I have been waiting for these for almost two weeks and finally I got them in the mail today!

Now that C has started school, we were constantly reminded to tag all her belongings. Cheryl lost her socks on the third day of school; the teacher claimed that she had put them in her bag but I think they were put in the wrong bag. I also got the labels for our darlings, Zinnia and Yeva.

So the first thing I did when I got my hands on the labels was to tag her uniforms and shoes. I am very impressed with the quality of the labels and I would definitely make more orders in the future if C needs more of these.

Now, there will be no excuse of her losing her stuff.

Cheryl's school requested for some photos and updates of her personal particulars. I had initially wanted to submit the picture she took when we had her passport updated but Daddy was reluctant to hand in those pictures as she looked really adorable in them.

So I decided to take my own shots.

I made her smile so many times, C got a little frustrated with me. Then I realised she wasn't really dressed for it too. So we had a change of clothes and I got her to pose again, much to her annoyance.

I was telling her to look this way, and smile that way and after a few minutes of entertaining me, C got fed up and she stuck out her tongue in many of the pictures.

But I managed to get this one really sweet looking one.

So cute!! :)

Preparing for the Lunar New Year is never complete without a trip down to Chinatown. And we went there in the afternoon. Cheryl was delighted to see the many colourful decorations and very thrilled to see her favourite, Mickey and Minnie; yes, it is the year of the Rat.

We didn't get to see much because it started pouring and we had to shorten our trip and head back.

Grand Mummy bought a lovely potted plant too!

In the evening, we tried to make more goodies; mini prawn rolls but we didn't get far. We only managed 1 pack as we needed to visit Grand Uncle Joe.

I found a little something for Daddy. :)

This will keep him updated (not that he needs to be because he is an avid fan of Soccernet and the news there is definitely more detailed) but at least we know (err, I will know because I am always asking Daddy) when the next match is coming up.

We always have time for a Manchester United match... even when we were in the delivery suite way back when C was born. Haha.

Daddy returned from work this evening and I knew instantly that something was not quite right. Usually, Daddy would pop his head in the showers and surprised C but he didn't do that this evening.

After dinner, when Daddy and I were having our little private time, he revealed that he had been wronged at work. Sigh... This particular boss of his doesn't like Daddy and has always been nip-picking him. In the years that I have known my husband, I have always found him to be capable and efficient and he always has a good reason for choosing a particular course of action. I have no doubt about his abilities at work but this boss apparently doesn't see eye to eye with Daddy.

When Daddy confided in me, I felt his despondence and my heart went out to him. This is not the first time that he is upset with work and at work but clearly he is very affected by what happened today. It really feels bad not to be appreciated and it feels worse when after all that he's done, his boss picks on the petty stuff. To stay on in a company, job satisfaction is of utmost importance and if one can't count on one's superior to trust and stand by his /her employees, then going to work becomes such a chore.

The entire evening, Daddy kept much to himself and the only person who could cheer him up was our Little Spark who showered him with her many kisses and hugs. I told Daddy that no matter what happens, we will always stand by him and he could count on me and our little girl.

Both my darlings are sleeping now and I hope, Daddy will feel better when he wakes up tomorrow.

I love you, Dear.

I saw this really innovative creation and I am wondering if it really works.

Maybe I can try to get this done on C's chopsticks at home and get Cheryl to use it. This is really smart, I must say!

The last time I prepared this kind of porridge for C was, yesterday.

Cheryl didn't fancy the noodles we had so during dinner, she requested that I cooked "baby porridge" for her. And I saw the sieve that I painstakingly scouted around when she was only a couple months old, hanging by the sink and I thought it would really be nice to cook the porridge that I once prepared for her.

Our little Spark stood by the sink while I was cutting the carrots and she even wanted to help me. Then she also stood over the stove and asked me if her porridge was done.

This evening, she wanted me to cook her the same porridge she had yesterday so I did.

Actually, doing this brought back memories... :)

All the tools you need:

• a small pot to boil the porridge in
• thinly cut carrots
• dried scallops for taste
• sieve

Actually, you can throw in any vegetables but carrot was all I could find in the fridge. Not a problem because C loves carrots she even eats them raw.

