Trial on the Pre-schooler Music Exploration Course

Had wanted to change Renee in the school and head straight to the United Square but the weather was sooo hot that I decided to bring her home for a short rest first.

Daddy's appointment didn't materialise and I got him to go with us, so he can be my route guide on standby(and at the same time, evaluate the class for himself), heee.

Went for the trial lesson with confidence that Renee would like it but it turned out that although she did, she wasn't as enthusiastic and we, the parents were the ones who were utterly disappointed. With only one instructress, a class of 12 - max 15 as per the instructress(but their web says class size of 10?) is definitely not manageable, though she's got the helpers of the more active ones to sit in.

Renee, along with only a couple of other girls, were ready for instructions and were able to sit down quietly when required but the rest were just walking around, making noises, crying, etc etc(even Renee turned back to tell us "too many friends already..."). The instructress even 'marked' their 'homework' during the session - we don't feel that this is appropriate, both for the quality of the lesson and attention to the work done by the children even though the workbook is to be brought back on the same day. This and the distraction of the other children had wasted alot of time in the class and I think only 20mins were spent in 'actual lesson' and this 20mins of trial had cost us S$53.50(oh ya, petrol and carpark fees leh?)!

The whole session just seemed too chaotic for the money's worth and to daddy, it was a total "a waste of time..."

Not willing to give up on them totally, I told daddy we could check if there were any classes for slightly older kids but unfortunately, they only have the group piano or violin classes. Good thing they have one at 7:15pm and I told daddy that I wanted to have a peek at the class and we went for our dinner.

With some time available still, we went to Kindergolf to check out their courses but daddy wasn't impressed with its facility and said he could do the job too(hahaha, ya, that's if he has the time). Anyway, no conclusion in this department, will just see how later, :).

At the group violin class, I met the instructress at the door and she sounded/looked like a Mexican? Anyway, she's pretty nice and when she went out, I took the opportunity to speak to the only mother and child in the class. She told me that the class used to be bigger, with a group size of 6-7 children(as what the staff hv informed me at the counter earlier) but the class now has only 2 students - her child and another girl, as the parents of the others had pulled their children out(sadly, without any refund) due to some changes of instructor and not-so-agreeable handling of the situation by the centre. The mommy told me that they didn't know how else to find another school so last minute and since this replacement instructress seems nice to the girls, they decided to stay on...

I sat in to watch for awhile and found the girls playing their violins so looovely..... Daddy & Renee joined-in later('cos theyhad gone to the toy shop) and Renee looked sooo mesmerised and didn't want to leave the class when we left, lolz.

What? More classes?

I woke up at 8:50am with a shock, as that's an indication that I'm late to fetch Eileen!

I quickly rushed to get myself cleaned up and text-ed Eileen that I'd be late but should reach by 9:30am. I managed to get there at 9:20am and by luck, I even managed to get the newspaper for daddy! lolz.

I had missed the teacher's calls last evening(as I was driving then) and this morning, she rang again just as I had finished dialing the school's number, :).

She sounded nice and at one point, she drifted off briefly, to a personal note and revealed that she has a girl whom's left-handed and loved to play the violin. But being a piano person herself(quoted by her), she told her daughter that she could only learn violin after she's mastered her piano, hahaha. She added that it is the talented ones that could learn 2 instruments, but I'm not sure if she meant 2 at a time? Anwyay, she's commented that it is good for us to be able to expose our children to the art of music if we can, something which I couldn't agree more.

I remembered when I first talked to daddy about this class and that I've also hoped to find a children's art school there, where Renee could have some fun doing some arts & crafts(but I may give the latter up if music proved to be engaging/interesting enough for her), he had exclaimed : "what? so many classes? she's only 3 1/2 and she's only got 24 hours a day!" OH halo! these classes are all fun and enjoyable classes for her and they're just once a week, ok. It's not like I'm going to enrol her in any academic enrichment classes, so what's the fuss? He's also wanted her to learn/play golf wat, geez... Well, now that he finally understood my 'plans again' and saw the fun side of it, he said to go ahead, aiyoh!

The said course has already started and although both the school and teacher are ok to take our Renee in mid-way, we'd have to start by next Friday. But even on a pro-rated basis for the current 'first' month of the term, it still works out to a good S$42.80 per lesson for the next 2 months(due to Mandeville's school holidays), very expensive huh?...

Ok, here's something on the lighter note - a pic of Renee asking to eat ribs and her soup when her tummy's already this full hahaha :

Princess is still the priority...

Wanted to take a quick nap after sending Renee to school but daddy's client's wife called his mobile and asked for me. She invited me to tea but I had already made plans to meet Vicky for the day. When daddy learnt of this, he immediately told me to go fetch her... Halo? I've got to meet up with Vicky and I'm still not well-versed with the island's directions yet, haiz.

Luckily he hadn't insist and went to meet them himself, ;).

After the 2 Saturdays break from going to my mom's, I thought to give it a shot and told Vicky that I'll go get her after picking Renee up. However, she turned up with her parents at Punggol when I've just arrived at Renee's school. Therefore, we got home earlier than planned and we managed to try a couple of styles and so now, I'd have to find time to go accessories shopping with her, :).

Vicky's 'dowry day' falls on this coming Sunday(which she's also invited us to attend) and with her off-days on Monday and Tuesday, she has requested for me to run some errands with her on Monday, to finalise things/accessories/flowers up. I would love very much to help her but I would need to take care of my Renee's schedule and see if daddy could help pick her up from school and to look after her thereafter...

After our dinner, we took a walk briefly around to see if there's anything suitable for her use on her Wedding and it's already past 8:30pm by the time we're done, so Vicky took a cab home instead. Daddy's car appeared on my rear view mirror just as I was parking mine lolz... Told him about Vicky's request and although he's ok tentatively, I think I had better confirm again with him & her, closer to that day. Meanwhile, the client's wife had requsted for my company tomorrow, for some shopping and daddy suggestd sending me over and we later move around in cab. Well, despite having to wake up earlier tomorrow 'cos it's marketing day, I'm ok to do that but the only 'trouble' would be that if I were to bring Renee along, whom shall I look after?...

