The kindergarten has scheduled its first parent-teacher session on 30th April and well, I guess now would be a good time to do a roundup of what has been happening, because really, since baby K came along, time has become even more precious.

Most of what follows, true to report card style, is quite erhmm, boring. So skip along if you want. We won’t judge.

Jayden has remained ‘true to form’ showing a fair bit of development this year. Since school started in January, you see him growing to be more sociable with children… his age. He has also begun to actually know their names although, he is very ’self centred’, prefixing everyone, name or thing, with ‘my’. Normal really. Because that is how children are.

He has dominated the toys at home, even gender specific ones like kitchen sets and cooking toys. I guess ‘playing house’ is something for both genders(?) and he can often be found wanting to clean, sweep and mop. In addition to cooking. His cooking, in the words of my dad, is a rip off. “Collecting real money (ok, 10, 20 cents) for fake food that he serves again and again.” No wonder his bank is well fed.

His numbers are really quite good. From not being able to count properly for the longest time, to laughable (and questionable) identification (imagine naming 10 as one-zero), he has since graduated to knowing zero through ten and scarily, other numbers as well.

Like… 53 (fifty three instead of five three).

His colours is being worked upon, and his alphabets too. Progress is slow and somewhat difficult to gauge because the cheeky boy always tries to be funny about it. We have watched Barney countless times. To the extent that we are going to be excellent voice-overs, and him, able to memorise the sequence, but I don’t think he has all 26 letters of the alphabet down pat.

On a positive side, he eats a whole lot more. Just minus the vegetables and over a very long period of time. Which creates for a lot of poop. And brings us to another point. We think we are on the home stretch to being diaper free. He could tell when he wanted to erhmm, go for the longest time, but perhaps he was not ready (as in, unable to control properly?). But right now, he usually goes to school in his favourite red (don’t ask!) underwear and has not had any accidents… at school. A couple at home but by and large most of it gets into the potty. Nights he still wears but we note that they are increasingly dry in the morning. Yay!

Jayden is also increasingly able to articulate what he wants. He gets on the imaginary phone and blabbers away for long stretches. Quite fun to eavesdrop because you learn interesting insights into what is going on in that little head of his. Things like who he likes, what happened in school, what happened when you were not watching… because you know, you don’t say such things to your parents. Not directly anyway. So… right now, he wants to go to the Science Centre (especially WaterWorks) but not the beach because he is scared of water. He loves shopping and is extremely observant. *orange juice for uncle K, milk for uncle T, long pants for himself, tea for me… yaddayaddayadda*

Frightening sometimes because you realise that (like passion) it was caught and not taught. Like little quirks in our personalities / way we do things. He HAS to bring something to read at the potty even though he cannot understand a word of randomly grabbed flyer. He loves photos and can recall most of the details that took place at the time the photo was taken although he insists HE was the baby in one particular shot when really, it was baby K.

All in, he is a very sensitive boy. For the first couple of months, he took the transition to going to school hard. Then we realised that he was vying for attention. Nowadays, the two show signs of bickering like cat and dog (hah, we got that one right) but also, that there is a strong sibling affection. They will both look for the other. And break out into a smile.We think the two will enjoy each other’s company even if they will rather die than admit it.

We have been ‘going places’. Little trips out of country and out of home. The best thing about having flexi hours (dad) and working from home is that, sometimes you can just up and go. We have discovered some really child friendly places in Singapore. Not because it is exciting but because they have the space for the children to wreck havoc. It isn’t quite what is done but who is going along for the ride.

Has been an eventful ride thus far! And now, I wonder what the school’s report card is going to read. Hmm.

What a year it has been! We started off with a nasty fall on New Year’s Day and resulted in an early night for flu-y Jayden. Somewhere along the way, Baby K was born (she’s sitting on my lap as I type this!) and Jayden lost his four front teeth. We registered Jayden for pre-nursery (which he’d be starting in a few day’s time) and grandma moved in with us to help with the kids.

Jayden finally got over his fear of water and had his first (and one more since) visit to the Science Centre. He has increased in vocabulary by leaps and bounds, and is proficient in both English and Mandarin. Or so we think. He has turned into this toddler that is able to talk back, get into endless trouble and is superbly mischievous. But deep down inside, he loves hs little sister.

Kathlene on the other hand, has matured (if you can call being 5 months old ‘mature’) into a little character in her own right. She is showing signs of being a toughie. No pushover and an excellent screamer. She’s definitely gifted with a great pair of lungs and can hold her own in any crying competition.

She shows preference for all things natural – the thumb and the breast as opposed to the pacifier or the bottle, she wants demands her mother and does not let up until she gets her way. She is able to flip and somehow wriggle her way across the living room floor. She can mangle brochures into a crumpled ball, showing an intense interest in the glossy ones right this moment. She tries to stand all the time and is way too strong. *sigh*

We got a dslr (courtesy of grandpa) and have loads of huge-ass photos of the children. We’d probably start printing them out soon. Before the task gets too daunting. Already, it feels like a mountain load.

