Baby M Goes To School!

As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was swarmed by work and managing a toddler at home the past 6 months! Working from home with a toddler isn't as easy as I thought it to be. Though my little one's daily schedule is pretty consistent, there are days he take shorter naps, errands came up, writing deadlines had to be met or chores at home beckons. There was absolutely zero to little me free time. Plus, I had to be extra disciplined to avoid procrastinating.

At 11 months 

Reading at 12 months

We had planned to send Baby M to school when he is 18 months old. When he hit his 1 year old milestone, we tried to secure a placement for him in one the schools nearby. To our dismay, there was no vacancy in the 10 schools we wrote to! Talk about Singapore's childcare crunch! Finally, we explored other neighborhoods and found a school near Tim's workplace. The centre opens 7am - 7pm. We can send baby M to school anytime between those hours. According to the school 's protocols, we have the option of accompanying him during the first 3 days of school and the principal suggests starting on a half day schedule first. Thereafter, the duration could be adjusted accordingly. And he is starting school tomorrow - 1 Dec 2017! 

It is a big milestone for him and for me. An occupational change, to be precise. I'm anxious and excited for my baby. He is growing up so fast. While I enjoy time with him as a SAHM, he is a very sociable baby. Both Tim and I felt that a school environment will be  more stimulating and nurturing for him at this stage of his life. Prayerfully, he will settle in comfortably. 

Milestones In Summary

3 months - Sleeps through the night

6 months - Started solids 

8 months - Crawling

12 months - Cruising + first words (Mama!)

13 months - First steps

14 months - Walking and squatting to pick up objects

15 months - Starts school!

Working From Home

In Feb 2017, I ended my career in Eldercare and became a full time stay-at-home-mom (SAHM). I took some time to adjust to the changes and to manage my expectations. It was certainly one of the hardest transition I ever faced. While doing so, I constantly thought about returning to work, yet feeling guilty that I felt this way. The pressure that a SAHM faces is complex, the work immensely demanding, challenging and often unappreciated. There were good and bad days. Some days I felt as though I was on the losing end of the battle. Some days I love the simple joys of being with my child. 

Just a couple of months back, an unusual work opportunity came along. It was God-sent! I am now a freelance writer for a magazine! The work involves writing about family friendly activities and places in Singapore. The job scope is perfect for me at this phase of my life. Working from home gave me the balance that I craved - caring for my child while enjoying paid employment at the same time. I'm grateful for this opportunity. It is more than I could ask for. With this arrangement, I get to spend time with my little boy, witness his growing milestones and earn my keep! 

These are some places we visited together since I took up this role. 

Sandy Dandy @ Forum

Sandy Dandy @ Forum

Jim Thompson

Open Farm Community

Tree Lizard

DOME 

My mom's 60th birthday

In Dec 2016, my mother celebrated her 60th birthday. Instead of going out for a meal, she opted to stay home to cook for the family and spend time with her grandson. She cooked my favorite dishes - stir-fried broccoli, stewed turnip and baked cod fish. My mother is not someone who expresses her love with words, but it certainly shows through her actions. 

My family had humble beginnings. Growing up, I often witness the struggles my parents faced, to put food on the table. Lavish gifts were completely out of the question. We rarely celebrated each other's birthdays. I knew I wanted to give her something precious when the occasion calls for it. Her 60th birthday was the perfect time. I'm thankful that I could celebrate this special day with her. She said the best present she received was becoming a grandmother to Baby M. God is good. 

The meal prepared by my mother

The gift - A diamond cross necklace