Made a last minute appointment last night and went for my pedicure this morning. The girl, Pearlyn called me when we were on the way to Renee's school and I told her to 'speak quickly'... Felt abit paiseh for sounding abrupt but when I got to the salon, she asked if I was driving when she phoned and I told her "ya, sorry" hahaha. She remembered my rhinestones/crystals and was surprised that I didn't bring them today(add them on myself at home later). Later I re-confirmed with her on the charges and I told her/myself that I'll stick to having her for the job in the future(if she's still there, that is...).

Finally going to meet up with bride-to-be, Vicky tomorrow and we're going to try a new hairdo and see if she'd like it for her Wedding day.

I had earlier asked if daddy could be home to look after Renee and I go dine out with Vicky as it's been awhile since we get to do that and it'll be a nice break for me as well. He said ok initially and had arranged to meet his client for lunch instead. However, as time passes by, I guess it might have dawned onto him that taking care of her means showering, cooking(just putting the food into steamer btw, as I'd hv to prepare the ingredients) and feeding her, that he started showing signs of 'backing out' whilst I was cleaning the study/activity room...

By the time I re-confirmed daddy's availability, I've already made dinner plans with Vicky and she, had also cancelled her meetup with her fiance. But, just as I've expected, he said the most I'd just have to bring Renee along. Oh man, how to? I would have to do the hair trial, shower her, prepare her meal if I were to bring her along and all the chores would also mean that I will have to cut down the time available for me to discuss Vicky's wedding plans/schedule. Haiz, no point complaining, I guess I better try figure out a solution on how to make the best of everything, haiz...

Happy Deepavali

Decided last minute to go to Sentosa and I rushed with the preparation of Renee's meals.

We were about to leave when Renee kept asking for her new pair of shoes(of which we declined as it'll be such a miss-matched to the clothes she's wearing haha) and by the time daddy and I finished our lunch at kovan, it was almost 3pm and about to rain. We were contemplating if to proceed with our plans but Renee had heard us mentioning about the 'sand' earlier and so had insisted of going there. With her insistence, we have no choice but to take the risk. Fortunately, although it still rained, it was after Renee's got a chance to walk on the beach for awhile. It was such a waste of entrance fee - just for spending that less than 1/2 hour at the beach. Vivo City was too packed, so we headed to Orchard but with nothing on mind to buy, we went for dinner whilst Renee slept on the stroller :)

As usual, Renee woke when daddy carried her to the car seat and pouted as she was upset that we were already going home hahaha. But good thing is after her dinner, daddy played a 'new game' with her and her laughter filled our home again :D

Artwork Display

Think it's about time for some photos and/or entertainment(I know Li will surely say, "ya lah" but *phew*, she's now holidaying in Shanghai, heee):

Just when we were about to complain about the creativity of the teacher(s), there my girl gets a hand-made windmill from them last Friday, hahaha :

Caught her coming out of the toilet(in group) on the day I had my camera on standby for the pyjamas activity. I tried to hide from her but she still caught sight of me heee:

Recently, she simply loooves to build/'create' things with these ermmm, not sure what its exact description but I named them 'building sticks'(so as to differentiate them from the building blocks) and yesterday, whilst Peixiang was talking to me, she suddenly came to me and said : "mommy, 'E...'" and I thought she was trying to count in mandarin, so I replied : "Er..." to continue for her. Then she said : "no, mommy, it's 'E' and "F', look" and upon looking at her 'creation', then I realised I've mistaken, hahaha:

Fever...

Renee's body felt kinda 'warm' when we carried her and when I took her temperature just now, 38 degrees indicated. Quickly, I tried to recall if we've given her any heaty food or have I allowed her to catch a cold from the wind, etc etc then it dawned on me that, it could be due to the recent chicken pox vaccination! Haiya, :P

This girl is now enjoying life - having her back 'rubbed/scratched' by her most obliging daddy, hahaha.

New shoes, finally? ^_^

Wanted to go to Mandeville music school today but didn't manage to, as daddy only came back at 3:45pm(both father and daughter only woke up when I wake them up at 5:20pm) and the lady, Louise will only be there til 5pm.

Instead, we went to Suntec, as suggested by daddy to have our dinner of ribs, yes again! hahaha, it seems like we go to Tony Romas every week, aiyoh!

A little walk at Marina Square and we end up with a pair of shoes for myself and another for Renee! It wasn't exactly what we wanted but it wasn't very ugly nor was it expensive(~S$20) and most importantly, Renee being at the 'princessy' age, loves it! So daddy : "ok ok, papa buy for you..."

Here's the pic of the shoes :

And this is what I've ordered(yes, again keke) from a recent online spree - the pink pair of 'cos :D:

Mandeville

Renee had asked about going to 'the music school' again but according to Karen(whom had kindly checked last week, on my behalf), Mandeville's October Pre-schooler exploration course has already commenced.

I phoned the school this morning and this time round, I was lucky to get a very nice and responsible lady(that she could pass off as the boss, haha) on the other end. She told me that since I've enquired earlier and are keen, she can try and give us a slot. She then checked with the instructress and reverted that she is also ok to take Renee in, but we would have to start her from next Friday's lesson.

Why we had almost missed this course was due to daddy's dilly dallying of going down to check the school out. And with the year-end long school holiday break coming, I would actually like Renee to have some other fun activity during that period, even if it's just once a week.

Joanne, one of Renee's cousins, whom had worked with Cristofori music school had earlier given me a recommendation of a few music schools, namely:

1) School of Violin Instruction

2) NAFA

3) Mandeville Music School

However, according to her, the first 2 would be very strict and since I do not wish for a formal coaching/lessons for Renee now, I decided to try No. 3 - since Karen's Emma is taking piano lessons there and my niece had also mentioned it.

Unsure if daddy would be caught in a jam on his way home tomorrow, I decided that we should go to Robinsons' today, to utilise the special 25% discount voucher they've sent us. This shopping trip was a very brief one and I think we only spent about 1/2 an hour there, as daddy had wanted to go home for his early rest. Luckily I managed to give the voucher a 'good use' with my dress and top(selection with the help of Renee hahaha), as it only allows a maximum of S$200 purchase with the special discount and my 2 items were almost there already, heee.

A day of 'co-incidence' - met an ex-colleague cum 'bride' of mine at the japanese restaurant and thereafter, Hugo, Renee's ex playmate from GUG, outside it! I should have remembered to get the contact from the mommy :)

Lost?!

