Things that matters most..

It's a month! A month of school holidays. We are back to Malaysia for 2 weeks. It's a week now. Time flies. It was good to meet people that matters to us. Catch up and eat! 

We have been away for a year. I realized it's s easy to take things for granted in our daily life. When we were here, we would justify whether to take an extra effort to meet person A or person B. Partly because we were very busy in our career then, coping with work and family and feels tired most of the time. Therefore, there are time we made decision of staying at home. Excuses and reason is always there.

This trip allowed me to see the importance to make an extra effort (despite super pack schedule) to meet friends and family. I realized the strong relationship will last for a long long time. We are modeling. Teaching our children the important to building relationship with people that matters to us. 

This was a fruitful visit since the last one year. I get to meet my CG friends. Ee Rynn has decided on her first sleep over. As I am sitting here pondering whether she will be ok, I realized it's time to let go. Mommy has to learn to let go so she can learn to be independent. She stayed over at her favourite uncle Kah Wan's house. He is our CG leader. Ee Rynn is so close to her 13 years old daughter. A wise man told me when I was young to allow our children to build relationship with someone whom I trust (same value system). Because there will be times we (as parents) will not able to influence them positively. This is when these person will play an important role. I am glad Ee Rynn has build a few relationship with few friends whom we trust and able to influence her positively. 

I get to meet my family, some of my friend and ex-colleagues. Everyone seems has moved on in life but the relationship stays. This visits has taught me a lesson. To make effort to build priceless relationship that will last for a life time. 

Assurance from Ee Rynn's K2 teacher

We attended Parents Teachers Meeting at Ee Rynn's school. Ee Rynn was excited showing us her projects. She has 3 projects : Starfish, fruits and ice bowl fruit salad projects.

We cherished the moment. She would explained and described the details. Who draw this, who makes that, who write this, who create that and so on.

Waited for a while and we met her Mandarin teacher. She commented that Ee Rynn can see a link between the Chinese characters she learnt. Especially in recognizing Chinese character. She recognize the similarity of a character that can be used in different sentence that bring different meaning. After clarification of preparation for Primary One, we meet her K2 teacher.

The first comment was 'What I like about both of you is you guys are on the ball and current'. She has progress very well. She loves to learn new things, want to lead, want to contribute, able to express her thought and participate very well. You have supported her well at home. She is ready for Primary One. Continue to do what you are doing.

This opinion has make my day. When I have decided to stay home, I never thought of wanting affirmation from 3rd party. Nurturing our girls are our priority and laying the foundation in these crucial years is our decision. We never measure our sacrifice. This comment has once again reminded me that the 'result' of my effort is 'unseen' at times but the reward is enormous. I call it 'delayed gratification'. Unlike at work, we have 'to do list' and 'check' it once it's completed.

We can't 'complete' our task in building a family. It needs loves, patience, perseverance and passion! I would never trade my experience now with another job promotion.

I feel so blessed and priviledge too. Growing up with my girls has taught me many lessons. Thank you God for your guidance and assurance as our family grow together.

The Story Behind Cold Storage Kids Run 2013

It was a bright sunny morning when I woke up to prepare for the run. Made chicken ham egg mayonnaise sandwich for my hubby n Ee Rynn. Cooked porridge for Ee Wern. As we were running late (as usual with young children), I make 3 big protein scoops with milo to fill my tummy. Luckily I have packed the race bag the night before.

It was our first time driving to town. When we found the building we wanted to park, the queue was long. Feeling anxious as we have to reach the holding point, at least for Ee Rynn (her runs start first), we run down and left Ee Wern with daddy queuing into car park. 

It was a bright sunny morning. Weather was perfectly well. This sanguine mommy packed the sunblock in the race bag but it was with daddy. So now what? Luckily a friendly mommy lent her sunblock to me and I pat some on Ee Rynn face. Ee Rynn was excited. Her first run.

Ee Rynn: mommy, I will run very fast. Can you follow me? 

Mommy: I will try my best, with a warm smiley face.

