4 piece puzzle - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2weeks old. (25/12/2009)

We bought little Zo Ee a box of 3 large size puzzle sets and surprisingly, little Zo Ee could assemble the four piece puzzle set at breeze. Little Zo Ee got them all correct after her second try while she's still struggling with her older 4 piece puzzle set; which is smaller in size (about 4x smaller than her latest collection). After seeing this huge difference; this shows that a bigger puzzle piece is so much easier to be handled by little fingers; to rotate and fix with much less effort and a bigger picture is also more visible to young toddler like my little Zo Ee.



.............................................................................
Then

18 month old - other puzzles

18 month old - other logic toys

Singing more songs - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2weeks old. (26/12/2009)

Zo Ee started to sing more songs this week; her 4th, 5th, and 6th songs although these songs are not frequently being played in our house, but Mummy believe that little Zo Ee is attracted to those interesting lines...

Pop goes the wizzle
Mumble...mumble...mumble... then little Zo Ee shouted, "Pop goes the wizzle!" She loves this line, thus putting strong emphasize on this particular line; jumping up while shouting out this line and she's learned this from watching the Barney show.

5 little monkeys

Again, Mummy saw little Zo Ee, playing with her little bear, moving it up and down on the sofa (jumping motion) while singing this line repeatedly, " 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed... one falls down...mumble mumble....jumping on the bed..."

Happy Birthday to you

Little Zo Ee imitating gu-jie(Daddy's sisters) playing the keyboard while singing the happy birthday song. Little Zo Ee was heard singing , " Happy Birthday to you...Happy birthday to you..." repeatedly while playing the keyboard in a random manner.

Christmas 2009 - 20month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2weeks old. (25/12/2009)

We went to Snowcity Singapore to celebrate this year Christmas. Its Zo Ee first time seeing snow. Unfortunately, little Zo Ee was too cold to move or stay active, even couldn't smile for any photo shot.

Daddy, Zo Ee and Mummy.

Gu-jie (Daddy's youngest sister)

Daddy's younger and youngest sisters with us.

Dancing on stage -Christmas Eve - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2weeks old. (24/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee dancing on the stage.

Little Zo Ee dancing on the stage.

Zo Ee and Mummy.

Zo Ee and Daddy.

Zo Ee dancing on the stage.

Funny - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2weeks old. (24/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee tried to put on the socks for her pooh bear. When she couldn't manage, she yelled for daddy's help. So daddy came to her rescue, helped her out with the task.

Satisfied Little Zo Ee gave her pooh bear a big hug.

Sorting crystals - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2weeks old. (23/12/2009)

When we came across a book on rocks, little Zo Ee remembered that Mummy did show her some crystals months ago and she insisted Mummy to show them to her again, "Mummy, get crystal! Mummy, get crystal!" while pointing towards the correct drawer where Mummy keeps them. When Mummy passed the bag of crystal to her, little Zo Ee arranged one by one accordingly. Little Zo Ee is so particular in arranging and placing them according to their names. When Mummy saw this, Mummy tested her, and surprisingly little Zo Ee did know the name to each crystal.

Isn't she such a perfectionist?
Looking at the way she placed them precisely onto the corresponding name cards and in the same manner. She indeed took effort in arranging them as below.

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Then

18 month old - Sorting books

Making my first mask - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2week old. (23/12/2009)

After reading a book on How to make a mask, Mummy decided to make one with little Zo Ee; to let little Zo Ee experienced the process herself since she was extremely interested in that particular library book. This 20 minutes mini project allowed little Zo Ee to colour with the coloured markers, play with the paper plate, paste with the glue and sticky tap and play with a plastic scissors. Mummy helped little Zo Ee to cut out the eyes, and some coloured paper for her to stick onto her mask before finally adding in the elastic band.

Handling her scissor.

Colouring her mask.

Adding more colours to the mask.

Zo Ee's first self-made mask - with Mummy's help.

New watch - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 1week old. (22/12/2009)

We saw some Disney watches on sales, selling at S$29 each after discount (before S$45). The sales person said these are authentic watches from Hong Kong Disneyland with one year warranty. We did buy one since we had been shopping around for one with long and short hands (not a digital watch like her first one) for little Zo Ee for sometime now and were reluctant to get those on the street, as we are very worried about the paint being used, whether is it lead free? Mummy was having a tough time, choosing between these design; sesame street with yellow strap, mickey mouse with red strap and minnie mouse with pink strap. Finally, we chose the pink one with Minnie Mouse design for her. This shall be little Zo Ee's christmas present from us. "Merry Christmas my dear!"

Upon reflection, Mummy first watch was a blue digital watch with dolphin design - selling by the road side, wet market to be precise. Mummy second watch was a good one; a green mickey mouse watch with its moving hands pointing at the numbers. which lasted for many years. Mummy's mum (poh-poh) bought it from a watch shop in old town Ipoh. Surprisingly, that watch shop still exist until today.

