YvoNne's Parenting Journey and Tips, Photography Blog

Malaysia Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Program

2012-02-11T10:46:00.001+08:00

I am proudly to tell that I am now a certified Malaysian Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor. . Last week during the weekend and public holidays I had attended this course to equip myself with better knowledge in order to help/assist and promote breastfeeding..

I may not know everything in this subject matters but I will try my very best to support any mother who want to breastfeed their baby..

below are some pictures that I captured during the class to share with everyone.. I believe with the patients we all have towards breastfeeding we will be able to help many mummies out there to successfully breastfeed their little one..

these mummies are pumping in peace some reading.. some doing homework..

Chloe also attended the 3 days course together with mummy..

the place we had our training for 3 days.. and thanks to the organiser although it was public holiday but with their commitment toward breastfeeding we all together made this training course a successful one.

chloe and other baby also is little peer counselor on breastfeeding matters oh.. they are the little prof in sucking the breast!!!

Me nurse in pease during the class and discussing with others.

are been taught on how to help mother to breastfeed after they had their c-sec..

this is a closing activities - and we just form a new network to help any mothers out there with breastfeeding issue. I am proud I am one of them too!!

Cert presentation.. I am a graduate of this course now!!

our breast model.. same with real life.. it comes with all different kind of shapes and presentation..

mummies and baby who has complete this course together..

proudly presented my certificate!!

To whom (my friends, my reader) whoever need support on breastfeeding might drop me an email via the Contact Form I will try my very best to reply and help you through your breastfeeding journey.. :)

Chloe @ 4.5 months

2012-02-10T19:10:00.001+08:00

Chloe is such a happy baby she is now 4 month and 2 weeks old (but the picture taken below when she is 3.5 mths old.. she is cheerful and very responsive :) is all worth while even I am so tired and restless.. seeing her smile I feel everything is worth and he just melt my heart everyday..

Today Chloe is at 4 months 2 weeks and 1 days old..
weight: 6.8kg
height: 61cm

Developmental Progress
She still not yet rolling over
Rock like an aeroplane
Sitting with support
Swaps object from hand to hand
Teeth - 1 came out (bottom) and 1 more coming out (bottom)
Wave Rattle
Make noise with rattle
Drop and Pick up game
Sleeping through nite
Utter sound "m"/"b"
more define emotions

she can laugh out loud with sound.. so cute and funny..

she is so lovely and her smile is so sweet..

finally i can lift my head up like this loh.. :)

Chloe -- mummy love you to bit!!!

Terms You Need To Know About Cloth Diaper

2012-02-08T18:27:00.000+08:00

As a newbies will always confused with all kind of choices and terms that is using in describing and differentiating different type of cloth diaper (CD) available in the market.. after I takes sometimes in understanding it.. I would like to share with my reader so you have clearer pictures about CD if you would like to start CDing your little one..

Type of CD:-

Pocket CD - with insert (meaning a CD with a opening for you to insert the microfibre/bamboo/charchoal/cotton insert - wash the whole Pocket CD everytime after used (below is Autumnz's Minky Snap pocket CD)

All in One - AIO - meaning it is one whole piece the absorbent layer (some call it soaker/insert) are sew to the cover/shell - wash the whole AIO everytime after used (below is sample AIO diaper (BumGenius 4.0 Freetime)

All in Two - AI2 - the absorbent layer (soaker/insert) are not sew or attached to the shell/cover. you will place/attach the absorbent layer on top of the inner cover/shell. You can wash only the insert/soaker after each changes without soil, shell/cover can be reused for twice but some mother change the whole set due to hygiene. Once soiled change the whole set. (below is AI2 Grovia)

Pre-fold Diaper - there is cover/shell and the absorbent layer is a big piece of cloth which u need put fold it and place on top of the inner cover to wear it.

Terms used commonly:

CD - Cloth Diaper
OS - one size - meaning the CD is adjustable to fit your little one normally from 3kg - 15kg
Fitted - mean there is sizing S, M, L size
AIO - All in One
AI2- All in Two
Folded/ prefold CD
PUL - Polyurethane laminated - is type of material used in Cover/shell - waterproof
Minky - type of material used in cover/shell - soft and pushy
Shell/cover - the part prevent the wee/poo from leaking
Insert/soaker - the absorbent layer
Doubler/booster - a mini add on insert/soaker to increase the capacity of the absorbency
Microfibre / cotton / Bamboo / charcoal cotton / fleece - are all different types of material used in making the CD
Velcro - is type of the fastening of the CD - it function similarly like a sticker
Snap/buttons - is type of the fastening of the CD - it snap it on like a button

