The little girl has been ill over the last three days. It's been the worst bout of fever she has ever had. But am glad the worst is over. The high fever has finally broken. But she's still hoarse from all the crying. She refused her medication this time round, attempting to spit out everything everytime. She would cry relentlessly. :(
This afternoon, she was in higher spirits after her fever subsided and finally decided to walk on her own instead of being carried. Daddy was cleaning the place and she insisted on taking over the mop. So she was given another dry mop.
She had loads of fun but it was way too long. Later in the afternoon, she got one her size.
If you're wondering why she is only clad in a diaper, that's cos we are trying to ensure she stays cool. But yes, being made to do housework doesn't quite help.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Kim's first week at My First Skool
I was allowed to follow Kim to childcare for the first three days.
On the second day, I stayed with her throughout. After assembly, she had some movement class with the Chinese teacher. The kids had a tunnel to crawl through, followed by some obstacle course to walk on.
Kim didn't engage but just did her own thing. Soon after, the kids began to follow her instead!
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After that it was supposed to be outdoors but it had rained that morning so they went to the TV room to watch videos instead. The kids seems to really dig Barney. Look at their reaction when it comes on.
Kim got bored after a while as with the rest of the kids. She wanted to see the terrapins outside. Her teacher was quite tickled that she could say "Peease" when she asked to do so and promptly carried her outside to see the terrapins and fish.
Below shows a very dirty tank with one goldfish.
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She got to pat the terrapin. The teacher was quite surprised that she wasn't afraid to do so.
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During lunch, she had rice and a bowl of soup. All she wanted to do with the food was to practise her skills of transferring with a spoon. So she first transferred the rice into the bowl of soup and then started to spoon out the contents of the bowl onto the plate. She was a huge mess at the end of the meal. She didn't eat much but she did finish her slice of honeydew.
I stayed with her while the rest of the kids showered. She played with the toys and interacted with some of the older kids from the playgroup. Then we left.
Day 3
I decided that I would not stay so close to Kim today but to distant myself where possible so that when day 4 came when I can't stay with her the whole day, the transition would not be so bad.
She got to do some painting with a sponge brush today. Her smock was really really huge and at some point, her hand got stuck under it.
Then it was outdoor time. That was 10am. At the playground, the Chinese teacher told me to go off. Reluctantly, I did. She cried. Really cried. I was quite upset myself. :( I walked to the supermarket to do some "retail therapy" but didn't buy much. Wasn't quite in the mood to. Then I walked back to the playground. Her class had returned and were going to the TV room (cos Kim was crying very hard, they decided not to be outdoors) so I went home instead. I knew she would be ok in a room with terrapins and fish.
By 10.45am I still hadn't heard from the teacher so I called the school to find out how Kim was doing. The teacher said that she was able to distract her with the terrapins and fish in the TV room but as soon as they returned to the main area, she started to cry and she wanted me to go down to help her with feeding Kim. So I did. I found her still sobbing. Teacher Shirin was trying to pacify her with a book. I carried her and her had to sit on my lap at lunch. She had mee ta muk, which she ate quite a bit of.
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After lunch, we left.
Day 4
I stayed for the first half hour of the day. The other kids were sticking green leaves (from what they painted the previous day) onto a stem. Then Teacher Shirin took her at about 9.45am. I said bye to her and told her I was going to come back at lunch. She cried. :(
I still hadn't received any call at 10.45am which was the time they start to prepare for lunch. So I called the school at 11am to check on her. The Principal said that she was seated at the lunch table and feeding herself. :) I was really happy
I went down to buy myself lunch and of course to take a peek (who could resist?). Why else do you want to have the childcare so near your home? She was seated with her friends (the tiniest of them all!) and feeding herself. What a sight. I wanted to run in to hug her but I had to stop myself.
After buying lunch, I went to the back window (so that she wouldn't see me) to take a video for Peen. Her teacher was seated by her feeding her.
On the second day, I stayed with her throughout. After assembly, she had some movement class with the Chinese teacher. The kids had a tunnel to crawl through, followed by some obstacle course to walk on.
Kim didn't engage but just did her own thing. Soon after, the kids began to follow her instead!
.jpg)
After that it was supposed to be outdoors but it had rained that morning so they went to the TV room to watch videos instead. The kids seems to really dig Barney. Look at their reaction when it comes on.
