Story of EeRynn

7th September 2010

Scenario : Reminding mommy

She knows Anita (our baby sitter) will bring Phoebe to National Museum tomorrow. In her room, she shouted and want to talk to me. I went over and ask what happened. She said :

EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn go to Museum ah?
Mommy : Yes, Auntie Anita will bring EeRynn & Phoebe to National Museum
EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn can wear pink colour shoes?
Mommy : Yes, if you want to wear.
EeRynn : Yes, EeRynn want to wear pink colour shoes. Mommy, remember to pack into paper bag OK? With EeRynn soup, food, fish cake, cakes (she had these for her meal today) also into paper bag OK?
Mommy : OK EeRynn (chuckled)

Scenario : EeRynn asked her daddy for help

EeRynn : Daddy open this.. ( She ask her daddy to unfold the ship she fold earlier )
Daddy ; It's already open. ( Her daddy was assuring her the ship is open & in good shape )
EeRynn : She start to raise her voice. Daddy open.
Daddy : You mean, open it.
EeRynn : Yes!
Daddy : Oh, you want to un fold the ship.
EeRynn : Yes, huh, this daddy, EeRynn want to open also don’t understand.
Ben & Me chuckle again. :>

8th September 2010

Scenario : Showing her care

It's a routine to read story to EeRynn before she sleep. Tonight I show her the scar on my knee ( snatch thief last month ). When she saw it, immediately she shows her compassion face and goes near my knee and blows on the scar. I used to do the same action when she had wound on her knee. Wow, I am very happy. After that, she asked : mommy, still pain pain? I answered, not anymore.

I want to thank God for His blessing that EeRynn understand caring for other people at such a young age.

Scenario : Sleeping routine

After reading her story book, she will off the light. And as usual, she will call me from her room so I can give her attention.

This time, she wants to sit on my lap so I can tell her another story. I was brushing my teeth to get ready to bed. She walked out from her room and stood in our room. She said : EeRynn want to wait for mommy in mommy daddy room. Mommy : EeRynn, wait for mommy in your room.

She was reluctant and stood near me (outside the bathroom door). As I insisted, she grudgingly walked back to her room. After a few second, she came back and said : EeRynn can wait in this room? It's a room too. I almost laugh, but I insisted her to go back to her room.

She's full of trick! She is creative with her answer. And it makes sense because mommy daddy room is a room too.

Story of EeRynn

6th September 2010

Scenario : Fetching her from Anita's house

She was playing 'masak-masak'. I tried to convince her to leave so we can have dinner. She was reluctant. She insisted to stay & continue playing. Eventually, I convinced her to leave and intent to help her clean her mess. As I put the little cutlery & plate back to where it should be, she ask 'Why mommy do that'? She was angry as I helped her packed. She took the little cutlery & plate out. She mumble, huh, dunno why mommy do that?

I was puzzle with her reaction for a while. Then, I realized she repeating what I said about her. Hahaha. At home, when she did something not right, I always asked : EeRynn, why do you do that?

Scenario : In the car after dinner.

We are on our way to bakery shop. Anita will bring EeRynn to National Museum tomorrow. I decided to buy bread to toast bread for EeRynn. Along the way, I told EeRynn to stay in the car with daddy. When we reach the bakery, she immediately took out her buckle and ask her father : Daddy, can EeRynn go down with mommy. We discussed and we allowed her to followed me to bakery. Immediately she said this : This mommy, EeRynn want to go down also cannot, huh..

Ben & myself chuckled.

Scenario : EeRynn reluctant to drink milk

EeRynn is reluctant to drink milk again. The milk is ready on the table. It has been 2 nights she struggle with her father, delaying the duration. I sat her down and ask, why don't you drink yr milk, EeRynn? She didn’t reply.

I told her I gave her 5 minutes to finish her milk and she happily tells her father to wait for 5 minutes. Her father corrected her by telling her that mommy want her to finish her milk in 5 minutes and not wait for another 5 minutes. She chooses not to drink her milk.

We learnt at parenting class to give our child choices. So I ask, do you want to drink milk or stand at corner (punishment)? I ask her again : Do you want to drink milk? She said 'no'. So I ask, do you want to stand at corner? She said 'no' too. So I told her I helped her decide: I bring her to stand at the corner. She cried.

