'Pak Kor' (Gingko)

Jeriel just love to eat 'pak kor'. We usually go to SS2 Hawker Centre. We usually ordered warm and no sugar. Jeriel would finish one bowl and if Mummy did not finish her bowl, Jeriel would transfer his spoon to Mummy's bowl. Most people found funny seeing a small boy likes Gingko…

Drink Milk to make you strong

PaPa was not in, as usual outstation. One night, Jeriel wanted Mummy to carry the mattress to the living room to sleep. Mummy said cannot because it was too heavy. I told him only PaPa can carry. Then next moment, he asked Mummy to go to the kitchen and get some milk. Mummy was curious because Jeriel already drank him milk earlier. Jeriel insisted that I should drink milk while he sat on the bench next to the kitchen waiting for me to drink HL Milk. After I took a sip to please him, he started to smile and said now Mummy can carry the mattress. Mummy was still blur because sleepy. Then, it hit me. Jeriel wanted Mummy to drink milk so that Mummy would be strong to carry the mattress.

Jeriel 1st Day in Kindergarten

A lot of people wondering why send Jeriel so early. Why pressure him? Actually our aim of sending him to kindy was to have fun, not so much on lessons. Nanny and I already out of idea what activities to give him because he kept disturbing everyone in nanny's house including KorKor and JieJie who were doing homework. Besides that, he did ask us when he can sit Aunty Bus to school like Diana JieJie.

He was so excited and whenever we passed his kindy, we would show to him and he would look at the building happily.

Jeriel's 1st day was on 8 January 2007 because 3 January 2007 was for 5-6 years old. As for 3-4 years old, the 1st day was on 8 January 2007.

1st Day Monday 8 January 2007
So sad, mummy cannot make it for Jeriel's 1st Day in kindergarten because of company meeting in KL. Mummy was not around, so PaPa sat in the bus with Jeriel for the first time reminding him not to put his hands and head out of the window. KongKong drove PaPa's car to the kindy.

PaPa and KongKong were with Jeriel throughout the 1st day. He helped his teacher to keep toys.

Jeriel sat the bus alone back to nanny's house while PaPa and KongKong waited for him at nanny's house.

Besides that bus driver whom Jeriel called Aunty Bus, there was a helper who would hold and carry Jeriel down and up the bus.

2nd Day Tuesday 9 January 2007
Jeriel wanted Mummy to follow him in the bus because PaPa followed him the day before. So Mummy sat in the bus with him to kindy. PaPa drove his car to the kindy

Jeriel was sticking to Mummy like glue and refused to play with others. PaPa excuse himself that PaPa need to go to work. Then it was washing hands time, so everyone had to queue two by two and go to the toilet. I told Jeriel that Mummy cannot follow the queue and asked him to follow 'teacher' who was actually a helper.

Then, Jeriel was playing without PaPa and Mummy. He didn't cry. So PaPa and Mummy were playing 'chicken hide', peeping him from outside window. The helper came to the window and told us he was ok.

We spent sometime in the playground with him because the class dismissed earlier for 1st week and bus would not be arriving early.

Jeriel insisted Mummy to follow him in the bus to go back. Mummy followed because he was moody due to long period of waiting for bus.

3rd Day Wednesday 10 January 2007
Jeriel was having slight fever last night. We decided to give him off today.

So Mummy sent him to nanny's place and PaPa worked at home. Mummy planned to go office to cancel the ½ day leave because very busy.

When we arrived at nanny's house, he was so alert and walking around. Then, I asked why and whether he wanted to go 'school'? He nodded his head. Last minute change plan, nanny faster made milk for him to drink.

Mummy went back to office and made a call to the kindy that he was having slight fever and would appreciate someone can fetch him to his class when his bus arrived as PaPa and Mummy would be late. PaPa fetched Mummy from office. Both PaPa and Mummy were working with our office notebooks in an empty room in the kindy.

He was much better today. When he saw us, he waved at us and continued to play. Then, we saw the helper hold his hand to go toilet. He was ok to allow the helper to take him to the toilet.

After class, again we spent time in the playground with him until the bus arrived. When the bus arrived, we informed that in future, you need to hold this aunty's hand (bus helper). He immediately released PaPa's hand and holds the aunty's hand. Then waved bye bye to us before board the bus.

