Little Halloween Girl

Halloween celebration is known to be eerie and horrifying, but with children involved, it will be mild and cute. Here's how Jazz went to school this morning.

Please excuse those shoes

Halloween hat made in school. Jazz beneath the hat

Most of her classmates were dressed in black and orange except for a few, perhaps a late notice from school. Black are orange are colours that aren't common in kids' wardrobe. It just happened that Jazz has a black dress, and that orange cloak complemented. Whatever Halloween's for, Happy Halloween! 

Zoo again

Zoo again! That's an opportunity we must grab whenever you've successfully balloted for a corporate pass. So off we went, with the Js and my mum to the zoo on a Saturday morning. Packing for two on a whole day trip is no easy, I lugged two big bags of clothes, bottles, food, snacks and diapers for them. It was Jare's first visit to the zoo! He napped twice during our excursion, and wasn't much appreciating the animals. Some animals camouflaged so well that he probably saw nothing. He was timid when I brought him near a pony, but bold when it came to touching the baby goats, kids you call them.

The weather was great, except for a short shower in between. That was when we hurried to take shelter in the lions' 'den'. It's actually a sheltered viewing gallery of the lions. While waiting for the rain to cease, I fed Jare there. He had lunch with the lions.  

 

Jazz asked for her hat and sunglass

 

My kids playing with the kid

 

Jare was so frightened that he almost ripped my face apart

 

Prince Jareth - Ever waiting to be served

 

Water Play at zoo is a never miss

Jazz on the carousel

The kids had so much fun, so did we. Jazz seemed to have lost interest in the water play, she was afraid of the water sprouts and wasn't adventurous. Perhaps it's a playmate she's lacking - "Jare, jie jie is waiting to have more fun with you."

I wouldn't mind going to the zoo again, next time we'll plan our time well, so that we can feed some animals and ride on the elephant! Our Zoo has never ending fun.

Eve of Deepavali

It's definitely a crazy idea to stroll Little India on the eve of Deepavali, but that's what we did. It was my mum's suggestion to appreciate the lightnings and decorations along the road. We strolled from home to the pasar malam, and then to city square's MacDonald for rest and drinks.

 

 Mum and daughter can't stop acting cute

While on our way home, Jazz saw the stage performance and didn't want to go home. Jare was near fussing for his milk and sleep, so I proceeded home with him. Jazz stayed on with my mum and her Daddy for the show. A show with no understanding because everything was in Tamil. My funny little girl.

 

Part of the crowd

Every year, on this day, it will never be a quiet night for us. It was so noisy outside despite my doors and windows being tightly closed. I was so afraid that the kids would wake up any moment, but glad that they slept well.

 

Welcome to Little India!

Despite these, we are loving our home for it's location. Minutes to city areas.

Tourist for a day

We went on the Captain Explorer, DUKW tour last Sun. Coupon deals are everywhere these day, I saw this deal online and decided to bring the kids for a land and water tour, followed by a Fun Vee bus ride. Kids below 3, tour for free. Jazz has been asking to go on boat and bus, so we made it happen.

That morning, we took a cab to the Singapore flyer and got home by the Fun Vee bus, since it stops somewhere near our home. Barely 10 minutes onto the amphibian vehicle, Jare fell asleep. I guess the land breeze blew him to sleep. Jazz was excitedly looking around when we were on land and on water. I must say view from water is different from land, it made me realised how fast and how vast our country has changed. It's beautiful! Just like how we sing, "Sunny Island, bloom for you and me."  

The guide commentated about the different places of interest as we passed by them, and we were the only locals on board, so nothing amused us. Then he commented that Singapore has more than 4 national languages, I began to ponder, what was the fifth? We've English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, what else? It's Tagalog, he joked. Not true, yet so right! Think about the fast food we buy over the counter, the salesperson in boutiques, the restaurant managers, the call centers that handle our queries, the telemarketers who call us, and the endless places they're working in. Even when I redeemed these coupon deals. I've them as colleagues too! Not surprised if Tagalog would be offered in schools as second or third language. 

