Good Friday Road Trip

How did the ANG Master and Mistress spent their GOOD Friday on 6 Apr 07?
Well, not wanting to be one of those Singaporean left with nothing to do on a long weekend, an impromptu road trip to Melaka was arranged on the very morning of GOOD Friday itself with their friends!

Errrr........hence Toddler ANG is left with his grandparents. A break for the parents!
What else. ;-)

On the north-south highway

A group of 9, split into 2 vehicles started to travel on the North-South Highway from 11.45am. Except for occasional toilet break, the group did not stop at the break-area for too long so that the driving journey to Melaka may be shorten....

Pumpin' those Petrol upon reaching Melaka


The famous "St Peter's Church"


The group took about 2 hours++ to reach Melaka, with all their stomachs rumbling by 2.45pm. Since its our 1st trip to Melaka, we consulted some locals to introduce us some good food choices around the area.

Finally, we settled for "Chicken Rice Ball" at the Famosa Restaurant, being the nearest. To our amazement, the rice balls, about the size of golf balls, are machine made. We are advised that the team behind this business created their very own machines specifically to produce these rice balls, importantly to ensure hygiene and consistency, while maintaining the original taste.




Food - Now you see it, later you don't


After a sumptuous meal, we continued to drive further downtown to tour the St. Paul's Hill vicinity.

Everything is situated around St. Paul's Hill. The highlights are: the Stadthuys, Bell Tower, Christ Church. The color of these buildings are in deep red, being the characteristic for the Dutch architecture in this period.

The Stadthuys is a fine example of Dutch architecture as it was built in 1650 as the official residence of Dutch Governors of Malacca and their officers. It now houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum as it is being preserved in its original structure and form. At the roundabout (with the windmill!) you can also find the Bell Tower and Christ's Church. The church and the Bell Tower are a testimony to Dutch's architectural ingenuity as it stands exactly as it has always been since 1753.

Christ Church

On top of St. Paul's Hill is the St. Paul's Church, built by a Portuguese Captain, by the name of Duarte Coelho. It was once the prayer house of the Portuguese Catholics, then turned into burial ground for their noble dead by the Dutch.

The Dutch renamed it "St. Paul's Church" from the Portuguese's "Our Lady Of The Hill". So it's built by the Portuguese, the Dutch are buried in it, and named by the English! How interesting!

The tombstones have Latin and Portuguese inscriptions on them. It was believed that St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa in India.





Towards St. Paul's Hill
Interior view of St Paul's Church
"Porta de Santiago"

At the feet of the hill is "Porta de Santiago". That was the gate for the fort. After the Portuguese captured Melaka, they built a fortress to defend themselves. The fortress, called A'Famosa suffered severe destruction during the Dutch invasion. What's left today is just the entrance walls, still well preserved till today.

After visting the historic sites, the group retreated to the nearest shopping mall, "Melaka Mall" for a drink, leg-rest and some casual shopping.





Malacca is not only well-known for its baba & nyonya style spicy cooking. Another must eat, is the local dessert Chendoh served with rich coconut milk and their famous Gula Melaka.





The Owner preparing our Chendoh orders

This shop named "Min Zhong Hygenic Ice Cafe" located at 43, Jalan Bunga Raya is famous since 1928 for its Ice Ball. (as published in their local papers "Melaka Times")




The owner told us that its menu and Ice shaver have not been replaced since 1928! The ambient in the shop really made us felt back in time while we enjoy that delicious Iced Chendoh.



Seafood "Supper" in Perling

After being satisfied by the Iced Chendoh, the group bide goodbye to Melaka town and departed south to Perling.
The supposed dinner became Supper for all of us, since we arrived at nearly 10pm.

Perhaps due to hunger, there was no photo found taken of the delicious food while they were served. Only the pictures of empty plates were taken in the end.

Although the group had a short time in Melaka on Good Friday, everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Not only being Enriched with the historic culture of Melaka, the Food eaten on the entire day as well!

Lack of Posts

The week of 26-30 Mar 07 is very eventful.

