This Also Got TEST!

(Been putting off writing this article...as dunno whether can capture the experience, the adrenaline, heart-stopping, heart-wrenching moments like it was. Anyway here goes...)

Of all the sports that Kor-Kor picked to join...

He picked one that the school is most passionate about (cos like they are winning championship & stuff)...

He picked one that the coaches are so driven that they have classes even during the school holidays...even up to Dec!

He picked one that the students need to pass a TEST to get to the next level!!! *bang head! bang head! bang head!* (What happen to just having fun, oopps, wrong sports...)

And he picked one that his mommy had no idea what & where. But then again, he could pick any sports that have anything to do with a ball...& his mommy would be blur sotong!

He picked BASKETBALL?

Kor-Kor came back one day a couple of weeks before with a notice written in Chinese - Basketball test???, I scratched head. "Must get 150 marks to pass" I counted. 9 activities. 30 seconds each. Jialat!

(Actually, they had held similar event in Aug, but as I was preparing for his birthday party, I sent Daddy to cheer. When he failed after half the class passed, Daddy was SACKED!!!!)

Anyway, the test was to be held one week after their final exams. So after his final exam, I asked him to practise every nite. Unfortunately, my boy is perpetually glued to the tv, until I come back to 'unglue' him.

So he did the moves. I counted. (Like moving the ball around the body, ball around head to feet & back, ball between their legs x3, dribbling & running around the cones, shooting hoops, etc. The idea is to do as fast as possible & not to drop the ball. Once drop, the count starts again & if the participant did a few attempts in the 30 seconds, the highest is taken.)

In the week's practice, Kor-Kor kept dropping the ball, particularly those on passing the ball between their legs (there are 3 styles here). So my game plan to him was "CONCENTRATE on not dropping the ball, do slow never mind" I also told him just do his best & if he does not pass, its ok, just stay in Level 1 only loh...(its only basketball mah to us women, rite?)

Comes the day...I was quite shocked. Never seen 7-year old boys so competitive among each other before - after each hurdle, they would compare among each other on who gets the highest!

After 6 events, I more or less know that Kor-Kor's score was not good enough - he dropped his ball at one hurdle & his standing position was wrong for the other, so these 2 hurdles pulled down his overall marks. But I can see that he tried very hard, so its good enough for me already. In fact, I was impressed, as could see that he really put his mind to it.

Then I saw him keep looking down at his score while his friends were comparing animatedly. So I sneaked up to him.

"I only got 87, I cannot get 150 already..." he told me sadly, looking down still. Aiyo, breaks my heart man...

So to hell with the never mind crap, I told him not to think about that, just CONCENTRATE on finishing all events, CONCENTRATE on NOT dropping the ball.

(I must have repeated this like hundreds, bullions even, to him that day. Other parents would probably see a super pushy mommy pushing her kid very hard. But actually...I'm just asking him not to give up!)

2 out of the last 3 hurdles were his weakest - passing the ball between the legs styles. And given that he needed the marks, I nearly pengsan (faint) from holding my breath!

3rd last event....36 marks!!!! Kor-Kor was so happy. Mommy was so bladdy relieved that mommy's heart was still beating.

2nd last event...20 marks!!!! Kor-Kor was ecstatic. Mommy was so, so proud. This was the hardest & I could see him concentrating really, really hard!

Last event was the dribbling & running around the cones - but cannot hit the cones. If hit, marks will be deduced. He needed another 10 or so marks only....OMG! Even my hands were shaking when I held the camera to shoot a pic......

Don't hit the cones....Don't hit the cones....Don't hit the cones!!!

Hand, Foot & Mouth

One week before Di-Di's birthday, his kindie's headmistress called up. Di-Di got ulcer in his mouth & she suspected it was Hand, Foot & Mouth.

I was thinking, she's darn good le. Can tell from only ulcer in mouth!

When I got home from work, Di-Di looked fine to me & I almost too skeptical & ah... lazy to take him consult the doctor. But then, people are generally more sensitive nowadays...with H1N1 la, HFM la, so I thought better move my ass...

But really strike lottery, it was HAND, FOOT & MOUTH! Ahhhhhhh.............!!!!

The Doc said he got mild one only, but he might have fever & may be blisters on his hand & foot. And he would have to be on MC for a week as HFM is highly contagious (thru saliva, sinus, etc). Ahhhhhhhhhh............!!!!!

