Being a mother, being a wife

Tonight is one of those nights where I performed my motherly & wifely duties very well, if I may say so.

I went to meet my drunk husband and sent him home safely. I also boiled water so that he may cook his cup noodles.

I did laundry.

I had to put up with my fiesty and active daughter (who was awakened by the husband) who refused to go to sleep for 1.5 hours.

All of the above happened past 11pm.

Ahh, gotta love being a family woman.

Sleep-talking

So the little one dreams quite a lot. And we know this because she'd suddenly make a noise, sometimes a whimper, sometimes a grunt. She'd also roll around - though this may be because she's feeling warm and has to shift her head away from the damp-spot beneath it.

On two occasions, I have heard her sleep-talk.

Both times, it was "mama".

Hee. Hee. Hee.

Dear Kate

Dear Kate,

It has been a superb 2 weeks that we've spent together daily. If I used to enjoy my leave, I surpass enjoyment now as I get to spend most of my time with you. I know that time spent together is precious and I'm reaping the benefits of all the care and time showered upon you, because we have become closer than ever now. You call for me nearly all the time, and I'm your favourite person on earth! When you get scared by loud/sudden noises, you race towards me. You give me hugs and kisses when I ask for them. You call for me when I'm right there with you, as if to let me know that you're within the area; and you cry for me when I'm out of your sight. You prefer to do everything with me whether it is feeding, showering, changing, reading or playing - and I really love to do all of those (and more) with you. I've said this before and I say it again, I love being a mother and you make the job so much sweeter by being you.

This two weeks with you has also shown me your terribly naughty side - you throw tantrums, you cry for attention or when you don't get your way, you are very stubborn and display this streak through your actions (doing what we tell you not to/ ignoring us when we tell you to do something right) - and I'm very glad that I'm here to witness this growth. I know that such behaviour is part and parcel of growth and I'm glad that I can be here to discipline you. I want you to know that though I love you with all my heart, I will not tolerate bad behaviour.

I still wish that I can be a stay-at-home mom, but I know that you are in great hands with ah ma; and so I embrace my duo-role as a working mom, recognising that it is important for me to stay abreast with what's happening out there in the big (bad) world so that I do not lose track of myself, so that I can join forces with papa and offer you the best we can.

It may take a while for both of us to adjust to me going back to work again, but I know that we'll both do well (hopefully soon). I want you to know that I love you with all my heart, and though I am not with you physically, I am always with you. I will attack my new role with gust, knowing that I have your support, as well as Papa's.

Wish me well in my new role, my darling; Mommy's going to go kickass!

Love always, Mommy

I did it!

To those who know me, I'm very undomesticated. I may clean and map and wash and wipe, but I cannot cook. Ok, I can and I have before, but I'm not very good and I don't like it and I'm a lucky girl who has many who will cook for me - the husband, the mother, the mil...

I'm thus quite ashamed to say that I have only ever cooked for Kate thrice before; which works out to be three times in 9.5months (counting from month 6 when she started on semi-solids). The first occasion was when the mil was away on a short holiday and I took leave to be home with Kate. It was potato and carrot puree - which I destroyed on my first attempt because I burnt the potatoes and carrots (not enough water) - I know, tragic and embarrassing, but true. The house filled with a burning smell and I was stupefied for some moments before dashing to the kitchen to find to my greatest dismay that I'd burnt the food. Tragic, very.

The second time was at my mom's place and she happened to be out - I attempted to cook porridge for Kate. I thought it tasted pretty yuck - I couldn't boil the rice properly and kept adding water to ensure that the rice didn't burn - thus spoiling the porridge; it definitely isn't going to be congee that's for sure. The husband was so impressed (and amazed, or maybe, shocked) that he snapped a picture of it.

Porridge for Kate - Mama's first attempt at cooking porridge (chopped fish and veg)

Yesterday, something came over me (I don't know what!) and I asked the mil to teach me how to prepare Kate's food. She gave me a live tutorial and it was actually rather easy. This morning, I took the initiative to prepare the porridge and I'm so very proud to say that I DID IT! The porridge was as yums as what the mil typically prepares - I can cook for my daughter!

