Happy 3rd Birthday, Eskimo Boy

Dear Aidan,

Yay, everyone's here for my birthday, Mama!

And your birthday party happened! Honestly, I don't know how I did it. I love beautiful things, designs and colours. But I can be a right mess sometimes. Plus what do I know about organising a children's party? I didn't want to disappoint you especially on the 'friends' front. I wanted at least 10 of your friends to be there. In the end only 6 turned up on the 18th. Justin, your supposed good friend from your half-day class, didn't RSVP at all. It also rained periodically. And the party planner started setting up quite late too. But you know what?

You had a blast!

Can I keep 'em, Papa?

Your condo bestie, Jayden arrived first with Aunty Sheila. Then Jadyn and her baby brother, Jonathan, and her parents trickled in. Followed by Vardhavan, Kakak Annie and his mummy; Lana and her daddy, Uncle Ian; Tharun and his mummy; and Theo and Aunty Kea-Nai. Aunty Glenda as well as Uncle Michel (Theo's daddy) came later with Theo's visiting uncle from Vietnam.

Theo is trying to deconstruct the meaning of the giant Panda

What's wrong, Lana? Can I help?

The caterers then dropped off trays of fried noodles, sambal prawns, lemon fish, honey chicken, samosas, stir-fried vegetables as well as your birthday cake - yup, 'the lion king one'.

The weather was a little drizzly from time to time but the Kung Fu Panda mascot got all the kids' attention. Ok, Jayden freaked out and sat on Aunty Sheil's lap as long as the Bear hung about. But you, Lana and Theo took turns to dance with him.

The game-master played some Freeze games too. You were so funny; when the music stopped, you couldn't stay still. You couldn't stay quiet either, "Uncle, Uncle! Can I have more sweets for my friends?"

Hey, Aunty Lisa, we're gonna fly away with these!

Later, when the drizzle stopped, all you kids just lay on your tummies and dipped your fingers into the swimming pool. Uncle Michel and Theo's Uncle did a good job keeping an eye on you guys.

Aidan: Can I push you in, Uncle Michel?
Uncle Michel: You're joking, right?

It's time to test the water for a swim later

Uncle Michel babysits a trio of cuties

Lunch was a bit of a mess as none of you really get the concept of a sitting down for a meal. Only Mama, Aunty Kea-Nai and Aunty Glenda sat around and chatted. Then, Jadyn, Lana and you decided to jump into the pool with your daddies to paddle around a bit before the rain started again.

Thanks for lending me your arm-floats, Lana

Right, have a piece of lion on me, guys!

You were pleased as peas when we all sang the birthday song to you. And after having some, the sugar high kicked in and Vardhavan, Theo, Lana and you just started running around the table with balloons
in your hands.

We're on the magic carpet, Mama, Papa!

After everyone had taken their doggy bags (we had left-overs), and goodbyes and hugs were exchanged, Jayden and you went crazy with the picnic mat Mama had brought along. You even managed to con Papa into tugging you two around with it. We cleaned up the place. And then returned home with heaps of colourful orange, yellow and green balloons. You were nice enough to drop a big bunch at Jayden's house, too.

Wow, another one!

And another! I'm stumped!

It's even got a fluffy lion for a zip. Thanks teachers!

Thanks Aunty Su Yin and Uncle Neil for my car wash centre!

My remote control buggy knows some pretty neat tricks!

At night, we opened your presents together. You were so excited and happy with all your gifts. Even your teachers from school had gotten together to buy you a cute little zoo-themed knapsack!

Thanks for a great time, Po!

Now that you're officially three years old, you're brandishing the phrase - "I'm a big boy now" - quite  bit, ha ha. One day, out of playfulness, you put on Papa's yellow high-tops and posed your 'big, tough boy' look for us. It was hilarious.

Yep, am a big, BIG boy now. Don't mess!

The following weekend, we took you to buy a proper pair of new shoes. You know, the kind that fits. It's officially your second pair of proper, 'expensive' shoes: Converse! Mama's sure though that you'll continue to pick your Bata slippers for the fun-est part of life - running around like crazy.

