The many faces of Jo2

Kenneth Korkor (my 15 yrs old nephew) took photos of Jo2 using "burst" function of his hp.

Jo1's formal school

Finally, I received a letter from Union Primary School that my Jo1 is accepted. I went to the school on the 3 Aug to make the confirmation again along with her birth cert, and paid 50cents for her badge which she has to wear it on the first day of school. She will be in 1C ( C = chocolate) which is the 2nd class after blue. Her class has 32 person that consist of 16 boys and 16 girls. I was surprised to see that so many parents oredi did their confirmation b4 me. The clerk also gave me a copy of school's rules of regulations where parents have to inform their children. The orientation day is on 26 Dec, 2006 which lasts for 3 hours.......When Jo1 knows the news, she was so excited that she is going to "BIG" school. It's "BIG" to her in the sense that the size is bigger and the head count in class as compared to her kindi now.

Before........and after school

No regrets. That's what I told myself after sending him to playschool even though it's 1/2 yrs earlier than I first planned.

1. He begging me to read books for him b4 bedtime. He would to throw books away or tear it when I first introduced books to him. Sometimes, he even use books as a stepping stone for him to reach out something that I placed higher, and it's beyond his reach.
2. He sings or hymns more often than he used to be.
3. He likes school now. He wanted me to take him to school right after he finished his milk b4 bedtime. No more I don't want go to school......He wants to go to school everyday. Even when it is Sunday, he said he wanted to go to school too.
4. He is more willing to do the clean up job compared to last time. I noticed that he will push his high chair in place after dinner, place his bowl to the kitchen table top, and also keep his toys after his play time.
5. He gets angry when I call him "BABY." Real mad, I tell u.......and his face looks cute when he is angry. Crazy ME, sometimes I still call him "Baby" juz to make him angry.
6. Unfortunately he is still refuse to take vegetables even though teacher told me that he eats carrots, potatoes, beans @ school for lunch, but not during dinner time when I am around.

Jo1's first baby......carrot!

We bought a packet of baby carrot seed during our last visit to Cameron Highlands. Jo1 planted the seeds and now it starting to grow. Jo1 is so happy to see it since she has been worry that the plants might not grow since it been raining days and night recently. Now, we really looking forward to see the first baby carrot. My MIL reminds her to bring 2 carrots for her on her next visit to Taiping.

My sausage bun

It's been almost a month since Jo2 started his play school life. The begining was not easy, and wasn't that hard too. Now, I am glad that he likes his school, and accroding to teacher he is a friendly, cute, happy go lucky boy. Yesterday, Teacher asked me whether want to let him participate in school annual concert, and today the school's principal Linda told me a jokes about him during tea break.

While Jo2 is eating his sausage bun during tea break, Linda talked to him
P. Linda: I m hungry, can I eat yr sausage bun.
Jo2: I eat oredi-woh. (he meant he started to take bite)
P. Linda: Never mind, I want to eat 1/2 only.
Jo2: Cannot one......my mommy buy for ME one!
P. Linda: The, next time ask yr mommy to buy for me also, can?
Jo2: My mommy only buy for me and Joning jie jie (that's how he call Jo1)
Jo2: U ask yr mommy go and buy for u-la.....ok!
The conversation ended until Linda don't know what to say, while he also finished his bun.

My first assignment - What can a Million do tag

When I first started to work in 1998, I told myself that my life will be easy, my dreams will be fulfilled, and I will be very satisfied when I earn my first RM100K. Now, I oredi had my first RM100K, but life is still the same as now I have to earn and save for my kids. So, it wasn't as easy as I first thought. Blame myself on this, I m the type of person who But, angeleyes give me a chance to have dream again.

So, if I have 1 Million (of course I prefer in USD too)

1. 70% goes to investment. Yes, invest, invest, invest in anything that can generate more money so that I will have more passive income. By doing so, I can retire at earlier age. and also to have sufficient fund for my chidren's tertiary education .
2. 20% for spending. Yes, buy, buy, buy anything for my family and myself. I will buy a luxury car or a MPV.
3. The balance will go to house renovation & vacation. Which means I can travel at least 2 times a year.

Me is still the same ME, whether it's reality or dreams. I still will save for the emergency needs.

I am not going to tag anyone since I know that my traffic flow is low.

