Day 1
Oh-so-excited.
"Tengok Ibu, oh, cantiknya baju..."
New shirt, new pants, new socks (used pair of shoes though- hands-me-down from Abang Ujai)
"Ibu, Akif nak pergi sekolah. Akif nak berjaya"
Ibu was pleasantly surprised by the declaration (and made a quick do'a that he will grow up as a success in both dunya wal akhirah)
Class was a bit chaotic - but we found a place for him.
Immediately saw a box of Lego - and started playing
Which prompted others in the class to also join him playing.
I left when the situation looked to be a little more in control and the kindy's grille was closed.
Security is a major concern when Akif is known to have gone wandering on his own.
When I picked him after work - he was crying.
Apparently he had gone out of the classroom twice!
Oh dear.
Once, when the students who are only attending the morning session went home.
In the midst of them, Akif went out on his own and went to a convenience shop.
Found by a kind makcik who even paid for a toy robot for Akif and returned him to the kindy (known from the name tag he put on)
He slipped out of the kindy again when a fellow student was about to leave in the evening.
A teacher immediately ran after him - and he almost made it to the main road had not a passer-by stopped him.
He started crying in protest when he was taken back to the kindy/transit.
And that was the condition I found him in - in tears of protest...
Day 2
Moody right from the very beginning.
Wanted to put on his "baju Tom & Jerry" (pyjamas) after shower.
I pointed out that 'baju cantik' is nicer to put on, as "baju Tom & Jerry dah kotor"
After a struggle, managed to make him wore the white t-shirt and navy blue track bottoms on.
When we stopped at the nursery to drop his younger brothers, he went inside the nursery.
The care takers had to convince him that he had to go to 'sekolah lain' as 'Akif dah tak sekolah sini dah'.
He didn't want to bulge so had to forcefully dragged him into the car.
When we arrived at his kindy, he refused to bulge.
Had to pick him up and carried him like a baby all the way to the front door.
And then he started wailing "Ibu, jomlah kita balik rumah".
Tried to negotiate with him.
Didn't work.
Tried to distract him by asking him to join his peers wiggling and swaying to song as taught by the teacher.
Didn't work.
In fact he only cried louder.
"Akif tak nak sekolah... Jomlah kita balik rumah, Ibu..."
Another girl who had been observing him looked alarmingly like she was going to start crying too.
So I knew I had to make a quick exit.
A teacher hold him and signed it was okay for me to leave.
And I left.
And I could hear his loud wail even from behind closed door.
It was not easy to walk away.
I waited for a few minutes until the cry seemed to subside - outside the kindy.
It didn't last very long.
But still, it was not easy to walk away...
Showing posts with label Humaidi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humaidi. Show all posts
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Conteng conteng
"Ujai tolong cuci kat sini," he said, pointing to a purple blot of circular scribble.
"Ibu cuci kat atas ni," he pointed to another a lot larger black circular-and-longitudinal scribble.
I passed a small scouring pad to him with a dash of Cif on it and agreed, "Okay".
His father had asked him to clean up the wall after he scribbled on it before, so Huzaifah usually is more reserved about scribbling on the wall compared to his younger brothers. He knows that it is no easy task to scrub the wall and he knows that it's not that we are angry with him scribbling - it's just that we don't like him and his brothers scribbling on the wall, because it makes the house look dirty and uncared for.
For a child of 5, I think Huzaifah has been showing lots of potential to be a responsible big brother. When I had no bibik to help around, he would assist with picking up the laundry from the clothes line. As I fold the clothes, he would help with finding matching socks or t-shirt-and-pants pairs. If I had to mediate and divide toys such as bulding blocks between Humaidi and Haniyya, Huzaifah would ensure that his brothers play fair, by being the level-playing big brother. For instance if I had given some blocks to Haniyya and Humaidi took them away, Huzaifah would make it up by giving other blocks to Haniyya - to Humaidi's chagrin of course, but to my pleasure as I observe how Huzaifah has developed a sense of fairness and respect the notion of sharing.
I know that he hasn't been given any task by the current bibik who claimed that he only 'kacau' her in carrying out chores. I wish she would give him more chances to prove his worth, but then again, I guess that's part of the price we pay when we are not stay-at-home-mom.
Anyway, can anybody share tips to avoid young children from scribbling on the wall? Like most young children I know, my sons are no exception to the "whee-the-wall-is-clean-let's-doodle-on-it" syndrome. Like most caretakers of young children, we - bibik, hubby and I - didn't always manage to stop the boys in time from doodling and scribbling on the wall. We usually offer the alternative of scribbling in books - note books, activity books, colouring books. But for some unfathomable reason, they always prefer scribbling on the wall. Or on the floor. Or on any other surfaces - the dining table, dining chairs, bed sheet, fridge, washing machine, sofa - but for on paper. Duh.
Not that we don't have any white board in the house, but the boys, especially Humaidi, could be unpredictable at times, and there are reasons to worry about the kids' safety should one decide to just topple down the white board for fun.
I know that scribbling is good for the kids - it helps to express their creativity , raise their confidence, improve their eye-hand coordination, develop their imagination bla, bla, bla. And to be honest, I kind of enjoy looking at their scribbles too - 'flowers' that resembled Godzilla head, "sun" which was scribbled with black crayon instead of the cheery yellow or orange, assorted dots and scratches in multiple colors that resembled sweets and candies. It's just that I wish they would enjoy scribbling in books rather than on the wall or the floor or any other supposedly 'off-limit' surfaces.
Bibik claimed that she's been cleaning the wall a few weeks ago, but the scribbles refused to fade.
"Bibik guna apa buat cuci dinding?"
"Saya guna clorox. Banyak pun, tapi tak hilang-hilang juga"
"Tak payah guna clorox Bik, guna krim kuning ni," I pointed to Cif, the lemon cream cleanser formerly known as Jif.
(The truth is, I doubted that she actually did any wall-scrubbing since there was no left-over smell of Clorox when she said she did, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt)
When she complained again last night about the wall being an eye-sore with all the colourful scribbles made with crayons, colour pencils and marker, I just took a scouring pad and Cif and started scrubbing the wall, beginning with the one closest to the front door. Bibik quickly followed suit by 'rinsing' the freshly-scrubbed wall with a wet towel.
The house still currently smells strongly of Cif. Like it ocassionally does everytime we have a wall-scrubbing session. In fact last night, there was an incident when Haniyya scribbled on a freshly-scrubbed wall, which meant I had to re-scrub it.
Hmm, wonder when will they learn that it's okay to scribble, but not on the wall?
"Ibu cuci kat atas ni," he pointed to another a lot larger black circular-and-longitudinal scribble.
I passed a small scouring pad to him with a dash of Cif on it and agreed, "Okay".
His father had asked him to clean up the wall after he scribbled on it before, so Huzaifah usually is more reserved about scribbling on the wall compared to his younger brothers. He knows that it is no easy task to scrub the wall and he knows that it's not that we are angry with him scribbling - it's just that we don't like him and his brothers scribbling on the wall, because it makes the house look dirty and uncared for.
For a child of 5, I think Huzaifah has been showing lots of potential to be a responsible big brother. When I had no bibik to help around, he would assist with picking up the laundry from the clothes line. As I fold the clothes, he would help with finding matching socks or t-shirt-and-pants pairs. If I had to mediate and divide toys such as bulding blocks between Humaidi and Haniyya, Huzaifah would ensure that his brothers play fair, by being the level-playing big brother. For instance if I had given some blocks to Haniyya and Humaidi took them away, Huzaifah would make it up by giving other blocks to Haniyya - to Humaidi's chagrin of course, but to my pleasure as I observe how Huzaifah has developed a sense of fairness and respect the notion of sharing.
I know that he hasn't been given any task by the current bibik who claimed that he only 'kacau' her in carrying out chores. I wish she would give him more chances to prove his worth, but then again, I guess that's part of the price we pay when we are not stay-at-home-mom.
Anyway, can anybody share tips to avoid young children from scribbling on the wall? Like most young children I know, my sons are no exception to the "whee-the-wall-is-clean-let's-doodle-on-it" syndrome. Like most caretakers of young children, we - bibik, hubby and I - didn't always manage to stop the boys in time from doodling and scribbling on the wall. We usually offer the alternative of scribbling in books - note books, activity books, colouring books. But for some unfathomable reason, they always prefer scribbling on the wall. Or on the floor. Or on any other surfaces - the dining table, dining chairs, bed sheet, fridge, washing machine, sofa - but for on paper. Duh.
Not that we don't have any white board in the house, but the boys, especially Humaidi, could be unpredictable at times, and there are reasons to worry about the kids' safety should one decide to just topple down the white board for fun.
I know that scribbling is good for the kids - it helps to express their creativity , raise their confidence, improve their eye-hand coordination, develop their imagination bla, bla, bla. And to be honest, I kind of enjoy looking at their scribbles too - 'flowers' that resembled Godzilla head, "sun" which was scribbled with black crayon instead of the cheery yellow or orange, assorted dots and scratches in multiple colors that resembled sweets and candies. It's just that I wish they would enjoy scribbling in books rather than on the wall or the floor or any other supposedly 'off-limit' surfaces.
Bibik claimed that she's been cleaning the wall a few weeks ago, but the scribbles refused to fade.
"Bibik guna apa buat cuci dinding?"
"Saya guna clorox. Banyak pun, tapi tak hilang-hilang juga"
"Tak payah guna clorox Bik, guna krim kuning ni," I pointed to Cif, the lemon cream cleanser formerly known as Jif.
(The truth is, I doubted that she actually did any wall-scrubbing since there was no left-over smell of Clorox when she said she did, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt)
When she complained again last night about the wall being an eye-sore with all the colourful scribbles made with crayons, colour pencils and marker, I just took a scouring pad and Cif and started scrubbing the wall, beginning with the one closest to the front door. Bibik quickly followed suit by 'rinsing' the freshly-scrubbed wall with a wet towel.
The house still currently smells strongly of Cif. Like it ocassionally does everytime we have a wall-scrubbing session. In fact last night, there was an incident when Haniyya scribbled on a freshly-scrubbed wall, which meant I had to re-scrub it.
Hmm, wonder when will they learn that it's okay to scribble, but not on the wall?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tigers don't bounce, they crouch
here's an old Malay proverb that goes "harimau mati meninggalkan belang, manusia mati meninggalkan nama", literally translated as "when a tiger dies, it leaves behind its stripes, when a person dies, he leaves behind his name".
On one hand, it's good to keep reminding ourselves that we should do good so that we would be remembered for all the good things after we are gone, you know, being remembered for leaving behind good name, the way tigers will always be remembered for having fiery stripes.
On the other hand, it's also a reminder for us not to appreciate good things only after they are dead and gone. Tigers are one of these good things that we need to preserve for many generations to come, insya Allah. For one, I would like the children and grandchildren of my children to be able to appreciate tigers the way my children do.
