Mr. Grumps at the Zoo & Other Places

Dear Aidan,

Phew. I never thought I'd survive the last month. But here I am again. Logging in a post. Still in one piece and breathing.

Your mama is not being dramatic either.

The last month has been all about taming tantrums. I'm not sure you'll ever remember getting smacked on the bottom by the feather duster. But yes, I introduced the rotan last month, a month that'll go down in my history as a mother as the toughest month with you yet. Tough not only because you were physically defiant almost everyday, but also because inflicting pain on a child is not something parents enjoy.

Fear-mongering is sometimes acceptable

I'm sure some modern parenting experts will chastise me for resorting to physical punishment. I mean, I've READ enough books to decide that every child is different, and every parent knows his or her child the best to apply what's necessary. So I'll stand my ground because with strong-willed kids like you who test harder, firmness, warnings,  and counting down to the Time-Out Corner do not always work.

Seeking knowledge about you is another way Mama loves you

Instead, I've found that first hitting the table to jolt you out of your funk appropriately alerts you to how serious Mama is about what's coming if you don't cooperate. I've also found that you have on occasions, risked pain to find out what exactly that is. And so now you know the answer. In fact, you remember it so well that these days, just a glance at the feathery stick on the wall helps prevent situations from going out of control for the both of us.

The boy who wanted to go to the zoo
to play with his toy car

"Ok, I've seen the white tiger. Next!"

This is not to say that you've completely stopped acting up (although to your credit, you haven't yet performed the helicopter-blade-spin on the floor of a mall just yet). Your mood this month is still volatile. For instance, the mention of visiting the zoo would light you up. But when we got there, you'd get all disagreeable and grumpy. Our first trip didn't go too well, actually. Upon arriving, you decided to lurk a couple of feet behind us before plonking yourself on the wooden slats on the ground to play with your toy car. Papa and Mama decided to leave you alone as there's really no point forcing you to like something when (1) you maybe don't (2) you're not in the right frame of mind to be positive about anything.

"Eh, where are the coin-operated rides, Papa?"

"Oh, look, a leopard! Ok, let's go home"

The sight of the white Siberian tiger excited you for all of 1 minute. The birds were annoying. The monkeys and meerkats were boring. The leopard woke up from his nap and looked up at you and you were flattered for a moment. You skipped zebras to whizz past the giraffes. And finally clamoured to go home even though Mama wanted to see the rhinos. Yup, I think Mama and Papa were more interested in the Zoo than you.

"Now, this is more fun than staring at a bunch of sleepy animals!"

You're not into TV but some programmes are tolerable, it seems. Like Pororo the little penguin, Mickey Mouse Fun Club, and Fireman Sam. Not that you paid full attention to whole episodes.

"Don't understand a word they're saying, it's so deep!"

You're beginning to appreciate music so Papa's i-Pod and our DVD-cum-CD player are beginning to bear more of your paw-prints.

"Let's see how I can destroy this thing..."

Last weekend, we took a short trip to Batam Island with Aunty Su Yin and Uncle Neil, who by the way, live in Block #19 at Kovan Melody. In case you forget, Aunty Su Yin's Mama's cousin from Kung-Kung's side of the family and Uncle Neil is her husband.

"Guys, the armchair looks odd here, so let me fix it for you..."

The ferry ride was fun for you and when we got to the resort, you decided you liked the room except for the layout. How do I know this? Well, the first thing you did was start moving the rattan armchairs about. You must have been very comfortable in your surroundings as most of the time, you didn't want to put on your clothes. The most you'd do was ear your shirt around your head. I suppose we could say you were creative.

"Now isn't it nice to be this close to Nature?"

"I think the telly's not switched on but it's just a theory"

Mama knows you don't like vegetables, meat or egg all that much but this month, you've been a bit more vocal about your feelings toward them. I suppose being chatty helps. Here's your first funny conversation with Mama over your dislikes. Basically, Mama was about to spoon some rice mixed with bits of vegies, chicken and fried egg into your mouth during dinner when this dialogue took place:

You: Aidan don't want vegies.
Mama: You have to eat some.
You: Aidan don't want that one...
Mama: Chicken? But there's so little here.
You: Aidan don't want egg also.
Mama: < death stare >
You: Aidan don't want Corner...

