Rediscovering the North

And by North, I really mean North Point Shopping Centre at Yishun. Granted it's no Woodlands and Singapore is really small (takes only an hour to travel from one end to the other), but as someone who lives in the central area and has no business in the north, it was as far as I wanted to go. I was alone with a baby you see. Can't really venture too far away from home =)

The last time I really set foot in North Point was when I was in Secondary School. My friends and I made a pact to hang out as much as possible (at various shopping malls all over our tiny island) in Secondary 3 before we made a mad dash for our 'O' levels in Secondary 4 (which meant no more hanging out aimlessly at malls). So I have many fond memories which I wanted to relive as I took a stroll around.

Some parts of the mall has not changed much at all. For one, McDonald's and Swenson's has never moved from their prominent spot on the 1st floor (I'll know, because we spent a lot of time there gossipping when we were teenagers)!

But then, a lot has also changed from the way I remembered it. There is now a new extension and the mall is made more family-oriented. I was actually quite surprised to discover a Kids @ Play at the fourth floor.

Kids @ Play at North Point

It comprises of a water play area and a small playground for young children.

Water play area

This water playground is similar to NEX but much smaller.

Playground for little ones

The playground next to it is perfect for your young children (there's a height limit FYI) especially if you didn't bring extra clothing.

Girlee and her grasshopper friend

In addition to the wonderful play facilities, I was happy to discover that there's also a TV area on the 3rd floor for older kids to be entertained while their parents shopped..

TV Corner

..as well as Kiddy Cabs that can be rented at the Customer Service Counter on the 2nd floor.

Kiddy Cabs available for rental

But as baby girl was already too tired out by the playground and was taking her nap, we didn't get to try it out. So I'll just have to show you a picture of her in a similar Kiddy Cab which we rented for free at City Square Mall, which also provides the same service.

"Wheee! I can drive like daddy!"

She enjoyed it very much of course. Every mall should have more of these =)

In addition, should you or your kid or both of you require a haircut, there's one that provides haircuts for kids in little cars (there are similar outlets in other malls too) which I thought was really neat.

Kids Haircut for $10

But the thing that impressed me the most was the vast number of nursing rooms available next to every toilet on every floor! There's no need to fight with other mothers for space to feed your hungry baby even during crowded weekends.

Nursing room at North Point Shopping Centre (Level B1)

As usual, check out my nursing room page for full reviews.

Overall, North Point is pretty cool for a heartland mall! Definitely a kid-friendly place to bring your kids =)

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This post is part of my MadPsychMum Fun in Singapore Guide to all things exciting for kids! 

Check out other fun playgrounds and attractions in Singapore! =)

You can also follow us on Instagram or join us by using our hashtag #mpmfuninsg! 

I'm BLUE Double Dee Double Die

She has an affinity with soccer since the days when she was only a small foetus in her mummy's womb. It so happened that her conception was around the same period as the Barclay's Premier League and World Cup 2010. It was also the same time that something miraculous happened: her mummy suddenly got interested in watching soccer with daddy!

Seriously. For a person who had long been a sworn enemy of the game, I was suddenly into the world of free-kicks, off-sides (yes, amazing, I know what an off-side is!) sneeky tackles and biased referees. I was with our friends at the pubs, cheering on Lampard and booing at (insert name of player from enemy FC). Especially at a certain slightly bald head dude that some people even think is sexy (OMG are you blind?) *laughs*

It was a weird feeling, which I fully attributed to being pregnant with a baby that had 50% of her father's genes. She would kick me whenever she hears the game on television and force me to watch it.

So it's no wonder that after she was born, she still showed interest in the game, which amazingly her mummy is no longer interested in. Totally not kidding. Wasn't intentional too I can assure you.

Watching World Cup 2010 finals

She even sat quietly on her daddy's lap for almost 15 minutes watching him play Winning Eleven on the computer.

Watching 'soccer' at 2 months old

Quite a feat for a two month old if you ask me.

