EYELASHES

HY commented that Isaac has long eyelashes when she saw him last week during Z's 1st BD celebration. Hoho...silly mommy decided to take a photo of his eyelashes, just to "document" it since she have nothing better to blog about, for now....hahaha...

KRANJI BEACH

We went Kranji Beach about 2 weeks ago. Initially we were targeted for Sungei Buloh Wetland Researve for that weekend activity, but upon reaching the carpark (yes, we were there already), this sotong mommy realized that she forgot to bring the anti-mosquito lotion for Isaac. *diaoz* Daddy decided "not to take risk" as he finds that his prince is too young for blood donation, hee...of course to mozzies! Thus, we ended up visiting Kranji Beach, a park nearby. Hoho... we only spent ~2omins there, because it is not much of a park...

EDUCATION

Few weeks back, when I read about the advanced development of many other Oct 08 babies, I panicked. My son is considered slow, in terms of his speech and motor skills as compared to them. I know every child develops uniquely, but I just couldn’t help to question myself: Am I a lousy mommy?

Yes I have to admit that I spent very little time in “teaching” my boy. After fetching him from nanny’s place every night during weekdays, we will normally spend about an hour playing with him after dinner, before settling him into bed. We had fun and enjoyed very well. It was a great family bonding time too. Same for weekends, instead of teaching him, we played with him when we are free.

All I want for my baby, is to be happy! I do not wish to load him with those “academic education” at such a young age. But now I realized that I have to do some changes, in order for him to catch up with his peers. He doesn’t needs to be number 1, we just hope he is not too far behind them. And, I also do not wish to join the kiasu syndrome. Although academic learning is important, but I find learning from life is essential and more suitable for my baby at this age. Babies need stimulation and encouragement but not force.

Thus, I try to incorporate learning into Isaac’s day-to-day activities, through projects at home and everything he does. I also believe in talking to him like any other person, introduce him to words other than cootchie cooing. For example, during the journey back from nanny’s place every evening, I pointed out to him the other vehicles on the road, red lights, swimming pool, waterfall, tree, playground etc. I brought him along to kitchen when preparing fruits/meals for him, so that I can explore him with kitchen wares, fruits and anything in there. I also introduced Isaac to the concept of hot and cold, let him gently touch any hot (warm to be exact, can't be real hot right? Hee…) stuffs and cold objects. Hoho…normally when I “teach” him, he basically shows no interest and just ignores me by playing or crawling away. Sigh…I wonder is that an effective teaching? Haha…you may surprise with their learning ability. Although they seem not paying attention, they are absorbing like a sponge. Isaac understands the meaning of hot and cold now. When I warned him not to touch something hot, this stubborn boy will tap it gently (coz he knows is hot!) with his little hands just to feel it. When I tried to touch him with cold object, he will move away his body to “siam” from it! Very cute to see him doing that! Hee…

Oh ya, am proud to share there is great improvement on his motor skills too. He is not advanced (as some babies can do that long time ago) I know, but we are happy with his “progress”.

Hello…moshi moshi…

Combing hair and pointing at his head.

The other thing that Isaac is lagging behind is his speech. He still cannot speak yet. However, he understands what we say and manage to carry out our instruction most of the time. I decided to teach him some simple signs, for us to be able to communicate whilst he gets ready to talk. Hee…my boy surprised me with “no more” sign last night, when he finished his favourite snack! Oh, I hate to see him yells/screams when requesting for something, or throws his temper when can’t get hold of what he wants. Hope he can sign “please” and “thank you” soon, a way to learn the good manners too.

Next, we are waiting patiently for Isaac to walk on his own (but also cannot imagine chasing after him, haha). My scaredy cat has been cruising for months. Guess he will need more time as he still can’t stand unsupported. Baby, take your time….meanwhile enjoying crawling and walking with your push walker!

SWIMMING II

YipPee! Today is my last day working in NUS! Think I better update my blog before starting the new job, not sure if I have time to do so after that? Hoho…so much happening for past few week, where to start?

Looking at my photos archive, decided to start with swimming. Yes, I blogged about it few months ago, when Isaac was 5-month old. But we now upgraded from “swimming tub” to swimming pool at our new home. Hee…much more fun of course!

Isaac enjoys swimming very much and it has since become his weekly exercise. The photos and video below were taken few weeks ago, when my cousin visited us. Isaac’s swimming skill improved a lot, and he can swim better and move around the pool now. Keep it up baby!