My Desert Rose

"Fu Gui" plant or some would call 'desert rose'. My confinement lady gave me a 'fu gui' plant to add to my collection - the dark red type. Very nice.

And the plant just bore fruit which is not a regular thing. My nursery advised me to lightly tie the fruits up or bag it up coz once the fruit becomes ripe, it will break open and the wind will blow the precious seeds away. I didn't understand that :p. I would never have thought that the seeds once exposed are actually very light and featherly. Just my blurr-ness despite my passion for gardening - but it's never too late to learn ;) Well, I have never seen one before! Here is how the seeds look like.

I had fun! I took some pots and started planting the seeds. I was told that 'fu gui' planted from seeds will have very nice roots and 'bongsai' like. Really excited! I have planted 36 seeds. Some flown away unfortunately. Can't wait to see how many successful ones I'll get :).

Just fyi - For those stalks that we cut from the 'fu gui' plant and stick it to the soil, those cut stalks will not have 'nice' roots but will still grow into a good plant.

It's simple to take care. All it needs is plenty of sun, less water (like once every 2 days or no watering during rainy days) and fertilize once every 2 weeks! I was advised to use Japanese soil ... and mixed with red soil (dry soil). And if you are particular, there is a type of fertilizer specially for 'fu gui' plant .. less salty. Have fun!

Tribute to MJ - 7 voices from 1 guy!

I just MUST share this with you. Absolutely fantastic!

There is this young guy from Yale University who made a video of himself and his buddy to honor the legendary Michael Jackson. His name is Sam Tsui. What's really impressive is that what appears to be a group of singers is actually himself x 7 (wearing 3 different shirts, same jeans) performing 7 different vocals to MJ medley - and to me, it's beyond good! And the editing putting it all together - wow WOW!

Check this out! Here it is :)

New Scholastic Booklist again!

My son's kindy recently sent out a new booklist from the Scholastic Book Clubs. This is one booklist that I keep looking out for. Besides cheap pricing, the books are really good and relevant for young readers. In my earlier post, I have some photos of the books I recently bought. I don't mind getting more to create a little library for my kids. After Ryan, they can be passed on to little Raymund and little Rachel. Books are treasures and a great investment. My views :)

Meant for preschoolers, the list actually coded the recommended books by the level of reading difficulty. I went for the easier ones as I'd like to encourage my son to read more and the different stories to create interest in reading. The books are quite cheap after the discounts. And the Clifford Phonics Fun Pack that I bought recently, that I found so useful ... I found another version. I hope to get all versions. Emailed to the customer service but no reply so far :(. Anyway, what could have costed RM47.80 from a regular bookstore is only RM28 for a pack of 12 books. I got a few other books too.. intended to pass from Ryan to his siblings. Hopefully, they can last that long ... knowing my kids :)

I showed this booklist to one of my friends with a kindy-going kid. Seems that his kindy also distribute Scholastic booklists on periodical basis. It's better than to buy from a bookstore :)

Whilst we can get English books through our kids schools from publisher/distributer like Scholastics, I have yet to see any for Chinese and Malay books. I'm still scouting for good ones for my preschoolers. No such luck yet. Happy if someone can give me some pointers :)

Inspiring Music: Hannah Montana's The Climb

I just watched Hannah Montana the Movie quite recently. Ya, its a kids show but I really like the music, The Climb. Very inspiring and spur you on - whether in life, at home or at work. I'd like to share it with you. Here goes:

I can almost see it.
That dream I'm dreamin
But there's a voice inside my head saying you'll never reach it.
Every step I'm taking.
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction.
My faith is shakin.
But I,I gotta keep tryin.
Gotta keep my head held high.

There's always gonna be another mountain.
I'm always gonna wanna make it move.
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there.
Ain't about what's waitin on the other side.
It's the climb.

The struggles I'm facing.
The chances I'm taking.
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking.
I may not know it but these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah.
Just gotta keep going.
And I, I gotta be strong.
Just keep pushing on 'cause,


There's always gonna be another mountain.
I'm always gonna wanna make it move.
Always gonna be an uphill battle
But Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there.
Ain't about what's waitin on the other side.
It's the climb.

