Family Soccer Time!

A Gift from Cavan

This is the first time Cavan has specially gone and got something for me.

We attended a wedding dinner and on our way out, my brother-in-law got his girlfriend a flower. I'm not sure Cavan saw it but he later exclaimed very loudly, "I want to get a flower for Mommy!"

With this, he skipped and looked around for flower baskets or bouquets but could find none. He asked my father-in-law to help him look for flowers.

When he returned, he was holding a beautiful red rose gleefully.

"For you, Mommy. From Daddy," he said.

"Wow, not bad huh? Helping you score brownie points." I nudged Clem.

I accepted the rose with delight. Cavan was so sweet! He really behaved like a charming gentleman!

My heart totally melted.

June School Hols- Extended

Cavan had an extended school holiday, even though we would not have wanted it to happen.

No, not that we didn't enjoy the school hols. In fact, we enjoyed the time with Cavan as we took leave to spend more time with him and bring him out. Beside the week at Bintan, we also went to the Science Centre, went bowling, watched Kung Fu Panda, had late night suppers and the swimming pool/ water playground.

The last outing to the pool really did it in. Three days later, we discovered spots and blisters on Cavan's palms, soles and buttocks. HFMD! Immediately, we brought him to see the doc. It was suspected that he caught it at the pool and Doc went rattling about some inconsiderate parents who brought their kids (with HFMD) to the pool.

Cavan had no tell-tale signs. HFMD symptoms included tiredness, lack of appetite, fever. He had no fever, no discomfort, lived everyday happily and actively. And he still ate A LOT. We thanked God that Cavan's case was not serious. He also wasn't fussy at all despite the blisters.

So to Cavan, it was a bonus- hols extended. Dad and Mom took childsick leave for a week and spent more time with him. Although this time, we had to stay home but Cavan was sooooo happy!

We spent time building stuff with lego, sang and danced with Hi-Five, went on journeys with Little Einsteins, kicked ball around the house, cycled around the house, had a DIY pizza party, played catching with Verity.

Ah, Verity. We were very worried that the gal would be infected cos she went to the pool too. And according to the doc, baby pools usually have less chlorine so there are more germs (as chlorine has a disinfecting function). But the doc advised that I continued to breastfeed Verity. The antibodies in breastmilk would guard her against the infection.

Thank God, Verity was not infected at all. We had wanted to separate the kids by putting Verity at my parents' place. But it would be troublesome to shuttle to and fro to breastfeed her. So all stayed at home. But Cavan and Verity must not stay close.

That was the most difficult thing that Cavan had to go through. Not the blisters, not the discomfort, not the ulcers. But not being to go near Verity and touch her.
During their play, Cavan sometimes forgot and we had to remind him. We felt terrible that we had to ask him to stay away from Verity in the midst of their exhilarating interaction. He sensibly told us that "I must wait until my hands have no more spots, then I can touch Verity." So he played peek-a-boo and surprise games with Verity from a distance.

So when he was certified by the doc and got clearance, the first thing he wanted to do was to hug and cuddle Verity. Verity was delighted!

Kor-kor, it is good to have you well again! Now we can kiss and cuddle and play closely together! No more from a distance!

Cavan's Message for His Daddy

Cavan was hi-jacked by Grace Family Club on our way to service one Sunday. While he was being 'interviewed', I was browsing the bookstore. Recently the newsletter was sent to us and Cavan (the youngest interviewee) had the following message for his daddy:

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Of Pencils and Stylus

I have problems getting Cavan to write and draw on paper. He simply isn't interested. I wonder if I should be concerned, since he does his worksheets in nursery, colouring and drawing. The teacher's review (last year) was that Cavan had very strong language abilities, both in English and Chinese but showed little enthusiasm in craftwork.

Recently, I had a revelation. Cavan is not uninterested in writing and drawing. He is uninterested and uninspired by paper and pencil (or crayon, for that matter). For a long time, he often asks to doodle on our handphones and PDAs. Give him a paper and a pencil (or crayon) and he barely musters a few weak strokes. Give him a magnetic doodle board or an aqua doodle mat or a PDA and he can write his name and create pieces.