Kinderland Kindergarten Kota Kemuning

2012-02-08T13:43:00.000+08:00

Methodolody - Play based & activities based
Mandatory Language - English but is trilingual Kindergarten
School hours - 8.30am-12pm
School fees: RM350/mth, advance deposit 1 mth, registration fees RM80, Material fees RM240 (2 times a year), Uniform RM30/set (min 2-3 set), Studen PA insurance RM20
Not very academic driven (3 and 4 yo class no homework - then 5 - 6 with homework) - pre-writing skills
Class size - max 16 students
Teacher : Student Ration - 1:8 (1 class will have 2 teachers)
Syllabus for age 3 - Theme based Learning, Kindermusic, art and craft, music and movement, self help
Snack is provided by school
After school activities - drama, drawing etc but from age 4
Student are allow to play outdoor 3 times week
Safety policy: conventional key lock system. Got the sign in and out for pick up and drop off. Door is locked always. Morning there is health check (temperature and syndrome for Hand food mouth disease)
Teaching method - activities based
Discipline method - Encouragement and time out. 1 to 1 talk. No Cane.
School established - 7 years (at KK)
They send the teacher for training in-house and outside too.
Teacher qualification - diaploma in early childhood
Progress check - 2 times a year record book, teacher - parent communications once a week, there is a assessment book that teacher will right the progress of our child
classroom concept - class room style
I don't feel very welcome but also don't feel not welcome
Cleanliness - slightly better than average
no visible of student drawing and works in the classroom
Not to say ventilation in classroom not very good but not as bad
they have mini toilet bowl for the kids and have mini hand rails at staircase.
student are given chance to express themselves
classroom and school are relatively crowded and place look a little bit messy (maybe due to space constrain)
excursion 1 time a year from 4 yo class
Others - extra: they hv keyboard learning from 4yo onwards, computer lesson twice (from age 4)
Reaction when i said Marcus not yet verbalised: (positive) she said that's why need to send to school so that they have opportunity to learn to speak out more.

Kindergarten Tunas Riang Bukit Rimau

2012-02-01T17:04:00.001+08:00

This is our kindergarten search and school tour.. forgot to take pic of the inside of the building but overall i like their concept and cleanliness.. below the summary of my tour and observation

Methodolody - montessori + play based
Mandatory Language - English but is trilingual Kindergarten
School hours - 8am-12pm
School fees: RM380/mth, advance deposit 1 mth, registration fees RM80, Material fees RM560 (2 times a year), Uniform RM96 (2 set), P.E attire RM30, Studen PA insurance RM20
Not very academic driven (3 and 4 yo class no homework - then 5 - 6 with homework) - no writing for age 3 class
6yo classes got divide into 2 types (SMK primary school - which teach BM and English) and (Chinese school primary - focus more on mandarin)
Class size - max 25 students
Teacher : Student Ration - 1:8 (1 class will have 3 teachers)
Syllabus for age 3 - teaching a-z for english, bahasa melayu, 1-10 for english, art and craft, music and movement, science
Snack - 9.15am - 9.30am (parents need to provide snack ourself - reason due to allergy possibility)
After school activities - optional young discovery programe which is from 12pm - 2pm (lunch provided and will have montessori play and other enrichment program) - RM250
Student are allow to play outdoor once a week
Safety policy: every morning there is a temperature gun to measure all kids and parents who enter the school if fever cannot go through. They have cctv in all classroom and outdoor. Parent are required to fill in a authorization list who can pick up our kid other than parents, if other than the list we parents need to give the school the picker's IC number and they will check before release our kid. All entrance into the school are locked or with the digital key access system.
Teaching method - flash card and etc.. no TV teaching
Discipline method - 1 to 1 talk with the kids, or when kids misbehave teacher will make the kid stand next to teacher for 5 minutes then talk to him/her and explain before let him back to mix with other kids again. No Cane.
School established - 2002
They send the teacher for training in-house and outside too.
Progress check - 2 times a year. but we can chat with the teacher when we send our kid to school everyday.
classroom concept - open concept. each class is divided by racks only
I feel welcomed
Cleanliness - yes very clean and toilet also very clean :)
in classroom can see a lot of kids drawing hanging around
classroom has good ventilation
they have mini toilet bowl for the kids
student are given chance to express themselves
classroom and school are spacious
excursion only have on 2nd semester of 4 yo class
Reaction when i said Marcus not yet verbalised: (positive) he can learn at school and from other peer kids..

Cloth Diaper Addict

2012-01-30T21:05:00.002+08:00

Not to say I am new to cloth diapering (CDing) because I have been CDing Marcus last time but only on a part time basis. But recently I am really crazy and addicted to CD.. there are just so nice to wear on my baby Chloe.. and now I plan to full time CDing Chloe.. last time I am only doing part time with Marcus and never serious about understand it.. but it is really not easy for a beginner to understand all those terms (I will share with you in future on the terms on Cloth Diaper as much as I know it and brands that I used and which are good and not so good)

now I can say I love the CD so much and I am like addicted to it. Reason why I love to CDing?

fashionable
breathable
chemical free (the chemical in disposable diaper is very bad especially for girls)
comfortable (we woman wear pads for 5-7 days also feel uncomfortable not to say baby wearing 24 x 7 right?)
Reusable
Cost saving in long run
Eco-friendly (must go green now for our next generation)
Got resell value (if good condition can resell to others)

Handmade Breast Milk Soap for Sell

2012-01-18T10:55:00.000+08:00

I have sent my breast milk to made some soap with soap maker Lullabelle all together there is 10 batches of soap x 8 pcs each batch.. I have some spare to let it go at the following price.

1pc x RM25

3pcs x RM60

Courier fees will be RM7.00 via pos laju.

Expire Date: Jan 2014 (after expire can still use up to 2018 just the scent lesser)

Can use from: Feb 2012

If you are interested you may drop me a message via the contact form (just click here will link you to the page) provided:-

Please cut and paste and fill in the details as below:-

Contact number:

Address (for postage):

Types of soap and quantity: (eg: Mugwort Blessing Soap x 1)

_______________
_______________
_______________

I will reply you with my bank details after the order is confirm.

