Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Lizard
Somehow, I have been most scared of lizards. I can't even bear to hear about lizards, or even look at lizard pictures. So happen one day, I was terrified by a big and blackish looking lizard as I was opening my wardrobe door in the bedroom... and I couldn't even bear to scream (for fear that I will make the lizard jump at me!!!!). I ran out of the room looking really terrified at hubby. At one look, he knew what I must have seen. Yule came to me looking puzzled at my lost of words and kept asking me what happen. All I can say to her is "Mummy is very scared of lizard"...
Little brave Yule kept hugging me, and told me not to be scared, while papa was frantically trying to hit and 'capture' the creature (basically whatever he can do to get rid of the lizard because house rules say wifey and lizard cannot co-exist in the same household!). She was patting my back and my head, for as long as 15 mins, and assuring me in a very gentle tone, telling me its ok and not to be scared. On one hand, I felt rather strange that my little girl was comforting and 'protecting' me, on the other hand, I was enjoying that moment!
I guess it only affirms us that we have done a good job in making her feel secure and protected all these while, and that in time of need, she could take on that protector role too!
The whole episode ended with the unfortunate demise of the lizard... seriously, not that I care abt that blackish creature.. but I did care and pondled when yule asked me "Mummy, 为什么 那个lizard要死啊 ?"
I couldn't answer her... maybe the answer would be "Too bad loh!"
Little brave Yule kept hugging me, and told me not to be scared, while papa was frantically trying to hit and 'capture' the creature (basically whatever he can do to get rid of the lizard because house rules say wifey and lizard cannot co-exist in the same household!). She was patting my back and my head, for as long as 15 mins, and assuring me in a very gentle tone, telling me its ok and not to be scared. On one hand, I felt rather strange that my little girl was comforting and 'protecting' me, on the other hand, I was enjoying that moment!
I guess it only affirms us that we have done a good job in making her feel secure and protected all these while, and that in time of need, she could take on that protector role too!
The whole episode ended with the unfortunate demise of the lizard... seriously, not that I care abt that blackish creature.. but I did care and pondled when yule asked me "Mummy, 为什么 那个lizard要死啊 ?"
I couldn't answer her... maybe the answer would be "Too bad loh!"
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Potato Family
These days, Yule likes to draw people. But her drawing of a 'person' looks more like a potato, and that's what we always call it. So she completed this drawing and called it "Potato Family"!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Discipline
Discipline is such a big word. And these days I have to be employing disicipliing tactics a few times in a day. Lately I can't help but feel tired about disciplining Yule. Perhaps its also hormones changes, coupled with worries and uncertainties about a new baby, and having to deal with Yule's challenging behaviour. It upsets me pretty much when I see how her strong-willed character, her perseverance, her strive for independence, her wit, her strong command of the langauage (all really good positive traits) can contribute so much to her wilful, demanding, manipulative, impatient behaviour. These days, she often yells '走开', '我不要你'. These are really hurtful words. As much as I tell myself not to take it personally, its hard to do so. I do employ time-out, talking through the behaviour with her, getting her to apologize in disciplining her. The cane was also used in order to make sure she stays at her time-out corner. These strategies used to work very well. I'm was always happy with the outcome, that despite the naughty behaviour, we got our point across and she learnt and said sorry, and we will end off with hugs. However, these tactics were less effective now as he got used to the routines. It takes longer time, much more energy, much more tears and more strokes of cane to get her to acknowledge what she did wrongly and to apologize for her mistake. I guess she is really learning to test our limits and boundaries. Sometimes it appears to me that it is like a battle of power and control. I know at the back of my mind I cannot let her get away with any wilful behaviour, and I must let her know that her parents are in control, but it is just really a tiring process. And I hate to admit that sometimes I notice myself placating her so to prevent any 'eruptions'. I don't want that.
So today, I broke down. I am worried, really worried about the arrival of the second child. Though Yule appears excited about my growing tummy and the baby, I really wonder how it will be like when the sibling arrives. How do I cope with the demands of a newborn and a challenging toddler?
Perhaps my consolation for now is that many times we can still talk sense to Yule as she understands and expresses herself very well, and also not forgetting that she is just like her papa when he was young - the must-win, territoial, smart and manipulative traits. If her papa can turn out well and good, I believe so will Yule.
And perhaps just like what her papa said, maybe I worry too much.