Yeah-yeah

There's always gonna be another mountain.
I'm always gonna wanna make it move.
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes you're gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there.
Ain't about what's waitin on the other side.
It's the climb.

Yeah-yeah-yea

Keep on moving,
Keep climbing,
Keep the faith,
Baby.

Its all about,
Its all about the climb.
Keep your faith,
Keep your faith.

Whoa, O Whoa.

Little Rachel Recovering. It's Mummy's Turn Now - lol

Little Rachel's fever finally stopped recurring since yesterday ... after 6 days 6 nights of me freaking out. Her rashes broke out on Sunday..spreaded on Monday.. and on the way to recovery now. She is still having rashes all over but it is less red and swollen now. The better outcome from this ordeal is that her double eyelid emerged again - she's cute with it.

Some people advised me to give her young coconut water to reduce her body heat in view of the viral infection or 'kar mar' in cantonese. I asked my confinement lady - they know alot about such things and chinese remedies :) - she said coconut water is not suitable for my little girl since she is under 1 year old. Cause 'wind' she said. The better is to look for a Chinese medicine called 'ling yung' and 'sai ngau' and double boil with a bit of rock sugar for 2-3 hours. It will help reduce body heat and detox. At the chinese medicine shop, I got the 'ling yung' (look like shredded white flakes') plus some other stuff prepacked. Unfortunately, 'sai ngau' has been banned by government. When asked about the young coconut water again, same advice. Don't give my little girl. Combined with the chinese medicine, it will be too 'cool' ('leong' in cantonese) for her which will lead to cough. Boiling the medicine now. Gonna feed her tonight and see if it works.

As for me... I have been having dry cough and mild flu for over a month. This was the remnants of the last cough and flu that I had almost 2 months ago. I have been going to quite a few GPs to try and get rid of it. Didn't work. I had it really bad this morning. Eyes tearing, nose running, heavy head and coughing like mad. I was finally referred to an ENT specialist. Went today. Diagnosed 'chronic allergy la-di-la-di-la' - sorry forgot the other half of what he said :). It's related to bronchitis. What actually happened was my earlier virus aggravated my sinus allergy and it has worsen since then. The mucus has flowed backwards into my throat and lungs causing my frequent and worsening dry cough. My nose - the insides - were so swollen, blocking air passage. That's why all cough syrup and antibiotic didn't work for me. It wasn't virus infection. Which is kinda good thing - coz I want to rule out H1N1. I had to go on 2 weeks medication and follow up with him again. Worse case - if this doesn't - I have to do a scan to check my sinuses. I hope not!

I told my friend who had a similar problem - prolonged dry cough and such - and advised him to seek specialist advice. Any sickness prolonged (though mild) is not good. Normal GPs may not know how to treat or even have the right medicine to give -my GP told me :(

There ... the story of the week for me - countless visits to docs :) ;p

Now My Little Girl Has Rashes - what else?!

My poor little girl woke up with rashes all over her body. Fever came back but mild. Took her for another round of doctor's check and advice. Apparently, it is what the Chinese calls 'kar mar' (direct translation: fake measles) or otherwise known as viral infection. However if fever persists for another day, we have to take her back tomorrow for blood test to check the possibility of dengue. But doc was quite certain that it is viral. Sigh! Will it never end? My poor little girl is so afraid of the doctor now. She screamed and cried when the doctor checked her. But at least the H1N1 part was cleared. According to my friend who did the H1N1 screening (Swab) test, it was a pretty painful process. They use a long thin plastic stick where the end is like a baby's cotton bud. Then the cotton bud end is inserted into the nose - all the way up inside - to get the mucus. My friend told me that she was tearing when the doctor did it. It was no wonder little Rachel was screaming like mad. My poor little girl!

