Ng Family

HFMD 2011: Activities at Home 2 - Snowman 1

2011-09-10T15:16:00.007+08:00

While staying at home with the Gers, we experimented and prototyped our X'mas gift for their trs.

Researched on Internet and found something that the Gers can do: Papercraft snowman!

1. Print template out from website. A4-sized is too huge for the Gers, So I printed 2 sets of templates onto 1 A4 paper.

2. Colour. The Gers had different concepts on this. Gerry, scribbled and drew circles. Gerlyn used a single colour for every confined space/shape. Gerrard had a multicolour concept.

Cheese! We are done with the colouring!

Gerry deploying pointism.

3. Cut out the template. Mummy did this for them as they are still not very gd with scissors...

4. Creative time! The Gers decorated their snowmen. Gerry did not do this as he was not very good with following instructions and the coordination was horrible.

Playing dress-up? I'm good at this!

Gerrard was concentrating hard.

We had lots of time, so we experimented with other media....

Poster colour. Messy. The Gers used cotton buds instead of brushes, as the height of the apparatus is more suitable for their tiny hands. Gerlyn messed up her colours and ultimately, there's only one colour - brown. The key problem with using poster colour was that the outline was all covered by the poster colour that it was really tough to cut out the template. The Gers had fun though.

Gerlyn likes to watch Gerrard a lot.

Collage. Had fun. Killed time too. Initially used the papercraft punchers, but they were tough to press down. Turned to using the good old ordinary paper puncher. Initially, recycled wrapping paper was used. Then I turned to getting the children to paint on blank paper, and use their paintings to punch out paper flakes.

Gerlyn trying out the papercraft puncher.

Pasting. Unaware of colour coordination.

HFMD 2011: Activities at Home 1 - Colouring

2011-09-10T15:08:00.004+08:00

The very first activity that I had done during HFMD episode with the children was colouring.

Initially, they were colouring from the books that they have. Then I started browsing on the Internet after they were fighting for the colouring books.

Lots and lots of free printable colouring pages around. Their favourite are the Sesame Street's buddies.

Gerry doing his 'colouring'. Actually just scribbles and circles...

Teachers' Day 2011

2011-08-28T13:46:00.009+08:00

This year's Teachers' Day is indeed different.

For more than 10 years, I had celebrated Teachers' Day as a student. And for a good 10 years, I had celebrated it as a teacher. This year, I am fully a parent.

This year, I got the 2 elder Gers to do their own present. Gerry is still too young to be involved. After looking at ideas from the Internet, I had adapted and planned something simple for the Gers...

Looking at what we have in the house, I was simply delighted to find a huge tub of pre-cut heart shaped confetti. That was actually meant for for customary marriage!

Get ready the hearts.

Working intensely...

Look at this!

There! One's done!

Factory...

And of course, Mummy is good at recycling, cos she's in the school's Environment Education Committee! The body of the bookmark was the ice-cream sticks bought for the window decoration activity...

The message was typed by Mummy. Guide lines were printed at the back, so that the Gers can follow the lines and cut. Alas! Their motor skills are not that refined to control that yet. Hence, the product ended up very 'artistic'...

Working with the pinky shears

Packaging in progress

The presents were divided into 2 batches as the Gers found it tiring to cut with the shears. So, the 1st batch was for their form teachers and subject teachers. There was also one for their auntie, Auntie Elsie, who gave Mummy a lot of invaluable advices. The 2nd batch was meant for other staff in the Centre, including Auntie Sharon and the VP Ms Chin. However, the presents were given out on Mon evening in a haste, as the Gerry was down with HFMD, while Gerlyn was put in the suspect list. A decision was made that Gerrard will also stay at home. Hence, the 2nd batch, which was meant to finish up yesterday, had to be given away without the complete packaging...

The product of 2 weekends. A photo collage was attached behind.

What are my learning points:

1. Patience. It really took long hours to do this with the children.

2. Room for mistakes. If the heart or stick was pasted out of alignment, or if the children cut away from the line, so be it!

3. Expectations. If the task matched their ability, they can accomplish, and they feel good about it!

Overall, it was indeed a very good experience and I enjoyed it! I sure hope the teachers like their present!

Gerry's First Days of School

2011-08-23T22:02:00.006+08:00

Gerry's finally in school!

Day 1 is bad! Just like the 2 elder siblings, Gerry had the 'first-day-syndrome'. Mummy was too focused on the immersion rather than documentation. Hence, having only one photo at the end of the day...

Hey, it's Daddy and Mummy!

For Day 1 and 2, Gerry was able to wake up in time and he was very fresh after a night's sleep. We left house at 7am. Pretty early for a young kid.

Having a photo taken while waiting for Daddy at the void deck.

For both mornings, Gerry had episodes of his lung and voice box exercises. Think the trs in the Centre will know that he is strong with good lung capacity. Luckily the siblings are around to play a small role of comforting this young bro.

Hmmm... Let me have my burger sweet 1st...

They have books here too? I like reading.

Boohoo! I dun wan Mummy anymore!

Breakfast is served. This banana cake is yummy!

Gerlyn's around to comfort the brother. Good sister!

Fire-drill at Day 2! What an experience. Gerry went down the stairs on his own. Luckily Mummy is around, so he got 3 flights of stairs being 'flown' down. Hmm.. I wonder what happens during a real fire? Children in Pre-Nursery 2 clearly outnumbered the number of adults that they have in the class!

How much luck do we get? Fire drill on Day 2!

A private moment...

Theory of evolution.

Maid's not around and everyone was eating on their own. So Gerry, at Day 2, picked the spoon and ate on his own. Day 1, too hungry, so Mummy fed 1 bowl and Gerry down the 2nd serving on his own.

Bathing, can't do on his own yet. So gotta Q and wait for his turn.

Su Su is not here! I can eat on my own!

Cheese! Q-ing up for a quick bath.

Couldn't wait for naptime. Because that was when Mummy got to sneak out! Just like Gerlyn, Gerry was able to sleep immediately after finishing the milk. Think he's dog-tired. So was Mummy!

Playtime before naptime!

Milk Milk time before nap. Zzzz..

Tomorrow is Day 3, and Gerry will have to go through it on his own right after the routine check at the door. I think he will be able to survive it better than his 2 elder siblings. We shall see tomorrow. But for now, Mummy's gonna Zzzz...

Gerry's going to school!

2011-08-19T15:11:00.002+08:00

Next week, my Prince Charming is going to school.

Hopefully that will help to tame him a bit. He's been at home with maid most of the time, and I find him more difficult to discipline compared to the 2 elder Gers during this age. Hopefully through social conformity that this young gentleman learn to grow with others. Now, he is bullying his elder siblings during play. Gervin is spared, and in fact, is much loved by this brother.

I'm excited about next week. Will document more. :)

Cheese!

Loves Mummy's slippers.

Home Intervention Programme 4 - Playdoh

2011-08-13T14:11:00.004+08:00

One of the key areas that we are focusing on developing Gerrard is play.

At this age, it is through play that children form friendship with others, improve their communication skills and enhance their creativity.

One of our favourite 'tools' is Playdoh. Of course, we roped in Gerlyn to be Gerrard's playmate. They like it so much that they can spend more than an hour on this on the table and can still go on. As I type this entry, they are playing on their own at the living room.

This reminds me of a conversation that I had with one of the teachers in the childcare centre. The emphasis should not be on handwriting or penmanship for children in preschool. They should be doing more handicrafts. This, I agree. In fact, at home, we refrain from writing or spelling. Though we do let them doodle a lot.

The Gers mainly play, doodle, watch TV (less than 2 h) and read. We have assessment books, which are given by my cousin. But we have not sit down and go through any one of them. With Gerrard's diagnosis, the activities we do tend to be those recommended by the therapists. Everything is back to basics - improving communication, attention span and reading skills. Hence, we can declare that we failed to be the modern Singaporean parents. But I am pretty sure we have provided the Gers with a totally different childhood experience!

惜福！

Brother and sister in action.

Look what I have made!

Gerrard's snowman. Daddy's takking a nap at the background...

National Day 2011

2011-08-09T15:34:00.002+08:00

Values and knowledge can be taught from young.

Weeks before the National Day, Gerlyn was caught on camera trying to sing the National Anthem. I will have deducted marks for posture, lyrics and whole lot of other things, but I applaud the teachers' efforts in teaching the kids to sing the Anthem and other national day songs.

As for me, what have I learnt? Invest in a good set of red tee and white pants during Chinese New Year and recycle for National Day! Sounds desperate? No choice, I have evolved into a 'calculative' mum...

Cheese! All 2 dressed for their schs' celebrations...

Of course, Gerrard has a red LFC jersey.

No white bottom. Pink can just do the trick!

Many flaws here. Flaw no. 1: Din stand to attention!!!

Outdoors vs Indoors

2011-08-07T16:37:00.009+08:00

As long as the weather permits, we like to bring the kids outdoors. Very soon, Gervin may join the pack!

Hmm... How will that look like??

Sibling Power!!!

Daddy in action!

Gerrard trying very hard.

Huh?! I thought there's a Prince Charming at the end of the tunnel??

Where's my Mummy?

Daddy got to play cos of Gerry.

Whee!!! I can go for many many rounds of this!

I want to go for 3 more rounds!!!

Tah Dah!

Talking about sibling revelry...

When can we get a real decent family photo?!

Big Boss

2011-08-04T15:19:00.003+08:00

Despite being petite, Gervin is relatively faster in acheiving his developmental milestones compared to the 3 older Heavenly Kings. At less than 7 months old, he is able to pull himself up and stand by the side of the cot on his own. Now, he's in the process of being trained to sit down and eat. Alas! He is not as interested in the teething biscuits as to watching TV. Instead, he is more curious than his siblings. Likes to observe them play and always turning around to see what they are up to!

