Sunday, September 26, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
To the Zoo
It has been quite a while since we last visited the zoo. We decided to go again last Friday, a public holiday (Hari Raya). It was the first time we visited the zoo during a public holiday, and the zoo was swarmed with people. The weather was quite cooling as there was a heavy downpour just before we reached the zoo.
Standing next to Oliver is Raidon Ma, my poly friend Caroline's elder son. Both are borned in the year of Dog. Oliver in November and Raidon in December. Adeline, another poly friend said that Raidon looks like eurasian and Oliver like Japanese. Not sure she meant the look, but I certainly agree with the height. I think Oliver will never match up to Raidon in term of height. Already, Raidon is a head taller. Oh man, what kind of food did Raidon's parents give him? They are making him growing so fast and tall. Perhap, it is more like Oliver's fuzzy eating habit of just eating white rice, white bread with nothing on it and CORNS! Oliver is crazy with corns, he can eat two whole corn by himself. I seriously think his past life must be a rooster. I mean look at his head with thick mane of hair. Don't I make sense. A mother's instinct is always right. Ok, if he is not a rooster, then he had to be a dog. His sense of smell is extremely sharp. Once I bought a loaf of bread and the moment I got back into the car with Oliver waiting. He said he smell bread. When Heidi poo, he could also sense it from afar. Sometime, he would sniff his food before he decides whether to give it a try. What a cute Japanese puppy I have.
Raidon was quite good with horse riding. Oliver had a bit of difficulty playing it, but he sure learned fast. The boys collided but surprisely, they were laughing over it. I was expecting them to make noise or scream at each other.
Although both of them wanted to sit in front, Oliver seemed to oblige with Raidon siting in front. Showing the big brother's spirit to Raidon, after two years' of hard training by Heidi.
Just realise that I did not take any shot of Xavion, the charming brother of Raidon. What a waste! He is really adorable and charming, especially when he looks at you as if you are the only person in the world. Blame it on my ever forgetful brain...
Boys being boys. Both are crazy about this truck at the zoo.
We reached the zoo at around 11 am and left around 5pm. An exhausted Heidi slept during the tram ride, while Oliver endured right till the end and dozed off almost immediately on our journey back home. To the zoo, we shall come again!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Cars craze
Oliver is cars crazy, and I guess probably quite a few of his schoolmates as well, especially the boys.
Oliver can play his cars for hours (ok, mebbe not hours, but very very long), just by arranging and parking them in a straight line or any other formation is a joy to watch, especially for a father like me who is also a perfectionist when it comes to arrangement. And when Heidi or us accidentally put one out of position, he would obviously not be very happy.
His favourite show is still Cars, although we try to only play it sparingly so that he won't get too addicted to it, and he always says he wants to drive a lambo next time. He can also recognise the brand of cars when we are on the road, besides the old Vios, my sister's Mazda, Jiajun's Altis, Mummy's beetle, etc. Just this morning he said "Japan car" when he saw an Axio across the road, referring to the rental car we had in Japan. And this few days he could correctly identify and pronounce Mitsubishi.
Adding on to the list of cars... Oliver also recognised Audi and BMW. = )
Oliver can play his cars for hours (ok, mebbe not hours, but very very long), just by arranging and parking them in a straight line or any other formation is a joy to watch, especially for a father like me who is also a perfectionist when it comes to arrangement. And when Heidi or us accidentally put one out of position, he would obviously not be very happy.
His favourite show is still Cars, although we try to only play it sparingly so that he won't get too addicted to it, and he always says he wants to drive a lambo next time. He can also recognise the brand of cars when we are on the road, besides the old Vios, my sister's Mazda, Jiajun's Altis, Mummy's beetle, etc. Just this morning he said "Japan car" when he saw an Axio across the road, referring to the rental car we had in Japan. And this few days he could correctly identify and pronounce Mitsubishi.
Adding on to the list of cars... Oliver also recognised Audi and BMW. = )
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
2nd Lesson
A hiatus of 2 weeks and me and Oliver were back at the music course for beginners last Saturday. This was actually the 1st lesson proper, the one 2 weekends ago was a briefing and orientation.
