Another Priceless Conversation

As usual, we chat a lot over our meal. Unassumingly, we are in this conversation tonight.

EeRynn : Mommy, when I grow up, I will have my own family. Will Ee Wern stays with me when I have my own family? 

Mommy : When Ee Wern grows up, she will have her own family too. Both of you will stay in touch and travel together every year. Daddy and mommy will come along. Ee Rynn and Ee Wern will take care of daddy and mommy too. 

EeRynn : Mommy, when I have children, are they your children too? 

Mommy : Your children will be my grandchildren.

EeRynn : Like we are grandchildren to po po and gong gong?

Mommy : Yes!

EeRynn : When Ee Wern has children, her children will be your grandchildren too?

Mommy : Yes.

EeRynn : How about daddy?

Mommy : Same, your children and Ee Wern's children will be daddy's grandchildren.

EeRynn : Are we going to stay in the same house?

Mommy : May be or may be not. 

EeRynn : I want to have a 4 bedrooms house.

Mommy: Oh, what is the 4 bedrooms for?

EeRynn : One for me and my husband, one for my children, one as my office if I am working and one for you and daddy.

Mommy : 'very touch' wow! Such a thoughtful plan.

EeRynn : I want you to stay near to me because I don't want to miss you.

Mommy : - smile from ear to ear - 

To be able to have the time to communicate without rushing through a conversation, allowing her to lead the conversation and see the way she express her thought is priceless. This is why I stayed home for.

- Conversation on Monday, 18 November 2013 ~ @ 6 years old ~

Welsh Rarebit - snack from Wales

From the book : Easy Snacks from Around the World by Heather Alexander.

Welsh Rarebit. It's a traditional snack from Wales. I think children will like it because it's cheddar cheese. It's tasty. After writing a long ingredients list, it's time to get into action. She woke up at 7am excitedly. We arranged the ingredients and she crack the eggs, beat it and mix all the necessary ingredient. Along the way, she noted down her observation. It was really fun watching every single step she made. 

Ingredients: (mostly from the book with little improvisation)

Bread*

2 eggs, beaten

8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon of soya sauce*

2 teaspoons mustard

1 tablespoon butter

4 tablespoons milk

1 ripe tomato, sliced 

Steps:

1. Cracked and beat the eggs. 

2. Pour milk into the saucepan with low heat.

3. Gently pour the beaten eggs into saucepan and stir well with milk.

4. Add butter, mustard and soya sauce and mix well.

5. Make sure it's low heat as we don't want to burn the milk.

6. Slowly add cheddar cheese into the saucepan and stir well.

7. Continue to stir until the sauce is thick. 

8. Toast the bread and line up the tomato slices on it. Spread the savory melted cheese sauce on the bread.

9. Toast it on the sauce pan until golden brown. Served.

* Note: 

1. You can use any bread as long as you toast it before you spread the melted cheese sauce on the bread. According to the author, sourdough works well.

2. You may replace soya sauce with Worcestershire sauce.

                                            

                                           

And her observation: 

                                            

    

                                    

Cold Sesame Noodle

We have incorporated 'food' as one of the topic as we learn about the countries around world. She is getting very good at locating country in the map. She likes to involve in hands on activities and that includes cooking. I feel it's important to allow our children to learn about food. I think it's important for them to learn at young age about nutrition and junk food. This will allow them to learn the right 'vocabulary' of food so they can make the right choices later in their life. We were in the library and I spotted a book by Heather Alexander - Easy snacks from around the world. 

This book allow her to learn to make different type of snacks. The fun part is to know where the snacks comes from. This time she has choose to make Cold Sesame Noodle. According to Heather Alexander, this dish is from Hunan and Szechuan provinces in China. She had fun time locating the provinces in the world map. 

We have improvised the ingredients a little so it'll be tastier. 

Ingredient:

Spaghetti

Sesame oil

Rice vinegar

Light soya sauce

Brown sugar

Fresh ginger (thinly slice to 8 slices)

2 medium stalks of spring onion

2 small stalks of parsley (for fragrant)

1/2 cups of unsalted cashew nuts (other options : unsalted peanuts/almond)

Steps (for 3 persons):

1. Bring spaghetti to boiled. Drain when it's soft.

2. Mix 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of light soya sauce to cooked spaghetti. 

3. Put aside. We didn't put it into fridge because we don't like cold noodle. You may put into fridge to chill the spaghetti.

