It must be tough for him. So many adjustments for little Jordan in such a little time – arrival of Jemimah, schooling, taking van, sleeping in a different room and lesser play time with Mummy.
Jordan cried when he was left at the babysitter last Tuesday, 6 January 2009. It was the first time for him taking the van to the babysitter's place after school. He was okay in the van but when Seng Chor was about to leave him at the babysitter, he started to cry and say that he wanted to go home. Seng Chor called me to talk to him. It was pitiful to hear him feeling so sad. Tears kept flowing occasionally the whole afternoon that day.
When he came home that night, I managed to spend some time with him – playing Thomas the Tank Engine and watching the Thomas DVD. I made milk for him, and slept with him in the room for awhile.
He was okay the following days. He seemed to enjoy school very much at the moment. I would ask him to tell me what he did, what he learn, etc. It's fun to hear him talk about school and the activities he did. He would try to sing songs to me and scribble on his Doodle Pro. He loves to ask me draw for him – 3 little piggies, spider, shapes, fish. Nowadays, I have been spending time with him every night before he goes to bed with Seng Chor – drawing, watching VCD/DVD/TV, reading and playing. Once he reaches home, he would almost immediately come upstairs to see me. Sometimes, he would drag me downstairs to play with him.
I missed him when we had to leave him at the babysitter over the weekend because Seng Chor and my mother-in-law went back to Penang to attend Seng Chor's cousin's wedding. He spent 3 nights and 4 days at the babysitter (Friday to Monday).
Seng Chor fell sick when he came back from Penang – bad runny nose. So, on Monday (12 January 2009) night, I had to take Jordan to bed, and sleep with him. It was tough. I was heartbroken when he repeatedly said, “I don't want Mummy. I want giant Daddy”. Eventually, I said, okay and left the room. After awhile, he came into my room, climbed next to me, made pitiful sound to persuade me go back his room with him. He fell asleep quite late night – after 10 pm. Seng Chor slept in the living room that night.
My mother-in-law was in my room with Jem. So, she would come over to Jordan's room to call me to feed her. Jordan was also awaken during the feeding time at around 5 am. So, he didn't sleep after that. He must be tired in school that day. Poor boy! Seng Chor also passed on the runny nose to him. Thankfully, it was a mild one.
Almost every morning, I would help him to get ready for school – prepare milk, change him, bless him and give him a kiss before he leaves. What I can do now is to pray for him unceasingly to adjust well. My precious son is learning more and more each day.
Showing posts with label Jordan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jordan. Show all posts
Friday, January 16, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Tadika Grace Community – Vision and Mission Statement
One of my desires for Jordan is to build Bible-based character in him during his formative years. I've heard that King's Kids in SS Gospel has a strong curriculum in this area, and so I wanted to place Jordan there. He finally got in after months in the waiting list but because there was no day care in King's Kids, we had to look for alternative.
When we finally decided on Tadika Grace Community, I still wasn't sure whether that's the best place for Jordan, until now...
On the first day of school (5 January 2009), Seng Chor brought back a letter from Tadika Grace Community. It contained their vision statement, mission statement, rules and regulations. I got the confirmation when I read their vision statement. Yes, Jordan is in the right school. Praise the Lord!
Vision Statement
Tadika Grace Community is committed to provide resource in partnership with parents and church to educate our children on a Bible-based character building from 2 to 6 years old.
Mission Statement
When we finally decided on Tadika Grace Community, I still wasn't sure whether that's the best place for Jordan, until now...
On the first day of school (5 January 2009), Seng Chor brought back a letter from Tadika Grace Community. It contained their vision statement, mission statement, rules and regulations. I got the confirmation when I read their vision statement. Yes, Jordan is in the right school. Praise the Lord!
Vision Statement
Tadika Grace Community is committed to provide resource in partnership with parents and church to educate our children on a Bible-based character building from 2 to 6 years old.
Mission Statement
- To provide a Godly environment for the child to develop Christ – like character and relationship with God, parents, community and nation.
- To provide educational resources, supervision, counselling and training for holistic development.
- To provide resources and coaching in sports, aesthetics, camps and educational excursion for the physical well – being of the child.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
ABC Soup
Ingredients: Chicken drumstick, Carrot, Tomato, Potato, Onion and Corn.
I have been cooking ABC soup (Jordan calls it "Yummy soup") whenever I can on Saturdays for the past 2 to 3 months - its lunch for the whole family. Unfortunately, Jordan doesn't take it all the time. I would mix the soup with rice to feed him but he rarely eats. :( Last weekend, he drank one or two spoons only. He didn't want to eat the rice even though he helped me to wash the rice. So far, he has helped to wash the rice twice. Cool, eh?
What he ate most last weekend was chicken rice. He ate about half of my rice and 3 pieces of chicken. We always rejoice whenever he eats. The other type of food he eats is pizza with pineapple and chicken. Like most kids, he enjoys French fries. Oh, he likes hash brown too.
He is not putting on much weight. Why? He doesn't sleep much. He still sleeps after 11 pm or midnight, and he can get up between 6 to 7 am the next morning. Almost every night, we have to threaten him with the 'cane' (plastic stick to hold balloon) to get him to lie down quietly on the bed. He also hardly eat solid food during the weekend.
We seldom cane him nowadays but threaten him with the cane. He would listen almost immediately when he sees the cane. He would say things like, "Sleep already, no need cane." or "Good boy already, no need cane." I will post more of his amusing, smart and interesting responses in his blog soon. He is super smart, and often correct us.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tadika Grace Community
(Grace Community Kindergarten)
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
On Wednesday, 15 October 2008, I registered Jordan for school next year at the Tadika Grace Community, Taman S. E. A. 3, Petaling Jaya. The semester will commence on 5 January 2009 (Monday).
(Tadika Grace was established in 1995, with the purpose to develop young children through a holistic approach in education. It aims for academic excellence as well as strong stamina, emotional maturity and physical fitness. Together with other qualified staff, Tadika Grace Community promises a proper, well-balanced child development programme for children's educational requirements.)
Finally, after months of prayers, we have decided to place Jordan at Tadika Grace. Our first choice was King’s Kids at SS Gospel, SS2. Unfortunately, until today (17 October 2008), Jordan is still in the waiting list. I actually made the booking early this year but their waiting list is extremely long. Moreover, later, I found out that King’s Kid do not provide day care which we may need in the near future. So, I had to look for an alternative place.
Initially, we thought of placing Jordan at Q-dees but a Christian based kindergarten is still one of my (not Seng Chor’s) main priorities for the school. (The swimming pool at Q-dees is so tempting.) I desire for Jordan to develop strong Christian values during his formative years.
It was Dolly who popped out this idea of placing Jordan at Tadika Grace. So, I decided to check it out and immediately register Jordan. I was quite anxious because almost everyone that I know, who has a child born in the same year as Jordan has either registered for school or started schooling. It’s October, and I was afraid that Jordan would not have a suitable school to go to.
Thank God that there are still vacancies at Tadika Grace. They have 2 classes for 4 year olds. The first class is already full, and so Jordan is in the second class. The maximum number of children per class is 18.
Though their programme seems academic, it will help prepare Jordan for Chinese primary school as Chinese schools are known for giving students a lot of homework. He will not have homework next year. Children will be given homework and provided with Chinese classes when they are 5 and 6 years old. For 4 year-olds, the focus is to develop their motor skills in writing and colouring. The programme includes Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, Science, Art & craft, Music & movement and Physical Education.
The time is from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Day care is until 7 pm with an additional charge of RM 200 a month. The school fee is among the lowest as compared to others – RM 180 per month. Miscellaneous fees (insurance, snacks, books, worksheets, exercise books, stationeries, art & craft, library and games) are about RM 80 per month. Overall, we saved about RM2000 (including day care), which according to Selvi, is about the price of a flight ticket to Perth. Hehehe!
Praise the Lord!
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
(Proverbs 22:6)
On Wednesday, 15 October 2008, I registered Jordan for school next year at the Tadika Grace Community, Taman S. E. A. 3, Petaling Jaya. The semester will commence on 5 January 2009 (Monday).
(Tadika Grace was established in 1995, with the purpose to develop young children through a holistic approach in education. It aims for academic excellence as well as strong stamina, emotional maturity and physical fitness. Together with other qualified staff, Tadika Grace Community promises a proper, well-balanced child development programme for children's educational requirements.)
Finally, after months of prayers, we have decided to place Jordan at Tadika Grace. Our first choice was King’s Kids at SS Gospel, SS2. Unfortunately, until today (17 October 2008), Jordan is still in the waiting list. I actually made the booking early this year but their waiting list is extremely long. Moreover, later, I found out that King’s Kid do not provide day care which we may need in the near future. So, I had to look for an alternative place.
Initially, we thought of placing Jordan at Q-dees but a Christian based kindergarten is still one of my (not Seng Chor’s) main priorities for the school. (The swimming pool at Q-dees is so tempting.) I desire for Jordan to develop strong Christian values during his formative years.
It was Dolly who popped out this idea of placing Jordan at Tadika Grace. So, I decided to check it out and immediately register Jordan. I was quite anxious because almost everyone that I know, who has a child born in the same year as Jordan has either registered for school or started schooling. It’s October, and I was afraid that Jordan would not have a suitable school to go to.
Thank God that there are still vacancies at Tadika Grace. They have 2 classes for 4 year olds. The first class is already full, and so Jordan is in the second class. The maximum number of children per class is 18.
Though their programme seems academic, it will help prepare Jordan for Chinese primary school as Chinese schools are known for giving students a lot of homework. He will not have homework next year. Children will be given homework and provided with Chinese classes when they are 5 and 6 years old. For 4 year-olds, the focus is to develop their motor skills in writing and colouring. The programme includes Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mathematics, Science, Art & craft, Music & movement and Physical Education.
The time is from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Day care is until 7 pm with an additional charge of RM 200 a month. The school fee is among the lowest as compared to others – RM 180 per month. Miscellaneous fees (insurance, snacks, books, worksheets, exercise books, stationeries, art & craft, library and games) are about RM 80 per month. Overall, we saved about RM2000 (including day care), which according to Selvi, is about the price of a flight ticket to Perth. Hehehe!