So it was Jeriel 1st time sitting the bus to and fro alone.

4th Day Thursday 11 January 2007
Mummy got appointment in the morning after leaving Jeriel at nanny's house in the morning. Mummy would be late going to the kindy to see Jeriel. PaPa went to the kindy about 9am to see how he was.

He was ok like big boy and again after class spent time in the playground with him until the bus arrived.

5th Day Friday 12 January 2007
Mummy got training to conduct so couldn't make it to the kindy. Mummy left Jeriel in nanny's house like usual. Then PaPa went to the kindy later and worked from his office notebook in the kindy compound. Like usual, spent time in the playground with him until the bus arrived. The only difference was the Principal made a teacher to specially take care of 3 years old kids who were waiting for bus to be located under the shed (in front of office) sitting on the bench. Unlike others elder kids who need to stand, queue and wait.

Visit to the Dentist

We visited dentist a few times with Jeriel. The Dentist is Othniel's Ku Che or Jeriel's Ku Poh.

The first few visits, Jeriel was willing to go inside the room but refuse to sit on the check-up chair.

Last Saturday, 16 Dec 2006, at last Jeriel willing to sit on the check-up chair but on his PaPa. Dentist Ku Poh didn't use any equipment but just asked Jeriel to open him mouth to count his teeth. She found that Jeriel had 18 teeth with 2 more on the way at the top part. She tried to ask whether Jeriel wanted her to clean his teeth but he refused. So, Dentist Ku Poh decided not to do it to avoid creating fear in Jeriel. Anyway, she said it was a great achievement when he was willing to sit on the check-up chair. We decided to go step by step slowly.

Here are some shots taken from my handphone…

Chit chat with Jeriel

Jeriel : Mummy why you only wear one (pointing to the Bluetooth at my ear because he was so use seeing me wearing 2 ears using normal handsfree)

Mummy : No money to buy another one..

Mummy : Jeriel buy for mummy?

Jeriel : (Kept quiet). I go back and ask PaPa to give me money to buy for Mummy, ok?

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Mummy was singing in the car while driving back home.

Jeriel : Don't want (asking me change song)
Mummy purposely ignore
Jeriel : Mummy don't want
Again, ignore him.
Jeriel : Mummy, I say don't want
Again, ignore him
Jeriel : (raising his voice fiercely) Mummy, I say don't want !!!!

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KongKong : I buy bottle for you ok?
Jeriel : Don’t' want
KongKong : Why?
Jeriel : Bottle for baby. I am not a baby

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Mummy : Jeriel is my baby
Jeriel : No. I am not a baby.
Mummy : Then?
Jeriel : I already big boy. Only baby sleeps in babycot.

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Nanny's hubby : Wah , Jeriel wear panty ar…
Jeriel : No. Panty for girl.Boy wears spander.

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Jeriel just vomited and cried. We rushed from our room to his room.

Papa & Mummy : It is ok. We will clear it.
Jeriel : Must give me eat medicine.

Jeriel 1st trip to Cinema – 5 Nov 2006

Last Sunday we decided to bring Jeriel for a movie. He had been asking us to bring him to see movie.

We were checking for the earliest 'Open Season' time and found that only Cathay Cineplex in The Curve had the earliest which was 11am. TGV and GSC were a bit too late which was between 12.30pm – 1.00pm.

Papa got a credit card which allowed us to enjoy buy one free one in Cathay Cineplex. We bought the tickets on Sat, 4 Nov 2006 night. The person-in-charge in the counter suggested that we buy the twin seat which was extra RM1 so that Jeriel can sit between both of us. So the ticket cost us RM 11 (with extra RM1) instead of RM22 (Buy one free one).

On Sunday morning, after church service, we went to The Curve. Jeriel reminded us to buy popcorn to see movie. He was excited.

During in the middle of the movie, he requested us to take him home. Maybe he was sleepy or not used to watch movie in the dark plus with loud speaker. The sound system was not that good. Then, Jeriel wanted to go toilet. After toilet, he decided to stand on the seat. Since the cinema was not crowded, we had the whole row by ourselves, so we let him have a seat. In order to entertain him, we started to show him the different animals and also ask him questions (for example did the bear found his way home etc). Jeriel managed to stay in the cinema until the end of the show. He finished almost half of the popcorn and 1 small box of raisins.