4. Minced ginger. spring onion and parsley and set aside.

5. Crushed the cashew nuts.

6. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, light soya sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar and ginger. 

7. Pour the sauce into the spaghetti and toss until evenly coated. 

8. If your like cold spaghetti, store in the fridge until it's cold.

9. If not, you may serve immediately by adding crushed cashew nuts, minced spring onion and parsley. Toss until the spaghetti are well coated.

10. Served.

We had fun throughout the preparation. She was very focus and trying to understand the steps to make it right. This is another precious moment I had with her. Try it, it taste really good! 

                                                  

Lesson in Basketball court

5 years 7 months old

Mommy observed that you like outdoor activities. Mommy realized you like to play with the soft ball at home. You like to kick, throw and bounce (soft ball don't bounce back).

I have decided to get a small basketball/netball for you. You were so happy. Bouncing it at home, play ground and at every flat surface you can find. Mommy has decided to bring you to a basketball court this afternoon. You were running happily and starts shooting. As the goal post is for adult, it looks impossible for you to reach it. After a few tries, you ask for helped. Mommy showed it to you. After shooting, mommy said that we need to look for a children's heights basket. I caught myself saying this. Mommy, don't feel good as I have helped you judge the situation we were in. My self talk questioning me by thinking who said children can't shoot at adult's height basket. 

So I kept quiet and left you with the ball. You keep trying. You kept telling me it's too high. Mommy kept encouraging so you can go on. You strength increase as you practice. Eventually, you can throw it as high as the basket. You confident soar when you shoot it! You made it! Wow! You told me that you are proud of yourself. Mommy is happy for you.

I learnt a big lesson from here. As parents/caregiver, we don't judge a situation for a child too early. Let the child decides whether he or she wants to stop trying. We can encourage. Adult's mind are fill with analysis of 'can or cannot do'. Children don't. Children do things as they desire. It comes from heart. That's powerful. When there's a will, there's a way. 

I learn to keep quiet when I see limitation. I need to encourage first and let you decides whether it can be done (Not life threatening situation). Allowing you to decide and make decision will help you in many more decision making to come. This afternoon has teaches us that perseverance pays. You kept trying and you made it. Mommy is very happy for u.

                                                 

Mother's Day 2013

As Mother's and Father's Day is approaching, this is the theme song at home by you, Ee Rynn. You hummed it every day. It's lovely.

Mommy, mommy, I love you,
And you know I really do,
I know you love me too,
That's why I sing for you.

Daddy, daddy, I love you,
And you know I really do,
I know you love me too,
That's why I sing for you.

~and~ 

Mmmm is for mommy,
Mommy, I love you,
Mmmm is for mommy,
Mommy, I love you

Mmmm is for mommy,
Mommy, I love you,
Mommy, mommy, mommy, I love you
Mommy, mommy, mommy, I love you

~and~

Happy Mother's Day to you

Happy Mother's Day to you

Happy Mother's Day to mommy

Happy Mother's Day to you

You were so excited about Mother's Day. On Saturday morning, you planned with daddy. You told daddy your plan and write it down in your planner. Throughout Saturday, you told me you have surprise for me, but you cannot tell me. Mommy enjoyed your excitement.

Ee Rynn: mommy, I am going to tell daddy a secret but you cannot listen. Mommy, cover your ear.

It is very cute to see you whispering to daddy. This happened throughout Saturday. 

On Sunday morning, you bounced out from bed. You woke daddy up. You ask me to stay in the room. You prepared toast bread for mommy and daddy helped to fried an egg. You told daddy you want to serve the breakfast on a serving tray. You even told daddy that mommy should drink fresh milk today instead of milo or coffee. You told daddy it's healthier to drink fresh milk. You put the Mother's Day card beside the tray when you served the breakfast. 

Mommy enjoyed the breakfast this morning. As usual, you would want me to share my breakfast with you and you will end up eating my portion. 

