgg wants to see is The Fly; thats the name he gives Daisy, the fiberglass propeller display. He will always heads off to see The Fly aka Daisy for a while before proceeding to our intended destination.

My plan is to have lunch at either Popeye's or some restaurant, its always stressful to have meals with Little DinoEgg at food court coz he will usually leave the table to look for me while I am buying the food. However when we reached there, every restaurant or small eatery just dun seems right. We ended up at the food court. It was fairly crowded, we couldn't find a seat near the noodle store and have to sit at a distance away. After instructing him to STAY PUT at the table, NEVER leave the table to look for him, I left to buy fish ball noodle for him. I kept a long distance eye at him, he was ok, sitting at the table cleaning his hands then the table with the wet tissue. Then I saw him got up the seat, looking around and calling out for me (I did not hear it but from his lips movement, it says "Mummy"). Lucky for me, its my turn to order, then i walk back to the table to lead him to an empty table near the noodle store. We share a bowl of fish ball noodle and a cup of icy cold longan. No mess, no tantrums, no argument, no high blood pressure, just an enjoyable lunch at food court.

We set off to find the Magical Teapot. It was such a majestic teapot with all its vibrate colors~ Can't resist to take some photos of it.

Little DinoEgg goes wild at the small playground at the basement. There were 2 other kids at the playground who were playing alone, Little DinoEgg's squeals n laughter gets into them and soon they were following him around.

Hello Mummy!

Can you see me???

I tried to do some shopping since Changi Airport is having the 'Flying Or Not, You Shop We Absorb' programme =) NO GST! 7% savings, why not? However, Little DinoEgg wants nothing of that *basket!*, he wants to see the water dancing around in the small fountain, he wants to go back to the playground, he even dragged me to NTUC Fairprice as he saw Lego toy inside! We did not buy any coz they have limited Lego City items.

We left about 2hrs+ later, not back home BUT to Tampine's Mall in search for this

No climb all cycle

2010-12-27T21:08:00.003+08:00

The weather is so unpredictable. Actually planned to go bird park in the morning but the sky starts to turn grey so the plan was held back. Mr Sun did not come out so I decided that we should go to T3 to shop n then have dinner there. While waiting for the time to pass (lazing around surfing web while Little DinoEgg watches tv), sis called and asked if I have plans to go any where. She suggested Polliwogs, for the kids to run around n have fun while we laze at the cafe next to it. Not a bad idea for a cool, gloomy day.

When we reach Polliwogs, we got a shock! There were SOOO MANY PEOPLE!!!! Its obviously over crowded and noisy :( The kids were disappointed that they could not go into Polliwogs but they got over it fairly quickly when we say we go cycling instead. The happiest of all is Little DinoEgg who wish that he could fly to the pit stop that instant.

Within minutes all 3 kids were on their bikes riding like the wind~~~ oh ok except for Han :P She's going slow n steady. Little DinoEgg zooms aheads of me so fast! I can't even catch up :( but he is still within my sight. Can't believe that this is only the 3rd time he is on the bike.

And then he fell, on the same spot like the last 2 times hahaha~ Have told him umpteen times to slow down while navigating a curve but he wouldn't listen. Well, he just have to learn it the hard way, many many times :D Thank God for Farn! Who Little DinoEgg try to catch up (and never could), Farn will turn back once he hit the end of the road and when Little DinoEgg sees him, he will turn back and follow him. At least I do not need to keep on walking, he will come back to me; or rather ride pass me hehhehe~ We walked pass sis & Han a few times too, she is still taking it slow n steady :)

I am not so lucky with Little DinoEgg, there were a couple of times he ride so fast n was so far away from me that he is only a tiny speck. At first I was worried but then I saw him turning back n ride back to me :) I was enjoying the slow walk, keeping an eye on Little DinoEgg n Farn (who zooms pass me so many times), then I saw Farn running so fast towards me. I thought "must be Little DinoEgg fall down again." and I was right. However this time (the 5th time!) its a bad fall. According to Farn, the bicycle landed on him and he was crying so loud. There was a group of teenagers crowding around him when I got to him. They helped him up, comfort him while Farn went off to look for me. One of the boy says he fell backwards n hit the back of his head on the ground while the bicycle in on him. OMG! Then Farn says he saw him riding pass him on the other direction and he wanted to follow. However, forgetting how fast he is going, he made a quick turn n thus crashes down. Aye~~~