Once again, I feel bad about myself. I make her cried again. Huh.. This is the internal struggle in me. Sometime I asked myself whether I am too controlling. Then, I look at the situation again : It’s about setting the habit of drinking milk before sleeping. So I am not wrong. Furthermore, I didn’t hurt her physically.

Eventually, in her crying voice she said, mommy, EeRynn want to drink milk. So I bring her back to sofa and pass the cup to her. She continues to cry. Then she said: Let EeRynn stop crying first before I can drink milk.

Ben & me chuckle again. She is so sweet

As I was alone reading, I ponder about life.

'When you want something, the universe will conspires to help you achieve it' As I was thinking back, what I have today is what I wanted. The universe has help me achieved it.

The questioned is what's next? I don't want to stop dreaming or achieving at this age. It's too early. I always want to do something big.

I know what I need to do. But why I am negotiating with the work? I shouldn't. I think I know the solution. Read more about the industry and put the right perspective in my paradigm. This is the only way to help me in articulating the benefit of what I am doing now.

People just can't cope with changes & mistake. That's the only reason why people stop knowing what they should do in their life. Yes, what they should for themselves and not what it should be. They have choose to be mundane every day. Huh, scarry thought.

First, I need to be clear. To be certain. I realized, not everyone can see their dream come through the same way as I am. But everyone understand this : enthusiasm. This can attract lots of people.

I need to be clear & certain, feeling enthusiasm and with the right vehicle, my dream life is around the corner.

What a profound realization.

Cause & Effect

It was Friday. We have WLS to attend. We made arrangement to send EeRynn to my mom's place in the afternoon. On the way to my mom's place, we told her that we will be going for meeting. She nods.

Eventually she dose off in the car. I carried her up to my mom's place and put her to bed. We left. I received a call in the evening. My mom called to inform that she's upset when she was awake knowing we have left. I tried to talk to her on the phone (I always do when we were away). According to my mom, she kicked the phone away. So I end the conversation by saying we will be back after meeting and wish her enjoying herself with grandma, grandma & her aunt.

When we reach home on Friday night, she has slept. On Saturday morning, when I was helping her in shower, I asked :

Mommy : EeRynn, mommy tried to speak to you yesterday. 'Poh Poh' told mommy you were not happy when you woke up.
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Why are you not happy?
EeRynn : Because EeRynn want to find mommy daddy.
Mommy : Oh, remember mommy told EeRynn, mommy daddy will go to meeting for 3 days? That's why we come to 'poh poh's house.
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : So don’t have to be upset, but have fun this weekend with 'poh' 'poh' ok?
EeRynn : OK.

New Sleeping Habits

On Sunday, 18th July, we have decided to train EeRynn to sleep by herself.

She was crying for 1 hour the 1st & 2nd night. I was very sad too. My intention is good. To train her to be independant. She also wet her pants the first night & second night too. This is a sign that she's stress because of new habit. I am glad that my husband is very supportive.

By the 3rd night, we had an agreement that I sit outside her room door. The 3rd night she didn't cry at all and she slept on her own.

It's the 8th night now, she's sleeping on her own. I am very happy.

This sentence strengthen me : 'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it' Herbrews 12:11. This sentence is from a book : Boundaries with Kids by Dr Henry Cloud & John Townsend.

Everytime I go through pain ( sad ) when I try to discipline EeRynn, I will read this sentence again. It'll strengthen my faith.

I am talking about helping a child cultivates good behaviour & good habits by setting a boundaries so a child can learn. Not forcing a child to follow our way ya.. Readers, please take note :>

EeRynn teached Mommy makes paper boat

EeRynn learnt to make paper boat on Friday at Choi Chew's house. Before this, my sister teach her few times.

We had some time together on Sunday and she has decided to make paper boat. I told her I don't know how and she said : mommy, EeRynn showed mommy.

She tried to explained to me while she folds the paper. Words like : mommy, fold here.. turn there.. mommy help me hold here.. mommy help EeRynn press.. like this, like that, like this..

Eventually, the paper boat is ready.. I was amazed, very amazed.. God gave me such an amazing child. She folds paper boat at 32 months old.

Oh, She has grown up... very fast...

Handling Misbehavior

Daddy was helping EeRynn to brush teeth while mommy having late dinner. As usual, EeRynn will misbehave a little. But this time, she spilt water on the floor in the bed room. Daddy was very angry. He punished her standing at corner. She was crying out loud. She started to shout for me because she knew mommy was in the living room. I was delaying my present to the room.