So today, I broke down. I am worried, really worried about the arrival of the second child. Though Yule appears excited about my growing tummy and the baby, I really wonder how it will be like when the sibling arrives. How do I cope with the demands of a newborn and a challenging toddler?
Perhaps my consolation for now is that many times we can still talk sense to Yule as she understands and expresses herself very well, and also not forgetting that she is just like her papa when he was young - the must-win, territoial, smart and manipulative traits. If her papa can turn out well and good, I believe so will Yule.
And perhaps just like what her papa said, maybe I worry too much.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Bye Bye Honda Fit
Papa wanted to get a new car, a bigger car to make way for the new baby, since two car seats in our Honda Fit possibly means no one else can be in the car.
When we broke the news to Yule that we are going to sell our red Honda Fit, she cried, and really really cried. She kept saying that she doesn't want the car to be sold off and that she will miss the car. Gosh, can't believe this is coming from a two-and-a-half year old. But she really cried every time we talk about selling the car. It took us days to pacify her. (Perhaps its the DVD player and her Tom and Jerry cartoon in our new Wish that did the job!)
We drove the car to the nearby park so that Yule could take pictures with our dear Honda Fit, which is just about 2 months older than her.
When we broke the news to Yule that we are going to sell our red Honda Fit, she cried, and really really cried. She kept saying that she doesn't want the car to be sold off and that she will miss the car. Gosh, can't believe this is coming from a two-and-a-half year old. But she really cried every time we talk about selling the car. It took us days to pacify her. (Perhaps its the DVD player and her Tom and Jerry cartoon in our new Wish that did the job!)
We drove the car to the nearby park so that Yule could take pictures with our dear Honda Fit, which is just about 2 months older than her.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
1, 2, 3, 4 = Family
Yes, we are going to have a new addition to our family. Yule seems to get the idea when I told her there's a litle baby in my tummy. She's all thrilled.
One Saturday where we were lazing in bed, Yule started counting, since she's rather into counting these days. She was counting 1, 2, 3, 4 and pointing to papa, mummy, mummy's tummy and herself at the same time. And she ended her counting and said 'Family'!
Such a sweet jie jie.
One Saturday where we were lazing in bed, Yule started counting, since she's rather into counting these days. She was counting 1, 2, 3, 4 and pointing to papa, mummy, mummy's tummy and herself at the same time. And she ended her counting and said 'Family'!
Such a sweet jie jie.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Lesson #3 Learn to let go
These days, Yule seems to want to do everything on her own. Like bathing, drying herself using towel, applying moisturiser on herself, wearing her clothes, taking off her clothes, wearing her shoes, wearing socks, opening the fridge to search for food, feeding herself, washing her own dishes, wahsing her own shoes, taking the basket at NTUC, paying at the cashier when we buy things, opening and closing the door by herself, pressing the lift button... the list goes on and on...
Without doubt, Yule is at the stage of Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt, according to Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. It says "Children need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Success leads to feelings of autonomy, failure results in feelings of shame and doubt".
We are defintely happy that Yule is growing and learning appropriate to her age. Certianly, it also seems that its geat that she is learning to do many things on her own now. But in fact, I believe those who have also gone through this stage of parenthood would agree with me that it does not necessary mean an easier time if our child is learning to do things on their own. It could actually mean more work, as we are battling with an assertive toddler, who wants to do things on her own, but not exactly the way we would want it, or as 'proper' as if we were to do it for her, or as fast as we would prefer it. On days where we just need to get things done fast to prepare to go out or to rush to do something, having to 'entertain' her and allow her to do things by herself can actually be quite annoying!
I realise I have to learn to move on together with her. By moving on, it would mean learning to let go, telling myself its ok that things may not always need to be 'properly' done. Perhaps that would mean less battling and certainly less frustration on my side!
Well well, nevertheless, it may still be easier said than done!
Without doubt, Yule is at the stage of Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt, according to Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development. It says "Children need to develop a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Success leads to feelings of autonomy, failure results in feelings of shame and doubt".
We are defintely happy that Yule is growing and learning appropriate to her age. Certianly, it also seems that its geat that she is learning to do many things on her own now. But in fact, I believe those who have also gone through this stage of parenthood would agree with me that it does not necessary mean an easier time if our child is learning to do things on their own. It could actually mean more work, as we are battling with an assertive toddler, who wants to do things on her own, but not exactly the way we would want it, or as 'proper' as if we were to do it for her, or as fast as we would prefer it. On days where we just need to get things done fast to prepare to go out or to rush to do something, having to 'entertain' her and allow her to do things by herself can actually be quite annoying!
