A Love Letter To Victoria

My dearest Princess,

I have not written a love letter to you for a long time now.  As I sit here at my desk, after having potter around the kitchen for a bit this morning, my mind drifted off once in a while on you. I'm wondering what you are doing now at school, whether you'll come back chatty or moody.  You're only 9 this year, but my, how you have grown as you experience a growth spurt this year.

I know you don't like me teasing you about your size, but sometimes I do that just so we can have some crazy moments, not because I want to hurt you, dear.  I like to squeeze your thighs and compare them with mine, or smack your bum just because I still can, and sometimes wrap my arms around your neck.

We don't often shopped together for clothes and girly stuff.  I hope you understand that's because both our schedules don't allow such luxury of time, and neither does mummy believe that we should buy carelessly whilst daddy work so hard at work.  We don't always see eye to eye on fashion too.  Sigh.  But do you remember the last time we headed off to Paradigm Mall, just you and I, to grab some stuff and also pop in Lovisa to look at some cute ear rings?  I thought you'd like them, and it's nice that you asked me for my opinion.  Eventhough we were rushing to our next destination, I really wanted to get you something from this shop and I'm glad I did.

Now that you have those cute little ear rings, I hope you'd remember our short escapade everytime you wear them.  We should have more mummy-daughter doing girly stuff.

So, how are you at school?  Isn't great that you have made 3 wonderful friends you can call them your BFF?  I hope these friendships last, and most importantly I hope they will be good influences on you, just as you become a good influence to them.  Remember we don't have to be followers all the time, and we don't have to cave in to peer pressure ok?  It's normal to want to be the same, but it's ok to be different too, because that's what makes you special.  So your hair will grow longer, now that we've gotten them snipped off a few inches.   So what if people notice that your hair is shorter now, because that doesn't change who YOU are.

My girl, my precious girl.  You said you never liked to be the eldest.  How I wish you have someone to look up to, as a jie jie.  I know I have been hard on you most of the times, pushing you to do better, aim higher, smile more, talk more, etc and that's only because I love you.  I'm sorry when I've scolded you too harshly.  I'm sorry for not taking time off to hug you.  I'm sorry for always being too engrossed in my own things or work and just expecting you to accept that.

I love you.  I really do.  I hope you believe that.  My heart breaks when you talk rudely to me.  Growing up doesn't mean you are allowed to talk rudely.  My heart breaks when you don't listen to me, and choose to be stubborn and do things your way instead.  How many times have I said... or reminded... or threatened... but you don't hear me.  Because of this, Daddy and Mummy really pray that you don't fall into the wrong crowd because you're just round the corner to being a teenager.

Would be nice if you share more about your feelings and learn to express yourself more.  It's hard to keep persuading you to come out of your shell, girl.  But if I can assure you again and again, I'd like to say that I love you no matter what.

Looking forward to the school holidays so we can do some fun stuff together.  Last night, I told you the hard truth that life is not about having fun, but everything is about hardwork and perseverance. I hope I did not demotivate you.  Hang on to your piano lessons, girl, but if it really drives you crazy just to practice, then stop it.  (note to self:  better start to secretly record her playing so that I can listen to them next time)


Love you XOXO,
Mummy

A Playdate and Some Sewing

During the one week school break in September, we did not go anywhere.  Vic had her replacement tuition classes, and Daddy was away in Nepal.  The kids kept themselves busy being here and there in the house, and time passes whenever you're with them... somehow this also means they dilly dally alot!

They had some friends over - Kristen and Josh.  K and V used to be in the same school before Vic moved to her current school, but they remained BFF through occasional messages on their phones and playdates during the holidays.  Josh is the same age as W, so it's great that all four could play together.

Homemade burger patty with whole meal buns, and airfried potato wedges and salad.  

They seem a bit shy for the camera, don't they?

Boys having fun with their food

They've had playdates before and it's sometimes the Monkey game, Monopoly, UNO, or handicraft, phone games, movies, tea time, and baking once, etc.

There's never enough time by the time they need to leave.  Oh well, still many more holidays and playdates to come!  Hopefully friendships like these last a long time!

