Claire (Part 2)

Hands Dirty
Chloe pee-ed in her pants one afternoon. She is currently under going toilet training. With only a helper and me at home, she was tended by the helper whilst I scooped around for a rag to clean up the mess. Seeing that I had difficulty bending to wet the rag, my Claire instinctively offered to clear her mei mei's mess, asked that I sit at the sofa. That she appreciated my physical discomfort and offered to get her hands dirty over mei mei's urine rendered me speechless.
Star Chart
I started a star chart at home for Teck and Claire. For every piece of good work they put up, a star will be awarded. And just like hotel loyalty programs, stars can be exchanged for gifts. Whilst Teck will negotiate for a bargain to exchange for his trains, Claire accumulated her stars. When asked what would she like to exchange for, her answer, "Mummy, I don't need anything now. Can I save them till when I need something in school?" Not forgetting, she opted for a cheaper pair of shoes so that the $10 saved could be channelled towards a funfair rides for Teck and her.
Baby Sitter
Chloe was throwing her tandrums when Claire was having her favourite mushroom soup for lunch. Noticing that the helper could not handle her tandrums, she dropped her lunch and distracted her mei mei with song and dance, knowing that Chloe loves to dance. Only when Chloe seemed appeased did Claire walk back to the dining table and continue with her cold soup.

Claire (Part 1)

Claire came home from school having shitted in her pants, think the stress of 2 tests in a day and my early morning mushroom soup got the better of her digestive system. My mum flew into a rage, screaming at and shaming her with remarks like what a fine example as a monitor she was and how her friends would all distance themselves from her henceforth.

I witnessed my shadow in Claire. That was how I was brought up, caning, screaming and shaming were commonplace in little things that have gone wrong. For my mum, the stress of livelihood got the better of her then. But I wonder what it is now that financial stability is no longer a concern. Can't help but walked over and hugged my shivering Claire, told her it's perfectly okay and all it takes next time is to ask for permission to go to the loo. She broke down, sadly and loudly. Till today, I still associate my pessimism, low self esteem and lack of confidence to my childhood days and do not wish the same for my kids.

A little more about my Claire and the little things she has done that really touched me so ... ... in the next post.

My Valentine(s)?

Went for a gynea visit yesterday, all's well save we can't see Noah's face coz' he's all ready to arrive, with his head facing down and in and spine facing out. Nagging thoughts of whether he looks fine linger... ... must be pregnancy hormones but then again, I have always been a pessimist.

Wanted to go for a good V-Day lunch subsequently but alas our little adventure to Vivocity landed us in Giant and foodcourt. MY ONE was all so apologetic for making me walk just for a foodcourt fare but I was all so thankful and happy for my western food, fried hokkien mee and a plate of fruits as our V-Day meal. The food was delicious and company was great! Who cares where we are eating or what we are eating as long as MY ONE is with me?

On our way home, MY ONE said he will have to work late last night to make up for the morning with me, to which I responded no worries, I have 3.5 little ones to keep me company. But when night time came, he surprised me with a bouquet of roses and a cake, much to the delight of the kids as they know they will be having the cake as supper. It's been a while since we last had a cake, austerity drive la.

To think that at my age and stage (looking every inch an Ah Soh, fat and super round), MY ONE still bothers to surprise me on V-Day, a day which he insists has been heavily commercialised. Although my heart aches for the $30 bouquet which is equivalent to a can of milk powder, can't help but smile to sleep last night.

Contractions are on the way, I wonder if Noah will be a Valentine baby.

Label

Chloe will be going for her developmental screening at KK this Thursday. This visit has been the source of my recent many sleepless nights, of course the documentary on autism in CNA had lots to contribute too.

Her playgroup principal highlighted some signs that Chloe displays which suggested that LABEL, so did the documentary on her climbing ways and inability to express her wants through verbal communication but through tandrums and screams.

I am scared, really scared. If indeed she will be labeled so on Thursday, the cause of which is genetic, what about the little Noah that's kicking within now?

I begin to ask did my absence bring about the rapid development of this recessive gene? What a mother I have been!

Last of Pregnant Days ... ...

Miscount (yet again) of days landed me in today's sorry state of not knowing for sure the gestational age of baby Noah, that's how I got pregnant anyway! He ranges from 35 to 37 weeks and labour is due anytime from 36 weeks.

To add on to that, I am suffering from this naggy pelvic and lower back pain, restricting my movements and confining me to bed. What a sorry state for the last pregnancy, yes this will be my last! When asked for the cause of this condition, gynea attributed it to frequency and age! But what age? I am only in my early thirties!!!! Frequency no doubt.

Still, I am really looking forward to the arrival of baby Noah. Can't explain but am super overwhelmed with maternal instincts for this little one. Started reading and watching programmes on pregnancy, child birth, development etc, albeit a little late, starting only for #4.

To all my critics and cynics out there on my inability to count and suggesting that I surrender my CPA, I will definitely have the last laugh in 5 years' time.