C is three. He has yet to receive formal education.
First time teaching C how to spell and I did not anticipate such a result. It was way too easy, I was dumbfounded. Taught him twice and he was spelling his name on 3rd attempt.
Perhaps something more challenging for him tomorrow!
With the return of haze, C has been having bad reflux and choking episodes since last week. Over Good Friday weekend, I started cough assist and regular suctioning to help clear the extra secretions. Hopefully the haze would clear and we will have clean air soon.
C gets his haircut at a barber opposite our house. When he was younger, I used to carry him while the Malay uncle cut and shaved his head. Because of the way his head rested on my shoulder, both of us ended up with plenty of hair all over. Not a great experience. Now with C getting taller, he sits on my lap while I support his back and neck/head. Either way, it's tiring and uncomfortable for us. That prompted me to DIY.
Previously I have tried simple trimming but this time round, it's a full cut and shave on a headful of thick hair, a good 2 inches long (see photo on left).
Life with our special child is like a roller coaster ride mixed with plenty of upside downs, sharp drops and spin arounds. Days with them go by this momentum, the highs and the lows.
But today, something happened for the first time.
Almost like a miracle.
A two month wait, vendor finally has a chair suitable for C to try out. He was super excited over the trip to the warehouse today. Everything went really well. A mere 5-minute crash course, C was on his own steering his chair. Guessed what was the first thing he wanted to do? To play catch with daddy and mommy!
There were no words to express my joy in seeing him moved around on his own. We cheered, we clapped, we smiled and we saw the sparkles in his eyes. Priceless. The videos say it all.
We recently did a story with Our Better World, a digital storytelling initiative of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF). The story was released on website and on Facebook on 24 February 2016. For those who have not read, do check out the sites.
There will also be a photo exhibition - World Through My Eyeson 28 February 2016, 9.30am to 2.30pm at Blk 7 Gillman Barracks, Malan Road, Singapore 109444. Exhibition is organised by RDSS. Please do show your support!
"Mummy! Mummy! Who's here??" C asked excitedly, shaking his body.
He was expecting a mini birthday celebration this afternoon and insisted on waiting while resting at the sofa. But little did he know that Nurse Serene, Uncle Desmond and Auntie Cindy had planned a surprise. When the special troupe made a grand entrance, goofy clowns, adorable puppets, ukulele and all, C only had eyes for Nurse Serene. He was quick to scan the crowd and immediately called out "Is that Auntie Serene? Auntie Serene is here!". Pretty sure that made Nurse Serene's heart fuzzy and warm kekeke.
What followed was an hour of clowning around, singing to catchy tunes, balloon twisting, puppetry and silly magic tricks. It was made extra entertaining because of C's participation.
Here are some clips of them singing the birthday song and C awed by a 'magic trick'.
And finally, the cake and candles blowing. Many thanks to Starpals and volunteers who made this possible. C had so much fun!
Yesterday was Punggol Neighbourhood Watch Day. My daughter and her schoolmates were invited to perform for the special guests. We also took the opportunity to get out of the house for some outdoor fun.
It was a day of many first for the children. Cayla's first public stage performance. C first taste of candy floss and first time on the bouncy castle.
At the fair, C pestered me to go on the slide. Unfortunately he has grown so tall it was quite impossible for me to slide with him on my lap. Tried to talk my way out but like any 3-year-old, he was persistent, cried and gave me the 'bad mommy' deadly stare. In the end, we settled for a short play on the bouncy castle. He was all smiles and giggles. And it's mission accomplished! Nothing better than a satisfied, happy child.
Strangely, that particular night, C was found lying on his stomach tirelessly moving his legs. Curious I asked why he was doing that. Came this reply:
"I'm exercising my legs... exercising my legs mummy. I need to exercise my legs"
"I need my legs to be stronger... then I can walk"
Then again this morning, C made a remark out of the blue, "Mommy! I want to be a ballerina next time so that I can spin round and round and I won't fall down".
A little boy with so much positivity and dreams. He is so firm on getting stronger and being mobile. I hope he will make it closer to his dreams one day.
