Merdeka Trip

In the spirit of Merdeka, I was given a Malaysian flag by Daddy.

Guess where we're going?
Look, I'm taking somebody along as well!

No, not one, but two of them! You're right, today I decided bring Doggy and Snoopy along. Can you see me? :)

There, now you see the whole picture!

We decided to go up the Bukit Bendara or the Penang Hill. It was a very big mistake, because it's fully packed and we have to wait for 1.5 hours for our train. So we did some exploring around the place.

While we were busy taking photos, our camera suddenly gave us a blue screen. Gosh, luckily Daddy's and Mommy's handphones could take pictures too. Finally, our train came at 12.30pm. By then, I was already in dreamland. So Mommy carried me into the fully packed train. I heard that it was really packed until there's no place to sit. Luckily there were some kind Malay ladies who let both Mommy and Amah sat. The stroller had to be folded so poor Daddy had to carry that and stand throughout the whole journey. But we were rewarded with a breathtaking views and cool air when we reached the top.
And I just woke up from my half-hour nap... did you noticed my new bonnet? Amah bought that for me while waiting for the train because it's too hot outside and we didn't come prepared with anything.
More pictures before we went for lunch

Amah suggested to go to the only hotel in Penang Hill for lunch, since it won't be so hot there. We found out that they also served the traditional charcoal type steamboat, so we ordered two sets of those, and another fried rice because the steamboat will take about 20 minutes to prepare and we were all starving by now. Mommy fed me her home-cooked porridge first. We also ordered their speacialty drinks, which was something like a plum juice. That tasted really nice, after finishing Mommy's share, I turned my attention to Daddy :)

Oh yes, we also got a very good view from our table. Normally, guests were advised to sit indoor if they ordered the steamboat, but they let us sat outside. Here comes our steamboat... yummy yummy! Would you believe me if I said I actually have another round of these, after finishing my porridge? ;P I'm a food lover, so I just can never say no to food.

In between lunch, Daddy and Mommy took turns to entertain me so that one could eat while the other one played with me. I love to wander around the living hall, and guess where's my favourite spot? It's so relaxing here :)

I was also allowed to roam about in the open space grass outside. I had a fun time running around, although it was a bit hot. I fell down a few times and I dirtied my pants. Mommy said I don't behave like a girl at all. Oopss!

By the way, I made some new friends too. I was especially attracted to the 2nd sister (there were 3 of them) but everytime I went near her, she would run away. I think this was fun, and in no time, we were playing catch. Here're some photos taken with them, but Mommy couldn't catch all us together because we kept moving about all the time.

After lunch, we went for a walk around Penang hill and dropped by my favaourite place - the playground. I didn't get to play for long because it was really hot there.

Then, we prepared to go home, since we knew it would be a long queue again. We managed to board the 3.30pm train home.

Mommy managed to keep me awake half-way thru the journey, as I was about to doze off again. When we went into the train, I panicked and kept asking to be led out. Don't know why I was afraid. I cried very loudly while they all tried to sooth me. In no time, all the passengers chipped in and tried to console me. I was ok after that, and then after sometime, I was in dreamland again. Goodbye Penang Hill, till our path cross again.

Potty in the making?

Hey, I finally want to sit on a potty! Isn't that great? Mommy has been worried because most of my peers have graduated from diapers to pants, while I was still reluctant to sit on my potty. So, when she came back from work these few days, she won't let me wear any diapers, but just pants instead. I have a few accidents initially, of course. And when that happened, I would run towards Mommy feeling horrified of the mess that I just made, without being aware that I was creating more mess for her. This went on for a couple of days. She would check on me every half hour and asked me if I wanted to sit on the potty. Everytime my answer was no, but not too long later, the floor would be flooded.

Then one day, Mommy announced that she wanted to go "pot pot" and asked me if I wanted to come along. So I followed her into the bathroom and she let me sit on my potty while she sat on the toilet seat. After sometime, I was ssshhhhing away like an expert! That's how the story started.