How do my kids relate to tigers?
- One of the earliest sound-related stuff Huzaifah and Humaidi said was "roaarrr..." when they were showed the picture of a tigeror a lion, but I digress.
- One of Huzaifah's favorite cartoon character is Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh and Friends". Yes, the one who loves bouncing instead of crouching.
- One of Huzaifah's favorite snack which he brings to kindie is "Kek Tiger" (Kraft's chocolate layer cake similar to the popular "Kek Apollo")
- Both Huzaifah and Humaidi love the "grrreat" Kellogg's Frosties. If I'm not mistaken, Huzaifah was the one who insisted on me picking up a box of Frosties as he chanted "nak tiger, nak tiger" because he was attracted to Tony the Tiger.
-When Humaidi was younger, he created a term for tigers (and lions), referring to them as 'ballu'. I'm quite jealous of tigers because my son had a word for them even before he started calling meand every other authoritative adults - his father, grandpa, grandma, even bibik, as 'abah'. He still calls me 'ayah', and only ocassionally 'ibu'. But he calls tigers - 'tiger', and ocassionally 'harimau' jadi semestinyalah ibu cemburu dengan harimau, ok?
A long time ago when I was a young officer, I was sent to a rural kampung in Kuala Lipis as an 'anak angkat' of the Tok Empat of Kampung Lubuk Kulit. There were several other officers sent as 'anak angkat' at other villages in Kuala Lipis. One of our activities was to conduct a motivational camp for students in Sekolah Kebangsaan Lubuk Kulit. I remember prompting the young kids to roar "MAAUUUUU" like a tiger instead of shyly meowing "mawwu" like a kitten in asnwer to "Nak berjaya tak?" (do you want to succeed?) to emphasize that they must have passion in life. That they must be inspired and strong and courageous to move forward, to move ahead.
I want my kids to be able to get to know and appreciate the real tigers. You know, the admired ones for their strength, ferociousness, beauty. The type that crouchnot merely the happy, bouncing type they see on Playhouse Disney channel. I want them to be able to appreciate why tigers symbolize all the great traits that they are often recognized for. I want them to be able to understand the significance of featuring tigers as part of our national emblem.
So yes, my kids and I'll roar "MAAUUUUU" to the call to "Save our tiger, Save our heritage".
For further information, please visit
MYCAT (http://www.malayantiger.net/) ,
WWF Malaysia (http://www.wwf.org.my/)
Department of Wildlife & National Parks (http://www.wildlife.gov.my/) "
On one hand, it's good to keep reminding ourselves that we should do good so that we would be remembered for all the good things after we are gone, you know, being remembered for leaving behind good name, the way tigers will always be remembered for having fiery stripes.
On the other hand, it's also a reminder for us not to appreciate good things only after they are dead and gone. Tigers are one of these good things that we need to preserve for many generations to come, insya Allah. For one, I would like the children and grandchildren of my children to be able to appreciate tigers the way my children do.
"Harimau mati meninggalkan tulang..."
Sumatran tiger skeleton as can be seen in Zoo Negara
How do my kids relate to tigers?
- One of the earliest sound-related stuff Huzaifah and Humaidi said was "roaarrr..." when they were showed the picture of a tiger
- One of Huzaifah's favorite cartoon character is Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh and Friends". Yes, the one who loves bouncing instead of crouching.
- One of Huzaifah's favorite snack which he brings to kindie is "Kek Tiger" (Kraft's chocolate layer cake similar to the popular "Kek Apollo")
- Both Huzaifah and Humaidi love the "grrreat" Kellogg's Frosties. If I'm not mistaken, Huzaifah was the one who insisted on me picking up a box of Frosties as he chanted "nak tiger, nak tiger" because he was attracted to Tony the Tiger.
-When Humaidi was younger, he created a term for tigers (and lions), referring to them as 'ballu'. I'm quite jealous of tigers because my son had a word for them even before he started calling me
"Tigers roaarrr"
Humaidi roaring excitedly in the tram at Zoo Negara
A long time ago when I was a young officer, I was sent to a rural kampung in Kuala Lipis as an 'anak angkat' of the Tok Empat of Kampung Lubuk Kulit. There were several other officers sent as 'anak angkat' at other villages in Kuala Lipis. One of our activities was to conduct a motivational camp for students in Sekolah Kebangsaan Lubuk Kulit. I remember prompting the young kids to roar "MAAUUUUU" like a tiger instead of shyly meowing "mawwu" like a kitten in asnwer to "Nak berjaya tak?" (do you want to succeed?) to emphasize that they must have passion in life. That they must be inspired and strong and courageous to move forward, to move ahead.
Ever wonder why so many kids opt to be face-painted as tigers in the zoo?
I want my kids to be able to get to know and appreciate the real tigers. You know, the admired ones for their strength, ferociousness, beauty. The type that crouch
So yes, my kids and I'll roar "MAAUUUUU" to the call to "Save our tiger, Save our heritage".
Message from Planet of the Monyets, :
"The tiger is our national animal. Our heritage. But today only less than 500 of them remain in the wild. As Malaysians, we need to stand up and protect our heritage. Speak to your children. Speak to your leaders. Everyone of us can make a difference.
For further information, please visit
MYCAT (http://www.malayantiger.net/) ,
WWF Malaysia (http://www.wwf.org.my/)
Department of Wildlife & National Parks (http://www.wildlife.gov.my/) "
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Panda?
Conversation with Humaidi yesterday evening.
Humaidi: (pointing to a picture of a kitten) Ini ku-cheng.
Ibu: Yes, that's a white kitten.
Humaidi: Kitten... meeeooowwww...
Ibu: That's right, kitten meows, meeeooowww....
Humaidi: (pointing to a picture of a puppy) Ini an-jheng
Ibu: Yes, that's a black puppy.
Humaidi: Puppy... woof woof!
Ibu: That's right, puppy barks, woof woof!
Humaidi: (pointing to a picture of panda) Ini panda
Ibu: Yes, that's a black and white panda.
Humaidi: Panda... heeeee yaaahhhhh...
Hah?? Heeee yaaahhhhh?
Clear sign that he's been misled by Kungfu Panda.
Adoi!
Humaidi: (pointing to a picture of a kitten) Ini ku-cheng.
Ibu: Yes, that's a white kitten.
Humaidi: Kitten... meeeooowwww...
Ibu: That's right, kitten meows, meeeooowww....
Humaidi: (pointing to a picture of a puppy) Ini an-jheng
Ibu: Yes, that's a black puppy.
Humaidi: Puppy... woof woof!
Ibu: That's right, puppy barks, woof woof!
Humaidi: (pointing to a picture of panda) Ini panda
Ibu: Yes, that's a black and white panda.
Humaidi: Panda... heeeee yaaahhhhh...
Hah?? Heeee yaaahhhhh?
Clear sign that he's been misled by Kungfu Panda.
Adoi!
Monday, April 05, 2010
Akif is 3!
Masya Allah - how time flies!
Almost can't believe that our beloved Muhammad Akif Humaidi - also affectionately known as 'anak jepun' in the family since he was born in Tokyo - is now 3.
Alhamdulillah...
Now that he's three, Humaidi...
* weighs about 13.3kg and 94cm in height, no longer chubby as he used to be, in fact rather skinny...
* is a fussy eater. It's very difficult to feed him three solid meals daily, but I've been told that since he is growing normally and has a super normal energy level , there is little to worry about.
* has started to show readiness for potty training since lately he has been preferring to go in the buff than wearing a disposable diaper. Now, if only he would somehow give a sign that he needs to go to the loo... instead of simply doing his business everywhere anytime he feels like it
* still loves humming and singing (in his own language)
* still has the 'ability' to sleep at any place,anytime he feels like it wonder who he takes after, eh?
* has shown signs of growing out of having curly hair
* has overcame his fondness for walking on tiptoe and love running/climbing everywhere
* still loves counting as we walk up or down the stairs
* loves scribbling on the wall what is with young children fascination with clean walls???
* speaks in 2-word sentences, and learning to go up to 3-4 words sentences
* is showing shorter attention span for activities compared to when he was an infant
* enjoys making other people laugh
* hates brushing his teeth or having his teeh brushed by others
* loves playing with the water - and experimenting with water. At one time or another, he had shoved most of his toys in the kitchen sink
* can complete simple tray puzzles as well as up to 12-pieces puzzles
* loves his ocean creatures and wild animal toys, and can name wild animals that he's familiar with in both Malay and English.
* is very fond of watching Little Einsteins and the movie Cars
* sometimes speaks Malay with an accent. To our amusement, he calls cats 'ku-cheng' and dogs "an-jheng".
He still has a lot to learn when it comes to perfecting his speech and fine motor skills - buttoning up his own shirts, holding a pencil like an adult does, drawing circles, straight lines, crosses and stick figures.
Nevertheless, alhamdulillah I am very happy, relieved and grateful that he has been pronounced 'normal' by the doctor after going for check-ups after check-ups due to his 'slow' development in some areas...
Here's making a do'a that Muhammad Akif Humaidi will grow up to be a faithful Mukmin, a qurratun a'yun to the parents, a determined and courageous mujahid who will be showered by Allah's blessings all the way.
Amiiinnn...
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Siapa ituuuuu?
Ibu had nothing better to do (while the two elder boys were sleeping), so she snapped some photos of her youngest - in hijab...
No, he's not usually dressed up in hijab. No way!
This is just a one-off thingy that Ibu did when her hormones were not so stable yeah, blame it on PMS and Ayah was away for a 3d/2n meeting in KL so there was no one to stop Ibu from acting on a crazy impulse
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
"No. Definitely not ASD"
Alhamdulillah.
I'm deeply humbled and oh-so-thankful to share the news that Humaidi had been confirmed by the doctor as "pretty normal". When Mak asked for confirmation on whether or not he has ASD, Dr Priya was quick to response - "No. Definitely not ASD."
Alhamdulillah and thank you for the do'a and warm wishes sent our way, we really appreciate them all.
It took ages to get to see the good doctorand her 'apprentice', Dr Karmila
We - Mak, her helper Mira, Humaidi and I - waited from 1.00p.m. and only got to see the doctor at 4.00 p.m.
yeah, blame it on the lack of specialist in the country in general, especially in government hospitals
As he entered the consultation room, Humaidi's attention immediately turned to the hospital bed on which there were piles of toys. Both doctors did not say anything at first, just observed him quietly.
When the doctor called out his name, "Akif", he responded by turning.
"Shake hand," she put out her hand to him invitingly.
He kissed on the back of her right hand - the way he had been taught to salam the elderly.