When the MC announce there was Bob The Builder mascot, the crowd went wild. I had to carried Ee Rynn with all my strength so she can waved from the back to the mascot. When the whistled was blowed, the crowd in front of us started running. Ee Rynn was building up the momentum and ready to RUN. I was so ready to follow her from the back. I knew if she is determined to be fast, she will. In a split second, a boy running side way and hit Ee Rynn to the ground. Imagine the momentum of running is building up and something hit very hard from the side. I was startle. Ee Rynn started to cry. It was a very hard knocked. Her face hit the ground. Her knee was scratched. With God's protection, no sign of bleeding. But it was painful. My decision that she wore a long pants for the race help protect her legs. I hold her hand, walked to the side and knelt down. Looking at her, crying so badly, I was very very sad. Sad because it was painful. Angry (in my mind) because 'blaming' that boy's father didn't take care of his son properly. The MC has reminded the parents over and over again to take care of our own children.

My mind was working like a parachute. What should I do now? Silly me, I asked Ee Rynn whether she want to continue.. She said don't want (of course, she fell). I tried to comfort her and she cried harder. What should I do? Arghh.. I took a deep breath, divine intervention happen :-P I am thinking, my daughter has prepared herself to get a medal from this run (though it's not a competitive run). And this is what has happened. Things happened in life, in real life. Should we backed off? She don't have injury. Reality, we can get the medal when we finish the run. I read that when children was sad, just be there for them and quietly lead them so they feel secure in our arm. Then they will be up n bouncing again. I took a deep breath. I hold her hand, started walking. She was still crying and tried to stop me from continuing our walk. I quietly hold her hand and assure her (despite all the cheering by the volunteer) that let's walk a little and we decide later when she stop crying. 

Slowly step by step, from very sad to getting back to 'so so mood'. She started to look around. She told me she's going to be the last. She don't like to be the last. I smiled. Still keeping quiet. Her real reason why she cried is verbalized. We continue our journey until the finishing line. She got her medal. On the way to meet her daddy, I told her that I am glad she has crossed the finishing line and that she obtained her medal. I am happy that she don't give up. She wasn't happy about it yet. She showed her grumpy face to her daddy and told daddy about the incident. Daddy assured her that she crossed the finishing line and that's what mattered most. (We have SMS each other so the story n encouragement is consistent :-P)

She started to feel a little bit better when she gotten her lollipop. Kids are so cute. But she is still holding on to the 'incident'. 

At quiet time tonight, we were chatting. We are into song creation.  We took nursery rhyme and change the lyric according to our creativity. She created this lyrics according to 'twinkle twinkle little star' rhyme:

Cold Storage run is really fun,

But a boy knocked me and I fell down,

But I hold my mommy's hand,

I finished the race and did not give up,

Cold Storage run is really fun,

I am happy I didn't give up.

My tears almost rolling down. It was 'not giving up' lesson that we want her to experience and she learnt it. I am so so glad that I don't rattle on and on, trying to console her. Feeling sorry for her on uncontrolled event will make her feel pity. By merely holding on and walked to cross the finishing line, this 5 years old learnt the most valuable lesson that many parents want their children to learn. It has affirmed me again that it's not what we say but it's through our action, that kids learnt the most. 

For adult, we can easily said it's not our lucky day. But, we as parents, we can't blame a situation that happen to us as unlucky. They will grow up and blaming instead of taking responsibility. Modeling, modeling and modeling... This is a reality. Things happen despite planning. It's important to perseverance and continue the journey despite circumstances. I learnt again, to apply in my own life. 

 I am so so glad that I continued. It would be so so easy for me to cross the road and walked back to holding point and rest. Because I was sad seeing her cry. Mother wants to protect her child. I am glad I continued...

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 :-)



Happy Mother's Day - 12 May 2013

Since 2007, being promoted to 'mommy' is a great deal. I anticipate with anxious and joy upon the arrival of our first born. I am not equipped with an experience as a mom. It's all hands on. We all do. All moms eventually become very good at being a mom. We are at the highest survival skills ever in our life providing to our bundle of joy. We are being put in the lime light and being perceived as expert when our precious arrived.

Over the years, I believe these are the things we did as a mom:

1. A dentist - when our child had food stuck in his mouth, we help to clear it. When our child complain of teething pain, we soothe by cuddling and applying tether gel. We teach them to brush their teeth properly.