Now, it's about a month to my return to the service. I think I will miss him a lot when I'm back at work... :(

Yummy yum yum!

Biscuits and TV are the best!

The Big Sister

2011-08-02T15:12:00.004+08:00

Gerlyn mimic the adults very well. Looks like we need to be more aware of what we are doing. Lest she learns all the wrong things...

Gerry: Help me pls.

Look at how Gerlyn dismisses Gerry!

Gerlyn: Ok, you can go!

Admiralty Park

2011-07-24T17:17:00.005+08:00

It was our first time there yesterday.

Gerrard was obsessed with climbing up the playground, oblivious to the danger involved. It is pretty high for a 5-yr-old, and I was practically holding my breath while watching him climbing the ropes.

Cruising across from station to station was of no problem for him. Key problem came when he had to come down. He relied very much on Scott for that.

Gerlyn needed Scott to carry her up and down.

Gerry, so sorry, Mummy is a domesticated land animal. So, no climbing...

When we were about to leave, Scott wanted to buy an icecream for the children. While waiting, Dr. Tony Tan actually came to the park with his wife and grandchild! What a pleasant surprise!

Gerrard went up all by himself.

That's pretty high for a 5-yr-old...

Daddy carried Gerlyn up, leaving Gerry, lonely...

Cruising...

Cruising....

Daddy had to carry Gerlyn down.

Gerrard clinged onto Daddy like a koala...

Climbing up the rope net to the top.

Looking lost. Daddy, pls help!

Daddy giving instructions from the chair.

Racial Harmony Day 2011

2011-07-22T09:30:00.003+08:00

Having fun again this yr.

Initially wanted them to wear Indian ethnic costume. Daddy went Vietnam with his soccer boys during June. Luckily he's clever enough to buy 2 sets for the older Gers. Super clever, cos Daddy bought 2 hats to go along with the clothes. He even bought a set for Mummy too! Unfortunately the side slits are way too high, gotta alter first...

Mr and Ms Vietnam.

And Daddy's Mr Indonesia.

Lean but Mean

2011-07-20T15:03:00.002+08:00

Gervin is the smallest baby of all 4, yet the strongest. He has trained his abs so strong that he can sit up on his own, pull himself up and stand at the side of the cot. All these, before the age of 7 months. Maybe because he is always curious about his siblings. I can see that he is always trying to get up to see what they are up to. He is really growing fast!

Here's my milk!

What's this? Hmm...

What's that??

Gerrard's Holiday Programme

2011-07-16T15:15:00.009+08:00

This June, Gerrard had attended 3 holiday workshops. Experiencing difficulties while signing him up for external workshops, we leveraged on the sense of familarity and security that Gerrard has with his classmates/schoolmates. So, this year, we were super 'kiasu' and signed him up for all available workshops (last year, we were more selective). And this holidays, I believe he truly enjoyed himself. :)

Photos are taken and given by Centre's teachers and Admin staff. Enjoy the pics!

Gerrard getting onto the pony with some help.

There goes my little prince.

The next Tiger Woods? Don't worry, Gerrard is a faithful puppy.

Or maybe he is a shotput expert?

Where the fish go?

The essence of preschool experience - happiness and joy in learning.

Of Brotherly Love and Sibling Rivalry

2011-07-15T11:13:00.003+08:00

Gerry's going to Childcare soon. He spends a fair bit of time with Gervin at home and has learnt to take good care of his younger brother. But he bullys Gerrard and Gerlyn a lot, that he is always sitting on the Naughty Chair...

Gerry: Look! This is Gervin!

Gerry: Talk to my feet!

Gervin: Yum yum! Nom Nom!

Hot Wheels 2 - Share Share

2011-07-11T06:35:00.002+08:00

We bought a Strider during the June holidays. It was actually for Gerlyn. But it turned out to be a great tool for the kids to learn all about taking turns and sharing.

They really had great fun, and Sembawang Park seemed to turn into our weekly weekend hideout. Only Gerrard seemed to be on the track. But who cares? Just enjoying the fun with the 3 older Gers.

Gerrard having great fun coming down the slope.

Gerry had so much fun that he refused to give up the seat.

Another Teacher Has Left...

2011-07-02T13:49:00.002+08:00

Another good teacher has left the centre.

Gerrard has not been easy to handle. Especially after the change in the childcare centre. It was kind of unfair for him to unlearn something that was good, and to relearn. He protested for a while...

For Gerrard, Ms Camille is a nice teacher to have. She is understanding, and at the same time, able to exercise assertion. This is greatly needed, especially after we know that Gerrard has Asperger's Syndrome.

ForGerlyn, when both her teachers left, she refused to enter the Centre on her own for about one or two weeks. Ms Camille and Ms Seet were the familar faces available to coax and soothe her.

I do not know whether was this Gerrard's way of protesting, but there was a good 30-min standoff with him yesterday. Cried, screamed, pushed his siblings, pinched and spat at me. A bad cocktail of all the bad vices, all in that 30 minutes. The last time something like this happened was more than a yr ago, shortly after he changed centre... :(

Too many good teachers has left. I think the Centre should relook into incentives to keep their resources. I think, for a start, they should revise the teachers' pay...

The magic of photos - keeping happier times.

Happy birthday, Daddy! (edited - with pic of present)

2011-06-23T09:25:00.005+08:00

Dear Daddy,

Here's the birthday greetings from the 2 older Gers.

Pls make sure your soccer boys win something this year, because you spend so much with them, even on your birthday as well. Make sure you enjoy today in Vietnam!

Clever Gerrard! What's Daddy's is also Mummy's, and what's Mummy's is still Mummy's!

Seems like Gerrard is able to understand that Daddy has gone overseas.

Finally, a proper birthday greeting at the 3rd take!

Daddy's present arrived on time! Thanks to DHL!

This iPad has Daddy's name engraved on it. Now, got to wait for Daddy to come home and open the package.

Sembawang Park (edited, with videos)

2011-06-22T06:13:00.006+08:00

Liat's out with his soccer boys to Vietnam this week. They left the Nation just on Monday. Me and the kids are already missing him...

Yesterday, I brought the 2 older Gers to Sembawang Park. To them, this playground is special. Because, unlike the usual playgrounds they've been to, this one has sand instead of the rubber floor.

Child-safe swings with backing.

Seat was too high for Gerrard to propel himself.

Gerlyn has high risk-taking element - kept wanting it to be higher and higher.

Look how confident she was!

Always trying out new things.

Gerrard is always more cautious than his sister.

Kept wanting to climb. More! More!

Hello!? Daddy!? Where are you?

Tried the rock-climbing element. Obviously the holes were safer...

Playing with sand..

Gerrard's try on the rock-climbing wall.

Note that he hesitated when he went to the slide. It was a bit too fast for the 2 Gers...

Happie Fathers' Day

2011-06-16T06:56:00.011+08:00

Liat's getting busier and busier over the yrs. Take this holidays as an example. He hardly had a break and I felt the time spent on the kids was somehow compromised. The Gers simply adore their daddy's company.

I always make the kids give him a 'welcome parade' when he's back.

And it's always 'find Daddy' time at night.

Liat helps read bedtime stories and pat Gerrard and Gerlyn to sleep while I settle Gerry.

And most of all, I have to be the 'technology police', keep reminding daddy to stop his iPhone or blogging when the Gers are around... ;[

Nevertheless, he's quite a good dad. So, here's wishing him...

Liat always claimed he used to be fair. Now, who do you think Gervin gets his fair skin tone from?!

Simple void deck fun. But actually no ball-kicking is allowed...

Hot Wheels 1 - Play Toys

2011-06-15T15:37:00.003+08:00

Before I document about my Gers' cycling experience, it is worth talking about their experiences with the wheels.

Gerrard has to learn and experiment everything by himself. Gerlyn and Gerry are more of the 'monkey-see-monkey-do'. In terms of documentation, Gerry has more videos and pictures as now Mummy is on no-pay leave and has time to play with him...

This video was taken last weekend. Gerlyn was playing with the skate-scooter while Gerry was chasing her with his push-toy. Out came Gerrard. Note how Gerry reacted when he saw Daddy!

In this video, Gerry was out at the void deck with the Pooh car. He realised going uphill was tedious. Note how he responded when he realised he's in a little bit of trouble...

This is taken yesterday. Gerry has the most advanced psychomotor development compared to his elder siblings. Gerlyn only started on the skate-scooter afte age 2. Also, I think he is more of a risk-taker, just like Daddy.

So much for the play-toys. We are now entering into the phase of bicycle act. Will document their progress.

What a Busy Day!

2011-06-12T14:01:00.010+08:00

It is the June holidays, but life is very much ordinary as the 2 older Gers go to childcare centre as usual and Daddy still runs his soccer trainings and Math remedial.

Yesterday, I think finally the holiday spirit is here!

Morning Exercise
For the start of the day, I brought all the 3 Gers down to the playground. It was usually done by Daddy, but he was out for soccer with his students. Saturday morning at about 9am. Hardly any other playmates at the playground and the Sun was hot! I don't remember the Sun was so hot when I was a kid! Anyway, the children had their share of fun and Vitamin D!

Gerry was frequently left out by the two older Gers. Maybe because they went to the childcare centre together and being older, they can communicate better. Unfortunately, Daddy's not around. Else Gerry would have a playmate. ;p

Gerry will have to wait for Gervin to be older...

Gerlyn teasing Gerrard.

Bathtub time!

The 3 Gers all loved the bathtub. Always had a hard time trying to get them out of the bathtub. I wonder what will happen when Gervin is old enough to join the trio. Are we to dig a pit in the toilet?!