"Oooh, I feel like a Queen...," said Dr Priya, as laughter broke out among us.
note to self - teach Humaidi to shake hand sometimes instead of just 'salam' all the times
He turned his attention back to the bed, picked a board book on farm animals, took it to the desk in front of the adults and then started turning the pages one by one, never mind that the book was upside down.
"He knows how to turn the page one by one," the doctor observed
and also how to tear pages one by one - provided they are not board books
The doctor later on proceeded to lead him to playing with a peg-puzzle board (things-in-a-bed room-theme).
He was persistence on finding a matching piece for 'quilt', but unfortunately that particular piece of the puzzle was missing. Until the very end he tried putting every other smaller pieces in the 'quilt' part, in fact he even tried taking matching pieces from vehicles-themed peg-puzzle, but to no avail.
When he seemed frustrated for not being able to complete the puzzle, the doctor changed the toys to stacking cups. Instead of stacking them one on top of another, he was asked to nest them, beginning with the largest two out of the 8 piece. He did okay, missing two pieces, but managed to nest them accordingly with some 'intervention' from the adult.
Then, he was given a piece of paper and some colored pencils.
He picked up a brown colored pencil and started scribbling.
Dr Priya drew a few straight lines, an upright cross and a circle, each time asking him to follow after her.
He just kept on scribbling.
Next, he was led to 'read' a large, colorful, ABC board book.
He started pointing at a few items, naming them as he did so.
"Thomas,"(the Tank Engine) he pointed to the picture of a blue wooden train
"Bob the deder,"(Bob The Builder) he pointed to a wooden colorful tractor
"Penguin", in reference to a picture of snow-capped mountain
And he got all the usual ones correctly - Elephant, Apple, Orange, Cat, etc
but he did pointed to a pig and said cow, alamak!
Dr Priya asked some questions on the family background and jotted some notes.
How many siblings does he has, how old are they, his position in the family, parents' occupation and education level.
Dr Priya then asked me to hold him on my lap while simultaneously entertain him with the larfe ABC board book.
While Humaidi was sitting cosily in my lap, seemingly engrossed in the large ABC board book, she did a physical examination on him. Tapped on his knees, used the stethoscope to listen to his abdomen, heart and lungs, examined his eyes, mouth and throat.
She asked more questions - was there any problem while I was carrying him, was there any problem during birth and shortly after, etc
She already took note that Humaidi has asthma and had gone for an objective hearing test.
And then, the time came for her diagnose.
(Dup dap dup dap)
She noted that there's speech delay and there are some problems with fine motor skills.
He could grab a pencil, but not refine the use of the small muscles in his fingers and thumb to get a better grip and better control of the pencil.
He knows many words, but are unable to form sentences with more than 2 words.
He understands what are being said, but he does not know how to ask questions effectively.
So she recommends him to go for speech therapy and occupational therapy, in particular for enabling/purposeful activities.
"Go to a few sessions of therapy. Watch how they do it, what they do and after that you can do it yourself at home."
I nodded.
At this point, Dr Karmilathe apprentice stood and walked out of the room - apparently to write two separate referral letters - one each for speech therapy and occupational therapy. Both rehabilitation programs are offered in PPUM and I was advised to make appointment at respective desk before 5.00 p.m.
To help with improving his speech, I must read to him everyday, pointing at the words as I read them out, to help him with eye-ear-mouth coordination.
I must make him respond when I talk to him.
If he asked for something, I must make him ask for them properly before giving it to him.
Everytime I give him something, I must also tell him what I was doing.
And whenever I call him and he does not respond, I must touch him to get his attention.
When asked what kind of books I should read, (I read to them all kind of books, so I just wanted to know which kind is the best), she thought for a minute, "Hmm, I wouldn't suggest Peter-and-Jane books. They are not the best in this kind of situation. It would be better if you get books that stress on phonic. Like Dr Seuss."
my mind immediately went to Iman Sofea and her newly bought 3-for-2 Dr Seuss books from MPH
Let him take off and put on his own clothes.
"I know that it's quicker for mummy to do it, especially when you're on a ruch. But by doing that, it help him to refine his motor skills."
Make him feed on his own, not just by hand but also by fork and spoon and not to creat a mess while doing it.
Play with blocks, play dough.
Give him plenty stuff to do with his hands.
As for oral - tongue, lip and jaw - exercises, he can start by blowing candles or blowing bubbles or blowing balloons.
Make him repeat phonic sounds
"It'll be good for him to be sent to a play school where he can socialize with peers his own age"
He will learn more about being organized and discipline at school.
Like he may got away with eating in front of the TV at home, but at school he can only eat at the table and not everywhere.
And he will be asked to form lines and listen to what the teachers say obediently.
And most importantly, he will get to interact more and learn faster.
When Mak asked her about the ASD thingy, she seemed shocked by the previous doctor's suspicion.
"No, he's pretty normal."
I gave her a summary of the events that led me to seeing her.
Being told that he's a suspect ADHD by the GP in general clinic.
Then being told that he's a suspect for ASD by two paeditrician.
And they recommended us to see her.
"Probably they (the earlier doctors) didn't have enough time with him. Or the right tools, the right toys..."
Yeah, probably. And good thing was Humaidi was in good mood - not only pointing his fingers at pictures, but also forced/dragged Dr Priya to point with him.
"He's the most social boy I've met today," Dr Proya confessed cheerfully. "Definitely not Asd. Definitely not ADHD"
Alhamdulillah. I felt like hugging her (and Dr Karmila) there and then, but restrained myself and just shook her hand firmly as I said thank you. Both Dr Priya and Dr Karmila seemed to possess the right 'doctor' personality - caring, supporting, empowering. And it's good to meet them and to confirmwhat I've known all along but worried about nonetheless that my son is pretty normal after all.
Today - I spent almost one whole evening filling up various application forms to kindies (all made to be on waiting list), setting up appointments (in Hospital Putrajaya, it's nearer than PPUM) for speech and occupational therapy. I even sent a registration form to Pusat Anak Permata Negara in Presint 16. I was told that currently there are a little over 20 children there, but they are thinking of taking in more kids up to 40. "No promise," said the KPSUK, Encik Zamri, after I explained Humaidi's situation and the doctor's recommendation, "but we''ll see how it goes". Hopefully it'll go well, insya Allah.
My do'a is for Humaidi to be able to go through therapy - both at the hospital and at home - successfully. With full support, attention and stimulation from everybody surrounding him.
Eventually hopefully he'll turn out 'perfectly normal', as Dr Priya put it, "able to mix with other normal children, go to normal school and function like other normal people"
Insya Allah.
I'm deeply humbled and oh-so-thankful to share the news that Humaidi had been confirmed by the doctor as "pretty normal". When Mak asked for confirmation on whether or not he has ASD, Dr Priya was quick to response - "No. Definitely not ASD."
Alhamdulillah and thank you for the do'a and warm wishes sent our way, we really appreciate them all.
It took ages to get to see the good doctor
We - Mak, her helper Mira, Humaidi and I - waited from 1.00p.m. and only got to see the doctor at 4.00 p.m.
As he entered the consultation room, Humaidi's attention immediately turned to the hospital bed on which there were piles of toys. Both doctors did not say anything at first, just observed him quietly.
When the doctor called out his name, "Akif", he responded by turning.
"Shake hand," she put out her hand to him invitingly.
He kissed on the back of her right hand - the way he had been taught to salam the elderly.
"Oooh, I feel like a Queen...," said Dr Priya, as laughter broke out among us.
He turned his attention back to the bed, picked a board book on farm animals, took it to the desk in front of the adults and then started turning the pages one by one, never mind that the book was upside down.
"He knows how to turn the page one by one," the doctor observed
The doctor later on proceeded to lead him to playing with a peg-puzzle board (things-in-a-bed room-theme).
He was persistence on finding a matching piece for 'quilt', but unfortunately that particular piece of the puzzle was missing. Until the very end he tried putting every other smaller pieces in the 'quilt' part, in fact he even tried taking matching pieces from vehicles-themed peg-puzzle, but to no avail.
When he seemed frustrated for not being able to complete the puzzle, the doctor changed the toys to stacking cups. Instead of stacking them one on top of another, he was asked to nest them, beginning with the largest two out of the 8 piece. He did okay, missing two pieces, but managed to nest them accordingly with some 'intervention' from the adult.
Then, he was given a piece of paper and some colored pencils.
He picked up a brown colored pencil and started scribbling.
Dr Priya drew a few straight lines, an upright cross and a circle, each time asking him to follow after her.
He just kept on scribbling.
Next, he was led to 'read' a large, colorful, ABC board book.
He started pointing at a few items, naming them as he did so.
"Thomas,"
"Bob the deder,"
"Penguin", in reference to a picture of snow-capped mountain
And he got all the usual ones correctly - Elephant, Apple, Orange, Cat, etc
Dr Priya asked some questions on the family background and jotted some notes.
How many siblings does he has, how old are they, his position in the family, parents' occupation and education level.
Dr Priya then asked me to hold him on my lap while simultaneously entertain him with the larfe ABC board book.
While Humaidi was sitting cosily in my lap, seemingly engrossed in the large ABC board book, she did a physical examination on him. Tapped on his knees, used the stethoscope to listen to his abdomen, heart and lungs, examined his eyes, mouth and throat.
She asked more questions - was there any problem while I was carrying him, was there any problem during birth and shortly after, etc
She already took note that Humaidi has asthma and had gone for an objective hearing test.
And then, the time came for her diagnose.
(Dup dap dup dap)
She noted that there's speech delay and there are some problems with fine motor skills.
He could grab a pencil, but not refine the use of the small muscles in his fingers and thumb to get a better grip and better control of the pencil.
He knows many words, but are unable to form sentences with more than 2 words.
He understands what are being said, but he does not know how to ask questions effectively.
So she recommends him to go for speech therapy and occupational therapy, in particular for enabling/purposeful activities.
"Go to a few sessions of therapy. Watch how they do it, what they do and after that you can do it yourself at home."
I nodded.
At this point, Dr Karmila
To help with improving his speech, I must read to him everyday, pointing at the words as I read them out, to help him with eye-ear-mouth coordination.
I must make him respond when I talk to him.
If he asked for something, I must make him ask for them properly before giving it to him.
Everytime I give him something, I must also tell him what I was doing.
And whenever I call him and he does not respond, I must touch him to get his attention.
When asked what kind of books I should read, (I read to them all kind of books, so I just wanted to know which kind is the best), she thought for a minute, "Hmm, I wouldn't suggest Peter-and-Jane books. They are not the best in this kind of situation. It would be better if you get books that stress on phonic. Like Dr Seuss."
Let him take off and put on his own clothes.
"I know that it's quicker for mummy to do it, especially when you're on a ruch. But by doing that, it help him to refine his motor skills."
Make him feed on his own, not just by hand but also by fork and spoon and not to creat a mess while doing it.
Play with blocks, play dough.
