X'mas eve, I brought my 3 daughters and hubby to my mum's place to celebrate X'mas and, their wedding anniversary. It was just a simple sushi dinner with home cooked soup.

Just as it was getting late and Jonie was getting grumpy. Jodie decided that she wants to sleepover all by herself at MaMa's (my mum) house. I happily agreed and start getting ready her pajamas for her and telling my mum how to prepare her milk and, to remember to brush her teeth. But hubby wasn't very sure about the idea. He said what if, later in the night she starts looking for me? What if, she wants to play and did not want to sleep? What if, my mum can't handle her? I told him, she is sleeping over at my mum's place and she decided by herself that she wanted. She is after all 3.5 years old now and I guess she will know what she wants for these simple things.

Later when we reached home, my mother-in-law was asking where Jodie was. When I told her that she wanted to sleepover at MaMa's house. She looked so shocked and passed a remark that did hurt me a little "Wah! Jie Jie don't like to come home hor?" I am just wondering is letting my child / children sleeping over at my mum's place really that bad? She is my mum not anyone else, if they can't trust my mum then I guess they don't trust me too.

After 4 years of marriage and staying with my in-laws and their extended families I'm still trying to get use to their "culture", life style and practice of belief.

But then ... ... Does Jodie has a wild personality like what they say? Just because she likes to sleep over at my mum's place and is closer to her MaMa?

Merry Christmas !!!

Yesterday after work around 10pm, I board a cab and started a conversation while on the way home. The cabby was very nice and we talked about X'mas shopping and the mass crowd of people and how he missing all these family outing as he have to drive his Taxis.

Then came a car that zoomed into our lane so suddenly and left the lane just as suddenly as it came. The cabby then passed a comment saying that now days people drive like nobody business, not caring for the safety of others.

"We are driving to go from point A to point B and not to point H"

We paused awhile before he asked, what I thought about point "H"?

Have you guessed what point "H" denotes?

Heaven, Hell and Hospital.

Selling Carter's romper for S$4

Suitable for 9mths

Selling Carter's sleep suit for S$4

Suitable from 9mths

Selling Jasper Baby rompers (2pcs) for S$5

*More for house wear, but still in good condition*

Suitable for 18mths up

Selling Mothercare romper (4pcs) for S$12

*More from house wear, but still in good condition*

Suitable for 18mths - 24mths

Selling brand new milk dispenser for S$2

*New*

Selling Barney Radio for S$

*Excellent condition*

Featuring The Wheels on the Bus

A box of plastic domino to go at S$4

Selling Piyo Piyo Milk Powder Dispenser for S$2

Selling Colette yellow sneakers for S$8

*Pre-loved*

Size 25

Selling Nuby Drinking Bottle in Pink / Blue for S$6 each.

*Excellent Condition*

Daughter does not like to drink from the bottle.

Selling Luck Baby feeding bowl & spoon for S$2

*New*

Part of a hamper that I received during the baby shower.

Selling Lucky Baby pink drinking cup for S$2

*New*

Selling Mothercare Anti-Colic Milk Bottle for S$12

*Excellent condition with teat*

Daughter does not like the bottle and does not drink from it.

Selling Blue Avent drinking cup (140ml) for S$2

Used but still in excellent condition, gave up using as daughter does not seems to know how to drink from it. Selling at lower price, as I'm not able to find the cap. Will replace it with a normal Avent milk bottle cap.

Selling yellow Avent drinking cup for S$5

Used only twice, as daughter does not seems to know how to drink from it. Hence selling away and its in excellent condition.

Selling LeapPad from LeapFrog Baby for S$50

From shared reading to independent learning, interactive storybooks features 3 stages of play that grows as your baby grows. With additional "Pooh Loves You!"

Selling OshKosh Pink Sandals for S$10

*Excellent condition*

Crocs Purple Marry Janes for S$10

*Excellent condition*

Selling Toddler neck rest & seat belt holder for S$10

*Excellent condition*

Selling FP Infant to Toddler rocker for S$40

*In working condition with all toys as shown on box*

It's an infant seat with 3 stage development system of toys designed to bring out baby's full potential in the first year. Then, as your child grows, you can use it as a toddler rocking chair (up to 40 pounds).

Calming vibrations and gentle rocking motion help comfort and soothe baby in the infant seat. There's a foldout kickstand for feeding / sleeping and a 2 position recline seat for baby's comfort. Machine washable pad for easy clean up.