Mama, why aren't you smiling?

Books we got you in line with your school's term theme of Occupation: Iggy Peck the Architect, Walter the Baker, and A Sick Day for Amos McGee (the Zookeeper!). Your favourite seems to be Walter the Baker but we can only guess it's because you like to eat bread!

It's Occupation Week!

Aidanism #159:

At the foot of Jesus' statue in Church:
Me: Honey, what are you going to pray about?
Aidan: Dear Jesus, please protect us from monsters. Thank you. Amen.

A few minutes later, at the foot of Mary's statue in Church:
Me: So what are you going to ask Mary then?
Aidan: Dear Mary, please ask Jesus to protect us from monsters. Thank you. Amen!

Aidanism #160:

Me: Ok, Aidan. What's your prayer tonight?
Aidan: Dear Jesus, please help Mama be good. Thank you! Amen!


Aidanism #161:


Aidan: Mama, Mama, when I'm a big, big boy, I can ride a bigger bicycle.
Mama: Yeah, coz right now, your legs won't be able to reach the pedals of a big one.
Aidan: Mama, Mama, right now I'm a short, big boy.

Countdown to Birthday #3 for Eskimo Boy

Dear Aidan,

We're in the first week of February now. Chinese New Year will be over soon (there are 15 days, just so you know). And before long, we'll be focusing on your 3rd birthday. Mama has already called the caterers. Meanwhile, it's cute to see Papa flustering over the party planners.

We've decided to have it at the function room by the main condo pool. And you've chosen a 'Lion King' cake. Well, a lion cake, basically. I know you're excited about it this year. I suppose you're becoming aware of a 'special day just for me'. Oh yes, that phrase, "I'm going to be a big boy, soon" keeps cropping up. The other day, while we were saying our bedtime prayers, we ended up in a conversation about your party guests:

Aidan: Mama, Mama, please pray my friends come to my party in Singapore.
Mama: Ok...who are you inviting?
Aidan: Lana, Theo, Ruma...Justin and Jaden.
Mama: What about your teachers?
Aidan: No, they have to look after the other friends.

On a low note, you've been putting on the Naughties (as we call it) since early January. Perhaps it's your system working out some changes as you approach year 3. For sure, you've begun to play pretty roughly. Mama just doesn't like it when you start hitting and kicking when you get excited.

There you go, Tai Ma, you must eat the skin too

During our trip back to KL for the first 2 days of Chinese New Year, you got to met Poh-Poh's adopted sister, your Tai Ma, who's 94 years old. She stayed over at Poh-Poh's for a few days so we bunked over at the Prince Hotel. When we went over for dinner, you were quite sweet (though you continued to give Poh-Poh your increasingly infamous frown (what we call The Magnum). You decided to feed her grapes. And was sporting enough to have a photo taken with her and Poh-Poh.

See, I can hang out with the older crowd!

Prince Hotel was a pleasant surprise. The room had a great view with windows for one entire wall. We could see the Twin Towers from where we were. At night, its lights blinked like stars. Whenever we stayed in, we would get comfy, stare out of the windows at the view of lush greenery below, read books, draw or mess around with your Play-Doh.

I don't suppose it's a good idea to fall out of this window

Ah, life's quite nice when I'm not jumping about like a Mexican bean

Thanks for sending my Chew-Chews for a wash, Mama. Zzzz

Ok, let's take them to the zoo now

One afternoon, we took a short walk across the road to Pavilion, a really huge high-end shopping mall that once was where Mama's school stood.

Whoa, I think the dragon is following us, Papa

Another afternoon, we met up with one of Papa's ex Sunday School students, Edward, who's now so tall, I can barely look up at him without squinting. We spent some play time at the Jungle Gym at Bangsar Shopping Centre before heading off for lunch at La Bodega.

Aidan: Let's shoot the Monsters that are attacking us!
Papa: You mean, the kids?

After we got back to Singapore, we took you to the Esplanade. We first took a boat ride along the Singapore River and then walked over to the Chinese New Year Exhibition and Fun-Fair which was held there, too.