Give him plenty stuff to do with his hands.
As for oral - tongue, lip and jaw - exercises, he can start by blowing candles or blowing bubbles or blowing balloons.
Make him repeat phonic sounds
"It'll be good for him to be sent to a play school where he can socialize with peers his own age"
He will learn more about being organized and discipline at school.
Like he may got away with eating in front of the TV at home, but at school he can only eat at the table and not everywhere.
And he will be asked to form lines and listen to what the teachers say obediently.
And most importantly, he will get to interact more and learn faster.
When Mak asked her about the ASD thingy, she seemed shocked by the previous doctor's suspicion.
"No, he's pretty normal."
I gave her a summary of the events that led me to seeing her.
Being told that he's a suspect ADHD by the GP in general clinic.
Then being told that he's a suspect for ASD by two paeditrician.
And they recommended us to see her.
"Probably they (the earlier doctors) didn't have enough time with him. Or the right tools, the right toys..."
Yeah, probably. And good thing was Humaidi was in good mood - not only pointing his fingers at pictures, but also forced/dragged Dr Priya to point with him.
"He's the most social boy I've met today," Dr Proya confessed cheerfully. "Definitely not Asd. Definitely not ADHD"
Alhamdulillah. I felt like hugging her (and Dr Karmila) there and then, but restrained myself and just shook her hand firmly as I said thank you. Both Dr Priya and Dr Karmila seemed to possess the right 'doctor' personality - caring, supporting, empowering. And it's good to meet them and to confirm
Today - I spent almost one whole evening filling up various application forms to kindies (all made to be on waiting list), setting up appointments (in Hospital Putrajaya, it's nearer than PPUM) for speech and occupational therapy. I even sent a registration form to Pusat Anak Permata Negara in Presint 16. I was told that currently there are a little over 20 children there, but they are thinking of taking in more kids up to 40. "No promise," said the KPSUK, Encik Zamri, after I explained Humaidi's situation and the doctor's recommendation, "but we''ll see how it goes". Hopefully it'll go well, insya Allah.
My do'a is for Humaidi to be able to go through therapy - both at the hospital and at home - successfully. With full support, attention and stimulation from everybody surrounding him.
Eventually hopefully he'll turn out 'perfectly normal', as Dr Priya put it, "able to mix with other normal children, go to normal school and function like other normal people"
Insya Allah.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Dup dap dup dap
I'm taking Humaidi to see Dr Priya, the Child Development Specialist in UM Medical Center tomorrow insya Allah.
Was first scheduled to meet her on February 9, but was later told that the appointment had to be postponed because Dr Priya had to go for a convention/conference abroad.
Was re-scheduled to meet her on March 23.
So I thought there was nothing else to do but wait until after we came back from the planned trip to Pulau Redang (March 18 - 20).
Then last week I got a call from UMMC.
"Puan, a patient had cancelled her appointment on March 9. Would you like to see Dr Priya on that day?"
"Yes, please,"
The truth be told - I am anxious.
On one hand I am afraid of the worst - for Humaidi to be confirmed with Austism Syndrome Disorder.
On the other hand - I thought it would be best to get a confirmation once and for all, on whether or not Humaidi has ASD. If yes, at least he's still young and we can go for theraphy, rehab and all.
But of course, I'm praying hard for him to be diagnosed as normal.
So yes, he's slow in the speaking department as he still mostly uses his own 'language'.
And yes, he sometimes does not respond to his name being called.
And yes, it can be a bit difficult to engage his attention sometimes, refusing to make eye-contact and thus can at times seems to be hearing impaired.
We know for sure now that he doesn't have hearing problem since the objective audio test conducted on him came out with 'normal range' result.
But he does know how to communicate - for instance saying "nak susu" (or "nak kopi" as he'd been influenced by the usage of 'kopi' by Huzaifah, referring to chocolate milk as 'kopi' instead of 'susu')
He does point out at stuff - like when he wants any particular object put in high places.
He can combine two words or more such as pleading "Ayah, nak 'Cars'" when he wants to watch the Pixar movie "Cars".
He babbles all the time - which can be a sign that he's in his own world, but could also be interpreted as a sign that he wants to communicate by words.
Yam - whose daughter is autistic - almost swore that Humaidi seems normal.
But we never know...
I guess we might as well get an expert's opinion and confirm it once and for all.
So that we can get rid of the uncertainty and move on...
Dup dap dup dap - there are lots of butterflies in my tummy right now.
I am terrified.
Praying/wishing/hoping for the best, yet at the same time braving myself to prepare for the worst...
Please make do'a for us, yeah?
Was first scheduled to meet her on February 9, but was later told that the appointment had to be postponed because Dr Priya had to go for a convention/conference abroad.
Was re-scheduled to meet her on March 23.
So I thought there was nothing else to do but wait until after we came back from the planned trip to Pulau Redang (March 18 - 20).
Then last week I got a call from UMMC.
"Puan, a patient had cancelled her appointment on March 9. Would you like to see Dr Priya on that day?"
"Yes, please,"
The truth be told - I am anxious.
On one hand I am afraid of the worst - for Humaidi to be confirmed with Austism Syndrome Disorder.
On the other hand - I thought it would be best to get a confirmation once and for all, on whether or not Humaidi has ASD. If yes, at least he's still young and we can go for theraphy, rehab and all.
But of course, I'm praying hard for him to be diagnosed as normal.
So yes, he's slow in the speaking department as he still mostly uses his own 'language'.
And yes, he sometimes does not respond to his name being called.
And yes, it can be a bit difficult to engage his attention sometimes, refusing to make eye-contact and thus can at times seems to be hearing impaired.
We know for sure now that he doesn't have hearing problem since the objective audio test conducted on him came out with 'normal range' result.
But he does know how to communicate - for instance saying "nak susu" (or "nak kopi" as he'd been influenced by the usage of 'kopi' by Huzaifah, referring to chocolate milk as 'kopi' instead of 'susu')
He does point out at stuff - like when he wants any particular object put in high places.
He can combine two words or more such as pleading "Ayah, nak 'Cars'" when he wants to watch the Pixar movie "Cars".
He babbles all the time - which can be a sign that he's in his own world, but could also be interpreted as a sign that he wants to communicate by words.
Yam - whose daughter is autistic - almost swore that Humaidi seems normal.
But we never know...
I guess we might as well get an expert's opinion and confirm it once and for all.
So that we can get rid of the uncertainty and move on...
Dup dap dup dap - there are lots of butterflies in my tummy right now.
I am terrified.
Praying/wishing/hoping for the best, yet at the same time braving myself to prepare for the worst...
Please make do'a for us, yeah?
Itu bukan lampu
Huzaifah was the first among the boys to fall asleep last night.
I shut down all the lights in the room, hoping that it would be easier to lull both Humaidi and baby Haniyya to sleep in the dark.
But no, both of them kept jumping on the bed.
I tried patting baby Haniyya.
He eagerly shook me in response - a clear sign that he wanted to play, not sleep.
I tried cajoling Humaidi - chanting La ilaha illallah and singing.
He only jumped more vigorously.
After a while, I let them be.
Normally, after a while(which could take up to a couple of hours sometimes) they would get tired of all the jumping and shaking and go to sleep by themselves in the darkened room.
All of a sudden both of them went quiet.
Really quiet.
By then, I was already half-awake-half-asleep.
I opened my eye to check on them - hoping that they had both gone to sleep.
No such luck.
Hah!
There was a firefly in our room.
And both brothers were watching intently.
Apparently fascinated by the teeny, tiny bug which produced the twinkling light.
I was fascinated too - by how quiet my boys suddenly were.
"Lamppuuu," Humaidi pointed out at the single firefly, flying all over the room, as if looking for a way out.
"Tak, itu bukan lampu. Itu kelip-kelip," I corrected him.
"Lampu! Lampu!" Humaidi repeated.
And resumed jumping - this time while pointing at the firefly in wonder.
It made me smile.
Haniyya joined in his excitement - once again shaking me while making "ooh ooh ooh" sounds, while he too kept turning his head in the direction of where the firefly was flying.
Made me smile even wider.
Funny how the cause of mild irritation turned into something very pleasant in just a few minutes.
For a short while - when there was peace and quiet,
it certainly felt like we were witnessing the eight wonder of the world.
Never mind that it was caused by a single firefly, in a dark bedroom and not by a colony of fireflies down a stream in a dark night...
Subhanallah!
I shut down all the lights in the room, hoping that it would be easier to lull both Humaidi and baby Haniyya to sleep in the dark.
But no, both of them kept jumping on the bed.
I tried patting baby Haniyya.
He eagerly shook me in response - a clear sign that he wanted to play, not sleep.
I tried cajoling Humaidi - chanting La ilaha illallah and singing.
He only jumped more vigorously.
After a while, I let them be.
Normally, after a while
All of a sudden both of them went quiet.
Really quiet.
By then, I was already half-awake-half-asleep.
I opened my eye to check on them - hoping that they had both gone to sleep.
No such luck.
Hah!
There was a firefly in our room.
And both brothers were watching intently.
Apparently fascinated by the teeny, tiny bug which produced the twinkling light.
I was fascinated too - by how quiet my boys suddenly were.
"Lamppuuu," Humaidi pointed out at the single firefly, flying all over the room, as if looking for a way out.
"Tak, itu bukan lampu. Itu kelip-kelip," I corrected him.
"Lampu! Lampu!" Humaidi repeated.
And resumed jumping - this time while pointing at the firefly in wonder.
It made me smile.
Haniyya joined in his excitement - once again shaking me while making "ooh ooh ooh" sounds, while he too kept turning his head in the direction of where the firefly was flying.
Made me smile even wider.
For a short while - when there was peace and quiet,
it certainly felt like we were witnessing the eight wonder of the world.
Subhanallah!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Objective hearing test and RDI
Alhamdulillah, Humaidi's objective hearing test in PPUM last Friday went well.
But not before he was subjected to some sleeping syrup. We tried to make him take the test without him taking the syrup, but he kept taking the wires out of his ears and he simply refused to sit still, making it impossible for the test to be conducted on him.
I dragged him to the paediatric clinic with a letter written by Puan Siti at Audiology Unit requesting for Humaidi to be given sleeping syrup. Had to weigh him (12.9 kg) and then waited for a while before a nurse appeared with a 20ml disposable syringe filled with 15 ml of chloralhydrate (or something like that - it can be difficult reading the doctor's writing sometimes).
Dragged Humaidi back to Audiology Unit where it was a lot more peaceful than the paediatric clinic. Made him sleep on his back on the couch in the wiating area, and together with Mira the helper, we forced the sleeping syrup on him. Mira held his hands and legs tightly while I pinched his nose so that he had to open his mouth. I think he managed to resist about 5ml by spitting the syrup out but the rest went down his throat anyway.
