I Am FAT!

My girl showed me a letter from school last week, telling me she is chosen for the Health & Fitness Club!  To be crude, it means that my girl is FAT & OVERWEIGHT isn't it!?  Gosh!  I can't believe it!


Huh????  My girl overweight!?!?  She is so active!  She swims 1 to 2 times a week and ballet lesson twice a week!  Besides that, she is very active, at home or outside.  She eats healthily with lots of greens, fruits and less meat.  At times I have to 'force' her to eat more meat. AND she doesn't eat unhealthy snacks often.

When my girl found out what it was all about, she was shocked too!  She went around the house shouting "I am fat! I am fat!"  Then she started doing exercises!  She said she doesn't want to be fat... I have to assure her that she is not fat at all.  She is very vain and to let her join this club, I am quite sure what kind of impact it will have on her.... She may refuse to eat or does exercises vigorously or worse, become anorexic!

While I was on PSG duties (last week), I went to the office and asked to speak to the teacher-in-charge.  He was not available and I was told to fill up the form and to explain the reason/s to be excused from it. 

I finally get to speak to the teacher 2 days ago... He said that according to their record last year, L was considered slightly overweight, her weight just tipped over the scale.  What surprises me was that she was not only chosen because of her weight, but also because she is not in any CCA!  It is not compulsory to have any CCA in P1 & P2, hence we did not sign her up for any.  Her enrichment classes, ballet and swimming already keep her busy throughout the week.

Anyway, she has to go down today so that they can measure her weight & height again...  I spoke to the teacher-in-charge again after the measurement.  He remembered L and said he knows her as a very active girl.  He explained that according to the chart given by HPB (Health Promotion Board), she just tip over the line and the chart is based on Asian size.  He said even for him, he is considered overweight!  The teacher is very fit and yet considered overweight!  Unbelievable!  I think HPB ought to review the chart.

I told him the reasons (I didn't mention abt my fear, just told him she swims and dances many times a week) again for pulling her out and said that L is planning to join a CCA.  The teacher said he will excuse her from the club but I have to cooperate with them by maintaining her weight and make sure she exercise regularly.  They will be monitoring her....

She is a growing child... How to stop her from eating?  Haiz... What to do... She inherited her daddy's gene, heavy bones.  She has to eat less white bread and white rice, which is her favourite... I also hope that by joining a CCA, they will take her off from the monitoring list. Oh!  The next time they measure her weight, I will ask her not to eat first!

Beanie & His Learning Walker

You know, usually you get learning walker as a present when the child turns one.  But we know for Beanie, we couldn't wait till he is one coz our little one already showing signs that he is ready to WALK!

So here's video of Beanie with his walker and he loves it!

Next, he check out the music and he can't resist dancing.

*oops! Angeline... Sorry you have to 'struggle' to watch this video and please don tilt your head again... Coz I was too engrossed in recording it

Bento #143 - Pig

 In the box: Rice, grapes, steamed minced pork with salted egg, spinach and tau kwa. 

L had to stay back in school today so I packed her lunch.  Knowing she is quite a slow eater, I cooked their favourite dish, steamed pork with salted egg.  Whenever they have to stay back in school, I have to think hard what to pack for them (especially L) so that they will eat fast and not waste any food.  Lunch break is only half hour, including time she takes to come out from classroom and walk out to collect her food and back to canteen. 

When Z saw jiejie had bento today and he had none, he suggested me packing it for him too.  He wants to have his lunch in the car instead of going back home.  Hmmm.... That's not a bad idea.... If so, I will not have to go home for 1 hour and out to pick L later.  

Bento #141 (pokemon ball) & #142

Z's bento (#141):

L's bento (#142):

In the boxes: Baked chicken wings, diced beans with eggs, strawberries.  Pokemon ball (rice, seaweed & crabstick) & orange for Z.  For L, a girly face (seaweed, denbu, rice & crabsticks)

My first attempt on trying to make a pokemon ball!  I think from far it does looks like one.  Hehehe... At least Z thinks it is one.  He was very happy to see that coz he likes pokemon.  I should have done better for L's girl... It looks kind of weird... Nevertheless, she likes it.

