We can go sane again
Mum and Dad returned from China a few days ago and sanity is once again returning to our household. After more than a month of coping on our own (with help from Fred, Bihye and the maid), they are finally back in Singapore; actually that is not totally true, they were back for short spells in between so it wasn't a full 1 month of madness.
Nevertheless - we made it! Actually, personally I find that it's a good learning and growing experience for all of us, including the kids. Having to take care of the kids with minimal help (Celest would have to take most of the credit here) actually helped us to bond a lot better with them. In this country, raising kids tends to end up being a very hands-off experience where parents often rely heavily on domestic help or grandparents. I have to admit we do a bit of both most of the time - but I guess it's the only way we got stop ourselves from going crazy.
However, the sense of satisfaction I gain from playing and interacting with Nigel and Shannon is truly something to be treasured. Looking back at Nigel's old videos reminds me of how far he has matured and grown. It's only 1+ years ago when he was just going "Dah Dah" and "Ah-Moh" (one more) and now he's blabbering away in full sentences non-stop (although sometimes a bit hard to make out) and singing through the entire A-B-C (missing out N) by himself.
Shannon is helping us remember the phases that Nigel went through and just seeing her grow is so fun and gratifying. Everyday is a new experience and a delight for us - with or without help, I guess.
Nevertheless - we made it! Actually, personally I find that it's a good learning and growing experience for all of us, including the kids. Having to take care of the kids with minimal help (Celest would have to take most of the credit here) actually helped us to bond a lot better with them. In this country, raising kids tends to end up being a very hands-off experience where parents often rely heavily on domestic help or grandparents. I have to admit we do a bit of both most of the time - but I guess it's the only way we got stop ourselves from going crazy.
However, the sense of satisfaction I gain from playing and interacting with Nigel and Shannon is truly something to be treasured. Looking back at Nigel's old videos reminds me of how far he has matured and grown. It's only 1+ years ago when he was just going "Dah Dah" and "Ah-Moh" (one more) and now he's blabbering away in full sentences non-stop (although sometimes a bit hard to make out) and singing through the entire A-B-C (missing out N) by himself.
Shannon is helping us remember the phases that Nigel went through and just seeing her grow is so fun and gratifying. Everyday is a new experience and a delight for us - with or without help, I guess.