Lulled him to sleep and he went to sleep in less than 10 minutes. And stayed asleep for more than 2 hours. During which, an hour or so was used for the audiology test procedure.
Puan Siti explained stuff to a female Indian doctor who wanted to observe the whole procedure but unable to do so until then. Humaidi slept with test wires applied to various points on his forehead and near his ears. I was told that the results were quick, which was a good indicator that his hearing was okay and the final result of the objective hearing test confirmed that his hearing is within normal range.
So, next appointment will be on 9th February. Meanwhile, I'm doing some research on ASD. Went to my friend Yam's place on Sunday. Her second daughter, Aisyah, has autism, thus Yam and her family has gone through a lot in the past 8 years or so.
When I texted to ask what's her plan for the day since we were unsure what time we could reach Ampang, she wrote back, "I will plan my programs around yours."
We haven't seen each other in four years time but it sure didn't feel that way. It was good to note that her house is child-friendly - no carpet, no white upholstered sofa, no expensive but fragile looking house ornaments in view. With lots and lots and lots of toys for kids of different ages (Her eldest is turning 11 and youngest is slightly above 4) Her kids are so accepting of others. Khadijah Najwa, her eldest is good with the boys, and was especially fond of baby Haniyya. Iman, Yam's only boy, who is a couple of months younger than Huzaifah was keen to share his toys. It goes without saying that Huzaifah and Humaidi were estatic to play with Thomas the Tank Engine set (with a Thomas video playing on the DVD player). Aisyah was reserved, understandably so since kids with austism mostly prefer to keep to themselves.
Yam sends Aisyah to a government school which also provides special education. She wanted to send aisyah to a highly recommended school in Wangsa Maju, but the class there was full. So she send her daughter elsewhere, but not before she made personal inspections on school facilities from one school to another until she was satisfied. Beginning this year, she and her husband make further 'investment' by signing up for Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) therapy/program with a certified consultant. Which means, Aisyah goes to the government school twice a week and spend three other days for RDI therapy. And both the parents as well as the siblings are also involved in the RDI program.
Just before I left, Yam made me follow her (by car) to a book shop, Pustaka Rakyat. Apparently to pick up a copy of a book on RDI. "This is a must read," she handed it to me and refused to let me pay for it. "I have a lot more other books - but this is the best. I hope you can benefit from it. And mind you, it's not only for kids with autism..."
I know it's not confirmed yet, but if it's true that Humaidi has ASD, I hope at the very least, I'll have as much strength, courage, patience and love that Yam has.
But not before he was subjected to some sleeping syrup. We tried to make him take the test without him taking the syrup, but he kept taking the wires out of his ears and he simply refused to sit still, making it impossible for the test to be conducted on him.
I dragged him to the paediatric clinic with a letter written by Puan Siti at Audiology Unit requesting for Humaidi to be given sleeping syrup. Had to weigh him (12.9 kg) and then waited for a while before a nurse appeared with a 20ml disposable syringe filled with 15 ml of chloralhydrate (or something like that - it can be difficult reading the doctor's writing sometimes).
Dragged Humaidi back to Audiology Unit where it was a lot more peaceful than the paediatric clinic. Made him sleep on his back on the couch in the wiating area, and together with Mira the helper, we forced the sleeping syrup on him. Mira held his hands and legs tightly while I pinched his nose so that he had to open his mouth. I think he managed to resist about 5ml by spitting the syrup out but the rest went down his throat anyway.
Lulled him to sleep and he went to sleep in less than 10 minutes. And stayed asleep for more than 2 hours. During which, an hour or so was used for the audiology test procedure.
Puan Siti explained stuff to a female Indian doctor who wanted to observe the whole procedure but unable to do so until then. Humaidi slept with test wires applied to various points on his forehead and near his ears. I was told that the results were quick, which was a good indicator that his hearing was okay and the final result of the objective hearing test confirmed that his hearing is within normal range.
So, next appointment will be on 9th February. Meanwhile, I'm doing some research on ASD. Went to my friend Yam's place on Sunday. Her second daughter, Aisyah, has autism, thus Yam and her family has gone through a lot in the past 8 years or so.
When I texted to ask what's her plan for the day since we were unsure what time we could reach Ampang, she wrote back, "I will plan my programs around yours."
We haven't seen each other in four years time but it sure didn't feel that way. It was good to note that her house is child-friendly - no carpet, no white upholstered sofa, no expensive but fragile looking house ornaments in view. With lots and lots and lots of toys for kids of different ages (Her eldest is turning 11 and youngest is slightly above 4) Her kids are so accepting of others. Khadijah Najwa, her eldest is good with the boys, and was especially fond of baby Haniyya. Iman, Yam's only boy, who is a couple of months younger than Huzaifah was keen to share his toys. It goes without saying that Huzaifah and Humaidi were estatic to play with Thomas the Tank Engine set (with a Thomas video playing on the DVD player). Aisyah was reserved, understandably so since kids with austism mostly prefer to keep to themselves.
Yam sends Aisyah to a government school which also provides special education. She wanted to send aisyah to a highly recommended school in Wangsa Maju, but the class there was full. So she send her daughter elsewhere, but not before she made personal inspections on school facilities from one school to another until she was satisfied. Beginning this year, she and her husband make further 'investment' by signing up for Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) therapy/program with a certified consultant. Which means, Aisyah goes to the government school twice a week and spend three other days for RDI therapy. And both the parents as well as the siblings are also involved in the RDI program.
Just before I left, Yam made me follow her (by car) to a book shop, Pustaka Rakyat. Apparently to pick up a copy of a book on RDI. "This is a must read," she handed it to me and refused to let me pay for it. "I have a lot more other books - but this is the best. I hope you can benefit from it. And mind you, it's not only for kids with autism..."
I know it's not confirmed yet, but if it's true that Humaidi has ASD, I hope at the very least, I'll have as much strength, courage, patience and love that Yam has.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
4 mornings in the hospital - Part 3
Morning 4 - Tuesday 12th January 2010
1. At 2.oo a.m. Baby Haniyya woke up crying - and wheezing. So yet another early morning trip to the Emergency Department of Hospital Putrajaya. I have a feeling that Dr Ooh - who was on duty during all three trips - must have felt like it was deja vu again and again seeing me bringing a child to the asthma bay. Only that the children are of different ages. And sizes.
2. Like Humaidi, Baby Haniyya fought against us putting the gas mask on him. But since he's still small, and this time hubby was with us, it was not as difficult as it was with Humaidi. After a while, when the dose was almost finished and the 'gas' was thinner, Baby Haniyya quit stiffening himself.
3. One dose, a calmer and back-to-normal-breathing baby, a quick check by the doctor and we were told that it was okay to return home - with a prescribed bottle of Salbutamol syrup.
4. This morning I asked Mira how often does she mop the house? She answered 3 times a week. I asked her to mop the ground floor daily - like what Yati, my previous helper used to do. That's where the kids spend most of their time in the house. And all three of them are highly allergic to dust and dust mites.
5. Admittedly - trips to the hospital is not one of the best part in being a parent. Being told that your child might be diagnosed with autism is easily one of the hardest parts in being a parent. But that's life - you just have to take both the good and the bad; and learn how to make the least of the worst, and the most of the best...
6. I thank you Allah for Your 'loans' in the form of my beautiful children, and I pray that You will grant me the strength and courage to face it all, come what may, for I believe You, Most Gracious, Most Benevolent, Most Knowledgeable, will test not a person beyond their limit...
1. At 2.oo a.m. Baby Haniyya woke up crying - and wheezing. So yet another early morning trip to the Emergency Department of Hospital Putrajaya. I have a feeling that Dr Ooh - who was on duty during all three trips - must have felt like it was deja vu again and again seeing me bringing a child to the asthma bay. Only that the children are of different ages. And sizes.
2. Like Humaidi, Baby Haniyya fought against us putting the gas mask on him. But since he's still small, and this time hubby was with us, it was not as difficult as it was with Humaidi. After a while, when the dose was almost finished and the 'gas' was thinner, Baby Haniyya quit stiffening himself.
3. One dose, a calmer and back-to-normal-breathing baby, a quick check by the doctor and we were told that it was okay to return home - with a prescribed bottle of Salbutamol syrup.
4. This morning I asked Mira how often does she mop the house? She answered 3 times a week. I asked her to mop the ground floor daily - like what Yati, my previous helper used to do. That's where the kids spend most of their time in the house. And all three of them are highly allergic to dust and dust mites.
5. Admittedly - trips to the hospital is not one of the best part in being a parent. Being told that your child might be diagnosed with autism is easily one of the hardest parts in being a parent. But that's life - you just have to take both the good and the bad; and learn how to make the least of the worst, and the most of the best...
6. I thank you Allah for Your 'loans' in the form of my beautiful children, and I pray that You will grant me the strength and courage to face it all, come what may, for I believe You, Most Gracious, Most Benevolent, Most Knowledgeable, will test not a person beyond their limit...
4 mornings in the hospital - Part 2
Morning 2 - Saturday, 9th January 2010
1. Humaidi woke up at about 1.30a.m., coughing and wheezing. I jumped, put him on the car and drove right away to Putrajaya. I was so in a hurry that I didn't realise I mistakenly wore the wrong side of my tudung. It was only after I arrived at the hospital and Humaidi was attended by the Medical Assistant in the Triage bay when I realized that I had my tudung on with the wrong side facing out. Good thing that the MA on duty was an understanding Muslimah, so she let me removed- quickly flipped it to the other side - and-wore my tudung again behind the curtain in the Triage bay.
2. Unlike Huzaifah, Humaidi violently struggled against the gas mask. A nurse tried to help me out but Humaidi succeeded in ripping the oxgen hose away and spilling the medicine in the process.
3. We put him on a bed, and wrapped him - tightly swaddled him in fact, like he was a newborn instead of an almost-3 year old before he was given another fresh dose of gas treatment. He struggled, but with the makeshift 'swaddle blanket' (kain bedung), it was not easy for him to avoid the gas mask.
4. Good thing he did not need a second dose like his brother did, alhamdulillah. It was hard work, hugging him tightly to keep his arms and legs still even with the 'swaddle blanket' on. And good thing that it was quite a quiet night/morning in the Emergency Department of Hospital Putrajaya then, because otherwise I might not receive any assistance from the kind nurse.
Morning 3 - Monday 11th January 2010
5. I had to take Humaidi to PPUM (Universiti Malaya Medical Center) for an appointment with the doctor. No, not due to his asthma, but to check whether or not he actually has ADHD.
6. Good news - the doctor ruled out ADHD. He was fidgety yes, but not that fidgety to be considered as ADHD.
7. Bad news - the doctors are worried that he's showing signs of austism - or aspenger's syndrome - delayed speech, lack of eye contact (he usually is good at making eye contact with me and others at home but he simply refused to make any with the doctors - yes, plural because there were 2 doctors who observed him then) and he just ignored the doctor's numerous attempts to communicate with him, be them in plea, request or question forms.
