This morning, I took Aaron to the Tiny Tots Playgroup at a nearby Police-Citizens Youth Club. It was our very first time at any playgroup.
I don't know what the usual crowd size is like but today there were about 30 kids there. It sounds like a big group but it didn't feel crowded at all. There was plenty of play equipment and the open area was large.
Aaron has had almost no experience in any group play or any form of led activities. So, he really surprised me this morning when he followed all the instructions for dancing, jumping, stomping and tip toeing. And, I'm so glad that we do so much with music and nursury rhymes at home because it helped him to enjoy the singing part of today.
He's in a 14-30 month age group and the cutest thing I noticed today was they don't speak to each other. They communicate with their carers and make all sorts of squealing noises but they don't say a word to each other. Instead, they get face to face, and then just have a staring competition.
I dressed Aaron in one of his "Thomas" shirts this morning and soon after we arrived, another little boy (holding a little train) came up to him for one of their staring sessions. It looks a little like how the betazoids communicate in Star Trek. This cute little guy was trying so hard to make friends. If we moved to another part of the play area, the boy would come looking for Aaron again. They were so cute!
I tried to see if Aaron would respond but he didn't seem to know what to do. In the end, I couldn't help it, I interfered and gave him some step by step instructions on how to play the "make friends" game with the boy.
We're definitely going back for this again next week. I've also been thinking of starting an informal playgroup once I get back to Palembang so I'll need all the ideas I can get from here.
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Magic of Sticky Tape
Aaron is often overly enthusiastic about turning the pages on his books and tends to make little tears on them. So, we're often fixing these up with sticky tape.
There have also been a few ancient Lego cars that have become so brittle that they cracked and fell apart. I tried putting those together with sticky tape as well. Don't laugh. It worked....for awhile.
Today, Aaron discovered scabs. (Strange isn't it, he's had them before but never noticed them.) He kicked his shin last week, a small scab formed and today, it started peeling a little.
This was while he was sitting in his stroller and we were walking by the river. I noticed him bent over. He was picking at it (of course!). He got it off and turns it over.
He then says to me "Oh no. This came out."
I told him that the little bit of brown stuff was called a scab and that it meant everything was better now. I'm not sure if he didn't hear me or just didn't understand.
He then insisted on going home so that we could get some sticky tape to fix it back. He believes it is a part of his body that is now broken and wants the scab back there. And, he also believes that sticky tape fixes everything.
There have also been a few ancient Lego cars that have become so brittle that they cracked and fell apart. I tried putting those together with sticky tape as well. Don't laugh. It worked....for awhile.
Today, Aaron discovered scabs. (Strange isn't it, he's had them before but never noticed them.) He kicked his shin last week, a small scab formed and today, it started peeling a little.
This was while he was sitting in his stroller and we were walking by the river. I noticed him bent over. He was picking at it (of course!). He got it off and turns it over.
He then says to me "Oh no. This came out."
I told him that the little bit of brown stuff was called a scab and that it meant everything was better now. I'm not sure if he didn't hear me or just didn't understand.
He then insisted on going home so that we could get some sticky tape to fix it back. He believes it is a part of his body that is now broken and wants the scab back there. And, he also believes that sticky tape fixes everything.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Dodging Thomas
Aaron's obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine has received a major boost since coming here to Brisbane. I saw a couple of interesting books, and I got it for him. He really enjoys them and will sit alone looking at them for ages. Thats the good part.
The bad part is that Thomas & Friends products are sold everywhere(as opposed to the single location in Palembang). Every toy section we walk past seems to have Thomas prominently displayed.
Sometimes I let him stay and look at the toys. He's good and just squats there, staring, talking to himself about what he sees. Of course, it takes me too long to get him to leave but he's getting the hang of saying goodbye.
Other times, I have to take long detours around the aisle to avoid that blue tank engine.
Yesterday, I was so relieved when we managed to get in and out of the main part of the store without him noticing any toys but as I was rushing him past the checkouts, those sneaky supermarket people had a small Thomas games placed at toddler eye level where mothers don't notice. D'oh!
Thankfully, we don't yet have the problem of Aaron wanting sweets or junk food. But, if he somehow did develop that, there are these new checkout lanes that are confectionery free:

Now, if only they'll have Thomas free checkouts as well.
I have to admit that I did succumb to the bombardment of Thomas & Friends and bought him a little AUD$3 wind up James. I did it after getting him out and safely with my mother. Don't want him realizing yet that we can actually get some of those toys out of the store.
The bad part is that Thomas & Friends products are sold everywhere(as opposed to the single location in Palembang). Every toy section we walk past seems to have Thomas prominently displayed.
Sometimes I let him stay and look at the toys. He's good and just squats there, staring, talking to himself about what he sees. Of course, it takes me too long to get him to leave but he's getting the hang of saying goodbye.
Other times, I have to take long detours around the aisle to avoid that blue tank engine.
Yesterday, I was so relieved when we managed to get in and out of the main part of the store without him noticing any toys but as I was rushing him past the checkouts, those sneaky supermarket people had a small Thomas games placed at toddler eye level where mothers don't notice. D'oh!
Thankfully, we don't yet have the problem of Aaron wanting sweets or junk food. But, if he somehow did develop that, there are these new checkout lanes that are confectionery free:

