Favourite Hobby?

Supposed to be meeting Renee's friend again today but I didn't feel like going down town again, especially when the meet-up time's in the morning... Luckily Renee hadn't been too disappointed for not being able to meet up with her friend again and I told her that I'll try to change her S&D class to that of the same as her friend's since her friend would be attending maths classes at the same centre...(now on waitlist on the change of time slot)

Kids these days are learning so much faster than us.  Renee's been playing with Papa's Iphone lately and she can even 'control' the features on my mobile better than me!  She's always liked to listen to the songs in my MP4 and not wanting her to fiddle with the player, I've only shown her how to move to the next song and I've never let her use it on her own.  Last night, I decided to let her have 'full control' of it and taught her how to switch it on and this morning, she's already discovered and using the features on my MP4, some of which I don't even know about, goodness...

Ok ok, back to the main topic, heee, after the usual pre-natal check-up at my gynae's yesterday, we took a cab('cos papa had thought it's gonna be a long wait, so he'd left us there to do some work), not back to home but to Hougang Mall - 'cos our dear girl didn't want to go home yet and I hadn't got my umbrella with me and thus, we couldn't cross over to Paragon/T.S.C(and it's hard to get a cab home from these 2 locations later at night).

Since we were there, we went to the shop where she'd left her pretty hairband behind 1-2 weeks ago but as expected, they didn't have it...   Then, at her request, we headed to the Popular bookstore 'cos she wanted to do some 'reading' at the children's section.  Although I've warned her that she's not supposed to do that as it's not a library but she wanted to try her luck, hahaha.  Indeed, after 2-3 books, we were told that no sitting on the floor to read is allowed but she still wanted to carry on reading the books, hahaha.  However, after another couple more books, she began fidgeting and even resorted to half squatting on the floor, hahaha.  I told her to get up 'cos it doesn't really matter how she lowered herself, they simply don't allow reading as it's a bookstore, not a library, hahaha.  In the end, I urged her again, to go try reading those Enid Blyton's books since she's reading those young readers' very fast(too short).  Finally, she agreed to try and after the 1st page, she said she likes it!  Aiyoh, if she'd listened to me earlier, she would have gotten the Enid Blyton's titles instead of those she's put on her X'mas list(which she finished reading all the 5 in-a-set within less than 1/2 hour!) and could have enjoyed longer reading now...

I had earlier requested her cousin Wayne gor gor to keep those Enid Blytons' books we've all gotten for him in the past(think I've told pc to keep too) and so, I didn't want to waste getting them for Renee yesterday but today, they confirmed that they've already given those books away...  Nevermind, I just have to try and get a few first, hopefully these couple of days(not too many as we'd be moving real soon) for her reading pleassure, :)

A Family X'mas Gathering

This year, we decided to have a small one at Li's and with past experience, our food preparation was alot lesser than previous years but yet, we still have some to tapao back, hahaha.

Unwrapping her gifts.  Though not as much as in quantity this year,

but they're all what she wanted, so it's quality over quantity.

The gifts unwrapped

Actually, now that I'm looking at the above pic, then I remembered!  Renee's actually wanted a bigger sized 'FurReal' doggy - one which we've saw earlier at a departmental store and which she could 'take to walks' but we've both forgotten about it.  She didn't even recall I think, when she spotted the miniature set and had added it to her list, lolz.  If only I had remembered about the doggy when Papa asked me what she had wanted... Nevermind, she could make do with the miniature set for now, :D.

Toy House!

Renee used to want to have a toyhouse(although very strongly though) after playing with her cousin's, but each time, after I've explained to her about it being 'jor deng'(taking up space) especially when she's got a kitchen set and so many toys, she seemed to drop the idea.  I had thought that she no longer wanted it, especially when she hadn't really displayed her keen-ness when we saw the sets at Compass Point last week.  She didn't even show that she wanted one when we were there with Li a few days ago, looking at the items in her X'mas gifts list.

This morning, as promised, we took her to breakfast at Mc's and whilst we were wrapping up her small 'gifts of appreciation'(which Renee's paid abt S$25 for) back home, Papa suddenly asked me what was it that Renee had wanted(probably 'cos he overheard ne talking about getting him a x'mas gift, :D) but I couldn't really recall any since most of what she wanted will be 'taken care of' by her aunts and cousins.

Out of ideas, I asked her directly and she replied that she couldn't think of any as well but shortly, she mentioned the beads set I've suggested to her earlier.  Then, when I said that it might be very abit troublesome to pack the beads up when we move and there's a smaller set by Barbie, she asked for my mobile to show Papa the pics I've taken, lolz.

