Friday, March 28, 2008

Ying's Birthday

Celebrated Ying's birthday on 28-Mar-08 with Gabriel after dinner at home. Bought 2 slices of cake from a bread boutique at Giant Bayan Baru - Blueberry Cheese and Chocolate. Ying was also surprised with a gift.

Earlier in the morning, as Mummy was getting Gabriel ready for school, he was being fussy. But when Mummy said that it was her birthday, Gabriel suddenly changed his mood and became quiet. They sang the Birthday Song together and at the line "Happy Birthday to...", Gabriel filled in with "Mummy" and at the last line "Happy Birthday to YOU!", Gabriel pointed at Mummy. Mummy was very touched and related the story to me through Google Talk in the morning.

Happy Birthday, dear Ying/Mummy! Lots of love from Niq/Gabriel

Singing Happy Birthday

Blow the candles

A present for you!

Happy Birthday, Mummy *MUAK*

Monday, March 24, 2008

Gabriel at 28months

Gabriel at 28months. Photo taken at Menglembu on 9-Mar-08.
Ying and I can quite safely say we are out of the rough. Still apprehensive of what holds for Gabriel's development beyond 2years.

After 3months going to daycare at Melody kindyland Bukit Jambul, he now has grown fond of it. The first month was fine. But long school breaks for Chui Li and Yeo's wedding at KL and Chinese New Year sort of broke the routines. Coupled with flu and cough, he became very irritable and insecure. He threw his worst tantrums during these periods. We developed a fear of sending him to school and afraid of triggering his temper tantrums.

He is very talkative now. Grandma says, "We used to talk and he listens, now he talks and we listen." He's able to have simple conversations on the telephone. He can relate to us the things that go on in school, his teachers and friends. He can remember names well. He also understands nicknames. He told us that Sharon calls him “Ah-Briel”. Then mummy asked him, “Do you call Sharon Ah-Ron?” He would laugh and say, “So funny!”

Gabriel is no more afraid to get a haircut. Gone are the days of crying and arching on the chair. His pacifier – a hairy-salty-slippery lollypop. He could also stay still for us to cut his fingernails. We used to have to wait for him to go into deep sleep before cutting his nails.

Gabriel can sing songs with a bit of tune, but will tend to skip some words. He could sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, “Little Boy Blue”, “Finger Song” and his school’s song before meals. Sometimes he would request us to sing for him. He loves story books with colorful pictures. His favorites are the Ladybird Phonics series. Although the books were meant for kids aged 4-5years, he could remember the stories and fill in the blanks as we read to him.

When interacting with other children, he is rather timid with older kids, but will bully the younger ones – cousin Julian is one of them. Julian will follow Gabriel wherever he goes and will want to play whatever Gabriel picks up. Then Gabriel would push Julian’s hands away, or say a firm “Don’t!” Still need to inculcate in him the virtue of sharing.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Grandma's Project

Mom came up to Penang on 20-Mar-08 for Easter. She brought some vegetables, not so much for cooking, but to amuse Gabriel with some cute carvings.


Green and Orange Monster
Goose
Dolphin

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Up, up, up, To the Top

Ying had a marvelous idea to step out of our mundane routines - to make a trip up Penang Hill on 24-Feb-08. We had to wait for about 15 minutes for the next train up. We were practically packed into the train like sardines. It was cool at the peak but pity the view was hazy.

There used to be a villa with a garden with nice flowers. The villa is now turned into a fine dining restaurant, which only admits patrons, not for sightseeing. A waiter stands guard at the entrance where you can browse the menu or watch a video. Not for those who have aversion to price - with similar altitudes to the restaurant's locality.

Had a muffin snack near the playground. Nearby, there is a mosque and a Hindu temple. There is a hawkers' centre where we had "mee goreng" - pretty good. Gabriel went window shopping, trying out some toys. One shopkeeper chased Gabriel away saying "cukup!, cukup!". Hmmm who says Malaysians are hospitable.

Those who are more adventurous can follow the trails to the lookout. Or join a 4X4 club and drive up to the top. Besides that, for the casual visitor, a bore would be an overstatement. Anyway, a Swiss made funicular train saves the day...

Packed like sardines
It's raining!
The old wooden train - not a good idea to place on flat ground

More photos at Picasa Web Albums