Final year kindy party: Circus Theme

After graduation last week, there wasn't much teaching this week, and I guess all the teachers and students were just looking forward to the last day of school, celebrating it with a Circus Themed party! As for the me, I am half anxious thinking of where to rent her costume, yes... lazy me would rather got with rental than to sweat over it. But the rental shop that we used last year was closed down, chehhh (costume shops seem to be so laku, how can close down one?) Other shops showed nil online animal costume for kids.

I was still hoping she may consider going as a jester since it was easier to find a jester hat, and she already have a pair of bright multi colored long socks - the only problem was what clothes to go with. But she wanted to go as a tiger, and since the Queen has spoken, I try my best. Afterall, this is her last kindy year and I want her to be happy with her costume.

So thanks to a mommy blogger who replied me on Facebook, I bought some black duct tapes, cut strips and put them on her orange long sleeve and orange pyjama pants. The day before (yesterday), I googled a shop and managed to buy a set of face paint for Vic.

The night before, we did a quick grocery, stocking up on Vitagen packs to bring to school and a little gift for her favourite teachers. There weren't much, as we were not in a mall, and finally picked chocolate bars for teachers Esther, Stefanie, Yen Ling, Ooi lau shi and teacher Nyin Yin.

So here are the pictures, again, they talk better than me. Vic didn't win best dressed, but she enjoyed herself, and I took as many pictures of her friends as possible.

Practicing her roar with still the sleepy look.  We had to oil her hair up and re-bun it. 

With Jarrod L

With Yiu Yiu

With Ryan L

With Ryan W

With Keon

With Mummy and William

The class of Petunia with the costumes

And finally, one with her class teacher. Hope to see you again next year ; ) when it is William's turn to go to kindy.

Victoria's Kindergarten Graduation

My big baby has finally graduated from her kindergarten... although I very much wish she stay in kindy a few more years, as I'm not prepared to let her grow up so fast, just yet.

The beginning
Victoria started kindy in Kingdom Kids, Petaling Jaya when she was barely 3 years old, in January 2008. She moved back with us after 1000 days under the loving care of Popo Gong Gong. I stopped working in the same year, to focus on Victoria and William - born later in April 2008.

She spent two years in her first kindergarten, the first was mainly to settle down and warm up to her classmates and teachers. Her class was small, which was good for her to "open up" and overcome her shyness.

At 12pm, she already had her skinny dip in the bathtub, and wore her graduation dress right after that.  Just in case she stained or dirtied her dress, I suggested she wore a bib, which she conveniently took Heh Heh's.  I gave the kids a light lunch of homemade soup with homemade hokchiu fish balls and lettuce.  Vic dunked her rice in her soup, whilst William opt for his favourite mee sua.

I did the make up for the eyes and lipstick for Vic.  Mama sponsored the blusher and did the final touches. 

One pose before leaving the house.  Oh dear, where are her arms?  But I simply love this smile!

In 2010, Victoria moved to Tadika JC (abbreviated on purpose) and my first worry was Vic having to restart all over again in terms of getting used to new environment, new faces, new routine. Boy was I so wrong. Vic impressed me. She did not cry and settled in finely during orientation week.

She has grown up quite a bit.

In her 5yo class, her teacher was Catriena, a very quiet young lady. Vic made good friends, amongst them is a girl named Abigail who later went to the same class as her in 6yo.

In her 6yo class, Vic sat on the yellow table. On the same table was 6 other children by the names of Michelle Yee, Natalie Chau, Jarreth Mah, Jarrod Looi, Zoe and Ivan Wong. She was appointed Table Captain in the last semester by her teacher.

From previous blogs, we saw that Vic's kindy organised a school outing to Zoo Negara and a Sports Day, both events that Vic enjoyed.


Sunday, November 13th 2011


The graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, November 13th, starting at 330pm with the 6yos registering themselves, and the guests treated to a small makan session while waiting to go into the Auditorium. Food was packed into a clear container, comprising of egg and tuna sandwich, fishballs on a stick and fried radish, with a choice of tea or coffee.

At 430pm, the doors to the Auditorium were opened and we all took our seats. William was asleep on the way to kindy, the weather that was rainy similar to last year's concert as we left the house and arrived the school, but everyone's mood seemed to be anxious and cheery. We went in 2 cars, both sides of grandparents, Daddy Mummy, William and the maid. As our car neared the school Daddy called me from the first car to say that Vic left her PE clothes at home, which was to be used for her dance performance. So, Gong Gong turned the car back to the house to pick up her clothes, arriving back at school at 4pm, still in time.

As I passed the PE clothes to her teachers, I tried to sneaked into her class to snap pictures backstage but parents were strictly not allowed. Oh well.

