Imagination

Things Faris said:

1) *while watching a pirate-themed episode of a cartoon*

"Arrrr... I'm Captain Faris"

2) *while Ayahanda is doing push-ups*

"That's it, Ayahanda. Do your morning exercise"

3)  *whenever we accidentally knocked something*

"Oh no, you ruined my [insert name of thing that fell over/broke apart ]"

4)  *while playing with his toys or holding a random book, he likes to make up his own stories*

"Once upon a time, there was a monster called... [trails off]"

5) *while playing with his farm animals Lego Duplo*

"Here, horse. Eat the apples. Ummm, delicious."

Imagination.
The best learning tool.

Mother of 2

Alhamdulillah, I'm done with confinement.
Although I didn't get to be all manja this time around because I have a 3 year old to look after.
I followed strict confinement diet, wore socks, no heavy lifting.
That's about it.
Other than that-
cooking, vacuuming, laundry, bathe the boys...
Did them all.

There are days when everything seem so overwhelming.
I have a pair of arms that can only hold one baby at a time.
When both want simultaneous attention, that's when things get slightly overwhelming.

Faruq is wonderful.
He's independent in the sense that if I leave him to play in cot while I need to run chores, he'll just play on his own or just stare at the moving mobile..
And he sleeps rather well on his own, too.

Faris can throw abit of a tantrum.
He wants attention.
But more often than not, he's very understanding that Bonda needs to be with adik more.
So proud of him.

It has it's challenges.
There are days I just want to cry in the bathroom.
But it's always been good. Never bad.

Alhamdulillah.
So blessed to have these two boys.

Reading with the Leapfrog Tag

 
Faris' recent birthday, his wonderful Aunty Julia bought him the Leapfrog Tag reading system.
I've seen it in stores but never really had the idea of what it actually is.
I'll tell you what it is; It's all kinds of awesome.

The Tag reading system is a smart pen-like device that helps your child read.
Once you've synced it with your computer, you can store up to 5 books in the Tag reader.

You point the pen/ Tag reader onto the page/sentence/word and it'll read it aloud for you.

Now, the Tag books.
With the Tag reader, there are so many things you can do:
1) the Tag reader reads the story for you/your child
2) you can read along with the Tag reader
3) there are interactive games/quizzes on each page, if not, most pages.
4) the Tag reader says/spells/phonically sounds out words - teaching your child to read and spell
5) or you can just read the book aloud with your child, without the Tag reader.

It's just really wonderful. And with repetition, Son can already read-along a little bit of  "Click Clack MOO!".

Looking forward to expanding the Tag books library in this house. I'll be cataloguing all of the Tag books at Faris' digital library blog: Knight's Books

If you have a younger child, and would like to introduce reading at an early age, you should try the Leapfrog Tag Junior reading system.

Puzzle Post #3

I've found that I've made an error regarding the Melissa and Doug Sound Puzzles.
They are actually activated by light or light-sensitive.
So, you and your kids should play with it in a well lit room.
In the day, near windows should be perfect.
At night, I find that it works best under the orange-y light rather than the white-ish light.

And how lovely, my sister in-law surprised darling Son with this:

Vehicles Sound Puzzle

The Mothercare sale was still on and all Chunky Puzzles were sold at 40% off.
So we borong these puzzles, keeping it for Baby Adek.

 Construction Chunky Puzzle

 

Tools Chunky Puzzle

Vehicles Chunky Puzzle

Happy puzzle babies, insyaAllah.

Precious, Priceless Moments #39 - #40

#39
In the kitchen, June 1st 2012.
Me: (showing him an egg, taken from the fridge) "Faris, what's this?"
Faris: "An egg"
Me: "Very good" (then proceeds to the stove to make scrambled eggs.)

 I then crack the egg.

Faris: (with the most horrific expression, gasped) "Oh. BABY BIRD!"

It was hilarious. Though I felt guilty because now he thinks I murdered a baby bird.

#40

Faris' vocabulary and spelling skills.

B-A-L-L-O-O-N
W-A-T-E-R
F-O-X
C-A-R
D-O-G
H-O-U-S-E
W-H-A-L-E
D-U-C-K
B-E-A-R
R-O-B-O-T
F-A-R-I-S

and a lot more that I can't remember at this moment.

Puzzle Post #2

Faris is very much interested in puzzles. He absolutely loves them.
Wooden puzzles.
Cardboard floor puzzles.
Puzzle books.

So, we got him more puzzles.
Alhamdulillah ada rezeki lebih-lebih.

These two Melissa and Doug Sound puzzles were gifts for Faris' birthday.
He loves the Train Sound puzzle. When you complete the puzzle, there's a train sound.

Mothercare is a having a sale from June 1st, 2012 until July 1st, 2012. All Melissa and Doug products have a 40% discount. So we bought these puzzles.
One thing about the Sound Puzzles, though.
At first, not all of the pieces produced sound, which was quite frustrating.
Thank goodness we didn't pay the full price for it.
After awhile (and much banging and clanging on my part), the puzzles seem to work.
For awhile.
And then, it doesn't. And then it does again.