1/2 a term has passed for their Ballet lessons. So far so good, they have been enjoying their lessons there held by Crestar at Tampines SAFRA. But I must say the moves taught to them seems a little too simple! Or am I expecting too much for 3yrs old? Maybe / Yes, I would say that I'm expecting too much from them. Guess I am just one of those Typical Kaisu Singaporean, who expect too much, too fast from them. I really don't know why this is happening but suddenly I have the urge for them to excel and be good and shine in future.

Thinking about that leads to this: Would you donate money and do volunteer works in hope to get you child / children into say CHIJ Primary School? Or would you just go to a neighbouring school?

1. Going to CHIJ Pri may be able to allow your child / children straight to CHIJ Sec;

2. But the stress level might be much higher then those in the neighbouring sch;

3. I studied in Pei Chun Public School in Toa Payoh, and from maybe Pri5 I will have tummy ache on the tought of going to school!!! I swear, I'm not lying. In the end, I didn't excel in school because I ended up disliking school. Luckly, I managed to do well during Secondary Sch in a neighbouring school and scored 12 points during O Levels.

So what is your conclusion? CHIJ / ABCD?

Help Me Be Good! By Joy Berry from Scholastic (Consist of 29 topics & 1 parent's guide)

Hard cover books in excellent condition

1. Teasing

2. Fighting

3. Being Bullied

4. Being Bossy

5. Breaking Promises

6. Disobeying

7. Being Messy
8. Being Greedy
9. Being Rude
10. Gossiping
11. Being Destructive
12. Showing Off
13. Stealing
14. Cheating
15. 16. Lying
17. Snooping
18. Being Lazy
19. Being Selfish
20. Being Careless
21. Being Forgetful
22. Interrupting
23. Whining
24. Throwing Tantrums
25. Complaining
Being Mean
26. Tattling
27. Being a Bad Sport
28. Overdoing It
29. Being Wasteful

This book is in a comic form with lots of picture and short dialogue box. It will not too tiring for little children to follow on / with too many words to put them off. You can always let the children try to tell a story from the picture!!! For instance, ask the child what is child in the picture doing? Counter ask qns on if the child is doing it right? In this way, not only is the child learning to understanding the topic behind the picture but also learning how to express themselves. It will not be easy but it will be a great pride when you hear your child come running to you to tell and tell you HER STORY.

Science Experiments by Brown Reference Group (Total of 10 Volumes)

Hardcover books in excellent condition

1. Electricity & Magnetism
2. Everyday Chemistry
3. Force & Motion
4. Heat & Energy
5. Inside Matter
6. Light & Colour
7. Our Environment
8. Sound & Hearing
9. Using Materials
10. Weather & Climate

Example from Volume 4: Measuring Food Energy
The Goal of this experiment is to use measurements of heat to find how many kilo calories there are in your particular food. They will also states the things required to carry out the experiment, safety tip, troubleshooting and an analysis with some facts.

Used Avent 4oz milk bottles w/o treats S$1 each.

*Not for fussy buyers*

Suitable for 3 - 6mths

Suitable for 0 - 3mths, Firetrucks pictures.

Suitable for 2T

Made in Philippines

Suitable for 9mths in Princess & Rabbit.



*Not for fussy buyer*

Suitable for 24mths, measuring

chest about 28cm & length about

45cm

Suitable for 24 mths. Flowery 2 pcs halter dress in yellow and light pink skirt. Wist band of skirt measures about 20cm.

Suitable for 24mths. Flowery 2 pcs halter dress in dark pink, wist band of skirt measures about 20cm.

Suitable for 12 - 18mths, Excellent condition, with a little bug on the right chest.

Made in Cambodia

Suitable for 12mths, measuring chest about 28cm and length about 40cm.

Suitable for 12mths, Excellent condition, measuring chest about 26cm, length about 40cm, with laced bottoms and back zip closure.

Suitable for 12mths, measuring chest about 27cm, length about 42cm. Back zip closure.

Excellent Condition

Insole measures about 8cm

Excellent Condition

Excellent Condition

Selling Adidas Infant shoe for S$5





Insole measures about 10cm

Disney Pooh Bear Dress selling for S$5

Suitable for 6 - 12mths, measuring chest about 26cm and Length about 36cm.

Colettee Pink Straw Hat selling for S$4

Measuring about 45 cm, with ribbon on the back of the hat.

Second day since I came back from Phuket. Went there from the 31st Nov till 3rd Oct, we were scheduled to return on the 2nd but due to the wet weather we extended another day in hope to cover more.