At first her daddy was devastated when he found out that she wasn't a 'he'. "I can't buy a kids jersey for her!" he lamented. But then when he found out how much affinity she had with his all time favourite game (he's seriously hardcore, as are 99% of all male Singaporeans), he started to become excited. Plus, both his favourite teams won the BPL and World Cup that same year. "Baby's your lucky charm!" I said.

Since then, he had always wanted to get this for his kid.

True Blue Chelsea Fans

And he was super ecstatic that we did (that I even allowed him to splurge on something that wasn't even the least bit fashionable, but hey, I'm all about making dreams come true *laughs*). Although she does look too much like the son we haven't yet have, she does look super cute.

I'll change up the awful shorts for a jeans skirt and the ugly socks for some ballet flats though. Seriously, even in a jersey, a girl's gotta have some style you know. She totally rocks the blue! =)

P.S: Don't forget to take part in my giveaway! May the luckiest reader win!

Have you liked MadPsychMum on facebook?

Food Tasting at Petit Bowl (Plus a Giveaway!)

Girlee and I were invited last week to a food tasting session at Petit Bowl, which is located at United Square (#01-77/78).

Petit Bowl @ United Square

We were joined by other mum bloggers, Ruth, Daphne, Jus, PC and their little ones. It was great meeting up with the very people whose blogs I read so often! It's like I know them (and their kids) even though I don't actually know them, if you know what I mean.

Our six cute kids

Aside from a near-accident (where she leaned backwards while sitting on the bench and almost hit her head on the floor but was thankfully saved by me as I'm always on high-alert even when I'm taking the above photos), she had fun playing with the other kids.

The co-owner, Josephine, then gave us an introduction of their company, products and services.

Photo (left) Credits: Jus @ Mum in the Making

Petit Bowl, which started in 2009, aims to provide wholesome meals for parents who are too busy to prepare homemade meals for their children. The "frozen solutions", as Josephine calls it, are made with organic fresh ingredients and individually sealed in capsules that are portable and easy to heat up.

We got the chance to taste 11 of the 70 over different combinations that are available both in the physical store as well as online.

If you know my girl, you'll know that there is absolutely nothing she won't eat. Well, at first at least. Any food you dangle in front of her goes straight into her mouth; she then chews (with only 2 teeth no less) on it slowly, savouring the taste before giving you the verdict with a nod of approval (yummy!) or a spit (no way!). If you try giving her food that she had already deemed 'spit-worthy', she will shake her head rapidly at you while giving you the 'stink-eye'. True story.

Photo Credits (left & top right): Jus @ Mum in the Making

So it wasn't surprising at all that even though she was the youngest there, she was also the most enthusiastic food taster as well. Most of the food that she tried got the enthusiastic nod of approval except for lamb, which was deemed 'spit-worthy'. I guess she's just like her parents on this one. We don't really like the taste of lamb either.

Her favourite was the Creamy Chicken Penne, which was also a hot favourite among the other children as well. I personally loved it and bought a cup home for Girlee to eat for dinner. It was pretty easy to prepare; just pop it into the microwave for 2 minutes and viola! Dinner is served.

If you like what you see, the good news is that Petit Bowl is holding a giveaway! Two lucky winners (yes two!) will stand a chance to win a $25 Petit Bowl voucher each.

To win, all you have to do is:
1) Visit Petit Bowl's newly launched e-shop

2) Select which of the following six statements are true for you (there is no limit to the no. of statements you can choose).

Credits: PC @ Scrap Mum Loft

3) Leave a comment on this post!
For example: "I'd love to participate in this giveaway! Statements #1, #4 and #6 are true for me."

You can also share on what other products that you hope the e-shop will offer as well as any other feedback on Petit Bowl's products and services in your comments.

It's that simple!

The closing date for this giveaway is 29 July 2011 (Fri) at 12 midnight. Good luck! =)


UPDATE (I): I've picked the winners the old-fashion way of drawing from a hat (or a bag in my case). Got baby girl to stick her hands into the bag and out came two lots..

Petit Bowl Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Carolina and Jackson! I will be sending you an email soon =)


UPDATE (II): The outlet at United Square is no longer in operation. Please visit Petit Bowl's website for the location of other outlets.