Hence the lack of New Post, Old Post, whatever Posts that the ANG Mistress had wanted to update badly.

On 26 Mar itself, the ANG Mistress finally receives confirmation news regarding her current job transfer. It's GREAT NEWS. Finalise, after almost a 1 year wait. Meanwhile, our Toddler ANG also started his FULL DAY at the daycare for the 1st time. ALL by HIMSELF, entirely without Mummy this time. At the end of the day, when the parents pick him up, the teacher's feedback is very positive and encouraging.

On 27, 28 & 29 Mar, the ANG Master and Mistress both spent an eventful time at work while Toddler ANG continues his learning curve through play at the daycare.

On 30 Mar, there is a Parents-Teacher Meeting Session followed by a talk on topic "Interacting with the Young" by the daycare's adviser/consultant, Ms Regina Chin, who is also a lecturer specialises in Early Childhood.

On 31 Mar, it could likely be rest day OR household chores day.......the Family is leaving it open, maybe Johor Bahru at night? Hmmm......

Finally, 1 April is likely a Day to visit The Singapore Zoological Garden.

.....till then the next Post.......won't you agree now that it has been a very eventful week yeah?

Occupato......buzzing Busy

Occupato.
The ANG Master & Mistress are both Occupato at this very moment.
It means Busy, in Italiano (Italian).

For some reason, the work week started and both had noticed that the daily pace is faster and more hectic than usual. While we still cannot fathom the reason behind this feeling of "Occupato", we'll try to focus on the lighter side of life then.

Hmmm...lighter side means planning for a good weekend....while racking the brain for the meaning of "Good Weekend"....
oh......this thing call "Joke" and "Trick" chance upon our mind........1 April 07 is approaching eh? Hmmmmm.............

Saturday Tisfied (Satisfied)

This Saturday is extremely humid.

The group of us close friends were invited by Mr How to gather again today in Clementi, his abode for chit-chat. Of course, food is inevitable in all our gatherings.

Dinner was homecooked, lovingly prepared by Mrs How.......BIG THANK YOU Mrs How for the nutritious and sumptuous meal!

After dinner dessert is "TOW HUAY AND TOW HUAY ZHUI" - Soya Beancurd and Soya Bean Drink.

Yummy Yummy..........just look at everyone's face.......so SATISFIED........

2nd Day in 久碧丽园

Thursday begins. Sunny & Humid since the early morning.

Before the ANG Mistress wake Toddler ANG to prepare him for his 2nd day in the daycare, she is already perspiring badly despite after a shower.

The duo arrived at the centre slightly pass 0830hrs that morning. Shortly after, breakfast was served as the school is departing for their FARM VISIT at around 0915hrs.

Shake that "Bon Bon" before breakfast

Toddler ANG ate 2 slices of mini raisin bread with UHT milk during breakfast. This day, the Toddler stood up from his seat, walked to the washbasin to return his cutleries after his breakfast. The teachers applauded after him while he gave that "embarassing" look.

At about 0905rs, the teachers started packing the children's bag & preparing for the day's outing - FARM VISIT

"Kiet, did u bring your cap today?" asked the Head Teacher Ms Christine

After finalising the last few things and once the children are all ready, the group consisting of 3 teachers, 5 children & 1 mum, to be specific, Mum of Toddler Kiet, left the centre at 0930hrs in the school van.

The First Stop - Hay's Goat Farm

Milking the Mother Goats
I want to take a closer look!

Hay Dairies, located at No. 3 Lim Chu Kang, is a small goat farm, with about 1,000 goats of mixed breed. The farm is open daily from 9am to 4pm with the goat's milking sessions lasting from 9am to 11am.

Goat's milk is produced for sale. The farm uses the latest milking, pasteurising, homogenising and bottling machines to produce very fresh goat's milk, which it sells directly to customers. The farm welcomes visitors on organised excursions or family outings.

Toddler ANG was so amazed by the milking process that he actually mimic the milking procedure with both hands, at the same time making the "shhs shhs........shhs shhs" sound.