Thats the end of the cycling, he refuse to get back on. Instead he wants me to push the bike back to the pit stop and return it. Han also wants to return the bike, so everyone returns and we head off to Burger King for some food. We pop by Polliwogs to see if its possible to go in, no such luck :( Guess we have to come again next time. We had a crazy chicken tenders with fries meal at Burger King then decides to head back to sis' house since we had no idea where to go next and its already 6pm+.

Little DinoEgg had a fun time playing n quarrelling n snatching (only once though) toys with Han, while I laze ard and watch tv :P Its a tiring day for both of us, a painful one for Little Dinoegg fm all those falls off the bike. Hope he gets better at it and no more falls.

Me & my Lego

2010-12-27T10:36:00.001+08:00

No School Today!!! All Play Whole Day????

Unwrapping the Pressies

2010-12-26T01:24:00.011+08:00

Ok finally he decides; or rather he suddenly remember (even though the pressies are just besides him while he plays with his Lego) the Christmas pressies.

Some pressies are from daddy's colleagues to Little DinoEgg, its easy to see which ones coz they are all his favourite food~ Chocolates! Cookies!

The gifts according to the photo sequence above; 1st 5 yummy gifts are from daddy's colleagues, fossil kit fm Daddy, Lego set from Mummy, chocolates fm daddy's colleague, coloring book from Alphie and Transformer toy from Auntie Koh.

And its pretty clear which one is his favourite gift =)

Red Alert!!

2010-12-25T18:04:00.000+08:00

Father and son playing Command & Conquer on the Christmas day (^^,)

New Lego vehicle

2010-12-25T13:43:00.001+08:00

Kids can't wait to open up the pressies the minute they wake up on Christmas day. Not our Little DinoEgg... he wanted his gingerbread cookie, request for his tv, watched it for like 5mins then bug me to open up the new Lego toy I bought for him ytd =.= I told him that he can only open up the Lego after Auntie Koh vacuumed and mopped the floor. And what did this little boy do?? He went up to Auntie Koh and keep asking her when is she going home... OMG!! He wanted to play with the Lego so much that he is "chasing" Auntie Koh home!

I bought this for him while waiting for Sis.

Lego Repair Truck

The minute I told Little DinoEgg that I am ready to open up the new Lego n help him fix it up, he was jumping up with joy. He fixed up the lamp post, then I told him I will fix up the repair truck. He happily went to his room to take out his box of Lego, took out the vehicles, houses etc and starts playing. Of coz in between he will be asking if the truck is ready. Impatient little fella =)

Ho-Ho-Ho

2010-12-25T07:46:00.004+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERY ONE!

*Santa really came to visit our house~~~ hehehehee~~~

Oh Christmas Tree~ Oh Christmas Tree~

2010-12-24T22:58:00.003+08:00

I love Christmas tree but not a fan of putting it up and decorating it (the thoughts of taking down the deco n keep the tree does not excite me). Not to dampen the Christmas spirits for Little DinoEgg I decided to DIY a Christmas tree.

I bought a big piece of green paper from Urban Write @ $8+, cut it into Christmas tree shape while Little DinoEgg was napping and put it up on the wall. After we came back from our Hippo tour, I told Little DinoEgg that we will starts decorating the Christmas tree after he bath. Later, when I was busy getting all the stuffs out, he decides to draw on the Christmas tree!!!! I was so upset :( Luckily he uses pencil to draw, daddy has to use an eraser to clean off the drawings.

