Reese in Genting

Last Saturday we took Reese to Genting Highlands. We did not go to the theme parks (Reese doesn't like rides and is afraid of them) only hanging around the Japanese Garden(he enjoyed running around the garden and going up and down the little bridge and looking at fishes) behind Themepark Hotel, had some food at First World indoor theme park and went for the cable car ride. Reese enjoyed the cable car ride. Initially we were not sure whether he will be afraid but went ahead and bought the tickets anyway... we were glad that the little rascal enjoyed it very much. He likes the cool air too. We spent a couple of hours there.

Values versus Head Knowledge

I was reading a comment from a parent in one of my regular homeschooling forum and this is what she wrote:

"The first buildings blocks of a child are values and not just head knowledge. It's so easy to be caught up with the latest trends in the world of education and those labels sound so good - Mental Arithmetics, Phonetics Programmes etc and indeed they are good but when you fail to look deeper, then the good robs you of the best."

Now that got me thinking.... this parent is so right. She went on and gave an example of a friend who has an 'A' star child who was given the best and nothing less but has minimal values.

"Her daughter, since young, has been to the best kindy, followed the best programmes, and won so many awards in school and yet , could not and do not want to do simple chores at home. She shouts at her parents, slams on the door and demands for the best.She argues with her parents using all the best methods she acquired and it's grieving her parents. They asked, Where have we gone wrong? We gave her the best?"

"Hey, Mums, you don't realise the treasures that you hold at home...which money cannot buy and the world envy you for. The best programs that you can give your children are the ones that cannot be bought with money......the ones that you create for your children, your prayers. Just wait for the time they blossom and you will beam..all the hard work, the tears, the sacrifices will bear fruit in your children!"

So it's about time to look at our strategy in bringing up our kids. We want a balance and not just children who study and do well but lack values. Kids these days are so privileged. Maids to serve them and parents who will do anything for them as long as they excel in school. Asian parents especially!! Better do something before it's too late.

Going nuts!!!!

Reese is getting impossible. Two days in a row throwing his super tantrum. Screaming, shouting, crying, kicking, jumping, hitting and throwing things. Today was really the peak until daddy had to discipline him in a very stern manner. He was locked in the room, favourite toys taken away and books as well. He cried over 30 minutes non stop from my mother's place to home and we just simply ignored him. So much so that at the end for the first time he actually said sorry to both of us. He cried and kicked and screamed so hard that after we came back not too long later he felt asleep. In the afternoon he was fine until dinner time it started again. Same treatment for him. Locked in the room without his toys and books. Daddy was very stern. I think it was a good thing. I am a little too soft. Eventhough I was not in total agreement with hubby's way but I am glad he is disciplining him. Now I just walk away when hubby disciplines him. I hope this tantrum throwing thing will end soon. It's very very difficult to bear!

Smacking his hands, scolding and shouting at Reese are becoming common. What next? I really don't want to use a cane to discipline Reese. Gosh.... getting so tough now..... Reese has always been a really easy child to take care. Rarely cries when he was a baby and never really throw tantrum. Now all has changed a few months ago. It's getting worse. We just cannot afford to give in any more. We don't want a spoilt child.

I am trying to be considerate and reason with Reese but at times it simply won't work. Books will tell you to be patient and bla...bla...bla... we tried but not working. Every child is different and we as parents are doing our best to make sure we are fair to him and at the same time discipline him. He is no longer a baby. He is very manupulative too. Ah... getting tougher being a parent.... what's next I wonder...

You know you are a homeschooling mom when....

You became a scrap collector... (to be used for arts and crafts or science/geography/math projects)

Doubling mind activities... (You are constantly thinking of what and how to teach using the things surrounding you)

Books and toys crazy... (Looking for great books and educational toys wherever you go)

Net addict... (Always surfing the net for educational/inspirational/motivational websites to improve yourself and your child)

Sensitive... (Anything with the word 'Home Schooling' will immediately cause you to be on full alert)

Became an opportunist! (Every minute is an opportunity to learn something! For example, Reese learned a little science during one of his poo session) :)

Jack of all trades... ( From being a fitness trainer to Scientist to waitress and even the janitor? ) :)

Couldn't care less about what the latest programs being offered to improve/enhance your child's academic progress. Seriously... there are tons of programs from mental arithmatic to phonetic programs out there that claimed to be good and bla..bla..bla... no doubt some of them are really good... but many parents don't realised that you can also do the same at home.... if you do a little research and mix and match.... you just might be able to teach your child effectively... don't need to waste money and time to send your children to these places....