8. So another appointment was set up for Humaidi in PPUM on 9th February. This time to meet Dr Priya, the Specialist in Child Development Clinic. I was told to come early on 9th February because apparently Dr Priya spends easily 1.5 - 2 hours per patient and she only sees 2 patients in the afternoon so it's better if I get to be the 1st rather than the 2nd patient in the afternoon session what with Humaidi being oh-so-active and all.
9. I was also asked to take Humaidi for an audiology test but when I took him to the Audiology Unit, the person in charge of tests for small children, Puan Siti Hufaidah, was not available. I left my number, and she called me later in the evening. The doctors at the Paediatric clinic explained that they need to establish that Humaidi has no hearing problem thus the screening at Audiology.
10. After listening to my situation, Puan Siti suggested a proper test - instead of merely a screening - being done. But I need to make sure that Humaidi is sleeping during the test. "Let him sleep extra late the night before, and wake him up extra early. Keep him awake in the car during the journey, and he might go back to sleep by the time you reach the hospital, and we can conduct the test. Otherwise, we might have to prescribe a sleeping syrup for him". She tentatively schedule Humaidi for the test this Friday, 15th January. I seriously hope that we won't have to resort to using the sleeping syrup on him.
11. Oh, for the record, apparently, many young kids with autism are fascinated by trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine. And it is no secret that Humaidi knows how to say 'Thomas' more clearly and way earlier than he could say 'Ibu'.
12. There was this small incident at the Registration area (where I was asked to give the date of appointment with Dr Priya to the clerk in charge for it to be recorded in the computer). Humaidi succeeded in prying loose of my grip on him and ran away from the counter, so I ran after him, and pulled him back to the counter, and Humaidi being dreamy as he could at times, accidentally bumped onto a small girl in front of the counter, who in turn, hit the wooden front of the counter softly. I quickly apologized, but the mother raised her voice at me (but did not look at me) "Kok ye pun nak tarik anak, tengok lah sama". I repeated my apologies, "Maaf, maaf. Tak sengaja", trying to look at her while doing it, but she did not even turn to look at me. So be it.
13. The child looked up to me and grinned, showing no sign of pain when the mother rubbed her temple. I wondered if it was necessary for the mother to raise her voice. It was not as if Humaidi purposely bumped onto her child. And it was just a soft hit, not a hard thud.
14. Granted, the mother must have felt stressed out - being at the clinic means something is not quite right with the child. It was an accident, I apologized immediately, and the child was not even hurt. I must admit that I was partially dazed in some way. Being told that your child might have autism is not great news and my mind was still trying to process that bit of information. I do not know about the real situation of the young mother and her daughter - but I would surely appreciate if she could just accept my apologies with "takpa", a nod of her head or some similar acknowledgement gesture instead of being publicly and rudely told off in a raised voice.
15. So her reaction might be because she was worried for her sick child - does she think mine is any healthier than hers? Physically, Humaidi might look okay, but if he actually has autism, physical clumsiness is part of it. Can't parents at the paediatric be more empathetic and cut the kids there some slack ?
16. Yesterday evening, when I returned home, Baby Haniyya started showing some signs of asthma. Gave him 2.5 ml of Salbutamol to help reducing his coughing. Seemed to work before he went to sleep.
1. Humaidi woke up at about 1.30a.m., coughing and wheezing. I jumped, put him on the car and drove right away to Putrajaya. I was so in a hurry that I didn't realise I mistakenly wore the wrong side of my tudung. It was only after I arrived at the hospital and Humaidi was attended by the Medical Assistant in the Triage bay when I realized that I had my tudung on with the wrong side facing out. Good thing that the MA on duty was an understanding Muslimah, so she let me removed- quickly flipped it to the other side - and-wore my tudung again behind the curtain in the Triage bay.
2. Unlike Huzaifah, Humaidi violently struggled against the gas mask. A nurse tried to help me out but Humaidi succeeded in ripping the oxgen hose away and spilling the medicine in the process.
3. We put him on a bed, and wrapped him - tightly swaddled him in fact, like he was a newborn instead of an almost-3 year old before he was given another fresh dose of gas treatment. He struggled, but with the makeshift 'swaddle blanket' (kain bedung), it was not easy for him to avoid the gas mask.
4. Good thing he did not need a second dose like his brother did, alhamdulillah. It was hard work, hugging him tightly to keep his arms and legs still even with the 'swaddle blanket' on. And good thing that it was quite a quiet night/morning in the Emergency Department of Hospital Putrajaya then, because otherwise I might not receive any assistance from the kind nurse.
Morning 3 - Monday 11th January 2010
5. I had to take Humaidi to PPUM (Universiti Malaya Medical Center) for an appointment with the doctor. No, not due to his asthma, but to check whether or not he actually has ADHD.
6. Good news - the doctor ruled out ADHD. He was fidgety yes, but not that fidgety to be considered as ADHD.
7. Bad news - the doctors are worried that he's showing signs of austism - or aspenger's syndrome - delayed speech, lack of eye contact (he usually is good at making eye contact with me and others at home but he simply refused to make any with the doctors - yes, plural because there were 2 doctors who observed him then) and he just ignored the doctor's numerous attempts to communicate with him, be them in plea, request or question forms.
8. So another appointment was set up for Humaidi in PPUM on 9th February. This time to meet Dr Priya, the Specialist in Child Development Clinic. I was told to come early on 9th February because apparently Dr Priya spends easily 1.5 - 2 hours per patient and she only sees 2 patients in the afternoon so it's better if I get to be the 1st rather than the 2nd patient in the afternoon session what with Humaidi being oh-so-active and all.
9. I was also asked to take Humaidi for an audiology test but when I took him to the Audiology Unit, the person in charge of tests for small children, Puan Siti Hufaidah, was not available. I left my number, and she called me later in the evening. The doctors at the Paediatric clinic explained that they need to establish that Humaidi has no hearing problem thus the screening at Audiology.
10. After listening to my situation, Puan Siti suggested a proper test - instead of merely a screening - being done. But I need to make sure that Humaidi is sleeping during the test. "Let him sleep extra late the night before, and wake him up extra early. Keep him awake in the car during the journey, and he might go back to sleep by the time you reach the hospital, and we can conduct the test. Otherwise, we might have to prescribe a sleeping syrup for him". She tentatively schedule Humaidi for the test this Friday, 15th January. I seriously hope that we won't have to resort to using the sleeping syrup on him.
11. Oh, for the record, apparently, many young kids with autism are fascinated by trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine. And it is no secret that Humaidi knows how to say 'Thomas' more clearly and way earlier than he could say 'Ibu'.
12. There was this small incident at the Registration area (where I was asked to give the date of appointment with Dr Priya to the clerk in charge for it to be recorded in the computer). Humaidi succeeded in prying loose of my grip on him and ran away from the counter, so I ran after him, and pulled him back to the counter, and Humaidi being dreamy as he could at times, accidentally bumped onto a small girl in front of the counter, who in turn, hit the wooden front of the counter softly. I quickly apologized, but the mother raised her voice at me (but did not look at me) "Kok ye pun nak tarik anak, tengok lah sama". I repeated my apologies, "Maaf, maaf. Tak sengaja", trying to look at her while doing it, but she did not even turn to look at me. So be it.
13. The child looked up to me and grinned, showing no sign of pain when the mother rubbed her temple. I wondered if it was necessary for the mother to raise her voice. It was not as if Humaidi purposely bumped onto her child. And it was just a soft hit, not a hard thud.
14. Granted, the mother must have felt stressed out - being at the clinic means something is not quite right with the child. It was an accident, I apologized immediately, and the child was not even hurt. I must admit that I was partially dazed in some way. Being told that your child might have autism is not great news and my mind was still trying to process that bit of information. I do not know about the real situation of the young mother and her daughter - but I would surely appreciate if she could just accept my apologies with "takpa", a nod of her head or some similar acknowledgement gesture instead of being publicly and rudely told off in a raised voice.
15. So her reaction might be because she was worried for her sick child - does she think mine is any healthier than hers? Physically, Humaidi might look okay, but if he actually has autism, physical clumsiness is part of it. Can't parents at the paediatric be more empathetic and cut the kids there some slack ?
16. Yesterday evening, when I returned home, Baby Haniyya started showing some signs of asthma. Gave him 2.5 ml of Salbutamol to help reducing his coughing. Seemed to work before he went to sleep.
4 mornings in the hospital - Part 1
Morning 1 - Friday, 8th January 2010
1. On the day Huzaifah turned 4 years and 4 months old, he had to be taken to the Emergency department of Hospital Putrajaya - to get quick relief treatment for asthma. It's been a long while, and the attack took us by surprise.
2. Tried to think up what could have been the cause that trigger this attack - for an asthmatic child, Huzaifah could eat ice-cream, watermelon, stand cold weather better than many of his peers and keep being physically active even when he's asthmatic. The big no-no for him is dust - that's why back when we were in Japan, Huzaifah usually got his asthma attack during summer- when it was dusty, instead of in winter like feared by many others.
3. Now that he's four, Huzaifah is more receptive to putting on the gas mask in the asthma bay in the hospital. Very unlike how he used to struggle and fight against us (me, hubby, the nurse or anybody nearby who would give us a helping hand) to put the gas mask on him. My guess is, Faizly can still recall the time he helped me out with this particular task at the hospital during summer 2008... Yes dear, that evening when I was 'disappointed' that the doctor who attended to Huzaifah was not the kakkoi one... (Sabar jelah, kan?)
4. My eldest's condition was so severe that Friday morning that he had to use up two doses. After he finished the first round of 'gas', he was checked by a doctor and immediately prescribed another round of gas treatment. Poor boy, but I was proud to note that he did not make a fuss at all - because he's big enough now to know that it is only for his own good. Oh, how quickly they grow up!
5. As if that was not enough, when I returned home that evening, Humaidi started showing symptoms of asthma too. I gave him 3ml of Salbutamol, hoping that it will help preventing it from getting worse. Happened that we have to send Mira, my Mak's helper to Sungai Way that night for her day(s) off. When we returned from PJ, Humaidi looked better.
1. On the day Huzaifah turned 4 years and 4 months old, he had to be taken to the Emergency department of Hospital Putrajaya - to get quick relief treatment for asthma. It's been a long while, and the attack took us by surprise.
2. Tried to think up what could have been the cause that trigger this attack - for an asthmatic child, Huzaifah could eat ice-cream, watermelon, stand cold weather better than many of his peers and keep being physically active even when he's asthmatic. The big no-no for him is dust - that's why back when we were in Japan, Huzaifah usually got his asthma attack during summer- when it was dusty, instead of in winter like feared by many others.