This is probably one of them contentious issues…

We were at the library on Sunday. Twas a rainy day… so Jayden and I alighted first whilst daddy went off to look for parking. Jayden being Jayden, went roaming about the whole place, not wanting to sit still or stay with me. He wandered around the shelves, running around like it was his own home.

Until he met the librarian who was sorting the books back on their respective shelves. He decided to ‘help’ her. I think she helped us more. Because then he trailed her around for 15 minutes, giving us time to browse and get the books we wanted. As we thanked her, she turned to Jayden and asked “so you want to be a librarian when you grow up?”

We smiled. We wouldn’t mind really. We have fond memories of libraries (most times anyway) and had harboured secret ambitions of working in one or a bookshop. Just so to have access to all.those.books.

She, however, caught herself. She continued, “cannot… must become a doctor or a lawyer.”

Hmm. I am not sure whether it was because we were present and parents are (supposed) to be wanting to nurture ‘high end’ ambitions. It was a little dampener though. To me at least. The lil boy was none the wiser.

Que sera sera. Whatever will be, will be.

Every morning when he wakes, he wanders out of the bedroom and straight to the workroom. He is still clutching his 2 baby bolsters, one in each arm as he saunders into the room and wishes ‘Good Morning Mummy’. Nevermind that sometimes he wakes closer to noon.

He rotates between climbing the swivel chair I’m on or the vacant one by my side. And waits sleepy-eyed as I finish up whatever it was I was working on in a hurry. It better be fast lest he gets his hands into everything. Sometimes when he’s on the same swivel chair, we play with Photobooth. And he gets a (cheap) thrill out of counting down to the shutter and seeing himself captured on screen.

Maybe, just maybe, this beats Barney in his books. Then we close the door on the workroom and go out to take on the day.

… not.

There seems to be some invisible barrier. Every time we are nearing the 10kg mark, Jayden misses it by just a bit. He was close to 10kg when he fell ill with the horrible fever. And now, when we think he has actually hit it, he did not. He is at 9.8kg.

Very weird.

Overheard at the paed’s clinic…

Anxious Mum of 16 month-er (AM) : Nurse ah, is my son underweight? Is he small size?
Nurse : Let me check. 16 months, 12kg… no, he is at the 70percentile.
AM : But he looks really small don’t you think?

And there I was in another corner of the clinic, trying my best not to say anything.

Hello mam, your son is 16 months and already bigger than mine at 18 months. Can you not get paranoid about his size?!

Seriously, said kid is ok. Well built. Not baby fat padded all around but good. So really, do you want a michellin kid before you think your child is healthy?

For the record, at *almost* 18 months, Jayden is 9.8kg, 79cm in height. Which puts him at the 40-45 percentile for kids his age. What I would really like to know is… is he topping the charts on activeness?! It sure feels like it.

Where, oh where, has your baby gone? You have a full-fledged toddler living with you now. Walking and running still top the agenda, but take note of how complex your child’s movements have become. When she crosses a room, she’ll squat to pick up an interesting toy or stop to stack some blocks. If she’s particularly ambitious, she’ll figure out how to push a stool or chair over to the kitchen counter so she can climb up for a better look — all the more reason to make sure your house is as childproof as it can be.

Like clockwork, the weekly updates from Baby Center came in and reminded me that Jayden is 16 months old. Well, well, well.

To date, I count the blessings. He has not killed me, nor I, him. It is not for lack of trying though. Just last night he decides to wander into the kitchen and open drawers. GLASS LADEN DRAWERS. Good Lord. He picked up the cups and we nearly freaked out.

PUT THEM BACK.

Of course he did not. Instead he held them high, watching how the light diffused through the clear glasses and the reaction he got from his parents.

He got a scolding.

Seriously, the only thing lacking from this boy is speech. Ok, maybe two things. The other being the complete disinterest in eating solids (and the slow weight gain that results from it).

He climbs the sofa like it is second nature. That, I am used to. Then yesterday he decides to climb from one to the other. The current situation is that the are alternating. So he lifts his leg and crosses over, grabs the back of the sofa with his arms as he attempts the cross over. He was successful. Woe is us.

And … hmm. Back in the compartmentalised world of Jayden, he seems to think hugs are mainly for daddy. Pfft. He rushes with gusto to hug daddy but not anyone else. The rest are given one or two condescending ones, if he is in the mood. He has also learnt to blow kisses at women and not men. Don’t ask me where he picked that one up from.