When its all cleaned up we started to decorate the tree with the Christmas foam stickers, streamers and glitter pom poms. Little DinoEgg was very happy to do all the decorating, I only help to stick a couple of the stickers, I prefer to let him do the job himself. I actually wanted Little DinoEgg to draw a big star but he just couldn't get it big enough, so I have to draw it and cut it out. The snowman; or Frosty as Little DinoEgg calls it, was a left over foam craft from last year.

Our Christmas tree for Year 2010!

I hope one day we could have a real Christmas tree in our house.

While climbing onto the bed, Little DinoEgg says to me "Mummy, Santa Clause will come tonight and put some presents under the tree right?" I replied "Oh I don't know, maybe he will. Were you a good boy this year?" and of course the answer is "YES~ I am a good boy!"

Sweet Smell Xmas for Mummy

2010-12-23T21:41:00.003+08:00

I reached home from my Christmas shopping to find Little DinoEgg and daddy having their dinner. Then Little DinoEgg was gone and came out from his room carrying a wrapped gifts saying "Mummy, we have a surprise for you!" Its a Christmas gift from him & daddy for me~~~

A big SMOOCH for Mummy

The Gift

The Gift Card

He insist on opening the gift for me

Gift unwrapped

Perfume & Body lotion

Daddy says Little DinoEgg chose the scent. He said he ask the sales assistant to spray the perfume on the strip and let him smell. After smelling a few, he decides on this scent which he confidently told daddy that I will like it. And indeed I do~ Versace perfumes scent are usually very strong n overwhelming which I do not fancy, this one is light and I love it.

And the gift card with a drawing, Little DinoEgg says its me spraying the perfume ^^,

Thanks daddy & son~ *MUACKZ MUACKZ*

e-Wildlife Wonders Volume 28

2010-12-23T18:06:00.003+08:00

I received the e-Wildlife newsletter from WRS and saw this;

They announced the winners of last newsletter's quiz. Cool~ 1st time ever that I have my photo on some newsletters or any sort.

Xmas cookies

2010-12-23T07:51:00.001+08:00

I came across the website doing cookies, Baked with Love and decides to order some Xmas cookies for the teachers and classmates. They were having 20% discounts through their facebook site, so I roped in Catherine for this good deal. We placed the order sometime before end Oct'10.

We were very excited when the deliver date was near but was given a surprise when the lady told us that there were no big cookies, she will replace it with 2 small cookies in a pack :( We were disappointed coz the big cookies looks pretty. We got another surprise when we receive the cookies. The santa clause which were suppose to be Size 7 x 7cm turns out to be same size as the Christmas Tree, Size 4.5 x 4.7cm, as you can see from the badly taken photo below (we were running late and was rushing out of the house).

Regardless, the cookies were the same as shown at the site and are really cute n pretty.

I guess the kids will love them.

ixmas for Daddy

2010-12-20T21:40:00.013+08:00

Order Placed

The wait...

The package arrives!

Daddy opening up the pressie

TA-DAH! My xmas pressie to daddy

The sweet engraving~

MERRY CHRISTMAS DADDY!

Fish Farm visit

2010-12-19T19:44:00.006+08:00

Meet Catherine & Charlotte downstairs at 8am to go to Cheng San cc, we have sign up for a fish farm tour organised by Cheng San cc all thanks to Catherine's dad =) We were there early (did not know the taxi ride from our house to Cheng San cc takes only 10mins), so we hang around watching some older boys playing basket ball while Little DinoEgg munch the cheese bread that Catherine's mum gave him.

At slightly after 9am, the bus is here and every one boarded it setting off to the fish farm. A 20mins ride later we entered Mainland Fish Farm, it was drizzling, but it does not dampen Little DinoEgg's spirit. He was already running already looking at the fishes in the fish tanks. To prevent him from getting into any trouble, I took out my Olympus camera; his current interest. These are the photos he took during the 1 hour we were there.

And a photo of mummy~

Then mummy took a proper photo of me

Peas anyone?

2010-12-19T17:18:00.003+08:00

Father & son enjoying....

a bowl of Edamame while watching tv

My worksheet

2010-12-19T17:06:00.006+08:00

HAHAHA~

He drew up this up himself. He drew the shapes, put in the for the answer, do the questions and marked it too.