That night, we asked Jeriel whether he liked the movie, he said yes. Then we asked whether he wanted to go for another show, he didn't answer because he was not sure….

Jeriel's 2007 Kindy -- 16 Sept 2006

We visited Jeriel's 2007 kindy on 16 Sept 2006 which was the kindy open day.

Here are some of the photos...

MIA-- Jeriel sick sick

A lot of things have happen and I have lots of things to update...trying my best to make time to update lots of things as I am not a good writer...

A short one, Jeriel was having high fever on Friday 20 Oct 2006 night for a few nights. Besides that, he also had cough, phlegm and flu. We decided to bring him to see Dr on Monday 23 Oct 2006 before long holidays started again and true enough, he got throat infection which explained why his fever refused to subside even after paracetamol.

After such a long long weekend, we only managed to go out on Wednesday 25 Oct 2006 after lunch to IKEA for a walk after staying in the apartment since Friday. Jeriel was happy because he was getting upset staying at home for such a long period.

Now his fever is ok with some mild cough.

Keep in touch for more update and will try my very very best…..

Rain rain go away

Last night, Sam Yee and Uncle Lucas dropped by to visit Jeriel. Uncle Lucas was playing Duplo with Jeriel. They were building a house.

Sam Yee : Why your house no roof?
Uncle Lucas : No enough Duplo lar
Sam Yee : If rain how?
Jeriel : Rain rain go away, come again another day….
(while still fixing up the house using Duplo)

Everyone was speechless. That was the first time Mummy heard him singing that song all by himself because most of the time it was Mummy singing alone.

Jeriel's updates as on 3 August 2006

Hmm…haven't been keeping track on his development.

Bed
Now Jeriel is sleeping in his own room on an adult single bed. We had already removed the mattress which we placed on the floor earlier (next to his bed) because he is able to sleep without falling down to the floor and also without any bed rail.

Diaper
Jeriel now only wears diaper at night (sleeping time). During daytime including nanny's house and when we go out, he is free from diaper. Well, PaPa and Mummy save $$$ but busy bringing him to toilets.

While we were in the car, Jeriel would say he want to 'shee shee'. A few times we had to ask him to wait while PaPa find place to stop the car. Now, we bought a urinal. So, when he said he want to 'shee shee', Mummy just had to take him out of carseat, let him 'shee shee' using the urinal and back to Jeriel's carseat.

Now, he is learning to 'shee shee' standing up. He will stand on a small stool because he is still too short. Last Sunday, he refused to 'shee shee' at the Church Nursery. Jeriel told his teacher that he would wait for Mummy. Later, we found that actually the teacher gave him the potty but he didn't like to use the potty. So, Mummy had to show his teacher by asking for a small stool for Jeriel to stand on it.

Sometimes, accident does happen especially when PaPa or Mummy drives car alone with Jeriel. So, we put some towels and napkins on both carseats as precautions.

Bottle to Cup
This week is a battle for both Nanny and Mummy. No more bottle for Jeriel. Jeriel has a bad habit – he needs his bottle of milk when he wants to take afternoon nap and also at night when he wants to sleep. He is able to drink from cup/glass anything including HL milk except that he refuses to drink his own milk powder via cup.

Last week, Jeriel actually almost bite off his bottle teat. He had problem drinking and he showed to me that his bottle teat already spoilt. Mummy got an idea.

Nanny presented Jeriel a nice blue plastic Tupperware mug as motivation. First few days, he would find excuse and tell Nanny to cover the mug and he would drink later. However, Nanny would make sure he finished up the milk before he took his nap about 1pm.

At home, the very 1st night, Jeriel refused to drink milk and keep asking for bottle. We said that Jeriel already spoil the teat. PaPa said no more teats and bottles are for baby. He requested for plain water and finished up the whole cup. Then, Jeriel just went to sleep.