Praise the Lord!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Prayer Advance
By faith, I took Jordan to the church Prayer Advance at Kundang, Rawang on Friday night. We left in Hok Seng’s car together with Lai Leng. Seng Chor couldn’t make it because of a company training over the weekend. I almost decided not to go because I know that it would be tough taking care of Jordan on my own. I was praying that Jordan would behave extremely well and that I would not need to move around too much. Well, ‘extremely’ is a high expectation. I told myself that it would be better than placing him at the babysitter. I am willing to pay the price, and I did it with God’s strength and the support from the rest of the church members. Praise the Lord!
We arrived Rawang around 8 pm for dinner. We met up with Elder Chris, Dolly, Aaron, Yoke Kheng and Kenny. It was a wonderful dinner. Jordan enjoyed it as well. Yoke Kheng helped me to feed him with some rice and fish. It was just a snack for Jordan because he already had his dinner at the babysitter.
Then, we travelled to the MBS Recreation Center at Kundang, about 15 minutes from Rawang. Jordan and I didn’t join the first session. We stayed in the Chalet together with Dolly, Lai Leng and Yoke Kheng. There were 2 single beds, one double bed with an upper deck. Dolly and Lai Leng slept on the single beds. Yoke Kheng slept above us.
I brought my notebook for Jordan to watch his DVD. After settling down, he slept before 12 midnight. It was a good start.
Second Day at Kundang
Jordan woke up at almost 9 am. He had a good breakfast. Basically, he ate non-stop from morning till night. He watched a few Children Bible stories DVD. I will post more of him in his blog.
I managed to listen and share my views during some of the sessions. In between, I had to entertain Jordan’s demands. He was almost unmanageable during lunch. But eventually, he sat down and ate some chicken.
I was upset with him once. It happened in the evening. After cleaning him from his ‘big business’, I carried him to the sink to wash his hands. He wanted to play with the water non-stop. I was trying to stop him and get him to obey. He was so stubborn. I think the situation was rather tensed for about 5 – 10 minutes in the bathroom. I even shook him. I think I spanked him and he cried for awhile. Yet, he still insisted in playing with the water. In the end, I gave up and gave in to his demand. He was satisfied. I was so frustrated with his stubbornness and disobedience.
Later on the way to dinner, I asked him to say, “Sorry, Mummy” and he did. I told him that I was angry with him. He may not understand but at least he is learning to apologise. This is not the first time that I’ve asked him to say sorry. Most of the time, he is willing to say.
We went back to the same restaurant as the previous night for dinner. Kenny helped me to entertain Jordan. We assisted him twice to do his ‘small business’ – once in the toilet and the second time outside the restaurant. Jordan complained that the toilet is dirty! So, he didn’t want to pee in the toilet the second time. Gosh! I was surprised with his behaviour and his view on cleanliness. Amazing!
After dinner, we ate durian. Jordan loves it. Poor Kenny had to carry him and eat at the same time. Thank you, so much Kuya Ken.
It was 10:30 pm when we returned to the chalet. Jordan and I didn’t join the prayer session. As usual, he watched his DVD and slept before midnight. I had to persuade him a few times to off all the lights. Sigh!
Third Day at Kundang
Sadly, Jordan woke up before 5:30 am. He wanted to pee. Again, he wanted to play with the water, and didn’t want to return to bed. He insisted that the lights be turned on. I struggled with him for at least 10 minutes. I ignored his demand and let him cry. I repeatedly told him to go to sleep. He refused. I spanked him a few times with the comb. He still didn’t want to listen and kept on asking me to turn on the lights. Eventually, Yoke Kheng woke up and took him outside for a walk. When he returned, he still wanted the lights to be on. We gave up. So, he was allowed to watch his DVD.
I didn’t bother him much in the morning. The rest of the church members joined us for worship that morning. So, more ‘babysitters’ came to take care of him – Roy Lim, Lai Leng, Valerie and Sahaya.
The only time I spent with him was during lunch. But he hardly eats anything. Sahaya played with him most of the time. He even dipped Jordan in the pool – just the lower part of his body.
Then, it was time to leave for home. We took a lift from Yoke Kheng. Before we even reached Rawang, Jordan fell asleep. He slept until 5 pm. Phew!
Worship at Kundang
I was seeking for peace and I found it. I hardly share during congregation worship but that Sunday morning, I felt that I need to honour God for what He has been revealing to me.
By faith, I went to the Prayer Advance. Though some experiences with Jordan were not pleasant but God gave me the strength and the patience. Most of all, love for Jordan. God allowed Jordan to wake up so early for a purpose. God is asking me to rely on his strength. The first song during worship confirmed it –
You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me
Passion World Tour was on that day, and I was going. Again, I just went ahead with the original plan and worshipped God. I had a fantastic time despite having lack of rest. There will be more of this in my next post.
I wept during the ministry time. Hok Seng prayed for all the lecturers. I was the first one he prayed for. Tears just flowed. Then, the lecturers prayed for the students. Hok Seng came over to pray for me again. He assured me of God’s promises. God has given me the answer to my prayer, and I know. I know it. I just wept. Dolly lent me her shoulder to cry on. I haven’t wept that much since Aunty Luan passed away.
I was once again being ministered by the church intercessors. Peace was assured. Everything will be fine.
I haven’t been specific about what I am going through. It is not the right time to reveal. Ultimately, God’s name will be glorified.
Praise the Lord!
We arrived Rawang around 8 pm for dinner. We met up with Elder Chris, Dolly, Aaron, Yoke Kheng and Kenny. It was a wonderful dinner. Jordan enjoyed it as well. Yoke Kheng helped me to feed him with some rice and fish. It was just a snack for Jordan because he already had his dinner at the babysitter.
Then, we travelled to the MBS Recreation Center at Kundang, about 15 minutes from Rawang. Jordan and I didn’t join the first session. We stayed in the Chalet together with Dolly, Lai Leng and Yoke Kheng. There were 2 single beds, one double bed with an upper deck. Dolly and Lai Leng slept on the single beds. Yoke Kheng slept above us.
I brought my notebook for Jordan to watch his DVD. After settling down, he slept before 12 midnight. It was a good start.
Second Day at Kundang
Jordan woke up at almost 9 am. He had a good breakfast. Basically, he ate non-stop from morning till night. He watched a few Children Bible stories DVD. I will post more of him in his blog.
I managed to listen and share my views during some of the sessions. In between, I had to entertain Jordan’s demands. He was almost unmanageable during lunch. But eventually, he sat down and ate some chicken.
I was upset with him once. It happened in the evening. After cleaning him from his ‘big business’, I carried him to the sink to wash his hands. He wanted to play with the water non-stop. I was trying to stop him and get him to obey. He was so stubborn. I think the situation was rather tensed for about 5 – 10 minutes in the bathroom. I even shook him. I think I spanked him and he cried for awhile. Yet, he still insisted in playing with the water. In the end, I gave up and gave in to his demand. He was satisfied. I was so frustrated with his stubbornness and disobedience.
Later on the way to dinner, I asked him to say, “Sorry, Mummy” and he did. I told him that I was angry with him. He may not understand but at least he is learning to apologise. This is not the first time that I’ve asked him to say sorry. Most of the time, he is willing to say.
We went back to the same restaurant as the previous night for dinner. Kenny helped me to entertain Jordan. We assisted him twice to do his ‘small business’ – once in the toilet and the second time outside the restaurant. Jordan complained that the toilet is dirty! So, he didn’t want to pee in the toilet the second time. Gosh! I was surprised with his behaviour and his view on cleanliness. Amazing!
After dinner, we ate durian. Jordan loves it. Poor Kenny had to carry him and eat at the same time. Thank you, so much Kuya Ken.
It was 10:30 pm when we returned to the chalet. Jordan and I didn’t join the prayer session. As usual, he watched his DVD and slept before midnight. I had to persuade him a few times to off all the lights. Sigh!
Third Day at Kundang
Sadly, Jordan woke up before 5:30 am. He wanted to pee. Again, he wanted to play with the water, and didn’t want to return to bed. He insisted that the lights be turned on. I struggled with him for at least 10 minutes. I ignored his demand and let him cry. I repeatedly told him to go to sleep. He refused. I spanked him a few times with the comb. He still didn’t want to listen and kept on asking me to turn on the lights. Eventually, Yoke Kheng woke up and took him outside for a walk. When he returned, he still wanted the lights to be on. We gave up. So, he was allowed to watch his DVD.
I didn’t bother him much in the morning. The rest of the church members joined us for worship that morning. So, more ‘babysitters’ came to take care of him – Roy Lim, Lai Leng, Valerie and Sahaya.
The only time I spent with him was during lunch. But he hardly eats anything. Sahaya played with him most of the time. He even dipped Jordan in the pool – just the lower part of his body.
Then, it was time to leave for home. We took a lift from Yoke Kheng. Before we even reached Rawang, Jordan fell asleep. He slept until 5 pm. Phew!
Worship at Kundang
I was seeking for peace and I found it. I hardly share during congregation worship but that Sunday morning, I felt that I need to honour God for what He has been revealing to me.
By faith, I went to the Prayer Advance. Though some experiences with Jordan were not pleasant but God gave me the strength and the patience. Most of all, love for Jordan. God allowed Jordan to wake up so early for a purpose. God is asking me to rely on his strength. The first song during worship confirmed it –
You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me
Passion World Tour was on that day, and I was going. Again, I just went ahead with the original plan and worshipped God. I had a fantastic time despite having lack of rest. There will be more of this in my next post.
I wept during the ministry time. Hok Seng prayed for all the lecturers. I was the first one he prayed for. Tears just flowed. Then, the lecturers prayed for the students. Hok Seng came over to pray for me again. He assured me of God’s promises. God has given me the answer to my prayer, and I know. I know it. I just wept. Dolly lent me her shoulder to cry on. I haven’t wept that much since Aunty Luan passed away.
I was once again being ministered by the church intercessors. Peace was assured. Everything will be fine.