On the amphibian vehicle

Walking home on a Sunday afternoon

It was a really warm day, but at least it wasn't raining. Thankful enough. We had great fun and the kids were all exhausted on the way back. Being a tourist can be very tiring even though it means holiday.

What is this?

Not sure if you've seen this advert lying Islandwide. We drive past it frequently, as it was placed at a location near Jazz's school. On the first day of seeing it, Jazz asked me, "Mummy, what is this?" I looked at it and couldn't come out with a definite answer. One thing about kids, they always think the adults have answers to everything. The endless whys, whats, wheres, whens and hows! In any case, I said, "It looks like a pig, or maybe a bird since it's on a tree." Jazz impressed us, she said, "It looks like a crocodile, but crocodile cannot climb trees. Only monkeys."

This weird looking 'animal'

In the world of children, you never know what you're gonna get. Soon, this little girl of mine will outsmart me.

What is Daddy talking about - III

In the Car
Jazz: Mummy, where are we going?
Mum: We're going to a baby shower
Dad: Then you must take water to pour on the baby ok?
Jazz: Yes, take water to pour on the baby
(Goodness! What is daddy educating?)

Jazz was crying frantically
Dad: Jazzelle, why you cry until like that? Your father and mother die issit?
(Can't believe he cursed us!)

Out from the car
Jazz: Daddy you knocked my head
Dad: Haha. Ya.
Jazz: Daddy, can you say sorry to me?
Dad: Oh, sorry!
(My girl is teaching my man manners)

Showing Jare his sister's name
Mum: Jareth, this is your jie jie's name. Jazzelle Teo, see, same surname as you.
Dad: Ya, this is the only thing she will share with you.
(Dad was right, Jazz hardly shares her toys)

Kite Flying

Last weekend, we brought the Js to fly kite, the real kite flying activity I meant. It was what we've been telling Jazz and putting on hold because of the frequent unpredictable wet weather. The man drove us to Marina Boulevard to explore our first attempt of kite flying. Getting the kite up high isn't as easy as one thought. It took the man quite some patient to finally get it up, even though it was barely a minute before the kite touched the ground. 

Jazz was having much fun running around the space than showing interest in the kite. No wonder about that, kite flying can be boring when it takes much time to get it up and a little tot can't get too much involve. Glad that I've brought snacks for her to munch on, and that kept her quite occupied. It was like a mini picnic for us.
    

Trying to be of helping hand to Dad

A moment of pride for the kite

Jare loves nature, he was smiley throughout

The achievement of the day, a good family smile!

I would love to bring the kids to big open space like this more often, to appreciate the nature, the fresher air and great view. It was time well spent!

Growth is fast

Jare is growing so fast, I thought I just delivered him yesterday! Time flies once you have kids. In days time, he'll be an 8 month-er. He's a little fast crawler now, pulling himself up on any support he can find. He's a mummy's boy, ever sticky to me. If I were to walk past him without carrying him, he'll protest by crying out loud. My little boy is torturing me because he's still waking up for snacks! Only on rare occasions did he fast through the night. "Little boy, won't you be nice to mummy please?"

 Pulling himself up at any support

Enjoying moments of peekaboo

Soon, he'll be One, soon he's going to defend himself if sister bullies him and soon he'll outgrow his cuteness. I wished babies don't outgrow, I'll be sad for not having a baby to cuddle. I need to touch babies!  

Zouk Out

Can't believe I brought my kids to Zouk! It was a unique occasion when entrance was allowed for the under 18. Jazz loves music and dance, so I thought this was her show time. I ordered tickets for the family. It was pricey, $30 for each adult, $10 for Jazz and non-walker, Jare is FOC. It was an expensive event, which Jazz didn't make my money worth. She wanted to be carried throughout and not hit the dance floor. She was extremely curious, kept looking around, watched other kids dance instead of participating. Jare was all curious too. After awhile, he fell asleep despite the loud music.

Some kids are really cute, they danced and grooved on the stage, I admire their courage. I was hoping Jazz would join them, but she just clung on to her Dad. The music was unfamiliar to the kids, but they could still groove to it. Songs of the 70s and 80s were played, it was just like mambo night on Wednesdays. Well, I used to date there with my then boyfriend, and now husband. We are mambo fans!  