Having gone out so early this morning, we were all very tired and so I took a nap after all the wrapping work's done.  Then, after lunch, Papa took a short nap and I took another, geez, hahaha.  Thereafter, we headed out again to get my item for the gift exchange.  Surprisingly, the mall hadn't seemed as crowded as last year.  Maybe it's because we were there rather late, around 4:30pm and it being situated around the neighbourhood, most might have gone back home for dinner/gatherings(many cars were exiting the carpark when we arrived).  That was however good for us as it meant that we need not have to squeeze with a big crowd, :).

At KP, Papa took Renee to the toys section whilst I go look for my stuffs but as I walked away, I heard him telling her something like "Or you want these? Think it's better than the beads set, less messy" and when I returned to where they were, I saw Papa choosing a set of ToyHouse and she's grinning with joy, lolz...

For her aunts

For her cousins

Her X'mas gift of ToyHouse

Another Meetup

As we might be busier next week, I decided to bring Renee to her maths school today and although Sharmaine has just returned from a short trip to Penang, she brought Shuen and Lyn down to meet us(also for let Shuen to go for the diagnostic test).  Shuen was signed up for the course right after the test and the teacher's explanation of the programme to Sharmaine and because of their current referral promo, we both got to pay 50% of the coming month's fee! :)

We went for donuts and shakes thereafter, thinking that the kids could entertain themselves while we catch up for that short while but they had felt restrictive at the cafe and we had to move on.  Not wanting to walk over to United Sq, we took the kids to watch the ice-skating performance which ended just on time for the daddies to come pick us, :).  However, with the sitting down for snacks and watching of the performance, the kiddos didn't get to play much and needless to say, Renee wasn't happy again, hahaha.  She cried, awww and Shuen has to hug her, hahaha.  Finally, aunty Sharmaine had to placate her by offering to come visit us once we've settled into our new home(if we really move to the mentioned location, which will be near to Shuen's kindy/pri sch) but after the nap on the way home, she woke up feeling grouchy again, haiz.

Back home, as she didn't get to have her favourite dinner, she was upset again.  It was then that I reprimanded her and the idea of of not being able to join in the family X'mas gathering as punishment should she continue with her nonsense behaviour finally calmed her down...

She's been going to bed and waking up late for the past 2 weeks and I hope this can be corrected by next week.  Meanwhile, I've promised to bring her out for an early breakfast tomorrow morning so that she could get her 'gifts of appreciation' and then, another trip down to the mall for me to find mine(I hvn't gotten the exchange gift!) later in the afternoon - another busy day tomorrow, heee.

New Wall Stickers

Seeing that the almost all of the carpark faclitiies near the Waterloo Street are full, we decided to park at the Iluma shopping mall, thinking that we could dine there later.  However, although we were new to this mall, there didn't seem much or anything interesting there, so we went over to Bugis instead.

Saw these wall stickers and as I'm not sure I'd be able to 'preserve' her current ones with proper 'storage' when we move, I thought getting this as spare would be a good idea.  Renee had aimed at 2 sets but unknown that it's re-usable(the salesgirl said it's not, haiz...), I only purchased only 1 set:

An Outing She Missed...

As Renee didn't get to fully enjoy her play-date yesterday and I needed to run some errands at Compass Point, I took her there this afternoon.

After the errands, we went over to BK for snacks and she looked so happy(like the time we both had gone to Bugis Junction & had our dinner ourselves whilst waiting for papa) that I couldn't help but asked her why.  She said that it's because she had missed such outings and was happy that we're doing it again, awwww...

When we passed by the Metro X'mas booth at the mall's lobby, there's this charity photo taking with 'Santa' and although it didn't seem like it's gonna be a very good shot, but for a good cause, I took her back to the station. 2 secondary school girls were tending to the booth and Renee even tried to play around with the jie jie whom tried to take her pic, hahaha.  Finally, she settled down and her pic's taken and framed :



An Old Play Date

As usual, it's the time of the year(school holidays) for a meet up with Shuen, Renee's ex GUG playmate.  Our plan was to meet up for the Sponge Bob show 1st and Renee's been looking forward to it but, she was disappointed when she saw that Shuen's friend had came along with her mom & sister as well.  Naturally, Shuen is closer to her classmate and thus, Renee felt kinda rejected although I told her it's a good idea to make new friends as well and the other girl seemed like a nice girl but she was still feeling upset.  Then suddenly, after our sit-down round of ice-cream, she began playing with them, lol.

Soon, it was time to go for Renee's class and Sharmaine suggested walking over with us as she's heard about the maths school and would also like to take a look.  However, midway, she met another group of friends at the ice-skating ring and stopped to chat.  As I didn't want Renee to start her class any later, I told her that we'd go up ourselves 1st.  In the end, without Renee, Shuen wanted to go back to United Square to watch the 'Diego' show with her friend, so Sharmaine text me that they'd try to arrange another meet up before the year ends.