2. A doctor - when our child complain about stomach pain, we have to diagnose the pain. Pain cause by anxiety due to attending new school? Discomfort cause by poops accumulation? Pain cause by colic? Pain because of gastric? Discomfort cause by food poisoning? We are getting really good at diagnosing. We can't send them to doctor every time, right? We help clean their wound and help them understand it takes time to heal. We become a walking dictionary for all the possible sickness for children. Eg: type of fever, type of rashes, type of poops..

3. A teacher - We want the best for them. We teach and model valuable life skills. We tutor them during exam. We solve the problem in their homework. We provide a learning environment at home. We feed their curious mind. We spend time talking to them on world around us. We help them make sense in the world they live in.

4. A nutritionist - We ensure they have the right nutrition. We google and read about nutrient in vegetable, fruits and all other food stuff. We read nutrients and vitamins they need daily age appropriately. We model living a healthy life style.

5. A chef - We get very creative in preparing the right food so they will gobble within seconds. We educate them on proper eating habits. We model and practice hygiene food preparation. We restrict them on junk food intake.

6. A finance minister - We educate them to save, invest and spend wisely. We help and empower them in planning their weekly allowances. We do the maths with them so they don't over indulge themselves because of impulse needs.

7. A supporter - We believe and feed their visions on who they want to be. We provide environment and exposure allowing them to experience life age appropriately. We provide opportunity for them to make decisive decision for themselves (age appropriately). We help them to cope with grieve of failure and lift them to soar again. We believe in them and let go when they are ready to 'go'.

8. An event planner - We plan for their birthday, outing, play dates, exercise, Father's Day, brother or sister's birthday, teacher's appreciation day at school and so on. We google to find ideas and best deals. We plan outing with grandpa and grandma. We plan outing that help in fostering family relationship.

9. A helper - We clean everything you can think of in the house. We teach them to sort out their soggy clothes. We teach them to fold their clothes and arrange in their closet. We ensure they pack the right items they need in school. We remind them to drink water.

10. An actress - We pretend when they need us to take part in their imaginative play. We pretend as a sore loser when they want to win. We pretend to see the world according to their paradigm. We pretend to be funny to get our message across.

11. A security guard - We ensure they are safe all the time. We rationalize with them on unsafe situation. We teach them how to handle uncertainty. We provide environment for them to practice.

We become wholesome and wiser because of them. Being a mom has made us flexible to the highest degree. Flexible to handle all the unexpected moment anytime of the day. Flexible to be out of control and be in driver seat again. Flexible to laugh and cheer even at the lousiest moment. We become courageous in making decision for our children and handle the grieve if it's a wrong one. We learn everyday in building relationship with them. With them, we try things we never tried before and be proud of it.

These experience are priceless. Something we can't tag a price tag to it. To all my friends and mothers in the world, I wish you a Happy and Meaningful Mother's Day!


Note :

Some of these scriptures has helped me draw meaning to my motherhood.

Titus 2:4-5 : Then they can train the younger women to love their husband and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to subject to their husband, so that no-one will malign the word of God

Titus 2:6-8 : Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. Inn everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, ans soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 : And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
- We are available for them whenever they need us.

Ephesians 6:4 : Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- We initiate communication that help them process the meaning in their life. We draw limits lovingly and firmly.

Ephesians 5:1-2 : Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a lofe of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- We provide affection and unconditional love irregardless situation. We provide acceptance and constant verbal support even when they fail.

Deuteronomy 4:9 : Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
- We leave legacy my modelling integrity and godly life.

My Daily Routine

I pondered again.

The routine I have set for the girls is very predictable each day. Sometimes I had to drag myself to follow the same routine every day. Yes, my day is very predictable.

I need to reflect and look into my priority list again. This will help me to be on my toe again. This is when I need quiet time, time to bring the girls out to playground longer ( so I can get some fresh air ), time to blast music at home ( so we can let loose a little ) as I need to ensure my emotion is intact so I don't yell or raise my voice. We ( me and Ee Rynn ) always hold each other accountable when we raise our voice to each other.

As I look at my journey, there are a lot of things I can count my blessing. I have the opportunity to see them grow up. I have the opportunity to plan lessons for my girls. Lessons in character and value building, academic, general knowledge, science experiment, art and craft, music and the list goes on. I am the first person to observe and experience their achievement or milestones. I am the person they look for advise, the person who offer them shoulder to cry on, the person they seek comfort from and the person whom they think know it all ^^. I have the opportunity to create learning opportunity so they can acquire important life skills daily. I am the person to ensure they have a balance meal. All in all, I am the most important person in their life. Their experience growing up depends entirely to me.