In the afternoon, mommy get to rest. You were so excited when daddy took out the cake for Mother's Day. You commanded to put 4 candles. We ask why and you said you like it. We were so full after the cakes and you requested mommy to take early snack again. You served yogurt on the serving tray. Your excitement has put a smile in mommy's heart. I never felt so special before. Someone who want to serve me so dearly :-) You continue to sing Mother's Day song throughout the afternoon. 

Next, you plan to swim. You want to play game in the swimming pool. So we tag along. When we reach the pool, you met your friend and continue playing with her until dinner time. Throughout our dinner, you continue to sing the Mother's Day song. Mommy really enjoyed your excitement. 

You have made a potpourri pouch for me from school. You told me you thread the potpourri pouch on your own. Thank you, my dear.

For Ee Wern, you enjoyed the food. As mommy didn't cook today, you get to eat out. You tried pineapple fried rice, mix vegetable, abalone soup, grilled potatoes, stewed pork, marshmallow and lemongrass ginger Haagen Dazs ice cream. You kept asking for 'mum mum'. You were so bubbly throughout the day.

Mother's Day will never be the same without both of you. Thank you for making mommy's so special. Thank you daddy too, for all the arrangement and planning. I love the buffet dinner.

 

you plan this in your planner

 

yummy breakfast

 

yummy cake and sumptuous dinner

happy faces

 

potpourri pouch

 

 

mommy didn't know that I am a super mom to you :-)



Ice Bowl Fruits Salad

10th May 2013 - Ee Rynn at 5 years and 6 months old

Ee Rynn, you came home full of excitement. You shared you enjoyed eating the fruits salad you made in school. You want to make it again at home. As we don't have grapes and kiwi, we use apple, peach and dragon fruit. It was a fun moment to watch you doing it. It was yummy!

 

 



Happy Helper

Mommy told you that I am tired and need an afternoon nap today. You were quiet.

When mommy was busy preparing your lunch, you and Ee Wern were very quiet. I am thinking that is unusual. As I served the lunch, I saw you have help mommy clean and arrange the mess around the house. Mommy was so happy and blessed. Thanks for your help, my dearest happy helper :-)

Swimming Test

We went to Tampines Swimming Complex for your Stage 1 and 2 swimming test. Your coach told mommy that it's easy and straight forward. He thinks you can pass the test easily.

There were a few stages to go through. There were about 10 children including you. You went through the 80m free style easily. I was relieved. Next was life jacket test. You were the only one who can wear the life jacket properly. You need to wear a life jacket and swim for 80m. You did it. The third was to dive into water, remain and swim in the deepest level. Fourth was to swim on your back and do hand signal asking for help. Fifth was to find a partner and save your partner when they call for help. This happen in the children's pool. Sixth was to swim in adult pool and call for help so your partner can throw in a float to save you. This was a tough one. Because coordination was bad, the coach waited very long for the younger children to reach the middle of the pool. You reached the middle of the pool and paddled for more than 5 min. You have lost your strength and started to drowned. That's when you shout 'mommy', 'mommy'. I was panicking because I see you swallowed the pool water. So mommy direct you to swim over to the side of the pool.

I admired your perseverance and you continued to swim from the middle of the pool to the staircase at the side of the pool even though you were exhausted. You have saved yourself. I am so proud. Though daddy wasn't quite happy because I provide solution to you by asking you to come out from water via the staircase. Daddy said I should learn to be calm. But I saw you drowning. The coach wasn't paying attention at all.

When the test ended, you told us you have learnt all those stages in your swimming lesson.

This journey watching you was a great lesson for mommy. As a mom, a role model to you, mommy should learn to expect with vision and exhibit the confident that you are capable to pass the test. And you did.

You have teaches mommy a valuable lesson. Teaching me the lesson of expectation and trust, trust a person capabilities. Mommy loves you.

Growing Up - Ee Rynn from 3 to 5 years old : Part 1

You started school at 3 years old. You walked bravely to the classroom holding daddy's hand. Though you need us to be with you for a good 30 minutes, we departed with an agreement to fetch you after school. You were strong. We knew you felt a little uncertain, but you managed your emotion well.