Now, if only they'll have Thomas free checkouts as well.
I have to admit that I did succumb to the bombardment of Thomas & Friends and bought him a little AUD$3 wind up James. I did it after getting him out and safely with my mother. Don't want him realizing yet that we can actually get some of those toys out of the store.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Picking Fights
I've heard my mother say that for teenagers, you have to pick the fights that you want to have with them. I've also read that for toddlers, you have to do the same thing. Pick the fights worth having. If it doesn't hurt anybody, then just let them do it.
We bought Aaron a new helmet a couple of days ago. And yesterday, he put it on for the first time when we cycled to the city. We kept taking photos of him and telling him how cute he looked.
I'm sure he felt good in it in the first place but all that praise must have gotten to him because he refused to take the helmet off. No matter how we tried to convince him, he insisted on walking through the city with his sparkling blue helmet firmly fasted to his head. I had to get him a pair of sunglasses too so of course, that had to stay on his face too. I wasn't going to fight it. At least he didn't want to wear a shower cap or the banana peel on his head.

Now here's another case of choosing fights (and winning in the end). Well, not so much a fight but more convincing my father that he must get a new helmet. I've tried for years but he always insisted that he was ok with it and that he didn't care that it make him look like he's wearing a tortoise shell on his head. So, I gave up and just sort of looked at the ground whenever we rode past anybody. (Actually, I don't think anybody even bothered to look at him, I was just self conscious)

Yesterday, he suddenly says "I think I'll go get that $11.99 helmet from K-mart. Too many people are staring". YAY!!! He has been the one riding with Aaron and I think the both of them together have attracted more attention than his round helmet can handle.
We bought Aaron a new helmet a couple of days ago. And yesterday, he put it on for the first time when we cycled to the city. We kept taking photos of him and telling him how cute he looked.
I'm sure he felt good in it in the first place but all that praise must have gotten to him because he refused to take the helmet off. No matter how we tried to convince him, he insisted on walking through the city with his sparkling blue helmet firmly fasted to his head. I had to get him a pair of sunglasses too so of course, that had to stay on his face too. I wasn't going to fight it. At least he didn't want to wear a shower cap or the banana peel on his head.

Now here's another case of choosing fights (and winning in the end). Well, not so much a fight but more convincing my father that he must get a new helmet. I've tried for years but he always insisted that he was ok with it and that he didn't care that it make him look like he's wearing a tortoise shell on his head. So, I gave up and just sort of looked at the ground whenever we rode past anybody. (Actually, I don't think anybody even bothered to look at him, I was just self conscious)

Yesterday, he suddenly says "I think I'll go get that $11.99 helmet from K-mart. Too many people are staring". YAY!!! He has been the one riding with Aaron and I think the both of them together have attracted more attention than his round helmet can handle.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
My little S.N.A.G
Does anyone remember the word "SNAG"? Sensitive New Age Guy? I don't hear it much these days but it was used a little in the early 90s.
I have no comparison so I have no idea what other little kids are like. Aaron just seems extremely sensitive. I'm not that way and am definitely not an overly emotional person.
Some time ago, my mother bought him a book. She didn't read it before buying and I didn't read it before sitting down with Aaron. So, nobody knew it was about a little mouse whose mother died because he didn't listen to her when she asked him to get her some hard wood. The mother mouse needed the wood to keep her teeth filed down. Without it, her teeth grew so long that she couldn't close her mouth, therefore couldn't chew and subsequently died.
Aaron was very quiet throughout the whole story. He just stared at the book and at me. I thought he was being attentive and attempted to carry on a little bit about how little children should always listen to their parents. This brought him to the brink of tears!
OK. So that was some time ago but he still gets sad whenever we talk about that mouse (or any mouse).
Today, my mother read him another book. It wasn't a sad book at all but it was about a baby wombat who lost his mother. Aaron didn't wait long enough to find out the two were reunited because he was so worried that he would lose me that he came running to find me and wouldn't leave me.
Other times, he would stare intently at my face when I'm not visibly happy. He has to make sure that I'm smiling and laughing and HAPPY before he's satisfied.
I spend all my time with him and we have fun days everyday. He's basically a good boy so there haven't been any time-outs for quite a few weeks. I really wonder why he's so sensitive and worried about losing me. He's never had any reason to feel insecure or abandoned. Or is it because we spend so much time together that he's become super attached?
I have no comparison so I have no idea what other little kids are like. Aaron just seems extremely sensitive. I'm not that way and am definitely not an overly emotional person.
Some time ago, my mother bought him a book. She didn't read it before buying and I didn't read it before sitting down with Aaron. So, nobody knew it was about a little mouse whose mother died because he didn't listen to her when she asked him to get her some hard wood. The mother mouse needed the wood to keep her teeth filed down. Without it, her teeth grew so long that she couldn't close her mouth, therefore couldn't chew and subsequently died.
Aaron was very quiet throughout the whole story. He just stared at the book and at me. I thought he was being attentive and attempted to carry on a little bit about how little children should always listen to their parents. This brought him to the brink of tears!
OK. So that was some time ago but he still gets sad whenever we talk about that mouse (or any mouse).
Today, my mother read him another book. It wasn't a sad book at all but it was about a baby wombat who lost his mother. Aaron didn't wait long enough to find out the two were reunited because he was so worried that he would lose me that he came running to find me and wouldn't leave me.
Other times, he would stare intently at my face when I'm not visibly happy. He has to make sure that I'm smiling and laughing and HAPPY before he's satisfied.
I spend all my time with him and we have fun days everyday. He's basically a good boy so there haven't been any time-outs for quite a few weeks. I really wonder why he's so sensitive and worried about losing me. He's never had any reason to feel insecure or abandoned. Or is it because we spend so much time together that he's become super attached?
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
When my back was turned....
Usually, when my back is turned, Aaron gets up to all sorts of mischief. He does that even when my back isn't turned so you can imagine what happens when I do have to turn around.
I've blogged before about our morning ritual of checking on my plants and just pottering around the garden. Sometimes, I run into the house to get stuff and when I return, he's usually digging too near my plants or drowning them with too much water. Or worse (remember the rock licking?).
What I normally do is yell out random instructions to him for the few seconds that I can't see him.
"Go look out the gate. There's a dog there."
"Stop digging."
"Don't pour too much water."
"Wear your shoes."
We had a couple of ripe guava this morning and I took them into the house after plucking them off the tree. Imagine my surprise when I came back out again to see this:

He was there muttering to himself and "reading" with his index finger following all the words. He was really concentrating and seemed lost in the paper. I immediately had one of those magical motherhood moments. All at once, I felt surprised, proud and amused. Its funny how something so trivial, and inconsequential to everybody else, brought so much joy to me.
And then he saw me and the moment vanished. At least I managed to get one photo :)
I've blogged before about our morning ritual of checking on my plants and just pottering around the garden. Sometimes, I run into the house to get stuff and when I return, he's usually digging too near my plants or drowning them with too much water. Or worse (remember the rock licking?).
What I normally do is yell out random instructions to him for the few seconds that I can't see him.
"Go look out the gate. There's a dog there."
"Stop digging."
"Don't pour too much water."
"Wear your shoes."
We had a couple of ripe guava this morning and I took them into the house after plucking them off the tree. Imagine my surprise when I came back out again to see this:

He was there muttering to himself and "reading" with his index finger following all the words. He was really concentrating and seemed lost in the paper. I immediately had one of those magical motherhood moments. All at once, I felt surprised, proud and amused. Its funny how something so trivial, and inconsequential to everybody else, brought so much joy to me.
And then he saw me and the moment vanished. At least I managed to get one photo :)
Monday, September 1, 2008
What school does he go to?
None. He's only two.
Over the past few weeks, several people have asked me this question. And this is after they ask me how old he is. So, they already know that he's two so why bother asking me what school he's in?
I know that in Malaysia, there are kids that start going to what I can only call pre-pre-kindergarten when they are about two. And, it looks like for those who can afford it over here in Indonesia, its also something thats very common.
In the west, many children go to daycare and I think one of the main reasons is because both parents have to go to work. Over here, many mothers are the stay at home variety and, a household that can afford to send a two year old to school definitely has a maid (or two). So, the only conclusion I can draw is that these parents want to give their children a head start on the academic ladder. Or maybe, they feel that since all the other toddlers are in class, their child is going to be left behind if they don't start at the same time.
It just seems like a vicious cycle to me. I hope those classes are more learn-through-play rather than sit-and-study but it really wouldn't surprise me to find a very structured class with lots of study packed into the day.
I know I'll be keeping Aaron by my side for a few more years. He has a little group of friends now that he meets daily in the concrete park. Maybe I can set up a play group in our area. It would be fun to organize some weekly activities for those little kids. There are at least 3 other little ones around Aaron's age and a couple that are a little older.
So, no school for now. We'll just stay at home and play all day. Learning is a 24hr a day activity for two year olds anyway so I don't think he'll be missing out on too much if I'm diligent.
Over the past few weeks, several people have asked me this question. And this is after they ask me how old he is. So, they already know that he's two so why bother asking me what school he's in?
I know that in Malaysia, there are kids that start going to what I can only call pre-pre-kindergarten when they are about two. And, it looks like for those who can afford it over here in Indonesia, its also something thats very common.
In the west, many children go to daycare and I think one of the main reasons is because both parents have to go to work. Over here, many mothers are the stay at home variety and, a household that can afford to send a two year old to school definitely has a maid (or two). So, the only conclusion I can draw is that these parents want to give their children a head start on the academic ladder. Or maybe, they feel that since all the other toddlers are in class, their child is going to be left behind if they don't start at the same time.
It just seems like a vicious cycle to me. I hope those classes are more learn-through-play rather than sit-and-study but it really wouldn't surprise me to find a very structured class with lots of study packed into the day.
I know I'll be keeping Aaron by my side for a few more years. He has a little group of friends now that he meets daily in the concrete park. Maybe I can set up a play group in our area. It would be fun to organize some weekly activities for those little kids. There are at least 3 other little ones around Aaron's age and a couple that are a little older.
So, no school for now. We'll just stay at home and play all day. Learning is a 24hr a day activity for two year olds anyway so I don't think he'll be missing out on too much if I'm diligent.
Monday, August 25, 2008
His nose is flowing like a river
Its really strange how certain songs will pop into your head at the weirdest times. There's always a connection but sometimes, its just a very unlikely one.
Today's song is "Peace is flowing like a river". Actually, I'm not sure if that the name of the song. Maybe its "Let if flow". In any case, perhaps its better to call it a hymn since its a song sung in church. Anybody else knows this one?
Peace is flowing like a river,
Flowing out to you and me,
Spreading out into the desert,
Setting all the captives free.
Let it flow through me ..... etc
Yesterday afternoon, Aaron woke up with a really really runny nose. From the time he woke up at around 3pm till NOW (27 hrs later), it hasn't stopped. Its getting everywhere. All over him and all over me as well! Where is it all coming from?? He's never had it this bad before.
I think he has a cold but I'm not totally sure. Aaron is one of those kids that get runny noses when he's teething. He's due for more molars so maybe its them trying to come out.
The good that has come from all this is that he has got the hang of reaching for his handkerchief and wiping his nose. The problem with that is that he's just smearing it all over his face. We started out with tissues but he kept getting it stuck on his tongue somehow.
Anyway, as I was saying, its strange the songs that get associated with situations. So, today it is:
His nose is flowing like a river,
Flowing out to you and me,
Spreading out around the house,
Sending everybody out.
Today's song is "Peace is flowing like a river". Actually, I'm not sure if that the name of the song. Maybe its "Let if flow". In any case, perhaps its better to call it a hymn since its a song sung in church. Anybody else knows this one?
Peace is flowing like a river,
Flowing out to you and me,
Spreading out into the desert,
Setting all the captives free.
Let it flow through me ..... etc
Yesterday afternoon, Aaron woke up with a really really runny nose. From the time he woke up at around 3pm till NOW (27 hrs later), it hasn't stopped. Its getting everywhere. All over him and all over me as well! Where is it all coming from?? He's never had it this bad before.
I think he has a cold but I'm not totally sure. Aaron is one of those kids that get runny noses when he's teething. He's due for more molars so maybe its them trying to come out.
The good that has come from all this is that he has got the hang of reaching for his handkerchief and wiping his nose. The problem with that is that he's just smearing it all over his face. We started out with tissues but he kept getting it stuck on his tongue somehow.
Anyway, as I was saying, its strange the songs that get associated with situations. So, today it is:
His nose is flowing like a river,
Flowing out to you and me,
Spreading out around the house,
Sending everybody out.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Deliriously Happy
I spend everyday with Aaron. And naturally, there are ups and downs to each day. Sometimes though, there are special days where the 'Ups' receive some sort of a boost to higher than normal levels. Like today. It rained the whole day, making it quite cool for a change, and the both of us had a blast. It wasn't even because we did anything out of the ordinary today. Just the normal lego time, reading, drawing, and make believe activities.
One of the fun moments from today was when Aaron decided that Peter Rabbit was his baby. He asked me to show how he should carry 'his baby' (apart from draping it over his back and hanging on to its ears). And then, he proceeded to sing a lullaby and rock it! I really had to keep all my laughter inside because bursting out would have ruined the moment and he would have stopped.