Where's the pink one?

Look Papa, Mama...it's a fun-fair!

There were paper sculptures of all the animals in the Chinese zodiac. A humongous God of Prosperity with a Tiger (to welcome the Dragon year) spewing out lucky strips of gold paper at every interval so passers-by would open up their umbrellas and turn them upside down to catch some 'fortune'.

I like honey pork, Mama

You were very excited about the fun-fair rides though. You and Papa went on the spinning helicopter. And later, you got onto a car in the 'train carriage' that went along a simple track. We tried getting you a bumper car ride but unfortunately, you didn't meet the height requirements. I'm sure you'll qualify soon enough, honey. Just wait and see!

They jumped on the bandwagon, Mama

We're ready for take-off, Mama, see you soon!

Wheeeeeeee!

We also met up with Lana and her parents. We were due for a ride on the Singapore Flyer (apparently, it's NOT a ferris wheel). After the 30 minute ride, we went down to catch a glimpse of the Chingay procession which featured rows and rows of dragons and tons and tons of dancers before ending with a dazzling display of fireworks.

Mama, were we up there so high?

You and Lana really enjoyed the fireworks. And when club music started playing at the finish, you both danced a storm until your hair were all sweaty.

It was also Mama's first experience with such beautiful, large-scale fireworks!

Aidan and Lana were oblivious to the noise

On the train ride home, the both of you pulled some silly faces and actions again. Or maybe, Lana did. And you weren't quite sure what to do under the circumstances.

How am I suppose to respond to this?

Something I'm familiar with at last!

Music seems to be something you enjoy quite a bit. You're always game for a song, either learnt or made-up. And you're always game for a dance when music comes on. Meal times when Papa is around is always crazy because Papa always puts on some CD.

You also continue to be big on books. And your library is growing. This month, Mama bought Squish the Rabbit. A simple story about tiny Squish who feels unimportant but finally makes a friend as tiny as him who makes him feel ten feet tall.

Squish throws a tantrum sometimes just like me!

One thing you're not though is patient. Everything has to happen right. This. Instance. Failing which, there would be some whining for us to counter. Or some rudeness. It shows in the activities you do. If you can;t figure out a puzzle, you'd sometimes lose interest (unless Mama puts on the pressure). If you're colouring, there'd be large white spaces left un-coloured and it wouldn't bother you in the least. (Never mind colouring outside the lines.) I know for kids your age, the definition of 'completion' is very different. But I figure I've got to start somewhere in terms of encouraging you to 'leave no stones unturned'.

All set and ready: Goody bags for your coming birthday party

Eskimo Boy Lion Dances into Month #35

Dear Aidan,

It's really heavy stuff, this lion dance costume!

This is the month to look forward to Chinese New Year. But Poh-Poh says we won't be celebrating as Kung-Kung's passing is still raw in our minds. She also mentioned a customary observance - 100 days must pass before we can resume our regular lives again but prior to that, we're not supposed to enjoy any happy occasions. Moreover, as the festival falls on Kung-Kung's birthday, 22nd January, and is actually his favourite festival, Poh-Poh wants to observe a period of abstinence.

Gong Xi Fa Cai...did I say it right, Mama?

It's a little different for Mama and Papa, of course. We're Catholics. For us, even while Mama continues to grieve, we have faith that Kung-Kung's in a better place. Even as Mama grieves, life must go on. Your childhood must go on. So when you asked for a lion dance costume, we didn't say 'No'. Here's a transcript of your request:


Aidan: Papa, Mama says you gonna buy me a Lion head so I can dance.
Papa: Why?
Aidan: Because it's Chinese New Year.
Papa: Oh, ok. If we see one, we'll buy it, ok? 
Aidan: Ok. Papa, then later you buy me the body also ok?

I'm getting a lion dance costume, Uncle. You can watch me dance

The Saturday we went to get it, we first had lunch at the food-court across the road. There you met a sweeper who kept smiling at you. So Papa and you bought him a bottle of mineral water and he spent some time chatting with us.


