13 years of parenthood..

Isa turned 13 yesterday and this make him an official teenager. Praying for Isa to grow up to be a Godly man and enjoys his journey with the Lord.

Thankful 2019..

1. Child first aid course over the weekends

2. Oven baked food 

3. My dad’s birthday 

4. Trip to Bangkok Zoo

5. Isa’s fever episode

6. Dora’s swim class

7. Isa’s swim competition 

8. Isa’s swim competition (again)

9. 2019 CNY

Regardless of all the good or bad, thankful and grateful for His provisions for the year. 

Bye bye Primary School..

Year 2014 P1 vs 2019 P6.

Blink blink and it’s fast forward 6 years.
From a cheeky little baby to a fine young man.
How much you have grown.
Pray for God to lead and journey with you in your this phase of your life.
Thank you for working hard and we hope you can get into your first choice of school.

Happy 5th birthday Lil I..

You are not that little anymore my baby. 

So happy that you are 5 years old but yet we can’t bear to see you grow so fast. 

How did the time fly past? Perhaps it didn’t fly at all, perhaps it zoomed. Perhaps time and tide really wait for no man. 

Mama is so proud of you that you are 5.

We love you so much. 

Hope you like the little party we has in school and the little macaron cake we has at home. 

Love 

Papa, mama, korkor and jiejie.

{Review} Herbal scalp treatments at Bee Choo Origin..

As a mother of three, I have had my bad days of hair fall. Balding spots, grey hair, dry ends, oily scalp.. You name it, I got them (almost) all. And to take into consideration that I am not someone who don my hair often, I always blame it on the hormones. But do you know hair scalp care requires more than just hormonal attention..

But recently I was very glad that I was invited to Bee Choo Origins for trial herbal scalp treatments! So if you want to know more information about the herbal scalp treatment, look no further.

So here are some information for you to know:

Bee Choo Origins provides herbal haircare solutions and high-quality products since 2000. With great expertise in scalp care, their founder started out in 2000 providing herbal haircare treatments for a handful of customers experiencing scalp issues. Over the years, customers had seen the effectiveness and satisfactory results in our Herbal Treatment and words began to spread. Today, they have set foot in more than 12 countries. At Bee Choo Origin, our Herbal Paste are freshly made with all natural herbs and ingredients. Our herbal treatment not only helps in maintaining a healthy scalp, it is also beneficial for people facing several scalp issues such as

Their specially formulated Herbal Paste helps to unclog pores, effectively removing residues on the scalp. It provides abundance of nutrients to tackle these issues while rebalancing its PH level so that our hair can grow in a nutrient-filled environment.

Talk about pores on the scalp. Here is a glimpse of my scalp on my first visit. Warning: this is not a very nice picture to share but I decided to show it so that you can have a better understanding of the importance of scalp structure.

Here is a glimpse of my scalp on my first visit. This is a micro scalp analysis in which you can see the condition of my scalp such as size of pores, hair strand count, oiliness area and etc.

A simple interpretation of what is being presented was:

1. oily residue on the scalp is visible
2. single, double or triple strand of hair can be seen growing from hair follicles
3. scalp skin is slight pink 
4. spacing between each follicle is quite spread out

And to give a simple explanation of the above points:

1. oil on scalp is normal but not good if its too much as too much oil might possibly clog up the follicles discouraging new hair growth
2. double or triple strands of hair growth from each hair follicle is always better than single or none
3. slightly pink scalp represent scalp skin might be sensitive
4. a healthy hair follicle should have even spacing between them

And me doing my treatment at Bee Cho Origin AMK Branch

All I took was about 1 hour and 30 min and you will be assured that your tresses will be don in 5 of their most premium herbal paste:

Ginseng (人参）:

• Anti-aging
• helps in new hair cell regeneration

Chuan Xiong （川芎）:

• strength hair follicles
• resistance to breakage

LingZhi: （灵芝）:

• reduces itchiness
• reduce risk of infection

Dang Gui: （当归）:

• regenerates scalp immunity

He Shou Wu （何首乌）:

• slow down grey hair reproduction
• helps restore hair pigmentation

Ah.. if you are an avid traveller like me and still want to maintain your tresses with these herbal goodness, do get this travel kit when you go for your treatment. My favourite one has to be the Naural Hair Tonic spray as it really helped my hair fall issue! 

I am very happy to receive a set as this is my must bring item to bring for my trips.