At first, we thought the rashes was due to heat. As we were told by our folks not to bath our children when they are sick or having fever, Rachel went without bath for a few days. She was just wiped down carefully. When we told the doc, we had another lesson :) ;P! Always bath our kids even when they are having fever. But refrain from wetting the head/hair. Doc's advice! If not, the film of oil and dirt would have caused the body temperature to rise. Hence, we may see a rise in temperature or even a slight fever which could otherwise be none. Cleanliness is important even while sick. Just don't wet the head. This is another advice which contradicts our older generations belief. In my case, I believe and will follow the doc. It makes sense and they are after all the professionals.

Rachel was given calamine to soothe her rashes. We are not to administer paracetamol to see if fever still persists. Looks like I have to go to work tomorrow worrying and on standby :(

Little Rachel is Well

Thanks to all well wishers. Little Rachel is on the road to recovery.

After 2 days 2 nights of high fever despite medicine, her fever was finally broken yesterday evening. So far, it never recurred... thank God! Earlier yesterday, our pediatrician came back to report negative on H1N1 screening test but warned me to look out for rashes which may be a signal for dengue. One hurdle over, another to watch out for. But the antibiotic must have worked. Relief!

She has been good and active today. Still having a very light cough. Hopefully the antibiotic can get rid of it soon.

It's late. Going to bed now. Will probably blog again tomorrow.

Nite, Nite!

Ryan Takes Care of Daddy & Mummy

My 5 year old Ryan was telling me -

"Mummy, Ryan take care of Mummy. Also take care of Daddy"

I asked him, out of curiosity to see how he was going to answer -

"How will Ryan take care of Mummy?"

Ryan: "I hug you"

Me: "And?"

Ryan: "I kiss you"

Me: "Some more?"

Ryan: "I love you"

He said them so seriously. My heart just melt melt melt ... :) :)

Much earlier, he was telling me that when he grows up, he will build a house for Daddy, Mummy, Ryan, Raymund, Rachel and the kakaks. Haha! It's still a long long way ahead.

But it is the thought and the heart that counts :)

Sponging My Kids To Bring Down Fever

I spent the whole night sponging my little Rachel to bring down her high fever. Of course, she didn't like that coz it was wet and she was half asleep. But it is important.

After administering medicine... normally I go with paracetamol or Neurofin first and if it gets worse, I'll go for Rectal Suppositories (past 39 degrees). I have earlier asked my pediatrician about this - thank God! And it's better to get the medicine from pediatricians so that they can advise you the right dosage and timing.. as well as if there is any possibility of allergic reaction - you'll never know!

During a fever, sponging is important to bring down a child's fever. Here's what I normally do:

1. Administer oral medicine first, if it's not done already
2. Switch off the air cond but keep fan on at low.
3. If there is shivering, I'd cover him/her for a very short while coz the fever will follow very soon. Then take off the blanket.
4. Prepare a bowl of luke warm water and 1 or 2 soft face towels.
5. Then soak the soft towels in the luke warm water and remove excess water.
6. Place the towels on the forehead covering the eyes (very important), neck, body and back until towels are dry or become hot.
7. Then rinse the towels in the bowl of luke warm water again and repeat. I'd sponge the palms of hands and base of feet if they are hot too.
8. Keep the thermometer handy to see if the fever is coming down
9. Repeat until fever is low or gone.
10. Change the child to dry light clothing. Do not overheat him/her.
11. Feed plenty of liquid
12. Then go to the doctor to check out the cause once available. In my case, most high fever happened past midnight. So I had to take time to bring the fever down. If it happens to you, don't wait. Go immediately.

Someone used to tell me to use ice cold water for sponging. No go! Do not sponge with ice cold water or alcohol. Alcohol would bring down the heat too fast.

I read somewhere that if the fever gets too high, then strip the child and put him in a tub of waist high warm water and sponge him down. I haven't tried this yet, rather I'm not brace enough to try it ye :( , as most of the time, the sponging works for my kids but I have to be very patient. It takes me more than half an hour to an hour to bring down the fever, and until my pediatrician is available.