Disclosure: An invitation to the complimentary food tasting session was received from Petit Bowl for the purposes of this review. No monetary compensation was received; all opinions are my own.

'Raise a Little Thinker' Seminar

I've recently been invited to attend the Raise a Little Thinker: The Smart Parenting Congress 2011 organised by Mediacorp and presented by Abbott Nutrition.

Credits: abbott.com.sg

As parents play an important role in early development, this seminar aims to teach parents new methods that support the learning skills and contribute to early literacy of their children. Janet Doman, who is a leading expert in brain development techniques for children and key speaker at this seminar, will be sharing tips and techniques on how parents can develop their young children intellectually, physically and socially at home.

She is also joined by pediatricians Dr Phuah Huan Kee (Mount Elizabeth Hospital) and Dr Nancy Tan (Gleneagles Hospital) as well as celebrity mums Petrina Kow and May Phua, who will be sharing more information on the importance of nutrition in children's physical and mental development.

Details of the Seminar:
Date: 30th July 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 12.45pm – 5.30pm
Venue: Fairmont Singapore, Collyer Room Level 4, Raffles City Convention Centre, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560

Registration:
To register, log on to http://www.abbott.com.sg/littlethinker (only online registration and payment will be accepted. Unfortunately, as strictly no babies or children below 12 years are allowed, you will not be able to bring your kids.

Fee:
$12 per pax (Abbott Family Rewards members)
$15 per pax (Non-members)

A free goodie bag worth $120 will be given out to each participant on the event day.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and register! The closing date for registration is 24th July 2011 (this coming Sunday) at 12 midnight.

For more enquiries, call 6277 6254 / 6277 6313 (Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm) or log on to http://www.abbott.com.sg/littlethinker.

See you there!

P.S: If you're going to be there, let me know and I'll look out for you =)


Disclosure: An invitation to this event was received from Abbott Nutrition. No monetary compensation was received; all opinions are my own.

CCF Hair For Hope

Recently, I received a shout-out on facebook from the hubby's university friend Dr. R (who also just got his PhD, congrats man!) that he's going to take part in Hair For Hope (2011) conducted by the Children's Cancer Foundation (CCF).

Hair for Hope is a CCF initiative which encourages members of the public to step forward to shave their heads for five very good reasons:
1) Create awareness of childhood cancer in Singapore
2) Raise funds to help children with cancer and their families
3) Show them that they are not alone in their fight against cancer
4) Build a community of support for them
5) Tell children with cancer that it is OK to be bald

I have always wanted to take part in this campaign, but always chickened out at the thought of having no hair. So I'm actually very impressed that Dr. R is shaving his head again (yup, he did it last year).

Dr. R in Hair For Hope 2010

As with the year before, Dr. R is once again raising donations to create awareness so head on over if you'd like to donate in support of him. I was going to give a small donation as well but for some strange reason I filled up my particulars and credit details like a gazillion times but the transaction did not go through. Seriously, why does the internet make it so easy for me to buy a dress but so difficult to donate? *Sigh*

So I have no choice but to just give a shout out from my blog and hope that some of you will be lucky enough to have your transactions approved.

If you've been blessed by my Understanding Pediatric Cancer series and feel that you would like to support as well, you can do the following:
1) Become a Shavee
2) Donate to CCF
3) Become a volunteer

More information can be found on CCF's website.

As the Chinese saying goes, "He who has money, give money. He who has strength, give strength" (literal translation), which means to do what you can within your capacity.

Let's do our part to support children with cancer and their families :)


P.S: Oh and one more thing, this blog finally has a facebook page! Please head on over and 'like' it to receive the latest updates. Thanks a million!

Living in Dress Up!

People who know me, know that I live in dresses and shorts. Shorts for super casual occasions and dresses for everything else. It's literally like my uniform. It's quite like secondary school if you think about it, only better.

I have 60 dresses (and counting)!

It's my uniform for two very important reasons:
1) Easy, breezy (put 'em on and off you go)
2) Jeans make me look like crap and feel all hot (and not in a good way)

However, when I was pregnant, I slowly outgrew my beloved dresses and could only wear my super-sized shorts with a larger T-shirt. My clothes either don't fit me at the waist area or don't fit me at the boob area (you know they triple in size when you are pregnant right? It's like instant boob job for those who can't afford it. Super natural but only lasts for the length of your pregnancy/breastfeeding.. after that it's downhill, like literally, if ya know what I mean.. but I digress..)

