Category: what about mummy

A fellow blogger mom started a monthly link-up whereby we share our photos so everyone gets a glimpse into one another’s homes. The first instalment is about what everyone is sticking on their fridges.

To begin with, technically, we have 2 fridges. The hub searched everywhere for a large fridge but even the largest was not enough for our family. Then he got a bright idea, and decided to order 2 of the same fridge, one with a handle on the right and one with the handle on the left so when put together, it looked like one big fridge!

I try to keep it uncluttered, which is still possible as we have moved in less than a year ago, and because the kids have all grown up somewhat and they don’t get tons of drawings from school anymore. But I’m sure when Kate enters preschool, we will have lots of her doodles pinned up on the fridge. So for now, it’s just the necessary stuff on the fridge.

The first thing I put up was the schedule for uniforms. Our helper sets out #5’s uniform for him every morning, so she has to know if he was going to wear his uniform or his PE attire. I included the rest of the girls’ PE days as well, so that if we have a spell of wet weather, her priority is to get whichever set ready for the next day. All the other clothes can wait.

I kept all these mosaic magnets on display as they were made by the 5 kids when they were younger. They are so bright and cheery, not to mention practical, that they will probably have a place on the fridge for a long time to come. (the little red gingerbread man was made by #5 in school last week)

When Kate started her solids, I put these information up so that at a quick glance, I would be able to know what to feed her. One list is the current list of foods she has been introduced to, which I add to with each passing month. I can then look at the list when I draw up her weekly menu or when I go grocery shopping. The other is a ‘master list’ of biodiversity foods which we should gradually expose our child to. I will put a tick next to the foods after she has tried it. The extra boxes are to be ticked when she tries it the 2nd, 3rd, time etc. The other list with the pictures shows foods which are highly allergenic, so I can easily refer to it if somebody was going to offer it to her. We have lots of family and friends popping by, and sometimes they bring along fruits like kiwi or blueberries. I am careful with her as the other 5 have various food allergies.

This is a table to chart #5’s weight. Their Ah Gong comes back once every few weeks and he is worried that #5 is not eating well as he is very skinny. He told #5 to draw up a chart and to write down his weight daily so that he can track if he is putting on weight.

#5 just brought back this ‘huang’ he made in school. I love it! He explained that they rolled the clay out, then used pencils to poke holes in it for the design. I think it is very well spaced out for a 7-year old. It looks nice and as it’s our surname, it gets pride of place on our fridge!

Sane tip: These lists on the fridge come in very handy.

When people ask me if I exercise to keep myself trim I tell them yes if it includes chasing after a baby. Honestly, I think the last time I did any proper form of exercise was more than 10 years ago. I hardly have enough time in my 24 hours, how to squeeze in exercise?

However, after I gave birth to Kate, I was in a very unfit state. I had bad backaches, stiff shoulders, a sore neck and I felt very tired and drained all the time. A friend suggested I take up Yoga. I told her I had dabbled in different types of Yoga before and I didn’t like it. She told me this type of Yoga is different and persuaded me to just go for 1 lesson to give it a try. I did, and now there’s no turning back! I look forward to my Wednesday lessons and I encourage all my friends to give this type of Yoga a try. I am indeed hooked on Yin Yoga for life.

Initially, I found the postures a little hard to do. However, the instructor is very encouraging and she gives personal attention to those who are new. The others in the class are all mummies and many of us start off in a rather unfit state. We go at our own pace and we don’t feel intimidated if we can’t do certain poses well… yet. Over time, we are impressed with our own achievements!

The postures are gentle but powerful. By holding the postures for a couple of minutes each, it helps to cleanse our body from within. She will explain to us that the postures are working our inner organs such as our digestive system, our liver, our kidneys etc. This type of yoga clears up blockages in our body which gives us more energy. Our flexibility is also improved. Not only does it benefit our bodies but it also benefits our minds. It gradually trains us to be more mindful and to learn to focus. I always leave the class feeling calm and tranquil. Life is less stressful.

The sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays 9am-10.30am. As the instructors are also mummies, we take a break during school holidays as many of us are away with our kids (perfect for all of us mummies). A new term is starting next week. Each session costs $28, payable by term. They are pleased to offer a trial class @ $20 for all mummywee readers and your friends 🙂

Sane tip: I really look forward to this 1 hour of ‘me’ time every week. It reminds me to take it slow the rest of the week and maintain my ‘zen-ness’ after I leave the session.

Save tip: I used to pay thousands of dollars for membership at those big name gyms, with the greedy mentality that I will make my money’s worth and attend as many classes as I can. Ends up, my enthusiasm will slowly dwindle and I would have wasted a lot of my money. Now, I just pay for once a week sessions and I have not missed a session since.


YinSpace @ Strathmore (Alexandra area)

Email: innerbalanceyoga@hotmail.com
or contact Chrissie @ 98159789
or FB @ Yinner Balance Yoga



~   mummywee – parenting 6 kids without going mad or broke  ~

An ex-neighbour came back from Japan and we had a breakfast gathering as the kids had no school today. 

Her own rose garden

About 6 years ago, a few of us mummies started a playgroup for our 2006 babies. We have all remained close till today. Our Japanese friend, Miko, had been staying in Japan for the last 4 years as she has an autistic daughter and she felt that the system in Japan is much better for her daughter. It had been a very difficult decision for her as she had to choose between 

1) Giving her special needs child a better childhood and getting her prepared for an independent future 

2) Keeping the family together

This is her story:

Miko came to Singapore to further her studies. She met her husband, a Singaporean, and they got married. She climbed her way up the corporate ladder and had a promising career earning a very good income. They have 3 children. Her 2nd child was diagnosed with autism and she made the difficult decision to quit her job to manage her daughter. It was a very challenging time as her income disappeared while her daughter’s expenses ballooned. They were spending a minimum of $6000 a month on speech and occupational therapy, cranio-sacral therapy, bio-medicine and even acupuncture. 

She studied the options available for her daughter’s future but it looked rather bleak. The special schools were either full, not ideal, or too expensive. And she didn’t want her daughter to be resigned to just living her days aimlessly at home.

On a trip back to Japan, she explored the options there and realised that the system for handicapped children was more established. There was childcare, respite care, and qualified carers to take them on outings. They had sheltered workplaces where they were trained based on their capabilities from basic corporate careers to skills like gardening or baking. They were taught life skills to maximise their independence. 

Apart from the infrastructure, there was also a vast difference in the spirit of the carers and educators. In Singapore, she felt that they were driven more by monetary gains and career progression. In Japan, they found great satisfaction in their calling to serve the special needs children and they did it with much love, patience and compassion. The fresh air and greenery around her house was also more calming for her daughter.

What a tough decision for Miko. In the end, she decided that she would provide the best shot at life for her weakest offspring. She took her 2nd and 3rd children back to Japan while leaving her eldest son and her husband here in Singapore. We as parents have to make some very tough decisions. Sometimes we don’t know if it is the right choice or not. We can only choose the best based on what we know at that moment. 

Miko shared with us that life has taken on such a different meaning for her. What a far cry from those hectic days at the peak of her career. She started growing roses all around her property to stop her autistic daughter from running off. Now, tending to her rose garden gives her such peace. The term “smelling the roses” has taken a literal meaning for her. 

Her lovely roses

Maybe we should all stop and smell the roses too.

Sane tip: Whatever our present situation in life, both good or bad, I always remember the proverb ‘this too shall pass’. Sometimes we may find that our situation is unbearable. Just hang in there.

Save tip: Sometimes the simplest things like taking a long stroll or calling a friend for a listening ear is what we need, instead of hitting the malls.