Another half a decade: Managing Change

It has been 5 years since I worked in this firm and it is time to move on.
I have known that there is no future and further advancement here for few years now but I stayed on until my baby is no longer a baby.

As I take a new path (hoping for the best) with butterflies in my stomach and uncertainties again, I hope I can hold on to my faith and seek God in times of this uncertainties again.

I pray God will calm the inner turmoil in me so I can braved a new change.
I delayed resigning a week because of this inner turmoil.. arghh..

Will see how it goes.. Pray for me!

Speech Milestones (23 months)

I have to admit, I was scared when my son didn't speak much and used sign language more to get what he wants.

Then, out of the blue, it is as if the wires connect, he started speaking.

He made a point to have eye contact with you, then pointed an object and said "bluuuu".  (Blue colour)
Then he pointed at the next bead and said "greeee".  (Green colour)
And he continued with "Reeeeaaa" and "Orrrrrrrr-an"  (Red and orange colour)

I can't tell you what a relieve I felt and proud too. Obviously, I couldn't over react as he might not want to speak again. He has this tendency to do it when we least expect.

That was 3 weeks ago.

Last week, he made me proud by saying 1,2,3 to 10 after each numbers was flashed on tv in a youtube video that he was been watching on and off. And then he wasn't too confident saying numbers "11-19" but ended with a loud "20".

I think what helped was coincidentally we have 20 steps for the staircase at home, so we would always count 1-20 with every step we took.

So in short, just wanted to record this moment before I forget, and hope he finally says "Mummy".

He nows happily says "Dadddeeee" whenever he sees daddy. Alas haven't called "mummy" yet so I took the opportunity to teach him this:
"When you poo poo, say Dadddy. When you shee shee, say Daddy. When you hungry, say Daddy".

:P Might as well take it as sign of blessing in disguise... haha

Surrendering to God?

What happens when you think you have too much challenges?
I love this quote which my senior pastor always says "Hard peanut makes good peanut butter".


I was down and angry last few days due to my sibling dispute. Yes, I am always the black sheep in my family because I am not a "doctor" and traditionally, my family prefers boys over girls. Boys in my family always get away with everything: don't have to do housework, get to go school excursions, get to have late night outings and never get scolded. (My parents made me wished I was borned a son when I was in primary school). At first, I thought maybe they are being over protective because I am a girl... sigh, denial is not a good thing. Even after 3 decades, the proof is still there but I got conned into this phrase my mum claims "I treat all three of you equally".


So yes, even though it doesn't make sense, even thought my brothers are wrong, my parents will always side my brothers.

I was so upset because already knowing this, I asked my father to intervene the already rudeness (no choice was told to accept it by my father to avoid a quarrel....) and now emotional harrassment from my younger brother.

My father said don't involve him and leave him alone.

I feel like running away. I feel so powerless. My hubby cannot do anything and I am forced to accept this because I NEED my parents help to look after my son.

Why?
Because I don't earn enough to get a full-time maid like most people do.

What IF I get a maid?
I don't have my own house to place the maid because I am currently "squatting" with my parents.

Why don't have my own house?
Because my hubby believed anywhere else NOT in KL is not a decent location to stay. So out place is in KL.

Why are we staying with my parents?
IRONICALLY, because my hubby got a job half hour away from my parents house.

Why didn't we get another place in Klang?
Because price has increase when my pay gets more decent and basically I have TOO much financial commitments now to afford an almost million dollar house.

Why don't I get an older house within my budget?
Because it will be too far from my parents place for them to ferry and fetch my son and I might end up needing to fork out more money for renovation.

Why am I making so many excuses?
Because I am man. I am full of sins. I am shameless and I never learn to seek God's help. So yes, God, I have never really been touched by You and now I seek your guidance in my inner turmoil.

Why oh why?
I don't know anymore. I am tired physically, emotionally.... What can I do?

I tried running away... finding another place to move out.. Finances is killing me.. My mum would say it wouldn't be a problem if you marry rich.. D'oh

Well, let me pray about it then? ....

Celebrating Christmas with a Toddler

I felt the need to bring my son to public places or where there are more people. Alas, I can’t help that he has no cousins his age to play with and is always surrounded by adults. 

The most I thought, perhaps we can bring him to the crowd to feel the festivity of the moment.

In fact, not sure about other single child, my heart aches when I see him trying to trod after other children playing in shopping malls but they never bothered with him. (why should they with an unknown kid?) We tried sending him to Kindermusic which is just a 45minutes session with some other children his age but half the time, it takes him to warm up and get used to the classes.

We haven’t manage to attend church regularly for his sake to make more friends so attending church with no friends is also a little sad for a lonely child.

However, I do hope he will not grow up feeling lonely. Young children have so much hope, joy and excitement within them that their eyes just sparkle with so much energy. I love looking into the eyes of my son and see his expression to all the “firsts” things he see and experiences he go through.