I'm a happy and proud mom. The husband gave a (semi) praise "that's good".

I told him "now we know that we can all eat baby porridge if I'm cooking!"

Coffee with Ah gong and Ah ma

From as young as 4 months, Kate's been a regular at the coffeeshop below the block. Ah gong and Ah ma will bring her down with them when they go for their breakfast. It's become their regular morning routine, where they spend time with Kate and proudly show her off to their friends. Kate's become such a popular regular at the coffeeshop that Ah gong has exclaimed before "she has more friends than I do" - and that is a huge statement!

Sometimes, when the husband and I carry her to walkabout in the hood, we'll encounter random strangers - who apparently are strangers only to us. They will greet Kate very happily and she, in turn will give her signature cheeky smile with a hello wave thrown in. The husband and I are pretty used to it by now, and we are well aware where we stand on the popularity charts (nowhere, apparently).

Ah gong, Ah ma walking home from the coffeeshop (Pic taken from the bedroom window)

Suburban Thursday

The day started with Kate and I travelling to the other end of the island to fetch the husband from work. After 3 nights away from us, he was finally back. The drive there - though very long - was peaceful; I didn't have to get up to my usual antics of making faces/singing loudly/finding ways & means to distract her. Kate must have been sleepy because she barely fussed and seemed to be enjoying the ride - amazing!

We had a short wait before the husband arrived, and I thought it was very nice carrying Kate and watching the ocean - the clever little one pointed out to the sea and said "oat" (boat). I really love being by the sea and I only wished I could have taken a picture of her by the waters.

In the afternoon, we had a date with Kate's little uncle and auntie.

Taking the bus

First stop - food court for lunch

After the food stop, we headed to the library which served as a playing-cum-reading field for the kids. I'm thankful I had my aunt to help out - 3 kids altogether is quite a feat! (even though the 4 & 6 year-old were old enough to obey instructions) I cannot believe how big they are already - the husband and I used to bring the boy out very often and it seemed only yesterday that he was as little as Kate.

Hanging out with family is fun

They were entertained in this fire engine for a good 15minutes

Kate had a good time with the kids and I enjoyed meeting up with everyone too. Family time is always great and I'm glad that the kids will always have fond memories growing up with one another.

Polliwogs with Eva

Today's special was an outing to meet Eva, lovely daughter of my ex-colleague, Jo.

It was a nice session - I was treated to a tour of her beautiful home, and it was the first time the girls were meeting each other. They got on like fire immediately! It was totally adorable to see them playing together with each other - taking toys out, throwing balls around (and not at each other), one leading and another following around the house - it was totally fun and extremely cute. They are only about 6weeks apart in age and truly, very similar in build and development. Though I gotta say Eva is alot steadier on her feet and more advanced than Kate in the physio-moto department. Kate's more talkative and much greedier.

Kate and Eva by the playpen

They headed to Eva's bedroom

Eva shows off her toys

We headed to Polliwogs after the home-tour and that was when the kids ran amok and we adults were going to end up with backaches tomorrow. The place was nice and though slightly crowded, it was still fine and besides some unhappiness over a bouncy ball and (funnily) a Friso milk powder container, the afternoon was fantastic and great fun.

Rainbow-coloured balls

Here you go, Mom

Jo with the girls

Crawling

The girls and I

In between running after the kids, we adults managed to talk and catch-up and well, relieve each other of our complaints, worries and minds. It was pouring when we were in Polliwogs, but it stopped when we were ready to leave and Jo's suggested a walk and that was really lovely! The air was cool, there was no crowd and I felt happy! It was such a beautiful moment hanging out with my daughter, my friend and her daughter. I wish I'd snapped a pic of Kate at East Coast Park, but as I'm sure I want to go there with the husband soon, I'll have to fulfill that desire then!

It's mid-week already and I know I will miss Kate so much when I go to work next week (sigh); but today was a good day. Here's to good friends, good company and good times.