Kiddo Talk & Pic Oct 2022

 

Birthday Celebration Meal At Peppermint @Park Royal Collection Marina Bay

Ahh birthdays again. But this one's 'special'. It's the first time we were out as a family for a celebration meal. Meimei had planned it out perfectly with reservations at Peppermint. 萱萱 didn't have school today and we pulled 阳阳 out of childcare before lunch.

The selection is good. They have a cold bar with salad and Thai cold dishes. The seafood section was adequate with fresh prawns and crab. The sushi bar was a plated service so you couldn't just grab a whole bunch of sashimi. The hot food section boasted a good spread of pasta, meats, vegetables and soup like any creditable buffet would. They could do better on dessert but I think they were going with a Thai theme so choices were limited. The ice cream bar always helps though. Overall pretty satisfied with the available choices.

This is the first time the kids been to a buffet so they were undoubtedly excited and in high spirits. We let them have a free rein on what they want to eat so they were all in on the fried stuff. We did however ask them to save some space for desserts. They had a few servings of ice cream which must have been a dream for them since they normally don't get that much.

I'm happy we came out for lunch. It shows we have moved into the next stage of life where we can start bringing kids out for activities and fun. No more strollers, milk bottle,  pampers or nap time to worry about. I'm looking forward to more outings with Meimei and kids.

Algebra At Primary One?

Our days in isolation is simple. We wake up, wash up and have breakfast. I'll log on for work and 萱萱 will start on her homework revision books before she can get video. She's now able to do most of the exercises on her own so I leave her be. But sometimes there are sections she cannot understand, especially with the math exercises so I'll try to help her with them.

萱萱 struggles with the multiplication questions. That's to be expected I guess? I remember we were only taught multiplication at Primary 4. These days the children start at Primary 1. Ok ... so times have changed. But what shocked me was a question which seemingly requires algebra to solve. Huh?! Algeria at 7 years old?? I really wonder if any kids beside the super smart ones can understand these.

I struggled to explain to 萱萱 and thankfully she was nice and patient ... you can see on her face she is trying to gasp the concept but somehow she just gets lost. I sympathise with her confusion and didn't really push much on it. I just hope this doesn't put her off maths, which is so so important.

Finally Caught By Covid

I tested positive yesterday morning after feeling feverish and irritation in the throat. It was a shocker because I had gone to the US where everyone was maskless (including me) and didn't get it. Initially we had thought I might be one of those who is asymptomatic. Well ... this proves that I was probably just lucky not to get it on my business trip.

So I was holed up in the study room yesterday so Meimei could use the master since she was coughing so badly. But today 萱萱 tested positive so both of us are now confined to the master bedroom. Right now it doesn't feel so bad for 萱萱 and myself. Just high fever but no sore throat or breathlessness. I think the vaccination helps with the symptoms. Glad 萱萱 has the jab too so she doesn't have to suffer the ailments.

Hyper Mobility

I never knew this was a thing. Hyper mobility ... huh?

So we brought 阳阳 to see a specialist today for his walking. He walks slightly awkwardly on his left leg. We asked Dr Ang about it previously and got the usual "wait a little they may outgrow it" response. She did refer us to a specialist so we're at the session today to see if there is anything problematic we should be aware of. Turns out his joints have not stiffen and so the way he walks is a result of his body trying to balance out the limps. It's what she calls "Hyper Mobility". 

The doctor had asked Meimei to bring all his shoes and she tested them by trying to bend them at the soles. All of his shoes failed ... so we have to buy new shoes for him. The good ones are those with firm sloes so his feet can have a stable flat surface. I think its the same concept as a medium firm bed. The kid's body is still developing so a soft bed may result in a slouched back.

Other thing the doctor caught was his lack of muscle strength. And the solution to that is more playground time. Haiz 阳阳 is a Covid baby ... I never really had the chance to bring him to the playground consistently like I did with 萱萱. Oh well, guess its time to make it up.

To help him with stiffening up his hips, he has to sit with his feet pulled in everyday for about 20 minutes. I think it not only helps with his hips and joints but is good for him to keep a straight back posture too. He seems to be slouching a bit so this is like a combo fix.

Big Heart Activities @Sep 2022

Occasionally I'll check the Telegram group for 萱萱's Big Heart day care to see if there are any pictures of her activities. She hasn't been going often because of all the bouts of illness but this month the teachers shared quite a few photos of 萱萱 in action.

Children's Art: Dancing Cat

 

Children's Art: T Rex

 

Unexpected Congratulatory Gift

Wasn't expecting this at all. Definitely made my day, and the kids' day as well with the high tea set from Shangri-La. The kids were delighted and tried almost every pastry on the tower. Yvonne even added a black forest cake which was the most decadent cake I've had. It was rich in flavour and the cream base was smooth and rich. Papa and I had it with our brandy which added that oomph.

Kiddo Talk & Pic Sep 2022

There isn't much to share this month. I had guests at work for 3 whole weeks so it's been very hectic throughout. I couldn't even go pick the kids up from school. Hopefully it'll be a slower next couple of months. 

Children Art: Sylveon Pokemon

萱萱 drew one of her favourite Pokemon in school today. It was a brilliant effort and I love how she decorated it.

Another Baby In The House

I think by this date Evelyn has already been to our place for a few weeks? She's my niece and great to see that Meimei is reliving the job of a little baby. That baby smell is addictive and its even better when you only need to play with her and not worry about the feeding or poopoo schedule.

I'm happy to have another baby in the house. Everyone is so excited to have a young one grace our place again. It is also good for 萱萱 and 阳阳 to understand they are no longer babies of the family.

Enjoying Durian

It's so satisfying to watch 阳阳 lick up the durian on his fingers. Kinda surprised he enjoyed it so much. 萱萱 didn't like it because of the skin and she would only suck the inside. But 阳阳 cleans out the entire seed till it was bare like how adults do it. Will definitely buy more for the kiddo.

Building A Lego Fire Truck

This Lego set is meant for 5+. I'm glad to see that 阳阳 can work on it on his own without assistance. Its important milestone that he can follow the instructions in the booklet and piece all the lego together. I like how he is very focused and determined to get it done.

Hearing Aids

Post the nonsense meeting where I got bamboozled by the SGH doctors, I'm back at the hospital to tryout the hearing aids. I was reluctant to come because it means I'm paying them more fees for the session but I needed to find out what options I had so here I am. The lady seemed to be surprised to see me. 95% of the folks at this wing are old folks who naturally have hearing problems because of old age. I felt out of place but hey there is nothing to be ashamed of to have a hearing condition.

Anyways, the lady showed me a variety of hearing aids. They run from $1000 for the most basic of models to $5-6000 for the high end ones. I tried a range of them and all had an artificial robotic sound coming through. It also doesn't take away all the sound from Tinnitus so I was cautious to commit to such an expensive buy. The lady did recommend that I go to a private clinic to have it fitted. Since I'm below 60 years old, I don't qualify for government subsidies. So I have to pay full at the hospital whereas I might be able to chance on a deal at a private clinic.

Makes sense. So I asked all the questions I needed and thank her for her time. This session set me back $70 but I supposed I'm more informed now. There is no miracle pill to fix my condition so the sooner I learn to live with it the better.