I let the pictures do the talking. Both grandfathers and I snapped as many pictures as we could, including videos, hoping to capture the moment so Vic can look back at her graduation with pride and good memories.

In the auditorium.

The itinerary.  Vic is from Petunia class.

The graduands lining up outside the auditorium, waiting to march in.  I caught Vic with her friends here, Alyssa (middle) and Michelle (right). 

This year, each graduand receives an award, which is a great motivating factor.  Here, Vic is seen receiving her Awesome Artistic award certificate from Mrs Doris Ho. 

Victoria (2nd from right) and her classmates showing off their respective awards.

Vic looks so seriously pretty here.  Can you imagine fast forward 15 years down the road she will be wearing a robe and mortar board again? 

Victoria's class performance was called the Pom Pom Dance with background music of "Mickey."

The whole class in action!  It was a very energetic performance.

The finale! 

All the 6yo in choir position after rendering two songs - one in Mandarin and another in English.

Vic is in last row, 3rd from right.

At Vic's special request, Heh Heh must come to her graduation too.  The only thing she didn't inform me was to let Heh Heh out to watch her performance. 

Throughout her 4 years of kindergarten, I have seen my daughter blossomed into an adoring young girl, with understanding and maturity beyond her age. She enjoys art (I guess that is why she won the Awesome Artistic award in her class) and doing homework was hardly a chore. My only complaint is Vic can be playful and easily distracted when doing homework, and she can also daydream too, which really makes her "slow."

Vic with her school principal, Teacher Stefanie, a very nice and capable lady. 

This is probably Vic's most favourite teacher, eventhough she didn't teach Vic.  Vic posing with Teacher Esther, who will be furthering her studies next year.  We wish her all the best!

Vic with one of her buddy classmate, Keon. 

Ah, and finally, one with proud mommy! 

And one with happy Daddy

And look what is this smurfy surprise?  Congratulations Victoria - with love from Mama Yeh Yeh! We dug into this little cute cuppies after a sumptuous dinner at Unique Seafood Restaurant.

Kids posing in the restaurant room.  It's always good to have a room when with kids because they can run around and we don't have to worry about losing them.  : )

This is Vic's favourite dish... the giant sea garoupa weighing at RM250/kg dunked in rich soya sauce!  Daddy brought the kids for food tasting the day before to two other restaurants, before deciding to book a room at Unique Seafood.  However, the other dishes were so so and service was rather poor.

Vic,

Daddy, Mummy, William and your grandparents are extremely proud of you. As we sat through the ceremony, hearing the speeches and enjoying the performances by all the 6year olds, we were all smiling ear to ear. I looked at the video put up by the school, and I beamed with pride, I know that all these years, you had a good time, I know you were in good hands, I know you had the best.

I only wish the moment didn't pass so soon. Wasn't it just yesterday that you excitedly dressed up as the Cowgirl in your 5yo class, woke up early for your school trip to Zoo Negara and albeit being sick on your Beach Theme party day, you were an angel in swimsuit.

I know you have been looking forward to Primary One in your new school, but I hope you do not forget your good times in your kindergarten years. I pray you have opportunity to keep the friendships you make in kindergarten, as well as remember the guidance and advices from your teachers.

One chapter in your life is now closed, and the next is soon to be opened in January. As you move on to your "big school" in Primary One, I pray you get a good class teacher just like Teacher Nyin Yin, and make good friends too. I pray you enjoy your subjects and adapt well to the new environment. Most of all, I pray you continue to grow in the Lord.

Love,
Mummy

The big baby

Look who's enjoying a suck at her little brother's milk...

She's still a big baby at heart.

Vic has been bugging me to give her another younger sibling, her negotiation skills is getting better and somewhat desperate... sometime back she said that she wanted only a younger sister, no younger brother because she claims boys are all naughty creatures and girls are angels.

These days, she says she don't mind any gender, so long as she gets a baby sibling, and out of desperation maybe, she is also willing to relinquish her place on our big bed for the baby (because baby and William on each of my side). When I asked her why, she said, "Because I'm the oldest, so I should sleep on my own bed." But don't believe her quite yet.

She's also gone into suggesting two kakaks / maids for me to help me out with the chores and babysitting. I don't know why she's suddenly gone so "maternal."

But no no no, it's not time yet. Right now, we already have two babies in the house ie one who claims to be the big baby, another who claims to be the "little big boy" and exciting months ahead as Vic, William and Mommy embrace a new routine. 