Details of my soap is as below:-

All 10 batches of breast milk soaps specially dedicated for baby, kids, sensitive, problematic and rashes skin which are the following:

a. 2 bacthes of Mugwort Blessing Soap

Main ingredients: calendula infused oil ,mugwort powder, mugwort e.o, patchouli e.o and mugwort soap pieces

b. 2 batches of Hinoki Blessing Soap

Main ingredients: sweet almond oil, calendula infused oil,hinoki eo & hinoki powder

c. 1 Chamomile Baby Soap

Main ingredients: calendula infused oil, chamomile powder, grapefruit e.o & sweet orange e.o

d. 1 Calendula Blessing Soap

Main ingredients: Calendula oil, calendula powder, calendula petals, sweet orange and may chang

e. 1 Artemisia Baby Soap

Main ingredients: Calendula oil, artemisia powder, eucalyptus e.o, peppermint e.o, &lavender soap pieces

f. 1 Osmanthus Baby Soap

Main ingredients: osmanthus powder, euclaytus, peppermint e.o &patchouli e.o, calendula oil, macadamia oil

g. 1 Pearl Baby Soap

Main ingredients: pearl powder & charcoal powder(on top as swirling), lavender eo, rosemary eo, calendula oil

h. 1 Seven White Herbal Soap

Main ingredients: 1 seven powder, calendula soap pieces, calendula oil, rosemary oil, rose oil

Due to there are many type of soaps, therefore I just listed down function of the herb powder and essential oil that I used for this custom made breast milk soaps.Herbs powder & Essential oils:

Hinoki powder and hinoki wood essential oils in it! Hinoki Wood has great antiseptic properties, long lasting and moisturizing. It smoothes your skin's texture, minimizes visible signs of aging, and simulates circulation. Good for people with allergy, eczema, psoriasis and Potent antioxidant properties.Pearl powder which Chinese believe calm the spirit, steady the mind and promote good sleep as well as beautifies the skin.

Peppermint essential oil has its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms and pain.
May chang essential oil has astringent-like properties, and as such, it helps close the skin pores, preventing skin conditions. It also helps cure skin blemishes and tightens the skin, retaining a youthful appearance. It also relieves excessive oil in the skin by maintaining the oil balance, and prevents pimples, acne and black or whiteheads.May chang oil also helps cure dermatitis and psoriasis. In lactating mothers, May chang essential oil helps in milk secretion.

Eucalyptus essentials oil offers more unique benefits. You can use Eucalyptus oil to do everything from healing wounds faster to solving respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma. Of course, like many other essential oils, Eucalyptus can also be used as a hair care product or as a household aroma.

Calendula infused oil, caledula and powder are considered to be the most nourishing ingredients for sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.

Artemisia powder is added in the soap production, which contains essential minerals and vitamins for healthy skin. It can help to ease muscle pain and heal skin lesions, insect bites, and bruises. Other uses for wormwood include fever reduction, reducing pain for women during labor, and easing the symptoms of depression. Artemisia has the most comprehensive positive good energy. It does help us purify the body and mind and our skin complexion.

Charcoal powder has proven track record for its detoxifying power. It is used to effectively cleanse and whiten your skin, unclog pores, remove impurities and dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, resulting supple, delicate and smooth skin.

Osmanthus flower powder added to promotes beautiful skin, provide radiant skin and improve the appearance of skin.

Seven White powder good for whitening, reduce scars and make the skin glow and radiant. It was specially formulated by Taiwanese Chinese Herb Medicine Doctor according Malaysia skin types and weather.

Sweet Orange essential oil has zesty citrus, sweet, strong aroma and it is cheering, refreshing, uplifting, and comforting.

Chamomile powder & e.o ideal ingredient to be used in general skin care, and especially where inflammation may be present, such as in various skin problems, including acne, irritation and other forms of rashes and skin complaints, plus the fact that it promotes granulation and cell regeneration.

Hinoki Essential Oil is well known for its ability to naturally kill bacteria, viruses, viral infections and fungus. Hinoki Oil is said to have a relaxing and decongestant effect on the body, helping to relieve tension and stress. It is also excellent for alleviating sinus and chest congestion and respiratory problems. Hinoki Oil is considered to be gentle on the skin and is a very effective antiseptic for healing and treating skin problems, such as rashes, cuts, abrasions and minor skin irritations.

Grapefruit essential oil can also be applied as an antiseptic on wounds, cuts, acne and infections to prevent any microbial infections.

Mugwort essential oil is good for women’s complaints and supports the womb. It eases painful menstrual cramps, relaxes tension through the abdominal area and encourages blood flow when periods are delayed or scanty. With skin complaints mugwort is said to alleviate eczema, acne and psoriasis. It is also helpful with actinic keratosis, reducing the abnormal cell production and promoting healthy cell growth.

Patchouli is effective for fungal and bacterial infection and is of great help for insect bites. It could also be used as an insect repellant and effective in fighting water retention and to break up cellulite, easing constipation and helping to reduce overweight. Furthermore, it has a great deodorizing action, and helps when feeling hot and bothered, while cooling down inflammations and assisting with wound healing.

The health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation and treat respiratory problems.

Rosemary essential oil helps to ease congestion, puffiness and swelling and can also be used for acne, dermatitis and eczema, but a very popular use of this oil is the use in hair care products, as it has a pronounced positive effect on the health of the hair and scalp. It increases the circulation to the scalp and is therefore also effective for promoting hair growth.

Rose oil have a host of beneficial affects on the skin and are great for promoting a youthful complexion with good tone, elasticity and an even colored complexion.