Brought Renee to Kiddy Palace to collect the detergent they've reserved for me(I had actually thought there's no actual need for them to reserve any for me since when the new stock arrive, they'll usually have enough stock but luckily they did, 2 bottles of the big one even and at a discounted price! The rest are on normal pricing heee).

I was looking at the 'instructions' on some of the items but it was sooo difficult to get them registered as I have to watch out for Renee so many times and called out to her to stay by my side! This looking and calling out to her occurred I dunno how many times til I thought I had finally got her to stay put by my side and went on to read the labels. Then, when I'm done and about to make payment, she wasn't anywhere in sight! I was frantically looking around for her when I heard a child calling out 'mommy, mommy'. It was a fierce call and for one moment, I couldn't decipher if it's the voice of my child but nevertheless, I rushed towards its direction and there she was, walking to my direction, eyes searching... Boy, am I relieved! I could see that she was too and then, she rushed to me, hugged my leg and tear-ed...

This was super annoying, not to mention the worry/scare it has caused me. She walked away to the various departments, all by herself and then suddenly panicked when she realised that I wasn't with her. A few weeks ago, whilst packing the drawers, I found the wrist leash which I've got more than a year ago and now it seems like I should really start using it, should I?

More Holidays?

With the coming of a 'long weekend', I had earlier told daddy that we would be going with him to the club when he goes for his golf game this weekend. However, remembering only last night that PeiXiang will come on Saturday morning, it'll be super rush for me if we were to go for an overnight stay. It'll be pointless for us to go on Sunday morning with daddy, so the idea's being brushed aside now... If I had remembered this earlier, I could have asked him to try and arrange for a Saturday game instead, so we could have 2 full days to bring Renee out.(I was even going to forego our initial plan to go for the special Robinsons sales for the 'getaway')

School assembly has already begun by the time we arrived and Renee was just on time to catch a play the teachers and some older children had put up for the Deepavali festival. Another group of children from 1 of the nursery classes put up an indian dance(Rohan's mommy came late and was grumbing 'cos her girl had missed her participation in the dance, keke), sooo cute hahaha.

Back home, I received a pre-approved platinum card application from UOB with the benefit of special rates to Japan with hotel stay, on Japan Airlines. Daddy's very keen when I told him about it(esp. when I mentioned to him that Renee would surely love the Tokyo disneyland) and said that we could go there for Christmas then. Really? True? Sure? Hmmm, I better not pin my hopes up and go find out more in the meantime, surely there must be a 'catch' somewhere, when it comes to such good deals, lolz....

*Oh, Jen and Sharmaine had both, on different occasions, invited me to join them and their princesses to watch the Disney Princess Live Concert. I had wanted to bring Renee there myself and thought it'd be fun to join either of them(especially Sharmaine, 'cos I've not been able to make it to any of her 3 invitations liao! Besides, Renee would really looove to meet up with Wae Shuen). However, as we're not sure if there'd be any business trips that I may need to tag along, so I have no choice but to inform Sharmaine last evening to go ahead and book her tickets first so she and her girl won't miss it because of me...

Pyjamas activity missed!

When Eileen told me that I don't have to fetch her from Kovan market, I was very happy 'cos that means I don't have to rush to stay back in school for the pyjamas activity and a little more sleep would be good heee.

Ms Cathy told me that the activity will begin at 12:45pm, so I happily seated myself at one of the indoor benches outside the school and read my book. At around 12:20pm, I went in and saw a couple of other mommies chit-chatting there and joined them with my camera on standby. At 1pm, 1 mommy suggested going for a bite but I told her that I wanted to catch Renee in action during the activity(afterall, that's my main purpose). However, at 1:10pm, there's still no sign of it and I began to wonder if they might be postponing it again as some kids might not have their pyjamas today(due to the teacher's absence yesterday). The mommy then suggested to check with Ms Cathy again as to the exact time, but as she was conducting her class, I thought it'll not be nice to interrupt and just decided to go with the mommy instead.

Bringing the trash out this morning made me forgot to bring the box of milk bread along and I asked daddy if he could help bring it over if he's going out. Well, of cos, anything for his girl and he sent it to the school just before her class ends, hahaha.

I quickly asked Renee if she had put on her pyjamas in school today and she said Yes! Alamak, I had missed it after all!!! How frustrating and a complete waste of my effort plus the wait in school when I could have collected the foodstuffs from Eileen and handle them at home first before coming to pick her up, haiz...

Pyjamas party postponed...

I had prepared 3 slices of milk bread in the sandwich box(for Renee to take after school) so that I could stay in school and see if I could catch the 'pyjamas activity'. When I went back to pass Renee her jacket, I saw Zhou Laoshi and upon checking with her the timing on which the activity would begin, she told me that it might be postponed til tomorrow as Ms Cathy's absent today, aiyoh... I've even brought my camera(to standby) and a book along(to read if I have to wait), waste of time and my efforts.

Back home, I decided to do boil some barley water for her and whilst waiting for the laundry, quickly prepared her lunch, haiz...

Pyjamas party?

My instinct told me to look into the T-P communication book and there it is, a note requesting us to let our child(ren) bring their pyjamas or any sleepwear to school tomorrow. This is in line with the 'Day, Night and Weather' theme and they will be having the 'lullabies' activity in which the children will pretend they are in their bedrooms and will do the things they do before they go to sleep.

Hmmm, I'm really curious as to what Renee would do, perhaps I should stay back and watch! :D

Chicken Pox Vaccination

As advised by the PD, Renee's to go back for the review today(instead of the 1 mth break) as I didn't let her continue with the other medication(for clearing up the nasal allergy symptoms). I told the PD that I had not taken on the prescription the last visit as we don't wish for her to go on the medication unless it's really necessary. So, she went on another Q&A session with me on Renee's allergic nasal problem/symptoms and its occurence(past & current), then she checked on her lungs, ears and nose. She then re-affirmed that we need not start her on that medication right away, especially when the school holidays would begin soon(less exposure to 'germs'/illness). We shall monitor and see how the situation goes when she begins her Nursery level. Nevertheless, Zyrtec Allergy is still prescribed, along with some cough/phlegm syrup to clear up the remants that she has now.