This month, Papa brought home The Earth Book by Todd Par. I'm not sure you're into the illustrations as they're stick figures style with quirky hair and bodies. It's a very colourful book though you aren't catching on to it at the moment. Poor Papa. He really likes buying you books but it appears your tastes are quite specific - animals are always good; and little children that remind you of yourself. Transportation vehicles work as well (which explains the Thomas the Tank Engine books) and some dramatic event - thunderstorm, lost child, late or naughty train, etc.

"It's not, you know, exciting enough..."

One day, we'll have to buy a bookshelf just for your books. But we're not complaining. We just hope your interest in books will last beyond the day you come home from school asking for a tablet.

Eskimo Boy & the Terrible 2s

Dear Aidan,

I've always told friends that the Terrible 2s for you began when you were 14-15 months old. I remember that you rather liked screeching in protest when we stopped you from taking or doing something. And how could Mama forget the flying paw that liked to hit out at me at the same time?

Anyway, looking back, THAT was mild.

It's month #26 now and 2 weeks into playschool, you started to metamorphose into a monster. The sort with a perennial ON button for temper and tantrums. You'd get off the school-bus with a smile for Mama. But once we got into the lift to our unit, you'd be (1) squirming and trying to dive off my arms because "Mama don't carry!" (2) raging because Mama's looking at you (3) pushing or kicking when I let you down inside the house because "No-o-o, I want Mama to carry me!"

Fickle? Yes. Unreasonable? For sure. Crazy? Sometimes I actually thought you were going nuts on me. Here's the clincher. Report from school? Teacher: Oh Aidan is adapting well. He's very obedient and quiet.

Right.

I've been on the receiving end of your general disdain for life for 2 weeks now. And I must say that it's been back-breaking! Suddenly, nothing is fun. And nothing Mama says is worth listening to. It's No to diaper changes, No to baths, No to naps, No to dinner, and No to teeth-brushing. But on the flipside, it's Yes to all the stuff you know you shouldn't be doing. Yes to throwing your toys onto the floor. Yes to pouring water onto the floor Yes to drawing on the walls, tables and, yes, the floor. Defiance is the order of the day. And defiance ends the day, too.

I actually called Papa up one evening in tears because I felt that maybe you simply hated Mama. I mean, deep down I know it can't be true. But boy, does it feel that way! Mama's theory is that you're reacting to the changes in your life, most especially playschool. And as it happens, playschool's unfamiliar territory so you put yourself on your best behaviour there, and find release at home. After all, who's the safest person you can be your ugliest to? (Not that you'll ever be ugly to me, of course.)

On the bright side, your passion for singing continues. And you do get a kick out of having an audience - namely, Papa and me. Maybe one day, we'll take you to a musical. But for that, we'll need to ensure you can sit still for at least 90 minutes. Right now, however, that seems like a slim chance.

It's also the month we explored letting you try slippers. They're not the safest things to do what you do best in - running around like a crazy lion. But they're comfortable in hot weather!  So Mama got you a pair of lime-green-brown ones from Bata.

Hello, slips, trips and accidents!

Ok, Bata's not exactly 5th Avenue. But I'll have you know that they're an institution when it comes to shoes. They've been around since Mama was 5 years old and maybe before that, too. In fact, there was one shop 2 doors away from Kung-Kung's typewriter repair shop when it was still in business a long, long time ago. He and Poh-Poh used to buy Uncle Khin's and Mama's school shoes from that branch.

Play-wise, you've really begun to take to the junior puzzles Mama got from Toys 'r' Us. They're 4-6 pieces and come in different varieties. Currently you're mastering the Elephant/Lion/Monkey and Ship/Airplane/Train Engine ones. You're more comfortable chatting in sentences now although you do omit conjunctions and adjectives. And some days, I'm surprised how much you try to say.