The Second Stop - Jurong Frog Farm

Bullfrogs croaking a melody from their water-fountained vats

Jurong Frog Farm, located nearby the goat's farm at No. 56 Lim Chu Kang, is the only commercial frog breeder in Singapore. They breed thousands of fat, gleaming American bullfrogs and a wide selection of livestock like eels, turtles and snakeheads.

The Farm also manufactures and sell products like Essence of Bullfrog with Ginseng and Cordyceps, American Bullfrog's Frog Leg, Duncan Venison Meat, Snow Frog Jelly (Hashima) etc.

Frankly, after the farm visit, the ANG Mistress had avoided eating her favourite Frog porridge ever since.

The Last Stop - Vishnu Cow Farm
"Moo............"

Vishnu Dairy Farm, also located nearby at 6 Lim Chu Kang Lane 8, opens daily from 10am to 4pm. When the group drove into the farm, it was all quiet and serene. We thought the farm was closed as there were no sight of visitors or the workers and it was nearing noon-time.

Then we heard later from an Indian lady (apparently a helper) that the owners were actually out for lunch thus no one was around. The kind middle-aged lady allowed the teachers & children to take a quick look at the cows despite the owners absence.

Finally, the visit ended with lunch at MacDonald's West Coast Park. During the drive from the Cow Farm to West Coast Park, Toddler ANG felt asleep but woke up 10 minutes after reaching MacDonald's. Every child was served a sumptuous Happy Meal. Toddler ANG ate a few bites of Filet-O-Fish & Mummy's Double Cheese Burger with Apple Juice. He was very tempted by his Mummy's Super Chilled Coka Cola Drink!

It's 1310hrs, the group returned safely to the centre and all children were given a shower shortly. The full-day children including Toddler ANG were ushered into the Toddler's room and pacified to an afternoon nap. The ANG Mistress then used that little opportunity to catch up with her emails at work.

During Snacktime at 1530hrs (Slightly delayed as the children slept late that day) - raisin bread and papaya pieces...were served. Toddler ANG did not eat much probably because he was made to wake up from his nap.

Free play time was allowed for the children since it has been a tiring day. Toddler ANG indulged in his favourite mini trains and rail tracks, trampoline exercise and finally before he left for the day, some computer phonic lessons with his fellow classmate, while waiting for the PaPa to arrive at the centre (a.k.a. the ANG Master).

"Phonic lessons from the computer"

All in all, another eventful day for Toddler ANG. Although it's the 2nd day for him, the ANG Mistress observed that he was adapting well and cheerful when he leaves for home. He was even willing to say "Bye Bye" to the teachers.

Well Done & "GANBARU" Toddler ANG!

1st Day in 久碧丽园

It was a cloudy Wednesday morning.

Toddler ANG arrived at 8.30am, just about time to take breakfast. Perhaps due to the fact that it is a new environment, Toddler ANG merely ate half a mini-pancake + 1/2 cup of Choco Milk.

Right after breakfast, it was outdoor + sand play session for the children. Since its Toddler ANG's 1st Day in school plus exceptional good cloudy weather, the teachers allowed extra time for outdoor play.

The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. After they were given a wash-down, they retreated to their classes for their respective lessons. Lunch was Bee Hoon Soup, served at 12noon. Toddler ANG did not eat much except for the fishballs that must have tasted yummy cos he had asked for extra helpings.

It was then shower, followed by free and easy time. The children were allowed to play with any toys of their choice. Located near the entrance of the centre, there is this big gym corner where all the mini gym equipments are placed. As you can tell, the children enjoy their trampoline jump so much!

Jumpy Jumpy Jump, Gym Time on The Trampoline

Rock and Rock the cradle.....time for nap

Shall I nap in this baby basket during nap-time?

The full-day students were nudged into one of the classroom for nap time at nearly 1pm. Toddler ANG slept for nearly 2 hours and woke at almost 3pm. During snack time, egg sandwich was served. Toddler ANG merely ate a mini apple piece and a few sips of white milk instead.

