elliot's new phrase

This weekend Elliot has Mae and I in stitches with his new catchphrase... he'll bring something (like a piece of bread or his cloth) to his nose, inhale deeply then say: "It smells like GOOD!"

sharing is good...most of the time

mae's entry:

I was putting Elliot to bed tonight and I could just barely see in the dark that he had most of his hand in his mouth - it looked like he was sucking on all 4 fingers, and I'm sure if there were space for his thumb, he would have included it too.

So I gently removed his hand and said not to suck on his fingers.

Before I knew what hit me, I had a couple of wet fingers halfway in my mouth, with Elliot exclaiming "You try!"

Blech. Not surprisingly, he found my disgust amusing (I attribute this to his being male) and tried his luck again. Ah, wet fingers with germs. The gift that keeps on giving!

getting air

I love this photo of Elliot in mid-jump. He was kind enough to oblige me in repeated jumps until I managed to catch him in mid-air.

the wordsmith

mae's entry:

Aiden loves using big words to the point where Andy & I sometimes wonder where he picks them up since we don't use the words in everyday conversation (and we can't take credit for teaching him those words either.)

He sometimes doesn't use the words correctly (he's just 4 after all), but it does make for interesting conversation with him.

Here are some words which he's used recently:

1. Voyage

When we went on the Singapore Flyer (it's like the London Eye), Aiden said, "We're going on a voyage! We're going to the top of the world!"

2. Discard

He has a collection of CDs, and as he thumbed through the folder he picked one out, "It's scratched and I should discard it. But I still want it in my collection."

Ok - this one got me. If Andy or I need to throw something out, we'd say "ditch it", "bin it", "chuck it"...anything colloquial really. But we sure don't say "discard".

3. Betray

As we were heading out of the house yesterday, Aiden wanted to take some of his craft work to the car, but Andy asked him to leave it at home.

Aiden replied: "Daddy, I don't mean to betray you, but I just thought you might want to look at it in the car."

I guess he meant "disobey" but he got the essence of it I think. Andy and I definitely don't use "betray" in everyday conversation, so we have no idea where he picked this up from.

4. App

Short form for "Application" (i.e. software), and used in the context of apps for my iPhone.

Aiden saw the Apple/Mac logo as a decal on a car and said, "Look, there's an app on the car"!

I guess it would make sense that he thought App was short for Apple instead.

5. A synonym for big

We were in a toy store and of course the boys gravitate toward the large toys with bells and whistles and in this case, a pseudo laptop with a voice prompt and a microphone.

The friendly American female voice said: "Now say the biggest word you can think of!"

And Aiden gleefully responds: "ENORMOUS! GIGANTIC!"

So we explain that the question is asking for hardest, longest word one can think of, not a synonym for big.

And Aiden thinks a while before offering: "Circulatory system? Respiratory system?"

As he's been learning about the human body in school, it wasn't so surprising. But what did amuse me is that he had to add at the end that his favourite system is the urinary system, because he likes the kidneys (well, someone's gotta love them kidneys).

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And now for not so big words, but ones that surprise us nonetheless:

1. "Gimme some skiiin"

He put his hand out too (for some skin, dude), so I reciprocated and it had me in stitches.

I have no idea who replaced him with an American teen for those moments, but thankfully it just happened once last week and we haven't had a repeat performance since.

2. Of course

Aiden uses this in lieu of a plain "yes", most of the time as a way to launch into a lengthy response.

3. Loyal

There has been a lot of pretend play where Aiden rolls around a large inflatable ball around, like his favourite Playstation game, Katamari (the aim of the game is that the player roll up items in the path of the katamari ball, and these items stick to the ball).

So Aiden rolls up to Andy and says, "I'm stuck on you, I'm loyal."

We did explain the right meaning of loyal, but I did enjoy seeing the word 'loyal' in a new way, as though someone's stuck on you.

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And lest we forget Elliot, we do delight in the babytalk and mispronounced words that we know won't last for long.

1. Constable - i.e. Comfortable

2. "L" is pronounced as "W" in most words:

Eh- yut - Elliot

Gowilla -Gorilla

Pway-gwoun - Playground

3. "R" is pronounced as "W" most times:

Gwandma, Gwandpa, Gwanny Eh-yee - last one is Granny Ally

Bea-tuhs Wock Band - Beatles Rock Band

Can't weech it - a favourite phrase when he can't reach something that's intentionally put up high.

birthday suggestion

I was chatting to the boys a couple of days ago,

actually, mostly to Aiden, but Elliot was there

we were talking about it being the end of October, and soon it would be November.

