Childcare and teacher's concern

Sabrina went off to childcare as usual today. At least she behaved very well all the way from home to the centre when Adrian brought her in. Her new teacher, Miss Angela spoke to Adrian in the morning and commented that Sabrina does not speak to her when she asked her questions like "What is your favourite colour/fruit/TV show?". She was a little concerned about her speech and asked Adrian if we speak to her in another language at home. Hahah. So Adrian suggested going in early to talk to the teacher before she leaves for the day (as this new teacher leaves very early and we usually do not see her when we go to pick Sabrina in the evening at arpund 4plus).

Carried Sebastian to the centre and spoke to the teacher. Sabrina was outside together with the other kids and she was happily waving goodbye to the parents who had came to pick their child up. She only cried when she saw me with Sebastian and wanted to come into the classroom. I let her in and she went off to get her bag and stuff while I spoke to the teacher. She said the same thing as she told Adrian. I just told her that she is like that and that she just started coming into the centre in Oct for twice a week (initially only once a week). I told her that she will name the object when she sees it but not when being asked a questions. I told her frankly that if she wants to compare her with kids her age, Sabrina definitely is not on par with them but she is catching up. She is singing nursery rhyms and all. I also told her about the incident where Sabrina's clothes were all taken out of her bag and left in the play area with some clothes worn by the kids. She was unaware of it as she said that she left the centre at 4pm the day before. Today, Sabrina's bag was again left lying on the chair in the classroom. Frankly I am not sure if it was taken out by the kids or Sabrina herself.

Favourite activity as usual: Painting

Honestly, in comparision to Ms Jo, Sabrina's former teacher, she is less organised and messy and should I say impatient. The usual checklist that the centre uses in all the classes keeping track of each child in the class is not always detailed. There are days where the entries for Favourite activity/Sleep or Rest Time/Food intake were not updated. It was always updated when Ms Jo was around. It's a good way of communication for the parents as we know for sure how our child spent the day in school. Sometimes I am not sure if Sabrina naps in the afternoon as it's updated. I just have to depend on her behavior when she is back home to gauge if she have had her nap that day. Even when she does nap, the duration was not given. Apparently it was noted that Sabrina did not sleep today but by the look of her when she came home, it seemed that she have had her nap as she was very active and hyper not like on days where she did not sleep. She would have been very tense and easily agitated. The fridge is a mess too as the kids' containers were just left lying in the fridge unwashed and plastic bags were all in the fridge. Maybe this teacher is new and getting used to the school's way of doing things but I honestly think she should put in more effort.

I am not trying to defend my child in anyway. It's just that she did not take into consideration that my child went into the centre only in October and up to date she had only attended 17 days at the centre as compared to the other kids who started in January and who might I add go to the centre 5 days a week. She have to understand that she is not at the same stage as the rest of the kids. Our main aim in sending her to the centre is allow her a place to improve her speech and social skills. I think she is also very concerned as she will be moving everyone up to preschool class next year and she is worried thar Sabrina might not be able to catch up. Let's just hope that she pick up faster under her charge. Honestly I do not mind Sabrina staying in the kindy class for another half a year before she moves up to preschool. I rather she takes more time to adjust to everything before trying to catch up with the rest of the class.

Anyway spoke to Sandra over the phone just now. This good friend of mine is getting married in 2 days' time to her JC sweetheart Keng Soon. So happy for them to see them finally tying the knot after 10 long years together. It's just a pity that we could not attend the wedding as qw had just gone back to SG during CNY and the air tickets would have set us back for another 3k if we had choosen to go back again in December. Glad to catch up with her.

Updated Aust Time: 9.55pm

Sebastian turns 14 months today, Melbourne Cup and Childcare

Wow, our little boy is 14 months today. Miraculous isn't it? It just seemed like yesterday when we were still carrying him in our arms and now he is so mobile on his own. As he is bigger now, it makes going out with 2 active kids tiring. He does not like to sit in the high chair for long and there are times I ended up eating with one hand holding onto him while Adrian looks after Sabrina. Thus in come the portable player to the rescue. I know that it's not a good practice to let toddlers under 2 watch too much TV but I do believe that a little programs for the kids is harmless enough. It's not as if the kids watches it 24/7. A couple of hours a day should alright. Anyway he only watches HI5 and In the Night Garden. The rest of the hsow does not fascinate him in any way.

Melbourne Cup is on today. It's an annual event held in Melbourne where people flocked to see horses raced against each other. Usually it will be an event where Adrian's collegues would all gather in the eating area, ordered lunch in and watch together. They even placed bets and the winner get all the money. Apparent even if the horse that you had picked came in last, you still get a small portion of money. Oh ya, they draw lots to determine which horse they are betting on. He betted last year but this year he did. He just called to say that the horse "Shocking" won. More shocking was that he was not one of the favourite to win. Well, when it comes to horse racing. it's really difficult to predict as the environment, weather and everything is hard to control. It depends solely on the horses and the jockey.

Sabrina's off to childcare today. This morning she was rather relunctant to go. I went downstairs to prepare her breakfast while Adrian gave her her milk. By the time I came upstairs, Adrian was ready to leave for work. Sabrina decided that she does not want the remaining of her milk and I changed her. She was fussing as she changed into her dress. Then I sat her down and tie her hair. Adrian went downstairs to drive the car to the driveway and Sabrina happily said "Bye" as Adrian opened the door to go downstairs. She was still quite alright as I tied her hair. It was when I finished that she started fussing again. She held onto my hand as we went downstairs. I get her to go to the washroom before wearing her shoes. She was just making noises but no tears. I came back in to take the garbage out and she helped me. Got her to throw the bottle away and she wanted to get into the back seat but I put her in front. She was screaming as I closed the door as usual.

When I checked with Adrian later on, he said that she was actually alright when they reached the centre, even when she brought her to the classroom. It was when Adrian wanted to leave that she fussed and screamed again. Adrian watched from the gate as he was eaving the centre and saw that she was not screaming but following her teacher. Guess she is getting used to it slowly. Will have to see how she react when I go and pick her up later.

Updated Aust Time: 3.18pm

Swimming at Redcliffe and Dinner at New Chung Shan Restaurant

Went off with Thomas and family to Redcliffe. Brought the kids there as there was a swimming pool by the beach. Adrian's collegue, Maggie told Adrian of this place as there was even a weaning pool just nice for Sebastian. But we did not manage to go but Thomas went with his wife and daughter. So this week, he asked us to join him and he would come over to our place and leave together.

He called earlier in the morning at around 9plus while Adrian was frying some bacon. But Sebastian was still sleeping so we could not leave as yet. SO we arranged o meet at 10.30am. Shortly after, Sebastian woke up and I changed him and we had breakfast before Thomas came over.

Sabrina was very happy when she saw Thomas and his family. She especially like his daugher, Dorena. She called her "baby" when they reached. She kept wanting to hug her and kiss her but Dorena was very shy and kept hiding behind her mum.

They had a tour of the house and we went off to Aspley to MacDonald's drive through to pack lunch. Then off to Redcliffe we went. Just when we reached the destination, Sabrina fell asleep in the car. So off into the pram she went and we walked down to the swimming area. We found a spot and sat down to have lunch. After lunch, Thomas and Dorena together with Adrian and Sebastian went off to play. Sebastian did not really play with the water instead he walked around the weaning pool with Adrian.

Sabrina finally woke up. She was very happy at the sight of the swimming pool. She only had a few french fries and was all ready to run to the pool. In the end, I brought her to the toilet to change into her swimming costume and apply loads of sunscreen on her. By then , Sebastian was back. Sabrina thought that I was going to go with her into the pool and was very unhappy when Adrian took her. So I quickly changed Sebastian out of her wet clothes, gave him his feed and went with Sabrina. She was still unhappy even when I brought her to the weaning pool. Instead she wanted to go to the playground. I ignored her and walked back to camp. She followed and in the end, Adrian carried her to the waening pool. After playing for a while, she finally was happy enough and started playing in the main pool. She took her swimming racer float and then her sandcastle building tools and had a great time playing in the water. While all these was happening, Sebastian napped. Finally we had to tell her that we are going to get ice-cream before we could get her to come out of the pool and changed out of her swimming gear.

We bade Thomas and his family goodbye and off we went. We finally went off for dinner at the Chinese restaurant that was just across the road, near to Sabrina's childcare centre. Since we came over last year, we had always been contemplating whether to go in and eat as Chinese food in Australia is expensive and most of the time not worth the price. We walked there as we saw 2 major car accidents on our way home earlier. Anyway, it's so near so we walked. Had a very sumptous meal and even had to pack the food back as we could not finish everything. We ordered, fried rice, coral fish fillet with vegetables, Ma Por tofu and King Do Spare Ribs. Everything was not too bad except for the rice which was very hard and dry.

Walked back home and the kids slept early as they were both very tired. So we took this opportunity and went to work on the A3 mailing box that we got from Aldi earlier on. WE wanted to post some photos to Adrian's parents and the best time to do it is now as the kids are not around.

Now it's off to watch Allo Allo with Adrian. Night.