On 2nd night, Jeriel again asked for bottle. We gave him the bottle without the cover and teat. We asked whether he wanted his milk in the bottle without teat. Jeriel didn’t want to and pitifully, he just hugged the empty bottle and slept with it.

On 3rd night, we decided to make 3 mugs of drink. One for PaPa, one for Mummy and one for Jeriel. Of course, Jeriel's mug was his milk powder. We sat in the hall and drank together. Jeriel was so excited. When Papa and Mummy drank finished, we put our empty mugs on the floor and motivate him to finish up his milk. He finished up his milk and proudly placed his empty mug next to our mugs on the floor. What an achievement!! Both PaPa and Mummy began to hug Jeriel and said we were very proud of him.

In the morning (before going to nanny's house), Mummy gave Jeriel his milk in a small Rubbermaid container. He was ok with that and drank his milk while sitting in the carseat on the way to Nanny's house.

Hope it will get better soon……

Medicine

Jeriel was sick with cough and some flu. So, every night, Jeriel would sit in the kitchen floor with me, holding his plastic spoon for me to pour him medicine. Then, he will eat and even lick the spoon clean. Quite surprise that Jeriel has no problem with medicine unlike when he was young, it was a war to feed him medicine. Maybe we kept telling him that medicine is to make him feel better. Jeriel even has no problem taking Scotts Emulsion cod Liver Oil (White) and later when we changed him to Seven Seas Pure Cod Liver Oil (non flavored one), he was ok.

Then, this week he had recovered from his sickness but every night he would ask us for medicine. We tried to give him multivitamin but he recognized the bottle. Imagine, he cried because we didn't give him medicine. Aiyo, so we put a small drop in his spoon and he was happy licking the spoon. Last night, Jeriel again asked for medicine. After so long of trying to change his mind with different things, at last I managed to persuade him to take an old teddy bear to bed with him.

Mummy is planning to ask for empty bottle from clinic and guess what, transfer his multivitamin into that container…Hmmm let's see whether it works or not…

Topsy & Tim

We were looking for a book to teach Jeriel about going to Dentist because we plan to visit the Dentist soon. It was not easy going through the Children Section in Bookstore and not cheap either.

After some while, we found Topsy & Tim series by Ladybird in Borders, The Curve. Coincidently there was promotion 'Buy 3 free 1'. So, we bought 8 of the following titles:

- Topsy And Tim: Go To The Dentist
- Topsy And Tim: Make A New Friend
- Topsy And Tim: Go To The Doctor
- Topsy And Tim: Go To Hospital
- Topsy And Tim: Learn To Swim
- Topsy And Tim: The New Baby
- Topsy And Tim: Look After Their Pets
- Topsy And Tim: Start School

These books become Jeriel favourite that he made us read to him every night. Mummy was getting bored reading the same books but not Jeriel….

The following weekend, we happened to be walking around The Curve, so decided to go into Borders again and found the promotion was still on. Jeriel was so fascinated and started telling us to get for him Topsy & Tim. So, we bought another 4 more for him.

- Topsy And Tim: At The Farm
- Topsy And Tim: Have Itchy Heads
- Topsy And Tim: Go To The Park
- Topsy And Tim: Meet The Police

He was very happy carrying the books out from The Borders ……………

Going to Playschool/Kindergarten

Jeriel has been attending Church Nursery since he was less than 1 year old (about 9-10months old) every Sunday. Later, he was upgraded to Church Toddler when he was almost 2 years old.

He enjoys himself even though he is half sleepy because we attend 8am Church Service every Sunday.

Recently, he kept pointing to me Orange School Bus and said "Jie Jie sit Aunty Bus to school and carry bag."

Mummy : You want to go?
Jeriel : Want..Buy bag bring to school
Mummy : Want to go with car or bus?
Jeriel : Bus…
Mummy : Go school do what?
Jeriel : Colouring…
Mummy : Got sing song?
Jeriel : Got……..
Mummy : Read book?
Jeriel : Got………

Last week, we were looking for white shirt for him to wear in a church wedding. We couldn't find, so managed to borrow a few to try. While he was wearing the white shirt, then he would walk around..

Jeriel : Boy boy wears white shirt, sit Aunty Bus to school…

Hmm…where did he learn the idea of wearing white shirt is to go to school?

