Mama Ann says:
Ryo and Brexton just cannot get enough of each other, whenever they see each other, they run towards each other and kiss.
[2049] Things change
5 years ago
28.12.07
21.12.07
Limping
Mama Ann says:
When Ryo started to limp, his Ah Ma thought the worst, and tried to scare me by saying he is going to get paralysed if he is not treated at all. I for one is not so worried by his limp and thought his limp is due to a normal sprain of his leg and will recover in due time. His leg was not swelling nor he in pain.
But after some nags, I just gave in and we brought him to a chinese sinseh. He was forced to lie on the bed with us pressing him down while the sinseh twisted and turned and made the crack sound and he annouced that one of Ryo' leg was 1cm shorter than the other and if he does not get well in two days he has to go for xray.
Half a day passed and he was still limping, his Ah Ma was already worried sick and continued to think of all the possible things that could go wrong. She wanted to go ask the god, but I said it's not even two days.
Anyway two days passed, we brought him to the padiatrician, after deciding between her and the xray. Lucky we chose her. She said it's the viral infection on the ligament that's causing his limping. Not from a fall, nor a leg pulled too hard. Neither does it require a xray as you can't see ligament from xray. An MRI, which can see ligament, cost thousands of dollars and requires a baby to be SEDATED!!! She prescribed Brufen(medicine for high fever) to help reduce the inflammation and told us to wait for two weeks.
After two days of Brufen Ryo is no longer limping.
17.12.07
13.12.07
Dog pee 2
Mama Ann says:
Ryo has upgraded his dog pee stunt to a standing position. He can even do it when he is running.
Anyway Ryo can walk down steps by himself while holding onto the rails. This morning I brought him to the playground and I made him walked back himself, including walking up and down the stairs and over little drains.
11.12.07
We are back in Singapore
Ryo says:
Yippee, I am back to this hot hot homeland. I slept most of the time on the plane, and missed my childmeal breakfast :(
Yippee, I am back to this hot hot homeland. I slept most of the time on the plane, and missed my childmeal breakfast :(
4.12.07
Bear bear jacket
Ryo says:
Everyone likes my bear bear jacket. It's comfortably warm too, especially in this freezing cold weather.
1.12.07
Bowling
Ryo says:
Recently so many people have visited me. First it was great aunt Dorothy, then uncle kai and uncle xuan, then great grandma and grandpa.
We went bowling with uncle kai and uncle xuan, can u see me cheering them?
Recently so many people have visited me. First it was great aunt Dorothy, then uncle kai and uncle xuan, then great grandma and grandpa.
We went bowling with uncle kai and uncle xuan, can u see me cheering them?
Jealousy
Mama Ann says:
An update on Ryo's emotional development: he can be jealous whenever I carry another baby or when I hug his papa. He'll push his papa away. Maybe to him I can only sayang him and him alone.
22.11.07
Shyness
Below is an extract from Babycenter.com. At least here's an article I find comforting. At least here it does not say that it's my upbringing of Ryo that's making him this way. At least I'm heading the right way in requesting for smaller classes rather than force him to join larger noiser classes.
Why it happens
If your child frequently hides his head in your pant leg and resists trying new things, you've probably already concluded that he's naturally bashful. He might also be a bit anxious or restless and cry when he's faced with unfamiliar people or situations. Maybe he's a light sleeper. Perhaps he's even more sensitive than other kids to teething and illness. You may wonder where this tendency came from and whether it will last.
Most experts now believe that, to a great extent, a child's basic temperament is inborn — that some kids come into the world outgoing and assertive while others are naturally bashful or reserved. This is a relatively new notion. For a long time it was believed that a child's environment was primarily responsible for shaping his character. But scientists today believe they've found genes linked to shyness, fearfulness, even thrill-seeking behavior. So your child's temperament — largely a product of his neurochemistry — may predispose him to be wary of new situations and make him slow to warm up to the unfamiliar.
Before deciding that your toddler is shy, though, consider that he may be going through a shy stage brought on by separation anxiety. Here's how to tell the difference: If your child has suddenly become more cautious around strangers or fearful of letting you out of his sight, it's probably separation anxiety, which suddenly crops up right around the time most children become more mobile and independent. Almost all children go through at least one episode between 7 and 18 months, and many continue to have bouts of separation anxiety until they're 3 or even older. (These may be triggered by situations like a new childcare setting, a parent going out of town, or a fear of being alone in the dark.)
If you sense that your toddler's bashfulness is more than a stage, try not to worry. The fact that he has a more introverted personality doesn't have to hold him back. He might occasionally need some special TLC from you, though.
What to do
Don't label your child as shy.
It's best not to speak about your child's timidity with others in his presence. He may hear "He's shy" as a criticism or "He's just shy" as an excuse that sets him apart from others. Instead, try saying "He takes his time to get comfortable with people he doesn't know." Try not to always think of your child as shy, either. If you expect shyness, your expectation may influence his behavior.
Be sympathetic.
Let your child know that you understand how he feels. If you walk into a roomful of toddlers at a birthday party, for example, you might say, "It's hard when all the kids are being so noisy, isn't it?" This tells him that his reaction is normal and that others might well feel the way he does.
Offer encouragement.
Any time your child reaches out to make a friend or join in an activity, praise his efforts, no matter how tentative. If you catch him flashing a bashful smile at Grandma after he's spent 15 minutes hiding in your skirt, say, "That's a nice smile. I bet that makes Grandma happy," instead of commenting on how long it took for him to say hello. Coach your child's aunts, uncles, and grandparents to be patient and to avoid pushing him.
Don't criticize or belittle.
Nothing crushes a child's confidence faster than unkind words, even if you think you're just teasing. Remember, there's nothing to be gained from making your child feel bad for being shy. This is just how he is — it's not a trait that he can turn on and off at will.
Don't avoid social situations.
Although you may think you're making life easier for him, don't keep your child away from group activities. He may take a little longer to involve himself in a playgroup or join the table at a birthday party, but the more he's exposed to such gatherings, the more comfortable he'll become. When you expect it to be a big gathering or party, try to get there early, before other children arrive, so your child will have extra time to relax and feel settled.
Find less stressful ways for your child to be social.