Updated Aust Time: 11.39pm

Playdough- her favourite activity at centre

Sabrina went to the centre today. I woke up early to prepare fried rice for them as lunch. After I was done with the cooking, I quickly came upstairs to tie her hair. She was already up and about. Adrian had already cleaned and changed her clothes. She looked tired. It could have been her waking up so very early this morning around 6am. Tied her hair and brought her downstairs. She started to fuss when she saw Adrian opening the door and going to the car. She must have sensed that she had to go to school today. I gave her some bread and ask her to wear her hat and her shoes. She thought that she was to go to the backyard as that was our usual routine if she's home. She decided against wearing her shoes and wanted to wear ours that we placed at the backyard. She went on to play with the styrofoam and created the "snowing" effect while I hung out the laundry. She even helped pass me the clothes pegs.

Brought her in and asked her to go to the restroom before leaving for school. Walked her to the car and she was really unhappy about it. She cried when Adrian closed the car door and I went back into the house. Adrian brought a crying Sabrina to school and when he reached the school, though Sabrina was crying, she followed her teacher into the playground.

I went back upstairs to find a fully awake Sebastian. He happily played with the stuffed toys that were in his pen. I showered him and he fell asleep at around 11am. I quickly have my lunch and worked on the computer. Too many things to do and so little time. He woke up at around 12 plus close to 1pm. Played with the toys downstairs and by 2plus, he was very irritatable and cranky. So I brought him upstairs for his feed while I showered. By the time I had finished, he was already in la la land. I quickly went off to pick Sabrina as it looked like it's gonna rain and Adrian would be unable to fetch her as he had soccer session at 6pm.

When I reached the centre, Sabrina was playing outdoors. She was playing with some trains and tracks on the table. She constantly walked to the wall and played with the prints on the wall. I checked on the clipboard and found out that her favourite activity for the day was pencil drawing. Haiz....not sure what she was up to again.

When she finally spotted me, she quickly put the train back in place and came forward to me with a smile. Her teacher, Ms Jo came forward and we had a chat while Sabrina tried to carry my handbag and waving goodbye to her teacher. Ms Jo said that she basically enjoyed herself throughout the day. It was just the morning 5-10 minutes of her crying and she will stop after that. So I asked if she understand what was happening in class. According to Ms Jo, she helps to keep the things back in place and sat down on the mat together with the rest of the kids when told. When it was mealtimes, she very independently knows what to do and will take out the container from her lunchbag.

I continued to probe and ask if she plays together with the other students in the class. Her teacher said that she will play alongside with 4 or 5 kids in the home corner and from time to time she will run to other station and play with the puzzles or some other toys. But then most of them does that and I told her that would be parrallel play as opposed to her saying it as collaborative play. She even mentioned that Sabrina's favourite activity was playdough. I was rather surprised as I never let her play with it before. I am worried that it would be messy. Moreover, there is Sebastian and I am worried that he will try to create more havoc and both of the kids will be screaming and tearing at each other's throats.

Just then, one of the kids needed to use the restroom, so Ms Jo opened the door and Sabrina took it as an opportunity ro go back into the class and take her stuff and leave for home. She wanted to go to the fridge to get her stuff but I was still in conversation with her teacher. I told her to go get her stuff while I talked to her teacher but she refused and kept turning back from where she was and coming back towards me and saying "Let's go". In the end, I obliged and bade her teacher farewell. Sabrina went off to get her water bottle and lunchbag and schoolbag and off we go.

On our way home, she kept asking about Adrian and Sebastian. "Where's Daddy?" or "Where's didi?" were the 2 questions she kept asking as we walked home. I guessed she must have been tired as she walked very slowly as opposed to her running when we go out. Usually she would not want to hold our hand but usually on days when I bring her home on my own, she will want to hold my hand. She must be worried about us leaving her again.

By the ime we reached home, Sebastian was still sleeping. So I got Sabrina to eat some bread as she looked really hungry before showering her. Still Sebastian slept on as I went downstairs after showering Sabrina. SO we had our dinner (fried rice). She played for a while before Sebastian woke up. Both kids were very happy to see each other. Absence does make the hearts fonder. True isn't it?

Adrian came home at around 8pm after soccer with pizza and KFC. Sabrina had a slice and seemed really tired. So I brought the kids upstairs and both kids slept pretty fast and early. They both slept before 9.38pm. Both are tired out. Sabrina must have used up her energy playing at the centre while Sebastian was tired as his last nap was before Sabrina came home.

Well, at least it means more time for myself and Adrian as both kids dozed off early. Surfing the Internet and watching the various DVDs that we bought without the kids' interference is a luxury. So off to watch some shows now.....

Updated Aust Time: 9.50pm

Childcare

Sabrina is off to childcare today for her twice a week dosage of activities in the centre. She was again reluctant to go in the morning. I was downstairs in the kitchen preparing their lunches and she came down after her milk and change of clothes. When she first saw me as she was descending the stairs, she was smiling and saying "Hello" but once she reaches the ground floor, she wail as she saw me preparing her items to be brought to school. She tried to snatch away her lunch bag and kept saying "don't want". Hahaha. Anyway I gave some bread while Adrian packed her things into the car. Finally I walked her to the car and off she went with Adrian.

I called Adrian at around 8plus and asked how she was when she reaches the centre. As usual she was crying and her teacher got to drag her away. Apparently she went to the gate and jump and cry as Adrian was leaving the centre and her teacher pull her off. Hahaha.

Anyway I went to pick her up around 4plus when Sebastian woke up from his nap. We walked to the centre. When we reached the traffic lights, Sebastian was very excited and kept making some happy sounds and wigggling her bottom. I am not so sure why, maybe he knows we are going to pick up jiejie.

I went into the centre. Usually the kids would be outside in the playground playing but I guess the weather today really puts it off. According to the teacher whom I spoke to later on, she said that some students were feeling cold so they came back into the centre and the kids engages themselves in various games and activities.

I peeped into the room and see how Sabrina was doing. She seemed really at place, playing from one station to the other. No fuss no nothing. I am not so sure if she plays with the rest of the kids as every kid in the room is playing different things. Finally I opened the door and spoke to the teacher without her noticing. When she finally saw me, she quickly return the toy that she was playing to the original place and came towards me. For a change, she did not tear, she just stood there and smile at me. Good change. She told her teacher "Bye" and gave her a flying kiss. She did not even force me out of the room in order to get out faster. The teacher told me that she had a great time playing puzzles, play dough and at the home corner. When I checked the list that the centre placed on the shelf where we collect their school bags, it was noted that her favourite activity for the day was "washing". Hahaha. When I told Adrian, he was like "huh?washing?" I told him maybe it was because they were making scone cakes thus the cooking and washing by her other classmates.

Brought them to Aldi to buy some groceries and cleaning detergents. Came home and prepare dinner. When dinner was ready, Sabrina as usual will come to the kitchen and help me bring the cutley and plates to the dinning table. As she was doing so, she happily sang a nursery rhyme. She sang "3 little ducks went out one day, over the hills and far away, Mother duck say quack quack quack". It was all correct. Her teacher might have been singing this song today in class. But she did hear this song before via Playschool and the music Cd that I play at home.

A pretty good day and finally it was raining at night. Think it might last the whole night. A good breeze considering the 35degrees yesterday. At least some rain cools down the temperature a little. Off to bed now. Everyone's asleep except me. Bye.

Updated Aust Time: 10.12pm

Childcare Day 3

Adrian sent her to school today. Maybe she just woke up and was still not very sure what was happening when we asked her to wear her shoes and hat and get into the car. She happily went but according to Adrian she fussed a little as they drove towards the centre. Hahah. Again she was crying and refused to go into the centre. Adrian just carried her in and passed her to the teacher.

Adrian called later and asked if I called the school to check on her. I told him that I think that is not really necessary as she is alright once she goes into the classroom and engages herself in various activities.

As Adrian had an early soccer session today at 6pm, I went off to pick Sabrina up on my own. Sebastian napped late thus I was able to quickly walk to the centre to pick Sabrina. Finally spoke to her teacher, Ms Jo. She told me that she was alright, just crying without tears when Adrian left. She asked if we spoke to her in a different language at home. I told her that I do speak to her in Mandarin but she does not understand. She told me that when she told her to "stop crying. you are alright>", Sabrina replied her saying things that she does not comprehend. I told her that's normal as she did that at home as well. Hahha. What a relief for her I guess.

I also checked with her if she understand what was being told to her in class. Ms Jo feels that she understands alright as she will give her a cuddle when told so and even when she was tld to sit on the mat, she will obediently do it. What a difference as compared to when she is at home. Maybe should send her there more often.

She told me about her lunch (noodles that I had freid in the morning). She said she ate very little, maybe one quarter and then did not want to eat anymore. I think she must have been eating the ingredient like eggs and carrots and refused to eat the rest. Ms Jo said that it was such a waste so she put them back into the container. She also commented that it smelt so nice that the teachers were asking what that was when she went to heat it up in the microwave. Hahaha. It's just that maybe they are so used to seeing kids have packed bread that it's not often to see noodles or rice prepared for the kids.

Anyway Sabrina was already crying when I came into the playground. She must have spotted me just now when i was in the class looking at the clipboard. Her favourite activity was "painting". She painted a rather artistic piece of work that her teacher had put into her schoolbag. Her teacher said that she was a little teary maybe say 10 minutes before I arrived. She stopped after a short while and bade her teacher goodbye and a kiss and off to the class to pack her things.