I learnt again that I have to have one to one time alone so I can love myself and continue to do good work to grow my family. God is good. When I am in doubt, His words will pop up right in front of me. He knows, he knows all the time. Finding purpose in things I choose to do will bring meaning to my life.

It's time to have a good massage! ^^

Realization as a mom - Judgement Skill

Ee Rynn was excited. She told me that there will be a bullet train connecting Malaysia and Singapore.

Ee Rynn : Mommy, today Ms. Cheryl shared at circle time that there will be a bullet train, very very fast (her eyes was sparkling), very very fast from Singapore to Malaysia. It takes 90minutes only. It's a mega, big big project!
Mommy : Oh, wow!
Ee Rynn : They had meeting on Monday. I can ride the bullet train when I am 13 years old. So mommy, we can ride the train back to Malaysia. When we reach, we will call Ah Kong to fetch us, right mommy?
Mommy : Sounds like a great idea!
Ee Rynn : The meeting is by Najib and Lee Hsien Hsien Hsien... er er er...
Mommy : You mean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long?
Ee Rynn : Yes, mommy. Najib and Lee Hsien Long said it will be ready in 2020. That time, I will be 13 years old. I can ride on my own too... *grin* *excited*
Mommy : Wow! Big girl!
Ee Rynn : Mommy, I am big girl and I can bring you along!

Throughout the conversation, I learnt a lesson! When I read the news, I wasn't skeptical but my thought told me that this might take ages! As an adult that knows so many 'not so good' side of our country, this mega project might take ages.

But facts is still facts. As we nurture our children about the world around us, we cannot help them judge the world. Judging the world comes with practice. We, as parents should provide an avenue for them to learn to judge and evaluate, especially at home. The more they practice, the better they are. Judgement skill is another life skill. Children need judgement skill to choose the right peer, the right sport, the right food, the right clothing, the right timing to rest, the right weather to swim (I've seen children swimming in swimming pool despite heavy thunder), the right change (money), the right amount of chemical to mix during science experiment, the right clothing to pack for camping and so on.

Ee Rynn was so excited about the train ride. She was excited about the possible experience. It was a precious moment to see her pure excitement.

I have seen parents complained about Pusat Science Negara (Science Center) is not as good as Country X. This comment is shared in front of their 5 years old child. I am thinking about the possible damage on this child. The child might grow up comparing instead of focusing to learn all the possible knowledge and learning around her. Our children see the world through our eyes (parents) during their growing up years. If we are excited of all the possible knowledge and learning around us, our children will too! The world is our classroom.

Personally, I have learnt to share the knowledge of the world to my children with excitement. I am learning to allow them to process the information themselves. If they have comment, I will listen and bring the conversation further. Often, this strengthen our relationship and I learn much more from them. :-)

Going Back Home for Chinese New Year 2013

It has been 6 years that we travel back to Penang for Chinese New Year with young children.

2013 is different as we travel from different country back to KL and to another state. Traveling with a small baby and a preschooler is never easy. Packing itself takes half a day. Keeping them busy along the journey is another creative skill to learn.

Appointment is always back to back. Priority is always family although we are longing to meet our close friends. There are times when we need to arrange baby sitting arrangement especially when my father-in-law has appointment in the hospital. This is a painful experience as I have to trouble my mom to take care of the girls. My mom will call for me to console my baby over the phone as she can't tolerate the crying baby.

There are times we will sleep overnight in my mom's house. There's no cot and baby will crawl and explore around the room. Eventually she will be overtired and cried. My eldest will complain as she can't sleep because her sister is disturbing her.

Driving back to Penang is fun. However, we have to plan for food supply, games in the car and rest stop along the journey. We learnt to tolerate our girl restlessness throughout the journey. However, we will share a room and the same situation will happen. Sometimes, we go through it at every school holiday.