Eventually, I walked in and sat down. I asked her what has happened. Daddy said she spilt water the bed room.

EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn wants to go out.
Mommy : Oh, EeRynn can you apologize to daddy first?
EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn wants to go out.
Mommy : EeRynn, daddy is upset on your behavior. You have wet the room instead of gurgling using your cup.
EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn wants to go out.
Mommy : Can, say sorry to Daddy and we can go to living room.
“ She walked pass her father and slap her father’s lap”
Mommy : EeRynn, what have you done? ( mommy stop her and put her back at the corner. EeRynn was crying even louder )
Mommy : Now, tell mommy, why do you do that to daddy?
EeRynn : ‘Crying’
Mommy : Are you angry with daddy?
EeRynn : No.
Mommy : Now, tell mommy how do you feel?
EeRynn : ‘Crying’
Mommy : Do you feel sad?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Why do you feel sad?
EeRynn : ‘Crying’
Mommy : EeRynn is sad because Daddy punished EeRynn?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Because EeRynn spilt water into the bedroom, right?
Now, I am sure daddy will forgive EeRynn if EeRynn promise not to do that again and apologize.EeRynn : She walk over and gave her father a big hug and said ‘sorry’

We were worried about her misbehavior recently and we discussed above this. I realized that her reaction of hitting her daddy’s lap is not resulted from anger but sad. We predicted that she was upset that she was punished by her father. We conclude this because EeRynn repeated saying she was upset instead of angry when I asked her in a lot of incidences when she show her temper either hitting people or throwing things around her.

Now, at least we know she’s not revengeful. We continue to discuss about her ignorance to our advice especially when we prevent her from doing things that she wants to do. She has the tendency of doing it. ‘Like NIKE tagline :- Just Do It’. We continue to discuss that her behavior could be from her curiosity instead of rebellious. She is just curious to see the cause & effect. ‘If I spilt water, I will wet the floor’.

I remember reading Dr James Dobson’s book – Hide & Seek. He wrote about parent need to be very careful in judging a situation. A situation whether the child misbehave because of curiosity or rebellious/tantrum. If it’s because of curiosity, we parent need to handle it carefully so we don’t break their spirit as a child.

I always remind myself that I need to make sure I don’t discourage EeRynn in trying new things. I will ensure that I set boundaries for her to cope with new things. I hope with this EeRynn will grow up as confident child and have good conscience to make best decision for herself.

EeRynn says :

On the way back from Sunshine Playschool :

EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn likes Sunshine Playschool
Mommy : Really? EeRynn likes Sunshine Playschool?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Mommy happy to hear that. :>

EeRynn's first BabyChino drink at Dome, Penang

I remember she was thrill when we ordered her own cup of chocolate drink for her. This is during Chinese New Year Feb 2010, she just turn 2 ( 26th months old ).

The picture explained by itself :>

Looking at her, we are so blessed to be able to afford giving her this thrill experience at such a young age.

Dinner

We went to a restaurant for dinner. The waitress pass us the order chit as she pass us the menu.

EeRynn immediately want the order chit to make her order. She starts to draw & Ben tried to stop her. She was struggling with Ben for a while. She said this : mumble... Don't struggle with EeRynn. EeRynn want to order food, chicken... She continue to mumble... asking us not to struggle with her over a order chit.

The scene was very funny because a 31 months old toddler trying to make her point across to her parent that she knows what she's doing.

She's a Smart Girl

EeRynn asked Anita to call me earlier at 11am. Anita told me she wants to tell me something.

EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn don't want to eat banana
Mommy : Oh, you don't like to banana?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Then, mommy replace it with orange juice?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Ok, let mommy talk to Auntie Anita.
Anita, can you give her orange juice? Keep the banana then.
Anita : OK.

She is so amazing. She told Anita that she'll tell me that she don't want to eat banana. Wow.. I have mixed feeling.. She such a grown up... She express herself very well. And she know Auntie Anita will listen to mommy, that's why she wants to speak to mommy..

What a blessing to have her as my daughter. She understand who's making decision for her in her daily life. I hope as she grows up, she will have the habit to discuss with her parents ( like a friend ) when comes to major decision making.