Kor-Kor would be having final exam for the next week or so le...And I had already planned a small birthday celebration for Di-Di at home that weekend & at his kindie on his actual birthday le. Darn, darn, and I had actually bought all the party packs & stuff.

The next day, I informed the headmistress & casually asked whether any other kids in his school got HFM. Only then she told me about the other 2 boys, both in Di-Di's class & one of them is his playmate in the after school daycare.

I was shocked & pissed...the other 2 boys actually got it earlier & have not been attending school for 2 days already.

I was shocked & pissed...she could have told me earlier. I almost didn't take Di-Di to the Doc le since I thought it was only ulcer mah...

I was shocked & pissed...she told me that it is not the school policy to close the kindie even if more than 2 students contracted HFM, as the other parents who are mostly working parents would not know where to place their kids.

At least she could have told us mah, especially those whose kids stayed back for the after school day care.

The silver lining was Di-Di got a mild one only & did not pass to Kor-Kor.

We also teased Di-Di about it..telling him he got a disease (with emphasis on the.. sease) & he would show us his angry face. Grrrrr!!!!

It was also funny that he can't remember the name & called it Hand, Leg, Mouth disease!

Our Lantern Celebration

For the past 2 years, the boys have been going to a neighbouring 'kampung' which would hold a small community lantern celebration. The great thing is they pass out toys & lanterns for free. And the boys would normally get the better ones because Kor-Kor's ex-babysitter is a volunteer at the community centre.

And oh ya...the best of all was all attendees were encouraged to walk around the 'kampung' with their lanterns! With all the kids, parents & grand parents also taking part, it was very 'yit lau' (merry)!

But this year, apa pun tarak, because of this H1N1 thing (I hope it really is this reason & not because S'gor gomen is running out of budget to give out).

So, to continue to uphold & pass on our Chinese tradition (ahem!), I tried to find the boys another 'group' to carry their lanterns with. We drove to 2 playgrounds, but nobody is celebrating. Sigh!

Then, we saw a small group, who seems to be like they are going somewhere. After tailing them for a while, I stopped to ask one uncle whether they are going to any celebration (that I dunno of).

"No la...it's only us..going around for fun" uncle informed.

Ceh...

So no choice, it was only us lo (plus the maid). So, we rummaged thru the store room to find their old 'free' lanterns. Left only the traditional types, the fish, rabbit & aeroplane shaped ones. The paper ones, with superhero patterns, and the battery ones all 'sudah koyak' (torn and broken). The sticks to carry the lanterns also disappeared already, so have to find branches from the playground.

So we set off, holding by the strings only. But due to the wind (or lanterns are not like they used to be during our generation), their candle lights keep blowing out. So have to settle the boys near the park bench to light a few candles, so that it's easier to re-light their lanterns' candles.

As it was really windy, we tried to arrange leaves to protect the candles lighted on the floor. The boys were so amused. And this mommy sorta encouraged them to 'experiment' cooking the leaves!

Initially the boys were scared & would run off screaming when the leaves caught fire. But after a short while, they began to gain confidence & would dare to get closer to the fire.

Then, 'cooking' leaves soon turned into 'cooking' sticks...

Soon, the few candles turned into a small bonfire...

And they got more & more amused when the fire gets bigger & bigger! Especially when they throw a dry stick or leaf in & that thing caught fire...

Only then I started to get worried. Shoot! Now they know how to start something like this when they are in the house.

This mommy so, so clever rite..teaching her kids how to build a fire!!!!

So I have to start the lecturing & nagging, to drill it in that this fire thing is only for one night a year (and may be during Chinese New Year). Only. (Kor-Kor got the message, but I'm not so sure about Di-Di though...mmmm...though I did tell them that I'll skin them alive if they ever try this at home!)

Still... that worrying doubt aside, it was fun! And may be a bit educational for them. Though we did get a bit off track, playing fire instead of playing with lanterns, haha!

And mommy get to re-live her childhood, playing masak-masak with real fires during the lantern festivities!!!!

'Stick Together' Holiday - Singapore Our Playground

After the awkward first night, where I was even afraid to go take a shower for fear of my lil monsters' breaking something, our second day at Singapore went better than expected.

No...we didn't move to a hotel. Though I very much wanted to, I just couldn't say it. I mean, how to say to someone who has opened up their home to you & kids "Er...we are going to stay in hotel la...your house got too many things." Anyway, it was kinda comforting that someone would be there in case I needed help with the boys...