We adults have live a jaded realistic life and forgot how to sit back and experience the moment. While I am busy cleaning around my son, I try to take time and sit back and look at him smile, grin, laugh and throw a tantrum in frustration when the duplo parts doesn’t come out… and wish life was more simple sometimes.

I wish this Christmas a blessed, joyous one with lots of laughter to every single child (even adults with their forgotten inner child). Let loose your loud funny laugh. Let loose your need to run into the spray of water. Remember it doesn’t matter that you get dirty, enjoy the moment and live!

Merry Christmas to all!:)

Do take the opportunity to have your family picture taken this Christmas. I have gotten 3 free photo prints for this Christmas season from shopping malls. :)

Meal strike: Picky Eaters

After a week of meal strike, I felt relieved but didn't understand why little toddlers do that. Hence, I googled reasons why they turn down meals and was given these points to ponder:

1. Miss Independent.
The toddler wants to decide on things. My mum has allowed my son to choose what shirt he wants to wear and he happily does it. I guess individuality is coming out.


2. Food taste "yucky"
I was told this "Of course, your son has been eating your plain porridge for more than a year daily."
My son was having a porridge strike.  No matter how we coax, he will divert his head, block the spoon with his hand and if you insist further, he will burst out in tears.

Healthy porridge made from vegetable and meat puree because he doesn't like to chew yet..

Solution: I started offering my food to him so he gets interested. A spoon of noodles and a spoon of porridge in between. Wonder if it is the right thing to do... But at least he is still eating.

Of course, it means I still have to eat plain not so salty, spicy food so that he can eat off my plate.

Alternatively, I started serving some noodles in the form of ramen, mee suah with soup. He seems to like it but doesn't eat much.

3. She is not hungry right now
 I find this reason very true. I can offer a meal to my son and he refuses it. Maybe 15 minutes or 30 minutes later, he will open his mouth wide to eat. Unfortunately it means keeping the food warm or serving it cold.


4. Dinnertime is too rigid
This reason is a bit hard to justify because it will not be a good habit to be eating everywhere. We try to train him to eat in his high chair at the dining table. It will not be a good habit to be chasing him around the living and dining to feed him. So yes, a little rigid but he gets some Youtube time on the highchair during meals.


5. What you are serving is boring.
Gosh... for daily meals, I couldn't help much but I try on weekends when I am not working. So far, the easier I could do is flourless banana pancakes shapes. It takes only 1-2 banana with 1-2 eggs ratio (test it out to see which texture you like).

Mash the banana, beat in the egg and pan fry it with some olive oil. Cut into the shape you desire when you are done.

I have started introducing some jam and butter with his pancakes. Thankfully he will at least eat 2-3 pieces when I do this.

Haven't started other method yet.

****
Good luck to other mothers of fussy eaters! Best to remember, for my case, at least he was still drinking milk when he had his meal strike. It didn't help he was feeling under the weather by vomitting everytime we tried to feed him solid.

Remembering my 2nd little one

I guess it is fated that I will never see you born.
I can remember clearly the day I suspected you were conceived.
I was full of joy when for the first time, the home test results showed positive immediately.
Little M needed at least 4 home test before I confirmed (but then I didn't use clear blue immediately)

I remember thinking God is kind because I really wanted you.
I knew of your presence near my birthday and think you were my birthday gift from God.
I knew you were different because I got headaches and evening nausea.
I knew you were firm and decisive when you made me puke specific food that you didn't like.

Only picture I have of you....

I kept track of what you liked and what you didn't.
Orange juice was out.
And so was Chattime tea.
Beef was okie this round, and so were most meat.

Nursing M was painful but I wanted you both to still be close to me
M acted up because of you
But I thought when you were borne,
He would understand you.

We wish you well in heaven with God. Even though we wanted you here to play with your brother, God has other plans for you. We shall remember you in our hearts; even though it was brief, you brought us so much joy and happiness too. We believe we will see you someday too.

Love,
Your mummy, daddy and brother M.

****

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Development milestones: Dancing to Bears now asleep (The Wiggles)

I thought I was the type to write down everything but since it's a whirlwind of nursing and trying to catch up sleep, I haven't done so! :( So didn't write down when is his first tooth etc.. arghh

So while I have time and still remember, M learned to twirl round according to a video during these past 2 weeks. Highly recommended video song by the Wiggles. They show simple movements and instructions which my 17 month old son can do. He already knows how to clap. Now he knows how to turn around and put his finger to his mouth (shh shh). :)

 Lyrics for Bears Now Asleep
(The Wiggles sway their arms from side to side on every half note beat)
Everybody clap (clap clap clap)
Everybody sing (la la la la la)
Bow to your partner
Then you turn around (Yippee!)
Hands in the air, rock-a-bye your bear
Bears now asleep
Shh shh shh
Bears now asleep
Shh shh shh
(Repeat to Beginning)
("Bear's Now Asleep, Shh! Shh! Shh!" Is repeated as the song fades out)

Children books review: Where is Baby's Belly Button & Dear Zoo.