3. Now that he's four, Huzaifah is more receptive to putting on the gas mask in the asthma bay in the hospital. Very unlike how he used to struggle and fight against us (me, hubby, the nurse or anybody nearby who would give us a helping hand) to put the gas mask on him. My guess is, Faizly can still recall the time he helped me out with this particular task at the hospital during summer 2008... Yes dear, that evening when I was 'disappointed' that the doctor who attended to Huzaifah was not the kakkoi one... (Sabar jelah, kan?)
4. My eldest's condition was so severe that Friday morning that he had to use up two doses. After he finished the first round of 'gas', he was checked by a doctor and immediately prescribed another round of gas treatment. Poor boy, but I was proud to note that he did not make a fuss at all - because he's big enough now to know that it is only for his own good. Oh, how quickly they grow up!
5. As if that was not enough, when I returned home that evening, Humaidi started showing symptoms of asthma too. I gave him 3ml of Salbutamol, hoping that it will help preventing it from getting worse. Happened that we have to send Mira, my Mak's helper to Sungai Way that night for her day(s) off. When we returned from PJ, Humaidi looked better.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Hero-hero
Huzaifah and Humaidi refused to sit still in the ferry, all the way from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi.
Nothing - no cajoling, persuasion, threats or even cubit - worked to make them stay in the seat for a long time. They ran along the aisle, climbed the windows to take a peek at the ocean and isles, and tried to climb the ladder leading to the VIP area in the ferry.
Good thing that Mak agreed to loan her helper during this trip, so at least I could pass the baton to the younger girl to chase my kids around the ferry. My helper took turn with her chasing & grabbing Huzaifah and Humaidi while I took care of Baby Haniyya. Alhamdulillah Baby Haniyya is not old enough to join his brothers in the merry chase...
I knew that the passengers must had been disturbed by Huzaifah's and Humaidi's shrieks and gleeful cries but there was little I could do to make them completely stop. I nodded and smiled weakly at other passengers around us - pleading silently that they would understand and forgive me for my children behaviour.
But guess who did I see upon entering the hotel lobby after we arrived in Langkawi?
The same group of people who boarded the ferry with me.
And as if it was not enough - Huzaifah demanded a ride in the luggage trolley - insisting that it was his Thomas train and not merely a trolley for transporting luggages. (Alhamdulillah by then Humaidi was asleep - perhaps exhausted due to his non-stop running/climbing/shrieking in the ferry). All the drama in front of the same crowd we had in the ferry.
So, it was no wonder that, when he passed us by, a guy in a ketayap commented to my helper - "Hero hero semuanya, ya?"
Aduh!
Nothing - no cajoling, persuasion, threats or even cubit - worked to make them stay in the seat for a long time. They ran along the aisle, climbed the windows to take a peek at the ocean and isles, and tried to climb the ladder leading to the VIP area in the ferry.
Good thing that Mak agreed to loan her helper during this trip, so at least I could pass the baton to the younger girl to chase my kids around the ferry. My helper took turn with her chasing & grabbing Huzaifah and Humaidi while I took care of Baby Haniyya. Alhamdulillah Baby Haniyya is not old enough to join his brothers in the merry chase...
I knew that the passengers must had been disturbed by Huzaifah's and Humaidi's shrieks and gleeful cries but there was little I could do to make them completely stop. I nodded and smiled weakly at other passengers around us - pleading silently that they would understand and forgive me for my children behaviour.
But guess who did I see upon entering the hotel lobby after we arrived in Langkawi?
The same group of people who boarded the ferry with me.
And as if it was not enough - Huzaifah demanded a ride in the luggage trolley - insisting that it was his Thomas train and not merely a trolley for transporting luggages. (Alhamdulillah by then Humaidi was asleep - perhaps exhausted due to his non-stop running/climbing/shrieking in the ferry). All the drama in front of the same crowd we had in the ferry.
So, it was no wonder that, when he passed us by, a guy in a ketayap commented to my helper - "Hero hero semuanya, ya?"
Aduh!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Rampai Raya 1430H - the pics
Some pictures taken during Raya season
Yes, I know, yet another belated post...
Still, late is better than never, kan?
Taken when Humaidi was calmer but apparently the baton had been passed over to Huzaifah. Well, looks like it's going to be some years before we can take 'proper' family Raya photo...
Raya afternoon - when the kids' baju melayu went all smeared with don't-know-whats
Hubby had a change of clothes too, because otherwise people keep mistaken his nephews and niece as his
Ayah really enjoyed his newly found long-lost-favorite nasi kandar - licin pinggan, with my brother Amirul in a finger lickin' good pose.
Part of the Hj Hassan clan in a kopitiam in Penang
My brother Azrul, SIL Sarah (who was then heavily pregnant with baby Balqis) & Uwais
Baby Haniyya
Huzaifah and Humaidi watching TV
Yes, I know, yet another belated post...
Still, late is better than never, kan?
Raya morning - when Humaidi went cranky and refused to stand still
Taken when Humaidi was calmer but apparently the baton had been passed over to Huzaifah. Well, looks like it's going to be some years before we can take 'proper' family Raya photo...Raya afternoon - when the kids' baju melayu went all smeared with don't-know-whats (taken during a short interval at MIL's place before we continued visiting others)
Hubby had a change of clothes too, because otherwise people keep mistaken his nephews and niece as his (baju sama warna)
Ayah really enjoyed his newly found long-lost-favorite nasi kandar - licin pinggan, with my brother Amirul in a finger lickin' good pose. Part of the Hj Hassan clan in a kopitiam in Penang My brother Azrul, SIL Sarah (who was then heavily pregnant with baby Balqis) & Uwais Baby Haniyya
Huzaifah and Humaidi watching TV For some reason, I found the mock 'tie' that comes with Humaidi's/Haniyya's shirt to be quite cute
Chik Ma, Pak Chik, Ayah Tam and Mak Tam sharing a light moment during breakfast
Nyah, Ijan, Ain, Iman, Mak and Syahril
Among the male cousins
Huzaifah especially loves basking in the sun and playing with the white beach sand
The 3 families reunion at Che Lee's place in Taman PKNK, Alor Setar
Chik Ma, Pak Chik, Ayah Tam and Mak Tam sharing a light moment during breakfast The Hj Hassan clan basically 'conquered' all the tables next to the pool during breakfast.
Seen here: Teh, Atiqah, Ayah Lang - with Firdhaus and Eda in the background
Nyah, Ijan, Ain, Iman, Mak and Syahril Among the male cousins Huzaifah and Humaidi had a gall time in the swimming pool
Huzaifah especially loves basking in the sun and playing with the white beach sand
The 3 families reunion at Che Lee's place in Taman PKNK, Alor Setar Thursday, September 10, 2009
What we did on Ujai's 4th birthday
Nothing much really, just took the kids out to Alamanda.
Hubby was not around, had to attend a 2-day course in Hulu Langat.
So I thought, why not take Ujai out for a birthday treat of sort.
At first I thought of having a date just with Ujai.
But on second thought, I decided to take all the kids plus Bibik out.
And I invited my cousin Firdaus to tag along - partly because she's good with the kids, and partly because I've missed having a chat with her.
Here are some photos taken on that night...
Hubby was not around, had to attend a 2-day course in Hulu Langat.
So I thought, why not take Ujai out for a birthday treat of sort.
At first I thought of having a date just with Ujai.
But on second thought, I decided to take all the kids plus Bibik out.
And I invited my cousin Firdaus to tag along - partly because she's good with the kids, and partly because I've missed having a chat with her.
Here are some photos taken on that night...
Ujai and Akif in Black-and-Red suits
The birthday boy who loves climbing
And doesn't know how to sit still even for a while
(there were loads of 'shaken' photos because he kept moving about)
Akif learning a new trick from his elder brother on how to play the sliding board
(climb on top of it instead of sliding on it)
Owh owh
And even when they slide 'properly', Ujai made sure that there was an a'la action movie stunt of colliding with Akif
And here's baby Asim looking at his two brothers
"Ibu, I promise I won't grow up to be like them" (Yes Ibu, dream on...)
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Small things...
We went back to Seremban for the second time in Ramadhan during the Merdeka break.
Despite her loud yells and all (at the hyperactive grandsons who do not know when to stop) MIL was glad to have us back. Hubby was asked to lead the terawih prayer at the family's surau in Rasah. Since the request came from his Pak Teh, one of the most influential persons in hubby's life, he took a break from being the imam at Presint 14C2 for one night.
On Merdeka day, we brought MIL out to Seremban, hunting for a gas cooker. The one in the kitchen was all rusty and looked really "uzur", hubby and I thought MIL would appreciate getting a new gas cooker. Together with hubby's younger brother, we first checked the gas cookers/gas hobs in two electrical stores in Rahang area, just to survey the price. But having been to Jusco the previous day, hubby noticed that Jusco offered better products at a more competitive price.
So, we went to Jusco in Seremban 2. After a quick drop by at Tan Brothers Supermarket to look for a set of lesung batu. On her previous visit, Mak commented on the fact that I used to have a lesung batu set in Tokyo but none in Putrajaya, so I knew I had to get one fast. We found a nice set priced RM18.90 in Tan Brothers, but I thought what with the sale going on in Jusco, we might get it for a better price in Jusco.
And we did.
I got my lesung batu for about RM17.50.
And we got a good deal for MIL's new gas hob too.
Just RM278 for an Elba 3-burner gas hob which usually costs RM348.
It was not hard to tell that MIL was really pleased with her new gas hob. She said that FIL has been commenting on how old and rusty the previous gas hob was, but he did not go and buy a new one for her. So our pre-Raya gift for her is something that she really appreciates. Last year we got her a new washing machine. The new machine saved her the trouble of keeping track of the wash cycle because with the old machine she had to manually ensure that the machine is filled with water for washing and rinsing. The new machine enabled her to enjoy more time with her children and grandchildren.
She has worried about the old gas cooker causing her trouble some day - either through being dysfunctional or simply refusing to light up anymore. Now that the new gas hob is in the kitchen, we hope she won't have to worry about such stuff anymore. She looked really cheerful when she thanked us profusely for getting that gas hob.
I know that gas hob may not seem like a great pre-Raya gift.
It's not like we're getting her one of those super cosy massage couch.
Or sponsor a trip to Makkah.
But seeing her smiles, proof of her obvious delight with the small gift, really mean a lot to us.
#####
Mak is not feeling well.
I only learned about it last Friday when I wanted to check from where we could get more coupons for Nasi Arab Amal.
(The kariah at Presint 14C2 are keen to make contribution for the Iftar Ramadan in Gaza project through sales of Nasi Arab Amal. In fact my own colleagues at office are thinking of having one Iftar session for us using the Nasi Arab Amal coupons.)