The host & hostess were out of the house at crack of dawn (to the gym & then to work, yawn!), so they left us to our own designs. Actually, their condo is like a hotel. They got pools & Cartoon Network. And they bought us breakfast.

At about 9, we also hit the road. But first the boys wanted to make a stopover - they can't wait to try out the unique playground equipment.
They were so engrossed with testing the 'firmness' of the equipment, I had to ply them away. Ha, ha...what to do, mommy loves the zoo & Singapore Zoo is so much nicer than our own. Loved it even more with the Half Price Singapore Surprise. We can even pay the equivalent in RM (but must remember to bring exact change). So for 3 of us, we only paid RM36, instead of S$36. So darn 'tai' (worth it)!

Which is good...cos I didn't get to see much animals!!! The boys were like bullet trains, speeding from one enclosure to the next. They really didn't understand the concept of 'pausing & observing'. Sigh!

I didn't even get to catch the whole elephant show (I remembered it was good when I watched it 4 years ago with Kor-Kor)! They watched the last 5 minutes & were not interested to catch the whole show at later time already! However, I did dragged them to see the Splash Safari show - with the penguins, sea cow & sea lion. This also like the mommy enjoyed it more.

After the show, they were done with animals. The call of Rainforest Kidzworld was just too great. So we hustled over at abt 3. One look & they were so smitten.
I repeatedly told them that there are other interesting areas within Kidzworld that we have not explored. However, nothing could pry them away until the park switched off the water at about 5.30pm - the zoo closes at 6.

After I changed them, they ran off to the dry play area. Since I could see that they would be preoccupied for some time & by then, the area was not crowded anymore, I told them to stay at the play area -& Kor-Kor was to take care of Di-Di - while I made a quick hop to the bathroom (normally I would make them wait outside the bathroom).

When I came out to find them, they were not there anymore. Instead, they have moved a little bit off. All my agitation left me when I saw that they have charmed 4 teenage girls to help to swing them on this.
They so liked this. But it was so tiring cos they always got stuck in the middle (not enough weight & dunno how to swing), so someone had to push them!

They played till almost everybody left. By then, it was getting dark & the zoo was quiet except for the animals' sound. This would be the best time to enjoy the zoo - the weather is cool, few people around & the animals are getting active.

Except Di-Di was whining louder than the hungry animals. Dead tired, he was out cold in the taxi back. So we had to give dinner out a miss, and went back to the condo for home-cooked pasta. Darn good of the host & hostess!

2nd day also started in similar vein. This time, we went to the Bird Park. Similar to 1st day, we took the public transportation again - by the MRT & bus. The boys loved it. Must be a boy thing. And living too privilege a life if they love public transportation.

I always ask for directions or for the best route, at times just to make sure. However, that day, I did not & took us to Bird Park via a longer MRT route. The boys were so restless by then - they were not really interested to look at Singapore suburbs!

By the time we reached, almost all the morning session shows were over already. We only managed to catch the last 15 mins of the Bird n Buddies show. It was very nicely done. "Mommy, it can talk Mandarin eh..." The boys were so captivated by the talking parrot.

We then wanted to do an overview of the park first via the panorail. However, it was not allowed, meaning cannot go one round 1. The panorail is 'mah fan' (troublesome) in this sense as it can only be boarded 3x & passengers must get off at the very next station already!

So we have to get off at the next station & walked. As per day before, the boys did a 'quick tour' again. Sigh!

By lunch time, we were almost done. The longest I demanded for them to stop was at the penguin enclosure - got air-conditioning mah, haha! After lunch, the boys, as usual wanted to checked out the Splash n Slide Station.

But they were disappointed. Compared to the Zoo's Kidzworld, it was pretty lame. And as the play areas are mostly not shaded, it was hot!
So we decided to push off to our next destination - Singapore Flyer! On the way there, the boys were constantly mocking each other & bickering. Running in circles around me as we walked. Making a nuisance of themselves. Didn't manage to burn off some energy at the Splash n Slide play areas, I think.

Then I saw 2 boys about their age walking quietly with their parents. Without thinking, I yelled, really pissed "Why can't 2 of u be like them ????"