Question #3 is wrong, in a way, the numbers is correct but he wrote "41" instead of "14".

Swimming T4 Lesson#8

2010-12-18T17:46:00.001+08:00

Today is last class with Coach R :( He is leaving SwimLab. Next year it will be a new coach, still do not know who yet as the schedule is not out yet. I hope Little DinoEgg takes on well with the new coach, otherwise I will have trouble... Either stop swim class OR find Coach R, which I am not favourable coz his class starts at 3pm which is Little DinoEgg's nap time. We shall see how it goes in January 2011.

Coach R taught Little DinoEgg to swim with 1 board instead of the "bat man wings" style. He managed to stay afloat (the last time he pressed onto the board so hard that he over turned), but he just couldn't swim forward though he is kicking very hard. Needs some more practice.

He makes the kids sit on the pool edge, put their feet against the wall, he wants them to stretch out their arms then use their feet to push against the wall and into the water. As usual, Little DinoEgg did not dare to do it the 1st time Coach R tells him to. Actually non of the other 2 kids dare to do too hahaha~ Only E managed to do it with alot of persuasion and a little tug at the fingers by Coach R. It was after seeing E do it that Little DinoEgg decides that he can do it too. And he did :) also with a little tug on the fingers by Coach R.

Before long, it was end of the class. Coach R gave each of the kids parting instructions, telling them about their weakness, to pay attention and to listen to the new coach. His instructions to Little DinoEgg?? "Dun talk so much, listen to instructions. You are progressing very slow, must practice more ok?"

Although its Coach R's last class with us, we will still be able to see him around the pool =)

Yakking Non Stop

2010-12-13T21:35:00.003+08:00

Little DinoEgg has been talking n talking n talking non stop since he work up. It was suppose to be a relax trip for us but his non stop yakking is driving me n daddy bonkers :S

While on the car to our dinner venue he was still talking non stop n making alot of noise. I got fed up and told him off "Why can't u be quiet? You have been talking non stop!" Little DinoEgg widen his eyes, look at me, let out his famous fake laughter then says "HUH??Non stop!!!" *giggles*

"NON STOP COMMERCIAL FREE!!"

Ok... a sign of too much tv....

Away for a few days

2010-12-12T08:25:00.003+08:00

We are off to our holiday in DESARU~~ Our 1st family holiday~~ Woohoo~~~

Swimming T4 Lesson#7

2010-12-11T22:13:00.003+08:00

No class...

Because....

We overslept.

Too tired from our morning visit to the zoo =)

We won a Zoo brollie

2010-12-11T21:21:00.006+08:00

I received the following email on 01 Dec'10 for a contest I entered in the Zoo magazine;

Hi Jennifer,

Greetings from the Singapore Zoological Gardens!

We are pleased to inform you that you are one of our chosen winners for the E-Wildlife Wonders Quiz Time Contest!

We would love to invite you to drop by anytime between now till 19 December to redeem your limited edition Singapore Zoo umbrella and have your picture taken as well. This picture will be placed in our next electronic direct mailer on the next issue of E-Wildlife Wonders.

Kindly let us know if you will be visiting the zoo so that we can make the necessary arrangements. Please RSVP to my colleague Gwen, at 6360 8514 or gwendolyn.pan@wrs.com.sg . Collection details will be provided upon the RSVP.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you and have a great day ahead!

Warm Regards,

Rxxxxxxxx S.
WRS Membership Department

So I made a trip down to the zoo with Little DinoEgg, to collect the brollie and a visit to the Zoo to see Elephant & Giraffe, that's what Little DinoEgg wants to do today.