Kim got bored after a while as with the rest of the kids. She wanted to see the terrapins outside. Her teacher was quite tickled that she could say "Peease" when she asked to do so and promptly carried her outside to see the terrapins and fish.
Below shows a very dirty tank with one goldfish.
.jpg)
She got to pat the terrapin. The teacher was quite surprised that she wasn't afraid to do so.
.jpg)
During lunch, she had rice and a bowl of soup. All she wanted to do with the food was to practise her skills of transferring with a spoon. So she first transferred the rice into the bowl of soup and then started to spoon out the contents of the bowl onto the plate. She was a huge mess at the end of the meal. She didn't eat much but she did finish her slice of honeydew.
I stayed with her while the rest of the kids showered. She played with the toys and interacted with some of the older kids from the playgroup. Then we left.
Day 3
I decided that I would not stay so close to Kim today but to distant myself where possible so that when day 4 came when I can't stay with her the whole day, the transition would not be so bad.
She got to do some painting with a sponge brush today. Her smock was really really huge and at some point, her hand got stuck under it.
Then it was outdoor time. That was 10am. At the playground, the Chinese teacher told me to go off. Reluctantly, I did. She cried. Really cried. I was quite upset myself. :( I walked to the supermarket to do some "retail therapy" but didn't buy much. Wasn't quite in the mood to. Then I walked back to the playground. Her class had returned and were going to the TV room (cos Kim was crying very hard, they decided not to be outdoors) so I went home instead. I knew she would be ok in a room with terrapins and fish.
By 10.45am I still hadn't heard from the teacher so I called the school to find out how Kim was doing. The teacher said that she was able to distract her with the terrapins and fish in the TV room but as soon as they returned to the main area, she started to cry and she wanted me to go down to help her with feeding Kim. So I did. I found her still sobbing. Teacher Shirin was trying to pacify her with a book. I carried her and her had to sit on my lap at lunch. She had mee ta muk, which she ate quite a bit of.
.jpg)
After lunch, we left.
Day 4
I stayed for the first half hour of the day. The other kids were sticking green leaves (from what they painted the previous day) onto a stem. Then Teacher Shirin took her at about 9.45am. I said bye to her and told her I was going to come back at lunch. She cried. :(
I still hadn't received any call at 10.45am which was the time they start to prepare for lunch. So I called the school at 11am to check on her. The Principal said that she was seated at the lunch table and feeding herself. :) I was really happy
I went down to buy myself lunch and of course to take a peek (who could resist?). Why else do you want to have the childcare so near your home? She was seated with her friends (the tiniest of them all!) and feeding herself. What a sight. I wanted to run in to hug her but I had to stop myself.
After buying lunch, I went to the back window (so that she wouldn't see me) to take a video for Peen. Her teacher was seated by her feeding her.
Day 5
The childcare centre was closed for curriculum planning (hurrah! I have my baby all to myself) so Kim and I made trips to Giant (supermart) and buy loads of her favourite fruit - blueberries, and we went to Spotlight! What fun. :)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Kim's first day at My First Skool - 15 June 2009
After months of research and visiting several childcare centres, we decided on the one at the foot of our block. Mainly, cause it's super convenient. And if I were to go back to work (read: return to leaving the house at unearthly hours), even Peen will be able to send her to childcare before going to work.
Kim has turned 18mths, which is the minimum age for childcare. We have struggled with this decision long and hard. Even as I went through the day with Kim, I still have my doubts about whether it is too soon, whether this is the right place, whether the teachers are suitable for her, whether she would be happy here or traumatised.
So with a heavy heart, a fake smile and enthusiasm, and lots of prayer, we went for our first day. Thankfully I am able to stay with her throughout. I brought her home after lunch as I didn't want to stress her out. I'd probably send her for half a day for a while till she somewhat settles in.
Here is the little one, unsuspecting. Carrying her bugs backpack. All smiles.
Teacher Shirin greeting her, and noting how tiny she is.
Second from left on the top row. That's her shelf. A little high I'd say for a tiny one.
Story time. And one upsize toddler.
A nice girl shared her toys with Kim. Others were just hoarding as many as they could hold without the teacher noticing.
Walk to the playground.
And off she goes again. Oops.
The other catches. Especially for THE ONE who is really young and can't do it on her own. Kim is the youngest and tiniest there. The rest are able to slide down on their own.
