Sunday, 18 August 2013
Blessings from God
God has been good to me and Naomi! The physical and mental tiredness of being a sahm does take its toll on my spiritual life at times. The mundaneness and busyness of everyday life sometimes siphons away from me the joy of reading God's word. Yet in the deepest recesses of my heart, there is a longing and desire to know God and His word even in this season of my life. Also, I have been hoping for some sort of support group with fellow mothers as well. So, I committed this desire of my heart unto the Lord.
Interestingly, out of the blue, my sis-in-law told me that there is a bible study fellowship for mothers and their children (she doesn't know that she is an answered prayer!). Excited, I immediately enquired about it and attended its introductory class. However, at the back of my mind, there were many concerns. Will I be able to handle Naomi on my own? Will I have the time and energy to do the assigned homework? Will Naomi be able to mix around with other children? Will she catch a virus and fall ill? The list is endless... But as I surrendered and committed it to the Lord, I asked the Lord to open the way if it is His will for me to join (it usually takes a few months of waiting before one can get a place in bsf). Amazingly, that very afternoon I received a call from the bsf leader that I have a place and I can start the very next week! My group leader also commented that I am the first participant who could get in so immediately. This has to be the hand of God!
God also sent an angel (a complete stranger!) to give me a lift to my destination after the introductory lesson at bsf! I was worried during the session as I heard thunder and the sky was overcast, and was praying in my heart that God will hold back the rain. But my God gave me a better deal! :) I still have concerns how I am to manage every week bringing naomi along for bible study class but my God will take care of all of my needs.
Another thanksgiving! Naomi has reached another milestone! She was able to flip over on her own last week and today, she was able to flip herself back again. I celebrate these little successes of my daughter's and am thankful to be able to witness them.
Naomi, mummy and papa will always be the cheerleader and supporter in your life!
Monday, 12 August 2013
Confused mummy
Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if I have got it all together as a mother. There are countless of parenting theories out in the market and plenty of advice from family and friends. Am I doing it right? Or have I done something unwittingly detrimental in the course of my parenting to my daughter's and maybe at times, my own well-being? Even seemingly simple things like should I introduce a pacifier to my daughter or allow her to suck her little thumb, should I train her to sleep independently or nurse her to sleep, should I use a pram or a carrier when bringing her out (the list is endless), confound me at times. At times, the good-willed and well-meaning advice and comments flood in from all corners and leave me perplexed.
It doesn't help on days when naomi is uncooperative and cries her lungs out, inconsolable. Or when she bawls when she needs to sleep and mummy isn't around, and no one seems able to comfort her despite their efforts. My parenting philosophy has evolved either consciously or unconciously over time and it may not be the best. But perhaps there isn't a one-size fit all parenting practice as each child is different and unique. So I do that which is comfortable for me. And as a friend has so wisely put it, use my motherly instinct. Thus, I nurse my little one to sleep (saves me the energy trying to comfort her on days when she is cranky. If it doesn't work, I put her in a sling. She falls asleep while I walk her in my Boba too! And truth be told, I do enjoy nursing her), I let her suck her tiny thumb (tried the pacifier partly in desperation and partly under pressure, but in all instances, she rejected it), and I don't give her the bottle unless necessary (she latches on all the time).
I am still clueless as to whether I am doing the right thing, I guess I will never know. Time and again I will probably still question myself, if i have done it right. But it really isn't so important after all. I shall make mistakes and learn from them. And I shall adjust my parenting style to suit my child. If she turns out to be sticky to me, then so be it! She will grow up one day and leave my side (so I shall enjoy it while it lasts ;))
My dear Naomi, one day you will become a mother yourself and will probably be as concerned and confused as your mummy here. But it is ok and it is normal. Listen to advice but eventually do what your heart tells you to. Mummy loves you, all your good and your bad, and regardless whether you grow to be an easy or difficult child (I heard from grandma that mummy was a crybaby!). You will understand this when you become a mother yourself!
Lots of love,
Mummy
It doesn't help on days when naomi is uncooperative and cries her lungs out, inconsolable. Or when she bawls when she needs to sleep and mummy isn't around, and no one seems able to comfort her despite their efforts. My parenting philosophy has evolved either consciously or unconciously over time and it may not be the best. But perhaps there isn't a one-size fit all parenting practice as each child is different and unique. So I do that which is comfortable for me. And as a friend has so wisely put it, use my motherly instinct. Thus, I nurse my little one to sleep (saves me the energy trying to comfort her on days when she is cranky. If it doesn't work, I put her in a sling. She falls asleep while I walk her in my Boba too! And truth be told, I do enjoy nursing her), I let her suck her tiny thumb (tried the pacifier partly in desperation and partly under pressure, but in all instances, she rejected it), and I don't give her the bottle unless necessary (she latches on all the time).