We went to collect the brollie first since its besides the taxi stand then proceed to have our breakfast of toast+eggs @ Ah Meng Kopi. Luckily I have my zoo membership (which I won in 1 of the zoo contest), I only need to pay for Little DinoEgg's ticket+tram ride of $16 and $5 for my tram ride (zoo membership free tram ride is not applicable during weekends). Our trail starts from the entrance to the otters then to the Treetop Trail, hopped onto the tram and head off to see the giraffes as the feeding time is at 10.45am. After that hopped onto the tram towards Elephants of Asia for the show. We have watched this show at least 4 times this year but this is the 1st time we managed to get a seat (or at least a steps seat) in the main section! So excited! No more standing, stretching or craning his neck to see more of the show =) However we have forgotten about the "water blessings" from the elephants hahaha~ We got splashed a teeny bit (lucky us!) while those sitting on the 1st 4-5 rows are wet wet WET~ hehehee~ We fed the elephants too, with a token of $5 we got a basket full of fruits for them cute little elephants. Today was better, not as crowded or chaotic as the last time, no pushing n squeezing by other kids or parents. I did not take any photos coz I was busy holding on to Little DinoEgg, helping him stretch to the furthest so that the elephants can get the fruits.

We walked around abit but after the show, saw the lions, cheetahs etc etc Little DinoEgg is happy to take a photos with the Canon camera. With me aiming, he do the zooming and pressing the button.

We even stop to smell the flowers

Oh ya~ this is a photo of us with the brollie~ (can u see the brollie? hehehee~)

Swimming T4 Lesson#6

2010-12-04T22:25:00.001+08:00

I thought Little DinoEgg will be too tired to go swimming after this morning's grad concert and missing his nap. Well, he is full of energy and was eager to go for swimming lesson.

The class starts with the usual kicking and bubbles blowing. Then its "batman" time~ Later Coach R wants him to use 1 board to swim instead. Little DinoEgg is suppose to hold on the board and kick. He was doing ok initially then he suddenly overturn n took a few gulps of water. Coach R says that he shld just hold onto the board in a relax mood and not grab the board too tight. He "capsize" because he grabbed too tightly, leaning on the board n forcing it down into the water thus losing his balance.

Oh we also have a new friend today, 1st class, hopefully he will stay.

Receives a sad news that Coach R will not be teaching next term, he will be leaving SwimLab. Little DinoEgg is kinda attached to him. I told him that Coach R will not be teaching him soon, ask if he is ok with it. He just ask whether Coach R is going away, then reply that he is ok with a new coach. I think he still do not understand or did not register that, will have to see how things turns out in the new term *keeping fingers crossed*

Art with a Heart by MDAS

2010-12-03T19:47:00.000+08:00

Was walking back to office after lunch, walk through Orchard Central and saw that there are some stalls selling stuffs. Browsing around I came upon the stalls selling some hand made items. Its the Art with a Heart project by MDAS - Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore). They have key chains, fridge magnets, photo frames, some deco ideal for office and home etc. You can check out their market place.

I bought these 3 key chains from them. Fell in love with the boy picture coz it reminds me of Little DinoEgg when he was young (he was a toddler with very little hair), took another 2 to be a xmas gift for sis n SIL. ooppsss... short of one for Simon haha~ coz these are the only boy/girl key chains left, will go back on Monday to see if there is another one to grab.

Dinasaurs Night

2010-11-30T20:54:00.000+08:00

Daddy & son chilling out in front of the computer checking out dinosaurs~ Both of them is at the First Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs book and checking out the internet link stated inside the book.

Duck-billed, triceratops, sauropods etc etc. If you ask Little DinoEgg what are amphibians, he can tell you immediately =)

"Zoinks & Double Zoinks!"

2010-11-27T20:44:00.004+08:00

This is currently Little DinoEgg's favourite cartoon besides Ben10. At least its better then Ben10, no aliens, fighting, kicking etc. However there are "ghosts" and "monsters". He was watching the show excitedly and then covering his face with his hands OR run away from the tv when the "ghosts" and "monsters" come out. I have to reassure him that its all fake, there are always someone pretending to be a "ghost" or "monster", as in Halloween where pple wear masks n play pretend. Took him a few weeks to come to terms to that n not be scared.

Then he got caught up with Shaggy's favourite word "Zoinks!" =.= Well its better then pretending to turn the Omitrix and turn into XLR8 and run amok in the house lol

So far, every morning when he has washed up n changed into his uniform, he will be sitting in front of the tv watching Scooby Doo that starts at 7am in Boomerang till he leaves for school at 8am+.