Besides that, here's the children's first time experience at sewing.  I have quite a lot of clothe left from a previous project, and bought a bag of buttons from Chatuchak Market in July, so I thought why not let them try to sew something.  For a start, they sewed their names.  Nothing fanciful but it's good to keep them focused, quiet and sitted for a while.  I'm pleasantly surprised that the boy takes sewing so seriously!

On my part, I told them we could make their masterpiece into a pencil box or frame it up.  They chose the former.  Up till today, I have not done my part yet *gulp*

Here are the apprentice tailors at work:

My Princess and Her Eczema

It's been a long time since I last wrote about Victoria's food allergies and eczema.  I did a search on my blog and the last time I wrote something about her skin condition was way back in February 2012, more than TWO years ago!  I don't even know where and how to join the dots from where I left off until now.

The fact is, it's been a roller coaster ride the past two years, at least for me.  This is because at a few points, I really thought that she'd be cured completely, and then after awhile the itchiness and redness returns.  Then I not only have to motivate her again but also myself too.

A summary is:

1.  We've stopped seeing the Dr in Tangkak.  That was in April 2011.

2.  We've not done any more blood tests for allergies since August 2012.

3.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - I brought her to a traditional chinese doctor in USJ a couple of years ago too, can't recall when exactly but I can remember his corner lot house with many herbs growing in the garden and some dogs and his consulting "office" was an open table in the patio. Complimentary "leong cha" for his regular customers or friends who dropped by to chat, as I saw.  Paid RM50 for some herbal cream in a small container and RM180 for their homemade organic papaya enzyme.  Out of this two, we've used the cream but not the enzyme.  Dunno what I'm gonna do with the enzyme now, maybe I should fertilize my plants?  We visited only once, got some advice on diet and that was it.  I guess I'm just not comfortable with seeing snake wine in a bottle.

4.  In 2012 itself, when Vic was 7 and in Standard One, I started her on a strict candida diet.  If you google candida diet, you'd be shocked to see the amount of food that one should avoid.  Here's one link just as an example. There are other links which are less stringent, but basically the idea is to eliminate sugar, molasses, fructose, syrups, or any other kinds of sweet food from the diet.  Even certain fruits such as grapes and red apples which are generally very sweet fruits are to be eliminated during this plan.

Let me clarify.  Hers is just skin eczema and allergies, and nothing else.  It's not severe candida like some who have itchiness elsewhere.  In fact, the only reason why we'd look at candida as a culprit was because this was first mentioned by Dr Wong in Tangkak.

We didn't stick to the plan long.  I suppose it was around 3-6 months and during this time, Vic's skin condition did improve.  I read about leaky gut symptoms too when I found a book in a Christian bookshop and it also recommended a whole lot of supplements and food.  The ones that I introduced or reemphasized into her diet was organic virgin coconut oil, lotsa garlic (we buy from wholesale), organic olive leaf extract, organic oregano oil and probiotics.

5.  In 2013 we attended Randy Clark's Healing Rally at DUMC, and Vic stood up for healing.  From then on, we believe by faith that she has no more allergies, because Jesus has healed her completely.

Now I know that wasn't much of a summary, instead seems more like another long, dry post of mine.  But really, there's so much in between that I've omitted.

I guess I'm just tired of controlling the types of food she eat.  I'm tired of watching out, fearing if, and asking why.  So just letting food be food, as good as it can be, and trusting our God.

So, Vic eats normally for a long time now, and we still practice healthy eating.  I reminded her and William many times, that even if we have no allergies, we'd still be eating good healthy food.  She's been taking eggs and bread and egg noodles and many other food stuff which she has refrained from when younger.  Forget the sweets and candies because that was never in our "allowable food" list anyway.

Photo taken at Ante Kitchen & Bar during Mama Yeh Yeh's birthday dinner

This year when I was away in the UK in July, she developed some bad rash and the eczema worsen on her arm folds and neck and face.  One day, after a meal, she had a bad outburst of rashes all over her body and legs and arms.  Thank God her face was spared!