Dr Tan remarked that Renee is one kid with her own set of mind and in fact, she's said that about her when she was still an infant! I had felt that most of today's kids are like this but she confidently said it's not and went on to elaborate/explain further which unfortunately, I didn't quite get them 'cos I was busy trying to distract Renee for her examinations! Haiz. However, I managed to catch the doctor's last sentence which was "but she sure is one"...

Remembering daddy's wish to let her go for the chicken pox *jab(after the recent news report on its importance and that many parents still have yet to bring their kid(s) for it), I asked if Renee's ok for the jab(due to her little bit of phlegmy cough now), she said yes and went ahead for its preparation. Got a nurse in to help hold her still, which later proved to be un-neccessary as all Renee did was exclaimed an "Ooouch" when the needle went in and drug administered. I can't help but laughed at her expression and reaction 'cos it was sooo funny. Even the PD was pleased/amazed at the 'easiness'. Best part was, she even turned back to look at the injection('cos I explained to her that she's about to have an injection as the doctor's trick of 'an ant's about to bite her' had confused her lolz) whilst it's being administered, lolz.

Dr Tan re-confirmed that there is still no need for a 2nd dose of this vaccination to be administered later, at least not here(unlike in the USA) and she's also not given it to any of her kids even though they've had theirs when they turned 1, and they're now 7 and 9 yrs old already(think so, I only remembered the 9 more vividly hahaha).

I had initially planned to let her have this vaccination over a weekend but the PD advised that the fever(if any), which is of a rare and low rate of 1% will only suffice 7-10days later and so, I decided to let her go ahead with it since we're at the clinic. This jab alone cost S$82 and with the rest(not sure if consultation's charged as today's a review), I paid S$158 today. Although the fees for the chicken pox jab is higher at the PD's but as the drug they're using(unlike the one at the GPs - the doctors from 2 different clinics told us the chicken pox vaccine drug is) is not cultivated in eggs, thus we prefer to let her have it there. Now I just hope that the fever will not suffice, *crossing fingers*.

*This jab is to be taken at age 1 yr old. Why we only let Renee have it now was because I had been quite indecisive about her having it, based on the chinese medicine theory. However, many have advised to having it and with daddy's suggestion , after the news, made me/us decided to just go for it...

Char Siew, no Char Siew...

Remembering that I've still got some ribs in my freezer and it'll be marketing day soon, I decided to boil soup for dinner today. And since I've got some extra brocolli this monring, I sms-ed daddy if he'll like me to get the char siew, honey glazed ribs, etc from the BBQ stall and he replied ok. Unfortunately, no char siew available today and I bought some ribs instead(which upon biting abit off the corner of a pc, reminded Renee that she actually likes to eat it hahaha) and a big 'drumstick/thigh'.

Daddy had misunderstood my text and it's a good thing that I've not started cooking the vegetables and eggs yet 'cos he sms-ed me at 5pm, saying that he's on his way home and buying char siew rice. I quickly phoned him but he didnt pick it up, so I sent him a sms. However, he's already bought them by the time I managed to get him on the mobile(which is just right after I've text him), so I just steam up the vegetables and keep the rest for my supper later and lunch tomorrow, hahaha.

Wrong Menu!

I've a feeling that I should re-check the school's menu and when I phoned the school up for re-confirmation, I realised that I've been looking at the wrong menu afterall!

I must have miscalculated the 'week of the term' due to her absence from school for the 2 weeks. It's no wonder Ms Cathy, the English teacher and mdm Sock Huay both checked out the menu when I told them I've brought Renee's food, the 2nd time for last week. Haiz, if only they had checked with/brought it up to me, that would surely have alerted me. Not sure if it's due to the food but her phelgm prob seems to be coming back. Then again, it might be due to her eating orange, grapes or maybe it's dust or whatever? Probably an add-up of 'everything'? Anyway, I called the PD up just now and she said that I've to bring Renee back earlier for the follow-up since I did not let her follow the medication through. So, I'm to bring her over tomorrow after school...

Don't know why gogginess this morning, perhaps it's because I've slept late last night. So, although I managed to change the colour of the blusher I've bought from Plaza Sin last evening, I forgot to pick up the detergent that the store has reserved for me. I think I must really try to stick to my resolution to sleep early liao..

Ribbon, ribbon, are you right for my dress? :D

PeiXiang must have thought that I was requesting for her to come later when I asked last evening, the timing she would be here, that she came at 10am today :D

The minute I opened the door for her, she said "let you sleep longer" hahaha.

Feeling lazy, we had thought to just go to Hougang Mall or Compass Point for dinner but I remembered that I needed to get some ribbon/lace to 'cover' up the front of one of my dresses, so I told daddy to go to Plaza Singapura. However, the ribbon that I've got is too thick in width so I might have to buy another again, haiz...

As usual, the restaurant that we dined in was really 'children friendly' and Renee was given a party pack, a Minnie Mouse mask, a pink colour balloon and was later asked to choose a hairclip(which she didn't since she doesn't fancy any of them - she was probably comparing them to those on the web that I've just shown her this morning, haha), hahaha.

When we got home, the 'marks' on Renee's big toes(left by her socks) told me that we seriously needed to get her a new pair of the shoes asap. Although she was smart enough to put on the thinner pair of socks(she must have thought that the tightness she felt yesterday was due the medium-thickness pair that I've picked for her), but I guess the shoes are really getting too small for her, finally lolz.

From the look of it, it appeared that it might have hurt from wearing the shoes but she hadn't make any noise these 2 days(though she had chosen not to wear this pair prior to this wkend), not even whilst she was rubbing her big toes after removing her shoes just now... For that, I've placed order of 10 hairclips for her :D.

Car's battery fixed

Daddy tried to remove my car's battery for replacement but he's unable to do so, even after checking the manual('cos there's another cover on top of it). So he had no choice but to phone the serviceman to come replace it :D

The battery had indeed gone dead and that still didn't answer the question of whether my plugging the air purifier to the car might have run the battery life out(as daddy'd suggested that it'd still be on standby mode even when the engine's off but the thing is, why only now?)...