I realise I have to learn to move on together with her. By moving on, it would mean learning to let go, telling myself its ok that things may not always need to be 'properly' done. Perhaps that would mean less battling and certainly less frustration on my side!
Well well, nevertheless, it may still be easier said than done!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Temperaments and Personality
We always make predictions of how Yule will be like when she is older based on observations of her personality traits now. For example, since Yule is always on-the-go, often impatient and has short attention span, Ah Ma and Por Por believe that Yule can't really sit still long enough to learn next time when she is in school. I am always wondering how much of the behaviours she is exhibiting are typical of toddlers' behaviours and how much it will provide clues to how she will be like when she grows up.
I read that there are nine traits to a toddler's temperament.
1. activity level
2. rhythmicity
3. approach - withdrawal
4. adaptability
5. persistence - attention span
6. intensity of reaction
7. distractibility
8. threshold of responsiveness
9. quality of mood.
Here's what I think of my little Yule's temperament and personality:
1. Activity Level describes the amount of physical movement during sleep and awake periods. Yule is efinitely full of energy. In fact, she appears like she'll never run out of energy. Sometimes she will do without her afternoon nap, and hardly appear cranky if there are things to do and games to play. Love the outdoors.
2. Rhythmicity refers to the regularity of functions like sleep or hunger. Yule is not quite predictable in this. She seems to be able to go without food and sleep if she is happily engaged. The only thing that is habitual is the morning milk she will always be crying for.
3. Approach - withdrawal refers to the initial response to a new situation or stimulus. Yule seeks new playmates, new exciting places. However, she is also cautious and wants someone to be with her, but quickly warms up to the new place/plymates if she knows that fun is awaiting her.
4. Adaptability refers to the ease or difficulty with which reactions can be modified. I would say she is pretty adaptable. I guess that's why people like her and find her adorable, as she eases into the company of people very easily. I hear comments made by friends, relatives, passerbys that seldom do they see a toddler who opens up to people so readily.
5. Persistence - attention span is a description of how long a child with stay at any given activity. Defintely a low for Yule. She can hardly sit still for 1 minute, even when the TV is on, unless is her favourite DVD programme. But wherever there is a familiar tune on TV, she will jump from the sofa and start to dance and jump. Lately, she is very much into Play-Doh, which at least can keep her occupied for a while.
6. Intensity of reaction refers to the energy level of the response that is typical for the child. I would think its pretty high. She can be so super sensitive and sweet, yet so super wilful and stubborn, and can be dramatic at times. Sometimes, we even call her the 'Drama Queen'!
7. Distractibility refers to how much or how little extraneous stimuli is needed to interfere with an ongoing activity. Yule is highly distractable, mostly to people and things happening around her.
8. Threshold of responsiveness refers to how intense a stimulus needs to be to evoke a response from a child. Yule doesn't require an intense stimulus to evoke a response, which is why she is highly and easily excitable from anything. Her dramatic movements include the endearing and excited behaviours when she sees us return home. She jump and run, pull and tug and exclaim how much she misses us!
9. Quality of mood refers to the general tone of the child’s responses and behaviors. Yule is always happy, loves attention, and loves praises and loves new challenges and, above all, loves to win!
All in all... this is how I would describe Yule's temperaments and personality now:
- Highly energetic, loves to be part of any action
- Loves to be the centre of attention, so loves to show off!
- Highly competitive, always want to win
- As a result, very kiasu!
- Very cautious when it comes to new experiences, don;t really dare to try unless being accompanied
- Can be stubborn sometimes
- But can also be super sweet and follow our instructions
- Loves the outdoor
- Loves to be with the gor gors and jie jies at the playground and can be so super friendly that she encounters rejection!
- Can't be independent... always stick to any one of us like super glue... follow whereever we go, even in the house.
- But when it comes to little tasks, she wants to do them on her own and demand praises after that!
I guess few years down, it may be interesting to look back to this list to note how much are these the same or different.
I read that there are nine traits to a toddler's temperament.
1. activity level
2. rhythmicity
3. approach - withdrawal
4. adaptability
5. persistence - attention span
6. intensity of reaction
7. distractibility
8. threshold of responsiveness
9. quality of mood.