In terms of books, we've brought out another Thomas the Tank Engine one that Uncle Brian got you last Christmas. There's also My Dad by Anthony Brown. But for now, it looks like Thomas wins. Poor Papa.

Papa's reaction upon realising this book wasn't catching on

New City, New Life for Month #25

Dear Aidan,

So here we are. In Singapore. Ok, it's just a 4-hours drive from KL and the weather's the same. But hey! We've officially embarked on our new adventure.

We're sitting by the pool because
I need to rest, ok, Mama?

We found a condominium in Serangoon, in a city called Kovan. And it has the largest swimming pool ever. There's a baby pool with a fountain in a corner. Then the next one, which has a giant water slide and water carousel in it, is a little deeper. The one after that's even deeper. And, of course, the last is the deepest. This one's the adult pool that has a gymnasium looking out onto it. Kovan Melody, as our condo is called is right next to the MRT station and directly opposite the road is the Heartland Mall which is adjacent to a wet market and some electrical and home supply shops, clinics, coffee shops and bakeries. This means, getting stuff will be so easy here.

Everyone's here, Mama

You have your own room, too. It's next to Papa's and Mama's and this time round, we've found a big-boy's bed for you. That's right. No more cots! Mama's made sure you're surrounded by your sleep friends. From Dusty to Pedro to Binky.

My school uniform includes Chew-Chew

This month, we also found you a play school. We decided that it'd be wise to start you early in socialising. Schoolhouse by the Garden is on Philips Avenue, about a 15-minute walk away from Kovan Melody. It's a small school that offers Playgroup, Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Kindergarten. What we like about it is how it operates out of a house. A bungalow, to be precise. There's a swing, slide and some ride-on cars and tricycles on the front yard. And there's a sand box and play pool at the back. There's even Tootise, the turtle, who 'guards' the front gate in her cage.

Essentially, Schoolhouse is a daycare centre and most kids go there for the full day. But it's half-day for you, honey, because Mama isn't going back to work yet. Plus, I like the idea of being able to spend time with you when you're not at school. I guess Mama has separation issues :) Sooner or later, however, Mama will have to return to work in some form or other. It won't be a permanent job because it'd be difficult for me to see you much and, you know, be there for you. It's just something I'll do to contribute to the family's finances so that Papa won't be so burdened.

You're developing a love for singing. The ABC Song and Negarakku are your favourites. But you've also picked up the title song for a programme on Disney Junior called Pororo, which is about a penguin and his friends.

Ready to rock the market

And because you're also interested in pushing and dragging things - generally using your mass motor skills - we bought you a little pushcart from Ikea and a ride-on motorbike from Toys 'r' Us. Some days, you'd follow Mama to the market or supermarket with your pushcart but you never allow Mama to use it for storage. "Too heavy, Mama!" you'd say. Even when it's a bag of bean sprouts!

Take me to your leader...

I must say, also, that you're developing a sense of humour; there have been many times when we've caught you pulling a silly stunt or two. Like putting food covers over your head. Or walking around in just your diaper and singing at the top of your voice even as you swing puzzle frames around your wrists.

This part is so...boring, Papa

I'm building a condominium house for you, Mama

Mama and Papa have been helping you brush your teeth since you turned 1 but recently, you've begun to run from the sight of it. Thankfully though, you usually manage to trap yourself in the corner of your bedroom, much to our advantage.














Bedtime is usually wind-down time for you but these days, you do enjoy a quiet few minutes pulling your truck along the carpet or building blocks before we read a bedtime story and settle down to sleep.









Meanwhile, your hive attacks have all but ceased. And it's wonderful to not have to see you itch and squirm. We've been instructed to keep you on Aerius (but on a lower dosage) for another week or two. Just in case. Just to be sure.