The security guards were so amused. And that was the highlight of the Flyer, cos the flight itself was nothing to shout about...it's really just like riding a huge bubble lift. Very stable. Not scary at all. It was one of those 'once is enough' kinda thing.
So we went off in search of another playground. I read on the net that VivoCity has something 'free' to offer. Anyway, the park's lunch (fast food again!) was really zapping my energy & it was only 4+pm.

After filling our stomach at the food court, we went off the the roof, where I read was the wet play area. I had imagined that there would be water fixtures with water shooting from the ground. But alas, there only this:-
But my 2 sons, like 'ak kia kua tuok chui' (hokkien for when ducklings see water) also went in. That's them in the water above. Though the water looked murky due to the color of the floor pavement, but still got a number of people soaked their feet in it, enjoying the harbour view (quite a good view here), so under no circumstances should the boys put any water in their mouth. But did my 2 boys listen? No, they didn't. They repeated sprayed water at each other using their mouths! Ew, I know!

After a while, I managed to drag them out with a promise of another playground downstairs (I asked a cleaner uncle, cos this can't be it). Sure enough, there's another one at Level 2. For me, it was nothing to shout about, but it was still enough to amuse the boys.

We left about 8ish. They were so tired. Di Di started whining immediately after leaving the playground - he would forget to be 'tired' when there are things to play, while Kor Kor was only concerned about missed shows on Cartoon Network.

For 2nd day in a row, Di Di fell asleep in the taxi & I had to haul him back. But Uncle S was still amazed that the boys could last that long, so he promised them another playground the next day.

Our last day at Singapore, Uncle S & wifey took us to breakfast at the Botanic Gardens. They were also so considerate - they brought along a loaf of bread for fish feeding. After breakfast, as we walked along the trail, the boys got to feed the fishes in the big pond. And mommy got some adult conversations.

Our hosts brought us to Jacob Ballas Children's Garden (at a corner of the Botanic Gardens). Both the Botanic Gardens and the Children's Garden are free. And are so well kept. Very impressive.

The boys, of course, charged ahead - climbing trees, running the maze & playing at the tree house.
Their only disappointment was that the wet play area was closed for maintenance. But never fear, there was still the pools at the condo. It was like they have super turbo power or something!

Anyway, we managed to catch our afternoon bus home without a hitch. Di Di must have overdone his super turbo power....he was asleep before the bus left Singapore!

So this mommy had to carry him -like a sack of potatoes - and walk thru 2 checkpoints! One of which, must lug the luggage along (which had to somewhat delegate to Kor-Kor)!!! U should see the face of the immigration 'chop passport' guy when I plonked Di Di on the counter & turned his face for the guy to check. And Di Di slept thru it all...

On the whole, it was really an experience for me. Really tested a few of my boundaries, foremost of which was... patience!

'Stick Together' Holiday - Prelude & 1st Day

I actually toyed with this idea for many days.

Can I do it ? Will I be able to handle them myself for a few days? Will they listen to me & behave themselves ?

I ran the idea by my mom. 'Why not' my mom darn sporting. Encouraged, I ran my intentions over with Daddy & my MIL. Daddy was very skeptical that I would go through with it. My MIL was the funniest - her eyes almost popped out (mata terbeliak!!!).

With confidence wavering & still not fully decided, I soldiered on, though more like testing waters than anything else. By then, it was kinda 'last minute' already. Called my auntie - away for 10-day retreat wor. Called my brother - sucks! he was away on business. Called one of my girlfriends working there - aiya, her parents were visiting & staying with her.

Really wrong timing le. But what was the alternative - being housemaid & cook at home? Quick, quick, think. Stay in a hotel ? Mmmm...I still got one more try - an ex-colleague/friend whom had extended his invitation long, long, long time ago...

Luck was finally with us. He warmly welcomed us to his home. Good, as I was not too keen with staying at some 3-star hotel with the 2 lil monsters. Anything higher rated than that would be too expensive. Moreover, I didn't want the lil monsters to equate 'going somewhere' with nice hotel with swimming pools & Disney channels!

So I happily went and buy the bus tickets. And start psycho-ing the boys about the possible 'hardship' ahead, haha!

Boy, was I right ? Kor-Kor complained & complained about not taking the plane & staying at hotel!

'Aiyo, you complain so much you don't follow me la!' That normally does the trick. Ya, like for 10 minutes!!!!

The bus ride went better than expected. They were on their best behavior. Didn't kick the seats in front. Didn't disturb other passengers. Phew!