Insist dancing with us - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20month 1week old. (21/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee insisted Mummy and Daddy to dance along with her while playing the Gummy Bear song (on YouTube). Whenever we stopped dancing, little Zo Ee will come to us, pulled at our hands, telling us, "Dance with you! Dance with you!". Persistently she will pull and push at us until we moved and danced along with her. After dancing for half an hour with this repeated song, tired Daddy went to rest on the bed. Little Zo Ee went into the room, pulled at Daddy's leg before insisting him to get down from the bed, "Get down! Get down from the bed!" When Daddy's on his feet again, little Zo Ee ushered Daddy out to dance with us again. So Mummy and Daddy were forced to dance with little Zo Ee until she was too tired to dance anymore.

Video uploaded!

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Then

17 month old - Dancing Queen

Gross motor skill - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 1week old. (19/12/2009)

Wondering what is little Zo Ee doing?


Some of Zo Ee's physical development(Gross motor skill):

1. She loves to place both hands on the floor and occasionally did a somersault (above photo) - 19month old

2. Turn in circle at moderate speed - 20 month old

3. Walk on tiptoe on purpose - 20 month old

4. Climb ladder(1 level) without help - 20 month old

5. Walking up long steep slope (>45 degrees, 5 meters in length) independently - 20 month old

6. Walk up stairs unaided - 20 month old

7. Walk on a straight line.( following the path with raised spots(1 foot width) for the blind at the train station) - 19 month old

8. Use a slide without help - 19 month old

9. Sit and rise from at a child's chair without help - 19 month old

10. Running down steep slope at high speed - 19 month old

11. Walk across a room while carrying a tray of toys - 19 month old

12. Pouring water accurately onto rubber duck or pouring and filling up a cup with water using a sand scoop - 19 month old

13. Blowing a whistle - 18 month old

14. Jumping on Mummy's bed - 18 month old

15. Push, pull and steer toy stroller (good control) - 18 month old

16. Sweep the floor with toy broom and dustpan - 18 month old

17. Run at high speed, stop and turn around - 17 month old

18. Run around obstacles - 17 month old

19. Kick a ball forward - 14 month old

20. Dancing- (hands alone -10 month old, whole body - 14 month old)

Christmas Party - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 1week old. (18/12/2009)



Enjoying the food...turkey, sandwiches, cakes,.. yum-yum! Can you see my Christmas cookie?

Wandering and Dancing on the stage...enjoying Christmas music!

Zo Ee with Mummy and Daddy

Got my Christmas present from Santa!

Group photo for the kids with Santa!

Other than the occasionally too loud music and applause from the audience in the beginning, little Zo Ee was slowly getting used to it - even clapping and cheering with the crowds. Overall, Zo Ee seems to be enjoying herself at her first Christmas party at The Grand Hyatt, Singapore.

Obsessive with numbers - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 1week old. (19/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee is extremely obsessive with numbers lately, she wants to count everything she sees; from toys to food on her plate. Her favourite question is "How many...?" eg. "How many cookies on the plate? How many blocks on the floor? How many shoes ? (referring to her own shoes before putting them on) How many blueberries on the plate? How many children are there? How many playground? How many people are there?" etc. And most of the time, she will answer immediately to her own questions or she will insist an answer from Mummy if she is unsure.


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Then

18 month old - 2 digit numbers
17 month old - reading aloud 1-100
16 month old - reciting 1-20
16 month old - recite 1-100 alternately with Mummy
15 month old - recite 11-20 alternately with Mummy
15 month old - reciting 1-10(video)
14 month old - reciting 1-10

Screaming when Daddy's around - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20month 1week old. (19/12/2009)

When Mummy and Zo Ee are alone at home, little Zo Ee behaves very well and not a single screaming,crying or whining. Little Zo Ee will ask Mummy politely for things or request. Little Zo Ee is always playing or reading independently. Mummy has no problem with her at all and she will always obey Mummy. Thus, the house is always peaceful and quiet.

But little Zo Ee is behaving very differently lately especially when Daddy's around. Little Zo Ee will be screaming to get things done her way or just to get our attention. Little Zo Ee seems like another person; very impatient, throwing tantrum occasionally, and most of the time, won't even listen to Mummy and never listen to Daddy at all. Little Zo Ee will struggle with Daddy to have her way. And this is the latest scene at home during past weekends; a complete messy home with toys everywhere and a screaming toddler. Mummy dreads these weekends and Monday as little Zo Ee will still carry this screaming behaviour to the following Monday. Luckily, Mummy is still able to reverse this bad behaviour and having a few peaceful weekdays before the whole cycle repeats again on the weekend, when Daddy doesn't have to work.

