Kyla

Kyla is very particular about how she looks.  Whenever we are going out. she will quickly run to her cupboard after her bath and choose the clothes she would want to wear, the matching hair clips and even matching ear rings ( of course the fake ones lah!)

At 4 years plus, she can tell you what goes with what and which cols will look good together.  She has been asking for a pair of high heels many months ago but the mummy had been delaying the purchase as I felt it will not be good for her feet at such a young age.  And so almost everyday, she will look longingly at my shoes and asked why am I taking so long to find something similar for her.  Finally the daddy caved in and bought her a pair of Cinderalla heels.

 Then next comes the jewellery.  She has been asking for a smilar necklace like mine.  Hey, she is knows what is a good thing as mine was a white gold necklace with a diamond pendent.  So the mummy had to scout around before settling something from Perlini Silver that looks similar.

Her treasure box also contains a lipstick for her to put on for special occasion.  I know given time, she will ask for the whole works complete with mascara and eye liner!!

Hmmmm…I wonder where she get this trait from?  Not from me as I am not very particular and my clothes and accessories are super basic.  I think from my sisters, Karen and Val who have great fashion sense!!

middle child

Ariel is the second child in the family and that makes her the middle one among the three kids. 

Karen, my sis asked whether she has any middle child symptoms and I replied no as she is very independent and cheerful young lady.  Cheeky at times but loved her younger brother very much till Elkan had to object after the non stopping hugs and kisses from her!!

But Karen mentioned that she felt that Ariel is a little bit neglected!  I was shocked as I had tried so hard to make sure that the kids get almost equal ( as it is impossible to make everything equal) attention from me.  After some soul searching, I realized that there is some truth in it.

Kyla, being the eldest girl knows that way to the daddy’s heart and is a typical “daddy’s girl”.  She knows how to manja and coax the daddy to give her what she wants.

Elkan, being the youngest is demanding and will whine till he gets all the attention!  Being a cheerful and cheeky boy certainly helps and everyone is tickled when he performs any of his naughty antics!

Ariel is neither the eldest nor the youngest.  Being the quieter one, she does not demand the attention like the brother.  She is also very independent and is able to complete a lot of chores or hurdles by herself. She is very confident and generous.  When she has new toys or food, she will gladly share with the siblings or friends.  But once the food is gone, she will come to you for more.  If someone gives her a sweet or candy, she will ask for another one for the sister or brother. And as she does not demand for attention, it is very true that she gets the least attention from the daddy and me.    Unintentional, we had neglected her!

The only good thing is that she does not feel unloved or insecure in any way.  Neither is she jealous of the youngest brother.  Instead she is secure in the knowledge that both of us love her as much and she is able to love her brother and others in a most generous manner. 

But tonight, I will still kiss her tonight and tell my dearest daughter that I love her!!

ariel birthday at school

This is the cake that Ariel insisted on having for her birthday!  Strawberry shortcake!

But when it is time to blow the candles, Ariel was so shy and hid from the camera.  And Elkan was puzzled as to why “jie jie” is acting like that.

Instead Elkan looked as if it was his birthday celebration!

At last, a smile from the birthday girl!

driving lessons

For those who know me long enough will understand that it is my second attempt in learning how to drive.  My first attempt was 5 years back.  I was already learning the last portion about parking before I was “forced” to stop!  Because I was having the horrible feelings of wanting to vomit while driving as I was in my first trimester of pregnancy.  Before I got pregnant, all I heard about was the morning sickness but I suffered the evening sickness where the vomiting will start at 5pm.  And I wondered why, till I realised that it will be morning in the other part of the world like the United States.  So maybe these people are right after all.

Anyway, back to driving lessons.  I am currently learning at the official driving centre at UBI.  Cost me a small bomb for every 100 min of lesson.  The best part is that it is very systematic.  The bad part ( since nothing is perfect!) is that you get different instructors almost everytime.  Was on two lessons yesterday and was really confused after the 200 min of torture!

The first instructor was very detailed and focused.  He was all out to impart all he knows to help me to drive better.  But I got so confused and stressed because his instructions can be so different from the previous instructors.  Eg,: must clutch in before the car vibrates as you come to a stop, the previous instructor is not to clutch in too early, wait for the car to have the slight vibration first.  Another one : Don’t release the clutch too soon, accelerate and then release the clutch slowly.  The previous instructor is to release the clutch as soon as the gear is changed so that the gear can be effectivly engaged.  In the end I drove badly as I was so distracted by his incessent instructions.  I was very discouraged too. 

Then came my second lesson of the day, a simply “bo chap” guy.  He just said, “OK, let’s do 4 test routes today.”.  I started driving and he just relaxed in his seat.  Occasionally he just mentioned to watch out for the particular car or pedestrian.  He gave me encouragements occasionally when I drove well.  And I did so well that I regained my confidence!   

I guessed I learnt something in the process.  Parenting is similar too.  If you are too protective and tried to stop the kids from making any mistakes, the kids will not learn or build their confidence,  They will always look to you for further instructions before they proceed. 

But if you are willing to let go, not be so kiasi or kiasu, the kids will be able to grow and learn as they make their own decisions along the way.  As parents, we can guide them gently and nudge them in the right way if they stray too far.  And to praise them when they do well or learn from the mistakes.

And after all these, I look forward to my next driving lesson!