When Renee learnt that there'd be no gathering at my mom's today, she asked "why all the aunties not going to ah mah's house?" So, since PeiXiang will be coming over tomorrow, we decided to go for a little walk downtown. However, we didn't know of the sales @Tangs and due to the crowd, we went over to Orchard hotel for our dinner at Tony Romas heeee, then proceeded to Takashimaya(as there's a promo of 30% off 2nd pc purchase @ NafNaf) before heading back to Tangs. We still failed to find a decent pair of shoes for Renee, even after checking out the children's shoes department at Tangs & Takashimaya D.S. We wanted one that is of versatile design so that she can wear them on normal days and even to dinners(esp. my gf, Vicky's wedding is very near and the few pairs I've purchased earlier are too big. The new pair I've just ordered is of a maryjane/sneakers style - more for casual/school) and I guess that's pretty hard to find, and daddy's fussiness isn't helping, haiz...

Battery flat/dead?

Was almost late for school as I rushed to check on my order(of skorts and some tops) under an online overseas spree.

However, when we finally left home, the engine of my car wouldn't start(but the rest is ok, hmmm)! Not sure if it's due to battery leakage or it simply died(but we just had it serviced most recently and it was ok leh) since everything's put on automatic mode, so there's no way we'd have run out the battery by leaving 'lights' or anything on. Managed to get daddy on the phone and he suggested going by taxi which I didn't take it up after some considerations - it's not easy to flag for a taxi at that hour and it's about to rain, we'll be so late by the time we get to school. What if it still rains when class ends? It'll be so troublesome especially when not many taxi goes to the stand outside the school at that timing either...

I was shocked to see Renee tearing when I went to get her out of her car seat and she said : "I need to go to school" and my offering to bring her go 'gai gai' after daddy's fixed the car didn't help, awww... poor thing. What a way to start a Friday - me perspiring and my girl's tearing lolz.

Let's hope daddy will not be caught in the jam when his game ends later so he can be back early to help me check the car out...

Essential Oils

Thursday, marketing day... so I'm feeling very sleepy now lolz.

My brother has requested much earlier, for me to get the citronella oil for him('cos he complained that his girl has been getting mosquito bites and it might get worse when the weather turns 'rainy') but I've forgotten about it whenever he'd gone outstationed and finally, he reminded me again when he got back this time and to avoid forgetting about it again, I pushed myself to move my butt and went about it.

This UK brand of oils are pretty hard to access but it's odd that I've not been able to contact them by phone for the past few days. Eventually, I came to the internet as my last resort and finally got the mobile number of someone(probably the boss? lolz) of the Company and I even got the oils delivered to me within just a couple of hours!

For home delivery, I ordered 10 bottles of the pure citronella oil and at the very last minute(luckily they were not out yet), I added a single note oil - Lemon. Why Lemon? Ok, here's what I've extracted for your reading :

~ Increases memory & Concentration

~ Refreshing, Stimulating

~ Germicide, Anti-Viral

Lemon is called the rational oil because its aroma increased concentration and awareness. A Japanese study suggested that after diffusing lemon oil throughout a busy office building, typing errors decreased by 54%. This is because lemon oil is clarifying and aids the decision making process. It is perfect aid for students because it stimulates the mind, increase concentration and enhances the power to memorize. The virtues of the lemon are well-known for being therapeutic since the natural citral stimulates the body's own immune system. It replaces negative emotions and creates a positive atmosphere of freshness and clarity.

Have postponed our meet-up(with Vicky) tomorrow til next week or so and in the meantime, I must try find time to fill up the Feedback form as I do have some to contribute(especially on the holiday programmes section heee), but may need to print out on another paper since the question boxes have limited space for comments, heee.

I find this feedback form good as it'll ease the Principals of the various branches, the obligations to please the management/the parents and also, our messages get to the headquarters/GM annoymously(for parents who are afraid to be 'known').

New bottle, again...

Although I've gone over to Kiddy Palace right after sending Renee to school, but the last piece of 'Dora' tumbler's already gone(only left 2 yesterday) and the staff told me to get the one with 'Barbie' which I totally dislike hahaha. Looked around for a while and finally settled for one with a subtle 'Disney Princesses' print(the rest are just too 'cheena' leh) but it cost S$13.50 even after discount, geez, these people really earn alot of money from selling children stuffs man! :D

Went over to Metro to have the 'Dora' Laptop checked again and I almost got a brand new replacement but unfortunately, the laptop is no longer available :(. So, there's nothing we can do now except to leave the laptop behind for the supplier's repair and meantime, I'll just have to wait for their 'good news'.

Renee was very happy when I brought the new tumbler to school and she kept drinking from it whilst in McDonald's. However, as this tumbler holds more water, she got tired of and stopped trying to drain it after a while, hahaha. After going to a few shops, I finally managed to get another pair of hair-cutting scissors and before we headed home, I bought some more charsiew(for her to eat in school, as chicken rice's on the menu for tomorrow) and she insisted on having it for dinner lolz.

Calcium needed!

I remembered the time when a few of my toe nails cracked, a few months after Renee's birth and it had shocked me enough to make me consume the balance calcium tablets that were prescribed during my pregnancy. I even tried to continue its consumption by buying more from GNC.

Laziness soon took over and I began to skip, forget and then finally stopped taking them, even my vitamins...

Recently, the 4th toe nail on both feet cracked and came off showed signs of lack of calcium again but this time round, it wasn't as bad so I still didn't quite bother about it. However, I chanced upon this 'new' Anlene milk packs whilst shopping for vege&fruits this afternoon at Cold Storage and quickly took a pack :)

Nail art?

Although Pearlyn, the lady I spoke to(on my very first visit to check out the salon) and whom did my pedicure the first time was away today, I still went ahead to fix an appointment yesterday. The young lady boss attended to me instead and though the nail art service charge was deducted from my option of credit(instead of pedicure spa) that came with the package, I certainly didn't feel that the S$10 is worth it, especially when she just put 1 rhinestone on the small toes and the stones/crystals are my very own even! Think I could do/did a better job than her/them!