Free-and-easy
We always collect feedback from teachers regarding Gerrard's and Gerlyn's behaviour in school because they always get to do their favourite activities at home, and we encourage 'free roaming'. Afterall, they do need that free space after the long hours spent in the childcare centre.

One of the best habits we ever inculcated into our children is reading. They can read in many places - home, restaurants, library, car... It is the best activity that you want to give your children when you need them to sit and wait.

Look at Gerrard in this video. Of course the distance between him and the book needs to be corrected. But he is quite an avid reader. Don't forget to look out for the Hello Kitty ring on his left forefinger, which actually belongs to Gerlyn!

Art Garden @ SAM
Planned on Friday, but I was trying to recover from a fever and cold... Anyway, went with the 2 older Gers when the other 2 younger ones were napping.

The kids are very fortunate. My father had never brought me to a museum. And the Museum didn't have so many child-friendly activities then...

1. 3D Paper Fruit
We did not realise that they were classified according to levels of difficulties, we just chose their favourite fruit - apples. It was a nice sit-down activity, except that the flaps for glue application were a bit too small for toddlers, and simply too many folds for them to handle. Gerrard sat through, Gerlyn was a bit low on patience towards the end...

Gerrard working with Daddy.
Gerlyn working with Mummy.

Finally, the apples were ready!

2. White Elephant
Gerlyn liked this activity the most. The Gers were given stickers which they were allowed to stick on this elephant anywhere they wanted. I guess the trunk's the elephant's identity, so ALL their stickers went to the trunk.

This is a happy elephant, because it has lots of stickers!

3. Cake Decoration

This is really like one of the felt books that they have. Gerrard was pretty obssessed with trying to find every dot of felt and fill it with the deco.

Gerrard liked the cake decoration a lot.

Brother and sister working together.

3. Dress up

Girls being girls. Gerlyn kind of enjoyed this more than Gerrard....

Girl dressing up girl.

The shortie asking Daddy for help.

4. Watching short films

The short films were cartoons with artistic themes. Gerrard watched these more intensely than Gerlyn. I wondered whether he understood these...

5. Colouring

Both Gers had different concepts.

Gerlyn was more conventional. Just colour within the boundary.

Gerrard was different. He tried to colour the alphabets using the stencil. Except that he did not gauge properly the space he needed to fit into the picture.

Shhh... Do not Disturb. Young Picasos at work.

Gerlyn tried to copy Gerrard.

Gerlyn and her tricolour elephant.

Gerrard working intensely with the alphabet stencil.

Gerrard and his alphabet stencil elephant.

6. Snacks at Olio Dome
After all the activities, Daddy brought the whole flock for snacks at the Olio Dome located at the left wing of SAM. The Gers has potato wedges, carrot cake, cheese cake and smoothies.

Delicious. Chomp! Chomp! Chomp!

The cheese cake was so nice that Gerrard actually ate it.

By evening, the Gers were pretty drained...

I hope we can go out again next week, before Daddy leaves for his overseas trip with his students...

Home Intervention Programme 3 - Sentence construction and picture description

2011-06-09T21:41:00.008+08:00

Gerrard does not do well in description. One way to help him is to get him to construct sentences on his own.

1. Find simple pictures that a sentence can be used to describe it.
2. Write sentences and cut out the verbs and nouns.
3. Lay out a picture. Give options for the verbs and nouns, so that he can choose and pick the correct one.
4. Gerrard is to look at the picture, and read through all the options before choosing out the correct verbs and nouns for the sentence.

After trying many times with successful attempts, he is able to do simple sentence description without the helping visuals. Now we are into the next phase with simple connectors like 'and', 'using', 'with'...

The ultimate aim is to have him to do a picture description on his own (like what we had for English Oral). That, will have to take time and effort for Gerrard.

Gerrard trying out on his own.

Handwritten words are huge, hence making the sentence physically too long for reading....

Options are given for the sentence construction.

Typed and taped for durability.

Fast-forward >>

2011-06-04T21:03:00.006+08:00

It's amazing how time flies.

Just like Gerry, Gervin is doe-eyed, except that he does not have double eyelids like that cheeky Gor-Gor. He is equally adorable and cheerful. Very curious, always wanted tolift himself up to see what his siblings were up to...

I'm left with about 14 weeks before I get back to school to teach again.

I think I will start to have separation anxiety again....

This is delicious. Nom Nom Nom...

Gerry wearing his uncle's pants. And this is made by mummy's grandmother!

Where is Gerry??

Gervin: Auntie Joyce, I know you like Cafe World!

Cheeky Monkey

2011-06-02T12:50:00.005+08:00

Out of the 4 children, I think we may have to manage Gerry the most in future years.

He seems to be able to get away with many things with his cheekiness and his charming smiles. My parents melted everytime they see him.

Cheeky Cheeze!

Weather's so hot.Time to air the diapers!

The following 2 videos show how he has learnt to 'sneeze'. He picked this up from my mother, who has sensitive nose. Basically he isn't blowing his nose, but 'blowing his mouth'!

Another monkey-see-monkey-do incident...

Brothers - Gerry and Gervin

2011-05-30T06:50:00.005+08:00

Gerry is entering the Terrible Two stage.

Screams, cries, snatches toys and beats his elder siblings. Instead of being bullied, we frequently hear Gerrard and Gerlyn complaining of being beaten by Gerry. Most probably because these are the people whom he has to share toys with.

On the other hand, Gerry seems to have a stronger bond with Gervin. Maybe because Gervin is not playing his toys?! Gervin also is responding a lot to this young elder brother of his, cooing at him sometimes.

Hope Gerry grows out of this stage very soon, and does not have to sit on the 'Naughty Chair' anymore...

Gerry: Heehee! I have all the bread!

Gerry: This is delicious. Nom nom nom...

Gerry: This is good for you. EAT!

The Middle Child

2011-05-28T10:33:00.004+08:00

Gerlyn has grown.

From a grumpy young infant to a happier toddler.

When she was a baby, she was less than pleasing because a lot of people tend to compare her with Gerrard, and that included us. She was a less happy baby. And many of my friends would have described her as unfriendly.

Going to the childcare centre helped a lot. I think her first teachers (Ms Jini and Ms Jia) really did a wonderful job. She has become more confident, and that, I think, made her a happier child.

Being the only princess in the family, I wanted to teach her many things. I think Liat will most probably say I will toxify her mind, but it necessary to cultivate independence and strength.

Well, her name is Gerlyn,which is meant feminine spear-ruler. I hope she can protect herself.

A tired cheese...

Ms Piggy wakes up early.

Home Intervention Programme 2 - Listening, Comprehension and Attention

2011-05-26T10:36:00.007+08:00

One of the things that kids with Asperger's Syndrome irritates the others is that they always talk at people, not talk with people.

Gerrard has this habit of doing so. He can be fluent with his speech in topics that engages him, e.g. anything about Dora or Mickeymouse Clubhouse. But having a functional conversation can be difficult for him.

So, the first thing is to get him to listen to people, especially to questions that people ask.

The following is recommended by the speech therapist:

Strategy:
Say a sentence and show picture to Gerrard. Example: Say "The boy is playing with the swing at the playground" and show a picture showing a boy playing with the swing at the playground. Repeat 2x. Then ask questions e.g. 'Who is playing with the swing?', 'Where is the boy playing?'. Each time Gerrard answers, show him the card and check the answers. If the answer is wrong, repeat the sentence again as the answer to the question.

Tips:

The picture must be as simple as possible, with no other distractors. Example, if the picture is for the sentence shows the sentence "The boy is playing with the swing at the playground", then only show the picture of a boy at the swing, not the scene of the entire playground.

The questions are the basic 4W-1H (What, Who, When, Where and How) questions.

Discovery:
Gerrard was inconsistent with the answers to the questions. It makes me wonder whether he was not listening, or he did not understand the questions.

After giving feedback to the therapist, she further recommend the following to check on this issue:

Strategy:
Lay out 3 coloured cubes in front of a paper with boxes numbered 1, 2 and 3. Say out a sequence, e.g 'blue, red, green'. Gerrard is to place the coloured cubes in the respective order.

The simple and low-cost setup of the memory game.

Discovery 1:
This is to check Gerrard's attention. To encourage him and to keep track of his answers, I came up with a sticker reward system. Each time he gets a correct answer, he gets a sticker and he is to paste this on a paper. So far, he is good with this. Out of 20 trials, he makes only one mistake, proving that it is not an issue of him not paying attention. I will show the therapist during the next session and will work on how to get him to answer to the question.

Gerrard's results.

Discovery 2:
I also played this game with Gerlyn. Gosh! She could not place the cubes according to colour properly. For a short while, I thought she had colorblindness. Luckily, it was verified through the memory chess (mentioned in Home Intervention Programme 1) that she just cannot name the colours correctly, as she can match the coloured chess correctly. Luckily these coloured blocks have alphabets on them. So I played with her using sequence of the alphabets.

Discovery 3:
Gerrard and Gerlyn really liked to be praised. Sometimes, I will give them a hi-five, rather than the stickers. And they are actually contented with that. I am glad that they do not need physical rewards. So, for those who have kids at home, have you praised your babes today? And for colleagues, have you praised the students today?

Gervin's 5 months old!

2011-05-24T12:18:00.002+08:00

Time flies. Gervin is turning 5 months old this week.

Maid is getting more and more competent. Though hearing not so sharp at times to hear him cry.

Teething stage is starting soon. Salivate, salivate. Puts his hand into his mouth. And a bump on his gums at the lower jaw.

Still very auditory. He always listen and turn to where we were.

That's Gervin's good friend - yellow caterpillar. A hand-me-down toy from a colleague.

Like his hair now. So soft and correct length.

Now no worries of suffocation. He's strong enough to pull out his hand and push his head up.

