Family & Friends

19
Jan
Childhood: Now and Then

When I was young, I grew up surrounded by siblings, cousins and a large group of neighbor friends. We had a wonderful time growing up together and we were all raised to make our own fun. We didn’t have any of the electronics handheld devices of today and even the TV program was very limited.

We rode bicycles along the dirty road in front of our houses. We played dressed-up using the remnant pieces of clothes from my mom (she was a tailor). We played hide-and-seek in the woods behind our house. We caught spiders, grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies and even birds just for fun.

Basically, we played using our own imaginations. We didn’t get toys from our parents so often. So, we really treasured them very much whenever we got one. Our parents, on the other hand, worked very hard to make ends meet but they were happy.

The door to our house were opened throughout the day – except only bedtime. But we never once worried about thief, strangers or anything dangerous from the outside. We had free access to each other’s house but we had no complaints.

Today, the environment is completely different. Our boy has a lot of toys and electronics devices to play with, but he lacks playmates. I’m glad that there are two boys (one Indian and one Chinese) who are staying next to my in-law’s house. Occasionally, they come over and ride bicycle with Little Edison.

Even when we stay in a private apartment with security guards, we don’t open our main door all the time. I’m not worried about safety, but I prefer privacy. I dislike strangers looking through our door or listening to our conversation.

Our boy also doesn’t get to meet with his cousins so often. Maybe just once or twice a year due to our distance. Every time when they meet, they have lots of fun.

I’ve a series of pictures here from Year 2008 till now. You can see how much the kids have grown up over the years.

Year 2008 – In Jacob Ballas Children Garden. Little Edison and Jaerone (my nephew) were about one year old. Jaynie (my niece) is one year older than Edison and her brother, Jaerone.

Year 2009 – At my parents’ house in Ipoh. This is my father with the three kids.

Year 2010 – In Cameron Highlands. Little Edison and Jaerone were about 3 years old. Jaynie was 4. And in this picture is my sister, Stevie.

Year 2011 – In Jusco shopping center, Ipoh. Taken just a month ago.

And now, they have one more playmate – that’s my baby niece Khloe, who is about 1.5 months old now. In my next home trip, I’ll probably be seeing Little Khloe snatching toys from her older cousins.

Jaynie & Khloe, our two princesses in pink and my mom.

They should meet up more often, I know.

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12
Sep
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Dear Readers and Friends,

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! May your day be filled with lots of yummy mooncakes, colourful lanterns and happy family reunions!

Love from Emily & Family

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6
Jul
Father and Son

There is always a special bond between a father and son. Maybe it’s because the son will carry on his father’s surname or because a father can share his hobbies with his son.

Whatever the reason, the bond is there. It’s a very beautiful thing, I always tell V. However, if the father-son relationship is not nourished, it will gradually weaken and eventually disappear, especially during those teenage years.

I feel that the best way to strengthen the father-son relationship is to share their hobbies. I constantly remind V to take his time to start teaching our son and involve him in his hobbies when he is still young.

V loves swimming at the beach. He brought Little Edison to Sentosa on Monday (school holiday in replacement for Sunday Youth Day). I didn’t join them as I had to work. Both of them came home with a nice tan! I’m sure they had a fantastic time at Sentosa.

On weekends, both of them like to take a stroll in the garden and feed the fishes in the pond. The boy feels special because he gets to go out with his dad. The Daddy is happy because he enjoys the quality time spent with his son.

How does your husband spend time with your children when you are busy or not at home? I love to hear some new ideas from you.

…

P/S: Have you participated in the Little Blue Lamb leather infant shoes giveway contest? Tomorrow will be the last day.

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19
Jun
Happy Father’s Day 2011

Do you realize that the expectations for being a good dad are completely different now as compared to generations ago? Traditionally, Dads were not expected to emotionally connect with their children, being a good dad simply meant being a breadwinner or a provider for the family.

TODAY, it’s about being a breadwinner and a caretaker. Modern dads build a strong, healthy and close relationship with their children. They are a much more hands-on bunch of caregivers too, and we should be really grateful for that.

Last night, I had a short talk with V and I asked him how fatherhood has changed him. His answer was, “It has changed me in many ways – I’m a happier man and I’m more fulfilled. I’m definitely more responsible now and I’ve no idea how happy our dear son can make me.”

He further commented that being a good dad is not easy, but it’s definitely something that he has to take on seriously. His happiest time is to hang out with Little Edison after a busy day at work.

If he asks me the same question, I think the most obvious change in him is that he is no longer annoyed by little children running and screaming around. When he was a single, he dislikes rowdy, noisy and hyperactive children. His face turned sour when little kids ran around and bumped onto him.

But today, he will smile at them and ask them questions like, “Hi, what’s your name?” or “Be careful boy, do not fall down”. I roll my eyes whenever I hear him engaged in a kiddie conversation with the little children. And of course, I’m happy to see that.

To our always hardworking and committed Daddy V and all the dads as well as dads-to-be out there, I wish all of you a very Happy Father’s Day!

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