The following are some of his works. I would ask him what he drew. Below are the replies:

A girl

A dog

A happy face

Bird on a tree

Guess we've introduced him too early to a high tech world. I wonder how he's going to survive in school next time. Unless the school uses PC tablets of course. Meanwhile, we'd better "de-technologize" him and get him used to paper and pencils.

Cavan's Encounter with Mr Policeman

I received a phonecall from Cavan's teacher last Friday as I was travelling home from work. I got an initial scare.

Me: "Hello?"
Ms Gracie: (sounding unsure) "Is this Mrs Yee, erm, Cavan's mother?"
Me: (growing suspicious) "Yes?"
Ms Gracie: (sounding secretive) "Mrs Yee, actually I'm calling you regarding Cavan..."
Me: (Oh dear, what has my son done) "Yyyyes?"
Ms Gracie: "Actually, I just wanted to tell you that today during school...(Oh please, hurry and tell me what's going on)... that I put a present in Cavan's bag.
Me: (relieved) "Oh..." (I wasn't sure how to respond)
Ms Gracie: "Because today, we had a police officer... (Police officer? What happened? Sounds serious!)... who gave a talk in school."
Me: "Okay..." (Still waiting for more clues)
Ms Gracie: "And later there was a quiz at the end of talk."
Me: "Okay..." (Still waiting for more clues)
Ms Gracie: "Cavan volunteered to go up and answer the police officer's question. I thought that was very brave of him, so I decided to give him a little present after that."

What a relief! I thought what happened.

So it happened that the police officer was having a little quiz that was opened to K1 & K2 kids. N1 & N2 kids weren't really asked questions as they were too young and might not know how to answer or they might be fearful to go to the front. (Cavan is in N1)

However, Cavan went up to Ms Gracie and indicated that he would like to go up and answer the officer's question. So when the officer asked for a volunteer, Cavan raised his hand.

According to Ms Gracie, Cavan did not display any fear when standing in front of the assembly and in front of the officer. When the police officer asked Cavan a series of questions, Cavan was very attentive and looked at the officer when the questions were posed. He was able to answer the officer's questions.

Ms Gracie commented that she was very impressed with Cavan on his courage, that he dared to volunteer, not knowing what questions would be asked, and that he was able to pay attention to the officer. She marvelled that this was quite rare for a child his age hence wanted to commend him.

I felt so pleased with Cavan. Both Clement and I were so proud of him.

When we reached home, Cavan did not mention about this incident at all till we probed him. He repeated the questions asked and his replies to us. He was as pleased as punch over the whole incident.

Later, he said that when he wanted to be a policeman. But even later, he changed his mind and said he wanted to be a soldier because he can shoot people. Wherever he got this notion from?

Anyway, this was a pleasant news to us. Ms Gracie can get some award for storytelling, for creating fear and suspense.

Standing up for himself

It is not unknown to family and friends that Cavan does not really have a temper. He is rarely aggressive. Even when someone pushes him or snatches his toys, he does not retaliate nor fight back. He only whines. And complains. He complains to the teacher or the parent of the aggressor.

This definitely worries me, cos I'm afraid he'd end up being bullied in school next time.

As parents, it would be wrong for us to tell him to fight back, even though that option was so tempting. All we can advise is, for him to say "No!", "Stop it!" or "Don't..." to signal that the behaviour displayed by the aggressor is undesirable. But knowing kids, who would take such retort seriously?

This CNY came the turn of events. We were at my uncle's house and all the kiddos were playing and roughing it out in the bedroom. My 2.5 year old grandniece, a brassy gal, was harassing Cavan. She pushed him, stepped on him, poked him. Cavan seemed helpless as he repeatedly told her no, and tried to steer clear of her.

Finally, he felt that he had had enough.

When he saw the gal coming at him again, he clenched his fist, went to her, held her by the shoulders and pushed her a few steps.

