I'm soooo bored, Part 2

Today is Friday. The last two days we have been zipping around town quite a bit, the kids either stayed home with Daddy whilst I check on my work-in-progress, or they followed us to view furnitures and lightings or errands.

Today is all-day-all-night home because I want them to rest more and do our packing for our weekend trip to Kuantan. Yes, it's back to the east cost beaches which is one of Victoria's things-to-do for this holiday. Her other things-to-do is going to IKEA and Ikano jump-jump but of course that is out of bounds now.

Yesterday she laugai-ed in the morning, very moody and claiming that her brother does not love her. In the afternoon she said the maid did not love her. Very insecure, very cranky and I think the only reason to this is the boredom is killing her.

Today she's doing some crazy stuff. She played with her saliva just like her brother during lunch, almost non stop and the little one encourages her by following suit and laughing. She's also purposely put her brother's bathing water on her pants and then took them out, and threw them into her brother's bath tub. She played playdough in the morning, but only for awhile. I think she did some other crazy stuff, crackd some jokes of her own, but I can't remember what.

Oh, and she's also said this morning that she wish it's school day!!! (Yup! That's how booorrreeedd she is)

Playing in the "luuurrrvvvee" chair

We visited a furniture shop that opened recently along Jalan University. Everytime we go to furniture shops, the kids will be right at home the moment they step in. But this chair, it's big and round and goes round and round... the kids simple love it and kept playing in it. Vic told me to buy this but I said, no way... haha..

First time eating banana leaf rice

Today was Victoria's first time eating banana leaf rice. Daddy decided to let her try, because she likes to eat with her fingers at home, despite numerous reminders and warnings from us about table manners and eating etiquettes and hygiene reasons and what nots.

So, since hubby wasn't working today, we went out to SS3 for her first experience. We sit ourselves inside, hoping for some cool aircon, but apparently the aircon wasn't working so we only had a little cool air (still better than outside, though) and ordered 3 banana leaf rice, with curry fish, mutton rendang as accompaniments. Our girl loves the papadam, but we control her intake. She's quite ok with that, thank God she can at least enjoy the papadam (checked with her allergist doctor).

At first, she didn't seem comfortable using her hands. We got her to wash them at the restaurant, and told her not to touch the table and chairs after that. She just stared at her food whilst hubby and I dug into ours. She could take most of the vege except for the yogurt cucumber, but she didn't particularly take to them. I keep telling her to eat... eat, just use your hands. Haha, and she didn't. I used a spoon since I needed my hands to be clean in case William needed something, and hubby used his hands. He's an expert in this. He taught Vic how to scoop the rice and place them in her mouth the right way.

After a while, she tried her first scoop, her first bite. Kinda spicy. The little girl drank so much water she went to pee in the restaurant 2 times within the hour. After eating, (she only finished half the food on her leaf) I asked her how was it. She said, good. : ) The waiter who served us came by and told me that for a first timer, she's perfected the method of eating with hands. Most other kids use the wrong method, from his observation. I smiled with pride. Hhmm.. looks like she's taken on Daddy's genes in this.

As for the little one, William got a banana left of his own and some rice too. He played with them more than eat them, unlike at home where he'd happily scoop the rice up with his spoon.

Oh, btw, just so that Vic knows, I emphasized to her that eating with hands is only at a banana leaf restaurant, NOT at home. She went, "Huhh? What? What" and pretended not to hear me right. Hmmpk, cheeky! After a few times, she repeated what I said, "You mean, I can eat with my hands at home? Not outside?"

Here are some photos to savour

Finger-licking good
Looks like professional, don't you think?
This is the way you eat banana leaf rice... lemme show ya

Having his first banana leaf rice too
Rice all over the place, even the floor and he "tapau-ed" on his shirt and pants too!

I'm so boooorreeed at home, Mummy

My poor little girl. Her 1 week school holiday has just started, and she is already so bored. After Popo GongGong left on Sunday, we spent Monday at home, and opened our very own DIY swimming pool in the evening when Daddy came home.

Monday evening: "Swimming" at our DIY swimming pool
In maybe 15 years' time, you'll have 6 packs!!!
William loves playing with water, and just wetting himself from head to toe.
We put whatever toys that can withstand water into the pool, hehe.

Then on Tuesday, as there is no plans to go out and I have explained to Vic why we don't go to the malls anymore due to the H1N1 crazy situation, we stayed home. When she woke, I said we do a little painting, which was one of her favourite things-to-do. We spent only half an hour of so, and she's quickly finished four papers and then decided to clean up.

