Ryo says:
Meet my friend, Katerina. She's the only one with an English name. We play together very often, in the sand, the fish pond and the playground.
[2049] Things change
6 years ago
11.7.08
My friend
Ryo says:
Meet my friend, Katerina. She's the only one with an English name. We play together very often, in the sand, the fish pond and the playground.
3.7.08
Baby Banz sunglasses
Mama Ann says:
Don't they look cool? I bought them for Ryo and his cousins.Ryo is gonna have the red colour one.
1.7.08
14.6.08
New and old
Ryo says:
Look at my new shoes, aren't they handsome? My grand-aunt bought for me.
And also, sob sob, my old pacifier. My mama said it flew back to Singapore. This is the last photo of me sucking my pacifier.
8.6.08
Farewell to the pacifier
Mama Ann says:
The papa is having his 3 days holiday, so I took this good time to wean Ryo off his pacifier. My reasoning is in case Ryo cries through the night, Isaac will not be affected since he does not have to work.
We started when Ryo was about to have his afternoon nap. He asked for his beloved "zhu-ar", and I told him a story that his pacifier had took the aeroplane back to Singapore. Of course he cried, and wailed for about half an hour before falling asleep exhausted.
Throughout the day he did asked about it a few times and we told him the same story. At night he was able to tell me his pacifier had flown away in the aeroplane. And fell asleep without making too much fuss, nor crying. Which is very good.
And the papa was saying," So easy you succeeded ar?"
29.5.08
Look at him dance
Mama Ann says:
Ryo's favourite show is Barney. He's watched a few of Barney's show and now he'll dance with him. They have many songs with different dance moves, and he knows when to touch his toes or wiggle his bum or clap his hands.
Ryo's favourite show is Barney. He's watched a few of Barney's show and now he'll dance with him. They have many songs with different dance moves, and he knows when to touch his toes or wiggle his bum or clap his hands.
Computer geek
Mama Ann says:
Ryo likes the laptop, especially when he watches the video of himself or the fireworks. Sometimes when I use the MSN, he'll help me type some funny words too.
15.5.08
Earthquake
Mama Ann says:
I felt the tremors at home when the earthquake in Sichuan happened. I was in Tianjin, very very far away from the epicentre, and I felt it. It must have been very serious. We watched the news every morning and night, there were many pictures of children trapped under huge pillars, groaning for help in pain. Some of them held hands, giving each other support. Few were lucky enough to be saved.
Now that I'm a mother, I understand the pain of losing a child. Somemore these children are the only child in their extended family. There was a scene where a rescuer was asking a child of her condition, and she replied," both my arms and legs were broken". These pictures make me sad, and grateful that I am alive, and my family is alive.
I felt the tremors at home when the earthquake in Sichuan happened. I was in Tianjin, very very far away from the epicentre, and I felt it. It must have been very serious. We watched the news every morning and night, there were many pictures of children trapped under huge pillars, groaning for help in pain. Some of them held hands, giving each other support. Few were lucky enough to be saved.
Now that I'm a mother, I understand the pain of losing a child. Somemore these children are the only child in their extended family. There was a scene where a rescuer was asking a child of her condition, and she replied," both my arms and legs were broken". These pictures make me sad, and grateful that I am alive, and my family is alive.
12.5.08
Happy Mothers Day
Mama Ann says:
We have some relatives visiting us, so we celebrated mothers' day for 4 mothers. Dinner was a sumptous seafood galore (I had none of that thanks to high cholesterol), followed by some fireworks (bought especially for Ryo, as he enjoyed watching fireworks), then we ended with a Hello Kitty cake (from Breadtalk).
7.5.08
School
Mama Ann says:
I've register Ryo for school. The kindergarten is supposed to be a good one. It should be. It costs rmb2000 per month for school fees (the highest of all i've heard). An ordinary kindergarten would only cost rmb600 or so. Well, it really is because Ryo's class has only 10 children compared to 20 in normal circumstances. I feel more comfortable with the idea that his needs can be met with a lower teacher-student ratio.
School starts in September. We have only a few more months to kick his pacifier, pillow and diaper off.
I've register Ryo for school. The kindergarten is supposed to be a good one. It should be. It costs rmb2000 per month for school fees (the highest of all i've heard). An ordinary kindergarten would only cost rmb600 or so. Well, it really is because Ryo's class has only 10 children compared to 20 in normal circumstances. I feel more comfortable with the idea that his needs can be met with a lower teacher-student ratio.