Finally wallked her home. Guess she must have been tired as she walked very slowly. She kept stopping and dropping her bag. When we finally reached home, she was very hungry and I gave her some popcorn. Checked on Sebastian and found him still sleeping soundly. Asked Sabrina to quickly finish her popcorn and gave her a shower. By the time she was showered and clothed, Sebastian woke up.

Brought them downstairs and heat up the balanced noodles and Sabrina had them for dinner while Sebastian drank his milk. She asked to see Tinkerbell and we watched it till Adrian came back from his soccer session.

Till next week for her dosage of childcare.

Updated Aust Time 11.58pm

CHildcare Day 2

Went to pick her up just now. She was in the playground on the slide waiting for her turn to slide down. When she saw me, she immediately turn to get off the slide and came towards me crying. She kept pulling me to look at her face as she cried and dry her tears with her cloth. But her crying is very shortlive. Her favourite activity for the day was drawing. The teacher even put a piece of her drawing into her bag. We could not figure what she drew. But I guess as long as she enjoyed it, we are alright. Her teacher said that she enjoyed herself but she was a little teary and refused to play say 10 minutes before I came.

So she quickly bade her teacher goodbye and we walked back to the classroom and she went straight to the fridge to get her lunch bag and water bottle. She then went to the shelf and got her bag and stuffed everything into the pram. Taking into consideration that this her 2nd day here after a weeks' break, she knows the place rather well. I ask her to throw away the tissue paper that I used to wipe her tears and she went immediately to the bin and throw it. In the fridge where they kept their lunch boxes and water bottle, there was another bottle that looked exactly like hers. She was able to differniate and take her own water bottle without mistakes. Smart girl she is but it's a matter of her language skills. We waited for Adrian to come and she was more than happy to see her Daddy but of course with the tears.

Will see how she goes tomorrow. Battle or not? We have decided that Adrian will send her to school in the morning and I will pick her up in the evening. And we will be waiting for the day she will not cry when she goes to school and even waves us goodbye. May this day come quicker.

Updated Aust Time 10.50pm

Childcare and added another day for her

Send Sabrina to the childcare today for her second day. Saw that Sebastian was still deep in sleep so I quickly change Sabrina and got her things ready. I had already prepared freid rice the night before and I just need to put some of it into her lunch box. I decided to let her have some rice as she looks pretty hungry when we went to pick her up last Monday after her class. I only packed bread for her the other time for lunch as I saw that almost every child in the room had bread for lunch when I went to send in the enrolment form. Let's see how she goes today with the rice and the cornflakes and apples and bread.

We walked to the centre together. She was more than happy to help carry my handbag while I carried her sleeping bag and her bag which consists of her lunch box and spare clothes. She was still very glad to name the colour of the cars that passed by us as we walked to the traffic lights. After the traffic lights, at the bus stop outside the centre, she refused to move and insisted that we "let's go". I got to use some Tic tac peppermint to bribe her to move. She did a few more steps and stopped and refused to enter the centre at the entrance. I got to carry her in and went straight to the classroom. Her teacher were just bringing some of her students from another side of the playground and when she saw me and a crying Sabrina, she came forward and carried her and told me it's normal. I know it's normal as I had seen it happening to P1 students. Hahah. But then Sabrina was much younger as compared to the P1 kids. Her teacher said to call later to check on how she was.

I just called and the teacher said that she was just noise and no tears. Usual. But she stopped immediately when they went into the room. Said she had already finished her cornflakes and is now drawing in the room. Decided there and then to increase her childcare says to 2 days as there was vaccancies for Tuesday as well. The teacher even suggested starting her on some painting or colouring in the morning when she reaches so that she will not cry as she noted that Sabrina likes to do those activities.

Will update later when I go and pick her up in the evening.

Updated Aust Time 10.35am

First day in Childcare

Adrian worked half day from home today as Sabrina is going to childcare this morning and I am unable to pop in to check on her often especially with Sebastian on toll. Woke up in the morning and prepared her breakfast and apples. Packed all her stuff into her bag while she drank her milk. Adrian sent her to school and he returned vrey quickly maybe less than 15 minutes. According to Adrian she totally ignored him ans went ahead to play in the sand pit. Even when Adrian bid her goodbye she just continued playing. Hahaha. So he just left her and came home.

While he worked I changed the bedsheet, cleaned the house and prepared lunch. After he had lunch, he went to check on her before going off to work. He called later to inform me that she is now lying down and getting ready to nap. Her teacher was seated beside her and she looked like she is going to cry. Her pants had been changed and we figured that she must have had an accident looking for the toilet at the very last minute.

Anyway I waited till Sebastian woke up from his nap and quickly went to pick her. When I reached the centre, the kids were playing outside. Sabrina was one of them and she was holding her biscuit in her hand. Her teacher was blowing bubbles and she just stood near the front. She did not see me so I went into her class and went out to look for her stuff. With that I went out to look for her. She cried the minute I called out her name. She just cried and kept telling me "Let's go" and "Bye" to her teachers. She refused to follow the rest of the children back into the classroom with the teacher but insisted that I go by the other way. According to the teacher, Sabrina had a great time playing. It was when they were asked to sit down together on the mat that she got upset and cried. To us, it's very common and expected as she cannot sit down still even for 30 seconds much less together with the class for say maybe 15 minutes.

Packed her stuff and waited for Adrian outside the centre. She was very delighted to see Adrian and his car. Sat very quietly in the car while we load the car with her stuff. She looked alright maybe just a little dirt on her clothes and there is sand in her shoes.

Came home and prepared dinner. Just as we laid the table, Sebastian grabbed the Corelle bowl and it broke into pieces. Luckily he was not injured. Put him in the pen while Adrian and I quickly cleared up the mess.

Showered Sabrina and she was off to bed early. She must have been real tired. Did not get a chance to talk to her main teacher as she had already left when I went to pick Sabrina. Will have a chat with her next Monday. Her lunch bag is empty except for her water bottle which is very full. I was wondering if she drank her first bottle and that was the refill or she practically did not drink water at all. Will have to check with her teacher next week. Hopefully Sebastian wakes up earlier so that I can go and pick Sabrina earlier and talk to the teacher before she leaves for the day.

Updated Aust Time 11.32pm

Enrolment into Childcare

Finally enrolled Sabrina to childcare. We are going to start her on once a week to maybe 2 days a week. Have to see how she adapt to being in school the whole day. Called up the Childcare centre yesterday and luckily there was still vacancies for kindy group but the only days left were Monday and Tuesday. Anyway, Monday had always been the day I wanted her to go so I enquired about the necessary things to be done on our side -- Filling up of enrolment forms, CentreLink and stuff. So we went off to CentreLink yesterday (Late night shopping) to get it link up with the childcare centre. Got another booklet of forms to be filled in again...

Woke up rather early this morning as Sabrina woke up early. Guess she was very excited about her new toy that we got for her the night before. Finally the Disney Princess teapot set was on sale at $20 (normal $28) so we decided to get her the one that she likes to play each time she visit Kmart - Snow White, red teapot shaped like an apple. I was too tired so I did not want to go down that early, moreover so as Sebastian was still sleeping. She kept telling me to "Let's go" and at the same time kept pulling my blanket off. I told her "Later" but she refused. She just picked up the bottle of water that we always kept in our room together with her empty milk bottle and sat at the top of the stairway. She just sat there with the bottles and sang her Hi5 songs and talking to herself or maybe her imaginary friend. She did not fuss as she waited patiently for me. In the end, I told her that we will go and shower first before going downstairs ans she happily obliged. Brushed her teeth and had her shower and finally she is ready to go downstairs.

While she played with her teapot set, I prepared all the things that I needed to bring along with us to the centre to send in her emrolment form. I even have time to mop the floor as Sebastian was still sleeping. While mopping, I realised that there was a parcel placed outside our front door. It was the plaque that Adrian had ordered of his Master.

Soon Sebastian woke up and we got ready to leave the house after cleaning him up. Sabrina was all ready to help push his brother out of the house. SHe just kept saying " Let's go" and "Where's Daddy?"She being the good sister, helped me pushed the pram all the way from our place to the traffic lights junction. Passed the traffic lights with me pushing the pram and holding her hand as the traffic lights were fast and it was quite a distance across the road. She continued to help with the pushing of the pram all the way to the entrance of the childcare centre.

Once we went in, she was very excited and was looking through one of the glass panel on the nearest door while I spoke to the director. She came back in the midst of our conversation and submission of forms and tried to pull me to bring her into that room where she saw kids playing. Guess she must have seen the many toys and gadgets in the room ready for her to lay her fingers on.

The director then showed us to her kindy room where the kids and teachers were engaged in different activities. Sabrina gamely went ahead and play with the toys and practically ignored me. I spoke to the teacher and she was really happy to have Sabrina in her class as she mentioned before that she had never had a Sabrina in her class. I told her that her enrolment was delayed as she needed her catch up immunisation and it was finally done last month. Chatted with the teacher for a while meanwhile Sabrina just enjoyed playing from station to station. Actually I was quite impressed as she was able to play with every single toy that were in the room. Things that I know she had never seen or lay eyes or hands on, she just seemed to know how to work it out.

