so far so good ... 5th Sept Playdate
Delci is one friend I would not want to miss meeting during the holidays.
Ethan is one friend Zoe would not want to miss playing with during the holidays, she just wishes that she can get to play with Ethan more often than just holidays.
Zoe and I used to meet Delci and Ethan more often when I was still a sahm. It is only when I started teaching that we have to meet up during Zoe and my school holidays. :( How restrictive. Another factor to consider is the travelling distance or/and time. And at times cost.
When I just had Zane, Delci and Ethan came over more often. And when Delci just had little Zoe, I go over to her place more often. Delci is a very mobile mum, unlike me. When Zane was younger, I tend to stay at home more as it was very draining managing two young kids alone outside, esp when one of them is very public-challenging. Either that or I would just take Zoe.
I used to just take Zoe to Delci's place. Firstly the play date timings will be Zane's lunch and nap hours in school, so bringing him will mean a bringing a cranky child. (Mothers, we all know that for a play date to be successful, the children must be well-rested). Bringing Zoe alone will also allow me to just chat carefreely with Delci and at the same time being able to facilitate Zoe and Ethan's play whenever necessary. Chasing Zane around a place is no joke. He is one child who needs constant supervision. Delci will know what I mean. :).
And bringing both will mean I have to go by taxi. With Zoe, we can take a bus, enjoy the 1+ hour of travelling with each other. With Zane coming along, I will have to arm myself with a bigger entertainment bag and be prepared that he will make fusses along the way over the slightest things which irritate his audio, tactile and visual senses if we ever take a bus. In short, bringing both Zoe and Zane out will mean, me as the mummy must be very, very prepared, esp, emotionally.
I was glad I brought Zane to Delci's place. This being holiday, I've no heart to send him to school while Zoe has a playdate. :)
I am so glad to see Zane comfortable with the place. He fussed a little over the books, adult's books btw. Delci has many attractive alpha toys and books, much to his delight. Those kept him occupied throughout the play date. Though he does not actively play with Ethan, Zoe and little Zoe, he didn't mind their presence and noise. He was happy walking around them and ocassionally "playing" the same toys with them. I am very thankful for such an understanding and proactive friend. She was constantly keeping a lookout for things in her house which may interest Zane. :)
Just wanna blog down some very wonderful moments during the playdate :
* Seeing that both Ethan and my Zoe have grown. Very heartwarming to see this pair of friends still enjoy just laughing and rolling around with each other. Both Delci and I are still amused that whenever Ethan and Zoe get together, they can just break into very contagious laughter that will even bring smiles to the mummies. It is only with Ethan that Zoe plays this way. It is also only with Zoe Ng that Ethan will play this way. ie. Laugh .... giggle .... laugh .... giggle ....
* Little Zoe has grown much too. What a sweet toddler she is !!! Can't help but wanna hug her, and if possible, plant some pecks on her chubby cheeks. I bid my time. I didn't pounce on this little princess the moment I saw her of course though I must say that she is very irrestible !!
I waited till she was standing close to me. When I opened my arms to motion her to walk nearer to me, little Zoe came nearer and sticked her arm to mine !!!!! I was so happy !! I sang her a duckie song as she was holding on to a duckling. She smiled coyly after the song. Then, she picked up a bigger duck. I sang the song again. Then she picked up a speckie duck. I sang it again. This time sang to her to take her lunch first. :)
For little Zoe, at her age, she is a very engaged child. I believe the training from Delci for Zoe to be engaged in purposeful activities while she homeschools Ethan is really bearing fruits. She can stay engaged for at least twenty minutes, that is very long for a pre-nursery child. Good job, Delci and Zoe !!
* Another heartwarming moment is to eat the pizza Zoe made for me! She followed all my instructions. Eating that pizza also mean savouring the love of both Delci and Zoe have for my children and I.
This is one friend I love a lot. Maybe because we just click since the beginning. Maybe we share many common ideas and opinions from childcaring to personal caring (esp spiritual aspect). Or maybe it is a Big Blessing from our Heavenly Father that even we are worlds apart (within Singapore), that does not stop the friendship from receiving continuous nurturing. It is a wonderful parenting experience to see each other's children grow and to grow with each other in this route.
" You know, Delci, walking this motherhhood life is never too lonely or too tough with you around. We share many ups and downs with each other, from mothering to teaching to wifeing and to worshipping. Thank God for you many times over, my dear friend. :) "
* To see Zoe and Zoe interacting with each other. We made it a point to snap some shots of Zoe and Zoe together. Must update my msn pic mah .... the one I have now was an antique, little Zoe was barely 6 months old in that pic. hehehe .......
I was so relaxed and so at peace when I was at Delci's place. It must have been the Lord Who graced the place and the fellowship with His love and presence. The best and most comforting thing I have heard from Delci is that she is seeing much improvements in Zane. The last few rounds, it took three adults to take turns to watch him. Today, he really did me proud. Yeah ! Thank You, Lord. That was a much needed affirmation for the efforts Zane and I have been putting in.
Once again, I give thanks to God, for this good gift of friendships. For all 6 of us.
Oh yes, I also wanna thank Delci for the coffee, hmmmmm ..... nice black coffee ....... :) ahhhhhhhhhhh ........
Grateful Jess
posted by Jesselyn Ng @ 5:23 AM
2 Comments:
Seems like the kids had lotsa fun!!! Wow!! They did their own pizzas.... Great activity!!
I miss going on playdates!!
Nurul
Delci, reading what you wrote about Zane makes me cry. You are one of the very few adults who are willing to try to connect with Zane. Most will just give up after a few attempts and just leave him alone (which works well for him anyway).
Maybe, in his little mind, adults are just there to say, "NO Zane" and in the tone and voice volume which he cannot cope.
And I know in my heart that your place, your children and you ... are the place and people I can bring my Zane to without seeing stares and shaking of heads. Too many times I have been made to feel as though I've spoilt him and I am the lousy mum who is loose in discipling him. You know that kind of "what kind of mother are you?" look? Those cut the heart.
Thanks again ....
You won't know how many invitation I've declined whenever mentioned that I can bring Zane. Your place is one that I know I can confidently bring him. Coz, my dear friend, you are even there to help me along, keep two eyes on him at times.
I still trying to understand why he dropped the flash card ABC book out when he likes it so much. He did that at my pils' place on one of his favourite DK books too. Strange. Later will ask his Consultant when we have his review for this quarter.
You've brightened my days ahead, Delci!
Thank you !!
Love,
Jess
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