Easy To Love,Difficult to Discipline

It was a day of errands yesterday.DH has to get a haircut and then we had to alter our jeans,return our library books and have dinner too.

At the library,I just couldn't resist reading and borrowing this book,"Easy to Love,Difficult to discipline".How many of you parents out there feel this way as described so accurately by the book?

"Have you ever thought ,I have tried everything possible to get my child to get dressedand then sadly said to yourself,"I give up"? Have you ever punished your child and later felt guilty for having behaved in a way that you swore you never would?Have you ever promised yourself to exercise regularly,eat better,or spend more time with loved ones,but found that the promises you made to yourself are difficult to keep them?Have you then given up,or felt guilty?"

Well...it hit the jackpot for me.And the picture reminds me of Yasmin too....although of course,she's not a "blonde".And the title...Easy to Love,Difficult to Discipline....just made me nod my head in agreement.

So I'll be reading this book and don't worry....any fine suggestions that work...I'll pass it to you.OK.

Mum's day out

It was a mum's day out yesterday.

No...it wasn't to celebrate an early Mother's Day (which btw I have no idea when it will be...though I'll like to know so that I could "squeeze" something out of dh...hehehehe...if you are reading this dh...joke hoh).

Anyway,it was a day where me and my mum actually went out shopping together.She had asked me out to shop since weeks ago but as usual I just couldn't find a suitable time.

I packed all my things things carefully(to avoid any "lectures" from my mum) -waterbottle,biscuits,tissues,diapers,wet tissues and a book to keep Yasmin entertain.

Surprisingly,Yasmin was so well-behaved throughout(it was even past her nap-time).

No whiny Yasmin...(Btw...that's her at 1-3mths I think..)

She enjoyed the bus ride.And when we were busy shopping,she actually just sang songs(her own) and just skipped and hopped after us.

We managed to buy all our stuff.By then Yasmin was telling us,"Nak gi makan" over and over again.So it was off for a late lunch over at Siam's Kitchen - since my mum wanted rice.

The place was almost empty.We ordered rice,Tom Yum seafood and sweet sour chicken.The Tom Yum wasn't fantastic and it was quite a small portion too.But the staff was great.They was attentive to our needs.Gave us a child bowl and utensils for Yasmin.Without me having to ask.Even gave Yasmin a cartoon plastic cup with this bendable straw for her.I'm pleased with that kinda service.Child-friendly.

Then it was off to Mak Tok's place for our massage.It wasn't any spa-like massage.But it was the most enjoyable massage ever(since I could bring Yasmin over).As Mak Tok massage me,Yasmin keep teasing me.Yep.This little gal was smiling cheekily at me.She kissed my face.Then she puts her finger to my nose.Ok...I know...you may be asking by now...how to relax like that.But I was so relax...there being massage and having Yasmin to play with while at it.

After my turn was over,Yasmin said,"Minmin nak urut macam mama eh." So Mak Tok ask her to lie down.And she did!And she was quiet while being "massaged".So cute!Of course,she didn't get massaged for long lah.It was my mum's turn then.

So the day ended just fine.We had our shopping then our massage(wah...like tai-tai for a day...)My mum was happy.Yasmin was happy.And with that it makes ME happy.

Photos & Events

Why am I suddenly updating my blog regularly?

.....Because the pc is not giving me problem...(whispers)at least for now...and of course Yasmin's asleep...

Anyway.....here are some belated photos of Yasmin's birthday....yep...I can hear you say...finally.

What to do?Me no supermum leh.I admit my weakness.




The birthday cake was chosen by Yasmin.We,the parents,simply couldn't make up our mind.So many choices ok.So we made her choose.And she did!So who says that a 2-year old can't think for herself?



Yep...I knew the photo is all blurry...but it captured a perfect moment there.
(I'm wondering whether Shikin meant it to be so "artistic")



Atuk forever trying to feed her....hmmmm...doesn't the party hat looks good on Atuk?She calls him "Atuk Moto"(for the motorbike that he rides.And on the right....is Yasmin's Atuk Haroon aka "Atuk Krete"(coz he drives the car lah).But when she rides his car...she says it's nenek rahmah's car.....funny lah this gal..



My crazy nieces and nephews....evaded our "family room" to make into their playground....but many many thanks for clearing the mess before they went home(much appreciated)....Yasmin had a blast with them!



Yasmin surrounded by gifts...she looks so tiny among the gifts doesn't she.