After the porridge is cooked, scoop a little into the sieve and start mashing.

The porridge that comes out of the sieve is extremely fine and very fluffy. Ideal for very young babies who are just starting to eat semi-solids.

Verdict:

Our Baby enjoyed every bit of the porridge, both yesterday and today! :) She even requested for more.

I knew there was work to be done and on Friday, I sat C down to do some revision for music class. We went through the tempo exercise and finished up the colouring for that exercise. We also practised a little on C's keyboard; getting her to find the "C" note on the keyboard and all.

But when we came for class in the morning, I suddenly remembered that there was another exercise to be done! Oh my! The feeling was horrible; remembering that homework was not done only after stepping into class and the teacher was sitting there asking for pupils' work.

I quickly sat C down to finish up the exercise. She didn't have difficulty recognising the "2 black keys" so the work was done in a no time.

Lesson learnt:

After class today, I immediately did the homework with C. We also practised a little more on the keyboard. I think I will do this with Cheryl every evening; getting her Music book out for practice instead of only going through with her only on Friday. After all, she will never be able to learn music if she doesn't do it consistently. Moreover, she will know that practising the keyboard should be an everyday affair if she intends to progress further.

This was my first meeting with Ms Sally.

Ms Sally has pretty nice things to say about Cheryl. Apparently, C is very active in class and she participates actively. The first thing she said when I sat down was "On, that cute little girl." Hmm... I took it to mean, C has been rather endearing in class.

The teacher commented that C tests the limits in class because she will do exactly the opposite of what the teacher said and Ms Sally said that she knew C was doing it deliberately because Ms Sally would call out to C and C would smile her cheeky smile before complying. And she pointed out that C needs constant reminders to keep the materials she has taken off the shelves before she takes another. And the other thing is, when it is Snack time, C doesn't like to sit and eat. She will be taking things out from her backpack, or hiding under the table and Ms Sally will have to remind her firmly that she should sit still and eat. But Ms Sally is very patient and she kept stressing that C is very smart.

Then Ms Sally broke out into a smile and said that she knows C already knows her numbers. She answers questions that the teacher poses to other children and will move to the front even when it is not her turn. Ms Sally said she might consider teaching C work that is scheduled for Term 2. (But hasn't Term 1 only just started?)

Oh, Daddy and I thought that C doesn't know her colours because whenever we try to ask her to identify different colours, C will not be able to point out the colours we want. But, Ms Sally said C knows her colours!

I can take heart and say that at least she is doing well in school. C also performs well in Music and Movement class and Ms Sally said this is good because shyness always hinders learning.

The teacher was very surprised that C only just started schooling because she felt that C was so well adjusted, it was as if C had been through toddler class with them.

I also saw C's teacher for Chinese class and she said that Cheryl is alright in class. She speaks well although she tends to mix her languages and she will sing along during music sessions.

Okay, I am glad that C is doing well so far.

Aunt Ivy, Uncle CK's wife... from the cruise... she was really thoughtful and sweet. She learned that C was going to start music class soon and she got a copy of Brainy Baby for Cheryl.

The first evening Daddy brought the disc home, we wanted to play it for her but C wouldn't hear of it. She was adamant of letting her Bob, Dora, Barney or Strawberry Short Cake go. But I played it for her nevertheless and the rest, as they say, is history. :)

C loved it! She loved that the kids play with different musical instruments and there is singing. At times, Daddy and I would catch her trying to dance to the tune.

If you haven't already guessed, Ms Sally is Cheryl's teacher in school. Everyday I would peer into her backpack to see if Ms Sally has left notes for me. Today, she returned with a little worksheet on "Vertical Lines".

I was pleasantly surprised to see that C was able to complete the task and in clear strokes too. Daddy was very pleased with our little Spark as well. Ms Sally wrote a note of C's progress and we were happy that she is adapting well in school.