And off she goes again. Simply bochap.
And again.
"Ok, it's time," says Teacher Shirin. Some kids begin to gather and sit down at the side. Our little girl has wandered off again.
At some point, she realised the kids were all gathering and she sat down too. Yay! A miracle.
But as the teacher is lining them up to go to the multipurpose hall, off goes Kim again.
Way ahead, she finally turns back to see where the rest are.
While the rest are beginning their warmups for a time of exercise, Kim of course has gone off on her own after a bird and speaking to the bird, "Cheep cheep."
"Rotate your ankles, round and round," says Teacher Shirin.
......Kim is looking out for ants and picking up dried leaves.
Lunch is served but they are not allowed to start yet. They sort of chant something before they eat. I have no idea what it was.
This was lunch. Doesn't look very appetising if you ask me. But hey, usually healthy food doesn't look too delicious does it? Or it is just my cooking!?
Kim has turned 18mths, which is the minimum age for childcare. We have struggled with this decision long and hard. Even as I went through the day with Kim, I still have my doubts about whether it is too soon, whether this is the right place, whether the teachers are suitable for her, whether she would be happy here or traumatised.
So with a heavy heart, a fake smile and enthusiasm, and lots of prayer, we went for our first day. Thankfully I am able to stay with her throughout. I brought her home after lunch as I didn't want to stress her out. I'd probably send her for half a day for a while till she somewhat settles in.
Here is the little one, unsuspecting. Carrying her bugs backpack. All smiles.
Teacher Shirin greeting her, and noting how tiny she is.
Health check. She was checked for her temperature. She refused to let Teacher Shirin check her hands so we didn't even progress to checking the mouth.
Second from left on the top row. That's her shelf. A little high I'd say for a tiny one.
The newbie being checked out by the playgroupers. Kim is in the toddler class.
Story time. And one upsize toddler.
They sing the National Anthem and say the Pledge.
Water parade before walk to playground. Kim is noting the number of Barney water bottles.
The kiddos are sitting attentively during attendance taking.
Only our little princess is sitting far away on the low table.
A nice girl shared her toys with Kim. Others were just hoarding as many as they could hold without the teacher noticing.
Kim passes on the kindness shown and shared hers with another girl.
Walk to the playground.
The group is sitting down awaiting instructions from Teacher Shirin.
Our little girl has wandered off. Who cares about instructions? It's just a playground?
A teacher picks her up and puts her in the group. She sits for a while.
And off she goes again. Oops.
One teacher releases.
The other catches. Especially for THE ONE who is really young and can't do it on her own. Kim is the youngest and tiniest there. The rest are able to slide down on their own.
And off she goes again. Simply bochap.
And again.
"Ok, it's time," says Teacher Shirin. Some kids begin to gather and sit down at the side. Our little girl has wandered off again.
At some point, she realised the kids were all gathering and she sat down too. Yay! A miracle.
But as the teacher is lining them up to go to the multipurpose hall, off goes Kim again.
Way ahead, she finally turns back to see where the rest are.
While the rest are beginning their warmups for a time of exercise, Kim of course has gone off on her own after a bird and speaking to the bird, "Cheep cheep."
"Rotate your ankles, round and round," says Teacher Shirin.
......Kim is looking out for ants and picking up dried leaves.
Waiting for lunch to be served.
Lunch is served but they are not allowed to start yet. They sort of chant something before they eat. I have no idea what it was.
This was lunch. Doesn't look very appetising if you ask me. But hey, usually healthy food doesn't look too delicious does it? Or it is just my cooking!?
Don't want any help please!
Some fruit too.
I must say that there was only a little left on the plate when she stopped eating and started playing with it instead. But then again, alot went to decorate the floor and colour her clothes.
Some fruit too.
Then it was bath time. She watched some kids have their shower (just my way to let her know what happens and not be alarmed) while others sat in towels waiting. And yet others played with toys.
She started getting cranky about this time and only wanted to be carried. So we waved goodbye to everyone and went home for her to take her shower and nap on her own bed.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Kim is 18 months!
The many faces of our Kimberley - our baby that some think resembles Boo from Monster Inc.
Our little baby is now a toddler.