My heart stopped a few beats. I was taken aback by what I saw. I wanted to intervene, but seeing that Cavan wasn't going to hurt her, I stopped myself.

Cavan held her so she won't fall over. Shocked, she wailed and left the room.

Cavan was visibly shaken too, as he stood there for a second, realising what he had done.

Suddenly, he threw his hands up in the air and shouted triumphantly, "Yeah! YEAH!" His cousins rejoiced with him in his victory.

He gave me a glance to see if I disapproved. I was careful in my response. I didn't want to appear angry cos he managed to assert himself. I didn't want to rejoice with the rest cos I didn't want to give the wrong signal.

Seeing my non-reaction, he seemed relieved and continued to play with his cousins.

Inside me, I was secretly pleased. At least I know that Cavan would stand up for himself.

If he had to.

Happy V-Day

This year, we decided to spend V-Day with Cavan. We wanted to devote one-to-one time with him. When Verity was around, he was big brother enough to give most of the attention to her without complaining. So for today's outing, no Verity. He was so happy and told his baby sis, "Bye Verity, we're going out! See you later!" with a smug face.

Even though he might not understand what is V-Day (and we didn't mention anything about it), he was sure in a loving mood today! Usually he was already sweet and dovey, but today's dosage was doubled! He kept telling us, "I love you, daddy and mummy!" and kept wanting to hold both our hands as we walked. Even when we were seated in the car or restaurant, he would put his arm around us and gave us a tight squeeze. We simply soaked in his saccharin sweetness.

Happy Valentine, our dear son! We love you too! Sooooo much!

Reflections of a 1st-time Page Boy

Ah Gu Collin asked mummy months ago whether I could be the page boy for his wedding. Before mummy could answer, ah ma and ah gong screamed "Yes!"

My, my. The whole family was so busy on 16 Dec. Ah ma followed Ah Gu Collin playing the traditional role of an aunt to bring the suckling pig and what-nots to the bride's house in the wee hours. Ah Gu Stanley chauffeured the ah yis. Daddy and mummy were emcees for the dinner. Almost the whole family was mobilised! Only Verity had the luxury of sleeping, drinking milk and being entertained in the hustle and bustle. Not fair!

Everything went pretty well and I was happily throwing the rose petals in the floor when suddenly I heard "Pop! Pop!" I panicked. Was there a terrorist attack? No, there were the aunties popping the party poppers! I hate loud noises and began crying at the top of my voice! Grandaunt Judy panicked cos I stopped walking and thus the wedding couple could not carry on. Daddy and Mummy, on stage, were wondering why there was a delay mid-way.

Grandaunt cleverly distracted me by popping M&M's into my mouth while goading me to walk on. I managed to multi-task: crying while eating M&M's while walking while throwing rose petals on the floor. Daddy and Mummy were the most amused when they saw this scene but had to act unaffected and carry on the emceeing. I'm sure Ah Gu Collin and his bride were NOT amused.

Would I want to play this role again? I don't mind. Throwing things on the floor was fun and I don't get to do it often without being scolded. And it was great to be accompanied by a pretty gal. Just don't pop anything loud ok?

"It's so happening out there! I can only lie here and watch. Hmph!"

Mummy, can you get me a nicer suit next time? I look like a waiter here!

A last minute rehearsal with June Ah Yi guiding Jie Jie Melody and I

The dinner was taking too long to start! Daddy saved the day by feeding us cakes.

Grandaunt Judy and Grandunc Eric watched over Verity while Daddy and Mummy were on stage.

I'm stoning already

Getting ready for the act

Boy am I famished! Feasting on sharkfins soup over my rice

The yam seng was too loud!

After a night's work

Confusion

Sometimes we adults can send such confusing messages to our kids! We, for one, are no exception.

"Don't take so long to eat your dinner. Eat quickly!"
"Don't eat so fast otherwise you'll choke!"

So Daddy/ Mummy, should I eat quickly or slowly?

"You're a big boy now, you must use the potty."
"No, you can't use the knife. You're too young!"

So Daddy/ Mummy, am I old enough or still too young?

