Setting Boundaries

As they are getting to the 1-year mark, they tend to want to learn and explore the world around them - one of it being asserting their "rights". Shean Wenn is no exception, and sometimes she tries to test her boundaries. We, as first time parents, try as much as possible to nurture her to become a well-mannered, balanced and happy baby - not to misbehave, but there is always a balance between spoiling them or hindering their growth process and the line can be quite grey - to me, personally, I think it's all about trial and error and since not all kids have the same attributes, we need to approach with care when it comes to "disciplining". Since I think it is not acceptable to have bad manners!


DAY 1

During the weekend, hubs did a wonderful job teaching her about PHYSICAL BOUNDARY. As we could not actually put a safety gate across the kitchen opening, and she will scream her lungs out if I try to put her in her playpen... the hubs has resorted to teaching Shean Wenn not to go into the kitchen. Sounds like a tall order? I thought it was pretty daunting, but the key is persistence, consistency and very clear instructions to her.

At first, when SW goes into the kitchen, the hubs will give a stern warning "No, daddy says cannot go into the kitchen. Now, come back out here" and he stands outside the kitchen waiting for her to come out. He won't leave till she does. Or, he will carry her out and put her outside and tell her she cannot go in. He repeated this perhaps 5 or 6 times that evening... and she kind of got it. I told him that it will work if he is around, but when he is at work, it will not work! She will definitely come in when I cook.


DAY 2

The next day, sans daddy. She came into the kitchen in the morning while I was making milk for her. I tried the same tactic. She refused to come out, and sat there for awhile. She even threw abit of tantrum! I ignored her pleas and cries.. and she lied down on the kitchen floor, tummy on floor, eyes looking at me. Defiance! I showed her the milk and asked her to come out. After awhile, she came out.

In the evenings, I tried the technique 3 or 4 times and she finally got it.

DAY 3

This morning, she was hesitating if she should/could step into the kitchen. No way, missy! She has learnt well. Let's hope this will last!

(Hmm, your hand is inside the no-go zone, missy!) ("Argh, I can't step in!")

(Somewhat frustrated that she can't come into the kitchen)

SW attends her friend's 1st Birthday

It was Tobey's 1st Birthday party on Sunday. The weather, extremely glorious sunshine throughout the day. I think Tobey's mom could not ask for more! There was home-cooked food and SW's daddy's favourite bit - BBQ!


Shean Wenn enjoying herself outdoors, and yes, with barenaked feet. As she has outgrown all her "baby shoes", we bought a new pair for her last weekend which is for walking. One day while out with me, she must've kicked it off while I was shopping. So she lost her brand-new shoes. We will search for another one for her next weekend. (We can't allow her to be a walking around with no shoes, can we?)

(SW obviously loving the texture of the grass and enjoying the great outdoors!)

And yes, she can walk now. My little girl started to walk since last week. She loves her new found skills and have been diligently practising whenever she has the chance!

(She having a go during Tobey's opening of pressie)

With daddy and mummy at Tobey's house. Look at the balloons... so colourful and happy.

("Mummy, when is it my turn to have a party with lots of presents??")

Answer : In 2 week's time, darling!
To our dear friends, please look out for the invites in your post.

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After the party, we had a dinner appointment at Patrick's luxury apartment. He was cooking for us. We arrived slightly past 6.40pm and was led into the living room by Mrs Patrick. Shean Wenn could not contain her excitement! She was pottering about the room as though she owns the place. She squeeled a few times in delight. I guess she really likes the big spacious hall (his hall is probably more than twice the size of ours!).

Dinner was fabulous and we couldnt wait to get to use the swimming pool next time - Teeheehee!

(This weekend has been great! We had meals at friends' place 3 out of 4 meals. I can get used to this)

Milestone : Walking

She is still cruising, but she cruises pretty well. Getting from one place to another very fast and effective with the assistance of furniture around. At best, she takes a few steps - slow steps, but defnitely taking steps independantly. Occasionally, she falls down, and sometimes without tears, she climbs back up and on her toes again.


Last week, I had an appointment in the city and the appointment involved some waiting time. (half hours, twice. Waste of my time, and it was near lunch time. HUNGER PANGS) Shean Wenn spent an hour sleeping in her stroller, oblivious to the hustle and bustle around her (it was a busy office). When she woke up, she was in a jolly mood.




Here is she using the stroller as a "Walker". I think it is time that we get her a proper walker. I had my eyes on a walker-cum-rider, at least to me, it gives more value because once they passed the "Walking" stage, they can use the walker as a vehicle and ride around the house.

I really like this Fisher Price Laugh and Learn, Walk and Drive "Car". But it's quite impossible to find it in the retail stores.

The other one is this, which is the FP Stride to Ride walker which I spied in Wollies selling for £20 (cheap, normal RSP is around £27.79-29.99).


Now, the difficult bit is actually convincing the hubs that we need this. He has lamented many times that our apartment is too small for another toy!