Z told me one of his classmates asked for the chicken wing and he gave it to him.  The boy didn't finish his own snacks.  I told him next time tell his friend to finish what his mom prepared for him first and explained to him why.  He also said his classmates said "Wow!" when they saw the ball.  L said her classmates always look forward to see her bento and that makes me very happy.

It Used To Be Mine....

This t-shirt used to be mine... I was that skinny then and now... Haiz...

I bought this Planet Hollywood kids size t-shirt years ago from New York... Back then, it was a fashion (among my colleagues) to buy from different countries.  I gave away all of it except this one, hoping that one day I will be able to wear it again... I guess that day will never come... Me too fat liao...

I can't remember how this t-shirt surface again and I decided to let L try it.  It fit her perfectly!  We were so thrilled that she can wear my t-shirt!  Now I don't have to give away this t-shirt and gonna see if I have more of this kids t-shirt in my wardrobe.

He likes It

Whenever we have our meal with Beanie, he shows interest in our food.  The only thing that we can feed him from our meal is rice.  Seeing that he is ready for it, I prepared rice for his lunch today.  The rice was cook separately from ours coz I want it to be a little wetter. 

I think he likes it coz he finished everything. The dish that goes with the rice is steam egg yolk with veggie.  Now he has another choice besides porridge, pasta and potato.

Bento #140

Every Monday, LZ will have their lunch in school and that means delivery from home.  But the problem is that they have different recess time... L at 12pm and Z at 1pm.  My planning is terrible...  I forgot to cook Beanie's lunch early so that I can feed him while waiting for Z's recess.  Both of us were very hungry by the time we got home.

I was quite angry with L coz she forgot to meet me at the gate to collect her bento! I saw her playing at the canteen with her friends and I have no choice but to take a pass from the security to pass the food to her.  She didn't have time to finish everything, at least she was able to finish the top tier box and half of the soumen.

By the time we got home, we were left with an hour to eat & rest and we were off to school to pick up LZ....  Tiring day....

They requested for cold noodles today:
Soba sauce & seaweed not shown in pics.

Bento #140-a, L's Bento:

Bento #140-b, Z's bento:

In the boxes: orange, grapes, mini pretzels, broad beans, beancurd skin chicken and cold noodle. Morikawa ume soumen (dried noodle) for L and hyoshiro wakame udon (seaweed udon) for Z.

Z was very hungry when I passed him the bento and he finished it in less than 15 mins!  Fast huh? When he got home and saw more of the cold noodles, he ate again. 

1st Week of School

Today is the end of the 1st week of school and I'm so glad weekend is here!  I am sooooo TIRED!

L is very happy to see her old classmates and she already make new friends. This girl of mine has no problem at all even if you put her in a room with strangers.  Hehe... She told me about her new friends and who are her teachers for the different subjects.  It is only the first week but she is already bringing back homework.  During recess, she still 'hang out' with her old classmates at their usual corner. 

Z.... As I expected, he lost his water bottle.  Not once but twice!  I managed to find it for him for the first time.  Haiz... It is only the first week and he lost it twice. He left it in the canteen table, went to order food and found it missing when he came back.  The cleaner cleared the table too fast (the P1 & 5 just came down for their recess) and I reflected to the PSG mommy in charge.

So far, he enjoys school and able to tell me some of his classmates and some of the things that he do.  When L heard it, she said "Huh?  Why only boys?  You mean you don't know who are the girls in your class?" His reply was he doesn't talk to the girls.  Boys....  When I asked him who are his teachers for the subjects, he told me he forgot!  He can only remember his English (form) teacher, Maths and Chinese teachers. I told him to write it down in his organizer when he has lessons next week.

He also said that he likes the school garden and playtime at the KC field.  That I knew coz he 'disappeared' as soon as he finished his food.  Everyday, he excitedly tell me what he found in the school garden and what he did.