You will expect:

1. Purity Scalp Hair shampoo
2. Purity Scalp Hair conditioner
3. Natural Hair Tonic
4. Damaged hair rebuilder

Don't touch your hair anymore.Do call them up to book an appointment at  Bee Cho Origin for your next hair scalp analysis and treatment! Let your beauty starts from your scalp.

One last thing!
So much goodness and you are probably concerned about how much it cost?

Easy on the pocket and good for your scalp.

Here are details of the branch that I went:

Ang Mo Kio
Blk 443 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10
#01-1239 Singapore 560443.
Tel: (65) 6554 3003

If you need more info, please visit their website at
Bee Choo Origin

Acquiring the Mandarin language.. reading and writing part 1

First mama provide some guidance in the 田字格 with  highlighter, then I just guide him with the three strokes, and viola.. he can write the word quite independently. 

Writing Chinese words is not about repetition, children need to understand 字体结构. Which is why I highlight the box with yellow highlighter. 笔画 is very important for writing! You can start exposing your child to 笔画 from 3-4yrs old. Writing can start when they are ready.

Remember when it comes to learning Mandarin, 听说读写 is the key to learning.

And when it comes to pencil gripe, I suggest you can expose your child from 3-4 year old. But as all children develop differently, I also suggest you can also expose them to the following activities to improve on their fine motor skills so it can help them in pencil gripe later on.

Some of the many activities

1. Sensorial play with boiled pasta or uncooked rice (from 6 months)

2. Sand or water play (from 12 months)

3. Threading with large beads (from 18 mths due to safety)

4. Squeeze pegs (from 18-24 mths)

5. Play dough - I made my own and they are for sale at my Etsy shop (search for adorablesco) - (from 18-24 mths)

6. Push pipe cleaners into cardboard with holes (from 12-18 mths)

Aren't you amazed at how young your child can start and build their fine motor skill?

Have fun!!

Sent from Connie's iPhone 

Learning 听写 the visual way..

I'm writing this post with a heavy heart. Because my eldest had just made me very upset. Long story about that. Then with a very upset mind, I had to teach Dora Chinese spelling. And seriously I had to flare at her. Whether she is the one who triggered or not, it does not matter anymore. Anyway today I'm sharing a method for #teacherconnieactivities #visuallearners as it helped Dora in tackling her Chinese spelling with more confidence. 

I'm serious. This is Chinese spelling for Pri 1 kids. 

They have 8 words in total, some 汉子，some mixture of hypy and 汉子. And my daughter usually score 20-50 marks only. I’m not saying this is not good but i find it too complexing for a 7yo to handle. Don't tell me the "it's always like that" theory Cos I don't buy that story. But whatever the outcome is, always and also look at the process of learning. This is our first week using this square and line method for Dora. Hope this will help her find a easier way out to differentiate and learn her Chinese spelling better! Have fun trying!

Sent from Connie's iPhone 

Happy 15th anniversary

The cutest man on earth and he is mine.

Did u do the poll on our IG stories?

All the way to Davao Philipines..

It seems so surreal that we are actually in Davao, Philippines for a swim competition. Short trip it may be but it is indeed an eye opener for the kiddos.

And all the parents who are here with the kids all have the same goal: support our kids in their passion.

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying."

Michael Jordan

Indeed. We should allow our kids try, fail and try again. Never say never.

Swim well my kids.

Love auntie Connie

Didi to the rescue..

Lil I had been running up and down to check on the big bro as he is down with fever. He is a man of little words but times like this, I know he is worried and is showing his love for the big bro.

Little moments like this reflect the  big heart and so much love for the bro. And just when I'm typing this, thank God that the fever broke. #thankful #rayconniebaby #naturalremedy #badweathersucks

What a precious sight.

Sent from Connie's iPhone 

Making every moment count..

Morning enthusiastic face!

Weekends post berries class

Looking at this little fellow will always reminds me to slow down in life. Life is short, childhood is even shorter. In many blinks, they will grow up.

God had made things happened and make them fall into place at His time. It's so amazing. Ever since going car-less, we had been learning how to enjoy the time spent together on our public transport rides.

Taking public transport to work is not difficult but lugging my two bags and Lil's I bag can be quite a handful. But he taught me we should just wake up a little earlier, take a slow stroll across the park to the bus stop and making new memories everyday. He will always remind me to be nice and patient if bus is late or not to get upset if bus is too crowded. A reminder of His words:

"with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Ep 4:2)

Lil I’s drawing at 4 yrs and 2 months..