School starts in September. We have only a few more months to kick his pacifier, pillow and diaper off.
He is pretty talkative
Mama Ann says:
Ryo is really talking more. Sometimes he can talk in sentences, and long sentences I mean. Although we don't really understand what he is babbling about, but he looks really cute when he talks like that to us.
New vocabulary, he can understand a lot more words than he can say:
Ryo is really talking more. Sometimes he can talk in sentences, and long sentences I mean. Although we don't really understand what he is babbling about, but he looks really cute when he talks like that to us.
New vocabulary, he can understand a lot more words than he can say:
- haha: when he wants to play the MSN wink ie. the laughing woman
- 泡：when he wants me to prepare milk
- 脚：臭脚
- 臭：meaning his poo poo
- 高高： meaning 叠高高
- 冲：冲凉
- 睡觉
- 躺
- 菜
- kult: meaning Yakult, his favourite drink
- 公公：阿公
- 姨：阿姨
- 姥姥：when he calls 外婆
- 舅舅
- 鞋
- 坐：he decides where we sit
- 开
- 下
- draw
- ten
- 八
- star, are, high: in the Twinkle little star song
- bowl
- pur pur: meaning apple
- nana: meaning banana
- 不要：his favourite word
- 倒：跌倒
- 头：sometimes also meaning 枕头
- 早
- 蛋蛋：鸡蛋
- 肉肉：肉
2.5.08
What a guy!
Mama Ann says:
This little handsome guy was well dressed up for dinner. Well, he was in a very good mood after we all praised him handsome. And he skipped his way to the restaurant.
28.4.08
Acute Bronchitis
Mama Ann says:
Coughing is really an old friend. Since young, I can cough for a month long every year, and I had deemed it on my poor health, and really, non of the "western" medicine worked for me, though chinese medicine did some good.
3 weeks ago, both Ryo and I fell sick. He had gingivostomatis, I had sore throat and cough. My priority is him of cos, I really never bothered much about my cough thinking it's the usual stuff again.
But after subsiding a bit, the sore throat is now back and I'm still coughing. I decided to head back to the doctor (in Tianjn, yes) and he concluded I have acute bronchitis. He put me on antibiotics(I hate that) and the anticholinergic bronchodilator. The latter needs me to breathe through a tube from a machine similar to a humidifier, and I have to do this for 20mins for a week.
Now I am blessed as my inlaws who have came to visit us. And Ryo is under their great care while I can "repair" my body. Although it's really coincidental that everytime they came, it's either me or Ryo who had to visit the hospital. That is if you have read our sickly episodes of baby bronchitits, Gastritis and Roseola infantum .
Coughing is really an old friend. Since young, I can cough for a month long every year, and I had deemed it on my poor health, and really, non of the "western" medicine worked for me, though chinese medicine did some good.
3 weeks ago, both Ryo and I fell sick. He had gingivostomatis, I had sore throat and cough. My priority is him of cos, I really never bothered much about my cough thinking it's the usual stuff again.
But after subsiding a bit, the sore throat is now back and I'm still coughing. I decided to head back to the doctor (in Tianjn, yes) and he concluded I have acute bronchitis. He put me on antibiotics(I hate that) and the anticholinergic bronchodilator. The latter needs me to breathe through a tube from a machine similar to a humidifier, and I have to do this for 20mins for a week.
Now I am blessed as my inlaws who have came to visit us. And Ryo is under their great care while I can "repair" my body. Although it's really coincidental that everytime they came, it's either me or Ryo who had to visit the hospital. That is if you have read our sickly episodes of baby bronchitits, Gastritis and Roseola infantum .
25.4.08
Fill in the blanks
Mama Ann says:
Ryo can fill in the blanks when i sing a song. Ok pardon my lousy singing.
17.4.08
Gingivostomatitis
Mama Ann says:
We are at our bad days again, Ryo and I are both sick. He has gingivostomatitis, that is his mouth is full of sores. He is feeling very terrible, he has gone without solids for a week, depending solely on milk. Although he can still play, he refuses to drink water all day. Today I have resorted to forcing water down his throat for fear of dehydration.
And forcing medicine and water down his throat can amount to 8 to 10 times a day, that is pretty scary for a small child, and very stressful for a parent. Still it has to be done. His symptoms are quite similar to HFMD, he's just without sores on his hands nor feet. I hope it does not develop into HFMD.
Below is an excerpt from Babycenter.com:
What is gingivostomatitis?