Pics taken on 8th Jan. L with her old classmates.  Z ate chicken rice, one of his favourite food.

This week, I didn't prepare any bento for them since Z has a buddy with him. He wanted bento from the second day onwards coz he 'complained' about the queue but I wanted him to learn to buy food on his own, with the help of his buddy.  Today was the last day he spent time with his buddy and I encouraged him to buy fishball noodle soup. At least now I know he can handle it.  We bought his buddy a little gift.  I did that too when L was in P1. 

Pic taken on 6th Jan.

When I picked them up from school the other day, I saw L carried Z's school bag!  Aiyo!  See how much his sister pampered him!  I told him not to let jiejie carry his bag, told him he is a big boy now and L's bag is heavy too.  He said jiejie insisted on helping him, knowing his bag is heavy.  My sweet girl... She may fight with him but she loves him afterall.

pic taken on 7th Jan.

Besides napping in the car with LZdaddy, Beanie had breakfast with us every morning at a nearby cafe. Though it was just an hour break before I go back to school, LZdaddy and I enjoyed our so called couple time and with Beanie. 

His 'Push Walker'

LZ never use walker when they were younger and they don't own one...    They used to push their toy boxes around the house and they also used those learning walker toys.  My kids turn out fine without using it at all.  So when comes to Beanie, I don't see the need to buy one too. 

We haven't buy one for him so he came out with his own idea...  He uses his HIGHCHAIR!  Hahaha... 

This video was recorded yesterday, 6th Jan.  He preferred to kneel down and pushed it around.

Today, he stand up to push it!  What a difference! 

Melt My Heart

I'm so in love with my 老二，Z!  Hehehe....  Here's what happened....

I saw my boy queuing up at the drink stall with his buddy during recess today.  My first thought was "Hmmm... Why did he buy drink first?  Shouldn't he get his food first?"  I was a little angry when I saw him took the green tea bottle from the auntie.  I thought I have reminded him not to buy cold drinks since he brought water to school...

What comes next was a surprise & melt my heart....

He happily passed the bottle to me
Z: Mommy, this is for you! *smiling*
Me: Me?  You bought this for me?
I was about to tear liao....  I felt so guilty for what I was thinking..
Z: Mommy, drink it! You work so hard.  You need a drink!

My son bought me a drink!  Instead of buying food for himself first, he bought me a drink!
At that moment, I feel like telling the whole world about this!  Hehehe...
I knew I was teary and I gave my son a hug.  I wanted to tell him then what he did meant so much to me...  I didn't do it then but I told him many times after school...

After buying the $1 drink for me, he was left with only $1.  He bought a packet of watermelon (50cents) and a bowl of fish ball soup(50cents).  I asked him if it was enough for him

Z: I don't have any more money..  It ok mommy...

Awwww... My sweet little boy... He spent half of his pocket money to buy me a drink and not enough for himself.  I gave him another $2 and he bought a plate of fried rice with nugget.  He finished everything!  My boy was very hungry.  He was happy that he has another $1 to put into his piggy bank.

He knew I volunteer for this 5 days because of him.  This is his way of showing his appreciation....  At home, he told me

Mommy, I know this few days you work very hard for me.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

We play Pet Society and he says that our pet are 'couple'.  In reality (when he was younger), he told me when he grow up, he wants to buy me a ring.  He said he can't afford to buy me one so he will work hard when he grow up.  The other day, he whispered to me when all of us was chatting,

Mommy, I bought Cutie (my pet's name) a diamond ring. Shhhh... Don't tell daddy ok?  I didn't buy him anything.

Awwww..... He remembers what he said and he can't wait to grow up to keep his promise.  So sweet! 
He also promised LZdaddy a nice sport car, jiejie & didi many toys when he has lots of money.  See lah... How not to love him and pamper him?

It's Time To Change....

Now that his weight is at the minimum requirement to change his seat face forward, we are so happy!  Finally, he doesn't have to struggle to turn around to see what cartoon his siblings are watching.