You don't jump into the class and gain everybody attention by saying hi. You walk into the class quietly with your friends shouting 'Hi EeRynn'. You did well in second day. We hug and waves as you walked to your class. You asked me to pray for you. Since then, we have prayed every morning before you enter your class. The 3rd day was a defining moment. You hold onto my leg and reluctant to let go. I gave you option and you reluctantly choose to hug, pray and walked into your class room. I knew you were testing your limit. So I walked away and you started to run after me. Wow, what a scene. A scene where a mommy trying to run away from her daughter. Your day care teacher, Maria came to hug you and brought you to playground. I was sad. Mommy did call the school again to ensure you were fine. The teacher said you were more than fine. Since then, you knew the limits. You sailed through your preschool years.

When you entered K1, things starts to change. School start to prepare students for more learning. I meant 'homework'. That's when we change you to Chinese medium class. Back then, we weren't sure which Primary school to send you to. You don't like to write Chinese character. Deep in our heart, we knew you will struggle if we send you to SRJK(C). We feel having homework during this tender age will eventually burn the interest of learning. True enough, you started asking to stay home. When I asked why, you said you wanted to play. That's when we knew you were lack of 'fun' time at school.

When we moved to Singapore, you continue your K1 in a Montessori school. That's when we sees another positive change in you. We can sees your steady progress in academic and social. We were delighted. You enjoyed going to school everyday. I learnt so much listening to your story and from your worksheet at school. You have grown to be an outspoken, sociable and relatable girl. You can strike a conversation with children at your age, children older than you and even daddy and mommy's friend. You have grown to be a curious learner too. You ask 'why' all the time.

All these changes has lead me to change too. I had to become a 'bigger' mommy. ^^ I mean I have to learn to lead you. Meaning not feeding you with answer all the time and not guiding you all the time. At times, I had to see you fall. This is a real reality consequence. I am glad we have create a safe learning environment at home that allows you to fall and be back up again. I have to lead you so you have opportunity to find you voices and strength that help you achieve and continue to achieve more as you grow. It's a tough skill to learn. Mommy has to read a lot.

At the age of 4, we made decision together (based on your knowledge on the limit we set at home). We negotiate a lot! Yes, a lot. You confidence rise as you grow because you made small decision at home daily. You analytical skills improve. You learnt to think and include us in your decision making. You demand for respect too. You know your rights at home. At time, you demand me to listen to you. Yes, you still has tantrum. ^^ You are still a child at 5 years old. You understand when you reach the limit. Though you will cry, you learnt to manage your emotion and bounce back again. I enjoyed seeing you grow.

I believe all these don't happen over night. All these are the evidence of reading a lot and guidance from His words. I remember I read tons of parenting book before and after you were born. Your mommy worries too much. ^^ I need to have a compass before things happen. I have learnt to rest my worries to Him and use my ability to read and look for answer. You too, please remember to be on solution mode all the time when uncertainty arise. Don't forget to pray, He is there for you.

Mommy loves you.

Ee Rynn visits the place I grew up

We were back to Malaysia during March school holiday. Ee Rynn was exposed to some of photos when I was young. She remember the picture where I sat on a colourful baby chair. She showed interest to know more about the place I grew up.

I took this opportunity to bring her to our (my parents) old house. This is the place I learnt about meaning of life, have countless laughter and tears and have lots of unconditional loves and patience from my parents and siblings. It was made of wood. The roof top is cover with 'atap'. The house wasn't made of a concrete like our neighbor. We are the only remaining old house where the rest of our neighbor has rebuilt their house.

When we reach, she was 'surprise'..
EeRynn: mommy, you mean you stayed here?
Mommy: Yes.
Ee Rynn: Who stayed with you?
Mommy: 'kung kung', 'poh poh', 'ta yi yi', 'yi yi' and 'jiu jiu'.
EeRynn: You mean, you really stayed here?
Mommy: Yes. Mommy stayed here when mommy was a baby until after university.
EeRynn: How old mommy?
Mommy: Erm.. (Counting).. About 28 years.
Ee Rynn: Mommy, this house is very old. What is that?
Mommy: Those are empty container to collect water. Besides the container is where 'poh poh' did her farming. She plants vegetable, onion, aloe vera, spring onion, parsley and 'cili padi' too.
EeRynn: mommy, can I go into the house?
Mommy: Sure, we wait for 'kung kung'. Ok?
EeRynn: Ok. Mommy, is this where your baby chair was?
Mommy: Oh yes, you remember :-)

I think it's good to bring her back to my memory lane. I think she sees the different of things she has now compared to mommy was young. I see it as a learning process for her to know more about 'my world'. She deserves to know. :-)

Science Lesson from Ee Rynn

Friday, 8th March 2013 - 5 years 4 months old

We were chatting about her learning at school. As she told me about her fun moment, she asked: Mommy, mommy, do you know what is pectoral fin, dorsal fin, caudal fin, pelvic fin and anal fin? For a moment, I thought she was not speaking in English! I blinked and blinked.