Gingivostomatitis is the long name for a condition that results in a very sore mouth. It's caused by a viral infection and is common in children. The symptoms can be mild or severe. While it can be disconcerting to see sores in your toddler's mouth — and to know that she hurts — usually there's no cause for worry.Most people carry around the viruses that can cause the condition. In fact, your toddler's bout of gingivostomatitis may be her initial infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which most people pick up in early childhood and carry for the rest of their lives. The initial infection usually goes unnoticed, but if it does make itself known, it does so in the form of gingivostomatitis. (HSV-1 can cause cold sores, too.)Gingivostomatitis can also be caused by a coxsackie virus, the culprit in hand, foot and mouth disease and herpangina.
What are the symptoms?
The sores are small (about 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter), grayish or yellowish in the middle, and red around the edges. Their severity and location depend on which virus is causing the gingivostomatitis.Your toddler may have sores on her gums (also called the gingiva), on the inside of her cheeks, in the back of her mouth, or on her tonsils, tongue, or soft palate. Her gums may be inflamed and may bleed easily.Because the sores can be very painful, your toddler will probably be irritable, may drool more than usual, and won't feel like eating or drinking much. She may also have bad breath and a high fever (up to 104 degrees), and the lymph nodes on the sides of her neck may be swollen and tender.Note: In rare cases, gingivostomatitis that's caused by herpes can spread to the eye and infect the cornea. Herpes simplex keratitis, as such an infection is called, can cause permanent eye damage. Take your toddler to the doctor right away if she has gingivostomatitis and you notice that her eyes look watery and red or that she's sensitive to light — both early symptoms of herpes simplex keratitis.
How is gingivostomatitis treated?
Because this is a viral infection, antibiotics won't help. The sores in your toddler's mouth should be gone in a week or two. Here are a few things you can do to make her more comfortable and keep her otherwise healthy while she has it:
• Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and lower fever. (Never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20. It can trigger a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome.) If the pain is so severe that your toddler won't eat even with the help of these over-the-counter pain medications, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medicine.
• Though she may not want to drink because swallowing is painful, it's extremely important that your child get enough fluids. Try offering her cool, nonacidic, noncarbonated drinks such as water, milkshakes, or diluted apple juice. Dehydration can sneak up rapidly, especially in young children — this is the one complication to be aware of if your child has gingivostomatitis. Call the doctor if your child goes for more than six hours without urinating or taking in liquid, or if she shows any signs of dehydration.
• Try offering cool, soothing foods such frozen pops, ice cream, or frozen yogurt, or bland foods that don't require chewing, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or applesauce.
Can gingivostomatitis be prevented?
Because so many adults and children carry the herpes virus, and because they can pass it (and the coxsackie virus) on even if they have no symptoms, there's no practical way to prevent gingivostomatitis. You can, however, try to keep your child from kissing, sharing food, or playing in close contact with people who have an active herpes infection or any other mouth sores. (That includes you, if you happen to have an outbreak.) And to protect others, your toddler should do likewise during the course of her illness.
If your toddler's sores are caused by the herpes virus, the virus will stay in her body for life. The good news is that the first episode of gingivostomatitis is usually the worst, and it won't necessarily be a frequent plague.
We are at our bad days again, Ryo and I are both sick. He has gingivostomatitis, that is his mouth is full of sores. He is feeling very terrible, he has gone without solids for a week, depending solely on milk. Although he can still play, he refuses to drink water all day. Today I have resorted to forcing water down his throat for fear of dehydration.
And forcing medicine and water down his throat can amount to 8 to 10 times a day, that is pretty scary for a small child, and very stressful for a parent. Still it has to be done. His symptoms are quite similar to HFMD, he's just without sores on his hands nor feet. I hope it does not develop into HFMD.
Below is an excerpt from Babycenter.com:
What is gingivostomatitis?
Gingivostomatitis is the long name for a condition that results in a very sore mouth. It's caused by a viral infection and is common in children. The symptoms can be mild or severe. While it can be disconcerting to see sores in your toddler's mouth — and to know that she hurts — usually there's no cause for worry.Most people carry around the viruses that can cause the condition. In fact, your toddler's bout of gingivostomatitis may be her initial infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which most people pick up in early childhood and carry for the rest of their lives. The initial infection usually goes unnoticed, but if it does make itself known, it does so in the form of gingivostomatitis. (HSV-1 can cause cold sores, too.)Gingivostomatitis can also be caused by a coxsackie virus, the culprit in hand, foot and mouth disease and herpangina.
What are the symptoms?