After resting for a short while, I quickly changed Renee out of her school unform and we rushed over to Kiddy Palace to return the neck support(yet another one, but too small, arrrggggh) but the only thing that I wanted to exchange the item for - liquid detergent's out of stock! So, I got her another tumbler(the earlier Dora one that she's got) and the balance in their shopping voucher... Why another tumbler? Haiz, here goes the story :

I was early at her school yesterday, when I saw madam sock huay(yes, she's finally back to work) brought her tumbler out to the canteen. Curious, I asked her why when she came back and she told me that another kid had drunk from Renee's bottle and she went to change the water and washed the bottle with hot water. So, because of this, I decided to boil it which resulted in Renee asking me when she came home today, why the picture on the bottle looked abit funny hahaha. However, the holder of the new tumbler's not in working condition, thus I have to go back AGAIN tomorrow to have it changed, aiyoh!!!

Unlike the usual, cheeky Renee didn't tell/show me about the goody bag she's got from 1 of her classmates' birthday celebration today(no cake though she said) when I went to fetch her. But it seems like this had been one of the best, or should I say most 'useful' - 2 packs of Disney cookies, 1 changeable pencil and a Disney/Mickey notebook.

Supposed to meet up with Vicky this Friday to try out some new hairstyles for her coming wedding. Not sure if I could or should postpone it since she's also kinda busy right now(although she's made time for this meetup but she might be happy with the 'extra') and I'm not exactly in the best of mood lately anyway, haiz...

Char Siew, I want!

When I went to pick Renee up from school after my facial, she asked if I've got her the 'milk juice'. I reminded her that I was out, she pouted and then asked if I've prepared char siew for her lunch. Oops... so this girl got upset hahaha. I suggested going to the bbq stall and get some and she lighted up immediately. Didn't buy alot this time, so not sure if going to add the balance which I've put aside, into her macroni tomorrow(chicken macaroni will be served in school)...

A 'Birthdays' Weekend

Daddy went for golf early on Friday but as he's aware of my displeasure, he came home right after the game and even showered Renee(it was requested by her anyway) :)

Yesterday wasn't just our usual weekly gathering day at my mom's, we also celebrated my father's birthday. Nothing big scale, just a normal dinner out with an angpao for him had been the usual way(unless it's on their 'big' birthday year).

And today, all of us went over to my brother, Choon Huat's place, to celebrate his first daughter, Jia Xuan's(2nd child on the way and we all speculated that it's a boy heee) 3rd birthday. Although we were informed of this celebration much earlier, but due to Renee and later myself being unwell, I didn't get to buy the present on Friday as I've planned(to go with Renee after her school, but we didn't send her there). So I had to rush over to the mall after I've got Renee's lunch ready. Spent quite some time at the store as I simply couldn't decide on what to get for the birthday girl - took and returned some boxes of toys/games a few times hahahahaha. Finally, I decided to get her 2 boxes of clay/dough making sets(which would help enhance 'motor skills') of which, our own dear girl was eager to 'share' hahaha.

We arrived at my brother's not too late from the indicated hour - well, that's the best I could manage, after I've finally loaded my car with vegetables, patatoes, toys, I had to rush back home to cook Renee's dinner before we could go over.

After the cake cutting, Renee anticipated the opening of the presents, particularly the ones we had given to JX, heee. However, though she was very excited to play with the toys, I must admit that she had behaved pretty well by not claiming 'ownership' to any of the toys. She just sat there, watching... Good girl, keep it up! :)

But I guess she finally 'gave way' and sadness showed on her face when we got home(oh ya, I remembered when I took her to the toilet before we left my bro's place, she had commented "I want my birthday now", awww...). After much prompting, I managed to confirm my guess - she was sad 'cos she didn't get to 'share/play' with the toys. I told her that it's alright 'cos she has alot of toys to play with, and besides, her birthday will be coming soon too. I also took the opportunity to explain to her how does birthday come about in the first place(not ust about presents) and she was ok right away thereafter :).

Road to Recovery...

Woke up by a feeling of nausea @8am and vomitted 'acid' yeeeek!

Luckily I've pre-warned daddy to 'standby' and pick Eileen up this morning, so I get to rest abit more. He came back whilst I was taking a rest on the sofa and as we've thought to let Renee resume school today, I dragged myself up to prepare the foodstuffs and her meal to be taken in school(menu shows chicken rice will be served today) but temperature takings showed 37.1 and 37.5degrees(each side of ears, always like that, even for me). Anyway, we preferred to let her rest abit more at home as we're afraid that the air-con in their classroom might bring back the fever. Good thing I've put the food in the Thermos containers which she had for lunch just now.

Having only consumed 1/2 packet of the fried carrot cake(it's funny how such delicious food can taste yucky when u're unwell), I felt hungry after Renee's had her lunch but as daddy's dragging his own sweet time, I suggested a pizza delivery which arrived just before he was about to go out :). With a metalic taste in my buds, I couldn't even finish the 3rd piece when normally I could take in 3-4 pieces, but everything just tasted sooo weird...

Now that I'm feeling slightly better, I quickly cut up an apple for Renee and myself and I think I better go shower her soon(before my temperature goes up again, if it's going to...).

Fever Up and down...

I woke up shivering at 7am but I didn't realise that my fever has gone up to over 39degrees! No wonder I was trembling so badly, just like when I had mastitis during my early breastfeeding days. Scary...

Managed to resume my sleep after a while and finally got up at 9:40am. Took out a box of food from the freezer but gave up when I couldn't muster enough energy to cook. So I told daddy to pack char siew rice back for me & Renee(whom was very happy). Took 2 paracetemol and cough syrup before going back to lie down but still didn't quite get a good nap as each time I almost went into dreamland, some noise would occur...haiz.

After a short rest on bed, I felt better(with the help of medicine of cos) and fed Renee her lunch. Wanted to give her an apple thereafter but she fell asleep on the sofa! Not long later, daddy went out and after some chores, I decided to lie down as well but fever came back not long later and this time it shot up to over 40degrees!

However, with no one else at home, I simply have no choice but to drag myself up and feeling super cold, I dragged myself to change into a short sleeves top before proceeding to prepare the vegetables for Renee's dinner. Such hours are always the time when I really wish I have someone to help me out at home(I even dreamt last night, of my mom taking me to the doctor....).

Private Movie Screening

2nd day of 'official missed school', they phoned daddy to check on Renee 'cos I've forgotten to inform them of her absence due to fever and phlegmy cough.

Although I have to postpone my facial appointment tomorrow as it's unlikely that she'd be resuming school so soon, we're still going for the eye clinic's private movie screening. Sent Renee, together with 2 sets of her toys and dinner to Eileen's and co-incidentally, Li was also there and she went in to play with her, without even saying good bye to me, tsk tsk tsk.