Renee came out of the classroom, 10mins before her session ends and was disappointed again, that her friend had not come over, :).

This week's the maths school celebration week and the kids are given a goodie bag each.  Seeing new 'Winx Club' items in the showcase for the children's 'good job board' redemption, she went into the other room, searching for a 'Winx Club' goodie bag, lolz.  Unfortunately, the teachers were unable to get them, so she chose this, arghhh :

Her X'mas present from Shuen

Good Job Board Gift

Besides hving the 'progressing' test on Thursday, Renee also got to exchange her completed 'good job board' at her maths school.

She's been aiming at the 'Barbie' stationary set for a while now but when she finally got to redeem it, she chose the notebook with the reflective 'Winnie Pooh & Friends'  'Disney Princesses' cover instead!  I was surprised and asked if she's really sure about it especially when she's already got so many notebooks at home(I've still got 2 new spare ones at home for her, one of which is also Winnie Pooh's) and she said yes.  So, I told her to take another look at the showcase and rethink her decision before she regrets it as she'd have to wait for the new 'good job board' to be completed.

After a brief hesitation and my prompting, she finally decided that she'd like to have the 'Barbie' set and fortunately, she's not damaged the plastic cover of the notebook when she'd first opened it up excitedly(it was still in perfect condition), so we exchanged it...

When I asked her later that evening why she's chosen the notebook when she's really wanted the stationary set, she replied "because I thought you won't like it..." Awwww.... she ar, really melts my heart(even more of daddy's, lolz.  hopefully she'd stay this sensible all the way, lolz).

To the New Mall

After her maths lesson, whilst waiting for papa to pick us up, I took Renee to Guardian at the other side of the mall to look for the item she'd wanted.  Along the way, when she caught sight of some performing ice-skaters at the ring(where we'd earlier seen children whom were allowed to enter with a certain amt of spending at the mall and 'snow' emitting from a machine above), she'd insisted on watching.  As I've failed to find the item at the pharmacy, I let her watched the skating performance and she was so engrossed that when it's time to go, she didn't want to...

Without any idea where we should head to for our dinner(not wanting to accede to Renee's request to go to Tony Roma's, lolz), papa suggested going to the newly opened mall - The Nex.

There're soooo many eateries and restaurants at this mall and yet they're nearly all filled up with customers.  Good thing we've gotten there earlier, phew...

Remembering the very 1st time I was introduced to Wendy's shrimp burger by Elsie(woah, that was like >20yrs ago?), I've always wanted to go try it again when I 1st learnt of the re-launching of its branches here but never had the chance to.  So, when I saw that there's a branch at Nex today, I was very happy..... til I saw the que!(whilst we were driving to the multi storey carpark nearby).  Geez, sooo long, haiz...  So, we ended up at Macdonald's which is also not too bad since my used-to-be favourite samurai burger is back! heee(even bought another 1 home for supper when we were gg back - hvnt eat it yet, hope wl be as nice).

When we've first arrived at the mall, Renee saw the Winnie Pooh & Friends' X'mas decoration outside and wanted me to take photos of her with it but papa said to do it after dinner as the lightings would look better when it's darker.  Fortunately, there hadn't been alot of people taking pics tonight so we managed to get a few nice shots of her with the decor, :).

As for her maths lessons, I was told last week that Renee would soon be tested again for the advancement to the next level but I didn't know that it's going to be today.  She passed it and is now into level 4...

The Prep Talk (abt her Fears)

Last night, before Renee's aunts, Elsie and Li left our home, aunty Li requested for Renee to play the violin.  As usual, she rejected but fearing that they'd be leaving right away, she finally relented.  She chose to play the Minuet II as she's just picked-up on how to sway a little to the tune like how the students of Nafa had done during the concert and she wanted to try it out(although she's only tried it once and had fumbled a little whilst she played but to me, it's 'well done' on the willing to try part).  Then, as Li likes the variation tune of the Long Long Ago(suzuki bk II) she's played some time ago, she requested for the piece but instead, Renee wanted to do 'The Two Grenadiers' which she's just learnt...  And because she didn't play the requested tune, aunty Li teased about going back if she doesn't play the piece and that really got to Renee.  Reminded by Elsie, we've indeed indicated to her that the next one would be the last but we've asked her to do yet another piece - so, in a way, it's our 'fault'(esp. knowing that she's so unwilling to play infront of people).  Obviously, she wasn't happy and started to fuss.  Papa was angry with this and began to chide her.