Why is little Zo Ee behaving badly lately only when Daddy is around? So this must have to do with Daddy, who usually will not response or pay attention to her unless she screams, thus the confuse little Zo Ee thought screaming is the way to get things done her way. That's why is not fair to punish the child who is behaving like this because of poor parenting. It's the parent to be blamed for this bad behaviour and not the little child. And sadly to say, this is only one simple example comparing to the many poor parenting scene out there where parents always blaming the children for misbehaving and punished them. But if one were to think it over, it is poor parenting (inconsistency or misleading practice )that encouraged the children to behave badly in certain way.

Scribble 4 - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months old. (11/12/2009)

These scribbling was done by little Zo Ee on the day she turned 20-month old.

Zo Ee is able to draw Mummy a long straight line across the paper (a long straigth orange line across down this drawing below, and another long green straight line on the following drawing.)

By accident, little Zo Ee drew a blue triangle below. Excitedly, little Zo Ee explained to Mummy, "Zo Ee draws a triangle." while pointing at it. Little Zo Ee further explained to Mummy, "3 sides and 3 corners." before telling Mummy, "Zo Ee colours the triangle." Little Zo Ee has been able to differentiate writing, drawing and colouring since months ago but Mummy just could not recall when exactly by now. Thus, she's able to use these words appropriately without any confusion. Sometimes, little Zo Ee will be telling Mummy, "Zo Ee is writing numbers." or "Zo Ee is writing letters." too.

Other than knowing her colours (since 12 month old), little Zo Ee can recognize and name these: straight line, broken lines, zig-zag line, curvy/wavy line, dot-dot (her usual description "dot-dot for the eyes.") for quite some time too and most shapes (more shapes at 14-month old, basic shapes since 12-month old).

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Then

19-month old - holding pencil appropriately

14-month old - Scribble 3

14-month old - Scribble 2

13-month old - First scribble

Comparing with older kids(reading/talking) - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 4days old. (15/12/2009)

As I had mentioned earlier, little Zo Ee loves the company of older kids but not necessarily she will always get a positive response from the other party. Boys will usually pushed her away and found her annoying. Also most older boys will not have the patient nor will be gentled with her, despite her tender age. Last month, little Zo Ee was almost in tears and came complaining to me, "Koh-koh! Koh-koh!" while pointing her finger at the older boy (about 10 years old). That boy actually screamed at her "Go away!" and gave her a little pushed when little Zo Ee persistently wanted to see what he was reading and trying to befriend him.

Some older girls will find her cute and will have the patient and understanding in tolerating little Zo Ee who is still lacking in sharing skill and her impatient attitude. Some older girls will be reading along with her, enjoying her company and little Zo Ee got the chance to talk to them too; naming objects in books and surrounding in turn.

From these observations, Mummy is surprised that little Zo Ee is pretty on par with these older kids (age 4 or 5) in-term of general knowledge, and of course little Zo Ee's reading skill is very advanced too. Little Zo Ee can read sentences easily with understanding and she is either on par or far advanced than most preschooler / kindergarten kids in this skill. She may not understand some new big words but nevertheless she is able to read and pronounce them correctly with her natural phonics skill. Also, since Mummy stopped counting on Zo Ee's vocabulary at 15 month old-at least 800 words then, Mummy's wondering how well advance is she now as she's always surprising Mummy with her words used. Eg. Little Zo Ee was asking Mummy, "Oh oo.. where is the lizard hiding?" when the lizard when into hiding or little Zo Ee was telling Mummy, "Zo Ee's swimming...backstroke." and surprisingly little Zo Ee was laying on her back pretending to swim in the bathtub then.

And some months ago, while little Zo Ee was playing at the playground, Mummy and Daddy came across a 3 year old boy, who was speaking in short sentences just like our little Zo Ee. Of course, some 3 year old may be very articulate but we believe that boy we met was an average 3 year old. Initially, Daddy found it funny, as he's comparing the way that little boy talked or his description; just exactly like our 17-month old Zo Ee ; word by word in short incomplete sentences, eg. moon.. white.. round...above the sky. Thus, we have a rough idea that our little Zo Ee was actually speaking like an average 3 years old then. But now at 20 months old, little Zo Ee is already speaking in full sentences most of the time, eg. "The moon is up above the sky." She can describe in perfect sentences since 19 month old, thus we believe her language skill has already exceed a normal average 3 year old by now.

McDonald - 20months old

Zo Ee at 20months 5days old. (16/12/2009)

Mummy: Do you want to have rice or noodle?
Zo Ee: Noodle. (Zo Ee loves noodle.)

Mummy: Do you want noodle or McDonald?
Zo Ee: McDonald! (you can see little Zo Ee's eyes sparkle with excitement)

Never underestimate this 20-month old toddler, she does know what is McDonald (fast food), although she has yet to try their burgers. Until now, Mummy only allowing her to have the corn cups, sundae, yogurt, milk, milo and fries during our each visit there. But she's already know what to expect from this fast food restaurant. Other than McDonald, little Zo Ee also knows "Subway" and she will point out to it whenever we pass by one.