 

Bubbles and balloon signifies for the below 18 party

 

 Flower Balloon

 

Art and Craft corner

 Tattoo for little zouk ah lian

Yes, the babies love disco!

Now Jazz would say, "Mummy, I want to go ZOO again." Hmm, I think zoo is better. I hope when she grows, I won't be worrying about her telling me she'll be home late, because she's going zouk tonight.

Royce Playgym

We brought Jazz to Royce on children's day. Royce is an indoor play area located at level 2 of Liang court. The place is really extensive with wide range of toys! It's children's world. The rates are pricey and for babies above 6 months old, they'll have to pay. Even though they have an area and toys for the crawlers, I find it expensive to pay. So Jare was home on children's day. 

Jazz loves the place very much and she didn't want to leave when time was up. She was very much into the soft toys in there, she held on to a Barney which she could hardly let go. I like the place pretty much too and I don't have to perspire all out. It's different from other indoor playgrounds because it's not about climbing up and down slides, but toys! I'm sure any kids will fall in love with the place. One bad, only an accompanying adult is allowed for each child, additional adult would be charged at $10! That's unfriendly. My man had to wait outside with magazines, while I bonded with the girl at play. Thankful for his patience.

 

Cubes of toys!

 

I hope Jazz won't like Barbie. They're expensive collection. 

 

Having kitchen fun with Little Justin

 

Trains for girls too

The slightly adventurous

I guess such pampering treat comes only with occasions like children's day, or any day as long as you think it's worth bringing smile across the faces of the little ones.

Cowgirl in school

The long awaited children's day performance was over. The morning was perfect, the parents were excited and so was the grandparents. My mum joined in her school's celebration too. I was the earliest riser that morning, I got everything prep, including Jare. He was joining too. We were on the dot for her performance, Jazz was suppose to report at 815am, but we arrived at 830am. At least we made it in time for her to perform. 

That morning, my little girl was moody. She had a late night and I've to wake her up at 745am. Having not enough sleep was enough to get her mood grouchy. As I dressed her, she told me, "I don't want to wear this, I don't want to wear that!" I was like, "what!" All my money and efforts to get your themed outfit, and you're doing this to me. I had to bribe her with a packet of m&m, which finally worked. We rushed everything through and left for school. Her teacher gave me a call when we were at the entrance, Jazz was missing during the row call. Phew! We were on time. 

The highlight of the day began - the kids performed. The little ones were all so adorable! Jazz performed well for the first few seconds of the 2 minute show, after which stage fright began to set in, she walked around and stood in the center of the stage till everything ends. My goodness! What happened to my little girl. Was she frightened, shy or what? And when we were home, she could do her steps so well. So you see why children are just full or surprises, you never know what you're in for.

After performances, we went round her school for activities and games. It was planned to leave Jazz in school after celebration, as the man and woman wanted some time to lunch as a couple. When we sounded out to her about going back to class, she violently objected and insisted to go home. Thinking it was such a happy occasion that day, we brought her home.

My star who froze on stage... 

Blazing "fire"

Jare took the stage

Loving his expression!

My checkered kids

It seemed like a busy morning. Although I wished she could have done it better, just for my video effect. With kids, expect the unexpected, even if it's just that one chance to showcase.

All ready!

It was a long long search, high and low and everywhere! All efforts just to find the appropriate wear for Jazz's children's day celebration, to the wild wild west theme. Besides clothing, I'm also counting down excitedly to her performance, hours from now!

Here's what I've gotten for her to be a day of cowgirl:

 

Matching well

Damage done:
1. Checkered top/dress from mothercare - $36
2. Vest from H&M - $24.90
3. Boots from H and M - $59.90 (Can't believe I bought it!)
Total - $120.80!!!

Excitement drove me to buy that vest with sizing that states ' 12 to 18 mths'. I've no idea what I was up to, I only knew that vest was Wild! Jazz has to fit. Ideas and suggestions made my search quicker. My neighbour suggested I explore H and M, my colleagues chose the checkered top and recommended me those boots. Thanks ladies! 