It's the 1st time I brought all 3 children on tour with me, lucky with the help of my parents and a rented car it is all made possible. BUT trust me... it is a really tried tour and all of us came home sick.

Day 1.

Alighted from the plane, rented a car and off to Novotel Phuket Resort which is located at Patong Beach (far end). Almost mid hill, so I would say it's kinda of windy and cold, plus a nice view over looking the sea. Unfortunately, we were not given a sea view room as we requested for a bigger room which over see a garden? After all have been unpacked, we headed for Jungceylong Shopping Centre (very big) to get the girls pampers and drinking water (Carrefour). We even had dinner at their food court. Which was almost like our food court prices here (expensive).

Day 2.
Woke up... *Sigh* It is raining... ... Had breakfast at the hotel cafe, International Breakfast, not so international. What to do! We just didn't dare to try those roadside restaurants, as my cousins whom just came back said they fell ill after eating in a so-so restaurant. Today, I plan to go see Big Buddha @ Chalong. It is the island's most important and revered landmark. The Buddha is 25m across at the base. The whole body is layered with beautiful white marble. Though it is not yet 100% complete it is still worth a visit. However, before we reached Big Buddha, we were on the way to Daddy's Bungy Jump!!! Whoppy!!! Daddy was so excited and believed it or not he actually jumped twice.

Day 3.

It is the 3rd raining day. Planned to go Dino Park Mini Golf @ Kata Beach, where we had lunch at the Kata Group Hotel. A very nice hotel just by the beach, worth staying I believe but they are charging about 8,000bht per night. While Novotel is charging about 4,000bht only. The Dino Park is a 18 hole mini golf for both children and adults. Maybe it's raining and that's why we had the whole place to ourselves. After which on the way back to the hotel, we made a detour to the Seashell Museum... erm not worth the visit. Then Daddy went to tailor make 4 shirts and 2 pants for 4,000bht. To be frank, we didn't know if it was cheap or expensive. Nevertheless, we still went ahead to order the clothes. Later, in the evening we had our little walk at the Patong night market. Nothing much I would say, all the shops are selling similar items. Tips: Phuket Town things are cheaper!!!

Day 4.

Raining still... What's new? Went to the Butterfly Park without my parents and Jovie as they were all not feeling well. We waited and waited for the Butterfly to "land" on us but none came... After which, we went shopping at Lotus and had KFC. Their KFC have got rice meals and they actually provide plastic plate and metal utensils for use. Added work for the staff there to wash but I think is it more environmental friendly? Went back to the hotel for a swim in a rain that past as quickly as it came. Later that night we went to watch FantaSea (an elephant show about a story of a young Prince saving Thailand) a good show with a so-so buffet dinner. But not suitable for young children under 3 or 4 as the sound effects are rather loud. There are alot to shop at a more expensive price to pay and an elephant ride + photo at 590bht. The day ends at 10.30pm...

Day5.

We are due to return today, no more extension as $$ is running out and everyone is tired and falling ill. Guess what? It is a SUNNY DAY! Mr. Sun is finally here but we are going home. Checked-in, board the plane and 1hr 30mins later we are back in Singapore.

I'm going to learn driving... ... Yes! I enrolled myself for driving today, sad to say I chose "Auto", as I'hv got no confidence at all learning "manual". On top of this... ... wahaha!!! Ah Da paid the course fee for me (est S$1200). I must aim to pass the 1st time round and not waste any time nor money on re-test. My basic theory is scheduled on 15th November, 6.30pm. I have about a month to study for it... ... "I will work hard!加油，加油，加油！"

FAVOURITISM!!! Are you guilty of it???

Many of us will admit that it's easier to feel the love of a smiling and sunny-natured child than one that is screaming and kicking or making a big fuss.

One study by a UK company noted that there is a 13% of parents admitting to having a favourite child. In US, a 1/4 of parents showed favouritism, while in Australia a whooping 69% admitted in giving preferential treatment to one child. What about you???

According to the study, there are many reasons for favouring one child over the other. This may be because:-

1. he is more like you in looks / personality; and
2. you are his favourite parents; and
3. your child meets your expectations.

Dr Dirk Flower suggested that we parents should spend more time with the other child that we favour less. He also pointed out that all children and adults are different and are unique and we should not tall into the trap of comparing them, as this can hurt their self-esteem.