Joining the crowd - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 3days old. (14/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee wants to have fun with other older children(not children about her age - she calls them baby!) and be part of the older group instead. Although these children might not be responding or playing with her, she's thrilled just being with them; screaming, jumping and running side by side with the crowd. It doesn't matter whether they communicate or talk to each other, but it is fun enough for little Zo Ee to be part of the older kids.

Twinkle-twinkle(actions) -20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2days old. (13/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee can now copy many actions and act them out along with her music VCDs since a month ago. She just loves to be a part of them too. Surprisingly, little Zo Ee was acting out all alone with this song; twinkle-twinkle little star which was playing on the television. There wasn't any children in the video, only a house and a blinking star. And neither does we have any twinkle-twinkle little star version with children in action but little Zo Ee was seen following this song with her actions; hands opening and closing for the twinkle star, pointing to her cheeks, pointing up to the sky, etc... If you ask me, where did she learn these? I would say she learned from my relatives during our stayed in Perth (video - Farewell hugs, August 2009), and surprisingly that was 4 months ago.

Complaining - 20 month old

Zo Ee at 20months 2days old. (13/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee was making a huge fuss ; crying and yelling on top of her voices while saying these, "Why are you screaming? Why crying?" At that time, I was in the bedroom, and I could hear her crying and fussing over the day bag, asking to open the bag. "Open the bag, open the bag". I believed she was trying to open the bag herself and when failed, she came running and complaining to Mummy, "Why crying? Why screaming?" and when Mummy directed this question back to her, "Why are you screaming? I don't like anyone screaming in the house." The agitated Zo Ee started complaining, "Daddy, Daddy keeps blueberries inside the bag. Get blueberries! Get blueberries " Immediately, little Zo Ee ran back out to the hall and tried her hands on the bag again, while kept saying "open the bag. open the bag. Wants blueberries."

Ha! Ha! Ha! Little Zo Ee actually saw Daddy washing and putting the blueberries into a small container before keeping them inside the day bag, as we will be going out for dinner. Those blueberries were for her after the dinner. But what Daddy didn't notice was that little Zo Ee saw his doing and was expecting Daddy to give the blueberries to her now and not keeping them to be savor later. Finally, Daddy had to give in and little Zo Ee immediately calmed down and was eating her blueberries happily and was all contented when finished.

This is not Zo Ee first complain as she used to come complaining to me when she had a fall or hurt herself; eg. "fall over" or "fall down" or "very painful" . But this is her first time in complaining about someone else doings... "Daddy keeps blueberries inside the bag." : )

Specific smell - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 4weeks old. (9/12/2009)

Little Zo Ee must have a more sensetive smell senses than Mummy and Daddy. Whenever we passed by this particular interchange, little Zo Ee never fails to ask Mummy, "What's that smell?" but neither Mummy nor Daddy could smell anything, no matter how hard we tried. But little Zo Ee has been very consistent with this since few months ago. Then, when little Zo Ee was younger and less articulate, she will ask Mummy, "smell? smell?" whenever we were nearby this particular interchange. And this continue to happen even until today, little Zo Ee's still asking Mummy about this particular smell but Mummy and Daddy have yet to notice any.


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Then
16 month old - smell

Precise description - 19 months old.

Zo Ee at 19months 4weeks old. (8/12/2009)

We were at the library waiting for Daddy to finish his work just now. We were at the parenting books area when little Zo Ee's awakened from her nap. Mummy reached out for some books within Mummy's reach and as we flipped through a book on toddler's development with many interesting photos in it, little Zo Ee started telling Mummy about every photo on each page. Mummy was so surprised upon hearing little Zo Ee precise description of each photo in proper sentences. There was not a single miss or anything that she could not describe, she seems to know everything. Mummy was really speechless!

Here are some of her descriptions:

"Baby is crawling on the floo...or..." ( Lately, she likes to drag the last word of each sentence.)

"Koh-koh(elder brother) is eating spaghetti...iii."

"Koh-koh is eating with a fork..."

"Koh-koh is riding the bicycle...cle...."

"Uncle is walking on the grass...."

"Jie-jie(elder sister) is writing with a pencil...cil"

"Jie-jie is writing on a paper...er..."

"Oil tank truck (toy) is on the flo...or."

" Koh-koh is splashing water...er..."

"Baby is wearing a red shirt...."

"Jie-jie is sitting on the swing...ing"

"Baby is sitting on the potty...ty..."

"Koh-koh is reading a book...."

"Children building sand castle...le"

"Baby is swimming with arm bands...."

"Koh-koh is hiding inside a house.."

"Koh-koh is building with blocks...."

"jie-jie is drawing a circle..."

"Uncle is dancing..."

"Aunty is cutting with a knife..."

"Koh-koh is cooking in the kitchen..."

"Jie-jie is playing the piano..."

"Koh-koh is talking on the phone...."

