Kinder Graduation

A big congratulations to Bryan. He graduated from preschool yesterday. It was a big ceremony with each child called up to receive their certificate. Complete with the cap and gown. So proud of him. He's done really well so far. And he's really growing up well. It's been a great 4 years in Ascension Kindergarten. He has made lots of friends and his teachers like him a lot. I hope he keeps his friends, even as he moves on to the next stage of his life. Primary School.

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Three

It was a busy weekend for all of us. We were celebrating Gabriel's birthday. He turns 3! He also shares the same birthday as his grandfather. So it's quite a big celebration on Saturday. We celebrated with a dinner at the riverboat parked at Marina Pier. It's quite a nice, intimate setting for a lovely family dinner. They have delicious steak, ribs and even fajitas. The kids enjoyed fish and chips and spaghetti.

Then on Sunday, we organised a playdate with a couple and their daughter. Gabriel quite took to her the last time they met and has been asking about her. So I thought it would be nice for him to enjoy an evening playing with her. We went to the new indoor playarea, Amazonia. At Great World City. It had a huge jungle gym which Bryan had such a great time on. And also a smaller play area for the smaller children. Gabriel enjoyed both areas. Although the slides on the jungle gym were a tad tall and scary even for me.

We had a fabulous dinner at Imperial Treasures and topped it off with ice cream at Ben and Jerry's. I think Gabriel had a great time. He looked like he really enjoyed his birthday.

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Boys...

Why do boys like to play with guns and join the army? Why can't they just sit on my lap and read a book?

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Primary 1 Registration

Primary school registration in Singapore is a huge process that all Singapore parents go through. It involves deciding which school to send your child to. Then finding out which 'phase' your child is eligible for. The earlier the phase, the higher the chances of getting in. For example, if your child has siblings studying in the school, it's almost guaranteed that your child would get the place. As opposed to if your only affiliation is staying near the school, you may not have the chance to send your child there.

Because the more elite schools supposedly have better teachers and a better education program, it can get really competitive. To the point where parents move house to be nearer to the school of choice. Or even volunteering in the school to get their child in.

I still believe it's the child's attitude to studying that determines his grade. And yes, parents do play a part too. So I'm sending my two boys to an all boys school. Which has an emphasis on their second language, Chinese. It's also nearby and it's where my Hubbie was from. Bryan has cousins in there as well. So I hope he adjusts ok to the school next year.

PTM

So I just attended my 2 and a half year old's parent-teacher-meeting. Yes, they start them that young. And we were discussing Gabriel's communication skills, social skills, self-help skills. And his problems, I was mostly aware of. It's good to know his teachers were actively helping him with regards to his language and self-help skills. And they felt that he was about the average in terms of his development. Which is what I was hoping to hear.

And I left the classroom with his artwork and a report card. Report Card. They give 2 year olds report cards too.

My two boys are very different, in terms of personality as well as independence. I know Bryan, my older boy learns things very fast. So I'm not too concerned that Gabriel is not as quick as Bryan. Gabriel has definately improved in terms of his speech and communication. He's a little like me, quiet and sometimes shy. So he usually doesn't say very much. But he has been becoming chattier since starting school this year. He has started to string words together in sentences. And it is becoming easier to understand him.

Meanwhile, Bryan is quite the opposite. He's very sociable and chatty in class. His teacher has made him a group leader of the Yellow Group. Which he enjoys. He has little problems with his English and Maths work. So school is pretty fun for him. Except Chinese, which he still needs a bit of help in. And he doesn't concentrate as much in his Chinese class. But at least he has the next half of the year to improve.

Open House

It was the kids Open House in school the past weekend. Where us parents get to see their classrooms and the artwork they have done.


Bryan and his classmates did some Angry Birds for art. Even preschool kids know how to play Angry Birds.



Gabriel meanwhile made a bracelet using markers. And we got to see him with his teachers.

Very proud of my boys!

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Library Adventure

There's a public library that opened near our place. It's not near enough to walk but definately near enough to visit often. So far, we've been there a couple of times since it opened to borrow books.