"Huh? You woke up already? Go back to sleep!"
"Quickly, wake up! Late already!"

So Daddy/ Mummy, when should I have more sleep and when to wake up quickly?

Daddy, Mummy, I'm so confused!

Sun Days (almost)

The weather had been so bad for the past weeks. Didn't know what got over us, but my colleagues and I set out to go suntanning on Sat.

I called to check weather forecast the night before and it forecasted showers with thunder in the late morning. I lost heart too when we saw dark clouds in the morning but Clem told me that he and Cavan prayed for great weather, so have faith!

Thank God the weather was SUNNY!

Prepared my fav picnic food- cold somen salad

All ready for the sun!

No tan, no return!

Baking in the sun **************

We weren't very great fans of nature and we wouldn't have thought of going to the Botanic Gardens. Cavan's PG had organised an outing to the Jacobs Ballas Children's Garden but unwilling to part with $12 (yes, we cheapo parents), we thought we'd go there on our own instead. Incidentally, there was a children's carnival so we joined in the crowd.

Needless to say, children need experiential activities so there were plenty to engage them.

Learning about food making process

Storytelling

Walking across the suspension bridge
Matching the parts of the fruit
Pumping water

Little gardener


No! Daddy's shoes are not plants!

Unfortunately, the good weather did not last long. Thank God we made our escape before the heavy downpour. We decided to go to Mad Jack for lunch since we'd pass by the place. It was surprisingly a nice, quiet place for a lazy afternoon. Kid-friendly too, with storybooks for kids. Staff were froendly too.

Clem had a rib-eye steak ($11.90) that was not too bad. I ordered grilled fish with cream sauce ($7.90) and the generous and juicy portions came with a huge cup of yummy mash potatoes. Cavan and Nancy (our maid) had fish and chicken baked rice ($6.90).

When our coffee came, it looked unimpressively thin but we were surprised by its good taste. I'm usually quite picky about coffee and this passed the test. However, we were quite disappointed with the banana cake and walnut cake. They were a tad too dry. We would prefer something more moist. And the banana cake had a sticky substance (maybe bananas?).

Think we'll try other desserts the next time. I'm curious about its Banana Craze and Wild Boy (Freshly made banana crumble topped w/ ice cream & caramel sauce). Hmmm... why am I going bananas over bananas?

Reading while waiting for our food

Drinking daddy's coffee using the milk tin

The food was good!

Reconsidering school

Despite 4 wonderful months of PG at Gracehouse, we considered putting Cavan elsewhere for nursery next year and subsequently, kindergarten. We wanted to put him for the morning session which unavailable at Gracehouse. Moreover, it was more convenient to go to Glory Kindergarten. So we registered him at Glory and paid the fees.

Somehow, something in me kept telling me that perhaps that was not the best decision. To be frank, Cavan has made many friends in school and he was taught well. Though I was not the one schooling there, I had this sense of attachment to the school. Perhaps it was due to the updates that Cavan provided everyday.

Through him, I know that Elyssa initially refused lunch and only ate biscuits. Through him, I know that Nathaniel and Leston played alot with him and Leston's grandfather picks him up. I know that Yi Enn is a little boy who always says "Mum mum". Ethan and Genna were new friends who joined the class recently. I also learnt that the kids learnt math by singing "Green bottles hanging on the wall" that there were Elyssa-bottle, Nathaniel-bottle, etc. and Cavan-bottle was the last one standing before he fell and there were no bottles left.

Through him, I know that Miss Jenny was the one who always asked the children to "Drink water! Drink water!" And Miss Pandian always poured biscuits for the children. I never knew his lao-shi's name till recently cos he kept telling me her name was "yu tou" (fish head).

Through him, I discovered that I had been mispronouncing the word "biscuit". I've been saying "bis-kate" but Cavan corrected me that it should be "bis-curt" instead.

Cavan was already so familiar with the place and the people. I heard that Cavan would say hi to every teacher during assembly as he entered. He would help to drive the car and cycle the bikes back to the position after dismissal.