So, Amah continued to train me during the day time, because I wouldn't let her put on the diapers on me. So I would be pantless then, and when I want to ssh ssh, I would go and sit down on the potty. Easy, isn't it? One day, Amah was bathing. I felt like pang sai so I went to the potty and ng ng all the way. After I was done, I took my little pot of gold and went to the bathroom to show Amah. She was so happy that she called Mommy immediately to announce about my big achievement for the day. Mommy was in the office that time, and she was getting worried because Amah wouldn't call unless something bad happen to me. Well, I think the news have made her day, and when I spoke to her, she praised me. I only know how to say "Mama, yeah!". Whenever I did something great, I would said yeah and then clap my hand.

So, when both Mommy and Daddy returned from work that day, I demonstrated to them again how clever I was. Did you noticed that my bear bear has a little potty too? I tried to exhange with her a few times... hehe, but it was too small for me ;P

I still haven't graduated to pants yet, but I'm on my way there. Maybe that's because Mommy is not a big risk taker, so she haven't gone full force in not letting me wear diaper at all for the whole day.

Learning Garden

Recently Mommy and Daddy sent me for the trial session of the Parent-Toddler program at Learning Garden. They have 3 sessions on Saturday (9-10.30am, 10-11.30am, 11-12.30am) for toddlers up to 3 years old. We went to the 2nd session, but that was also quite a rush for us, because both Daddy and I woke up quite late that day.

When we reached there, we were brought into a playroom, where there were lots of toys. Most of the toddlers with their parents were already there. I noticed that there was also a newcomer like me who’s coming for the trial session. Our facilitator for that day was Ms Puva. She explained to us that this was a free-and-easy session where we were allowed to choose whatever toys that we love to play with. They would not stop a boy from playing with a masak-masak set or a doll, but let them chose what they like instead. The toys were neatly arranged on the shelves and table, we have to go and get what we like. After we were done with it, we're supposed to return it back to its original position. I experimented with a wooden puzzle, and some other toys as well. During this session, there’s no interaction between the toddlers. Most of them just stuck to their parents. Mommy and Daddy were having a hard time trying to stop me from snatching toys from other people, as usual :) They hoped I would learn soon, since Daddy noticed that the rest of the toddlers there kinda know it’s not their turn yet and won’t snatch from the other.

After approximately 20 minutes, we were led to a wet area. According to the director of this center, this was a place for us to get dirty and enjoy the process of being so. That’s because at home, our parents won’t normally allow us this kind of freedom. So what do we do there? We have to wear an apron to prevent us from getting real dirty. I went to the glue and drawing corner first. Since the theme of the week was on bears, we were asked to stick cotton to the bears on the paper. I was busy drawing, so Daddy and Mommy did most of the sticking.

See what's my final product? Our facilitator hanged this up with the rest of the other toddlers and would present this to us towards the end of the class. I even got my piece of art back (see the blue color paper right beside the polar bear?)

After that, we moved on to the painting corner while the other groups came to our place. We took turns among ourselves since there were about 10 toddlers in that session. I was having a great time discovering my artistic talent. But when the paint splashed on my hand and legs, I don't feel comfortable and wanted Mommy to clean me. She told me it's ok, we can wash later. I was not used to it because normally when my hands get dirty, Mommy would waste no time in chasing me to have them cleaned!

After this, we adjourned to the fish pond. It's an artificial one, of course. Besides fishes, there are ducks, and all creatures of the sea as well. I saw a little girl was busy watering the water, so I tried it as well. I love to see the water splashed out.

Besides this, there's also a corner to play with sand. It looked something like the water pond, except that instead of water, it's filled with sand and spades and forks, etc. Too bad I don't have any photos to share because Daddy prohibited Mommy from taking them since she was more occupied with the photos (for the blogging, of course!) and he's afraid that she would neglect me.