Long story cut short, a pediatric consultant friend of ours recommended seeing the dermatologist at her hospital.  She wrote us a referral letter and helped us get an appointment slot.  We went, and pleasantly discovered that the doctors there were really good - took close to an hour to understand her history and clarified our query.  We didn't have to wait long to see the doctor, nor at the pharmacy.  We were given big supply of creams and medicine and the best part was, we paid NOTHING as students are not charged in government hospitals.  Wowzers!

We just brought Vic for her follow up appointment and she was seen by another dermatologist who spent 45 minutes with us on eczema management.  He basically answered most of our questions hovering in our mind even before we asked!  Again, we were given a fresh supply of creams and charged nothing.  Finished everything within 1.5hours with hardly more than 15 minutes wait!

So.  If you ask me now, if Vic can eat anything and everything?  Yes and no.  She's taking everything we eat except for shrimps and crustacean.  It's OK if there's a shrimp in her soup or fried with her noodles once in a while, we just remove it and she eats the rest.  We won't freak out, or jump at the waiter or ask for a change.

I'm sorry, Mummy

She's apologized to me a couple of times - for the inconvenience she thinks she caused us to bring her for doctor visits, or the expenses we pay, or like recently, she felt "bad" or appreciative that Daddy took leave from work to ferry us to the hospital because parking was a challenge there.  For each time she shared this with me, I tell her, "No girl... it's NO inconvenience, NO issue on money, and we do this all for us out of love.  So don't say sorry."

Acts of Kindness

I bet we have all heard the phrase, "Random acts of kindness" which basically means a selfless act performed by one to someone known or a stranger.

In our household, I have had to arbitrate arguments between Victoria and William many times, or shush them up, or rain down warnings and if it's bad, I'll have to call an old friend out.  This is so rare, and I thank God that most of the times, it's mainly petty, annoying things the kids do to EACH OTHER just to irritate the other party.

That's what siblings are for, right?  I remember my brother and I, who are just less than 1.5years apart in age gap (he being the older one) used to say and do stuff to irritate each other too.  We'd stretch our vocabulary even to call each other names and have the last word - even when one of us is on a different level of the house!  I remember once when I borrowed his prized Batman cap without asking, which got him so upset at me!  Haha...

So, on one hand I know that likely this "getting up each other's nerves" will not last for kids, but on the other hand, I'd like to have some peace and show of love between them.  I guess it all started one night when things got too out of hand, and I decided that enough is enough.  I told them that they have to:

1.  Show one act of kindness to each other,
2.  Say something kind to each other,
3.  Greet each other the first thing in the morning (or when they see each other the first time during the day) and lastly,
4.  Hug each other good night.

What would be the repercussion if one does not obey the 4 magic criterias?  Well, then the child sleeps outside the room in the dark, not alone... probably with a couple of lizards too!  (I know I know... scare method may not work after a while and shunned upon certain quarters)

Now that we are easily more than 6 months into this "Act of Kindness", I can see that they enjoy it although sometimes they beg me to give them a break.  I have since raised from one act of kindness to TWO acts of kindness, with the other 3 criteria unchanged.  Sometimes the rule of the game can change a little, eg a kiss will give them a pass for everything else.

By dinner or prayer time, I'd ask them each to share openly, with verification by the other party.

The fun part is seeing them do the acts.  It could be as simple as bringing the other person's plate or cup to the kitchen, or bringing water for a thirsty (or non thirsty) sibling, or preparing the pyjama and squirting toothpaste onto the toothbrush for the other party, or helping to bring in the bag, or helping the younger one with homework, or even scooping food for the other person!  Of course, at first they didn't know how to, or what to say and do and needed ideas beyond sharing food.

This is almost a daily affair.  I may not check everyday but I hear and see them improve.  As for the sibling annoyance, yes it's still here but a lot lesser now.  : )

Parties coming up!