I haven’t been specific about what I am going through. It is not the right time to reveal. Ultimately, God’s name will be glorified.
Praise the Lord!
Monday, July 28, 2008
I can’t wait…
(Jordan’s milestones)
1st anticipation – No more burping session
I couldn’t wait for Jordan’s burping sessions to end. We didn’t need to burp him after 6 months. I didn’t like to see the sight of him throwing out his milk.
2nd anticipation - Crawling
Next, it was the crawling stage. Yes, Jordan started to crawl before he turned 7 months old. He also started to stand (holding furniture) around that age but he hardly cruise.
The funniest thing was that he crawled on 3 ie. 2 hands and 1 leg for about 7 months or so.
3rd anticipation - Walking
Finally, he decided to walk after 14 months! What a long wait!
4th anticipation - Talking
Jordan babbled a lot when he was a baby. He has a small mouth and his lips look sharp, and according to some people, it is a sign of a good talker. I think his first word was “bread”. Then, it was “car”. He was about 1 year old.
He started to talk more after he turned 2 years old. He spoke his first sentence early this year.
He is really talkative and I love it. He often asks questions like, “Where”, “What”, “How”, “Who”. He doesn’t know how to ask “Why” yet. So, I am waiting for that stage now.
5th anticipation – Story Telling
Some parents have been telling me how their child relates stories of the daily happenings to them after work. I have been trying to get Jordan to tell me what he did and what he ate at the babysitter. Most of the time, it’s a Question and Answer session.
Mummy: What did you eat?
Jordan: Rice
Mummy: Did you eat biscuit?
Jordan: Yes
Occasionally, he would tell me stories about the babysitter scolding one of the kids there. He also told me that the babysitter would ask him to eat faster. I hope to hear more stories from him. I would love to hear him telling me stories from the school in future.
6th anticipation – Obedience
Last weekend, I screamed at him and spanked him countless times. I have been using a wooden chopstick as a spanking instrument. He just refused to listen to us. He didn’t want to wash his hands. He touched things he was not supposed to touch even after countless warnings. What to do? Spank! He would purposely throw things around and seem to be expecting you to scold him after that. He was tired but refused to sleep.
We don’t like to spank him or scream at him. We want to teach him to obey. This is tough. Reasoning with him doesn’t seem to work. What to do? Spank!
7th anticipation – Sit still
I am still waiting for the time that he could actually sit still during worship. It seems that at this moment, the only thing to keep him sitting down is food. He ate quite a lot peanuts and pistachio yesterday during worship. Thankfully, he drinks a lot of water too. But after half an hour he was restless and started to bug everyone.
Every Sunday is chaotic. I hope that one day, he could sit down on his own – do some colouring, reading, and not running all over the place, demanding this and that non-stop.
Other anticipations…
I hope he doesn’t grow up too fast. I should enjoy every milestone. There are more challenges as they grew older. I hope that he would continue to stick to me.
This weekend the church will be having a prayer retreat at Kundang. I have decided not to leave him at the babysitter for the weekend. I know that it will be tough to take care of him but I want to spend as much time as I can with him. I hope to scold him less and not to spank him at all. Seng Chor will be attending training for the weekend.
Mummy will always love you, Jordan.
1st anticipation – No more burping session
I couldn’t wait for Jordan’s burping sessions to end. We didn’t need to burp him after 6 months. I didn’t like to see the sight of him throwing out his milk.
2nd anticipation - Crawling
Next, it was the crawling stage. Yes, Jordan started to crawl before he turned 7 months old. He also started to stand (holding furniture) around that age but he hardly cruise.
The funniest thing was that he crawled on 3 ie. 2 hands and 1 leg for about 7 months or so.
3rd anticipation - Walking
Finally, he decided to walk after 14 months! What a long wait!
4th anticipation - Talking
Jordan babbled a lot when he was a baby. He has a small mouth and his lips look sharp, and according to some people, it is a sign of a good talker. I think his first word was “bread”. Then, it was “car”. He was about 1 year old.
He started to talk more after he turned 2 years old. He spoke his first sentence early this year.
He is really talkative and I love it. He often asks questions like, “Where”, “What”, “How”, “Who”. He doesn’t know how to ask “Why” yet. So, I am waiting for that stage now.
5th anticipation – Story Telling
Some parents have been telling me how their child relates stories of the daily happenings to them after work. I have been trying to get Jordan to tell me what he did and what he ate at the babysitter. Most of the time, it’s a Question and Answer session.
Mummy: What did you eat?
Jordan: Rice
Mummy: Did you eat biscuit?
Jordan: Yes
Occasionally, he would tell me stories about the babysitter scolding one of the kids there. He also told me that the babysitter would ask him to eat faster. I hope to hear more stories from him. I would love to hear him telling me stories from the school in future.
6th anticipation – Obedience
Last weekend, I screamed at him and spanked him countless times. I have been using a wooden chopstick as a spanking instrument. He just refused to listen to us. He didn’t want to wash his hands. He touched things he was not supposed to touch even after countless warnings. What to do? Spank! He would purposely throw things around and seem to be expecting you to scold him after that. He was tired but refused to sleep.
We don’t like to spank him or scream at him. We want to teach him to obey. This is tough. Reasoning with him doesn’t seem to work. What to do? Spank!
7th anticipation – Sit still
I am still waiting for the time that he could actually sit still during worship. It seems that at this moment, the only thing to keep him sitting down is food. He ate quite a lot peanuts and pistachio yesterday during worship. Thankfully, he drinks a lot of water too. But after half an hour he was restless and started to bug everyone.
Every Sunday is chaotic. I hope that one day, he could sit down on his own – do some colouring, reading, and not running all over the place, demanding this and that non-stop.
Other anticipations…
I hope he doesn’t grow up too fast. I should enjoy every milestone. There are more challenges as they grew older. I hope that he would continue to stick to me.
This weekend the church will be having a prayer retreat at Kundang. I have decided not to leave him at the babysitter for the weekend. I know that it will be tough to take care of him but I want to spend as much time as I can with him. I hope to scold him less and not to spank him at all. Seng Chor will be attending training for the weekend.
Mummy will always love you, Jordan.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Appetite, Lack of Sleep and Movements
It’s been a tough week. I thought I was feeling better last Wednesday when I could finally eat the catered food. But then, I threw up last Friday night. I vomited the dinner as well on Monday night. I had fruits (apple, pear, orange and custard apple) for dinner the next day. On Wednesday and Thursday, I had fruits and cream crackers with Milo for dinner. Last night, I had fruits, sweet potato and Oreo McFlurry. Hmm…overall, I think it is a healthy diet.
Jordan has been sleeping late. On Tuesday, he refused to sleep until 1 am. On Wednesday, he fell asleep between 11:30 pm to 12 midnight. Lights were off at 10 pm. He would climb over us, go up and down the bed, and even leave the bedroom. He would also push us. It was really annoying. Seng Chor and I gave him at least 15 smacks on the butt on Tuesday night. Jordan even said that I’m naughty but later he allowed me to hug him. We really need to give him proper spanking to discipline him. I have been reluctant to get a cane. But after reading the article on spanking, I decided that we can’t spare him the rod. Some children just need to be disciplined.
I thought Thursday night was really wonderful. I reached home at around 10:15 pm after the Ladies Discipleship Cell. Both father and son were soundly asleep. Unfortunately, Jordan woke up before 5 am the next day. Sigh.
On Friday night, we left him at the babysitter so that both of us could recuperate. Hehehe! I had to work on Saturday and Seng Chor had training on Saturday and Sunday.
Lately, I have been feeling more movements from my baby. It's a beautiful feeling indeed. I started feeling the bubbly sensation in the womb towards the end of the second month. Last week, I felt some strong movements. I didn't just dream about it but I felt it too. I hope to know whether the baby is Jemimah or Josiah end of this month.
Looking forward to rest more over the weekend.
Jordan has been sleeping late. On Tuesday, he refused to sleep until 1 am. On Wednesday, he fell asleep between 11:30 pm to 12 midnight. Lights were off at 10 pm. He would climb over us, go up and down the bed, and even leave the bedroom. He would also push us. It was really annoying. Seng Chor and I gave him at least 15 smacks on the butt on Tuesday night. Jordan even said that I’m naughty but later he allowed me to hug him. We really need to give him proper spanking to discipline him. I have been reluctant to get a cane. But after reading the article on spanking, I decided that we can’t spare him the rod. Some children just need to be disciplined.
I thought Thursday night was really wonderful. I reached home at around 10:15 pm after the Ladies Discipleship Cell. Both father and son were soundly asleep. Unfortunately, Jordan woke up before 5 am the next day. Sigh.
On Friday night, we left him at the babysitter so that both of us could recuperate. Hehehe! I had to work on Saturday and Seng Chor had training on Saturday and Sunday.
Lately, I have been feeling more movements from my baby. It's a beautiful feeling indeed. I started feeling the bubbly sensation in the womb towards the end of the second month. Last week, I felt some strong movements. I didn't just dream about it but I felt it too. I hope to know whether the baby is Jemimah or Josiah end of this month.
Looking forward to rest more over the weekend.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
A - Z on Jordan
A – Adorable
B – Boy
C – Charming
D – Dimple (on the right)
E – Energetic
F – Friendly
G – Gentleman (occasionally)
H – Handsome
I – Inquisitive
J – Jovial
K – Kissable
L – Lovable
M – Mischievous
N – Nicknamed Xian-xian
O – Orderly sequence habit
P – Playful
Q – Quizzical expression
R – Restless
S – Super laughter
T – Talkative
U – Uncontrollable (sometimes)
V – Very active (not hyper)
W – Wriggly
X – XD expression
Y – Yappy
Z – Zany (sometimes)
B – Boy
C – Charming
D – Dimple (on the right)
E – Energetic
F – Friendly
G – Gentleman (occasionally)
H – Handsome
I – Inquisitive
J – Jovial
K – Kissable
L – Lovable
M – Mischievous
N – Nicknamed Xian-xian
O – Orderly sequence habit
P – Playful
Q – Quizzical expression
R – Restless
S – Super laughter
T – Talkative
U – Uncontrollable (sometimes)
V – Very active (not hyper)
W – Wriggly
X – XD expression
Y – Yappy
Z – Zany (sometimes)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Seng Chor to Bali = Tough Weekend
Seng Chor was away in Bali for 5 days, 4 nights for his company trip. He left last Thursday (12 June 2008) and arrived home on Monday evening. We left Jordan with the babysitter on Wednesday and Thursday night. Then, sis and I picked him up on Friday night.