Choose activities that involve smaller groups and quiet or familiar environments. If the library is one of your child's favorite places, you might take him to story hour there or invite a friend to join you for a library visit.
There's no way to know whether your shy child will remain shy, but countless people have outgrown childhood bashfulness. In fact, many researchers believe that as a child grows, the influence of experience overtakes that of genetics. Ultimately, they say, only a fraction — perhaps about 10 percent — of an adult's personality is inborn. So try not to worry about the future. Instead, focus on providing the acceptance and support that will help your child face the world. Help him feel comfortable with himself, and the confidence you instill in him will help him succeed.
Why it happens
If your child frequently hides his head in your pant leg and resists trying new things, you've probably already concluded that he's naturally bashful. He might also be a bit anxious or restless and cry when he's faced with unfamiliar people or situations. Maybe he's a light sleeper. Perhaps he's even more sensitive than other kids to teething and illness. You may wonder where this tendency came from and whether it will last.
Most experts now believe that, to a great extent, a child's basic temperament is inborn — that some kids come into the world outgoing and assertive while others are naturally bashful or reserved. This is a relatively new notion. For a long time it was believed that a child's environment was primarily responsible for shaping his character. But scientists today believe they've found genes linked to shyness, fearfulness, even thrill-seeking behavior. So your child's temperament — largely a product of his neurochemistry — may predispose him to be wary of new situations and make him slow to warm up to the unfamiliar.
Before deciding that your toddler is shy, though, consider that he may be going through a shy stage brought on by separation anxiety. Here's how to tell the difference: If your child has suddenly become more cautious around strangers or fearful of letting you out of his sight, it's probably separation anxiety, which suddenly crops up right around the time most children become more mobile and independent. Almost all children go through at least one episode between 7 and 18 months, and many continue to have bouts of separation anxiety until they're 3 or even older. (These may be triggered by situations like a new childcare setting, a parent going out of town, or a fear of being alone in the dark.)
If you sense that your toddler's bashfulness is more than a stage, try not to worry. The fact that he has a more introverted personality doesn't have to hold him back. He might occasionally need some special TLC from you, though.
What to do
Don't label your child as shy.
It's best not to speak about your child's timidity with others in his presence. He may hear "He's shy" as a criticism or "He's just shy" as an excuse that sets him apart from others. Instead, try saying "He takes his time to get comfortable with people he doesn't know." Try not to always think of your child as shy, either. If you expect shyness, your expectation may influence his behavior.
Be sympathetic.
Let your child know that you understand how he feels. If you walk into a roomful of toddlers at a birthday party, for example, you might say, "It's hard when all the kids are being so noisy, isn't it?" This tells him that his reaction is normal and that others might well feel the way he does.
Offer encouragement.
Any time your child reaches out to make a friend or join in an activity, praise his efforts, no matter how tentative. If you catch him flashing a bashful smile at Grandma after he's spent 15 minutes hiding in your skirt, say, "That's a nice smile. I bet that makes Grandma happy," instead of commenting on how long it took for him to say hello. Coach your child's aunts, uncles, and grandparents to be patient and to avoid pushing him.
Don't criticize or belittle.
Nothing crushes a child's confidence faster than unkind words, even if you think you're just teasing. Remember, there's nothing to be gained from making your child feel bad for being shy. This is just how he is — it's not a trait that he can turn on and off at will.
Don't avoid social situations.
Although you may think you're making life easier for him, don't keep your child away from group activities. He may take a little longer to involve himself in a playgroup or join the table at a birthday party, but the more he's exposed to such gatherings, the more comfortable he'll become. When you expect it to be a big gathering or party, try to get there early, before other children arrive, so your child will have extra time to relax and feel settled.
Find less stressful ways for your child to be social.
Choose activities that involve smaller groups and quiet or familiar environments. If the library is one of your child's favorite places, you might take him to story hour there or invite a friend to join you for a library visit.
There's no way to know whether your shy child will remain shy, but countless people have outgrown childhood bashfulness. In fact, many researchers believe that as a child grows, the influence of experience overtakes that of genetics. Ultimately, they say, only a fraction — perhaps about 10 percent — of an adult's personality is inborn. So try not to worry about the future. Instead, focus on providing the acceptance and support that will help your child face the world. Help him feel comfortable with himself, and the confidence you instill in him will help him succeed.
Gymboree Level 4
Mama Ann says:
Now that Ryo is almost 16 months and had shown no interest in his activities in his level 3 , we are now promoted to level 4. But as always, he did not participate much. I suppose it is due to his introvert self. Particularly if the environment gets very noisy, or many people are looking at him.
This does not mean he is not developing. Other times when we went there to play on our own, he can play very well. He can even venture on his own to find a toy or an older kid. That is why I prefer a smaller class, so that he can participate with others in a quieter environment.
Now that Ryo is almost 16 months and had shown no interest in his activities in his level 3 , we are now promoted to level 4. But as always, he did not participate much. I suppose it is due to his introvert self. Particularly if the environment gets very noisy, or many people are looking at him.
This does not mean he is not developing. Other times when we went there to play on our own, he can play very well. He can even venture on his own to find a toy or an older kid. That is why I prefer a smaller class, so that he can participate with others in a quieter environment.
16.11.07
Tap Dance
Mama Ann says:
Ryo has the talent to tap dance. When he tap dances, we laugh at him, and Mr Vainpot will get more encouraged.
15.11.07
黄狗撒尿
Mama Ann says:
Ryo's latest development: he can do a dog pee stunt when I say 黄狗撒尿. And you know what? Today in his Gymboree class, he refused to participate in the activities (as always), instead he was doing this stunt. Lucky no one notice.
7.11.07
The emperor's new clothes
Ryo says:
Papa's friend bought this emperor's suit for me. I just need a more appropriate cap. This is me and Ah gong waiting to go home after I finished playing at Gymboree.
3.11.07
Roseola infantum
Mama Ann says:
It is what Ryo is suffering from. The more common term people use is "false measle" or "baby measle". He has a viral infection from the herpes group (not thru sexually!!!), that explains his high fever on Tuesday. Now his fever has subsided, he is still suffering from tiredness and lack of appetite.
