The Good Birds and the Bad

Chloe has been down with gastro-virus since last Sat, so it was just Nigel & I in the daily hike from staff apartments to the Cove this morning. On route, we witness a group of mynahs fighting, with one being pinned down.

After explaining to Nigel that the birds were fighting just like how his friends and siblings always do, he asked, "So which is the bad bird?". I drew an analogy to the fall he had last evening after a friend of his pushed him down and asked, "So were you the bad boy or your friend?", to which he answered, "I am the good boy and my friend was naughty to have pushed me down. So the bird who fell just now was the good bird, right?". Of course his answer was "RIGHT".

After some moments, he changed his mind, "Actually all the birds were good mummy, my friend was a good boy too!". That's my Nigel, very forgiving of people who offended him. In fact, when I fetched him yesterday from school, although he narrated his fall and all, he had forgiven his friend, gave him a big hug before he left, with the assurance that all was well.

And since Chloe was not around, I had the luxury of reading a story of a hermit crab outgrowing his shell to Nigel, drawing analogy of him outgrowing his clothes. He enjoyed the story so much, he requested that I read another one before leaving for work, a request that I acceded. When I left he was in tears, because Chloe was not around or was it that he knew that was one rare attention slot that mummy had given him for a long time and he has to wait a long while before the next one comes along?

I feel guilty on two counts, being pettier than Nigel and not giving him enough attention.

V Day 2008

Was due for a lunch with boss and colleagues that day but guess what, MY ONE surprised me that morning with a lunch date. That he still bothers after so many years being together and us being so occupied with kids nowadays are testimonies of his love and commitment, nevermind the not really nice sushi lunch and that he got his pants drenched in hot sukiyaki soup, no thanks to the service staff. He doesn't like Japanese food to begin with but was game enough to go along with my choice.

A luxury these days, the day ended with a bouquet of roses. Though quite a waste of money, considering the cans of milk powder I could get with that, I am still thrilled.

The GIRLS

Been reminding myself that I should get this down... ... lest something happens or my memory fails me, whichever comes earlier.

Over the CNY holidays, we brought the family to the East Coast Beach. The kids were delighted but forgetful mummy forgot to pack an extra set of clothes for Claire. Somehow when you have 4 to pack for, it gets harder to keep track. But if not for my forgetfulness, I would not have witnessed a touching exchange between the girls.

After their sand and water play, it was time to change up. The kiddos chose to go barefooted on route to the washrooms. However, the path was filled with pine fruits, those that gives you pokey pain when you walk on it. Sensing that Chloe, a hefty 13kg by now, had difficulty, Claire (my 23kg) carried her for the whole of the 200m journey, without a word of pain felt on her feet. The pain was rather unbearable even for me. But that was not the best part.

After bathing them, I realised my forgetfulness and promptly apologised to Claire. She thought nothing of it and just said, "Don't worry mum, I'll do fine with Nigel's worn clothes and the towels." And so we tracked back to campsite. Just as we approached, Chloe started her tandrums, ransacking our belongings, obviously looking for something but would not tell us what. Upon holding her firmly and asking in short sentences whilst maintaining eye contact, she finally blurted, "Jie Jie, dress?" and gestured to take her clothes off for Jie Jie.

For one, I know that should anything happen to mummy, Claire will be there for my special little Chloe girl. The bond between them, though not usually expressed in words, amazes me.

I was late, again... ...

I was late for my god-daughter's funeral this afternoon, so reminicent of me being late for my dad's passing away some 10 years back. If only I had brought my mobile along during the visit this morning, I would have been able to see her off... ... just 20 mins was what I would ask of.

Seeing her mummy, my best pal, in the state that she was in, was heart wrenching. She blamed her negative thoughts for causing her baby's death, she wished she could go with her baby to take care of her... ... while I wished I could do more than crying and asking her to stay strong for hubby's sake. Ray was my god-daughter that I never got to meet, she remained in ICU since birth.

That Ray was cremated together with the toys and clothes I bought brought some solace, but the inability to collect her ashes and the resultant throwing of it into the sea did not. The family will continue our prayers for YC, CW & Ray who is now in heaven under God's TLC.

As I cradle Noah sleeping in my left arm right now, motherhood has taken on a new meaning... ...