Little C's Last Day at Vital Years

14th November 2013, Little C's Last Day at Vital Years.

Why 14th? Allow me to explain why I intentionally make 14th November 2013 the last day of school for Little C.

Well, First, this week is the last week of school for JieJie, so I thought might as well make it the last week for Little C too.

Ok Fine. Then why 14th? not 15th. 

Can you see the Aeriel Jelly Cake that I specially ordered for Little C?

The children in VY are not allowed to eat any birthday cakes in the center, but we are allowed to bring cakes for the children to CELEBRATE birthday, it's the center's policy. So, after birthday songs, parents have to bring the cake home.

The reason given was that they worried any consumed foods are not halal or vegetarian. Even though I insisted that this is a Jelly Cake, it's HALAL and VEGETARIAN too,  the principle said NO. Well, not a good or a bad thing for me. Just weird.

Anyhow, since Big C needs to bring food to school on her last day.

So, after the farewell party here in VY, this cake will be kept for Jie Jie to bring to school on the 15th ! Hahaha .... Cheapo hor?. Don't waste ma!

Poor Little C, Didn't get to eat the Beautiful Aerial Cake. 

But I let her ate all the alphabets.

Of course she was not so happy, but I told her that she's gonna have unlimited Jelly on Jie Jie's upcoming Birthday Party.

VT Teachers. Well Done!

My first time and the last time spending 1 hour here in the center.

Then I realized Little C is also a very shy and quiet one in the center.

Just like Jie Jie! Oh My Gosh! These two C Monsters are always so talkative and noisy at home. Jie Jie is usually the soft spoken one, and Little C is the louder one. Alamak! Little C was extremely shy on that day and refused to go near to any teachers or her friends. Teachers told me that she's quiet but sometimes she can be very active among friends. She can be shouting at times too. 

But, generally a shy girl.

HOW?? How to make my girls more friendly? How to make my girls not so shy?

I asked my mom if I was this shy? My mom said No, I was a monkey! LOL!

My Mom retorted "so you preferred monkeys or quiet and obedient girls like Cs?

Hahaha... my mom is such a funny woman, right? So unfair! Call me a Monkey!

Children love the interactive smartboard.

Bye Bye Vital Years, Thanks for teaching Little C how to read.

The truth is I AM SO PROUD that Little C can read so well. :)

Big C's Last Day of School - Children's Day!

15th November 2013, Big C's last day of school.

Dressing up to have a Children's Day Party in school.

Big C's Class Teacher. Ms. S.K.

Too bad, many were late that day, these were the few around.

Standard One Registration Starts...

After some thoughts and evaluations, we have decided to send Big C to a local Chinese Primary School. 

1. What type of school? Private? International? Govt Chinese School?

- Govt Chinese School 

2. Location? KL? PJ? Subang? 

- PJ

3. Which schools? ***A, ***B, ***C, ***D

- ***B

M & I were both excited about it. Well, at least I am, not too sure about M. I  think he should be since it's his first experience, and I forced him to come along for the registration even though I could do it myself.

First, we need to register online through http://apps.moe.gov.my/esppsel/

Then, we have to submit the documents to the school's admin within 14 days upon registration has completed online.

Registration Fees : RM 1

Documents :

Birth Certificate - 1 Original 1 Copy

Utilities Bill - 1 Copy

Marriage Cert - 1 Copy

Parents' ID - 1 Copy

* Bring the original along in case they need to see it, but the admin of ***B didn't bother on the originals, only the original Birth Cert is required so that the admin can endorsed "STANDARD 1 APPLICATION"

When arrived the ***B at 1.45pm. The clerk was away, so M & I went to explore the school Canteen. It was not our plan to eat there, but M was rushing rushing all the times, so I suggested to eat in the canteen if he's really rushing... He was excited to see the small bowls of noodles with the choice of soup, curry or clear soup. In the end, we settled our lunch in the canteen while waiting for the office to open.