In two weeks' time, it is good bye kindy for Vic, and before we know it, hello Primary One... sob sob!  Popo has already put in her sponsorship for Vic's first primary uniform, how sweet!  : ) 

You are so vain

The little vain things that Victoria does, @ 6years 7 months old:

1. The moment she hears that we are going out, whether directly or indirectly informed, she will quickly pick her own clothes to wear. I have almost given up attempts to pick for her, only to get into loggerhead with her, and either or both of us getting upset. So I let her choose her clothes, usually it's the same few favourites that she has. The only times I intervene is when I think she's overdressed (never under dressed) or when what she chose is unappropriate.

2. Just to go for cell gatherings or tuition class, few times I told to change her clothes again for overdressing ie jeans and a nice top and a heavily done up hair.

3. She thinks Kakak can do a better job at tying up her hair than me, especially in bunning up her hair (I'm happy to let Kakak do it) and tying her hair high and tight. If Vic has her way, she would tie her hair 24 hours! I have to remind her to NOT tie her hair after bath when her hair is wet. Sometimes, Kakak spends up to 10 minutes on her hair, because Vic wants her to tie this way and that way and experiment with new styles.

4. She has learnt to cut down from clips ranging from two hands to only two on her hair, at one time. However, when I noted that she's losing hair and apply some olive oil for her to take out the frizz, it didn't seem to bother her. But after that, many times she poured so much oil on her hair that you'd have to use double the amount of shampoo just to wash it off. Once, teacher Esther even asked her why her hair looked so "wet."

5. Vic spends a long time combing her hair in front of the mirror.

6. Vic's current fancy is anything that goes bling bling. (Good start, Vic... next time hope you move this fancy to rocks that go bling bling... kekeke)

7.  She likes to put on lipstick, and I have promised her that I will buy her first lipstick for her 16th birthday.  Today she reminded me that apparently I also promised her that she will get her first perfume when she turns 15.  

8.  And today we bought Vic a new dress for her kindy graduation.  Here is a sneek peek to what she chosen:

Who taught you this?

Reading about Adam and Eve, and the fall of mankind with the first sin, William wittingly observed and noted allowed that "It was Eve's fault."

Surprised (or shouldn't I), I asked him why he said that.

His reply? "Eve ate the apple first, then gave it to Adam."


*****

Things he say - WITHOUT PROMPTING...

"Mummy you are the prettiest." I'm swooned, melted and flying on Cloud 9. I wonder if he will still say this to me when he's 18.

"Mummy, even when you are old, you are still the prettiest." So. Totally. Romantic. Remind me to check with him again when I am really old and wrinkled and grey.

(I'm jotting this down as a reminder to myself)

William's First Dental Visit

Last Tuesday on October 25th, Daddy brought William for a dental check up as I was a little concern that his upper front milk teeth was showing signs of stains, despite the frequent brushing.

Initially I thought it was the toothpaste that I introduced, the first being First Teeth Baby Toothpaste.  I later changed him to Pureen Kids Toothpaste but he didn't like it, so I let him share his sister's Chicco's Dentifricio.  Truth be told, I rather he uses the Pureen Toothpaste as it boasts of NO fluoride, NO sodium lauryl sulfate and No saccharin, safe for children... ie SAFE TO SWALLOW.  Which is exactly what I suspect this boy does, he would swallow some, talk while his teeth is being brushed and talked with the foam in his mouth before rinsing.

Chicco Toothpaste. Best to buy when they have a 20% discount, stock up. I use this for Vic, eversince she was discovered with mild allergy to mint. A side note, she has tried Colgate in between but developed red ulcer-like spots on the edges of her mouth. Due to that, I have stopped Colgate and reintroduce Chicco.

These were both Vic's and William's first toothpaste brand.


So was William afraid? Did he cry? Did he struggle? Was there any bribing? No, no, no and no. I wasn't there and Daddy said he put up a brave front. Walking up the stairs to the clinic, he was holding the umbrella and braved himself up by saying, "If the dentist naughty, I will beat the dentist with this umbrella." Ummmm... not exactly the nicest thing to say, but oh well..

No pictures were allowed but Daddy sneakily snapped a couple, whilst pretending to sms.  Hehehe... good job, hubby!

The lady dentist was gentle. Daddy pre-empted her that his is William's first time. He sat on the dentist chair, with mouth open, insisted to have his water bottle strapped around his shoulder.

A little cavity, I hear, but nothing serious. Apparently the stains are just due to food and some kids have teeth prone to stains. Hopefully it will not recur when his permanent teeth comes out coz I think it looks a little like a smoker's teeth - we wouldn't want to mislead the ladies he meet next time, right. In the meantime, we need to brush a little longer, also for his molars which the dentist said was quite deep thus tendency for food to get lodged there.

After the check up was done, William even thanked the dentist, waved good bye and said he would come again! Oh no... clinics of any kind, including dentists' are not exactly the kind of places that I'd like to "come again."