After picking him from the babysitter, we went to Secret Recipe at Centerpoint for dinner. Thankfully, Jordan sat down obediently on the high chair, eating raisins and arranging them on the table. I purposely bought a pack of raisins to keep him still. The other food that can keep him still is cornflakes.
On Saturday morning, he woke up around 8 am even though he slept after 11 pm the previous night. I was hoping that he would sleep longer – at least until 10 am. He didn’t sleep the whole afternoon. He didn’t eat much as well. I tried to get him to sleep around 4 pm but he didn’t want to.
At 6:30 pm, Yoke Kheng picked us up for dinner at Bakerzin, 1 Utama with Tracy. Jordan ate some fries before he decided to sleep. We asked him to sleep on the sofa but he refused. He sat on the high chair, rested his head on the table with his napkin and fell asleep almost immediately. The four ladies sitting next to us were amazed that he could sleep so easily. We had a peaceful dinner. I couldn’t eat much – just had pumpkin soup, a bit of salad and small pieces of chicken. Then, we walked over to Haagen Daaz for ice cream courtesy of Tracy. It was yummy! I had my favorite strawberry flavour ice cream. Jordan enjoyed it too. Yoke Kheng ordered Green Tea, and Tracy tried the new Mango Passion flavour which is quite nice. It tasted sour at the beginning but then it gets sweeter towards the end.
We arrived home around 10:30 pm. Like the previous night, it was not very difficult to get Jordan to sleep. Initially, he would sleep next to me but eventually he would roll over to his own bed.
He woke up around 8 am the next morning for church. Grace came to pick us up at 8:30 am. He behaved alright. Various people babysat for me. At the beginning, he was rather moody because he was still sleepy but after his milk he seemed energized. During the sermon, he spent the time playing with Reuel upstairs. Roy accompanied them.
After the worship service and lunch, I stayed back to attend the Facilitator’s Workshop for the Alpha course conducted brother Aaron Tham from PJEFC. During that time, Yoke Kheng and Kenny helped me to babysit Jordan.
He didn’t sleep at all the whole afternoon. He was actually really tired, and so he was grumpy and whining the whole evening. He didn’t eat much the whole day. He had a slight fever – 38.2 degrees. Finally, after much struggles with him, he fell asleep on the floor upstairs before 8:30 pm. That’s when I had my dinner – a bowl of soup and few spoons of claypot rice. I didn’t eat the chicken at all – no appetite. I was exhausted and frustrated. I cried.
I went to bed around 9 pm+. I carried him from the floor onto his bed. Unsurprisingly, he woke up around 1:30 am. He drank milk, energized again and didn’t want to sleep until almost 5 am. I even let him watch 2 VCDs. What can I do? He just woke up and he couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t force him to sleep. It may not be a good idea but I had to keep him occupied. I was really, really upset. I didn’t really scold him. He was still having a slight fever and complained that his mouth was painful. I just had to bear with him.
The next morning, I carried him to the car, and my sis and I dropped him at the babysitter.
That’s the end of my nightmare!
After picking him from the babysitter, we went to Secret Recipe at Centerpoint for dinner. Thankfully, Jordan sat down obediently on the high chair, eating raisins and arranging them on the table. I purposely bought a pack of raisins to keep him still. The other food that can keep him still is cornflakes.
On Saturday morning, he woke up around 8 am even though he slept after 11 pm the previous night. I was hoping that he would sleep longer – at least until 10 am. He didn’t sleep the whole afternoon. He didn’t eat much as well. I tried to get him to sleep around 4 pm but he didn’t want to.
At 6:30 pm, Yoke Kheng picked us up for dinner at Bakerzin, 1 Utama with Tracy. Jordan ate some fries before he decided to sleep. We asked him to sleep on the sofa but he refused. He sat on the high chair, rested his head on the table with his napkin and fell asleep almost immediately. The four ladies sitting next to us were amazed that he could sleep so easily. We had a peaceful dinner. I couldn’t eat much – just had pumpkin soup, a bit of salad and small pieces of chicken. Then, we walked over to Haagen Daaz for ice cream courtesy of Tracy. It was yummy! I had my favorite strawberry flavour ice cream. Jordan enjoyed it too. Yoke Kheng ordered Green Tea, and Tracy tried the new Mango Passion flavour which is quite nice. It tasted sour at the beginning but then it gets sweeter towards the end.
We arrived home around 10:30 pm. Like the previous night, it was not very difficult to get Jordan to sleep. Initially, he would sleep next to me but eventually he would roll over to his own bed.
He woke up around 8 am the next morning for church. Grace came to pick us up at 8:30 am. He behaved alright. Various people babysat for me. At the beginning, he was rather moody because he was still sleepy but after his milk he seemed energized. During the sermon, he spent the time playing with Reuel upstairs. Roy accompanied them.
After the worship service and lunch, I stayed back to attend the Facilitator’s Workshop for the Alpha course conducted brother Aaron Tham from PJEFC. During that time, Yoke Kheng and Kenny helped me to babysit Jordan.
He didn’t sleep at all the whole afternoon. He was actually really tired, and so he was grumpy and whining the whole evening. He didn’t eat much the whole day. He had a slight fever – 38.2 degrees. Finally, after much struggles with him, he fell asleep on the floor upstairs before 8:30 pm. That’s when I had my dinner – a bowl of soup and few spoons of claypot rice. I didn’t eat the chicken at all – no appetite. I was exhausted and frustrated. I cried.
I went to bed around 9 pm+. I carried him from the floor onto his bed. Unsurprisingly, he woke up around 1:30 am. He drank milk, energized again and didn’t want to sleep until almost 5 am. I even let him watch 2 VCDs. What can I do? He just woke up and he couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t force him to sleep. It may not be a good idea but I had to keep him occupied. I was really, really upset. I didn’t really scold him. He was still having a slight fever and complained that his mouth was painful. I just had to bear with him.
The next morning, I carried him to the car, and my sis and I dropped him at the babysitter.
That’s the end of my nightmare!
Monday, May 12, 2008
How was my Mother’s Day 2008?
Morning
We attended Growth Group (GG) meeting at the Wong’s residence. Jordan behaved quite alright. I kept him busy with biscuits, cereals and raisins. He woke up before 7 am that morning partly because my runny nose disturbed him. He requested milk soon after that.
At the GG, Jordan asked me to carry him occasionally. During the bible study, Seng Chor took over to baby sit him. It was an easy task for Seng Chor – Jordan slept until lunch time.
Lunch time
Nine of us had chicken rice at Taman Tun. Seng Chor watched over Jordan throughout the meal. I had an uninterrupted lunch. Jordan was actually quite restless. He ‘snatched’ the rice from Seng Chor and didn’t allow Seng Chor to eat the rice. He protested loudly whenever Seng Chor tried to scoop some rice. As usual, he made a mess. So in the end, Seng Chor ate only chicken for lunch.
After lunch, we followed Aunty Sue and the girls to a shop to buy some stationery.
Afternoon
Seng Chor showered Jordan. I had a good nap until about 4:30 pm.
Then, I took over to baby sit while Seng Chor slept until 6 pm.
Evening till Night – picking stools and cleaning urine
After a successful Saturday morning, we didn’t let Jordan wear pampers again in the evening. Even though we kept reminding Jordan to tell us whenever he wanted to do his ‘business’, he conveniently forgot – too busy playing. He peed on the floor. Next, he passed motion, and the stool fell onto the floor. I didn’t know until he pulled my hand and asked me to see his ‘product’. Seng Chor cleaned up, and the funniest thing was that Seng Chor threw it into the dustbin instead of the toilet. He was so used to throwing pampers into the dustbin that he threw the stool into the dustbin as well. Aiyoh!
Dinner
Because of F1 and the Manchester United football match, Seng Chor ordered take away from the House of Fishball for the whole family. Jordan had porridge. He also drank orange juice and a cup of milo.
Again, we reminded Jordan to use the potty. After dinner, he peed and passed motion onto the floor again! I cleaned up. I didn’t notice the stool until Seng Chor told me that he had also done a ‘big’ one. Thank goodness I didn’t step on it. Seng Chor cleaned him up.
At around 10 pm, Jordan requested for milk. He wanted the milk to be poured into the cup and drink from the cup. So, I asked him to sit on the staircase and drink. Before that, I even asked him whether he needed to pee or not. He said no. As he was drinking, he peed again! Once again, Seng Chor and I cleaned him up. As it was bed time, we let him wear pampers to sleep.
That evening, Jordan changed 4 pants; we picked 2 stools (about the size of my fist) and wiped 3 puddles of urine.
We are thankful that he didn’t wet or dirty the sofa – just the floor. We are also thankful that we have saved at least 3 pampers that day! Hahaha! We will definitely continue to train Jordan again. I really didn’t mind cleaning up after his ‘business’. Just look at the bright side – it is better for Jordan, good training for him and save money. Heeheehee!
We attended Growth Group (GG) meeting at the Wong’s residence. Jordan behaved quite alright. I kept him busy with biscuits, cereals and raisins. He woke up before 7 am that morning partly because my runny nose disturbed him. He requested milk soon after that.
At the GG, Jordan asked me to carry him occasionally. During the bible study, Seng Chor took over to baby sit him. It was an easy task for Seng Chor – Jordan slept until lunch time.
Lunch time
Nine of us had chicken rice at Taman Tun. Seng Chor watched over Jordan throughout the meal. I had an uninterrupted lunch. Jordan was actually quite restless. He ‘snatched’ the rice from Seng Chor and didn’t allow Seng Chor to eat the rice. He protested loudly whenever Seng Chor tried to scoop some rice. As usual, he made a mess. So in the end, Seng Chor ate only chicken for lunch.