On the whole,I was very glad that we celebrated the day for her.Not for the presents of course.But it was all heart warming to share your joy with your love ones.FAMILY.

23/4/2006

Today I went to the Jack Newman's Seminar and I must say that guy is so damn funny.Didn't bring Yasmin along as she tagged along with dh to two weddings.I miss having someone to fuss over with.But anyway...this speaker also managed to catch my interest: Love your child for who she is.Write down the many right things that she does.And not the mistakes.

Simple isn't it.Yet forgotten at all times.

I managed to meet up with Faizah and Azlina too.Their darlings babies have grown up too.Time sure flies.

And finally juz got to share this with you.....I soooo looooove this song.Of course....dedicated to dd...

Celine Dion:Prayer

I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to the place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe

La luce che tu hai
I pray we'll find your light
nel cuore restera
and hold it in our hearts.
a ricordarci che
When stars go out each night,
eterna stella sei

The light you have
I pray we'll find your light
will be in the heart
and hold it in our hearts.
to remember us that
When stars go out each night,
you are eternal star
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
quanta fede c'e
when shadows fill our day

How much faith there's
Let this be our prayer
in my prayer
when shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza
un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternita

We dream a world without violence
a world of justice and faith.
Everyone gives the hand to his neighbours
Symbol of peace, of fraternity
La forza che ci da
We ask that life be kind
e il desiderio che
and watch us from above
ognuno trovi amor
We hope each soul will find
intorno e dentro se
another soul to love

The force his gives us
We ask that life be kind
is wish that
and watch us from above
everyone finds love
We hope each soul will find
around and inside
another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer, just like every child

Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

E la fede che
hai acceso in noi,
sento che ci salvera

It's the faith
you light in us
I feel it will save us

The Story of the 1-day MC

Once upon a time, there was a mum who was just not feeling well for the longest time.She put up with the constant flu....the migraine....the tiredness...
Then one fine day,she decided to finally take care of herself and take an MC for a day.It was a hard decision considering that an MC makes herself sound so inefficient.
The guilty voice keeps crying out to her..."sure or not".But she couldn't take it anymore when her dripping nose grew sore from rubbing it with tissue.She was basically flat-out.

Yasmin was crying out to her..."Mama...mama...nak main bubble....bangun..."

"OK...ok...Yasmin pegi main kat luar toilet..k...mama tengok..mama sakit...nak rest"

She finally thought that it was unfair to pass the bug at work and at the same time depriving Yasmin of her full attention because of the "stupid flu".It was then decided for her to see a doctor.

And to cut the story short-she got an MC lah....

If you haven't realised....duh...the story is about me lah....Hopefully,this will finally zap in more energy for my tired body...Got to load up on vitamins.....and make meself healthy....

Breastfeeding mums at less risk of diabetes
Women's Health News
Published: Thursday, 24-Nov-2005

New research shows that women who breastfeed longer have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.According to Dr. Alison M. Stuebe of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, she and her colleagues were prompted to examine the issue as various studies have suggested that breastfeeding affects women's metabolism and that metabolism, lactation, and reproduction are all linked.

In order to find any association between lactation duration and the development of type 2 diabetes, Stuebe and her colleagues analyzed data from two large groups of women who had given birth.

The first group included 83,585 women who were part of the Nurses' Health Study, and the second group included 73,418 women who were part of the Nurses' Health Study II.

The second group is apparently a younger group.

The researchers found that in the first 15 years after a woman's last delivery, each year of breastfeeding was associated with a 15-percent reduction in her risk of diabetes.

The analysis took into account diet, exercise, smoking status, whether or not the women took multivitamins, which is an indicator of whether women are health-conscious, and they still found a 15-percent benefit.

Stuebe says that beyond 15 years after the last birth there was less of a benefit, but for at least the first 15 years there seems to be some long-term association that protects women from diabetes.

She explains that pregnancy in some respects is a pro-diabetic state as the mother has more resistance to insulin, which is the way the body makes sure that the fetus acquires enough sugar.

Then lactation begins which to some extent is an anti-diabetic state.

The researchers' theorise that lactation resets the body after pregnancy and if a woman does not breastfeed for a prolonged period of time, the risk of diabetes might increase.

Stuebe says the findings provide more reasons to encourage women to breastfeed as it is good for babies and for mothers.