These few days he just wants to lie on the bed, sleep every 2 hourly like a newborn. He also cuts back on 2 milk feedings. For a mother, it's quite worrying to see that he has no energy to play. Then I did a check on the internet and found the term Roseola. I hope it goes away soon.
Extracted from Babycenter.com:
If your toddler recently had a fever and now has a spotty, raised or flat, rosy-pink rash, it could be roseola, also called roseola infantum.
Roseola is a fairly mild and common viral illness that usually strikes children between 6 months and 3 years of age. Roseola is caused by a kind of herpes virus, although not the type that's sexually transmitted.
What are the symptoms of roseola?
It's possible to have the virus without having noticeable symptoms. But roseola usually starts out with a sudden, relatively high fever, often above 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fever typically lasts three to five days and may end abruptly, followed by the telltale rash. The rash may last for days or only hours.
The rash is pink and may have small flat spots or raised bumps. These spots may have a lighter "halo" around them and may turn white if you press on them.
The rash isn't itchy or uncomfortable, and contact with the rash itself doesn't spread the illness. It's usually seen on the trunk and neck, but it can extend to the arms, legs, and face.
If your toddler has roseola, he may also be irritable and tired and have mild diarrhea, a decreased appetite, and swollen eyelids. The lymph nodes in his neck and at the base of his skull may also be a bit enlarged. In general, children with roseola don't appear especially ill, considering how high their fevers get.
Occasionally, children with roseola have a febrile seizure. If this happens, your toddler may become unconscious and jerk his arms, legs, or facial muscles for two or three minutes. He may also lose control of his bladder or bowels.
Although frightening, fever-induced seizures in young children are seldom serious and rarely harmful. If you can, try to time the length of the seizure. Your child's doctor will want to know how long the episode lasted.
Should I call the doctor?
Yes. If your toddler's fever is over 103 degrees F, give his doctor a call.
Also call the doctor if your toddler has an unexplained rash or a febrile seizure. The doctor will ask about your toddler's symptoms, and she may want to take a look at him.
It is what Ryo is suffering from. The more common term people use is "false measle" or "baby measle". He has a viral infection from the herpes group (not thru sexually!!!), that explains his high fever on Tuesday. Now his fever has subsided, he is still suffering from tiredness and lack of appetite.
These few days he just wants to lie on the bed, sleep every 2 hourly like a newborn. He also cuts back on 2 milk feedings. For a mother, it's quite worrying to see that he has no energy to play. Then I did a check on the internet and found the term Roseola. I hope it goes away soon.
Extracted from Babycenter.com:
If your toddler recently had a fever and now has a spotty, raised or flat, rosy-pink rash, it could be roseola, also called roseola infantum.
Roseola is a fairly mild and common viral illness that usually strikes children between 6 months and 3 years of age. Roseola is caused by a kind of herpes virus, although not the type that's sexually transmitted.
What are the symptoms of roseola?
It's possible to have the virus without having noticeable symptoms. But roseola usually starts out with a sudden, relatively high fever, often above 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fever typically lasts three to five days and may end abruptly, followed by the telltale rash. The rash may last for days or only hours.
The rash is pink and may have small flat spots or raised bumps. These spots may have a lighter "halo" around them and may turn white if you press on them.
The rash isn't itchy or uncomfortable, and contact with the rash itself doesn't spread the illness. It's usually seen on the trunk and neck, but it can extend to the arms, legs, and face.
If your toddler has roseola, he may also be irritable and tired and have mild diarrhea, a decreased appetite, and swollen eyelids. The lymph nodes in his neck and at the base of his skull may also be a bit enlarged. In general, children with roseola don't appear especially ill, considering how high their fevers get.
Occasionally, children with roseola have a febrile seizure. If this happens, your toddler may become unconscious and jerk his arms, legs, or facial muscles for two or three minutes. He may also lose control of his bladder or bowels.
Although frightening, fever-induced seizures in young children are seldom serious and rarely harmful. If you can, try to time the length of the seizure. Your child's doctor will want to know how long the episode lasted.
Yes. If your toddler's fever is over 103 degrees F, give his doctor a call.
Also call the doctor if your toddler has an unexplained rash or a febrile seizure. The doctor will ask about your toddler's symptoms, and she may want to take a look at him.
How should I treat roseola?
There's no specific treatment for roseola. Like most viral illnesses, roseola just needs to run its course. The most important thing you can do is make sure your toddler rests and gets plenty of liquids.
Ask your doctor about ways to safely bring down your toddler's fever. She may suggest children's acetaminophen or a lukewarm sponge bath.
Never give a child aspirin. It can trigger Reye's syndrome, a rare but deadly disease.
There's no specific treatment for roseola. Like most viral illnesses, roseola just needs to run its course. The most important thing you can do is make sure your toddler rests and gets plenty of liquids.
Ask your doctor about ways to safely bring down your toddler's fever. She may suggest children's acetaminophen or a lukewarm sponge bath.
Never give a child aspirin. It can trigger Reye's syndrome, a rare but deadly disease.
Is roseola contagious?
Yes, especially among young children. Roseola is spread by saliva or respiratory droplets — when an infected person sneezes or coughs, for example — or by fecal-oral contact. Because a child is contagious before he has symptoms, there's often no way to avoid exposure.
Make sure that all family members — especially those taking care of your toddler — wash their hands frequently. (This is a good idea even in the fever stage because you don't know that you're dealing with roseola until you see the classic rash.)
To play it safe, keep your child home from daycare and away from others while he has a fever. It's probably wise to keep him home until the rash is gone, although he'll be less contagious once he has the rash than he was when he had the fever.
The good news: Once your child has had roseola, he'll probably have lifelong immunity to it.
Yes, especially among young children. Roseola is spread by saliva or respiratory droplets — when an infected person sneezes or coughs, for example — or by fecal-oral contact. Because a child is contagious before he has symptoms, there's often no way to avoid exposure.
Make sure that all family members — especially those taking care of your toddler — wash their hands frequently. (This is a good idea even in the fever stage because you don't know that you're dealing with roseola until you see the classic rash.)
To play it safe, keep your child home from daycare and away from others while he has a fever. It's probably wise to keep him home until the rash is gone, although he'll be less contagious once he has the rash than he was when he had the fever.
