Learn how to ride a bicycle with Byke Now

As parents, we all agree that other than the academic achievements our children have, we also hope they can attain certain skills set. It may not be an age defining skill as this certainly cannot be apply to me. 

Cycling is always what I wanted to learn but obviously I didn't. But I hope my kids dont miss this opportunity like I did. So I sent them for cycling class. Some may say, "no need to teach.. can teach yourself." The problem is: I cant cycle, how to teach? Ray papa can cycle but his schedule is always very tight so.. I prefer to set aside some budget for this skill set.

According to the bike coach: during the first lesson, Isa was the more cautious one. He didn't really dare to pedal that much and was more wary of falling. 

60 minutes passed quickly.

Then on the second lesson, not even 20 minutes into the lesson, someone surprised us.

This is also Dora on her 2nd lesson. I would not say she had fully accomplished her skill but the bike coach says she had the hang of things but had focus her pressure too much on her hands. 

Well it is ok. We will let her try again soon!

Someone with his newly acquired skill. Really yaya papaya.. 

So how had your September school holidays been?

What to learn cycling? Contact Byke Now

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.

Happy 11th..

My eldest turned 11th today and we are so proud of him! How can I actually think he was the smallest baby in the nursery 11years ago, at a mere 2.5kg.

From a small baby to today's solid build, I am more than thankful for His blessing for this child. Stay healthy and happy my big boy.. strive your best in what you do and I know you will be someone great someday.

Birthdays of these the two January kiddos..

Eldest: turned 9 on the 24th

Middle: turned 4 on the 31st

Birthdays in our family is a big event. And especially when the 2 older ones' birthdays are just a week apart. We had our first small celebration with our neighbours' kiddos on Isa's actual day. 

With credits to Petite Joy Bakes

Simplicity and tasty was just what we wanted this year. Thank you Petite Joy Bakes for taking my last minute order. Many raves about this triple layer multi flavoured cake.

Then we had another celebration for Dora in her school on Friday.

And see how much all of these children grown from Dora's 2nd birthday in school.

Aww... where did all the babies gone?

And the last and final celebration for these January duo on Dora's actual day..

Loving matchy outfit from my parents. 

When your child need to take public transport home..

2016 is a huge milestone for us..

Isa will learn how take public transport back home by himself. After one week of orientation by us, Isa will already be on his own from next week onwards. Rather, I told him to come home by himself on last friday and he did it! Baby this is such a huge milestone for you and us! Words simply cant explain how glad I was.

For us, reasons are aplenty.

Reason: School bus fare too expensive.
Though we still have a car now, it is just very difficult for me to come out from work and pick him from school, send him home then head back to work. School bus fare were getting exorbitant! I missed the time when we used to stay so near to school, we literally just walked Isa to school.

In 2015
$120 per month for one way
= $1,440 per year

In 2016 (new adjusted fare)
$180 per month for one way
= $2,160 per year

Public transport
$0.59 one way = $11.80 per month
=$106.2 per year

But of course there many factors for us to consider before we decide for Isa to take the plunge.

Things to consider before allowing your child to take public transport:

• Distance / Duration of ride
• Safety issues such as if crossing of roads is required
• And of course justification of cost

Reason: to have a more independent child

I am sure being parents, we are always eager about our children growing up. Not that we are that eager to snip off his wings but I think this is a good chance to allow him. But of course.. it was after many late night discussions / debate that we decided so. 

Anyway it was very straightforward for Isa as he NEED NOT cross the road to the bus stop, though the bus stop is not directly outside his bus, he just need to walk through a park to the bus stop. And of course, we gave him tip on how to handle strangers (I will write more about this in another post). Perhaps teach your child not to walk alone lest he is more vulnerable to stranger's approach. Isa is quite an intuitive child since young. He is the what you call the "kiasu kiasee" child. He is usually quite sharp about details around him (which definitely makes it a plus point for taking transport on his own). He even told me he walked with his friend as his friend just stay near the park.

And here is a good tip on how your child can handle strangers

credits

But also.. Isa can be quite "sotong" at times, he always dropped his wallet in the car in the morning when I send him to school. Or he will forget to pack his bag the night before. So as a backup, I always pack emergency items in his bags. A small coin purse AND a pencil with eraser in a ziplock in his bag in case if he does not have money for recess or now.. money to take public transport back. But this is an issue.. parents this is a very important tip: please tell your child what you put into their bags else they will panic when they dont have coins or they cant even find the extra stationery that you packed for them for emergency times.

Now the question is:

When will you decide to let your child take public transport?

Day 10/17: Isa's first experience doing laundry..