"Koh-koh is wearing a hat...at.."

"Jie-jie is pushing the tricycle..." (the girl was pushing the tricycle and was not riding it)



.................................................
Then
19months 1week old - Saying Short sentences(II)
18months 3weeks old - Asking more questions

Sticky toddler - 19 months old

Zo Ee at 19months 4weeks old. (8/12/2009)

Since little Zo Ee got sick 2 weeks plus ago, she is getting sticky to me, worst still she has been sharing our bed for the time being (while still sick).

Lately, little Zo Ee makes a lot of noises even if I were to take my shower. She just doesn't like not seeing me around. Luckily, she is fine as long as she knows where I am and I am within her sight. Otherwise, she will call out for me. If we were at home, she knows for sure that Mummy is in the bathroom if I am out of her sight. Little Zo Ee will make noise, while keep saying "Mummy takes bath. Mummy takes bath. Open the gate. Open the gate." (referring to the safety gate at the kitchen entrance) If Daddy ignored her request, she will start crying louder and louder, screaming for Mummy. Little Zo Ee will only stops crying whenever she sees Mummy out from the bathroom, and immediately will be smiling happily instead. If I were to sit in the living hall, immediately little Zo Ee will come to me and want to sit on my lap, "sit with Mummy". Even she is watching her favourite VCD, she will want to stand leaning on me while watching her show. As long as I am within her reach, she will want to stick to me. Even, when she awakes in the night, she is inconsolable until she sees Mummy. And if she does awake in the middle of the night, she will not make any noises or wake me up as long as she sees me nearby but she will move nearer to me, sleep leaning next to me or sleep sharing my pillow, just want to be as near to me as possible.

When we were outside, and whenever I am out of her sight, she will keep insisting Daddy to look for me, "Wants Mummy. Wants Mummy. Look for Mummy." And the moment she sees me, she will cling to me and want me to carry her. Sigh! wondering since when my little toddler become so sticky to me. Little Zo Ee used to love to be carried by Daddy but lately, she wants me to carry her and will fight all her might away from Daddy. Even if she's walking in the park, occasionally, she will turn around and hug me (wrapping her arms around my legs) happily.

Wondering why is she so sticky suddenly? Other than this sudden sticky trend, she is still the very same little Zo Ee, still as friendly, cheerful and confident as before. Another thing that Mummy does notice is that little Zo Ee shows strong affection towards Mummy lately, and I can even sense her affection from her smile. It's just not any smile but a very sincere and contented smile.

Managing the slide - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 3weeks old. (7/12/2009)

When the usual playground frequent by us was overcrowded with older children just now, we decided to bring little Zo Ee to another smaller playground; which was actually meant for pre-schooler or younger kids with its lower build slide. The only setback of this playground is the less roaming space for my little Zo Ee to run freely but nevertheless, going there today gave us another surprise on little Zo Ee's motor development.



Little Zo Ee actually climbed the 5-steps (usual step size) while holding onto the hand grips, crawling quickly through the tube tunnel, before finally sitting down in front of the slide and sliding down it with a little pull on the slide sides without any help from us. When Mummy and Daddy saw this, we actually exchanged glances; as if agreeing in silence, "Wow! that's our independent little girl. She doesn't need our help at the playground anymore, managing well all by herself. " Of course with our praises, little Zo Ee was more than excited to repeat this a few times by herself again, and was happily looking at us each time she had completed the whole feat. Our confident and creative little Zo Ee not only slid down on her bum but tried to slide down on her tummy (legs first)too. We did not object her in experimenting a new style with this lower slide as we were standing nearby to help her - just in case. Moreover, we could sense that little Zo Ee was proud of her achievement today and with this new independent skill, she can enjoy herself more at the playground.

Good morning , good night, thank you, etc.. - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 3weeks old. (1/12/2009)

Good night

Little Zo Ee has been saying good night frequently for months now. She will always utter this voluntarily to Mummy when she is about to fall asleep. And true enough, she will be soundly asleep within a minute or two after saying her "good night".

Good morning
Lately, little Zo Ee has the habit in greeting Mummy, "Good morning. Good morning." the moment she is awakes. Although it is not a common practice in the house, but Mummy used to greet her "Good morning, Zo Ee." everyday when little Zo Ee was younger, maybe less than a year old. That was when little Zo Ee had not started talking yet, so Mummy finds many opportunity then to talk to her but as her being getting articulate and older, Mummy didn't bother to keep this practice anymore but seems like little Zo Ee is trying to revive this practice of ours. And each time, little Zo Ee greets Mummy, "good morning, Mummy" the first thing in the morning, it reminds me of our good old days. Another sign of her knowing the time of the day.

Thank you
Mummy is so proud of little Zo Ee with her "Thank you." lately. She has been more consistent and spontaneous in thanking others for giving her a gift or thing. Little Zo Ee never forgets in thanking the taxi driver whenever we were alighting from it. She always spontaneously says "Thank you, uncle." She even thanks Daddy whenever daddy passes her the daily mail. Then saying thank you at 17 month old.