There were more boys in the class than girls. If I did not remember wrongly I think I saw only 4 girls and maybe 7 boys. Kindy class age rnage from 3 to 4 so I think it fitted Sabrina nicely except maybe her speech. We stayed in the class for closed to an hour before she finally was happy enough to leave. She did not make a fuss though and I was glad as I do not think I can handle both the kids on my own when she is screaming. Maybe she is hungry as I told her that we will be going or KFC for lunch. She said her goodbbyes to the teachers and off we went to Westfields.

While outside the centre, I applied sunscreen on both the kids. Sabrina was just peeping through the gates where there are more outdoor play stations. Luckily she stood there looking at the play station while I tried to settle Sebastian who was by then very sleepy but still fighting the sleep monster. With that I got Sabrina to help me push the pram to Westfield. While pushing I realised that Sebastian was sliding down the seat. He had lost the battle with the sleep monster and was asleep. So I stopped the pram and Sabrina quickly found herself a spot on the brick fence. Must have been the sun and her playing continuously since she stepped foot in the centre. With that I quickly covered the pram and then started to walk to Westfield. It's actually very near if we drive but by foot it was not really that near especially with the sorching sun shinning above us.

Finally reached Westfields. Went off first to the food court to have soe lunch. Saw that the queue for KFC was one of the shortest and decided to have it for lunch. Sabrina asked me to carry her while we were in the queue. I carried her a while and told her that I could not carry her anymore and asked her to come down. She came down and instead of waiting with me in the queue, she had other ideas. She ran off on her own. It was pretty crowded in the food court as it was lunchtime. I was in the queue with a sleeping baby in the pram and my daughter had ran off. Haiz...the lady behind saw me looking around and asked if I was looking for the small girl and told me that she was just here a moment ago. I looked further and saw her just outside the ABC shop and soon she ran back with the brochure that she usually take when we came on Thursday nights. I told her that she is not to run away while I queue and she just sat down on the floor reading the brochure. After I had placed my order, Sabrina disappeared again. This time I really have no idea where she went but I could not do anything. So I waited for her and she did return just in time for the food. ASked her to choose a table and she chose the nearest empty table. She really must have been tired from all the walking if not she would have fussed on which table to sit. We quickly had our lunch as Sebastian was still sleeping and it allowed me to sit and have my lunch peacefully. Well not so peacefully as I still have to deal with Sabrina with her popcorn chicken.

Soon Sebastian woke up, had his feed and we were off to CenterLink - Family Assistance. I submitted the form and we went off to Target. Sabrina had fun playing with the toys while Sebastian sat in the pram still a little dazed from his nap. Brought them to the books section and Sabrina happily said down and flipped through the pages of Cinderella and Monster Inc. Sebastian was enjoing himself looking through a book entitled "Baby's first book".

After visiting Target, it was already 2plus. I decided to get Sabrina to take her afternoon nap as she woke up real early this morning. So into the pram she went and out of the pram Sebastian went. She protested for a while but fought a lost battle with the sleep monster. While she slept, I entertained Sebastian or was it the other way round? Anyway he just could not sit still and wiggled so much on the sofa that we sat on. Imagine him walking and crawling and wiggling across a 3 seater sofa. In the end I gave him the player and he happily watched In the Night Garden. By the it was closed to 3.30pm. Sebastian fell asleep just as Sabrina woke up from her nap. The timing was perfect. Sabrina is out of the pram while I put the sleeping Sebastian in.

Brought Sabrina to Kmart and she played around with the toys. She went straight to the Disney Princess teapot and told the Snow while teapot and wanted me to buy again. She even tried to walk to the cashier. I had to repeat myself several times that we had just bought it the night before. She refused to bulge and insisted that she put the teapot on top of the pram. Whatever you say, Princess. She then went from aisle to aisle to play the toys and finally stopped at the Leapfrog section. I took it as a chance for me to return the teapot to the shelf. Hahaha..Soon Adrian came and we went home. Prepared dinner and then sent the kids to bed. Too tired now...Yawn..till Monday.....

Updated Aust Time 11.09pm

Scanpan and Moven Pick Ice-cream

Went to Habourtown today again. Have been searching for the Scanpan saucepan for a few months now. Could not find the one I wanted when we went to DFO and Myers was selling it at over $200. Only saw the one I want at Habourtown the other time when we went with Boon Guang. In the end, we had no choice but to drive down today to get it. Bought it for $119. Want to know the reason why it was so cheap as compared to Myers? Well... it comes without the box. I was like "Huh?" Not that I want the box anyway as I would usually keep the box in the cupboard just in case we need to shift houses (which is possible as ours is a rental premises), at least the boxes are handy. So we bought a $119 Scanpan saucepan without a box. Will have to try it out and see if it's really good. By the way, it comes with a 10 years warranty. Let's hope this cast titanium saucepan will last that long for me.

Went off for lunch at Nando's again as Sabrina refused to bulge when we passed by it. Guess she is so familiar with Habourtown that she knows when she wants to go and shops locations. She knows where Moven Pick Ice-cream is and wanted to have that immediately after lunch (Moven Pick is located just opposite Nando's). I had to coax her and tell her that we are going to get chocolate cake at Adidas. Hahaha...where in the world can we get chocolate cake at Adidas..I have no idea but at least it worked, she followed us to Adidas and treated it as a playground. Adrian bought a soccer ball for himself. In the end when we came home, his soccer ball became their toy ball as both Sabrina and Sebastian ran for it. Hahaha

With that we went to Bunnings in search of new plants to plant in the garden. AS we had transferred both promengrate plants into 2 larger pots which we got from The Reject Shop, we now have 2 extra flower pots. But we could not find anything nice as the Bunnings there was rather small as compared to the one we had at Stafford or Caserldine.

Walked back to Habourtown and off to Moven Pick we went. Ordered the waffles and both the kids love it. Sabrina was in for the ice-cream and the chocolate topping while Sebastian went for the waffle. With that we went off to the Bunnings at Underwood, hoping to see some light for the new plants we wanted to plant. In the end, Adrian bought some Balsam plant seed. Will most likely plant them tomorrow.

Went off to Sunnybank for "lunch" at 3pm. Hahaha....Had some noodles and came home. Brought the kids to the playground that Adrian spotted last Friday when he brought Sebastian for walk while I prepared dinner. It was a small playground. Both kids just played and played. Sabrina as usual loves the slide while Sebastian played with the wood chips on the ground. It took him a while before he enjoyed coming down the slide. We finally went home as Sabrina wanted to visit the toilet. Brought them back and let them play in the bathtub filled with water and toys as usual.

Both of them knocked out rather early as I guess they were both very tired. Let's see when I have the strength and time to bring them to the playground on my own.....

Updated Aust Time: 11.48pm

West End Market and Brisbane Music Festival

Decided to go to West End today as Adrian's colleague Thomas said that there were lots of stuff at that market. Drove down and parked at an underground car park for $10. Instead we stumbled upon the Brsisbane Music Festival location where there were many musical performances by the some local artistes. Asked for directions to West End Market and realised that it was quite a distance away from where we were. But we decided to go ahead and walked to the market. Very disapointing after walking through the market. There weren't much things or should I say there weren't things that we would be interested in at the market. Maybe it was because we went there late and many stalls were already closed. Well I think personally I still prefer the market at James Powerhouse.

It was a hot day. Imagine I was sweating as we walked back to the car. I have not really sweat as per say when we go out since coming to Australia. Even during summer when the weather was rather hot, I would not be sweating. Haiz...the temperature for the day must have been rather high. Even Sabrina could feel it as she pratically finished her whole bottle of water while walking to and fro the market. Both Adrian and I were very thirsty as well. The only person not affected must have been our young prince who slept throughout. Well-covered and away from the sun. What a life.

Updated Aust Time 10.10pm

Logitech webcam Pro 9000

Adrian went off to buy the Logitech Pro 9000 webcam at MSY after he knocked off from work. We checked out the price yesterday at JB HiFi and it was going at $196. Adrian mentioned that he saw it at MSY price list and it was only $90 plus. So today he went again and found out that it was selling at $ 89 so he bought it together with a portable dvd rewriteable as the one in his laptop is not working. Tried out the camera viz skype with his parents and they commented it was very clear. Apparently it was released almost the same time as the Creative one that we bought for close to $150 back in SG. This Logitech one is really good. Worth spending.

Updated Aust Time: 9.30pm

Gardening by Sabrina

As usual we will wait for Sebastian to take his morning nap before going out to hang out the laundry. Even since that incident of "Locked out", I will get Sabrina to tag along when I hang out the laundry at the backyard. Today is no difference. As I hung out the laundry, she wanted to help me put on the clothes pegs. After putting on a few, she decided that she wanted to do some gardening. She knew that I will water the plants after hanging out the cloths so she kept playing with the hose which was at the side of the backyard.

After a while she abandoned that idea and walked round the garden pointing to all the pots of plants and started naming them all as trees, flowers and colour of the pots. Adrian had taken out one of the chilli plant and placed it outside on the ground instead of the growhouse as we felt that the plant might be dying. Our innovative Sabrina decided that she wanted to save the plant by........planting more branches. She found all those loose branches and started putting them into the pot of chilli plant. As she put, she commented that "It's a tree". I am not sure if I should laugh or faint or scold her. In the end I just let her plant all the branches as it's her attempt to "save the plant". Hahaha..