And I said "Hey, Mummy's birthday is coming up...

"what do you think we should get for her present?"

"what would she like?"

and elliot piped up "COFFEE"

I said "you think we should get coffee for Mummy for her birthday?" and they both thought that was a good idea.

Sweet boys.

a&e, b&w

aiden turns four

Aiden was almost too excited to sleep on the eve of his birthday. He had a really nice day opening all of his presents including a CD player from Ian & Mei and a bicycle from Mae and I. He's yet to really get confident on the bicycle - it's much taller/heavier than the Muji trike he's used to. Elliot didn't miss out, and was given a scooter by Ian & Mei.

tree climbers

One of the parks we frequent has this wonderful tree that's just right for climbing - lots of horizontal branches and smooth bark. Aiden loves seeing how high he can go, and of course, Elliot wants to be doing what his big brother is doing.

clever clogs

For National Day at Aiden & Elliot's school, they were asked to dress as their "Dream Occupation". Aiden wanted to be "a Baker, a Performer and a Teacher" which we narrowed to performer (Rock) complete with gel-filled hair and fake tattoos. Every Rockstar needs a Roadie, so Elliot got nominated for that role.

Both Aiden and Elliot are growing up so quickly. We haven't been great with keeping track of all of the milestones that they've been achieving. This blog is partially for their benefit in the future, so excuse me while I list a few of the things that they've been doing. We recently had Granny Ally for a visit, and on her last day, she left a couple of rubber-band-powered wooden boats that the boys have enjoyed playing with in the tub. Thanks to Granny Ally (and the boats), Elliot uttered his longest sentance yet. (Pointing at the boat) "Shark is swimming in the water". He's also recently learnt to count to 10 in Chinese, and Aiden can count to 100 in both Chinese and English - though he needs a little more help to get there in Chinese. At the moment they're both enjoying Lego, though I think Mae and I are getting equal enjoyment out of building things for the boys. Aiden is bringing drawings home daily from school, though recently they are taking the form of books. He also really loves building things with one of his teachers Ms Caroline, and come home with cereal-box sound systems complete with CD-tray and two-pin plug!

things that make a parent proud

Parenting is full of surprises. We never quite know what to expect from our kids, the things they say and do often crack us up. But recently there have been a few little Proud Parent moments that we think should be recorded for posterity (or at least moments that stimulate our vanity).

• Elliot keenly playing on Robert's mini skateboard when we were staying with Ange and Sean. As a former skateboarder, I was enjoying him enjoying it so much.
• In a guitar store last weekend, Aiden correctly identified a "Flying V" guitar and Peavey Amplifier.
• For the first time last night, Aiden was drawing some recognisable letters - An uppercase H. He then made some huge H's that spanned the length of the page like a skinny ladder with only one rung. For his encore, he drew a C. So far he's favouring his left hand, but ofter switches between hands to draw.
• Elliot on the other hand (literally) is clearly a rightie. He's got pretty good control of the markers and can draw a really good CD.
• While out wandering in a mall with Elliot, he pointed up at the Starbucks cafe one floor up and said: "Latte, up there".

I guess all kids are exposed to their parent's interests (like coffee and guitars), but it feels a little narscistic that our world is theirs. If I may be a little philosopical for a moment, I guess that's why we have the teen years - where kids get to rebel against the things their parents like.

Elliot is due to start at playgroup this week. He's still got a bit of a cough, and there's been another case of HMFD at the school, so we'll see how it goes. In any case, we're pretty sure he's going to love it. Right now his favourite things are music and dancing (if there's music on, he'll go around the room, dragging everyone to their feet to dance with him).

Both boys are extremely cute & loving and we feel blessed to be their parents.

happy easter

We realised in a panic last night that we had to make a hat for Aiden's Easter celebration at his school today. Constructed from wire and duct tape, we finished it in the wee small hours of the morning. Unfortunately since Aiden was fast asleep during the construction, we couldn't fit it to him very well, so it kept slipping off during the day. Aiden has had a little fever on-and-off these few days, and that came back in the later morning. He's had the rest of the day recuperating at home, so hope he's feeling better by now. He's also recently doscovered my old PlayStation 2 and has been enjoying playing with that, changing disks and exploring the menus. As for Elliot, he's due to start school around his second birthday. Currently there is no space in Little Village for his age group, but we've been told that there will be a new class starting soon, and we're sure he'll love playing with the other kids.

resting between sets

bubblechibbas and tamakonk

Elliot loves to dance. Here's an extended clip of him dancing (sorry, no sound). I think it must be fun for him to move on the padded tiles we assembled on the floor of the kids room.