When her aunts had left and papa getting ready to bed, I decided to talk to her about this.  I've been telling her about the importance of being able to perform infront of others, especially when she wants to join the elite team of Nafa.  She had expressed understanding in this area when we decided to let her go for the audition but it seems like the actual fact of having to do it still hasn't quite really registered yet.  Perhaps, it's like what she said "I havn't started with Nafa yet" but knowing her, I think I need to prep her about it seriously.

Our 'talk' lasted more than an hour, til 12:10am!(with the last 20mins with her explaining her point of view in understanding the need, hahaha) and although it had appeared that she might be ready afterall but knowing her... I'm keeping an open mind about it.  I've 'warned' her that during our forth-coming family gatherings, there might be a good chance that her aunts/our friends might request that she play the violin again and she's not to throw away those opportunities(I classified them to her as chances to help eliminate her fear), just do whatever she could.  She agreed and said she'd try.  We'll see....

*guess what, she's enjoyed our 'talk' so much that she asked me to continue with it tomorrow, hahahahaha.

Hair Trip

Finally, we(Renee & I) went down to my niece's salon for my long overdue hair cut.

I had 'saved' up the length of my hair for the whole year this time as I'd planned to go for the big curls perm the next coming CNY but now that I'm pregnant, there goes my plan, hahaha.

Didn't realise that I've actually got >5inches of length chopped off today til I gave it a brief measurement, aiyoh... so sim tia, hahaha, but better now then when it's even longer in a couple months' time right?(self-comforting, haha). Now my hair is just, shoulder-lengthed.

Last week, I hadn't been sure as to when I'd be going for the haircut and thus, I had trimmed Renee's fringe - should have left it til today, heee. Anyway, still got Louise to trim it abit shorter for her today plus tidying up the ends alittle - didn't get to trim much as she was already complaining that it's become shorter, hahaha.

Now Renee's very happy 'cos I told her "now mommy's hair is much shorter than yours" and she went "is it?", looked looked compared compared, then said "oh ya" and grinned happily away, lolz.

*Oh ya, as indicated by Nafa, I've informed her current teacher that we'd have to stop taking lessons with her from now(so I guessed ne'd just have to practice on whatever she's learnt so far til Nafa's course starts next year)... Hopefully Ne can cope with the stress and we don't have to 'revert', else troublesome...

The Nafa Young Talents Concert

Urged by Nafa, to give the children an idea of how Nafa students perform, we bought tickets to their Young Talents Concert today.

Renee's rather excited about it and at 5pm, she told papa to hurry get dressed, lolz.

After a quick dinner at Marina Square, we arrived at Nafa's Lee Foundation Theatre right on the dot at 7:30pm and as the concert has not begun yet, we were allowed a quick run to the toilet, heee.

Indeed, their students play/perform really well and this add on stress on my part!

In the middle of the concert, Renee asked if Shalynn jie jie(her idol/inspiration now, since the time she's read about her in the newspaper) would be playing. Looking at the wrong page of the leaflet(pianists, for the day before), I told her no and she was disappointed.  However, after the 1st hour break, I noticed the girl's name and told happy Renee that she'd get to watch her play afterall.

At the end of the concert, Renee even met Shalynn jie jie in person when we were leaving and happily shaked jiejie's hand, hahaha(does it symbolised fate? lolz). A pity, I should have asked for them to take a photo together...

The minute we got home, Renee quickly went in search of something... Asked her what she was looking for but she just couldn't name it. Then finally, she said she's looking for the newspaper cut-out on the article about Shalynn's achievement(ABRSM grade 8 at age 10, Nafa's top violinist and top in NY pri in Sci & Bilingual language.  Actually Nafa even hv students graded diploma lvl at such young age.... Very impressive, I hope my girl will really learn something from them) and began to read it, again...haha.. This is dunno the no. what-th time she's reading the article already, hahaha.

It seems like some 'known' people were also present at this concert as Papa has spotted a Minister(supporting his daughter we assumed) and local TV artiste, Zoe Tay(supporting another performer).

Orientation at Nafa

I had woken up early this morning, due to hunger. Renee had followed suit when I came out of the room to make breakfast, why? She's excited about the bbq/swim tonight, lol.

After our breakfast and tv programme, I urged Renee to join me for a nap but she wouldn't...

A quick lunch at home and we rushed over to Nafa for the orientation. We were early today and the prep-class students were still having their internal examinations when we arrived. When the principal presented, she again, stressed to parents(of new and existing students) that Nafa's lessons are not to be taken casually and we're not to compare them to the 'outside commercial schools) - they strived for excellency(stress...). However, we as parents are not to be overly kiasu...(errrm, with such a speech, wouldn't most be? hahaha) and we're not to engage any 'outside' teacher as 'extra help' as it'd confuse the child with different methods of teachings/curriculum.