This is the Curry Mee without Coconut Milk @ RM 1.30

Curry Mee & Assam Laksa 

Classrooms

We are not given a confirmation if Big C will be attending this school. We are at the application stage ONLY. We will get to know if we get our choice by August 2014. *sigh* I am amongst the kiasu parents, but I am the MOST kiasu one. HaHaha...I was in the queue of 265. Hahahaha.... I wonder who was No. 1 in the registration list? There is nothing much that we can do now, too early for any actions anyway. We will wait till the result is out for our next action.

School Day

The sisters are getting ready for school in the morning.

Clarisse posed before the Giza Mall Entrance.

No BaoBei for Little C

On the first week of school, all the after-school lessons are back on schedule - BaoBei, Ballet & Shichida. 

Little C attended her first Chinese Trial Class at BaoBei on 2nd January 2013, and she happily entered the classroom with Big C, no tears no tantrums. So, I was so eager to pay the fees upon seeing Little C's "enthusiasm". However, LiHong LauShi told me to pay the fees one week later because Little C is entitled for 3 days trial class. 

The next day, Big & Little C are both ready for BaoBei again. Upon the doorstep to BaoBei, Little C began to bawl and refused to enter the center. So, Kakak and Little C went home. (*If it was me, I would have tried to make her stay!*) 

The following day, once again, I told Kakak to coax Little C and I reminded Big C not to leave her little sister alone, walk into the classroom hand in hand with Little C, and I reminded Little C to join her JieJie to BaoBei. ALL THREE AGREED! Unfortunately, it didn't work. Once again, Little C bawled like a baby, gasping every breathe to fight with Kakak. 

I thought, well, Little C is still young. I can always start her chinese enrichment class next year since she is not ready. So, I have decided to adhere to Little C's wish - "MaMa, I don't want to go BaoBei, I want to stay at home" FOR NOW.

However, Little C's resistance to BaoBei had influenced Big C at the same time. On the second week, Chloe said the same to me "MaMa, I want to stay home with Little C. I don't want to go BaoBei." I turned down Big C's demand in rage, and Big C started to cry, and she said to me "MaMa, You are Naughty!"

*sigh* Is Big C jealous of Little C for being able to stay home to skip BaoBei while She has to abide my desire of her attending Chinese Class? All along, she was inclined to attend BaoBei because she gets to put on her nice dresses and shoes. But, why this time, she was reluctant to go.

I didn't force her to attend the class but I told her that I was not happy about her skipping class. I told Big C that it is not right to skip class. I had a simple and small talk with Big C in that same evening, and she consented to "dress up like a princess" to attend BaoBei 3 times a week. 

"MaMa, Little C naughty a? Never go BaoBei" Big C tried to pick on Little C

"No, Baby. Little C is still a baby. She will have to go Baobei later just like Jiejie"

"MaMa, Little C a baby a? I am a Jie Jie. I am good girl." Big C said proudly.

YES, No BaoBei for Little C.

As for Ballet, Little C managed it well on her first lesson. However, the Ballet teacher was a little worried that Little C might not be able to understand instruction at this age. But, she is "OK" to have Little C in the class. 

It was a free trial class, but PaPa & MaMa are certain that Little is capable to manage the lesson. Her enthusiasm for ballet have very well demonstrated two weeks ago when she insisted to join the class with her JieJie. Also, this little sleepy head can never get up for any activities when she is deeply asleep. But when I mentioned the word "Ballet", she would sprang up from her sleep and get Kakak to dress her! 

When I reminded Big C to practice how to hop, Little C overheard us, and ran towards me and said "MaMa, Little C can hop like ballet." Hahaha...She wanted to show-off to me that she can hop too just like JieJie. 

Well, Two Baby Ballerinas in the making. :P

As for Shichida, lessons carry on as usual. Looking forwards for new challenges for both Cs. 

A New Episode of Chloe's Growing Up Timeline

Emblem of the Class

Class Timetable

 Playtime before Class commence.

Hooray, Big C takes the initiative to join in her new friends on her first day of K1. My little girl is rather shy and quiet though. She listened and observed but did not speak a words to her new friends. Well, it's her FIRST day with her NEW friends in a New Class. I am happy that she is keeping herself away from the crowd. Thumbs UP! Baby! Muak!

The Class commence. 

