Monday, November 8, 2010

Promotion

In Nov 2010, Papa Isaiah took a step into his destiny. It’s a journey he has taken many times in his mind previously, but now he is finally able to live it out.

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Promotion comes in many forms. Normally it comes with greater responsibilities.

Since the birth of Jayne, I have been cautious not to show any favouritism to either girl. To be honest, I was slightly worried that Joey will feel jealous becos we have to dedicate more time to take care of Jayne. Due to space constraint we have move Joey to my mother’s room so that we can accommodate Jayne’s cot.

Joey is such an angle, she is so much more mature than I thought she would be. She readily accepted her responsibility as the elder sister very well. Check out the photos!

Feeding Jayne in a cooking game

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Guiding Jayne in a football game

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Taking care of Jayne when they are out playing

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Watching TV together with Jayne

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Carry Jayne

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Having fun with Jayne

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I think having an elder sister is a tremendous blessing! No one can share that joy like your sister or brother. You girls must love one another forever!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Weekly Meal with In-Laws

Since my parents stay with me, I make it a point that every week we will at least have a meal with my in-laws. So that they will have a chance to see their cute granddaughters!

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My father-in-law is a very traditional family man, he never allows me to pay for anything whenever we go out. Not even for drinks. I really thank God for him cos he is such a nice man and there is much I can learn from him.

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And my mother-in-law, a typical mother, always rushing to take care of this and that. Also ensure that the grandchildren have eaten before she eats her own meal.

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The weekly meal with them is really a very relaxing time for Kless and me. For Kless, she is just like a kid back at home, can be pampered by her daddy. Ordering all her favourite food.

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Grandparents are so important. Read my earlier post to know more.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Does Fatherhood Makes Me a Better Man?

The father-child relationship is the defining factor of the fatherhood role in life. A Father is known as a man who exercises paternal care over their children. An active amount of father-child involvement has also proven to increase a child’s social stability, educational achievement, and even their potential to have a solid marriage as an adult.

Recently Joey did something wrong. The fact is she didn’t do it on purpose. But I was really mad. I didn’t cane her, I was just stern and she felt it. While I was still angry, she came out of her room and gave me a shy smile and hugged me. I nearly cried. I felt so ashamed and horrible. Why did I lose my anger?

Joey, papa loves you forever. Forgive me, ok?

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Kiasu Parents

Why are Singaporeans so kiasu? This has in a way become a national trademark. Especially parents in Singapore.

I have a friend who got married in Singapore but has moved to Australia with her husband. She has 2 beautiful kids and whenever I read her blogs, I can sense that she is very proud of her kids. Like any other parent, she enrols her kids to classes and encourages them to learn as much as possible. But one thing which I feel is different was that she was never too eager to plan a lot of activities for her kids.

Maybe this is the reason why so many people are sending their children overseas to further their studies. It’s just too pressurising to study in Singapore.

Overheard a parent talking about how his child is doing in child care. Besides all the lessons in school, the parent is also enrolling the child for extra lessons in music, language, art, sports and etc… I believe the couple must be quite rich to be able to afford all these classes. But I asked myself, is that how I want my child to grow up? Or would I rather them to enjoy life? (like eating a bowl of famous Rochor 豆花)

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Did a simple research, in the year 2006 there were about 38,000 babies born. 10% of that figure will be attending some super duper expensive and good preschool. Maybe these children will become the future leaders of the country, top lawyers or doctors, top professionals. Again I ask myself, is that what I want for my children? I agree, I want them to be successful. I want them to have good career. I want the best for them. But if they spend all their childhood just trying to be the best in class, where are all the fun and enjoyment? (like sitting on a swing and enjoy the breeze)

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The most important thing I want for my daughters, is for them to be happy and useful and also I want them to love God. It doesn’t matter what they will do in future, like Dr. A.R. Bernard said before, what is most important is the journey. I want my girls to grow up in an environment where simple things are appreciated.

A sampan boat ride to Ubin

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Chinese traditions like 团圆, having 汤圆 together

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Watching the sunset

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Parents reading this, don’t stone me ok? I love my children to want them to have the best too.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Grandparents

Grandparents support parents in setting values and passing on family tradition. Grandparents are our connection to the past, and the key to what shapes our future.

Grandparents often function as trusted primary caregivers when parents are away at work.

In our relationship with our parents, Father and Mother must strive to be good role models. Remember CHILDREN SEE, CHILDREN DO. If we treat our parents with love and respect, our children will grow up showering us with the love and respect we deserve.

 

I think Joey & Jayne are both very blessed. Their grandparents love them very much!!

爷爷

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公公

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婆婆

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But the girls’ favourite has to be 奶奶!

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奶奶 spends the most time with the girls. Taking care of them since birth, especially for Joey. My mother has been a nanny for more than 10 years when she was younger. So she is the most experienced woman you can have to rely on for the girls’ matters. Kless and I are constantly thankful for her!

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家有一老如有一宝!

 

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Island Creamery

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I confess, I am not an ice cream fan. But this particular shop @ Serene Centre is quite good. You can see it by the numerous photos on the wall.

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It’s such a joy to see how my girls are enjoying themselves.

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Papa must join in the fun too..

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Monday, November 1, 2010

I Miss Jayne

I never thought I would miss my girl that much..I am a man! A father! Not suppose to be so emotional.

Last week, on a normal working day, we left Jayne at home with my mother cos Jayne was having a slight flu and we wanted her to have more rest at home. It was a pleasant drive to work, with no kids in the car. Finally Kless gets to sit in the front seat. Work was as usual. We didn’t have much time to think about the girls at home.

Isn’t she adorable when she is sleeping?

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Suddenly one of our colleague brought her child out from the nursery. “Daddy! Daddy!” My heart skipped a moment. Only one image came into my mind.

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MY GIRL!!!

I really wished she was there at that moment! I wanted so much to carry her and hear her call me Papa..

Arrgghhh……