Besides stating the obvious - their standard of expectations and requirements of their students, from the other pointers the principal has raised, it appeared that it is indeed pretty stressful to learn there, so I'm bearing in mind to monitor the situation(afterall, with the arrival of the baby, I'm not sure how much time I could devote to coaching Renee at home, plus I'd be expected to continue sit-in the practical classes).

It was when they started to segregate the piano and violin students that I realised that there were more pianists than violinists and most of the students joining Renee at Gr 1 are existing students promoted from their prep-classes. New intakes are very few, I think there are only 3 new students, including Renee, for the grade 1 level. We had to stay back for the theory class prep-talk(which starts only from grade 1) and when we went to join the other violinists at another level to arrange for our class schedule, things became abit confusing. Due to the space/room constraint as there are several internal and the ABRSM examinations going-on on the same day, we were made to change room a couple of times and lastly, joining the que(which was unnecessary at all for grade 1 or abv students) for nothing... Fortunately, 1 of the teachers came out of the room to hush the crowd and when familiarity striked the moment she caught sight of Renee & I, told us that we need not join the que at all, alamak! Then she gave me her name card so that I could contact her in private to arrange for our class schedule, phew... The que was actually for the new preparatory class students - the teachers were helping the young children to measure/gauge which size of a violin to acquire.

It was already 4pm by the time we got back and thus, I had to quickly pack up some of Renee's stuffs and head down to my BIL's for the BBQ/gathering - something which Renee had been most looking forward to, lolz... However, she didn't get to enjoy the water play for as long as she'd expected/wanted 'cos it soon started to rain, hahaha. But after shower/dinner, she had great fun with her cousins, especially Yu jie jie and in order to prolong her joy, she was even willing to stay over for the night! Of cos we wouldn't let her, heee. It's also not a very good idea for kids to get used to 'sleep-over' at friends'(although this is her cousin's we're talking about).

Nevertheless, it had been a rather joyful day for Renee and although we had came home late and she had only gone to bed at 11pm, she had fell asleep instantly(when she's had naps in between the road trips), :).

Nafa Violin

Yes, Renee's been accepted to the Nafa's Gifted Young Violinists Course!

We've just received the letter of notification today and finally, my heart felt like it's dropped a stone, lolz.

Renee's gone for the audition on Sunday morning and just before her turn, she had butterflies in her tummy and needed to go to the toilet, lolz. We were given only about 3 weeks(from the registration) to prepare for the audition(in addition to the usual practices for the new pieces she's still learning with the current teacher) and thus, she wasn't as well prep-ed as the time she'd gone for her ABRSM exam, so we were quite anxious with the 'result', espcially when we've been forewarned that as they're not a leisure training school, their expectation would be much higher.

True enough, Renee's selected for their G1 although she's already done the grade 1 exam. However, it doesn't really matter to me which level she's going to start with them as long as they could draw out the best in her and give her the much needed performing platform/exposures. Theory lessons are also included as part of the programme(hope she could grasp the teachings...).

For 20 practical(45mins) and 20 theory(60mins, in group) lessons, we'd be required to pay the fees of >S$2000(just found out that their violin and cello courses are more expensive than their piano & chinese instrument courses), so I really hope that she'd be able to take the pressure and learn something there. In any case, we shall monitor the situation...

Oh dear, now I have to 'put' her back to Lorna's speech & drama class(as promised by her papa). Hopefully there's still vacancy!

Artwork Display

During one of those days when I needed to take a rest, she'd normally stay with me for a while and then move on to the other room to do her reading/writing/craftwork when I've fallen asleep. This is one I like(she actually coloured all the paper before cutting them into shape) :

Artwork Display(Nafa Arts - 2nd Semester)

2 weeks ago, Renee came home with her work for the 2nd semester of her arts lesson with Nafa and here're them :

*The Singing Tree(the green one)

*Under One Roof

*My Tree

YOG

(Ne chose to draw 'golfing' and I teased her "why would a girl wear a crown to golf?

She said "becos she's a princess...")

*If Dodo Come Alive(not sure what this was done on, ermmm, rice paper?... I dunno...heee)

My Lantern(the children brought this work back on same day for the mid-autumn festival celebration) but Renee's not satisfied with her 'creation', hahaha

*Giant Panda

*The Story : "Five Little Friends"

This is her 'monster', hahaha. She had wanted to do-up more 'legs' but later decided against it - lazy, lolz.

This is what the 'monster' has captured(folded in e monster's pocket')

*My Dream City(a 2-fold work on different type of materials)

Today's the last day and this is the art/craft work :

Christmas Ornament

Those artwork marked * are those of Renee's that were being put up together with the other children's, at the Nafa's Children's Day Art Fair. I only realised when I spotted these pasted at the back of her artworks - a pity I wasn't feeling well enough to stay with her at the school, so she didn't get to participate in the rest of the craft/art lessons specially extended on that day:

To view 1st trimester artworks : http://thetohfamily.blogspot.com/2010/07/artwork-display.html.