Understanding & Sensitive Child

EeRynn was upset because her father don't allow her to use the computer. As she was crying, she complained itchiness on her back. Recently, her back developed some heat rashes due to hot weather.

She grab her Ezerra cream and ask me to help her to apply and out of frustration, she throw the cream to me. She continue crying until her father soothe her.

I continued with house work. I sat down beside her later and she asked :

EeRynn : Mommy, angry EeRynn?
Mommy : Mommy is upset with your behaviour. Throwing things when you are angry or upset is not good. It hurts.
EeRynn : Ah, ah, EeRynn say sorry?
Mommy : What do you think you should do?
EeRynn : Sorry Mommy.

I am very happy for her. Not because she said sorry to me. But she understand people around her has feeling too. It shows she's a sensitive child. What else to ask for from a 2 years old?

Hide & Seek by Dr James Dobson; Nuture Shock by PO Bronson & Ashley Merryman

I read a book recently - Hide & Seek by Dr James Dobson

It's a great book.

Subsequently I listen to a set of Audio CD - Nuture Shock by PO Bronson & Ashley Merryman

There are similarity in this 2 resources on PRAISE topic.

PO Bronson & Ashley Merryman's CD is full of reseach & evidences of praise. Dr James Dobson's book is based on biblical wisdom & his experience in parenting.

It's revealing because we can't simple praise a child. By praising them too much, they thought they are the genious in the world. When they face with difficulty, this child will be puzzle as why he/she can't solve the problem. Hence, this child will feel rejected and withdraw from accepting any challenges as life progress.

Praising them based on their effort is the key. This will send a message to this child that putting in the effort to solve a challenge is more important than intelligence. In the long run, this child will be able to take charge of his/her life as life progress. As an adult, we know life will progress and the ability to persevere to solve challenges is important. By helping children understand the importance of putting in the effort to solve a challenge, it's setting them up to succeed in life.

I have been very careful in nurturing EeRynn since she was born. God gave her the strength of melancholy & choleric. She learn things very fast. She has the tendency to calculate her risk first before making decision. After decision is made, she will take charge and go all out to achieve the result.

That put me in the position to continue to encourage her in the process. Being a melancholy, she tends to take a very long time to make the decision. I continue to praise her little effort that leads her to make her decision. Once decision is made, she will soar very high.

My thoughts

It has been a crazy month for me. Juggling between work, business & family.

Though very stretch, small results starts pouring in. I am learning.. Learning to visualize & achieving small milestones that contribute to my end in mind. Not easy.. According to Dr Vincent Pale in his book - The Power of Positive Thinking, by believing & consume to the small goals, it will move the mark nearer to anything we want in life. He says, that's the law of universe. Everything will be drawn to us if we put our mind & soul into it.

That sentence in his book encourages me. Giving me courage to believe that I can achieve any goals by putting my hard work to it. Since then, I have consistently believing (having faith) & visualizing.

EeRynn speaks to mommy on the phone

Tuesday, 27th April 2010

As I was out for appointment at night, EeRynn asked her father to call me. She wants to speak to me.

EeRynn : Hi hi, Mommy! How are you?
Mommy : Hi hi, EeRynn! How are you?
These questions were asked at the time from both of us.

Mommy : Mommy is good, how about you EeRynn?
EeRynn : EeRynn ar Daddy ar puzzle.
Mommy : Wow, EeRynn played puzzle with daddy.
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : EeRynn having fun?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : Mommy is coming back now, do you want to wait for mommy?
EeRynn : Yes.
Mommy : OK, see you later.
EeRynn : Bye Bye mommy. She kissed the phone.

She's such a lovely girl with good spirit!

Conversation with EeRynn

Tuesday, 27th April 2010

EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn want to see Dr Wong
Mommy : Why? EeRynn recovered from fever.
EeRynn : EeRynn want to see Yap Mee Kuan.
Mommy : Who's Yap Mee Kuan
EeRynn : Ong EeRynn's mommy

I was taking shower when she opened the bathroom door.

EeRynn : Mommy, why you close the curtain? ( it's shower curtain )
Mommy : because shame shame :>
EeRynn : Mommy, please open the curtain?
Mommy : No, EeRynn shame shame..

I came out from bathroom. ( with clothes already on )

EeRynn : Eh, mommy so pretty.
Mommy : EeRynn is pretty too!

I am counting my blessing every day having her in our lives.