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

Instructions :
**Start Copy**
Proposition: If you Have $1,000,000.00…………………………………
Requirements:
1st - Tag 5 bloggers, list down their blog and link to their blog.
2nd - Let the blogger you want to tag know they have been tagged by commenting in their blog or whichever method convenient.
3rd - Add your own blog link to the list below.
What They Do With Their $1 Million :

1. SYH will spend for Family.
2. Miche will give to the needy.
3. Montessorimum will keepsake
4. Healthfreakmommy will keep, invest, spend and give to the needy.
5. Chin Nee will Spend on Everything
6. Sasha will spend a little here and there and keep some too!
7. Laundryamah will spend a lot and not keep any!
8. Sweetpea will spend it like a mummy should.
9. wHOisBaBy will save it for future.
10. Chooi Peng will spend on new car, new home and a shopping trip
11. Jasmine will buy a MPV, invest in a business and shake legs
12. SiwwyPig will build her dream house, buy her dream car and travel the world
13. Lovely Mummy will spend & save
14. mommyof2angels wish there’re more millions coming!
15. Angeleyes will migrate to Ozland, start an eatery business and invest the rest.

16. Mama2jojo will invest, spend and travel around the world.

Birds go home....

Almost everyday I will take Jo1 & Jo2 for a walk right after dinner. Today, I was kind of late so, by the time we went for a walk, the sky was getting dark. Jo2 saw birds flying away, and he was happily shouted that "birds go home." Later, he continued that:"Birds go home to find mommy birds, daddy birds, jie-jie birds, gong-gong birds, ah-mah birds, kimkim (my SIL) bird, qiu-qiu bird (my brother)........
From here, I sense that he actually realise the important of family & home sweet home.

Daddy's boy

Since yesterday, Jo2 call papa2jojo as Daddy instead of papa. I noticed that after he backed from school. He told me that Daddy take me to school today, also Daddy take me home. Later, at night, he told me Daddy "sayang" me, and Daddy is now @ office buy sweet-sweet for me......

2D/1N @ Cameron Highlands

MIL & her 4 lovely grandchildren

Jo2 & Hui Ming jiejie

Jo2's first taste of strawberry ice-cream



This is my first trip travel w/ my MIL. The photos tells all, kids have fun there, esp at the strawberry farm where we picked the strawberries, filled up our stomach first b4 we filled up the basket of how many we want to buy....

Play school - Week 2

Day 6 (9/07/07)

Skipped

Day 7 (10/07/07)

Skipped again

Day8 (11/7/07)

Saved by the birthday party bash at school. He starts to show that he likes school after he received the party bag from the b'day girl. First thing he said to me when I went to pick him: "School is FUN." Back home, I think is the teacher that teach him to say this to mommy. Why I know, b'coz normally he will say "I am happy" instead of using the word "FUN."

Day 9 (12/7/07)
Morning woke up, happy as usual. After he finished his milk, asked for a slice of bread and later I changed for him, and ready for school. No sign of "I DON"T WANT GO TO SCHOOL." All he asked for was:"After, u call me - Joshua, go home.......ok." Where he meant he wanted me to take him home.

Day 10 (13/7/07)
I guess the happiness is still there, but not sure whether he likes the school or juz the party @ school. Even though he kept saying : "I DON"T WANT GO TO SCHOOL." He repeartedly say this b4 he goes to bed and after he wakes up (more than 10x a day) but I can tell he actually enjoyed himself at school. Like the teacher said,: he juz pretend only. Reached school @ 8:45AM, he refused to let the teacher carry him out from the car, he wanted to walked down by himself. So, I decided to parkd my car & take a peek. To my surprised, he oredi in the pantry enjoying his breakfast (biscuits) and he didn't even noticed that mommy was looking @ him from outside.

Cross my finger, hope that he is still ok o go to school after the weekend.

Play school - Week 1

I enrolled Jo2 to a play school which started on Monday (2/7/07). I told him that he is going to school tomorrow since he is a big boy now. Yes, nowadays he gets angry when mommy called him "baby," so I use this as an excuse that only "baby" stay at home......big boy goes to school.

Day 1 (2/07/07)

He woke up early, asked for milk. After he finished his milk, I bathe and changed for him. He looked happy with a smilling face. I left home @ 8:45am, reached there b4 9. Everthing went smoothly until he saw the teacher face. Unexpected, he cried out so loud that I can hear it from outside after the teacher carried him inside the class. I stayed there for about 20 minutes, and left for work after he settled down. Back home, he told me that teacher is "scary," ppl (friends) all go home. From my understanding, I think he meant he is afraid of the teachers since both Teacher Grace and Teacher Somshai are Indian.