Dreamer... (Dreams about lessons, laughter, sadness in your journey as a homeschooling mom)

Educator of some sort... (Educating others about homeschooling as an alternative route to learning)

Worrier... (As a new homeschooling mom... I am still not confident yet with my ability to teach my son)

Praying extra hard to God.... hehehe...

My journey as a homeschooling mom is still in it's infancy... but I am slowly getting the hang of it and loving it more day by day.... I am proud to tell anyone that I am a homeschooling mom!

The Dark Side of Preschool

Came across this article and I think it's pretty interesting. It's worth a read.


Excerpts from the article:

You send your child to preschool, hoping she will learn better people skills. Instead, she comes back with new behavior problems—-increased rudeness, or whining, or aggression. Spending lots of time with peers doesn’t seem to have improved her social skills. It’s made them worse!

It’s an experience shared by many parents, according to researchers at Stanford and the University of California.

Drawing on a massive, national database of over 14,000 children from diverse backgrounds, researchers examined the effects of preschool attendance on interpersonal skills, self control, and rates of aggression.

The results were remarkably clear:

“We find that attendance in preschool centers, even for short periods of time each week, hinders the rate at which young children develop social skills and display the motivation to engage classroom tasks, as reported by their kindergarten teachers” (Loeb et al 2005).

We might guess that the problem lies with poor quality preschool centers. But even high income children—-who presumably attend the better preschools—-showed increased behavioral problems if they had attended at least 15 hours a week (Loeb et al 2005). Moreover, the effect is dosage-dependent. The more time children spend in centers, the worse their behavior becomes.

Similar results were reported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD), which conducted a rigorous longitudinal study on the effects of childcare on children under 5 (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 2003).

Over a thousand children were tracked from infancy to kindergarten by investigators at over 20 prominent research universities.

Researchers found that the more time kids spent in non-maternal care during the first 4.5 years of life, the more behavioral problems they developed.

Problems included defiance--like talking back, throwing temper tantrums, and refusing to cooperate. They also included aggressive behaviors--being cruel, destroying toys and other objects, and getting into physical fights.

In addition, kids who spent more time in childcare were rated as less socially competent by their mothers and kindergarten teachers.

The rest of the article can be found here: http://www.parentingscience.com/preschool-stress.html

Bean Bag...

We just got Reese a nice big bean bag by Wow. I didn't know bean bags can be so comfortable and I think it's also good for my spine. When you sit on it, it will automatically envelop you according to your body shape and size and thus every part of your back is supported. It is also lightweight. You can move it around the house. I like it. Reese loves it too. It fits him perfectly and he uses it to watch TV and even drink milk lying down on it! :) It's a good piece of furniture for both adults and kids and it looks good too. :)

Playing with Ipod

See how comfortable he is

Can rest on it nicely

It fits him nicely

Lying down to drink his milk

Down with Fever and Throat Infection

Sick and didn't run around... just rest on the sofa and watched cartoons

Like a King

Out of the blue on Sunday night Reese became sick. He had slight fever and was trying to cough out something... We were baffled. Why the coughing suddenly? Daddy fed him his dinner of fried fish and suspected he might missed out a fish bone and Reese probably had a fish bone stuck in his throat. So how? He was feverish, and constantly trying to cough something out and at one point even used his finger to dig! And it didn't helped that a few days back my aunt mentioned about kids being struck with Autism after taking vaccination... that really freaks me out because I have heard of it before. Reese just took his Hep A a couple of days ago. Reese also vomitted a few times. So out of desperation, we decided to take him to a nearby clinic to check. Thank God nothing was wrong just a very 'red' throat and no fish bones.

Felt much better. Didn't sleep well at all because Reese still has high fever and was shivering (first time seeing him like that)... the thought of Autism still lingers and I stayed up to sponge him down for a good 45 minutes. When I went to bed, it was already 5am. By 7.30am, Reese was up and whining. Took him to the Pediatrician and was told that he has a throat infection. Has to monitor the situation because with fever and infection, his red blood cells might burst due to his G6PD condition. So Reese was prescribed Augmentine (Antibiotic to be taken for 7 days) , Aerius (cold and cough) and Uphamol (fever).