We're still getting that face whenever the camera is out. I wonder if he thinks that he's smiling or he's purposely scrunching his face up that way. Anyway, Peter Rabbit was eventually dressed in one of Aaron's shorts.
I could feel that Aaron was just as happy as I was. At bedtime, he was smiling and giggling the whole time. And I couldn't stop kissing his chubby cheeks. They were so bouncy! Boing!
One of the fun moments from today was when Aaron decided that Peter Rabbit was his baby. He asked me to show how he should carry 'his baby' (apart from draping it over his back and hanging on to its ears). And then, he proceeded to sing a lullaby and rock it! I really had to keep all my laughter inside because bursting out would have ruined the moment and he would have stopped.

We're still getting that face whenever the camera is out. I wonder if he thinks that he's smiling or he's purposely scrunching his face up that way. Anyway, Peter Rabbit was eventually dressed in one of Aaron's shorts.
I could feel that Aaron was just as happy as I was. At bedtime, he was smiling and giggling the whole time. And I couldn't stop kissing his chubby cheeks. They were so bouncy! Boing!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
2nd Party for the 2 yr old
Today has been a really really good day. We had Aaron's second 2nd Birthday Party at home. We had a combined celebration for him and my father back in Malaysia but this one was specially for him, with all his friends. Also, I don't know how many birthdays Aaron will have here so I felt we should take the opportunity to have a party so that we can look back on it in 20 years time when we reminisce about Palembang.
We invited 8 kids (aged from 1-8) and their parents. I found it a little hard to get the adult conversation going but once the games started, everybody joined in. They were all simple games and were all rigged so that I could make sure that everybody got a "prize". Nobody threw a tantrum, everybody had lunch and it looked like they all had a good time.
Aaron enjoyed himself too. It was good to see him having friends and starting to socialize.
The girl in the pink dress is his current BFF and comes over almost everyday. She's five but somehow, the two of them play together really really well. I think Aaron is wondering why she looks so fluffy today. You can also see the guitar that he 'won'. He kept strumming it and walking here and there with it. Would NOT let go!

Take a look at these three:

Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of all the children together because 3 of them were late. I wish I thought to take a group shot of them towards the end of the party.