Now that William's done, I need to make my own dentist appointment for a long overdue check up, and also one for Vic as she has not been to one yet. I suspect she may have a small hole in her molar but she has not complaint of any pain in her teeth. However, she's starting to notice her friends "dropping" their front teeth, and she so want to have hers out too. Sigh. Peer pressure to this extend?

In times like these...

Two weeks ago on the first day that hubby was away on a business trip in Hong Kong, William fell ill with cough and flu. Knowing this boy, once he gets the bug, I have to immediately administer medication or boost his immune with multivits, else his body deteriorates very fast.

His nose was dripping, and I brought him to his normal paed in Taman Tun after dropping Vic off. I recalled those four days of juggling my normal routine of picking and sending Vic, settling the kids, meeting appointments (which is a good thing but really, without my partner around, it can get quite stressful) and now with a sick kid. I even got my car clamped on that first day, what a way to begin my week without hubby. As a result, I got mighty pissed at the guards and management office, donated RM50 to unclamp my car then followed up with an official complaint letter to the JMB but till now no reply. Oh well - whaddaya expect, we're in Malaysia, right.

On any other day, I wouldn't mind (in fact I do love) an occassional heavy downpour, or a long-winded crying sky, but not when I was rushing in between places. One afternoon I was caught in the sudden downpour on the Sprint, and arrived home to see my maid carrying my crying son just as the house went dark from yet another power supply trip. On another afternoon, I arrived half hour late to pick Vic from her tuition class, as I rushed back from an appointment and got caught in the rain again. And then there was another day that I had to get a good friend (aunty SY) to pick Vic from kindy and send her home for me - thanks buddy!

But of course, that was two weeks back. Obviously I survived, with much gratitude to my maid for at times like these, she has been a great help to watch my son at home, bringing my trust on her to another level. A note here that I don't normally leave my maid alone in the house, what more the kids alone with the maid, unless no other choice or that I know she has chores to complete.

Fast forward to this week.


Saturday 29th October

Both kids caught some bad virus over the weekend. William started purging during dinnertime at Marche on Saturday. Vic vomitted her salmon spaghetti a few hours later. William developed a nasty fever that didn't subside, but only got worse on Monday night-Tuesday. His purging was controllable, although he had another 3 more rounds.  Thank God Vic was fine although lethargic on Sunday, so she could sit for her final assessment this week.

Monday 31st October

Hubs left for an outstation business trip.  I'm alone to fend for the kids again. How come the kids always fall sick when hubby's not around?  Just an observation. 

Tuesday 1st November
 
On Monday night at 3am, his body felt like a hot kettle beside me, and I pumped him with another dose of Nurofen, Ventolin and Zrytec, sponged his forehead, but his fever didn't subside. His cough deteriorated, and he totally lost his appetite, only managing a little mee sua for lunch. Poor boy hardly got any rest at night, waking up every now and then, looking delirious and tired, coughing and I was worried yet I know God will answer my prayers.

The boy was tired even though he woke later than usual at 1030am and didn't want breakfast. When I went for a quick nap at 130pm, I found him later at 230pm with his head lying beside me but his body on the bedside table. I don't know how he could just doze off in such an uncomfortable position, but yea, he must be really really tired. Again his body felt feverish.  Another round with slightly higher dosage of Nurofen didn't help either.

My in laws dropped by to help in the evening. They were on the way back to Seremban, but agreed to hang around to settle Vic whilst I brought William to see the paed the moment the clinic opened. For that and the many other times they came to help, I cannot describe how eternally grateful I am, because yea, for all you parents out there who don't stay with extended families, you will understand how precious these help are.

As we left our house to the clinic, the sky opened again, and visibility on the road was poor.  I looked at my son, he sat quietly on the co-driver seat, with the glint lost from his eyes.

Vic was supposed to go to her music class but she brought Yeh Yeh to another place instead by mistake, got caught in the after office hour traffic-cum-rain, missed her class as a result, but well... it's ok, she got to enjoy a 1hour ride with Yeh Yeh. Precious times with her grandparents.

Doctor put William on one round of the nebuliser to clear the mucous from his lungs (he was not wheezing, phew) and prescribed Prednisolone and adviced to continue his Ventolin and Zrytec.  I also asked for suppository to counter his high fever.

Wednesday 2nd November

Last night, William slept through and this morning, praise God for no more fever, a restful sleep last night, and increased appetite during breakfast.  When he starting talking about Kungfu Panda on the bed, I knew my boy was on the rebound.  : ) 

Fortunately for my two kids, I have no problem in getting them to eat medicine and they don't laugai that much, unless seriously tired.   Today I look forward to hubby back home again after another business trip.   Yippee!