When I was young, my mom will brought 4 of us with 3 bags to Pahang by bus to visit my late grandparents. We had to fight for seats (yes, no numbered seats then). If it's a rainy day, there will be all sort of human smells in the bus. I remembered my mom was calm even we had to fight for seats and cramp in a hot and stuffy room. What is left are my sweet memories in those years. The relationship we built is priceless.

On hindsight, these journey and experiences are priceless. Our girls will watch us and go through it with us. As parents, this is another modeling. There are a lot of things to learn throughout the journey. We learn to be tolerant to each other, we learn to cherish the time together, we learn to understand each other more, we learn to be patience to each other and we learn to love each other more.

It's through all these that it build family relationship and strengthen family values. This is what 'balik kampung' is all about. Children spell LOVE as T.I.M.E. Our parents spell LOVE as T.I.M.E. too. When I am old, I would love to have my children and grandchildren coming home to spend time with us.

Happy Lunar New Year everyone!

Me from working to stay at home mom

I am a stay at home mom for a year now. Friends commented I have courage to quit a good career to be a stay at home mom. They asked how or when do I decide to stay at home.

These are the few points we have considered together before I decide.

1. Finances

We asked ourselves how it's like if we live in one income? Be truthful to yourself when both of you look into finances. Go through everything from what you are paying for childcare, your gas, your meals, your shopping, your phone bill, your commitment, your loans and so on.

Discuss and look through the numbers to see whether it's possible. Forecast your investment, savings and expenses next 5 to 10 years too.

2. Me - your 'why'

I listened to my calling. I ask why I want to be a stay at home mom. Will you be satisfied to have this title called 'full time mom' instead 'manager/director?

Think through on your role as a stay home mom. Visualize your daily activity and schedule. Do you like to be your family's full time cooks, chauffeur, your children playmate and sometimes their nap warden?

Do not feel guilty if your are not up to it. There are a lot of families out there with working moms and their children turn out fine :-)

3. Your spouse

When you and your spouse work, you split the chores and errands. When your role change, daily responsibility will be likely on your to do list. I remember I hate it so much when I knew I have to deal with house maintenance issue. But I learnt to enjoy it along the way.

Discuss with your spouse on role and responsibility. This will allow both to know what to expect. Both of your will have a new role, you as a stay at home mom and your spouse as a sole provider for the family.

4. Protection

Is your insurance coverage sufficient? How about your children's medical coverage? Compare your coverage given by your current employer and your spouse's employer. Make sure you are arm with clear information before your decide.

5. What's next

As your children grow, what's next for you? It's good to have an idea of what's next so you feel secure and confident.

There will be days when doubt creeps in. Remind yourself on your 'why', at no. 2. Don't worry as your decision is not permanent. If you can't take it as a stay at homes mom, your can always go back to work or start a business.

Live life to the fullest!

My journey in Singapore - 3rd Weeks

It is my 3rd weeks in Singapore.

I am still trying to adapt in this new environment. As a mom, I told myself to be tough and strong. As I am the provider to smoothen my girls adaptation here. Thank God EeRynn is adapting well at this moment.

It's a school holiday. Therefore, we have a lot of time together. I am juggling taking care of Ee Wern and Ee Rynn as preschooler and baby needs are different.

Caring for them has toughen me a lot. It teaches me to go on despite circumstances. It teaches me not to quit so easily. It teaches me to focus on my long term plan and handle challenges that comes along the way. It teaches me to handle my emotion myself so they can handle theirs. It teaches me to see experience via their eyes as compare to my own.

I am improving by day.

These 3 weeks, I have met some Singaporean and expatriate. As I waited for Ee Rynn everyday during her drama class, I see a lot of maids. Maids in this country are empowered by their employer to bring children to school. Teacher in the drama class speaks to maid on children improvement. It's an eye opener for me. I feel, parenting should be parents responsibility and not maid.

As I speaks to expatriate, they like the country. They can adapt easily in this country and everything is very convenience. I agreed. I travel around with young children. It's a child friendly country.

As I speaks to Singaporean, they told me one child is enough for them. Parenting demand too much from them. They can't see themselves juggling with more than one children. They want to enjoy life and not going back to sleepless night.

I am glad that God has give me strength daily to cope with my role as a mom. It's tough! But I choose to go on. No resignation!

Talking to people reminds me to instill family value to my children in an early age. As they grow, they will meet different people and family value will keep them from temptation and bad influence.