After lunch, we followed Aunty Sue and the girls to a shop to buy some stationery.
Afternoon
Seng Chor showered Jordan. I had a good nap until about 4:30 pm.
Then, I took over to baby sit while Seng Chor slept until 6 pm.
Evening till Night – picking stools and cleaning urine
After a successful Saturday morning, we didn’t let Jordan wear pampers again in the evening. Even though we kept reminding Jordan to tell us whenever he wanted to do his ‘business’, he conveniently forgot – too busy playing. He peed on the floor. Next, he passed motion, and the stool fell onto the floor. I didn’t know until he pulled my hand and asked me to see his ‘product’. Seng Chor cleaned up, and the funniest thing was that Seng Chor threw it into the dustbin instead of the toilet. He was so used to throwing pampers into the dustbin that he threw the stool into the dustbin as well. Aiyoh!
Dinner
Because of F1 and the Manchester United football match, Seng Chor ordered take away from the House of Fishball for the whole family. Jordan had porridge. He also drank orange juice and a cup of milo.
Again, we reminded Jordan to use the potty. After dinner, he peed and passed motion onto the floor again! I cleaned up. I didn’t notice the stool until Seng Chor told me that he had also done a ‘big’ one. Thank goodness I didn’t step on it. Seng Chor cleaned him up.
At around 10 pm, Jordan requested for milk. He wanted the milk to be poured into the cup and drink from the cup. So, I asked him to sit on the staircase and drink. Before that, I even asked him whether he needed to pee or not. He said no. As he was drinking, he peed again! Once again, Seng Chor and I cleaned him up. As it was bed time, we let him wear pampers to sleep.
That evening, Jordan changed 4 pants; we picked 2 stools (about the size of my fist) and wiped 3 puddles of urine.
We are thankful that he didn’t wet or dirty the sofa – just the floor. We are also thankful that we have saved at least 3 pampers that day! Hahaha! We will definitely continue to train Jordan again. I really didn’t mind cleaning up after his ‘business’. Just look at the bright side – it is better for Jordan, good training for him and save money. Heeheehee!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I miss him tremendously…
Seng Chor and I will be leaving for Redang late tomorrow afternoon. Without telling me, Seng Chor placed Jordan at the babysitter tonight. I almost cried when he told me this after work. I won’t be able to hug and kiss him before I leave tomorrow. I will miss his bugging at night. No one asking for “Green apple” or “Strawberry” vitamin. No one requesting to watch, “Thomas”. No more mess tonight.
I couldn’t resist it. I called him at the babysitter and talked to him. This was the first time I talked to him on the phone. He has a sweet and gentle voice. He called, “Mummy” many times. Then, I explained to him that, “Daddy and Mummy will be going to Redang”. I also told him that we will see him on Monday. Whether he understands or not is not important. The important thing is that I have communicated that with him. It may sound funny but I felt that I should tell him that we will be going away.
Today, I bought him a Mini Cooper toy car. He has a red coloured Mini Cooper toy car which my sis gave him for Christmas. The one I bought is dark green and much smaller. I won’t be able to give it to him until Monday.
Throughout the phone call just now, the babysitter taught him what to say. Towards the end, Jordan wished, “Good night, Mummy” and “Bye-bye Mummy”. I had tears in my eyes as I said, “I love you, Jordan”.
I couldn’t resist it. I called him at the babysitter and talked to him. This was the first time I talked to him on the phone. He has a sweet and gentle voice. He called, “Mummy” many times. Then, I explained to him that, “Daddy and Mummy will be going to Redang”. I also told him that we will see him on Monday. Whether he understands or not is not important. The important thing is that I have communicated that with him. It may sound funny but I felt that I should tell him that we will be going away.
Today, I bought him a Mini Cooper toy car. He has a red coloured Mini Cooper toy car which my sis gave him for Christmas. The one I bought is dark green and much smaller. I won’t be able to give it to him until Monday.
Throughout the phone call just now, the babysitter taught him what to say. Towards the end, Jordan wished, “Good night, Mummy” and “Bye-bye Mummy”. I had tears in my eyes as I said, “I love you, Jordan”.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Avoiding Stress with Jordan
For me to get a better sleep, the best way is for Seng Chor to take Jordan to bed first. Then, Jordan won’t bug me. Seng Chor and I agreed on this arrangement quite some time ago, and we have practiced this numerous times. Sometimes, Jordan would request me to sleep on the bed. Sometimes, I want to try to sleep early but fail most of the time due to the constant ‘bullying’ by Jordan. Last Thursday, I was really tired. After settling down Jordan with Seng Chor, I went downstairs to sleep on the sofa. I couldn’t remember what time I woke up to go upstairs – probably after midnight. Both father and son were sound asleep.
The next morning, Seng Chor told me that Jordan bugged him twice. Jordan called, “Daddy, Daddy” few times. Twice, Seng Chor replied him, “Do not disturb. Daddy wants to sleep.” After the second time, Jordan didn’t bother Seng Chor anymore and slept on his own. For the past few nights, I have pushed the sofa next to my side of the bed so that Jordan doesn’t fall off the bed. Jordan likes to sleep on my pillow.
Last night, I watched a Korean series with my sister until 1 am plus. Tonight, I decided to update my blog while Seng Chor and Jordan sleep first. There were occasions that Jordan was still wide awake when I went upstairs even after midnight. Seng Chor would be snoozing happily already. Well, then just have to practice patience with Jordan, and entertain him until he knocks off.
Seng Chor and I have planned to get Jordan a single bed soon. It will be placed next to our bed. We will train him to sleep on the single bed, and not to cross over. Hopefully, this will help 3 of us to sleep better.
It’s 12:40 am now. Seng Chor and Jordan should be sleeping by now. Time for me to zzzzzzz too.
The next morning, Seng Chor told me that Jordan bugged him twice. Jordan called, “Daddy, Daddy” few times. Twice, Seng Chor replied him, “Do not disturb. Daddy wants to sleep.” After the second time, Jordan didn’t bother Seng Chor anymore and slept on his own. For the past few nights, I have pushed the sofa next to my side of the bed so that Jordan doesn’t fall off the bed. Jordan likes to sleep on my pillow.
Last night, I watched a Korean series with my sister until 1 am plus. Tonight, I decided to update my blog while Seng Chor and Jordan sleep first. There were occasions that Jordan was still wide awake when I went upstairs even after midnight. Seng Chor would be snoozing happily already. Well, then just have to practice patience with Jordan, and entertain him until he knocks off.
Seng Chor and I have planned to get Jordan a single bed soon. It will be placed next to our bed. We will train him to sleep on the single bed, and not to cross over. Hopefully, this will help 3 of us to sleep better.
It’s 12:40 am now. Seng Chor and Jordan should be sleeping by now. Time for me to zzzzzzz too.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunburn, Genting, and Patience with Jordan
Good news
After missing my swimming lessons for 3 weeks, I finally got to swim last Saturday. Seng Chor and I arrived at the club at 8 am. Jordan was at the babysitter. We waited for the rest of the divers until almost 8:30 am. While 4 of them including the instructor dived and ‘rescued’ each other on the other side of the pool, I swam. I started swimming about 9 am, and showered at around 2 pm. In between, I had breaks including lunch.
Bad News
I got sunburn on my back. I applied sun block on my face, hands and legs but I forgot about my back. My back and shoulders were rather painful the next day. It’s better now. Seng Chor got sunburn on his head because he has shaved his head. Hehehe!
Another Bad News
Even though I was swimming for about half a day, I still didn’t improve much. Sigh. I can float. I still use the float to move forward. My hands and legs are not coordinating. I tried but the moment I started to move my hands, my legs seemed to kick less, and I would sink. The breathing part is poor too. It’s worse because of my runny nose and blocked nose. I feel like giving up, and moreover, I don’t need to know swimming to learn diving. On the other hand, I am also thinking of getting a personal instructor to help me. This month, I am able to attend only one lesson. Hopefully, it doesn’t rain this Saturday evening. Well, just see whether I can progress further after this round.
Genting
After showering at the club, we picked Jordan from the babysitter. Then, we went home to pack. It was almost 5 pm before we left Genting to join the rest of the Teoh family members.
It was a good reunion. I haven’t seen one of the cousins from Johor for a few years. There were altogether 28 of us:
1) Seng Chor
2) Cabokia
3) Jordan
4) Pa-in-law
5) Ma-in-law
6) Huey Pin (sister-in-law)
7) Danny (Huey Pin’s hubby)
8) Jeffrey (Huey Pin’s son)
9) Li San (sister-in-law)
10) Tua Pek (Eldest uncle)
11) Tua Um
12) Kang Wei (cousin)
13) Tua Ko (Eldest aunt)
14) Ling Ling (cousin)
15) Ling Ling’s husband
16) Sa ko (Third aunt)
17) Uncle Wong
18) Christine Wong (cousin)
19) Fatty (Christine W’s hubby)
20) Nicholas (Christine’s son)
21) Tony (cousin)
22) Uncle Tong
23) Ming Wei (cousin)
24) Ming Wei’s girlfriend
25) Xian Chek (youngest uncle)
26) Xian Sim
27) Li Yuan (cousin)
28) Li Chen (cousin)
Disappointments
I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t take Jordan to the Theme Park. He had 3 indoor rides – that’s it. Hopefully, we can spend more time as a family next time.
I felt rather stressful actually. Before the trip, I kept telling myself to enjoy my time with Jordan. I know that I would have to take care of him full-time in Genting. I need lots and lots of patience. Unfortunately, I lost my temper with him on Saturday night when he refused to sleep. I think I smacked him almost 10 times during the period of 1 and a half hours. Smacked, cried, then up he went again. I was so tired after the swimming and my back was aching. It was so frustrating indeed. Finally, probably about midnight, he finally quiet down, and lied down on the bed.