I remember growing up reading Peter & Jane books by Ladybird and also the other classic storybooks from Little Mermaid to Rapunzel in those A5 sized hardcover book with nice illustrations.

Hence, I was quite amazed with the selection of books nowadays and found out about top list of books for babies, toddlers and children to read. It helps also that I stumbled upon a group  of mummies in Facebook who homeschool and are avid readers. They introduced to me the world of children books.


Before that, on purely the help of google, I got a few books and these turn out to be Matthew's favourite from 0-1 years old.

Lift-a-flap books
Book Review 1: Where is baby's belly button (by Karen Katz)

I found this book through recommended books when I was pregnant with Matthew. I decided to order from bookdepository.com which ships free worldwide.

 

Hence, I was very happy that this became a big favourite of Matthew's. He would giggle and laugh whenever we open the flap to reveal/answer the questions where is the baby's body part.

The great thing is that it teaches Matthew where is his belly button because we will open his shirt and tickle there. He knew how to open his daddy's shirt to point the belly button too. Eventually he learn about the other body parts. Best song to learn about body parts is also "Head shoulder knees and toes".

This lift-a-flap book is a board book with sturdy hard flaps. The most is a dent or two but it is durable against a toddler who started learning to flip. The flaps is stuck on hard unlike some others paper type which can come out.

Highly recommended book to introduce and attract a baby.  

In fact, from this book, I started looking for other Karen Katz's books. She has a wide range of lift-a-flap books that is worth checking out.

Book review 2: Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell)

How does this book attracts a toddler? By opening flaps too, to reveal what kind of animals packaged inside. Good way of introducing different animals too.

You can also preview the book through this youtube video.

Lego Minifigs Simpsons

I cannot believe it but yes, I started collecting Lego Minifigs Simpsons.

Why? Well, I'm a 80's baby who grew up watching Simpsons and when I saw how detail, delicate and cute the minifigs were.. I had to at least own the family set.

So I thought, then I continued on hunting for the rest of the minifigs and finally yesterday, got the last no. 16th minifig to complete my collection. I had to go to a few Toys'rus to grope through the packaging to guess which character it was. It was lucky that the first time I spotted these minifig, the sales girls knew which character was in which packaging and I got lucky when a man searching for his own set, gave me 2 characters I wanted.

Mind you, at RM11.90 each, it is not cheap when in total it costs RM190.40! Gasp... no wonder I am overspending.

And then, I saw... there is a Lego Simpsons House set......

Thank God, it is out of stock in Malaysia and my pocket is not deep enough to make me start this hobby.... But it's so cute!! Lol

Take a look at the creative way of displaying the minifigs! Will update with my way of displaying later. :)

 

16 month milestone: Self-feeding

Baby M has started self feeding himself last week during dinner. He can scope his cereal and soup. Finally found the suitable spoon for the job too. :) He doesn't eat too messily yet but he does in enjoyment, dunk his whole hands into the bowl to feel the texture of the soup ingredients and pour over all his little table.

 Self feeding on the way

Messy self feeding

 Ideal way of eating : In progress? :)

On reflection, I realised I did try letting him self feed earlier but he was not ready. When he was ready, he wanted to hold the utensils (even mine) and scoop food to feed himself. Eventually, he didn't want to be fed but wanted to feed himself.

The only problem is he doesn't get all the food inside his mouth because his motor control of scooping the food and putting into his mouth. Hence, the hunt for the right spoon began. Obviously, the easiest way to ensure food goes inside his stomach is to continue feeding him in between his attempts of self-feeding. ;)

As dear M doesn't want to chew rice that much, Avent spoon works well for feeding cereal. However, when it comes to drinking soup, the spoon is too shallow. By chance, MIL introduced the typical chinese soup spoon as shown below. It works wonders as it is deep enough to allow at least 1/3 of the soup left for M to sip. :)

 Chinese soup spoon

Other milestones which I didn't manage to note was finally drinking from the straw cup by himself without any prompting.. (Hunting for the right straw cup which doesn't leak is another entry by itself!! gosh!)

Speech development

After a niggling worry that my son is not even calling me "Mummy", he finally can call out to certain objects. He goes crazy seeing banana and will shout loudly "Baaaa". Technically, he also gets excited with shoes (meaning can go out) so he will say "Sssshhhhu".

Off hand: He has named banana, shoes, puff, ice, daddy.
Sign language he uses: Tooth brush, milk, food, asking for any object by pointing.

Signing for food

Am proud that he managed the past few months by pointing and staring right at you to get whatever he wanted before this. Now, I am trying to pretend I don't understand to encourage him to speak more.

Physical development

Yes, he has finally learn to let go my hands and run ahead after seeing my friend's 2 and half year old son doing it. Before this, he always pull our fingers/ hands along (as if getting our permission and company) to go anywhere. He still does it, but sometimes he let go to explore himself. I hope he will continue to hold on to our hands because I am reluctant to use the safety harness I bought as a backup. It really works like a dog harness but with our unsecured society, is always best to be safe than sorry.