Day 2 (3/07/07)

After changed, he told me that he is ready to go "kai-kai," and I told him that :"No, we are going to school." He refused to go down from the car when I reached there, so I have to carry him into the class. He cried for a while, few minutes later he was o.k then. Back home, he told me that :"kakak sayang me." (Maid at the school loves me) b'coz she bathe for me and told me that she "sayang" me if I don't cry. At night, Jo2 popped out new word - "HOW" followed by the "WHY" that I blog about.


Day 3 (4/07/07)

On the way to school, he told me that he is sleepy and want to go home and sleep. (showed me the tired face, pretend to yawn). I dropped him, gave him a goodbye kiss, Teacher Linda came to carry him to class. I parked my car, and stayed there for a while b4 I left for office. At 10:30AM, Linda (school principal) called me and informed me that my little boy is getting adapted to the new environment as compared to the first days. He even asked a boy, who is also a new comer not to cry.......I laughed when she told me that Jo2 talked like "uncle," he warned other classmates not to run in the class, if not they will fall down and "pain-pain," pointing at the blue black spot he has on his leg.

Day 4 (5/07/07)
Papa2jojo offered to take Jo2 to school so that I wouldn't be late for work. Too bad, things screw up b'coz Jo2 knows papa2jojo's weak point. He wanted him to stay there, waiting for him outside the classroom. He ran out from the classroom whenever he wanted to see papa2jojo, and other kids also followed him. At about 12:30PM, I received a call from the principal, we chat and talked for a while, and the conclusion is : I will drop my son to school by myself tomorrow.......

Day 5 (6/07/07)
On the way to school, I told Jo2 that he is not a baby anymore, so when we reached school, he has to say "thank you mommoy & bye-bye mommy," and walked to the class on his own. Reached school at about 8:15AM, and he kept saying wanted me to follow him. The principal carried him down from the car and tried to calm him down. By the time I parked my car, I saw Jo2 was sitting on Linda's lap and others standing around her singing "I Love U" song, which is his favorite Barney's theme song. So, left after they finished the song.

The first week was not easy, hopefully he can cope with it by next week. The good sign is Jo2 has slightly pick up the habit of reading. He begged me to read for him b4 bedtime on Saturday which is a rare thing since he never like books. The bad news is Jo2 lose the battle, he is down with cough & flu on Saturday morning.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Finally, Jo2 has completed all the required vaccines below 3 years old. As for Jo1, Meningococcal Vaccine was the last jab, but now Jo2 has another one due next month which is pneumococcal. I know that is the most expensive jab amongst. This is a new jab that was launched last year, and only 1 company monopolize that's why it's so costly. The medicine itself cost RM290 + consultation fees + prescription fees, at least I have to spend RM350 for each child. So, Dr. Sim informed me that be prepared to spend about RM700 if I would to let both of them to take this jab, since according to him, this virus attack children below 9 yrs old, and prevention is needed for Jo1 too. Sometimes, juz pity to see them suffer have to take so many jabs since birth.....

Emil Chau's concert

Wa-Kin Chau is mommy's all time favorite Chinese singer. I love all his songs, I can listen to his songs continuously for hours and never get bored. His song touched me....

Anyway, I really wish that I could go to his concert this coming 14 July, 2007 @ Bukit Jalil, papa2jojo actually offered to drive me down to KL and he will take care of the kids while I enjoy my concert (about 5 hours). Too bad, I decided not to go since I will be alone b'coz sis#2 & sis#3 can't make it this time. And it will be no fun to be there by myself only.

So, if u r Wa-kin's fans, go and grab the concert ticket b4 tickets sold out.

No, thanks.....

Here's the list of food that Jo2 doesn't eat.......he used to run away when asked to try, but recently he become so polite by replying "No, thanks!"

Mommy: Josh, u want to eat durian?
Jo2: No, thanks.

Mommy: Josh, u want to eat vege?
Jo2: No, thanks.

Jo2 is a picky eater, there are some food that he doesn't take, for example : ice-cream, chocolate which is most kid's favorite, and also there are foods that he can't take due to his sensetive skin.
As for fruits, he only take apple, banana, papaya & plums. And his favorite food is mee-mee, koay teow, macaroni, spaghetti, and recently SUSHI!!!