Here's what I think of my little Yule's temperament and personality:
1. Activity Level describes the amount of physical movement during sleep and awake periods. Yule is efinitely full of energy. In fact, she appears like she'll never run out of energy. Sometimes she will do without her afternoon nap, and hardly appear cranky if there are things to do and games to play. Love the outdoors.
2. Rhythmicity refers to the regularity of functions like sleep or hunger. Yule is not quite predictable in this. She seems to be able to go without food and sleep if she is happily engaged. The only thing that is habitual is the morning milk she will always be crying for.
3. Approach - withdrawal refers to the initial response to a new situation or stimulus. Yule seeks new playmates, new exciting places. However, she is also cautious and wants someone to be with her, but quickly warms up to the new place/plymates if she knows that fun is awaiting her.
4. Adaptability refers to the ease or difficulty with which reactions can be modified. I would say she is pretty adaptable. I guess that's why people like her and find her adorable, as she eases into the company of people very easily. I hear comments made by friends, relatives, passerbys that seldom do they see a toddler who opens up to people so readily.
5. Persistence - attention span is a description of how long a child with stay at any given activity. Defintely a low for Yule. She can hardly sit still for 1 minute, even when the TV is on, unless is her favourite DVD programme. But wherever there is a familiar tune on TV, she will jump from the sofa and start to dance and jump. Lately, she is very much into Play-Doh, which at least can keep her occupied for a while.
6. Intensity of reaction refers to the energy level of the response that is typical for the child. I would think its pretty high. She can be so super sensitive and sweet, yet so super wilful and stubborn, and can be dramatic at times. Sometimes, we even call her the 'Drama Queen'!
7. Distractibility refers to how much or how little extraneous stimuli is needed to interfere with an ongoing activity. Yule is highly distractable, mostly to people and things happening around her.
8. Threshold of responsiveness refers to how intense a stimulus needs to be to evoke a response from a child. Yule doesn't require an intense stimulus to evoke a response, which is why she is highly and easily excitable from anything. Her dramatic movements include the endearing and excited behaviours when she sees us return home. She jump and run, pull and tug and exclaim how much she misses us!
9. Quality of mood refers to the general tone of the child’s responses and behaviors. Yule is always happy, loves attention, and loves praises and loves new challenges and, above all, loves to win!
All in all... this is how I would describe Yule's temperaments and personality now:
- Highly energetic, loves to be part of any action
- Loves to be the centre of attention, so loves to show off!
- Highly competitive, always want to win
- As a result, very kiasu!
- Very cautious when it comes to new experiences, don;t really dare to try unless being accompanied
- Can be stubborn sometimes
- But can also be super sweet and follow our instructions
- Loves the outdoor
- Loves to be with the gor gors and jie jies at the playground and can be so super friendly that she encounters rejection!
- Can't be independent... always stick to any one of us like super glue... follow whereever we go, even in the house.
- But when it comes to little tasks, she wants to do them on her own and demand praises after that!
I guess few years down, it may be interesting to look back to this list to note how much are these the same or different.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Word Recognition
Yule is lately intersted in reading alphabets and feels greatly excited when she sees words around. She recognises all the 26 alphabets now, though occasionally forgot one or two, but is not able to read words yet. Just today, we were walking at Jurong Point, passing by Starbucks. Out of fun, papa encouraged Yule to read the letters. She slowly goes 'S', 'T', 'A', 'R', and she said 'Star' to our great surprise! So exciting! Yule is beginning to read!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Inspired by Connie Talbot of Britain's Got Talent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWNoiVrJDsE), I'm also teaching Yule this beautiful song!
Just the first sentence though =)
Just the first sentence though =)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Lesson #2 Use words of affirmation as often as you can
Words of Affirmation - Its one of the five languages of love, written by author Gary Chapman. "In communicating love, words are powerful. Words of afectionand endearment, words of praise and encouragement, words that give positive guidance all say,"I care about you." Such words are like a gentle, warm rain falling on the soul; they nurture the child's inner sense of worth and security. Even though such words are quickly said, they are not soon forgotten. A child reaps the benefits of affirming words for a lifetime"
One day, Yule was eating macoroni soup prepared by me. The usual stuff. And she suddenly came running to me while I was still in the kitchen washing dishes, and said "Mummy, 你煮的很好吃leh!" Then she hugged me and ran off to continue her meal. Of course it made me feel so good! The power of affirming words...