Home Intervention Programme 1- Boardgames

2011-05-22T12:46:00.008+08:00

I decided to start a series on the intervention programme that was done at home. Hoping to share, because these activites are beneficial for any kid too.

In playing boardgames, there are a few deliverables to be achieved:

Play with others

Learn to take turns

Specific aim of the game

Playing with others. I made full use of the home environment. Good thing for Gerrard is that he has siblings, more than a typical Singaporean family. Hence, he has playmates at home. Also not to leave out the other kids, games is a very good activity. We roped in Gerlyn, whose intellectual level is not too far behind.

Learn to take turns. Actually this is the key objective for Gerrard, for him to learn proper social behaviour. Few things that he has to reminded:

Hands and legs down

Eyes look

Mouth quiet

Besides these body language while waiting, he is also to recognise everyone gets his or her turns.

Specific aim of the game. I like these games a lot because there are other meaningful aims to the game, e.g. enhancing memory skills, teaching math.

And most of all, I feel playing boardgames is a good activity to foster family togetherness. Hope Gerry can join the gang soon!

Aim: Teaches colour and enhances memory skills

How to play: All the coloured pins are to be placed into the holes. Roll the dice and find 2 matching pins.

Where to buy: Learn-thro-Play, Bukit Panjang Plaza

Interesting discovery: Gerlyn has not been able to name the colours correctly. This game confirms that she is not colourblind, just not able to name the colours correctly. -_-"

Aim: Teaches counting How to play: Put the cherries onto the tree card. Spin the wheel and follow the instructions. The first person to put all cherries from the tree into the bucket is to shout 'Hi Ho Cherry O!' and wins. (See the setup in the photo below.)
Where to buy: Action Toyz, IMM
Interesting discovery: Because the cherries are pretty small, it also trains the kids' fine motor skills as they pick and drop the cherries. Gerrard has more problems than Gerlyn though he is older.

This picture appeared in the post dated 11 May. This game caters for 4 players. Hope one day, all 4 Gers can play together.

Asperger's Syndrome

2011-05-19T11:47:00.005+08:00

Felt an impulse to post this after a wallpost on a friend's fb wall and a few interactions with some friends through fb messages.

I have no religion, but I believe things happen for their own reasons.

Through my 10 years of teaching, I encountered 2 students with autism, one diagnosed and undergone intervention, the other was just labelled as a special kid by the parents. No one in the school knew how to handle them properly. So when the course for Special Needs was offered, I signed up with a few colleagues and decided to specialise in autism. The course had 3 modules and it took me more than 3 yrs to complete it! Module 2 was deferred as my father-in-law passed away, while I postponed Module 3 as Gerrard was suspected of having HFMD. Module 3 is the life-changing module. That module specialises on the Special Needs area that we had enrolled. Through the course, I realised that Gerrard fits quite a number of the characteristics listed. Around the same time, the teacher in the childcare centre recommended for a developmental check as she commented that Gerrard was facing friendship problems because he couldn't communicate well.

When Liat brought Gerrard for a check in the polyclinic, the doctor just felt it was slow speech development. I do not blame the doctor. No doubt that the level of awareness has increased over the years, doctors who long graduated from medical schools are not proficient in this area. And not many can admit that they are not sure... Luckily Liat insisted for a referral letter to KKH. Then came the long wait. This is a clear sign that more and more special needs children are being diagnosed and yet the professional help that was required is lagging behind. Out of desperation, I even tried finding out about the private practitioners, but, GOSH!, the price difference with respect to the KKH is ridiculous! So, while waiting, I read up on my own. From the references recommended from the course and books recommended by friends, I gathered a clearer picture of what it is about.

Here's what I had taken from the info that KKH had given and some other sources, to create a little bit of awareness of what it is...

WHAT IS ASPERGER'S SYNDROME?

Named after Hans Aspergers in 1944

Life-long developmental disability (There is no cure. Intervention programmes only attempt to 'normalise' these kids.)

Falls inAutistic Spectrum Disorder, with some calling it 'High Functioning Autism', while others felt it should be taken out of this family and be totally regarded as a behavioural problem.

Key difficulties in communication, social interaction and restricted interests

Usually diagnosed during the 24 month developmental check (Gerrard was diagnosed at age 4, which makes me filled with anguish at first, because that meant he missed the months of intervention possible for him.)

WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?

Genes - usually from the father. (Some papers said MMR vaccines play a part. That doctor was charged of professional misconduct and struck off the register, as the data in his papers was manipulated, causing a MMR scare.)

In families with 1 autistic child, the risk of having a 2nd child with the disorder is about 1 in 20. (Gerlyn's good with her social interactions, so no Asperger's. Gerry and Gervin, still have to watch)

Abnormalities detected in several areas of the brain, which will result in several of the signs and symptoms. (It is said that kids with Asperger's are found to have exponential brain development during the infancy stage. Yes, Gerrard's head circumference is always 75th percentile, while he was only 50th percentile in terms of weight.)

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS THAT GERRARD DISPLAYED? (This is not the full test. These are the things that I find Gerrard matches. There are some that he does not have. Long wait for the full battery of tests in KKH...)

1. Impairment of social communication

Slow language development (By age 2, his speech is still quite limited. Now, he is seeing a speech therapist to work towards having a functional conversation.)

May speak in formal or monotonal voice (He speaks in an American accent, which he picked up from the DVDs that he watched.)

Usually talk 'at' others (This makes him appear tohave low EQ, care less of others' feelings.)

May be able to express needs but may have difficulties expressing emotions or thoughts. (Mummy: How is school today? Gerrard: School is fun! Mummy: What did you do? Gerrard: .....)

May have fascination with and excel in words, but may not use as a tool for social interaction. (He reads a lot and loves reading. But unable to carry outa conversation, or do a picture description.)

2. Impairment of social interaction

May accept social contact, although may not initiate contact (Since young. Not playing with others.)

Stilted and formal way of interaction as adults (He's acting very matured for a 5 year old. Cool, is what some others may describe him as.)

3. Impairment of Imagination

Play tend to be copied, repetitive and stereotyped (The very 1st one was '噢！土豆！', Chinese of 'oh! toodles!' from Mickeymouse Clubhouse!)

4. Sensory Issues

Intolerance to noise (Shavers, vaccum cleaners, rain...)

Intolerance of certain textures (Sand and grass)

Insensitivity to temperatures (He likes to wear jackets and refuses to take it off at times.)

5. Uneven patterns of intellectual functioning

May have unique skills (At age 2, he was able to count to 100.)

I shared in my friend's fb wallpost, that the signs and symptoms could have long appeared since infancy. Just that, they are ignored or disregarded. Gerrard has been a compliant child. In fact, too good. When he was an infant, he did not cry when he pooed. There was once that his diaper was not changed for a very long time and he had a boil as a result. Babysitting him was easy. There was once that I brought him out the whole day for a Scrabble friendly match. He was really manageable.

I read much about the causes. Now, I have to focus on the remediation. Good thing is IQ is not impaired. It makes the journey less painful. In fact, Gerrard is very cheeky. Yesterday, He purposely constructed a 'naughty' sentence from the nouns and verbs that the therapist gave him: The cat is making a snowman. Then he went 'Oops! That's so wrong. Hmm.... Let's change this.' Then he went ahead to change it into a proper sentence. He kept on making mistakes, exclaimed and corrected his mistakes. Until the therapist realised that he had done it on purpose. When a 5 second completion rule was implemented, he got all his sentences correct on all the first attempts! Mind games, that he was playing!

Gerry's mischief

2011-05-17T12:35:00.002+08:00

Because of the no-pay leave, I get to spend a lot time at home with the kids. Everyday, I willspend time playing with Gerry and Gervin.

For Gerry, I realised that he is really mischievous!

Here are 2 video clips. One in which he offered me biscuits which he had already chomped off the candy. In another, he was acting like a bull-dozer. And he even offered me a 'cheese' when he realised I was filming.

Attention required

2011-05-16T15:12:00.007+08:00

The finished product. Wanted to teach him outline, then thought may be messy...

Mummy's drawing. Not fantastic.

I find his drawing of Gerlyn resembles JoJo (cartoon character in JoJo's Circus).

Gerrard's trying real hard.

Gerrard is supposed to bring a drawing today for his Show-and-Tell. We managed to draw one yesterday afternoon, while all the other babies were asleep.

Mummy's not entirely an artist. I always managed to score in Art mainly because I was meticulous, not artistic.

So the approach was to draw with Gerrard.

Using very basic strokes, we drew together, step-by-step. From the face, hair, shirt, lollipop, school...

Then came colouring.

The most touching thing was that Gerrard was really trying very hard. The intense concentration..

He made a few mistakes and required a few practice of some drawings on the back of mummy's paper. But the proud thing was he finished it.

Realisations from this activity:

1. Gerrard wants to learn.

2. Gerrard wants to do things well.

3. Monkey see, Monkey do. So the Monkey must firstly be a good role model.

Just how many old monkeys understand point number 3?

Wat happens to the others?

2011-05-12T11:11:00.000+08:00

Many wondered what happened to the other kids when Gerrard is busy with the remediation.

As much as possible, Gerlyn plays with Gerrard. In times whereby concentration on Gerrard is needed, they took turns,or it's 'go find Daddy time'.

Ever tried to get Daddy to help Gerlyn with her home assignment while I work on Gerrard. The task was to decorate the window. This is the outcome:

Because Daddy thought decorate on a fake window...

Gerry's been very trying. I think it is the Terrible Two syndrome. Angelic as he looks, he likes to roll on the floor and scream. The naughty chair was implemented and I placed him at the balcony till he realised that he needs to keep quiet in order to come back.

As for Gervin, he's very active. I placed him on the sofa. So that Daddy can look after him while I do the activities.