At the Meet-the-Parents session last week, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity that we were to say good bye. It was made more difficult when Miss Pandian looked dismayed when we broke the news to her and Xiao Yi lao shi commented that she was going to lose her best student before hugging Cavan and smooching him. Later we heard that Cavan might get into the morning session afterall.

If that was true, we might reverse our decision to transfer Cavan. At most, we'd forgo the deposit and hopefully get back the fees that we've paid at Glory. Although Cavan adapts easily, we didn't want to assume that changes don't affect him. He's been through enough changes in his life for the past 3 months.

With Miss Pandian

With Xiao Yi lao shi With Miss Jenny

Fav play area

"I'm so happy to be here!"

Bumping into best friend Jedi outside classroom

Cartoon kids

Someone recently remarked that Verity looked like Cabbage Patch kids. Yea so true! Doeful eyes, button nose, small mouth, chubby cheeks.

Many commented that Cavan looked like Jack Jack when he was a baby.

Why do our kids all resemble cartoon characters?

Return of the Working Mama

Tomorrow, I will return to the rat race. Admittedly, I've been looking forward to this day. However, as the day draws nearer, I'm beginning to have mixed feelings. Half of me wants to stay home.

Think I enjoyed this maternity leave more than the previous, though more exhausting. Reason being I had a conversation partner- Cavan. During my 1st maternity leave, there was only baby Cavan. I didn't have a decent adult conversation the whole day. Only monologue. And the replies came in "Wahhhhh!", "Eh eh eh", "Gurgle, gurgle." As you can see, I'm a social being. I need to talk!

Well, the things I'll miss when I return to work:

* enjoying private mornings with Cavan, dunking our wheat crackers in milo kosong

* hearing him yell, "Mommy, I'm home already!" as he returns from PG before letting loose on the happenings at PG

* feeling the warmth of Verity's tiny body while rocking her on my shoulder, and having her sleep on my chest

* watching Verity's satisfied face after nursing her

* seeing my 2 kids interact with each other

* watching my 2 kids asleep in the mornings and savouring every moment gazing at their serene, cherubic faces

Resuming Sunday

After a month-long hiatus, we're back to a fully-packed Sunday!

Cavan was so glad to be back at Children's Church where his daddy teaches, joining the big kor-kors and jie-jies. Plus playing with daddy & mummy's friends, especially Uncle Victor & Auntie Yvonne!

After CC and church service, we, as usual, lunched with Kym, TC and their 2 bubbies at our fav Sunday lunch haunt - Crystal Cafe for porridge buffet!

This is our fav place cos the place is not too crowded; Our 2 toddlers have the space to move around; We don't feel pressured to eat quickly and give up our table; The toddlers eat for free! Considering the adult portion that Cavan eats, it is soooo worth it!

We usually spent almost the whole of our Sunday afternoons here if we come here for lunch and joked that we can settle lunch and dinner here (since it closes at 10pm). The waiters and waitresses probably recognised us, since we were the longest staying customers! The last time we came, Kym and I were heavily pregnant and we stayed as long! This time, we were still unstoppable despite having our newborns. Worse-still, the 2 todds were "unsupervised" since we were busy tending to the babies!

Baby Verity had been sleeping throughout. From her feed at 8.45am till 2pm, she was soundly asleep amid the loud noises and music in church! I was desperate for her to wake up so I could feed her (I was "bursting") but nothing can rouse her. Finally managed to feed her before our lunch so I could eat in peace. Alas, after that she refused to sleep so Clem had to hold her and have his lunch interrupted.

At 4+, we parted our ways and I wanted to shop at Vivocity. Desperately tried to make Cavan nap as he was up almost the whole day (napping only for 30 min during service) and having only slept 7.5 hours the night before.

I was so happy I managed to do some shopping. Have been buying stuff for the kids. Finally something for myself! Oops we forgot the time - it was close to 8pm - and we headed to my in-laws' for dinner.

It was great as there's always someone tending to the baby. Cavan had his uncles to entertain him. My hands were free while I had dinner! It's always great to be with family.