Sample of children’s drawing stages

Many see him as K1 but as he is October born, I still see him as a 4 year old. You can think it as I’m biased but I see it as developmentally appropriate. 

And here is his master piece at 4 years 2 months old

Good 2019 ahead..

So many “first” to start this year with..

First reunion with preschool frd..

First time going to the same school together. 

First lesson with Berries..

First birthday gathering for the year..

First swimming competition for the year. 

What a fine way to kick start this wonderful year!

bye bye 2018..

2018 had been another fulfilling year yet again.

Thankful for everything that had appeared and everyone who crossed paths with me. 

From the many overseas trips to Dora graduating from preschool, this is yet another fruitful year. 

I am so so so thankful for I know I am so blessed.

Dora’s preschool years..

Year 2014:

Dora and Eason.

Here buddy for school and her first self proclaim "boyfriend".

Really interesting to see how assertive she is from young. 

Year 2015:

Still so good with Eason.

Can see how close they are by their body language. And Eason seems quite happy too.

Year 2018:

Seem like they grew quite a bit and she is more shy. Dunno why.

Year 2013 VS 2018.

In a blink of an eye, Dora ended her preschool years just like that. 

All about Lil I turning 4 years old..

turning 4 may seem easy for some. But turning 4 is a big deal to me and my lil L. I felt that he grew alot this year, not just in physical growth but in other aspects of development as well such as cognitive and social.

There was a moment I was worried he was slow. Read: delayed development. Cos he took so long to reach the milestones meant for his age. Then suddenly our Lil I decided to have a growth spurt.. Then it also took me a while to realized that I was placing such high expectations of him that I lost focus. But now that I have shifted my focus to him celebrating his milestones and achievement, things seem to have a little change. He grew and he bloomed. Indeed a watched bloomer don't bloom. Just be supportive and he he will thrive.

Here are his recent achievements..

1. writes some alphabets of his name
2. can sight read some words
3. using scissors with one hand and cut a straight line, sometimes curve 
4. hugs and worry about younger or crying baby
5. dress and undress independently
6. full toilet trained even at night - except for poo in the diaper still
7. talks logic such as understand weather and why things can't be done at times, argue at times and even demanding for things 
8. better control in temperament. Understands  responsibility i.e. near consequence if he misbehaves

What a long list right? Perhaps this is just another reminder child rearing isn't just about academic expectations. 

What's your expectations of your child?

Lil I is turning 4..!

Time really flies when someone was just a 3.1kg baby and now standing strong at 16kg..

Is this a last baby syndrome but I find Lil I really so adorable. He is a late bloomer but so glad that he is catching up with his peers..

So emotional again right..

Happy birthday Lil I.. and we look forward to your party in school on Thursday.

Car break down.. what do I do?

Do you actually know what you should when you car break down? In fact your car is a very smart machine. You should be able to know that it start sending out signals to you before it actually break down. So last night, my battery light came on. So I was thinking I will send to the workshop in the morning. Alas.. our dear grey car had other lights coming on and I was losing control of my steering wheel as well. 

Anyway here are the MUST you should do when your car breaks down.

1. Turn on your indicator lights and slow down. Park at somewhere safe.
2. Get OUT of the car
3. Set up the breakdown sign OR alternatively, open up your boot to indicate that your car is stationary
4. Call your mechanic or tow truck
5. Wait for tow truck to come and pass the car key to them. Stand at somewhere safe.

Lesson learnt: listen to your car.

Trains the mind and trains the soul..

Many only see the glory and the medals. 

Maybe they forgotten that pain and the cries are part of the package as well. 

Today is another medal-less day yet I seen this little boy of mine bloomed and smashed another record of his by 2.99 seconds.

2.99 may seemed trivial to us but it is a nerve wreaking difference to the swimmer. Liked they say: "Every seconds counts".

This learning journey is a tough one yet we are not giving it up. Isa is not giving it up. Not only it trains my son but also it trained myself up. You may think what does a 11 yr old know about hardship. Indeed he doesn't know. He only showed he can overcome the odds and come out shinning from the dark. 

Way to go my son. Forge more. The colorful world is waiting for you. 

Mama Connie having too many emotional moments in these few months. Pls pardon me again. .

Sent from Connie's iPhone 

From a small fish to a bigger fish..

Swimming was always something that I wanted my kids to do. 

So far only one did and a good coach is all to make someone from a small fry to someone significant.