Here is my favorite photo from the day (taken before anybody arrived). It was so hot that I almost wanted to leave him half naked. Just as well, I didn't. A few of the people who arrived early asked him why he wasn't getting changed yet. He WAS already. Singlets are the only shirts he owns over here!!
We invited 8 kids (aged from 1-8) and their parents. I found it a little hard to get the adult conversation going but once the games started, everybody joined in. They were all simple games and were all rigged so that I could make sure that everybody got a "prize". Nobody threw a tantrum, everybody had lunch and it looked like they all had a good time.
Aaron enjoyed himself too. It was good to see him having friends and starting to socialize.
The girl in the pink dress is his current BFF and comes over almost everyday. She's five but somehow, the two of them play together really really well. I think Aaron is wondering why she looks so fluffy today. You can also see the guitar that he 'won'. He kept strumming it and walking here and there with it. Would NOT let go!

Take a look at these three:

Unfortunately, I didn't get a photo of all the children together because 3 of them were late. I wish I thought to take a group shot of them towards the end of the party.

Here is my favorite photo from the day (taken before anybody arrived). It was so hot that I almost wanted to leave him half naked. Just as well, I didn't. A few of the people who arrived early asked him why he wasn't getting changed yet. He WAS already. Singlets are the only shirts he owns over here!!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Playing around with music
I've been trying to teach Aaron how to sing and he's been making some good attempts. The tune is not always recognizable but he's learning the words very fast.
So what does he sing? Thomas & Friends, Wiggles songs, You are my sunshine and all the usual children's songs. I don't know what I was thinking but I thought it would be funny to have him move around like Barry Manilow. So, he also knows Copacabana. My father had one of his line dancing CDs in the car and the second song on there was 'If you wanna be happy' by Jimmy Soul. Aaron now refers to this as his favorite song. In case you don't know the song, here are the words to the chorus.
"If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman you wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you"
You can't imagine how funny it is to watch and hear a 2 year old sing along to these lyrics. I've got to try to get a video of Aaron singing this. Keep it for his wedding day maybe?
Today, I've been trying out various types of music on Aaron. We've listened to Elvis, The Beach Boys, Gwen Stefani, The Vienna Boys Choir, Rolf Harris, some Chinese songs and a little orchestral music. He's already familiar with some of the Rolf Harris songs so his reaction there was expected. For the other music, only Elvis seemed to get a reaction out of him. He actually got up and jumped around. He noticed the other music but it mustn't have been catchy enough to make him stop what he was doing.
I think I'm going to allocate set times during the day to play the different types of music. If he's not exposed to them all, they won't have equal chance of getting liked by him. I know some are naturally going to be more catchy (lets say Elvis over Schubert) but in time, I hope Aaron can appreciate it all.
So what does he sing? Thomas & Friends, Wiggles songs, You are my sunshine and all the usual children's songs. I don't know what I was thinking but I thought it would be funny to have him move around like Barry Manilow. So, he also knows Copacabana. My father had one of his line dancing CDs in the car and the second song on there was 'If you wanna be happy' by Jimmy Soul. Aaron now refers to this as his favorite song. In case you don't know the song, here are the words to the chorus.
"If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman you wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you"
You can't imagine how funny it is to watch and hear a 2 year old sing along to these lyrics. I've got to try to get a video of Aaron singing this. Keep it for his wedding day maybe?
Today, I've been trying out various types of music on Aaron. We've listened to Elvis, The Beach Boys, Gwen Stefani, The Vienna Boys Choir, Rolf Harris, some Chinese songs and a little orchestral music. He's already familiar with some of the Rolf Harris songs so his reaction there was expected. For the other music, only Elvis seemed to get a reaction out of him. He actually got up and jumped around. He noticed the other music but it mustn't have been catchy enough to make him stop what he was doing.
I think I'm going to allocate set times during the day to play the different types of music. If he's not exposed to them all, they won't have equal chance of getting liked by him. I know some are naturally going to be more catchy (lets say Elvis over Schubert) but in time, I hope Aaron can appreciate it all.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Aaron's first trip to the barber
It only costs RM 5 (USD 1.50) for Aaron to go to the barber here in Ipoh. This is my father's regular guy and for adults its RM 12. My brother also stopped by here for a haircut last week. The both of them came back looking decent so we all went along to let Aaron have his first haircut by a professional.

He was as still as a statue as he observed everything. Didn't even blink his eyes. That lasted for exactly half the haircut. The second half was all about exploration. Trying to see what the barber was doing, trying out all the other chairs, looking in the mirrors....you can imagine. The end result wasn't too bad, only a little lopsided.
I saw this at the side of the mirrors. What do you think its been brushing?!

He was as still as a statue as he observed everything. Didn't even blink his eyes. That lasted for exactly half the haircut. The second half was all about exploration. Trying to see what the barber was doing, trying out all the other chairs, looking in the mirrors....you can imagine. The end result wasn't too bad, only a little lopsided.
I saw this at the side of the mirrors. What do you think its been brushing?!

Thursday, July 24, 2008
Have you ever seen this much Lego?
I certainly haven't. This box was generously given to Aaron by one of my cousins. It is just one of 3 boxes of Legos that I'm going to 'ration' out to him.

He was pretty hyped up about all the little bits an pieces in here. The surprising part was that I was even more excited than him. I'm going to have so much fun building stuff. I think my lack of interest as a child could have been because there just weren't enough pieces to be mixing and matching. I know, Lego sets are expensive and its not that I needed any more toys when I was growing up.
This huge present from my cousin is going to save me THOUSANDS of Ringgits and provide Aaron and me with hours of fun. I'm even looking forward to sorting all the pieces out. Y'know, trying to work out which ones were originally part of the same set.
Today has been a great day. We got to the box of Legos at the end of the day and had so much fun with it I really didn't want to put him to bed. Earlier in the day, we spent some time shopping with my mother. Aaron was super energetic the whole time but we had an incredibly enjoyable time at the mall. He's really becoming a little companion that I can have conversations with and enjoy things together with. We did use the Naughty Square once today but there were no hard feelings. He went to bed after giving me hundreds of little kisses and cuddles mixed in with sighs of contentment.