I was recharged. Now, to face another week ahead!

Mr Friendly Award

I was surprised to see a laminated piece of paper in Cavan's schoolbag. He was awarded Mr Friendly in school.

Whoa! Nowadays, they even give out awards in playgroup, I exclaimed to Clem. Nevertheless, we were so proud of him. In the report, it stated that Cavan was awarded for "showing kindness and love towards friends".

We know that Cavan is a good-natured boy. There were times he came back and 'complained' that his friend, Nathaniel hit him and snatched his toy. (Clem also witnessed a few incidents.) But Cavan seldom retaliated. In fact, he regards Nathaniel as his friend. Whenever Cavan reaches playgroup, he never also fails to say hi to his friends and the teachers.

My little Mr Friendly! : )

Guess who is who?

Somehow, every newborn looks like his or her older sibling. (Not me though. My father said my brother and I looked poles apart as newborns.)

Which is Cavan and which is Verity?

Yes, the ones on the left with spiky hair is Cavan! No prizes for getting all answers right. The dates are stamped, what.

Many friends commented that Verity is a carbon copy of Cavan.

That left me wondering... does that mean Verity would look like this when she turns 8mos?

Attempting to "girlify" Cavan (8 mos) with a hairclip, much to his father's chagrin

Cavan's 1st Friends

Cavan enjoys playing with Jedi these days and asks everyday if we are going to Jedi's house. One night, as we were returning from Dan & Evan's, I asked him, "Do you like Jedi?"

He replied, "Yes! I like Jedi!"

And on his own accord, he added, "Also like Faith, also like Bernice."

These are the 1st 4 babies of Ichthus. Since then, we've multiplied to coming 10. (Josh, Krisalyn, Seraphine, Erika, Claris and Baby Yee #2). Very productive, aren't we? I pray these kids will grow up to be men and women of God, shining brightly, serving and loving God.

The 4 kiddos: Growing up
Cavan at 4 mos, Faith at 7 mos

4 babies' dedication on Christmas Day 2005 (along with a twin). Bernice partially hidden in pic.

Chinese New Year 2006

The tumbletots

Cavan 16 mos, Bernice 11 mos

At Bernice's 2nd Birthday party How we've grown!

Mummy seat

This would be the last time I was able to bring Cavan to church by myself. In order to let him sleep longer, I asked Dar to go to Children’s Church first and I would bring Cavan to church myself.

With my bulging tummy, I was still able to carry him across the road, up and down the bus. Singaporeans! I don’t know what to say about them. They wouldn’t even let us up the bus first, after even seeing our condition!

One thing that made me uncomfortable was that Cavan insisted sitting ON my lap. At the initial stage, it was okay. As my tummy ballooned, it became increasingly uncomfortable for me. It felt painful to have him leaning on my tummy. And he was sliding off but he didn’t seem to mind.

Towards the last few trips, I always had cookie or candy. To persuade him to sit on his own. If all else fails, a stern “Mummy said sit by yourself!” worked.

Ah well.

The search is over. We enrolled Cavan the day we went for the open house. And the open house was meant for kindergarten, not playgroup. And started Cavan 2 days after his 1st encounter with the environment. He was happy to be left alone playing and scribbling while we were making enquiries and doing registration in the other room. Wanted to start him a week later but Clem said since Cavan was comfortable with the place, start him asap while the good memory was still there. Seize the day!

I left the task of sending Cavan to PG to Clem and my father. They would be less anxious than the kancheong spider mother. According to Clem, as soon as Cavan reached the classroom, he helped himself to the toys and asked them to leave, "You go, you go."

My boy has grown up.

A take-yourself passport photo for PG

Well, he's always been able to adapt rather easily to changing environment. This is evident from our trips, when we weaned him off his pacifier at 21 mos (only cried for 2 nights), and when we banished him from our bed to sleep on his own. It helped that he's a fuss-free boy.

Phew, another item settled before #2 comes...Can tick my checklist:
* Cavan to sleep on his own- check
* Send him to PG- check