First Contact

XC at her desk

Sitting down on the floor listening attentively
Interacting with her peers


Today is XC's orientation at her P1 school (thats how she calls it). The children were left alone with their form and MT teacher while the parents sat in the hall listening to the principal. I like the school's idea that the earlier we let go, the sooner our kid will learn to be independent. XC didnt cry and went to sit with her classmates after saying good bye. The school also wants the children to try buying food. She was excited and told us earlier that she wanted to eat chee cheong fun. :) In the end, she had 1 plain roti prata.
After that, we parents went down to meet the children and went back to the class for a simple choral reading session by the EL teacher. The whole event lasted about 2 and a half hours. XC was happy and she says that she has make some friends and is looking forward to the new school year.
Sigh... my gal has grown up.

Funny Yun Er

YE has been able to articulate well for her age (i think). I think its becos she is attending child care earlier (@23 months) and she listens to what we says to XC and she models.
One night, my bro in law brought her downstairs. She saw those little cars which you can ride in and drive them ard.

YE (pointing to the cars' direction): I want to go there.
Bro-in-law : No, papa and mama waiting at home.
YE : ok
(Move on to walk a few steps)

YE (pointing to the cars' direction again): I want to go there.
Bro-in-law : No, papa and mama waiting at home.
YE : ok
(Move on to walk a few more steps)

YE (pointing to the cars' direction yet again ): I want to go there.
Bro-in-law : No, papa and mama waiting at home.
YE : The cars are waiting for me!
Bro-in-law : huh???

hahahaha....

In the end, she didnt insist and they came home.

Low Annual Family Trip

We are back! During the June and Dec holidays, we usually drive up to Malaysia. This year end Auntie Annie and her family came along with us. This was the first time we went travelling with another family. We didnt know what to expect and was worried that they may be bored with us. Cos ours is a 'no plan and just go with whatever we feel like' type of holiday. We normally laze in hotel room, swim, shop and eat. And I think... it turn out great! We had a great meal at the nonya restaurant, great shopping at FOS and Jonker St and happy swimming at the pool. The 3 gals were having great fun running and playing together. (I hope Auntie Annie and Uncle Chee Keong also feels the same.) Oh ya, must thank Auntie Annie for the gifts for my 2 gals.
There were 2 complaints thou... that's the traffic in Malacca! It was jam packed with cars everywhere. We have been to Malacca for the past 10 over years, and we have never seen so bad traffic before. Finally, we got to know that it was a long weekend for the Malaysians. Weather was also wet.
My mobile phone also 'fainted' half way. It just shut down and wasnt really working well. Looks like it time to change.
There were some lucky bits, Auntie Annie got us the Touch and Go card for the toll charges hence we managed to pass through the toll fast. We also cleared both countries' customs in abt half an hour. Which was amazing! We thought sure stuck in it for at least 2 hrs. Heng ah!!!
Before I end, i also like to thank this special person. He is none other than my husband. For being patient while waiting for us to finish shopping, driving us everywhere we go, swimming with my 2 gals, jaga-ing the gals when we were busy shopping. And i realised that he didnt even buy anything for himself! Oops... But he didnt mind a bit. He said that as long as the gals and lady in the house got things for themselves. Thanks Papa!

Green Fingers to the Test

We went to Oh Chin Huat Hydroponic Farm for recce for my work. I brought along only XC as Papa is not with us and it would be difficult to discuss work while trying to entertain a grouchy 2 year.
The weather was warm but luckily we started early (ard 9am). Aunty Linah and Sophie also came along. XC was happy to see Sophie there!
We started with the Butterfly Lodge. Initially i thought XC would scream or dare not step in. But she was brave. She was busy looking out for caterpillars and kept asking questions. I'm glad that she was inquisitive and have learnt more about butterflies. She wasnt very interested in hydroponics, I guess if she are not much a veg eater, you wouldnt like to see still living things as compared to moving living things. The sun was also getting hotter by then. The tour ended soon with a small quiz and she won! She managed to answer the question 'What are the colours of the butterfly's egg?' Woo hoo!
Then it was shopping time! We bought the hydrponics kit and kangkong seeds. I actually wanted to grow fruits like chilli or brinjal but it would take abt 3 months to see fruit. I dun think the plant would survive till then. Hence i got kangkong which can be harvested in abt 30 - 35 days.

Picasso In The Making or ...?

Got her to pose next to it.

On Sunday, the house was suddenly too quiet to be true. Usually it will only be when YE naps, but it wasnt her nap time. I quickly checked to see what (mischief) she was up to. True enough, she was drawing on the wall!!!!
'Ah!!!! YE' was all that I said. She only looked at me innocently.
Papa came in to see and when he questioned her, she told him that it was him that she was drawing??? An excuse to get herself out of trouble. (Tsk... Tsk... Tsk.. shaking my head)

Portfolio

Since late last year, we were given XC's portfolio. it consist of some sample of her EL, Maths and CL work. There were also comments on the work samples by the individual teacher. With portfolio, it also came with a cd. Inside there were pics and some remarks by the teachers. It was a simple but we thought it was good effort by the school. At least I know more about XC's behaviour in school. Below is one of the best slide in the cd. Now I know why her nickname is Miss Giggle in school.



'Xiao Ci displays high level of involvement in self-chosen activites. After her attempt on the "Cargo Net" yesterday, Xiao Ci was very enthusiatic and kept saying that she wanted to try out the "Flying Fox" activity.
She was full of excitement while getting all geared up in her harness, rearing to go. She shouted out 'Whee!' and was giggling happily as she flew down.'

The last part below here is where I am most proud of and happy with. We can have kids with A1 or A stars results. But if they are rude and have low EQ, then i would rather not have a smart kid. Characters are difficult to develop and it takes time. Thou she is not the smartest child who can read confidently or do P1 Maths but she has good character. (PS : if only she can be less naggy. haha...)













'Xiao Ci is well-liked by her classmates as she has compassion for her peer and others. She treats other students with fairness and understanding. She came to the rescue of one of her classmates and said indignantly, "Hey You are not supposed to shoot at your friends." and happily skipped off to continue playing.'

Our first Graduation Concert and BB Yun Er first Stage Performance

Today we went for the gals' year end concert with my inlaws. It was Xiao Ci's graduation concert. Time flies, I can still remember vividly of her going to her nursery class 3 years ago. We were like 'how ah, everyday drop off and she will cry?' till nw that she is independent and can read pretty ok. I would not say that she is smartest in her class (cos i didnt push her) but i can proudly say that she had enjoyed all her time here. I must really thank all the staff and especially the teachers who have taught her.
Everyone knows her and some parents can call off her name while we will be thinking 'huh? whose parent is this?' haha... (We are the quiet and kept to ourselves type of parents). No matter what, next year is a challenge for everyone. I shall keep my fingers crossed and hope that she will enjoy school like she has before.

As for YE, it was her first stage performance and I would say it turn out better than i expected. She was one of the dwarfs and the actions were simple. Her teacher also went on stage with them. At least she didnt cry when she sees the audience. Her teacher had thoughtfully called me to update me on the full dress rehearsal and told us to just sit and watch and not wave to her. Their experience was that the kid might cry upon seeing parents. At the finale, she was right at the front row. I could see that she was looking out for familiar faces. I couldnt tahan anymore and waved to her. Luckily she only mumbled 'mummy' and 'papa' and she didnt cry. I really take my hats off her teacher, having to look after them and to get them prepared for the item. Imagine getting the little ones to do the same action and to march on stage. I dont think I will be able to accomplish.