The good news: Once your child has had roseola, he'll probably have lifelong immunity to it.
30.10.07
Olympics mascots
Mama Ann says:
Ah Jane, here is the 福娃 you requested. They cost rmb208. Remember to pay me back the delivery too, ie the air fare.
Fever
Mama Ann says:
Ryo has high fever starting last night, his fever hitting as high as 39.9 deg. It's quite scary, I couldn't get a wink. We brought him to see the doctor today, he got his blood tested and got a painful shot to bring his fever down. And he brawled real bad.
Ryo has high fever starting last night, his fever hitting as high as 39.9 deg. It's quite scary, I couldn't get a wink. We brought him to see the doctor today, he got his blood tested and got a painful shot to bring his fever down. And he brawled real bad.
28.10.07
Papa's birthday
Post-dated.
Ryo says:
We celebrated papa's birthday with grandparents and papa's colleagues at a dimsum restaurant. The food was good. And the cake which mama chose was good too. Uncle Zhou fed me some ice-cream. Hehe.
23.10.07
22.10.07
Shopping
Mama Ann says:
Isaac's colleague brought us to 大胡同 yesterday. It was a place which sells very cheap stuff. The place was huge, we spent 3 hours, walked very fast, and only managed to cover a quarter of the area. I think i spent about 500rmb there. OMG, I think i still wanna buy more. It's very near our apartment too.
Ryo was in the care of his grandpa and papa... haha.
Isaac's colleague brought us to 大胡同 yesterday. It was a place which sells very cheap stuff. The place was huge, we spent 3 hours, walked very fast, and only managed to cover a quarter of the area. I think i spent about 500rmb there. OMG, I think i still wanna buy more. It's very near our apartment too.
Ryo was in the care of his grandpa and papa... haha.
18.10.07
Sprain back 3
Mama Ann says:
Spain my back again while carrying Ryo out of his cot at 5am.
Since Great grandma is here, we went to see a chinese sinseh today. He is quite unique, he just looked at our palms to observe our illness. And he's quite correct too.
Spain my back again while carrying Ryo out of his cot at 5am.
Since Great grandma is here, we went to see a chinese sinseh today. He is quite unique, he just looked at our palms to observe our illness. And he's quite correct too.
16.10.07
Ryo goes to the mart
Ryo says:
Hehehe this is me sitting in the car while they did their grocery shopping.
13.10.07
Grandparents are here to stay
Ryo says:
外公、外婆 went back last week, and now Ah gong and Ah ma are here again, they will be staying for the winter here. Yippee!!!
10.10.07
Sprain back 2
Mama Ann says:
Though this is not only the second time, but I like to put it down to see how often I sprain my back.
I sprained it again while showering Ryo last night.
Though this is not only the second time, but I like to put it down to see how often I sprain my back.
I sprained it again while showering Ryo last night.
5.10.07
China National Day
Mama Ann says:
They had some performance during their National Day holidays at the 文化街. One of the pictures shows an soldier standing guard at the gate. The other picture shows a volleyball like game take place. But they use their legs only, not hands. Maybe it's football, since football was invented in China. Interesting.
2.10.07
Cute scarf
Mama Ann says:
Look at this adorable scarf , I found it at the supermart. It's supposed to keep your neck warm during the winter. It gets awfully cold here during winter you just want to only reveal your eyes, seriously.
Ok this is me. Now looking fat fat, haggard, and not pretty... sigh.
1.10.07
Baluku
Mama Ann says:
Usually if Ryo fell and knock on his head, he wouldn't have any bumps at all, sometimes not even blue blacks. But last night he fell real bad, tripped and knock on the leg of my chair. As I carried him in my arms, I saw his bump swell in 5 seconds. First time in my life I see a bump swelling... haha. It really looked like the bumps on Crayon Shin.
Ferry along 海河
Mama Ann says:
Sunday I brought them on the ferry along 海河, but they were not operating as it was a working day.Told us to come next day instead. I decided to come for the first ferry at 9am.
老天不作美, it drizzled the whole night and haven't stop still. It's noon now, we had to stay indoors today. It's 15 deg. outside.
Sunday I brought them on the ferry along 海河, but they were not operating as it was a working day.Told us to come next day instead. I decided to come for the first ferry at 9am.
老天不作美, it drizzled the whole night and haven't stop still. It's noon now, we had to stay indoors today. It's 15 deg. outside.
29.9.07
水上公园
Mama Ann says:
Brought my parents and Ryo to 水上公园, I expected it to be a boring place, it turned out otherwise. It was decorated in the mood for the mid-autumn festival and the National day holiday, so we saw lots and lots of lanterns. Quite nice. There were lanterns in Chinese zodiac animals, the Olympics mascots, the Journey to the West, etc.
As September is the blooming period for chrysanthemums, there were lots there. My parents quite like the flowers, and Ryo also saw what he loves-- windmill. It was a very windy and cold day, the windmills at the stalls were spinning very fast, and there were many of them, so he was ecstatic. So since everyone saw what they like, I was quite pleased. Hehe.
And silly me, as always forget something, forgot to insert back the memory card into the camera. I remembered to bring the camera, but cannot use. In the end I had to depend on my handphone, but quality not so good.
Side track: Do you know the names for the 5 Olympics mascots? In short their names are 北京欢迎你，their full names are 贝贝，晶晶，欢欢，莹莹，妮妮.
28.9.07
Sprain back again
Mama Ann says:
Sprained my back again while bathing Ryo. My back gets sprained very easily nowadays, since having Ryo. Everytime it gets sprained, I feel a resentment. During confinement, I was already exhausted with the 2 hourly night feeding, rocking Ryo for 3 hours in my arms every night, and picking his pacifier every few minutes. Alone somemore. That was how my back had its worst relapse. Even when Isaac was back for a week he didn't even help me change Ryo's diaper or pick his pacifier as he always have early morning meetings and meetings and reports to do. Sigh.
Ryo is too young to understand my pain, and he does more hurting when he kicks around when I carry him.
Once you sprain your back, it gets sprained for life.