Aiden has recently been inventing titles for things that don't have a specific names. The round foam tiles in the video above are now called "Bubblechibbas". A miniature version of Bow Wow we bought for Elliot is now called "Tamakonk". It reminds me of the names I gave my pet rocks as a child: "Flora Dora" and "Adapateta".

Last week was a little rough with both of them house-bound with Hand Foot & Mouth disease (HMFD). Aside from a little lack of apetite, both came through it pretty well. We're grateful that there were no complications, as HMFD can be extremely serious.

rockstar potential...

...he has it.

elliot's trademark smile

speak easy (more tod than mob)

Elliot was very focused this morning. Usually when he wakes and no one is around, he'll let out a loud shout/cry (sans tears - it's the "hey, where's everybody?? come get me!" cry)

But this morning after he woke, he didn't cry at all. Instead, he walked out of the bedroom to look for me, grabbed my hand and led me back into the bedroom.

He walked to bedside table, still pulling my hand, pointed at his empty milk bottle (from the night before) and declared, "Du du!" (Elliot's approximation of the malay word for milk).

More words that he's saying that I've yet to blog:

1. Anuh-tha
"Another" - used when he see more than 1 of something, like anuh-tha cat.

2. E-I-E-Ooooooh
Ok, fine, this isn't a real word, but I thought it was cute that he sings along at that part in "Old MacDonald had a farm..."

3. Mum-mum
Generic word for "food" used across Singapore.

4. Teed / Teesh
"Teeth", used daily, when we brush our teeth in the morning. To be fair, it's more chewing the toothbrush, than actual brushing.

5. Gamma

Grandma!

6. Tho
"Toe", which he says with glee when his socks and shoes are removed.

7. Bow wow
The 5th member of our family.

8. Car!
It's always announced like it's a surprise, like "hey, presto!"

9. Doooor
Synonym for the main door/gate at home.

10. Light
He loves looking up at lights and pointing them out. Sometimes he leans back so much while pointing he actually falls backwards (but there's always someone there to catch him, which explains why he keeps doing it).

andy is away

It's Day 2 of Andy having gone back to NZ.

Thankfully, Aiden & Elliot are still managing ok. I am, however, disappointed that the boys & I didn't go to NZ too, but after learning that the trip from Singapore to Invercargill took over 30hours, it was probably for the best for us and the boys that we didn't go.

Aiden has been mentioning occassionally that "Daddy is in New Zeeeeeealand" but doesn't seem too upset (yet). I think it's because I'm very matter-of-fact when I tell him that Andy's away, so the calm attitude is reassuring for him.

Elliot is still a little to young to know what's going on, but definitely know's Andy's voice - I put Andy on the phone earlier today and Elliot announced "Daddy...Daddy...Daddeeeeee!"

To distract the boys from noticing the usual Saturday routine was different i.e. without Andy, Grandpa Ian and I took the boys swimming. And we met Kim & Kate after that for lunch and a leisurely stroll along the quay to the Esplanade.

Some shots of today (it's a little dark, because it's an indoor swimming pool in what resembles the Batcave):

we love things that go vrooom

Aiden and Elliot going for a drive on those kiddy rides. They were pretty good sharing the wheel.

Elliot has been pretty good manoeuvering Aiden’s tricycle. In fact, Elliot has been getting a lot more use out of Aiden’s trike and - despite needing to go on his tippy toes - is now a pro at mounting and dismounting the trike.

Elliot the toddler

Elliot has been taking baby steps for a couple of months, but now he's walking unassisted for about 10-15 steps.



He's no longer a baby and officially a toddling toddler!

the training begins now

Check the perfect form, marvel at his grace. Elliot is clearly at ease with a rugby ball under his arm. The ball (along with a similarly pint-sized soccer ball) were a gift from Mae to I - intended as a Father's day gift, but I accidentally stumbled upon them searching for something in the office. So far they have been a big hit with the boys (myself included).

ahead of mother's day

A little quiet moment. Elliot is 1 year old now, and such a sweet little guy. I know where he gets it from.

superelliotbros

aiden and elliot

photos, photos.