Ya, I know some of the older folks would think that this is nuts! Some of them think that covering up the person with loads of thick blankets until sweat breaks is the best way to cure. Now, that is nuts! DON"T ever do that! It can fry the brains! That's why we have some mental retards due to high fever!!

Another strange advice from one of my doctors. You know the Kool Fever pack that is available in pharmacy? It seems that it doesn't work. Go for sponging instead. Well, it was an advice anyway. I have no idea! Why not check with yours? Let's share views.

Most important is to check if the child is active/alert, eating and drinking well. If he shows signs of lethargy, can't eat, can't drink and running a high fever.. or worse still, having a fit, that's a real danger sign. Rush him to the hospital immediately.

At the end of the day, I'm no doctor. Best ask your doc for advice in the event of emergencies. From my experience, not all doctors share the exact views. Happy to hear your feedback :)

Down with Flu and Fever Again

My little princess was having a fever last night. I gave her paracetamol to control the fever. But in the middle of the night - it's ALWAYS in the middle of the night!! -, it shot past 39 degrees. I was pretty worried what with H1N1 brewing in our country. She showed no signs of flu or cough yet but the fever was worrying. Sometimes, these other symptoms can come later. I have been having cough and flu for the longest time. I think I must have passed it to her. Ryan was also having a flu.

Hadn't had much sleep last night. Too busy sponging Rachel trying to bring the fever down. Even so it was still above 38 degrees.

Finally, I guess the suppository finally kicked in. I gave her half (because Rachel is less than 1 year old) the rectal suppository Voltaren 12.5mg (the wax like medicine that we insert into the rectum) when the fever reached past 39 degrees. I always have it ready in case my kids are down with high fever and so far, rectal suppositories helped to bring down the fever for a period. Her fever broke in the morning.

I took her and Ryan to the pediatrician. Rachel's throat was red. So, it wasn't teething that caused the fever. She had to take antibiotic, cough and flu medicine. The pediatrician told me to watch for persistent fever in the next 1 day. If it occurs, I have to take her again for the H1N1 swab test, just in case. The pediatrician said that even though my cough and flu was mild, I can be a a H1N1 carrier since my body resistance is stronger. But quite unlikely since I had no fever... BUT then again, just in case. She is still running a low fever between medicine doses. The good part is that she is very active and alert. The danger is really when the child is not alert and appears lethargic. I really hope that the fever would go off soon.

Being a mummy paranoid, I booked for flu vaccines and H1N1 vaccines when it becomes available. There is a waiting list! I'm past number 70! I asked the pediatrician if the H1N1 vaccine is safe with no side effects. He told me that it is and it's not something new. Just a production issue now - where demand is greater than supply. Assured, I booked for it. I should have asked if I can book for us adults too but forgot! Too much on my mind!

I hate it when my kids are sick... very stressed up worrying. Part and parcel of being a mum. And mum of 3 means that I have to expect domino effect! One sick, all sick!! Sigh!

Kids and Snakes

I just watched Anaconda on Astro ... again... with my eldest son Ryan earlier tonight. It suddenly struck me that I had to teach Ryan what to do in the event that he met with a snake at anytime, anywhere.. and worst, alone! We live near a forest and the residential playground is very near to that forest. What if a stray snake or two decides to wander to the playground or touch wood, our house! I can imagine what Ryan or Raymund would do. Either 'Mummy! Snake! Scared!' or 'Mummy, see the snake! So cute!' or 'Hello, snake!'. Horrifying!!!

I told Ryan that if he sees a snake anywhere - playground, house, garden, just anywhere - don't go near. Run and look for Mummy, Daddy or someone. Tell us that he has seen a snake. If little brother, Raymund is nearby, he is to pull Raymund quickly away and run straight to us adults. I instilled a bit a fear in him saying that snakes can bite ... pain ... blood... can die...blah, blah blah, little kids fear. The last thing I want is for him to get curious and check out the crawlies. I got him to repeat what he is supposed to do IF he sees one. Better safe than sorry. Never leave to chance!