The research is published in the current edition Journal of the American Medical Association

Another thumbs up to breastfeeding!

My Yasmin at 25mths old-what to expect
from http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

Jumping, throwing, and brushing teeth
Your child is walking well now. Her steps are more even and she's got the hang of the smooth heel-to-toe motion adults use. She's also getting better at jumping, throwing a ball overhand, brushing her teeth without help, and washing and drying her hands.

Learning to make sentences
By now, your child should be able to use at least 50 single words, construct simple two-word sentences, and be able to follow a two-step command, like "Please get your shoes and bring them to Dad so he can put them on." You can probably understand what she's saying about half the time, but don't expect to make sense of everything she says until she's around 4. Young children often confuse pronouns — so you might find her avoiding them completely by saying "Brother get" or "Baby throw."

Thinning out
Your child will keep slimming down after her second birthday. As her head grows more slowly and her limbs and torso start to lengthen, her body proportions will become more like an adult's.

Energy spurt
Between their second and third birthdays, most children have an abundance of energy. Try to give your child a chance to run around outside each day. Moving helps her build strength and increases her coordination.

Cutting down on fats
Fat is an important part of a baby's diet, but now that your child is over 2, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you reduce her intake to less than 30 percent of daily calories. Switch to low-fat milk and cheese, and continue to offer your child plenty of whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Needs less sleep
Between ages 2 and 3, children need between nine and 13 hours of sleep a night. Most children also take a nap in the early afternoon, but some give up naps entirely. There's no right amount of sleep at this age. Let your child get what she needs to feel alert and rested.

Nope...the pictures are still not in our pc yet....still waiting for dh to store them in....

Anyway,for anyone interested:

“Raising a Healthy, Bright and Confident Child”
PUBLIC FORUM with DR JACK NEWMAN and Mrs PATRICIA KOH

Date : 23 April 2006,Sunday
Time : 2.00 – 500 pm
Venue : KK Hospital Auditorium, Level 1, Women’s Tower
100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229899
(Free shuttle service from Bugis MRT)

Registration Fee is $12.00 per head ($10.00 for BMSG(S) and LLL members)

Mail registration and payment to “Jack Newman Public Forum”, ABAS Registrar, c/o #02-04, SCWO Centre, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967. All registrations are confirmed via email only upon receipt of payment. Cheques to be made payable to “ABAS”, to reach the Registrar by 15 April 2006. Late registrations with provisional confirmation will pay on the day at the Forum venue. Enquiries at 6337 0508 or email abas.sec@gmail.com.

Yep...I'll be going...but just need to remember to post that cheque of mine.

I'm still having the running/blocked nose on and off.Really draining my energy level.And everytime I take the flu tabs...I just wanna doze off.

Things haven't been any simpler with Yasmin.It used to be easier for me when bringing Yasmin to the playground.She'll play her heart out there.I could just simply sit and rest while watching her.But now,she always almost insists that I play with her or at least be near her.I had to cajole her to play the slides or "threaten" that mama's going home if she doesn't wanna play....I mean isn't it weird to ask your kid to play.Shouldn't that be a spontaneous action of any kid?She rather hang around me when we are in the playground.But she insists that she wants the playground.Hmmmm......

Anyway,I think the ideology of having "quality time" with just 1-2hrs in your hands is crap.

Why?

Well,bonding to me takes a lot of effort.It involves getting to know your child-the likes and dislikes,familiarising and appreciating with the child's personality(it might not always be a reflection of you),teaching the child life's values and so much more.You can't say that you've spend time with your child after playing with them for an hr or so.Bonding involves the routine boring things too.

I've read this from a very old magazine that I've kept.

"I came late to the realization that it's not my job to keep everybody jolly all the time.In fact,it turns out that not only must a little rain fall into each little life, but the rain showers help them grow."

I'm proud to say that I know my dear yasmin well,at least for now.But I just can't figure out other ways to drain out that energy of hers.Another hmmm.....

I've observed her playing with her toys.But she loses her interests ever so fast.She prefers playing with my pots and pans.....the clothes peg....the teapots....which all means......a messy home!Well,at least I don't have to spend a lot of $$$$ on those expensive toys.One thing though.....she loves her books.Maybe,because she sees us reading most of the time.Now,she likes to pretend to read the newspaper.

To Jolyn...if you are reading this....if you have excess energy to burn off...I think my Yasmin could challenge you....

