2020 April and onwards..

Been so so long since I pen anything down here.

For a record, 2020 started with a “Big Bang” as many countries got hit by Coronavirus (Covid-19) from December 2019. Singapore was not spare either but guess we were lucky to steal a movie and a staycay during the March school holiday at Festive Hotel. 

Then came the infamous circuit breaker bestowed to Singapore as most of us have to adhere to 56 days of school closure/WFH. Everybody became homebodies, like it or not. No visitation is allowed unless you are dropping some necessity items for your close/direct family members.

Cars were not zipping through town anymore, ERP was off for a record, public transport were labelled with stickers for passengers to adhere to safety distancing. If out, you have to wear a mask or you face a risk of being fine $300. 

Then school reopened on 2nd June 2020, with HBL kicking in for alternate levels reporting. We can visit but not more than 5 people from the same household. 

Retail and restaurant opened from 19 June 2020 with crowd no larger than 5 to be seated together. Masking on is still mandatory. We can also receive guests but not more than 5 in the house. 

Many regulations are still technically in place. Some people are worried, some people are just lax (wearing masks below their nose). I’m just becoming to getting used to be a homebody. I only dined out once, went to the mall because I need the washroom. Else I’m usually home with the kiddos.

We enjoy our time a lot at home, weekends are just meant for doing more school work, they having more access to screen time while I binge on watching my oppa. Ray papa says this seems like Australia retirement plans already. 

Then came the news of Paliament dissolving over the weekend and also came the polling date that gave my birthday a long weekend. Also came the news of a white candidate brought under the scrutiny of the public eyes then came another one, hopefully a more cohorent one.

What a happening year we have so far.

But in the midst of this chaos, I never forget to give thanks to the Lord, never forget to pray to him humbly and continue to serve Him with all my heart for I know what we are going through is according to His will. 

Another thankful moment that everyone in my family is doing good, my kids are healthy as we are bestow with such abundance of His love. 

Here is Lil I at school, drawing his version of the world.

What more can I ask for.

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 

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.

{Giveaway: 5 pair of tickets} J.Oil - A Very Special One Drop Christmas Bazaar

Like you all already know that I have been using Young Living essential oils (EO) for the longest time but here is the event for you to come! OneDrop has organized "A Very Special One Drop Christmas Bazaar" and we want you to be here! Whether you are a new user or a season user of EO, I cant wait to share with you all the details of this event that is happening soon.

Please mark down this very important as winning the pair of ticket (only ONE lucky winner will win one 5ml of Cedarwood) is so easy!

Let me share with you what you can expect at this event first:

• More than 15 traders bringing in their own special items - some personally crafted, some sourced carefully around the world. There are plenty of quirky and beautiful items that will make one-of-a-kind gifts for Christmas. And yes food items too - so yummy you will not resist!

• Total of 6 FREE essential oil and lifestyle workshops - guarantee a value-added experience as you shop.

• OneDrop help do your bit for charity - 100% of the collected entrance fees will be donated to One Life Global Charity to fund a project to buy medical and trauma equipment for children in Syria affected by the on-going civil war.

On Site Promotion

We will also be running a special onsite promotion on the day of the event for new members who wish to sign up with a new Young Living account.

New members to enrol under my YL distributor number 1470400 will receive the following:

1. 5ml Bottle of Lavender

2. Free copy of Live Alive Book - Only for new One Dropper members

+ We will also be having a special NingXia Red promotion on the event day.

Read more about the event here!

----------------------------------------GIVEAWAY----------------------------------------

And here is how you can win a pair of tickets to the event!

1. Just leave a comment about which is your favourite Young Living Essential Oil!

Good luck!

By the way..  my littest model is here to share with you how you can use EO.. Lil I's favorite oils are RC and Lemon by the way.

Oh ya.. and if my 5 entry slots run out, please feel free to drop by MummyEd or Xavvylicious or Kym to try your hands again on winning more. I did not mention multiple entries are not allowed right? #justsaying Shhh...

#Disclaimer: author of Rayconniebaby is a Young Living distributor with membership 1470400. We do have complimentary invites to this event but there is no monetary compensation. Kindly email me at rayconnie.low@gmail.com for any queries. All images are credited and provided by OneDrop. *T&C applies for the free 5ml EO - will only be send out at the later date.

How to bring down a fever the natural way.. Suitable for babies and toddlers

Maybe not many of you might know but Lil I was bugged down by our most common hated enemy of all: viral fever.

You see it right: viral fever.

We all have that hair pulling moments with kids who fall sick, isnt it?

Imagine Lil I has fever on 3 occasions in 3 separate weeks straight. It's like fever for 2 days, recover.. A week later, fever comes again.. A week later, fever comes again. 

It was like a cycle we could not break. 

In fact last week his fever was so high (40.3'C) that we have to send him to the hospital to do a check. Anyway it was not even a thorough check. Eventually we made another visit to our GP on the next day and he was more assuring instead.

I'm not an expert but I believe many of us will try to use the so many methods we heard to bringing down a fever. Just to let you know I'm not here to offer you sure remedy, cure or treatment methods. These are just some alternative ways other than the fever medicine that I had used and it works for my baby boy.

Method 1: sponging with water dripped with essential oils

Sponge with water is normal but have you try to drip several drops in the routine of sponging?

I would recommend drip several drops of recommended essential oils into your basin of water for sponging. 

• In Lil I's case, I use 3-4 drops of lavender essential oils, 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in warm water bath. Try to let the water level be as high as his chest to have a better effect. You can purchase epsom salt in pharmacy such as Watsons or Guardian.
• We also tried to sponge him with tepid water dripped with several drops of peppermint oil. 