Peen and I were just saying how fast she has grown. Way too fast if you ask us. We were looking at her past photos and she is so different now. We miss those times when she was younger tho' we really enjoy her now. It won't be long when we will be looking back at how she is now and think how quickly she's outgrown the toddler phase and into the pre-schooling phase. Time is so precious with these little ones.
Our little baby is now a toddler.
Peen and I were just saying how fast she has grown. Way too fast if you ask us. We were looking at her past photos and she is so different now. We miss those times when she was younger tho' we really enjoy her now. It won't be long when we will be looking back at how she is now and think how quickly she's outgrown the toddler phase and into the pre-schooling phase. Time is so precious with these little ones.
Keeping busy during service
She likes colouring and would ask to do so saying, "Dah" (for draw). She started off holding the pencils with her pincer grip but has since progressed to holding the pencil in her entire hand. Think she realises that this way, the colour comes out more vibrantly.
Kim goes down step (singular cos it's just one step)
She discovered the thrill of jumping down a step. Again and again she goes.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Our new fish tank
Kim seems to have a great affinity for animals. We'd bring her to the vet (to see the animals of course), pet shops, animal resort, aquariums and fish farms.
We have discussed getting a tank for our home for Kim. But we don't want yet another worry when we go away. Dogs are enough!
However, I have succumbed to the thought of how much she would enjoy watching her fishes swim around. So here we have it - Kim's very first tank.
Here is a video of the fishes swimming around.
Kim fascinated.
We have discussed getting a tank for our home for Kim. But we don't want yet another worry when we go away. Dogs are enough!
However, I have succumbed to the thought of how much she would enjoy watching her fishes swim around. So here we have it - Kim's very first tank.
Here is a video of the fishes swimming around.
Kim fascinated.
She spent 5 whole minutes before her bath just staring at the fish.
The cute little fishes, hermit crab-like jellyfish and seahorse were bought from this nice lady at a nearby mall. She was manning a neighbourhood shop which had a little tank for a fishing game. I enquired about the fish in the tank, wanting to buy them, only to be told that they are not for sale BUT she had bought them from a shop near her place and she offered to buy them for me. So nice she is.
Kim's language acquisition
Kim has expanded her signing vocab from 38 signs to about 45 (colour, grape, strawberry, please, sorry, home). She is able to articulate more so she relies less on her signing to communicate.
She is also accurate referring to us when saying
Mama and Papa (she used to be confused!)
Ma-ma (Grandma in teochew)
T’oh t’oh (Gong-gong - Grandpa)
Ah Ho (Ah Foh - Grandma in Hainanese)
We have been trying to teach her proper manners for some time. And she’s been a sweet heart. She now says:-
Wear-we (Sorry) with the accompanying sign language
Te-tew (Thank you)
Pease (Please) with the accompanying sign language
Bye bye
She loves animals and can say:-
Bah (Giraffe)
Tider (Tiger)
Pis (Fish)
Turtle
Hor (Horse/Sea Horse)
Da diang (Elephant in chinese)
Dol (Dolphin)
Maa (Sheep - baaaa)
Duc (Duck)
Mao (Mouse)
K-at (Cat)
Dog
Ti-der (Spider)
Bee
B-ah (Butterfly)
Po-po (Hippopotamus)
Nyno (Rhino)
Her Chinese lags behind but she can say:-
Zin-zin (Xing xing - Star)
Jie jie (Xie xie – thank you)
Ze ze (Jie jie – big sister)
Zai Zian (Zai jian - Good bye)
Duo (Er duo - Ear)
Ba (Wei ba –tail , Zui ba - mouth)
She can also say
Poo-poo (You know!)