My brain's energy level is running low....so nite nite.And welcome pillows!

Down and out...

My quest for perfection has made me searched and analysed every single "babyish" blogskin that I could use.One that screams "Mine and only mine"...."My precious"...(as in the movie,"Lord of the Ring").One that was only meant for my dear yasmin.

So I put my foot down on me.And said...enough is enough...this will be the one(my current one lah)and no more changes for me.Update the blog....that's the priority!
So although I have this voice(like some schizo)saying...so boring...so boring....sorry....gotta let go.

My quest for perfection has made me drawn a too-perfect picture of what mums are suppose to be.I am fighting so hard to have all these images erased out of my mind and just be a mum to yasmin....plain old mum.Not superwoman!I just cannot be.But it's really hard.

Harder when you flip magazines and read articles of working woman who have it all-career and family,pictures of immaculately dressed mums(goo gooo gaa gaa-ing about how i love my baby and myself...),pictures of celebrity mums(waaa.....so pretty after giving birth....with the help of those endorsements)....and wat nots.It just gets you down.

And when I read books on how to discipline babies,I blame myself if yasmin is not behaving.The books just made it sound oh-so simple.

As you can see....I'm going downhill from here...

We went out today.....yasmin,me and dh.It was really kind of dh to bring me out but I just couldn't appreciate the day.I was tired.Yasmin was active as usual.And I couldn't handle that.I was down with flu since yesterday.I was light-headed....cranky...and just plain-out!

And there was this little gal who ran everywhere anywhere...whooaaaa....those damn-old palpitations are coming back to me.

She questions me over and over again while I tried hard not to show my annoyance.She's so bright....I simply could bear to dampen this inquisitive nature.I feel so quilty.

My house looks like a war zone.....

My work unfinished...

My dear Yasmin neglected....

I wish I could blog about oh how I love my baby...my dh...my work and everything around me.

But sorry....this time I'm really out and just trying to just heal from this damn flu and stop being a perfectionista!

Give my energy back!(but then again my energy is out even when I'm not having flu-sigh:( )

I need my sleep now.With my dearie hubby and yasmin.

Nites.Hopefully things get better tomorrow(sniffles).

Reasons

Haluuuu.....

It's been a long time since I've updated my blog.Well...here's the reasons to why I just couldn't update it(as if you are interested):

1.my pc was down.
2.my only saviour was dh to "treat" our pc-so have to wait patiently
3.I was damn tired
4.Fatigue
5.Lethargic

Notice that reasons 3-5 have similar meanings.

Reason: That is the biggest factor to why I couldn't blog-coz I'm terribly,terribly tired.I've read all my previous post...and all of them have me complaining about it....and it seems it hasn't got any better.I think it's getting worse coz....I'm actually doing "less" with Yasmin.My mood is getting atrocious.I'm beginning to expect Yasmin to behave like a responsible adult-when she's just two!But talking to her to teach her values just haven't gone on my top list.Sleep - that's what I need!

Anyway,Yasmin has turned 2 last 11/3.And the mini-celebration that we had for her was just splendid.It is always nice to share a great day with your love ones.Wanted to put up a few pictures of the occasion but since the pc just "healed"...no pix in my pc yet.

So....my little gal has grown up.Would she be having the " terrible-twos" syndrome?Sometimes it seems that she does.She is always vying for attention.But then again....how can I blame her?Off work time is the only time that she can spend time with me.And I am always distracted by the newspaper....books....tv....cooking...housework...look at all the factors that she had to "fight" with.

My only antidote is to read up on other solutions to "solve" her "behavioural problems".Afterall...that's no one perfect solution book to every parenting problems.

She loves to mess up the house with her toys.Just last night,she took her hair pin and deliberately throw it over the sofa.I was too tired to deal with her...so I just took her favourite CD(Anugerah....which she fondly say it as her "Pop Ye-Ye)and flung it the same way that she had previously.Whoa....a commotion came....so I reminded her that if she throws her toys around,I'll throw away that CD.So far...it works...at least for now.

Whatever it is,she's always entertaining.Always seems to miss her more when that "Ilovechildren" ad song comes on tv.Always remind me to enjoy my time with her.Gosh...if only....I could make enough mooolahs at home and still be around for her.

Life......filled with many decisions to make.To work...or not to work...

To sleep or not to sleep....

I wanna sleep.....sweet dreams.
(hugs little Yasmin-we love to sleep like that)