The sores are small (about 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter), grayish or yellowish in the middle, and red around the edges. Their severity and location depend on which virus is causing the gingivostomatitis.Your toddler may have sores on her gums (also called the gingiva), on the inside of her cheeks, in the back of her mouth, or on her tonsils, tongue, or soft palate. Her gums may be inflamed and may bleed easily.Because the sores can be very painful, your toddler will probably be irritable, may drool more than usual, and won't feel like eating or drinking much. She may also have bad breath and a high fever (up to 104 degrees), and the lymph nodes on the sides of her neck may be swollen and tender.Note: In rare cases, gingivostomatitis that's caused by herpes can spread to the eye and infect the cornea. Herpes simplex keratitis, as such an infection is called, can cause permanent eye damage. Take your toddler to the doctor right away if she has gingivostomatitis and you notice that her eyes look watery and red or that she's sensitive to light — both early symptoms of herpes simplex keratitis.
How is gingivostomatitis treated?
Because this is a viral infection, antibiotics won't help. The sores in your toddler's mouth should be gone in a week or two. Here are a few things you can do to make her more comfortable and keep her otherwise healthy while she has it:
• Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and lower fever. (Never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20. It can trigger a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome.) If the pain is so severe that your toddler won't eat even with the help of these over-the-counter pain medications, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medicine.
• Though she may not want to drink because swallowing is painful, it's extremely important that your child get enough fluids. Try offering her cool, nonacidic, noncarbonated drinks such as water, milkshakes, or diluted apple juice. Dehydration can sneak up rapidly, especially in young children — this is the one complication to be aware of if your child has gingivostomatitis. Call the doctor if your child goes for more than six hours without urinating or taking in liquid, or if she shows any signs of dehydration.
• Try offering cool, soothing foods such frozen pops, ice cream, or frozen yogurt, or bland foods that don't require chewing, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or applesauce.
Can gingivostomatitis be prevented?
Because so many adults and children carry the herpes virus, and because they can pass it (and the coxsackie virus) on even if they have no symptoms, there's no practical way to prevent gingivostomatitis. You can, however, try to keep your child from kissing, sharing food, or playing in close contact with people who have an active herpes infection or any other mouth sores. (That includes you, if you happen to have an outbreak.) And to protect others, your toddler should do likewise during the course of her illness.
If your toddler's sores are caused by the herpes virus, the virus will stay in her body for life. The good news is that the first episode of gingivostomatitis is usually the worst, and it won't necessarily be a frequent plague.
7.4.08
No cholesterol diet
Mama Ann says:
It's been a month since I started my no-cholesterol diet, and I must say I did a pretty good job in avoiding high cholesterol food.
In fact, now that I'm in Tianjin, I'm in better control. I've turned mostly vegetarian, my last fish was a week ago. I still have energy, or rather I have more energy than before. Perhaps it was my high cholesterol that was making me feel tired and dizzy last time that I had no mood to do things. Now I seldom nap with Ryo and even have energy to tidy his toys, do housework and read.
Pat pat Ann, well done, keep it going.
It's been a month since I started my no-cholesterol diet, and I must say I did a pretty good job in avoiding high cholesterol food.
In fact, now that I'm in Tianjin, I'm in better control. I've turned mostly vegetarian, my last fish was a week ago. I still have energy, or rather I have more energy than before. Perhaps it was my high cholesterol that was making me feel tired and dizzy last time that I had no mood to do things. Now I seldom nap with Ryo and even have energy to tidy his toys, do housework and read.
Pat pat Ann, well done, keep it going.
I love soup
Ryo says:
I discovered they (papa and mama) were having great soup and decided I want to try some too. It was simply delicious, I had many servings. Slurps!!
4.4.08
Back in Tianjin
Mama Ann says:
We are back in Tianjin, finally, after about 4 months stay in Spore. I couldn't wait to come back, in fact.
The flight back was good, with Ryo behaving quite well and slept throughout. He also was moderately well behaved in the 2 hour car ride from the Beijing airport to Tianjin, and managed to sleep too. And both of us nap the whole afternoon away (4 hours!) when we reached home. It wasn't so bad as compared to previous times, maybe because I was pretty excited and happy to come back.
The downside though, he had eye irritation that caused him to have crusty eyes when he wakes up in the morning. A check with babycenter.com, it says it's bacteria and will go away in a few days. Babycenter.com always has answers for me, and sets my worries away. Doo dee doo dee doo.
We are back in Tianjin, finally, after about 4 months stay in Spore. I couldn't wait to come back, in fact.