After snack, Toddler ANG was encouraged to do free-play painting on a piece of paper. This art will be translated into his meal-time placemat after it dries. The ANG Mistress will remember to take a picture of the completed placemat once it is ready.

I love painting.......Woo Hoo!

Gettin' Ready for School

Today, we shall call it quits to Toddler ANG's school-break since he was diagnosed with chicken pox on 14 Feb 07.

Finally, we are packing his "Sesame Street" bag, gettin' him ready to attend his new daycare tomorrow.

To somehow prepare him mentally, the ANG Mistress have been 'reminding' him that he will attend 'school' soon since they will drive past the new school every morning while making their way to his grandparents' place.

Toddler ANG seemed oblivious of tomorrow's arrangement but had enjoyed his carefree day according to his grandparents.

The family is looking forward that he will enjoy his 1st day in the daycare tomorrow.

"GANBARU" Toddler ANG! We are all behind you!

An Impromptu BBQ - 18 March 07

The ANG family TRULY enjoyed a wonderful Sunday evening with their close friends; doing their all-time favourite thing together. EAT, EAT and EAT!

An impromptu BBQ gathering was arranged by one of our good friend at their Hillview abode. There was a lot of delicious food, lovingly prepared by the Mrs.

Some of the raw food for BBQ

The group of us consisting of about 12 pax (adult + children) shared jokes, stories, whatsoever whatsoever under the terrible humid evening. Despite the humid weather, everyone was engaged with each other. Laughter was everywhere, the people were eating happily.

Even Toddler ANG was kept busy. He was spotted attempting to join a group of older boys to play soccer. (Of course, he didn't manage to join the group due to his age. The older boys were calling him "Baby")

Nevertheless, we've got his pictures taken as usual..........Hah....."Baby"!!

The ANG family felt grateful and blessed to have their close friends. That evening was really a great gathering.

Thanks for all the preparations and arrangements Mr & Mrs Chua!

Cuppa Clogs?

Yoz toddler folks out there!
Do you know what is a Clog?
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Clog's a footwear, a type of shoe often backless and made predominantly out of wood; leather sides is found on the uppers and wooden-soled. Some designs may come with steel toecaps and/or steel reinforcing inserts in the undersides of the soles, thus is very heavy and tedious for us toddlers to wear.
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In this country called Holland, Mummy says that a pair of Clog is entirely made out of one piece of wood called "klumpje"......Gosh, how do I pronounce it in Dutch? Ehhh.....What is a Dutch?
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In Mandarin, Mummy says a clog is also known as 木底鞋. So interesting.......hahaha!
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So after I had learnt these facts briefly (although I still don't really understand, just pretending in front of Mummy), I pondered for a while and.........................Viola !!
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Since a real clog will be too heavy for toddlers, why not improvise? Hee Hee!
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Ta Da !!!! Cuppy, Cuppa Clogs!! Fit nicely eh?
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Oppsssss...trying to balance

So hey folks! Do you wanna try them on too?

You watch me carefully huh!
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Slip the plastic cups into your feet...eh....Mummy, how come don't fit into all your toes?
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Check that it is secured on your feet before you start to walk.......Making a "Clog Clog" sound.......
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Once you are used to walking with it, you can even do a Clog Dance! Shaking left, Shaking right, just like me!!

Well...errr...., should you fall ending with a painful bump because of this cuppa clogs, don't quote me alright!!
Heh Heh...

Toddler's New Daycare 久碧丽园幼儿教育中心

Finally, the administrative paper-work for the new daycare centre is done. It would still be a full-day care for Toddler ANG, since the last centre Kinderland was also a full-day arrangement.

The ANG Master and Mistress had jointly decided and agreed with their choice of the new daycare centre because;
1. It's located close to the grandparents' home; and can be an alternative for contingency plans should the need arise
2. This daycare is really enticing and will be a "Wonderland" to the children. It has a huge outdoor play area that provides the unlimited space, very much needed for free expressions and learning through play.

3. Quality of the Management, Teachers and Curriculum assured, as the team managing the centre had already displayed the much needed assurance as far as possible to the parents.