We were late and Oliver resisted entering the classroom even though I was carrying him. He was his usual self, clinging to me and not too participative. However, when it came to playing with the little instruments like handbells, castanets and shakers, he was ok and could identify almost all of them when teacher Elaine asked the kids to pick it up. It was followed by singing and appreciation of the high notes, where the kids had to flap their arms like a bird whenever the teacher played the high keys. When Elaine asked if anyone knew how to sing "The farmer in the Dell", Oliver sang out the few lines.
Then it was "keyboard time"! A 10-minute session where the kids sat with their parent at the keyboard, and this was the time when they were most excitable.
Elaine did something different from the previous session, and perhaps it was to stop this other kid from irritating the hell out of everyone as he was whining and banging on the keyboards. Elaine first got him out to the piano, made him bow to the audience, and allow him to tap on the high keys. Next was this girl who did the same thing.
After that she asked if there was any volunteer. To my surprise, Oliver put up his right hand. He gamely walked out from his keyboard seat on his own, and took his bow at the piano (like a planist in a concert), and played on the piano. Although it was just a couple of notes, I could already imagine him to be performing at Carnegie Hall, or maybe Victoria Concert Hall... or maybe Esplanade.
We were late and Oliver resisted entering the classroom even though I was carrying him. He was his usual self, clinging to me and not too participative. However, when it came to playing with the little instruments like handbells, castanets and shakers, he was ok and could identify almost all of them when teacher Elaine asked the kids to pick it up. It was followed by singing and appreciation of the high notes, where the kids had to flap their arms like a bird whenever the teacher played the high keys. When Elaine asked if anyone knew how to sing "The farmer in the Dell", Oliver sang out the few lines.
Then it was "keyboard time"! A 10-minute session where the kids sat with their parent at the keyboard, and this was the time when they were most excitable.
Elaine did something different from the previous session, and perhaps it was to stop this other kid from irritating the hell out of everyone as he was whining and banging on the keyboards. Elaine first got him out to the piano, made him bow to the audience, and allow him to tap on the high keys. Next was this girl who did the same thing.
After that she asked if there was any volunteer. To my surprise, Oliver put up his right hand. He gamely walked out from his keyboard seat on his own, and took his bow at the piano (like a planist in a concert), and played on the piano. Although it was just a couple of notes, I could already imagine him to be performing at Carnegie Hall, or maybe Victoria Concert Hall... or maybe Esplanade.
Shoes
Nowadays when Oliver is angry or throwing a tantrum, he would remove his shoes and socks in protest, just to let us know he's not happy or he wants our attention.
Very irritating when I need to wear them back again... but at the same time very funny too. That's how he expresses his anger.
Very irritating when I need to wear them back again... but at the same time very funny too. That's how he expresses his anger.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
First Music Lesson at Mac's Music School
My first attempt to enhance Oliver's musical ability was almost half a year ago, when we went to the Music for Young Children at newton. The teacher was reluctant to accept Oliver as she found Oliver not ready for her lessons. With my failed attempt to register Oliver, I decided to enrol into the same music school as Oliver's weekend buddy, Jiajun at Mandeville Music School in United Square. It was again another failed attempt, as the school released the slot to another student as I was unable t o make a deposit due to my extremely busy work schedule just before we left for Hokkaido. Even when I appeal and almost begged for a place, the school could not allocate a place for Oliver. Desperate, I decided to surf the website and found another possible option - Mac'sMusic School at Forum Galleria.
Not wasting anymore time, I emailed the school asking for the next available course. Perhap it was all fated. The school was starting the course just the coming saturday which I sent the email. I was also quite happy that Oliver could sit in the lesson to find out if he is ready before registering him. Mac, who founded the school, is probably a very flexible person. He also allowed us to observe the violin course which he taught himself.