Although the works can't be fantastically masterpiece-classified but the children were given the opportunity to do their work free-hand(not the 'copy what the teacher did on board' style, which I like) and I appreciate the fact that at times, a story would be narrated before the children began their work and that the children had a chance to work on different types of mediums/materials(they could use multiple mediums in just one single artwork), something which most kids are not given the opportunity to explore at home(speaking esp. for myself, hahaha). Most importantly, we can see that the children had enjoyed the lessons, :).

*I still find that Renee draws better on her own...heee

S&D Assessment

There will usually be a sharing session on the last day of each term but this term's presented today. Thereafter, we were given the assessment report on our child and this is Renee's :

The Note

One night, some weeks ago, I was rather upset with Renee's 'misbehaviour'(the boredom must have really gotten to her) and I refused to speak to her. Then immediately, I saw her walking quietly to the study room and instead of pouting in there, she came out shortly and handed me this note with a sad look in her eyes(which gave me a good chance to correct her spelling, lolz). Still feeling rather emotional at that time, I couldn't control my tears... She's a 'strong' girl who held high pride and probably fearful of being 'rejected' again, she had not wanted to apologise to me upfront but chose this way of relaying her sincerity instead and this was what had touched me at that moment - her sensibility to understand the need that I should be feeling happy during this period and most importantly, that she was wrong... Awww, how can one not love such a girl... :***)

Our Family

Thanks for the concern many had shown me during those times when I had felt 'uncomfortable'. For known reasons, I had been unable to reveal the actual reason why I had been feeling ill but apart from my family members, most whom are close to me had more or less made a correct guess and for the benefit of those who still do not know... Renee's going to have a sibling! :)

This pregnancy's detected very early(I even told hubby to buy another 'more known brand''s home test kit to test again, lolz) and the symptoms set in immediately and for the 1st week following my home-test, I had been resting and resting and although Renee had suspected that I'm hving a baby(she said "cos aunty Cindy was also like that the last time", hahaha), but, to prevent her from spilling the beans, we had to tell her that I was just feeling unwell, as much as we'd like to share the joy with her(since she's been longing for a sibling).  Not being told the truth, her patience soon began to wear thin... However, this wonderful secret cannot be contained for long from her and when we brought her along to the 2nd prenatal check-up at the gynae's, she couldn't stop grinning and clapped so loudly when she 1st heard the baby's heartbeat over the ultra-sound scanning machine, lolz. She was sooooo excited and kept saying "you're going to have a baby, you're going to have a baby...!" very loudly whilst we were waiting at the clinic's lobby, :D.

Thereafter, though we've instructed her not to leak out the secret when she's at grandma's, we were prepared that she wouldn't be able to contain her joy and true enough, the very next Saturday she was there, she revealed it to my sisters whom luckily, had already knew/guessed so, :).

The symptoms of this pregnancy are really much stronger and for the 1st 2 1/2months(after my pregnancy's confirmed), I had been literally resting on bed most of the time and what made it worse was that I was also feeling rather weepy, lolz and I tear-ed almost every night whilst watching Renee sleeping, feeling guilty for not being able to give more care/time to her, even though she has not made a single complaint at all...

The 1st thing I checked with my gynae was - if it's due to my age that I'm feeling so terrible but he re-assured me time and again that it's not and in fact, many younger women(in their early 20s) are the ones who felt such strong symptoms. He added that it is actually good news although the concerned mother-to-be would be 'suffering' as it meant that the pregnancy's strong(so, for those whom are also expecting and are experiencing the same, don't be alarmed, just take good care of yourself , try to rest/eat and take your pre-natal supplements).

Apart from the constant discomfort and vomitting, I only lost abit of weight on the 1st week and already, that got me worrying but once I was given the medication to help curb(not of tremendous help but it still did control abit) the vomitting, I had been able to gain weight steadily - although my weight prior to this pregnancy was already 'big' to begin with but I don't think this should be the main concern especially when we're pregnant and want the baby to grow healthily.

As I hvn't been able to send and pick Renee up from most of her classes(papa's the one who's been rushing here and there during this period), I have not taken up the long waited slot with Berries for her Chinese lessons, :( and we're now beginning to re-consider putting her back to a school next year(ne's requested to go to a childcare, oh man!) but that, for now, still can't be the 1st thing on my list as some of you had already known, we would be relocating, as to where, we've yet to finalise!(that's why I'm unable to work on this matter...), and in the meantime, I'll try to provide updates whenever I can... :)

A Night Away From Home

Yesterday, papa asked me last minute around noon if we'd like to go for a night stay at the Marina Bay Sands hotel. His client must have been rather sick of his free stays that he offered tonight's to papa. Well, since it's free and knowing that Renee's gonna be thrilled to the bits, I agreed immediately even though I havn't been feeling well.