Swim Playgroup

2012-01-17T18:29:00.000+08:00

Last weekend we went to a swimming themed Playgroup.. a friend whose house having a salted pool and invited us over for a pot luck and swim playgroup.. a lot of mummies turn up.. and mummies are having fun chit chatting to each other and the kids are happily playing and munching around.. marcus now will have more interaction with other kids.. he will kind of like passing things and showing interest on what's other babies are doing.. he is also very enjoying going for playgroup nowadays..

in the swimming pool.. marcus was the only independent swimmer.. he is wearing the floats clothes and he can swim all over the pool on himself.. I am happy to see he can swim on his own.. and he really love swimming.. :)

the fat mummy with my handsome boy marcus..

I did bring along Chloe too.. but I didn't let her swim this time.. :)

this was the pool and you see all the mummies and baby and kids around and playing.. we had real fun that day.. taking this photo while i nurse in peace on a swing.. :)

2012-01-13T18:40:00.001+08:00

recently went to a playgroup organised by a friend.. and she is very kind and teaching us how to make muffin.. the muffins was really yummy n it is easy to made actually.. so i will be testing it again on my own after buying the ingredients.. :)

The Recipe is as below (credit to Jac Quak):-

Banana Chocholate Chip Muffins ( x 12 pieces)

Dry Ingredients: all mixed together in a DRY BOWL

2 cups all-purpose flour / self raising flour (sift flour)

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips / nuts

Wet Ingredients: all mixed together in a WET BOWL

1 egg

3/4 cup milk

1/3 cup butter (melted) / vegetable oil

2 over-ripe bananas (smashed)

Steps:-

Preheat oven to 180 degrees
In a large bowl (dry bowl), combine and mix all the dry ingredients
In a small bowl (wet bowl), beat egg, and add in all the wet ingredients (mix with spatula)
Stir the mixed wet ingredients into the dry bowl just until moistened (do not over mix!)
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full
bake at 180 degree for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Enjoy ur muffins!!!

*** you may mixed and match other ingredients just by replacing the chocholate chips with strawberry or other ingredients..

bottom right is the mixed ingredients for wet and dry bowl..

I was making one round of the muffins.. :)

muffin ready to go into the oven

we have 6 -7 rounds of making with different flavours..

this is my muffin.. due to i am using the Chocolate Muffin with White Chocolate Chips and Marshmallow.. and put too much marshmallow.. :P and everyone having a good laugh at the muffins look..

here.. i am still proud with my production.. and they taste just yummy.. :)

KK Playgroup - Finger Painting

2012-01-09T12:56:00.000+08:00

Last weekend we have this finger painting theme for our playgroup.. and the kids are super enjoying themselves with the painting.. some are enjoying eating it too.. they are so cute and adorable.. I love to see their big smile and they all all engaged in the painting for about 45 min or so..

for marcus he doesn't really like his hand dirty sometimes.. so he will ask to clean his hand with is dirty.. but this time you look at him.. he is so enjoy with the painting too.. and he is big enough to know that those painting is not edible and he doesn't eat it at all.. my marcus boy has grown up.. :) he is now more open and have interaction with other kids and adults.. I am great to see his improvement and all paid well for the effort i put in for organising the playgroup for everyone.. satisfying!!!

Look at the babies below.. they are so so lovely right??

Home Made Finger Paints Recipe

2012-01-06T18:35:00.003+08:00

Home Made Finger Paints Recipe are as stated above.. it is pretty simple to make it your own..

Ingredients:

1/2 cup corn flour

1/2 tbs salt

3 tbs sugar

2 cups of water

food colouring

method:

put all ingredients into saucepan
put it over the stove and hit/cook until thicken
constantly stiring it until thicken and color become like transparent (earlier is white color)
off the fire and let it to be cold down
divide the portion evenly for the color u want to do
put it in a bowl and add in food colouring to your desire color
scope and put into the glass bottle

FAQ:-

When can my little one play finger painting? - when your LO can sit up on his own.
Why need to be home made? - 1st is cheap, 2nd is safe.. which is edible (but it doesn't meant to be eaten but just in case)
How do you store them? just at a cold place will do..
How long can it last? this I am not sure as normally do when want to play or the day before.

the food colouring i bought..

corn flour.. and i use the rice cup :)

put everything in..

cook and stir.. it become transparent like this - this is still hot..

the consistency like this.. slowly dropping down..

after cold down then it is like glue and not waterly

put in a bowl and add in color and mix well..

dang dang.. this is the finger paint colours..

Why preschool is important?

2012-01-06T14:58:00.001+08:00

above is a title post that I read at ParenThots today.. and I has been trying to see what system of education is good and the most important is "suitable" for marcus.. as parents, yes.. i admitted sometimes I will be kiasu too.. but come to early childhood education I always think that at such a young age.. he is now 27 months old.. he should be playing than studying his ABC.. unlike us last time.. we were playing at 'tepi longkang' and trying to catch the longkang fishes.. running in the greens and playing stones and whatever things that we can found with our neighbours friends.... and the kids nowadays are very much confined in home.. which they don't get interaction with others kids.. this is one of the reason why I initiated the KK Playgroup which I hope he can have peers and friends with other kids.. so after reading the post today at ParenThots.. I am reassured that what I have in mind is correct way to go.. I want to find him a play-based school.. which to let him to go to school to have fun.. to have friends.. to learn to socialise with others..

Below are some sentences in the post that give me reassurance on the type of kindergarten I should be looking for..

