As promised, I brought En out for some mom-daughter Quality Time (QT) this morning. I realised I couldn't help bringing her to the same places I brought Xuan last week. Guess deep inside me, the "being fair to both twin" bug just won't let me go.
However, it is a very different experience hanging out with En versus Xuan. I was more relaxed today as En is generally more cautious about the surrounding. She sticks around me and holds my hand most of the time, unlike Xuan who'll charge to wherever/whatever intrigues her. En also takes instructions better than Xuan. I had a good time engaging in "intellectual" conversations with her. :)
There are 2 things I noticed about En today:
1) She is more attached to Xuan than I thought. It was barely 3 minutes away from our home and she started turning back, asking for Xuan. And she mentioned Xuan 3-4 times during the short outing. Interestingly, she didn't think of Ya Ya. That took me by surprise though.
2) En's interest in books has extended to those beyond her age. Of course she still likes picture books or board books, but I did noticed her flipping through my books/Bible on my bedside table at times. At the reference section in the library, she took a book on Statistics off the shelf, sat on the carpeted floor and started going through the book. There were no pictures. Just words and numbers. I hope this interest continue throughout her life.
Lacking the athlete stamina (more prominent in Xuan), En knocked out earlier than expected. Before we could flag down a cab, she fell fast asleep! There was no way I could get her to rest her head on my shoulders, so my poor arm almost suffered a "fracture" from supporting the gal's head all the way home!!! Well, looks like I'll have to bring her stroller along for our next QT. Kekeke...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Mid Thirties
If you know Di personally, you might have heard him saying "All the important females in my life are born in October!" Well, his mom (aka my mom-in-law), the munchkins, myself and even Ya Ya are all October babies (or rather, ladies). And today is the day yours truly officially turn mid thirties. I received SMSes reminding me this fact from countless concerned friends since the break of dawn. If you are one of them and reading this post now, I thank you again! Kekeke...
It seemed to me the "mid thirties club" is not as well received as I had expected??? Initially, I thought the only ones who may be anxious about turning 35 are those who are trying to conceive. Otherwise, one should be proud to be 35! I AM! I love what I am now better than I was 10 years back. There's certainly room to live life to the fullest still, so I bet I'll love myself even more in the years to come. Assuming my "shelve life" to be approximately 70, I've already set one foot into my casket. Hence, it is important to make every second count in the days/years ahead, don't you think so?
So happy birthday to ME! May God grant me wisdom as I continue to grow in His love and unveil His plans for me! ^.^
"... Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
It seemed to me the "mid thirties club" is not as well received as I had expected??? Initially, I thought the only ones who may be anxious about turning 35 are those who are trying to conceive. Otherwise, one should be proud to be 35! I AM! I love what I am now better than I was 10 years back. There's certainly room to live life to the fullest still, so I bet I'll love myself even more in the years to come. Assuming my "shelve life" to be approximately 70, I've already set one foot into my casket. Hence, it is important to make every second count in the days/years ahead, don't you think so?
So happy birthday to ME! May God grant me wisdom as I continue to grow in His love and unveil His plans for me! ^.^
"... Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Quality Time
In the munchkins' first year, I made it a point to bring only one of them out, at least once a month, for shopping trips or tea time with friends. The rationale behind this was to spend quality time with them individually, so they could enjoy undivided attention from me (if not, both Di and I). I do get questions like "Isn't it unfair to the other twin?" or "How do you decide who comes out this time round?" I can't remember my answers then but I always remember to explain the reason for doing this - Quality Time (QT).
However, I can't remember when I last spent QT with En & Xuan. I felt so guilt stricken the day it struck me I had totally forgotten about QT. Ever since they were able to walk/run, we've been going out as a family most of the time, except when I have to bring them to the doctor when they take turns to fall sick.
The big "revelation" came on 1st October - Children's Day. I was on my way down town to have "a break from the kids" (while Di and Ya Ya babysit the girls) when I met a friend, her husband and their sweet little girl (Hayley) at the mall near our place. When I saw little Hayley holding the hand of her parents on both sides, I immediately felt sad for En & Xuan. They hardly (I won't say never but frankly, I can't recall if it ever took place) had the opportunity to hold both Di and my hands when we were out. Seriously, I don't think the munchkins realised (or are bothered by) this but I couldn't help feeling I had deprived the munchkins of undivided attention and love from both parents. Perhaps all parents with more than one kid felt the same???
Anyway, God brought to mind QT after that episode. With Di's busy work schedule lately, we hardly spend time together as a couple, let alone with the kids. Nevertheless, I resumed QT today by bringing Xuan out for nearly 3 hours. It felt so different going places with her with no specific agenda except to spend time together. We travelled on buses, took MRT rides, played with insects next to ponds, settled for lunch at The Galilee cafe before heading home in a cab. Can't believe how much I had missed all this while when QT was missing from our routine. Now I'm looking forward to my next outing with En and I am certain it'll be a fun-filled one as well.
However, I can't remember when I last spent QT with En & Xuan. I felt so guilt stricken the day it struck me I had totally forgotten about QT. Ever since they were able to walk/run, we've been going out as a family most of the time, except when I have to bring them to the doctor when they take turns to fall sick.