The ANG Master and Mistress had indeed found more faith and trust with this new choice of centre and hoped this decision will really prove to be a good one.

For now, Toddler ANG will still get to enjoy a few more days break from 'school'.

It would be an exciting day to come soon when Toddler ANG starts his new life in his new daycare centre. Until then, it's holiday for the Toddler!
HAH !

Dae Jang Geum (a.k.a. Jewel In The Palace, 大长今)

Despite being an avid TV fan, the ANG Mistress had to give up TV programs as she had to care for Toddler ANG. (Probably the norm for most mothers)

So this lucky toddler gets to hog the television with children varieties or cartoons like Nemo, Toys Story, Doraemon or Barney & Thomas the Train Engine. (A TV fan in the making.......opppssss)

To make up, the ANG Mistress hence indulged most of her time during the Lunar New Year break to watch TV and one of the show she caught up with is this Korean Serial named "Dae Jang Geum", also known as "大长今".

The story-line is great! In short, it's a true story about a person, a very strong-willed but sincere woman, being very determined to achieve her goals and overcome difficulties through hard work, diligence, perseverance and detailed observation. This is a really admirable character, especially for a woman; born in times of male dominated society.

Seo, Jang-Geum, very forthcoming and persistant woman

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From the life story of Seo, Jang-Geum, a woman who existed some 500 years ago in Korea, one can really tell & feel that intense efforts put in, in order for one to achieve ultimate success. Of course, there must exists many of such persons in our daily lifes, always persevering for one reason or another.

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The ANG Mistress being very encouraged after watching the entire serial and felt that this positive attitude should be taught to her young. She is also determined to start off by being a good example for her young. To start it off, the ANG Mistress will first teach Toddler ANG that forthcoming pose;

.Blank

ANG, Kiet, a toddler who exist since some 2 years ago in Singapore

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How's that for a start? Heh Heh......

Home Coming Toddler

Yo Everybody!

I am finally back home today, after spending some 9 days away at my grandparent's place.

Daddy & Mummy are so glad because despite me being down with chicken pox, I remained cheerful, cheeky & a source of joy to all in the family.

Oh, there's this fact....I'm still as curious as before........

Mummy will have to start her hide and seek everyday again.......cos I will start to hide away Mummy's stuff all over the house again......heh heh....

(Hmmm......Mummy still managed to find those old hidden items during the Lunar New Year Spring Cleaning)

Bringing in The Golden Pig!

The Preparations
15 - 17 Feb 07

With Toddler ANG now putting up at the in-laws, the ANG Mistress is left with loads of freedom at home. The vacuum cleaner and duster are immediately put into action; working very hard in preparation for the Lunar New Year.

The cloths were washed and hung, the glasses polished and everywhere is now spick and span..........all ready for decorations to be put up. The ANG Mistress loves handicrafts. The decorations in fact became easy since it's an all time cute animal - The Pig. The idea was initially to use the Charlotte's Web Wilbur as the main decor


but the idea was not realised because the ANG family found this...!


So after some hard work cutting along the outline edges + decors purchased from the market-place, this decoration came about.....


Toddler ANG's favourite....."Pig, Pig, Oink, Oink"......in Red........Lookalike those China Paper Cuttings. Yay.....Cute.....!
It was pasted all over the house, on the wall, on the table lamp shade, the fridge, the glass sliding door, the lift landing, whatever.....heh heh....

The ANG Master and Mistress had decided to leave the decors up until Toddler ANG returns. Bet he'll be really happy to see so many pigs on the wall.

Year of the Golden Pig
Day 1
The ANG Master had to work early shift this day and only to return in the afternoon. Nothing much better to do, the ANG Mistress caught up with her beauty sleep and woke up only at 11.15am to munch a few pieces of kueh lapis + steaming hot coffee. A very good start indeed, refreshed & energetic.

When the ANG Master returned shortly after noon time, the couple enthusiastically set off to visit the in-laws + Toddler Kiet of course! As both the ANG Master & Toddler ANG had to be kept apart, the couple left the in-laws place not long after being assured that everything is alright with Toddler ANG.