So I asked what is it? She laughed and said: Let me show you! She took a piece of paper and draw a fish diagram and name all the fins! As she draw, she said they examined the fish in the school. When her teacher cut the fish, they examine the body and found out anal fin is near the anus. They found some 'poo poo' too. So I asked: Are the poops smelly? She answered 'no' with a smile (cheekily). I had fun listening to you, Ee Rynn. :-)

Ee Rynn's show and tell in school

Ee Rynn is in K2 this year and she had a show and tell project on 1st March 2013. She chooses a topic of 'My favorite animals'.

We went to library and borrowed some rabbit books for her to understand more about rabbits. I knew nothing about rabbits. She started by writing down question so she can look for answers from the rabbits book. We work out the order of the informations and she wrote on papers for presentation. She was very excited. Excited about sharing the information she found. She even suggested to print out worksheet for her friends in school. She was really excited!

After her presentation, she told me she was very happy. I brought her to Kid's Kampong to feed the rabbits. This will complete her experience of show and tell. I am so happy for her.

Chef Ee Rynn is in a making!

5 years 3 months old:

Ee Eynn has decided to help me in the kitchen today. I agreed as she was enthusiastic!

I enjoyed her company so much. She has brighten up my kitchen with her bubbly voice and laughter. At this age, she wants to try everything. She always said I know, I know before I finished my sentence. Looking at her enthusiastic, I ride along without any limitation in my mind.

I will cooked an extra dish for her if our main meal is curry. She has decided to cook chicken for herself. As I prepare the ingredients, I explained to her carefully. This included all the safety measure like don't go too near to the hob (when the fire is on), gently put the ingredients into the wok so the oil will not splash on her hand etc.

She enjoyed herself so much. Looking at the sparkle in her eyes, I am so happy and proud! Her enthusiastic and curiosity is so contagious!

She was so happy with her stir fried onion chicken that she finished her dinner the 1st!

Conversation with Ee Rynn

5 years and 3 months old

Daddy's Birthday on 21st February 2013

Daddy: Ee Rynn, let's have dessert here. They have Ben & Jerry ice cream. Let me show you.
Ee Rynn: Daddy, I don't want! I want to have ice cream at Awfully Chocolate.
Daddy: Ok. Let's ask for the bill.
Ee Rynn: Yay!

At Awfully Chocolate Restaurant
Ee Rynn: Let's look at the menu. Daddy, they have chocolate ice cream. Let's order double scoop!
Daddy: Let mommy have a look at it.
Mommy: Ok, let's order as you wish.
Ee Rynn: (You ran to a waiter) Excuse me, we want to order a double scoop of chocolate ice cream.
Waiter: Where are you seated?
Ee Rynn: (Point to us) There! She came back to us excitedly.
Ee Rynn: Daddy, I have an idea. Why not we ask whether they have candle? Only one candle will do.
Mommy: (Chuckle)
Daddy: Slowly agreed to you. :-) (you ask daddy why when you grow up)
Ee Rynn: (You ran to a waiter again) Excuse me, do you have candle?
Waiter: Yes
Ee Rynn: I want one candle.
Waiter: (nodded)
Ee Rynn: Daddy, do you know why I ask for one candle only?
Daddy: Why?
Ee Rynn: Because you are too old. You need too many candles. So one for you is good enough.
Daddy & Mommy: (Burst to laughter)

After English story telling session at Tampines Regional Library

Ee Rynn: Mommy, thanks for allowing me to join the English Story telling earlier.
Mommy: You are welcome. You look happy!
Ee Rynn: Yes. They tell 2 funny stories. I volunteer to be a cat. So I want in front acting.
Mommy: What if I don't allow earlier?
Ee Rynn: I think I will fret very loud.
Mommy: (laugh)

Going to Sunday school by bus- On the way out, daddy ask Ee Rynn to take care of mom and Ee Wern.

