How To Play with Your Toddler

Being posted to a remote district was not as tough as expected. If we had survived Manipal, India back in medical school, we could adapt to any living conditions. Comparatively, Karling faces more hardship during her on-calls at district hospital(secondary health care) while I work 8-5 at the district's primary health care center. To "compensate" for that I sought locum job out of town after office hour, even on weekends.

Mami must have had some unfulfilled cravings during pregnancy, because Nana salivates a lot.

Maybe Mami had some unfulfilled cravings for me.

Lets talk about the living conditions first. Before we reported we had an option of staying either in the hospital apartment or the district clinic quarters. The latter was a double-storey dilapidated bungalow, with rusted iron door and window grills; termite nests infested, which has been abandoned for years. The warden made no effort of returning it to its former glory. Needless to say we rented one unit of the hospital apartment while not subletting any rooms, so that it would be convenient for our family to come visit and stay (Yes, rented, got conned by our own employer). 

Coincidentally it was the 2nd day of Ramadan month. So we got to mingle with the town folks at the Ramadan baazar (night market) while buying dinner. I supposed the people there rarely get Chinese outsiders judging by the way some kids were staring at us.

Sorry mate, you don't bring anything to the table, you gotta go, and that's life.

The simple and friendly folks at the primary health care.

Lots of Malay eateries around, with 1 particular restaurant selling Western food. There were scattered small grocery stalls and a Giant-style single storey hypermarket selling halal meat and fresh vegetables. For pork or Chinese eateries, one has to travel to Kampung Mahsan or Bahau, which are 8km & 12km away respectively. By the 2nd week, Karling had started cooking and we were eating home-cooked food. Po po's well chartered arrival too helped us to a smooth transition.

 Every morning I would send Nana to her babysitter at Kampung Mahsan. The 1st time dropping her there I was concerned whether Nana would be neglected or given sub-standard proper care. We were promised at least 2 feedings of porridge daily with our formula milk to top it up. Putting Nana in the hands of a total stranger with no prior babysitting experience albeit having 4 grown-up children herself, I had unpleasant scenarios crossing my mind every now and then.

 What if she fell from a chair and landed on her head? What if she was abused? What if the house was robbed and she was kidnapped? I was so relieved to see Nana smiling every evening I go to fetch her. Eventually I grew in confidence with the babysitter as every aspect of Nana worked out fine. 

 Po po came to visit and cooked for us. Nothing like mother's home-cooked food.

 

Oh boy, oh boy, Papa did you come to bring me back?

 

Nana always found it hard to be part of a group photo. 

By the 3rd week in BSJ, we were missing our 3 months old Peter. As the grandparents were travelling to Port Dickson to visit tai ma, another great-grandma (we have 4), I decided to rendezvous with them, bringing Nana along as Mami was on-call that weekend. Peter was excited to see me, I supposed he still recognized me, letting me carry him and play with him. And yea his hair has grown a little, especially the top center part which stuck out like a bunch of wild bush.

With the new baby Peter and Nana around, Tai ma was joyfully entertained and delighted. Naturally old folks like babies alot. On the other hand Gong gong and po po were both visibly worn out, as Peter obviously was a handful, constantly keeping the old folks on their feet, giving them countless sleepless nights.

 

Gong gong, faster pull me up so I can stand.

 

Tai ma (great grandma) sure enjoy seeing little babies in the house, I hope she doesn't eat me.

On the bright side, Peter and his grandparents has grown quite fond of each other within this short time. Po po acquired a better understanding than me towards his biological clock and  pattern of needs. As promised I took few pictures of Peter to show Mami later. I can't possibly imagine what Mami felt and thought about being separated from her new infant son of 3months old.

Perhaps she was too overwhelmed by the intensity of guarding the whole emergency department by herself during every oncall, not to mention the trips she has to make to Hosp. Seremban to accompany ill unstable patients. The whole process of transporting patient, passing over the case, running a CT scan then traveling back takes about 4 hrs. Despite all these, we were both looking forward to the day we'll be reunited with Peter for good, by bringing him over to BSJ... 

Front door to our future home, just..not yet.

 

Mami sure knew how to make papa happy.

Come September 2011, Hari Raya celebration had just toned down. By this time Peter was 4mnths old, and his 15mnths elder sister was 19mnths old. On this particular Saturday Papa just turned 27. And what was this "old" father of 2 doing on his birthday? Working locum at Kuala Pilah. The property in Seremban has received its certificate of fitness and our new home house key has came to our possession. For renovation work to commence, papa had to gather funds in order to move in the family. It wasn't rocket science but it wasn't easy either.