One of the fun about kindergarten is about the birthday parties.  Compared to Victoria's year, he has far fewer parties to attend and I wonder is it because birthdays are celebrated less elaborated now or that boys get lesser invites?  For one, even the party packs from the parties held in the class, are economically placed in plastic bags.  I think this is a lot better than spending RM20-RM30 just for the themed bags sold by party shops as most people don't keep these bags.

On September 13th, some classmates and William together with their siblings were invited to Arianna's 6th birthday party held at JKids in Tropicana City Mall.

Obviously my boy was very excited.  Accepting the hosts' gracious  invitation, we came along too with Vic.  Vic's friend, also in the same year as her and a sibling of William's good friend, was there too, and so was their mom, whom I chatted with.

Flanked by two pretty princesses.  On the left with the tiara is birthday girl, Arianna and on the right is his graduation concert dance partner, Venice

Girls picture first... see so many girls?

And fewer boys.  Mine busy posing for me... haha but at least he's not lost looking elsewhere!

My girl has gone on a growth spurt this year.  Here the two besties are posing with mini ice creams from the ice cream cake decoration

Party started at 11am, and ended by 3pm.  Kids enjoyed themselves and in the afternoon I made them nap before the next agenda for the day ie celebrating Ma Ma Yeh Yeh's birthday at Ante Kitchen and Bar

The little bookworm

William loves to read.  His passion for books is just amazing.  When he gets into the mood, he can just sit still and read.  He would even bring his book to the dining table to read while having a meal, which I would then have to prompt him to put the book away first.  He can even walk while reading, but of course you won't have pictures of him doing that because I won't be able to grab my camera in time, will I?

See his lunch box on his knee?  He's reading The Magic School Bus here

Here, he's reading a Chinese comic from Jie Jie

He reads in the car, sometimes sneaking a book in the back and reading in the dim light.  We get upset over that, because that spoils his eyesight.  His reply to us is "But I'm not reading... I'm just looking at the pictures!"

Sometimes he begs to read just one more page.  Sometimes he wants me to read to him.  Whether it's a story book that we bought since Vic's time, or newer ones, or borrowed from cousin Ling or his Spiderman magazine or even the Bible... this boy loves them all!

See his face... so serious!  

And upgraded himself to reading the Bible now. 

                         

William treasures his Spiderman magazine and has a small collection.  We buy only when we go the newstand and only if he asks.

When we go to the bookshop, he'd quickly grab a story book and find a place to read.  To me, that's always a nice sight as I don't have to worry about a running boy.  If Kakak is with us, he'd manja with Kakak to read him a book and the two of them will sit in a corner of the bookshop.

New books bring him so much joy... as much as new toys!  When he was 3 and 4, he adored the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story series, and watched the movies close to a 100 times!  When he reached 5, he moved on to Cars and Smurf, and at 6 now, he's into Transformers and The Avengers.

But books... ahh books... has always been his companion and nightly ritual.

In all kinds of position!

In the dining hall... 

In some weird places too... so far no episodes in the toilet  ;P

And sits like a towkay

Normally it's a must-have activity for him before bedtime

The topics he enjoys are so varied, from cartoon comics to science factual, to traditional Aesop fables and fairy tales, to modern tales.  He reads even calenders at one point!  If there is anything that can cheer him up, it'd be an offer to read him a book!  

Graduation: When did you grow up, my son?

My baby boy graduated from his kindergarten last Saturday, 27th September 2014.  His kindy alternates between a Sports Day or a School Concert every year, and this year it was the School Concert.

Two years ago, when William was 4yo, he played the main role of the lion in his class presentation.  This year, he was given the Whistle Master role.

Students were required to arrived early by 7:45am to register, thereafter they were to gather in their respective classes so that the teachers and helpers can help them put on light make-up, adjust their costumes or graduation gowns and feed them a light snack.

Left:  Big jie jie helps him gel up his hair.  He wraps a towel around his neck in case his shirts gets wet in the process.    Middle:  Wearing his shoes  Right:  Boy wears his costume by himself. 

Photography credits

Much as I would have liked but parents were not allowed in the classroom.