We used to have nightmares feeding Reese medication. This time around thank God it's alot easier. Very minimal resistance. So one thing less to worry. He is still feverish as I write this post, fever off and on and highest recorded was 38.8. Didn't sleep well yesterday as he was coughing. He is not used to it because this is the first time he experience something like that. So hopefully he will be better today.

I also took the opportunity to ask the doctor about vaccination and Autism, she explained that it was the MRR jab that 'might' cause Autism in certain children as claimed by an American doctor who wrote a research paper on that with some evidence but later he retracted it because he was found to have falsified the research or something like that. The pediatrician also said that should a child have Autism, it will show by age two with all the symtoms.

Making up songs, poems, jingles...

This is what Reese recite just now....

I see the moon,
And the moon sees cow,
God bless the moon,
And God bless the cow,
moooooooo.....

Original:

I see the moon,
The moon sees me,
God bless the moon,
God bless me.

It's funny what he can come out with. A week or so ago, daddy taught him this:

Row, row, row your kayak,
Gently down the river,
Merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.

Ever since then, he will substitute words to his songs, poems or jingles. He finds it funny and he enjoys it.

Future Inheritance

Daddy Reese is a Zoid collector from young. Mummy Reese (I) has recently become a Lego collector. Our study room is running out of space to accommodate our growing collection. When Reese is older, he is going to have alot of Legos and Zoids to play with! :)

Reese started to enjoy building blocks and the house daddy built is his current favourite toy. He will ask for the 'big' house when he wakes up in the morning, play with it during the day and before bedtime. He loves to go 'upstairs', open windows and doors, 'picking' flowers and 'Christmas' trees. Both Daddy Reese and I enjoy playing Lego with Reese.

Latest Zoids

Some of these are more than 20 years old

Most of them in the above picture were toys my hubby collected since primary school

My first Racer-Technic series by Lego

My first Creator Lego house and Racer series

My latest collection from the Coast Guard series by Lego

Reese having fun with the Lego helicopter

Playing Lego with daddy

Daddy design and built this house with lots of windows and doors and check out the funny looking truck!

I built a smaller house at the side... hehee..

This house has a second floor and it has a big roof top garden...

An evening at KLCC

Yesterday we took Reese to KLCC in the evening. It was a nice outing with a nice surprise before we left the place. We had KFC for dinner and then proceeded to Toys'R'Us to buy a set of Legos. Then we headed to the big fountain near the park. It was dizzling and Reese was so excited watching the fountain so daddy shielded him with the box of Lego... hehehe...

After that we went to the bookstore and bought Reese a music CD about animals. He had a lot of fun running around the upper floors of KLCC and looking at some displays at the Petronas science centre. Next, we went to the play area at Isetan, he played with Legos and megablocks. He actually built a tower so tall that he climbed up a chair to continue building his tower!

Next we had 1901's soakin ted for a snack. It's a hotdog on a stick. :) Before we left, we went to the fountain once more and this time, Reese saw a half moon playing hide and seek. He was really fascinated by it. So there we were, a family of three sitting on the steps under a half moon watching a big fountain and people around us. It was relaxing. Then..... boom boom boom! Fireworks!! It was a pleasant surprise really. Didn't expect that. So we enjoyed a 5 minutes or so fireworks display. Reese was busy watching the half moon coming out and hiding, the fireworks and the fountain.... he enjoyed them. After the fireworks, Reese requested to leave and on the way out, another surprise... our parking was free! We spent a good 3 hours in KLCC.

Pictures taken with my camera phone:

Shielding the big boss from rain

Enjoying the view and fountain

Nice view

Have to take a picture of the famous towers

Playing blocks at Isetan

Waiting for the snacks

Sitting among the crowd

Fireworks!

Reese is over weight!

I took Reese to the pediatrician just now because Reese has an eye infection probably due to dust, so one of his eye is tearing and once dry can be sticky...so he was precribed with some antibiotic drops. The doctor did a detail health check on Reese since he is a toddler now and he found that he is the fastest growing child in all aspect among all children he sees at his clinic... hehhee... but... he also said that Reese is over weight.

His weight is over the 95% percentile! (17.45 kg) It's out of the line in the graph... As for his height, he is at 90% percentile (96cm). He is being compared to Americans and not Asian kids.....