When we reached our destination, we still needed to kill time. My ex-colleague, Uncle S, and wifey, were still stuck in office. I already warned Uncle S that my 2 boys could be his worst nightmare. He was a sport - he said he'll just have to glue everything in place!

I thought that was funny....until we walked into his condo...

OH!MY!GOD!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!OMG!

It was 2nd week of school hols. I was in Singapore. Me alone with my 2 lil monsters. Supposedly staying 3 nights at an ex-colleague's place... whom I now realised I hardly know.

And his place is FULL. Antiques. Expensive travel mementos. Expensive furnishing. Italian Murano glassware for godsake!

At every kooks and corners! (cos if he's to glue everything in, he'll need a lot, a lot of glue!)

OMG!OMG! It can't be happening. MY worst nightmare...

I wanna stay hotel. NOW!

(to be continued...)

Camp 5 Free Trial Climb

During the recent school holiday, 1 Utama had held quite an assortment of activities for kids. One of them was a free trial climb session at Camp 5. I quickly signed Kor-Kor up. The minimum age was 6, so Di-Di would not be able to join in, but the coordinators informed that he can play at the big rock in front of the reception area. Well, that should be good enough to amuse him for one hour!

Both of them have taken to mimicking Spiderman recently (on top of other superheroes *roll eyes*), so I thought this would be SO amusing to watch.

The session started out quite sedately. The kids were geared in first. Then the instructors a.k.a. marshals (as written at the back of their tees) gave them some pointers on the dos & don'ts.

I took to running back & forth between Kor-Kor at the back of the camp & Di-Di at the front of the camp. As seen here, Di-Di got potential to be the next Tom Cruise (as in MI:2?).
Kor-Kor's first attempt - what looks to me like 2nd easiest. I was holding my breath. Unfortunately, this was the highest he was willing to go - no matter how the instructor coaxed him to continue.o_O

However, he gave it another go. So he got back in line to the... easiest! I was holding my breath again.

There was no need as he did good this time & managed to go over the ledge. But before I can say, "That's my boy!", he was holding up the line...

Kor-Kor was too afraid to jump down to the big-big springy cushion on the ground!

After a few other mommies, beside his own, came to give him 'instructions' on how to jump, he managed to gather enough courage to make the leap. Phew!

Next was the climb up the big wall with harness. The kids were instructed to just lean back & go into sitting position (when they have enough of climbing - no pressure, no need to go to the top)so that the safety ropes will take their weight & bring them down.

Do you know how well my boy did? Well, I think he did manage 3-4 FEET!

MY SON SUCKS! BIG TIME! (HaHaHa!!!)

When the session was over, I whispered to Kor-Kor "Looks like you can't be Spiderman hor..."

He growled! Laughing.

But I tried to mollify "May be with a little more practice then..."

This would go down to being one of the classic 'i-know-my-sons-can't-be-good-at-everything-but-i-still-secretly-would-like-them-to' kind of moments. *Shake head* -at myself, tsk! tsk!

Monsters Vs Aliens

I did it! Yeah! Brought 2 lil monsters to watch a movie all by myself. Phew!

It was no small feat I tell you. When the billboards were up, I already had to start 'brain-washing' Di-Di (cos his eyes go all watery if I teased that I would only bring Kor-Kor).

Things like...cannot jump on the seat, run up & down the aisle, walk around, kick the seat in front, climb to the seat in front or at the back, talk loudly...Basically, to sit still like a statue. I also told him that he cannot ask me to take him pee mid of movie & must hold it in till after the movie. Haha...so mean rite ?

Di-di was probably thinking what's the fun of going to the movies like that. But he was determined to follow his Kor-Kor. He said he almost 6 yrs old already wor...(though he's only almost 4 - cos afraid we leave him behind!)

Pre-movie went without a hitch (cos mommy chose working day, instead of weekend - not so crowded). Besides them chasing each other around, making kung-fu moves when I was getting the tickets & me having to juggle their popcorn & drinks & not losing sight of them, I managed to get them into the cinema safely.

Di-di was so exited. First time mah. But quarter in...he asked to go home already. Alamak!

I was thinking, how to entertain him for the rest of the show. Stress!

But thank god, Di-di kept to his word. Well...almost. How cud he stand not fidgeting, not talking, not climbing up/down the arm rest rite? But at least he didn't run wild at the aisle. Or do kung fu moves on the seats...