Method 2: pressing on accupressure points

Press the digital nerves and meridians.

These points can be found at the sides of all your fingers.

One cycle is to do for all 10 fingers. Repeat as often as many cycles. I could only do max 2-3 cycles as Lil I will get uncomfortable and started to cringe.

Method 3: keep child hydrated. 

Always keep your kiddos hydrated in fever episodes. My GP ever told me before, the more dehydrated the child is, the fever might just persist longer. We literally feed anything that is feasible.. From water to barley to anything that is good. But we would avoid cold and fizzy drinks though. 

Method 4: applying essential oils on vital areas

My favourite range of oils for subduing the fever

Swipe off the bottle of these oils. You may wish to rub along the spine, chest and/or forehead of your child to help keep the temperature down or till fever is broke. You can apply one at a time, rest for a few minutes before you apply another or you can wish to layer them if you wish. Layer them in this sense means you can rub the essential oils one after another without much waiting.

In additional, it is also good to rub diluted Peppermint oil and/or Thieves oils on child's feet. 

Method 5: change of diet

Give more soft based food like porridge, rice with soup or even mee sua with a good soup base. Avoid greasy, fried, unhealthy snacks that will induced heatiness in the body. 

On a personal basis. I have had use all methods all together. It doesn't matter which order you put them in but as long as you are comfortable with using them, please go ahead. Many mummies can get anxious when fever don't break as fast as they expect. Remember whether medication or essential oils are not magic, you just need to be patient in using them. On an average, it might take 15-30 min for a fever to break if you try any methods to bring down a fever.

But like now after being a mom of 3: I would say I'm quite the chilled mum now. I always believe that if children are still active and alert: can play and eat kind, I do not actually feel so worried if the fever is under 38.5'C. And also believe in your instinct when it comes to the care of your child. 

Rather please do not hesistate to seek professional help for medical advice if you feel your child is more lethargic and feeding less than usual.

"Mama..let's fight the fever monster"

"Didi.. But I'm not the monster, I'm jus a Momster"

And after 4 days of consistent work, I'm more than happy to see my happy boy back in action!

Oops. No no it's not child labour. This is just a toddler who is imitating our daily chores. :)

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post from Young Living Essential Oils. I am a distributor (Member no. #1470400) of Young Living Essential Oils. Email me at rayconniebaby.low@gmail.com should you have any enquiries. I will try and answer within my ability. All experience, opinions and sharing are of my own.

A new milestone..Starting school at 18months old+

"Mama.. are you saying I am going to school soon?"

maybe if I pretend to be a princess, can I dont go?

Or is it a better idea for me to be a prince charming?

I think the teacher dont like if someone is too glutton right?

And I think I am too cheeky for school!

"Wait mama.. Did u say I'm going to school next week?"

One day short of 18 months..

Actually lil I has been taking a few steps by himself since 14mths or so  but it was only until yesterday that our littlest one decided that walking is a new freedom!

I smell more trouble soon! 

Way to go my little one!

Lil I's big day celebration.. with my friends

Somehow we know this is gonna be the last kid in the family thus we decided to make his first celebration a little more bigger scale. Bittersweet feeling.

And thank you for everyone who turned up for littlest fella.

thank goodness Ray papa is good at this photo editing thing.

his little artwork for little one.

and in the very early morning of the celebration, Dora helped to decorate the tools that is to be use for the game session.

Our dessert table!

Childhood friend Nic who arrived earlier than us!

The TV that plays the montage and the goodies bags that I prep for the kiddos. And of course not forgetting the games I brought along. Quite a budget celebration as I simply think engaging face painting or balloonist is just not within my budget. Any interested sponsors pls approach me? Lol

Part of the dessert table.

I feel this mini cupcake was not as popular as it should be. the colours were nice and the taste was good. very nice bite size but guess it just didnt appeal to the kids much.

Another cold coner on the table. a much neglected piece. taste was actually good (not too sweet for my liking) and it took guests to actually see the colours in the shot.

I need not say too much.

and this MOST popular item on the table just got wiped out!

I am not actually a macaroon fan but I love this assorted colours and the filing was actually oreo!

Yum yum!!

M & M cookies! another hot item on the dessert table.

And the cake!

After paying for a $300 cake back then I realize a small edible cake would also make kids happy.

Childhood friends to do an "open ceremony" for the dessert table.

And the buffet spread is here!

Pineapple fried rice! Many raves about it.

Mixed vegetables. 

Its like a must to have a vegetable dish in all buffet spread. 

Why ah?

Cereal fish. something different from cereal prawn.

I think Ray papa knows I dislike to deshell.

I simply love potato salad!!

Who can forget this classic dish in ALL buffet spread again?

This is my ah lao's favourite.

This is Dora's favourite dish.

Bonus tempura prawn! See.. no shell!

Fried youtiao with sotong. yummmmm

I just prefer cold to hot dessert.

Aei and got photobombed by a big child.

The kiddos during games playing session.

Love it when they are so engrossed and nobody asked for free wifi!

Love these happy faces!

Us and the cake!

And see how the evil Mama closed the birthday boy's eyes to make a wish?

So what did you wish for my lil boy?

Mei mei.. do you actually know whose birthday is it?

Cross section view of the cake.

Us!!

See I told. the hottest item on the dessert table. all wiped out.

Most of us! 

Thank you everyone again for the APs! Hope you and your kid/s have fun!