I am still clueless as to whether I am doing the right thing, I guess I will never know. Time and again I will probably still question myself, if i have done it right. But it really isn't so important after all. I shall make mistakes and learn from them. And I shall adjust my parenting style to suit my child. If she turns out to be sticky to me, then so be it! She will grow up one day and leave my side (so I shall enjoy it while it lasts ;))
My dear Naomi, one day you will become a mother yourself and will probably be as concerned and confused as your mummy here. But it is ok and it is normal. Listen to advice but eventually do what your heart tells you to. Mummy loves you, all your good and your bad, and regardless whether you grow to be an easy or difficult child (I heard from grandma that mummy was a crybaby!). You will understand this when you become a mother yourself!
Lots of love,
Mummy
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Just some thoughts
I'm slipping in a post while little Naomi naps.
I have been a mother for nearly four months and many things have changed for me and my husband. 'Me' time is now a luxury. Considering that I am an introvert and need personal space and time to think, reflect and be on my own, this is one of the biggest challenges I have faced thus far. No longer can I go for a run, jump into the pool, hit the gym or meet up with friends as and when I want to. Everything is centered around my little one and her schedule. Should I want to sneak in time for a run, it has got to be in the early morn before she rises and before my hubby goes to work. It has been the longest time since I caught a movie. And because I am breastfeeding, it is difficult to be away from my baby for long. Going for a hol with my hubby is unthinkable now (unless I stop bfg :-/). And I am not sure if I have the heart to leave my little one with our parents albeit even for a few days! Time to date with hubby has also decreased dramatically as we adjust to having naomi and meeting her needs (we need to be home before 8 to put her to bed, else she becomes cranky!).
Even my sense of self and identity has been hit. Suddenly I fear being a 'yellow-faced' housewife. I am clad in sloppy tshirts and shorts everyday. Gone were the days where I was dressed in pretty work dresses and smart work suits. There seems to be no or little need for me to shop these days. The only day where I get to dress up is Sunday and even then the motivation is low considering that I have to go back after church. No more fancy dresses too! I have to make do with two-pieced clothings and loose-fitting tops to facilitate breastfeeding. How not to look auntie! :-/
I miss the times chatting and gossipping with my colleagues and students too. At the back of my mind, I fear becoming mentally incapacitated, I need the mental stimulation! Thus I think taking up tuition might be a good option to keep me mentally sound and growing. Yet, there is also a part of me that fears that I have already become dumb to be an effective teacher. Maybe, blogging helps too. At least I pause to think and reflect about my life. These are indeed the real challenges of being a mother!
Having said all these, I am still thankful to have the privilege of bringing up Naomi. She has had a jab today and has been grouchy because of it, not her usual self! When people came to visit,she hardly responded. But when mummy started talking and playing with her, she threw me a smile! What a joy! At least my daughter recognises me! I have learnt to appreciate the little joys of life, such as watching my little one sleep, having her respond to me and hearing her squeal in delight since becoming a mother. Yes, mothering is tough. But I believe it is one that will be most meaningful too. I cannot guarantee that my daughter will turn out fine. All I pray and ask is that she will grow to know and love the Lord of my life.
P.s it is already n ight while im writing this.
I have been a mother for nearly four months and many things have changed for me and my husband. 'Me' time is now a luxury. Considering that I am an introvert and need personal space and time to think, reflect and be on my own, this is one of the biggest challenges I have faced thus far. No longer can I go for a run, jump into the pool, hit the gym or meet up with friends as and when I want to. Everything is centered around my little one and her schedule. Should I want to sneak in time for a run, it has got to be in the early morn before she rises and before my hubby goes to work. It has been the longest time since I caught a movie. And because I am breastfeeding, it is difficult to be away from my baby for long. Going for a hol with my hubby is unthinkable now (unless I stop bfg :-/). And I am not sure if I have the heart to leave my little one with our parents albeit even for a few days! Time to date with hubby has also decreased dramatically as we adjust to having naomi and meeting her needs (we need to be home before 8 to put her to bed, else she becomes cranky!).
Even my sense of self and identity has been hit. Suddenly I fear being a 'yellow-faced' housewife. I am clad in sloppy tshirts and shorts everyday. Gone were the days where I was dressed in pretty work dresses and smart work suits. There seems to be no or little need for me to shop these days. The only day where I get to dress up is Sunday and even then the motivation is low considering that I have to go back after church. No more fancy dresses too! I have to make do with two-pieced clothings and loose-fitting tops to facilitate breastfeeding. How not to look auntie! :-/
I miss the times chatting and gossipping with my colleagues and students too. At the back of my mind, I fear becoming mentally incapacitated, I need the mental stimulation! Thus I think taking up tuition might be a good option to keep me mentally sound and growing. Yet, there is also a part of me that fears that I have already become dumb to be an effective teacher. Maybe, blogging helps too. At least I pause to think and reflect about my life. These are indeed the real challenges of being a mother!