We spent about 20 minutes here as well, before Ms Puva asked us to clean ourselves and proceed to the play ground. It comes with shades, so we were spared the scorching heat. Oh, I loved this place just so much... see for yourself!

I also have a fun time swinging myself on the swing, but I have to let go since there's another girl waiting for her turn. Oh yes, I did something that Mommy was really proud of. Despite me going around taking toys from people, I did something great too. There's this little girl who fell on the floor and started crying. Then, Mommy asked me to give her the ball which I was holding that time. When I did that, she stopped crying and her Mommy kept thanking me! Now, I'm not all that bad, don't you think so?

And they have a basketball court here too... hey! Am I too tall or what?

Briefing session from Amah...
Aim straight...

and shoot!

After that, we went inside for tea break. We were given a bowl of biscuit and a glass of water each. Here, I learnt how to sip water from the glass without wetting my blouse. Mommy was really proud of me.

The last session was singing and story telling. The facilitator started by asking all of us to sit in circles with our parents. Then, we were told to pick a bear that we like. Ms Puva started by telling us stories based on animals. Here, we learnt to make different sounds of the animals. After that, we sang a few songs, with actions as well. Initially I wouldn't want to join and kept running out of the room. Mommy had to persuade me to go in back. I particularly liked the game where we were supposed to pass the window frame around. When the frame reached a child, the facilitator will pronounce their name and he/she would need to wave back to the rest of the other toddlers. I decided to run away again, and to Mommy's relief, I came back when the window frame reached my turn. She taught I was never going to make it, since I was a little apprehensive at first.

So, that's all for a tiring 1.5 hour session. It was great, and I certainly learnt a lot!

What friends are for...

I have lots of little friends at home... here's my own collection:

And here's the passdowns from Mommy. She's a fan of these as well, and most of them are gifts from Daddy :)

Well, they have become my little companions in a way. Now, I would insist to bring at least one or two of them when we go kai kai. And if I fell down or hurt myself, besides seeking comfort in Mommy and Daddy, I would also ask my doggy or bear bear or miao miao to sayang me. There's once I decided that I don't want to sit on my high chair when eating dinner. I insisted to sit on the couch and watch TV at the same time. Mommy doesn't like this idea so she brought Doggy to the high chair and feed him instead, praising him all the while! I can't stand all the attention he's getting, so I finally went to sit on my high chair and poor doggy has to give way to me.

Also, when I was reading at my desk, I would insist to have Doggy or Barney to sit beside me on the same chair. Of course they would fall down most of the time due to lack of space, so Mommy would have to hold them (since only half of their buttock can fit on the chair only) while I did my readings.

And hey, would you believe me? It reached a stage where I wouldn't let Daddy sat on that chair (we were in restaurant and there's an empty chair between mine and Daddy's. Just because it's supposed to be for little Pooh Pooh!

New Swimsuit

I had a chance to try my new swimsuit finally, when Uncle Kok Chen brought his daughter for a swim at our condo. Mei Mei doesn't have a swimsuit, so Daddy suggested to let her wear my old one, as it was a little too small for me. Mommy has put that away with the rest of my old clothes which can't fit me anymore. That's how I got to wear my new one :) But I was too excited to go to the pool and wouldn't let Mommy and Daddy put the floats into my new swimsuit. So, I didn't get to experience the floating effect of it. But, I still have a great time.

Mei Mei was really brave, she dared to let the water splash on her face! See how wet her face was compared to mine...

Small Ee Ee was here, she came to stay with us during the weekends since she was still on holidays.

What is Daddy's Name?

I found out what was my Daddy's name around 2 months back. Amah would ask me, "What is your Daddy's name? And I would tell her "Bo...yyy". Coz that's what I heard them calling him.

Then last night, Mommy and Daddy were teaching me how to say Mommy's name. And she was very delighted when I can finally say it out when asked. Of course they had to break the words into 2 syllabus for me but later I could manage without following word by word.