Sprained my back again while bathing Ryo. My back gets sprained very easily nowadays, since having Ryo. Everytime it gets sprained, I feel a resentment. During confinement, I was already exhausted with the 2 hourly night feeding, rocking Ryo for 3 hours in my arms every night, and picking his pacifier every few minutes. Alone somemore. That was how my back had its worst relapse. Even when Isaac was back for a week he didn't even help me change Ryo's diaper or pick his pacifier as he always have early morning meetings and meetings and reports to do. Sigh.
Ryo is too young to understand my pain, and he does more hurting when he kicks around when I carry him.
Once you sprain your back, it gets sprained for life.
27.9.07
Best night of the year
Mama Ann says:
My favourite season is autumn and favourite weather is a rainy day. That makes last night my best night ever. It was raining not too heavily, with winds, and it was abt 16 deg. As Isaac has flown back to Singapore , I took the chance to open the window to sleep at night. We usually on the air con. Superb, so much so that I lost sleep cos I was enjoying the breeze. Hehe. Ryo did not sweat on his head neither, so it was doubly good. Nice nice.
And following a rainy day, today is a very cool day too. Intended to bring my parents to cruise around 海河, but the driver said they need at least 10 passengers before they start the boat. They told us to come during the National Day holiday. Yeah right, then the boat may be overcrowded that you can only see your own feet and the sky. We are heading to the 文化街 instead.
We always try to stay indoors during weekends and holidays to avoid the crowd. 车水马龙 and 人山人海 are very apt to describe the crowd.
My favourite season is autumn and favourite weather is a rainy day. That makes last night my best night ever. It was raining not too heavily, with winds, and it was abt 16 deg. As Isaac has flown back to Singapore , I took the chance to open the window to sleep at night. We usually on the air con. Superb, so much so that I lost sleep cos I was enjoying the breeze. Hehe. Ryo did not sweat on his head neither, so it was doubly good. Nice nice.
And following a rainy day, today is a very cool day too. Intended to bring my parents to cruise around 海河, but the driver said they need at least 10 passengers before they start the boat. They told us to come during the National Day holiday. Yeah right, then the boat may be overcrowded that you can only see your own feet and the sky. We are heading to the 文化街 instead.
We always try to stay indoors during weekends and holidays to avoid the crowd. 车水马龙 and 人山人海 are very apt to describe the crowd.
26.9.07
First words
Mama Ann says:
Ryo can say a few words, mostly not very clear.
nan nan: meaning milk, eat or pacifier
mum mum: meaning eat
throw and 丢
ower: meaning flower
there
嘴: meaning 奶嘴
Ryo can say a few words, mostly not very clear.
nan nan: meaning milk, eat or pacifier
mum mum: meaning eat
throw and 丢
ower: meaning flower
there
嘴: meaning 奶嘴
I have more playmates
Ryo says:
Yeah! My 外公 and 外婆 are here to play with me for 10 days. They brought me 2 lanterns too. I like them to carry me around, not like my mama, she always refuse to carry me even when I cry.
19.9.07
He can somersault
Mama Ann says:
I think you won't believe this, neither can we until we saw it before our eyes. Ryo, at the tender age of 13.5 months, did a somersault on the bed unassisted. It was a perfect one, meaning it was neither too left nor right, nor stuck in between.
Then when Isaac came into the room, he did it again. Nobody taught him. Maybe he has my athletic genes. Hehe.
I think you won't believe this, neither can we until we saw it before our eyes. Ryo, at the tender age of 13.5 months, did a somersault on the bed unassisted. It was a perfect one, meaning it was neither too left nor right, nor stuck in between.
Then when Isaac came into the room, he did it again. Nobody taught him. Maybe he has my athletic genes. Hehe.
My first autumn suit
Ryo says:
Yippee, autumn is finally here. It is such a nice weather today, 19 degree and breezy. Mama helped me put on my new wind breaker and we took a stroll downstairs. Actually we do that everyday. Anyway here is me modeling my first autumn suit. Front. Back. Side. Props: i eat chrysanthemums. Yummy fresh flowers.
18.9.07
Sit properly pls
Mama Ann says:
This is the way Ryo sits in his pram everytime. He is buckled up, but he still manages to turn around. He needs an all body harness to secure him to his pram.
13.9.07
No more night feeds
Mama Ann says:
When Ryo was about 13 months old, I started feeding him water on his two night feeds. After two days, he finally gave up all his night feeds.
Now I'm just left with waking up to put back his pacifier into his mouth. When I'm lucky he would cry for his pacifier just 2 times a night.When I'm unlucky like last night, it's 2 times every hour, so I had to wake up more than 10 times.
When Ryo was about 13 months old, I started feeding him water on his two night feeds. After two days, he finally gave up all his night feeds.
Now I'm just left with waking up to put back his pacifier into his mouth. When I'm lucky he would cry for his pacifier just 2 times a night.When I'm unlucky like last night, it's 2 times every hour, so I had to wake up more than 10 times.
First time on the tutu
Ryo says:
I had my first ride on the tricycle. Mama purposely never tell papa we were going to Gymboree, so we sneaked out the house ourselves.I was very well behaved, I sat on mama's lap and watched the outside scenery.
10.9.07
Peek-a-boo
Mama Ann says:
My adorable Ryo plays peek-a-boo with me. He likes to slant his head when he does it.
My adorable Ryo plays peek-a-boo with me. He likes to slant his head when he does it.
9.9.07
A few development
Mama Ann says:
This video shows a few development that Ryo has achieved.
This video shows a few development that Ryo has achieved.
- He can show the sign 1 when asked how old he is
- Bounce
- Shake his head
- Play fetch, meaning he throw we fetch
Sick
Mama Ann says:
I am down with cough and flu, this is the third time I am sick in two months. After few days of medication I am feeling much better. Sigh.
I am down with cough and flu, this is the third time I am sick in two months. After few days of medication I am feeling much better. Sigh.
26.8.07
Autumn is approaching
Mama Ann says:
Autumn, my favourite season of the year, is approaching. It's not so hot already, and today when it rained, it is kind of cold like it's autumn. I looked up the weather forecast and it says the lowest temperature on Thursday is going to be 19 deg while the highest is 27 deg. Yippee... yippee. Gotta change the wardrobe a bit, and pay more attention to what Ryo is wearing. I don't want another bronchitis episode.