Other than food, I also asked him....
Mommy: Do u want to go to school?
Jo2: No, thanks.......(ME???? Almost "pengsan" since it's juz 4 days away from his first day to nursery)

Happy Father & Grandfather's day

We had dinner @ Trader's Hotel (formerly known as Shangri-la) last Sunday to celebrate Father's Day. Actually our first choice is to go to Miraku, a newly open Japanese Restaurant @ G Hotel (majority of us like Japanese food). Unfortunately the place is fully booked for lunch & dinner since we opt for a room. 2nd choice is Season Restaurant, also a newly open (1 month) along Jelutong Expressway. 3rd choice is of course this Trader's Hotel since my brother's good friend work there and informed that they actually hire "sifu" (special guest chefs) from China for a short period serving authentic Huaiyang specialties, and why not give it a try since it's a rare chance.

On the way there, my father asked Jo1, is today father's day or "gong-gong day?"

Jo1 said :"Today is Happy Father's Day, next week only we celebrate gong-gong day, ok." What a smart answer......so that she get to dine out again next week???

Since we have a big group that consists of 22 person, so they set up 2 tables for us, with a divider and nice lace curtain to have more privacy. I would say it's a cozy place, with good service and tasty food (very special & nice presentation), but the bill is a little surprise to us. Juz a short glace at the price list I saw a pot of "exclusive tea" cost RM32, a small bowl of dessert cost RM6. Anyway, good to see that the hotel's standard is maintained even though they changed the management.

The never ending "Terrible TWO"

Recently, I found that Jo1 & Jo2 are no longer under my control. Whether it's meal time or play time will end up with tears (fighting w/ each other). Spanking or yelling at kids are not my style. I believe that kids that are beaten up tends to be even "wild" so I always tried to control myself not to throw temper on kids. But no guarantee how long this will lasts since I am short of a helper(maid) now.........

The notty stuff of Jo2:

1. Bitting Jo1 for no reason, even though doc told me that it's a way Jo2 protect himself from being harm. But now it seems like Jo1 is the victim instead of him.
2. Being the echo of Jo1 and mommy. Whataever u say, he will repeat the last few words of the sentence that he is able to catch. Except when u say: Jo2 is a notty boy or something bad about him.
3. Everything belongs to me. My thing is my thing and your things are mine too. Very possesive boy. Nobody can take away toy that he is playing, but he will simply grabs away whatever Jo1 is playing and think that it's lot of fun......Once, he took away jiejie's book and said he wanted to read book, but holding the book up side down!!!
4. Lock the door. He likes to lock himself inside the room so that he can watch his so called "Mickey mouse club house" (cartoon channel) peacefully. By doing so, nobody can come in and switch to other channel. Jo1 told me that the magic word to open the door is "good manners, good manners." I can't figure out why, but it really works. Worst experience we had when he locked the main door while everyone was outside the house doing gardening, washing car, and Jo1 playing in the garden.
5. Pick who and who to bathe for him. Mommy is the first choice, followed by papa, then my mother's maid. If no choice, then only he allowed my mother to bathe for him. He will run away with his towel whenever my mother called him to bathe.
6. Simply throw anything from upstairs to downstairs. No matters how many times I asked him not to do so, or I have him go downstairs to pick up whatever he threw. 100% guaranteed that he never throw his own stuff.

Why I have this never ending "terrible 2".....b'cos Jo2 likes the no. 2. When asked him how old are u.....his answer is "2."

When asked how many jelly/sweet-sweet he wants......his answer is "2" only.

Afterall, he is Jo2-what!!!......he is a spoilt brat of me!!!

No matter how notty he is, a kiss from him will wiped away all the anger....

Where is papa?

Papa2joj has to leave home for office b4 8am so that he can reach office b4 9AM.. So, when lil Jo2 wakes up in the morning, the first Q he asked is :

Jo2: "Where is papa?"
Mommy: Go to office.
Jo2: Orrrr.....buy sweet-sweet, lilipop (Lollipop), and d-ing gum (chewing gum)
mommy: No.
Jo1: didi, papa must go to office working, then got money, then only take u to buy sweet-sweet @ Tesco. Office there don't have sweet-sweet one.
Jo2: okeey.......hmmm.......

No outing Sunday

Today, I decided to stay at home. No shopping, no swimming, no playground and no visit to park too. Papa2jojo and I went to "ta-pao" food for lunch juz now and the kids are now in their wonderland (afternoon nap). ME?? Reading & writing blogs at home.
The reason:

1. Jo2 need more rest since he juz undergo a minor operation which he shouldn't walk too much.
2. I overspent last week-liao. What did I buy??? I bought 2 dress from secret garden for Jo1, a set of pyjamas from Strawberry for Jo2, SK-II products for over RM500, , 4pcs of blouse from Islee for myself, 4 nail polisher @ RM5.90 each (it's a good deal & nice dolor too)and a sleeping mask @ RM79.90 from The Face shop, all for ME.
3. Juz too lazy to go out, that's actually explained all.....

