The number one mom

The number one mum!

No, I'm not sef-proclaiming that I'm the best! It's a caption on a "miniature trophy" the guys gave me.

I was in disbelief. I thought Wyng was pranking me as he handed me the trophy.

  

My immediate response was ,"Is this from the centre?"  as he just got back from the centre.  Wyng said it's from both of them.  

How much to tell them about pornography ?

Wyng asked me "What's porn? "

I had to pause for a noticeable moment to think of an appropriate response. "Ha.?" then I asked him where he got to learn about this word. He told me the word was brought up during a speech by a speaker who regretted that he was obsessed with porn when he was younger.

I could recall as I was writing this post that I did not give him any accurate answer.  It was kind of disappointing, my verdict of myself of how I handled the situation.

Desperate to find out how to explain this to my son, I even resorted to asking my students when they understood this taboo term.  It was not even a direct answer from them , but all I gathered is they got to know this term around the age of 15 or 16 and could even be earlier.

Still not giving up, I stumbled upon this video on Facebook.  It was just so apt. It's about explaining pornography to our kids.  I shared this video to Wyng via Whatsapp.  Hopefully, he did watch the video and by now has a better idea of what this thing is all about.

His first camp

Am I going to be having peace of mind in the next 3 days 2 nights? Well, it certainly going to be a lot quieter without him around. 

For the first time in almost 13 years, he's gonna be away from home, and for quite long too, 3 days and 2 nights.  

The motherly side of me would be missing him a great deal. That's not surprising at all as he's been with me most of the time ever since he's born. I could also be worried about whether he's having proper meals and what not. 

On the other hand, I really NEED A BREAK. For the next 3 days, at least, I don't have to think what's his meals are, whether he's going to be fussy with his food. I don't need to be bothered if he's on the computer, playing games or if he's with his gadget. I think I won't be peeking into his room the first thing in the morning as soon as I wake up to see if this boy is awake with his gadget or downstairs in front of the TV.  And the daily ritual of Kumon drilling, that will be forgotten for a while. No more questioning and reminding if he's completed his homework. Ahhh... I think this is more of a time-out for Mom than for him. 

For the first time, I'm for this kind of camp.  He needs this kind of exposure, considering his 'not-so-independent' attitude.  He's definitely going to mingle with his friends and learn to get along harmoniously with them.  He's to get physical a little instead of being a couch potato or a mouse potato, not to mention other skills which this camp is supposed to teach the participants.  

Mom can definitely relax for a while. 

Fruits of his labour

Yes! He got straight As in the UPSR!

He could finally taste the fruits of his own labour. The few weeks of sweat and tears were worth the accolade he earns.  He did not really do consistently well in some of the subjects (especially the national language) but with close guidance and monitoring, he peaked in the end!

It was not a smooth-sailing journey as he left his vernacular school for a national controlled school with higher standard in the national language subject.  In about one and a half years, he mastered the language and scored a distinction in the first major examination of primary school. 

Wyng, proudly holding his UPSR result slip, with the principal, Mr Xavier and BM teacher, Encik Ikhwan.

Wyng, along with 10 other straight As scorers of the school.

First day in secondary school

Daddy said Wyng in this photo does not really look like him in person. To me, it does.  Here, he's in his new uniform on the first day of school in secondary years.

He's going to be in a totally new environment with new friends.  He has to start all over again to form his circle of friends as none of his former classmates are going to this school.

He's a little uncomfortable with this idea but I'm quite sure he should be able to adjust pretty fast as with his all other previous schools.

All the best, Wyng!

Late for his IC

He's of ripe age required to hold an IC (identity card).  He's seen here having his photograph taken in the National Registration Department.  It was a breeze going through the procedure, no queue and speedy service.  

Lesson for Mom : We're late for 3 months and as such we had to pay RM10 as something like a penalty.  Fortunately, I realised it not too late like in January next year, otherwise it'd be even a busier period for us.  This also reminds me that Wyng is soon going to be 13, a trying period for him and Mom. 

He's growing impressively well

Wyng complained of a quite disturbing abdominal pain since Monday morning. As his Upsr is so close, I've decided to take him to see our paediatrician.

After a physical examination and a urine test, he's confirmed free from appendicitis and kidney disease as well as being diabetic.

His physical growth, as usual, is very healthy. Measuring 150 cm in height and 50 kg in weight, he's at 90 percentile in weight and 75 percentile in height. For his height, he's 6 kg overweight.

The doctor prescribed colic medicine for him much to my relief since he's been given a clean bill of health except for some wind probably.

Eager beaver

After commuting between KL and PJ for about 7 months just to send Wyng for his Robotics class, our travelling woes were over when Cr8 has finally opened a franchise outlet in Cheras.  We couldn't say no to an eager beaver like Wyng.  

He will always asks to attend the class on a weekly basis. As the fee is based on attendance, we have the flexibility to come when convenient. Hence, most of the time Wyng attends it on fortnightly basis.  No doubt he asks to attend it on Saturdays and Sundays, ie twice a week, but his wishes never come through!

