Getting into lots of trouble

Yan Yan is approaching 2 years old and because she is more mobile and more curious these days, she is also getting into lots of trouble.

Two days ago, she was playing with the door and accidentally locked herself in Rui's room. She cried buckets when she realised she couldn't open the door. Auntie Narti panicked and had to call Papa to find out where the spare keys are. And even after finding them, Auntie Narti took a while to unlock as there were quite a few keys. Yan yan was terrifed by the experience and was clingy to Narti the entire day. The good side of this is that she has learnt her lesson and Momma didn't see her play with the door at all yesterday (something which she loved to do in the past).

And then just yesterday, Narti was busy preparing dinner and Yan was busy playing next to her, except she was playing with chilli! By the time Narti realised, Yan's lips and nose were burning from the spiciness and was brawling away. Narti had a hard time pacifying her as all she could do was wait for the spiciness to go away on its own.

It seems funny when we think back now but we have to be more careful now that she is so mobile and curious. She could get into more serious trouble.

Bad Day

Momma had a dramatic (and bad) start to today.

First, she found out that a friend has been hospitalised. Though discharged now, her condition is only stable for now.

Then, she heard from Papa that Yan had locked herself in Rui's room and was brawling when she found out she couldn't get herself out. Auntie Narti panicked and had to call Papa for help to find the spare keys.

Finally, she accused some people of a mistake that they didn't make. And Momma is feeling really bad about it.

Momma hopes the rest of the day will not be too bad.

All I want for Xmas...

Xmas is fast approaching. Papa received, in the mail, a gift catalogue from Takashimaya. There were loads of interesting toys featured in the catalogue. Rui saw them and was intrigued. She asked Papa if she could get a couple for xmas but was turned down each time as those she selected were all too expensive!

Undaunted, she started on a mission to win us over (we think).

So yesterday, while Yan was napping and we were just lazing around, Rui started cleaning up the house. She wiped the tables and chairs, arranged the toys neatly, and packed her school bag.

Although she did not mention that she was doing it in order to win over some good xmas gifts, we suspected it is so. Nevertheless, we were happy that she helped out with the household chores, on her own accord no less!

And we were indeed won over. We are now contemplating getting her one of those expensive gifts she wanted...

傀儡戏

隔壁邻居给了昕蕊和昕妍各一个手握布傀儡。 妈妈于是用它们演了一场傀儡戏。妈妈用床褥作舞台,演了一场小熊找食物的戏. 昕蕊和昕妍看了,也有样学样.非常滑稽!

Rui's concert video III

Rui's concert video II

Rui's concert video I

Rui's year end concert

Last Sat was Rui's annual yer end concert. We brought yan and auntie narti along cos narti would be leaving us next year and this is her last chance watching Rui perform.

We looked forward to the concert eagerly and Rui didn't disappoint!

She danced in 3 items - Butterfly, Love Potion no. 9 and Lao Shu Ai Da Mi. She was standing in a prominent position for 2 of the dances, indicating that she was a relatively better dancer and had to lead (sorry if I sound show-offey : )) )

She was spot on in every move and her shakes were rigorous! Momma also noticed she was counting away in 2 of the dances. Later on, when I asked her, she told me her teachers had asked her to count aloud for the other children. We were proud that she had been entrusted with such an important task and had performed well.

We are already looking forward to next year's. No less because Yan will be performing too. Let's see what mischief this precocious little girl will be up to then.

Will upload the videos later. They take a while and are of grainy quality. Sorry but our cam is only 2-meg. (hint hint for a xmas present for the family? )

Yan Yan the Genius?

Last night we brought Yan and Rui to J8 for a walk after dinner.

As we were going up the escalator, Yan pointed a number sign 3 and shouted out "Three!"

Momma was surprised. I have never taught her how to recognise numbers and at age 1+, it is near impossible that Yan can do that! So I jokingly asked Ben "Do we have a genius in our hands?"

To test if it is pure coincidence, we tested Yan again by pointing out at number "3" once more. She got it right second time round! But when we pointed at number "6" Yan still went "Three!" Ben and I had a good laugh. Yan is no genius. She is just a chubby little toddler who so happens to like number 3 and loves the sound of it.

I thought about this in the car. Do I really want my girls to be geniuses, or child prodigies? No doubt, being really clever has its good sides, e.g. quicker advancements in school, honour and glory for being outstanding etc. However, I have heard and read about many cases where children who are too outstanding fail to adjust to the societal norms. They are often unable to make friends and are unable to fit into the rest of the society.

I choose to have normal happy kids. I would rather my girls be average and happy than astoundingly clever but unhappy.

Rui Rui and the TV

Rui Rui is a TV junkie. She can watch TV whole day if she gets her way.

Being responsible parents, we have had to set restrictions for her. E.g.
(1) No TV before 11am on weekends
(2) limited TV watching to 2 hours a day
(3) No unsuitable programs like violence, sex etc.

Last Sunday, I was alone at home with the kids and maid. Ben had to work. I asked Rui if she wanted to go playground with me and Yan. To my surprise, she replied "No, I don't want to go. Come back must wash hands and legs". I thought she was busy drawing and colouring and was having too much fun so I didn't press her to follow. I went down with Yan alone.

We were at the playground for barely 5 min when Yan told me she needed to pee. So I had to rush home with Yan.

At the door, I called out to Rui. At that instant, I saw a fluster of action happening infront of the TV. I couldn't see exactly what happened cos the TV console was blocking my view, but I knew it was Rui rui frantically off-ing the TV when she heard my voice! She then ran out, still clutching the remote control and sheepishly called out to me. It was a funny sight. I knew then that she had cheekily on the TV while we were away, thinking we will not be back for a long while!

Later, Auntie Narti recounted that immediately after we left, Rui had asked Narti to on the TV. Narti refused but Rui continued to pester and Narti had no choice but to oblige. Both wore a guilty face when they realised we were back.

I had to laugh. At their sneakiness and at their frantic attempts to cover up their actions. I told Rui that she shouldn't do this in the future. But I obliged by letting her finish her Barbie cartoon anyway...

Halloween Celebration

Rui's childcare celebrated Halloween last Thu. We were asked to dress the kids up.

I decided to dress her up as bunny girl! I improvised by using:

1. Auntie Connie's hen's night bunny ears
2. Rui's ballet top
3. White tights bought from a kids wear shop
4. Cotton wool rolled up in a ball as tail
5. Face paint to complete the look
6. Rui even brought along her toy carrot to pretend it was bunny's food!

Here's the product.

I heard from the teacher that she was a cute bunny. Rui also told me they had a good time collecting goodies and playing games.

Some of the other kids came as batman, superman, fairies and even a pumpkin headed ghost! But there was only one cute bunny and it was Rui!

Yan Yan's sleeping buddies Part 2

Oops I forgot to mention Yan's favourite "tu-tu". She can't go to sleep without it. As she approaches 2, I am trying to wean her off. I pretended to throw it away, but with little success. I am hoping going to school will help.