Excuse me
Humorous Zo Ee seems to know or understand that it is impolite to fart out loudly. Recently, little Zo Ee will burst into laughter if either one of us fart at home before saying "excuse me." on our behalf. She will be chuckling loudly again and again while kept repeating her "excuse me" in between. Little Zo Ee even laughs at herself whenever she farts too...before giving us a cheeky look, bursts into laughter and followed by her "excuse me." in between. Then saying excuse me at 17 month old.

Hi /Hello
My friendly little Zo Ee loves to say Hi or Hello to other people; aunty, uncle or little kids we randomly meet on the road , in the lifts, at the park, or even the taxi driver. Little Zo Ee likes to say "hello aunty" or "hi uncle" or "hi ge-ge" or "hi jie-jie" without being told and she always caught the adults by surprise with this . Sometimes, Mummy wonders should Mummy stops her from being too friendly to everyone as little kids should not be talking to strangers by right. But on the other hand, Mummy didn't want to stop her from being such a friendly person. It is hard to find a balance between this while trying not to confuse my confident little 19 month old girl.

Big words / sense time - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 3weeks old. (3/12/2009)

Occasionally, little Zo Ee bombards us with big words; words that we never thought she will use and again she must have learned them from the many library books borrowed weeks or months ago. Moreover, little Zo Ee is always precise in choosing the right words with the right meanings and she rarely gets them wrong.

Not long ago, Mummy blogged on her using the word "Pyramid." and few days later, while eating her noodle little Zo Ee commented "slimy" referring to the noodle between her thumb and forefinger. And she also pointed to a book cover while telling Mummy, "cylinder" and she was correct, it was indeed a cylinder. Although little Zo Ee doesn't know how to tell the time yet (impossible for an 19 month old) but she seems to have a great sense of the time of the day,eg. little Zo Ee knows precisely which meals she is having, be it breakfast (although little Zo Ee not necessarily having breakfast daily), lunch or dinner. Little Zo Ee will be telling Mummy, "breakfast time" or "eating breakfast", "lunch time" or "eating lunch" and "dinner time" or "eating dinner". Surprisingly, she is correct most of the time.

Many requests - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 3weeks old. (3/12/2009)

Having an articulate toddler equivalent to having a many requests toddler. These are little Zo Ee frequent requests:

"Mummy cook pasta." (requesting Mummy to cook her pasta.)

"Mummy sleeps." (requesting Mummy to sleep by her side.)

"Watch television/ VCD/ baby songs." (requesting Mummy to help her to switch on the television before little Zo Ee chooses her own VCD to be played.)

"Read with Mummy." (requesting Mummy to read with her.)

"Let's build." (requesting Mummy to build blocks with her.)

"Mummy help." (requesting Mummy for help.)

"Let's count." (inviting Mummy to count the number of blocks/toys in a box.)

"Switch off." (requesting Mummy to switch off the television.)

"Switch on the light." (requesting Mummy to switch on the light.)

"Share with Mummy/Daddy." (Whenever she wanted something from us, eg. food/drink)

" Dragon fruit" or "Blueberries" or "oranges" etc... (litttle Zo Ee will be requesting for different fruit everyday as if we have a fruit stall at home.)

What time is it now? - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 3weeks old. (1/12/2009)

Mummy's wondering why little Zo Ee is so keen on knowing the time lately, especially the moment she wakes up in the morning.

As for the past few days, the moment she is awakes, she never forgets in asking Mummy, "What time is it now?" while pointing at the clock in Mummy's bedroom. Little Zo Ee will never be satisfied until she gets an answer from Mummy. Persistently, little Zo Ee will keep asking Mummy "What time is it now? What time is it now?" while pointing at the clock until Mummy tells her the time. For example, if Mummy replied her, "It's 8 o'clock." Little Zo Ee will be happily repeating this, "It's 8 o'clock." after Mummy while looking at the clock. If she went back to sleep and woke up a few hours later, again, little Zo Ee will be asking Mummy, "What time is it now?" and if Mummy answered her, "It's 11 o'clock now." Again, little Zo Ee will be happily repeating this after Mummy, "It's 11 o'clock now." while staring at the clock.

"Why is little Zo Ee suddenly so interested in knowing the time? Is little Zo Ee just keen in learning how to read the time or she just want to know the time of the day?"

Pyramid - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (30/11/2009)

When Mummy showed little Zo Ee one of these(above picture) and asked little Zo Ee, "Zo Ee, what is this?" Little Zo Ee paused for a while, observing the above plastic bricks, before surprising Mummy with her answer. Mummy was expecting a "triangle" answer from little Zo Ee but guess what did little Zo Ee answer, "pyramid!" Although, a few seconds later, little Zo Ee did add "triangle" to her answer too but her first answer really shocked Mummy. This really shows Zo Ee's extensive vocabulary and knowledge, little Zo Ee's perceptive of her surroundings and being able to answer Mummy's question in many possible ways. Again, little Zo Ee must had learned this big word "pyramid" from a library book few months back.