So I need to help him lose some weight! Doctor suggests I reduce his food portion. He is eating very healthy food so that is good but need to reduce the portion and maybe make him run more! He is already super active....Aiyo....

Another thing, now that he is a toddler, the doctor said that there is a need to clean his birdie every day with water by pulling up the foreskin gently. Otherwise, he will risk infection. You can't pull it up too hard as that will hurt the child as it is not fully opened yet. So has to be gentle when doing it. At times, Reese will experience itchiness on his birdie. So I had to use dettol to gently clean the birdie (dettol is not necessary, water will do according to doctor) and today the doctor shown me how retract his foreskin. So mummies with boys (toddlers)... got to start cleaning the birdie properly.

Planets and Vegetables...

Reese enjoying some reading time with us before bedtime. Reading time includes looking at picture books, storybooks, sticker books and singing books too! This usually last at least one hour before he takes his milk and then rolling on the bed talking and eventually falling asleep. That's my boy.

Naming the planets....


Naming vegetables

The King if not more...

Reese is really the King of the house. In the above picture, a typical evening at my mother's place. Reese was being fed by Kakak and my dad making sure he drinks water (holding the water bottle) while Rascal King watched Little Einstein! So pampered!!

My little rascal king has turned two and half (30 months) today. The past month was tough dealing with him and it still is! My guess he is almost at the peak of his terrible two stage. He wants things his way and his timing. Oh well, at least I am not the only mother going through this! Hehehe.... so I somewhat feels better. What is horrible three like I wonder....

So what to report for this month? mmmm.... everything is progressing from physical to mental.

Major changes is he is harder to control and causes my blood to constantly boiling!
He is less of a picky eater now and willing to take more rice and dishes.
He can read. :)
He can sing and recite rhymes, poems and jingles.
He is more creative in his play.
He is taller and heavier.
His tantrum is getting worse.
He has got quite a temper too.
He only go for the softer approach.
He also knows who to bully.
Very talkative and always make up or modify songs, rhymes, poems and jingles to his own liking.

That's it for this month.

Mummy, Daddy go away!

Last Sunday we took Reese to MidValley. He was as usual happy and ran around going from one place to the other. Then while in Jusco, daddy got some tokens for Reese to play and forcefully we put him in a moving 'police car' ride (I know, we shouldn't force him..lesson learned). He cried and screamed and kicked. At the end of the ride, I carried him and tried to calm him down and that was when he said he wants daddy go far away, he kept saying that while we took him out of Jusco. Daddy played along and went to hide and when in view, Reese protested again and wanted Daddy to go away.

When we were outside Jusco, I told him it's not right to shoo his daddy away and then he demanded that we both go away, he was jumping, crying, screaming at the top of his lungs for us to go away... everyone was staring and some laughing. We decided to walk away and hide and hope that he will be afraid, we were so wrong... the moment we came out of hiding, he screamed and cried and wanted us to go away.... the drama lasted about 10 to 15 minutes in full view of the public. At the end, we just walk away and hide and guess what Reese did? He stopped crying and happily walk alone towards Toy 'R' Us and constantly looking back to make sure we are no where in sight! Crazy I tell you. He went in to the toy shop and happily played with the toys for a good 20 minutes without feeling afraid. Both hubby and I were like some 'dungus' watching him from behind some toys making sure he didn't see us. After 20 minutes... I can't take it anymore... I think if given a choice, Reese will be happy playing until they close shop! So I went to say hello and we kissed and made up.

Oh boy.... my son is really at the height of his terrible two stage... wonder when it will end....mmmm....

Reese can read!

YES!!! YES!!!!

Reese can read.... did some phonics with him and for the first time, I actually make an effort to draw and do some pasting of words on the board for Reese to learn... I thought it would take a week or so for him to read but he surprised me by being able to read the words! I am so excited and happy.... :)

This morning after updating my blog, I decided to do some actual work with Reese on his reading. So I did some preparation and the first thing when Reese woke up... I show him the white board with the work I prepared. Did a little warm up and then Reese was able to recognize the words!! Tomorrow going to prepare another set of words.... we did 'at' 3 letter words today.

So so happy.... my son can read just before he turns 2.5 years old.... yippie...

Read Aloud: Mike Mulligan and More

This treasury consist of 4 wonderful stories by Virginia Lee Burton with themes that honor a simple way of life and celebrate heroes who endure through determination and by adapting to change.