Ee Rynn: Mommy, can I take bus on my own to Sunday school next week?
Mommy: Wow, sound interesting. Why?
Ee Rynn: I can, mommy.
Mommy: Do you know where should we alight?
Ee Rynn: I know, mommy.
Mommy: (dunno how to response) Let me think about it. :-)

Ee Rynn: Mommy, let me push the stroller.
Mommy: It's OK. I can push and you hold my hand.
Ee Rynn: No, mommy. Daddy ask me to take care of you and Ee Wern.
Mommy: (happy)

Bedtime

Ee Rynn: Mommy, can you stop raising your voice to me?
Mommy: I will try my best. How do you feel when I raise my voice?
Ee Rynn: Afraid. I am sad and don't know what to do.
Mommy: You can tickle mommy.
Ee Rynn: I don't want. Please stop raising your voice at me.
Mommy: Ok. I will do my best.
Ee Rynn: I love you, mommy. (She kiss my cheek)
Mommy: (feeling so sweet)

Visits to Ee Rynn's kindergarten

I was looking forward to play with Ee Rynn in her kindergarten. I like her kindergarten. All the kids are so polite and friendly. They are so comfortable to be who they are. Ee Rynn was very excited too. She looked forward to play with me.

When I reached the kindergarten, Ee Rynn would direct me to places I can put my shoes, my bag and my umbrella. Then, she would choose to show me things she has learnt.

Before she goes to bed tonight, she said, mommy, I am so so happy that you played with me in school today. As mommy, it's so priceless to see her happiness. It's so worthwhile. Children spells LOVE as T.I.M.E. I am very happy too.

Ee Rynn's experience in Goal Setting

After reading story on 7 Habits of Highly Effective Kids, we have decided to look for opportunity for Ee Rynn to practice the habits.

She has been asking for a birthday party. She suggested a lot of possibility on how her birthday party should be. So I picked this up as a project.

Mommy: Ee Rynn, why not you write down a list that you need to put a birthday party together?
Ee Rynn: Ok. It's like Gobb right, mommy? (Gobb is one of the character in the book)
Mommy: Yes, it's important to plan things we need so we can do it accordingly. ( I am referring to Habit no.3: First Things First )

Ee Rynn took her note book and starts writing. The title of her planning was 'Ingredient'. She justified that 'ingredient' will sum up all the things she need for her birthday party. She wrote who she wants to invite, her favorite cake flavor, her favorite drink and her preferred decoration. I was amazed with her ability to categories her planning. She improvised her list too.

Ee Rynn: Mommy, I think the first thing we need to do is to send invitation to my friends.
Mommy: You are right. Don't you think we need to have invitation cards?
Ee Rynn: Yes, let take the balance of the Mickey Mouse invitation cards last year.
Mommy: Ok. (Amazed that she can remember there's leftover)

After the initial planning, she was always excited referring to her list and checked what needs to be done. I can see that she was practicing 'end in mind' when she imagine how her party should be. She was proactive too, in improving her planning. She took the lead in the planning. We executed her plan by bringing her to choose the cake she wanted.

In addition to that planning, she has requested to watch Mickey's Rockin' Show live in Marina Bay Sands. Her persistent request daily drain our brain out. Therefore, we picked this up as a project again. We knew she has postponed one of her 'important' to do list. Her daily timetable.

So we sat her down one night.

Daddy n mommy: Ee Rynn, let's set a goal so we can watch Mickey's Rockin' Show.
Ee Rynn: What? Her eyes were sparkling!
Daddy n mommy: Let's plan and finish your timetable before your birthday. By doing so, we can watch Mickey's Rockin' Show on your birthday.
Ee Rynn: 'Agreed'

From that day, she has remind us daily to get the 'ingredient' ready to do her timetable. Daddy came out with an idea. Doing a timetable on a card board with sticky note pad. This will allow her to make changes. Brilliant daddy! She was focus. This project allowed her to learn about time management. She learnt to be considerate too. For example:- she wants to go outdoor during mommy's cooking time. We explained why it should not clash and we make changes together by finding a right timing for outdoor. This allowed her to 'think win-win'.