Nice & Noisy Merdeka Weekend

I had a nice and noisy weekend babysitting my 3 kids and my nephew. Three boys and my baby girl - definitely noise, noise and noise. Every half minute, there will be someone shouting one of the boys' name. My hubby had to work during this Merdeka weekend unfortunately. What I thought could have been a boring quiet long weekend was just the opposite. My mom and my nephew came to stay with us. My nephew is the same age as Raymund... so, imagine double whammy on Terrible Three!!

Well, I contributed to the noise pollution too, trying to discipline the boys .. if it ever works. But I had good fun. I really enjoyed the warmth and children's happy voices... as well as the boys' constant fight over toys. They sure had great fun! I myself got to tend to my little garden. I'm in the midst of changing my landscape. Hot and sweaty work but satisfying.

My son Ryan just threw tantrum - he wanted his 'poh poh' (grandma) and didn't want to go to school tomorrow. We decided to give way and let him have another day holiday.You'll never know where the kindie kids went over the school holiday and if their parents are considerate ...H1N1! In fact, I was even toying with the idea of stopping his kindie attendance altogether (until next year) and get his kindie teacher to prepare homework/materials so that I can coach him at home. I'll see how on this. I may do just that if the H1N1 situation worsen.

Back to work tomorrow. Sigh! How I wish we have 7-days weekends! Ha, ha! Dreaming big time!

My Beautiful Double Layer Hibiscus

I bought 2 young hibiscus plants. Was told that they are of the double layer hibiscus type - huge and beautiful. One of them is yellow and the other is red, I think. I have been waiting for them to bloom for yonks. However strong wind and weak stalks caused the baby buds to break a fall. Finally, one of them buds strived through the wrath of nature! I had a nice beautiful double layer hibiscus. Here is a picture. The lighting wasn't good as I took the photo at night. Too excited to wait. Anyway, each bloom will only last a day. A pity.

I love gardening. It's my newly discovered hobby since I shifted into my house. I love to see colours in the garden. More so, I'd like to see my plants grow through my care. It is very satisfying! I'm not a pro in gardening but I have been learning through trials and errors. The nursery where I get most of my stuff from, its owner, he is willing to teach me how to care for my plants and garden. Some would say that I have green fingers. I'd say, no such thing coz hardy cactus died in my hands in the earlier days. It is very much the case of acquiring knowledge and learning through trials and errors as with many things.

Vitamins and Supplements for my Kids

What with H1N1 still going on strongly ... death toll increasing... number of people affected rising... I can help but be very paranoid about it. Every time someone in my family contracted cough and flu, I get very worried about the possibility of H1N1 on my kids especially. The recent case about the death of a 3 year old baby due to H1N1 upset me badly. I can't imagine how his parents feel. There is nothing we can do about it but hope and pray that our kids and family are fine and healthy.

I'm now quite 'fanatic' :) about building my family esp my kids immunity. I've increased the dosage of Vitamin C for my family - I read on the web somewhere that vitamin C at a sufficient level would boost immunity. Strangely, some docs do not believe the wonders of Vitamin C. During my recent visit to a clinic, the doctor told me that it is just a belief that Vitamin C can boost immunity. A pediatrician also once shared the same view. After all my school education and so on, it is hard to stomach that. Anyway, no harm taking and I still believe vitamin C does help. We just have to remember to give them lots of water as these vitamins are quite heaty.

These are what my kids are taking now. I ran out of Vidaylin Mini Bear Gummies with Garden Vegetables when I took this picture. This is for replacement of fruits and vege which my kids don't frequently take. Here is a separate pix on it.

I just bought another supplement for my kids called Pureen Kids Chewable Milk Colostrum. My sons love it. If you are interested, check out this site about what it can do:http://www.ussummit.com.my/servlet/gateway?command=ShowcaseProductInfo&category=998443500143&id=1200513456408&catname=baby

Jumbo Triangular Pencils for Preschoolers

Here is something worth buying ...

Like his brother Ryan when Raymund first started writing, his fingers are not strong enough to hold a pencil properly. The grip on the pencil is not firm. And naturally, his hand tires easily. It is important to show him the right way to hold a pencil. If it still doesn't work, I'm getting him to use a training pencil which is bigger and triangular in shape.