So off to Bukit Batok, our close friend's place for the Lunar New Year visiting and a little gambling session to please our dear friend's mum. The rest of the day continued with the gambling and ended at around 7.15pm. The couple retreated back home to rest since the ANG Master had to work early the next day.

What about the ANG Mistress? Eat the goodies and watch VCDs lor.....heh heh....

Day 2
The ANG Mistress woke up slightly after 8am that day. An appointment was fixed at 9.30am to gather at the ANG Mistress grandma's place in Aljunied. Unfortunately this year, Toddler ANG could not join in the visiting due to the pox. Next year will definitely not miss him out! Rather, we'll bring him out after he is fully recovered, so he can catch up with the outdoor fun.

Talking about Toddler ANG, since photo-taking is not allowed (by the elders) at the moment, here's a recent photo of him.......for those who missed him......


Sidetrack Toddler Update: Toddler ANG has been very active at the in-laws place. He is playing as usual and the parents are very relieve simply knowing that he is very entertained with cable cartoons. His appetite is also normal. Recovery is on the way! Well Done!

The ANG Mistress spent the rest of the afternoon accompanying this precious gem while the ANG Master was at work. She left only at 10.20pm when he fell asleep after milk.

Day 3
Another day with an excuse to wake up late. After some quick breakfast, the couple went on to some more home visiting and gambling sessions before ending the day at 10pm.
How time flies.........work day for the ANG Mistress begins tomorrow!

How V-day is celebrated

BOTH the ANG Master and Mistress were tired-out on this year's Valentine's Day.

Why? You'll ask. That's because Toddler Ang is found to be down with Chicken pox. It's really a special day memorable this year.

The family begin the V-Day with both the ANG Master and Mistress dropping Toddler Ang to his daycare in the early morning. The ANG Mistress went ahead to work and the ANG Master is planning to do some Lunar New Year shopping since its' his day off work.

Shortly after, the ANG Master received a phone call from the daycare saying that they suspect Toddler Ang developing chicken pox. Hence the ANG Master quickly detoured to pick Toddler Ang immediately to the family doctor. True to believe, it's chicken pox. This made the ANG Mistress very worried and hence she took half day off in the afternoon to see Toddler Ang and get some items. It's important to keep Toddler Ang clean and comfortable since its the beginning so he will feel better throughout this process.

Toddler Ang is settled at the in-laws place for the time being since the ANG Master had never develop chicken pox. Both father and son is now separated for this reason until Toddler Ang is better. The ANG Master and Mistress will visit him after work.

Finally, the couple ended the V-Day at 9.30pm with a simple sandwich dinner at TCC Holland Village. After all, dinner is still inevitable.

V-Day this year; celebrating couplehood while being assured that Toddler Ang is well looked after by the in-laws.

Kinderland Official Moval Day

Toddler Ang's daycare arranged the moval of the children in a manner that the ANG Mistress call it - "Unthoughtful", "Unco-ordinated" and "Unorganized".

Most of the furnitures were already shifted by 26 Jan 07. Hence on 29 Jan morning, what's left is an empty BIG space and the younger children were running about enjoying that morning chase.

The ANG Mistress took the morning off from work to 'ensure' Toddler Ang will be taken cared of by her, to take photographs of the last moments and also on how the moval will be carried out. Very much to her disappointment, it was not very well done.

There was NO BRIEFING from the principal to the parents present in that morning, everyone was just waiting for someone to give the instruction or information of what to expect.

At around 9.30am, the Kinder classes finally departed from the old premise first. The children, their parents, along with the teachers, all started to trot towards the new centre premise after some last photographs were taken. Gradually, it's the younger ones turn. After the pictures were taken, most of the younger ones were driven in their parents' car to the new centre as most parents find it too exhausting for the young toddlers to literally walk there with their bags!

Of course, when the young kiddos arrived at the new centre, a lot of exploration were done. They were running from places to places, corners to corners, meddling with the items they see on the tables etc etc etc.

