Milk Teeth and Dentist

3 Dec 11

In mid this year, Jared had his first tooth extraction. His front bottom tooth has grown but the milk tooth had not dropped but loose and shaky.

I took him to dentist and had the milk tooth extracted. He didn't like the injection part.

A few months ago, there were 2 permanent teeth started growing on his front upper teeth, at the back of his milk teeth. However, his milk teeth were still there. One of it was loose and started to shake.

Last week, Hubby took him to a dentist near our house. The dentist said "its too late, new teeth came out too much, must wear braces for 5 years now, etc". Jared got frighten and Hubby got upset. Jared refused to have his teeth extracted then. The dentist recommended us to take Jared to see orthodontist. This sound so serious!

I talked to my sister, colleague and friend and asked for their advice. They advice me to take Jared to see dentist and extract out the milk teeth. Hopefully, the permanent teeth will move and adjust itself to its proper position.

I made appointment with another dentist near our house ie the same one that Jared had his first teeth extraction. At first, Jared was reluctant to go. I persuaded him and told him that it's better for him to be in pain for a few second for the injection than to wear braces for 5 years. We also promised Jared to take him to Genting Highlands for Animal Kaiser Tournament. Jared wanted to bring his Animal Kaiser cards along to give him comfort.

Before the dentist checked Jared's teeth, I briefed her and told her that Jared was very frighten. This lady dentist was good with him. She talked to him nicely and praised him for being a brave boy.

As two permanent teeth has grown, Jared needed to have 3 of his milk teeth to be extracted. The dentist advised Jared to use his tongue to push out the new permanent teeth. Hopefully, the teeth will align itself.

It was scary to him and me too but we are glad that it's done and over.

Car rental in Langkawi

24 Nov 11

Our trip to Langkawi was on the 1st week of year end school holiday. Langkawi would also have Lima event 2 weeks after our trip to Langkawi.

I heard car rental will be expensive during school holiday. I called up several car rental companies before our trip to Langkawi. The average car rental was RM100 for Myvi and RM120 for Vios. Some car rental owners have rented out all their cars for those delegates who arrived in Langkawi earlier for Lima preparation.

Earlier, we wanted to hire taxi at RM25 per hour with minimum 4 hours rental. However, the weather during our trip to Langkawi was not so good with heavy wind and thunderstorm. As such, our itinerary has to be flexible according to the weather in Langkawi. As such, we decided not to hire a taxi with driver.

Hubby suggested to rent a car when we reached Langkawi.

As we walked out towards luggage claim area, there were lots of car rental company available. We rented Vios at RM100 per day from FI Holidays which was cheaper than those quoted over the phone.

Hubby inspected the car and ensure the car rental staff noted down all the car scratches and accidents on the car rental form to avoid dispute when we return the car.

Initially, we had this Nissan Sentra at the same price. However, there was something wrong with the car gear and FI Holiday arranged for Vios for us.

The car came with almost empty petrol with petrol signal blinking as we started to car engine. Hubby brought his GPS along and we quickly drove to the nearby petrol station (which seemed very far when the petrol signal kept on blinking).

FI Holiday recommended us to pump RM30 petrol but we spent RM40 on petrol for the 4D3N in Langkawi as The Andaman is located secluded from Langkawi town and attraction places.

The car petrol indicator signal blinks on our way to airport to return the car to FI Holidays. Their staff were stationed at the airport departure hall and it was very convenient for us to hand over the car to them.

Jaden 1st ride on a plane

24 Nov 11

Jared has his first ride on a plane when he was 2+ years old. We took him to Hong Kong for holiday. He had his 2nd plane ride to Singapore and Shanghai and celebrated his 4 years old birthday in Shanghai.

Jaden hadn't had any aeroplane ride at 4+ years old. Auntie YC recommended us to take him for holiday and offered us her Enrich miles points.

It's not easy to pack for family holidays especially we were taking a flight and not driving. I started packing for our Langkawi trip a few days ahead, started with toileteries and swimming gears for the family. The following day, I packed clothing and on the night before the final, balance of things to pack.

Our flight to Langkawi was at 11am. Taxi came to pick us up at 8.30am to KLIA. Since it was a domestic flight, we did not have the chance to bring Jaden for aerotrain ride.

Jared and Jaden watching Sky Chefs unloading food to the plane.

Playing Ipad while waiting for our flight boarding. This is the first time we have Ipad with us on holiday and it's so useful and convenient for us to browse through internet on Langkawi.

Jaden was so excited to get on the plane.

Jared helping Jaden to fasten the seat belt.

Jaden looked out the window and complained that the plane moved so slow when it was taxing on the runway.

More Ipad games.

It was only one hour flight and we landed in Langkawi airport at 12pm.

Langkawi - Closer to Nature Trip

25 Oct 11

Life is short and we must treasure our loved ones. In today's busy life and with the invention of technology ie computer games, Wii, PSP, Ipad, Facebook, internet, our days will just passed by without us noticing it. And today, we are already in the last month of 2011.