EeRynn at hospital for blood test

Monday, 26th April 2010

After having fever intermittently for 6 days, we decided to send EeRynn to hospital for blood test. We arrived to Sunway Medical Centre without appointment. Luckily we were early and we managed to get number 1. We waited for a while and eventually the pediatrician came to see EeRynn.

After diagnosis, doctor suggested to draw some blood to look at basic blood count & urine test. The needle was as thick as rubber band and the length is about 2mm. I hold EeRynn hand and explain to her that Dr XXX will poke a needle into her left hand to collect blood for blood test. As I was trying to distract her, doctor pokes the needle into her left hand ( area near the fingers ) and the blood was flowing out (droplets). EeRynn observed the whole process seeing her blood flowing out for few seconds to the required amount. Then doctor pull the needle out from her left hand and cover with a plaster.

She wasn't crying. The pediatrician & his assistant were so amazed with her. I am so proud of her! Hugging her and praising her. She is a brave girl! My husband said as tough as mommy :>

EeRynn's Language Ability

These are the sentences I pick up on Friday, 23rd & Saturday, 24th April 2010.

I came back from work, she said - Mommy, you are pretty.. I feel she is very adorable.. :>

Play time on Saturday morning : Daddy, help EeRynn write A..

When I was cleaning the house, EeRynn asked, mommy what are you doing?

We are getting ready to my mom's house : Ah Ma, go Po Po house ya.. My mom in law replied : Ah Ma 'pu yau qu'. EeRynn asked, Daddy, can Ah Mah follow?

This is so sweet as she starts to converse in full sentences at 2.5 years old.

Sunday School

On 11th April 2010, EeRynn went to Sunday school for the first time.

Sunday school starts at 1130am with half an hour worship and then different age group will go into respective classroom for 1 hour lesson. EeRynn is assigned to a group of toddlers aged from 2 1/2 to 4 years old. Sunday school teacher is Auntie Eva with helper Auntie Carol.

She was so sticky to me throughout the one hour. We learnt 2 new songs : She was singing one of them throughout the week.

Subsequently on 18th April, she was still very sticky to me. First half an hour worship remain the same :- reluctant to singing together with other kids. This time, I choose to stand beside her classmate, Pei Ern. I hold both of their hand to the classroom and hand them to Eva. EeRynn ran out to look for me. My friend, Sasi tried to lead her back to classroom and she was reluctant. Eventually, Eva came out and brings her back to the classroom again.

And she was very attentive in the class. She looks very independant too. Here are some pictures :>

EeRynn was praying..

She's very attentive..

These are her classmates.. Adults are helpers except Eva is the teacher (standing)

Hand & Eye Coordination Activity

These are some of the activities for EeRynn at playschool.

This transferring of ping pong ball will train her muscle for pencil grip.

Ability to hold the spoon & to transfer rice from one bowl to another is essential skill to learn to strengthen their hand muscle to hold things better.

All the above is to help to promote hand eye coordination.

Wah lar... As a result, after 5 months of this activity at playschool & at home, she's able to hold pencil firmly and starts to write. She's only 2 years & 4 months old at this moment.

On the way back from Playschool

Wednesday, 14th April 2010

On the way back from play school, EeRynn said : Mommy EeRynn hav fun school. I told her : wow, mommy is happy to hear that.

Me : EeRynn want to go to school again?
EeRynn : Yes.
Me : OK, we will be going to Sunday School again OK?
EeRynn : OK.
Me : Sunday School, EeRynn go to classroom with Auntie Eva OK?
EeRynn : Mommy go to ‘classrum’ EeRynn together K?
Me : Mommy cannot go to classroom with EeRynn. EeRynn go to classroom with Auntie Eva. Mommy will fetch EeRynn later OK?
- She insisted me going into the classroom with her during Sunday School. Eventually she said this :
EeRynn go classroom with Auntie ..Va Mommy fetch later EeRynn OK?
Me : Yes, EeRynn mommy will be back to fetch EeRynn.

I can see her ability to speak improve every day.

Taman Tun Park

After I got to know that Taman Tun has an outdoor park from my ex-colleague, I arranged a family outing on Saturday, 20th March 2010.

EeRynn was very excited. We reach the park at 9.30am and it was full of people. No parking and we have to park our car at the road side. While walking into the park, we saw lots of families spending time together. Indeed, it's designed for family to get together during weekends.