If you must know, I went from a B to a D in just 4 months ok so almost 80% of my whole entire closet, which isn't small by the way (hello, 60 dresses!), couldn't fit me.

Like I said before, I was in depression for the most part of my pregnancy. It ain't pretty, but hey, I got through it by the grace of God. Thankfully.

I have since lost some of the weight and my you-know-what have also shrunk a little (to a small C) as baby girl's breastfeeding requirements have decreased, so I can finally wear my beloved dresses again! I know it's superficial but whatever, it makes me happy.

To continue my happiness, I've been shopping at my favourite website to get my monthly therapy. I consider it an investment cos in future I can pass it to my girl when they become vintage! *laughs*

Yet another reason why I love God for blessing me with a girl =)

By the way, I'm still looking for a replica of my baby's dress that she wore for her first birthday (for myself of course) but so far no luck yet. If you manage to stumble onto something similar (preferably in the same colour) that won't cost me a hand or a leg, please let me know!

I want my girl to look just like me (or rather, I wanna look just like her) *grinz*

Baby Girl's 1st Movie Experience!

Things that don't go together: Babies & Cinemas.

Except this time, GV has put them both together in the screening of movies specially for Mums and Babies.

I was invited by Baby I's mum QP to go watch Hop at Plaza Singapura with our babies yesterday. Both of us had always wanted to bring our babies to the cinema but were worried as we wondered whether they would kick up a big fuss, ruin the show and waste our money! So this was a great opportunity to test out their reactions as well as have some mother-baby time while their daddies were at work.

It went better than expected!

Watching a movie for the 1st time at the theatre!

Girlee sat still and watched the first 30 minutes of the movie before she got too tired and took a nap while lying on me. That freed me to watch the middle part of the movie in peace until she woke up at the climax of the movie to watch the ending.

Baby I is 5 months younger than Girlee (he's 7 months old) so it was amazing that he didn't cry during the movie either. He was pretty good throughout, albeit the constant fidgeting (which was expected), zero napping and diaper change. GV had thoughtfully provided a changing table at the corner of the theatre so that QP could easily change his diapers.

Changing table in the theatre

However, the only bad thing was that there wasn't a bin next to it so there was no where to dispose of the soiled diapers. QP had to wait till the end of the movie before disposing it outside, which was kind of inconvenient. Nevertheless, we had a really good time with our kids and will definitely do it again =)

Later on we had lunch at Fruit Paradise, which had the best tarts I ever tasted!

Fruit Paradise at Plaza Singapura

We had the promotional set lunch, which comprised of delicious chicken and wagyu hamburger patty, and their famous tarts (mine was banana and chocolate). It was delicious! I totally loved it and will definitely bring my dessert-crazy mum and sister here the next time =)

After lunch, we decided to check out the Family Lounge that I have heard about but have never been to. It was a beautiful space but there was a catch: you need to spend a minimum of $50 in Plaza Singapura before you're allowed to use it for one hour.

Oh, there's also a ton of other rules. The purchase only allowed for the entry of 1 adult & 2 kids or 2 adults & 1 kid or 2 adults only. If you have 2 adults and 2 kids (like we did), you need to spend $100. But the $100 you spend cannot be in one receipt as one receipt counts as only one purchase so it only allowed for the above said configurations of entry.

Confused? We sure were, and so were a couple of mothers who were behind us asking the receptionist about the entry requirements.

QP and I had only spent just above $50 so by right both of us couldn't enter at the same time. But I managed to convince the receptionist to let us both in as we will only take 15 minutes in there (you'll understand why in a bit).

Family Lounge at Plaza Singapura

It is no wonder that they had to put so many rules in place. The lounge was really neat and was designed with children and their tired parents in mind. The sofas were comfy, there were magazines to read and complimentary coffee or tea to drink.

TV and a library of books to entertain your kids

Older children could watch TV, read a book or..