Screaming Monday
It was before 10:30 pm when I asked him to go upstairs. Everyone was already upstairs. I switched off the lights in the living room. He refused to go up. I scolded him. He almost reached the room, when he wanted to go downstairs again. I scolded him loudly, and dragged him to the room, and put him inside the cot as a punishment. Then, immediately I went downstairs, leaving him with Seng Chor. I needed to cool down. I tidied up his toys. He was still crying when I went up – it was about 5 minutes. He threw all the toys out from the cot, sat at a corner. He didn’t want me to touch me. I said sorry to him few times and tried to carry him. Eventually, he allowed me to carry him. I almost cried too. After awhile, he calmed down.
Super patient Tuesday
Last night, I was super patient with him after screaming at him quiet badly on Monday night. About 10 pm, I took him upstairs. He washed up, drank his milk and watched Thomas for awhile. We turned off the lights at around 10:30 pm. He didn’t want to sleep yet. He was gathering all his pillows, bolsters and napkins together. Each time something dropped, he would ask me to pick it up. He didn’t allow me to sleep at the side, and kept asking me to move. There was anger inside of me boiling. I tried to reason with him. I told him nicely to sleep and lie down. It didn’t work. I ignored him. It didn’t work as well because he kept asking me to move and pick up things for me. He also kept asking me to roll up the napkins. It was supposed to be his ‘trains’. He would say, “Mummy fix Thomas”, “Mummy fix Percy”, “Mummy fix Toby”, “Mummy fix Rheneas”. It was non stop until almost midnight. I almost smacked him. Seng Chor woke up a few times to scold him, but Jordan just ignored him, or replied, “Don’t want”. Eventually, he grew tired, I guess and he lied down quietly, and slept.
Throughout the 2 hours, I was really helpless. I didn’t know what to do. Smack? Scold? Reason with him? I know that I shouldn’t smack him or scold him. Reasoning doesn’t seem to work. Ignoring him also didn’t work. All I did was complying with all his demands with extreme patience until he knocked out. This is not the first incident. It has happened many times, and probably many more to come. Any good advice?
After missing my swimming lessons for 3 weeks, I finally got to swim last Saturday. Seng Chor and I arrived at the club at 8 am. Jordan was at the babysitter. We waited for the rest of the divers until almost 8:30 am. While 4 of them including the instructor dived and ‘rescued’ each other on the other side of the pool, I swam. I started swimming about 9 am, and showered at around 2 pm. In between, I had breaks including lunch.
Bad News
I got sunburn on my back. I applied sun block on my face, hands and legs but I forgot about my back. My back and shoulders were rather painful the next day. It’s better now. Seng Chor got sunburn on his head because he has shaved his head. Hehehe!
Another Bad News
Even though I was swimming for about half a day, I still didn’t improve much. Sigh. I can float. I still use the float to move forward. My hands and legs are not coordinating. I tried but the moment I started to move my hands, my legs seemed to kick less, and I would sink. The breathing part is poor too. It’s worse because of my runny nose and blocked nose. I feel like giving up, and moreover, I don’t need to know swimming to learn diving. On the other hand, I am also thinking of getting a personal instructor to help me. This month, I am able to attend only one lesson. Hopefully, it doesn’t rain this Saturday evening. Well, just see whether I can progress further after this round.
Genting
After showering at the club, we picked Jordan from the babysitter. Then, we went home to pack. It was almost 5 pm before we left Genting to join the rest of the Teoh family members.
It was a good reunion. I haven’t seen one of the cousins from Johor for a few years. There were altogether 28 of us:
1) Seng Chor
2) Cabokia
3) Jordan
4) Pa-in-law
5) Ma-in-law
6) Huey Pin (sister-in-law)
7) Danny (Huey Pin’s hubby)
8) Jeffrey (Huey Pin’s son)
9) Li San (sister-in-law)
10) Tua Pek (Eldest uncle)
11) Tua Um
12) Kang Wei (cousin)
13) Tua Ko (Eldest aunt)
14) Ling Ling (cousin)
15) Ling Ling’s husband
16) Sa ko (Third aunt)
17) Uncle Wong
18) Christine Wong (cousin)
19) Fatty (Christine W’s hubby)
20) Nicholas (Christine’s son)
21) Tony (cousin)
22) Uncle Tong
23) Ming Wei (cousin)
24) Ming Wei’s girlfriend
25) Xian Chek (youngest uncle)
26) Xian Sim
27) Li Yuan (cousin)
28) Li Chen (cousin)
Disappointments
I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t take Jordan to the Theme Park. He had 3 indoor rides – that’s it. Hopefully, we can spend more time as a family next time.
I felt rather stressful actually. Before the trip, I kept telling myself to enjoy my time with Jordan. I know that I would have to take care of him full-time in Genting. I need lots and lots of patience. Unfortunately, I lost my temper with him on Saturday night when he refused to sleep. I think I smacked him almost 10 times during the period of 1 and a half hours. Smacked, cried, then up he went again. I was so tired after the swimming and my back was aching. It was so frustrating indeed. Finally, probably about midnight, he finally quiet down, and lied down on the bed.
Screaming Monday
It was before 10:30 pm when I asked him to go upstairs. Everyone was already upstairs. I switched off the lights in the living room. He refused to go up. I scolded him. He almost reached the room, when he wanted to go downstairs again. I scolded him loudly, and dragged him to the room, and put him inside the cot as a punishment. Then, immediately I went downstairs, leaving him with Seng Chor. I needed to cool down. I tidied up his toys. He was still crying when I went up – it was about 5 minutes. He threw all the toys out from the cot, sat at a corner. He didn’t want me to touch me. I said sorry to him few times and tried to carry him. Eventually, he allowed me to carry him. I almost cried too. After awhile, he calmed down.
Super patient Tuesday
Last night, I was super patient with him after screaming at him quiet badly on Monday night. About 10 pm, I took him upstairs. He washed up, drank his milk and watched Thomas for awhile. We turned off the lights at around 10:30 pm. He didn’t want to sleep yet. He was gathering all his pillows, bolsters and napkins together. Each time something dropped, he would ask me to pick it up. He didn’t allow me to sleep at the side, and kept asking me to move. There was anger inside of me boiling. I tried to reason with him. I told him nicely to sleep and lie down. It didn’t work. I ignored him. It didn’t work as well because he kept asking me to move and pick up things for me. He also kept asking me to roll up the napkins. It was supposed to be his ‘trains’. He would say, “Mummy fix Thomas”, “Mummy fix Percy”, “Mummy fix Toby”, “Mummy fix Rheneas”. It was non stop until almost midnight. I almost smacked him. Seng Chor woke up a few times to scold him, but Jordan just ignored him, or replied, “Don’t want”. Eventually, he grew tired, I guess and he lied down quietly, and slept.
Throughout the 2 hours, I was really helpless. I didn’t know what to do. Smack? Scold? Reason with him? I know that I shouldn’t smack him or scold him. Reasoning doesn’t seem to work. Ignoring him also didn’t work. All I did was complying with all his demands with extreme patience until he knocked out. This is not the first incident. It has happened many times, and probably many more to come. Any good advice?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Jordan’s Education
I started reading this book, “When the Soul Listens” by Jan Johnson last year. I have just finished reading Chapter 10, and still got five more chapters to go. There are lots of things that I can share from the book. For now, I would like to share from Chapter 8 – Asking God Questions.
Let me share from this section…pages 104 – 106…
Why We Don’t Ask
If you’re like most people, you don’t plan to leave God out by not inquiring. For various reasons, you just forget.
I already know. You assume you know the answer – especially if it concerns something at which you’re skilled. King Saul was, after all, a tall, dynamic military leader. Sending out scouts might have seemed more strategic, than asking God for direction.
I have a strong opinion about this. Let’s say your spouse wants to visit someone on vacation, but you’re sure you don’t want to do this. You give an automatic answer without inquiring of the Lord. So often when I inquired of God about something such as this, the result has been that I’ve either had a change of heart or I sympathize with my spouse and come up with an idea that satisfies both of us. The process of inquiring is important because it helps us see the other person’s heart.
I like one-size-fits-all answers. The answer or solution found last time becomes a formula; every dilemma has the same answer. For example, Saul went ahead and made the sacrifice; it seemed obvious that attacking first was a good strategy because the Philistines were encamped. That was the military formula. Today, we resort to our own formulas – doing things as they’ve always been done, doing what’s advised in the current bestseller – when we could be inquiring after God for His ideas.
Sometimes we circumvent God because we’ve become so policy-oriented it doesn’t occur to us to stay open to God’s guidance. At a retreat, some leaders asked me what I thought their church’s policy should be about having baby showers for unwed pregnant women. So far, they had done nothing because giving a shower might indicate approval of premarital sex. Yet they felt bad about neglecting these young women.
I asked, “What are these women’s names? What has each woman said about having a shower? What is known about the condition of each woman’s heart toward God?” I then named each one and asked, “If the church had a shower for ______, what would that tell her about God?” A shower from the church might embarrass one but affirm another. Did any of them need the financial rewards of a shower? Would any of them desire, in addition to a shower, to meet with one of these female leaders on a regular basis? “Find out what these woman need,” I urged them, “and then get on your knees as a leadership tem and listen to God together. Make it your goal to determine how God wants to use you in each woman’s life.” This method is blessed, so I use it. We often assume certain methods or people are blessed by God because they seem successful. Should I raise my kids a certain way? We think, Sure, it worked for him, so we don’t ask God – which might cause us to look in our children’s hearts and see if these methods are appropriate. Pastor and author Peter Lord writes:
When God has blessed others by using certain methods, we sometimes presume that we should use those same methods. We don’t realize that God blessed that way for others because that’s the way he ordered them to do things. Nowhere is this more common than in church programs. One church prays and receives an answer – a specific method of carrying out a certain order of God. They are richly blessed because God blesses what God orders. Then another church, seeing this blessing, copies the program – because they believe God is blessing the program itself. They fail to realize that what he is really blessing is obedience. And they never stop to ask him, “Father, what do you want us to do?”
When God gives seeking hearts a certain answer, it may not be His answer for you as well.