Looks like me, Mama

This month, Mama brought out a delightful little book by Tae-Joon Lee, entitled Waiting for Mama. It's a simple story about a little boy waiting in the cold weather for his mother to return home at the streetcar stop. As the story unveils, it's not clear if she turns up. The last page seems to indicate that she does but the beauty of this story is that it's left to the reader. You, however, like to interpret that she does reunite with the little boy. And Mama agrees, too :)

Mama is missing Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh a lot. Somehow, home is always home. And no where else is the same even though I love our small trio of a family here. As you get older, we'll explain more and more regarding the other reasons we've left Malaysia. For now, Mama will simply say that life can be great anywhere; it's what we make of it. But these days, we pick places with you and your future foremost in mind.

Yes, I'm ready for dessert...oops, I mean dinner

And Eskimo Boy Makes it to Year #2

Dear Aidan,

This is our last month in Malaysia. In 2 weeks, we'll be moving to Singapore. Papa's starting a new office there and we'll be following him. So it's going to be a fresh new start for all of us. There are lots to do as a result. There are also lots of dear friends to see, too, before we leave.

Last week, we took you to see Dr. Sanjay Woodhull as your hive attacks had not subsided. Mama brought along the results of your allergy test which indicated that you were 'border-line' for milk. He's quite popular and as with popular specialists, there was a queue to see him, despite us having made an appointment. We only got to meet him after waiting for 2 hours. You were adequately distracted though, so we didn't have too much of trouble during the wait.

Anyway, Dr. Sanjay rubbished the results and, from his experience, believes your immune system is simply too sensitive, releasing histamines even when there are no threats present.  He advised us to switch anti-histamines to a safer but more effective alternative called Aerius and told us you may have to be put on a 5 ml dosage for a few months. Admittedly,  Mama feels uncomfortable having you on medication for extended periods of time. But Dr. Sanjay is right - the objective is to heal you and why not, if the medication is safe?

I would say that after a week of Aerius, you're a lot better. The attacks are not so severe and there are less spots each time. Mama is really relieved; after all, it has been almost 3 months!

I just wanna run around and play, really

You also had your birthday this month. And this time, we kept it simple and within the family but invited Aunty E.E and Cheh-Cheh Vanessa along. I suppose our moods were all a little dampened with your being ill and all. We had lunch at Esquire Kitchen at Atria near Grandpa and Grandma's house. And you had a lot of fun dancing with Vanessa on the event stage at the concourse area outside the restaurant.

Let me see in my mind's eye what this is...er, ice-cream cake?

After lunch, we all adjourned to Grandpa and Grandma's house to cut your Baskin and Robbin's strawberry ice-cream cake. But not before Grandma bought you a pair of shoes. I think you've been slipping into a shy phase over the past few days as you've suddenly developed a habit of looking down at your fingers when you're uncomfortable around people. Mama noticed this recently whenever we bumped into neighbours and friends. And it occurred again when everybody started singing the birthday song to you.

Why is everybody looking at me? Most distressing!

Due to having sent our furniture to Singapore, we had to leave our Surian condominium unit and move to Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh's house to stay until we go. So on our last day, we said our goodbyes to Uncle Fairuz and family who live above us; our favourite security guards -  Uncle Dinesh and Uncle Ravi (the Head of Security); and Aunty E.E who teared and looked really sad.

Uncle Dinesh, please don't pinch my cheeks

I love you. Aunty E.E

When I grow up, I wanna be just like Uncle Ravi

Uncle Ravi knows I love motorbikes

Mama feels sad to leave all our friends and relatives, too. We've made many memories in the short time that we've lived in Surian.

Admittedly, I was excited at first at the prospect of a new beginning. But now that we're so much closer to leaving, a part of me actually wants to stay. I suppose that's the power of love.

Good night, Mama and Papa. I'll be bunking in with Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh tonight...

For Eskimo Boy, Have Hives Will Travel

Dear Aidan,

It's month #23, a month short of your 2nd birthday, and the hives are not letting up. In the first week of January, we followed Papa and his company to Koh Samui, Thailand, for their annual trip. This time, we took Kakak with us as a Christmas gift to her from us.

