Raising My Child – Philip

The kid wanted a pet for the longest time.

I have been thinking for the longest time too. A few factors were our home. Legally, we cant keep a pet. Secondly, who to take care when we are not at home and thirdly, pets are not cheap, both purchase and maintenance. Lucky or coincidentally, I stumbled on a link on fb. I followed the link and Customer Service was superb. I sent an email with my questions and I got them answered promptly. Then the businessman (pet owner) said his place was in ss2 and to be precise ss2/4. This was crucial to me because I am NOT driving to Timbaktu or some far away place just to chat about possibilities (that time not confirming buying yet) of getting a pet. When the pet owner told me I can come in to have a non-obligation discussion, to see the dog of choice and his place was so near, I agreed.

On 25th Nov, we made our way to his place. We were shown to the puppies and also the puppies “mom”. We discussed about what to do, etc. The price was rm600 for a ShihTzu dog (3 month old dog) I was pleased to hear the price was well within my budget. Earlier, I have stayed away from getting a pet because those pet shops in the mall, the price tag is no lesser than RM1500 and some even goes up to rm4-5k. We didnt agree on the spot as we dont want to show the owner our eagerness. (I learned not to make anxious decisions..everything with consult / prayer).

Went home, the little fella talked non stop about the pet. He then said he will do this, do that (and still does till TODAY- and I M PLEASED)

On Thursday 29 Nov, I made a trip again, but without P. I went with my aunt to double confirm my decision. Its definitely a huge decision and commitment from my side. 3 month old dog is like a 3 month old baby. So on Thursday, after an hour there, I paid a deposit.

We came back again on 1st Dec to collect some dog items as we wanted to setup his house before welcoming little Sparky home. Then on 2nd Dec, we officially took him home. Prior to this, Sparky has been trained and as the new owner, I went for a half day training at this owner’s house (how to bath, how to feed, how to do this and that)

Philip was thrilled to bits nevertheless. He was indeed very happy having Sparky. Till today, he still adores this naughty Sparky and poor me, I have been suffering. My daily live-out Indonesian helper is of NO HELP to me as she said she cant go near any dog. I tried psycho-ing her but failed. I know I cannot force her. Hence, I end up cleaning the dog poo and pee everyday. Philip will prepare his food and showers the dog once a week (of course with my supervision) The dog learns fast but somethings I held back like teaching the dog to walk down the steps.

The dog, is left in a play area while we are out. The radio will be on. If the dog is naughty  then he is left in his cage. At night, he free roams around the house. He eats twice a day. He is super manja type that wants attention. If you ignore him, he will PURPOSELY poo/pee not in his toilet area.

In late December 2012, I engaged Giogiana Salas to do a photoshoot for us. It was also Sparky’s first time outing session. We went to DPC. During this session, Sparky was so natural and I had a black face P who didnt want to cooperate at all

I sent Sparky for grooming in Jan too to prepare him for surgery and CNY. So he had a botak feel. I wondered if he felt naked?

I m glad that P is natural to eating veg and fruits. Glad that our patience (me, my parents, my aunt, maids) all paid off.

This is one of his daily consumption.

P is independent in a way. I started training him from young to stay away from me in case I have to go outstation/overseas. Ever since my mom got a smartphone. also taught her to use Whatapps. Now, she will send me photos while P is holidaying with them.

We frequent Citta Mall at Ara Damansara because of free parking.

Usually we will dine at Chawan or Paparich and P at MCd. Nothing much there but last 2 months, there was a new tenant. Mini Putt Golf Centre on first floor, just opposite the BabyRoom.

Paid RM8 for P to play under the air-con was worth it. I am trying to reintroduce his interest in golf. I started him for golf lessons but he quit too soon. So this will be our hangout place. oh, this place is for adults too. There is ladies night, lunch hour promos..

I made his wear this t-shirt during the US Election Campaign.

Actually not playdates. More like helping me when I S.O.S.

Michelle at Penang:

Last minute called to Penang for meeting. No choice I have to bring P along as I cant arrange someone to take care of P for 1 night. Ended up, we stayed 2 nights in Penang as my colleague’s parents volunteered to assist. Then Michelle said she’s on leave and could baby-sit. So P went with Michelle for about half a day. My sincere thanks to her hospitality.

Kim (My colleague who works from home)

P was having slight fever. So I already took half day EL. I thought he could get well in the afternoon and I can put him at his kindy. His fever didnt subside and I have a meeting to chair which cannot be cancelled. So again, I have no choice but to look high and low for help. I felt so paiseh to leave my kid with anyone because he was sick. (note: he has fever but was normal). I felt paiseh because I dont think its right to send a sick person to anyone. No choice. My colleague saved me.

His best friend-N

As I wrote earlier, we found N really by coincident. Ever since his mummy resign and became a SAHM, his mummy have been asking P for playdates. N’s mummy will shower and feed him and they can play from 1pm -8.30pm. I am thankful!!

Sincere thanks for all. I am very grateful.

Sometime ago, we participated in a soccer party. It was organised by Erica Perez (expat) and found details of this free session on facebook. I jump on the opportunity as I felt soccer will benefit and he did. Later I did ask if he seriously wants to learn, but he did not want. sigh.

Photos and Videos here. & this mama got to celebrate his success right

Videos:

Soccer 1; Soccer 2; Soccer 3

Concert was held in September instead of year end. The teacher said “we would like to get it done fast” *horror*

The concert theme was saving the environment and I like the idea a lot. P’s dance was “Weeping Trees” as to not cutting down trees. P told me “Mummy, are you sad that teacher did not choose me to speak in front of the microphone?” I told P to volunteer himself but I guess his teacher just took him lightly or thought he is not good enough for the job. P also insisted to have the grandparents there and so I invited them. The concert was held in a public auditorium in Summit USJ.

We were too excited about the event so we left home in “kai-kai” shirts. Then I remembered I had to change and makeup. So went back in the house and change. P was extremely cooperative that day. You see the photos? He so willing to pose!!

Videos 1: Works by Director Sham Sunder Biwani. Snow white and 7 dwarfs modern version. Video 1

Video 2: P’ weeping tree dance. Video 2

Video 3: Finale Video 3

Enjoy!

I procrastinated in bringing P to Genting because Genting was my 2nd home for 3 years. Every week, I will be in Genting for min 1 day or max 3 days for events. After the 3 years, I still went back to Genting occasionally when I need to settle problems. I am scared of the Rajawali food, I can even drive blindfold (ok not true), but my best time record was 40 mins from Genting back to KL Damansara Area.

Thinking how to celebrate P’s birthday, I decided that we could have some fun. Now that he is older, I am sure his appreciation for those rides will pay off. and you know, DONT EVER GO TO GENTING during weekends. Its PACKED! Its Horrible. We went on a Monday-Tuesday.

Booked Hotel Room online-

Check-In excellent- used the kiosk service-

Room – satisfactory

Snow World – good experience but I had awful customer service rendered. I hate to raise my voice

Buying Photos- bad. No credit card service

Check-Out from hotel- HORRIBLE!!!!!

Food (from various cafes/restaurant)- ok

Overall experience is wonderful and the little one is begging me to bring him again n again….

Indeed, P is 5 years old. He turned 5 on 6th October 2012.

We had 2 celebrations at school, 1 family dinner and 1 personal dinner (between me and him)

Photos from his class:

Ordered the Cakes from Debbie Teoh.

Party Packs were DIY.