The Thinking Chair *

Ms L, Ellis' class teacher at school usually gives me an update on the day's activities when I pick her up in the afternoons. Typically, this consists of, Oh Ellis really enjoyed art and craft today! Or, she had a great time in the playground!

But one day:

Ms L: Today, Ellis and N were playing with the toy blocks, and N took her toy block. And Ellis did this (hand grabbing at face motion) to him.

Me: Oh dear.

Ms L: But when we told her to say "Sorry", she did.

And one week later:

Ms L: Oh, today, Ellis walked past A and she pulled his hair.

Me: Oh no!

Ms L: Yes, she walked past A (who was seated) and suddenly reached out and grabbed his hair. A was so startled, he screamed.

Me: (speechless)

Ms L (trying to soften the blow): You know how A's hair is really curly? I think maybe she was curious about it so she pulled it.

Me: Oh dear, that's no good. But it's happened before, right? The other kids do such things too, right?

Ms L: Errrrm....actually no, not really.....

Me: ......(oops)

* The Thinking Chair refers to the little red wooden chair at one corner of the classroom where the kids are sent to after something like the above happens. Ellis is obviously familiar with the piece of furniture. I'm so not prepared for this. Have ordered a bunch of parenting books off Amazon.

Counting

In Chinese

ellis: yi - er - san - xiiiiii (like in Gong Xi)

In English

ellis: one, two, three, four.....six, seven, eight, nine, ten!!!! (she always misses the 5)

me: one more time?

ellis: one, two, three, four....ten!!!!!

So difficult to get a proper shot nowadays with this active toddler! To illustrate...

Jumping is a favourite activity these days - on the bed, in front of the mirror, on the sofa, from sofa to floor, on the coffee table, from coffee table to floor....you get the idea

Taking a breather

And with the lantern she made at school for the Mid Autumn festival.

Sleep - Another Milestone

Another change in her sleeping habits - I usually sit in the chair in her room and carry her for a bit (5 - 10 minutes) till she's slightly drowsy (but not asleep) before putting her into her cot.

Yesterday and this evening, as I sat her down, she pointed at her cot. I asked her "Ellie, do you want to be in your bed?" and she said "Bed". I wasn't ready to put her down yet so I asked her for a big kiss, which she happily gave "MUAH!" before I placed her in her cot. She scrambled down, clutching her little bolster and started rolling around.

I said "Good girl", "Good night" "See you" to which she giggled loudly and said "See you!" back before I left the room and closed the door. I can still hear her talking to herself as I type this, but I know she'll settle down to sleep on her own in a few more minutes.

Snuggling before she falls asleep is actually one of my favourite times with her (it's one of the few times that she actually lays still and lets me hug her) so I'm a little sad to see it go. But I'm also pleased that she's making the transition on her own. Oh well, my little girl is growing up :)

Ellis Makes a Mooncake

Oh yes, she did. School had the kids making snowskin mooncakes on 1st October, Children's Day. Which is one day before they celebrated the Mid Autumn Festival. Ms Lou told me that Ellis enthusiastically rolled the dough with a rolling pin, pummeled and shaped it into...this:

The mooncake was place in front of her purely for phototaking purposes - she kept trying to eat it and I had to pull it away from her mouth while still trying to get a shot of them together. Naturally, she got upset at having her tasty creation repeatedly snatched from her.

And to finish off, here is Ellis going "Cheers!" and clinking her milk mug against the jug.

School Update

After her initial bout of bronchalitis following the start of school (she attended 12 out of 20 days in the month of July) and a month away in August, Ellis resumed daycare in September.

I was this close to pulling her out because of her extended absence, but decided to stick it out one more month. I am glad to report save for 1 day where she had the sniffles, she is well, attending and enjoying school. To the extent that she's off and running when I drop her off, and in no particular rush to leave when I pick her up in the afternoon.

I'm thankful that she's doing well there and even picking up some Chinese - she will enthusiastically say "Zai Jian (goodbye)!" and "Xie Xie (thank you)". As she's the only toddler in her age group that stays in school beyond noon, she spends the afternoons hanging out with the older kids which I think is good exposure for her. They're really sweet too, yelling "Bye Ellis!" when she leaves for the day, or making sure that she has her teddy with her at all times.

And of course for me, I have the luxury of time off - I am free to go to the office, have lunch with friends or go for a spot of retail therapy during the time she's at school.

Photo of the Day 25.09.09

wearing her hat with doggy "ears" she made in school.