The flight back was good, with Ryo behaving quite well and slept throughout. He also was moderately well behaved in the 2 hour car ride from the Beijing airport to Tianjin, and managed to sleep too. And both of us nap the whole afternoon away (4 hours!) when we reached home. It wasn't so bad as compared to previous times, maybe because I was pretty excited and happy to come back.
The downside though, he had eye irritation that caused him to have crusty eyes when he wakes up in the morning. A check with babycenter.com, it says it's bacteria and will go away in a few days. Babycenter.com always has answers for me, and sets my worries away. Doo dee doo dee doo.
26.3.08
Four years
Ryo says:
Papa sent mama flowers on their wedding anniversary day from Tianjin. You know papa is so sweet, he even thought of sending me a balloon along with the flowers.
7.3.08
It's getting dangerous
Mama Ann says:
His motor skills are getting very much better. He managed to climb up the sofa this way within the first few tries. We need an empty house soon.
MMR vaccine
Mama Ann says:
Ryo had his MMR shot, he's now left with one more of 5-in-1 vaccine before he'll receive a certificate, or so I heard from the receptionist at the pead clinic. Haha.
He brawled when Dr Oh approached him, as he knew she is gonna hurt his buttock again. And so after that I bought a doctor toy set for him to let him accustomised to this doctor world. Everytime he hurt himself, we'll let Dr Bear check his wound with the stesthescope. Keke.
1.3.08
High cholesterol
Mama Ann says:
Oops, I have high cholesterol. That explains my dizziness and heart pain recently.
I'm actually pleasantly happy, not that i'm not worried about the high cholesterol, but happy because now I have the "license" to go on a diet. Ya, a doctor's order to go on a strict diet indeed, the rightful excuse to turn away all the meat and snacks present to me everyday. I can only take fish in the meat group, goodbye to my favourite chicken thigh.
And i think i can do it, when my mind is set to do something.
Oops, I have high cholesterol. That explains my dizziness and heart pain recently.
I'm actually pleasantly happy, not that i'm not worried about the high cholesterol, but happy because now I have the "license" to go on a diet. Ya, a doctor's order to go on a strict diet indeed, the rightful excuse to turn away all the meat and snacks present to me everyday. I can only take fish in the meat group, goodbye to my favourite chicken thigh.
And i think i can do it, when my mind is set to do something.
22.2.08
More words
Mama Ann says:
Ryo is now 18 months and capable of many more stuffs.
To add on to his babbles, he can now say:
- mama and papa... finally
- ah ma....but not yet ah gong
- ball
- 破
- 掉
- no no no
- 奕... that's his name and he says that when we go 遥遥遥， 遥到外婆桥...
- 要
On physical development, he can
- really walk up and down stairs all by himself without holding onto the rails sometimes
- go up and slide down the slide by himself
- take off his socks
- eat nuts or bigger chunks of food
- wave and kiss bye bye
- imitate driving a car
- use a fork clumsily
On emotion development, he is:
- less shy than last time, but still shy nonetheless
- seriously addicted to his pacifier and pillow
- able to throw tantrums
- capable of teasing others. eg he offers Brexton a food but pulls it back when Brexton opens his mouth
- less koala syndrome
- able to show jealousy
Star cruise
Ryo says:
Ok I know my parents went to Phuket without me, but I get to go on a cruise after they come back. In fact the whole family went.
I had lots of fun swimming especially. I even went out to the sea, Lankston kor kor was afraid to touch the sea water though.
I am still fair even after so much sun. My mama, hehe, is like 3 tones darker, though she put on sun block.
Ok I know my parents went to Phuket without me, but I get to go on a cruise after they come back. In fact the whole family went.
I had lots of fun swimming especially. I even went out to the sea, Lankston kor kor was afraid to touch the sea water though.
I am still fair even after so much sun. My mama, hehe, is like 3 tones darker, though she put on sun block.
Clubmed Phuket
Mama Ann says:
Can you see the blue sky and the sea? Yes this is Clubmed Phuket.
After CNY, me and isaac went to Clubmed in Phuket for a getaway. That is me getting away from Ryo, and Isaac getting away from work. Well, it was pretty relaxing with lots of massages and great food and the beach and sea. I even get onto the parasail too.
Can you see the blue sky and the sea? Yes this is Clubmed Phuket.
After CNY, me and isaac went to Clubmed in Phuket for a getaway. That is me getting away from Ryo, and Isaac getting away from work. Well, it was pretty relaxing with lots of massages and great food and the beach and sea. I even get onto the parasail too.