This park allows kids to catch fish, water & sand play, to roller blade & play ground. This park is special because it has a small river at ankle length allowing children to have water & sand play. Wow, it's a blessing to have a river in the park that is located in the middle of the city.

EeRynn had so much fun. I will bring her back again so she will recognize not only concrete building but Mother Nature.


- EeRynn was learning to climb the stairs that leads to slide..

- EeRynn enjoyed the water & the sand..

Drinking Fruit Juice

I was trying to feed EeRynn fruit juice today ( papaya + apple + orange ) : made by her grandmother.

It was a scene where mommy trying to force her child drinking something that she don't want.. It took me about 10 min and I end up telling my mother in law that I will drink it myself instead. My mother in law suggested putting one ice cube in her cup.

Immediately, EeRynn ran to me and sit like the most obedient child drinking her fruit juice. Wow, such a simple trick... Hahahahaha

My mom in law said she realized EeRynn likes to see the cubes floating in her cup. EeRynn finds it funny... So cute..

EeRynn's Speech Development

It's amazing to see the pace of EeRynn's development. Her speech ability is improving by day. By now, she can sing :

1. Baa baa black sheep have you any wool, yes sir yes sir 3 bags full..
2. Three blind mice, see how they run..
3. Where's thumbkin, where's thumbkin, here i am, her i am..
4. Whole song of twinkle twinkle little star...
5. Thank you for the world so sweet, dum dee dum, thank you for the food we eat, yum..yum.., thank you for the bird that sing a ling a ling, thank you God for everything.. Amen

She's such an amazing child. God has blessed her with such an amazing ability.

Conversation with Mother In Law - Part 2

This is what I planned to educate her ( my mother in law ).

We need to create a consistent habits in the house in order for EeRynn to grow emotionally healthy and to be a secure child. Consistent habits like eating time, playing time, TV time & sleeping time. To set all these habits, I need to be a consistent & predictable mother. I need to put her to bed even there's a good programme on TV. By doing so, she understand a house is govern by a rule and everyone obey it.

Consequence of not setting up habits to discipline her : She will run the house and be the boss. As she's growing, she will be very demanding. If her demand is not met, she will throw tantrum. This eventually create headache for us.

Situation can only get worst if we have second baby without setting up habits for EeRynn. She will misunderstand us that we don't meet her needs anymore and will starts to demand unnecessary. The situation can only get worst. But if we set up habits at home before the arrival of second baby, she will understand that is a routine. She will not perceive we are neglacting her.

Consistency as a parents is upmost important. If we are consistent with our words & actions, we will be the best role model to our children.

This is what I planned to share with my mom in law... Am I doing the right thing?

Please feel free to share your thoughts with me!

Conversation with Mother In Law - Part 1

I was sharing with my mother in law that I feel blessed with her help. I was working last Saturday. If I need to work during weekend, I need to send EeRynn to my mom's place. This will includes packing and un-packing her stuff and driving the miles for about half an hour to and half an hour back home.

Last weekend was first time that I don't need to send EeRynn to my mom's place because my mom in law was around.

As we talked she commented that we don't need to discipline EeRynn too early as she's 2++ years old. Discipline can starts when she's 4 years old.

I wasn't agree with her. So I am planning to explain to her reason & benefit of early disciplinary will be an advantage.

Wish me luck!

Telling the Truth - Part 2

What I have done to show unconditional love : Example :
She spill her water from her water bottle even after the 3rd time I reminded her not to do so. The first time, I understand she was doing it because of curiosity. Second time, to confirm her curiosity. The third time, she was laughing at it when she pour water from her water bottle.

Without scolding, I brought her to the corner of the room, where no one will give her attention and stay there for 5 min. Eventually she was crying and screaming "mommy, mommy". After 5 min, I sit her on the couch and explain that I am not happy with her behaviour and hope she will not repeat her action again. I look into her eyes and ensure she understood my point & she will nod her head to indicate she understands. Then I will cuddle her and tell her I love her very much.

I tell myself this : I will spoil EeRynn if I constantly coddle her. If I lovingly equip her to handle correction & redirection, this will be the greatest gift for her to venture the outside world when she grows up. She can be a great leader with great character. Same like the American Idol participant, if they open their hearts and listen to the comments from the judges, they can find their own voice and achieve great success.