The auditorium was decorated with balloons and fairly packed with excited parents and family members 

However, as you will see later, we received privy photos taken by the official photographers of our son behind closed doors and unblocked view up on stage.  Words cannot express how touched and blessed I am when these photos were sent to us, as the photos from my camera did not produce very good results.  On the same note, many of the beautiful photos here were taken from Yeh Yeh's camera because Yeh Yeh decided to move up to the Gallery before the ceremony, and he found prime spot for his iPad to video and snap photos.  I am forever grateful!  Looks like getting front row, aisle seats has so much limitations.

His class teacher, Apple puts on a little bit of color on his fair white cheeks and lips

The concerts started on time at 9am with a brief welcome by the Emcee, followed by the house rules and soon after, the announcement of the students and classes as they walk proudly into the auditorium.

Oops, this is not William!

First to walk in was the Malaysian flag bearer who was a boy from another class.  I held my camera up to get ready to snap pictures of my son not knowing when he will be walking in, but assuming he will be together with his class.

I got a shock when the Emcee announced my son's name instead as the Malaysian flag bearer!  I fumbled with my camera for awhile until I realized it was a mistake. I felt so bad for the boy who's name was only quickly mentioned after the Emcee realized his blunder, which I thought was rather too late as the Selangor flag bearer has walked in.

Finally, here he is!

After the four flag bearers walked in, it was William's turn and he smiled his boyish smile at me us when he saw me us by the side.  My heart melted.

First glimpse of my graduating boy!  

View from the powerpoint

Standing beside Teacher Evelyn who gives him the cue to blow the whistle

Steady on stage.  Very serious too.  Hhmm...

View from the Gallery.  William stands in the middle

The students entered class by class, all dressed up in their respective glittering, shiny and smart costumes.  The 3yos made the guests oooh-ed and aaaahh-ed with their cuteness, the 4yos made us giggle and laugh, the 5yos made us clap louder, and last but not the least, the 6yos made us all swell with pride.

Teacher Evelyn gives the cue to William for the first blow on the whistle, to indicate for all to stand as the National Anthem, Negaraku is played.

After the National Anthem was sung, the guests were requested to sit and William blows the whistle twice to gesture the same to his fellow school friends.  They get off stage and then it was time for the student speeches in three languages, Principal's speech and Pastor's speech.

Presentation of Certificates

William stands on the last row, second from right

Second from right, William stands almost as tall as a few of the girls in his class

Each graduand's photo was flashed up on the big screen when their names were called to collect their certificates

Party time!

We were entertained by all the colorful and vibrant performances in different songs made popular in the 1970s also in different languages.

Here are some by other classes:

William in action

And here's the video of his class presentation of "Ja Jambo"

My little performer 

Mummy with my two darling children

Let's celebrate with food!

After the ceremony, we had lunch at the newly opened Jaya Shopping Mall in Section 14.   Although we had not planned to eat at Serai Restaurant which serves local, northern cuisine, but it was a pleasant surprise as service and food quality was good, dessert was sweet and the ambience was comfortable.

The foods that we ate...  from nasi kerabu to pavlova

And finally our home looked festive too, with all the balloons that we took back from the auditorium.

My Dear Boy Boy,

I want you to know that Mummy Daddy are both very proud of you.  Your graduation marks another milestone in your life and although reality have not really set in for me, I know I will very very soon miss sending and fetching you from kindy.  I will one day hold your folded uniform, wishing that you can fit into them once more.  I will one day look at your Transformer pulley bag and wish I'll see you push and pull that bag as if it was a car to you.  

Wasn't it just a couple of years back that you cried when you joined kindy?  Boy boy, now you almost run into class every morning when I drop you off!  

I know you are ambitious just by knowing what you want, and praying hard for it.  But hardwork needs to be put in, and consistency is the key.  Take time to play, but don't take too long a time to finish your meal or a page of homework.  Last but not least, take time to assure your mummy here, that you will always be my little boy. 

Loving you always and forever.

Update:

Last night when I put him to bed, I lay down beside this boy because I wanted to see him drift into Dreamland.  This is what he told me after a while, "Mummy, you better go out to do your work now, so that you can finish fast and come in to sleep fast."