In this maidless period, I'm only thankful for Isa when he offered his help in a way or another. I would think he is just kpo in his own ways but I guess it's the thought that counts. 

Earlier tonight he learnt how to sort the laundry into the laundry nets before placing them into the machine. Then I taught him the proportion of how much detergent and softener to put. He took a while to exclaim that all these are "tough work" and very "troublesome" then he also said that now he know how tough is auntie's (our helper) job. He saw t shirts that has sleeves rolled in, he has to check that buttons for jeans are buttoned, nothing is in the all the pockets and also make sure that zips are pulled up properly in the laundry nets etc.

Little acts it may seemed but I think he think really deep today because he actually emphasized that we should be thankful to the people who help us do the chores. I was like.. "Ok you can do all the dishes next" and he just let out a smile.

And not forgetting the other mini helper who also want to do her little bit for the chores. Liked I said, even little acts like this by placing the laundry bag into its original place will help instill Dora's sense of responsibility for chores.

Till the next chore.

How to make a no bake cheese cake..

I am such a noob at baking cakes. My success stories are only banana cake and the batik cake, dont mention that hokkaido chiffon cake that I made with profession guidance. Ok maybe that is all.

So one day, I decided to explore more. And as usual, my lil assistant was so keen on helping me that he was pestering me the whole day long...

Here we go..

Receipe adapted from here.

I was inspired to make a cheesecake because of the condensed milk!

Isa crushing the biscuits while I mixed the cream cheese and condensed milk together.

Isa spooning the well mixed crumbs (already mixed with butter) onto the tins.

My favourite cream cheese!

Mixing these parts together require time so please be patient.

Last step: Adding the lemon juice.

Ta dah!

And my cake critics who gave me thumbs up!

Yay!

And till the next baking post...

June holidays is here!

The long weekend and the beginning of the school hols also means that we get to spend more time with the kiddos! Yay!

We had to kick off a great Sunday with a good brunch.

I love cafes who pay details to children. Little toys like this always never fails to make my lil girl happy.

 Followed up was a final show of The BFG by The Players Theatre.

This was a surprise treat to my son as he had done relatively well for his mid year exams. First time at the play for Dora and she loves it!

Well done my son. Thank you Carina and crew, you guys had done very well for the show.

And hey, guess who we saw before heading home!

So how did you kick start your holidays?

The young at heart and the young.. at Alive Museum Suntec Singapore..

It was by a stroke of words that Isa and I went on a playdate with my cousin W and his son J to Alive Museum on last Wednesday.

My angel.

Mr Van Gogh staring at us. 

My "twins" for the day.

They are born in the same year, 11 months apart and yet they ended up about the size as each other.

The joke of the day was:

Isa, what happened the extra 11month of milk powder you drank?

My little merboy

Hairwash anyone?

Our heros of the day.

The crazy quads of the day.

And I really wonder.. was it really us adults having fun or the kids having fun?

the whirlpool and my drama king.

One of the only decent clearer picture Isa took of me.

Fatty wonderwoman. ah.. Isa, you wanna try carry mama? lol

My lil drama king is really drama.

And somehow the boys just know what to do.. after taking so many pictures.

This was the classic scene from the movie "Up".

One nearly faling off, another one already "flying" in the sky.

And oh my twins again. Not bad having twins it seems.

Closed up of the twinnies.

Dinner with my sis and cousin. 

What a nice way to end the day with the cousins. When was the last time you had dinner with your cousins?

After this, Isa went on to have his "3D2N staycation" at my folk's place and he this time round, he didnt whine or fuss much.

You have grown up my son.

And poof, the holidays is over soon.

Reflections, thoughts and becoming a mum of 3..

Just that day, I had parents of my students asking me: so how are you coping with 3 kids? I felt a lump in the throat but I didn't hesitate to say,"Good!"

Time flies. It has been about 4 and half months since I became a mum of 3. *gasp*

Well if you were to ask me if it's easy? I sure say no.

And I really wonder how you all brave mothers of a brood do it all!

I am not a good planner for sure but this time round, Ray papa and I had try to make lots of plan way ahead as we knew for sure things are definitely not going to turn out as it is going to be. 

Many moons ago.. Here were the few options we could thought of:

• Hiring extra help
• Putting Lil I in infantcare
• Putting Isa in student care
• I work half days
• Stop working

Option 1:

was the easy way out but thinking of having an extra person in our downsized flat is not the ideal choice. Plus it will definitely bring up the overall costs in the household as we would be having an extra mouth to feed. But those friends out there with 2 helpers, is it really easier? I am still tempted really.

