1Y 4M 20D- MMR vaccine number 2

It was time for QQ's 2nd MMR vaccine. Poor girl, she cried for quite a long time after the injection which was a first!

So far, QQ had all her vaccines taken at the choa chu Kang polyclinic after her 1st hep B vaccine at Gleneagles. Most of the vaccines are free for Singaporeans and I thought why not? For me, every trip to the polyclinic was hassle free and the waiting time was short. I felt that it was more efficient than going to a private PD for jabs.

However, it took us about 2hours this time round despite having made an appointment. Not sure what happened but we waited for a long time before our number was called. We had to pay at another counter with the rest of the patients visiting the polyclinic because staff from the usually payment counter had to go for a meeting. That too, took a while because there were many other patients.

Hmm, this was the longest wait ever for vaccines and I certainly hope it won't happen again. I don't mind the wait as I understand that there are times when such cases are unavoidable. My concern was QQ because she became whiny and tired after the jan and I just wanted to go home as fast as I could. Let's see how the next session goes.

1Y 4M 19D- Gymboree again!

We brought QQ for another Gymboree session today! It's amazing how she has grown to be so apt at climbing. Guess climbing the sofa and chairs at home does help in some ways. Haha!

Gymboree changes the equipment layout every 2 weeks, so I was informed. It's good! It gives children a sense of familiarity to the environment yet not boring them of the same obstacles.

I think Singapore needs more of such indoor gym playground instead of playground with lots of toys. Children nowadays have lots of toys at home, regardless as gifts or purchased. And since the weather is always that warm here, it's really a great idea to have such gym areas for them to exhaust their energy while building up on their locomotive well-being.

1Y 4M 18D- Bluehouse infant and toddler atelier

Went to Bluehouse school today for the "explorer" session. The session was conducted at the Infant & toddler atelier and thus it was a familiar ground for QQ.

The usual mandarin segment was cut off because the teacher in charge had to manage an enrichment class for the pre schoolers who were on holiday that week.

The session consisted of songs and dances and then Ms Ais, the teacher in charged of the atelier brought everyone down to the craft room to gather some materials for the sensory play which then followed after that.

QQ had never played with so much pasta  before and she was very serious and focused when she dealt with the pasta. A very nice idea. My mother would find this wasteful as she always taught us not to play with food. Haha! I guess I'm very much influenced by my mummy and thus  I'll leave such sessions for the schools and not at home. Haha!

QQ had a great time, so did I! Thinking of what sessions I can bring her to next since I have 5 more sessions in my package. 

1Y 4M 14D- Good Friday play date!

My dance friends came over for a gathering today! Didn't get to meet up with them during lunar new year so I thought this was a good time to play together! 

QQ was overwhelmed initially and cried non-stop. But after a milk feed and some coaxing, she calmed down and was able to mingle around. That was my sociable baby! 

Had lots of fun! Maybe I can really consider setting up my own private indoor playground here at home with the amount of toys QQ has! 

1Y 4M 13D- Happy Day at Happy Willow

Finally had a chance to bring QQ to Happy Willow at Fusionopolis. Been there once to take a look but haven't been there after that.

This new mummy friend whom I got to know at a trial playgroup class asked us to go along and so we went! Finally going to try out the nice-looking playground!

I was surprised to find many children on a Thursday morning! All foreigners! I guess their helpers had arranged to meet up. Great idea! Children could play while the helpers could catch up! Like a mummy's group!

The toddler section of the playground was small. However, there were a few kitchen sets on one side of the playground which I find it a good idea. Those who were not keen on the slides  and obstacles could play quietly on one side. There was also a books corner which was quite condusive for reading! Quite a cosy place!

Since QQ was able to walk about and climb around, I think this playground is quite suitable for her. Otherwise, she would be restricted only to the toys, which she has lots at home. Haha! 

1Y 4M 12D- Bukit Batok nature park

An impromptu decision was made to visit the Bukit Batok Nature Park in the late morning. Hubby wanted to send his car to Autobacs to service and since the park was just behind, we decided to bring QQ there for some natural explorations.

We took out her stroller which was already kept in the storeroom due to rare usage. Decided to give it a try again and surprisingly, QQ was willing to sit in the stroller for most part of the journey. We "released" her when we were at the park so that she could venture and walk about. She was excited when she saw some white- headed birds and a pond. I would have brought her there more often if not for the humid weather we have here. 

The park is huge and nice and I will definitely bring her there again because I believe that more nature is beneficial for children. But I will make sure we go earlier in the morning or evening to avoid the strong sun. It's a bliss that we stay near such nature! 

1Y 4M 11D- Kindermusik

Had a make-up session for kindermusik today. We missed last Friday's session because QQ was down with flu and slight fever and decided to keep the germs at bay.

I must say that QQ really enjoys the kindermusik sessions. She walks around the classroom with ease, hugs teacher Shauna, and even dances to the songs. I keep congratulating myself that I've made the right choice by signing up ever since she turned 6 months old. Have seen how she has developed over the months- able to follow the beats and rhythm, and likes to help in returning the props after every song. I will usually observe silently and wondered to myself that "wow! My daughter is growing up!" 

Some friends saw how QQ behaved at home and were keen to go give it a try. I always encourage them to sign up because I saw how my daughter learnt. 