I’ve already heard God speak. Even when you’ve inquired of God previously and sensed His direction, schedules change, bodies change, locations are different, and bosses are different. It’s important to pray and seek God continually.
=============================================
Lately, I have thinking about Jordan’s education – whether I should place him in a Christian or non-Christian school/pre-school/nursery. When I first asked Seng Chor for his opinion, he firmly said non-Christian school. Reason? Big ‘fishing pond’. Yes, there’s some truth in it. I realized that we haven’t really prayed about Jordan’s education. I felt that I already know the answer and I have a strong feeling about it. From the beginning, I have been thinking about sending him to the pre-school in our vicinity. We passed the school everyday – it is at a corner, opposite the guard house. Every morning, I see parents/grandparents/guardian/maid taking the kids to the school. I have a sentimental kind of feeling for the school.
What I read from the book, reminded strongly that I should pray for Jordan’s education. I must not assume that I know the answer. Moreover, what works for others may not work for us. As I started to pray about it, I asked these questions, What character qualities do I want to build into Jordan? What are my goals for Jordan? Then, What type of school will help build those qualities? I started to recall prayers and prophecies over Jordan. Prayers for Jordan from various people have focused on this point - that he will grow up to be a man after God’s heart. It was also prophesized that he will cross cultural barriers to relate to different people. The answer for me is that the school should emphasize on character building, particularly biblical character.
Another school that came into my mind is the one in SS Gospel. Seng Chor’s nephew attends the school and I’ve heard very good feedback. The school is actually a walking distance from Jordan’s babysitter. Coincidentally, one of my colleagues who have just joined the College in February is from the church. Last week, I asked him to call the person-in-charge, who is the Principal. On the phone, she mentioned that the school emphasized on biblical character building – this is actually their strength. Wow! It’s like an answered prayer. That night, I discussed with Seng Chor. To my surprise, he agreed to place Jordan in the school. Since it is near the babysitter’s house, after school, one of the teachers could even help send Jordan to the babysitter.
My colleague has helped me to submit the Jordan’s details to the school. I am now praying that there will be a place for him. He will start only next year but we need to book the place one year in advance. I hope that we are not too late.
Let me share from this section…pages 104 – 106…
Why We Don’t Ask
If you’re like most people, you don’t plan to leave God out by not inquiring. For various reasons, you just forget.
I already know. You assume you know the answer – especially if it concerns something at which you’re skilled. King Saul was, after all, a tall, dynamic military leader. Sending out scouts might have seemed more strategic, than asking God for direction.
I have a strong opinion about this. Let’s say your spouse wants to visit someone on vacation, but you’re sure you don’t want to do this. You give an automatic answer without inquiring of the Lord. So often when I inquired of God about something such as this, the result has been that I’ve either had a change of heart or I sympathize with my spouse and come up with an idea that satisfies both of us. The process of inquiring is important because it helps us see the other person’s heart.
I like one-size-fits-all answers. The answer or solution found last time becomes a formula; every dilemma has the same answer. For example, Saul went ahead and made the sacrifice; it seemed obvious that attacking first was a good strategy because the Philistines were encamped. That was the military formula. Today, we resort to our own formulas – doing things as they’ve always been done, doing what’s advised in the current bestseller – when we could be inquiring after God for His ideas.
Sometimes we circumvent God because we’ve become so policy-oriented it doesn’t occur to us to stay open to God’s guidance. At a retreat, some leaders asked me what I thought their church’s policy should be about having baby showers for unwed pregnant women. So far, they had done nothing because giving a shower might indicate approval of premarital sex. Yet they felt bad about neglecting these young women.
I asked, “What are these women’s names? What has each woman said about having a shower? What is known about the condition of each woman’s heart toward God?” I then named each one and asked, “If the church had a shower for ______, what would that tell her about God?” A shower from the church might embarrass one but affirm another. Did any of them need the financial rewards of a shower? Would any of them desire, in addition to a shower, to meet with one of these female leaders on a regular basis? “Find out what these woman need,” I urged them, “and then get on your knees as a leadership tem and listen to God together. Make it your goal to determine how God wants to use you in each woman’s life.” This method is blessed, so I use it. We often assume certain methods or people are blessed by God because they seem successful. Should I raise my kids a certain way? We think, Sure, it worked for him, so we don’t ask God – which might cause us to look in our children’s hearts and see if these methods are appropriate. Pastor and author Peter Lord writes:
When God has blessed others by using certain methods, we sometimes presume that we should use those same methods. We don’t realize that God blessed that way for others because that’s the way he ordered them to do things. Nowhere is this more common than in church programs. One church prays and receives an answer – a specific method of carrying out a certain order of God. They are richly blessed because God blesses what God orders. Then another church, seeing this blessing, copies the program – because they believe God is blessing the program itself. They fail to realize that what he is really blessing is obedience. And they never stop to ask him, “Father, what do you want us to do?”
When God gives seeking hearts a certain answer, it may not be His answer for you as well.
I’ve already heard God speak. Even when you’ve inquired of God previously and sensed His direction, schedules change, bodies change, locations are different, and bosses are different. It’s important to pray and seek God continually.
=============================================
Lately, I have thinking about Jordan’s education – whether I should place him in a Christian or non-Christian school/pre-school/nursery. When I first asked Seng Chor for his opinion, he firmly said non-Christian school. Reason? Big ‘fishing pond’. Yes, there’s some truth in it. I realized that we haven’t really prayed about Jordan’s education. I felt that I already know the answer and I have a strong feeling about it. From the beginning, I have been thinking about sending him to the pre-school in our vicinity. We passed the school everyday – it is at a corner, opposite the guard house. Every morning, I see parents/grandparents/guardian/maid taking the kids to the school. I have a sentimental kind of feeling for the school.
What I read from the book, reminded strongly that I should pray for Jordan’s education. I must not assume that I know the answer. Moreover, what works for others may not work for us. As I started to pray about it, I asked these questions, What character qualities do I want to build into Jordan? What are my goals for Jordan? Then, What type of school will help build those qualities? I started to recall prayers and prophecies over Jordan. Prayers for Jordan from various people have focused on this point - that he will grow up to be a man after God’s heart. It was also prophesized that he will cross cultural barriers to relate to different people. The answer for me is that the school should emphasize on character building, particularly biblical character.
Another school that came into my mind is the one in SS Gospel. Seng Chor’s nephew attends the school and I’ve heard very good feedback. The school is actually a walking distance from Jordan’s babysitter. Coincidentally, one of my colleagues who have just joined the College in February is from the church. Last week, I asked him to call the person-in-charge, who is the Principal. On the phone, she mentioned that the school emphasized on biblical character building – this is actually their strength. Wow! It’s like an answered prayer. That night, I discussed with Seng Chor. To my surprise, he agreed to place Jordan in the school. Since it is near the babysitter’s house, after school, one of the teachers could even help send Jordan to the babysitter.
My colleague has helped me to submit the Jordan’s details to the school. I am now praying that there will be a place for him. He will start only next year but we need to book the place one year in advance. I hope that we are not too late.
Jordan’s First Recital of the Alphabets
It was between 9:30 – 10 pm on Tuesday, 15 April 2008. I decided to test Jordan’s memory on the alphabets. Actually, I thought that he won’t respond well. I just tried. I pointed at ‘A’, and he said loudly, “A”. Then, I did the same thing with the letter, ‘B’, and he responded with a loud, “B”. I got excited. My sister was also there. I continued with the rest of the alphabets. Now, Jordan was also getting excited. He jumped each time he said an alphabet. My sister and I cheered him all the way. I was so happy that I sent an sms to my mother after that. My mother suggested that we record down the session next time.
He was in a good mood when Seng Chor and I picked him up from the babysitter yesterday. Before he goes into the car, he would touch the orchid first. The flowers are in the garage. It’s a normal routine. He won’t leave without touching the orchid. If we forget and take him to the car, he would cry, “Orchid, orchid”. Funny boy.
As usual, in the car, he would look out the window and observe. He would say out various things he saw, and occasionally ask, “What’s this?” He is very observant. Many times, he would say objects that we didn’t even notice. Last night, he said, “Motorbike up”. He saw the motorbike going up the overhead bridge. It was dark and I couldn’t even see it clearly, but he saw.
Yesterday morning, Seng Chor took him to the Immigration Department at Subang to collect his first passport. Jordan had to be present so that he could place his right thumb print on the passport. The little thumb print looks so cute. He looks so handsome in the photo as well – really looks like a big boy.
All of us slept well last night.
He was in a good mood when Seng Chor and I picked him up from the babysitter yesterday. Before he goes into the car, he would touch the orchid first. The flowers are in the garage. It’s a normal routine. He won’t leave without touching the orchid. If we forget and take him to the car, he would cry, “Orchid, orchid”. Funny boy.
As usual, in the car, he would look out the window and observe. He would say out various things he saw, and occasionally ask, “What’s this?” He is very observant. Many times, he would say objects that we didn’t even notice. Last night, he said, “Motorbike up”. He saw the motorbike going up the overhead bridge. It was dark and I couldn’t even see it clearly, but he saw.
Yesterday morning, Seng Chor took him to the Immigration Department at Subang to collect his first passport. Jordan had to be present so that he could place his right thumb print on the passport. The little thumb print looks so cute. He looks so handsome in the photo as well – really looks like a big boy.