Having said all these, I am still thankful to have the privilege of bringing up Naomi. She has had a jab today and has been grouchy because of it, not her usual self! When people came to visit,she hardly responded. But when mummy started talking and playing with her, she threw me a smile! What a joy! At least my daughter recognises me! I have learnt to appreciate the little joys of life, such as watching my little one sleep, having her respond to me and hearing her squeal in delight since becoming a mother. Yes, mothering is tough. But I believe it is one that will be most meaningful too. I cannot guarantee that my daughter will turn out fine. All I pray and ask is that she will grow to know and love the Lord of my life.
P.s it is already n ight while im writing this.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Dedicated to my daughter
This blog is dedicated to my lovely daughter, Naomi, that's why the blog name, 'Sweet Naomi'. Blogging has never been my nature and I feel awkward writing about how I feel or my parenting journey. But, at the suggestion of a dear friend, I have decided to chronicle my journey in parenting my little girl. Hopefully, this will one day serve as a helpful guide in parenting her own child as well as a reminder of the mercies and grace of God in our family's life.
Naomi is now coming 4 months old! How time flies! This journey has had its fairshare of ups and downs, joys and challenges. At times, I do feel like throwing in the towel and going back to work, but it is the Lord's word and call that keeps me going. Being a stay-at-home mum is a high calling! It has challenged my sense of identity and ripped my sense of freedom (even showering and answering the call of nature is a luxury). Sometimes, it seems so much more attractive going back to work (I love my job! And its a bonus to be able to dress well and to socialise with adults), but I know the Lord has called, so there is no turning back and I believe I will reap the fruit of it in the future. However, I must add that I am very thankful to be able to watch my child grow and reach every little milestone. Should I be at work, I would have missed all of that and would have to hear second-hand accounts of these experiences. Whenever I bring naomi to the playground, I see many children running around. However, they are often accompanied by their helpers instead of their parents. It suddenly dawned upon me that it is a privilege to be able to bring my daughter out for walks whenever I want to and to spend extended time with her. This, I am thankful and am grateful for my hubby who has graciously granted me his blessing to stay home.
This is what I would like to tell Naomi: Mummy and Papa will always love you. And one day, if the Lord so leads you to stay home to raise your kids, do it! This goes against the grains of society but I pray that by me spending time with you, you will see God and experience His love and reality. You will also be drawn to God, to know Him and His son and the Holy Spirit and to make Him known. Your time, marriage and a life that loves the Lord are the best things you can ever give your children. So if the Lord calls, obey him and you will never regret doing so, just like how mummy doesnt regret stopping work to care for you. Always love the Lord!
Lots of love,
Mummy
Naomi is now coming 4 months old! How time flies! This journey has had its fairshare of ups and downs, joys and challenges. At times, I do feel like throwing in the towel and going back to work, but it is the Lord's word and call that keeps me going. Being a stay-at-home mum is a high calling! It has challenged my sense of identity and ripped my sense of freedom (even showering and answering the call of nature is a luxury). Sometimes, it seems so much more attractive going back to work (I love my job! And its a bonus to be able to dress well and to socialise with adults), but I know the Lord has called, so there is no turning back and I believe I will reap the fruit of it in the future. However, I must add that I am very thankful to be able to watch my child grow and reach every little milestone. Should I be at work, I would have missed all of that and would have to hear second-hand accounts of these experiences. Whenever I bring naomi to the playground, I see many children running around. However, they are often accompanied by their helpers instead of their parents. It suddenly dawned upon me that it is a privilege to be able to bring my daughter out for walks whenever I want to and to spend extended time with her. This, I am thankful and am grateful for my hubby who has graciously granted me his blessing to stay home.
This is what I would like to tell Naomi: Mummy and Papa will always love you. And one day, if the Lord so leads you to stay home to raise your kids, do it! This goes against the grains of society but I pray that by me spending time with you, you will see God and experience His love and reality. You will also be drawn to God, to know Him and His son and the Holy Spirit and to make Him known. Your time, marriage and a life that loves the Lord are the best things you can ever give your children. So if the Lord calls, obey him and you will never regret doing so, just like how mummy doesnt regret stopping work to care for you. Always love the Lord!
Lots of love,
Mummy
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