During the one hour lunch break Mami brought along Nana to give papa a surprise visit. We had a mini-celebration at the local KFC branch. Nana looked so much more matured than her age, being adorned in a flowery dress and a matching hairband. She was good enough for my birthday present, I wouldn't ask for anything better. And seeing her licking clean her chocolate sundae cup, rolled back the years to a time when Mum brought me and my brothers for ice-creams at our home-based McD.     

 

My daughter and I, she looked so mature in her dress and hair band.

 

Papa, where's my present, today is birthday right?

Typical work at my primary health centre starts at 8am. Patients will already be waiting, especially the ones that couldn't or wouldn't go to work, dropped by either to try their luck or demand for medical certificates. There are those who knows no shame or self dignity by even asking for extension of  the MC. Oh well, me and my colleagues all had our fair share of hostile encounters with these unreasonable folks, and over my dead body I would never give in.

There were 5 of us, running outpatient, maternity and child health department. On certain days we have Tuberculosis clinic, attend courses, give out health talks at schools or community centres, and rarely cover for shortage in manpower at other district primary health care. Per day we could easily attend to 200 patients, ranging from minor ailments (cough&cold), diabetes & hypertension in pregnancy, to suspected dengue or leptospirosis. The one thing I enjoy there is the tea time with banana fickles(pisang goreng) & kuihs, that we make time for on some afternoons in between seeing patients. 

As the deer panteth for the water so Nana's soul longs for the playground.

At a tender young age Nana knew what she wanted to play and try to reach for it.

Papa, aren't you gonna help me up this swing? I don't know who vandalized it.

The hospital compound was relatively wide and neatly maintained. It was always peaceful and serene with the occasional ambulance siren fading from the distance. The tar road soon became my running tracks to train for competitions. Other than that there was a nice small playground, with hardly any kids around every time Nana goes there. Perhaps time has changed so drastically that most kids are content with their tablets and game apps at home.   

The 1st time we brought Nana to the playground, we couldn't helped but notice she felt a little lonely without any kids to play with. We have seen the way she looked longingly at other children play, yearning to join in and be part of the fun. Me and Karling would try to liven Nana's spirit by playing with her, goofing around, encouraged and cheer her on as she tried new stuffs. Retrospectively, seeing her advanced from standing on her own 2 feet not too long ago, to running steadily at the playground, gives me mixed feelings dreading the day my little butterfly will fly off from my grasp.

Huuhh..I sure hope there are some other kids to play with me..

Then me leh?

But you're not cool enough papa..

Oooh.

Mami I wish you can smoulder me everyday, because you take my breath away.

Mother and daughter bonding is like the ocean caressing the seabed.

In Peter's absence, we spent a lot of time with Nana, giving her our undivided attention. You could say it was well deserved, after all she must have felt pretty neglected during Peter's neonatal period. Nana was our 1st born and will forever be my 1st love, after my 1st love that is. She doesn't typically strike a physical resemblance to either 1 of us, well maybe closer to me, but she potrays the best of both worlds in terms of character. More to come...

Most nights after work, Nana would join us for dinner. After that Karling & I would roll back the years and play with Nana like children. She is an energy ball of animation, cuteness & good sport all rolled into 1. By the end of play time, Mami had to coaxed Nana to sleep even after a bottle of milk as we were both tired and spent. At this age she still wasn't amused with her full box of toys and would rather enjoy herself sticking to us.   

Mami, I will never stop loving you even if Peter is no.1 and I'm no.2

My 1st love and my 1st love (after my 1st love). At Midvalley fountain.

Now, its time to bring back Peter. After 2 months being acclimatize with BSJ, and Nana getting lonelier by the days, we were looking forward to October when the babysitter would be ready for him. On the last weekend of September, we set out on a "rescue mission" to retrieve Peter from his grandparents. Honestly speaking we were rescuing Karling's parents from our beloved son. It would be a heavy burden lifted off their poor shoulders and spine. Come to think of it, I was starting to worry how would that frail skinny babysitter handle our 2 kids all by herself?

We made a short trip to Nandos at Midvalley for dinner. Even during the 2 years living in Seremban, Nana could count the times me and Mami dated at Kuala Lumpur with a palm. Being not in the mood to spend, window shopping ended in a jiffy and it was on to dinner eating spicy Mexican chicken with big fat fries. The last time Nana came here was exactly 1 year ago, to celebrate my birthday. As time passed, Nana's pleasant evening might soon come to a rude halt, for she was going to confront her fierce competition.