He was pretty hyped up about all the little bits an pieces in here. The surprising part was that I was even more excited than him. I'm going to have so much fun building stuff. I think my lack of interest as a child could have been because there just weren't enough pieces to be mixing and matching. I know, Lego sets are expensive and its not that I needed any more toys when I was growing up.
This huge present from my cousin is going to save me THOUSANDS of Ringgits and provide Aaron and me with hours of fun. I'm even looking forward to sorting all the pieces out. Y'know, trying to work out which ones were originally part of the same set.
Today has been a great day. We got to the box of Legos at the end of the day and had so much fun with it I really didn't want to put him to bed. Earlier in the day, we spent some time shopping with my mother. Aaron was super energetic the whole time but we had an incredibly enjoyable time at the mall. He's really becoming a little companion that I can have conversations with and enjoy things together with. We did use the Naughty Square once today but there were no hard feelings. He went to bed after giving me hundreds of little kisses and cuddles mixed in with sighs of contentment.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Naughty Square
I think I've mentioned before that Aaron seems to have sudden spurts in his development each time we go on a holiday. This trip is no different and I'm of course the proud mother, marveling at all the new things he's learning.
I'm also fast becoming an exasperated mother because he seems so much more uncontrollable here than in Palembang. Our routine in Palembang never changes and I guess he just knows what to expect next. And, also knows whats expected of him.
Over here, we have different routines daily, we meet different people and are in different places throughout the day. He has had several mini tantrums and has developed an annoying habit of ignoring instructions. This is especially true if there are other people (like my parents) around. He's still manageable 80% of the time if I'm alone with him.
So today, we have started to give him a 2 minute Time Out. There is a dedicated 'Naughty Square' in the house and we tried it out for the first time today. I'm not sure if he understands the whole concept but he definitely got more upset after we kept putting him on that square. I don't know whether to interpret this as him learning a lesson or just him getting very confused, hence upset.
I keep hearing about the infamous 'Terrible Twos' and felt I had to do something to prepare for it all. I believe that my parents smacking me did me some good but I'm going to try not to do that with Aaron because he has already smacked me back once when I did something he didn't like. So, the Time Out seems to be something that many parents claim to work (and about the only thing I remember from Supernanny episodes). Of course, I have no idea if it actually works at this age but its worth a try.
I'm also fast becoming an exasperated mother because he seems so much more uncontrollable here than in Palembang. Our routine in Palembang never changes and I guess he just knows what to expect next. And, also knows whats expected of him.
Over here, we have different routines daily, we meet different people and are in different places throughout the day. He has had several mini tantrums and has developed an annoying habit of ignoring instructions. This is especially true if there are other people (like my parents) around. He's still manageable 80% of the time if I'm alone with him.
So today, we have started to give him a 2 minute Time Out. There is a dedicated 'Naughty Square' in the house and we tried it out for the first time today. I'm not sure if he understands the whole concept but he definitely got more upset after we kept putting him on that square. I don't know whether to interpret this as him learning a lesson or just him getting very confused, hence upset.
I keep hearing about the infamous 'Terrible Twos' and felt I had to do something to prepare for it all. I believe that my parents smacking me did me some good but I'm going to try not to do that with Aaron because he has already smacked me back once when I did something he didn't like. So, the Time Out seems to be something that many parents claim to work (and about the only thing I remember from Supernanny episodes). Of course, I have no idea if it actually works at this age but its worth a try.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
T-Shirt Marker Pen-ing
A couple of days ago, Aaron was invited over to the Kims house. I was thrilled when I got the SMSed invitation but was hesitant to go because it mentioned T-shirt painting and I could just see him walking all over their house putting his little hand prints everywhere. Well, they were smarter than that. It was actually T-shirt drawing with permanent markers. And it was FUN.
He did the front and I did the back:

There were about 6 other Korean children there and the activities were led by two Korean college girls who had taken a year off to travel around Indonesia. Supposedly, they have been visiting all the Korean communities and organizing a couple of days of kids activities at each of their stops. Aaron even got presents at the end of it all - a whole big stack of Korean snacks (guess who'll be eating those?) and a Magna Doodle board. I tried to pay them in the form of a Chinese Red Packet but they returned the money (keeping the Red Packets) saying that they had sponsors.
This year is really turning out to be a year of new friends and new activities for us here in Palembang!
He did the front and I did the back:


There were about 6 other Korean children there and the activities were led by two Korean college girls who had taken a year off to travel around Indonesia. Supposedly, they have been visiting all the Korean communities and organizing a couple of days of kids activities at each of their stops. Aaron even got presents at the end of it all - a whole big stack of Korean snacks (guess who'll be eating those?) and a Magna Doodle board. I tried to pay them in the form of a Chinese Red Packet but they returned the money (keeping the Red Packets) saying that they had sponsors.
This year is really turning out to be a year of new friends and new activities for us here in Palembang!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Photostory Friday - He's NOT balding!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