However, not long later, I began to ponder if it's really gonna be worthwhile packing up for the night when we could only get to the room after Renee's S&D and Maths classes which will end at 6:30pm. Nevertheless, we decided to just go ahead with it...

At before 3pm, papa phoned and told me to bring Renee down to United Square on my own as he couldn't make it back home and he'll pick our 'luggage' up before picking us up in the evening.

Needless to say, Renee was overjoyed with the news! Then, she started telling me that she's feeling tired and would want to just go for her S&D class. Arhhh, I knew what she's up to! hahaha, she's so excited and wanted to skip her Maths class so that she could get to the hotel asap!(good thing we didn't skip as she was tested and passed to go up to the next level yesterday) :D

On our way to the maths class, I reminded Renee not to day-dream or kaypoh around(looking at her friends in the class) so that she could finish her work in class faster, if she wants to get to the hotel earlier. And she did! haha, including the school work and the tests she was given, she came out of the room at close to 6:25pm, haha. Unfortunately, papa's still stucked in Jurong with work and we had to walk around the mall - which didn't take long 'cos she was hungry and I had to stop at the foodcourt for her eat 1 of my pies, :).

Whilst dining at Tony Roma's, Renee even wanted to skip the rest of the meal(she will usually have some of the ribs and the baked potato) after her favourite french loaf starter as it was getting late and she was sooo afraid that she wouldn't have enough time to enjoy the room, :).

*I've forgotten to charge up the battery of my camera and thus, these were taken with papa's Iphone(not much though but the videos of Renee at the pool were a joy to look at - well, to us, lolz)

The hotel room we stayed in has a spectacular view. We had planned to go up to the skytower after watching the news but by then, it was closed! So we decided to wake up early today and went up there for a swim(well, papa & Renee, heee) after our breakfast.

This morning, with Renee's choice of breakfast, we took a cab over to Marina Sq but surprisingly at 7:50am, the Mcdonald's was still not opened! So left with no choice, we decided to just have our breakfast at 'Qi Ji', instead of wasting more time to look for another Mc outlet.

Back at the hotel, Renee couldn't wait to change into her swimsuit(she had wanted to wear the suit out actually, hahaha) and her 'fear of water' soon dissipated when Papa slowly drew her into the water at the adult pool. She had such great fun and even agreed for us to sign her up for swimming lessons, ha!

After >an hour at the pool, I was beginning to feel tired but with obvious reasons, Renee wouldn't hear of going back to the room and even urged me to go back on my own(when she hadn't allowed me to do so earlier). But as we weren't allowed a later than 12pm check-out(their usual is 11am), we headed back shortly after her last few 'laps'/rounds with papa - which she 'swam' back on her own(with the help of arm floats of cos and the wrong way of legs peddling haha but still, a good start :>).

With the lack of sleep and being tired from the 'swim', she immediately fell asleep in the car on our way home, but as the short nap wasn't enough and she didn't resume her sleep when we got home, she threw tanthrums during her '1st' violin lesson(we'd have to pay more for her lessons now as it'd have to be home lessons), after a break of about 2 months, haiz... However, despite hving not played the violin for a while now, she was still able to play rather smoothly, which was a relief to me, :).

Again, the teacher brought up the topic of the grading exams but unable to commit myself fully to the coaching of her in this area during this period, I told her that we'd like to take a break from the exams for the time-being.

Not long after her violin lesson, she was soon ferried to her arts class - oh boy, it's really been eventful for Renee! :).

Sorry for the non-updates for so long, shall try to do so when time permits/as soon as I can....

Thanks all, for the patience...

Home Camping

This just revives our childhood memories huh? :)...

Artwork Display

It's been quite a while since she's been dabbling with paintwork at home, :)

My fav pc. She'd actually ran out of ideas of what to do with it when I told her to do something 'under the sea' 'cos she was tooo tired from the lack of sleep that day. So I told her to just paint the whole piece with blue paint and then paste the stickers and foam sea creatures on it and voila!

Copy Writer?

Renee did this long time ago - she's 'copied' the contents from a 'Cheers' receipt, hahaha

Last Day of Preschool

Finally, it's been a month since we've handed in our notice of withdrawal to Kinderland Serangoon.

Mixed feelings for both myself and Renee on the withdrawal. I wouldn't mind to let her continue 'wasting time' at school, as she could have some playtime with her friends but the need to review her learning routine appears to be more important especially when she came home requesting to learn how to read even after a good 1/2 year at K1. Anyway, how many of us still contact our friends from our Kindergarten year(s)?...