                        Haha. Hi there, it is me, Nana's competititon.

Peter, you have grown so chubby. So much formula milk, Mami's milk not good enough?

I'm so "geram" to see you Peterboy (p.s. geram= can't take your cuteness).

Peter appeared chubby and fair, though his skin was tanner compared to Nana's. This boy instantly recognized us all, smiling in excitement squealing with delight, or probably he didn't know stranger anxiety. I supposed Mami was the happiest to see Peter, squeezing her cheek into his and hugging him tightly. Peter was taken care of like a prince, clearly well-nourished, healthy and cheerful. On the other hand the grandparents appeared drained nonetheless relieved to see us.

Nana, stamped in her true class again, not making any fuss whatsoever when she saw Mami giving a lot of affection to Peter. She observed discreetly from the sideline while the grandparents attempted to draw her attention. Nana knew her days of exclusiveness with us had ended and couldn't possibly  deduce any disguised blessings that could come out of it. Little did she knew then, Peter and her would soon become close siblings-fierce rivals-best friends, the envy of other children and parents.   

Mami looked very distracted with Peter, while Po po trying to catch up with her. A dutiful mother who despite being tired was concerned over her daughter.

 Nana: ...........(sigh)

 Peter: Hello jie jie, wanna play with me?

Nana: ............ *_*"

I'm coming home, tell the world i'm coming home~

Looking back at those times we had only Nana, when we were young parents back then, taught me how much to value a child every single day, because they grow up very fast. Its terrifying. Our children's innocent smile might one day turn into rebellious angst; their carefree life would be swallowed by the overwhelming demands of adolescence and adulthood. Worst, their fragile life might even be called to return home before they bury us.

I thank God I was there to witness both their birth. I cherish hearing Nana called "papa" for the 1st time, seeing her crawled to stand then took her baby steps towards me, can't stop smiling as I reminisces the 1st time she put on a dress, when she babbled away during our playtime, the way she smiled so wide when she got her 1st taste of porridge, also sobbing uncontrollably as I pat her to sleep on nights Mami was working.

Now that I'm a father, personally I realized there's no greater calling than this. I'm gonna continue to be close to Nana & Peter to capture some more important memories, for in them I've found my paradise on earth.

How To Play With Your Toddler

Goodbye For Now Seremban

So rare I get to spend alone time with Mami. Wait, these smartphone apps are really fun.

So this blog entry is written in conjunction with many things. First it spells the end of Karling's maternity leave, the end of my house officer training and the conclusion of my service in Seremban hospital, the end of our 2 years sojourn in our rented house at Rasah Jaya, which also marks the beginning of our district posting to the outskirts of Negeri Sembilan. It was a tough decision on whether to bring Peter along, but in the end the in-laws became his foster parents while we sort out our arrangements in the new working environment.

This,is sort-of a culmination of our lives in Seremban.

Little cuddly Peter & snow white-fair Mami

Seremban has been good and kind to us for the past 2 years. Traffic is not too jam, we take approximately 10-15minutes to travel from our rented house to work place. Babysitter lives just next door, how convenient can that be? Our friendly local community church is like 2 Taman(s) away.  Cost of living is lower since Seremban is still considered a town (unlike nearby big city Kuala Lumpur). Still, it provides all the amenities and necessities within close vicinity, such as Tesco, Jaya Jusco (not sure why they name it Aeon now), cineplex, swimming pool, recreational garden, etc.

Most importantly, eating outside is affordable. Dining at a Chinese restaurant ordering a meal which consist of 1 vegetable and 2 meat dishes cost only Rm 24-28. This was in 2011, now the prices has gone up exponentially in 2014. Those days we didn't have the additional 6% goods & service tax (GST) to our dining bill,sigh..

So fun to feed Nana chocolate sundae and watch her run around in her new shoes.

Before you 2, it was just us 2.

Our family loves going Jusco on a weekend, which we often frequent because so far that's the best place to be.  Definitely beats staying at home because Nana needs her running space and exposure to stimuli. Not to mention we want to reward her with fried chicken and ice-cream sundae just because we adore her. After being confined to the 4 walls of our "enclosure" for 1 week, watching her go is like releasing her to the soundtrack of "who let the dogs out". Either that or Madagascar's "I like to move it".