I was on leave and one of the things in my To Do List is to plan for family holiday during the year end school holiday. Something that I was determined and committed to do.

Since my company has changed the team building location from Langkawi to Pulau Pangkor, we shall go to Langkawi for family holiday then.

Auntie YC has offered free flights for us on her Enrich points. We used 51,000 miles to redeem 4 MAS tickets to Langkawi and just paid RM240 on airport tax for 4 of us. Air tickets - checked!

My cousin, Bryan is working with the Starwood Group hotel and he suggested either Westin Langkawi or The Andaman. For a family holiday, he recommended The Andaman as it offers more kid's activities and have a nice stretch of beach as well. It will be good for Jared and Jaden to get to know more about the nature. Bryan got us a very attractive "Family and Friend" rate at The Andaman Hotel. We booked 4D3N stay at The Andaman. Hotel accommodation - checked!

I browsed through Trip Advisor website to read about Places to Visit and Things to Do in Langkawi. I shortlisted a few interesting places and planned our itinerary for our 4D3N in Langkawi. I will be the tour leader and Hubby will be the driver. Jared and Jaden will be our tourists on all paid holiday on us.

I was so excited by just thinking about the 1st aeroplane ride for Jaden, staying in The Andaman with lots of complimentary activities offered by the hotel, cable car ride, sunset cruise, etc.

Jaden and his most expensive pair of shoes

23 Sep 11

This is a long, long overdue post. It is an important one and I must not omit this from my "treasure memories".

During the period that we had been in and out of Family Podiatry Centre, there are several information that have been shared by other parents visiting the same centre.

1. Do not let kids sleep face down or up as feet will become very flexible, but to sleep on their side
2. No walker recommended for toddler
3. Toddler shouldn't sit on floor with bend legs as their bones are still very soft. Recommended to sit on little chair.
4. Pay attention if kids complained tired easily after walk for a short time ie during shopping, jogging, etc
5. Also pay attention to kids slipper ie one side worn out

We finally had custom molded orthotics made for Jaden with his name on it. We went to Family Podiatry Centre in TTDI to have this done for Jaden.

  

On the podiatrist recommendation, Hubby and I had been hunting for suitable shoes for Jaden. We need to look for shoes that have :

1. good arch
2. firm heel
3. shoes sole that are wider than heel
4. shoes string or at least 3 velcro straps 

We bought this pair of Adidas shoes from Parkson at RM120 for Jaden to wear it with the custom made mold insert inside our house ie indoor.

This pair of shoes is for Jaden's outdoor wear and it has 3 velcro straps. We also bought it at Parkson at RM150.

The black shoes is not suitable for running in the park and jogging. We bought his pair of running shoes from Adidas outlet at clearance price of only RM79.60

We have looked around at my different brands of shoes. Adidas has good shoes with good feet support and we like that their shoes insert can be removed and replace it with Jaden's custom made mold insert.

These are Jaden's most expensive pairs of shoes. We have spent to date RM1,545 on Jaden's feet and shoes. 

1. Podiatrist consultations fee  - RM190
2. Biomechanical examination  - RM305
3. Feet x-ray                           - RM55 
4. Casting fee                          - RM95
5. Custom molded orthotics     - RM550
6. 3 pair of shoes                    - RM350

There will be follow up biomechanical examination on Jaden's feet. Unfortunately, medical insurance has exclusion on this type of alternative therapy and our medical insurance does not cover these costs.

We feel good that we have this solution for Jaden. We hope he can run like other kids and will not fall so easily.



Angry Birds Cupcakes ... I made it!

23 Oct 11

I made it! I wasn’t confident that I’m able to make it. Glad that I took the risk to try and I made it.

After my market visit to Kuantan to visit dealers, I took a day off from work. After running my errands, I rushed to Pastry Pro to buy those ingredients that I needed to make Angry Birds cupcake for Jared. I wanted to try the 3D figurines for cupcakes.

I was so lucky to meet a helpful staff at Pastry Pro. I told her its my first attempt to make Angry Birds figurines. She recommended me to use white regalice which only cost RM13.95. I called home and ask my maid to check what other Angry Bird colours (by referring to Angry Bird sticker book, pencil box, etc) that I did not have and bought Christmas Red and Jet Black colour paste at RM4.10 each.

I surfed on the Internet for Angry Bird cupcake. I was looking at the pictures on the Ipad and these Angry Bird soft toy while moulding it.

I started with the Black Angry Bird, my first attempt of Angry Bird figurine for cup cake. Not perfect but I'm happy with the result.

After dinner at my parent's house, while Hubby and Jared played with the new Star Wars Lego set, I tried making the red Angry Bird. 

The not so “red” Angry Birds. I didn't use enough of the red colouring and the bird is not red enough.  Hubby said there will be new "pink" colour Angry Bird to be introduced soon.