Class Teacher : Ms. Saw Koon

"Choo Choo the Big Train is going down the track now!"

Children in the line, ready for a toilet break.

Yeah. Big C is the shortest in the class. I am sorry, baby.

You might have to stay short and cute like MaMa. :P

So, Baby, EXERCISE & GOOD DIET will help you grow Taller!!

Oh, First day of K1, the cutie little girl before Chloe, little Jaz, turned to Chloe and said, "Hey, don't touch me. I am not your friend!" LOL, so cute just like when I was little. 

The tall little girl at the back of Chloe, on the other hand, hold Chloe's hand tight and said, "Chloe, follow me. Come Come!" Her name is Clarissa, hehehe.. ya.. one alphabet away from Little C. 

2013 School Plan for my Princesses

Clarisse

A few months ago, I had registered Clarisse to P&J to join her JieJie. I thought it will the perfect plan for my girls and ME! P&J has a better learning environment compared to VY, it's open air, it's a proper school, it's more organized and it covers more aspects and not just language. MOREOVER, I just need to drop off both girls at the same place which makes it EASIER for me. :P

However, I have changed my mind after a few considerations.

I think for Clarisse to repeat her nursery programme twice is not very effective in terms of learning. Despite that P&J told me they will set a totally different learning programmes, and that it will be more challenging programme for the kids on the 2nd year of their nursery. Still, it was not so convincing to me. Especially I found out that there was a boy in Chloe's class refused to attend the class because he found the class boring as he had learnt all the songs, phonics, activities before. Considering the learning capability of 3 - 4 year-old, I am rather skeptical on how challenging it will be on the 2nd year of nursery. There will be new kids who need the same programme. 

Hmm... It put a question mark in my head for a while before I decided to change the plan.

Clarisse attended VY for 4 months, so far, I paid the fees to Ms. A and she did not report to me on Clarisse's progress like Ms. C did when I sent Chloe to VY previously. When I asked Ms. A, she briefly reported that Clarisse is a very steady girl and progressing well so far. I didn't drill further as I was not expecting wonders from Clarisse, who does not know all her alphabets at this stage. All I know, she is trying to learn a few words -"FiFi, Kim, Daddy, Mommy, Here, I,..." I think so far these are all I heard from Clarisse. I just want her to mingle with children of the similar age group. 

But, lately, she had definitely improved in her understanding of colouring skill, in the sense that she is able to fill up empty space, but again, very much depending on her mood that day. This little girl is played by her mood. *Sigh* Terrible! 

At this age, 2 years + 4 months, she is able to draw circles & triangles on her own. I taught her how to draw a square, I love to see how she attempted even though she did not make a square. There was a slight technicality to be adjusted to form a square. :P Just slightly, almost a square. 

I believe she will be able to do it soon. Aiyoh, so much Grandmother story, what I am trying to say that, maybe VY is a better choice for Clarisse. She has a generally good body immune to fight against germs and bacterias in her learning place, and she is able to learn to read, to write, to color, to play, which is a totally different programme from P&J. More importantly, the fees is 1/2 what I am going to pay to P&J. 

So, I don't' mind the hassle. Frankly speaking, not much of hassle since it's actually on my way to my work place. So? Not an issue to be worried at all, and I had all the "going-home" transportation well covered for both girls even though it's TWO locations :P 

So, Clarisse is going to join P&J 2nd half of the year 2013 OR most probably 2014. We will see!

I am not so sure if I mentioned it before that Clarisse was noising about going to Ballet. Yes, I am sending her to join her Jie Jie for Ballet in Year 2013. It's not an extra chore for me since they are going to attend it at the same time. It will be later when Chloe carries on to the next level. For now it's good, both are going to attend Baby Ballet. 