Looks like Yule is not the only one reaping the benefits from affirming words, her mummy is also enjoying how words of affirmation from her daughter is making her feel so loved!
One day, Yule was eating macoroni soup prepared by me. The usual stuff. And she suddenly came running to me while I was still in the kitchen washing dishes, and said "Mummy, 你煮的很好吃leh!" Then she hugged me and ran off to continue her meal. Of course it made me feel so good! The power of affirming words...
Looks like Yule is not the only one reaping the benefits from affirming words, her mummy is also enjoying how words of affirmation from her daughter is making her feel so loved!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Lesson #1 Do not make excuses for ourselves
There are little lessons learnt in our day to day interaction with little yule Indeed that's how people have been saying that as parents, we learn from our little ones too...
A little conversation yule had with her papa made me reflect on how we always thought we can't do something, but in fact we are just making excuses for ourselves...
Yule: (taking a hairband and was trying to tie her own hair, but realised she cannot tie her own hair yet)
Yule: 爸爸, 帮我绑头发.
Papa: 爸爸不会绑啦.
Yule: 你是大人 leh
Papa: ... (speechless since he is being 'suan' and therefore has to tie yule's hair for her!)
A little conversation yule had with her papa made me reflect on how we always thought we can't do something, but in fact we are just making excuses for ourselves...
Yule: (taking a hairband and was trying to tie her own hair, but realised she cannot tie her own hair yet)
Yule: 爸爸, 帮我绑头发.
Papa: 爸爸不会绑啦.
Yule: 你是大人 leh
Papa: ... (speechless since he is being 'suan' and therefore has to tie yule's hair for her!)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Letter recognition
At 2 years 2 months old, Yule has started to recognise letters.. YEAH!! Whenever she sees a familiar letter, she will run to the fridge to pick up a magnetic letter to show that she knows the letter. Highly recommended: Leapfrog Letter Factory. Yule loves it! It amazes me how she can sit through the DVD, with great interest, for 30 mins!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sentosa Luge and Skyride
We went as a big family to Sentosa over the weekend. We went for the Luge and Skyride, Dolphin Lagoon, Underwater World and played at the beach. Yule enjoyed herself so much that she even proclaimed '宇乐很高兴!'
I was so scared of the Skyride that broke into tears. Surprisingly, Yule was so brave and stayed calm and still while sitting on the Skyride. When asked if she was scared, she would say '宇乐不怕'. She would even tell me 'Mummy, its OK, 不会怕的.' I can't believe I am holding on so tightly to my little daughter because I was so scared of heights, and she has to assure me that its ok! Whatever it is, I told papa I'll never sit on it again. As if being worried that she would fall off is not bad enough, I still have to sit through the ride being so fearful of heights!
Here's the sentosa link for a peek at the Luge and Skyride.
http://www.sentosa.com.sg/explore_sentosa/attractions/gallery_luge/gallery.html
I was so scared of the Skyride that broke into tears. Surprisingly, Yule was so brave and stayed calm and still while sitting on the Skyride. When asked if she was scared, she would say '宇乐不怕'. She would even tell me 'Mummy, its OK, 不会怕的.' I can't believe I am holding on so tightly to my little daughter because I was so scared of heights, and she has to assure me that its ok! Whatever it is, I told papa I'll never sit on it again. As if being worried that she would fall off is not bad enough, I still have to sit through the ride being so fearful of heights!
Here's the sentosa link for a peek at the Luge and Skyride.
http://www.sentosa.com.sg/explore_sentosa/attractions/gallery_luge/gallery.html
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Toilet Training
Toilet training Yule has been the most headache of it all. I'm always paraniod that what if she is still not toilet trained by the time she goes Nursery 1 next year? Or she will refuse to go 'sh sh' with the classmates when the teachers bring them to the toilet? We are also wondering why is it that she can talk so much but just not able to communicate to us that she needs to sh sh? Yes yes yes... all the talk about being patient when toilet training toddlers, and the time will come when they will be ready.. I've read it... but I've always wonder when will the time come for her. Waiting and waiting...
