A letter to my daughter

Dear Mei Mei,

This is how we address you ever since we found out that you are a girl on my 20th week checkup. Daddy and mummy have not quite decided on a name for you but we do have a nice name in mind and hope you will like it.

By now, you have been in my womb for 37 weeks. I wonder if you already knew who are in your family. Besides daddy and mummy, you have a big brother who came to the world just 19 months earlier than you. The reason why I am writing this letter to you is because I am sorry that I am neglecting you most of the time. Looking after your extremely active brother takes away a lot of my attention and energy. As a result, I do not have much time left to talk to you or let you listen to some soothing music. However, be assured that we love you just as much as we love your brother. We have already bought many pretty clothes for you and we are anxiously looking forward to see you too.

Mei mei, your movements in my womb often keep me awake at night. Sometimes, I thought you were doing aerobics; fast and powerful kicking, other times, it felt like you were doing yoga; slow and relaxed stretching. Don't be mistaken, mummy is not complaining (except that your movements kinda have an effect on my bladder and makes me pee every 2 hours at night). In fact, I'm happy because that is the only tangible way I can feel your presence and know about your well-being.

In a few weeks' (or maybe even few days') time, you will officially be part of our family as I can already feel that you are working your way to come out to meet us! Although mummy still has cold sweat whenever I think of going through labour and experience the real contractions, darling for you, I shall be brave, for nothing is more important than having you safe and sound in my hands.

With all my love and kisses,

Mummy


This is a recent picture of daddy, mummy and brother Gerard taken during my birthday dinner. You will join us next year too!

Spider Spider I 'love' you.

It is funny how children can be really innocent and naive but yet this character often gives parents a way to "scare" their kids and prohibit them to do things they don't want their kids to do.

A few months ago, I introduced a new concept to Gerard; When I say "Eeeeee", it means I'm referring to something disgusting. It did not take him long to grasp the concept. Hence saying "Eeeee" (the more animated the better) becomes my "top secret weapon" to prevent him from touching or eating things or going somewhere that I don't want him to touch/eat/go.

Gerard is also especially afraid of "spiders". A formidable combination will be "Eeee.....the spider is there!" On hearing this, he never fails to retract his steps or hands, thereby the lid of the dustbin or the kitchen cupboards remain closed, the wine rack stays in place etc etc.

On one hand, I am thankful that I manage to find a way to "frighten"my otherwise dauntless toddler. However on the other hand, I wonder if this will have any repercussion on his development. Although I recognise that a better way is to explain the reasons why he is not allowed to do certain things, I think I shall just leave it till the day we can communicate through proper conversations. Right now, I will just adopt whichever is the most effective method.