To send or not to send? Some people gave positive comments but some gave negative comments such as "So young", "Wah, so cruel lar", "Why give him pressure at young age", etc…..

After much discussion , we decided to send him since he loves going to Church Toddler. We want him to go and have fun with no homework. Since Mummy hardly has much time teaching him. He cannot memorize Nursery Rhymes, sing children songs etc like any other kids. Which is quite sad...Lousy Mummy..

We have not much option of Playschool/Kindergarten because we prefer a place which is nearby to Jeriel's nanny's house. We decided to pay a visit next month to the Tadika M during kindergarten time to see the environment. If everything goes well, will register Jeriel for next year because 3 & 4 years old classes are usually limited space compared to 5 & 6 years old.

As for tuition fees (must check whether got budget because nowadays can be very expensive), based on 2006 fees structure, the monthly fees is about RM160-180 (cannot recall) and after a fast calculation with all the misc fees, the total average per month including monthly fees is almost RM300.Hmm…quite ok not that very cheap but for Fungates system, it is the cheapest in Klang Valley. Of course we cannot compare with the Fungates founder in Alor Setar, Kedah as the monthly fees is only RM70-RM100.

Now for the transportation, we decided to let him sit Aunty Bus who has been a regular Bus Driver from Nanny's house to Tadika M. Jeriel's nanny said Aunty Bus has another helper behind to help kids up and down the bus. Fuih, what a relief because at first I was a bit concern him taking bus and he wanted very much to sit bus…

So this is the tentative plan until we bring Jeriel to visit Tadika M next month….

Any input from others?

Imitating Adults

Now we have to beware and careful with what we do and act..

Story 1
PaPa was playing with Jeriel in the room while Jeriel was trying to escape.

Mummy : Dear, what are you doing? Need some help.
Jeriel : Mummy calling! Mummy calling!
(Actually he was informing his PaPa that Mummy was calling PaPa – a way to escape which he learnt from his PaPa)

Story 2
Jeriel was sitting on the stroller with his pillow. I was at the apartment mailbox to get mails.

Mummy : Jeriel, please help Mummy to hold the letters.

A few seconds, after seeing the letters ,

Jeriel : Mummy, Mummy, you take. You take.
Mummy : Why?
Jeriel : Boy boy no hand.

Har? Where he learnt the word 'no hand' ???

Story 3
At nanny's house,

Nanny : Jeriel must finish the rice, then nanny will give you cornflakes, ok?

Jeriel nodded his head. After finishing his dinner, nanny gave him a small bowl of cornflakes. Then, JieJie came.

Nanny : Jeriel, can you give 'D' JieJie one cornflake.
Jeriel : You finish your rice first, I will give you cornflakes later, ok? (to 'D' JieJie)

Story 4
Nowadays, when Jeriel wants anything, he will ask us whether we want .Actually indirectly, if we wanted, then he knew he would get it.

Mummy : Jeriel, do you want to eat cheese.
Usually Jeriel would just say Yes. Sometimes he would ask back the question to us,
Jeriel : You want?

Or

PaPa : Jeriel, do you want PaPa to buy ice-cream?
Jeriel : You want ice-cream, PaPa?

Papa not in..

I must really record all the conversation with Jeriel.. He really surprises me with some of his remark.

Jeriel wants to do things by himself which sounds good but not good when he is trying to do things which he is too young to do. He will on his own table fan and little light when he wants to sleep in his room. He loves to open the fridge and hunt for food. He even tried to climb up the fridge ..

Last night, before PaPa go to outstation ,

PaPa : Jeriel, please don't open the fridge alone. Let PaPa help you to take the things from the fridge. Ok?

Jeriel nodded his head.

After PaPa went to outstation, he went to open the fridge,

Mummy : Jeriel, what must you do when you open fridge?
Jeriel : PaPa not in. PaPa working. (innocently)

He was trying to tell me that PaPa was not here to help him so he helped himself (because PaPa earlier said 'Let PaPa help you ….' )

So, should I get angry or laugh?????

Piggybank

Mummy : Jeriel stop biting your motorcycle wheel.

Jeriel continued to bite.

Mummy : If you bite and spoil your toy, Papa & Mummy not going to buy any toys for you.