Sometimes we would walk from 1 end to the other of the food alley and back to where we started, before deciding on what to eat. If the need arise, we would shop for some of Nana's clothes and footwear. Otherwise the only entertainment for her in Jusco is the musical coin slot machines. Reminiscing the time before we became parents, Karling and I used to catch late night movies here and even indulge in Karaoke at Greenbox. On 1 hand I wished we could turn back the clock, on the other i wish we could have some more cutie pies running around at home (mind me I'm writing this in 2014 when its still Nana & Peter). 

The place where I first started working life

For me, lots of ups and downs working in Seremban GH. I take it well in my stride as learning process and a lesson that money doesn't come easy, even for a profession like mine. The 1st posting was the hardest, which was obstetrics & gynaecology, because the transition from medical school to hospital working life demands steep learning curve. It was sort of like the story in the Book of Exodus. God's people the Israelites thought living as slaves under Pharaoh was hard enough(med school), until God brought them out of Egypt and tested them in the wilderness (hospital) before delivering them to the promised land.   

So there I was in Anesthesiology as my final posting, I was on call as a house officer and we were referred a case by O&G for a mother in labour requesting epidural block. Stepping back into the labour room didn't trigger any nostalgic feelings, I guessed treating patients everyday has numbed me of my deep emotions. It was as though I have grown accustomed to anhedonia ie the inability to experience pleasure. But that moment in the labour room only made me pondered how time flies, and how much have I actually achieved till then.

..I was still in the wilderness.

In case you're wondering whether to pursue a profession in medicine and thenceforth prosper (or ruin your future trying), here's a second opinion, from my old blog.
Toughest Training

It never gets tiring to see how cute your child sleeps

I'm back to Pizza Hut again, this time with teeth..

Mami wants to be more healthy & less sinful today 

Leaving Seremban means leaving our faithful rented house that has served us good to provide shelter above our heads. It wasn't grand like what people think doctors should afford but it was good enough in terms of affordability and strategic location. Nana will also have to bid goodbye to her next door babysitter who must have had one tough nut to crack in form of our daughter, from infancy to toddler-hood. From the bottom of our hearts we thank her a lot.

All of us luuuurrrve Pizza Hut. I used to have it only once a year when I was a kid. Coming from a small town Tanah Merah the only chance me and my brothers get to taste this succulent rubbery cheesy Pizza Hut was on year end school holiday when my mum would bring us back to her hometown Melaka. Pizza Hut was a must have, and it used to be sooo sticky and cheesy last time. I heard our district posting is going to be at a God forsaken place, so before the launch to outer space, lets have some Pizza Hut shall we, huh Nana & Mami?

Nana was 10months old when we 1st brought her to Pizza Hut Seremban.
Click here to see Nana in Mushroom Hat at 10mnths old

...but I want to keep my hair, I don't want to become Botak.

The family tradition must continue..

Still remember Papa decided to shave Nana's head at nearly 2 months old because we realized her hair was thin as papaer and by this intervention we hoped her hair would grow back thicker. We put her through that ordeal and she looked gorgeously adorable after that, spotting a shiny scalp that would make any Tibetan monk proud of. Since then she grew and maintained a healthy volume of well nourished curvy black mane which was a disposition of Papa's family gene pool. 
 Click here to see BotakNa

Mami's precious little baby, oh how you have suffered.

But now you look cuter than before

I think I'm having post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), po po.

And now, it was her brother's turn, only Peter had it a little after 2 months. Not that he requires it, but in fairness to Nana Papa has now felt obligated to make shaving his children's head a family practice or rather, tradition. Our peculiar way of doing it is by cutting off the long strands with the scissors, then clearing the remnants delicately with a normal beard/moustache shaver. The challenge was to do it as quickly and gently under one sitting so as not to traumatize the unsuspecting 1st time client or worse creating a permanent phobia towards future visits to barbershop. 

Peter wasn't quite delighted with his treatment as he turned fidgety and complaint a lot in the only language he knew of i.e crying. Still, the job was done and the result was perfect. A clean shaven head that rival a bright, full bloomed moon. Everyone's heart instantly melted to witness Peter's steely determination and all gave him their tender-loving-care. Peter had no regrets at all that day.

Come on Nana, your turn now. At least you get to keep your hair.

Scrub it here, scrub it there, I'm gonna look so Snow White fair. 

I like Mami pouring water on me.