Was the movie good then? Ok only...not as good as...Toy Story, Monsters, Inc. or even... Kung Fu Panda!

Did we see it in 3-D ? Hell, no! Must movie-train my lil monsters first, else waste money only.

Here they are trying to kill each other while I was getting the tics.

Adventure Zone @ Golden Sands Penang

We took the boys back to my parents' place last weekend. And for a spot of R&R for Daddy (from work) and Mommy (from cooking & cleaning & ta-pau-ing).

The first thing granny said when saw the boys was "Why both of the boys looks skinner ah?" (Oops! Hey, I can't help it if I can barely cook, rite? And that I let the boys get away with eating less because I got no patience with their antics?)

After some heavy binge eating & conversations, Daddy whisked us to Golden Sands @ Batu Feringgi. It was Daddy's very own initiative for this short break (he very, very rarely does this) - so mommy will keep her mouth shut about the cost & about not wanting to get any more darker (yes, i get dark..not tan!)

But the boys enjoyed themselves at the pools & beach. There was a children slide at one of the pools. Initially Di-Di was afraid & wanted me to 'catch' him. My arms really ache, man. After a while, he tested the water & found the water up to his chin only if he tiptoed. Thereafter, he didn't need me to 'catch' him anymore. If I'm not so worried, its actually quite hilarious.

Here is some beach action, with mommy cringing at the blazing sun.

Ain't this cute?
But their highlight of this trip is their discovery of THIS. The slides are quite high (18-20ft) & steep. No way mommy was going to try. But Di-Di went down the blue one (double drop slide with ball pit) with no trouble at all, though Kor-Kor needed some persuasion.

There are quite a number other things at both sides and at the front of these slides as well to keep them occupied, but the slides are the coolest.

After 2 hours of running about with other kids & going down the slides, both of them were exhausted. No problem sleeping early at night. So mommy & daddy got to curl up comfy - to read their books!!!

Two weeks

Wow...has it been that long ???

Last 2 weeks had been crazy. First there was all that jittery about finding the perfect maid (where got such thing rite???). I've even looked all the way to Myanmar -as found the girls working at a neighbourhood shop to be exceptionally good & well behaved. At last, in order not to piss off the agents further for being indecisive, got to settle for a missy from our neighbouring country down south. Cross fingers!

Secondly, due to my own big mouth when met an ex-colleague - "eh, got job or not?" which was actually seriously just a reflex reaction from me only - he sent over 2 head hunters! So that would be juggling and making time to meet up with 2 head hunters and attend 3 interviews - which was no joke considering no maid to babysit the boys for a while.

Last but not least, getting this & spending the whole afternoon waiting for the delivery man to fix it up. Daddy & Mommy were hoping to entice Di-Di to sleep in the next room with Kor-Kor. After a week, still not successful. Up to the point that mommy has to go over & sleep (mommy don't mind actually, only Daddy thinks mommy is spoiling the kids)!

But Kor-Kor really loves it! And Di-Di really loves the idea of it!!!

Quiting Habit

I really don't want my son to grow up a quitter. But sometimes, I feel that I still need to cut him some slack - cos I'm not really sure whether he was interested to take it up in the first place. Or did he take up due to ahem... my 'strong' suggestion/cajoling.

However, sometimes, I stand my ground. Adamant he continues. Or at least... plotting for a way for him to continue.

The thing is, since early this year, Kor-Kor has quited on 2 things.

First, he quited on his kung-fu class (something like wu shu). One of my friends who has a son of same age with Kor-Kor, suggested that it might be fun for them to try this out, since it was not expensive; and didn't need to buy expensive uniforms like tai-kwan-do or karate. Initially both the boys hit it off, so he enjoyed the class. But six months down the road, he started complaining that he didn't like my friend's son la, didn't like the class la, got other boys punched him la, etc. So after 1 year, when he started Std 1, I finally gave up too (it was also getting more & more difficult to drive him there bloody early on Sat morn too!).

Secondly, he quited on his music class. But this one, the music teacher was partly to blame, disappearing numerous times for one or two months, for the 2 years he was teaching my son. How to keep up the interest rite? Anyway, Kor-Kor finally drew the line when he knows that his mommy is staying at home and should be taking him to playground instead. I let him win this one, plotting instead to get him & Di-Di to do this together when Di-Di is ready, haha!