And thankfully, almost like dream come true (a little exaggerated la!), for the past 2 weeks yule has been able to tell us that she wants to 大便 or 小便. When I put her on her training pants, and reminded her again and agian to tell me when she wants to 'sh sh', she would be able to do so already,though not all times. The first time when she told me she wants to 小便, and I brought her to the toilet not knowing if its for real or is she just trying to be funny, it happened! She peeed! I praised her and clapped for her so happily. On the same day, it happened another time, she said 'Mummy, 我要小便' , and again I brought her to the toilet wasn't too sure if its for real too, and she peeed again! Wow! Can't believe I can be so happy at her Pee!! I smsed papa immediately who suggested giving her her favourite jelly beans as reward! So that was how yule had a mini celebration for being (partially) toilet trained!
Well, there are still times where naughthy yule will play us out. I suppose she already knows we will react almost immediately when she says that she wants to 大便 or 小便, so she may try to do that just to get our attention. For example, on weekend mornings when she wakes up at 7am but we tend to ignore her cos we want to sleep a little longer (haha.. bad parents!) she will try different stunts to wake us up... and of course, one of her stunts is 'Mummy, 我要大便', and she may just get her way, cos I will drag myself out of bed to bring her to the toilet.... and there may not be poo poo all the time. When there is no poo poo, she will just give me that innocent little voice '没有大便, Mummy 抱我下来!' and she would have successfully woken me up.
I thought during this toilet training phase, training pants have been especially helpful, cos it will hold 1 pee if we can't bring her to the toilet in time, or she forgot to tell us. Got this set of training pants online. Thought its really good. Otherwise, think our house may be smelling of her pee pee.
And thankfully, almost like dream come true (a little exaggerated la!), for the past 2 weeks yule has been able to tell us that she wants to 大便 or 小便. When I put her on her training pants, and reminded her again and agian to tell me when she wants to 'sh sh', she would be able to do so already,though not all times. The first time when she told me she wants to 小便, and I brought her to the toilet not knowing if its for real or is she just trying to be funny, it happened! She peeed! I praised her and clapped for her so happily. On the same day, it happened another time, she said 'Mummy, 我要小便' , and again I brought her to the toilet wasn't too sure if its for real too, and she peeed again! Wow! Can't believe I can be so happy at her Pee!! I smsed papa immediately who suggested giving her her favourite jelly beans as reward! So that was how yule had a mini celebration for being (partially) toilet trained!
Well, there are still times where naughthy yule will play us out. I suppose she already knows we will react almost immediately when she says that she wants to 大便 or 小便, so she may try to do that just to get our attention. For example, on weekend mornings when she wakes up at 7am but we tend to ignore her cos we want to sleep a little longer (haha.. bad parents!) she will try different stunts to wake us up... and of course, one of her stunts is 'Mummy, 我要大便', and she may just get her way, cos I will drag myself out of bed to bring her to the toilet.... and there may not be poo poo all the time. When there is no poo poo, she will just give me that innocent little voice '没有大便, Mummy 抱我下来!' and she would have successfully woken me up.
I thought during this toilet training phase, training pants have been especially helpful, cos it will hold 1 pee if we can't bring her to the toilet in time, or she forgot to tell us. Got this set of training pants online. Thought its really good. Otherwise, think our house may be smelling of her pee pee.
Time flies
Its been about 2 months since mummy last updated the blog. Papa has been asking how come never update blog? Hmmm.. how come he never update it himself?!
My litle yule has grown so much... and she has already turned 2! I can still remember vividly (as if it just happened last week!) my labour process, my horrible breastfeeding experience, how I cried when I looked at her shevn head, and how I also cried so badly when I first sent her to infant care. Sadly, looking at how much yule had grown, I seemed to have forgotten little details, despite photos and video clips, of yule's milestones. I can't remember how it was like to baby talk to her too; I can't remember how it was lke to carry her when she was only half her weight now, I can't remember how it was like too during those days where we had trained her to sleep on her own (cos now she will refuse to sleep on her own already - we will have to accompany her on the bed till she falls asleep).
My yule has certainly grown so much... I can't be more proud of her little achievements and of course my own achievements in parenting as well.. be it disciplining her or cooking up different recipes of food for her. And everyday I'm loving her more and more.
A recent cute pic of her... photo edited by papa...
My litle yule has grown so much... and she has already turned 2! I can still remember vividly (as if it just happened last week!) my labour process, my horrible breastfeeding experience, how I cried when I looked at her shevn head, and how I also cried so badly when I first sent her to infant care. Sadly, looking at how much yule had grown, I seemed to have forgotten little details, despite photos and video clips, of yule's milestones. I can't remember how it was like to baby talk to her too; I can't remember how it was lke to carry her when she was only half her weight now, I can't remember how it was like too during those days where we had trained her to sleep on her own (cos now she will refuse to sleep on her own already - we will have to accompany her on the bed till she falls asleep).