When papa suggested pulling her out of the Kindy(since she's not learning much academically there) and before I could check her opinion on this, she asked me to change school for her! This apparently showed that she has no objection to the withdrawal. One of her reasons could be due to the withdrawal of most of her newly found close friends(due to the fees hike to ~S$1,300 - not worth it esp when some teachers are heard speaking 'leh, la, lor' & calling out to the students 'hello, this & that' in an aunty way... Her teacher couldn't even pronouce her name! and even refused to correct herself when I've told ne to try and explain the correct pronounciation, just once, in order not to aggitate her...) at the beginning of the current term, I think she kinda felt lonely...

Actually, I've asked the school many times since she's joined them at Pre-N, if they'd consider changing the morning session to a later time, say 9am and though they replied that they've considered that before but there has been no decision to change at all even though this branch only runs on 2 sessions. 8am, to me(I've also checked with few other mommy friends and they all agreed) is too early for preschoolers and although I'm not one who's against waking up early to send the kid to school in the morning, but if a 5yo has to sleep by 8-8:30pm, wake up at 7am, rushed through a cup of milk and bread to get to school on time and still has to attend enrichment classes outside school, then we feel, that it's really time for the parents to review...

Upon much considerations, we embarked on this decision which we hope works best for our darling girl as it would give her more free time to play/relax at home.

Meantime, the only enrichment classes I've signed her up so far in replacement of her Kindy learning are 'Phonics & Reading', 'Speech & Drama' and 'Maths'. Berries is still unable to give us a slot at the moment and I think we have, up til the end of this year before I have to seriously consider letting her join other chinese language school.

National Day - Mommy's Birthday!

I had half expected hubby to bring Renee out for breakfast and to perhaps get me a cake but no, I woke up to the voice of Renee asking papa to also make breakfast for mommy(heating up the leftover pizzas), but when I got outta room, there's none for me... So much for being the birthday queen, lolz... However, if this was not done in the morning, it's done in the afternoon, when he brought her out to get lunch(no, I didn't feel like cooking even Renee's - so I put back the fish I've taken out to thaw, heee).

As usual, Renee's the one who's most excited about my birthday but this year, due to my being busy trying to schedule her enrichment classes, I had forgotten about it and by the time I remembered and tried to book a hotel/restaurant, they're all fully booked, :( - Well, good also, save $ on the hotel stay, hahaha. But Renee's of cos disappointed 'cos she simply loves hotel stays, lolz, so we let her chose the restaurant for our dinner which I later regret, 'cos she chose Tony Roma's! Oh my, having accomodated her wishes so many times before, I'm now already rather sick of their food!, haiz...

They had both tried to look for a gift at Compass pt, where they bought the cake, but knowing that I've certain preference of stuffs, hubby daren't make his final purchase even though I've already known what he'd wanted to get me. So, in the end, we went in search of it before heading to the restuarant but before I could decide on which one, Renee fussed and complained that she's hungry - ya, she just couldn't wait to eat her favourite food.

After dinner, hubby wanted me to get the sunglasses first but I thought we should head over to watch the fireworks 'cos I've not made my decision yet and do not wish to hurry over it due to the need to rush over.

Walking out of the mall, outside some restaurants, we had thought to stay there for a view but some diners there had acted as if they had bought over the whole of the view there just because they're dining there(not an expensive restaurant hor) and that put us off and we decided to move to somewhere else. Good thing for us, we got a much better view because of that!

We headed back to the optical shop and although we've both kinda settled on a pair of Gucci's(same as the one hubby's bought me many yrs ago) but as I also like another by Emporio Armani, I decided to take the latter due to its price. I don't really wear sunglasses very often, only recently when I felt that I should really start to protect my eyes esp. whilst driving and so, I don't see the need to get such an expensive pair. Although the G's(e one I like cost almost S$500) on 30% discount, the EA's on 20+5% and the final price is still quite abit of difference and so, I told hubby that we should just get the latter since the style of sunglasses changes rather frequently according to trend.

Renee had not wanted to go home(hong sim) but the reminder that I've yet to cut my cake got her all excited about going home, lolz. She played the happy birthday song with the violin and papa made her sing it thereafter, :).

When I've learnt that they'v got this cake from the 'Icing Room', I was like 'oh no, their cakes don't taste good...' but luckily, their Tiramisu one doesn't taste that bad...

why wouldn't a pair of 'normal' sunglasses do? well, the level/degree of protection is different, thus, to avoid paying a high price for inferior quality, it is important that one gets these 'branded' ones from renowned shops too

This is the 2nd round, and influenced by the crowd, you can hear nene 'wow, wow, wow' with the rest, lolz