To…

1. everyone who was at the Singapore Food Fair on Friday (afternoon)
2. those terrorised by the loud wailing outside Hall 3
3. all the commuters of the (same) Bus 24 around 7pm
4. the lady who sat next to us from Expo till Paya Lebar

We apologise for the little dynamo named Jayden. We know he was whacking everyone who was obstructing his path at the expo. We know it is quite painful to get hit by the red ‘drumstick’ that he swings about with such gusto. We are usually the victims of his attack.

Also we apologise for the loud wailing that occurred as a result of a diaper change. We had no choice as we could not find a diaper change station / baby room soon enough. We do not know why but he ALWAYS screams his head off at diaper changes. You would think he would be happy to be rid of a stinky smelly diaper but no. Somehow he does not show his appreciation very well.

For our fellow passengers on Bus 24, we thank you… the three aunties who entertained him and took care of him for quite a stretch. We are grateful for the respite you gave us from dealing with such an active kid. Our only regret is we forgot to get your contact numbers. Especially since we got off at the same stop!

Our sincerest apologies to the lady sitting next to us. We sensed your fear and how you tried to shrink into the side of the bus. We hope that the short encounter with Jayden has not sworn you off having children in future. We apologise but the bus was pretty full and there was no other vacant seat. We really tried our best to prevent him from whacking but I think Jayden was only trying to be friendly. He tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention remember?

All in all, we are still training him on etiquette but hope that his cheeky face would make you forget the crazy irritating things he does.

Sincerely,
Jayden’s family

Dear Jayden,

you turned 15 months exactly on Saturday, the day we celebrated Mother’s Day with grandma. You were a good sport that day, going out with grandpa and grandma. Down to the nearby playground, off to great-grandma’s. I think you had fun. As did the rest.

As hard as it is to imagine, you are even more active than you were before. It is amazing to see how much energy you have. We have started to joke that the childcare centres would not want you there. The later the better they would say.

You are very mobile. Walking with confidence. Even climbing. With one swift movement you mount the coffeetable at my parents’, before taking to walking the elongated table like it were the runway. You climb the massage chair, even to the back of it.

You exhibit great understanding. What you lack in speech, you make up in gestures. When we speak of going to the aircon room, you immediately head straight for the stairs, ready to climb up to the cool haven. When you fuss and we speak of going out for a walk, you quieten down IMMEDIATELY. Sometimes we’d just tell you to grab your shoes and socks, and you would go off on a hunt for them, bringing them to our feet. Then you’d wait expectantly, somewhat like a playful puppy awaits the owner to toss the ball for a good game of fetch.

You have a strong mind of your own, we all can tell. You are determined not to eat. Nevermind that the same foods you reject end up in your milk. You will drink it, power slushies as we call it. Just not when it is the solid form. Your most recent meal encompassed milk, fruit juice, cod liver oil and chicken puree. Goodness.

If it be a solid, you will shake your head adamantly, push the offending spoon aside and instead, reach for your cup to drink plain water. Oh yes, you have started to develop a love for anything with a straw in it. While you would still drink from the bottle, you are and have learnt to control the amount to sip up. Its quite funny to watch you potter around, hands holding handles of cup and lips pursed as you slurp up the water.

You have a cheeky nature. Going around everyone’s homes and making a din. At grandma’s you love to grab a pail and toss in the clothes pegs. It seems that fanciful toys do not attract you. Instead it is the mundane everyday things that you delight in. You can spend quite a bit of time putting the pegs in and taking them out. You can stack cups, though not necessarily in the right order. When given the rings, you place them purposefully on the joystick. I do believe we have no worries for your motor skills!

You seem to love water. Just not water on the head and dripping over the eyes. Lately you have taken long splashes in the tub and totally enjoy it. However you showed the naughty side the minute we took you out. You wailed and screamed. A very spoilt child attitude showing. So much till you foamed. That was not good, so we promptly went to get the rod for you. And boy have we had occasion to use it.

But as the saying goes, “Spare a rod, spoil a child”. Proverbs 13:24… He who spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him correcteth him betimes.

And so we are now on towards month 16… Will you learn to speak proper this month?

with love

Dear Jayden,

you turned 14 months old today. I didn’t quite remember. Not with you falling sick and just barely recovering. The fever has broken and I pray that would be the last we see of it.

We are starting to see more of your cheeky self returning with the flu retreating. A good thing as it means you are getting better, but awfully exhausting as you are back to your sofa climbing antics. At 14 months, I think you are barely tipping the scales at 8.5kg but your energy level is quite the feat.

A chilli padi in the making I say.

You still cannot talk but you babble endlessly much to all our amusement. You love to hold the phone to your ear and talk. You sound as if you are really holding a conversation with someone on the opposite end, having strategic pauses and mumbling again at the appropriate time. It would be fun to have you say your first words soon but given the way you mumble, I think we might wish you stopped soon enough.