I will be meeting Ms Sally this Friday to discuss more about C and what she has been up to in class. Daddy and I are concerned that C will be bossy around her peers because she can be rather aggressive at times. Till Friday... .

The last official hair cut C received was when she was less than 1 year old and her hair has grown so long that it was getting a little troublesome to wash. Even for her soft hair, it gets tangled easily despite me using conditioner on it.

So we decided to get Grand Mummy to give her a trim and here is her new look.

Sweet, isn't she?

Grand Daddy will be 60 years old tomorrow and we decided to give him a surprise with a sumptuous meal at Peony Jade. Aunt Di, the ever resourceful one planned the entire thing; from the coordinating to making reservations.

When she sent me the menu, I already knew that we would be pigging out on delicious food.

My new phone being put to good use here as we received directions. Daddy's always been the one with the sense of direction and as for me, I am so never ever going to be lost again!

We started the meal with appetizers... crispy soft shell crab, pork belly, top shell and sharks' fin.( I will post the names of each dish when I find the email of the menu) The food is too good to be missed.

Cheryl loved the soup and she couldn't wait for me to feed so she took charge! Uncle Ben took several pictures of Daddy and me and I will upload them when I get my hands on them.

Then we had cod-fish (Cheryl's favourite), curry prawns (Oh, they are extremely fresh and firm) Peking duck and scallops.

We also had quails, You Tiao (another of C's raves), sea cucumber and mushrooms.

And the beef! I was telling Cheryl to behave at the table as I put a piece of the meat into my mouth. Then in the midst of my talking to C, I turned to everyone else and commented that the beef was great! Haha! It just melted in my mouth! I would love to eat this again... Hee.

And of course, we got for Grand Daddy the buns; shou tao!

A beautiful shot of our family!

We are glad Grand Daddy enjoyed the food! :)

Happy Birthday Grand Daddy! Here's to good health and many more happy years!

It was Cheryl's second lesson and she took to the class a little better today although I had to constantly remind her to sit.

Today, the kids had to listen to music of slow and fast tempo and they had to indicate on their Activity Book by colouring the right animal. Both C and Joshua could identify the animals correctly! (Beamed proud Mummies, Chloe and me)

In addition, there was revision of the C note and this time, the kids had to read the note from their music book.

I must say, I enjoyed the lessons too because although the kids repeated some activities they did the previous week, Teacher Siew Li varied them and I could see the progress; from just telling them the C note, to actually having them read the note. We are definitely looking forward to Lesson 3.

This is one of C's favourite part of the class; singing Twinkle Twinkle and waving the Star in the air.

After class, we had lunch and we went to finally get me a new phone.

Remember how I had wanted the iPhone, then it was the HTC Touch...

Well, I got neither and instead bought the Nokia Navigator 6110. Yes, I am still a faithful "Nokian" because Nokia phones have the best trade in value! After almost 2 years, my 6280 was still worthed $100! Definitely beats the Samsung phone I bought once at the price of $600 and only after a year, worthed $50.

Besides, it was timely to get a new phone... shhhh....

We shopped around a little too as it was Emma's 5th birthday party in the evening and we haven't gotten her a gift. This time round, it was Daddy who picked up the present. :)

After Cheryl's nap in the afternoon, we made our way for Emma's birthday party. She is turning 5 this year.

Our little ones had a great time blowing bubbles at anyone and everyone. C emptied almost the entire bottle of soapy water on herself when she excitedly ran towards Aunt Angie to greet her. Of course, she never made it to Aunt Angie because I dragged her to the toilet to clean up.

Pictures of the birthday girl and her best friend, Zinnia. And the ever so hospitable Wans!

The singing of the birthday song and the cake cutting ceremony. C was upset because Dora got cut!

But nevertheless, she enjoyed the cake!

As you can tell, she wasn't the only one who liked the cake. :) Our Darling Yeva had her share of the Dora cake.

Undivided attention on Uncle Vincent as he explained the rules of the game. Let me give you a clue, all the kids had little plastic bags to stash the goodies... .

... the mad scramble for the treats as the sweets and candies fell out from the pinata.