Chloe is good! Her learning programmes are pretty much fixed. She is going to attend her K1 programme in P&J, BaoBei Chinese 3 time weekly, Shichida & Ballet Lesson. I am trying to think how to fit her into VY. She had definitely picked up reading from VY even though she attended for such a short duration. She took out the books from the bookshelves and no longer tearing them. Instead, she uses her magical Pointer to point and read, it was not all perfect because at times she was guessing and murmured through the words she was not sure. I am happy to see that she is gradually developing the habit of picking up the books even though she is PRETENDING to read. At this stage, I think she is going WELL and hopefully I can commit more time to go through the reading habit with both my princesses. Hmm..I am not a person who reads a lot, it's time for me to pick up the Reading Habit TOO in order to set a good role model. :P

Maybe, I will throw Clarisse to BaoBei if she is willing to join. Otherwise, I will just forget about it. For some reasons, Clarisse does not like going to BaoBei. I will try when the term starts again.

What else. Hahaha..It seems that I am a kiasu mother who wants my children to be Dragon or Phoenix in this case. NO! That's not my intention. I just love planning activities for my children, and my children loves what I have planned for them. If you don't believe it, COME!, ask them yourself. I am not lying! LOL. They find these activities fun, why should I stop. It's FUN to learn. PERFECT.

I am actually trying to find a swimming coach for my girls. The previous coach is too costly, and I don't think is justifiable since I am not training them to be national swimmers. My intention is to get them to enjoy a sport, Swimming is a good sport! I want them to overcome the fear of floating in a big POOL. I want them to be able to swim, and later swim for leisure. Is it too young? No! At this age, I think swimming is the ONLY sport for the girls. If you know any good coach in KL, please share with me, ya? 

Bear Bear Sandwiches for my Darlings

Bear Bear Sandwiches

- 4 slices of Bread

- 2 slices of cheese

- Peanut Butter - For the Nose

- Strawberry Jam - For the Mouth

- Raisins - eyes

- Nutella - Ears & Nose

- 1 Bear Sandwich Mold

It's school holiday, why do I need to prepare Bento for my girls? Little C is in sort of enhancement programme center (*not exactly a preschool), and it doesn't follow the public school holidays. Whereas Big C's school is closed for holiday but she is currently attending the same programme as my Little C. 

Big C was in the same center, VY, before she joined P&J. She told me that she miss the "Kitchen Station" in VY, so when I suggested that I will send her to join Little C, she was so delighted and looking forwards to go to "school" with her sister. 

Some ask do I have to go to an extend to make her LEARN LEARN LEARN even during her holidays. Hmmm... I consider her nursery completed with lots of fun and learning, and I am very certain that attending school definitely means FUN more than STRESS. Staying at home alone playing with the same toys and watching the same tv programme over and over again cannot beat the fun of joining her peers to play and learn new things at the same time. Right?

Anyway, Both Little & Big C loves going to VY. When they throw tantrum in the morning, I will threaten them that I won't be sending them to VY. Believe it or not, upon hearing it, they both would turn themselves to become a sweet angel. No more crying, No more tantrum. :P

2012 Mother's Day Present from Chloe

I always envy those moms who always received gifts from their children on their birthday, mother's day or any other celebration events. I never get one those TLC gifts before because my girls are too young to understand these commercialized events. :P Besides, PaPa told me that he will never be caught in these kinds of commercialized celebration. Therefore, do not expect him to initiate on the celebration or even lead my children to make something for me these special occasions. YES! It's a very very materialistic world, we are all trapped in these Commercial Occasions. 

I told him to join me @ the P&J for the Mother's Day Celebration so that he can help us record down the Mother's Day Celebration. Initially, he said "See first. But most probably, you will be going alone!" until I told him that "I won't inform him if there is a Father's Day event, and you won't get to go!" I guessed he  felt threatened and didn't want us to leave him out of 'HIS' special days, so he went to P&J with me TODAY! :P 

MaMa's first Mother's Day present from Chloe. A Keychain made by Chloe & MaMa @ P&J. Thanks to P&J and Thanks to Mrs. Zue for being so thoughtful.

This is the back of the keychain.

I shall update more photos which was taken by PaPa, and THANKS to PaPa, Ya!

Chinese for Chloe...

I may sound super "Kiasu" from the Blog subject, but I am definitely not the champion. :p Chloe is turning age 4 this nov. But, she will be joining all the 2008's children for Primary 1 (Standard 1) which is 2.1/2 years away. It may sounds really far away, but I think I must somehow start planning for it.

