Sarah Nicole

This is Sarah Nicole Liu. She is about nine months younger than joelle but she is already as tall. Well, her parents (Tommy and Nalini) are tall people... and it runs in the genes. Look at me and my husband and you will know where joelle got her genes from. Anyway, tall or not, as long as joelle is happy, I'm sure it won't matter too much. They might be great pals for all you know. The future's in their little hands.

Bargaining power

My little girl has learned to bargain. One night she was on her potty and I ask her to poo. She said she wanted to have a piece of plum. I told her she can have ONE if she poos. She thought for a while and said "Erm... I want MANY" and I thought no harm as it is healthy stuff so I said "if you poo, mummy will give you MANY." She smiled, thought again and asked "pee pee can give ONE?"

Can you believe it? She tried to trick me into agreeing that since she can have MANY if she poos, so if she pees, she can at least have ONE. At two years old, she can BARGAIN! It's scary isn't it? Children's development these days... even with my study of child psychology... are beyond my expectation. Seems like Joelle is a better teacher or at least a more up-to-date reality teacher.

The 2nd Birthday party

Joelle enjoyed her birthday party so much she cant sleep. Which means she cant wake up for play school this morning. Poor girl... if only mummy took the day off then she could sleep in later. Well... life in commercial Singapore doesnt allow mummy not to work unless of course... we have another baby than its more worth it to stop working and care for them both.

To those who attended her party, many THANKS for making a little child happy.

To those who cant attend her birthday, many THANKS for your thoughts and blessings.

To the little ones who came for the party, THANKS for brightening the nursery room.

Finally to every body, THANK YOU. We had a great time and we hope you did too.

See you next year!

Philosophy talk

Sometimes I wonder if Im a true blue Singaporean or perhaps a true blue Asian. I pursue education for purposes other than competitive employability. I did film studies cos it's what I enjoy doing. In fact I could say that creativity is my passion. I still enjoy photography, videography, art direction etc... Im still comin up with creative ideas for my daughter's albums, blogs, scrapbooking and video clips. The only obstacle I come across is time. I work in the day for DSTA. I work at night for JCM. Where can I find the time to engage in any passion. (Hmmm... my husband might get me to quit one now)

Im completing the degree in psychology this year and again its cos Im interested in the subject esp. the modules about child development. I actually did 40 credits on child alone. In fact looking at Joelle now, I think she is the result of attending cognitive psychology when I was pregnant with her. So mothers-to-be... take note.

Next I want to take up early childhood teaching and maybe commercial law. Both are for practical reasons this time. I still yearn to do something I can enjoy. This current job is definately not where I see myself in 2006 unless I need to. I hope to do something more creative and preferably more flexible in terms of timing. Best bet is to run my own creative business. Hmmm... is it night already?

It's funny how I dont see money as the main piority in my life. I never did. Since I was young, I work just to travel. Now I work so my daughter can have a good life. I believe in quality time and loving life. If I have to be miserable working, I'd rather not work. If I have to spend time with my daughter or husband, it has to be totally dedicated to them. That's me and my philosophy. Life is short, love it.

Joelle is frustrated

My little angel suddenly became a little devil yesterday. She was angry with me when I refused to let her eat in the car so she grumbled the entire journey. I decided to give her space to vent her pent up feelings - she might be facing lots of stress from school or friends or teachers or maybe the fact that she cant verbally express herself adequately frustrates her. I continued driving till a shoe flew across my face and hit the steering wheel before landing between my accelerator and brakes! I pulled the car over and really discipline her for pulling that dangerous stunt. Now I'm frustrated! I believe she understood what happened as she showed some guilt and she actually apologize quite willingly! "SORRY" is the most difficult word to make her say. At two she is already so full of pride and understand the meaning of that word. I'm starting to worry about that actually. Pride got me down many times in my younger days and I don't want her to lead the same prideful life like I did before. I have learnt that dignity is all we need and pride is ... well... good if you have a control over it.

My little angel... My little baby, I pray for your wisdom more so now than intelligence. And I pray too for the grace and patience to guide her thru life's trialing journey. Amen.

ABC and 123

At 23 months, Joelle could count from one to ten but she would always leave out number five. Since young she would give five a miss, don't know why. "One, Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten" She is also starting to recite the ABC now but still quite far from being able to sing that alphabet song. It's just so amazing to watch her grow.