Shortly after that I started to water the plant. As she was really "hosed" by Adrian on Saturday when she was in the backyard playing with the bubble machine and Adrian was doing gardening, she tried as best as she could to stay far far away from the hose. Instead she passed me the laundry basket as she knew that I will wash it. She also passed me the styrofoam box that we used for gardening and get me to clean it. With that she decided she had enough and wanted to get back into the house. While all these are happening, our little Prince was happily sleeping in the room, oblivious to what was happening in the garden.

Today is Tuesday aka Pizza day. So Adrian bought a pizza back and after dinner, Sabrina continued with eating her cornflakes. She put the bowl of cornflakes on the floor and Sebastian saw it and wanted to grab the bowl. We asked Sabrina to give "Didi one cornflakes" and she happily obliged. She not only gave him one cornflake, she gave him a few more after he had finished his. When we asked her for some, she refused. I guess only Didi has that priviledge.

Updated Aust Time 10.20pm

LOCKED OUT

It must be hilarious to some. I was locked out in the backyard by Sabrina. So how did it happen? Woke up in the morning and showered the kids before bringing them downstairs. Switched on ABC HD for the kids to watch their routine kids cartoons. And as usual I will hang out the laundry while they watch the programs. At times Sabrina will follow me and "sweep" the garden while I hang out the laundry but today she was rather engrossed in watching if I am not wrong " In the blue house" that she ignored me. I quickly hang out the clothing. By then, she decided that she wanted to join me by wearing my shoes. I told her No as I was going in and I think it was at this moment that she flick the switch the other way to lock it. I only realised when I was done watering the plants and was about to go in. Opps...it's locked. I therefore asked her to flick the flap back but as there was 2 flaps, she was flicking on the wrong flap.

I was really locked out of the house or should I say locked out of my house by my daughter. I was without my phone, keys or anything and both my kids are inside the house defenceless. Luckily I heard my neighbours in their backyard and quickly leaned over and asked to borrow their phone to call Adrian. Adrian was at his seat as he answered the phone. From his tone, I know that he was lost for words. I guess he must be wondering if he should laugh or faint....hahaha. Anyway back at home, the kids were still not sure what happened as they continued watching "In the Night Garden". My neighbours were very sweet. The wife asked where my hubby was working and I told her at Cochlear at Newstead. She was all for helping out and even commented that hopefully I do not mind as she was still in her pyjamas. I was also still in my pyjamas. They suggested opening my garage door with their keys to see if it works. I was for all suggestions. The husband came back and said that he was unable to open the garage down. He suggested prying the flyscreen so that we can put our finger in to flick the flap. With that he climbed over the backyard fence with a clothes hanger. After a while he was able to flick it out and he even help push the flyscreen back in place. He then asked to go through my front door back to their place as he had earlier climb over their backyard fence. Thank God they were at home if not I would be dead meat. I just kept thanking them profusely.

Came back home and called Adrian again to inform him that I was back home. He was laughing and told me to bring Sabrina out when I hang out the laundry in future. Haiz....Will be planning to cook some nice curry and gave some to my neighbours. Hopefully they take spicy stuff.

Updated Aust Time: 10.56am

Dust Storm and kids' injections

Queensland was very affected by the dust storm from SA today. At around 11am, it was really red just looking outside of the windows. It was very very cloudy and there was some strong wind. I quickly collect the laundry that I had hung outside to dry in the morning. Luckily they were all dried and I closed the sliding door slightly smaller. As both the kids still have some runny noses, it's better to take come precaution by minimising the amount of dust that penetrate through the fly screen.

Prepared lunch and waited for Adrian to come home as the kids are die for their injections this afternoon. We had actually arranged to have them take the jabs last week but I felt sick in the middle of Tuesday night and they were down with flu so had to postponed it to today. I was half hearted about going as I looked at the weather but I guess we do not have much of a choice.

Went off to Chermside Medical shortly after 1.30pm as Adrian forgot to make the turn into the carpark and we had to make a detour back to the centre. Brought both the kids to see Dr Morgan for some routine checkup and Sebastian is currently 11kg standing at 77cm. He's a tall boy. But this wiggly worm was not all saint at the examination room. He was busy exploring all the stool and the standing lights while the GP was asking us questions and jotting them down into the system.

Next was Sabrina's turn. As usual, she does not like visits to the Doc and made quite a fuss when the GP wanted to check her ears and examine her. But the worst was yet to come---- The jabs. It had been a long time since Sabrina had her last jab. If I do not remember wrongly, her last jab was when she was 18mths. Oh dear and she is currently 43months old. Wow...that's a long time. We are definitely in for a big fight.

Sebastian went in first to see the nurse. He was just wiggly but I was able to hold him to have his jab. He needed 3 jabs today, 1 in his right arm and 2 in his left arm. He was alright after his first jab on his right arm. It was the 2 jabs on his left arm that sent him crying and refusing to stop fr a while. But once he was given the chance to wiggle out of my arms, he was happy again.

Sabrina went in shortly after we came out with Adrian. I could hear the nurse telling her to stay still and all. But knowing my little girl, staying still was never in her vocabularly. She somehow managed to have her 2 jabs, 1 on each arm and came out crying but with 2 balloons. At least she was still happy enough to bid goodbye to the nurse before we left. Till her next injection when she turns 4.

With that we went off to Westfields for a quick window shopping as I have driving lesson today. The kids felt asleep while we shopped and we went home shortly after Sabrina woke up just in time to wait for my driving instructor to drive up our driveway. She was commenting that this dust storm made her silver car looked like a brown one when she had just washed it the night before as one of her students had a test this morning. Anyway, she wanted me to work on my positioning on the road and of course my left turn.

Came home for dinner. Just some simple fare - bat kut teh, vege, fish and Red Rooster chicken that Adrian went to Stafford to buy. Send the kids up to bed early so that I can clean the floor. It was really bad. The cloth that I used for cleaning the floor was a deep blue and each time after I cleaned the floor, it's yellowish brown. Imagine the damage that the dust storm had done to the floor....Haiz...I guess I will need to clean again tomorrow before the kids can play. Let's hope that dust storm will subside tomorrow.

Updated Aust Time: 11.31pm

Footsal at Chandler Sports Complex

Adrian came home after sending James back with pizza. So after pizza, we went off together to Chandler Sports Complex where Adrian plays with a few if his colleagues every Tuesday. Usually I will sit at the Grand Stand with the 2 kids. At times I will migle with any of the spectators especially when they have kids. Sabrina will be running around and so will little Sebastian. And on top of that sometimes the football will be kicked up onto the Grandstand and I would have to run to get it and throw it down to the players. I think usually I am the one to do it as there were very few spectators at the Grandstand.

Anyway Adrian's team was trashed today again. Went off to Hungry Jack for a quick bite. Sebastian refused to sit for long in his highchair and ended walking round HUngry Jack and hold and behold he banged into the drinks refilling counter and had a bump on his head. He cried so loudly that Adrian's teammates were wondering what happened. Luckily he subsided after eating a french fries. We bade them goodbye and went home. Both kids were very tired but they refused to sleep till we came home. They knocked off soon after we reached home. What a day....

Updated Aust Time: 11.24pm

Sneak a "Lolly"

Woke up pretty early this morning as Sabrina woke us both up at around 7am. Gave her her milk and I came downstairs to hang out the laundry. After that was done, I went upstiars to find Sebastian awake as well and Adrian was already getting ready for work. So gave Sebastian his milk and I lie back on the bed. But after he had his milk, Sebastian had other ideas, he lie back on his cot and was just playing around with his blanket and towel and everything that is in his pen. Adrian left for work shortly and Sabrina bid him goodbye.

Usually I would have ignore the 2 kids and continue to lie on my bed and rest for a while. But today Sabrina was a little disrruptive and wanted to go downstairs to play. In the end, I decided to change the bedsheets. She loves it when I changed the bedsheets. It sort of gave her a chance to pull all the sheets from the mattress and she loves that. So she "helped" with the changing. Bathed the 2 kids and left them upstiars to watch Hi 5 while I quickly came downstairs to vacuum the floor before bringing them down.

Actually as I was vacuuming the floor, I have this strange feeling as it was rather quiet upstairs. I mean with the vacuum, I should still be able to hear them whether they are crying or running around but today it was very very quiet. I quickly finish the vacuuming and went upstairs to find fast asleep Sebastian in his pen, a blank TV screen and hold and behold.....Sabrina in the other room eating lolly. I was not sure whether to scold her or to laugh at her. I just brought her to the bathroom and clean her up. She was not very dirty to start of with, just a little sticky. She just kept telling me "yum yum" and "yummy" and gave me some of the sweet. She did not resist as I think she was worried that I will scold her. Usually she would have made a big fuss if we were to eat her food. Anyway she was pretty happy about eating that little sweet and I just let her be. Honestly, it's only recently that we allow her to have a little of sweets and ice-cream. Cannot imagine if we had given her earlier, I think she will be more hyper. Without all the sugar content, she is already so active, if she had more, I would have more headache.

Updated Aust Time: 10.37am

Mr Cool is now Botak Cool

Finally shaved off Sebastian's long hair. I could not stand it being so long moreover with summer coming up in another few months, I really could not bear to see him in long hair. The last time he had a haircut was when he turned 1 month old last year. My aunt was around to help me shave him.