Thank God for keeping me intact every day. You are always there when I am weak.

Parenting Ee Wern

Our life has changed after our decision of moving to Singapore.

Unlike when Ee Rynn was born, we stayed in apartment and things were in our control. We were able to plan her nap time and her schedule was fixed. We planned our life and movement around Ee Rynn's schedule.

This adventurous journey put my parenting skills at test. Schedules are unpredictable, different country every 3 weeks that lead to different bed and different environment.

Since Ee Wern was a month old, we were in Singapore. I started with no confident of setting up schedule for her as our schedule is not fix. Therefore, I give in and try to fulfilled her needs whenever she cried.

I started to train her to soothe herself to sleep. I know even in different house, sleeping will be the same. So I condition her and prepare the same sets of habits and things for bed time (afternoon and night).

I succeeded and she can sleep on her own pretty well. When we arrived to Singapore on Tues, 29th May 2012, she can soothe herself to sleep in new environment.

I was happy until the real test begin. Singapore is crowded and every where we go, is noisy. Each restaurants are crowded. Unlike in Malaysia, we go everywhere by car. Places we go generally quiet. She sleeps in her stroller easily.

She starts to scream and shout. Her body will jerk and startled at every loud noises around her. I have to sling her on my body at almost every outing. Her weight is 5.75kg (at 4 months) and to carry her around is no joke. My body starts aching especially my leg and waist.

The test now is to help her to learn to soothe herself even in noisy places. I change her sleeping place to a noisy corner in the house. This is at the office room where there are sounds of buses, renovation, people walking and public vehicle. I expose her to sounds of vacuum cleaner too.

I need to be consistent to let her cry to sleep because sometimes I give in to soothe her. I love her so much.

This trip back to Malaysia, she proved that she has the ability to sleep on her own. As we had breakfast this morning, she soothed herself to sleep in her car seat (picture below). All I need to continue I think is to assure her that she can learn to sleep on her own in this new environment, especially during our outing in this crowded Singapore.

Having Ee Wern in my life has challenge me to be flexible in my parenting skills. Approach in my parenting style can be flexible and achieve my objective at the same time. After all, I am dealing with human not robot. LoL

Ju Shin Jung Korean Charcoal Restaurant

Tuesday, 5th June 2012 at Katong Singapore

This is our second week in Singapore. My husband's colleague recommended us to go to Katong for dinner.

When we arrived, there are a lot of restaurant along the road. As we have decided to have Korean food, his colleague recommended us to go to Ju Shin Jung Charcoal Restaurant.

Food is good. We ordered pork with Kimchi soup, Korean Ginseng chicken and seafood pancake. It's delicious.

We realized the restaurant does not give us tissue. But we realized there are 3 white tablets on the table, as shown on picture below. We saw other customer pour water in it and it became tissue. Fascinating.

Next, they served watermelon in heart shape. EeRynn never liked watermelon. But because it's in heart shape, she eat it for the first time.

We had fun!

Husband's appreciation

2nd June 2012

I received a gift today. It's a handbag. Yes, I am happy even I am not hand bag person.

I am happy because the thought that comes with the handbag. My husband said he wants to show his appreciation on things I have done for our family. He appreciate my role as a mom and wife.

I feel so blessed. Blessed because I have a husband who appreciate me.

10 years milestones

When you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you - Paulo Coelho

Wow.. This sentence reminded me of a list of dream that we (me and my husband) wrote down 10 years ago.

We were university graduate back then. We were n still motivated, looking n searching to experience best things in life.

One of the dream I wrote was I want to stay home to take care of my children and bring my children to different places around the world for learning experiences. His dream is to be our favourite hero in the family and being able to provide for us.

10 years goes by. The universe has provide and our dream came through in 2011. Of course along the journey, there were lots of ups and downs. Thinking back, when were wrote that dreams, we never knew ways to achieve it. The universe continue to provide and lead us. I like to think God has plans for us.

We were introduce to a business opportunity that has lots of potential by helping people. Through associations and books, we grow so so much, as a person. We are truly bless with the friendship that comes along with it.

Now, I am a stay home mom nurturing 2 lovely daughters. I am bringing my daughters around for learning experiences too. My husband achieved his dream by providing for the family.