In keeping with the fact that soon once we start our district posting the distance between us are going to grow, we spent more time at the in-laws place. I remember the awkward moment stepping into this house for the 1st time when Karling and I were still new. Nice cozy house, old fashioned parents, pleasant, at the same time bashful siblings. Her house was the transition zone, where I paid my customary respect, before Karling and I would take off for dating at say, Sunway Pyramid, Subang Parade and even as far as Petaling Street. No youngsters are a fan of curfew and this house had one, hence as young lovers..err..couples it wasn't easy playing by the rules, but we abide by it.

Fast forward 2 years, the furniture arrangements in the guest room has been altered to accommodate this 2 very important guest, Nana & Peter. The house has taken a more lively atmosphere of squealing and crying with the parents-in-law's retired lifestyle coming to an abrupt halt. They have became the wise parenting consultants, rolling back the years to take up this challenging task of co-managing my mischievous kids, who has by now(2014) grown accustomed to this warm and blessed abode. 

Agghh, nothing like the refreshing feel after a nice cool bath

I wouldn't have Nana any other way, even if she was mischievous like a boy.

The cheeky look on her face every time she's up to something.

Having 2 children who are not too far apart wasn't part of our family planning but God knew what was best for us and how it was to be fulfilled. In a few months time, Peter would be Nana's playmate and they can constantly keep each other company. We can teach them together how to share, care, communicate properly, be obedient and the icing on the cake is that they would be each others moral yardstick and patrol.

At times we were just frustrated that drastic adjustment had to be made in terms of sacrificing personal time for Nana and Peter, yet looking back it was all part of the testing and moulding process I had to undergo, for the greater good. Karling used to nag that I'm not spending enough time with the children or helping out at home. Guess I was the other big baby who needed straightening up. So weeks turned into months and months turned to years, now(2014) I do everything from teaching Nana to read to bringing them for swimming, and the list goes on.

Spending time with the grandparents, they are warm and caring.

Watch me bottom up this bottle full of milk, Ummm~.

Going shopping with cuddly little Peter & young Mami.

Still remember the time we drove from Subang Jaya to Sunway Pyramid for a little family trip. One thing I enjoy the most is dressing the children up to a real trip such as going to Kay-EL. Nana would be in her colourful confident attire while Peter in his smart fresh new outfit. Both looked equally adorable. Mami on the other hand looked stunning for a new mother of 2 (That's a compliment because some women find time to misinterpret and read between the lines). Having not achieved much in career and finance, I was however the proud father content to wear the tag of the fantastic 4.

I would have to agree with myself that my days of spending leisure time walking the whole mall shopping, dining and catching a movie have long left me. Sounds very cliche but when i had so much time and freedom in college I had no money. After working, things has gone from bad to worse in which I neither have time nor money to splash on designer items. Don't even know why I brought this up.

This trip was necessary for the family to bond and share each others company. Nevertheless it took everything in us to work together, be quick thinking and fast-acting to meet little Nana & Peter's need while out on the go. Honing our parenting skill took a steep learning curve that day and the key was to keep cool and never lose your head.

Papa, do I need to wear specs too when I grow up? It looks so heavy.

Not if you don't spoil your eyes playing too much video games..

Arise and shine, my little ones, had a good nap?

Let me tell you a little about our new place we'll be starting work at. Bandar Seri Jempol (BSJ), is a district close to the border of Negeri Sembilan-Pahang. Surrounding the small town which is well-equipped with basic administrative amenities, is lush area of Felda oil palm estate. The road leading to BSJ that cuts through different managements of plantation estate is pitch black at night without any illuminating lamp post. One does not wish to get stranded there.

The distance from Seremban to BSJ is about 74km which consumes traveling time of 1 hour 20mins. In order to get there, we need to ascend the very accident-prone hilly terrain of Bukit Putus, before crossing the always congested Kuala Pilah, followed by the DAP run Chinese majority Bahau district.

To give you a rough idea of the location, God forbid if you're posted there for any working commitment, google map This.

The fist that will one day hold a KFC drumstick.

This car does anything but move forward.

Here is Nana, enjoying herself in one of the local super market at Bahau. Surprisingly it has Lotus Five Star, a cineplex which shows relatively up-to-date new movies. One week before the posting commenced we travel down to survey these foreign places. Our would be colleagues advised us to find Chinese food in Bahau if we get tired of eating non-balanced, oil abundant Malay food in BSJ. Mainly our concern was to find a baby sitter who could take care of both Nana and Peter at the same time.