He was very happy when we put him on his car seat.  We turned on the TV and he watched it, once in a while turned to us and smiled.  Now at least it will be easier for LZdaddy for the next few days while waiting for me at the carpark.

1st Day of School & Bento 138(LZ) & Bento 139 (LZ)

Today was Z FIRST day in primary school!  Yeah!  A day he has been looking forward to!  He was overwhelmed with excitement last night that he slept an hour after his bedtime.

I was tearing while helping to adjust his uniform this morning....  I have to admit that my little boy is a big boy now..  I am more worried for him, compared to jiejie...  He tends to rely on us sometimes to take care of things and it is time for us to let go.  I think we showered too much attention to him coz of his arm (broke his arms & hand thrice) and we heard so much about being a middle child. 

L looked forward to school too! Meeting new friends and old ones.  She hoped that she will get a form teacher as nice as Ms Liang but... Her form teacher very fierce.  I noticed that the teachers in P1 & 2 are very nice and approachable.  I won't say the same for P3 onwards...  Probably children more tough to handle as they get older?!

This year is also the first year L has a new subject, Science.  So far, she shows interest in it and has read quite a few books on Science. I think it is going to be heavy workload for her and competitive too since she is in the top class.  I told her what most important is that she knows she has put in efforts in her studies.

When we arrived at school, I entered the school first.  The school was promoting 'Dads For Life' (launching in FEB 2010) and encouraged daddies to send their children to school.  LZdaddy was very supportive!  Here's a pic of him walking into the school with L, Z & Beanie.  Not a clear pic though... Got the pic from the PSG. 

Apart from LZdaddy, many daddies supported it too. It was nice to see many daddies walking into the school with their kids. Needless to say, LZ were very excited that daddy sending them into the school for the 1st day. 

I took over from LZdaddy after that. As we were running late, I told L to go find her classmates which she had no problem at all.  L's P3 level was at the parade square, she approached one of the PSG mommies and managed to find her classmates.

Z & I hurriedly went up to the hall.  He is still not used to using his right hand and have been using his left hand.  I know eventually he will start using his right hand again. I was overwhelmed with emotion again while holding his hands and walking with him....  He was not nervous at all and felt excited!  He settled quickly at the hall and took out a book to read while waiting for the assembly.   

To my surprise, none of the P1 kids cried!  None peed in the pants! A big difference compared to the year I helped out (when L started P1).  They were all well behaved and it was an easy job this morning. 

After assembly and getting ready to go back to class, Z struggled a little with his school bag coz he didn't use his right hand. Otherwise, he was fine. 

Z forgot to wear his specs in the morning so we (LZdaddy, Beanie & I) rushed home after morning duty to pass it to him during recess.   LZdaddy & Beanie were waiting for me while I was on duty at the hall and at the canteen.  We think it was better this way, coz if Beanie needs milk, I can just go out to feed him and need not rush home.  My poor baby had to follow us...

Here are the bentos (they asked for these) for 1st recess. L's bento on the left and Z's bento on the right...

In the box: Mickey shaped ham & cheese sandwiches,  Mickey shaped apples, strawberries, biscuits and car shaped hard boiled egg.

Z with his buddy, Benjamin.  He is a very helpful and well mannered boy. He helped and guide Z and greeted me.  When I bought him a drink during 2nd recess, he didn't take it for granted. He asked me if he need to pay me.  I told him he deserved a drink for helping my boy.

During 2nd recess, he didn't eat at all and out of curiosity, I asked him why.  He said he didn't have enough money. I asked him how much he need and he said 50cents. I asked Z for it as I didn't have small change. After taking the money from Z, he told us he will return it tomorrow.  From one of the PSG mommies, I found out that his mommy is also a PSG member.

I think some parents did not realised that their children finished school at 3pm today,  especially it was the 1st day of school.   When I was leaving school at 1+pm, I saw a parent waiting outside the gate.  He didn't know till I told him the school ends late today.