Tuesday morning: Working on her first paper


Vic told me after the painting session, that she was sooo bored. I felt quite bad. There weren't much to do in the house. She quickly practice her do-re-mis and did her coloring. Poor girl. I told hubby and Daddy came home during lunch to surprise the kids with a lunch picnic by Subang lakeside. Vic simply enjoyed herself!!!

Little monkey in the house

William has been doing some stunts lately. There is no photos for obvious reasons.

Hanging on the cot
Vic was the first one to discover and informed us that William was hanging on the outside of the baby cot. He was hanging on the cot rails with hands on top of the rails, and legs on the horizontal bar at the lower part of the cot a couple of weeks back.

Sitting on the cot railing
Then a few days ago, I was taking my bath, and as usual I placed William in his cot near the door of the bathroom, with some toys. I'd talk or sing to him, and watch him to see what he's doing, but at one point I think I was washing my hair, and didn't look at him for awhile. He was quiet, which was nothing new, then I thought I better see what he's up to. To my shock and horror, the little fler was sitted on TOP of the railing, with one leg already outside the cot, he was practically holding on to this dear life but not in an uncomfortable way which explains why he made no noise. I quickly dash towards him, in my soapy state, and put him back in his cot at the same time repeating myself to him that it's very painful and dangerous.

This, is by far, the MOTHER of all stunts.

Hanging on the grill door
Once when the maid was cooking in the wet kitchen, I close the grill door and locked it, so that he won't be able to go in there. Vic was with the maid on the other side of the grill door, whilst I was doing something in the dry kitchen. Suddenly I heard Victoria shout, "William, nooo!! Come down, come down!" Then I turned and saw that he has climbed a step and hanging on the grill door. This happened a few times on our front door grill door, and sliding grill door as well, but I'd stand behind him with a watchful eye.

Saved by jie jie
I say "saved" because sometime back, Vic was playing with William in the wet kitchen, whilst we were in the dry kitchen. Suddenly I heard her yell, "William come down!! It's dangerous, it's dangerous!" Quickly, I rush to have a look and found the little boy has climbed on top of the wooden two-step stool (altogether about 1.5feet height).

Allevating himself on our drawer
This morning, I watch the little fler open my bottom drawer of my dressing table, then step inside. At first I thought he wanted to sit in it, then I quickly realise that he wanted to stand IN IT, and that allevates himself about 6 inches above ground, to reach to the items on my dressing table.

Climbing stairs
This boy already can climb the stairs by himself, from dining hall to living room (6 steps) and from living room to upstairs (13 steps). I walk behind him closely, whilst he hold on to the side rails.

Haiyoo, it's totally unsafe to leave him walking around by himself now.

Little miss independent

As I type this... my 4yo girl is upstairs in the room combing her hair, and tying it up in a ponytail. I told her 10 minutes ago, after helping her brush her teeth, to wash her hands, and then change her pants. She has a little difficulty changing her shirt. As I was doing a little work on the PC, I asked her if she needed help. She answered back, no.

When I went to check on her, she was all changed and in front of the mirror. She makes me so proud of her whenever she does things for herself. Way to go, Vic!!! (Of course, this also shows that you're growing up so fast... sob sob)

Popo GongGong came a visiting...

Popo Gong gong came visiting last weekend, arriving on Friday evening, and staying till Sunday evening. Vic moved to the guest room with Popo GongGong at night just as all previous times, she wants to sleep with them. It's just a joy to see the kids happy, especially Vic. She simply enjoys herself the most when her grandparents are around.

We had a simple dinner on Friday evening, home cooked lunch on Saturday afternoon, seafood fine dining on Saturday evening, and western lunch on Sunday afternoon. For breakfasts, we had an easy sumptuous all tapau-ed food.

Playing with her apple
Vic was sooo hungry after church service. The food only arrived 830pm, but it was all very yummy.
William loves walking up and down the aisle to see the sea creatures in their tanks
Feeding himself. We give him so rice to eat whilst we have our meals.
Friday dinner with Popo. Gong Gong went for a company function.

Collected Mummy's car... a white one! Vic says if I choose a white car, then it looks just like the wall, and we won't be able to see it.

Playing London bridge a few weeks back during another one of Popo GongGong's visit

William darling plays and communicates

I haven't been snapping much pictures of the kids lately... guess it's just the usual stuff at home with not much outings what with the increasing cases of Influenza A(H1N1), on top of the fact that William has been having flu for the past one week.

Two days back he developed a little cough, very dry though, which occurs only in the middle of the night, and none during the day. So yesterday I brought him to see his paed, and thank God his lungs and throat was clear, no fever, and only needed to continue with the Promethazine and Ventolin that I've been administering to him the past week. The paed also prescribed Iliadin decongestant nasal drop besides the Sterimar salt water spray I give him. Hopefully he gets better very soon.

