Latest Development

Jerilyn has moved from playing the piano with 1 hand to 2 hands . Below is the first piece she plays.

It was taken from the book below. The book is the first piano book I purchased. I find this book really helpful as it teaches from the basic, thus easier for her to grasp the techniques. There are also theory parts for her to write on.



Jesslyn can solve 40 pieces puzzle in less than 20 minutes without much help. She has tried this puzzle less than 10 times. I am surprised she can solve it.

The power of makeup

If you have heart problems, do not look below.

I warned you!

Eng in the Spoon

Johnny English

Took the kids to the Johnny English today. This is the 2nd show after Shrek more than a year ago. I had been reluctant to bring the kids to the cinema after the not-so-happy 1st experience. Just to recall, Jerilyn was afraid of the green monster and Daddy carried her out about half an hour after the show started. They never returned.

When my favourite cartoon, The Smurfs was shown in the cinemas, I didn't take them there for 3 reasons. Firstly, I wasn't sure if they were ready for the high level of noise. Secondly, the wizard might scare them off. Moreover, they are more interested to watch action-pack movies than animations. Thrillers can grab their attention from beginning til the end. With animations, they get distracted by other things half-way watching them. Ironic isn't it? People who love action-pack movies cannot stand high level of noise.

So, next comes Johnny English. I thought comedy might calm them and distract them from the noise. We bought a twin-seat for RM25. Apparently, the twin-seat or better known as couple seat is spacious enough for the 4 of us. The moment we went in, the dim lights weren't soothing. Jesslyn kept complaining that "It's scary." I quickly took out some cotton pads and stuck them in Jerilyn's ears although the movie hadn't started yet. On top of that, Jerilyn covered her ears with her bare hands. Jesslyn didn't want the cotton pads. When the commercials and previews began, Jesslyn started crying and people in front of our row turned back. Nothing helped. Not even lollies. Daddy took her out. Jerilyn continued covering her ears.
After 10mins, they returned. Jesslyn was quiet but she peeped through her fingers. Daddy covered her ears the whole time til the end of the show. Jerilyn let go off her hands slowly after about 20mins. Next, she complained that the shops would be closed soon. She wanted to leave. I distracted her by explaining what was going on in the movie. Explanations are good as they usually follow with 'Why'. At certain parts she laughed along. At other parts, she questioned with curiosity and excitement. She was loud enough for 2-3 rows around us to hear her. I had to shut her up a few times.
Overall, she likes the movie because it's funny. When I asked "Which part", her answer was "Every part".

Who's the Boss?

Are most kids (if not all) nowadays vocal with their feelings?
Mine are super expressive so much so that I wonder who is in command here. Sob! Sob!
For example:

1. This is what Jesslyn (2y8m) said when I scolded her. "I am not happy with you." After a minute or so, "Next time, I don't buy toys for you." I remembered Jerilyn saying "I don't give you angpow." when she wasn't happy with me.
2. Jesslyn (2y9m) woke up on the wrong side of the bed one morning and wailed. In fact, it happens at least 2 times a week. I said something; a joke maybe to make her happy and Jie2 was also babbling but this was her response "I don't want to listen (to) this!" She repeated twice so I was sure that was what she said. I laughed actually.
   
3. My dad complained the very same day that she said this to him "I don't want to listen you. I listen to mummy."
4. She negotiates with you. (A) I told Jesslyn not to take any chocolates because Jie2 has a cough. She said "Jie2 don't eat. I have no cough. I want to eat." (B) I tell her to colour faster for example, she answers "I am writing fast already what?"
5. At night when she wants to sleep, she orders like this "Shh... shh... I want to sleep. Don't talk." She repeats until you are quiet.
   
6. Some of the complicated phrases she uses are "What is happening?" "I don't believe you." "
   

For the record, Jesslyn learns to

• put on and take off her clothes
• button her own clothes
• writing a few small letters of the alphabet at 2y9m old