I must admit that I'm guilty of favouritism. Perhaps it is the guilt I felt towards Jonie, as I spent less time with her as she sleep with my in-laws and we can't get her to sleep with us. Furthermore, she lack so much in her speech development as my in-laws simply don't know what to talk to her or correct her of any mispronouciation. But I'm torn, on one hand I felt I should teach her more (in terms of behaviour / writing / speech) however on the other I'm unable to be stern to her. I just feel I "owe" her too much.

"Preferential treatment can be damaging to your child's esteem and it can turn into sibling rivalry and a competition for your attention, so AVOID going down that road." Dr Dirk Flower, Mother&Baby, May2010 issue.

Yes! I went Universal Studio with my 2 elder daughter, hubby and friends. We sure did enjoy our day despite the hot and humid weather. Although I didn't get to try all the rides but I still enjoy my time spent with my daughters.

The shows are great to watch but are too loud for young children. Hence my daughters did not really enjoy the show but they did enjoy the fire works that started at 1730 every weekends. We caught the 4D Shrek and personally like it a lot. I'm not too sure if it's comparable to those in the States, as I'hv never been there. However, there aren't many rides that you can test your limits.

*Not open yet*

Be prepared to spent a full day at Universal Studio to cover every corner and make the tickets well spend (expensive!).

Are any of you guys out there using StarHub cable or land line or mobile? Have you been experiencing very slow signal or just can't load a page? Have you been experiencing long dial tone which ended up being cut off? Or you waited for very long and the line didn't get trough?

I'm personally using StarHub cable for my internet and it take ages to load a page. Even as I'm typing now I bear the risk that this post might not be able to publish later. Believe it or not, my 3G under SingTel is even faster then my home cable. Totally disappointed!!! My auntie whom have recently signed up StarHub package which bundle in the land line, have trouble calling out and we have problem calling in. Guess the most disappointing part is that after numerous calls to the Customer Service, they didn't sent anyone down to her resi to check it for them. They even went to buy a new phone, thinking that the phone might be faulty. Being an elderly they have got no idea what is going on and furthermore their only son is furthering his studies oversea. Shouldn't StarHub sent a technician down to check on their lines, instead of asking them to troubleshoot themselves? Poor customer care = no customer service.

Recently received a call from a studio claiming that they are doing a promotion for their opening. They also promised that there is no hidden cost and that they are inviting us (the Family) for a photo shot just to "make known" their studio. As per the conversation, they will be giving us 2 edited shots and the whole session will take about 2 - 3 hours. Of course if you like the rest of the photos you will have to purchase them. Sound fair! So we went...

After about 3 hours of session, they brought us to another room to choose the photo we like. So we choose, then came the "VIP talk". The package goes like this, if you take up the package either in full payment or instalment you can enjoy: yearly events shots (birthday parties), one free album (in the size you chose according to your package fee), free make-up course and also yearly studio shots with CDrom. Maybe there are more on list but I think my ears got blocked half way. I personally felt cheated and I not too sure about how the rest of you felt. Does it sound like a scram? Or is it really a scram?

Maybe I am being too naive to believe in such "good" thing. BUT good thing did happened before and that's why I believe...

Probably 2 months back, I received a call from a cleaning company claiming that they have been in the industry for 20 years and would like to demo their dust mite vacuum cleaner. 1st impression, NO LAH!!! However after hearing them out, I decided to try them out. WHY? Because they mentioned: how long it will take, it's a free demo to introduce the vacuum cleaner, people have bought the vacuum cleaner with warranty of 10 years and the price (mouth wide opened and I stopped her. TOO expensive!) but she continued to say that they have per session service. SO? she mentioned that just give it a try, they understand that S$4,000 for a vacuum cleaner is a bit hard to swallow but they wish that we can consider their per time service as well. The sale man whom came on that day was not pushy and we have also decided to hire them to come once a year to spring clean before CNY.

All in all, there are times where we will meet with ad hoc scram but not all advertising should be condemned.

Selling Bright Starts Bouncer for S$40

*Barney not included*

The award winning Bounce Bounce Baby is fully loaded with toys, light and melodies. This compact activity zone has all of the features necessary to keep baby entertained! The bounce pad allows baby to bounce and dance, and the 360 degrees for full access to toys.

3 height settings allows platform to grow with baby.

Toy bars feature: Spring Ball Slider, hanging mirror and Caterpillar Bead Chaser.

Seat pad is machine washable.

Suitable for 4 months & up / up to 30" tall

Selling Giant Blue Net Bouncer for S$20

Selling Mothercare White Dress for S$8

- Suitable for 12 - 18mths

- With flower embiodery

- With matching hat