Art & Craft

This is the hand art done by EeRynn together with me on 27th March 2010.

She had so much fun!

Telling the Truth - Part 1

As I was watching American Idol, the comments from judges were up front with good intention to help the participants progress and find their niche as they move forward. Some participants take it personally and they felt dejected & some take it constructively.

It reminds me on the challenge I face as a parent when we need to tell our kids that they have done something wrong and they can be better by not doing so.

EeRynn is 2 years 4 months now. She's very very decisive about her needs and wants. If she have done something that's unacceptable, it's always my challenge to let her understand she has done something wrong. The challenge is to equip her to handle correction & redirection as something positive.

I guess it's starts with 'unconditional love'. I will ensure that she knows I love her even I have to punish her because her act as defiant child :>

Seeing some of my friends' child, their children have to please their parents after punishment to win back their parents love. This is something not healthy because love has become a guessing game.

EeRynn verbalizing mommy & daddy's name

As I was fetching her back from play school, she said :

EeRynn : mommy name Mee Kuan
Me : Yes, EeRynn what did you say?
EeRynn : mommy name Mee Kuan
Me : Wow, EeRynn. You know mommy's name. I am proud with your progress! What's daddy's name?
EeRynn : Daddy's name 'Auai Shiung'
Me : Yes, daddy's name is Huai Shiung

I am very happy today. From the day she was born, I always feel she's a blessing from God to me & Ben.

What teats to use?

I have a first time mom asking me : What teats should I use? The one with one hole or cross hole?

I recommend mother who want to breast feed don't start them with bottle too early. Why? For the first 5 days, our body is adjusting to produce milk for our new born. If we use bottle to feed them, they know there's another way for them to get milk faster and therefore will throw tantrum every time the milk don't reach them fast enough. I recommend starts bottle at 6 weeks, then you have at least 2 weeks to train your baby on bottle before you go back to work.

I am using one hole teats. The cross teats encourage faster flowing of milk. For breast feeding mom, it might not be a good idea because our let down might not be as fast as from the bottle with cross teats, then your baby will be frustrated.

My lesson :

When I first delivered EeRynn, she cried a lot. I sent her to nursery in the hospital so I can rest during my first & second day after delivery. Because of that, the nurse cup feed her. By second day when I discharge from hospital, she already throwing tantrum because my let down is slow. She refuse to suckle and restless.

First night at home, she cried from 9pm to 4am. Second night at home she cried from 8pm till 5am. It took us 2 nights to figure out the above. Come the third day, we cup feed her and she stop crying and sleep peacefully. Wow.... Because I have decided to breastfeed her, I continue my journey and stop cup feeding her. I have to stand all her tantrum & crying. I continue talking to her that she need to suckle harder to get more milk. It improves.

I promised myself that when I have my second baby, I will make sure he/she will stay with me throughout my stay in the hospital.

Great lesson... :>

New BB Sitter - My baby refuse to eat - How?

I received an sms asking for advise : My baby refuse to eat & drink today because new baby sitter... Help!

My response :

1. Have you tell your bb on your plan sending her to new bb sitter?

- I learnt to tell EeRynn on every new plan for her. Informing her in advance allowing her to accept new changes when time comes. Eg. I remember planning her a new room when she was 14 months old. I have informed her that she's going to have her own room by herself, 2 weeks in advance. When time comes, she anticipate it and we make it a celebration that she can sleep on her own.
- Inform them in advance ( no matter how old your bb or whether they understand or not ) will lead to emotional stability which leads to trusting relationship. Try it, you will enjoy the result... Like me enjoying every single moment. No matter what changes we made, she seems adjust to it very well because she understand... This is a blessing.

2. Try to brief your new bb sitter on her old schedule / daily habits during previous bb sitter. This will allow your bb to feel secure despite changes of environment. Your bb will only need to cope with the new environment but not daily schedule. Therefore, it will minimize insecurity & tantrum.

Conversation with EeRynn

Tonight she continue to chat with me on bed

EeRynn : Mommy, EeRynn go school to--rrow?
Me : Tomorrow school not open. No school tomorrow.
EeRynn : School to--rrom no- oopen ah?
Me : Yes, school not open tomorrow.
EeRynn : Mommy, Joshua go back home ah? ( Joshue is her friend at Sunshine Playschool )
Me : Yes, Joshua is at home now.
EeRynn : Joshua's grandmother at home ah?
Me : That's not Joshua's grandmother. That's Joshua mommy.
EeRynn : Joshua's mommy at home ah?
Me : Yes, Joshua's mommy at home.