Bryan seems to find it awesome. He has been to his school library but it's much smaller. And the selection of books for children in this public library is a whole lot. I've taught him to to look for his favourite authors (COL for magic schoolbus books). And also what to look out for in choosing a book (Step 2 reading for preschool to grade 1). He also has his own library card which he is very proud of and he knows how to check out and return books. It's all automated now, no need to queue for the librarian.

We can drive there but the parking situation there is terrible, especially over the weekends. So we decided to take the MRT train there instead. It's only one stop away. But our house is a bit of a distance to the MRT station. So we drove to the station, took the train to the library and then back again. It was fun for Bryan since he doesn't take public transport often. But he did find it tiring. He was saying he's hungry and thirsty (it was a hot day).

But I thought it was good to let him take public transport once in a while. Just so he appreciates us driving him around more.

Milestones

Both my boys are growing up so fast. Bryan's quite excited that it's a brand new year. And he's a 'big boy' in kindergarten. He has started taking the school bus home and he enjoys it. He sits with his classmate in the bus so it's not too scary for him. He's also decided that he will stop wearing diapers at night. I try not to give him too much to drink at night and make him go before he sleeps. But so far so good. He's managed to stay dry. Very proud of him. He also seems to be making some sort of progress with chinese. He seems a bit more confident with words but we still have a lot of work to do.

Meanwhile, Gabriel's good on his feet. He's running around and chasing the dog. He hasn't really spoken much. But he's generally pretty quiet. Except for the funny whining sounds he makes. Sometimes though, he will suddenly say 'dog' or 'car' or 'ta-da' or 'na-na' (calling nai-nai). But no one seems to be able to make him repeat it. He will say 'mum-mum' when he really likes what he's eating. He can scribble on paper and place shapes into the right places. I'm wondering if he's ready for playgroup yet though. Maybe in a few more months?

Taking a Walk

Whenever we have the time in the evenings, and it's not raining, Bryan would want to go for a walk. Gabriel follows too. In his pram. It's great for the kids to get some fresh air. It keeps them from being too bored at home. And gets their appetites going for dinner after. Sometimes, Kandy, our little papillon tags along.

One Little Indian Boy

Yesterday was Bryan's nursery concert. Every year the kids put up a concert for the parents. This year Bryan was a red Indian boy, together with his entire class. We were very proud. It just boggles the mind that a four year old who can barely carry out your instructions, can actually remember a five minute dance routine. And to the tune too. He looked like he really enjoyed himself.

We ordered photos and the DVD of the concert. And Bryan got to keep his costume. It probably wouldn't be worn again, but it's a great momento.

Milestones

It's been a busy few weeks for me. I haven't had a chance to even document Gabriel's 1 year milestones. He walks with support, but still very much prefers to crawl. Even in the baby wading pool, he would walk for a while then try to crawl. And he talks more too. He'd say 'ba-ba' and 'da-da' and 'hei' and the occasional 'wa'. I'm still working on 'ma-ma' though. He now would pick up a pencil/crayon and start scribbling. Then he'll try to chew on the crayon. Gabriel eats two big meals and a few smaller ones in between. He has porridge or soft pasta with some minced meat and pureed vegetables. He loves his fruits too. He still drinks his milk, three times a day. Gabriel still has 4 teeth and I think he's teething because he'd get these urges to bite things.

Meanwhile, his big brother, Bryan is already 4. He is starting to read. He picks words up very fast and is easy to teach. He can also add simple numbers and counts all the way to a hundred. Bryan is starting to eat meals on his own but is also becoming fussy with his food. He'll start off eating well then has to be fed towards the end. He loves playing games, and especially likes Uno for kids. It's his favourite game of the moment.

Art Appreciation

Bryan brought back this drawing from school. And I was blown away. I didn't think he was able to draw figures that well. The last one he drew had a circle for the face and eyes placed at odd places. This one he drew has his eyes, nose and mouth in the right places. And Bryan even drew in the hair, body and arms. It's very good. Bryan says it's him with mommy, daddy and gabriel. I think I'm framing this.

