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!

Preparing Zech's heart for Christmas

It's Zech's second Christmas this year. Since he's older than last year, I want to make Christmas more meaningful for him. Most importantly, I hope he can understand the meaning and significance of Christmas. We have done quite a few things together so far. Putting up the Christmas tree, playing with his Christmas sensory box and the most satisfying of all, counting down the days of Christmas with a story each day using 'Truth in the tinsel' which tells the complete story of the birth of Christ and the events leading to the special day. A craft is done after the story and Zech seems to like it as he loves displaying his art pieces.

Trying to hang an ornament.

Success at first attempt! It certainly wasn't easy and this was the only ornament he hung on the Christmas tree. :)

Zech's Christmas sensory box!

Getting acquainted with the Christmas items.

His two favourites! Christmas cap and wrapping paper.

One of the craft items from the ebook 'Truth in the tinsel'. Zech sure is proud of his crown, a reminder of the real King, Jesus.

What Zech has done so far... God sent Jesus, the light, into our dark world. It was prophesied in Isaiah that a King will come and rule the world forever. An angel, Gabriel, told Mary that she will give birth to a child and He is to be named Jesus. The stories and craft activities are adapted from 'Truth in the tinsel'. Love it!

For the rest of Dec, we are going to continue with the story of Christmas as we count down each day leading to Christmas. This, I feel, will be very meaningful for Zech. Merry Merry Christmas!

When uncertainty calls

When uncertainty calls, the world seems to have come to a standstill. Even when people and things continue revolving, complete silence has engulfed me. As I laid on bed most of the time for 2 weeks, it was dreadful not knowing what tomorrow brings. I wish the dark clouds will pass me by quickly. Counting down the weeks, marking each day as it goes past became a daily routine. Everytime I step into the clinic, it's reality check for me. Everytime I get an injection, I'm grateful. No more complains about the pain. Just relieved and thankful.

When uncertainty calls, there is truly no one else but God. A gentle breeze carries His whisper. The soft pitter-patter of the rain bears His mark of grace. The morning sunlight streaming through the curtains is a sign of His daily faithfulness. When uncertainty calls, God's mercy and protection overrides all doubts. Knowing He is the one who holds the key to life, I can only surrender my will, my thoughts and my dreams of the future to him. When uncertainty calls, I'm willing to wait for Him to reveal His will. For even if the worst happens, I know for sure this tiny little life in my womb is safe in His hands.

One thing that amazed me and still does is how such a tiny one has so much fighting spirit. After all the trauma, I'm just filled with awe at how it's so fully alive and kicking with all its might on the ultrasound. That moment gave me courage and strength to stay positive.

Thank God for seeing me and this baby through 13 weeks, for unfolding Your love once more through all these.  And to all my dear brothers and sisters who have been praying for me and the unborn child, may God bless you.

These are some of my favourite things.

What has Zech been up to? At 22 months now, he seems to take an interest in certain activities.

Daily activity. He takes them out to play every day. Wondering if it's a boy thing. He's into puzzles and this is one of his many favourites.

A DIY activity given by a dear friend. Trying to teach him colours. On his own, Zech enjoys inserting the paintbrushes into the pockets.

Made these recently to reinforce his concept of shapes. Since he's into stickers, I thought I should tap on that for some serious work. :)

What Zech has done so far. He's really proud of his work I must say.

Bought his first leapfrog last year. He seems quite ready to play with it and true enough, he loves listening to the kiddy songs and of course, simply pressing the buttons.

Evening walk & dinner @ Food For Thought

We love strolling at the Botanic Gardens! Tree-lined pathway, flora and fauna and best of all, little surprises as we took our evening walk down to Swan Lake.

Up close and personal with a big monitor lizard! Too bad Zech wasn't fascinated at all. He was more interested in his mummy's sunglasses.

There were 2 swans swimming some distance away. Finally, one of them came close to us. Still, Zech wasn't interested.

However, he got really excited when he saw the fishes in the water. In fact, he wanted to get into the water and swim with the fishes! See? His papa had to hold him tight in case he does something foolish.

The sky soon turned grey and we decided to head for dinner. A cafe we wanted to try...

There's a playground just outside the cafe and of course, Zech wanted to play. It was crowded but the the kids were very well-behaved. Taking turns and not pushing around.

When dinner was served, it was raining heavily. I noticed some kids taking crayons and colouring pages from a long table near the kitchen. It's really a child-friendly cafe! Love it!


Only managed to take photos of my hubby's food. I shared a plate of spaghetti bolognese with Zech. He ate it all up. So did I. Very appetizing!

The beef burger tastes great though you can't see the meat here. Succulent and tender.



We are going back to Food for Thought again for brunch. Decent prices for good food plus activities to keep children occupied are definitely winning points for families!