Kid's myopia

On 21 April this year, when he got his new pair of glasses due to his broken old pair, his power was

250-150-10 for his right eye and
300-150-10 for his left eye. 

Previously, approximately about 6 months ago, his power was

200-150-10 for his right eye and
250-150-10 for his left eye

No increase in astigmatism but slight increase of 50 in myopia which was considered good for a kid like him, according to the 'optician' at the shop.

Irrepairable.....the string holding the lens was broken 

I'm a meatarian

A meatarian!

If a vegetarian eats only vegetables, then you should be able to guess what is a meatarian.

Such is a concoction created by Wyng one morning on the way to school while I was commenting

that he eats only meat and not even a single tiny piece of fibre in his body.

Kodu Workshop

It was a very productive holiday for Wyng.  He was able to attend Robotic's Kodu Workshop, one which will be able to help him program his own game, as a beginner.  The workshop was for a good 3 and a half hours.  Whilst he was at the workshop, Mom took the opportunity to spend some time with Hoe.  

We bought tickets to watch a movie, Oz And The Great Powerful.  As the movie started only from 12.30pm  (two plus hours long) and the workshop ended at 1.30pm, I had to exit the cinema to take Wyng to continue with the movie.  Of course, Wyng was pleasantly surprised as he was whisked from one of his favourite activities to another of his favourite activities.

The best in Cameron Highlands

Have you ever seen a peacock open its feathers? When I was very young, I remember I saw a peacock which had its feathers already opened and it was just for a split second.  My memory told me those were not very vibrantly coloured feathers.

This one rare encounter we had at Rose Valley at Cameron Highlands captivated us.  We didn't expect to see a pair of peacocks in a cage whilst going round the rose farm apart from the numerous rare flowers.

We were about to walk away from the cage when Wyng screamed, 'The peacock open its feathers!' Scrambling closer to the cage, we quickly got out our digicam and handphones to snap the magical moments.
We were the luckiest that day! Witnessing this angelic bird as a family.

A lousy sitter

The above two were taken when Wyng was in his pre-school year. He was never able to seat his entire buttock on a chair.

In his moody times..

Even when he was sleepy and dozed off...

Or playing enthusiastically on the electronic gadget..

At times, when he gets engrossed in his books, this is how he sits himself.

Crazy about Ninja Warrior

Concave warped wall

Similar to the Wipeout obstacle show, this current programme on channel 617 is the kids' current craze.  Wyng is so hooked on this show that it replaces his favourite anime show.

Now, this programme is always their first choice whenever the TV is turned on.  Without sitting down in front of the TV to watch, this show used to be quite annoying to Mom as the narrator rattles throughout the show in lightning speed, in a language alien to me. But, when you care to seat yourself watching the super-lean contestants battle against each other in the obstacle course, you will find yourself attracted to their resilience.
I was in for a surprise when I watched Paul Hamm, an American Olympic gold gymnast, fought against time to complete the obstacle course.

Steely determination and robust stamina and strength rule the game!

First Robotics class

For someone who loves to assemble robots, Transformers or aeroplanes and what not, Robotics is just right for him.

It got me thinking and looking for a while the kind of activities that Wyng may like. I finally found something which I think will be his cup of tea.  When I introduced the concept of using a computer software to assemble robots, Wyng jumped to the idea.  And he actually waited for more than a month before he finally managed to lay his hands, for the first time, on those small pieces of Lego parts.

It was quite a memorable first day at the class as we were late. Actually, we would not have been late if not for the slow service at the eatery at Summit where the centre is. While waiting for our lunch and in order to maximise our time, we actually hurried to the centre and registered Wyng.  Registration was a breeze, no hassle at all.

Hurrying through his lunch but didn't finish it, Wyng started the class 15 minutes late.  Every child has a computer in front of them and fortunately a seat seemed to be deliberately left vacant for Wyng.  We were convinced that Wyng had only missed a small part of the session.  After making sure that Wyng was all ready for the session we left the centre.

Looking patiently for the right parts 

6cm, 10cm, where are you?

When we went back to fetch Wyng after about 1 hour and 45 minutes (it's a 2-hour session),  most of the kids had their robot models successfully assembled.  Wyng was seen still busy scampering but in really serious mode between his workstation and the boxes of Lego parts on the floor, searching for the right parts.

As it was about time to round up the session, a teenage boy was seen helping Wyng with the getting the parts and assembly.  In just a while, Wyng was asked to be at the competition board.  He, just like the other kids, was given a time span to shoot the targets.  Alas! He managed to score -60 because he also shot down a police which gave him a demerit!

Done, finally!

Wyng's first robot assembly, with some guidance.  To make sure that Wyng is able enough to handle the course, I went to enquire the reason for his 'slowness'.   I was told that the mission (robot assembly) on that day was slightly on the tough side and being his first class, Wyng faced some difficulties.

Here's the masterpiece!