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Then
17 month old
While little Zo Ee was holding onto a plate, she was heard commenting "plate! circle! round".

Remembering event - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (28/11/2009)

Although little Zo Ee is known to have good memory, where little Zo Ee can remember new word or new idea in a single teaching or coaching. but Mummy has little thought on how much can little Zo Ee remember what happened in the recent past? There were many events that little Zo Ee did show this sign, eg. finding the precise page (13 month old), after our trip back from Perth(15 month old) and from our trip back from Ipoh (17 month old.) where little Zo Ee could recognize and name relatives in the photos or videos captured during these trips even after weeks apart. But these didn't alert Mummy much until our most recent visit to the library.

The moment we entered the library, little Zo Ee was seen running towards the information counter, saying aloud, "aunty cop! aunty cop!" When Mummy explained to little Zo Ee that Mummy didn't bring along her "My reading record" card to be copped /stamped , little Zo Ee still ignored Mummy, tip-toed, and stretched all the way to place a book onto the counter while asking the librarian on duty to cop. This incident really prompt Mummy that little Zo Ee did remember well recent past event.

Why? Because two weeks ago, Mummy had explained to little Zo Ee the process of getting her card copped by the librarian and little Zo Ee was allowed to carry out this process all by herself thereafter for the first time. And prior to this, little Zo Ee has no idea of this process nor had seen Mummy doing this. Amazingly two weeks later, little Zo Ee still remember this process well and had wanted to have her card cop.

This is Zo Ee's My reading record card.

1 stamp/cop for every 4 books borrowed.

Learning through play - 19 month old

Little Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (27/11/2009)

First, little Zo Ee learned to sit and rise from this chair herself independently. Once she has mastered this new skill, little Zo Ee was seen teaching and sharing her chair with her little baby.

My little book worm - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (27/11/2009)

Mummy was observing little Zo Ee during our latest visit to a book store. Zo Ee's reading by herself there, and of all the books, she likes the Ladybird's collection the best; where she spent the most time in front of this collection. She chose her own book, flipped through it, will spend more time browsing through it if she had interest in it (books with bigger words print and less words per page), else little Zo Ee will put the book back onto the shelf (although not at the same spot) before choosing another new one. She will also put back a finished book back on to the shelf. Seeing her putting books back onto the book shelf independently really makes Mummy so proud of her. So Mummy's coaching works and effort pays off because , little Zo Ee now carries with her a new learned skill since 17 month old .

When Mummy interrupted her reading.

Little Zo Ee ignored Mummy, before went back to her reading.

More reading and browsing for my little book worm!

3rd Song - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (28/11/2009)

Wow! My little Zo Ee was heard singing a new song today - her third song so far. This time, little Zo Ee was singing along with her lullaby music during bedtime. "Guess which song did little Zo Ee sing? "

Little Zo Ee was singing these, "Rock a bye baby, on the tree top. When the wind blows the cradle will rock." Again, Mummy was really shocked hearing this full sentence in her clear voice. This prompted Mummy to listen carefully and little Zo Ee was actually singing along when this song was being played on the CD player. Little Zo Ee sang these "Rock a bye baby, on the tree top. When the wind blows the cradle will rock." a few times until the song ended. WOW! WOW! WOW ! although little Zo Ee was only singing half of the song, still little Zo Ee sang this part without any missing words (16 words) .


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Then
15 month old - 1st song (1st version) ,1st song (2nd version-video)
17 month old -2nd song

Rhyme - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (27/11/2009)

Frankly speaking, Mummy has been extremely busy since Zo Ee turned 16 month old. Many happenings at home and yet many coming events until today and till we settle-down next year. So Mummy has not been spending much time teaching little Zo Ee other than her daily reading session; half an hour to one hour before bed and this much depending on little Zo Ee too, how much energy left she had for that day. Meaning, little Zo Ee spends more time reading by herself during the day time now than with Mummy at night. That's why Mummy really lost track on little Zo Ee's progress lately. But little Zo Ee's still doing wonders everyday.

Just now, little Zo Ee amazed Mummy with her rhyme:

Mummy: "One, two buckle my..."
Zo Ee: "Shoe." paused. "Three, four, shut the door."
Mummy: "Wow!" I was amazed as it had been a long time since I last recite this to her. So Mummy continued, "Five, Six..."
Zo Ee: "pick up sticks."
Mummy: "Seven, eight..."
Zo Ee: "lay them straight."
Mummy: "Nine, ten..."
Zo Ee: "a big fat hen."
Mummy: "Bravo!"
Zo Ee: " yeh!"