Activity area for colouring and watching TV

..take part in coloring or other activities in the activity room (no shoes allowed in this space FYI).

Massage chair for tired legs

Parents can even have a nice massage.

Nevertheless, this room was not baby-friendly at all. On top of all the rules, the lounge did not have a nursing room, a baby changing area or high-chairs. One look at the place from outside and I knew we wouldn't stay there longer than 15 minutes as it is just not appropriate for our babies.

If Plaza Singapura really wanted to make their mall a more family-friendly place by including this lounge as an attraction for families, they should really consider reducing the number of rules and including the little ones in the space as well.

Overall, it was a great day of fun but I will most probably not be visiting this non-baby-friendly mall with my baby again if I can help it (unless it's for the wonderful tarts). QP and I will most likely choose Vivocity for our next Mums & Babies movie hangout. Join us if you can =)

Launch of Disney Junior at Sentosa

I was invited again by Disney Junior to attend their official launch at Sentosa! After a really successful bloggers event at Hatched previously and as I'm a 100% Disney fan (whose greatest dream is to visit the awesome Disneyland in all the different countries), I was actually excitedly looking forward to it.

As the invitation stated that I could bring 3 other guests with me, the hubby and my sister decided to tag along for the fun. I'm so glad my sister was there with us as the following pictures were all courtesy of her hard work (Thanks sis!)

We parked our car at the Beach Carpark and took a tram to the location at Siloso Beach.

This way to the launch of Disney Junior!

After registering our attendance, we were given a bunch of stuff to start off the event.

Anti-clockwise: Checklist, red bands for entry to wavhouse for lunch, pink coupon for meet & greet,
car decal & discount coupon

We were supposed to complete a task at each of the four stations and get a stamp on our checklist.

Pirate's Checklist

Once we have collected all the stamps, we would get a goodie bag as a reward =)

So we headed off to the first station, Handy Manny.

Station 1: Team Work with Handy Manny

There were 3 tasks to choose from but as Girlee is so young, she could only do the easiest task, which was..

..hoisting sails (with the help of mummy & daddy)

And as a reward, we got a stamp on our checklist as well as a really cool red pirate bandana!

Girlee getting her red pirate bandana

The next station was Word World.

Station 2: Reading Clues with Word World

The task was to find the letters of a word given and form them on the sand. Once again we had to help Girlee on this one as she was just too young.

Putting the word 'ship' together

But she did help to carry the letters and put them together on the sand. After putting together three words successfully, we completed the task and got another stamp plus a 'tattoo' which a station master helped apply on Girlee's arm.

Girlee's first tattoo!

The paparazzi loved her so much they surrounded her! Understandably so, as she looked totally gangsta-chic! *laughs*

Next up was Special Agent Oso.

Station 3: Bravery with Special Agent Oso

If you watch the show (which Girlee and I do), you would know that Special Agent Oso solves problems using three simple steps. So, we were supposed to use the same three steps to shoot down three bottles with a large water shooter.

It took the hubby three tries before shooting down all three bottles, thereby getting us another stamp and a cool pirate eye-patch.

Girlee's cute pirate's eye-patch

Ain't she cute? *grin*

Finally, the last station was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Station 4: Memory with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

At this station, Girlee was supposed to go into a maze and find the items as indicated by the board shown by a station master. It's actually quite confusing so I'm sure kids older than Girlee might need some help from their parents for this challenge too.

Handing the cards to the station master and getting her 'parrot'

Of course Girlee got them all right and got the final stamp as well as a 'parrot' balloon to complete her whole pirate get-up.

We immediately went and redeemed the goody bag, which had a ton of stuff including this really cool underwater camera.

Disney Junior Pirate Goody Bag

Of course I don't really need it seeing as I already have an underwater camera but it's still cool anyway *laughs*

After being in the hot sun for all the activities, it was such a relief to get into the shade and queue up for the Meet & Greet session with Mickey and Minnie!

Photo-taking with Mickey & Minnie!