The task has its challenges as we stopped by Chinese sundry shops to ask for contacts, looked until Kampung Baru Mahsan, a new village 8km away from BSJ before we found 2 options. 1 was a rather elderly and frail widow, who somehow maintained a neat and tidy house. The other was a plump mother of 3, whose house was crampy with Taoist idols and a little dimly lit for our liking. After much consideration, we struck a deal with the 1st lady. Being her 1st time baby-sitting, we agreed that if all goes well with Nana, we would bring Peter over after a month or 2.  

Peter, I wish I could still fit in that small bath-tub.

Nana watching intently as Mami dresses up Peter .

The grandparents nod in approval seeing Mami's diaper changing skill.

It was gonna be difficult to part with Peter, even harder to leave it in the hands of our elderly parents. After years of toiling in hardship, its a no-brainer they deserve to cool it off during their retired years. In their own words, every baby are different and therefore despite years of parenting experience, it will still be physically and psychologically taxing to put another 1 under their constant monitoring. My parents-in-law understood our plight and decided to sacrifice their inner resources for Peter's well-being.

Thankfully doctor's quarters were provided for. It was found in good condition within the hospital compound. We were entitled to a family apartment equipped with the bare-minimal furniture, and spacious kitchen with cabinets. No TV with satellite disk but that's ok. Lots of running (and crawling) space for the kids. This was our sanctuary in the wilderness until time beckon us to return to the city in pursuit of career advancement.  

What? I can't follow you all to the new place, until when?

Hush little Peter fret not, Papa will return for you when you're bigger.

Our migration happened in 2 stages. When we first arrived in BSJ for scouting purpose, we unloaded some belongings at the quarters. Without the help of hired transportation, we packed almost all our belongings into my grand-livina and Karling's myvi. Needless to say the washing machine and dismantled baby-court went into my MPV (they don't call it multi-purpose for nothing). By the time we made our 2nd trip to BSJ 2 days before reporting, our old rented house in Seremban was completely evacuated and dusted.

No heavy feelings leaving behind the people and nostalgia of Seremban, for sooner than we know we will return. Plus in my precious possession is a hard-disk of family pictures from whence it all begun, all for us to reminisce, if ever we aren't too caught-up in the hectic pace of life.     

Mami's gonna kiss you all over your Botak head.

We're gonna miss you sooo much.

 All good things come to those who wait on the Lord.

I would probably still return to Seremban every weekend to continue my locum job. Government pay for local doctors just doesn't cut it and any revision for remuneration moves like snail. Hence, locum job is the best way to earn unrecorded tax-free cash. Lucrative as it seem then, after 2 years of toiling in 4 walls clinic attending to various human disposition especially those who pay visit merely to demand for undeserved medical certificates, at the expanse of sacrificing precious family time, I decided to hang my stethoscope from doing outside job anymore (This finally occured in 2013).

During the time I ended internship, I was still receiving only Rm3k per month, plus critical, housing, welfare allowances and what not. Gnash my teeth and put myself through x5-7 36hrs shift per month and the pay still barely cross Rm4k. Our new house was reaching completion, and requires renovation,plumbing, wiring, setting up of lightings, furniture and fans. Again, locum job was the only feasible way to make ends meet. The pay rate back then was Rm35-40 per hour and is still unrevised after 3 years (2014), which goes to show the country's economy is still mismanaged under the wrong hands, and minds, hence the reason i quit.

Lets get some formula milk for you while they're on promotion,shall we?

They have more fun rides in Carrefour SS15.

 This is it, goodbye for now, you'll be in good hands.

Children are the most precious asset a father can have, I just didn't see it back then when I was chasing for luxury and financial satisfaction. There is so much potential in them, to raise them to become better than i could be, in career, maturity, problem-solving and physical ability. The concern now is for their well-being and personal hygiene, taken care of by exorbitant baby formula milk, countless diapers, and a proper babysitter. Soon it would be decisions for nursery, kinder garden, music classes, and all the expenditures that comes with it. Inevitably, one would worry whether his kids are smart enough to be enrolled in the best primary education there is in town.

Right now, I'm putting in motion every aspect in order for them to surpass their own parents 1 day. Ambitious or haughty as I may sound, I am only driven by my paternal role and responsibility, to watch the apples of my eyes blossom, so that despite underachieving in my own academics I could still kick back with no regrets. God, give me wisdom and strength, make me a better head of the family, and teach me to be obedient to Your guidance. Amen.

1 last stop in great grandma's house before heading into oblivion.

1 last hug before parting to fulfill our duties.