Some kids who had completed assembling their robots first were competing in some kind of shooting competition on the floor.  Here, it was Wyng's turn with his shooting mission. Not that successful but it was all about fun.  Somehow, his name was announced as the recipient of an excellence award. Anyway, it's a good way just to get the kid's enthusiasm going.  The reward is a little 'achievement' sticker in his record.

Dinosaurs Live in Malaysia

A close encounter with 'real' dinosaurs.

They are as good as real. With wagging tail, some are roaring, flying or moving. They are live-sized!

Stegosaurus

Deinonychus

Ankylosaurus

Triceratops

Tyrannasaurus-rex

Pachycephalosaurus

Utahraptor

Sarcosuchus

The names of these dinosaurs are provided by courtesy of Wyng. For those rarer ones, we googled and even referred to his 'Know The World of Dinosaurs' book.

He made his own milk

This was posted on 2 April 2009 in my previous blog.  Here is a reposting.

While I was busy engaged in my home office, I heard Wyng screaming something and asking for milk. As I couldn't make myself available to rush to the kitchen, I told him to give me a minute.

"I made already", he replied.

After about 15 minutes or so,I managed to finish what I was doing and proceeded to the living room. I almost got the shock of my life when I saw his empty milk bottle on the table. He had, apparently made the milk himself and obviously, drank the entire bottle. He was lying on the sofa, taking his ever needed nap. There is no trail of milk powder or untidiness in the kitchen when I went in to examine. Everything seemed to be in proper place. I really can't imagine how he knew the amount of warm water to mix with cool water. The milk is within easy reach as it is already in a milk dispenser.

Good thing is he napped without my constant reminder and his independence in getting what he want without the help of mummy. Bad thing is he could hurt himself handling the flask while attempting to prepare his needed drug.

Oh! He was 5 years and 7 months old then.

Stop disturbing the insect

Wyng, still in his uniform after school, intrigued by the insect

Wyng always can't resist leaving those insects alone.  He'll be preocuppied with them for a while most of the time.

Here, before he even stepped into the house, he was already trying to get the grasshopper away from the bamboo plant.  He used the water spray to shoo it away.  

The next day, the grasshopper ended up in my toilet.  Well, I wonder if this was the same one which Wyng harassed the day before.  

He got a warning from Mommy not to disturb any creature and let them stay in their habitat peacefully.  Dig me, Wyng!

What kids do nowadays

Three kids in a family. An iPad each!

So, this is the common scene now at public places.  At almost every single table in WIFI eateries, you can see the indispensable smart machines, either a smart phone, a tablet or an I-pad.

Three kids in the family, father and mother.  4 I-pads, at the table! And another smart phone. The equation is perfect. 5 in the family with 5 intelligent machines. Except for their maid who was free, the entire family was busy. Not talking, mind you but touching away and pressing, their I-gadgets.

Only the table on both sides of this table (including our table) were aware of their obsession.  We couldn't help but gazed at them a few times whilst savouring our dinner. Well, the parents were least disturbed by their kids' behaviour at the table.   The other table was occupied by an elderly couple who seemed clueless with why the kids were so engrossed in the square machines.

As for me, I was bold enough to snap their pictures for me to post in this blog.

Not wanting to be a sour grape, I'm glad I don't own an iPad or iPhone though my kids are crazy about them.  Whenever we frequent shopping malls, the first place they head for is any IT shop which sells Apple products. And they will be stuck there for a while until Mom and Dad come shooing them out of the store.  That's all the iPadding they can enjoy.  No complaints at all about this! In fact, I'm glad they are iPad free, at least at home.

Wyng and his drawing book

After dinner, Wyng was allowed to play at one of the stores

Whilst the kids beside us were iPadding away, Wyng was busy reading the words on the disposable paper table liner in front of him.  The history of some Thai Gods were depicted on the paper liner. Before dinner was served, he was engrossed in drawing his pictures.  Yeah, he brought his drawing book along that night.

We shared thoughts about those things written apart from commenting about the other customers in the restaurants whose hands were also occupied with their intelligent machines. It was an observation started by Wyng and Hoe as they scanned the entire restaurant and deduced the preoccupation of people with iPads or smart phones.  I was speechless!

Why have a date in a restaurant when they could just iPad at home?  Mothers are supposed to be communicating with their kids to share their thoughts and not allow them to get unnecessarily attached to these machines.  Such is the sorry state of family communication.  Who's at fault? But, does anyone care or realise the damage it is causing in the first place?

Mothers especially, it's time to weigh what's best for your kids! A lot of lessons can be learnt in raising kids in this new but challenging era.

Mommy is out of earth!

This was posted on 14 October 2008 in my previous blog.  Here is a reposting.

Wyng drew the earth. His circle was almost perfect. Patches were added (he was drawing with a pencil without any colour pencil with him). I tested him the colour each of the patch signify.


Next, he drew the face of Mommy. He then wrote 'Mommyoutofearth' with no space in between the words. I corrected him and subsequently he wrote it the correct way on another line.


He was elated after completing his drawing and kept chanting 'Mummy out of earth'. I really couldn't manage to get the meaning of his drawing.