"In 1975, a study in Germany compared play-oriented with academic -oriented kindergartens. A total of 1,000 children and 100 classes were monitored until they reached fourth grade (9/10 years old). The study found that children from play-oriented kindergartens excelled over the latter group in all areas of development – physical, social and emotional and mental. Though children from academic-oriented kindergartens had a head start and were accelerating, they lost interest in learning or suffered from burnout by the time they were nine or 10."

“We should encourage but not force the child,”

“Parents shouldn’t be over-anxious about their child not being able to catch up with their peers,” Dr Chiam advises. “Children develop at different rates and many are late bloomers. We must also recognise that they are given different talents.

“More importantly, parents should be observant and expose their child to as vast an experience as possible for him to develop his interests and allow his talents a chance to grow.”

criteria of a good kindergarten:-

“as long as the school focuses on the development of the child.”

The school curriculum must be appropriate for the child’s development.

Children are individuals who develop at different paces so the ratio of students to teacher should be small to allow the teacher to pay sufficient attention to each child. For example, the class should not have more than 15 students to a teacher.

Standardised testing is a big no-no.

Dr Chiam: ‘The best form of early childhood education should be child-centred and focused on hands-on learning.'

Kindergarten Selection Check List

2012-01-03T14:57:00.000+08:00

have been research online and read some of the forums and the kinddy around Kota Kemuning area.. and I have get ready a check list below for my reference for hunting a right and suitable preschool for Marcus. Why I need this check list is because I have dory memory after delivery.. and I will go blank and don't know what to check and ask when I go for school tour.. I plan to go for the school tour next week to check out one by one of the kindergarten around my housing area..

Before the visiting:-

Do some homework on the availability of the preschool in my housing area. research online, so far following is the list i got it..

Total Child -

Kota Kemuning- Lagoon
46, Jalan Anggerik Malaxis 31/179, Kota Kemuning,
40460 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel
Fax :
: +603-5121 2899
+603-5121 2899

Kota Kemuning
No.2, Jalan Anggerik Nervilla AZ 31/AZ,
Kota Kemuning 40460 Shah Alam

Tel
Fax :
: +603-5121 2899
+603-5121 2899
Kinderland
Kinderland Kota Kemuning (Ceria Mesra Sdn Bhd)
1&3, Jalan Anggerik Doritis 31/137,Kota Kemuning,
40460 Shah Alam, Selangor. (map)
Tel: 03-5122 3871
Fax: 03-5122 4308
E-mail: enquiry@joyfulachievers.com
Principal: Ms Fam
Tunas Riang

ADD 3, Jalan Sungai Congkak, 32/51, Bukit Rimau, Seksyen 32, 40460 Shah Alam

TEL 019-357 4891
Taipei
Sri Johan

29, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla T31/T, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor, 40460

03-5121 9612 ‎
YUME
3Q toddler / 3Q Junior
Pusat Jagaan Kelip-Kelip (2012 intake is full and got to put wait list for 2013)
Qdees
Summer Academy - Subang Jaya - Fastrackids program
list not ended

Asking around friends and neighbours which kindergarten their kids going to and get their comments on the kindergarten

During visit:

Questions to check out during the school interview:-

What Methodology? (Montessori / Waldorft / Fun-gates)
What is the mandatory Language used? (Mandarin, English, BM) Is it trilingual kindergarten?
What is the school hours. From what time to what time? How is the time tables look like?
How much is the monthly fees? And any other misc charges?
Play based or academic driven?
Teacher : students ratio?
What's the principal's background in early childhood education and what is his/her vision for her school?
What's the syllabus? Any text books? (look through if any)
Teachers' qualification & experiences?
What's the teacher turn over rate? (if turnover very fast meaning something wrong with the school)
Is there any snack during school time? If yes check out the menu.. (got to inform allergen food list to the school.
Any after school activities? (drawing, dancing, etc)
Playtime - what is the play schedule? and are they allow to play outdoor?
What is the level of parental involvement? Is parents is welcome to drop by anytime? or needed to do appointment?
Any Excursion? to where? How often?
What is the safety policy?
Is there any homework for age 3 classes?
What is the teaching method? Using multimedia (eg: TV, computer, ipad?)
How they handle mischievous Kid? Rotan or cane/talk/scolding/or how? What is the punishment like? Is it punish in front of all other children or how?
How many years is the school established?
Any trainings or enhancement knowledge for the teacher to improve and equip them with the latest knowledge and teaching technique?
How do we parents know about our kids progress in school? We get to talk to teacher face to face? and how frequent we will be update with their progress?

Observation (school tour)

Make appointment with the school for visiting/school tour.
So I feel Welcome??
check the cleanliness and tidyness of the school (indoor and outdoor), do I feel comfortable in the school area? The brightness and unattractiveness of the school building / layout / and the cabinet arrangement
look around if they do proper child proofing.
see if there is any child friendly facilities? like toilet bowl and basin..
Emergency evacuation stairs?
Is the school teacher friendly and caring?
How teacher handle mischievous kids?
if the teacher : student ratio is 1:20.. then will the teacher work in small group based like 3-5 kids at one time during activity?
Listen if the teachers and principal talking in accurate Mandarin and English?
Is teacher having 1-1 conversation with the student?
Is student given chance to express themselves or everything just follow what teacher teach?
Since I will be bringing Marcus for the visiting, I will observe how the teacher interact with a shy little one and how teacher get my Marcus to sit for observation
Are the children happy and engaged in the activities?
Is there any interaction between the kids? Are they allow to interacting with each other during the class?
How is the discipline among the kids? Are they cooperative with others kids?
Is there any proofing that the teacher using variety if teaching methods?
Is there library in the school? Is the book in good conditions? and is it updated material?
Is the kids are encouraged for hand one learning?
How is the toys and teaching material conditions? Good and appropriate age ?
Look for walls or papan tanda that showcase the kids drawing and pics for the school activities?
Is the kids are encouraged to play creatively?
Is the school space enough for the number of student they taking in