My yule has certainly grown so much... I can't be more proud of her little achievements and of course my own achievements in parenting as well.. be it disciplining her or cooking up different recipes of food for her. And everyday I'm loving her more and more.
A recent cute pic of her... photo edited by papa...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Discipline vs Punishment
Last night, Mummy spent some time at night before Yule's sleep to do some pillow talk... was kind of amazed about what was said...
mummy: mummy loves yule, and everybody loves yule
yule: everybody 不喜欢 yule
mummy: everybody LOVES yule
yule: everybody 不喜欢 yule
mummy: why not?
yule: yule 罚站
mummy: If yule is naughty, yule will have to 罚站, but papa and mummy still love yule, and everybody loves yule
yule: (pause) 爸爸骂
mummy: papa scolds yule because yule was naughty, but papa still loves yule. 爸爸喜欢宇乐吗?
yule: (pause) 喜欢. 爸爸喜欢宇乐
mummy: ok. mummy loves yule too... goodnight
yule: goodnight
It amazes me that 2 year old Yule is capable of reflection, and her ability to process what was going on. That very same evening when papa was driving Yule and Ah Ma back home, Yule started to dig her throat using her finger. That was not the first time she did that, and despite scolding and asking to stop, she continued while in the car, and vomited all over herself and the car seat... certainly, papa has to get the point across that the 'digging throat' behaviour is not to be tolerated. When they reached home, Yule was caned on the forearm and made to stand at the corner for 1 minute.
After that Papa hugged Yule and explained to her the reason for the punishment. Yule will always agree that she will not do it again, but we can only keep our fingers cross. By the time I reach home at night, Yule was already happy and jumpy as usual.
I do believe that when the child misbehaves, and especially in ways which she already knows that are not allowed or to be tolerated, she should be punished. As parents, we have to exert that authority, and she will have to learn to comply, and be clear of her boundaries. However, after the punishment, there should be some 'talking' to address that punishment and behaviour. That is discipline.
The night's pillow talk was especially effective, to also reinforce the point that despite the misbehaviour, we still love her. I think, that is really important... I certainly don't want her to think that because she has to be punished, she is not being loved. In fact, I didn't expect her little mind to think so much about it. Thought she would have kind of forgot about the episode, as she was quick to go back to her usual jumpy self. I'm so glad that I had that pillow talk with her that night, and that I got to know her thoughts.. and yes.. it still amazes me that my 2 year old has that ability to process her thoughts!
One day she will know it is precisely because we love her, that's why we are disciplining her. And discipline will be an ongoing journey.
Papa and mummy love you!
mummy: mummy loves yule, and everybody loves yule
yule: everybody 不喜欢 yule
mummy: everybody LOVES yule
yule: everybody 不喜欢 yule
mummy: why not?
yule: yule 罚站
mummy: If yule is naughty, yule will have to 罚站, but papa and mummy still love yule, and everybody loves yule
yule: (pause) 爸爸骂
mummy: papa scolds yule because yule was naughty, but papa still loves yule. 爸爸喜欢宇乐吗?
yule: (pause) 喜欢. 爸爸喜欢宇乐
mummy: ok. mummy loves yule too... goodnight
yule: goodnight
It amazes me that 2 year old Yule is capable of reflection, and her ability to process what was going on. That very same evening when papa was driving Yule and Ah Ma back home, Yule started to dig her throat using her finger. That was not the first time she did that, and despite scolding and asking to stop, she continued while in the car, and vomited all over herself and the car seat... certainly, papa has to get the point across that the 'digging throat' behaviour is not to be tolerated. When they reached home, Yule was caned on the forearm and made to stand at the corner for 1 minute.
After that Papa hugged Yule and explained to her the reason for the punishment. Yule will always agree that she will not do it again, but we can only keep our fingers cross. By the time I reach home at night, Yule was already happy and jumpy as usual.
I do believe that when the child misbehaves, and especially in ways which she already knows that are not allowed or to be tolerated, she should be punished. As parents, we have to exert that authority, and she will have to learn to comply, and be clear of her boundaries. However, after the punishment, there should be some 'talking' to address that punishment and behaviour. That is discipline.
