HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Zoe has attended pre school for a month. It took her 2 weeks to stop crying in school. Poor thing! Every morning before school, Zoe will mumbled in the car that she doesn't want to to to school and we were actually quite worried. Thank God after 2 weeks and getting closer to her class teacher and her friends particular the neighbor's grand daughter that she car pool with, helps Zoe to relief from anxiety.
 It's good to Zoe getting thrilled to school but of course she has a lot to catch up especially she's the youngest in her class! Anyhow, glad that Chinese New Year is here soon so that the little girl could take a break but unfortunately we're not celebrating CNY since my father passed away not even reaching 100 days, therefore we planned to bring Zoe for a trip to Ipoh, at least Zoe could enjoy some time out.

Wishing all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Zoe goes to pre school

On 3rd Jan, Zoe started pre school in Montessori Place. She's very excited to go to school and very learned to put away her shoe and wash her hand before meal. We were relieved that Zoe was receptive until we left her for 1/2 hour. When we returned to the pre school, Zoe was in tears and from there on she become clingy and would not let us out of our sight.

We're worried whether Zoe could let go and be independent during school.For the time being we will still try to talk to her and accompany her during class.

"Where Are You?"

Last month, there was a lot of changes in Zoe's life. My father, Zoe's care-taker was hospitalised due to liver cancer. My father was unconscious for a week and doctor has adviced us to prepare ourselves. But, thank God, who has shown me miracle can happened in every day life by answering our prayer and brought back Dad for us. My father is still weak but at least he's home with us now.

It has been difficult for the whole family and we never thought that it was harder to the little girl. Zoe seems to understand that Gong Gong is very ill and has to be in the hospital but she was unable to express her worried, anxiety and lack sense of security. We have tried to kept her close to us and we even brought her to the hospital to see Gong Gong. At first, Zoe was really uncomfortable to see Gong Gong with all tubes and cried each time she see Gong Gong. We thought that the little girl understand after we have explained to her on Gong Gong condition but I don't think she does and therefore Zoe is always in tears. Frequently, Zoe will ask her care-taker "Where's Gong Gong, Where's Mummy.....and so forth.

My friends did advised me to spend more time with Zoe - bringing her out for some outing and find activities that can do together. However, until now, Zoe is not quite settle and will not let me out of her sight everytime I worked from home.

I hope that Zoe could gain back her sense of security and won't affect her growing up.

Potty Training - Successful!

We have been encouraging Zoe in her potty training on and off. Whenever Zoe become cranky, we will stop for fear that Zoe will have phobia in the future.
For the past 2 weeks, we have been encouraging Zoe to pee in the toilet and finally yesterday she's diaper free!!. However, squatting in the wet toilet may be hazardous for the little girl, therefore today we dug back the potty to let her try again on potty. And surprisingly, Zoe pee in the potty the whole day.

Potty training proved to be challenging for me especially a working mum who only has some time in the morning and at night to spend with Zoe. It need a lot of patience and and encouragement for both the child and mum. I guess I have been rushing into giving Zoe potty training at an early age. At that time, Zoe has just learned to talk, therefore getting her to potty has gone too much for the little girl.

Zoe's 1st Trip to Port Dickson

We should have brought Zoe to the beach side earlier but when Zoe were younger, she's always down with flu, that's why we delayed our plans. Since this is a short trip, we did not have any reservation until 3 days before the trip but regretted as accommodation such as Avillion and Legend Water Homes were fully booked. Anyway, we're fine with Bayu Beach Resort as it's near to the Food court and the town.

After a good rest, we brought Zoe down to the beach side. We were expecting the little girl will be afraid of the big pool of water but to our surprise it's not the water but the sand. Zoe was reluctant to walk on the sand because it's dirty! (yes we have a clean freak here) and I have to carried her all the way to the water!


After breakfast, we decided to let Zoe played awhile on the beachside. Zoe enjoyed being in the water and loved the wave but not when the sand covered her leg. We have no choice but to change venue to the swimming pool where Zoe played the whole morning.

It's a short trip but it's fun to have some outdoor activities. Hope the next time when we visit the beach side, I don't nee to carry Zoe all the way.

Growing Up with Zoe

At 20 months, Zoe started to express herself and consistently showed us what she likes or dislikes. This is when we realized that the little girl likes her fishball meehoon and ABC soup with rice! She can have these 2 dishes every meal! Added to this, Zoe was excited to have her chips and cashew nuts for snacks and not forgetting bread and butter for breakfast.

Eventually, she still dislikes vegetable and beans. Till now, we’re still looking for a way to get Zoe to finish her vege.

Zoe is going to be 2 next month. As I’m being told, Zoe is going into a difficult stage but is a normal transition to grow up. I had a few ‘sneak preview’ where the little girl is pushing to the limit (my patient) and one if it was getting her to sleep. Zoe had requested bottle of water before settling down. While drinking, she would accidentally spilled some water out and wet her pajamas, just to get it changed, to get our attention and to be certain the adults around her know important she is. Phew! What’s more?