Jeriel : Boy boy buy myself

Mummy : Boy boy got money?

Jeriel : Got. From piggybank….. Boy boy buy lots of toys.

Terrible two….

Now we are experiencing Jeriel's terrible two. Sometimes he can be so nice like an angel but nowadays he can be a headache.

Last weekend, he climbed up the double bunk bed and got problem climbing down. Then, he shouted for help. This happened twice. When he was eating his snack on the sofa, he would eat, and then started to pour the food on the sofa. Worst, last weekend, he poured a cup of ice-cream which drove both his Papa and Mummy angry. His Papa had to clean the sofa while Mummy had to clean him up. Now, punishing time, Mummy asked him to standstill in the middle of the living room. He was so playful that he ran to his toys and everywhere. Mummy had to catch him and put him back to the punishing place. This happened a few times. He thought it was a game and started to laugh.

Bathing time, he refused to bath until we have to carry him to the bathroom. He got so upset that he cried and started to show tantrums. He even said 'I don't want Papa, I don't want Mummy'. Both of us ignored him. Later, he asked for his milk from his Papa. His Papa said, 'You don’t want Papa, then you get your own milk'. Jeriel kept quiet and just sat down.

Wah, this is just a few examples. Hopefully this will be over…

Wondering does all children go through this phase?

Jeriel in his own room

We planned to move Jeriel to another room when he is at least 2 years old. We started a long term plan (wah sounds like big project).

At least he will be comfortable in his own room before we plan for the second one. Our master bedroom is too small and we don't want him to feel rejected if we start to train him only when the second one is on the way.

Jeriel actually was hinting PaPa and Mummy that he needed a bigger bed. He would roll on the adult single bed in IKEA and telling us,

"Big bed, big bed."

Then, we would take the opportunity to say,

"Big bed cannot fit in Papa and Mummy's room."

Back at apartment, we would let him know that the other room is his room.

After that, we went shopping for bedsheet. When we found something which we can afford, we let him choose the colour. He was so happy when we set-up his single bed with the new Bugs Bunny bedsheet. We bought a few 'colour boxes' and Papa set-up bookshelves in Jeriel's room. PaPa also put a small light in Jeriel's room. Besides that, another mattress was put on the floor next to Jeriel's bed with two purposes:

One – in case Jeriel fall from bed
Two – during transition and while waiting for our baby monitor to be purchased, we will take turn to sleep because sometimes he still ask for milk after 12 midnight.

On the first day, Jeriel actually went to Papa & Mummy's room to drink his milk and sleep on his toddler bed. We had to remind him. After that, he would automatically go to his room. Now, if anyone ask him, whose bed is this (pointing the cot+toddler bed).

Jeriel will say,

"Baby's bed. Boy boy bed is there." (pointing to another room)

Last Friday night onward, Jeriel slept throughout the night alone in the room without PaPa or Mummy sleeping with him. He would wake up and find PaPa or Mummy by himself without crying. When he wanted his milk, he would either call us or walked to the master bedroom to ask for milk.

Excuses,reasons & demands

Jeriel nowadays learn to give excuses which most of the time, made us really speechless…. For example :

Jeriel : Poh Poh carry me please….
Poh Poh : Why Jeriel don't want to walk?
Jeriel : Lazy….

Jeriel : PaPa please carry boy boy…
PaPa : Why?
Jeriel : Boy boy's legs pain (pointing at his legs with pitiful face)

Mummy : Jeriel, help mummy to carry the letter.
Jeriel : Mummy, mummy, you take, boy boy no hand…

Nanny : Jeriel, can you give some of the chip to baby
(there is a 8 months old baby at nanny's place)
Jeriel : Baby cannot eat because baby no teeth to eat.

While seeing a brochure/pamplets,
Jeriel : I want this, and this and this…Boy boy want. Buy for boy boy.

Mummy : Jeriel please keep your toys
Jeriel : Mummy help me..
Later …
Jeriel : I help mummy to keep toys..

Jeriel’s 2nd Birthday (Part 2)

Jeriel's birthday at Church Nursery


Jeriel's birthday at SS2 Paris Restaurant



The Special Candle with fireworks and Music