Toilet Training for the 3rd time?

2010-11-26T17:24:00.003+08:00

Little DinoEgg wet the bed today after keeping himself dry for the pass week :) He was able to either get up ard 2-3am to ask either me or daddy to bring him to the toilet or he will do it after he wakes up at 7am.

I guess ytd he was too tired to wake up, let's see if tonight will be successful again.

Pan & suit

2010-11-23T21:14:00.004+08:00

On afternoon half day as I have a dental appointment, have to remove my stitches. Decided to do a quick shopping before my appointment. I got myself a non stick frying pan and thermal swimsuit for Little DinoEgg.

Metro was having some promo for Tefal products, was walking round n round the shelves, not sure which Tefal to buy, there are Preference, Evidence, Selective etc. They look the same, description on the paper package looks the same, they feel the same, weighs about the same... aarrggghhhh!!! Then I decided on Evidence and my choice just happens to be the correct one. I went to Tefal website and it says Evidence - Daily cooking, practical, good value for money. hahaha~

JH's dad told me last Saturday that Arena is having a warehouse sale from 24th to 27th Nov'10. I am unable to take leave so I decided to just get the thermal swimsuit from Arena Centrepoint. And I did the right choice, they were having up to 30% discount storewide! Grabbed one for Little DinoEgg, cost me $59.05 after 20% discount :)

Lastly, I did an early Christmas shopping, bought Little DinoEgg's Christmas present too. Since I was around the area and Toysrus is having sale.

Fruitful day. I shall try my new fry pan this weekend n Little DinoEgg gets to wear a "thick swimsuit" this Saturday.

Sunday's dinner

2010-11-21T23:18:00.004+08:00

Tonight's menu; Nuts & Lily bulb soup, stir fried broccoli with carrot, stir fried dark soy sauce pork and butter+lemon fish fillet.

This is the 1st time I am doing the lemon+butter fish. I have a fish fillet in the fridge so thought I try to cook it with different style. I search the web for some recipes to get some idea.

Grilled butter lemon fish fillet
Ingredients
* 1 fish fillet
* 2-3 tbsp butter
* 1 lemon to juice it later
* soy sauce

Method
1. Put the fish fillet onto the grilling plate, add some soy sauce. Grill it for 10-15mins (depending on the size of the fillet)
2. Melt the butter in a pan. Add in the lemon juice.
3. Pour the sauce onto the grilled fish, serve.

Swimming T4 Lesson#5

2010-11-20T20:38:00.003+08:00

Today only Little DinoEgg & JH :( T went for the early class as he can't make it for this class.

Actually its good, coz Coach R can focus on the 2 boys, especially JH who is still afraid of water. Both of them did the "batman flight" and they enjoy it so much! Little DinoEgg can now jump into the pool with the 2 boards and swim on his own. He is enjoying every bits of it. And I guess JH felt abit confident seeing Little DinoEgg swimming without fear.

They did the usual blow bubbles routine and this silly boy hits his chin at the side of the pool. How did that happen? Well, he was being playful... ... when he got up from under the water he pushed himself so high up n body leaning forward, when he goes down he hit the floor. He cry out in pain and Coach R actually went to hug him knowing that he hurt himself coz he was playful.

The boys did a "upside down turtle" float, Coach R instructed them to hugged their board; fingers interlaced and feet hooked at each other, tilt head backwards and float. Initially Little DinoEgg was unsure, even though Coach R assured him that he will be holding on to him. A few times when the waves hit Little DinoEgg, he quickly grabbed Coach R. Seeing that this is not working, Coach R makes both of them wear life jackets n do the "upside down turtle" float again. This is better coz the boys can concentrate on getting the feel of floating on their backs and not fearing they will go under the water.

Class ends 10mins early coz the weather was cool, Mr Sun went into hiding. Both the boys were feeling cold n shivering, better leave the pool or risk them getting a cold.