We managed to grab a bite from the buffet dinner just 15mins before we were asked to get into the theatre.

The surgeons(one of which is a MP) were nice to keep their speeches super short. Since the official opening by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan in November 2006, Eagle Eye Centre has grown from a new clinic to one that has the highest volumn of patients and the highest rate of successful surgeries in the private practice(Singapore). And this year, they have a closed door private movie screening to celebrate their 2nd anniversary for 3 days!(it was only 1 day during their 1st anniversary celebration).

They are also the ONLY and First in SouthEast Asia to acquire, in tandem, the 2 latest and most advanced Laser Technogies(the Allegretto Wave and the Ziemer's FEMTO LDV Bladeless Laser) - Now, who says that the government clinics/hospitals are the ones which are equipped with the most advanced equipments? hmmm... Anyway, I'm glad to hear that and reminded daddy the importance of a good surgeon/doctor, especially in a specialised field and not how cheap the fees are(well, cost does play a part, in our considerations of whether to proceed or not, that is).

Am I promoting on their behalf? hahaha, No, just glad that I've had my lasik done at a good clinic owned/run by reputed doctors :)

The movie 'Eagle Eye' has not so strong a storyline but it was interesting with good effects, not too bad a show to go for. A short movie, but with all the un-necessary adverts, it finally ended at 9:30pm and daddy, not realising the time, asked if I'd like to walk around hahaha. Well, I wished too! But the thought of my girl made me wanna hurry back to fetch her, besides, it'll be at least 10pm by the time we get to my sister's place and we shouldn't impose on her too much either...

Tonight's 'outing' though brief, was nevertheless a nice one for us, especially when we don't have to 'worry' so much about Renee since she's much older now. However, sad thing is, I too, had caught the fever by the time we got home :(

Home Rest

No school today, so I 'planned' to sleep in late but failed, as daddy(deliberately I think...) made alot of noise when he came back from breakfast. I guess it somehow didn't register in him that I am also feeling abit unwell - like I do always, whenever the kid's unwell. Anyway...

Again, we bickered over a small issue(he likes to jump into his own conclusion no matter how 'innocence' my remarks are, super ego!) today before he left to meet his client and couldn't stomach his nonsensibility anymore, I decided to give him a piece of my mind via sms. *phew*, finally :D.

As I needed to get some groceries, I thought to bring Renee out for my lunch but got delayed for a while because the sky had turned dark by the time she's finished hers but mainly 'cos I didn't know where to go. I wanted to have a quick lunch at Punggol Plaza but the mention of buying char siew caused Renee to insist on going to Hougang Mall hahaha. I tried to dissuade her as she seemed very sleepy but she insisted that she'll only sleep during the journey and will wake up upon reaching the mall/home. True to her words, she even smiled when I woke her up when we arrived at the mall's carpark hahaha.

Grabbed a quick bite at Macdonald's and went to Minitoons for her to 'shop around' before we proceeded to the Supermarket and finally, the BBQ stall! lolz.

For the past 2 nights, her appetite at dinner time was lousy as compared her lunch's but tonight, woah, she not only finished her bowl of rice + charsiew + vege, she even stole her daddy's char siew to eat before she gobbled down her soup hahaha. Relieved to see that...

However, her fever returned and she was at her 'pitiful' mode again, haiz. Really hope that she will recover soon as she's already missed school for a week due to our trip and is asking to go back to school....

Sunday

Daddy came home at 2:50pm with my lunch and Renee, although drowsy from the medications, was so happy that she didn't go to nap hahaha(not even when her daddy had gone for his).

We didn't go with daddy to the dinner(despite of the big angpao he's giving the wedding couple...). 1st, whilst daddy was getting himself ready, we went to collect the last batch of my recent overseas sprees(Old Navy) before heading to the mall for my dinner(brought Renee's along too). It seems like we now have ALOT of ankle socks for Renee and it's a good thing that those that I've bought from sprees are much thicker than those Elsie has given us, so they will not 'crash' in their 'purpose' :D

As usual, one's temperature goes up at night and so Renee began to feel lethagic before we'd even reached the mall and we headed home not long after we left the restaurant/bought some stuffs(as requested by her - must buy something hahaha).

Shall not let Renee attend school for at least the next few days(as she's still not well and even if she's recovered, she'd be vulnerable as immunity would be lower) and hopefully, there's no more new HMFD cases in the school since the last reported case.

'Singulair'

Decided to bring Renee to the Paediatrician's this morning and co-incidentally, just as I was sending a sms to PeiXiang that she could come slightly later when I got hers saying that she'd be late, lolz.

We went in separate cars(Renee's with me of cos), as daddy need to go back home to let PX in. This caused a little mix-up thereafter(as he parked 1 level abv mine, I even went up to look for him after waiting awhile for him at 'my' level haha), but when we finally met up at Rivervale Mall and were going for our breakfast at Mcdonald's, I realised that I've forgotten to bring my purse! So daddy had to go back to get it... I took Renee to look around the make shift stalls in the mall lobby and saw a 4 stories + CDs book which I planned to get later but forgot :(. By the time Daddy returned, Mac was already very packed so we went to the foodcourt. We finally bought e toy golf set for Renee as we've been unable to find a real golf club/set for Renee due to her left-hand inclination.

After a long wait of 3 solid hours at the PD's, I was given a couple of recommendations for her frequent phlegm cough(even though she's ok when she doesn't attend sch, but according to the PD, she's had sensitive/allergic nasal prob since birth, it's very likely she'll get this prob whenever someone falls ill in school). As both PDs had to leave earlier at 1pm for a conference, I didn't get to re-consult the PD on her recommendations(medications already prepared) when we came back from the toilet. I told the assistants that I would prefer not to take the prescriptions now(to be taken for few months) and instead, I was given(still...) the earlier recommended one - Singulair, which comes in tablet/powder form and each tablet cost S$3.50(to take 1 every night for 2 wks min). Decided to just give this a try, since the PD had indicated a review in a month's time.

More information here(pls click onto the page to read):

TGIF but HMFD!