The Sound puzzles' concept is good. Just maybe too sensitive of a wiring system.
You can't have a toy with sensitive wiring system when it's for toddlers.
The world doesn't work that way. :)
I'd stick to Chunky puzzles, from now on.

Earlier on, we bought this Melissa and Doug Alphabet Art Puzzle.
When I saw it online, I thought "Nah, it doesn't look like it has that much play value. And the artwork is something I can't appreciate".
Then, I saw it at the store. It was actually really lovely. And Faris loves it.
After completing the puzzles, he'll tip them over and start again. And again. And again. :)

To teach Faris upper case and lower case alphabets, my parents bought him a magnetic whiteboard, along with the Melissa and Doug Magnetic Wooden Alphabets.
This combination is made of so. much. win.
 Here, Faris arranged the alphabets, paired with their upper case and lower case counterparts.
So proud of him.

When he's looking for a big challenge, Faris brings out his Alphabet floor puzzle.
Got this from Toys R Us.
Learning, motor skills, patience - it teaches them all.

Truly, Faris is a puzzle baby. :)

Third Celebration

On May 12th, we celebrated Faris's birthday.
The preparations were fun.

I made our own gift bags with the excessive yellow paper we had lying around.
That was therapeutic.

We filled the bags with goodies, although we had a "no sweets and chocolates" rule.
So we went with cereal, cheddar biscuits, raisins and added a pack of stickers.

Then, Faris and I had our art time sessions, making the birthday party decorations.
Husband and I agreed that this year, we'd have an Underwater theme.
So we made fishes, octopuses, turtles- our of paper plates.
That, too, was therapeutic.

And we got to do it together with Faris.
Quality time.

To coincide with the Underwater theme, Husband had the idea of setting up a "pool".
The portable pool we bought for Faris, turned into a makeshift ballpit.
Needless to say, Faris and the children had a lot of fun in it. :)

Husband requested Red Velvet cake.
How can I ever say no? :)
I baked the cake the night before and put on the icing just before the party started.
It turned out well, if I may say so myself.

Alhamdulillah, the turn out was great.
Family. Old friends from school and from UIA.

It was nice to get to share the day with them.

Happy Birthday again, dear darling boy.

III

Alhamdulillah, masyaAllah.

Our firstborn is 3.

May Allah s.w.t. bless him with more wonderful years to come,

to be the best Muslim he can be,

to be bestowed by His Guidance,

and to always know that he is loved.

Happy Birthday, Faris.

Ayahanda & Bonda loves you so much.

And are super proud of you.

Preparations

It seems that this pregnancy is flying by.
Alhamdulillah, safely in the third trimester now.
It's already May.

We have about 10 weeks to go, insyaAllah.

 

Preparations are underway.
I'm checking if everything is still working; breastpumps, bottle sterilisers, etc.
I've been washing some of Faris' old baby clothes, a little at a time.
The memories it brings. :)
And I cannot fathom that Faris was once that tiny.
He's growing up so fast.

There's a huge possibility that I may have to undergo Caesarian again,
if doctor finds that I am still a Group B streptococcus carrier.
Doc says just because I was a carrier when I was pregnant with Faris, I won't necessarily be one for this pregnancy.
However, to determine that, he'd have to run some tests when I reach Week 34 insyaAllah.

Praying for the best.
Safe.
Blessed.
Comfortable.

InsyaAllah.

Precious, Priceless Moments #38

Baby kicked.
I rubbed the belly and said "Hullo".
Faris came and put his hand on the big belly,
rubbed it in circles,
and said,
"Hi, Adek. Assalaamualaikumm."

*heart melts*

Building Blocks

Son loves building.
Wooden blocks, LEGO Duplo.
Together with his father, they'll build so many wonderful (and weird) structures.
It encourages his imagination and further his motor skills.
Two of Son's current favourite building blocks are:

LEGO Duplo #6051 : Play with Letters
We use these blocks for alphabet identification and build short words i.e. cat, star, frog, etc.
It's hours of fun and quality time.

LEGO Duplo #5497 : Play with Numbers
These blocks encourage counting, and simple additional math.
So far, we've accomplished 2 + 3 = 5.
It makes learning simple and fun.

Precious, Priceless Moments #35 - #37

#35
Before eating.
Ayahanda: "What do we say, Faris?"
Son: "BismillahiRahmaniRaHIM".

#36
Before entering the toilet
Ayahanda: "Allahumma inni a'uzubika minal khubusi... [pause]
Son: [continues] "... walkhobaITH"

#37
Son: "Popcorn, please. Bonda,"
Bonda: "Sorry, baby. I don't think we have popcorn."
Son: "How about Jelly?"
:)

Footwear

Our Son's footwear throughout this 3 years. :)
Alhamdulillah. Rezeki kami, rezeki anakanda.

Dedication

Alhamdulillah, my darling Husband has completed his thesis.
This is his dedication.

I am proud. And in love, even more so. Ever more.

Precious, Priceless Moments #031

Son woke up early this morning.
He poked me to wake up, all the while calling out, "Bonda, Bonda. Wake up. Up, up".
Then when I opened my eyes, he gave me a huge, beautiful smile and said "Hug..."
and gave me the biggest hug.
Then he pulled my hand asked me to "Please. Open door."