Weeks ago, my mom asked me whether if I am sending Chloe to a Chinese school for her primary education. Without hesitation, I answered "OF COURSE". My initial plan was 

- 1 year in "Learning Through Play" School / Montessori

- 2 years in Kue Cheng Kindergarden so that she can pick up some Mandarin

- 6 years Primary Education in Kue Cheng Primary School.

After having Chloe in P&J for months, MaMa is completely indulging the warmth and friendliness emits from each of every teachers and staffs. The privilege of having most teachers and staffs to recognize me that I am Chloe's MaMa. MaMa could pick up Chloe without a Car Tag, the teacher could easily recognizes me and called out Chloe's name on the PA system so that they can send Chloe to my car. This is what I call a perfect dismissal for both parent and child. It's safe, it's organized, it's absolutely stress-free! What I like most is that whenever Chloe's class teacher sees me in the school, she always comes to me with a nice warm greeting and updates me about how Chloe was doing at school spontaneously. Seriously, Mrs Zue has the power of mind-reading, and she can always answer my questions in my mind. So perfect!

Sigh...Now comes to the time to decide which CHINESE SCHOOLS becomes even tougher because I just can't bear to take away Chloe's happy childhood by sending her to a school which is strictly academic and discipline. Chinese schools are known very strict and the tendency to correct children's bad behavior through punishment like caning. I am Chinese-educated. I survived! It was a lot easier for me because I am a 100% "CINA" brought up in a 100% MALAYSIAN CHINESE environment. Of course, I struggled a lot during my college times as English was the only language used throughout my further studies. :P

Ya. Why would I think that Chloe might not be able to cope in the Chinese School? Geezzz... People said kids thrive in any environments that we put them in, the problems always lie with the parents who underestimate their children's real capability. We are the interference of our children's development and the path towards independent. YA! I know all these facts. I think i have too much "TLC" flowing in my blood, oozing continuously...... Kakakaka...

Why Chinese school? 

1. Because it has better discipline (what an irony! I know! It was just one minute ago that I complained about their strictness on children's discipline!) 

2. I want my children to use their own mother-language, able to read, write & speak in proper Mandarin.

3. I want my children to learn to thrive in a harsher environment so that they will be tougher ?!!!!

Now, these are the only schools that I have in mind now :-

坤城小学

中华小学

黎明小学

中国公学

These are the only chinese primary school that I know. Somehow I know Li Ming is not possible because of the location. Even Kue Cheng is also out of the way but it is definitely top in my list. Zhong Hua was my Primary School, My parents' primary school, my cousins', my brother's, my aunties and uncles. It had a good long history, but honestly I didn't like the community because Zhong Hua is famous in making "Ah Lian" and "Ah Beng". Ok FINE! I was AH LIAN too! :p Just didn't like idea of Chloe or Clarisse being part of the Lian-Beng Category. Zhong Guo is highly recommended by my mom because she receives lot of hearsays from Yi Ma Gu Jie that it is a highly respected chinese school. I have not heard of it before until she mentioned about it. Then, i googled a little about it, apparently, it is a famous chinese school who is at par with Kue Cheng. Sigh... I visited Kue Cheng kindergarden before, I really liked it there. I am not sure will it be too taxing for Chloe to travel to school everyday with massive traffic for her 8 years of life - 2 years kindergarden and 6 years primary. Geez...I don't even want to think about her secondary life yet. 

I called up Zhong Guo, and I was told that I should register 2008 child by next year. Argghhh...I have 7 months more to make my decision. I have heard some parents from P&J already registered their children into XXXX Chinese Primary School in Desa Park City or wherever they stay. I googled and found Kepong 3 is the only Chinese school there, but it is definitely out of the way.  

What is this MaMa doing? MaMa is enjoying P&J way too much that I infact was considering to place Chloe at P&J for another year so that I can also send Clarisse to P&J next year. This way, Chloe can 'sort of' take care of Clarisse. Primary School? I am stuck at Kindy's choice, how can I proceed with the registration of Primary School? Arghhhh.... So scary! My mom said she never had these problems with 4 of us (2 brothers and 1 sister). She chose the nearer school available. Ha! 