送旧迎新 - 2011 Blog Look

2011-12-31T14:43:00.001+08:00

bye bye to my old blog look.. I have revamp my blog look in the last day of 2011.. A new year ahead with a brand new look blog.. hope my blog reader will like the new design and colors.. :)

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Chloe @ 3 months old

2011-12-29T21:01:00.002+08:00

My cutie pie Chloe turn 3 months old on 26 Dec 2011.. she is such an angle to me.. she is very calm and easy going.. she don't fuss much unless she is hungry.. she is also a happy baby.. she will smile at anyone who talk to her.. she is very responsive and talkative.. she started to sleep through the night.. she can sleep one go 6 hours without feeding.. basically she sleep 13-14 hours at night.. she start admiring her own hands.. she is capable to tracking up down left right with her eyes.. she can locates sound.. only one things is she is too smart to refuse to drink from bottle whenever I am away for 2 -3 hours for errants.. this bring me headache as I couldn't leave her at all..

Weight: 6kg

Height: 59cm

Chloe.. mummy love you to bits!!!

Is he ready to go to Kindergarten??

2011-12-28T15:01:00.000+08:00

I always have this in mind that not to send my Marcus boy to school so early.. my initially thinking was wait until he is 4 year old only send him to kindergarten.. but due to his speech delayed.. and Doctor and speech therapist recommendation of sending him to kindergarten may help in his speech development.. so this changed my mind and I started to think about sending him to school next year. But, the questions keep pop out from my mind... "is he ready to go to school?".. "is he okay without us around?" which all these doubts make me really worry and uncertain.. sometimes I will think IS ME the one who is not ready yet and NOT Marcus.. maybe he is already ready to go on to explore on his own.. I really hope he can adapt it.. I hope myself can adapt it too.. some mummies may think I worry too much.. but if you are a SAHM or a WAHM then you will understand me.. but if you are a FTWM then you might not have so strong feeling of worrying as I do..

anyway.. I am preparing the list of school to visit and check list on questions to ask and observed - shall share with you all later on..

Chloe's 1st Swimming Session

2011-12-27T15:59:00.000+08:00

25 Dec 2011 - on the Christmas Day.. due to Jacky's sister family is here.. so we went to the club house together and swimming together.. this is Chloe's first attempt to swimming pool.. but it is quite challenging as I need to keep nursing her before and after the short swimming in the water.. but it was fun also for all of us.. :)..

i bought the little cutie sexy swimming wears for her from Brand Outlet.. it was real nice one.. look my cutie pie Chloe in the swimming suit.. a bit too big lah.. hahaha.. for longer term investment.. :P

we were in the pool together.. marcus gor gor is super happy one..

too bright Chloe seem like cannot open her tiny eyes wor.. hahaha

mama play up and down.. up and down with chloe.... to let her slowly get use to the pool cool water..

look at her funny action expression..

my son can goes on his own in the pool loh.. and look he swim to me and Chloe..

marcus gor gor swim to mummy's back and want to piggy back mummy.. and let's go walk walk in the water together...

haha... see mummy so happy.. :P

papa and marcus gor gor..

my marcus boy handsome and cute hor.. :P

Christmas Eve Family Dinner Gathering 2011

2011-12-27T13:09:00.001+08:00

This year a little bit different from past few years.. as we have a family dinner and gathering with my husband 's family.. and my Marcus is so happy playing with his cousins..

the cousins brothers..

the cousins sisters..

we have a family photo together.. this is at sister 2's new house..

Christmas with Friends 2011

2011-12-25T15:16:00.000+08:00

As usual every year we celebrate Christmas together with our Church friends... we have been doing this celebrating together for years.. since we was still couples.. then we become 3 families.. and now we are families with kids.. we used to having wine and Christmas dinner at the restaurant.. and for the past few years... we prefer to do it at home.. which is much more comfortable for everyone.. and our kids can just run around and play together.. THANKS GOD for giving us HIS ONLY SON!! and Merry Christmas to all our loved ones and everyone else too!!!

very cool santa costume given by Uncle Danny..

Santa and santarina

the Ang family.. and see their sweety Santarina?? so pretty right?

the YAP family.. their Isaac has grown up so much!!!

our first Christmas with Chloe mei mei..and mei mei actually sleeping but mama wake her up just to take some pictures together.. :P

merry christmas everybody!!!

happy happy happy ! ! !

ask them lifted the presents.. and only the big kids understand.. and look at marcus he is so happy and enjoying and crapping his hand high.. :)

I asked them to look at me.. only my marcus look here.. while others all busy unwrap their presents..

Isaac: see I got a motorbike!!! while others still busy unwrapping it..

wow.. what is it Marcus??

ops.. is a book and look he is so happy!!!

Christmas present for Marcus from papa.. and look who is more happy???