Please join me in making doa for her and for my Ayah too - for them to be granted with good health during this blessed month of Ramadhan and thenafter.
My boy Humaidi is also not feeling very well.
First it was baby Haniyya - who had to give his 6-month jab a miss because he was down with high temperature and flu.
Then, it was Huzaifah - who was also down with flu.
And now it's Humaidi's turn.
Poor boy is now not as active as he usually is, but alhamdulillah he's showing signs of quick recovery.
Please make doa for him, yeah?
Despite her loud yells and all (at the hyperactive grandsons who do not know when to stop) MIL was glad to have us back. Hubby was asked to lead the terawih prayer at the family's surau in Rasah. Since the request came from his Pak Teh, one of the most influential persons in hubby's life, he took a break from being the imam at Presint 14C2 for one night.
On Merdeka day, we brought MIL out to Seremban, hunting for a gas cooker. The one in the kitchen was all rusty and looked really "uzur", hubby and I thought MIL would appreciate getting a new gas cooker. Together with hubby's younger brother, we first checked the gas cookers/gas hobs in two electrical stores in Rahang area, just to survey the price. But having been to Jusco the previous day, hubby noticed that Jusco offered better products at a more competitive price.
So, we went to Jusco in Seremban 2. After a quick drop by at Tan Brothers Supermarket to look for a set of lesung batu. On her previous visit, Mak commented on the fact that I used to have a lesung batu set in Tokyo but none in Putrajaya, so I knew I had to get one fast. We found a nice set priced RM18.90 in Tan Brothers, but I thought what with the sale going on in Jusco, we might get it for a better price in Jusco.
And we did.
I got my lesung batu for about RM17.50.
And we got a good deal for MIL's new gas hob too.
Just RM278 for an Elba 3-burner gas hob which usually costs RM348.
It was not hard to tell that MIL was really pleased with her new gas hob. She said that FIL has been commenting on how old and rusty the previous gas hob was, but he did not go and buy a new one for her. So our pre-Raya gift for her is something that she really appreciates. Last year we got her a new washing machine. The new machine saved her the trouble of keeping track of the wash cycle because with the old machine she had to manually ensure that the machine is filled with water for washing and rinsing. The new machine enabled her to enjoy more time with her children and grandchildren.
She has worried about the old gas cooker causing her trouble some day - either through being dysfunctional or simply refusing to light up anymore. Now that the new gas hob is in the kitchen, we hope she won't have to worry about such stuff anymore. She looked really cheerful when she thanked us profusely for getting that gas hob.
I know that gas hob may not seem like a great pre-Raya gift.
It's not like we're getting her one of those super cosy massage couch.
Or sponsor a trip to Makkah.
But seeing her smiles, proof of her obvious delight with the small gift, really mean a lot to us.
#####
Mak is not feeling well.
I only learned about it last Friday when I wanted to check from where we could get more coupons for Nasi Arab Amal.
(The kariah at Presint 14C2 are keen to make contribution for the Iftar Ramadan in Gaza project through sales of Nasi Arab Amal. In fact my own colleagues at office are thinking of having one Iftar session for us using the Nasi Arab Amal coupons.)
Please join me in making doa for her and for my Ayah too - for them to be granted with good health during this blessed month of Ramadhan and thenafter.
My boy Humaidi is also not feeling very well.
First it was baby Haniyya - who had to give his 6-month jab a miss because he was down with high temperature and flu.
Then, it was Huzaifah - who was also down with flu.
And now it's Humaidi's turn.
Poor boy is now not as active as he usually is, but alhamdulillah he's showing signs of quick recovery.
Please make doa for him, yeah?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Cuti-cuti di PD
When we returned to Malaysia late last year, one of the place we visited not long after Raya was PD. We went there together with MIL and third SIL's family.
Last month, during the long weekend of Labor Day, at a last minute notice, my brother Abang, called me up and invited us along with Mak and Ayah to spend the weekend at PD
Last week, as hubby and I realized that we had not bring the kids cuti-cuti elsewhere during the mid-year school holidays, we brought them to (where else but) - PD
#####
When I was small, once in a while, arwah Tok Ayah would take the whole clan - my then still single uncles and aunts and me to Penang. Tok sometimes would invite her brother Tok Chik to join the picnic. Arwah Tok Chik is closer to Ayah's age and his eldest son is my age, so I would have kids my own age to play with. Sometimes, Tok would invite her other brother, Tok Teh, to join the picnic.
As they grew older and began having their own atomic families, my uncles and aunts would go for picnic together in Penang every once in a while. The parents would reminisce their younger days while the kids were busy making their own sweet memories...
Turned out hubby's family too is fond of the beach. Only it's a different one. Since Ayah's family comes from the north, Penang was an obvious spot of choice. Where else, hubby's family lives not that far from Port Dickson, making PD their obvious spot of choice.
#####
I know, I know.
PD is crowded, not as beautiful as it used to be, not as clean as it used to be and might not be the best place to go cuti-cuti.
Still, by looking at my kids' faces enjoying themselves running on the beach, playing with the floaties, tasting the sea water, welcoming the drift of the waves, splashing the water at each other and simply basking in the sun, I couldn't help thinking that (despite all the haze, thinning ozone layer and what nots) there's still something magical about the beach after all...
#####
Last month, during the long weekend of Labor Day, at a last minute notice, my brother Abang, called me up and invited us along with Mak and Ayah to spend the weekend at PD
Last week, as hubby and I realized that we had not bring the kids cuti-cuti elsewhere during the mid-year school holidays, we brought them to (where else but) - PD
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When I was small, once in a while, arwah Tok Ayah would take the whole clan - my then still single uncles and aunts and me to Penang. Tok sometimes would invite her brother Tok Chik to join the picnic. Arwah Tok Chik is closer to Ayah's age and his eldest son is my age, so I would have kids my own age to play with. Sometimes, Tok would invite her other brother, Tok Teh, to join the picnic.
As they grew older and began having their own atomic families, my uncles and aunts would go for picnic together in Penang every once in a while. The parents would reminisce their younger days while the kids were busy making their own sweet memories...
Turned out hubby's family too is fond of the beach. Only it's a different one. Since Ayah's family comes from the north, Penang was an obvious spot of choice. Where else, hubby's family lives not that far from Port Dickson, making PD their obvious spot of choice.
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I know, I know.
PD is crowded, not as beautiful as it used to be, not as clean as it used to be and might not be the best place to go cuti-cuti.
Still, by looking at my kids' faces enjoying themselves running on the beach, playing with the floaties, tasting the sea water, welcoming the drift of the waves, splashing the water at each other and simply basking in the sun, I couldn't help thinking that (despite all the haze, thinning ozone layer and what nots) there's still something magical about the beach after all...
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Friday, April 24, 2009
A Be Ke
In Humaidi's dictionary - abeke is elephant.
Show him a photo of elephant or whenever an elephant (or mammoth in Ice Age) appears on the tv, he'll quickly point it out, "abeke".
The other day, as I showed him a flash card of elephant, I tried to make him follow after me.
"Elephant"
"Abeke"
"Elephant"
"Abeke"
"E-Le-Phant"
"A-Be-Ke"
He actually tried to teach me back, no kidding.
So there.
Other favorite words are "ballu" which refers to lion or tiger, "ballai" which refers to horse or zebra and "ika" which refers to fish and other sea animals.
So, okay, at two, he still does the baby talk.
There are certain words which are clear, like "nak syusyu", "nak, nak", "abis", "jatuh" but most of the times even though he seems keen in explaining and telling, they came out as gibberish to the adults.
Oh, he would chant "ayah dah balik" when hubby returns.
But don't be surprised if during chanting, it'll come out as "abah yah dalik" or "ayah bah dalik"
And he is still unsure whether he should be calling me "ibu" or "abu" or "bu-i"
Not that I believe in numerology - but someone told me that Humaidi's birth root number is 9, indicating that he's very creative and might be more interested in arts than science. For now, it seems like he is one natural entertainer. He loves singing and humming - though the 'songs' are mostly in his own language. He's good at zikir too - "Ya Latiff" and "Lailahaillallah" being his favorite.
I believe he understands most of what we tell him - but sometimes he simply ignore them, preferring to do things out of free will. Sometimes when we ask him to salam or kiss us on the cheeks, he would just ignore us and carry on doing his own stuff. At other times, he would come to one of us, and surprised us with a kiss and then he would grin cheekily when we praised him for it.
He throws a tantrum when Ayah or Ibu leaves for work, and really loves a ride in the car.
He throws a tantrum when it's time to take a shower but he loves playing in the pool.
He also loves climbing, exploring and chocolates.
The other day in Cameron Highland, he climbed up the dining table, opened a box of mini cupcakes, and picked out all the M&Ms on top of the cakes, leaving the cupcakes alone as he ate the M&Ms.
Humaidi turned 2 on 5th April 2009.
Here's praying that he'll keep on being our qurratun ain (delight of the eye) for many years to come.
Friday, November 28, 2008
I miss being a SAHM
"I quit last year. I cannot handle being able to spend time with my son like, what, only half hour a day?"
Well, at least she and her husband have the resources, and enough savings to afford her quitting her job. She has travelled all over the world. She has pretty much went through all kind of "been there done that" experiences.
It's not like I want to quit my job or anything, but I admit that I do envy stay-at-home/working-at-home mothers.
Having spent the last 1 year and a half 24/7 with Humaidi and Huzaifah, I wish I can spend more hours with my kids now. I leave for work in the morning before they are awake. By the time I return home, usually they have already been fed and bathed, leaving me to just spend time watching "Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends" or "Pocoyo" or whatever else that suits Huzaifah's fancy. Mak has scolded me a few times for letting Huzaifah becoming 'obssessed' with Thomas. He insists on watching Thomas everyday, even hummed Thomas's opening song in his dream, and if he gets his way, he would be wearing Thomas t-shirt everyday...
As for Humaidi - he is a "seniman jalanan" of sort. He loves singing - or tries singing- nursery rhymes. And now he has learned to chant some simple zikr like "Ya Latif", "Lailahaillallah" and sing the nasyid "Allah hu Akbar, Allah hu Akbar, Allah, Allah hu Akbar" (with loud emphasis on the last "..barrr" part). He hasn't speak any proper word except for "nak syusyu", but he's good at singing. I think apart from inheriting his Tok Ayah's hair, he has also inherited the "bakat terpendam" of my brother, Adik. Humaidi's Pak Ang (we tried asking Huzaifah to call his uncle Ayah Lang or Paman, and he ended up calling my brother Pak Ang) used to be lead vocal in several nasyid competitions (and won) during his student days. (Adik once asked me if it is alright for him to join the showbiz as a mainstream nasyid singer - I answered him by raising my eyebrow, naayyyy...)
Anyway, I guess another thing that I miss about Japan is I miss being a SAHM...
The "seniman jalanan" in the family
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