Work in progress

After more than a month of reno, our cosy nest is almost ready! We spent the last weekend doing up Zech's room. These wall decal from RoomMates were fairly easy to paste.

But not the tree below. Ordered this decal online after searching for the 'perfect' tree to match the jungle theme. We had to carefully paste strips to form the trunk and branches. Nevertheless, we are happy with the result.

We bought the picture ledges from Ikea, which I planned to place some of Zech's books for easy accessibility and visibility. The top ledge is reserved for photos and other knick knacks.

The lighting and shelves are from Ikea too.

Another purchase I personally like is the bunting from Piccolo House. Planning to hang it near the window.

There is still quite a bit of work to be done in Zech's room. Hopefully, it will be ready soon. The big day is just around the corner!

Zech's morning routine

As part of the morning routine, Zech and I have our worship time after breakfast. We start off by having our praise time, using the Bible CD (picture shown below). Recently, I noticed he is more actively involved. He even enjoys some of the songs now, clapping his hands at the end of each song. Charismatic? Haha! He loves 'Walking with Jesus', 'Praise Him Praise Him', 'Come Bless the Lord', 'Ask, Seek and Knock' etc. Most of them are action songs and Zech attempts to use his drum, tambourine and maracas as accompaniment. But of course, there are songs that he doesn't like. :( For instance, 'Jesus loves the little children', 'Deep and wide'. I wonder why... I feel horrible everytime I struggle through these songs.

After praise time, we have story time. I used to read to him a short segment of his Bible book. It didn't work as he was simply not interested. Then I decided to use story CDs instead. He enjoys listening to them. So I rotate between 'I thank God for you' and 'Moses in the bulrushes'. The story of Moses is longer and he won't sit through  He usually wanders around in the room or looks at other books but I feel it's fine.

Finally, we have our quiet time where Zech sits down and reads his Bible books on his own while the CD plays Bible stories and songs. Just a week ago, we were struggling with this. A week later, he seems to know what is expected of him and he readily takes his books, sits down on the floor and does his own 'reading'. I'm proud of him! :)

Progress of Zech's new room

Our new flat is currently under renovation. It's exciting to see it 'grow' week by week. Especially exciting is my Zech's room! :) The theme for his room is different from the flat. I've decided on the jungle theme specially for him cos I want his room to be full of life, happiness and vibrancy, conducive for learning and of course, resting as well.

Colour for his room - in green and yellow.

Wall decal border.

Wall stickers

My inspiration for a book display rack.

More storage space for Zech's books and resources.

Not forgetting fabric for new bedsheet and cushions.

Time is tight. Need to source for ceiling light, shelf, animal soft toys. Bought a tree decal online which will not arrive till at least 2 to 3 weeks later. This will probably be the last item to be put up. More updates next week on Zech's room...

Precious moments of pure enjoyment

Looking at the recent photos I've taken of Zech, a sudden thought struck me. He's growing up too fast. Much too fast. There are times I want him to achieve his milestones as soon as possible. There are times I want him to be just a baby in my arms. A big baby now. Such is the dilemma of mothers I suppose.

Nevertheless, a child should never be defined by the number of achievements or milestones attained. They should be guided but free to explore their preferences and interests. An important lesson I learn on my motherhood journey. Implicit teaching while playing is my strategy now. If Zech has no interest in an activity, I let him move on. I no longer insist because I realise he will come back to that activity when it's time. His toddlerhood is, after all, a temporary phase. Years later, I want to look back and together with Zech, reminisce the good old times and not the struggles of trying to reach milestones and accomplish achievements.

So let's celebrate the precious moments of pure enjoyment! Zech's childhood at 17 months!

Finding joy in reading.

This is such a great toy! Cheap and good from Ikea. He has not grown tired of it since he first tried it  at 12 months.

Initial disinterest grows to focused effort in building a tower of 7 blocks. I've been teaching him to count each block as he builds. He's great at imitation though his pronunciation really needs to be improved. Well, it will, with time.

All kids love to go out. So does Zech! This pic just reminds me of myself. But I was worse cos I pressed the red button and the escalator stopped!

Playing with his pet dog. Yes, Cherry is now his dog.

Riding on his tricycle is a daily affair now. His inquisitiveness often prompts me to answer his pet question 'What's that?'. A small neighbourhood yet so many things to see and learn.

Eating his fav fruit, grapes! Our little secret recipe for keeping him quiet and cooperative during mealtimes outside.

Pure enjoyment is real bliss indeed!

A very ordinary week with an unwell toddler

Zech was down with HFMD the whole of last week. BUT even with his temperature at 39 degrees, he was still very active. I expected him to be listless and tired and I thought he would sleep more so I could do my stuff. It was just the opposite! He slept less. Probably because he was uncomfortable and partly because we had just changed his cot to a toddler bed. Nevertheless, Zech needed to be kept occupied.

Some activities he enjoyed most last week. He doesn't mind doing them over and over again. Sticking pipe cleaners into tiny holes, exploring red beans, playing with the colour and shape flashcards, painting with some homemade paint (finally some real painting!).

Recently, I started Zech on seatwork activities. On good days, he can stay on his chair for at least 20 min but on days when he's restless and uncooperative, each seatwork activity only lasts for less than a min.

I realised that some of the 'toys' he likes most are simply ordinary stuff in the house. Boxes, containers, jars etc. No need to invest in expensive toys! Some of the blogs that inspire me...

http://handsonaswegrow.com/2012/01/30-kids-activities-materials-for-promoting-fine-motor-skills.html

http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/

http://www.teachpreschool.org/

http://prekinders.com/fine-motor-skills/

And of course, http://pinterest.com offers lots and lots of interesting and creative ideas.

Bouncing with Dan

Zech's first playdate with Daniel at an indoor playground! Thanks to Zech's playmate, Daniel, we discovered a gem super near our house. It was my first time in an indoor playground too. It wasn't big but good enough with 4 levels of challenging obstacles. Though Zech couldn't do all, I'm very proud of what he could do!

At Bouncing Kids @ Kovan that day, there were just 2 kids and 2 mummies playing together. Cool!!! I'm going to sign up for the membership at Bouncing Kids, which offers very affordable rates!

Daniel, a very good role model for Zech. I'm bad at this! Not a good example at all.



It was a great and fun playdate for both mummies and kids.  I can't wait for the next one!

Celebrating life!

This is the second year Zech celebrated my birthday with me. Last year's celebration was't too memorable. I've forgotten most parts of it. This year's celebration was different.

All dressed up and ready to go!

Hosted on the patio @ Alexandra. The place was cosy. Food was good.

Beef scallopini

Honey bourbon ribs

I miss this. Date nights used to end with choc fondant.

Simply love this swing! Just what I want for my new flat!

Love this too!

 
We took a walk at Labrador Park after dinner at 7.30pm.

A real treat for Zech who was supposed to get ready for bed at that time! He had a blast brisk walking along the sea front. I think he's almost running now. I have to run to catch hold of him!