The "WHY" & "BECAUSE"

Recently, the "why" and "b'coz" has become his favorite word.
Jo2 popped out his first why on Sat when I fed him in the kitchen. While sitting on his high chair he saw ants on the floor, and he asked me to look at it but I juz ignored it so that he can finish his meal faster. Later, I noticed that he actually took out some rice from his mouth and "purposely" drop it on the floor. Guess what, he wanted to feed his so called "pet."

Scene 1
mommy: Hey, what are u doing?
Jo2: Ants hungry.
mommy: No, u cannot give yr food to the ants.
Jo2: Whhhyyy......?
mommy: ummmm, b'cos if u feed them now.....they wouldn't go away and will stay here waiting for yr food.
Jo2: Whhhyyy......?
mommy: b'cos they think it's nice to stay here......got something to eat-ma!
Still, he dropped the food to his "pet" even though I expained to him......

Scene 2
mommy: Jo2, time to change pyjamas.....come, come.
Jo2: Whhhyyy......?
Didn't wait for me to answer.....
Jo2: (d)coz it's time to nen-nen and slip(sleep).
mommy: yes, good boy.

What's for dinner?

Mother cooked something special for dinner on Sat. Normally she only cooked very typical Chinese homecook dish but on that day we had purely western food. Since I am there, so I get to "tumpang makan." Mother fried chicken chop, fish fillet, pranws and french fries, while I prepared the coleslaw.

Everyone loved the food except those big prawns. My father's friend bought it for RM10/each, the size was too big that I only can take 1/3 of it, and the taste not as good as those normal size prawns but more like a lobster.

p/s: Guess whose the photographer???? I bet u know if u read my previous blog.

Yes, it's she!!!

Jo1's school holiday assignment

The school term holidays started from 26 May until 10 June which is about 2 weeks. Jo1 has 9 pages of Chinese writing, 6 pages of Malay writing and 2 pages from her mental arithmetic class. On top of that, she asked me for more???!!! This happened on Saturday afternoon, right after her ballet class. She told me that she wanted to borrow my camera, and wonder if I can be her model. My answer is "Doe want-la, mommy's hair so messy, face.....t-shirt......" So, I told her why not u switch the function to "scenery" and take picture of all the flowers & plants in the garden (I taught her about "potrait" function last time). Ting........that's really something new to her and it sound interesting to her. She returned the camera to me 1/2 hour later, and I didn't turn on to see what she took until this morning........Suprised!!!! I have 136 new photos in my SD card. All taken by Jo1 within 1/2 hour time. From here actually can tell how adults influence kids on what we did. Mommy likes to take photos, now kids follow-la.....









These are some of the photos to "show off". I think the result is not bad for a 6 yrs old girl using the simple point & shoot technique.

Learn a lesson from Jo1

Reached home @ around 6pm, kids happily greet me with a warm welcome hugs. Jo2 looked different than usual, so I looked again and only realized that his eyes is darker around. I asked Jo1 what happened to him, did he felt down or knock on something juz now? She replied "no.", then I checked on him again only realized that it's actually Jo1 applied blue & green color's eye shadow on him. I laughed & laughed (w/ relief)......And then, Jo1 asked me:"mommy, why u laugh? As a mommy, u should get angry.....ok! Next time, if u see this again, u should angry and not laugh,ok!!!

How we cope w/ no maid.

This week will be the 2nd week since my maid run-away. I have maid to help out the household chores as well as look after my kids since yr 2002. Actually, the situation wasn't as bad as I thought. Everyone seems like no problem at all, esp Jo2 whom was my biggest worried since he "stick" very close to her. Surprisingly, he never ask where is his kakak, not a single day. The good news is he is now able to sleep thru until 5AM, which means no more wake up in the middle of the nite.......yoohoo to me!!!

As for Jo1, lucky me that I trained her to bath by her own beginning of this year. I felt that bathing & eating by her own are some simple things that she should know at this age. With or without Kakak seem like the same to her since she never like to follow Tini's instruction.