I will be introducing this book to Reese this week and he will get to learn a few new things regarding construction and certain vehicles and work machine...

Science lesson for this week

Human Body

This week I am going to introduce Flip-Flap Body Book by Usborne to Reese. Since we made a trip to the dentist last week, it's about time to teach him about his body!

This book is actually a compilation of the following books:
- What happens to your food? (Hope to start on this..but will see what Reese is interested 1st)
- How do your senses work?
- How are babies made?

Hope this book will keep my little scientist entertained! Will think of a craft to do for this.

Space and Solar System

I will also be doing a little bit more on space with Reese this week. Perhaps tell him a little bit more about each planet? Do a craft base on space? Ah... maybe make a planet? Last week he learned about the types of moon; crescent moon, half moon, full moon... and he also learn about asteroids and meteoroids.... I like the space theme cause mummy is also learning with him. :)

Will be doing some online research and print some nice pictures of planets and gather some simple facts to teach Reese. This is going to be a fun week.

Earth Hour

On Friday I kept reminding myself that we should do our bit to support Earth Hour...and when the day and time came, I was busy getting Reese to sleep and forgot all about it!!! Aarrrggg.... only when I was blog hopping did I remember... Gosh...why am I so forgetful!

Oh well, I will try my best to do it next year....

Sorry earth...

Hugs and Poo Poo

I love it when it's poo poo time for Reese. I know... I know.... you hear it right. Let me explain. Reese is never an affectionate child where he will come and kiss or hug you willingly. So usually I have to ask for it and half the time I don't get what I wanted.

Now that Reese can sit and poo poo in the toilet, I will usually hold him while squatting or kneeling on the floor. I started to give him hugs and pats while singing or humming a song so that he can relax and poo..... Reese actually likes it and will really lean on me and hugs me and just be close to me while he does his business. I love it. It's one of those time that I can get real hugs and it's a wonderful feeling. I must say, that I usually have to hold my breath because it stinks! Hahaha... a little crazy but seriously... I love it when Reese leans on me and gives me hugs....

I hope as he grows older, he will give me more hugs and kisses. For now, I just have to get them during poo poo time!

Reese's favourite rhymes, poems and jingles

Whenever he feels like it, he will recite the following with great speed and accuracy.... he just loves them!

I see the moon,
and the moon sees me,
God bless the moon,
and God bless me. (His current favourite)

Yankee Doodle went to town
Riding on a pony,
Stuck a feather in his hat
And called it Macaroni.

Engine, engine number nine,
Running on Chicago line,
If she's polished, how she'll shine, (At times he doesn't recite this line)
Engine, engine number nine.

Star bright, star light,
First star I've seen tonight.
Wish I may, wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight. (Reese will usually recite up to the second line)

There were two blackbirds
Sitting on a hill,
The one named "Jack"
And the other named "Jill"
Fly away, Jack,
Fly away Jill,
Come again, Jack,
Come again, Jill.

Here is the church, here is the steeple,
Open the door and see all the people.
Here are the singers going upstairs,
And here is the minister saying his prayers. (Reese can't recite the last line yet)

Here is the bee-hive,
Where are the bees?
Hiding away where nobody sees.
They are coming out now,
They are all alive.
One! Two! Three! Four! Five! (Reese loves to play this finger game and all the tickling that comes with it!)

He is attempting to recite a tongue twister... Peter Piper pick a pack of pickled pepper..... :)

Mannerism

I have been following a homeschool forum on a topic concerning children's mannerism and behaviour in public. There are a few parents who ranted on the agressive behaviour of children they met in public and how irresponsible their parents were for not reprimanding their children for being rude. There are cases of children spatting and kicking strangers. The blame naturally fell on the parents but is it entirely parents fault that these children became rude and aggressive?

We live in a modern society where the way we raise our children is so different from the olden days. Children are more respected and given more freedom to express themselves and they can voice out their dislike. Naturally their behaviour and mannerism are different. Children now have a mind of their own and more vocal. Children being children, sometimes they do not know how to differentiate between what is proper and what is not or what is being polite and what is not.

Here is a scenario: Do you force a child to greet someone when the child doesn't want to or too shy or scared to do so? Scold the child because of that? For those who are understanding fine but for some they will call your child rude! In time, when the child is older they will learn to greet others, no?