I think I was more excited than Girlee with having a photo taken with my all-time favourite Minnie Mouse! We then proceeded on for an early lunch at the Wavehouse sponsored by Disney and Starhub. Yummy! *licks lips*

Overall, it was a very enjoyable event and nothing short of the 'magic' that is classic Walt Disney. All of us had fun, including Girlee, who had a ton of fun playing pirate dress-up.

"Aye Aye Captain!"

Congratulations, Disney Junior on your launch in Asia! Thanks for the invite =)

Group Photo =)

Indeed, let the Magic begin (and never ever end)!

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This post is part of my MadPsychMum Fun in Singapore Guide to all things exciting for kids! 

Check out other fun playgrounds and attractions in Singapore! =)

You can also follow us on Instagram or join us by using our hashtag #mpmfuninsg! 

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Disclosure: A media invitation to this event was received from Disney Junior Asia. No monetary compensation was received; all opinions are my own.

Normative Psychosocial Child Development

Following the success of my Understanding Pediatric Cancer series, which has also been featured on MumCentre, and with the encouragement of my sister, here's another installment of more child psychology here at the University of Motherhood.

*Note: The following information had been adapted from my own research and was therefore not written by a medical professional. The terms 'child' or 'children' refer to individuals below the age of 21 years old.

Normative Psychosocial Child Development

According to his Theory of Psychosocial Development, Erik Erikson (1959) classifies typical psychosocial development of an individual from childhood to adulthood into eight stages (Papalia et al., 2004). According to Erikson’s theory, an individual needs to resolve a psychosocial crisis and attain certain developmental tasks successfully in order to develop necessary psychosocial skills that are unique to that stage of development. Of course this theory is often debated by other researchers but there's definitely still some truth in it.

Here's the 1st 5 stages of Erikson's Psychosocial Development which follow the child from birth to childhood:

Stage 1: Infant (birth to 12-18 months)

Crisis resolution: Basic Trust vs. Mistrust
Psychosocial skills attained: If the crisis is successfully resolved, babies develop a sense that the world is a good and safe place
Virtue obtained: Hope

Nurturing your baby's trust in your (i.e. care-giver) protection and love is vital for the development of future relationships with others.

Stage 2: Toddlers (12-18 months to 3 years)

Crisis resolution: Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Psychosocial skills attained: If the crisis is successfully resolved, toddlers develop independence and some self-sufficiency.
Virtue obtained: Will

Helping your child gain some independence at this stage (especially with potty training and language development) is crucial for development but has to also be balanced with setting appropriate boundaries as well. For example, allow your child to explore the playground by himself but tell him not to run out of your sight.

Stage 3: Preschoolers (3 to 6 years)

Crisis resolution: Initiative vs. Guilt
Psychosocial skills attained: If the crisis is successfully resolved, children develop initiative when trying out new activities and not overwhelmed by guilt
Virtue obtained: Purpose

Your child is now able and want to do more. At the same time, they also learn that they need to do things that are socially desirable. Hence, although they really really feel like peeing on the floor, they can't because it is not the right thing to do! However, as this is also the stage where children start to develop their self-esteem, it's important to discipline without hurting their feelings.

Stage 4: School-going children (6 to puberty)

Crisis resolution: Industry vs. Inferiority
Psychosocial skills attained: If the crisis is successfully resolved, children develop competence. If they are unsuccessful, they face feelings of inadequacy.
Virtue obtained: Skill

The development of competence or inadequacy will determine if your child will have a positive or negative self-esteem. With the emphasis on academics in Singapore, the child's performance in school (e.g. in their PSLE) will thus be an important factor that determines his/her self-esteem. Hence, it's important to encourage your child to focus on playing up their strengths.

Stage 5: Adolescents (Puberty to 21 years)

Crisis resolution: Identity vs. Identity Confusion
Psychosocial skills attained: If the crisis is successfully resolved, adolescents develop a sense of self. If they are unsuccessful, they experience confusion.
Virtue obtained: Fidelity

Your adolescent needs a lot more independence and approval of peers due to their need for discovering their own identity. Hence, give them enough space as long as they are able to win your trust.


References:
Papalia, D. E.; Olds, S. W.; Feldman, R. D. & Gross, D. (2004). Human Development (9^th Edition). McGraw-Hill: New York, United States of America.


