New Skills

Work has consumed my life, so much that 80% of my waking hours is spent on work.  The only comfort is that a small portion of that 80% is still spent at home where I am physically with the boys.

This week,  Medium Boy has learnt how to blow up a balloon by himself, and blend sounds together to form words.    I am extraordinarily proud of his phonetic ability… so proud that wow, when he eventually learns to read, I might throw a party!  Heh.

Small Boy scores high on mimicry.  He went to the bowling alley once in May, and since then, has been imitating the bowler’s posture when playing with his toy bowling set.  Well, he thinks he is correctly imitating…. What he actually does is to raise his buttocks, then lift a leg up, and his head is down looking backwards at his other leg.  Obviously he cannot see in front… so I tried to correct him, but he was adamant in telling me that he can do it himself, thank you very much.  Yesterday, I caught him sneaking a peek in front before he let go of his toy bowling ball.  Haha.

The mimicry goes so far as he instructing me to put my thumb, third and fourth finger properly into his toy bowling ball, the “correct” finger position, when I bowl with him.  *grin  

Snapshot in the morning

Today is the first day of a month long holiday for the boys.   They entertained themselves this morning as the Husband and I readied for work… Parents of young ‘uns will know this is a RARE occasion…. Definitely worth a blog entry.

Medium Boy wielded the light rod that he received on Friday from his classmate’s birthday party, and affixed “Air post” stickers to the scotch tape roll.  Small Boy stood at the other end of the living room to catch the scotch tape with his red B cap.  MB shouted out “Are you ready, didi?”  SB replied “Ready, steady, go!”  MB poked the scotch tape with the end of his light rod.  On they went at this game for 5 whole rounds, before MB decided to change the roles and twirl the roll, aiming it at the bottom of the chair.

I looked at these 2 boys as they huddled over how / who to handle the scotch tape roll first…. They wore matching white tees with blue collars.  My heart took a snapshot…. *click *

[or “cccccclllllic” as Small Boy is wont to say]

Parent Teacher meeting

Saturday was the Parent Teacher meeting.

Medium Boy is writing now that his drive for learning has kickstarted.  He is making baby steps in Chinese.  I am VERY pleased that he has started his learning journey by himself.  He will not be any sort of academic star, in fact he will most probably be an excellent fan technician.  His all consuming love of fans since 8 months old.

Small Boy has learnt to play with his classmates, but prefers the company of his korkor during playtime in school.  The little boy is not as secure as I believe him to be... time for major dose of love, spending time with him and hugging him.

Life has been challenging these past 3 weeks.  New job, new tasks for both me and the Husband.  I am down with a cold that escalated to a fever that the boys brought home from school.  After they had interrupted my sleep for 2 weeks before that.... coughing... needing to be propped up to catch their breath... 

In the ideal world, I would be always well, they would be always healthy, and I have infinite time and energy to constantly and consistently tell my boys how truly wonderful, marvellous, lovely boys they are.  Life is not all air and roses... however.

Patience patience.  I shall get there... eventually.  The God I believe in, is bigger than the sum of these current cares.

What comes after 100?

Medium Boy and Small Boy were talking to each other in the car.  Medium Boy told the Husband and me, that he was able to count up to one hundred, then proceeded to demonstrate with Small Boy chiming in.  When Medium Boy reached one hundred, he wondered aloud to himself – what comes after one hundred?

Ah, I know, he continued… the next thing I heard was Eleventy-one, Eleventy-two. Then Twelvety-one.  *Grin *

I have seen the google articles, written by an American, asserting that Chinese children learn the concept of numbers faster, because the Chinese counting system places each number in the one, ten, hundred place, and proceed to describe them.  The Chinese count 1 to 10 in the normal way.  11 is ten-one.  20 is two-ten.  21 is two-ten-one.  101 is one-hundred-one.  110 is one-hundred-ten.  111 is one-hundred-ten-one.  I certainly do not know if that is true for myself as I was growing up… but I certainly like to think Chinese children have an advantage in counting!

A Room of My Own

The first thing that came to mind, and popped out of my mouth, when answering Medium Boy’s question of why do I go to work was…. Money.  That is true, but not entirely true.

Dear Son.  Work is my unique contribution to making the world a more orderly place.  It is a room of my own (in Virginia Woolf’s elegant phrase), where I am free to be me. Fully and wholly myself.  Money is one part of the equation that gives me the space and time to be fully and wholly myself.

I have not figured out the other parts of time and space yet.... I will let you know when I get to it!

PS.  The answer is 42 (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).  I love you.  Your geeky mom.

Walk boy walk!

The boys were at their favourite weekend haunt – Gardens by the Bay – on Saturday morning.  After going around the 2 air-conditioned conservatories, Medium Boy went with Ah Ma and Ah Kung to ride on the Garden Cruiser.  Small Boy got busy chopping down trees on the Flower Dome touch screens.

