Swimming like a fish - not!

We all have our fears, and for Wayne, he tends to be a bit more fearful of more things than other children. In particular, to new activities, new experiences. So for example, while other kids took to shopping centre kiddy rides or playground rides like fish to water, Wayne always held a step back and took longer to ‘embrace’ these fun activities than other kids. But give him some time and he will. This was also the observation from Wayne’s teachers at Mindchamps when we had his PTC last year. For  a period of time, when teachers introduced new gym activities, Wayne would choose to sit back and observe the kids instead of joining in the fun. So to the teachers, it was a breakthrough when one day, he just decided that he was missing out on too much fun and decided to join his friends. But over the last year, we have seen him really improve in this aspect, like when we brought him for independent clay class.

When daddy once spoke to Wayne about being braver, Wayne told daddy “I want to be brave but my heart don't allow me to be brave…”. Aww.. no one is forcing you sweetie, if you need more time, we will give you more time. Mommy won’t force you to do anything that you are afraid of. I know my little boy just needs a bit more time and eventually he will. Plus, sometimes I think we forget he is just a wee four year old boy and has his own fears.

So, when we signed Wayne up for swimming classes, which started the last weekend, mommy was really quite eager to see how he would perform - if he would join in the class, or cling on to us like he does at times. From baby moments, he has never been that comfortable with water on his face. It was just not too long ago, that we still had to cradle him like a baby, while washing his hair.  Imagine, this big baby, so tall, and mommy was cradling him in the bathroom.

Anyway, after much prepping the days before, telling him “how strong and healthy he would be if he could swim”  etc etc,  and with him finally agreeing with him saying “ Okie I am not scared of the water”, “I am a brave boy”, “I will learn to swim” etc etc just hours before the class, he still clung on to daddy OUTSIDE the pool when the time came. Haha. The class was only for 30 minutes, and that wasn't long enough for him to warm up. He spent 20 minutes  outside the pool, the last 8 minutes sitting on the steps, and when he finally agreed to hold on to daddy and get inside the pool - class over! Haha.  The coach didn’t even had the chance to assess him. Luckily, there was a next class – for babies! And guess what, Wayne joined the class! It was hilarious, this big boy with the other babies. But well, at least he had a chance to move about in the pool, join the babies in picking up toys and throwing them into a basket.

Not exactly how I imagined his first swim lesson to go, but well, it's a start! And not too bad a start! I look forward to his next class!

And while this little boy was having his fears addressed, this other baby was raring to jump into the pool!  Not this time, baby girl – you will start next week together with kor-kor!

I am so looking forward to see how both kids fare next week, all these ‘firsts’ for the kids are really such fun experiences and precious memories for us parents, as how they react are reflections of the kids’ characters and its amusing how different they are despite the same nature and nurture.

Missing you, miles apart

Here I am at the Schipol Airport at Amsterdam, waiting for my flight home. I had the whole morning free, having ended all my meetings yesterday. I came early to the airport, and I'm now in a bar having my breakfast - quite cool eh, a bar in the airport. After being away from the husband and kids for 4 days, I am really missing them. While I had a good trip, my heart is always with my family. I just feel.. strange.. being away from all of you. Each time I picture the kids faces in my mind, I feel that warm fuzzy feeling in my heart and I can't wait to give both of them a big hug. What surprised me this trip, was that I missed the husband even more. I really do love my man. 

It dawned on me that in just a few days, three quarters of the year would be over. I am smiling. It has been a good year thus far. Amanda has brought much joy to us with her addition into the family, she is a really funny girl. She has grown so much - isn't the first few years filled with countless milestones! But that, I will keep for another blog entry. Wayne as usual, has been the sweetest darling. He is now such a big boy, a mix of independence and a boy craving and needing mommy's attention and love at the same time. I love you both so very much.

Though I have needed to travel a lot more this year, something I wasn't looking forward to at the beginning of the year, I have survived it quite well and I'm overall thankful for my current job. I was initially worried I won't juggle the traveling well, but I am thankful to both sides of our family for the all the help in caring for the kids. Thank you yeye, nainai, ah por, grandma and grandpa for the relentless support, I know how tiring it has been. I am grateful I have all of you around, without which I would probably be stressed out, neither doing well at work nor with matters at home. I have two more short work trips to fulfill in October and November and I'd be done for the year! And with our family holiday to Perth end of October, I have much to look forward to! Looking back, its amazing, I realize I've made an overseas trip every month except for April. Next year's schedule would be much better. I hope we can squeeze in more family trips. 

The number of blog posts I have managed to clock the past two months has also dwindled much, I have been kept really occupied but for a really good reason. The past two months have just been awesome. Happiness level at its max, with Mich, Terry and Gabe back for five weeks. Every weekend has been packed with fun activities for the kids, eating and catching up with each other. We had mom's 60th surprise birthday party for her, our family get-away to Phuket, numerous breakfasts/dinner/waterplay/shopping sessions. With 3 kids in the family now, everyone has been kept really busy. And with Lucas on the way, next year's family gatherings will be chaotic. Happy chaotic, I hope. Haha. 

Well, its time to go, I will be home in another 14 hours. The kids and husband will be asleep when I arrive. I can't wait to snuggle in bed with you all. With all my love, mommy.