See, yesterday, he's caught in the act!

How do I cope? I don't know.

Just do it? Just do it!

Home Intervention Programme

2011-05-11T14:17:00.003+08:00

Following Gerrard's diagnosis, came a series of long waits for professional intervention.

Occupational therapy, wait for 3 months. You have got your dates, if you miss, it is your own loss. No make-up. Reappointment is possible if the child is sick.

Psychological assessment, wait for 4 months.

Speech therapy, wait for 5 months.

Shorten the wait is possible, if the financial backing is strong enough - consult private therapists...

So for every trip, I always make a point to ask for things that we can do at home. Time spent at home is on all these 'games' that will help him. I bought games that can teach him to wait for his turn, teach him to pay attention and memorise the coloured pins. There are also days to train him in paying attention to others talking. Then also have to teach him imaginative play (yes, teach, cos he can't). Also getting him to join dots and tracing to train on his fine motor skills. All these, within that 2 h window period after coming back from school and before going to bed.

While some parents are busy doing curriculum stuff, we have to redirect to basic neccessities 1st.

These takes a lot of energy...

Pictures of the 3 kids playing Hi-Ho-Cheery-O with their dad. This game teaches taking turns and basic counting. Notice Gerry in the background, who was left out in the game.

The Botaks at Home

2011-05-09T16:26:00.003+08:00

Weather's so hot that I cut both Gerrard's and Gerry's hair.

Much to Liat's disgust, I think, because he ever said that he did not like Gerrard sporting real short hair. Consideration for his unhappiness was not priority, compared to the hot weather and hygiene.

Gerry had his hair cut to total baldness last month. Now, the length is about the same as his brothers'.

It was really tough to get Gerrard to cooperate. He is very afraid of the buzzing sound from the razor.

The brothers now look very much alike.

Suffocation

2011-05-04T12:03:00.002+08:00

On Monday, Gervin was suffocated!!!!

Liat brought the 2 older children to T3 to play. Gervin was lying on the bed while I was playing with Gerry in the living room. I have a habit of checking on the children every 10 to 15 mins, even when they are sleeping (luckily that I have this habit!). When I went in to check, I had the greatest shock - Gervin was lying head-down, crying into the mattress! I quickly rushed over and carry him up. Gosh! His face was all red. Luckily not blue or purple! The crying stopped almost immediately. The bedsheet and the corner of the pillow was wet.

As I reflected and thought through, I think I had neglected the fact that Gervin had grown, and much stronger than what I thought he was. Being born small (2.4kg), I am always concerned about his growth and perceived him as 'small and weak'. But the fact is that he had grown with time and much active than what I thought. Of the 4 children, he is the only one with suffocation experience. I thiink is because he has learnt to flip and turn (much faster than the other 3), but still too weak to either lift up the head for long, or to turn back again.

I spent time reading up oin suffocation. I think he is alright. At least he is still drinking hungrily and smiled to me this morning.

Looks like it is a good decision to take no-pay leave. At least there is an extra pair of eyes to watch over this little terror. Cannot imagine what will happen if it is just the maid...

Passports

2011-04-24T14:18:00.007+08:00

Both Gerry and Gervin had their passports made because we nearly hit a trip to Batam during May Day.

It is pretty obvious that Gerrard's passport needs a change. It's expiring soon, so he will get a new one soon. Gerrard has been to Malaysia a couple of times.

Gerlyn's passport still a virgin one though.

I hope to bring the children to places. However, this takes a lot of coordination and planning. Money's not an issue. Same old principle: Spend on what you can. Hence, no Europe trips, yet.

Here's my prized possession:

Any similarities? I guess I like red. ;p

Botak

2011-04-24T14:00:00.002+08:00

Time flies. Gervin's 4 months old tomorrow.

My maternity leave ends next week and no-pay leave follows till end of Term 3. First time that I actually fully utilise my maternity leave and 1st ime that I apply for no-pay leave.

So much time spent with Gerry and Gervin. I think our bond will be stronger compared to Gerrard and Gerlyn.

Little Botak, pls grow fast fast. The little tigers are already walking and you still can't finish your milk... -_-"

Gervin lifting up his head after a good sleep and feed. Think he has stronger abs than Mummy!

My Sister Ate My Homework!

2011-04-22T10:12:00.002+08:00

In view of the Earth Day, Gerrard was given a plastic cup with some soil and a seed in it. The task is to water the seed and watch the seedling grow.

While waiting for Daddy, Gerlyn seen holding Gerrard's assignment.

Mummy: Gerlyn, put Gor-gor's cup back.

Gerlyn put back the cup and resumed her seat. Suspicious, Mummy picked the cup and looked.

Mummy: Gerlyn! Where's the seed?!

Gerlyn: There! (Pointed into her mouth)

Mummy: Gerlyn!!!

In comics: Mydog ate my homework.

In real life, Ng Family: My sister ate my homework!

Teachers

2011-04-20T12:55:00.002+08:00

Gerlyn has been cranky when going to school. I think she has started to realise that the trs were gone and she has new class teachers. Luckily the good old ones are still around. That offers her some comfort...

See how she pretends to be a teacher and tries to mark!

Playground

2011-04-18T15:59:00.002+08:00

Prior to the rainy season, the children spent quite a fair bit of time at the playground while waiting for time to fetch Daddy. The timing matched with that of Ah Gong's knock-off time. So we all meet at the playground.

They like this playground in Teck Whye because it has swings. Gerrard has mastered the coordination to handle the swing on his own, while Gerlyn's legs are still a bit short to kick the ground.

There was a scary episode that Gerrard ran away without us noticing. Minutes of panic, because we could not find him. Ah Gong caught him walking at the carpark, and hence we deduced that he could be headed back to the car.

Now, because of the rain, they spent time watching cartoons at the Grandparents' place.

I hope the rainy seaon is going to be over soon.

Gerrard shares the swing with Grandma.

Gerlyn wants higher, higher, HIGHER!

Bonding

2011-04-11T13:52:00.002+08:00

Finally the DVD player is back. Can you believe it? It was to be fixed since end of last Oct, but it was never done till end of last month.

Anyway, it's back. Now the children enjoys the DVDs a lot andit serves as a miniplatform for them to cultivate common interest. However, one rule still stands - no longer than 2 hrs.

And Gerry's picking up things from the DVDs and his elder siblings.

Celebration

2011-04-10T14:49:00.003+08:00

Today is our neighbour's full-month celebration for their baby girl. Gervin had no full month celebration beacuse: 1) we are simply too lazy 2) we felt embarassed having so many celebrations. Felt a bit guilty. But I feel I will be able to make it up to him when we celebrate his birthday with a bigger bang. It will be 3-day celebration! :) Watching him grow is a fantastic feeling. Being healthy and to grow slowly is really more important than being a big baby at birth.

Cheeky. Just like Gerry.

Getting used to Mummy with the camera.

Responding to Mummy's cooing.

It's not Gervin's real voice. It was actually Gerry at the background. Also watch carefully the responding time.

It is indeed true that a baby will laugh to laughter and cry to cries.

Gerrard's outing

2011-04-08T12:44:00.002+08:00

Wednesday was a busy day. Gerrard went out with me for his 1st speech therapy session. It is amazing to see that he can read a book fluently, but has difficulties forming a conversation on his own. Suggestion by the therapist is to help him with visuals, either writing or printing out phrases to help him. After lunch, we went to the dentist. The one at WCC is really fantastic with children! Gerrard had got 2 teeth filled. And of course, we dropby my parents' place while waiting for the time to fetch Liat. My dad entasked Gerrard to give Gerry two sweets. This is the 3rd time, with the 1st 2 failed attempts as Gerrard finished all the sweets before he reached home!

Gerrard giving off the sweets to his siblings...

At the dentist's. Trying to coax him to sit down. There's even a huge apple com to play cartoons.

Waiting. Waiting. And more Waiting.

2011-04-07T09:51:00.002+08:00

After Chinese New Year, I have been taking over the wheels, sending and picking children and husband. One of the most frustrating issues is to wait and wait and wait at Daddy's school. Prior to Gervin's birth, I had been taking taxi home with the 2 older Gers. Timing is very regular. Always reached home around 6. With Daddy's in the picture. Home seems a long way back. Sometimes we can reach home as late as 7.30pm - more than 12 hours out of the house! For this, I reminded my dear husband time and time again that not only he needs to go home, so do the children and the auntie in school. Being in the same profession, I understand his passion, but spending 12 hours or more outside the home is absurd. 6.30pm is the max. And not everyday. When it did not seem to work, I started bringing the children to my parents' place as our pitstop. My parents were delighted, as they are having the 'empty nest syndrome'. The children spent time watching TV, eating their snacks and spending time with their grandparents. I think these will form part of their fond childhood memories as they grow.

Gerlyn and Gerrard enjoys the experienceof buying drinks from the vending machine in the background.

If Gerrard becomes a minister one day, he will be one who looks after the citizens well. Even for buying drinks, he had the maid in mind. :) Having a 'picnic' while waiting for daddy. Look at the cookies, raisins and drinks.

What was Mummy Busy with?

2011-04-04T14:53:00.004+08:00

Didn't I have a maid? So what was I busy with? Apart from about two hours a day on rebuilding teaching resources, I spend most of my time with my two little princes, with occasional 'commercial breaks' with facebook. :)

First time capturing Gervin with a hearty smile that my hands shook!

Here's another smile!

Gervin doing his para-para dance.

Gerry likes this head band a lot.

Monster in action!

Gervin's 100th day

2011-04-02T17:10:00.002+08:00

Not exactly 100th day yet, but yesterday, we brought him for a haircut, so as to make into a brush...

Curious little one...

My mum says he looks like me. I feel so too. :)

Cheeky fellow...

