Never a dull day...

In my 2nd trimester now, my energy level is much much better. So I try to do as many activities with Zech as possible before I pop. With CNY just around the corner, it's time to get ready with Zech. First and foremost, decorate the fireplace!

I've created a series of mini lessons on CNY and started the very first lesson with Zech last week. He is so into the CNY books and asks me to read them every day. Zech's CNY sensory box

Red packet (done with mummy's help)

Recently, I'm also on a 'making resources' mood. Thanks to a friend who suggested the idea of busy bags, Zech had a mighty great time fishing at home! Now almost every night, I'd take out my cutter and laminator and start making resources for Zech. Great stress reliever for me!

Zech's into these sticker books as well. He has completed the glue and paste sticker book. He probably enjoys the novelty of using glue.

Another inspiration I got from a friend was making playdough. After struggling so much with the moondough which was super messy and hard to clean up, I decided to make some playdough one night. Though the texture wasn't ideal and the colours not as bright, Zech enjoys pressing, kneading and making shapes out of cookie cutters. The homemade playdough is less of a mess and yes, I guess Zech's hooked!

Zech at this stage in life learns a lot from play and interaction. No need for intentional teaching. We are so amazed at the way he picks up language or skills from us adults. There is never a dull day with Zech. Even if I have nothing for him to do, he will ask for his puzzles or get a book for me to read to him. Or he will do his own pretend play which, so far, never fails to surprise me because his play is usually an imitation of what we adults do. For eg, his recent obsession with cleaning the shoe cabinet and windows. And sometimes, I feel his zest and desire to be engaged shows a miniature me and his particularity for cleanliness and neatness, a reflection of his papa. This reminds me, once again, of how influential parents are as role models in this young life.

A day out in the garden!

Finally a day out for some fresh air and sunshine! We decided to head down to Jacob Ballas Garden. Truly a great place for active kids! One of Zech's fav was the slide at the treehouse!

Another playground where kids can play with sand. Zech simply enjoys the modern see-saw and merry-go-round.

A new experience for Zech was walking across the suspension bridge. At first, he was rather wary. But when he saw how much fun the other kids were having jumping up and down on the bridge, he happily joined them. He sure needs role models!

Kids can also learn about photosynthesis here. Very interactive. Zech loves turning the lever. We came up with a simple explanation of how plants make food as he went around turning the lever at each booth.

The only fun Zech missed was the water play. Brought his swimsuit and swimmers diaper but forgot his towel. Mummy's fault. :( Poor Zech could only stare wistfully at the water play area. Tried to get him interested in the flora and fauna. However, he got bored after a while. Never mind. To Bollywood veggies the next time! We will try again! We ended the day at 'Food for thot' at the Botanic Gardens. Oh, the raspberry scone with fresh cream is simply heavenly! Can't get enough of it. Though Zech didn't really enjoy his pasta (he probably prefers my homemade creamy pasta), he had another round of fun at the cafe playground which kind of made up for his lousy lunch. Zech can't wait to go back to Jacob Ballas Garden. Neither can I.

Reflections 2012 & new beginnings 2013

2012 was an eventful year for our family. Getting ready for the new house, reno, moving, adapting to the new home, new addition to the family, a stressful 1st trimester, disruption to Zech's daily routine due to my pregnancy, my grandpa's sudden demise and finally a breather in mid Dec when life resumed back to normal. I'm glad we went through this journey all with God's grace. It opened the eyes of my heart and helped me refocus on my priorities in life, on what is of eternal value.

Zech has grown too. Instead of babbling nonsense most of the time, he is finally communicating with us in real language. This happened at the most unexpected time, a few weeks before he turned two. After that, there was no turning back. Initially, it was merely production of many single words. Next, he started stringing words together. I feel like I'm reminded of the language acquisition course I've taken in NIE. He can now string 2 and 3 words to make a sentence. His consonants are clearer and 'please' no longer sounds like 'peas'. He's also beginning to socialise and to play with his peers. Seems like a natural progression of a child's development but it's something I will not take for granted.

Last Dec, the main lesson I focused on was the story of Christmas, using 'Truth in the tinsel'. Zech loves the craft time and he enjoys looking at the display. This marks a good closure for 2012.

Inspired by Zech's enthusiasm and 'Truth in the tinsel', I decided to create a series of mini lessons on Chinese New Year. I've done 4 lessons and still very motivated to do more. Seems like my lost energy is returning. :) Thank God! I know too I have to decide on a homeschool curriculum for Zech very soon within these few months. May the good Lord guide me!

In 2013 this Jan, I've also started picking up books bought some time ago. Yes finally! I'm getting around to reading them. Guess I need to work more to equip myself as a stay-at-home mum. A very lonely 'job' sometimes that gives me no pay and bonus but lots of satisfaction for being there to witness Zech's milestones and plenty of time to bond with him and to teach him what I feel is of great importance. Precious moments I will never trade in for a career outside or money. 2012 was a year of testing ground for me. New home, new role, new job at home. 2013 is the year I'll grow and develop as a mother. It's the year I'm embracing motherhood wholeheartedly!