I have used these jumbo triangle pencils for Ryan. It was recommended by Ryan's kindergarten principal when Ryan was still brushing up his fine motor skills. These triangular pencils are ideal for all early writing and drawing activities and for children with fine motor difficulties because the triangular shape enables them to hold the pencil using the correct grip.

There are many brands and sizes out there. Get the bigger/thicker ones for toddlers first. I got for my kids this pack that comes with a pencil sharper for jumbo triangular pencils and triangular eraser (for the same reason).

Stabilo Trio Triangular Jumbo Pencils

It's jumbo size and triangular shape gives a better grip for small hands. Very suitable for preschoolers like mine to learn how to hold a pencil correctly. The thicker lead also minimize breakage and last longer :) For cheeky boys like Raymund who loves to break pencil leads, this works wonderfully for us :) :)

Prewriting Skills for Little Raymund

Every time I coach Ryan, little Raymund wants to join in. I thought that it is a good time as any to start on him too. I have just introduced little Raymund to some easy prewriting exercises. At this stage, I'm trying to get him to draw vertical circles, horizontal lines and circles. Not exactly perfect but a good start. I used a lined exercise book and got him to draw lines between the printed lines. For vertical lines, I would just turn the book 90 degrees. When he managed to draw lines without touching the printed lines, I would praise him, gave him a tick and a star. He has seen how his 'kor kor' Ryan gotten stars for good work and he was happy that he has stars too.

There was once I got him to draw lines... After a while, he closed his book, looked at me, gave a dramatical sigh .. then announced 'Finish already' and walked off. Yes, my little boy tends to be quite dramatic :) and its quite amusing to watch him ... if he doesn't get me mad! At 3 years old, I do not want to sit him for too long. Just to give him a feel about doing 'homework' and studying (he has not started kindergarten yet). And he is too active to sit still.

Raymund can doodle with both left and right hands. I'm not forcing him to use his right hand like some people esp old folks do (some pantang about it, I think). I leave it to what comes natural to him. Personally, I believe left handers are smarter and more creative - or at least my left handed friends are.

I'm about to start him on simple numbers and ABC recognition. Raymund has a good memory. He can recite 1 to 20 and A-Z but yet to recognize the numbers and alphabets. Using the same method with Ryan, I intend to use those 5 inch by 3 inch index cards (see post on 'My Homemade Fashcards' at http://joanne-momsays.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-homemade-flashcards.html) as flashcards to help him. It is gonna be a challenge with my hyperactive Raymund.

Good Learning Session with Ryan Today

Ryan has made good progress with the flashcard method. In my earlier post, I mentioned that I bought this 3in by 5in index cards to make word flashcards for my boy. And I store all the flashcards in this IKEA container with a lid that I bought in the children's section in IKEA. Very handy. Anyway, this part is 'syiok sendiri' only :) What I'm really happy about is that Ryan has shown marked improvement with this flashcard method.

Actually I did some variations to this. For certain familiar words on the flashcards, I get Ryan to write about 10-20 times. Then I would ask him to spell for me without looking at the words. So far so good. Now I'm getting him to try spelling new words by listening to the sound of the words. Slow but progressing. Praising that he is able to spell even new words helps to boost his spirit and interest. I also got him to read the new Clifford Phonics Fun series (see the post on 'Scholastic Books for Early Readers and Young Children') and he gets very excited when he recognizes some words that he knew from the flashcards. He would tell me 'Mummy, this word is in the cards'. At the same time, I would transfer some new words from these books on the flashcards to reinforce word recognition. I'm trying to get him interested in reading and it helps when he realises that he can read. Really proud of it too.

Tonight, I had him spell and write out short sentences for me on lined papers. These are words that he would have seen in the cards and books but now, I told him to string them together and spell them out for me. Not bad! I'm proud of him. I can see that he is a lot more confident now.

I intend to use the same method to teach him Malay. But first, I'd get him comfortable with English first, amongst others.