The ANG Mistress wouldn't have missed this good opportunity for quality photo-shoots of curious young kids. She managed to snap really great pictures, sought after by many parents.

Finally, it was time for the parents to depart and return to their respect work-forces at 10.45am.

Oh, another thing to take note before the end of this entry, that principal actually emailed to Parents before the moval day mentioning that the group will stroll into the new premise TOGETHER.......however, the ANG Mistress found her driving into the new premise's carpark with her centre's operational manager, Ms Karen Ting sitting beside her in the car.

Hmmmm.....the older children are made to walk from the old centre to the new one....and this principal actually drove there instead of accompanying the others to walk TOGETHER, so how can this person be called trustworthy, where somehow her actions deviate totally from the actual practices!

I can take medicine, all by MYSELF

"I can do it, there's nothing to it, I can do it, by myself"

On 19 Jan 07 evening, I fed myself this 3ml of Cough Syrup via syringe.

See that?............Yay! I made it, I had successfully overcomed my own fears of taking medicines.

I can remember how Mummy & Daddy had to do in order to make me swallow the medicines.

Daddy will carry me, holding both my hands tight while Mummy squeezes my nose and administer the medicines into my mouth.

Wow....those days are now over. Yipee......!!!!

Injured Toe at the DayCare

TGIF.
The ANG Mistress was on the way to pick Toddler 洪 from the daycare centre, alone.

She was feeling very happy as it was finally the end of the work week and weekend plans will kick-in. However, this feeling remained shortlived. Why?

She was shocked when she entered the daycare centre at around 6.20pm (Toddler 洪 attends the Kinderland Child Care Centre located at Singapore Polytechnic Campus), to find Toddler 洪 crying very loudly inside the Music Room while being carried by one of the Chinese teacher.

Then she realise the reason for this unusual behavior. His toe on his left leg was injured and resulted with a nail crack!!

A Badly injured toe after clean-up by the ANG Master. "Ouch!!!"

"He kicked onto something", according to the teacher. What really happened and causes the incident? Apparently, no one in the centre knows since the explanation was merely "He kicked onto something" when probed by the ANG Mistress.

It was traumatic for Toddler 洪 as he continued wailing (by now being carried by Mummy) while the teacher tries to inform the ANG Mistress what first-aid medication was given.

On a side note: When the ANG Mistress arrives at the centre parking her car, she saw the centre's principal getting out of her car at the foyer, entering the centre few minutes before the ANG Mistress.

The principle was standing just nearby when the Chinese teacher was explaining to the ANG Mistress. However, the principle DID NOT do anything much (perhaps unaware of the situation since she arrived at the centre just few minutes before the ANG Mistress), merely peeking over with that "Oh, he's injured........" look and walked away, occupied with another conversation.

It was not very long after that the ANG Mistress decides to leave the centre. She quickly phoned the ANG Master and asked that he wait at the drop-off where the ANG Family is staying, as Toddler 洪 was still crying despite being carried and comforted by the ANG Mistress along the way.

The journey home was entirely traumatic to both Toddler 洪 and the ANG Mistress. The toddler was crying all the way back home in the car while the ANG Mistress drove and tried to comfort him at the same time. His favourite "Thomas the Train Engine" VCD was playing at that time but Toddler 洪 must be in too much pain to enjoy the show.

The duo finally arrived at the drop-off where the ANG Master was already waiting. It was then the ANG Mistress finally felt more relieved since the ANG Master was around to help out.

The ANG Family is very angry with the way the daycare centre handled this incident:

1) Why didn't the centre dialed either the handphones of the ANG Master or Mistress to pre-notify the incident, before the parents pick the Toddler from the centre?

This could have somehow mentally prepared the parents and allowed them to decide what to do. Otherwise, why do the daycare acquire the contact numbers for? For communications in case of Emergencies right???!!!???

On a side note: The ANG Mistress is picking Toddler 洪 on her own very often since the ANG Master is a shift-worker. Can anyone imagine what if the ANG Master is on shift and not at home on that Friday?!!??