As for papa2jojo, of course there is nothing can stop him from going to work. Good sign is, he will take care of the kids during his off day. Unlike last time, he usually "snake" out with his friends whenever he can since he knows that he has hired someone to take care of his children. Spending more time at home is actaully a good chance for him to get to know them better in their growing stage.

As for me. I have better memory now. I used to be very forgetful, and tend to dependent on my maid on most of the things. Now, things changed. Not only that - I am freed also. Temporarily no step-daughter!!! Having a maid is actually an additional ppl to take care of on top of them helping us. The bad news is my plan to HK Disneyland on 28 May is cancelled.

All I want is "MILK".....mommy

Both my chidren love to drink milk very much. Jo1 supposed to fully wean off at the age of 5 but she pleadge me to let her continue until she turns 6. In this case, milk has become a powerful weapon for me to control them.

Case 1:
Ask Jo1 to do homework.......she refused.
Me: Go & do yr homework now if u want to drink milk b4 bedtime.
Jo1: ok......lo!!!

Case 2:
Refused to finish her meal.
Jo1: mommy, I am full oredi. I cannot finish the rice.
Me: U don't ask for milk later if u are full now.
Jo1: But, I can only finish the soup, can?
Me: ok.

As for Jo2, he is a frequent milk drinker coz he only takes 4 oz each time. So, I have more chance to so call "threaten" him.

Case 1:
Pointing his toy gun at me......pheng pheng pheng!!!!
Me: Hey, u shoot me ah??? If mommy die-liao no one make milk for u-le.....
Jo2: Sori....mommy (hugging me)

Case 2:
Me: Come and keep yr toy now.....time to sleep!!!
Jo2: mommy keep!
Me: No milk for u if u don't keep yr toy now.
Jo2: mommy & jie jie help! (since he knows there's no more kakak)

Run-away maid

My maid has run away from my house on Friday (11/5). She is now very "safe" at the Indonesia Embassy and protected by the officer there. According to the person in charge, she complained that she is over-worked, on the other hand she also complained that she actually prefer to work in a house where there is only 1 maid. She said she can actually finish all the house work by her own and doesn't need any help from other maid. I told her that it's impossible I let her stay in the house with my 2 kids during day time, juz only 3 of them while I am @ work. I have to bring them to my mother's place where my mother is around the house w/ my mother's maid. I visited her yesterday, she is so stubborn and looked different. The Kakak Tini that I know who used to take care, cuddle, hugging & spoiled my Jo2 has now become so different in overnight. I juz don't understand why she did this to me only after she worked with me for 1 year + 16 days. All the while, there is no complain from her. She even said that she is happy working for me, so I know there must be some other reason why she wants to leave, probably it has something to do with the letter that she received exactly 1 week before she ran. Too much work is juz an excuse if working for 4 person (2 adults + 2 kids)
The issue now is: she is now protected, I have to pay her the full salary even though she didn't finish her 2 yr contract w/ me. I think that is not fair to me. It's means employer is not protected, and nobody is bind to the contract, then why we need a 2 yr contract??? Who is going to compensate me for not working from now onwards until I hire a new maid??? What if this is a syndicate where they can transfer her to another employer and earn extra income??? What if they actaully take my maid out to work as a part timer during her stay in the embassy???
Lucky me, Jo2 didn't cry looking for her as I what I worried in the first place since he is so "stick" to her and spend day time with my maid. I actually have no problem handle him and everything is under control and not as bad as I thought. Afterall, I still "ALIVE" even without maid.

Sleep thru the nite

I have dark circles around my eyes ever since I became a mother. Waking up in the middle of the nite seem like a routine job for me. I have to wake up either to feed kids w/milk, to make sure that they sleep tide w/ blankie on(no nightmare).
My kids actually luv their milk so much that Jo1 was able to sleep thru the nite on the day I was admitted to hospital and as she knew that she is becoming a big sister. I was happy and surprised when my maid told me she didn't wake up the nite Jo2 is born. Since then, she is able to fall asleep on her own after drinking a bottle of milk and can lasts her until the next day. As for Jo2, I started to train him since he was 7 months, but I failed. No matter what method I tried.
Actually papa2jojo is the one who ruin my plan when I use the "cried out" method," he either will say that I am a bad mommy that don't let the child drink when he is hungry....or he will be the "Good Helper" (I call it KPC) to make the milk for his "baobei" son.
I hope Jo2 can sleep thru the nite before he turns 3.

