Sisters Talk

Sisters talk

First Times Again

Alyssa has begun to lift her head in a prone position, and mummy have taken that classic shot of her.

She's also biting her fist like crazy now... and then any toys. Looks like she will chew it to pieces if she can.

Hard to catch her smiling face on photo. I think she dislikes the camera, cos everytime she sees it, she will eye it with suspicions and stops smiling.

Vainity Flair

Hairband from Uncle Siew Meng

Note the fake earrings...

Sharleen dolled herself.

Lovable views

The round head and cheeks.

The 'Michelin' thighs.

Parenting Techniques?

Read a parenting book:

1. Develop autonomy, let the child find out her own answers instead of feeding her with information.

Sharleen was asking me "why did xxxxx".

I lifted the answer off the book "Why do u think it is this way?".

"No, I'm asking u, why u ask me back???"

2. Give the child his wishes in fantasy (when it cannot be fulfilled)

"Where is that place? I want to go!" (That's Disneyland on TV)

"I wish we are there now, playing with Mickey..."

"No, I want really go, not imagine!"

No textbook answers for raising children. 一种米养百种人

Sharleen's Bedtime Routine

The steps to be taken to prep for sleep:
1. Bathe and brush teeth
2. Play toys or computer game for a while
3a. If (can stop playing), Then mummy read book
3b. Concurrently, drink milk, then drink water
4. Put a handkerchief on pillow (which may be folded into a triangle, rectangle or flower depending on mood)
5. Wear socks
6. Put on safety amulet (so that no monsters will catch her during sleep)
7. If (nose is blocked), Then apply a vapour rub
8. If (tummy uncomfortable), Then apply ru2 yi4 you2 on tummy (nostalgia on her babyhood)
9. Build a 'sports car' with the bolsters and pillows on the bed
10. Lie down and cover with blanket
11. Mummy say 'Goodnight' and 'No dreams' (doesn't want sweet dreams...)
11. Finally, half close the door.

Whew!

First Times

Sharleen's got her first Child Transit Link Card last week, and used it all by herself to board the bus. During the first time, she couldn't find where to tap the card, and I had to fumble to guide her hand while other passengers were waiting behind. During the 2nd time, she did it without any hiccups and I can see from her face that she was so proud of herself. She must be thinking, 'I'm taking the bus like an adult now'!

Alyssa's got her first time too! She has already starting her gurgles of 'ah' and 'eh', and she's looking straight at me as she does that. Looks like she's having a conversation with me already.

Do they look alike?

Ok, as requested by Siew Meng, have retrieved Sharleen's baby photo.





















The below 2 are Alyssa (unmistakably), just for comparison.

Sharleen as the Jie Jie

I hope Sharleen is doing well as the big sister. She has always behaved like a da jie in school, this role at home suits her well. She seems to have a love-hate relationship with her little sister. One one hand, she is very protective of Alyssa, sometimes helping me to 'look after' her when I'm busy, talking to her and sayang her. One the other hand, we also see her throwing tantrums and vying for attention from Alyssa. I hate it when I have to scold Sharleen for disturbing Alyssa at unappriopriate times like when she is sleeping, but she has to learn living with Alyssa. She probably doesn't feel good about it as I can see from her rebellious behaviour at times. Need to tread on this carefully to avoid resentment from Sharleen... Well, at least Sharleen hasn't asked me to give Alyssa away, which I have heard of happened. Thank you Sharleen!

StitchHairband

Sharleen in the Stitch Hairband from uncle Siew Meng. It's a little too small for her head, and now it's retired to her vanity box, where she keeps all the pretty hairclips, kiddy necklaces and bracelets. Too bad I don't have the camera with me now to include the picture. Alyssa gets one hairband too... haven't gotten around putting it on her yet. One of these days...

Photos taken lately

Alyssa:












Sharleen and Alyssa at the Latern Festival Celebration. This is the first year she is able to appreciate taking the lantern, and ran around with it.



Sharleen:



Sharleen posing in the hospital during my delivery.

Hi there

Finally created my first blog, after putting this off for more than 3 years (when Sharleen was born). This time since I have a longer maternity leave, made it a point to do it for the 2 girls to keep the happy (or chaotic?) moments alive.

Alyssa is 2 months old now, and is happily sleeping after having her milk. Alyssa is very different from her sister Sharleen. She is able to lie down on her cot by herself, admire the colourful toys around her cot, and drift slowly to sleep. I haven't seen her loose her temper by wailing out loud, even when she was very hungry or tired. Let's see if she does grow up to be a gentle and patient girl.

Sharleen was very different from Alyssa since young. She will NEVER lie down doing nothing, and will not sleep unless we rock her to sleep. Her cries are often loud and persistent, and there is nothing like 'let her cry it out' as mentioned in the books. Unsurprisingly, that's her character now- demanding and always in action (doing something, talking or singing). Mum has ever asked her to stop and rest for a while. She replied she is not able to do that...