Another teacher is leaving...

2011-03-30T13:23:00.002+08:00

Gerlyn's Chinese teacher is leaving. Today's her last day at the Centre.

We really feel grateful to her for all the effort and care that she put into nurturing the children in her class. It is not easy. Teaching is the easiest in the entire job scope. What about bathing, patting them to sleep, feeding, cleaning up during the toilet training period?

Realised that Gerlyn did nothave a photoshoot during Xmas with her. And that's because she was busy entertaining those children whose parents weren't at the gathering. Busy getting them food and drinks. Helping them get presents from Santa. Making sure that the presents were in the bag... How nice a teacher!

有缘能相聚。小猪妹，可能上辈子建了桥，才能在这辈子遇到您。贾老师，祝福您！

She has grown.

Gerlyn seems to know that taking photo means the teacher is leaving. She was less bubbly than before...

Spending time with children vs updating blog

2011-03-18T11:10:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, a friend commented that I did not update the blog for a long time. I think I blogged the most last year because I spent a lot of time on work. This yr, I spend a lot of time with them, and that I am so tired by the end of the day...

I think I may form the strongest bond with Gervin. He's the one who gets me having the longest leave.

My mum says he looks like me. I feel so too.

Tamed.

Sister and brother

2011-01-21T08:34:00.002+08:00

Gerlyn has picked up Gerrard's hobby - play com games. It makes her sit down for longer period of time. But problem being that she sits very close to the com and there is no one supervising her. I can't wait for Sun to come, when my confinement is over. I guess I will have to do the screaming again.

Mental Strength

2011-01-19T14:10:00.025+08:00

Pregnant with Gervin made me stonger in mental strength.

Firstly, the pregnancy came as a surprise. I had IUCD inserted, and hence when I discovered I was pregnant after using the test kit, I was very worried that it may be an ectopic pregnancy and may had to abort it. Luckily the ultrasound scan verified that he was ok.

Ultrasound pic of Gervin when he was part of a sac.

Then came the cross-road in my career. I was to meet the VP to prepare for my interview for Level Head on Fri. I verified my pregnancy on Thurs night. Without much consideration, I knew where I should be heading. So, I talked to Mrs Soh on Fri morning, before I spoke to the VP, then the P.

The Maid. Sounds like horror story? It was for me. The first maid was clever. Too clever. There was a short period of time that sometimes I would pause and looked into space at my workplace, wondering what the maid was doing with Gerry at home. When we had a change in maid, it was slightly better, just that the concerns were different - wondering whether Gerry was hurt due to her carelessness or clumsiness.

The older children also required care. Worst episode was the chickenpox. While caring for the older ones, I was constantly mindful of the danger for the unborn one. That was tough, physically and mentally. Then it was handling Gerrard's problem. Bringing him for assessment, accepting it and then went with Liat for his first occupational therapy.

For this pregnancy, I had craving for food in the middle of the night, and that cookies and titbits could not fulfil my eating desire. First time in 4 pregnancies that I asked Liat to buy supper for me. Turned out to be a flat 'I am tired'. So, I ordered and ate Mac many times. Yah, unhealthy food, but what can you get after 11 pm without having to drive out of the house? So I always jokingly tell people that Gervin is a MacBaby.

SVT episodes were different this time. They were intense in the last trimester. There were 2 occasions that the doctors could not convert after the 3 injections of adenosine. Doctors then recommended me a Class C drug - able to cross the placenta and cause baby's blood pressure to drop. I requested for a cardiologist, hoping that the expert can offer me solutions rather than me choose the options. Shifting of responsibility? Maybe. Luckily, the cardiologist on duty was my doctor. He gave me a 4th injection with higher dosage and it worked! I was choked with emotions and tears welled up in my eyes. Is it fear? Or thankfulness? I do not know. I didn't end there. I was given a 14-day MC (longest MC ever taken). There was even a time I had to stay in the hospital.

After all the mental tests, what's next? I know I must take good care of myself. Only then, the children can then be well taken care of.

Our biggest Xmas present!

2011-01-11T10:39:00.004+08:00

I was hoping we can wait till 2011 to deliver Gerry.

On Xmas Day, I had a 'show' and we had to rush down to the hospital. That was the 3rd time in a week that we had to go to the hospital. Previous 2 times, I felt unwell. Each time, we were turned back home as the doctors said the baby was not ready. I was seen by different doctors as my gynae was on annual leave.

With the 'show', we knew it must be it. On our way to KKH, I was experiencing contractions every 6 minutes. Reached the hospital at about 11.30am. By the time that my gynae arrived, it was about 1pm. After the waterbag was burst, things happened too quickly.

With a 'major' contraction, I informed the nurse. After checking the cervix, she said 'not ready'. The moment the 2nd wave came, I told Liat this is it. Indeed, it was a 'wave of no return'. Gervin just slipped out. The gynae was in the room just in time to cut the cord! So Prince Gervin arrived at 1.36pm on Xmas Day.

Being less than 37 weeks, Gervin is a bit prematured. Luckily that he need not be in the incubator. Immunity is a bit low though. He developed eye infection, most probably from visiting relatives. Also had jaundice. Hence, we are rejecting all visits.

He can drink quite a lot though. Hope that helps in catching up with the growth that he would have if he stayed longer in the womb.

New punk on the block

Infection in his right eye. Jaundice too.

Sleeping soundly at home

Seeing his daddy...

Moments after birth

3D image, showing head, chest and clenched fist

Xmas Celebrations 2010

2010-12-27T22:44:00.007+08:00

Gerrard couldn't attend the Xmas party in Kinderland as he was having stomach flu.

Gerlyn, on the other hand, had separate celebration with her classmates, as someone in the class had HFMD.

Nevertheless, the 2 of them still find their joy and happiness. Thanks to the effort by the teachers.

Really admire one parent who bothered to dress up as Santa. Next year, maybe should get Liat to be the reindeer! Hahaha. BTW, Santa, please use a decent bag than a red plastic bag for the presents. Image cannot match! Hahaha!

We like our presents!

Lovely!

My present!

起丝！

Cheeze! BTW, can I not give you the choz?!

Don't eat my food!

DO NOT DISTURB!

M&Ms! My Favourite!!

Present from Santa!

Yummy!!

Hmm... Put lots of candies...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:59:00.010+08:00

It is Christmas again.

It has been a challenging year.

Gerrard had issues that we needed to help him. For a good 3 months, he was not able to relate to anyone in the Centre. The 1st person that he mentioned to us is Auntie Sharon. Slowly, he made connection with Ms Jini. And when Teacher Camille took over, things just gotten better and better. 唐老师 had problems initially too. I think it's because Gerrard could not relate to the subject. He is able to understand, but simply refuse to converse in Mandarin. That disturbed us a bit. Afterall, you are talking about a father who took Chinese Lit and a mother who took Chinese GP at A Levels. Now that the picture is clearer, we focus a lot more on the strategies to help him cope with the social demands.

Gerlyn faced a different set of problems. Health issues posed a huge challenge this year. Common coughs and colds were minor. She had Hand-Foot-Mouth, Chicken Pox and 'Eye Needle' episodes. *FAINT* Being the second child, she has low sense of security, and many times, she needed affirmation from teachers and us. Very frequently, she will pester Liat to carry her (because I dun entertain her in this aspect). She responded very well to Ms Jini. I guess she really need someone who is really firm with her. Rules are essential to keep this young lady in check. 贾老师 faced more challenges, because Gerlyn seems to know she can 'eat up' this teacher. Poor teacher!

Gerry is much easier to cope with. Afterall, physical needs are more essential at this stage. Eat, sleep and play are the 3 key domains in his life. Our current maid does a relatively good job with this. Except that she can walk and put the baby into the corner...

As we spent many hours with other people's children, we rely on others to guide and hand-hold our children. The level of trust has to be built over time. And generally our children are blessed as they have very good people around them most of the time.

We have no religion, but here's our way of saying thank you to these people during Christmas:

1. Ms Jini: Thanks so much for helping both Gerrard and Gerlyn. We can really feel the passion in teaching radiating from you. Hope you will return to the 'scene' soon.

2. 贾老师：看到您，真的有体会到"汗流夹背"的含义。照顾悦嘉真不容易。谢谢您的付出。

3. Teacher Camille: Gerrard had been a challenge. Thanks for being his guardian all this while.

4. 唐老师：“像照顾自己孩子一样”，听了让我们感动得很！谢谢您的爱心。

5. Ms Seet and Mdm Fauziah: Thank you so much for making an extra effort to open the Centre before 7am. Because of this, our students also benefited.

6. Auntie Vivien: Thank you so much for always keeping a lookout for our children. It warms our heart to know that even the front desk is also involved in the moulding of the children.

7. Auntie Sharon: Gerrard 的灯塔。您让他第一次感到有安全感。到今天他还是每每都要去找您。谢谢！

8. Joyce: Ya, no more 'Auntie' in front. ;p Thank you for being there. It has been assuring for Gerrard to see the familiar face from Bangkit.

9. Ms Chin: Seemingly the least involved person in the Centre, but there are changes after you came as the part of the management level. Now, the Centre has a more 'family' atmosphere. It is not easy handling some parents and you certainly deserve a pat on the back!

10. Cousin Elsie: Thank you for being our resource when we were trying to cope with Gerrard's volatile emotions at the beginning of the year. Here's wishing you all the best in the coming year.

So here's wishing everyone

Holiday mood

2010-12-21T23:54:00.003+08:00

During this holidays, Gerrard and Gerlyn went to school later than usual. They get to enjoy car rides from their daddy, as well as the warm sun...

New ah-beng on the block!

And the ah-lian...

Swimming

2010-12-06T16:49:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, we went to the Civil Service Club @ Bukit Batok for a swim.