Me : EeRynn want to bring your Elmo to Auntie Anita's (baby sitter) house tomorrow?
EeRynn : EeRynn's Elmo Auntie Anita's house to--rrom ah?
Me : Yes, EeRynn watch Elmo at Auntie Anita's place
EeRynn : Phoebe ceh ceh watch Elmo Auntie Anita's place ah?
Me : Yes, EeRynn watch Elmo with Phoebe ceh ceh at Auntie Anita's place tomorrow. Mommy will put Elmo inside EeRynn's basket.
EeRynn : Mommy put EeRynn's Elmo basket to Auntie Anita's house ah?
Me : Yes, you are right. Ok. EeRynn time to sleep. Sweet dream. Sleep tight.
EeRynn : Sweet dream... Sleep tight... God Bless...
Me : God Bless..

Note : This coversation was on 23rd Feb 2010 night

Conversation with EeRynn

Putting EeRynn to bed always a joy.

EeRynn : mommy, what's this? ( she is looking some shapes & colours ) on her pillow & bolster
Me : What colour is that?
EeRynn : Yellow

EeRynn : mommy, what's this?
Me : What colour is that?
EeRynn : Pink

EeRynn : mommy, what's this?
Me : What colour is that?
EeRynn : Blue

After she repeatedly asking the same question, I continue to teach her more vocab by asking what shape are those.

EeRynn : mommy, what's this?
Me : What colour is that?
EeRynn : Yellow
Me : What shape is that?
EeRynn : She look at me smilling & thinking.
Me : Triangle

EeRynn : mommy, what's this?
Me : What colour is that?
EeRynn : Pink
Me : What shape is that?
EeRynn : She look at me smilling & thinking.
Me : Oval

EeRynn : mommy, what's this?
Me : What colour is that?
EeRynn : Blue
Me : What shape is that?
EeRynn : She look at me smilling & thinking.
Me : Square

Eventually, she repeat shapes I teach her. Such a fast learner. :>

Colours Sorting - Part 1

Objective of this game is to help EeRynn to recognise colours.

Item involve are different colours of
1. Bowl that I bought from Ikea
2. Cubes that I bought from Jusco dept store

a. I starts with blue and green bowl on the table. I will show EeRynn to sort the cubes accordingly to match the colour of the bowl on the table.
b. I will repeat until EeRynn recognise the colour. While matching it, I will teach her new words like blue and green

Happy Birthday

EeRynn's playschool celebrated birthday for kids born in January. It was fun and everybody sings birthday song.

Back home tonight, she sings birthday song repeatedly. This is her version of birthday song :

1. Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me.

2. Happy birthday to 'nan nan' ( milk ), happy birthday 'nan nan', happy birthday 'nan nan', happy birthday 'nan nan'..

3. Happy birthday 'God bless', happy birthday 'God bless', happy birthday 'God bless', happy birthday 'God bless'

We realized everything that stacks up, she will sings birthday song...

EeRynn is 25th months & 29 days old today.

Cut Hair

I promised EeRynn that I will bring her to trim her hair on Wed, 20th Jan. I told her before she went to bed on 19th Jan.

I forgot all about it on Wed, 20th Jan as I had a very busy day and was under the weather. When I fetch her at baby sitter's place that evening, the first thing she ask for is "mommy, mommy, EeRynn cut hair ar?" Wow.. She has such a good memory at 2 years of age!

Even I am not well, I have to bring her to cut hair... This is to set the precedent that I am a person of integrity. Do what I promised. Small things but important for her to see the example.

First time on beach

It was a fun experience. We bring EeRynn to beach on 27th Dec 09. This is her first exposure in beach. When we reach, we took out her shoes. After a few second, she scream 'no' 'no' 'no'.. Hahaha, she don't like the sensation on her feet.

She wants us to carry her and eventually, we were seated down on the sand. I tried to cover her feet with sand to allow her to familiarize with it. Eventually she loves it.

EeRynn is 25months old during this trip.

New Year 2010

After 2 years a mom to EeRynn, I have decided to create a blog as one of 2010 resolution is to share as much as I can on parenting, motherhood & capture EeRynn milestones.

This is the starts!