Papa2jojo is a workholic

Papa2jojo has been working days and nights since last month. He actually can work non-stop for 24/7 and sometimes only take a nap in the office for less than 6 hours. My worries to him is that he might overworked and it might harm his health.
Last nite, he came home earlier than usual and he told me that his boss has actually cut his Apr's overtime hour from 123 to 100, the 23 hours convert to A/L. To me, it will actually cut to nothing since papa2jojo never used up all the A/L he earned. I know he will still work like a "cow" even though the boss did this to him. He don't care much since he like his job so much, too bad the company never reward employees who never take M/C or A/L with 100% attendance.

Busy weekend

Weekend means family outing to me, where we will either go shopping or swimming and sometimes eating out. As usual, Jo1 has to attend her Mental Arithmetic class in the morning while I have to work until 1PM. Then, Jo1 has her Ballet class from 1:45 - 2:30PM.

Unusual activites:

1. Pick up cakes from Jenni's cakehouse b'coz it's Ahsley's 1st B'day. Ashley is my sis#2 daughter. Then, send maid over my sis's house to help out. She is having a b'day party with all homemade dishes except those nyonya kuih.
2. Ahsley's b'day party from 7 - 9:30PM.
3. Went home.....change kids into pyjamas & zzzz.....
4. On Sunday, wake up & take breakfast.
5. Parents is going to Taiwan for a short trip. I was supposed to send them to Airport, but bro took over the job, so I ended up watching my drama which I haven't finish since I started during CNY. (Feb)
6. Bring kids to Gurney Plaza. MeadJohnson is having a smart camp there. Spend about 3 hours there (can't believe) kids juz love the activities there with lots of fun & games & freebies. They played in a pool with balls, bowling, music. They saw other children performed dance, story telling and etc.
7. Leaving for swimming club @ 4:30PM. Kids play sand @ beach and we had our dinner there. Jo1 had Fish w/ mushroom & cheese gravy, while Jo2 like the spagetti.
8. Back to Gurney Plaza again......can't believe that. Jo1 insists on going back, and she really enjoyed herself there. She even make new friends there, that's really something impressed me.

I was really exhausted after going from places to places. But, I think is worth it since the kids learned new things with these kind of exposure rather than let them sitting @ home watching TV.

Ballet class

Photo taken on the 1st lesson of her pre-primary class

Jo1 has been attending Ballet class since she was 3 years old. And now, she is in pre-primary class since September, 2006.

Botak Chai (little bold head)

My little "Botak Chai"

I used to bring Jo2 to an old Indian man for hair cut. He had no problem with hair cut at all (baby time) until 1 day that old man return to India for goods. I am really really upset to hear about that, coz he is patience, skillful and friendly.

So, my nightmare started.......

Every month I have to bear with the same problem. The moment I stopped the car, take him down, he already started to cry even before we stepped in the barber shop. Jo2 will simply cry cry cry, non-stop like ppl beaten him up so bad, even I tried to persuade him that it's no pain at all, but he still continue to cry. At last......VOMIT!!! yaak-ki.

Good news.....last Sunday I was like win "lottery." Jo2 is willing to let ppl cut his hair, no cry at all. I was so impressed that I want to share my joy here.

Father will undergo cataract surgery

Father's vision is getting so bad that he has to depend on eye drops prescript by doc to make his vision clear. According to doc, his right eye sight is totally blind, and he need to undergo a cataract surgery to remove the "clouding" on the lens. My biggest worries is that, father's cataract is not the usual type due to aging, but probably hit or accident fall. According to doc, his cataract is mature to be removed but there is a risk whereby once the clouded lens has been removed, the next step is to replace it. That is, to implant an artificial lens that will do the work of your own lens. Doc is afraid that my father' eye cannot support the lens, which means will not be back to 100% .
Even though this is a minor surgery, but the worries is still there, and I really wish that it's a success one.

Words

I noticed that there is an improvement in Jo'2 speech
For example:

• Jo2: mummy, gong gong(grandfather) CAME home oredi?
  Jo2:mummy, go "joom" (slide @ playground)
• Jo2: want "drumstick" (chopstick), he likes to use chopstick and pretend to play drum.
• Call his name from downstairs & u will hear Jo2: yes, come-ming.....

He also like to talk like a pro using his new handphone (toy) which I bought for him recently. Most of the time I knew he pretend to call papa2jojo, and bla bla bla...... asking when papa will bring him out for walk walk I guess, then ...ok...Bye!