All of us slept well last night.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Monday, November 05, 2007
How Cheeky boy amuses me…
Jordan amuses me when…
he applies lotion onto his face each time. Whenever he sees me applying lotion, he would request some from me. He would apply it onto his face first. Then, he would follow me and apply onto his hands and legs as well. I think the babysitter taught him to apply the lotion onto his face.
he talks before he sleeps. Often, he would speak out some words before he falls asleep. He would repeat certain words like – cockroach, car, turtle, apple. Occasionally, he would babble a lot to Seng Chor and I before sleeping.
he says “shit” repeatedly. He is not swearing. It is just his way of telling me that he has passed motion.
he says “thank you” unexpectedly. How he says it sounds funny – “tank kou”. He is learning to say, “You’re welcome”. Last Sunday, he said, “tank kou” after he was given what he asked for. It happened in a few occasions. Last night, he said, “tank kou” to Seng Chor after Seng Chor covered him with his blanket. Sometimes, Jordan can be really polite.
he says “bye” and “good night” repeatedly before he lies down in his cot. He would suddenly get up from his cot and say, “bye” and “good night”. He would wait for a response before lying down again. He would repeat this at least twice.
he hides somewhere and starts calling, “Jordan, Jordan”. He was imitating us because when Seng Chor and I hide, we call his name. So, he also did the same thing.
he shows his cheeky look. Seng Chor commented that his eyes are electrifying. Girls will be electrocuted by him. He does have a handsome and sweet smile. His dimple on the right cheek is so charming. We must really protect him at all times. Hahaha!
he applies lotion onto his face each time. Whenever he sees me applying lotion, he would request some from me. He would apply it onto his face first. Then, he would follow me and apply onto his hands and legs as well. I think the babysitter taught him to apply the lotion onto his face.
he talks before he sleeps. Often, he would speak out some words before he falls asleep. He would repeat certain words like – cockroach, car, turtle, apple. Occasionally, he would babble a lot to Seng Chor and I before sleeping.
he says “shit” repeatedly. He is not swearing. It is just his way of telling me that he has passed motion.
he says “thank you” unexpectedly. How he says it sounds funny – “tank kou”. He is learning to say, “You’re welcome”. Last Sunday, he said, “tank kou” after he was given what he asked for. It happened in a few occasions. Last night, he said, “tank kou” to Seng Chor after Seng Chor covered him with his blanket. Sometimes, Jordan can be really polite.
he says “bye” and “good night” repeatedly before he lies down in his cot. He would suddenly get up from his cot and say, “bye” and “good night”. He would wait for a response before lying down again. He would repeat this at least twice.
he hides somewhere and starts calling, “Jordan, Jordan”. He was imitating us because when Seng Chor and I hide, we call his name. So, he also did the same thing.
he shows his cheeky look. Seng Chor commented that his eyes are electrifying. Girls will be electrocuted by him. He does have a handsome and sweet smile. His dimple on the right cheek is so charming. We must really protect him at all times. Hahaha!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Surprised by Jordan
I’m so amazed by Jordan. He did 2 things that amazed me recently…
1) He wore pants by himself!
(Sunday night, 26 August 2007)
After changing his diaper, I didn’t wear the pants for him. I left the pants on the floor. Suddenly, I saw him wearing the pants, and I was surprised. No one saw it. I asked Seng Chor, my sister and brother who were around whether they wore it for him. They didn’t. Alex was watching tv next to Jordan, Seng Chor was at the computer and Eva was in the Computer Room. We didn't know when he wore it. Later, I checked his pants and realized that the back of the pants was only worn half way up – that kind of confirmed that he wore it himself. Amazing!
Last Saturday, 1 September 2007, he demonstrated how he wore his pants. I didn’t intend to test him. I just left his pants on the floor after changing him. Seng Chor and I witnessed it. Firstly, he tried to wear the pants standing. He tried with his right leg but failed. Then, he tried with his left leg, and still couldn’t wear it. Finally, he sat down, and slowly put his legs through the pants. Seng Chor and I were really enjoying every seconds of it. Because the pants were a bit tight, he couldn’t pull it up entirely. He struggled and cried for help. So, I went over and helped him to pull it up - it was actually worn wrongly – the back of the pants were in front.
2) He chose what he wanted to wear!
(Sunday, 2 September 2007)
I showered him. We were going out for dinner with my Dad’s friends. I chose a red shirt for him, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung. He didn’t want to wear it. Instead, he opened up his drawer and chose the shirt with Buzz Lightyear on it (I bought from Hong Kong) which was placed under a white T-shirt. I tried to force him to wear the red shirt but he cried. So, I had no choice but let him wear the shirt he chose. Then, my Dad commented that the shirt looks old. I picked up 2 other shirts and tried to let him choose but he pushed them away. We waited for the right opportunity to change him.
Just before we were about to leave the house, he passed motion. My sister and I took him upstairs to change. I showed him the red shirt again and told him that red is his Daddy’s favourite colour but he didn’t seem interested. I took the courage to take off his Buzz Lightyear shirt, and put on another newer shirt – with a picture of an insect, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung as well. Phew! Thank goodness that he didn’t complain.
He is only 20 and a half months old and he has started to choose what he wanted to wear. I’m really amazed.
Expect more surprises from him…
Hehehe! My legs are in the pants.
Oops! I can't pull it up.
Help!!!
1) He wore pants by himself!
(Sunday night, 26 August 2007)
After changing his diaper, I didn’t wear the pants for him. I left the pants on the floor. Suddenly, I saw him wearing the pants, and I was surprised. No one saw it. I asked Seng Chor, my sister and brother who were around whether they wore it for him. They didn’t. Alex was watching tv next to Jordan, Seng Chor was at the computer and Eva was in the Computer Room. We didn't know when he wore it. Later, I checked his pants and realized that the back of the pants was only worn half way up – that kind of confirmed that he wore it himself. Amazing!
Last Saturday, 1 September 2007, he demonstrated how he wore his pants. I didn’t intend to test him. I just left his pants on the floor after changing him. Seng Chor and I witnessed it. Firstly, he tried to wear the pants standing. He tried with his right leg but failed. Then, he tried with his left leg, and still couldn’t wear it. Finally, he sat down, and slowly put his legs through the pants. Seng Chor and I were really enjoying every seconds of it. Because the pants were a bit tight, he couldn’t pull it up entirely. He struggled and cried for help. So, I went over and helped him to pull it up - it was actually worn wrongly – the back of the pants were in front.
2) He chose what he wanted to wear!
(Sunday, 2 September 2007)
I showered him. We were going out for dinner with my Dad’s friends. I chose a red shirt for him, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung. He didn’t want to wear it. Instead, he opened up his drawer and chose the shirt with Buzz Lightyear on it (I bought from Hong Kong) which was placed under a white T-shirt. I tried to force him to wear the red shirt but he cried. So, I had no choice but let him wear the shirt he chose. Then, my Dad commented that the shirt looks old. I picked up 2 other shirts and tried to let him choose but he pushed them away. We waited for the right opportunity to change him.
Just before we were about to leave the house, he passed motion. My sister and I took him upstairs to change. I showed him the red shirt again and told him that red is his Daddy’s favourite colour but he didn’t seem interested. I took the courage to take off his Buzz Lightyear shirt, and put on another newer shirt – with a picture of an insect, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung as well. Phew! Thank goodness that he didn’t complain.
He is only 20 and a half months old and he has started to choose what he wanted to wear. I’m really amazed.
Expect more surprises from him…
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cheeky Boy is getting Smarter
Jordan a.k.a. Cheeky Boy was born in December 2005. That year, 4 of my colleagues also gave birth – 2 girls and 2 boys, and 1 from my church – a boy. Jordan was the youngest, and so, his development seemed slower but within the normal development chart. He was still crawling when all the babies have started walking. Moreover, he was crawling with only one leg. I was so anxious to see him walk. Actually, he started to stand at an early age – between 6 to 7 months. I thought that he would learn to walk early. Most of the babies started to walk when they were 12 months old. Jordan was hardly cruising as well. 12 months – still crawl with a limp, 13 months – took baby steps, 14 months – just after the Chinese New Year, he walked suddenly. Halleluiah! I was thrilled. Life was easier. I’m really glad that he didn’t really cruise much. I think I would have a hard time following him, but probably lose weight faster.
Now, all the babies have started to talk and read too. Some even have conversations with their parents, and have started to ask a lot of questions. As for Jordan, he is just beginning to say more words meaningfully. It’s a good start.
Lately, he has been surprising me with new words. Last night, he took a block labeled 2, and repeatedly said, “two”. He also pointed at his books and said, “book”. On Monday night, he saw an ant on the floor, and blurted out, “ant”. Every night, he looks for his teddy bears, and calls them “bear-bear”. Funnily, he calls the lizard, “cockroach”. He still looks out for cockroaches.
Last Saturday (25 August 2007) night, 10 pm+, he suddenly repeatedly asked for bread. We didn’t have any bread at home. So, we took him and drove to the nearest petrol station to buy bread for him. When he wants his milk, he would say, “Nen-nen”. It’s easier to feed him now, and he rarely wastes his milk.
When he wants something and he doesn’t know the word, he would point and say, “there”.
Occasionally, I could hear him mumble, “thank you”, when I give him something. He seems to say something like, “Let’s go” whenever we are about to go out.
I’m really, really looking forward to have a conversation with him. He can bug me anytime with his questions. He can ask as many questions as he likes. I want to read to him stories every night. I love to talk to him, and I love to hear him talk.
Unfortunately, he still rarely calls me, “Mummy”.
Now, all the babies have started to talk and read too. Some even have conversations with their parents, and have started to ask a lot of questions. As for Jordan, he is just beginning to say more words meaningfully. It’s a good start.
Lately, he has been surprising me with new words. Last night, he took a block labeled 2, and repeatedly said, “two”. He also pointed at his books and said, “book”. On Monday night, he saw an ant on the floor, and blurted out, “ant”. Every night, he looks for his teddy bears, and calls them “bear-bear”. Funnily, he calls the lizard, “cockroach”. He still looks out for cockroaches.
Last Saturday (25 August 2007) night, 10 pm+, he suddenly repeatedly asked for bread. We didn’t have any bread at home. So, we took him and drove to the nearest petrol station to buy bread for him. When he wants his milk, he would say, “Nen-nen”. It’s easier to feed him now, and he rarely wastes his milk.
When he wants something and he doesn’t know the word, he would point and say, “there”.
Occasionally, I could hear him mumble, “thank you”, when I give him something. He seems to say something like, “Let’s go” whenever we are about to go out.
I’m really, really looking forward to have a conversation with him. He can bug me anytime with his questions. He can ask as many questions as he likes. I want to read to him stories every night. I love to talk to him, and I love to hear him talk.
Unfortunately, he still rarely calls me, “Mummy”.
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