M's story: The Curvature

The 8-year-old started this piece today in his free time.

Looks unfinished. He was probably interrupted by dinner.

By the time I saw this, he was already in bed. I am impressed and fascinated with his idea. Must bug him to continue soon. Can't wait for the rest of the story.

(I haven't written much about him lately in this blog, but he is very into science fiction these days.)

Trio @ CNY 2013

1/2/13

You know what it is like when you try hard to take a 'good' photo of a bunch of kids.

After numerous 'enough monkey faces!', 'just smile naturally!', 'look here!', 'no lying down!' etc, we finally got this ....

Not bad, we thought. At least all of them were looking at the camera and only one 'performing'. 

 But, of course, we always wanted JUST ONE MORE SHOT. And in that split second, the monkey faces and antics returned!

These photos were taken on CNY 2013. Kids in their new pajamas, except for O, who unfortunately couldn't wear hers which was just way too big for her (my bad - bought 18 - 24 mth by mistake and forgot to check till eve of CNY).

Mama's Guilt

I always feel VERY guilty whenever she falls asleep in this stroller. The pictures say it all.

Since we gave away our 8kg Aprica that comes with 4 reclining positions a few months ago, she has been out and about in this Maclaren Volo.

I do love it that this Volo weighs only 4kg and I can close and open it with one hand (while carrying her in the other arm) and still light enough for me to lift it in and out of the taxi's boot (whenever taxi drivers don't bother to help).

The downside is the seat can't be reclined and there is no firm back support. For a heavier toddler, it won't be a problem. But it doesn't help that she is tiny.

Despite checking out numerous brands, I haven't found one model that is as lightweight enough and still provides a firm back support with at least one reclining position.

I have been using the Volo since 2005, so both boys survived this phase of napping in it, though I was also nearly eaten alive by guilt in those years. I have thought of replacing it at least a dozen times, but never gotten round to doing so, simply because having one as lightweight is an important factor and the lack of storage space at home means keeping three strollers (including the Aprica) would be out of question.

This particular photo makes my heart ache. :<

She looks so adorable. But it must be awfully uncomfortable.

(I adjusted her after the quick shot.)

E reminds me often that she will outgrow it sooner than I think. 

In the meantime, I avoid heading out close to her nap times. She is already spending very little time in the stroller even when we are out, preferring to walk and run around. Perhaps she will be fine in another few months.