2) How could a Principal totally ignore or neglect to check out a conversation, which involves a Toddler crying very badly?

I'm wondering if it's a normal scene, to have a Toddler wailing while a Teacher is talking to the parent in the centre. So can someone convince me on how come the Principal can totally ignore this? It would be very normal for just anyone to come near and check out what happened right?

3) Did the teachers communicate the incident to the Principal and pen-down the Injury/First-Aid records?

So, after that Friday and over the weekend, was the incident recorded? Was it communicated to the principal so she may follow up? The ANG Mistress don't think so. There were no phone calls asking for the toddler's well-being, nobody from the centre asked about what happened until the ANG Master pursued the matter with the principal on 24 Jan 07 - Wednesday.

All these really makes the ANG Mistress furious! It only reflects something.

1) The staff at the daycare centre lacked in communication to each other. There's no common communication platform (i.e. like a notice board sort of stuff) for ALL THE STAFF to note down events or things within the centre so they can follow up.

2) There is no procedure for handling of such 'unforeseen emergency', since they cannot contact the parent right-away when an accident (such as an injury in this case) happens.

3) The Principal is not managing the events in her centre and is not well informed. Although they are busy arranging to shift to a new location, the procedures and rules should still prevail. Such injury should be communicated to the Principal at least. They should not even allow such a mistake in the process.

Mind you, they are handling Children(Young Humans) not animals alright!

4) This particular Kinderland centre received many praises (like appreciation letters) from parents of their previous students. (see link: Letters)

Isn't it obvious why we parents send our children to daycare? All we ask for, is that the children are well & we may be assured of their well-being while in the centre.

Hence, after such an experience, who would like to give the ANG Mistress confidence, assurance and answers to her questions above?

Does the representatives from the Crestar Education Group like to try?

Martial Arts for Beginners

In those Mandarin serials, we often know that those Shaolin Masters are reknown for their own Shaolin Kungfus.


We, Toddlers also have our own set of Martial Skills and today, I'm going to present a step-by-step demo to you adults that we can make it in the Martial Arts Society "JIANG HU" too.

So here goes the Steps:


Step 1) Spread open both your legs and hold your weapon with your right hand, pointing the weapon 45 degrees facing to the South. Make sure your eyes are staring at your opponent.


Step 2) Now transfer your weapon to your left hand and hold it upright. Maintain this pose for 3 mins, making sure that your eyes are still staring at your opponent.


Step 3) Now, hit right onto your opponent's head.


Step 4) Sit down and prostrate. Besides being a pose of respect to your skills, the position also allows you to check that your opponent has indeed fainted from the smack. "heh heh"

So folks remember, no fees are collected for showing you these Martial Arts Skills.
By the way, don't quote me if the skills do fail.....................

Spring Summer 2007 Hair Cut

Hi ya' folks,
I'm spotting a new hair style for the Spring/Summer 07 season (with compliments of Peggy 姑姑 "GU GU").
I kindda like it cos it suits me.


What do you think? Check it out.

"Opppsss, I forgot to put on some hair wax here.........heh heh"

2 years, 1 month, 3 weeks & 6 days Old Update

Toddler Ang has grown so much taller! He can now reach for the items laid at the edge of the dining table easily. Hence no more placing of coffee cups at the table's edge happily thinking that he is still a young toddler. He's an Explorer!!

Loads of gibberish toddler language in the House of Ang 洪, you bet.... he is picking up adult's language everyday, listening attentively to Master & Mistress Ang's conversations. He had his eyes glued to his favourite cartoons but he knew when we were 'gossiping' about him. He'll turn to us and defend himself........that is.......by 'scolding' us....

We're spotting more little Dance Steps in the House! Todd Ang will dance to his favourite Opening tune of "Thomas the Train Engine". "Boo.....Boo.....Boo......" he hummed as he swayed both arms as though he is matching, noddling his head at the same time. An interesting & comical scene for the adults but we enjoyed this entertainment very very much. Thanks for the fun you gave to the House Of Love Toddler Ang! We love you!

"Boo......Boo.....Boo...."