Autumn, my favourite season of the year, is approaching. It's not so hot already, and today when it rained, it is kind of cold like it's autumn. I looked up the weather forecast and it says the lowest temperature on Thursday is going to be 19 deg while the highest is 27 deg. Yippee... yippee. Gotta change the wardrobe a bit, and pay more attention to what Ryo is wearing. I don't want another bronchitis episode.
Where you put your toes
Mama Ann says:
Ryo has a funny habit, he likes to stick his toes into the handle of his high chair.
23.8.07
Kids hug
Mama Ann says:
Remember this little girl? She quite like to play with Ryo, and Ryo likes that too. I took the video when she approached to hug Ryo, I think it's kind of sweet.
Remember this little girl? She quite like to play with Ryo, and Ryo likes that too. I took the video when she approached to hug Ryo, I think it's kind of sweet.
21.8.07
Accidents
Mama Ann says:
Now that Ryo can walk all over the place by himself, he gets into accidents very easily. He'll pull things on the table or trip over if he's not careful. Once I was quite careless and put my coffee cup very near the table edge and he pulled it down and spilled the coffee all over himself. Of cos he got a shock and drank a bit of the coffee... hehe. The lucky thing is, I don't drink hot coffee as I'll add cold milk into my coffee so the coffee was of room temperature. I was even mean (or evil) enough to take some lousy photo of him... hahaha.
In another instance he tripped over and landed his face on his toy truck thus cutting his lips a bit that it bled. Isaac was the one looking after him then, he felt quite bad and gave him a prawn cracker afterwards. This time I never take photo cos I trembled when I saw blood... hahaha.
18.8.07
Sick again
Mama Ann says:
Sigh, talk about my weak and tired body, I all sick again, though not so serious. Just cough and flu, quite irritating. Ryo already missed 2 Gymboree classes. Isaac was also sick for a few times. First he had serious migraine for 2 weeks, then mild diarrhea and now mild flu. He got the latter two from me I suppose.
We seriously need a holiday, were discussing where to go, where it's not too expensive. My choice is Australia but it's summer time at the end of the year. Then there is Korea and England and US or just so small island maybe... Korea sounds good too, since it is very near Tianjin. We also need to think about bringing Ryo anot... sigh.
Sigh, talk about my weak and tired body, I all sick again, though not so serious. Just cough and flu, quite irritating. Ryo already missed 2 Gymboree classes. Isaac was also sick for a few times. First he had serious migraine for 2 weeks, then mild diarrhea and now mild flu. He got the latter two from me I suppose.
We seriously need a holiday, were discussing where to go, where it's not too expensive. My choice is Australia but it's summer time at the end of the year. Then there is Korea and England and US or just so small island maybe... Korea sounds good too, since it is very near Tianjin. We also need to think about bringing Ryo anot... sigh.
16.8.07
My friend
Ryo says:
This is my new friend 妞妞 whom I met at the playground. She is 2 years + and attends nursery since 15 months. Anyway don't I look kind of cool in those pose?
Mama Ann says:
Yes I let Ryo go onto the ground and walk all over the place. He plucks out the weeds in between the tiles, and also switch between walking and crawling mode. Many aunties shake their head, they think I'm torturing him. But I believe that he should roughen up a bit. At least when he trips he does not whine one bit, and props up himself the next second.
妞妞's grandma told me the advantages of going to a good nursery. I am already comtemplating to let him attend nursery when we come back from Chinese New Year next year. By then Ryo may be 20 months.
Mr busybody
Ryo says:My mama likes to put this walker so that it blocks my way to the balcony. Why does she have to do this? I'm just curious about the yellow little thing that she says is a vacuum cleaner. I also want to know what auntie is doing with the clothes. Can somebody help me remove this thing?
If not, I think i will one day climb over this darn walker.
13.8.07
To be healthy again
Mama Ann said:
I'm feeling so much better now. Though I was already well last few days, I still feel tired out very easily. So tired that I couldn't hear Ryo cry at night until Isaac nudged me out of my deep slumber.
Why was I so sick? Come to think of it, could it be the one year of breastfeeding that exhausted all my antibodies? It must be the you tiao (fried fritters), that we bought from the hawker stall across the road, that caused the diarrhea but the others seemed to be unharmed from it.
Anyway during the one week of lying on bed, I saw very little of Ryo except meal times. I thought he was enjoying himself in the company of his grandparents, and you know what? Once they went back, he was back to sticking himself on me like a koala baby again. He must have thought I would leave him, that he would forsake his toys and just wrapped himself around my legs. No wonder Isaac sometimes call him girly boy... haha.
I'm feeling so much better now. Though I was already well last few days, I still feel tired out very easily. So tired that I couldn't hear Ryo cry at night until Isaac nudged me out of my deep slumber.
Why was I so sick? Come to think of it, could it be the one year of breastfeeding that exhausted all my antibodies? It must be the you tiao (fried fritters), that we bought from the hawker stall across the road, that caused the diarrhea but the others seemed to be unharmed from it.
Anyway during the one week of lying on bed, I saw very little of Ryo except meal times. I thought he was enjoying himself in the company of his grandparents, and you know what? Once they went back, he was back to sticking himself on me like a koala baby again. He must have thought I would leave him, that he would forsake his toys and just wrapped himself around my legs. No wonder Isaac sometimes call him girly boy... haha.
9.8.07
Happy National Day!
Mama Ann says:
Happy National Day Singapore.
I spent my first half of the day in the hospital dripping away. My god it took 4 hours. Now my fever is gone, I think I'm better now.
Came back to see Ryo asleep. I asked chenjie did he behave when I was away. She said he was very good and fell asleep very fast. Ya lar I have to say this about this son of mine, he just bully me. But when his ah ma or chenjie take care of him he is very well behave.
Happy National Day Singapore.
I spent my first half of the day in the hospital dripping away. My god it took 4 hours. Now my fever is gone, I think I'm better now.
Came back to see Ryo asleep. I asked chenjie did he behave when I was away. She said he was very good and fell asleep very fast. Ya lar I have to say this about this son of mine, he just bully me. But when his ah ma or chenjie take care of him he is very well behave.