Came back from grocery shopping around 1pm. Quickly brought out the shaver that I left charging this morning before we left. As Sabrina was still sleeping in the car, we quickly brought Sebastian to the backyard and started our mission. Adrian carried him while I shaved. He was quite cooperative initially and allowed me to shave his hair. But towards the end, I think he grew impatient and started to fidget a lot and wail. So we quickly abort out misson seeing that he is almost all bald. Hahaha. Anyway by this time Sabrina had already woke up and crying as she does not like the sound of the shaver. Adrian was covered with hair as well. So took Sebastian to the bathtub and quickly cleaned him up while Adrian continuesd downstairs to tend to the garden. He needed to change the plants to a bigger pot.

Took some photos of Mr Botak Cool and he does look so cute without his hair. We were commenting that he looked so much like Adrian when he was young. And now without the hair, he looks really like Sabrina. Strange isn't it, with his hair he does not look like Sabrina as he grew older but without the hair, he's back to resembling the sister. I told Adrian "Same factory, what you expect?" Hahaha

Happened to see my aunt on skype and skyped us and spoke for a while. She was the first to see little Botak. Just kept commenting that he look so cute. Spoke to her for a while before my uncle called her. Skyped my parents later on in the night and off to bed for the 2 little monsters. What a Sunday.

Updated Aust Time 11.06pm

Habourtown with Adrian's friend

Brought Boon Guang to Habourtown today. It should be considered a shopping paradise for many tourists and locals alike. We usually go there when we want to get some good bargains on Canterbury, Pumpkin Patch and Cotton On Kids. Anyway decided to bring him to Habourtown as he had not bought anything for his wife yet. SO we thought going to Habourtown would be a good idea.

Picked him up from his hotel at around 10plus and off to Habourtown we went. While on our way there, both kids slept in the car. Sabrina must had been very tired as she woke up pretty early this morning considering that she slept rather late the night before. It's a good thing too to have her sleep as she would be able to conserve all her energy at Habourtown.

Reached Habourtown at around 11.30am and both kids are up and about. Started walking round and went for lunch at Nando's. Luckily Boon Guang was able to find something suitable for his wife and his 2 nieces. Went off for my favourite at Habourtown - Moven Pick Ice Cream on waffle. It's always a must for me when we visit. I just cannot resist it and I don't care my in laws think I am fat. Can't be bothered now that I am mother of 2, what is going to happen to me if I am all bones and no fats at all. I have to admit that I did put on weight after giving birth to 2 kids. Which mother doesn't? I just want to be happy with the way I am which I am although you do hear me saying often enough that I want to lose weight. Anyway hubby totally ignores me whenever I mention that I want to lose weight. He will say and I quote him " fat or thin also my wife". Hahaha.

Drove him back to his hotel for him to prepare for his flight back to SG tonight. Have a safe journey. Who knows when we will meet again.

Came home and skyped Adrian's parents and again they mentioned that I am fat and kept asking if I am pregnant. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..shut up both of you. I am fat not pregnant.

Updated Aust Time : 10.50pm

QBE Riverfire

Finally the annual QBE Riverfire is here again. This is a display of fireworks, a full 30 minutes at 3 different locations. I can still remembered vividly the QBE we went the year before. I was till heavily pregnant with Sebastian. We went off for dinner at Fishes before proceeding to fetch Nash, Adrian's colleague to go together. And a few days later, I popped and Sebastian arrived on Planet Earth. How time flies. Sebastian is already 1 and the QBE is back again.

We decided to keep today a very relaxed day. So in the morning, we went off to Farmer's market at New Farm Park. Finally the gourmet strawberries are back in season. So bought 500g at $7. Yet to try them, hopefully it's the type we ate last year. We also bought a papaya which they called at Paw Paw here. Did not read the signage properly and thought the it was $2.99each instead of $2.99 per kilo. Anyway it's slightly different from the one back in SG. So I take it as a trial and see if it's good. Going to let the kids try them after I cut them tomorrow. Not sure if they will like it.

Came back home and let Sabrina had her nap. Sebastian was already asleep while on our way back so we left him in the car and sleep as our car is garaged. Clean the house and mop it and Sebastian woke up just as I was about to finish mopping the floor. Anway Sabrina woke up shortly and we changed and went off to Fortitude Valley to have dinner before going to watch the fireworks.

Managed to reached the Riverside Centre at around 6.35pm. The display of fireworks was not due till 7pm. Anyway Sebastian was sleeping so it was just handling of Sabrina while Adrian found a good spot to record the whole show. Just at about 7pm, there was a short buist of fireworks. It was just to inform the public that the display was going to start soon. Our silly girl was so hysterical that she dropped some of the Arnouts Biscuits that she was having. It was also that this point the Sebastian woke up so both kids exchanged places. Sabrina was more than happy to sit in the pram but just kept telling me to "Let's go". I just ignored her.

Soon, the display of fireworks started. It was really good. It went on continuously for 30minutes. It was awesome. There was also the F1 Jets. It will be the last year that F1 jets will be used as it's retiring. Anyway throughout the show, Sabrina did watched and towards the end kept holding onto my fingers. And not forgetting her repeating "Let's go". Sebastian was happily watching although he had just woken up. He was more than happy to see the display. But I guess towards the end, he must had felt tired again and did make some noise.

After the display, we came back home, tired but had a great time watching the fireworks. Let's hope we can see it again next year.

Updated Aust Time: 10.52pm

Adrian's birthday

Time really wait for no Man. Today Adrian celebrated his 36 years on Planet Earth. He went off to work as usual. Came back home and we went off for dinner at Hog's Breath. Have not gone there for a long time. So decided to go there and have a good meal. Going there with our eyes shut as we know it's not going to be a cheap meal but we just want to enjoy our food.

Ordered Fish for Sabrina from the kids menu. We had soup, potato skins, ribs and lamb cutlets. The lamb cutlets was like some add on and it was really delicious. It was not chewy but instead very juicy. The ribs was good as well. It just so happened that the soup of the day was potato and bacon and we ordered 2 bowls of it. Delicious. Even Sebastian loves the soup and kept wanting more and more of it.

Spent $90 on this dinner but it was really good. We were so full that we could not eat any tibits after the kids slept.

Happy Birthday, Hubby. May what you wish for come true soon.

Updated Aust Time: 11.00pm

Sebastian turns 1 today

Our little boy turns 1 today. How time flies. It just seemed like yesterday that I was still carrying an infant Sebastian in my arms and now he is already 1. Soon he will be 2, 3, 4 and so on and so forth and even start schooling. By then he might not even want us around as he will be surrounded by friends.

Things he can do currently

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• Can clap his hands.
• Do high five with us
• Walk around the house
• Climb up and down the stairs without aid
• Loves climbing up and down the stairs
• Loves watching Hi5 favourites
• Love watching In the Night Garden especially Iggle Piggle
• Loves blue
• Loves playing with balls and cars
• Loves chasing balls
• Loves hugging his dugong
• Likes to play with the washing machine
• Loves to play with his sister
• Loves bread, cornflakes, biscuit
• Loves to peel off Adrian's spectacles
• Can feed himself bread
• Loves playing with wetwipes whenever he gets the chance
• Loves to play balls at Kmart
• Recognises his name
• Superglue to Mummy

As it's Thursday, it's late night shopping. Brought the kids to Westfields for dinner adn on our way home we dropped by Baskins Robbin and got Sebastian an ice-cream cake for his birthday. It was a whole block of ice-cream with some icing on it. There was no layers of cake just solid ice-cream. It's the Golden Ribbon ( chocolate with caramel in in). Went home and took photos of the kids with the cake. Sabrina was very excited about the cake and kept saying happy birthday and chocolate cake. Sebastian was a little sleep thus he did not really want to cooperate when we tried to take some family shots. Anyway managed to take a few after countless unsuccessful attempts.

Happy Birthday Little Boy. May you grow up and be strong and healthy. Looking forward to your 2nd, 3rd, 4th...birthday.

Updated Aust Time : 11.05pm

Adrian's graduation at UNSW, Sydney 30/08/090 - 01/09/09

Finally was able to sit down and blog on this. Adrian finally graduated with his Master from UNSW after 4.5years. We flew down to Sydney and attended his graduation ceremony at UNSW on 31 August. This will be a long post I supposed as I will be consolidating these 3 days affair into 1 entry.

30 August, Sunday

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Took the morning flight (7am) to Sydney. I know it is very early but we were not given any choice as it was the only time slot that had the special fare of $69 at 7am. The next fare will be $120. We need to reach the terminal 1 hour before departure. The night before we booked a cab and arranged for a cab to pick us up at 5.30am. So I woke up at around 4.30am and quickly get ready the kids' stuff, hot water and all. Adrian also woke up shortly to wash up and get ready. The cab arrived slightly early and we quickly load the cab with our luggage and pram. As we did not want to disturb the kids, we decided that we will just carry them into the waiting vehicle thus I dressed them up more warmly last night as I was worried that it will be very chilly in the early morning. Managed to get them into the cab and off we went to the airport. It was a $33 trip from our place to the airport which is just a 10 minutes drive away. Closed our eyes on this trip.