This morning he vomitted out a little of his milk whilst coughing. Other than being under the weather, my little boy is still very playful and lovable.

When he wants to be carried, he'd lift up his two arms, and move his little fingers to indicate so.

When he is in his romantic, loving moments, he'd put his arms around my neck as if holding my head, then attempt to kiss me on the mouth... or more like, trying to eat my lips or nose. Most times, I try to avoid him because honestly, I prefer dry kisses. ; )

My playful baby also likes to climb over me on the bed when I'm trying to put him to sleep. And whilst doing that, he'd position his buttocks just at my face so I have no choice but to smell his diapers.

William also throws his own diapers in the dustbin if he sees it on the floor. He doesn't like to change clothes these days, but we have to because he sweats very easily from running up and down. Oh btw, William runs more than he walks. Whenever the maid goes near him, he thinks she's chasing him and runs the opposite direction, then looks back as if inviting her to chase him.

After having seen the sister plays "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe" by pointing at the shoes, he does the same with his own. He loves the garden, playing with our umbrellas, trying to put his hand into Tom the tortoise's container, picking up stones, and also imitating us by pulling the grass (we pull weeds).

He is still curious about the things in my kitchen cabinets, the store area under the staircase, and the maid's room. This little fler hardly plays with his Lego and other toys now, prefering to see and do what we adults do but when it comes to the sister's color pencils, he's all for it.

As for food, I've separated his fish from the porridge and we feed him from different bowls which is just what he likes. The last time I posted about William loving his carrots... now he's not into them anymore. At times he will "laugai" wanting to feed himself.

Sometimes when Mummy call him, he looks at me and gives me a cheeky smile. I put up my two hands, just like him and wriggle my fingers to ask him to come to me. He still stays where he is, and even runs away. Quietly, I'm thinking... my boy is growing more independent... one day he may stop hugging me, one day he may stop kissing me, one day he will stop holding my hand... (oh, I do tell him many times that he mustn't).

Money for the poor

Two weeks back the Children Church which Victoria attends, gave all the little children a plastic food container each. They asked the children to collect money for poor children and return the collection to the church in 6 weeks' time.

Today I gave Victoria a handful of coins. I explained each value of the coin ie 10cents, 20 cents and 50 cents. I secretly added a little test and explained to her that she can choose how much to give to the poor children. She can give a little, or some, or everything. What she doesn't give, she can keep for herself to buy things that she likes. But what she gives, the church will help buy food, clothings and books for the children who do not have what she has. Of course I didn't tell her that I was testing her. To be honest, it could have been easier to just give her the money to put in the container, and leave it as it is. But I was curious to find out how she would react and decide. And I made sure that my explanations did not sound biased to either side.

I left her for awhile whilst I went to the kitchen. I can hear her counting the coins. Then she yelled loudly "I have finished, Mummy!" Excited, I went to her and she told me that she give EVERYTHING for the poor children.

Wow, I gave her a tight hug and said that's very good. Mummy is soooo proud of you, Vic!!! And then I felt compelled to tell her that God will bless those who give, and I'm sure that as the little children receive all the goodies, they too will pray for blessings to those who give.

I wanted to take a picture of just the container as I thought Vic would be shy (as usual) but she just popped her head in and smiled...

The love gift

Wake up sleeping beauty, wake up...

Victoria takes a loooonnnnggg time to get up. She's like an old automobile, where you need to turn the ignition a few times before the engine cranks up, then allow it time to warm up before it can move... slowly.

She's never been an early riser, since toddler but her brother William is just the opposite. Eversince birth, William has been consistently waking up 7am-ish, and only sometimes past 8am due to a late night or disturbed sleep. Once aroused, William would quickly sit up and then stand up in his cot, and he'd look as if he's ready for some action. I hope he continues like this.

If I say the brother is an early bird, then Victoria is a night owl. She is our energizer bunny who can skip her afternoon nap and yet last till midnight, given a normal day at home. Everynight, it's not unusual to hear us telling her to sleep, sleep, close your eyes, go to sleep now. In the morning, we allow her 10-15minutes of gentle coaxing time, before drastic action is taken, eg make her sit up, take out her socks, some angry words.

This morning, I am secretly amused again at how she try to squeeze in a little more sleep, if only for another 5 seconds. With her eyes still closed, she mumbled, "you get the towel first" when I told her to wake up. Then, she'd say, "you take my toothbrush first" still lying down with her eyes closed.

Look, we're already late, Victoria... GET UP!!!!!