Perfect Smile

This is Bryan with his dentist (and also his god-mom). His only been here once before and I try to make it a fun and interesting trip. His "Harry and the dinosaurs say Rrraaah!" book also helps. He especially loves the 'special' chair that goes up and down. And the cup that fills itself.

His dentist is lovely with children. She makes him feel comfortable and explains everything. He also gets to use a mirror to see what's going on. It's really not that scary. Then after he gets his teeth polished, he gets to take home a couple of stickers.

Beginning Reading

Meanwhile, Bryan is starting to learn to read. He's quite interested in it too. I bought him a set of books with simple pictures and words to teach him how to recognise words. He is already learning letter sounds and phonics in school, so reading is just the next step. He's a quick learner and loves looking at books. He also loves doing his activity books, like writing, simple addition and especially simple puzzles. He'll join the dots, complete mazes, pick out similar sounding objects and even some Chinese activities. Then of course, there is the colouring books and sticker books. Lots and lots of ways to keep him busy.

Swimming Classes

Bryan's now over a month into his swimming classes. And he is enjoying himself. He isn't scared of the water and he is confident enough to jump in and kick for a short distance. I often have to remind myself that he's only 3 and a half years old. And he's already learning how to swim. Soon, he'll be able to swim on his own and even join in Midget competitions. He's really growing up so fast!


Meanwhile, when my mother-in-law brings Bryan for his classes, Gabriel follows and watches his brother learn to swim in the pool. If I was there with Bryan I'd go for a dip with Gabriel. But too bad I have to work weekdays... I haven't been able to find the time to start a proper exercise programme since Gabriel was born. With Bryan I managed to find some weekend time. But now it's almost impossible.

Nursery Art

During Bryan's School Open House, we got to see his classroom and meet his teachers. And see what he got up to in school. It was very different from what I expected. They had converted the classroom into a little traffic school. There were lanes, traffic lights and even little vehicles.


The art work was all hung up on the walls. He drew and coloured a very nice windmill, made a kite and learned all about the wind.


This is his teacher, Mrs Yee. With Bryan holding a TV that he made! It must have been fun making stuff like that. Mommy is very very proud.

More Photos here

New Activities

I took out some of Bryan's old baby toys for Gabriel to play with. It was one of those toys that pops out when you press the button. Like a jack in the box. Gabriel loved it so much he kept banging on it to try to get the little toy to pop out. It's so cute to watch.


Bryan meanwhile, got to play in his 'tent' that we set up on our bedroom. It's a special weekend only treat for him. He enjoys it because he gets to watch tv and play up late too. He does fall asleep... eventually...

BIG toys

While Gabriel's learning how to sit and play with his soft toys, Bryan is taking on the BIG ones. He has a fabulous NERF collection. Which includes this AUTOMATIC gun that fires out soft foam bullets. No need to cock the gun at all. The toys that kids nowadays get to play with can really be quite amazing. Other types of guns included in the series include ones with a laser sight and double guns. Even the bullets come in different forms, with sticky ones, rubber ones, even long ones. But of course, he gets a stern lecture about not shooting the bullets at anyone. Only at the targets.

Learning to Swim

This month, Bryan starts swimming lessons. His class is at the Singapore Swimming Club. And is a really good deal. He can go up to 3 times a week for only $90 a month. Each class lasts for 45 minutes and has a maximum of 8 in the class.

Bryan really enjoyed himself in class. He's not afraid of the water and he can even put his head inside to blow bubbles. And Bryan's not yet 4 years old. I'm really proud of my boy. He's happy to attend his class by himself and bravely does what the swimming coach asks. Even things like jumping into the pool.

He's just like his mommy. He loves water too.

My 3 Year Old

I took childcare leave today to spend time with Bryan. It's been a long time since I really spent time with my older boy. He's a great kid. Smart and cute.

Anyway I took him to collect his new passport. And later in the afternoon for some ice cream. He learnt all about the letter 'I' in school today. 'I' is for ice cream he said then asked if he could have some. Sometimes I miss him when I'm so busy at work and with Gabriel.

He also drew the picture above using the Scribble application on my iPhone. I think it's supposed to be a crane.

-- Posting From My iPhone