P.S. My master's thesis has finally been accepted with minor amendments! Once I'm done with the edits, I'll finally be graduating and out into the working world soon. Wish me luck =)

Birthday Trip to the Singapore Zoo

I've been bugging the hubby to take us to the zoo ever since the birth of baby girl last year, even though I know she's too young for it. The hubby then promptly informed me that he could get a zoo pass from his company so that we can enter for free, which we utilised on independence day to celebrate baby girl's birthday (we had the party the day before)!

I was excited! The last time I visited the zoo was when I was 15 years old, it was called the Singapore Zoological Gardens (probably still is) and didn't have boat rides. They have now simplified it to Singapore Zoo and looks like nothing I had remembered since the last time I came.

Our 1st trip to the Singapore Zoo as a family

Apparently, you may enter the zoo for free if it's your birthday! But since babies younger than 3 years old are already entitled to free entry, it's actually besides the point. You do get a free scoop of ice-cream plus 10% off retail and F&B but we totally forgot about it, hehe.

Ticketing Booth of the Singapore Zoo

Our first stop? The White Tigers!

Baby 'tiger' meeting the white tigers

We were excited to meet the tigers as baby girl is born in the Year of the Tiger. It so happened that the tigers were excitedly pacing up and down on the rocks and in the waters below so we got a great view of the magnificent creatures. They were absolutely beautiful =)

Signboard pointing the way to the dock

Next, we decided to take a boat ride to Kidsworld instead of walking.

Walking to the boat

Frankly, it was the most boring experience ever. There was nothing to see at all and we were quite disappointed. Girlee, on the other hand, had a great time.

Having fun on the boat ride

She was bouncing around, trying to climb overboard to jump into the water (which gave me a heart-attack), making friends with the caucasian kid in the front and touching the skin of the water monitor lizard. She was having a blast!

Her fun was going to shoot over the roof soon as we arrived at the dock that was located next to Kidsworld.

Kidsworld looked nothing like when I was a kid. When I was a kid, there were kiddy swings, spider webs, petting area to pet the rabbits, hamsters, etc and lots and lots of sheep.

But now, instead of sheep there are only goats.

Mini ponies and goats

There were no more petting areas, no kiddy swings and definitely no more spider-webs. In its place, is this massive water play area, which was heaven in the middle of the hot day.

Waterplay area at the Kidsworld

Since I was the only one who was smart enough to bring swim wear, I was in charge of getting wet with Girlee, which was a role I took on with gladness (since it was so hot)!

Playing with water

I have to say, she really enjoyed herself! This is a really nice place to bring your kids, even babies as young as my girl who can't even walk yet (I think she's the only one there that can't). My baby could crawl around at the shallow end and play with the water which was really fun to watch!

There's even a nursing room next to the toilets at Kidsworld (see my review of their nursing room at my review page) which made it very convenient for breastfeeding and diaper changing. Very thoughtful indeed.

The whole experience really tired my baby girl out and she was in dreamland in less than 5 minutes after her bath. But, she did wake up just in time to see our (mine and hers) favourite animal of all time:

"Look Girlee, see the giraffy!"

The 3 beautiful giraffes of the Singapore Zoo! Oooh.. if there's no other animal to see, just seeing them made the whole trip worthwhile for me *grin*

You could tell she loved them with all her pointing and leaning forward while trying to pet them (they were really close to us). Ah, she's just like mummy =)

Top: With the large tortoise
Bottom: Posing with the memorial statue of Ah Meng

Ah Meng was an orangutan who was also the tourism icon of the Singapore Zoo. She used to be a regular at the photo booth and almost every visitor to the zoo has a photo taken with her including me. So since baby girl can't take pictures with her anymore (she had since passed on), we decided to take one with her memorial statue.

After all that walking, we decided to finally leave the zoo. I vowed that I would be back again with Girlee, seeing how much fun she had. Was a very enjoyable trip =)

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This post is part of my MadPsychMum Fun in Singapore Guide to all things exciting for kids! 

Check out other fun playgrounds and attractions in Singapore! =)

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