Bought Hungry Jack breaky and board the plane shortly after 6.30am and off we went at 7am. Luckily when we took off, Sebastian fell asleep thus I do not have to worry about the air pressure on his ears. Sabrina was a little affected as she kept rubbing her ears and started crying a little. All went smooth as the plane took off. Sabrina had her share of hash brown and watched the shows on the Creative player as we need to pay to watch the programs in the plane. Domestic planes are slightly different. We need to pay for the viewing of programs and food and beverages we want on board the plane.

Finally the plane started to descend at around 9plus. Sabrina was affected again. This time she vomited but just a little. After a while she was alright. Anyway we felt that the plane did not fly at a very high altitude. Once the plane touched down on Sydney ground, we alighted and into Sydney we go. It was colder as compared to Brisbane although the sun was up.

Waited a while at the baggage collection and claim for our pram. We only left the airport at around 10plus. Went off to Europcar to collect our rental car. It was an i30, a very nice car. The interior was really nice and spacious just that the boot space was too small. Once our pram was in the boot, we could not put anything inside the boot. We ended putting our luggage in the front passenger seat while I sat behind with the 2 kids.

We drove to our accommodation -Randwick Lodge. Luckily we were able to check in when Adrian enquired at the reception. He even got them to arrange for the cot to be put in the room. Rested for a while and showered the kids before we left the lodge to go to Paddy's Market. Guess Sabrina was too tired and slept in the car and so did Sebastian. With the 2 kiddos asleep, I went to sit in the front passenger seat.

When we reached Paddy's Market, we drove round it a few times as we were trying to find the actual location. To top it off, Sydney's traffic regulations are slightly different. There were many no right turn sign and we ended up going round and round in circles. In the end we decided to park near to the market but we need to pay $12 for a day's of parking. As mentioned earlier, we are closing our eyes to this trip's expenditure so in we go. We felt that since we are not familiar with the state, we had better be safe by parking under secured territory.

By then Sebastian had already woken up. So in order not to have him disturb his sleeping sister, I carried him to the front seat. By the look of things, we think that Sabrina would continue sleeping so we carried her into the pram and true enough she did not resist but continued to sleep. So with Sabrina sleeping in the pram, I carried Sebastian while Adrian pushed the pram and off to Paddy's Market we go.

Found it and realised that Paddy's is now opened from Thursday through to Sunday. I remembered 4 years back when I went together with my teachers and choir girls, it was only opened on Sunday. It was also because I went there once so I suggested going again for this trip of ours. There had been some changes. There are more stalls, that's for sure. There are many Asians too. I know that Chinatown is nearby but I am not talking only about the customers but the stall holders. Many of the stall holders came from Vietnam,China and even Korea if I did not recognise them wrongly.

We walked through the stalls. There were many stalls but there seemed to be lots of repetition. We even saw mangosteens and longans. It's such a rare sight. Did not buy any stuff except for some grapes as I was preparing for Adrian's graduation ceremony for little Sabrina to eat to keep her still in her seat.

By then it was already 2plus so we decided to have lunch before going to Adrian's friend, Lemmy's place. You might be wondering how come there was not talk about Sabrina. Well, throughout the walk round Paddy's, she was fast asleep. She only woke up after a 3 hours nap just in time to eat some of the food that we bought for lunch. Little Sebastian was alright just that he was hungry but we could not feed him as all his milk preparation items are under the pram and Sabrina was fast asleep then. So finally when Sabrina woke up, out she goes and in he goes for his feed. We had some Japanese rice with teriyaki chicken and fried seafood noodles.

After lunch, we brought the kids to play at the arcade that is beside the food court. As usual she only plays one game - drop a ball game (not sure what's it's called). She actually did quite a good job and we managed to exchanged for 2 key chains and a pink stuffed pig. These were all in exchange for $4 that we used to let her play at the game. Not too bad a deal.

Drove down to Lemmy's place at Kellyville. It was close to an hour's drive from Paddy's to his place. His area looks very new. There were still some houses that were still in the building process. Finally found his house after turning round and round. By then Sebastian had already felt asleep. Did not have a choice so I carried him out and he woke up. Luckily he did not make a big fuss.

Lemmy has 2 daughters both older than my kids. His elder girl is older than Sabrina by 6 months while his younger girl is older than Sebastian by 4 months. Both are very sweet girls. Met up with Lemmy's wife, Alice and her mother. Sabrina was off playing with the toys and when Lemmy suggested playing the trampoline that was in his backyard, she happily went straight in and started jumping. But I guess maybe it was a little chilly, she quickly jumped off and came into the house. When we do get our own place, it would be a good investment to have trampoline at the backyard for the kids to spend their endless energy.

Back in the house, she happily played with the girls' toys. I think she was spoilt for choices. There were just so much toys in that room. Anyway Sebastian had a great time playing with the toys as well. There was even a piano and drums set in that room. After playing for a while, Sabrina decided to conquer the drums set. We were quite hesitant as we were worried that she might spoil it but Lemmy was fine with it as his kids played with that as well. She started playing with the drum sticks and Lemmy was rather impressed as she did play with some rhythm and she even knew that she had to step on the pedal that was on the floor. He asked if we had let her play with drum sets before and the answer was zinch. He told us it would be a good area to start her on as she seemed very musically inclined.

Had dinner together with Lemmy's family and his friend's family. We stayed till around 9plus and left his place as i would be an hour's drive from his place back to our lodge. We were all very tired and all turned in after washing up. It had really been a long day.

31 August, Monday (Graduation Day)

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Woke up feeling rested. Bought the kids to the Coles which is just opposite our lodge. Bought some bread and SPAM and chocolate milk and not forgetting fresh milk for Sabrina. Went back to the lodge, had breakfast and off we went to UNSW to collect Adrian's gown and shop in the ARC.

Walked all the way from the Lodge to UNSW. It was not really far maybe from our place in St George's to the other side of Bendeemer Plaza. But it was much tougher as the road leading to the school was slightly uphill and was have got to pusha pram with little Sebastian in it. We walked around and tried to figure ouut where to go. Went to search for the Arc where Adrian was to collect his graduation gown and hood that he hired for $75. while in the shop, both the little monsters decided that shopping was for them and they walked round and round the shop while Adrian tried on his hood and gown. Sabrina was more interested in the water bottle that was on display as well as the cupboards where the items in the shop was stored. Sebastian was more interested in the clothes that were still in their plastic bags that were placed under the clothes on the rack.

Adrian bought a hood for $125 as he had intention of taking a family protrait when we go back for CNY with hsi parents and this hood colour is not easily available thus the purchase. He also bought a jacket and a polo tee. Did not want to think too much on how much we spent. Just buy.

With that purchase, we went off for lunch at the school canteen. It was very crowded. We Had laska and some rice. Sebastian must have been real tired that he fell asleep after his feed. After lunch, we went round t he campus to take some photos. We then went in search of Adrian's professor, Dr Carmicheal. Finally loacted his office and found that we had just missed him by a mere few minutes. Adrian then went to check on something while I saw this man walked out of the Gents. Looks like her professor but I am not too sure so I told Adrian when he returned and it just so happened that it was indeed his professor. Spoke to him for a while and even took a picture with him and he was off to a meeting.

With all these intact, we quickly went back to the lodge so that Adrian can shower and change into his graduation suit while I get the kids ready. Took some picture of him in his gown in the lodge and off we go to the university.

Reached the uni early to take the protrait that they had arranged. Was thinking of taking a family protrait but Sebastian fell asleep. So in the end, told one with both of us and one with only Adrian in his gown. Quickly walked to the various spot to take more pictures. It was pretty crowded.

Finally we went to the hall and await to be seated. Was praying hard that the kids behaved themselves during the ceremony. Adrian had arranged for me to sit near the exit so that it would be easy for me to move around if I had to especially with the 2 little monkeys. Sebastian had just woken up from his sleep thus he was a little stoned. Sabrina as usual was trying to figure out the chair.

Soon the ceremony began. Sabrina kept wanting to leave and "let's go" was at the tip of his tongue when the graduation procession took place. I had to gave her te player and let her watch her favourite show before she was happy. But she soon wanted to leave again. In the end, I had to have her lean against my legs with the player and Sebastian in my arms with other player. I guess in general they did behaved themselves very well considering the duration of the ceremony. I managed to take some picture of Adrian but some were blur as it was too far and at times Sebastian was wiggling and it was rather difficult to take photos. The only hitch was Sabrina bitting Sebastian's finger as I think he was disturbing her. But all in all, it went well.

After the ceremony, we quickly proceed to have his certificate photocopied for the engraving of the plague that he had already placed order online. He even got a 60th anniversary cap. Took a final picture of him in front of the graduation symbol and off we go back to the lodge and to find dinner as well. As Sabrina did not have her nap in the after she knocked out while on our way back to the lodge. We stopped by a Chinese stall and ordered noodle and rice and went back to the lodge. Sabrina was so tired that she did not wake up for dinner but she had already had bread while waiting for Adrian to get his certificate photocopied. Adrian carried Sabrina to the room while I went to carpark with the pram, dinner and Sebastian. Had dinner while Sebastian walked round the room creating havoc. Finally put him to bed and we quickly packed the luggage and had some of the itmes placed in the car for our departure tomorrow early in the morning. Turned in for the night, finally feeling the tireness slowly setting in. Luckily we did not drive if not it would be even more tired.