Observed an interesting trait.

2 years ago, Gerrard and Gerlyn went for a swim at ShangriLa, Sentosa. Gerlyn was fearless, while Gerrard walked around the perimeter of the swimming pool. Now, Gerrard realised that he can float with the help of the float-jacket, and that he just need to kick to move about. Gerlyn becomes the one who walked around the perimeter!

As for Gerry, he is still trying to make sense of what's going on.

We shall and will go for swimming more often!

Gerlyn looking from the side, while Gerry moves around with the maid.

Gerrard having a ride from Daddy.

Gerrard fully equipped.

Gerlyn clinging onto her 'float'.

1st Family Car

2010-12-02T14:39:00.003+08:00

We got our new car yesterday.

Due to the need for space, we have to give up our Honda City for a Toyota Picnic. Upgrading is good, but this is a bit too fast. And I really like the City a lot. :(

I wonder how much Gerrard and Gerlyn will remember this 1st family car, which has done us a good service by bringing them to many places. They call it the 'Silver Car', and yesterday they were still asking about it when we fetched them with the new black car...

My favourite car is the Beetle, cos I can still remember the happy times that I had when my dad brought us out on the noisy vehicle.

The kids are fortunate. At a young age, they get to travel in a big car...

Gerrard and the Silver Car.

Gerrard been to many places with this loyal car.

Hmmm... The 2 Gs looked like they are some kungfu kids, not quite the usual car models...

Fun time!

2010-11-25T14:08:00.002+08:00

It's the holidays!

The children had fun. So did Scott!

Gerrard on the swing.

Gerlyn still requires a helping hand on the swing.

Gerry: Hmm! I also wanna play!

Another money-saving tip: Find something big enough for 2 to share!

Gerrard enjoying himself.

Fun time together

2010-11-22T10:38:00.003+08:00

Scott brought the kids down to the playground yesterday.

The children came home grey and wet! Grey from the dust, wet from drinking the water from Scott's water bottle.

For convenience and the fun, Scott had the 3 kids in the bath tub! They (the 3 kids and Scott) definitely had fun!

It's Gerry's first time in the tub.

The classic cheese from Gerlyn.

The rubber duckies were here since Gerrard's infant times.

Gerrard shares a rubber duckie with Gerry.

Gerlyn found a new splashing victim!

The 3 little pigs!

'Eye Needle'

2010-11-15T22:53:00.004+08:00

Gerlyn has got a pimple on her eyelid for about 2 weeks already.

Issue is that when it dried up, she broke it accidentally and cause a blood-spill in school, which frightened the teachers and the other staff.

Now, she's still trying to recover and from the looks of it, should be pretty soon!

Message from Ms Jini.

In between her double eyelids.

She's enjoying herself at home.

Kite Flying 2

2010-11-09T10:50:00.003+08:00

Liat brought the kids out for kite-flying again.

Pose for a photo-shoot
Give me more! Give me more!

Cheeze!

Let me try!

Kite bought from SKP.

Gerry's walking

2010-11-05T22:10:00.004+08:00

Gerry has learnt how to walk.

Of the 3 kids, he is the fastest in terms of learning to walk independently.

I guess he must have pushed Pooh around quite a lot at home!

Happiness and fun can be simple.

2010-11-05T14:38:00.004+08:00

Many times, we indulge our children with expensive educational toys.

Just look at how simply fun can be! With a storage box from Ikea, the 2 older Gs took turns to push one another down the corridor in the house.

Gerlyn does not have enough of the muscle mass to push gor-gor. Just hear Gerrard, 'Faster! Faster, Gerlyn!'

Gerrard is much stronger. Gerlyn is simply enjoying the speed.

Mr Charisma

2010-11-01T16:35:00.002+08:00

We are worried, that someday Gerry can get away with trouble cos he's simply charismatic.

All the people we met all say that 'he's so cute', which he indeed is. :)

Just like Gerrard, he is very inquisitive.

He knows very well that Pocky tastes good!

Cookie Monster!!!

2010-11-01T16:25:00.002+08:00

We have a cookie monster at home!

In school, she will eat eat eat. Eat other people's snacks as well.

When back home, she will have her dinner, then apple, then vitagen. Then sometimes she pesters Liat for food from his dinner's plate. Then cod liver oil. Then milk before bed.

When have the opportunity, grab her wrist or her biceps and triceps. Maybe we are really grooming a YOG wrestler!!

Same factory does not mean products will be similar...

She's not supposed to open that. Sneakingly, she attempted to open using her teeth.

Captions from the teachers in the Centre.
Kaile: Chang E is so beautiful!
Yuejia: Just like me?

Special Kid

2010-11-01T15:41:00.002+08:00

Gerrard has been diagnosed of having Asperger's Syndrome.

I picked out several signs when I went for the Autism course earlier in the year. I signed up for the course because I met 2 diagnosed cases in my career and many of us do not know how to handle these children with special needs.

Somehow I felt relieved. Knowing the diagnosis will help in the remediation process. Just that it takes a very long time in government hospitals, while the private practitioners are very expensive. Meanwhile, we just do what we can at home and in school.

I am very hopeful we can help him, although a cure is impossible. He's fortunate, that we picked out the signs and insisted a referral although the doctor at the polyclinic felt he was ok (maybe just slow in speech).

The route is gonna be long.

As the Liverpool slogan goes, You Will Never Walk Alone.

He's a happy boy. What's more important than this?

Classical Cheese pose from Gerrard.

Went to the playground while waiting for the clinic to open for functioning.

Children's Day 2010

2010-10-16T23:54:00.005+08:00

Gerrard's glad to go to school everyday ever since the Chickenpox episode...

Presents from the teachers.

Note that the flowers in the bear's hand were missing at the end of the day!

Gerlyn and her cheeky cheeze.

No, no, she's not giving Mdm Fauziah the sweets. She's asking the teacher to help her open!

Did she anticipate that the teachers will be more tolerant of her during this special day???

Kite-Flying

2010-10-16T23:29:00.004+08:00

Today we brought Gerrard and Gerlyn for a kite-flying session.

Not exactly successful because Liat didn't check the kites. We managed to fly one kite out of the 3, as the other 2 has missing parts...

Home-sweet-home...

Do we really have to go home....

Where's gor-gor going to?

Can this go up too?

The only kite that managed to fly up high today.

Gerlyn's gulping down her drink.

Gerrard's enjoying his drink.

See that? The fishes in the sky.

The kids enjoying a snack. Daddy's at the background.

Land is so huge that the kids roamed freely.

Who's enjoying it more? The kids? Or the daddy??

Wedding

2010-09-26T14:24:00.002+08:00

Attended cousin's wedding yesterday. The photographer took a family pic for us.

Then realised that we lacked coordination in clothes....

Gerry is 1 years old

2010-09-19T12:17:00.005+08:00

Ah ma with 3Gs.

3Gs.

2Gs.

Gerrard loves the cake too.

Gerlyn loves the birthday cake.

Baby Gerry with his new toy from Ah ma.

Ah ma blowing out the candles with Gerry.

A simple birthday cake to mark baby Gerry's 1 year old.
We had to stay at home as both Gerry and Gerrard have yet fully recover from chickenpox.

Ah Ma & Gerry.

Chickenpox Month

2010-09-18T15:19:00.002+08:00

Yay! We survived the Chickenpox month!!!

Gerlyn got it first. From the childcare centre, two weeks before school holidays.

When she recovered and return back to school, then it was Gerrard's and Gerry turn! *groan*
So, we had an entire month of chickenpoxed children to nurse.

Think Gerrard should be able to return back to school next week, though many are still raw from the dropping off of the scabs.

Will get him assessed by the doc tomorrow.

So sweet of Teacher Camille to write on the wrapper for Gerrard's milk.

We always gave the children treats for behaving well in the day during their chickenpox 'retreat'.

Gerrard was always occupied by computer games, which kept him away from the itch and pain.

Good boy

2010-09-14T22:50:00.001+08:00

Going by child psychology and common sense, which child do not want to be the good boy or girl?

Gerrard was facing quite a fair bit of problems in sch. Things are more settled these days.

Prior to the chickenpox attack, this was what the teachers and I found when I fetched him from school one day:

Multiple marks of stars on Gerrard's thighs

In the previous centre, he enjoyed Thursdays the most. Reason being that the music teacher will reward the well-behaved kids with a stamp on the hand. He was always thrilled to show us his 'chop' on the hands.

Gerrard stamped the stars on his own thighs. He must had felt he was a really good boy that day.

Play

2010-09-11T22:21:00.002+08:00

I believe kids learn the best through play.

They somehow like to play together, with Gerlyn snatching Gerrard's toys occasionally

Gerlyn: Wait baby. Let me find you a toy.

Gerry: That one! That one!

Gerry: I want the ball!

Lanterns

2010-09-11T15:22:00.002+08:00

First lantern parade of the year in our house!

My parents bought one for each of the Gs. Gerry was sleeping, so the other 2 Gs played on their own first.

Hope Gerrard and Gerry get well soon. Then we can all go downstairs and play!

YOG Part 2

2010-09-11T14:55:00.003+08:00

Pls see earlier post - YOG.

These 2 videos were taken while waiting for Scott at Jurong Point.

Gerrard was so mesmerised by the VCD clips at Kiddy Palace.

Gerrard trying to read the menu. Maybe he thought it was just another magazine!

Chickenpox (Dejavu)

2010-09-10T23:29:00.006+08:00

Out of the 3Gs, Gerrard got it the worst. He has difficulties understanding what was going on, and kept saying 'It was an accident.'

He had problems eating. Today, not too bad. Cooked marcaroni and he finished his portion.

But still very emotional and kept wanting to follow us out of the house.