Chloe's Artwork @ P&J

Today, PaPa & MaMa sent Chloe to school. Chloe was delighted but she is afterall not a morning bird, she was rather quiet after she stepped into her classroom. Mrs. Zue once again told us that Chloe always take a while to warm up herself before she becomes active. Mrs. Zue also added that she loves to sing and she can sing very well, but need to warm up first. Hahahaha.... Anyway, MaMa took the opportunity to take a look at the art boards in the classroom and found Chloe's work @P&J. :P 

Chloe playing with Animal Puzzle

PaPa & MaMa agrees that this MASTERPIECE is definitely not by Chloe. Mrs. Zue or Ms. May must had helped her through the coloring. Anyway, STILL VERY NICE!

Obviously, this is MaMa's Favourite! So Sweet!

Grapes. Nice!

Mandarin Orange! This is the best SHOT I have in my iphone. :( 

Can see is an orange right? :P

I guess... this is a Milkshake? Ovaltine FLOAT?

Don't tell me, Let me guess what is this? 

Ohhh...It's French Fries. 

And Burger and ??? PaPa said Pancake. MaMa said Curry Puff. Haha... 

Don't know what exactly is the half-round brown "thing" but definitely is a kind of FOOD! Hiyah.... should have just asked Mrs. Zue, right?

Strawberries and Grapes

Fish! Red Polka Dot Fish, Chloe said. 

First Field Trip

8th Mar 2012 - Chloe's Long awaited FIRST FIELD TRIP to Lake Garden. MaMa and PaPa were equally excited as this would be Chloe's first outing without PaPa and MaMa. We could not imagine how it would turn out as we must admit that we are both very protective (or maybe slightly "over"-protective) towards our girls. Finally, the BIG DAY had arrived, and PaPa "volunteered" to send Chloe to school together with MaMa. 

Chloe knew that this day is her First Field Trip at the Playground together with her friends and Mrs. Zue. Chloe rose willingly without tears and groaning. So Smart!!! Although she did not moan for tiredness or lack of sleep, nevertheless, MaMa can't help to notice her heavy eye bags which had betrayed her "fake" energy displayed upon her face. 

We arrived school at about 8.10am and Chloe had been sluggish the whole morning, especially after the 10mins nap on the journey to school. Yet, Chloe did not complained a word or misbehaved. Once arrived school, she jumped into the line which belong to her class. She sat quietly together with her classmate until the Head Teacher announced that there will be a change of destination due to the rain. The school teachers did not want to disappoint the children, they actually send someone to the Lake Garden to check out the Playground if it was still wet and muddy. Inevitably, the heavy rain had actually flooded some part of the playground and the Garden was definitely WET and MUDDY. 

In the end, the Head Teacher announced again that they were going to Museum instead of the Muddy Lake Garden. Apparently, we don't think these kids would appreciate the Museum, however, these kids were contented enough that they were still going for a FIELD TRIP to "anywhere" & "Burger King". Yes, the school had already arranged Burger King for their lunch. Of course, with the consent of parents.  :P

They departed at 9am sharp with two buses. 1 teacher & 3 helpers (volunteered mommies) against 10 children in a class. I was quite confident that these kids will be safe and they will undoubtedly enjoyed their FIELD TRIP! 

I am not sure what they did at the Museum. All I know my darling Chloe came back with a HAPPY and ENERGETIC face. She certainly enjoyed her field trip. When MaMa asked her what she did on her field trip, all she said was she saw "Fountain". Ya, I didn't expect her to come back with history or science particulars. MaMa proceeded to ask her about her lunch, she gave me a cheeky looks and said quietly , " I had fries and burger, and nuggets and..." She paused.

"Anything else?" MaMa continued, "Did you eat ICE-CREAM?"

She nodded excitedly. Haha...She wanted to hide it from us but we actually found the EVIDENCE on her nose. There were white stains on her nose and mouth, which were sticky. NO WHERE TO HIDE, dear. 

These kids started to look really tired after the field trip EXCEPT for my girl. *sigh* She was still very excited about her field trip and told MaMa that she wants to go for another field trip with her friends and teachers.