1 September, Tuesday

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Woke up pretty early this morning at 6am as our flight was at 8am and we need to be at the airport at 7am. Quickly packed the remaining of our things, load the car checked out and off to the airport we go. Luckily both the kids were alright to be woken up so early in the morning.

Returned the rented car and went to buy Hungry Jack for breakfast in the flight. I even had grapes just in case Sabrina wants to eat. Finally the place took off. Sabrina did have a little trouble with her ear when the plane took off but it subsided after a while. Sebastian slept through take off and was eating his pacificer when landing.

Finally reached Brisbane after a 2 hour ride. Took a cab and back at home. Ordered pizza for lunch and we all went for a nap.

What a trip. We had fun but was very tired. Initially we did plan to drive down to Sydney in December to visit Lemmy when Adrian's compnay shut down for 2 weeks but Lemmy and his family will be in SG during that period. So that plan's off. We are thinking of going to Gold Coast and staying for a few days instead. See how things go along the way.

Updated Aust Time: 11.18am

Bathtime fun....

Went off for grocery shopping as usual. Brought the kids home, had lunch, afternoon nap and back to dinner. After dinner, decided to let them play with water in the bathtub. I went upstairs to fill the bathtub with water, prepare all their clothes. With that I went downstairs again to bring the 2 kids upstairs. When we went into the bathroom, Sabrina did not notice that the bathtub was filled with water, she happily went in and was about to go and play with the stool that we placed in the bathroom for her to use when she brushes her teeth when she spotted the half filled tub. She quickly abandon the idea of playing with the stool and like Speedy Gonzales starting peeling off her clothes, kept telling me "panty panty" as she took them off. Hahah. With all her clothes off, I carried her into the tub, she was so happily and was very quickly splashing around in the water.

While this was going on, what was our little Sebastian doing? He just stood outside and tub and look. Think he is observing and looking at what his sister was doing in the tub. Anyway, I came prepared. I took their toys that were waterproof and have them inside the tub. So I think Sebastian must be thinking "How come my toys are swimming in the bathtub?" So slowly I undress him down to his singlet that he wore inside his shirt and diapers. I let him dangle is legs in the water for a while and soon he wanted to jump right in. So took off his diaper and he went straight for his toys. He dropped it and I asked Sabrina to give Didi one of her toys and she gladly gave it to him. It really depends on her mood. Sometimes she will give without hesitation, sometimes she will not.

So with that, both played in the water for a while before Sebastian decided that he had enough anf refused to get back into the water and play. So got Adrian to dress him while I bathe Sabrina. What a night.

Updated Aust Time: 11.50pm

Tic Tac Advertisement

Adrian had soccer tonight and I had driving lesson before that. So after I came back from my lesson, Adrian went off to collect the pizza that he had ordered prior to me coming home from the lesson. After pizza, Adrian left and just then the Tic Tac advertisement came to the screen and Sabrina happily shouted Tic Tac...Hahah...Not sure if she knows what Tic Tac is but at least she recognises it when she sees it.

Updated Aust Time 9.37pm

Elmo's World

Sabrina is into singing these few days. Tonight just before we went off to Woolworths for our weekly grocery shopping, she sang the theme song from ELmo's World and was very happy with it. At least she is catching up. Hope she catches it faster.

Updated Aust Time 10.55pm

Ekka 2009

Had a great day at Ekka today. Brought the 2 kids along to Ekka and spent a bomb on the showbags but had lots of fun. Even got to see Ten Tenors perform Live and display of fireworks.

Reached RNA showground around 9.10am. The official opening time is 9am. This year we went earlier as compared to last year. There wasn't any queue to go into the showground. Moreover this year we managed to get the entry tickets at a 10% discount price at $20 from being a RACQ member.

We made a beeline for the Showbag Pavilion. Last year we only found the Showbag Pavilion towards the end of the trip. This year we are smarter in the sense we did our homework prior ro our trip. On last Wednesday, the Courier included a map of Ekka 2009 and we bought the papers. It was definitely a good bargain as we would have to fork out $2 for the map if we want one at the entrance and the paper was only $1. Anyway we also listed out the various showbags that we wanted. So we walked around the pavilion and discovered that some of the prices of the showbags differ from what was printed in the paper. It was actually cheaper for some. All the items were still the same just that it was a better deal with its low prices. We walked around and before long we had been in the pavilion for an hour. It was a huge area and we did not realised that we had walked for such a long time. Then the buying spree began. We were just going to various stalls to buy this showbag and that. Before long, out pram were hooked with the many showbags that we had bought. We even have to carry some of them as we were worried that the pram could not withstand the weight. So with all the showbags arround, Sabrina spotted some chocolates. We decided to let her have a small packet of M&M from one of our showbags. This is the first time she was having chocolates. She had such a great time eating and trying to dig them out from the small opening that I made for her.

With so many things, we decided to get the trolley bag which was going at $19.99 for a plain one. But I remembered reading that we can get a Nova trolley bag from the magazine. With that in mind, we went off to find the Nova Live Entertainment section and we got a trolley bag and it was only $20 and it had the Nova logo on the trolley. More worth and nicer too as compared to the plain ones. We were able to packed many of the showbags into the trolley and was glad when we found out that we can have a pass to allow us to go to and fro the showground to put things in our car. Adrian went off to put everything in teh car after lunch while we waited for him at the entrance where Sabrina enjoyed herself watching others coming down the slide sitting on a sack.

We stopped for lunch eating the fried rice that I had prepared last night and the chocolate and strawberry milk that we bought from Oak while at the Showbag Pavilion. Sabrina kept wanting to go to the games stall to play the fishing game and we had to put a stop to that. We told her that we wou;d go to the stall after lunch and she sort of cooperated. So true to our words, we brought her to one of the stall to "fish" for fishes. It just so happened that Sebastian was sleeping if not I think he would also want to have a go at the fishing game. Sabrina was very happy trying to catch the fish she wanted. She managed to to win a blue dolphin and she kept saying dolphin. She wanted to have another go after that as she put the dolphin in the pram. We had to coax her and tell her that we are bringing her to see parrots and chickens and dogs. She resisted for a while but went along with us.

Brought them to see the display of poultry eg chicken, duck, geese, parrots, canary, quail and many more. She had such a great time naming the various animals. Just when we were alost through with the exhibits of poultry, Sebastian woke up. He was a little grouchy but when he saw the parrots and canary on display, he was immediately all eyes for them. He was observing all that was on display and was very happy to sit in the pram and watch them in action. With that we went to see the fish, cows, horse, animal nursery. She was able to see the baby of the various farm animals eg lamb, ducking, chicks. These are the things that she likes and it kept her pretty awake although it was way past her naptime.

After that we went off to the various exhibits around the showground. There was the gardening, automotive, Shenzhen, Woolworths, Qld Government and many more. Just when we were about to go to the fruits and vege exhibits, Sabrina finally slept. AS we walked around taking photos of the displays, Sebastian was very cooperative and smiled at every photos that he was in. We thought since he was in such a good mood, we should take more photos of him and true enough he smiled his way through. Some of the passers-by were so taken in by him and commented that he sort of know that he is going to be in the picture and was all ready to smile and focus at the camera. To with we replied that this was really the first time he did that.

By then it was close to 6pm and it was really dark outside. As we wanted to see the display of fireworks, we stayed on. We went to the side where the games stalls and the rides are. Wow..there are really lots. I cannot imagine what we had missed out last year. Took some pictures and saw the various rides which I think I would not take for all the reasons...Hahaha. Soon Sabrina woke up and we went for dinner at the park and we were entertained by live music from the NOva Entertainment Park. It was only after a while that we realised that the Ten Tenors were performing Live for everyone at EKKA. We quickly took out our camera and started shooting away. I was just mesmerised by their strong vocals. We watched their performace back in SG few years back and they were really good. Adrian was commenting that we paid only $40 and we were able to be so up close and personal with Ten Tenors- real great bargain. Hahahha.

Then we went off to search for the place where the display of fireworks would be. It was at the stadium and we had to climb all the way upstairs to get a seat. I carried Sebastian and held onto Sabrina's hand while Adrian carried the pram with a few showbags in them. When we finally got ourselves seats, we realised that we would not be able to see the entire display of fireworks as we were in a sheltered area. Down we went again and stood near the stand where some performances were going on. There were the stunts performed using Toyota V6 HiLux and some horses. Finally the moment we were waiting for arrived - the fireworks. It was real pretty. Sebastian was sort of oblivious to the loud fireworks while Sabrina kept telling me to "Let's go". She was afraid in the sense she refused to let me hold her, she just want to get out of the place.

With all the excitement coming to the halt, we finally bid goodbye to the EKKA show and went off to our car to go home. As Adrian felt that his left ankle was hurting, I decided to drive home- aka more driving practice. Adrian was more than happy to let me drive as he can be the passenger. He is just waiting for the day I get my licence and he can be the passenger.

Had a fun day, spent a bomb on showbags, had great live music by Ten Tenors, saw display of fireworks. Sabrina definitely enjoyed herself eating M&M, going to the animals exhibits, playing at the games stalls and running around. Great day at Ekka. Till the next Ekka in 2010.

Updated Aust Time 11.08pm