The night's pillow talk was especially effective, to also reinforce the point that despite the misbehaviour, we still love her. I think, that is really important... I certainly don't want her to think that because she has to be punished, she is not being loved. In fact, I didn't expect her little mind to think so much about it. Thought she would have kind of forgot about the episode, as she was quick to go back to her usual jumpy self. I'm so glad that I had that pillow talk with her that night, and that I got to know her thoughts.. and yes.. it still amazes me that my 2 year old has that ability to process her thoughts!
One day she will know it is precisely because we love her, that's why we are disciplining her. And discipline will be an ongoing journey.
Papa and mummy love you!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Yule turns 2!
A simple birthday celebration for yule by the people whom she adores and who adore her so much.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Ultimate jealousy
Yule is always jealous when affection is not given to her but to somebody else. We think its the ultimate when she is actually upset and jealous when she saw this photo. She was crying and yelling "爸爸不要抱Lucky, 抱Yule!!"
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ten reasons why we adore you so much
1. Although sometimes you will wake us early at 7am, yelling "I want MILK MILK, I am hungry!', there are also times you will greet us 'Good morning papa, good morning mummy' and give us a kiss, a hug and a squeeze.
2. You are perceptive and observant, and know when we are angry with what you have done, and will say 'Mummy angry' and will come and sayang mummy by stroking on mummy's face.
3. You will automatically say 'Thank you Mummy' or '谢谢 por por' or to whoever who gives or pass you something.
4. You will tell us how much milk you would like '多多' or '少少' so we will just prepare what you've asked for.
5. You will greet us with a hug or kiss when we come back home. Or you will stop whatever you are doing at the playground and come running to us when you spotted us from afar.
6. You will do your signature 'cute cute' pose when we are taking photos (but when we wantto take a second shot, you will come running and insist that you want to see the photo in the camera.
7. You are able to address everyone in the family: 爸爸, 妈咪, 婆婆, Ah Ma, 姑姑, 姑嫜, 叔叔, 婶婶, 哥哥, 姐姐, 舅舅, 阿姨, 姨婆 and knowing our names too! Naughtily, you will even call us by our names!
8. You are sociable, friendly and playful and love playing with your little friends at the playground and will even take care of those younger than you. Sometimes we do feel bad that you are so friendly that you are often 'rejected' by your little friends at the playground.
9. You are so talkative and parrot what we say.. anything good or bad, and sometimes giving us a good laugh.
10. You will hug and and kiss mummy, and even bring mummy a tissue when you see mummy crying (when its actually just eye drop!)
Couldn't help but have to add on more...
11. You will say you miss mummy and 'I love you, mummy'.
_25Feb09.jpg)
2. You are perceptive and observant, and know when we are angry with what you have done, and will say 'Mummy angry' and will come and sayang mummy by stroking on mummy's face.
3. You will automatically say 'Thank you Mummy' or '谢谢 por por' or to whoever who gives or pass you something.
4. You will tell us how much milk you would like '多多' or '少少' so we will just prepare what you've asked for.
5. You will greet us with a hug or kiss when we come back home. Or you will stop whatever you are doing at the playground and come running to us when you spotted us from afar.
6. You will do your signature 'cute cute' pose when we are taking photos (but when we wantto take a second shot, you will come running and insist that you want to see the photo in the camera.
7. You are able to address everyone in the family: 爸爸, 妈咪, 婆婆, Ah Ma, 姑姑, 姑嫜, 叔叔, 婶婶, 哥哥, 姐姐, 舅舅, 阿姨, 姨婆 and knowing our names too! Naughtily, you will even call us by our names!
8. You are sociable, friendly and playful and love playing with your little friends at the playground and will even take care of those younger than you. Sometimes we do feel bad that you are so friendly that you are often 'rejected' by your little friends at the playground.
9. You are so talkative and parrot what we say.. anything good or bad, and sometimes giving us a good laugh.
10. You will hug and and kiss mummy, and even bring mummy a tissue when you see mummy crying (when its actually just eye drop!)
Couldn't help but have to add on more...
11. You will say you miss mummy and 'I love you, mummy'.
_25Feb09.jpg)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Shoes Shoes Shoes
Somehow Yule always gets new shoes from people.. my friends, her 姑姑, ah ma, or sometimes I also buy for her. She ended up having alot of shoes! I can't help it but to take a picture of the shoes she has, and these are not even all.. there are some at her ah ma's place... think at least 2 more pairs...
Our current favourites...
Our current favourites...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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