It's funny how you can be really sweet one minute and grumpy-thus-rude another. Mama has noticed a gradual 'escalation' of sorts in terms of your defiance. Maybe it's the Terrible Three's. But I'm really just hoping it's that -re-birthday phase. The humorous quips keep coming though. Here's another gem:


Aidanism #185:


Papa: So Mr. Cheeks, what did you do at playschool today?
Aidan: Er...nothing.
Papa: Nothing?! So you just sat and stared at the wall?
Aidan: ...Yes, with my friend, Manon.


It's weeks yet to Chinese New Year, though. We're going to go back to KL as Poh-Poh would still like to have us around for a simple, no-fuss Reunion dinner at home. Her adopted sister, your Tai Ma, who lives in a retirement home nearby will also be staying with her for a few days. So it looks like we'll be parking at a hotel. After all, the house is pretty small and we wouldn't want you to accidentally trip over an old lady with your toys.

Mama, you're supposed to say 'Good job, Aidan' now

Mama has started you on some basic math. Well, Mama started you on alphabet recognition first but now Principal Valerie reckons we should move on to math to expose you to problem-solving. Apparently kids who master speech early usually lag in problem-solving. Maybe it's a right and left brain thing. Mama's definitely a lot better talking and writing than solving sums!

3 purple friends left the group so now there are 4 left!

Anyway, I must say that for an restless little monkey like you, our 20-minute sessions have been quite fruitful. You're quite a keen learner when you believe you can achieve something. Mama's job's just to help you stay focused and heap praises when you do listen to instructions - yes, sometimes, you're a bit long on confidence and short on skills and Mama has to remind you that you've never written a number before. And therefore,  there's no way "I know how to write 5, Ma-ma-a-a-a!"

Ok, that huge slope there looks do-able!

You've also finally begun to pedal your bicycle! It's been a good 9 months since we bought it and 6 since we started teaching and encouraging you to ride it. So far it has been excuses of "It's not working, Mama!" or "I can't pedal, Mama!"Now, all of a sudden you've simply decided to step on them hard and power yourself forward. Hallelujah.

The Junior Harley Outriders need a break, too

No time to rest, Bud. Gotta scram and search for Mischief

Meanwhile, there's been some nice continuities on the friend-making front. The last few months have been an experiment at the condo playground to see which kids you'd click with. But now you've got two regular buddies - Vardhavan, who's 3 years older than you, and Jayden who seems to have a better connection with you. I guess being just a year older than you helps. Well, in the first place, you two have similar haircuts and exactly the same ride-on motorbike. That's how you guys 'clicked' anyway when you first bumped into each other at the playground back in October. Many times these days, if you saw Jayden or vice-versa, you'd both end up playing together.

He ain't short, he's my clone!

We're not getting very far on this thing, Jayden

Meanwhile, you and Papa are becoming best buddies. There's always huge laughter and crazy antics whenever he's around. You've even begun to ask about Papa during the day when he's at the office. You still won't let Papa kiss you though. Some days you say it's his beard. Other days, it's the sloppiness. Really, I think it's to do with how bedtime is Snuggle with Mama time.

See the resemblance? I'm SO Indian, Mama

Aidanism #186:

And it happens. While we're dining outdoors next to a table occupied by two men, Aidan calls out in his sonic boom voice:
Aidan: Mama! Mama! That man has no hair. He only has a head!


Aidanism #187:


Principal: Mrs. Pereira, do you know what your son said today?
Me (nervous): Nothing rude I hope.
Principal: There was a loud noise in the small room and Aidan told me, "I think there are monsters in the room."
Me: Ok, he does that at home too.
Principal: Then he said, "I'm going to defeat the mean monsters and stab them with my knives."


Aidanism #188:


Aidan: Papa, Mama says you gonna buy me a Lion head so I can dance.
Papa: Why?
Aidan: Because it's Chinese New Year.
Papa: Oh, ok. If we see one, we'll buy it, ok? 
Aidan: Ok. Papa, then later you buy me the body also ok?