It was a long night, what with Son having the sniffles and cried parts of the night.
So, I decided to stay in bed and asked Son to give me a few minutes.

That's when Son said,
"Come on, Bonda. Up. Open door. Say 'bye bye bed. Thank you. See you soon' Bonda".

I laughed so hard.
My son just imatated me.
I usually ask him to say "bye" to his toys or a tv show because I want him to do something/ go somewhere else.
How to go back to sleep after that glorious wake up call?

Precious, Priceless Moments #028-#30

#28
I bought this awesome lunchbox for Son (from Gymboree).
Packing for on-the-go meals stylishly.
He will request his "Air. Banana. And nyum-nyum".
And he'll carry around his "Turtle" happily.

#29
Son was watching "The Cat in the Hat Knows A lot About That".
The characters where drumming on makeshift drums out of pails.
Bonda: "Look, Faris. Drums".
Son: (shakes his head and proudly says) "Pail!".
*Super proud that he knows it's actually a pail. Bonda got schooled. :D

#30
Son was in the bathroom. After his shower.
Wanted to catch his tv show.
Son: (frantically) "Bonda. Cepat! Cepat!"

Precious, Priceless Moments #021-#27

#21
Son stills signs. His signs repertoire has grown.
Mostly animal signs.
I didn't understand what he was saying the other day and then he signed "Giraffe".

#22
Son: "Beach. At the beach."
Me: "What's at the beach, sayang?"
Son: "Ada Shark."
Me: *wonderfully surprised* "Lagi?"
Son: "Ada [sand] castle."

#23
He's been trying to put on his own shoes.
:)

#24
Son: " T is for *pauses ala-Alphabreaks* Tembo"
(He means "Trombone")

#25
When something falls, or he knows Ayahanda or Bonda is upset with him, he'll give that puppy look and say "Sorry Yanda/Bonda". *melts*

#26
June 29, 2011
Ayahanda had a laundry basket on his back and Son pointed out that Ayahanda is a "Turtle".

#27
Son was about to do something he wasn't supposed to, then stopped mid action, looked at me and said in a stern voice, "Faeyes. Faeyes. NO!" (Faris. FARIS. NO!). Husband said he sounded EXACTLY like ME when I'm reprimanding him. :D

Colour Wonder

Son loves his art time.
Doodles and squiggles.
He outgrew crayons.
He prefers markers.

However, the problem with markers, although they're washable, he draws on any surface he can find, including on his own skin i.e. face.
Not on purpose though.
He walks about with the marker's top opened and just, shall I say, transfers the colours onto surfaces not his paper/easel.
Well, sometimes, it's on purpose. :p

So we found this wonderful alternative by Crayola.

Mess Free.
Color Wonder.

The ink is invisible, non-toxic.
And it only appears on the special paper.
It's amazing.

Parents with toddlers looking to encourage art time should definitely consider this.
We bought it at our one-stop Crayola store, Tango Mango at The Curve.
It's about RM30+ for a set of the booklet of special paper and 5 markers.

Anis

Precious, Priceless Moments #011-#20

#11 (As of December 16th, 2010)
Son has started spelling.
We were walking in the mall, passing a Crocs store and Son started saying (very loudly and proudly): C-R-O-C
No "S" though. Haven't gotten that far in his alphabets. :D

Current
#12
When we tell Son that we are going out, he'll pass me my hijab and then pass me his shoes.

#13
If he's holding something i.e. his toy ball, and that thing falls, dramatically he'll say "Oh no, ball. Come back."

#14
May 2011, Ayahanda and Bonda were in the kitchen, busy with cooking and dishes when Son came by the door way and greeted us with a VERY loud, "Hi guys!".

#15
If Son is tired, he'll prop up a pillow or cushion and lie back (sometimes with both hands behind his head) and relaxingly exhales a big "Haaah".

#16
He can sing the ends of the sentences of "Don't Stop Believin'". Curse you, GLEE. Hahaha.

#17
If we hide from Son, he'll call out "Ayahanda/Bonda, Where are you? I'm coming".

#18
The best reward when cooking for Son is his approval of "Mmmm, sedap" after he's tasted it. :D

#19
When asked where he wants to go, Son will point to the desired direction and say "Sini!"

#20
Super proud that when Son asks for something, he'll always end it with "Please" (plus signing "Please"), takes it with his RIGHT hand and says "Thank you" afterwards. :D *wipes proud tears*

Alhamdulillah, Ya Allah. Thank You for this bountiful of blessings.

Super proud parents of Faris.

Turning 2

Our Son turned to ealier this month.
Had a small gathering of family and friends.
Made the meal and the cakes from scratch.
Actually it was a brownie, not cake, since Son doesn't quite like cake.

Fashioned the brownie to look like a dinosaur.
YouTube has some fascinating "How To" channels.
Here's the outcome.
Very pleased with it.


The satisfaction that comes from making everything yourself and the night turning out to be a success is an ecstacy.

Happy Birthday, again our Knight.
InsyaAllah you'll be a big brother soon.