After  finishing my duty in the canteen for the 1st recess, I rushed home to prepare their lunch.  I have less than half hour to cook and packed it.  Madness!  I had to rush coz it will soon be L's 2nd recess.  Knowing how chaotic it will be on the 1st day recess,  I think it was wiser for me to pack for them.

I told my helper to cook the rice.  Before I leave this morning, I cut out the carrots, marinate the beef and get ready whatever I can.  Both the bento contained the same food and I packed the food into their new bento boxes. As you can see, I don't even have time to shaped the rice properly.  I could have asked my helper to cook everything, but being their 1st day in school and their bentos, I hoped to be the one preparing it for them.

In the box: Beef yakiniku,  egg tofu, stir fried peas with Mickey shaped carrots and rice.

Z posed for me before he eats.  He was very happy when he saw his 2nd bento and he finished fast! There was plenty of time left after his meal so his buddy showed him around while I continued with my duty.

It was a very tiring day....  Yet I can't really sleep.  Without the help from LZdaddy, I won't be able to witness Z's 1st day in school.   Thank you daddy!  For the next few days, he will try to take care of Beanie so that I can be there. 

Videos Of Beanie

A video of Beanie's encounter with Cloudy (Z's pet hamster, recorded on 30th Dec 2009), Jiejie with him... I assured you Cloudy was not tortured by him after that. He was trying to get Cloudy of its hideout so that he can see it. Please don't call SPCA..

Another video of Beanie (recorded today, 2nd Jan 2010)...

New Year Eve & New Year Day

31st Dec 2009

We didn't do much for the past few days as Beanie still recovering from flu.  He fell sick right after Christmas (26th Dec) and visited the PD for the first time (for flu).  Z fell sick first then followed by him.  I was glad that both didn't have any fever.

We wanted to watch the Chipmunk Movie and again we couldn't get the tickets. Not to disappoint our kids again, we bought the ticket for the next day.  Very kiasu right?

We spent some time at the arcade and I realised throughout the holiday, my LZ didn't go to the arcade at all!  They have been 'busied' playing FB games, they knew that once school reopened, they won't be able to do that often.  I managed to get a cookbook on risotto and after which we had a tea break.  LZ were happily talking about the game cards and Beanie was asleep in the pram.

For that night, I cooked seafood risotto!  Didn't expect it took such a long time to cook and we had late dinner...  LZ didn't like it but LZdaddy loves it... Haiz...  Tough to please all... Not going to give up and shall try other risotto dishes with meat which I think my kids would prefer.  

Anyway, it is a bliss to spend quality time with my loved ones, minus the dinner.

1st Jan 2010

Finally we get to watch the Chipmunk Movie!   LZ enjoyed the movie and Beanie fell asleep again.. Must be the medicine or he loves sleeping in the cinema?!  Hehe...

LZdaddy suggested having steamboat for dinner and we all agreed.  We went to Sheng Siong, which the kids been there only once, I think.  The were fascinated by the seafood.  "Oh! mommy!  See see!  They have baby shark!"  "Daddy daddy!  Can we try catching it?"  etc...  I think my kids looked like they have never been out before! Haha....  The staffs are excellent!  Especially the auntie who helped us choose the clams and crab.

In the evening,  we had steamboat prepared by LZdaddy.  Yummy!  See the clams L was scooping?  I can't remember the name of it, but it was very tasty!  LZdaddy steamed it with garlic & chili padi (no chili for the kids).   We had it during Christmas too and for the past few days.  It sold out very fast and while we were at the store, there were many people buying it too.   

This coming Monday, it will be a new routine for me and as well as for Z.  Not much changes for L, except that she will have a new form teacher and some new classmates.  I don't have to worry much about her coz she is more independent.  He will be spending longer hours in school and in a bigger environment. For me, I don't have to go to 2 different schools to pick them and at different timing.  Beanie will be able to have a longer nap time in the morning and I can't wait to enroll him in gym class.  Hopefully I can squeeze in some time to exercise or more time for FB games?!  Hehehe...