As daddy's golf game's in the afternoon, I need not bring an unwell Renee to pick Eileen(although Renee's woken up at 8am, not long after me). She cried when I left as she had remembered that I was to bring her along 'cos I've thought earlier that daddy would be out in the early morning...

I also took the opportunity to show daddy my displeasure and when he asked if I'd be using my car today, I told him to replace his own with a 'smaller' car if he's afraid of driving his to JB :D - these are considerations he should have made in the first place especially when safety is the main concern. Anyway, I may need to bring Renee to get some stuffs, so NO WAY is he going to use my car today.

Received 2 emails from Kinderland on HMFD, aiyoh! It is a notice on the closure of that session of the affected class for 1 week upon 2 cases of HMFD :

1st email(on Tuesday):

Dear Parents
HFMD
I have 2 reported cases of HFMD in the school. Both cases were made known to us on the 29th of September. This is from our Nursery class – Studio 1. On our end we will continue to maintain high hygiene standards in the school.

This includes:
1. Regular washing of toys
2. Disinfecting all equipment and furniture in the classroom daily
3. Washing the toilets, twice daily
4. Air the rooms in the afternoon.
5. Daily classroom checks on the children

We will appreciate it if you co-operate by keeping your child at home if he/she is not feeling well. Once your child is detected with fever in school, he/she will be isolated and you will be asked to bring your child home. Please do reinforce good hygiene habits at home as well.

Once we have 2 cases of HFMD in a particular class, our standard procedure is to close the class for 7 days to break the infection cycle. Any subsequent new cases reported from the same class, will mean that we will extend the closure. In such a situation, the class teacher will keep you updated.

I appreciate your attention to this concern and I also seek your co-operation in controlling the spread of this disease.

2nd email(Thursday):

Dear Parents
UPDATE - HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE
Thank you for working with us in containing the infection.

While I have two more cases of HFMD reported to us, one from the previous batch of reported cases have informed us that he has recovered. Therefore our total active case to date is 3. We have decided to extend our closure for the affected nursery class (1st session-studio 1 by one more day. Class will resume on Tuesday 7-10-2008).

I continue to urge you to remain vigilant and maintain high hygiene standards both in and out of the home.

We will continue with our daily cleaning and disinfecting of the classrooms and the environment.

Haiz, really wonder how does this disease come about...(I had thought that usually the centres/schools will only close if the no. of affected children hit more than 10? Anyway, I'm happy with this procedure)

Our trip to Seremban

We're back! :D

How's the trip, many of you would ask - hmmm, I would rate it a 50-50... why? Well, simply because it turned out to be almost what I've anticipated. I've not wanted to go along this trip as I've expected that it's not gonna be an easy one when daddy's client is the host! Although they had been very nice/friendly and most hospitable, there's still a need for us to be on our 'best behaviour', especially during dinners, when not just the host and hostess were involved, their good friends and even a couple of Datuks were present, haiz, that certainly left us with no choice but to be at our best, no matter how friendly they are, ain't it?

The 2nd day was the most tiring for me. I had thought that we could rest in the hotel room after a swim with Renee but when we went to check the pools out the day before, the sight of leaves/flies in the pools(I've taken some pics of the pools with my mobile as daddy's left it in the car, shall figure out on how to load it up soon) put us off although the pools were very nice. So, out we went with the hostess to KL(about 45mins drive) where she took us to the Sunway Lagoon water park(but we went to the shopping mall instead as it'll be a waste of entrance fees since we're not going to swim there - the hostess had insisted on paying for everything, so it's not nice on such wastage).

The hostess had taken a liking to Renee and although this made things easier('cos it can be annoying to the adult(s) if the kid is not likeable to them) but it caused me some problem thereafter, haiz... How so? - She spoilt her! And I can't say 'no' too often(much to my annoyance, yet I can't show!) and Renee taking advantage of this 'privilege' certainly made it harder and so, I ended with a unwell kid back home(expected, with all the french fries, ice-cream and peanuts!!!), arrgggh!

We were at a very large mall but I didn't get to shop at all hahaha 'cos all the hostess wanted to do was to please the little princess and so she went on searching for toy shops(she almost bought a toy set for Renee also but I declined) and playgrounds. We passed by the Ice-Skating ring but Renee wasn't keen to watch the skaters(or were angry that we hadn't allowed her to watch earlier lolz), so we proceeded further where she had quite a 'play-ful' at the McDonald's mini playground. There was a even bigger playground in the mall as we moved on and upon its sight, the hostess urged me to let Renee play there. Since I've to go along with Renee, she took a rest somewhere.

I had not liked the idea as I've witnessed at McDonald's, how rough the children there had played and this playground had more children as it's much bigger. After watching Renee closely for a while, something happened when I just turned my head away to look at something! The moment I looked back, I had my little darling looking at me pitifully and told me that she's had a fall, aiyoh! Keeping my calm, I asked her gently if any kid has pushed her which luckily, the answer was No and it's only when I brought her to the washroom, then I realised that she had not only fell but even rolled over and hurt the back of her head when she began to relate the whole incident, aiyoh, Big Big Heartache!!! I told her I was sorry that I had let her out of my sight for that mere few seconds and she cried, sooo manja but then again, it must have hurt :(

Renee had woken up coughing with phlegm this morning and I told daddy to stop by the Physician's on our way home so I don't have to bring her there myself tomorrow. There's a slight temperture on her now and I hope she'll be ok in no time, haiz - good opportunity to 'tower over' daddy(whom's arranged to go for another golf game tomorrow!!!) now...

Before we head home, we stopped by the hostess' house after breakfast and Renee was delighted to meet the hostess' god-granddaughter who's 4 yrs old and their 7 dogs(though she's afraid when they all rushed to her, especially the larger size dogs haha). Renee even steadily agreed and told us to go back to pick her up later when the hostess asked if she would like to stay over for one night, ya, like real hahaha.

This is the view we get from the restaurant where the 3 of us had our lunch:

We had these rides after our tea break/snack - our hostess had wanted her to ride on the bigger 'animal' but she insisted on this smaller one lolz:

Here's a short video(back version of cos heee)

Another one I have, shows the 'xin fu' look on her face whilst riding it hahahahaha:

I had wanted to take the front seat of this ride but Renee wanted this.

Though a short ride, it's still quite a fun experience going ard e mall on it :>