Happy Winter Solstice

2011-12-23T19:30:00.002+08:00

Yesterday is traditional Chinese "Winter Solstice" Festival.. while I am so so so busy and got no time to prepare for it.. so after I rushed all my work.. i ran out to the nearest "chap huo puo" / kedai runcit to buy the ingredients to made the Dang Yuan.. And see my ugly look Dang Yuan as below.. but it still taste yummy!!!

because of too last minute.. I couldn't buy any Pandan Leaves and other ingredients to boil the traditional soup based.. so I just simply made the organic soya milk to goes with my ugly look dang yuan.. and it is so so yummy.. believe me.. it taste great.. ok.. at least for me lah.. hahaha

this is how it's look like in the soya milk..

and this is for my marcus boy.. his is not soya milk.. but is my breast milk.. hehehe

Christmas Playgroup at Jessica's House

2011-12-23T15:59:00.003+08:00

Here is another PG I went recently.. I just brought Chloe only.. As one person cannot handle two at the same time.. and my Chloe is such an angle.. and all the mummies give her an award of the day.. "the most obedient baby" and i agreed with them too.. she is really an angle.. she smiles to anyone who talk to her.. and she can lying on her own and admiring the surrounding all by herself.. I spot this bouncer at Jessica's house.. and I just lying her on it.. so cute right my little Chloe girl???

then after she is tired.. she falls asleep on her own too.. although it was so so so noisy there.. hahaha

There is a Cloth Diaper sharing by Auntie Barbara.. and look at her little one at the bottom there??

Auntie Jessica is the one with the deer deer head...

see all the mummies and babies..

my dear Chloe with mummy with the beautiful Christmas tree..

both of us same chubby lah.. aiks..

KK Playgroup - Christmas theme

2011-12-21T13:37:00.000+08:00

Is Playgroup time again.. this round we have Christmas theme.. and we have all the chit chatting for mummies.. we have a circle times and sing a few songs.. and we start our buffet style catering..

beh tahan i am so chubby still.. hahaha..

standing.. eating.. chatting..

we have a gift exchange for our little one..

marcus can't wait and want to open his present..

tang dang.. this is my christmas present.. cool or not?

me and my little sister..

Auntie Jac's Zayn's birthday present and she bring it here.. marcus love it so much!!

the early birds..

all mummies and baby on the floor..

eating eating..

4 hot puchong mamas

all the kids around busy playing on their own.. haha

Nurse in Peace - Breastfeeding baby everywhere and anywhere..

2011-12-14T20:17:00.000+08:00

This is the only time I am damn proud with my kicik meow boobs.. ok.. they turn to be bigger after I start breastfeeding.. And I am really proud of my two boobs simply because they do a marvellous job on producing breast milk even though the size is small.. yet they able to produce so much that I can feed my elder son too!! And I will sayang them (my boobs) by buying good bra for them.. :p

ok.. back to the topic.. Nurse In Peace (NIP).. when I go out shopping, dining and so on.. I will just find a place to sit down and feeding anywhere and everywhere.. as long as I get a place to sit.. as this is my 2nd time breastfeeding my baby.. so I get to be very hand on and expert on NIP.. and I can handle it all on myself without any help from others.. most of the time ppl will give me weird look specially at shopping mall if they know what I am doing.. but, hey.. what's the matter you looking at me like I am doing something disgusting and weird?? Not that you suppose to feel that you are weird if you think I am disgusting by feeding my own baby??? God created us with boobs which produce milk and the purpose of it is to breastfeed our baby... what's wrong with it?? specially the older generation.. which they are all infected (why I use "infected" as the word as they are like got the virus deep in their mind just like sick people) by the advertisement of those big big formula milk company.. and please think when there is no formula milk exist those days.. the mummies is also doing the same.. breastfeeding our little angle.. so, I never think shy and shame to feed my hungry baby.. Just that I will do it and i won't let you see my boobs definitely and I do it discretely... you paid me to show you.. I won't too, ok!!!!

so mummy out there.. just do what you think is right and don't be shy about NIP!!!! I am damn proud of it leh!! hahaha.. shiok sendiri :P

breastfeeding Chloe at Daorea Korea BBQ.. I normall life the ponco and let the head out for a breath.. if not pity the baby sweating like hell..

feeding Chloe again at Harley Davidson Cafe...(I am damn chubby.. beh tahan)

this most happening.. at Ikano Starbucks sitting by the streets where hundreds of ppl walking here and there... no choice cannot find table inside the shop.. :)

US!!!!

See my little chubby Chloe.. she is so contended and happy after feeding.. :)

Melt.. melt.. melt --> Crying + Heartache

2011-12-12T10:51:00.001+08:00

yesterday morning when I woke up.. I feel it is a good day.. a happy Sunday.. as normal after I fed baby then I packed my 9 Dec 2011 extra expressed breast milk into breast milk storage bags (total of 15oz) and went downstairs and wanted to put into the freezer to freeze it.. my maid was at the kitchen that time.. when she saw me wanted to open the fridge.. she told me.. "sorry mam, I didn't close the freezer door properly yesterday!!!".. after I heard this.. like there was a lighting thunder over my head.. "oh my!! how all my breast milk??" - I faster opened the freezer and I saw all my melted bags of milk!!! all melted!!!! my heart also melted and my tears also falling...

all my 70 bags breast milk all spoilt!! all melted because my maid did not close the freezer door properly.. overnight all melted :( overnight all my hard work gone.. overnight everything habis..

