Growth

The past month since the munchkins turned 2 had been a very “thrilling” experience. This is mainly due to the exponential growth in their ability to express themselves. Words are starting to flow from their mouth and at times, coupled with some actions which they kind of “invented” it themselves.

Before, their languages were limited to a single syllables, and very narrow range of words. Then they start to blurt out words we used on a daily basis, or when they point out to things they come across or in books, and sometimes they just “narrate” after the adults or DVDs. Our home became a lot noisier now.

I vaguely remember how their doctor put it in one of our visits to his clinic. He said “When the speech centre in their brain start to mature, words will flow. By then, you may not even be able to stop them from talking. So count your blessing that you are still able to enjoy some peaceful moments now.” How true!!!

Despite efforts to ensure we adults speak positively and “mind” our language, the girls still pick up some words from our conversation and reiterate them. Ya-Ya was sharing with me something about my sister’s maid one morning, and she said the word “dai” which means “girl” in her native language. Xuan was playing right next to me when she stood up all of a sudden and said “Die!” with her index finger bend slightly. It was so funny I nearly died laughing. None of us remember using this gesture to indicate death. Strange…

When I finally “reclaimed” my composure, I asked her “Who taught you that, baby? Did something or someone die?” Our dear friend then proudly wriggled her thumbs and index fingers (as if she is singing the song “Eensy Weensy Spider”), said “Ga-Ga died” before bouncing off happily back to her toys. For those who are not familiar with teochew (a local dialect), “Ga-Ga” means insects.

Such innocence… No wonder our Lord says "Verily I say unto you, unless ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4 NKJV)