June 2017

Isa joined his first swim camp. He swam up to 5 times a week. And entered his first swim meet. It was some sort of competition. Never forget the heavy downpour and the long drive at 615am all the way to Bukit Merah. Never even need to wake up so early for work. 

He did two events: 50 Breast and 50 FR.

It was an exhilarating moment for the mom. Tears welled up my eyes as I saw my son swarm through his first competition of his life. He came in LAST for his pet stroke. I was not sad because he was last. I was in fact so proud of him that he finished his event. I was so happy that he had the courage to swim with other flying fishes. I was SO damn proud of him. 

 Isa with Head Coach
June 2017

June 2018

Fast forward 12 months later.

After another 5 swim meets. 

After another 2 swim camps.

After numerous weeks of swimming up to 8 trainings per week. 

This is the coach's credit.

This is the team's efforts.
He did 5 events this time: 4 individual and 1 relay.

He finally get his hands on his first medal.

Sonny. We all know how much hard work that is. We all know Mama cannot pay for the medals. Mama pay not just for you to swim. In times like this, Mama pay for you to learn how to handle failures, Mama pay for you to learn how to cry and move forward, Mama also pay to let you go through hardships, Mama also pay for you to handle situations like a man, Mama also pay for you to bit your tongue to bear the pain after the pain comes on after every PT session.

Hope you understand it one day. The credit is yours not mine. The pain is yours not mine, the aches are yours not mine, the cries are yours not mine. The hardships are yours not mine. 

But I choose to allow you to go through all these because you are mine. Mama will do anything for you except to spoil you. You are one tough boy Sonny. You are. We hope you can continue to build on your good vibes and perseverance in not just swimming but in your life.

 Isa with Head Coach, Coach KK of Sapphire Swimming, June 2018.

See how much this boy has grown in 12 months 

As we welcome July with a big bang, let the emo Mama have some rest.

I love you Sonny. You know I do. Jiayou for the next phase in your swimming plans.

Maintaining happiness as a mum.. Episode Travel with family.. Thailand Bangkok

And finally we travelled as a family of 4.. you may ask why only 4. Well it is because of one word: budget. 

I am not saying that it is impossible for us to travel altogether in my family of 5 but I will also put into consideration that I will want to bring along my helper with us as I cannot leave her alone in the house with my MIL (another story about that). Anyway.. since Lil I does not own a passport yet, we thought we might as well take the chance of travelling with the two bigger ones since we had a better budget this time. 

Booking was done about 6 months in advance in order to enjoy this good price. We paid $1650 for a family of 4 to the travel agency. This includes air tickets, transfer, accommodation and a half day city tour (which we should opt out of it actually).

Enough said, let the pictures do the talking..

Day 1: boarding the plane at 1210hrs

I would say Thai airways service was quite good.

Especially for a girl who had her maiden flight.

At the luxurious room at the hotel.

We stayed at Pratunam Centerpoint, the location is  very convenient. 

It is clean, comes with breakfast, has a pool to exhaust the kids' energy.

By the time we settled in and all, it was already close to late afternoon.

Our first visit to Big C. Yeah actually our trolley was much fuller when we did a check out.

And total damage: THB$5000+

Dont' ask me why and how.. but we managed to go back in a tutuk.

Then we had dinner at some restaurant.

so hungy and tired.

And someone has his first try at a THB$200 foot massage

He screamed ALOT.

So much that he asked for another round on the next night.

Day 2: Trip to Siracha Zoo 

Our  trip to Siracha Zoo also know as tiger zoo already occupied us up for more than half a day.

We managed to find an local agency who provides transport and entrance tickets.

I think we paid like THB$8K for transport and entrance for all of us.

I bet the cubs were all sedated.

Anyway.. kids find it so amazing that they had to take their own shot.

How can we miss out a jump shot?

Expenses at the Siracha Zoo was quite affordable. 

There is the animals petting section, animals feeding section and you also need money for lunch.

I think we spent less than THB$2000 there.

And soon it was lunch.. or was it dinner.. 

Lunner?

Whatever.. so we ate.. and we ate.. 

and eat and eat.. .

Bought from the make shift food stalls opposite Big C.

Day 3: At the half day city tour..

We were picked up at 8am (BKK time) for the tour that comprises of a boat ride, a temple visit and some walking around.

Family photo.

Day 4: Time to go home!

we basically only spent the morning at Platinum mall in the morning as we had to leave the hotel at 12pm for the airport.

there you.. 4 days of fun and priceless memories formed.
See you soon again Bangkok!