This is how I eject you off the plane, Mama?

Feeding you on this trip was horrible. Not only did the itchiness make you too uncomfortable to focus on eating. Mama also didn't know what was causing your attacks and my theories kept changing now that I had begun to consider that you were perhaps responding to something familiar. Was it fish? Milk? Chicken? Beef? For a while, it seemed like fish was the culprit. But then you'd have chicken or beef and you'd still break out anyway. It's. Been. Frustrating.

Look, the plane just spat some wheels out

The trip itself was quite fun. We stayed in a suite overlooking the sea and right beside Uncle Jimmy and Aunty Jynet. Most nights there, Uncle Jimmy's room became the go-to room for the company activities. We had a Master-Chef challenge among ourselves there and whatever we served up became the night's potluck dinner. Mama and Papa copped out by making a salad, ha ha. We actually got the cab to take us to Tesco to buy the ingredients! We also had the gift exchange in that room and there was much laughter due to the silly gifts that were popping out of wrapping paper.

Should I eat this and watch Mama go nuts?

Ok, so I've got bee-stung lips. Doesn't Scar-Jo?

You really loved the spacious suite and had a crazy old time running around in circles and rolling your dough balls. On the second night, you tripped over the rough, jut carpet and bruised your lips pretty badly. We took you swimming and you delivered an impromptu performance of our birth country's national's song, the Negarakku. Aunty E.E did say that Cheh-Cheh Vanessa has been pleased with your progress in singing this song. It appears she has been your singing teacher.

Naw, I don't want sunblock on my nose, Papa!

Yeah I've got patriotism down pat!

Back home, you've been demonstrating an open-mind to sharing your belongings, even hot favourites like raisins. Must be the gazillions of times Mama repeated the phrase, "Please share okay, baby honey? It's nice to be generous!" Either that or you're in some kind of Love-All-Serve-All phase :)

Eat! Papa, you must eat raisins. Good for you!

Lately, you're not so particular about sitting on Mama's lap in a car journey anymore, and Papa is just as good a car-seat as I am. Mama noticed this coming home from a lunch with Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Brian and Aunty Angeline.

Didn't like the vegies but everything else was just dandy!

Meanwhile, you're becoming intrigued with water beyond the swimming-pool. Doing the 'teh-tarik' with water and some bowls and cans in the bathrooms has become a firm favourite. And watering the plants at Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh's house is now an emerging past-time. I'm sure one day, you'll graduate to washing their car, too.

I think Mr Baobab needs a drink!

Last week, we took you to Pantai Hospital and had your blood tested for allergies after Dr. lam suggested the test to allay our doubts and anxieties. He has warned us before that such tests are often inconclusive, expensive as they are. But he also understood our need to eliminate some factors. So he hooked us up with a specialist who conducted the test.

During the chat with the specialist, Mama had a sudden, cold realisation: somehow, many child specialists just don't have the patience to really listen to a parent's detailed observations or theories. Nope, there's always a pre-meditated, confident answer. It almost seems that all cases related to allergies can be treated with one standard solution. And if not, too bad. Not that the specialist was arrogant or bad in anyway. But they all seem to be cut out from the same cookie-cutter.

Mama managed to set up an appointment with Dr. Sanjay this Friday. Hopefully, he'll be able to alleviate your hives. I'm taking Uncle John's appearance out of the blue on facebook to recommend this pediatrician as a divine pointer from Jesus so who am I to reject a sign from God?

Bedtime book of the month:
"The rabbit needs to slow down, Mama!"

Hives Strike Back in Month #22

Dear Aidan,

This has been a worrying month for Mama and Papa. A few days into December, you broke out in hives again. It was January 2010 all over again, except this round began a month earlier. The upside to this bout has been: no sudden swelling up of your face and lips.