Sad to say we also teach our children to beware of strangers and do not talk to them simply because our world is no longer safe and there are many crazy or should I use the word monstrous people out there. Why? we don't even give money to beggers and tell our children not to take pity on them because they may not be real at the same time we teach out children we should give to the needy! ah... children get confused :)

It is the job of the parents to teach them. Some children are very teachable and some not so. As parents, it's our duty to make sure our children behave appropriately in public. Easier said than done isn't it? I have seen how some parents struggle to control their children in public and came to a point that they just let it be because they have no more energy or just too frustrated! I pity them. It's also sad that some parents think that they are so perfect because their children always behave well in public that they have a right to think that all children should be that way! They are just lucky to have children that listen and obey. There are of course parents who couldn't care less. They just let their children behave the way they want and that is irresponsible.

For many families, one income is not sufficient to raise a family in comfort or for some to survive. Therefore both parents have to work and many children are placed at childcare centres and babysitters. No matter how great they are, it's different and many a time, children are left to play or watch TV on their own. Nothing compares to caring for your own child. That's the sacrify that parents have to make. They do not have a choice.

So tough huh?

Whenever we are in public, we will make sure Reese behave appropriately and try to get Reese to greet others but most of the time he will refuse to greet so we greet on his behalf. When he misbehave in public, no matter how tiring and frustrated we will make sure he doesn't offend others but for some people apparently that is not good enough. They will give you stares and funny looks. I get this once in a while at playgroup too!

So what do you think?

So much changes

At four weeks old

At 29 months and 17 days old

What a journey so far! It's really not easy to raise a child but I love every moment of it. Well, 99% of the time. Reese has been very difficult lately. Terrible two I guess! :) He will not want to go change, brush his teeth or even letting us take off his diaper!

Whenever it's time for these things, he will hop on to the bed and hide at the far end or will run/jump on the bed making it so hard to catch him! When we do catch him, he will scream and whine and kick..... then the crying and tantrum.... hai... it is so tough these days... he just want to do things at his own timing. As long as we do not force him into anything.. he is an angel. How? I was so frustrated last evening that I smack his thigh once (so ashamed and guilty). I have vowed not to use force but my anger and frustration took over me. I have been shouting and yelling alot at Reese. I really don't know what to do. It's getting hard to control him. Hopefully it's only a phase.

Learning about Space

Reese loves Rocket ( Little Eiesteins). Daddy taught him a little bit about how Rocket can fly high up in the sky and goes to space to planet Jupiter!! :)

Last week with his new Picture Dictionary, he learned about space, planets and satelite.

Science Lesson

1. He now knows all 9 planets by name

2. He can tell you which is the biggest and the smallest planet in space

3. He knows we live on earth

4. He knows the sun is very hot and he calls it a blazing sun!

5. He knows what a satellite looks like

6. He knows what is an astronaut

Field Trip- A Visit to a Child Friendly Dentist

Last weekend I received an sms from the playgroup coordinator saying that we will be visiting a child friendly dentist. I was so excited because we have yet to bring Reese to a dentist for a checkup!! And I didn't want Reese to have a bad experience at the dentist.

I was impressed with what I saw and heard today. This dentist we visited was very child friendly. The moment you enter you will be greeted with a bucket of toys and simple and yet modern interior. In the dental room it's even better, there is a TV mounted on the ceiling with Disney channel on. On the ceiling right above the dental chair, was a collage of pictures and cartoon characters. There are even a few butterflies and dragon flies on the ceiling. Very nice. Next, about Mr. Dentist. He is a very nice soft spoken man who knows how to entertain kids! Got a few good tips on the care of a child's teeth and also the services that he offers. One of them was to let the child come and visit him, be familiar with the surrounding and tools he uses and he won't charge you a dime! Nice huh?

The kids had alot of fun at the dental clinic. They were shown how to brush their teeth, get a chance to sit on the 'rocket chair' going up and down, get to suck water out of a paper cup, getting a feel of the mist and even making a glove balloon!

At the end of the visit, each child was given a present (toothpaste, Oral-B toothbrush, colour pencils and a poster/activity sheet.

Reese enjoyed his visit but was also distracted by the Little Einstein on TV at the dental clinic. :)

Waiting to greet the dentist

Nice collage on the ceiling, there are even butterflies and dragonflies

The children taking turns to brush teeth

Ah, presents for everyone.. Reese is in the middle checking out his present

Reese gets to try the 'rocket chair' but he got distracted by Little Einstein on TV!