Managed to entice Small Boy away from the touch screens by telling him that if he exits, he will get another circle (re-entry stamp) on his arm.  He happily followed me out…
Then I had to think of how to motivate him to walk the 1 or 2 kilometre to Satay by the Bay where the car was parked…  Sang the Christmas carol “Little Drummer Boy” to him when he drummed away with 2 tiny tree branches.  He is soooo cute at this age.  Mama jukebox needed a cool fruity juice to soothe the throat after that!

Circle of Life

There is a moment in a mom’s life where the child turns around and is there for you.

I am coughing for a few weeks since Chinese New Year ended.  The demands of the new job plus the boys’ on-and-off cough is taking its toll on me. 

Last night I was at the table eating dinner, when a sudden coughing fit came onto me when I swallowed my food the wrong way down.  Medium Boy immediately slid off his seat to pat my back, and asked me “Are you ok Mama? Feeling better?”  Small Boy echoed “You ok, Mama?”, also getting off his seat to stroke my back.

They say children are the mirrors of the parents…. At that moment, I am very happy with my reflections :)

Favourite Toys

Medium Boy has been putting together a very complicated camera from cardboard boxes, plastic colanders (which I usually use to rinse vegetables in the kitchen), and toilet roll holders.  He grabs whoever is passing by and says “Come!  I take your picture….” Leading the person over to the front of his camera.

Small Boy is into bowling and plays with his bowling pins every single night since Nov 2012 when the FIL purchased a play bowling set for him.  Asked him what he loved about bowling, and he says “I like the noise, Mama!” I pity my neighbor living downstairs…. For the sake of neighbourly relations, I sent a cake down when I came back from the ILs... citing Chinese New Year as the reason.

Buying toys seems an absolute waste of money when both boys are playing with odds and ends.  I shall just be a karung guni (recyclables door to door collector, they love electronics!) and pick up cardboard boxes for them to play in.  Cheaper on my wallet plus hey, it builds their imaginations :)

I told the Husband what I was going to blog about today and he added that Mama is their favourite toy!

Faces in my face

I wake up and I see 2 biggish faces the size of a dinner plate (or so it seems) peering into my eyes.  Thought briefly of going back to sleep and squeezing my eyes shut.   Aw shucks, they have already detected I am awake.  Now I HAVE to get up.... creaky bones and all.

Me: (groggily) Good morning.... what are you doing boys?
Medium Boy:  Waiting for you to wake up, mama!  (points to Small Boy) I stopped him from peeling your eyes open.
Me: ......

Proud of himself

2 years 10 months and a few days old.

This morning, I held Small Boy's hand in the kitchen when he suddenly went still. First came the explosive sneeze expelling 2 streams of mucus, then the loud (and smelly!) fart from his - thankfully! - diapered bottom.

He turned to me, an expression of pure wonder and accomplishment in his eyes.... And said

"Mama, I sneeze and fart at the same time...."

only a boy will be so proud of his bodily functions. *face palm*

LOL

Traffic lights fall down

Sunday drive to JB to get groceries

Small Boy: MAMA, the traffic light fall down!

Indeed the traffic lights were slightly skewed, probably as a result of a passing car or motorcycle.

Small Boy:  The traffic lights have cars and motorcycles and vans and no green light, Mama
(referring to the lights just before JB immigration)

What is his current obsession with traffic lights??

New School

Today is the second day in the new school for both boys.  There has been some problem with the domestic helper coming home (she was due back on 2 Jan originally, now revised to 8 Jan) so I have been reacquainting myself with the nooks and crannies of the home.

Medium Boy had attended his previous child care since Mar 2010.  2 years 10 months in that school.  Wow, that’s more than the gestational period of 3 babies.  Last night this is how our conversation went.

MB: Mama, I want to go back to my old school.  I do not like the new school.

Me: Why dear?

MB:  I just dun.

Me: Give the new school a chance.  Let’s try again tomorrow ok.  Mama will be with you and didi anyway.

MB (pregnant pause): I dun wanna go to school anymore!  I wanna stay at home! Hmmph!  [turns his back to me]

:\

Yes I know this is an expected response.  Yes I know he misses his old school, his old teachers, his old classmates with whom he races toy cars with everyday before lunch.  Yes I know all that, and my heart still clenches with the pain of change on his behalf…

Small Boy has never been to school.  We kept him away from school as he was allergic to eggs to the extent that his allergy flared up whenever I ate eggs (yep, the triggering protein made its way through my milk) or any food that had a trace of egg inside.   Yesterday was a new beginning for him.  

He is attracted to the water pouring activities in the new school and also to the painting easel.  Today and yesterday, he has stood behind another child waiting his turn at the easel.  He loves playing with colours, Small Boy does.

May they settle down in school quickly.... I am on AM half day leave this week to ease their transition.