27.1.08
More is not always good
Mama Ann says:
I did a check online and found a few articles (not just one source) that say a toddler needs just 16-24 ounces of milk a day, if he is fed more than this, it'll fill him up and leaves less space for other food.
Ryo has already hit the upper limit, i think it explains why he's not too interested in other food sometimes.
I really don't like to be ask why he's not given milk every 3 hours, over and over again? I think every 3 hourly is for small babies. Toddlers have slow down their growth, thus reducing their need for milk.
I did a check online and found a few articles (not just one source) that say a toddler needs just 16-24 ounces of milk a day, if he is fed more than this, it'll fill him up and leaves less space for other food.
Ryo has already hit the upper limit, i think it explains why he's not too interested in other food sometimes.
I really don't like to be ask why he's not given milk every 3 hours, over and over again? I think every 3 hourly is for small babies. Toddlers have slow down their growth, thus reducing their need for milk.
26.1.08
Zoo trip
Ryo says:
Yippee, I finally went to the zoo today with Lankston and Brexton. We had loads of fun there, and there was so many animals to see. I even went on the elephant ride you know? It was only a little bit scary. My mama purposely made me dressed like a zoo ranger, do I look like one?
I'm going to the bird park when my papa comes back in Feb.
24.1.08
Ouch ouch
Mama Ann says:
Whenever we are back in Singapore, we'll catch up on Ryo's vaccination. This time he is having the shots for:
- Hepatitis A
- Chicken pox
- Pneumoccocol (3rd and last dose)
- MMR
Since the Chicken pox and the Pneumoccocol shots can be administered at the same time, Ryo had each of them on both his buttocks (see picture). Of course he brawled. The fever was very mild considering two shots, and did not last more than a day.
19.1.08
Sleepless
Mama Ann says:
It's 1.30am, I just can't get to sleep, I guess it'll stay this way for the next few days.
The compeling feeling is creeping back. Really, I wish I could fly back to Tianjin now. If not for Ryo's vaccination, I don't think I like to be back so early. Please please fly time faster to end of Feb.
It's 1.30am, I just can't get to sleep, I guess it'll stay this way for the next few days.
The compeling feeling is creeping back. Really, I wish I could fly back to Tianjin now. If not for Ryo's vaccination, I don't think I like to be back so early. Please please fly time faster to end of Feb.
17.1.08
Complains
Mama Ann says:
I guess I'm always a topic of complains, behind my back that is. But sometimes through conversation I get comfirmation of my guess. It made me miss Tianjin all the more.
I'm gonna stay there as much as possible. Do whatever I like. My way. My idea.
Suck! I dislike acting. Life is about acting.
I guess I'm always a topic of complains, behind my back that is. But sometimes through conversation I get comfirmation of my guess. It made me miss Tianjin all the more.
I'm gonna stay there as much as possible. Do whatever I like. My way. My idea.
Suck! I dislike acting. Life is about acting.
8.1.08
He can scream
Mama Ann says:
Ryo can scream along with Little Miss Muffet. The nursery rhyme goes like this:
Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey
Along came a spider and sat down beside her (SCREAM!!!)
And frightened Miss Muffet away
4.1.08
Jam
Ryo says:
Let me show you how to make strawberry jam.
- First you squeeze a strawberry in your hand till you have juice dripping out
- then place the strawberry on the table, pat it a few times to get pulp
- wipe the pulp from left to right on the table
- have a taste and you are done
Making jam is hard work, look at my sweat!
2.1.08
Who's on the dots?
Mama Ann says:
I have new dots coming from the US, Australia, Middle East, Europe and Taiwan (I think).
I know it's Aunt Dorothy who's dotting while she travels in the USA, I think I know who is in Australia and Taiwan.
But who is dotting in Middle East and Europe?
Busy month
Mama Ann says:
We've been back for a month, and I think the past month was a bit busy and crazy. Why?
We've been back for a month, and I think the past month was a bit busy and crazy. Why?
- Lankston's mummy went back to m'sia, we (3 adults) have to handle Lankston, Brexton and Ryo and that's quite crazy especially at meal times.
- We have a new maid at home, who cannot cook much, we have to eat out most of times. So I spent an average of 5 hours outside the house everyday for meals.
How I miss Tianjin, where I have more time to myself and my maid did most things for me, haha. Next year I won't wanna come back so early.
28.12.07
Baby kiss
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.
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.
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