This was taken in January 2007 when Aaron was about 5 months old. Obviously, he was balding but at the time, I just couldn't see it.
I'm serious. Everybody would ask me what happened to him and I'd look at him and wonder what they were talking about. I could not see it. He was still the cute little baby with a head full of hair. Everybody must have thought I was in denial or something because I'd always say "He's not balding. I don't see any difference."
I really wasn't denying anything. For a long time, I just couldn't see that he only had that thin furry layer on top.
Its funny how the brain is able to process the image such that it matched what I had stored in my mind instead of showing me reality. I hope I'll be able to recognize other more serious things in the future like me spoiling him too much or him acting out unnecessarily. It would be terrible if I just continued to see the things I liked to see....
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A mouse, a bird and a boy
Wow! We've had an infusion of excitement into our routine lives these couple of days with three visitors.
Everyday, I put Aaron's high chair near the door so he can look out as he has lunch. Yesterday, I saw a little mouse scamper past. Then a few minutes later, I saw the mouse scamper back in the direction it had come. I thought I saw something in its mouth but I wasn't sure.
A few minutes later, the same thing happened. Back and forth again. This time I was sure there was something in his mouth. And then, much to Aaron's delight, the mouse did the same thing again. This went on several more times before I went out to take a look at what it was picking up but it disappeared. I went back to Aaron and told him the mouse was gone.
I didn't think anything of it until I heard Iwan, our driver, grumbling about something outside. Part of his lunch was missing! That cheeky little rat had broken into his lunch bag and stole almost all his tempeh. Right under my nose!
This morning, a second visitor literally dropped in. This tiny baby bird must have fallen while learning to fly and fell down. Something is wrong with its legs because it can't stand up. We put it on the fence to see if it could fly away but it just fell in the drain, got drenched and started shivering. After drying it out in the sun awhile we fed it some water and powdered corn. It seems healthy now but isn't able to fly yet. I guess we'll have it around a few more days.
Aaron is curious about it and tried several times to pick the bird up but I think he grabs too hard so, I've stopped that. He can just look. I'm a little worried though. What sort of diseases to baby birds have anyway?

And lastly, an old friend came over for an early morning playdate. We met Linmas while out on our morning walk and he followed us home. This was at around 7am in the morning. The both of them seemed to miss each other after not playing together for 3 weeks.
Everyday, I put Aaron's high chair near the door so he can look out as he has lunch. Yesterday, I saw a little mouse scamper past. Then a few minutes later, I saw the mouse scamper back in the direction it had come. I thought I saw something in its mouth but I wasn't sure.
A few minutes later, the same thing happened. Back and forth again. This time I was sure there was something in his mouth. And then, much to Aaron's delight, the mouse did the same thing again. This went on several more times before I went out to take a look at what it was picking up but it disappeared. I went back to Aaron and told him the mouse was gone.
I didn't think anything of it until I heard Iwan, our driver, grumbling about something outside. Part of his lunch was missing! That cheeky little rat had broken into his lunch bag and stole almost all his tempeh. Right under my nose!
This morning, a second visitor literally dropped in. This tiny baby bird must have fallen while learning to fly and fell down. Something is wrong with its legs because it can't stand up. We put it on the fence to see if it could fly away but it just fell in the drain, got drenched and started shivering. After drying it out in the sun awhile we fed it some water and powdered corn. It seems healthy now but isn't able to fly yet. I guess we'll have it around a few more days.
Aaron is curious about it and tried several times to pick the bird up but I think he grabs too hard so, I've stopped that. He can just look. I'm a little worried though. What sort of diseases to baby birds have anyway?