The whole journey was fun. We kept reminding each other on things we need to do before her birthday. It was 'the focus' in the month of November.

Ee Rynn draw mommy's face

4th November 2012: 4 years 11 months old

Ee Rynn drew a picture of mommy. She explained that mommy's face is full of sand because mommy fell on the sand. Therefore, there are lots of dots on the face. She said mommy is a flower too so my hair are flower petals.

She draw another 2 pictures with big earrings and funny nose.

As her mom, I am amazed with her imagination. Children can imagine anything. They don't have to justify and to make sense of their story. That's what creativity is about! Imagination is free!

In her note, she said she loves me. Lovely! She asked for 2 big hugs. Cute :-)

Conversation with Ee Rynn

(4 years n 11 months old)

In her room,
Ee Rynn : mommy, I give you 2 options. One is we chit chat, lay down n sleep; two is we don't chit chat, lay down and sleep.
Mommy : mommy want option 2.
Ee Rynn : Ok, good night mommy.
Mommy : Good night.

Eventually, we chit chat about our day.

Ee Rynn : Mommy, why are we chit chatting?
Mommy : oh ya, we suppose to lay down and sleep right?
Ee Rynn : Yes.
Mommy : Ok, let's sleep now.
Ee Rynn : I know why we chit chat. Because you are the best mommy to me and you want to know my day.

At the laundry area,
Ee Rynn : Mommy, why are you doing laundry?
Mommy : Errr... Just for a while.
Ee Rynn : Mommy, daddy just said he will do it. He will help you. You are sick now. Please go to rest and sleep so you can recover. We need to play with you!
Mommy : Ok, ok..
Mommy has to leave the laundry area immediately as this little commander continue to nag me.

In the kitchen,
Ee Rynn : Mommy, what are you doing in the kitchen?
Mommy : Preparing food items to boil soup.
Ee Rynn : Mommy, I thought you are sick! You cannot cook, do you know that?
Mommy : Err, I know. Mommy will quickly put all the meat and vegetables into the pot and leave it to boil. Then, mommy will nap, ok? Else, we have nothing for dinner.
Ee Rynn : Oh ok!

5 years old (Tuesday, 22nd January 2013)

In the living room:
Mommy: Ee Rynn, mommy has said many time that you don't step on the play mat. We want to keep it clean.
Ee Rynn: But mommy, Ee Wern was licking it.
Mommy: That's why we shouldn't step on it. It might have dirt and Ee Wern will lick that dirt.
Ee Rynn: Mommy, Ee Wern crawl around the house and her knee has dirt too. When she goes on the may, she dirty the play mat too.
Mommy: 'thinking that she makes sense'!

Breaksfast:
Ee Rynn: Mommy, how was your day yesterday?
Mommy: I had a great day yesterday. Bla bla bla bla. What I like the most is we had successfully float the boat yesterday. (We did an experiment on displacement and buoyancy)
Ee Rynn: Yes, yes, my boat was floating yesterday. She continued: Mommy, the moral from the learning experiment yesterday is Don't Give Up.
Mommy: *blink* *blink* speechless on her realization.
- It's wasn't easy to float the boat. We tried a lot of time improving it before it can float.

Ee Rynn's 1st ambition

Ee Rynn told me she want to become a chef when she grows up. Wow, I am amazed. Amazed because she can tells who she wants to become at 5 years old.

Since she said that, I have asked her to help me on simple preparation in the kitchen. She learns to peel cucumber carrot and potato. She helps to rinse rice. She learns to cook corn for herself too.

Ee Rynn playing doctor game

Monday, 2nd July 2012 - 4 years 8 months old

Today is Singapore Youth Day. So Ee Rynn is at home. Ee Wern is very cranky today. So I am with Ee Wern most of the time.

While waiting for me, Ee Rynn sets up her doctor corner and want me to be the patient. Before she starts checking me, she wears a sun glasses pretending doing her work until I walk in as patient.

After checking me, she gave me medication and told me her clinic is going to close. She pretend to lock the door and keep the key in her pocket.

So cute. She is very good in imaginative play.