After playgroup, Reese kept asking to return to the dental clinic. He now knows what a dentist does! Brush teeth... hahaha...

First Ice Cream in a cone!

We tried giving Reese ice cream many months ago and he disliked it. We reintroduce ice cream to him about a month ago. He had a little. He liked it. Tonight at my mom's place after dinner, he was given a cone of ice cream (courtesy of Yeye). He learned how to lick an ice cream cone! :) and slowly he ate everything from ice cream to the last bit of wafer. :) This is going to be a rare treat... don't want him to eat too much sweet stuff!

Are you a Pop-Up Book Fan?

A few months ago, hubby bought a very nice pop-up book (Journey To The Moon) for Reese. He bought it at Borders. It was in their Bargain Corner. It was Rm39.90 or maybe slightly less. I can't remember.

What I want to point out is that the pop-ups are really nice and it's 3D! well, almost. We have yet to let Reese enjoy this book because he might destroy it! :) Still waiting for the right time to introduce the book to him. We know he will love it.

I would recommend this book for some imaginative play. Y It's not much of a reading material though. You have to see the real thing to appreciate it. It's really nice.

You can turn the fans (Is that what you call it?) and the plane is 3D

The jeep is 3D and also the jungle

The rocket and planet Saturn are 3D and you can spin the spaceship!

Shopping

I love the weekends. It's the time where I get to spent it with Reese and Daddy Reese. We will go out for food, enjoy some shopping (usually window shopping) and simply relax at home.

Yesterday was no difference but...

We didn't buy Reese anything!! It's rare. Hahaha....

Instead, hubby bought me Lego the creator series. One that I have been eying for a super long time. Then I told hubby, if you buy that for me you will also have to buy something for yourself! So while I took care of Reese, he went and got himself 2 shirts and 3/4 pants from Quicksilver.

I am having so much fun building my dream house!

Although Reese didn't get anything he did ate Baskin Robbins ice cream with cookies and for the first time, he used the public toilet! I am so proud of him. He wee and poo in the children's toilet. Thank God it was superbly clean. It sure was an experience. :)

Then later in the evening, we had dinner at an open air hawker centre. Reese was really good and we had a more normal hawker meal like we used to before Reese was born! After dinner we went to Ikano and there was a Popular book fair. I bought Reese a Little Eisteins My First Picture Dictionary. So at the end of the day Reese did get something. :)

Nice pictures with relevant topics. A good book to build vocabulary

Reading:Phonics

Ah..... I am really blessed with a child that learns easily. Maybe my dream of Reese reading at two and half might be a reality! :)

I started to teach Reese alphabets when he was about 16 months by flashing cards and sometimes watching starfall.com. By 18 months he knows all his 26 alphabets both upper and lower case.

Then I taught him to associate things that begins with a certain alphabets. This was done off and on in a very informal way. Like when we are in the car passing by a certain thing that he knows and I will tell him that so and so begins with so and so letter. Soon he understood the concept and started to associate things to letters on his own.

About 2 months (Reese was 28 months) back I casually introduced phonics sound to Reese. I did it in the car most of the time while traveling to and from my mother's place. This activity lasted for 5 minutes and no more. In less than 2 weeks later, my boy mastered all the sounds of the 26 alphabets.

Then just 2 weeks ago, again casually I introduced 2 letters combination sound. While driving home one evening, I told him that a-t is 'at' sound and continued on with 'ag, ab, ad, am, an, ap'. I repeated another 2 times and Reese repeated after me. The next day I tested him and Wow! he remembered and so I introduced the 'i' combination. In one week, he did all the 'a' , 'i', 'o' letter combination. This was mostly done verbally.

I am proud to say that as of yesterday he knew all vowel combination except 'e' because I didn't want him confused with 'a'. When I tested him visually, surprisingly he has no problem telling me the sounds. He is a clever boy.

Now I am quite confident that he might be able to read 3 letter words by the end of this month or early next month. It will depend on whether I want to spend sometime teaching him that or not... hehehe... abit lazy.

**If you think I might be pushing my son to read at such a tender age, I want to reassure you that I am not. Reese has a very good memory and he learns very fast. I have never done any formal learning with him. The discovery of him learning so quickly were all through informal play and he enjoys every moment of it.