"My finger jump up and down, Mama"

I brought Medium Boy and Small Boy to the annual SSO Babies Prom yesterday.  This is the third year that they have gone for the program.  The good thing about Babies Prom is that babies, toddlers and preschoolers are the target audience.  Making noise is not only allowed, it is downright encouraged :)  Such a boon to me, not having to shush 2 active little boys….

There is a segment every year where the ushers choose 3 or 4 young ones to go up and conduct the orchestra.  Young ‘un #3 was a boy about Medium Boy’s height.  He made the orchestra play presto (very very very fast) as he waved the conductor’s baton up and down.  The entire hall burst into laughter and applause as he finished.  The violinists and viola-ists applauded him too…. They waved their bows against the music stands and tapped their feet.  Such fun!

Last night as I was putting both boys to sleep, I spoke to them about the concert.  What was your favourite part, I asked.  Small Boy thought a while, then confidently replied ‘I like my finger jump up and down, Mama….’  Dear reader, are you able to guess what he was referring to?

It took me, slow and sleepy Mama, a few moments to decipher what Small Boy was talking about.

You are not fair, I am not fair

The Husband and I picked up Small Boy from Aunt's place Wednesday evening.  This is the second stop of the evening after we had driven from Medium Boy's school.

The Husband or I usually pack a snack for Medium Boy from school.  If Small Boy is able to eat the snack (he is still allergic to nuts), we ask MB to wait for 10mins to share with his didi as we go on our way to Aunt's place.  Usually MB is happy to oblige.  He is a very loving and generous korkor.

On Wednesday, MB shared his snack with SB, then prattled on as he usually does. 

MB: We need to be fair ok.  You take that box and I take this one.  (Pause) If you are not fair and I am not fair, we will go to the corner room* (Pause while the Husband and I are struggling to contain our laughter)  But it is ok.  We will be together and we can play together. *awwww*

SB: (ignores his brother, concentrates on the snack and chomps away)

* The corner room is the smallest bedroom in our apartment that is now the boys' play room.  When either or both of them misbehave, we send them to the corner room to think.

I find it hilarious that when the boys are together, MB issues almost continuous comments at SB, and SB ignores him!!  They are cute at this age.

Small Boy and Mama's stockings

Small Boy ran his hand up and down my leg, saying 'tickle tickle mama' cheekily, to feel the rasp of my stockings as I put on his shoes for him this morning.  Then he put his hands on my arm to test if I am wearing stockings on my arms too....  He looked surprised to find my arm bare.

:) Silly Small Boy. 

No matter how I wish both boys would wake up later sometimes (ok, most mornings!), they bring much joy and laughter to the Husband and myself.  We are very blessed.

T-shirt and Fans

I woke up next to Small Boy.... or rather, his legs were going bang bang bang on the bed.  I was awakened by that sound.  He looked at me smilingly, pointed to my shirt and asked 'Why you wear Papa's shirt?'

The Husband and I walked to church last evening after dinner to give thanks.  Coincidentally he received news on Tue morning that he was successful in his 2nd round interview, and that same evening, C called me to tell me that I am the chosen candidate for the job.  The ILs were asleep in the room where I keep my t-shirts when we eventually returned home, hence I pulled on one of the Husband's tees to wear.
Small Boy is observant.

Medium Boy is observant too when it comes to his beloved fans.  Ah Kung (FIL) had picked up a microwave that someone threw away to repair.  As with most electrical applicances, there IS a fan inside.  Medium Boy spent some time outside with Ah Kung to discuss electric circuits, positioning of the fan (why is it behind and not in front? he asked), count the number of fan blades and other esoteric matters about fans that only a true fan lover is concerned about.  To me, a fan is a device to circulate air in the room....  It is good that Medium Boy has Ah Kung to discuss all these science/engineering matters with.  Neither the Husband nor I are thus inclined.

2 reactions to Husband's prank

The Husband was feeling a bit mischievous last evening.  First he stood in front of Medium Boy as he watched Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  Medium Boy tried to stick his head around his papa, and yelled 'Papa, you are blocking me!'

Then the Husband did the same to Small Boy.  Small Boy hopped around his papa's bulk and continued watching the program.

Good golly gosh! It is alive!!!

Some months ago, Aunt was occupied at the dining room table, either at the computer or peeling some vegetables.  She heard Small Boy stomp determindly out of the room like a mini elephant, and wondered briefly what he was up to.  However she did not turn around to check.

Small Boy materialised at her side and left a brown rectangular object at her left foot.  Aunt glanced down.... and shucks alive!  That brown rectangle is moving!!!
Small Boy managed to catch a lizard by its tail, and probably thought Aunt would love the gift :)

Luckily for Aunt, she is a seasoned secondary school teacher of Normal stream students for 20+ years and these pranks were not uncommon from her students.... She stayed very still upon seeing Small Boy's gift, got up slowly to get a tissue and disposed of the lizard leg in the dustbin.  Wow, what a woman.

I reckon it is in the nature of cats and small boys to leave live presents to the ones they love.  Small Boy must REALLY love Aunt then?