8.8.07
On drip again
ly
Mama Ann says:
I woke up still having a fever, so I left Ryo with Chenjie and headed to hospital. Tested my blood and the result was that my white blood cells were a bit high count. I was put on the drip again and had to do it again tomorrow. While lying on the bed, I use my HP to take a picture of the drip.
Anyway they didn't on the aircon cos' most of the "dripping" patients had fever, me included. Before the drip my temp was 38, midway my temp rose to 39 due to the heat coming thru the windows! My dad called me from Singappore to ask what's up with me too. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be fully recovered. This is such a long episode.
Mama Ann says:
I woke up still having a fever, so I left Ryo with Chenjie and headed to hospital. Tested my blood and the result was that my white blood cells were a bit high count. I was put on the drip again and had to do it again tomorrow. While lying on the bed, I use my HP to take a picture of the drip.
Anyway they didn't on the aircon cos' most of the "dripping" patients had fever, me included. Before the drip my temp was 38, midway my temp rose to 39 due to the heat coming thru the windows! My dad called me from Singappore to ask what's up with me too. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be fully recovered. This is such a long episode.
7.8.07
Fever
Mama Ann says:
Today my Pils went back to Singapore, I thought I would be well recovered to take care of Ryo. Who know when I took my temperature, it was 38.1 deg. No wonder how much I tried to sleep I still feel wobbly and aching all over. Took panadol and stuck a fever cool pad (took one from Ryo's first aid box) and see how. If by tomorrow I am still running a temperature I think I wanna go test blood .
Today my Pils went back to Singapore, I thought I would be well recovered to take care of Ryo. Who know when I took my temperature, it was 38.1 deg. No wonder how much I tried to sleep I still feel wobbly and aching all over. Took panadol and stuck a fever cool pad (took one from Ryo's first aid box) and see how. If by tomorrow I am still running a temperature I think I wanna go test blood .
6.8.07
Gastritis
Mama Ann says:
I had diarrhea starting last Friday and it continued for a few days. Despite taking self medication, it didn't lessen. Worse still, I didn't have any strength at all, had fever, nausea, and can't sleep well. Since my Pils are here, I am lucky to just leave Ryo in their care while I just rested.
Yesterday was the worst day, I felt so terrible. So I just relented and ask to go hospital. The doctor diagnosed me as having gastritis 肠道炎 and the fastest way to recover was to be put on the drip for 2 hours. At least now I am feeling so much better (tho' still having slight diarrhea and sore throat).
I had diarrhea starting last Friday and it continued for a few days. Despite taking self medication, it didn't lessen. Worse still, I didn't have any strength at all, had fever, nausea, and can't sleep well. Since my Pils are here, I am lucky to just leave Ryo in their care while I just rested.
Yesterday was the worst day, I felt so terrible. So I just relented and ask to go hospital. The doctor diagnosed me as having gastritis 肠道炎 and the fastest way to recover was to be put on the drip for 2 hours. At least now I am feeling so much better (tho' still having slight diarrhea and sore throat).
29.7.07
Welcome to our new blog
Mama Ann says:
Hello once again, please bear with me as I transfer all our old entries to this new site. I suppose it is going to take a long time.
Hello once again, please bear with me as I transfer all our old entries to this new site. I suppose it is going to take a long time.
Ryo is ONE!
Mama Ann says:
Ryo has turned one finally. Ah Gong and Ah Ma specially flew in from Singapore to celebrate his birthday for him, they brought along some new clothes, shoes and a Thomas the Train. He also received an F1 remote control car from us. Isn't it cool?
We got a Little Prince ice cream cake from Haagen Dazs, and had a little celebration at home.
Ryo has turned one finally. Ah Gong and Ah Ma specially flew in from Singapore to celebrate his birthday for him, they brought along some new clothes, shoes and a Thomas the Train. He also received an F1 remote control car from us. Isn't it cool?
We got a Little Prince ice cream cake from Haagen Dazs, and had a little celebration at home.
27.7.07
Inflatable castle
Mama Ann says:
I inflated a castle for Ryo in time for his birthday, and this castle is huge. Ryo doesn't seem to like going in to play though. I thought all kids like this.
24.7.07
Sleeping on the bed
Mama Ann says:
I suppose I was wrong to say Ryo can't sleep by himself on the bed, he just wasn't given the chance to do so. Previously I was simply too tired, I just wanted him to sleep asap so that I can hit the rack as well. Now that I'm not breastfeeding anymore, my body doesn't feel that tired, I tried to let him tire himself out on our bed, then pat him a bit when he's like dead tired. True enough he fell asleep just like that last night and this morning, without the sarong nor rocking in my arms.
He is now sleeping, I hope he can nap 2 hours, just like in the sarong.
Where are you from?
Mama Ann says:
People all over in China can read my blog from the blog main page. But I cannot explain why I have people reading my blog from Europe, USA, Canada(Jane issit you again?), Taiwan or Japan? If you are not from Singapore nor Tianjin, can drop me a note on who you are. Anyway hello to you!
23.7.07
What a year
Mama Ann says:
If I were to describe Ryo, I will say he is a high need attention baby, or a very difficult baby. I know some people who thinks he is very cute would disagree. I dare you to take care of him day and night for one week alone, I think you can sleep for a month after that.
He is quite charming, in fact during the day. But when he cries, he can set your ear drums vibrating, and really you can feel them vibrate. He is a koala baby too, with very serious separation anxiety. And the thing that makes my blood boils everyday is he tosses and turns and sits up in his sarong at least 5 times a night.
But in my heart he is still my very lovely son who likes to smile when he is happy. His giggles take away my grumpiness.
6M: Sick for first time due to overly tired during Chinese New Year.
8M: First and second airplane flight. Sick for second time = bronchitis. Can say bababa.
9M: Can sit and crawl.
10M: Can say papa and mama to correct person. Started meat, and egg yolk.
11M: Can shake head, clap hands.
11M3W: First steps. Stop breastfeeding.
21.7.07
Ryo can walk
Mama Ann says:
Just few days ago, Ryo started taking his first step. The next day he took 3 steps, and suddenly today he can take 24 steps. He is a big boy now. I suppose he can run very soon. And today is one week to his first birthday!!!