And lastly, an old friend came over for an early morning playdate. We met Linmas while out on our morning walk and he followed us home. This was at around 7am in the morning. The both of them seemed to miss each other after not playing together for 3 weeks.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Who's the boss?
As usual, Aaron's development keeps me on my toes all the time. I do enjoy this constant change even though I get dragged down sometimes by that little energy draining being. Part of growing up must be the development of increasingly challenging behavior to make sure that your parents are constantly tested.
One of the latest roles that Aaron has taken is "Guardian of Mama's Belongings". He's still very amicable about this and will diplomatically retrieve my cell phone, or my remote control, or my used plastic bag, or whatever it is that the other person has taken. And by the way, he thinks EVERYTHING is mine :) Its kinda cute and not too hard to deal with.
Next is the Exclusive Rights he thinks he has on me. Yes, I know he's used to having my undivided attention but now, he's started to 'complain' when I have conversations with other people. If I happen to be sitting on the floor at his level, he'll turn my head to face him only. And if I still continue the conversation, he ends up saying "No whatever-the-name-of-other-person, Mama talk to Aaron". Talk about jealousy reigning its ugly head! This one is a little tougher to deal with because its of course not just the talking to other people. Its the doing of anything else that doesn't involve him.
As some sort of extension to his 'Exclusive Rights', I'm now considered the only person that can do anything for him. If I'm not in the room its fine but if I'm there, nobody else is allowed to lift him up into his high chair, change his shirt, brush his teeth, wipe his mouth, take him to the bathroom, feed him, get him a drink, you get the idea. This one is really tiring. Have to nip this one in the butt soon!
I titled this post "Who's the boss?" but really, nobody is. I am not Aaron's boss and I don't want to be. I'm sure he isn't intentionally acting 'bossy' and is just learning about boundaries and where he can assert himself. I suppose each disappointments or frustration he faces will teach him that he isn't the boss either. There are no bosses in this house. Having said that, we still need some sort of order and balance on who gets more say. The balancing act in parenting huh?
One of the latest roles that Aaron has taken is "Guardian of Mama's Belongings". He's still very amicable about this and will diplomatically retrieve my cell phone, or my remote control, or my used plastic bag, or whatever it is that the other person has taken. And by the way, he thinks EVERYTHING is mine :) Its kinda cute and not too hard to deal with.
Next is the Exclusive Rights he thinks he has on me. Yes, I know he's used to having my undivided attention but now, he's started to 'complain' when I have conversations with other people. If I happen to be sitting on the floor at his level, he'll turn my head to face him only. And if I still continue the conversation, he ends up saying "No whatever-the-name-of-other-person, Mama talk to Aaron". Talk about jealousy reigning its ugly head! This one is a little tougher to deal with because its of course not just the talking to other people. Its the doing of anything else that doesn't involve him.
As some sort of extension to his 'Exclusive Rights', I'm now considered the only person that can do anything for him. If I'm not in the room its fine but if I'm there, nobody else is allowed to lift him up into his high chair, change his shirt, brush his teeth, wipe his mouth, take him to the bathroom, feed him, get him a drink, you get the idea. This one is really tiring. Have to nip this one in the butt soon!
I titled this post "Who's the boss?" but really, nobody is. I am not Aaron's boss and I don't want to be. I'm sure he isn't intentionally acting 'bossy' and is just learning about boundaries and where he can assert himself. I suppose each disappointments or frustration he faces will teach him that he isn't the boss either. There are no bosses in this house. Having said that, we still need some sort of order and balance on who gets more say. The balancing act in parenting huh?
Friday, June 6, 2008
His own wheels!
I've been looking out for a tricycle for several months but all the ones I came across were two seater and had a lot of useless ornaments about it. As soon as I saw this one, I grabbed it.

He looks pretty happy on it doesn't he? That photo was taken a few days ago. Guess who is more excited about it now? Him, or me? I've been so enthusiastic about teaching him to pedal but he hasn't got the hang of it yet. And he also doesn't seem to know how to just walk himself along while seated.
I guess this is going to be an indoor tricycle for now because I'm definitely not going to fall into the trap of pushing this along the road outside. Its hard enough doing it on a smooth surface in a confined area.

He looks pretty happy on it doesn't he? That photo was taken a few days ago. Guess who is more excited about it now? Him, or me? I've been so enthusiastic about teaching him to pedal but he hasn't got the hang of it yet. And he also doesn't seem to know how to just walk himself along while seated.
I guess this is going to be an indoor tricycle for now because I'm definitely not going to fall into the trap of pushing this along the road outside. Its hard enough doing it on a smooth surface in a confined area.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Thomas, Percy, James & Aaron
For the past couple of weeks, we've had a new craze in this house: Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Aaron has had a couple of these books around for the past six months but never took a keen interest in them. Then, all of a sudden, its Thomas, Percy and James all day long (except for when its The Wiggles). Luckily one of the books is a 6 in 1 book and there is plenty to look at. Personally, those little engines just don't grab me. I also don't think its the engine that is grabbing Aaron either.
In any case, I'm now an expert at drawing trains, making train sounds and improvising household props to make trains. While all the effort seems to be focused on trains, its not actually the trains that are interesting to Aaron. He must be going through some development on recognizing emotion because its actually the faces of all the trains that he's looking at. He doesn't want me to read any of the stories or point out anything else on the pages. All we do is identify if each of the engines are sad, angry, worried, surprised or whatever. We do this page after page after page.
And then, over the past few days, he's started to apply that to the people around him. He keeps looking at my face and then saying 'Mama is happy'. Or when he's done something wrong and even without me saying anything, he now can recognize when Mama is angry. And he'll say it in such a cute way that it ends up diffusing the situation a little. My favorite is when he says 'Mama is sad' and gives me a big hug.
So, Thomas and Friends may seem a little dull at first but they've been very useful in teaching Aaron about the various emotions.
By the way, at first glance, there appears to be just different colored engines. But when you study their faces closely, they all look different and are in fact 'individuals'. I did find that aspect of the books interesting.
In any case, I'm now an expert at drawing trains, making train sounds and improvising household props to make trains. While all the effort seems to be focused on trains, its not actually the trains that are interesting to Aaron. He must be going through some development on recognizing emotion because its actually the faces of all the trains that he's looking at. He doesn't want me to read any of the stories or point out anything else on the pages. All we do is identify if each of the engines are sad, angry, worried, surprised or whatever. We do this page after page after page.
And then, over the past few days, he's started to apply that to the people around him. He keeps looking at my face and then saying 'Mama is happy'. Or when he's done something wrong and even without me saying anything, he now can recognize when Mama is angry. And he'll say it in such a cute way that it ends up diffusing the situation a little. My favorite is when he says 'Mama is sad' and gives me a big hug.
So, Thomas and Friends may seem a little dull at first but they've been very useful in teaching Aaron about the various emotions.
By the way, at first glance, there appears to be just different colored engines. But when you study their faces closely, they all look different and are in fact 'individuals'. I did find that aspect of the books interesting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)