Settling-in

There were 3 "settling-in-sessions" this week at nursery.

Tuesday- We were there for about 45 minutes. I filled in some forms and he explored the new toys and activities. I was given a list of things to be packed into his bag.He was reluctant to leave.

Wednesday-Bag all packed (spare clothes, nappies for poo-poo, hat, gloves, wellies, handphone (kidding), muslin cloth and water tumbler). Tobey double-checked to see that his muslin cloth and water tumbler is in before leaving. He loves wearing it. Kept saying "My going School, this my bag".

I was with him for 10 mins then made my exit. I told him that I am going to the supermarket opposite to do some shopping and will be back very soon to pick him up. At first, he whispered "Mummy stay here, sit-down next my". I told him that Ian (his key person) would be looking after him and pointed out at all the fresh paint readily available for painting. He went to the paint straight away. I was told me to come back after 45 mins. I went to the cafe in the supermarket, bought newspaper and some overpriced tea and was prepared to read in peace. Surprisingly, 2 of my friends were there too (they just came back from shopping and waiting to pick up their older kids from school), so I ended up chatting with them and looking at their purchases. Newspaper untouched.

When I went back, all the kids were all wrapped up and was playing at the nursery's playground. Ian told me that he didn't even ask for me. It took me another 10 mins to persuade him to go home.

Friday - 5 mins after bringing him in. I was told to exit for 1 hr 30 mins. Tobey said "No , mummy stay". Ouch! heart pain :( I pointed at all the soft play dough they just made and he said "kay" to me leaving. I went and bought some stuff, cooked dinner and tried to make some calls. I missed my boy. When I went to pick him up, I was told he was fine for the first hour. Then when the children and adults set-up the tables for teatime, he started crying and asked for me. Ian quickly got him his muslin cloth and tumbler. He calmed down. When I went to him, his face lighted up and he was seated with other kids around a table having his toast with butter and jam. His face was all red from all the crying. After making sure he hasn't got a temperature, I asked him why he cried he said "my tummy pain, my cry". He didn't ask to go for a wee at all. When we got home, he went for a big wee. So, I figured, he wasn't comfortable to ask to go for a wee in a new surrounding. Hence, he held it in until his tummy hurts.

So this coming Monday morning would be his first official session. Just Monday morning for now. He asked for his bag today so that he can go to school. I'll put a nappy on him then, until he's used to the place.

Nursery

Although his days are filled with a fair amount of playgroups and classes, I've always been around him. Now that he's old enough, we've enrolled him into nursery starting off just one morning a week and increase accordingly (probably up to 2 or 3 mornings a week). Reason being, I don't want him to miss out on the benefits of being away from me. I am hoping that he'll learn to fend for himself by himself amongst his peers. It's also so that he will be ahead of the game and ease into Pre-school easily this coming September (kiasuism :P). I've visited several nurseries within reasonable driving distance, but still settled for Sunflower Nursery which is just 5 mins walk from home (save petrol which is £1.119/litre now ~CRAZY! get to sleep in more, no traffic jams..etc).

So very soon, my baby will be going to "school". The big question is, what do I do with my free time? I hope to get back to work part-time if possible. Just have to leave it in God's hands. Who knows he might have other plans for me ;)

Crunchy peanut butter cookies

Ingredients

8 tbsp plain flour
2 tbsp caster sugar (I used icing sugar instead for better texture)
2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 free-range egg yolk
50g/1¾oz butter, softened
icing sugar, for dusting

Method

Mix everything into a bowl. Mix with hand. Shape with dusting of flour. Bake 10 mins in preheated oven of 180 C.

Tobey was the main chef this time around. He's getting a hang of listening to the ingredients being read out and adding them into the mixing bowl accordingly. I mixed them with hand. He then shaped and sprinkled them with sugar strands (instead of icing sugar).

He decided to shape them to various sizes

Once it's baked and cooled, out came the coloured icing tubes for more decorating

Finally the taste test- "Mmm Nice, my make cookie nice"
(he then asked to save a few pieces for daddy)

Yam Pau

I didn't make this ..hahahahah (as if I can). It's from the Chinese supermarket frozen section. I am a total convert. Move aside Red Bean and Lotus. Make way for Yam Pau. Yummy!

Why?

It has started.

"Why turn off tap mummy?"
"Why wipe hands mummy?"
"Why not climb mummy?"

I find it quite amazing for now. I am sure I'll sing a different tune once he goes on overdrive.

Pretend Play & 2 1/2 yrs old Developmental Checks

We couldn't find a dentist toy set (there goes the early retirement dream for SK).So this Doctor one would do. Actually, he's been using shoelaces, ribbons, ties and any bit of string as stethoscope to check our heart beat. That is on top of our daily temperature check with the digital ear thermometer. As expected he was ecstatic when we handed him a plastic briefcase filled with a stethoscope, a syringe, 2 medicine bottles, an otoscope (to look into ear canals), a thermometer, a clipboard, a "knee knocker" and a cute pair of spectacle frame. It's the first thing he plays with everyday.

I role play with him using different scenarios. He loves it.

For example:

I play the Dr siting at the desk . He comes into the clinic on his red race car and ask for a check-up. I check his heart beat whilst he takes deep breaths. Then I check his ears and knocks his knee, where he'll pretend to move his leg after each knock. Very dramatic. Lastly, I place the thermometer under his armpit and declares that he has a temperature and needs an injection! I'll extract some medicine from a bottle and an injection is given to his bum and he'll go "ouch!". That calls for some pain medication for the pain :P. He'll then shakes my hand and hops onto his car and zooms off into his kitchen. 2 Seconds later. He'll be back to return his empty bottle of medicine for me recycle.

Today we went for his 2 1/2 years old developmental check. He met all the milestones/ should haves. Showed no nerves whatsoever when being observed playing with the tea set, building blocks, threading toys and such. Infact, he impressed me. How come he never concentrated that well at home. Tsk. Long story short, the health visitor were charmed beyond words. She commented that he looks really healthy and confident. We discussed about him still asking for a nappy to do his big business and then goes into hiding (usually the hallway) to be alone and will only reappear and ask us to "please wash poo away" once he's done. I am going to try out her suggestion.

Hello 2010

2009 is when...

...We newly moved to our new home in Cambourne, where we made many good friends.
...SK settled into his new company
...My parents, SK's parents and my auntie&uncle visited us from back home
...We went home to Malaysia for a holiday

and the best part is that we saw Tobey grew into a fabulous boy that he is now. All we wish for 2010 is for him to continue growing into the happy, healthy, confident, assertive and loving person we wish for him to be.

Happy New Year everyone. May this year brings you added happiness and contentment, the fortune that your are looking for, be surrounded by good people, and good health to enjoy them all.