My father was helping me to babysit Zoe while waiting for the maid’s arrival. Because of this, Zoe is strongly attached to her Gong Gong. She would not go to bed unless Gong Gong is putting her to sleep…now you can imagine the hard time I have putting the little to sleep. We realized that for the past months, both my husband and me were quite tied up with projects at work and we were unable to put Zoe to bed every night.

The attachment was so strong with Gong Gong and the little girl only felt secured in Gong Gong room and reluctant to sleep in our bedroom. We’re aware that we have to assured the little girl that we won’t leave her and to build the trust again.

Happy Birthday to You, Mummy!

My wish this year is very simple...more time for the family especially Zoe. After watching her birthday video, Zoe more or less understand what is birthday celebration, song and cake. So, today when she saw the birthday cake, Zoe was very excited and insisted on going near to have a better glance. Yes, we had a hard time getting her away from the cake!

On the way back from dinner, we sang along Happy Birthday and suddenly Zoe wished me 'Happy Birthday to you, Mummy!' I'm so touched and this is the best birthday gift I received. Look forward for more birthdays to come :)

Emotional Bagage

I was told to beware of toddler sensitivity but I never guess I have to face it at this early stage. At 20 months Zoe understand our conversation. Of course, we under estimated the little girl ability to understand it. Actually, we suspected that when my brother in-law placed her daughter with my mother in-law, Zoe became jealous as my mother in-law is taking care of the little baby. Regret to say that I don't what is the level that Zoe was left alone but we're trying to make Zoe to understand the whole situation.

Another incident, when Mum friends try to coax Zoe to follow them by saying Gong Gong does not want her anyway, Zoe started to cry instantly and kept holding to Gong Gong and never want to let go. Just now, before she fall asleep, she needs Gong Gong assurance that Daddy, Mummy, Gong Gong and Po Po wants her.

From all the incidents we realised that our little girl is sensitive and even at this early stage she actually understand her surrounding. It's now that we need to spend more time with Zoe talking to her and ensure that she realise that we love her.

Zoe is Sick Again

Today, Zoe missed her Muzik Garden class due to fever. Zoe was very uncomfortable and woke up several time during her nap. Her fever came on and off, and due to the medication, Zoe was quite blur. We followed her closely the whole day just in case her leg felt wobbly and fell. Even though Zoe was sick, she was an active girl and kept going to her toys corner. Just hope my little girl could recover fast.

18 months and 5 days

Zoe is an energetic baby & loves to explore on feet! At 18 months, she loves to run. Whenever Mummy says 'READY', Zoe will utter RUN and run at the same time. Like other 18 months toddler, Zoe likes to play with big bolster and don't be surprised she can actually wrap around the bolster. Now, her little fingers has better grasp, Zoe is able to pull the cart around the house and stopped at her 'little kitchen' for a cup of tea. These activities occupied the little girl for half the afternoon and it helps to keep Zoe entertained in the house.

Happy Birthday, Ba-Ba

10 Oct is Daddy's birthday and Zoe has given Daddy a big..big present by calling him Ba-Ba for the first time. It was about 2 days ago, while Daddy is playing with Zoe, the little girl without any help called Ba-Ba. Definitely a Daddy's day!

Another dinner again. This time we're doing it at IOI Mall so that we could get some entertainment for Zoe while waiting for Daddy to finish work. Obviously, Zoe is enjoying herself with Merry-Go-Round and reluctant to stop until we allow her to go for a 2ND ride! Quite fun to see Zoe starts to open up for new things. When she was younger, we can't get her on a horse ride without hugging on her.

Whenever we go out for meals, we usually order something that can be shared with Zoe and while we're eating she can feed herself.

'MA-MA"

I've been waiting for this moment for 16 months and now, finally Zoe knows how to call out Ma-Ma. Whenever I asked her to look at Mummy, Zoe will go 'Ma-Ma'. Thank God Zoe start calling or else we might end up at the doctor her for a consultation.

It's not easy taking care of Zoe. It require a lot of patience especially toddler at her age needs a lot of encouragement to help them to develop. Every time when Zoe called me, we'll hug her and praise to ensure what she's doing is right.

We look forward for Zoe to add on her vocabulary. 'Ma-Ma' is a good start.

Potty Training

At 15 months, Zoe is exposed to potty! It's very difficult in the beginning to get her to sit on her potty and because of this, Zoe found it difficult to poo! To avoid this situation, we only let Zoe sit on her potty every morning after her feed (coz usually that's when Zoe poo) and after 3 weeks, our little girl knows what's potty for and will notify us that she needs potty there and then. Finally, we've got Zoe on potty.

Zoe Loves Music!

Zoe has always love music. She will stop and look whenever there's musci on the TV. She's so excited when Zoe realise that Mummy mobile phone has music!!

Learning from adults, when she got the mobile phone, she will put to her ear or start to dance when music starts.

Hope Mummy can find her little radio for kids. Let's see.

Zoe @ 15 months

Recently Zoe has develop an attachment with soft toys. She grew to like teddy bear bear, rabbit and doggie. Zoe likes it a lot when Mummy talked to her via bear bear. This is a progress; previously Zoe need ample time to get used to new toys.