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Then
13 month old

Yeh-yeh's visit - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (26/11/2009)

Yeh-yeh( Daddy's dad) was coming down today to spend a few days with us. So to prepare little Zo Ee ahead, Mummy told little Zo Ee, "Zo Ee, yeh-yeh is coming today. Yeh-yeh is coming to visit Zo Ee." Surprisingly, little Zo Ee still remembered yeh-yeh from our last trip back to Ipoh - end of September 2009. Almost two months apart, little Zo Ee's memory seems still fresh, she replied Mummy, " yeh-yeh is coming today. yeh-yeh's house." Aah! yes, we did stay at yeh-yeh's house during our last trip. Again, Mummy emphasized to little Zo Ee, "Yeh-yeh will be coming to stay with us for a few days." Little Zo Ee seems excited but didn't reply Mummy.

Throughout that day, whenever little Zo Ee heard someone opening the gate (especially our next door), she will be excitedly running towards our gate, yelling "Yeh-yeh's coming!, yeh-yeh's coming!" and this happened a few times before Yeh-yeh really was at our doorstep in the evening. This time, when little Zo Ee saw Yeh-yeh at our gate, she retreated a little, hesitated to go near the gate. When Mummy assured her that it's fine to greet yeh-yeh, then only she moved happily nearer to yeh-yeh. Yeh-yeh immediately passed her the toy that Mummy asked him to buy from Ipoh, little Zo Ee was super happy upon receiving it. Little Zo Ee was holding onto it and was telling Mummy, "yeh-yeh gives this. yeh-yeh gives this." And without being reminded, little Zo Ee thanked yeh-yeh repeatedly, "thank you yeh-yeh, thank you yeh-yeh." When little Zo Ee saw yeh-yeh walked into the bathroom for his bath, little Zo Ee commented, "yeh-yeh takes bath." When yeh-yeh finally sat down at the sofa, little Zo Ee loves to be around yeh-yeh, playing, sharing seat and even asked to be carried by yeh-yeh.

Hands skill - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (24/11/2009)

Self-feed herself soup

Little Zo Ee has been self-feeding herself soup since two weeks ago. She wasn't keen on drinking soup all this while not until a month ago. And after a few occasions fed by Mummy, little Zo Ee insisted to feed herself with a spoon. Although she may not scope a whole spoonful of soup each time (due to her holding angle), but she is doing very well without much spilling, getting herself half a spoonful each time and thus takes longer time to finish her soup. Nevertheless, little Zo Ee will be happily and patiently sitting there drinking her soup independently. As for her other meals, she has been self-feeding since 14 month old and was reluctant to be fed. She is still not very good with the fork and spoon with other food yet, but she tries to use them occasionally. Even if we tried to help her, little Zo Ee only allows us to put the food onto the spoon and leave it on the bowl. Little Zo Ee will then pick up the spoonful of food before directing them into her mouth accurately. Little Zo Ee is a pretty clean eater, not much mess from eating. If there is a mess, it's always little Zo Ee pure intention to pour food onto the table before messing up with her hands.

Holding a normal size pencil appropriately

Little Zo Ee loves to scribble with jumbo coloured pencils since 13 month old but she has not been holding them appropriately. Surprisingly, Mummy noticed that little Zo Ee was holding a normal size pencil appropriately (like an adult) while scribbling just now. Mummy wonders when did she actually been able to hold the pencil the correct way. Hmm... this Mummy really miss out!

Pouring water
Little Zo Ee has been able to pour water accurately over her rubber toys during bathing time for some time now. Usually, Little Zo Ee will be pouring water over her rubber duck and elephant with her little sand scope and will be telling Mummy, " Zo Ee bathing duck and elephant." And lately, little Zo Ee shows interest in bathing herself too. She has been using a big plastic cup, filling it with water before pouring the water onto her body. She seems excited being able to carry that act out. Wondering is all toddler loves doing things for themselves as my little Zo Ee just loves doing things for herself since a very tender age (since 12 month old). Another sign of in-dependency!

Arranging her friends - 19 month old

Zo Ee at 19months 2weeks old. (24/11/2009)

Occasionally, little Zo Ee loves to arrange her soft toys at this corner of the sofa seat. She places them , sitting in a row like the picture shown (This was actually arranged by little Zo Ee). Sometimes, she will want to join them too, squeezing her way through in between. But if you look closely, there isn't any extra space for her, so little Zo Ee will either be sitting on top of one of them or she will throw one out from there, freeing some extra space for herself. Mummy wonders, "What is little Zo Ee thinking and what makes her do that; arranging them in a row and sitting with them?"

Are these her only soft toys? No! little Zo Ee has a few more; another baby pooh, a white bear, cats, and dogs. But these four seems like her all time favourite. Although Tigger (the tiger from Disney) is her newest collection of them all, she loves Tigger the most as she has a tigger pillow that she loves very much. In fact, her first 2-syllables word was not "Mummy or Daddy". It was "Tiger" (at 11 month old) .