Jo2 is a good helper

1. Milk-milk time. He will take the bottle for Jo1 as well.
2. TV time. He is in charge of turning on/ off button. Disc player & TV.
3. Keep toys in place. Only if papa2jojo is around. He only keep part of it, I never expect more from him.
4. Keep shoes in place. Right after came home from "walk walk."
5. Phone. He pick up the phone whenever he hears the phone is ringing. He can run faster than others.
6. Open tap water. Like to wash hand even though his hand is clean.
7. Snap photos. Like mommy, it's juz mommy take photos of ppl but he shoots photos of anything......can fan, lights wall, potty chair, kitchen.....using mommy's old camera.
8. Instruct Jo1. Ask Jo1 to go & change pyjamas, to go "tut shu" (do homework), go downstairs to eat.
9. Take potty-chair to Jo1. If he saw Jo1 is crying, and he knows that Jo1 will cry until throw out. So, he will give Jo1 the potty & ask her to "ouuo" in potty instead of on the floor.
10. Co-driver. This happed only when mommy is driving the car. I let him sit in front & buckle up seat belt (ever since I can't make him sit in the car seat) he still able to escape out and play w/ the air-cond button, music player, signal light & wiper. It's actually dangerous while I am driving. So, everytime I have to stop the car to scold him.

Glove-fy & dong-dong qiang

Jo1 has been complaining that her bro keep disturbing her, i.e: "mommy, di-di beat me." or "mommy, di-di pull my hair." Jo2 is totally different from Jo1, he can simply "attack" ppl from the back w/ no warning. Sometimes, he chase Jo1 from living room until kitchen for no reason, and juz want to play or scare Jo1. He thinks this is FUN.

In return, Jo1 has a powerful weapon......
If Jo2 make her angry, then she will shout :"Glove-fy, come......di-di is notty." or "dong-dong qiang (lion dance), come.....come & bite di-di." Once Jo2 hears this......very fast.....he will find a place to hide and he only dare to sneak a peek after he think that it's safe. Even though it's been many many time Jo1 uses this trick, it's still works.

Actually, I was the one who started this tricks. I used to tell Jo2 that : dark dark oredi, lizard is coming out...... whenever he doesn't want to go inside the bedroom to sleep when I am tired-liao.
I think both of them have a good imagination.

Terrible experience (part1) @ bank

On my way home 4 lunch....
I walked into this bank (w/ tiger head logo), to check w/ the receptionist what are the procedures to open a saving account for my maid as required.( I heard that have to make appointment 1 week ahead)

Me: I want to open a "joint account," my maid & I.
Rep: No, no, no. Maid cannot open joint account. We only allowed joint account if u have relationship w/ that person.
Me: But my sis opened a joint acct w/ her maid in xxx branch (same bank).
Rep: We had many customers came to open acct for their maid, the officer in other branch probably don't know this rule.
Me: ok. So, no need to make appoint-la?
Rep: No, go straight to counter 1. Just fill up this form & yr maid must come & her passport.
Me: TQ.

Arrived home, asked my maid to go & change, told her that I wanted to take her out.
At the bank.....I handed over my application form to counter 1
(Note: Original conversation in Malay)
Teller: Is yr maid here?
Me: Yes.
Teller: Ask her to sign here (pointing at the bottom of the application form)
Teller: How much u want to bank in?
Me: RMxxx, (passed the money to her)
Teller: OK. That's it. Come & collect yr passbook 2morrow, she has to come also.
Me: Ahhhh!!! But, juz now the lady there told me she has to come, now she is here whatever she need to sign let her sign now-la.
Teller: Cannot. There is 1 computer generated form that she needs to sign. I can only print out the form after I key in her particulars.
Me: Then u print it now & let her sign
Teller: U have to wait 2 hours.....want to wait? I have a few applicants b4 u.
Me: Is there anything u can do so that I don't have to come 2 trips juz to open an account?
Teller: Why? Bring her here again-la....
Me: Cannot-la....please-la.....She has to take care of my
, and I have to arrange someone else to look after my "BABY" if she is out (actually I make this up hopefully she can tolerant)
Teller: Bring yr baby here as well-la.....
Me: ok-la......LOL

Juz cannot understand....They think going to bank is so much fun that we bring all the family?? Time is a problem, parking is another problem. Is that call "efficient?"
Anyway, they called me up told me that the passbook is ready @ 3pm (exactly 2 hours) and asked for employer's name......Why-le???? As they said: I don't have relationship w/ her, no joint acct allowed" Why they need my name now???