Option 2:

Good option but as I was doing full breastfeeding, I would rather stick this lil fellow to my chest and not let him go off so soon. Already so heartpain to know that I went back to work when he was only 2.5 months, I guess this was not the preferred choice. Anyway there isnt any vacancies in the infantcare with the area I stay. It is how interesting God has plan for me.

Option 3:

It is a "I would if I could" choice but alas the student care in Isa's P school was not willing to accept him as they only take in children without extra help (aka no helper, no grandparents staying with them kind). Unfortunately, I belong to both categories. I did scout around for other choices of student care but they just didn't appeal to me at all. Ah Xiu yee yee, why your student care so far....? Keeping my options open still. 

Option 4: 

A very big sacrifice indeed as I will suffer a paycut (read huge) but I knew this will be in return for quality time with the kids. I'm still pondering over this still.

Option 5: 

This was the last and the quite impossible choice I would make unless circumstances force me to. I would love to but guess I can only opt for this provided that I have to let go of my helper maybe. I guess not possible for the time being and Ray papa and I made a pact: we will choose to have a stay in helper until Lil I is big enough to take care of himself (mayb when he is 8-10?). We don't know either. 

No prizes to win for guessing correctly which option I take. 

My cheeky kids.. Oh such a love and hate affair.

As for now, we only have one stay in helper, no extra tuition for Isa and no enrichment for Dora either as our strings are really tight but guess nothing beats having a home you call your own. 

Amazing sight at sunrise from my estate

Calming moment for sunset from my estate.

And oh, I do have special arrangements from work that I work only half days on Mondays, with full days on other days. Yes it comes with a pay cut but I know I am contented.

And for whatever I have, I still have the Lord to thank for.

{sponsored post and discount code} Starting the Christmas mood at BlueTree Education

This has to be most disorganised school holidays for me as I juggle between a newborn and the other 2 kids. This was the first school holidays that started off with zero plans till we got invited by BlueTree Education for their "5 days of Christmas" Holiday program!

It was like YIPEE!! Isa was a lil apprehensive at first but soon my worries soon got unfolded on the very first day.

To what we were told, this "5 days of Christmas" program is going to be made up of fun-filled activites.. Storytime, hands on activities, craft work and even more!

Want to see what kind of fun that Isa had? Let's go..

Storybooks never fail to catch my eyes.

SO MANY titles related to the theme.

And story time never fail to catch Isa's attention.

Pretty Ms Reindeer to show some fun!

 Photos credits from thelovingmom.com

"Do you know how to roll like a roly poly?"

Photos credits from thelovingmom.com and edited by me.

A 7yr and a 3 yr having interactive play during craft time.

Theme of play was quite obvious.

How interesting. 

Handson activity that teaches the children direction..

Handson activity that turned our lil children into lil reindeers!

Photos credits from thelovingmom.com

Craft activity that promotes concentration and build on their fine motor skills.

Photos credits from thelovingmom.com

The appearance of Santa was sure a big surprise for the children!

Photos credits from thelovingmom.com

And everyone queued nicely for their turn with Santa.

Photos credits from thelovingmom.com

A very shy Ayra immersed in a conversation with Santa as Xavier and Isa looked on.

Photos credits from thelovingmom.com

"Santa, I have been nice."

photo credits from Amazinglystill.com

"Yes.. and I have been really really nice!"

photo credits from Amazinglystill.com

"What.. 5 days of fun is over so soon?"

Isa loves the program so much.

Thank you BlueTree Education.

And specially for the readers of Rayconniebaby, 

enjoy a $50 discount off their regular programs at BlueTree Education.*

More about BlueTree Education Learning Centre

BlueTree Education Learning Centre is an enrichment enterprise that aims to redefine learning, thinking and creativity in the ever-changing education landscape in Singapore.

Here at BlueTree Education, we want to grow a child to be a thinker, a learner, an achiever. Our curriculum is designed not only with academic excellence in mind; we want every child to acquire the core thinking skills of thinking critically, inventively, and reflectively as their foundation for learning.

Our differentiated teaching strategies and small-class sizes facilitate a learning environment that supports a thinking culture.

details extracted from www.bluetreeeducation.com

BlueTree Education Learning Centre Pte Ltd
271 Bukit Timah Road, Balmoral Plaza #02-15 Singapore 259708

Email: info@BlueTreeEducation.com

#Disclaimer: Rayconniebaby was invited to participate and review the "5 days of Christmas" program by BlueTree Education and no monetary compensation was made. 

*Discount code is valid for the whole of 2015, subject to Terms and condition stated by BlueTree Education