Then...he wanted to quit swimming class. I started him on swim lessons last year end long hols. The first 10 lessons dragged out to beginning of this year cos it was usually raining in the evening, or else, either, we or the instructor had other things to attend.

For this one, I admit...I'm the pushy mom, he was not that keen in the first place. But then, the 2 of them always like water (& we like beach hols) & Kor-Kor has no qualms about jumping into the deep end. For me, that's a major problem, cos i need to really closely watch them. So it would help if they know how to swim. (Also, the doc says Kor-Kor has asthmatic tendencies, so swimming would help to strengthen his lungs.)

He was okay for first one or two lessons. Then the complains started. Lesson boring la. He already know how to swim la (he knows how to move a bit, yes! but still looks dangerously like drowning in deep end). Don't like instructor la. And the most classic - instructor fat la & he doesn't like fat people la!

Aiyoyo, I nearly fainted.

But for this one, I plotted & negotiated. The instructor....or ME! I would teach....

...Very reluctantly! Know why, cos I know Kor-Kor would be giving me a lot of 'attitude' that would drive me insane! And it would not do to throttle my son in front of a pool of strangers! (Its ok to do it at home when nobody can see, but not in public view, rite?)

But I'm happy to report that we have been doing this for 6-7 times already (progressing very slow), and Kor-Kor is still in one piece, though he really did pull out all the punches man...like running la, making faces la, talking nonsense la, giggling la. Deep yoga breathing really helps!

Though I must admit I did squeeze his thigh really hard once or twice (thigh under water, not noticeable), grab his arm roughly to drag him back (must stop when I saw other mommies eyeing at me), threathening to send him back to the instructor (he prefer me, dunno why), threathening to cut his tv time, etc.

The best is still rewards. For breast stroke hands & legs coordination, I really need him to concentrate, so his reward for doing correctly is Ben 10 Alien Force series, episode by episode. He now got episode 1-4 on hand already, so I think can buy 1 disc...

If anybody thinks I've a screw loose, in my defence, I actually don't plan to do this for long (don't plan to age before my time). I'm just the interim instructor, my plan is to send him to another instructor, who is not fat, haha!

Baby No More

Last night, before I tucked him to sleep, Kor-Kor suddenly blurted out.

"Mommy, today I 'nguk-nguk' (pass motion) at school."

I sucked in breath, shocked, "HOW? HOW??"

BECAUSE MY BOY STILL DON'T KNOW HOW TO WIPE HIS ASS!!!

"I got no tissue, the toilet also no tissue, so I had to borrow from my friend la."

I still cringing, "U know how to wipe meh?"

"Dunno"

Still cringing, "Then how? When u wipe, yr hands got 'nguk-nguk" or not?"

"GOT!!!!"

"EEEEEWWWWW!!!!" We all laughed, even Di-Di.

I looked at his hands and asked, "Did u wash your hands?"

"Yes."

"Did you wash your hands with soap?"

"Mommy, the school got NO SOAP laaaaaa......"

"EEEEEWWWW!!!!" We all laughed again.

I checked his fingernails, remembering something, and asked, "How you tell your teacher you want to go 'nguk-nguk'?"

"I asked teacher 'may I go toilet la?'". Thank god he's not so blur, at least he didn't say 'I wanna go 'nguk-nguk'!!!

"But, the teacher laughed cos I got no tissue!"

We laughed, but I thot to myself, sucks, I've been such a bad mother.

Still use baby talk ie for passing motion, urine, shower, etc....

Didn't at least give him a packet of tissue for emergency. Only handkerchief to wipe mouth & hands.

Never teach him how to wipe or wash his ass after passing motion. Because he always go in the morning before school is no excuse, rite ?

But, really!!!

Can someone please show & tell????

How to teach your kid how to wipe/wash his ass after 'nguk-nguk'? (Cos now I panic, panic!!!)

Cheers

As we ran out of ideas to entertain the boys, Daddy took the boys to his very own 'Cheers'-where everybody knows his name! a.k.a. HIS drinking hole, last Sat nite.

One of the owners-cum-cook whipped up a mean seafood spaghetti for us. While waiting, the boys took a stab at a game of darts.



Other than Coke, they also had a tiny sip of mommy's vodka orange. Please see below for the results:-


Cheers! Here's to starting them young. Burp!!!