heartache till maximum.. crying and crying.. the whole day my face was black and i was actually moody and sad.. once I think of my milk.. then my eyes start to filing with tears..

some people asked me is my maid still alive or not?? but I don't even scold her.. maybe I knew she don't mean it.. but it was really killing me with this happened.. I also worry if I scolded her.. later she will balas dendam on my babies?? sigh.. is the only words I can say..

then yesterday night.. I told her please make sure you close the freezer door properly next time.. and she give me a guilty look and said "yes.. mam"..

now I plan to do breast milk soap to bath my babies.. and some soap maybe can sell it off.. it is extremely good for your skin and baby skin.. anyone interested to buy??? can leave a comment here yeah.. and I will do milk bath for my baby everyday I think.. still thinking and not willing to do the milk bath.. I feel it is so wasted!!! SIGH... a big and long SIGHHHHHHHHHHHHH......

all hard work become water (cair)!!! cry cry

all melted :(

condolence to all my milk..

but I will not stop it.. I will have few batches on milk again very soon!!! Gambateh..

Breastfeeding Essential Tools/Products for Me

2011-12-10T13:26:00.001+08:00

If you asked me about what it the essential things that I needed while breastfeeding.. I will tell you the following.. which I can't live without it :) these are must have items for me.. there are many other brands in the markets that you can consider too..

1. Breast Pump - although I encourage direct latch and I do direct latch most of the time.. but the is essential tools that to help you to boost up your supply.. to empty your breast.. to pump while you not available for direct latch feeding.. ** I use Medela Mini Electric.. it does it jobs very well for me.. have been using it since Marcus time - cons - it is very noisy!!

2. Steriliser - this is very important that to wash all your breast pump, storage bottles, and all relevant items that related to baby feeding.. ** I used Avent and this is very good and easy to use.. and i have been using since 2 years ago.. and it still functioning well and does it job perfectly..

3. Breast Pad (disposable & Reusable) - I used Disposable when go out because it has a water proof outer layer which will prevent the leak until wetting my clothes & I use reusable breast pad at home.. ** I use Tollyjoy disposable breast pad and Autumnz Reusable breast pad. For Autumnz reusable breast pad.. so far I am very happy with it.. as it has a layer which even the breast pad is wet.. i will not feel uncomfortable..

4. Breast Milk Collection Shells - this is important to me.. as if I don't have this i got to keep changing my breast pads.. and it collect the milk from another breast while direct latch feeding and pumping.. ** I have two Avent and Medela.. I love Medela it will not leak at all and the soft contact with the breast made it very comfortable and also its can contains/collect more milk compare to Avent. Avent I found it always leaking due the the inner contact with the breast is too thick and hard that my nipple cannot touch the inner wall of the shell and it will leaks..

i got 3 pairs of Madela because I can't keep washing the same pair each time I feed.. and this is how it look like with my milk in.. it turns a bit yellowish as I have been using these for 2 years..

5. Nursing Pillow - I use nursing pillow especially during the confinement and second months. I can say I couldn't live without it for the initial two months. Why? Reason being because firstly.. baby still too small to sit on my lap while feeding, meaning I need to hold baby for hours to feed her.. (I am not good a lying down to feed because i find it hard to latch on also i need to wake up to change side to feed is difficult and I need to wake up to burp baby also difficult.. I tend to fall asleep if i feeding lying down) so meaning my back will pain.. hand will pain.. whole body will pain.. ** I used MY BREAST FRIEND nursing pillow, borrowed by a friend, why this pillow? it is very good as it got a buckle and it locked on our upper waist come with adjustable strap.. then pillow is flat.. so no need to worry baby fall down from the pillow.. then I got both free hand to play on my phone.. to trims baby's nail.. to help squeezing the milk (initial establishing stage).. to massage the breast if have block ducts while baby sucking to release the ducts.. (important: to use this pillow effective you will not have backache problems. you need to find a chair and sit up right.. meaning sitting in the correct posture..)

6. Breast milk storage bottles and bags - I have a lot of these bottles to use for each pumping session and the breast milk storage bags to use to keep the breast milk into freezer.. it is more economical compare to if I use the storage bottles for freezing.. ** Breast milk storage bottle - I have both Medela and Autumnz.. Autumnz storage bottle the head just fitted on Medela Mini Electric pump but however need to handle with care are it will loose easily.. ** for storage bags - I am using Autumnz.. so far so good with it.. don't have any problems using it.. no leakage problems so far..

you can refer to my earlier post on how to store your breast milk @ http://yvonnefong.blogspot.com/2011/11/breast-milk-storage-how-to-store-your.html

below is how it look like with the freezed breast milk in Autumnz 12oz bags..

7. Nursing Cover/Pomco - I breastfeed everywhere.. in the restaurant.. in the shopping mall.. in the car.. in the dining table while wedding.. haha.. everywhere.. so I will use a nursing cover to feed discretely.. so other can see my nen nen except my little one.. *** I am Fabulous mom's nursing cover
below pic taken when full moon time during our dinner at Canton-I

8. Nursing Bra - At home I wear only nursing sleep bra like the picture below.. it is just so comfortable.. while I can insert my breast pads in it.. and it does also support my breast :) ** I have both fabulous mom sleep bra and Autumnz sleep bra.. I like Autumnz sleep bra as the cotton is organic.. it is very soft and comfy..

I think at the moment these are what I can think of.. so I hope this is useful for new mummies to be who want to breastfeed their baby.. get ready all these to help you to have a smooth breastfeeding journey with your little one..

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