While I was trying these on for Jazz last night, my mum said, "为什么把她打扮成 cowboy？" That was when I knew I was on the right track. Bingo! I hope all turns out well tomorrow, no rain, perfect weather please.

Certified clear!

Jazz didn't pass the health check at school this morning, she had an ulcer on her tongue. I was 99% sure that it was just a common ulcer, but her principal insisted us to bring her to a doctor to certify clear. I was very unwilling to do so because I wasn't ready to take half a morning off for this and spend unnecessary money on medical fees. I tried to explain that she could have bit her tongue while eating, but they didn't buy me. Darn, I was pissed!

I understand their concern and responsibility toward other children. Cautious is good, but overly cautious may not be necessary in some instances. They've seen and check many cases, I'm sure they are better than my maternal instinct. Perhaps, a very young and inexperience principal she's got. Anyway, it's time off work, yet again, and waste of money. Ulcer can be common, even at this point of time, I'm having an ulcer in my mouth.

In any case, I brought her to get that certification. Her children's day performance is the next day, and I wanted her to be in school today and tomorrow. It took us the whole morning because the clinic wait was long. We had some fun over breakfast while waiting for her turn. Her appetite was good and we had great bonding time, the only positive of the morning. If it was not for her performance the next day, I would have ignored her principal, bring Jazz home and let the ulcer subside the next few days. Even as of now, that ulcer is no where in sight.

It was her turn in queue, doctor saw the ulcer and said, "Ok, back to school." When we headed back to school, Jazz started to fuss. She thought it was a day out with us, never did it cross her mind that she was going back to school. At the carpark, she started crying and screaming that she doesn't want to go school. I empathized with her, and I knew it didn't feel good.

When we got back to school, I asked to see the principal, handed the certified letter and talked about my displease. I am rarely confrontational in a stern manner, because my child is in their hands. I was really unhappy, and for sending Jazz back at a later time, she cried like never before even though I stayed on to feed her lunch. She held and pleaded me to bring her away, but we just had to go. Teacher said she cried herself to sleep. My little poor girl...

$53 certification, bill to who?

I guess the school was just being safe, but yet, how do they account when I see some children bypassing the check station without opening their mouth? Going straight to their classes without being checked? I just wonder why was Jazz so cooperative this morning.

Bye diapers

It was rather late for Jazz to be finally toilet train. She's been off diapers for about a month plus, except for night sleeps. She's getting perfect scores for her toilet training at home, but not in school. I've no idea why? Either teachers are not diligently helping or she's just too shy to express her urge. In any case, they have to learn it the hard way, I've since cut down the number of diapers in her bag from 6 to 2. Giving allowance for her to be on diapers only during nap. My every evening question to the teachers is always, "Any 'accidents' today?"

Finally some cost savings

 

My man was relaxed about her toilet training programme, but I was anxious. I felt that she's extremely well in expressing herself and this 'project' has to begin now, even though most of her classmates are still on diappy. It's difficult for me to accept if my little tot is speaking and expressing well, but not her toilet needs.

I began taking her off diapers on weekends, whenever we're home. When we're out, I'll put her on diapers. Gradually, I put her off diapers regardless of where we were. I became toilet conscious whenever we're out, to eat or to shop. When Jazz expresses her needs to pee or poo, I'll race to the nearest toilet to release her. And for being a girl, I am so uncomfortable about her sitting on public toilet bowls, but there's always a start.

Things are going on well so far, and I'm looking forward to put her off diapers for nights too.

Cuppies!

I took some time away from home today, for my cupcakes lesson. An interest that I've been wanting to explore further, and I've finally realised it. It was an expensive lesson! I've learnt about fondant, icing, buttercream and of course a cupcake recipe to bring home with. I'm ever inspired to do nice cuppies for the kids on special occasions. 

 

Bugs and Garden Cupcakes class

 

I made these cuppies, everything is edible! But fondant isn't something yummy, it's more for the eyes. This lady teaches classes in her home, her fees aren't cheap, but they are good tips that I've brought home with. Search on facebook for sugar pie gourmet, that's her.