Jared was impressed that I could make these figurines. He said "Mommy you are so smart. I'm so glad that you are my Mother". So sweet of him.

The next morning, after dropping Jaden to his kindergarten for his concert preparation, I made these yellow bird. The colour is very nice.

Honestly, it was so fun. Just like school art project. Breaking up the project into few, small sessions does help. I took it a step at a time and able to focus on the details with no rush. I felt so relax and happy doing it.

After Jaden's concert and lunch, I made these green pigs. Aren't they cute?

I smiled looking at them. The colours are so bright and cheerful.



I also made Golden eggs on nest. I do not have brown colour gel. Hubby helped to surf on Internet for ideas and also colour mixing to get brown colour for the nest.

I made these 16 cupcakes with Angry Bird figurines. Never I thought that I could do it but I did it. It was a great feeling. As Hubby said, it is realising a new skill set that nobody can take it away.

Jo said "wow...you are so pro! the colors are so beautiful ..."

I was very happy with the results. Save RM200 for self learning. Initially wanted to go for Angry Birds class but the timing was not right.

It has been a tiring few days but a very fulfilling one. I received very good feedback on these Angry Birds cupcakes.

My friend Jo said “This is so cute” and My SIL said “Just WOW! They're amazing! You're amazing!” My colleague, Wendy said “Omg it’s so pretty and cute. Well done!” Auntie Jenny said “Wow! I won’t be able to bring myself to eat them! Yr boys must feel the same”. Others said “Nice”, “Beautiful” “These r awesome. So r u”.

These words are so great and motivating.

The following day, we made these cocktail sticks and pizza for Jared's friends.

We also fried chicken and made mango pudding.

Kids enjoying the food.

Watching Wimpy Kid DVD



They danced to the Wimpy Kid.



Playing Lego Star War set.



Jared and his classmates

The kids love the Angry Birds cupcakes. They were choosing and said "I want this".

Each kid took home an Angry Bird cupcake with matching key chain. I bought 6 of this solid plastic container at RM1.10 each.



School exam is over. Its fun time now.

Jared's 8th Birthday ... the way he liked it!

16 Oct 11

It's Jared's 8th birthday and it's also Jared's school final term exam. Jared has been complaining that his exam always crash with his school final term exam. He can't enjoy his birthday to the fullest.

During kindergartens time, his birthday crashed with the kindergartens annual concert and the teacher advised us to celebrate his birthday after the concert.

We told him that on his actual birthday, we would just celebrate it among our family. After the school exam, he could invite his friends over to our house so that they can play and have fun without having to worry about exam.

Jared wanted to invite his Great Auntie YC for family dinner. I asked him why and he replied "So that Auntie can buy me birthday present".  

The Friday before Jared's birthday, my sister baked this black forest cake for Jared's birthday celebration at my parent's house.

The cake was very moist and fresh as it was baked on the day itself.

We asked Jared what he wanted to eat for his birthday and he replied "A&W root beer and fried chicken". Hubby suggested that we take the children for jogging and play at the park so that they can have some exercise and good appetite thereafter.

Jared had his pedometer too and he wanted to have a race with us on the steps.



Can you find Jared?



Father and Son





They found it!



For Jared's birthday treat, his wishes are A&W root beer float and fried chicken. We also bought A&W mug for him too.



Sponge Bob birthday banner greeted Jared on his birthday on Sunday. 

We got him this Uno games, bought during Mattel warehouse sales.

As it's Jared's exam period, I did not bake any cake for him as I was stressed up by his exam. Stress is no good to baking, so decided to stay away during exam period. Instead, I ordered Angry Bird cake for him. In the evening, I asked Jared to accompany me to collect his birthday cake. Initially, he didn't want to but as I was getting into the car, he called me and ask me to wait for him.

At the bakery shop, there were green and pink Angry Bird cakes on display. Honestly, they weren't very nice as the bakery did not want to add too much colouring into the icing. The bakery recommended black Angry Bird to me as they used dark chocolate for the black colour effect and I had to add RM4 extra for it.

Jared was very happy to see his birthday cake, which is so much different from those two Angry Bird cakes on display.

This mini sponge cake costs me RM29. I am glad that I bought this. As we got into our car, Jared gave me a hug. I asked "What's the hug for?" He smiled and say "For the Angry Bird cake".

We had simple dinner at home. We made mushroom soup, salad, chicken chop with french fries and moussaka.



Birthday gift from Auntie YC ... Lego Star Wars limited edition set.

Overall, I guess Jared had a good birthday. Over the years as a Mother, I've learnt that the way we like it may not be the way our kids like it. I thought birthday treat must be something nice. I wanted to take Jared for his favourite Italian food but instead, he wanted A&W.

We need to stop the fun for Jared to do his revision for the next day's paper ... BM and Science. The birthday celebration will be continued with his school friends, after the final exam.