The big "revelation" came on 1st October - Children's Day. I was on my way down town to have "a break from the kids" (while Di and Ya Ya babysit the girls) when I met a friend, her husband and their sweet little girl (Hayley) at the mall near our place. When I saw little Hayley holding the hand of her parents on both sides, I immediately felt sad for En & Xuan. They hardly (I won't say never but frankly, I can't recall if it ever took place) had the opportunity to hold both Di and my hands when we were out. Seriously, I don't think the munchkins realised (or are bothered by) this but I couldn't help feeling I had deprived the munchkins of undivided attention and love from both parents. Perhaps all parents with more than one kid felt the same???
Anyway, God brought to mind QT after that episode. With Di's busy work schedule lately, we hardly spend time together as a couple, let alone with the kids. Nevertheless, I resumed QT today by bringing Xuan out for nearly 3 hours. It felt so different going places with her with no specific agenda except to spend time together. We travelled on buses, took MRT rides, played with insects next to ponds, settled for lunch at The Galilee cafe before heading home in a cab. Can't believe how much I had missed all this while when QT was missing from our routine. Now I'm looking forward to my next outing with En and I am certain it'll be a fun-filled one as well.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bhutan and the dragon
I love the world map. Not so much because I love to travel, but probably because I love Geography. And I still miss that “international satellite & submarine cable” map from one of my previous jobs. Oops!
Though I have no intention to groom the munchkins into geologists, the munchkins, however, developed a keen interest in the world map ever since I place one (with flags of the world printed all over it) in their bedroom. They are able to identify at least 10 flags of the world now, which is quite an achievement for 2-year old, I thought. But there is a little joke about Bhutan which I’d like to share here.
You see, the reason why some country’s flag drew the attention of the munchkins is simple. These “interesting” flags had NO stars, crescent or cross on it, unlike the dozens of other flags in the world. The flag of Bhutan is one of the very unique ones. It has a dragon on it (see photo below).
When Xuan first pointed out Bhutan’s flag, I was glad but not surprised. Then I took the opportunity to teach her the word “dragon”. She started pointing to her MamyPoko Pull Up Pants and I was puzzled. I tried to ignore her little gesture and continued my “dragon” topic by talking about the cartoon series “Dragon Tales”. But she was persistent at trying to get my attention as well.
It came to a point where I had to look at her straight in the eye and said “Look, those are Pooh bears printed on your diaper. They've nothing to do with dragons.” “Poo poo”, she said. “Yes, Pooh bears! Winnie the Pooh has nothing to do with dragons, my dear!” Xuan shook her head, pat her butt this time and exclaimed “Poo poo!” All of a sudden, the truth began to dawn on me. She had dragon fruit for afternoon snack and it all came out in her poo. How did she know? I told her so when I was changing her diaper!!! LOL!
So what has dragon got to do with her poo? Dragon fruits are in it!!! Kekeke… So now we all remember where Bhutan is and how its national flag look like. Ha!
Though I have no intention to groom the munchkins into geologists, the munchkins, however, developed a keen interest in the world map ever since I place one (with flags of the world printed all over it) in their bedroom. They are able to identify at least 10 flags of the world now, which is quite an achievement for 2-year old, I thought. But there is a little joke about Bhutan which I’d like to share here.
You see, the reason why some country’s flag drew the attention of the munchkins is simple. These “interesting” flags had NO stars, crescent or cross on it, unlike the dozens of other flags in the world. The flag of Bhutan is one of the very unique ones. It has a dragon on it (see photo below).
When Xuan first pointed out Bhutan’s flag, I was glad but not surprised. Then I took the opportunity to teach her the word “dragon”. She started pointing to her MamyPoko Pull Up Pants and I was puzzled. I tried to ignore her little gesture and continued my “dragon” topic by talking about the cartoon series “Dragon Tales”. But she was persistent at trying to get my attention as well.
It came to a point where I had to look at her straight in the eye and said “Look, those are Pooh bears printed on your diaper. They've nothing to do with dragons.” “Poo poo”, she said. “Yes, Pooh bears! Winnie the Pooh has nothing to do with dragons, my dear!” Xuan shook her head, pat her butt this time and exclaimed “Poo poo!” All of a sudden, the truth began to dawn on me. She had dragon fruit for afternoon snack and it all came out in her poo. How did she know? I told her so when I was changing her diaper!!! LOL!
So what has dragon got to do with her poo? Dragon fruits are in it!!! Kekeke… So now we all remember where Bhutan is and how its national flag look like. Ha!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Happy 2nd Birthday
En & Xuan turned 2 today. A monumental stage for most toddlers, I guess, as they officially enter the Terrible Twos Club. To the munchkins, however, apart from the family gathering held to celebrate their "coming of age" last Saturday, birthdays are just like any other day. Life goes on, that is, if they actually "bother" about life in the first place. That's the beauty (or rather, bliss) of being a 2 year-old.
For me, today brings a whole lot of mix feelings as I took them for a morning walk. Looking back at how far we've come, I'm simply speechless when I think about how I was "born again" over a mere 24-month period. Well, I am still who I am today, yet I am more than what I was 2 years back. You know what I mean? It is not an increase in material possessions, wealth or knowledge kind of thing we're talking about here. It is character development resulting from a steep (very steep indeed) learning curve, tears, joy, bitterness, laughter, etc. You wouldn't want to trade this experience for anything in the world, even if there were more bitter times than happy ones. From the very moment you hear that soft, sweet voice whispering "mama" in your ears, you know the tears were worth it - every single bit of it!
Happy Birthday, my joy, my love, my revelations! For God gave you both to me, just so I could have a better understanding of myself. Thank you, God, for En & Xuan.
(En & Xuan having a good time at the park in the morning of their 2nd birthday.)
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