There is something that I forgot to note down about our Christmas.  LZ made a card each for LZdaddy and I. Guess what?  They attached a HONG BAO with the cards for us!  What makes it special is that they wrapped it with white paper and with their own pocket money!  This is the FIRST time my babies gave us money!  Aiyo.... My babies know how to melt our heart man!

Orientation Day - Z

I think most P1 children has gone through their orientation by now.  My boy had his today!  I prefer it this way coz when school starts, he will be able to remember who is his teacher and where is his classroom etc...

We had to be in school by 8am!  It was a rush, having to get ready everyone and make sure all have their breakfast.  As the main gate was a distance away from the carpark, Z and I alighted first and went in to find out which class he will going to and who is his form teacher.

Z was not nervous at all and he seemed so cool!  Probably he has been to the school a few times and know what to expect and  L has been 'feeding' him lots of info.  For me, I am very excited and at the same time a little sad....  Z & I have talked about it... We gonna missed those times that we spent shopping and bonding after picking him up from school.  Well, that's life!  I can't possibly keep him under my wings forever...

At the hall, Z sat with his classmates while waiting for everyone to settle down.  I introduced myself to the teacher, told her that he just removed his cast and may not be able to write for the moment.  We were hoping Z 's form teacher will be L's P1 form teacher but it was not.  From what I found out, his form teacher is quite good too.

After the welcome speech by the Principal, the children went to their respective class and followed by briefing for parents. Before the briefing begins, L met one of her classmates and her mommy suggested that L goes to her house, which is just next to the school. We let her go, knowing that she will be bored staying there.  Beanie fell asleep before the briefing and woke up halfway through.  LZdaddy & I took turns to take him out as he was 'talking' too much. 

We meet up with Z in his classroom after the briefing.  We were very happy to know that one of his K2 classmate and L's classmate brother (I know the mom & the boys have met before) are in the same class too!  Yeah!  Their parents were very happy too!  At least I know that he will not be alone...  Z is shy and it takes him some times to open up to others at times.

At the canteen, L was the guide. She showed Z which stall sell chicken rice, drinks, fruits etc... After looking at the food, they felt hungry and had their lunch there.  I am glad to know that they have stopped selling titbits!  Applause for the school!  Now I don't have to worry LZ buying junk food for recess.

I showed him where the public phone is, in case he wants/need to call us and he made his FIRST call to LZdaddy.  Z told LZdaddy to move far away so he can make the call to him and chat!  Haha...

L told Z where the water coolers and taught him how to top up his water bottle.  My girl is soooo sweet, isn't she?  She looks forward to her brother joining the school! Every now and then, I hear her telling about primary school life and what to expect.

We have showed and taught him things that he should know and hope he is well prepared for school on Monday.  Let's hope he is not as blur as a sotong!  Hehehe...

My boy already requested for bento during recess and he said EVERYDAY!  He told me countless of times, ever since he saw me prepared bento for L.  I told him I will try to prepare for him whenever I can and if I prepare for him everyday, he will not learn how to buy food on his own.  AND mommy is also lazy lah! Hehehe...

Next week it will be a busy week for me coz I will be helping out in the school again!  Yeah!  I missed it!  The Chairperson was very kind to let me help out even though I have not been active for the whole year.  She assigned me to help out at the hall so that I can be with Z and I will be at the canteen during recess.

****************

Do you think he put on weight?  Friends or neighbours who seen him recently said that Z put on weight and I think so too.  Neighbours asked what have I been feeding him and they commented that he looks very good now with the weight gained.  Friends said I did a good job, 把孩子养得胖胖 (my 3 kids).  Haha... I told them as a SAHM, it is my 'job' to make sure my kid are well fed, healthy and happy.  If I can't do my 'job' well, I better quit!  Haha... 

On a serious note... I don't need my kids to be 胖胖 to prove that I take good care of them. Most important my kids & hub know it.