Just few days ago, Ryo started taking his first step. The next day he took 3 steps, and suddenly today he can take 24 steps. He is a big boy now. I suppose he can run very soon. And today is one week to his first birthday!!!
Milk factory closing down
Mama Ann says:
I thought I can breastfeed longer, but apparently the milk supply is really hard to keep up. Now I'm only able to breastfeed Ryo once a day. I think by tomorrow or the next my milk factory will collapse.
It's a bit sad to not able to breastfeed. But the good news is, I can go on a diet and eat whatever I like. I'm like a li ttle overweight, I used to be 1/3 of Isaac's weight, now I'm half.
18.7.07
Just so tired
Mama Ann says:
Last night was really tired. Fed Ryo twice and patted him many times to sleep. I woke up in a bad mood and had a splitting headache. After lunch I got Chen-jie to help me bring him downstairs for a walk while I catch some sleep. Once they are out of the house, I jumped into bed immediately, on the air-con to 22 deg, and managed to knock off after 30 mins of tossing.
Guess wat? At 1.30pm Ryo started fussing and wanted to sleep. But Chen-jie (she is good) wanted me to sleep in peace somemore, so she pushed him to watch cars passing by the road. And Ryo fell asleep while she pushed the pram. Chen-jie then brought him back. I felt a bit bad for making them go out.
12.7.07
9.7.07
Birthday celebration
Ryo says:
We celebrated mama's birthday on Sunday. We bought sushi, ramen, steak and a Haagen Dazs cake to eat at home. Guess what? I didn't get to eat any of the above, I had my own tasteless baby food and a mango mousse cake (eat without the mousse).
Cheeky baby
This is Ryo when he is very cheeky. We took the photo when we asked (then forced, threathened, begged) him to finish his milk. He just refused. Yes, he only has two teeth at the moment, but he can eat meat balls already.
7.7.07
First kiss
29.6.07
Too noisy
Mama Ann says:
We went for gymboree class today, and heck, there were a total of 13 babies!!! Plus the parents, there were too much noise for Ryo to handle. It was also quite warm. He was fussing all the way, and did not participate much in the actitivites as he did the last two times.
Told the staff that I request for smaller class again. How can we waste our money like that? They are suppose to control the class numbers to maximum 10. Lucky I only signed up for 12 classes.
Shake your head
Mama Ann says:
We realise that Ryo is learning at a great speed at this period. Although he cannot speak, other than mama and papa and mum-mum, he shows us he understand by looking at the things we say.
Once I tested him by placing three books on the floor, a Rhymn book, a Shape book and a Farm story book. Then I said square, he'll look for the Shape book, said cock-a-doodle, he'll look for the Farm book, and said Pat-a-cake, and he'll look for the Rhymn book correctly. At least I know my efforts paid off, I've been reading to him everyday for months.
Isaac teaches him shake-your-head everyday now. After a few days of seeing Isaac shake head, he can shake his head too. Now everytime he sees Isaac he will shake his head. Haha.
26.6.07
Differences in baby culture
Mama Ann says:
Everyday I will bring Ryo to the playground downstairs to play, we'll meet many mothers or caregivers and exchange pointers. I realised our baby cultures differ a lot, and apparently the majority of their babies are so easy to care for.
One biggest difference is their babies can sleep through the night without feeding since a few months old. That means the mothers can get to sleep throughout as well. Sob sob sob. Ryo still wakes up for 3 feedings and needs to pat him back to sleep, sometimes up to half an hour!!! I haven have a good night sleep since he was born.
Below is a few of the difference I have discovered so far.
| Tianjin | Spore | |
| Milk | Stops drinking milk from 2 years, all solids | Continues drinking milk until the child himself refuse |
| Food | Eats dumplings, soft rice, noodles, steam egg even at few mths | Cereal or porridge from 6 months, eats larger harder food at later age |
| Crawl | Only crawls on bed | Crawls all over the place |
| Sleep | No sarong, pillow nor pacifier. Able to sleep by himself and thru the night. | Some sleep in sarong with pillow and pacifier. |
| Sun | Sunbathe everyday for vit D to aid calcium absorption | Sun? wat sun? |
We may be rich, we can provide better for our babies, but wat went wrong? How come their babies are so easy to care for? Do you have answers?
22.6.07
Shopping without my baby
Mama Ann says:
I finally stepped out of the house without Ryo and went shopping. I left him with Chenjie. At last I had a breather lest I go mad. It helps that there are two shopping centres near my house, just 5 mins away. Manage to buy some clothes for myself only, haha, cos everytime i will get something for Ryo. Anyway it's quite upsetting that i need to wear L size. I'm already having a liitle love handle. But when I go Espirit, I wear M size. Maybe the China sizes is smaller.
Different tastes
Mama Ann says:
Everytime we came back from Spore, we'll bring some of our local dumplings (salt meat type) for driver Tian. We tried their dumplings and don't like it, cos it's sweet, we thought he'll like our type as he said it's unique. Until few days ago my helper Chen-jie mentioned about some disgusting salty dumpling, then I realised the Tianjin people likes sweet dumpling, while we like the salty type.
So I asked driver Tian today if he finds ours not to his liking, he said yes. Haha. To think we made him eat our disgusting dumplings so many times.Anyway he also gave me some sweet dumpling made by his wife. I tried the dates and red bean types, and like the red bean one. Dates type is too sweet. So this is a case of enforcing what we think people to like what we like.
19.6.07
Shhheee sheeee
Ryo says:
See lar, this is the problem when my mama mixes with other mothers around the neighbourhood. She gets influenced into making me 把尿 and interrupting my play every half hour. I want my diaper back. I will foil her plans by not peeing when she makes the shheeee shheeee sound, but will pee when she puts me down. I am going to do my big business on the floor when chen-jie is not around. I think it's working... hee hee
Swing
Mama Ann says to Ryo:Alright baby, every evening when I say:" Swinging!!!" you will get really excited. It's the time when you can go to the playground and meet many other children. You will see me get the pram out, and off we go. But when you are on the swing, you are so stone... haha, but I know you like it.
Now you can climb up the steps to the slide, and you sit on my lap when we slide down the twisted slide. I hope you can do it yourself next month.
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