We took you to see Dr. Lam your pediatrician a few weeks ago. And he's convinced you're developing an allergy to something. As to what, he has stated again that it's hard to pin-point unless I've had a food diary all along. Mama has been so careful with your food that it's difficult for me to imagine that you're reacting to something I've not given you before. In fact, you've had licks of peanut butter and gobbled up strawberry yoghurt before with no incident. So, unless it's a reaction to something you've been eating fine all along, you've got Mama seriously stumped.

I do hate seeing how your entire torso, face, limbs and private areas erupt into waves of these itchy bumps a few times in a day. I know how uncomfortable they make you feel once the anti-histamines wear off. And speaking of medication, I'm not even sure in the first place that you should be on so much of these things, safe or not safe. They don't seem to work all that effectively. Not even Zyrtec this time round.

Some good news though. An old acquaintance of Mama's, a copywriter by the name of John Dorai who saw my distress-filled posts on facebook, recently recommended a Dr. Sanjay Woodhull to me. Mama has found out that he works at the Sime Darby Subang Medical Centre. We'll be setting up an appointment with him soon, okay? Mama promises to help you be hive-free as soon as possible!

Did this fall from the sky?

Feels like I'm wearing an animal on my head

Crooked...like the man standing behind it!

Yay! I got the star to sit still!

Oh and we've put up the Christmas tree. You're almost 2 now but nope. No sign of excitement over baubles and bells, streamers and sparkly stars. It ended up with Papa and Mama horsing around, delirious with the prospect of the season of peace, joy and salvation upon us. Of course, some of the euphoria died a little as time went by and you not only showed a general disinterest with the whole affair but a good measure of grumpiness due to your hives. Even the Santa's hat did not cheer you up. :(

Thanks for providing the world with raisins, Jesus

You're in a better mood when the anti-histamines have just been administered. You even decided to share your raisins with Jesus, giving Him a kiss first at the top of the cross by the altar.

Gotta maneuver around the cracking desert floor

Please carry me, Mama coz I've got birds to feed

Last weekend, we did two things. Firstly, we took a morning walk (or should we say 'hike'?) around the Taman Tun Dr. Ismail park a short drive away from home. It was a longer trek than we thought. But heading off in the wrong direction didn't help. And we were fortunate to bump into our nieghbours, Uncle Fairuz and family along the way who pointed us to the right direction. We ended up in the lovely park where you had fun climbing up steps and running down grassy slopes. You also enjoyed running your toy cars over the bumpy sidewalks.

I'm really eyeing that bottle of grape juice in Mama's hand

Secondly, went out for lunch with Grandpa and Grandma. They're feeling sorry for your hive attack but you must be growing up because you don't appreciate being carried anymore. You'd rather much prefer to walk. Another sign that you're growing up? Your feet are growing bigger and we've had to upgrade your shoes to the next size. Meanwhile, the big J (for Juice) is becoming a big favourite, too. You love the orange juice at Dome cafe and most restaurants. At home though, you don't like the pulp in the ones Mama squeezes fresh for you.

Ok, fellas, I'm gonna serve you in these pretty little Christmas plates

You're beginning to show an interest in using your fingers and hands to manipulate things, demonstrating a development in fine motor skills. Apart from your alphabet puzzle, Mama recently bought some cheap, child-friendly dough to see how you'd take to it. And now you're obsessed with getting Mama to show you how to roll out little balls which we agreed to refer to as 'dough balls'. You like some big, some small and some tiny.

Oh it's a little pebble begging me to keep it

At the same time, you're learning to hold colouring pens and pencils the correct way and would scribble quite a bit eve as you change the way you grasp them. Picking up pebbles and sticks are also becoming a new pastime whenever we're outdoors. And Mama's handbag is becoming sandy and dusty from all the knick-knacks you've been collecting.

Eh, Mr. Ink, you gotta come out when I tell you to

I don't know how long this bout of hives will last. I'm praying to Jesus for a miracle again. May he have mercy upon me and grant you a quick recovery, honey!

Bedtime book of the month: "I like Cranky the Crane best, Mama"