Lego time!

Lately, I have graduated Ethan from his set of wooden ABC blocks to the more sophisticated looking blocks; the good old Lego Duplo. We have been building airplanes, somewhat-giraffe-looking animal, a green-man, and incomprehensible objects (well ,my husband calls it "building out-of-the-box"; hmm, that didn't sound too bad really) just to name a few.

Anyhow, just when I feel so proud after constructing something interesting looking, my engineer-in-the-making will seize it away and de-construct them, each one of them into pieces, back to its original shape … after EVERY ONE MINUTE of play. Speaking about short attention span. Never thought my effort could last only a minute?!?

I can only do less than 10 minutes each lego session and I have obviously run out of objects to impress him.

I think we need new toys.

Gee, I can’t wait to see him construct his own objects because obviously I can’t wait to de-construct them!

Ethan's Piggie Bank

We received a huge parcel one day from Ben and May, all the way from Gold Coast via Sarawak. Ben called earlier to alert us to expect a parcel. Knowing Ben, he is so not a parcel guy. Therefore I concluded that it was the works of his ever brilliant wife, May. They got hitched not too long ago in the Gold Coast. I attended it and oh my, it was beautiful. Never attended a wedding where I could possibly tear every 5 minutes. Will write about it another time.

Anyway, Ben and May had told us that the parcel would be for Ethan and therefore when we got it, we told Ethan that it was for him and he could open it up.

He was so excited and slammed both his little hands on the box, trying to show us that he knew it was for him. Then he carefully pulled the strings off from the box (mind you, he did it as if he knew how to untie a dead knot!). Of course it didn’t work. We had to help him.

Ethan loves to open presents. We found that out when we gave him a wrapped parcel and he showed great interest in trying to rip the wrappers off. Also, he will give us this look this look, hinting to us that he needs help. Well, yes. He is growing fast. Sigh!

Ethan meticulously trying to untie the string. Well, we applauded him for his effort. And nope, he didn't manage to untie anything.

We helped him open his present and he was estatic to see such a cute looking piggie.

And obviously. He loves it.

And yes, we shall be teaching him the values of saving up his coins... just like the good old days.

Ethan - Starting Solids

When Ethan turned 6 months on the 1st June, I was really excited wanting to see how he'd react when this alien spoon reached his tiny mouth with some white gluey paste in it. We have been training him with the spoon for the past month, feeding him just water using a baby weaning spoon.

We follow strictly the recommended time when solids should be introduced, and according to the WHO, it is best to introduce solids to infant at and around 6 months old because the iron stores that baby gained will begin to run low and a full term baby will need the iron from other sources. Therefore it is important for the little one to gain a balanced nutritional intake. Also, it is a perfect time to start him at this point because he is showing massive signs that he is ready for solids (he drools a whole lot, puts everything and anything into his mouth, sucks his thumb profusely). I was told by my pediatrician that the danger begins when we deliberately start him much later (after he has shown all these signs but we still insist on not starting him on solids until much later) will do more harm than good. And if infants are not introduced to solids after 6 months, they will then to rely on their milk intake only. This is dangerous as milk alone will not be able to sustain a growing infant’s nutrient requirements.

Therefore, we started him right on the dot when he turned 6 months old. This little champion took us by surprise because it actually turned out quite alright as I was expecting him to throw out 50% of his baby cereal. He really did made us proud by showing us that he can eat, and I mean eat properly. He did not kick any fuss, but welcomed each spoonfuls of cereal by opening up his mouth and launching himself forward excitedly every time when he sees his food coming close to his direction.

Referring to a little note written by his pediatrician:

1st week : Baby cereal anytime between 5 - 7 pm
2nd week : Baby cereal anytime between 7-9am and 5-7pm
3rd week : Mashed fruits and vegetables

I am at week one! 2 more week sto go... What kind of mashies should I start?
Carrots, avocado, Carrots, avocado, Carrots, avocado, Carrots, avocado, ... Avocado!

the young lims

Ian Lim, our first Godson now 5 years old, has turned out to be a fine young man.

Pio Lim, born 1 week after our wedding is known to be Mr. Smiley for his generous cheerful smiles.

And we shall wait, one more Lim on the way... in 7 months time!