At such a young age, I don't want to stress her up by bringing her for academic classes. I want her to have a great childhood by having lots of play time, yet able to learn a bit from the activities. Kindermusik is good! Children are taught through music and songs. Fun!

Teacher Shauna is a very good teacher. She engages with her students very well. Maybe that's why QQ and I enjoy going for her session every week!

I heart kindermusik with love studio!

1Y 4M 1D- ikea trip

Since it was a Saturday, decided to ask sis and mummy for an IKEA trip. So off we went in the afternoon after QQ's nap. 

IKEA was like a playground to QQ. She tried on on the sofas that she liked, climbing up and down and lying down to test the texture. She really had fun!

It was a great trip as I seldom ask my mummy out. After becoming a mummy myself, I started to realize that as a mummy, I would love to spend time with my children even though they have a life of their own. So I've made a little promise to myself: try to spend more time with my mummy.:)

1Y 4M- 2nd trip to the beach!

It was an impromptu decision to head down to Sentosa. Since we were not having dinner with the parents, we decided to bring QQ to sentosa once again to play with some sand!

And it was amazing that we only took less than half an hour to get ready and hit the roads after she awoke from her nap!

In conjunction with sg50 (everything is trying to get a piece of that..), entrance fee to Sentosa after 5pm is free! We took advantage of that and the weather was cooler anyway!

QQ did not dare step on the sand initially. Everytime I tried to put her down, she raised her legs. It was really amusing and I suspect she is very 洁癖. Haha! So I placed her sitting on the sand and we started digging the sand. It didn't take her long to follow and soon afterwards, she had lots of fun! She was also bolder today and tried venturing out to the part where the waves came crashing in to collect water using her pail (because she saw us do so). 

Oh yes, and so she decided to taste how the sand was like today and how the sea water tasted. Eeks!!!

After a good 1 hour of sand- play, we washed up and went to have dinner before catching the "wings of time" water show. I liked the display, they were brilliantly done. But the story plot was a little bit disappointing.. Hmm.. I have no idea what kind of plot would still the show though.. With the entrance fee at $15 per person, I guess the show wasn't too bad after all. 

The evening was well spent, with everyone going home happier than before the trip. Planning the next trip soon!:)

1Y 3M 27D- trial at Play Days

QQ will be turning 18 months soon. Have been thinking of sending her to playgroup sessions so that I can have a few hours a week all to myself for reading, or for running errands or simply doing nothing. However, I am not quite ready to leave my sweetheart, not just yet. And I don't bear to hear her cry (if she's going to cry at all) from separation anxiety. So, I've decided to look for some Parent-accompanied sessions where we can have fun together. There's only this much I can do with her at home. 

Play Days is situated at sunset way, just a short drive from where we stay. Accessible and not far. I like the location. Upon reaching the school, the school receptionist was very friendly and helpful to us. The place was decorated with students' works, nice kids- friendly pictures. I like it already!

The session started with the minibubs playing outdoors and mingling with one another followed by indoor session with songs and dances. There was even a "messy play" part which I haven't had the courage to let QQ try out at home. The session ended with snacks for the children and reading time before the teachers sang good-bye songs. 

QQ was apprehensive at first, cautious with the unfamiliar ground, she would utter "不要" to anyone who tried to approach her. It was very amusing to see how she reacted and responded. But once she went indoors, Ho ho, it was as if she had reached home and started wandering everywhere! 

Hubby joined us for the trial session today and even he had praises for the school and session.  We would be taking QQ for another trial class next weekend at Bibinogs before we decide where to bring her to weekly. 

Thumbs up for Playdays! I would certainly keep this place for consideration.:)

1Y 3M 13D- Gymboree

Finally decided to utilize the Gymboree groupon voucher that I bought a while ago. 

Took QQ to harbourfront for the first session. Hubby had night class and my in laws were not at home. So it was an outing for just the 2 of us- mummy and daughter.

There was nobody for the time slot that I chose, so it was as if we booked the whole place! But 10 minutes into the session, a 20month old boy joined us. So the 2 children had accompany. 

The free play area was quite nice and spacious. Good enough for QQ to run around and the equipment was great too! I didn't have to worry that she would hurt herself if she fell as the whole place was covered with good quality foam and mattresses. It's a good place for toddlers to run around at and to expand their energy.

QQ fell asleep soon at night after the 1 hour of play. I need to schedule the next session soon!:)

1y 3m 11d- The Fidgets

Took QQ to The Fidgets at the Grandstand. I've been planning to take her there but never had the chance. Since our morning was free, I decided to go take a look and see if it was a good place.

The entrance fee was $10 for children under 2. An adult goes in free with every child. What I like was that playtime was unlimited! Yeah! Didn't have to keep watching the time! 

The area was spacious and play areas were divided into a toddlers' section for under 3 and another for children above 3. 

There was ample space for children to run about. 

QQ was happy with the place. She ran around, trying out the toys and cars. She loved the ball pit (as usual) and kept climbing in and out. It was a place where thought I could let my child run around freely without fear of injuries. Of course I still had to be cautious when other children were around because I didn't want her to get trolled and fear playgrounds.

Had a great time at the fidgets. Will take her there again after I've checked out other indoor play areas in the vincity.