It's tough to get through the first hurdle... getting her to open her eyes. Then the second hurdle, is to make her sit up. The 3rd hurdle is to get her to open her mouth to allow me to brush her teeth. All these... whilst she's still sitted on her bed. Sometimes when I walk away a bit, she'd lie back down. Haiyaaa!

Once I've gotten over the 3 hurdles, then it's easier as she will walk to the bathroom, gargle with the water that I prepared by herself, then sit on the throne to shi shi and clean herself up. Then dressing her takes less than 3 minutes.

The brother plays or watches. Sometimes he ask to be carried. Other times, he's most understanding. We even tell him to pick a socks for Jie Jie and he does just that.

Next year we will all have to wake up much earlier.

Shoes, shoes, shoes!!

The other day I suddenly realised that Victoria's collection of "currently-can-wear" shoes have grown out of the blue. I say, out of the blue, because she used to maintain 5 pairs, then I decided to buy her an extra pair of slippers (Tom & Jerry) which she picked herself. Not surprisingly, it's in her favourite colour, blue.

A month back, she saw a Crocs "original" for sale at the night market and I decided to buy that for her. Then we kept away one of her "kai kai" shoes that she's been complaining was tight, and Daddy bought her a new sandals from the recent Hush Puppy sale.

So, it was 5+1+1-1+1=7!! On the rack, she has more shoes than me, for once someone has broken my record, and it has to be by my little girl, who's only 4 1/2yo.

Swimming at home

The haze is back, and it's getting to the kids. Vic came down with running nose that dripped like a loose pipe on Thursday, and I let her rest at home on Friday. On Friday, she seemed a little better whilst William started showing signs of flu. They were able to play in the garden because the neighbor two doors away was (and still is) concreting their fence. We only went to the mall once to run some errands and dinner and church on Saturday evening. In between, the kids seem bored at home.

On Saturday, Daddy opened up this plastic DIY swimming pool so the kids can just dip in and have some fun to break the monotony.

Vic "sleeping" in the pool, or maybe she's pretending to float.

Sharing some toys together

Vic has recovered from her flu and back to school today, whilst William is still on the road to recovery. I went to Eu Yan Sang to restock my pearl barley, grabbing all their packets on the shelf. With the crazy Influenza A(H1N1) still at large, hubby and I have to take turns watching the kids, while the other run errands outside.

Taking care of little brother

Vic loves to feed William, but lately the boy has been choosey with his food and the person who feeds him. The sister gets a bit hurt, and agitated, sometimes angry that she doens't get to feed him like those days. Sometimes, she gets to feed him when he's well behaved.

If there is any way or any thing that Vic can do for William, I can most confidently say that, with the condition that she's not in one of her bad moods, she will very willingly help. For example, wearing shoes for him, wearing socks for him, wearing diapers for him (it's tougher now coz William likes to stand whilst wearing his diapers and pants)...

Sometimes she does so much, I have to remind her to let the maid take over. Her jealousy over the brother is lesser now, much to our relief. Maybe she doesn't see him as such a "threat" now, and as William gets more independent, hopefully they can play together even more.

Here, eat your mango.
Let me wear your shoes for ya
William does this quite often to Victoria whenever he wants to manja with the sister. He will reverse into his sister, and conveniently place his bum on her lap. : )
William's favourite food. Yogurt!

What does this look like?

After bath. The maid tied the towel for Victoria this way and the little girl is simply thrilled.

A family photo shoot

Yesterday we went for my Hubby's long overdue graduation photo shoot package. I didn't buy any new clothings for the kids for this event, and simply picked one that's existing (except for the skirt that Vic's wearing, which is 1 week new).

Since I put lipstick (also I didn't go for full makeup) I asked Vic if she wanted to try. She happily nodded her head. So here she is, before we left the house. Btw, pictures taken at the studio will be ready in a months' time.

Brushing teeth

William has now upgraded from a finger brush to his first set of toothbrush. Every morning, he will see me brush his jie jie's teeth, and sometimes he will hold my and Daddy's toothbrush whilst we brush our teeth. His turn is when he takes his bath. He cooperates quite well, except for mild resistance after awhile. But it's harder to brush the front of his teeth, coz I dont know how to get him to do "eeee."

Quietly, I'm just happy that he gets accustomed to some foreign object going into his mouth, so hopefully when he does start on using toothpaste, it will not be such a trauma (like what we experienced with Victoria).

His new and first set of toothbrush, complete with a gum and tongue massager at the bottom of the handle, and a safety shield to protect baby from putting the toothbrush too far into the mouth

Fresh after his bath this morning (he's holding the finger brush which I let him play with now)...