This is not the end. We are still on the look out to achieve more. There are so many exciting plans ahead of us. I want to thank God for holding our hands along the way.

Life is beautiful.

Looking for Primary One School

Year end approaching and my eldest daughter will be 5 years old next year. It's time looking for primary one school for registration.

There are some question we asked ourselves whether to send her to national school (kebangsaan or jenis kebangsaan), private school or home school? One clear differentiation is national school is free education and private is not. Some thoughts we have :

1. What type of friends she will have in school? We came to conclusion that it's the area where the school is. As she starts to go to school, peer influence will exist. External influence is something we can't control. Therefore, we are building trust and communication habits at home. This will allow her to channel her thoughts to us when she comes back from school.

2. Is money a real concern? As the school fees in private go by semester, it looks small after breakdown by 3 months. The only factor that hold us back is, if private school, it's using national syllabus and maths & science is in BM except some school use Singapore syllabus concurrently. So why private?

3. We are the parents who believe in supplementing our child outdoor activities on top what the school provide. Because we believe we are building relationship while supporting her along the way. One of the reason of sending to private is the wholesome plan provided in the timetable, academic & extra curricular. If we send her to national school, we can supplement her extra curricular in the afternoon. So? Again no appealing reason yet to send her to private school.

4. I think if control is something we want, private school might be the choice. The perception is, if we as consumer pay, we will have rights to voice our concern when our child is not progressing well. Is that something parents do for their private school going children?

5. I was told, type of principal in the school is important. They determine the culture practice in school. To certain extent, I know this is true. If the principal is a loving principal, the teachers will follows.

I think end of the day, we choose based on informations that matches our family needs. Perhaps location is important for working parents either near their work place or baby sitter place. For full time mom, traffic might be a concern as stuck in traffic jam in the morning or afternoon is not fun :>

We knew this is a process..

Relationship

We always think that we have spend lots of time together. We never been separated since we knew each other 10 years ago. The day we knew each other, we do things together all the time.

Throughout the years, we are very good in hiding our weakness because my weakness is his strength and his weakness is my strength. Recently, he has took up an oversea assignment.

We learnt so much about ourselves. As we cannot rely on each other daily (physically), we become stronger. We trust each other even more and we take each words from each other seriously. We count blessing everyday as we learnt new things about ourselves daily. He said this short term arrangement allowing us to set up a discipline for ourselves. Once we find our own voices and discipline, we will achieve more in life for ourselves and for our family.

This distance allowing us to appreciate each other, and bringing both us together to discuss on future for family more.. We sees it as a blessing because our relationship is growing stronger by day. I wish and hope God will protect him when he's away from home and hold us stronger together.

Crossroad

As I am serving my notice ( my resignation ), people starts to ask me what am I going to do with my time. Frankly, I really don't know yet. Stated clearly in the title.

I realized people in the society is so use to tag themselve with a career suit.. " I am a Sales Manager with ....." It's so hard to create an identity without a corporate figure or profession.
As I am writting my own JD now, it requires me to squeeze my brain juice to create a life that I want, I always wants. It's like writting a set of discipline I need to go through every day so I can get what I dreamt of. Similarly in corporate career, we always been hired with a sets of JD. We just need to perform. The good thing with a job is the months that we don't perform, we still have our basic.

It took me a lot of courage to tender resignation on a career that's promising, very promising. But after reading this article in Fortune magazine, it has inspire me to press on and to reinvent my self to achieve greater success. If you want to read more about the article, go to Asia Pacific Edition, July 4, 2011, number 9.

After reading, I have made a promise that I will make my decision right and that I am going places and I will make it work for me & my family.

Distance Support

My husband called tonight. He was very excited. Tell me he found a nice place to stay.

We are very use making decision together after seeing actual item that we buy. This time is different. He's oversea and he called back. Initially I have differ opinion. But my inner voice tell me that I should support him instead.

When I told him that I will support him, I am at peace.

I am glad God send me this message.

God is Good. Amen

Changing Mindset

It's time to chance my career to create & accumulate assets.

I am excited and anxious. But I think God has plan for us as a family. He gaves me a lot of time myself.

I am praying so he can guide & strengthen me in this new journey.

Amen..

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.