At this age, Zoe clearly understands mumm...mumm....means food! Mummy allow her to snack in between meals on her favourite biscuit and sometime oatmeal bread to add in variety. Mummy found that when Zoe is open to more food, she's more attentive during meal time. Now, Mummy is trying to show Zoe can also use spoon to feed herself besides using her fingers. At the moment, Zoe is not quite use with spoon, so more effort is required. Don't give up, Zoe!

Since 13 months, Zoe has been introduced to solid food such as pumpkin, cauliflower, broccoli, tomato, carrot, chicken and fish. Zoe loves her pumpkin porridge. Next step is to introduce Zoe to beans and other vegetables, which Mummy is still looking for recipe.

Mummy out there any suggestions?

Zoe's Vocabulary

It has been a month since my last update. Even though I stopped writing but Zoe's keep growing. We fetched Zoe back from my mother in law's last Wed. Zoe was so excited to go home even though she's really sleepy that we could not open her eyes. Anyhow, her enthusiastic was now her pillow. Every morning when she woke up, the first thing she brought out from the room is her pillow.

Today, Zoe was pointing to her pillow and blurted out Pooh! My girl finally can pronounce Pooh correctly. Then, she pointed to another pillow and say Bear. There's nothing better compare to seeing your own child learns more words every day. Zoe is now able to say Pooh, bear, book, bird.

Look forward for Zoe to call me Ma-Ma and not Ma-Ma to replace her unknown words.

So Much Happened in A Month

It's exactly 1 month I did not penned down anything in this blog, but life goes on and Zoe keep growing and learning. Zoe is now 11 months and has learned to picked her food and put straight into her mouth...and of course she enjoys it a lot!
Not only that, Zoe finally found her 'best friend' - her toy duck that she has decided to include her friend in all her trip (even at times Mummy is not too happy to have her friend in the bath as this means longer bath time!As the wheather became very humid we decided to spend the weekend in Genting Highlands. This time Zoe is more familiar with the surroundings and excitedly rush to Ronald McDonald's when we brought her to McDonald's for breakfast. She spent about 15 mins lingering at the bench with Ronald. Not only that, Zoe was more receptive when I put her on the horse ride. Eventhough we did not left her alone on the ride, it's a good start for Zoe who was afraid to go for rides.

Last week, Zoe suddenly showed us that she has learned shake her head and seems to enjoyed her newly acquired talent! And of course she kept showing it off and being the little princess of the faimily, she got all the praises she needs.

Getting to know Zoe

It has been 10 months and Zoe is still the youngest family member. Still the precious little princess to the whole family but we do see that Zoe is developing her own personality this few weeks. Zoe's a good impersonator and has learn some funny expression especially from Kao Fu.

Yesterday, Tai Po has bought Zoe some little bouncy ball ( knowing my daughter wouldn't settle down with just soft toy) has keep Zoe busy for quite a while. When Zoe first saw the little round thing, she doesn't know what to do with it and not sure what it can be done. So, Yi Po step in and taught her how to bounce and throw ball. Within a few minutes, Zoe is busy looking for partners to play with her. However, at this time, being the little princess, she did not bother to pick up her toy until today Kao Fu force her to learn how to pick up her little ball when it's stick under the chair. Kao Fu did not allow her to play other toy until Zoe learn to retrieve her stucked ball. That's how Zoe learn to pick up her new toy when it roll to the other corner of the house.I guess it's time Zoe should learn to be responsible for her own toys.

It's strange how baby can learn so fast and this is the time we should spent more time to teach them. As a FTWM, it's challenging but seeing how fast Zoe can learn, I wouldn't want to regret if I have not spent enough time with her during her learning phase.

Shopping in IOI Mall

Zoe's uncle is getting married this month, therefore I've decided to bring Zoe to IOI Mall to shop for new clothing. While Zoe and Gong Gong's checking out for the next store to go, Mum and I quickly search something nice for Zoe. Thanks to Su Yin who has to go in and out the store to get Zoe to fit on her new clothing and of course it's not so easy. Zoe is fascinoted with the 'animal cap' that was dislay in the store. Anyway, we mange to bring her out of the store and head to Mong Kok Char Chan Teng for lunch.

After having a few crumbs of her favourite biscuit, Zoe become restless. So, I brought her back to the shopping mall and put her on the trolley. Guess what, she love the trolley drive! At least I could divert her attention from being cranky.

At 9 months, she seems to enjoy 'window shopping' staring from the window to admire little teddy bears display. We had a great lunch that day.

Both Zoe and I enjoy the day out but regret Daddy can't make it that day as Daddy is working. Anyhow, Zoe still enjoy her dinner together with Daddy.

Zoe,

Mummy look forward for more outing together with you and delighted to see your happy face!

I'm 9 months old!

Today Zoe's is 9 months old. She's now able to understand more instructions and will look at the right person when we asked her too. For instance, when we ask her where's Daddy?, she will instantly look at her Daddy and smile (of course now clap!) It really melt Daddy's heart.

During this time, Zoe's perfecting her clapping technique, so everytime she sits down she'll clap her hand. Mummy miss you today since you're at Mah Mah house. Can't wait to fetch you on Wed.

HAPPY 9 MONTHS OLD, BABY!