When Amah found out about that, she wanted me to say her name as well. She kept teaching me, but I wouldn't want to repeat after her. Then, later when we reached home (we were doing some shopping at Jusco that time), while I was playing with my toys, Mommy started a conversation with me.

Mommy: What's Daddy's name, Sze Yi?
Me: Bo....yyyy.
Mommy: Good, what is your Mommy's name?
Me: I....rene!
Mommy: Very good. How about Amah's?
Me: Lye..Lye.

Amah was so happy when she heard that!

Ever since then, they would keep asking me in different ways, and they were so excited when I said their names. Amah tried to correct me on Daddy's real name, but I would still insist on Bo..yyy!

It's All Fair & Fun!

There's a funfair in town! I think they will be here for about a month, in conjuction with the Merdeka celebration. Ah Mah was very excited and kept asking Mommy and Daddy to bring me there for a new experience.

So one fine night, we made our way there. It was located near the Queensbay Mall open area. I was very excited seeing all the amusement rides, roller coasters and also the ferris wheel (or some people call it the big wheel). However, I think the children rides are a little too big for me. I dared not take the risk so I was contented watching them from afar.

There were also lots of side stalls and games. I see many people went away with lots of big Pooh's and teddy bears. Ah Mah played some games and managed to get me some toys. Most of these games need some skill set in order to win. I was particularly fascinated with the pool of ducks, where we were supposed to fish for a duck and see what's in store for us. Our fate was based on the number under the duck's belly. Daddy fished for a duck based on my instruction, and we managed to get a furry key chain. However, I was more attracted to the duck itself, so Daddy tried to ask the stall keeper to let me hold it for awhile.

I certainly had a fair share of games too, and would you believe me if I said I won something too? It's surely a fun experience, and it took them quite some time to persuade me to go back. Wait till you see my loot!

Poh Poh's Birthday Celebration

We went home to Ipoh to celebrate Poh Poh's birthday. Mommy, Ee Ees and Chiu Chiu decided to celebrate it earlier because during Poh Poh's actual birthday, Small Ee Ee would have left for Russia for her studies. And since Chiu Chiu would be back for holidays the weekend before the Singapore National Day, they decided to have it during that weekend.


I brought my doggy along... and did you noticed that I'm sitting in my car seat? :) The car seat was so comfortable that I slept nearly the whole journey.

We had lunch at Ming Chung restaurant, one of Poh Poh's and Gong Gong's favourites. The food was really good here, I could still eat the dishes they ordered on top of Mommy's home-cooked porridge!

And here is the part that I loved most...

Discovering Fruits

Ahem, I don't mean to show off, but I've passed my "fruity" test with Mommy and Daddy. They bought me a bag of fruits during our recent trip back to Ipoh and now, after about 4 days, I know what is apple, orange, mango, grapes, lemon, etc... Don't believe me? See for yourself ;D

Daddy is back!

It's just 2 weeks, but I felt like ages! Finally Daddy returned from his business trip. Mommy kept her promise of not leaving me alone, so she didn't go with Daddy this time. See what Daddy had got for me while he was in US?

This is my first pair of sport shoes. And since I've outgrown my old swimming suit (that is for up to 18 months old), Daddy decided to get me a new one. This swimming suit can 'float' and was supposed to help me got over my fear of not able to touch the base. Well, we'll see...

As for the Baby Einstein DVDs, Daddy was supposed to get me a different series so that I could exchange them with my playmates' collections later. But it was already too late because by the time Mommy discovered that, he had already bought it. And guess how vain Daddy was? Did I really get my good looks from him??? Haha, I'll leave that to Mommy to clarify with him :)

I wasted no time in testing out my new outfit. Hmm... they were a little too big for me, so Amah proposed to reserve those for the coming Chinese New Year. That would be next year! I was not sure if I could wait that long!