It's a little too late for a lengthy post today, Instead, I hope these photos will suffice.

Mei, Ian, Elliot and Aiden.

Elliot has started solids, and knows more-or-less what to do. We'v forgotten how messy it got with Aiden when he was learning to eat. Elliot seems a little more distracted when he eats, making feeding a frustrating affair.

A quiet read is always a pleasure.

a new look

Mae's new haircut, in an easier-to-manage funky style. Something new for Elliot too - he tried solids for the first time tonight. He munched on mushy banana (on the recommendation of his paediatrician). It went down extremely well.

happy national day

For Singapore's National Day, Aiden's playgroup held a little celebration - some dancing and songs (in English and Chinese), and the kids got to dress up in their "dream occupation" costumes. We figured with his love of CD players, he'd be a natural for "Superstar DJ" so we made him a little DJ outfit.

We think Aiden might make a good DJ one day. As for Elliot, that's a difficult question. Perhaps from the picture below he'd make a good Supreme Ruler.

one two three

outings

Elliot is now 3-months old, and becoming more alert every day. He's a really good natured baby, and has us all charmed with his ready smiles.

This week, Aiden's playgroup had an outing to Jurong Bird Park where he had more fun playing in the rain than looking at the birds.

This nice shot of Aiden and Mae was taken on the Monorail en route.
He was most happy to find this wet step which was a perfect Aiden-sized seat.
He also enjoyed feeding these worms to the birds.

happy second month elliot

Snug as a bug in a rug. He's just turned two months and getting cuter by the day. He's also starting to sleep a little longer at night (much to his tired parents delight).

miles of smiles

Elliot has recently started giving the biggest smiles. Parents and Grandparents alike are smitten by his toothless grin. Seeing him smile makes all of the restless nights and stinky diapers fade to inconsequence.

We had a good weekend with Aiden and Elliot - out and about as usual. This giant green logo for a boutique is perfect for Aiden to chase his daddy around and vice versa.

two weeks old

One can only imagine what he dreams about. Elliot is already two weeks old. Perhaps it's the sleep deprivation, but it seems to have really flown by. We have been trying to get out of the house on the weekends to avoid Mae getting cabin fever, so Elliot has had a couple of brief glimpses of the outside world. The major milestone for Elliot this week has been the improvement of his vision/eye control. The way he looks at us with such intensity when we hold him makes it feel like he's staring into your soul.Aiden was a little tired today... woke early and had a lot of playing to do. Sleepy sons make for good cuddles.

i am so leetle.

Elliot's tiny fingers with perfect wee fingernails. They won't stay this size for long, so we're enjoying every moment marvelling at this little miracle. His umbilical cord stump fell off on Saturday - that's right - Elliot Unplugged.

We're enjoying every minute of Elliot as a newborn while it lasts - we sometimes just stare at him as you would TV; we call this the BabyChannel. We know that it will only be too soon before he'll be too big to hold.

He's quite a bit different from Aiden already. I know that's stating the obvious, but for some (misguided) reason, we expected that the newborn experience will be similar to Aiden. Feeding and sleeping are quite dissimilar - Elliot sleeps more than Aiden did, and waking him up to feed is close to impossible. Waking techniques we've tried: changing diapers, wet towels on the face, tickles on the cheek, little arm & leg aerobics - all methods are to no avail. This means that feeds are at his leisure - he slept through last night (we're not complaining - 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep was great.)

But it also means irregular feeds, although we noticed that this only happens in the late afternoon/evenings where he falls asleep mid-feed and wakes up an hour (or 2) for his next feed. Morning & afternoon feeds are slightly more predictable, at 3.5-4hrs apart.

Elliot isn't latching on as easily as Aiden did, so it requires more patience. We took for granted that it would be as easy (if not easier) than Aiden.

We're hoping his things might change as Elliot grows a little older - Elliot is after all just over a week old.


The romper Paul and Kim gave us for Aiden is back in service. It was only worn a handful of times before it was outgrown, and so it's nice to see it again. Given the amount that Elliot is feeding, it's likely, should he ever make the All Blacks, he'll be in the front row.

Elliot spending some quality time with his Grandpa Ian.

finally, a name

Introducing... Elliot Urquhart Naylor.