Whilst unable to speak, your actions demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of what we are saying. Just today when we asked you to finish your milk so that we could go for a walk, you downed it with such gusto and waited impatiently for the promised trip thereafter. You know how and who to manipulate for emotions… running to the sweet embrace of your grandparents whenever you sense a scolding along the way.

You have 3 upper teeth and 2 on the lower jaw with a few more threatening to erupt soon. Unfortunately you are not doing much with them. You prefer to drink milk from the bottle and refuse to eat much. You are the fussiest little eater I have seen. Ever since you were introduced to soft boiled eggs ala Ya Kun’s style, you refuse the hard boiled ones. Even so, you diligently spit out the whites, only going for the runny yolks. You love to nibble at our breakfast and steal a few morsels from my Blueberry cornflakes but refuse much of the plain cornflakes.

Somehow you developed a liking for corn! You attack my corn on the cob and leave cute little teeth marks on it. When I give you a kernel to eat, you chomp delightfully until you are unable to manage the husk and spit it out again. Kind of silly but true.

You like to drink water, straight from your lil cup with the covered spout. You trot around the house, totting the cup and looking quite the adventurer. Every little thing captures your attention! Regular conventional toys do not hold your attention as well as a book, phone or box. I am beginning to think it is just one big advertising scam. The toy manufacturers have that is.

You love company and some noise for play but for sleep, you love to cuddle up in a bundle on the shoulder. Your hands grabbing at the shirt or giving us a pat as we cradle you to sleep. You are soothed with the song “Jesus Loves Me” and settle down on hearing it sung. You love the rhythmic patting as we send you to sleep and curl up, arms around the bolster as you settle in for the night.

So till the next marker, happy 14 months Jayden!

We love you

Dear Jayden,

you are just 4 days shy of your 6 month birthday and my, how time flies! Just last month, I decided that enough was enough and actually plucked up the courage to tender my resignation. Making the decision was so hard to do because daddy and I have been so used to a dual-income that we were not too sure how we would be able to manage. It has not been that long since I cashed in my last pay check, so we are still not reeling from the effect as yet. In any case, the deed is done, and nowadays you have me with you, almost 24 / 7.

I must say that you are “making full use” of the time choosing to sleep only in the wee hours of the morning after playing enthusiastically for the rest of the day. You have discovered the joy of going out and would gladly stay awake when you are out of the home, no matter how tired you are. In your book, sleep is for the weak. Or so it seems. You seldom succumb to the “Z” monster when you are out. And even so, you would only nap for the odd half hour or so. What is especially funny and making both daddy and I unsure whether to laugh or cry is how you literally whine when you get left behind at home. Whenever daddy goes out without us, you look at the door with woeful eyes and start on your semi-cries.

You are full of surprises dear lil one. At this point in time, you are glad to see both daddy and myself. You are an easy baby, able to be with almost everyone. The exception however, is still your paternal grandparents and uncles. Somehow you would burst into tears soon after seeing them and require a long time of adjustment before you settle down. We thought it was stranger anxiety for a period of time but with the monitoring, it appears to be quite something else. Nonetheless, you love interaction.Your current favourite activities are being lifted high into the air, having someone to “blow” on your tummy and to sit on my tummy and be bobbed along. Your chuckles are oh so cute! And your smile, heart melting.

At 5 months, you increased your milk intake and while I am still paranoid about not having enough milk for you, daddy has put his foot down and asked the freezer be cleared. So off goes your milk stash while I build it up again. There really is no space to freeze any food and it is difficult to cook when such a vital component of the refrigerator is out of operation. You have also grown much stronger and are able to lift your head and roll onto your tummy with such ease, it is frustrating. Especially so when we are trying to change your diaper and you decide, enough is enough, and roll your Desitin slapped butt skyhigh. ARGH. You have developed a method of pseudo-crawling, inching your way around the place through a derivative technique that allows you to cover the ground but not “properly”. Still, looking at your posture with the tummy off the floor and butt raised, we know it would be a matter of time before you get your act together.

A week or so ago we brought you to SIR to get your passport photo taken as well as to apply for your own biometric passport. It is kind of funny that your first printed photo turns out to be a headshot just so you can apply for the passport. I must say, children nowadays are travelling so readily. I remember that I only got my passport when I was 12 years old. You are barely 6 months old! But travel you must because your KL relatives are dying to get their hands on you. So well, you disloyal Singaporean… you will be spending your first National Day on vacation in Malaysia. Right now, we are packing for the trip and you have so much luggage it is unbelievable. I feel as if we are bringing the whole HOUSE over just so that you would be all comfortable in your short stay there.

Looking back over the past few months, I have been kind of slow on your updates. I have some friends chasing me for them so hopefully they will come more frequently now. Whatever it is, my dear lil one, you are so special to us all.