Wee-wee (Urine)
Pooot (Fart)
Ming (Swmming)
Poo (Pool)
Bor (Ball)
Bape (Grape)
Werk (work)
On
Orh (Off)
Bid (Bed)
Oos (Shoes)
Tock (Clock)
Bor (Bum)
Eye
Mao (Mouth)
Nec (Neck)
Toh (Toe)
Toh (Throw)
Um (Jump)
Wok (Walk)
Eeep (Sleep)
Bike
Sca’d (scared)
Bide (Bite)
Ti-kat (Biscuit)
Dirte (Dirty)
Pain
Ow (Ouch)
Shhhh (Quiet)
Ka (Kite)
Pane (Plane)
Tee (Tree)
Moon
Tar (Star)
Ah (water)
Bobble (Bottle)
Joo (Juice)
Bad (Bread)
Baby (baked beans)
On (Corn)
Ai (Fries)
Dop (drop)
Tuc (stuck)
Ty (cry)
It (sit)
Dooh (doll)
Peepee (pretty)
Nye (nice)
No wan (don't want)
Wear wee (carry)
Wee wee (TV)
Ain (rain)
Bog (box)
Mop
It (sit)
Ty (cry)
Og (frog)
Old (cold)
Tee (tree)
Ot (hot)
Keek (kick)
Jaijin (Raisin)
Mole
Pit (armpit)
She plays a game we call “song request”. She’ll request a song by doing an action and we guess and sing the song. The only songs she knows are:-
Who’s that?
If you’re happy and you know it….
Row, row, row your boat
Mr Sun
Love Somebody
Shou Zai Na Li
Da Xiang
She is also able to associate animals and the sounds that they can make.
Dog, cat, dolphin, duck, lion, tiger, bird & elephant
This is the list lovingly compiled by Peen just to document her language acquisition. I suspect we're not going to be able to keep track of this much longer.
She is also accurate referring to us when saying
Mama and Papa (she used to be confused!)
Ma-ma (Grandma in teochew)
T’oh t’oh (Gong-gong - Grandpa)
Ah Ho (Ah Foh - Grandma in Hainanese)
We have been trying to teach her proper manners for some time. And she’s been a sweet heart. She now says:-
Wear-we (Sorry) with the accompanying sign language
Te-tew (Thank you)
Pease (Please) with the accompanying sign language
Bye bye
She loves animals and can say:-
Bah (Giraffe)
Tider (Tiger)
Pis (Fish)
Turtle
Hor (Horse/Sea Horse)
Da diang (Elephant in chinese)
Dol (Dolphin)
Maa (Sheep - baaaa)
Duc (Duck)
Mao (Mouse)
K-at (Cat)
Dog
Ti-der (Spider)
Bee
B-ah (Butterfly)
Po-po (Hippopotamus)
Nyno (Rhino)
Her Chinese lags behind but she can say:-
Zin-zin (Xing xing - Star)
Jie jie (Xie xie – thank you)
Ze ze (Jie jie – big sister)
Zai Zian (Zai jian - Good bye)
Duo (Er duo - Ear)
Ba (Wei ba –tail , Zui ba - mouth)
She can also say
Poo-poo (You know!)
Wee-wee (Urine)
Pooot (Fart)
Ming (Swmming)
Poo (Pool)
Bor (Ball)
Bape (Grape)
Werk (work)
On
Orh (Off)
Bid (Bed)
Oos (Shoes)
Tock (Clock)
Bor (Bum)
Eye
Mao (Mouth)
Nec (Neck)
Toh (Toe)
Toh (Throw)
Um (Jump)
Wok (Walk)
Eeep (Sleep)
Bike
Sca’d (scared)
Bide (Bite)
Ti-kat (Biscuit)
Dirte (Dirty)
Pain
Ow (Ouch)
Shhhh (Quiet)
Ka (Kite)
Pane (Plane)
Tee (Tree)
Moon
Tar (Star)
Ah (water)
Bobble (Bottle)
Joo (Juice)
Bad (Bread)
Baby (baked beans)
On (Corn)
Ai (Fries)
Dop (drop)
Tuc (stuck)
Ty (cry)
It (sit)
Dooh (doll)
Peepee (pretty)
Nye (nice)
No wan (don't want)
Wear wee (carry)
Wee wee (TV)
Ain (rain)
Bog (box)
Mop
It (sit)
Ty (cry)
Og (frog)
Old (cold)
Tee (tree)
Ot (hot)
Keek (kick)
Jaijin (Raisin)
Mole
Pit (armpit)
She plays a game we call “song request”. She’ll request a song by doing an action and we guess and sing the song. The only songs she knows are:-
Who’s that?
If you’re happy and you know it….
Row, row, row your boat
Mr Sun
Love Somebody
Shou Zai Na Li
Da Xiang
She is also able to associate animals and the sounds that they can make.
Dog, cat, dolphin, duck, lion, tiger, bird & elephant
This is the list lovingly compiled by Peen just to document her language acquisition. I suspect we're not going to be able to keep track of this much longer.
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