Saturday came. I enjoyed my Saturday moment with Oliver. Just the two of us taking the train from Tanjong Pagar to Orchard station, followed by a breakfast stop at Dunkin Donut. We then strolled to Forum Galleria and reached them 20 minute earlier. Oliver, like us, is extremely introvert. I thought it would be good if we reach them early, so that Oliver could take in the sight and sound, the new environment and the people running the school.
At 11am, Teacher Elaine started her briefing to a class of five children accompanied by their parent. These kids are all borned in year 2007, while Oliver is the only kid from year 2006. I wonder if I might have started Oliver too late. Indeed, Oliver was very shy as compared to 07 kids and was always hiding behind our back away from the rest. Boon Heng arrived in time from his work to accompany us. I was quite worried about the reaction of the teacher and the parents who sat in; whether they find Oliver hindering the progress of the class in any way. The only positive moment was when he had a chance to play the keyboard. He was full of confidence when he 'played' the key and responded to the teacher. You can say that Boon Heng and I were so elated and relieved that all was not lost and there was still hope.
After class, Elaine shared that she also had students who did not participate during class for almost two terms and she would not force them to participate. These students picked up the skills quietly and learned better when left alone. It was comfort to hear this from Elaine.
Hesitate no more, I sign up Oliver and look forward to our first lesson.
Not wasting anymore time, I emailed the school asking for the next available course. Perhap it was all fated. The school was starting the course just the coming saturday which I sent the email. I was also quite happy that Oliver could sit in the lesson to find out if he is ready before registering him. Mac, who founded the school, is probably a very flexible person. He also allowed us to observe the violin course which he taught himself.
Saturday came. I enjoyed my Saturday moment with Oliver. Just the two of us taking the train from Tanjong Pagar to Orchard station, followed by a breakfast stop at Dunkin Donut. We then strolled to Forum Galleria and reached them 20 minute earlier. Oliver, like us, is extremely introvert. I thought it would be good if we reach them early, so that Oliver could take in the sight and sound, the new environment and the people running the school.
At 11am, Teacher Elaine started her briefing to a class of five children accompanied by their parent. These kids are all borned in year 2007, while Oliver is the only kid from year 2006. I wonder if I might have started Oliver too late. Indeed, Oliver was very shy as compared to 07 kids and was always hiding behind our back away from the rest. Boon Heng arrived in time from his work to accompany us. I was quite worried about the reaction of the teacher and the parents who sat in; whether they find Oliver hindering the progress of the class in any way. The only positive moment was when he had a chance to play the keyboard. He was full of confidence when he 'played' the key and responded to the teacher. You can say that Boon Heng and I were so elated and relieved that all was not lost and there was still hope.
After class, Elaine shared that she also had students who did not participate during class for almost two terms and she would not force them to participate. These students picked up the skills quietly and learned better when left alone. It was comfort to hear this from Elaine.
Hesitate no more, I sign up Oliver and look forward to our first lesson.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Follow Me Hokkaido - Day 10
Our 10th day in Hokkaido and our last day of the trip. Took these pictures in the car to mark our final journey from Sapporo Grand Hotel to Chitose Airport. It would be a direct 7 hours flight to Singapore.
.
This was the GBS which we relied on for the past 10 days. It took us almost the third and fourth day to realise that the CD player was actually hidden behind it.
The only thing which Boon Heng missed from Singapore was his Alfa Romeo.
At Chitose Airport, waiting for our flight which was delayed by one hour.
Chitose Airport are very kid friendly, and they are ever ready to offer us the baby stroller.
This playroom at the foodcourt area kept our kids busy while we enjoyed our last bowl of Ramen at the airport. Goodbye wet Hokkaido
.
This was the GBS which we relied on for the past 10 days. It took us almost the third and fourth day to realise that the CD player was actually hidden behind it.
The only thing which Boon Heng missed from Singapore was his Alfa Romeo.
At Chitose Airport, waiting for our flight which was delayed by one hour. 
Chitose Airport are very kid friendly, and they are ever ready to offer us the baby stroller.
This playroom at the foodcourt area kept our kids busy while we enjoyed our last bowl of Ramen at the airport. Goodbye wet Hokkaido
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