Hope he tides through this soon...

Gift from Auntie Vivien.

Look at the intensity of the blisters.

Love-hate relationship

2010-09-10T22:03:00.003+08:00

Gerrard's in a very bad shape!

Not enough sleep and temper's bad. Hope he really gets well soon!

Gerlyn pacifying Gerrard

Just hear what Gerlyn says!

Gerry's 1st steps

2010-09-07T03:51:00.002+08:00

Witnessed Gerry's 1st steps by accident.

So thrilled by it.

Unfortunately, not been able to witness that of Gerrard's and Gerlyn's. Only heard the description from their nannies... :(

YOG

2010-09-01T21:34:00.003+08:00

While waiting for Scott to pick up things from the Cultural Village at NIE, me and Gerrard had some fun in Jurong Point.

After playing toys in Kiddy Palace, we had a break at Bakerzin. Out of boredom, we had some cam-whoring. To think that I actually laughed at my students once!

Shaky. But an enjoyable moment is captured.

Gerrard took this pic on his own. Not bad eh?

Classical cheese from Gerrard.

Me and Scott also did some 'prediction'. Maybe Gerlyn can be a wrestler next time! She's already practising stunts like multiple slaps and monsterous pull on Gerrard.

YOG 2026, watch out for Ng Yue Jia Gerlyn!

Gerry at the Playground

2010-08-31T21:39:00.002+08:00

Gerry has little opportunities to go out of the house.

This was his 3rd trip to the playground. He's curious about the place and been observing Gerrard and Gerlyn. Maybe he was trying to figure out what he was supposed to do!

Hope to bring them to the seaside once Gerlyn recovers from her chickenpox completely!

Gerry: Hmm... What? How??

What's chey-chey and gor-gor doing? Whee... I will like to try that too!

Chickenpox

2010-08-30T22:46:00.002+08:00

Gerlyn was found to have spots 2 Sundays ago.

Was suspected to have chickenpox and had to stay at home. She's absolutely bored at home, we guess. Because: 1. she's very excited when we come back home, 2. she pesters Gerrard and Scott at home.

Gerlyn posing a 'sad' cheese.

Watching gor-gor playing Dora over the internet.

In this episode, we have also learnt that aloe vera is effective in treating the pox. She's very much better and we shall see whether she can go back to school next week or not.

Think the maid is not coping too well with her at home!

Independence

2010-08-06T22:17:00.002+08:00

Princess Gerlyn has been trying out something new these days. Teachers in the centre are teaching her to dress herself up independently. At home, she has this tubborn stint in her that she refused to let us dress her up.

One evening, we got this:

Gerlyn wore her diapers outside! Hahaha! Wonder woman!?

Ah Bui

2010-07-29T22:41:00.003+08:00

Gerry likes to eat. That's why he is 75th percentile for his age (10 months).

Like the other 2 babies, he is easily satisfied by biscuits and scrapped apples. Yummy!

Munching away...

Home

2010-07-24T21:15:00.002+08:00

Our house is at Segar Road. Yes, it is very ulu. But we wanted a huge house. One in which our children can play in. So, we bought an EA. For the same price, we could get a condo at the old Yeo Hiap Seng along Bukit Timah Road...

I hope we can keep the house for a very long time. One that we call a home, for many years to come.

Gerrard and Gerlyn having a quick ride before bathing.

Busy parents

2010-07-18T22:15:00.003+08:00

Liat and I are very busy parents. To what extent? Last Weekend, Liat had to go to work....

I took the car as I needed to go for grocery shopping. I went out in the evening to pick him up. When we were there, the event had not ended. So the two big Gs and I had some great fun while waiting for daddy to be ready back home.

Gerlyn pretending to be a monster! She is one sometimes...

Gerrard saying Cheese with a missing tooth.

Gerry's a Botak!

2010-06-08T16:19:00.004+08:00

Both Gerrard and Gerlyn had their first haircut on their 100th day after birth. Gerry is the only exception.

During Gerry's 100th day, it was very near to Chinese New Year. Scott wanted Gerry to have hair during CNY photoshoot. Hence, we postponed it.

He's nearly 9 months old today. Can you imagine the times that we postponed the haircut???!!

All the 3 Gs are terribly upset when they had their first haircut.

Last clear view of Gerry's hair

Dun worrie, Gerry. Your hair will grow again. ;p

Belated CNY photos & baby Gerry video

2010-05-08T09:15:00.006+08:00

Granduncle loves Gerry too.

Gerlyn with her big round eyes.

Ah ma with her current fav Gerry.

Family photo with all the babies.

Baby Gerry enjoying the music.

Baby Gerry in action.

People come. People Go.

2010-05-03T08:55:00.003+08:00

Gerrard's and Gerlyn's childcare centre is undergoing some form of reform.

Many of the staff left.

One of them is Ms Koh. I must thank her for her presence every morning when I send the 2 Gs to school. Can you imagine? They are always the 1st children in school. And Ms Koh always make at effort to turn up before 7am so that the Centre can open in time. See the two photos below. She is the first to try to connect to Gerrard when he joined the Centre last year. Life's a roller coaster ride as he had to unlearn before he can relearn.

It's quite regretful that they did not have a picture taken together with Ms Koh's face captured...

I entrusted my children to others while I am at work.

Janice (the clerk) was another who left. What touched us the most was the time when she smses us using her handphone when Gerrard was sick. That was beyond the call of duty.

I hope the management can improve on its system.

This is afterall a branded childcare centre that we are talking about.

Terror

2010-04-11T17:16:00.002+08:00

All 3 kids are totally different. Maybe a mixture of Liat and me in all.

Gerlyn's quite different from the other 2 Gs. Maybe she's female. She's temperamental. But she also displays 'motherly instinct', busy nursing Gerry.

What to do? Totally the 3Gs are a great force!

Cheezeees

I want! I want! I want!

Hmmm... Let me see. Is there special sweet inside??!!?

Shopping & playground

2010-04-05T21:52:00.007+08:00

Gerrard and Gerlyn enjoying the ride at the playground together.

Gerrard and Gerlyn shopping at NTUC.

Gerlyn enjoyed carrying the diapers eventhough it was quite heavy for her.

She enjoys helping to carry things for daddy & mummy.

Shopping at 7-11.

Science vs Myths

2010-04-04T14:02:00.002+08:00

Gerrard waiting for his turn at AMK's clinic

This year gets tough going right at the beginning with both kids sick. Sometimes taking turns, sometimes together.

I guess it will take half a year before it settles down. Just like Gerrard. When he first went to childcare centre, I had to take Childcare leave every month for the first 6 months!

Like what the doctor consoled me, it's part of community living, and the good thing being that they are gaining immunity now.

Better than telling me that the feng-shui in my house is not good! ;(

Sister and Brother

2010-04-03T23:45:00.002+08:00

Video showing Gerlyn pushing Gerrard in a tricycle.

Now Gerrard pushing Gerlyn in the tricycle.

See when will it be Gerry's turn. I can't wait. If there's any fast forward button, I will activate it!

20 yrs...

BANDIT!!!

2010-04-02T10:23:00.003+08:00

Yes, Gerry has stolen our hearts!

Photos taken at Ah gong's house. Very windy. Mee Mee thought of using the cloth as a hat. In case he caught a cold.

Library

2010-03-28T00:35:00.001+08:00

Last month, Gerrard went to the library for the first time. It was part of the school's activities that the teachers will bring the class to the library. The picture above shows one of the two books that he had borrowed. Gerlyn also liked the books a lot. In fact she showed more enthusiasm than Gerrard!

Time flies... Gerrard is 4 years old

2010-03-21T22:37:00.007+08:00

Finally, we did it.

I huff & puff...the 4 candles are still there lighted...

Let's try to blow the candles out.

Are we ready ? One more happy birthday song...

Nevermind Ah gong, let's try again.

The wind is so strong...

Ah gong helping Gerrard to light the candles.

Happy birthday part2.

Gerrard is still equally excited.

Gerrard say cheese with ah ma.

Ah ma insisted on hugging Gerrard with the bear.

Boths Gs cannot wait to eat the cake.

Gerrard is very happy to play with the plastic knife.

Ah ma cuts the birthday cake with Gerrard.

3 Gs in with Ah ma.

Saying cheese with Gerlyn.

Birthday present from Ah ma.

Happy birthday to u Gerrard.

Compared to when he was 3 years old,

Gerrard now knows he needs to blow the candles out.

Gerrard & Gerry

2010-03-13T15:48:00.001+08:00

The baby on the left is Gerrard. He was born in 2006.
The baby on the right is Gerry. He was born in 2009.
How many of you guessed correctly ?

Seeing double

2010-03-13T15:42:00.002+08:00

Same daddy different baby.
Who is Gerrard & who is Gerry ??

Sleeping Gerry

2010-03-06T11:59:00.001+08:00

We went out to buy breakfast today.

Gerry followed us in the baby hugger and fell asleep on our way back.

Sweet dreams...

Health is very important

2010-03-04T05:36:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was Ah Gong's operation day. Luckily it was a minor op to insert a 'battery' to shock his heart whenever there is any irregularity.

Diet is very important. Ah Gong exercised conscientiously and even played basketball twice per week prior to his minor heart attack episode. Despite the exercise effort, his heart arteries are clogged. I think mainly due to his diet as he loves food such as durians (now available all yr round), ba kut te.

Now, I am also more health conscious as I want to stay healthy so as to be able to play with my children as long as possible. (It is very physically demanding to play with children..)

I hope my dad can recover soon as now he cannot carry Ah Bui. Hope he's able to go playground with Gerrard and Gerlyn real soon!

Gerrard: Why take so long?

Gerlyn: Let go of me!

Gerry: Mummy, what are you doing???