#babydozer

[graciouslittlethings]

The Hamster Wheel

Photo from christinekane.com

A lot of people liken employment to being in a hamster wheel, but really, the hamster wheel applies to EVERYONE, even stay-at-home mums. Today’s story is about how a 1-year-old dragged me out of my hamster wheel and taught me how to live. 

It was 4pm and very hot and humid, as it usually is these days. Baby Dozer was utterly bored of staying inside the house and he told me that he wanted to “go out”. All I could think of was how hot it was, and how I’d have trouble getting him to stay hydrated and risk getting him sick. I also thought of how I should be probably doing some house chores (AS USUAL). Well, this time, he wasn’t taking “No” for an answer and in the end, I relented and to the garden we went. 

I was right. It was awfully hot and humid the moment we stepped out of the house and both of us were sweating profusely in no time. I was already lining up a series of bribes to get him back into the house - fruits? read books? play blocks? - all of which he had already done. 

While I was busy trying to get back into my hamster wheel, Baby Dozer started running around the garden. 

“Mummy, birds!”

“Mummy, airplane!”

“Mummy, what’s that sound?” (Yes, he can string simple sentences already)

You know what I did? 

I WENT BACK INTO THE HOUSE.

And I came back out with a mug of coffee and a jar of biscuits. I sat there happily watching him while having my teatime. He came over and asked for a biscuit and continued his garden adventure with biscuit in hand. 

Afterwards, we did some garden maintenance. He learnt a new word “weeds” and helped Mummy pull out a bunch of them. 

After about an hour or so, he asked to go back into the house, all of his own accord. No forcing or bribing required. 

It was absolutely wonderful, the best bonding time I could ever ask for. 

I learnt to recognise when to break out of that hamster wheel. I learnt to enjoy the blessing of heat in a tropical country. I learnt to live in the now. 

Who taught me all this? A 1-year-old. 

Now, that’s life. 

[graciouslittlethings]

Inspiring Stories

I have been a little tired lately and a few snags and roadbumps have set me back mentally. I don’t usually write very personal posts but when I thought about how I have had the opportunity of getting to know many of you over the past year, I realised that perhaps writing this post would be relevant as I am certain we all have “one of those days” where nothing goes right.

1. When you think you can’t forgive yourself

I want to be the best mother I could ever be to Baby Dozer and this has made me work really hard to be more patient, more self-sacrificing and more caring. Yet, I had a really bad episode recently where I became a rather short-tempered and emotional Mummy to Baby Dozer. Poor Baby Dozer looked at me with frightened eyes and at that moment, my heart broke and I felt like I could never forgive myself. I can’t really describe how remorseful I felt, except that it was so painful to bear and I felt like I had committed a far worse crime than murder. Even as I am writing this, I am struggling really hard to contain my emotions and my guilt.

What Inspired Me:

The next day, I woke up and Baby Dozer was his usual cheerful self. 

He had already forgotten and forgiven Mummy. 

Babies don’t dwell. They move on. The best thing I could do to be a more deserving mother to him would be to remember the lesson well and never to repeat it again. 

2. When you forget to focus on what really matters

After nearly 3 months of being a stay-at-home mum, I’ve realised how the daily routine and mundane cares of everyday needs can actually distract me from focusing on the real things. 

From the moment I wake up, it’s just taking care of one thing after the other - breakfast, laundry, garden, house, lunch prep. I stopped sitting down to rest in an effort to do more and complete things better. Well, as the days went by, I began focusing more and more on petty things - it wasn’t that these things weren’t important, they were just petty. For example, how Baby Dozer had to have his bath by a certain time or how the laundry had to be done a certain way. Have you noticed that when you start focusing on petty stuff, you fall into that trap of getting easily agitated, irritated even? It pains me thinking of how snappish I must have been to Baby Dozer and Hubs. 

What Inspired Me:

My father is one of the most selfless people I have ever known and I suddenly remembered him during one of “those bad days”. He shoulders most of the household responsibilities - I used to take it for granted but after becoming a mother and a stay-at-home mum, I have come to understand the magnitude of his selflessness. I wondered, “How does he manage to stay cheerful despite being tired?” 

Then I realised: Dad focuses on the right things! And he knows how to take breaks. ;) 

When we’re all happy, he’s happy too and really, that’s what really matters. Not the messy house, not the laundry. It’s good to be particular about these things but if being particular makes me irritated, then clearly, I’m focusing too much on the wrong things. And if I’m starting to get irritated, it’s a sign that I should just stop and take a break, refuel myself and start anew. 

3. When you start taking on more than you can chew

Baby Dozer has this habit of stuffing as much food as he can into his cute little mouth and then choke because he doesn’t have space to chew. Especially when he thinks you’re going to take away his food. 

Couple of days ago, I think I was like that too, mentally and physically. I started getting grouchy and probably a little mean too. I think just like Baby Dozer, I was choking. 

What Inspired Me:

Hubs took a look at me one day and declared that “we’re going to do takeaway tonight. Why should you cook if you’re tired?” Then it occurred to me: 

I always tell Baby Dozer, “It’s OK to eat slowly. Swallow first then only put the next bite into your mouth. ” 

Clearly, I was the one who was cramming and eating things too fast. It’s OK to go slow and cut yourself some slack. 

I know that I will need regular reminders on all of these things. I know too that realising all these is just my first step towards improvement. I’m just grateful that for the love and care of those around me who are my source of inspiration. Thank you for reading and thank you too for the encouragement. 

Photography: WEaVE

Weelee and Veron are a husband and wife team with a passion and interest in photography. They can be contacted at [email protected].

If you find Gracious Little Things helpful, like my Facebook page at facebook.com/graciouslittlethings or Instagram at instagram.com/graciouslittlethings to receive updates whenever there’s a new post!

Also, please check out my new venture at facebook.com/littlebabygrains where I sell organic baby rice for your babies suitable from 6 months onwards!

[graciouslittlethings]

Thank You For the Life Lessons

Tonight’s post is very special and significant to me because it is the last post for 2014. I look back and realise I’ve learnt so much from my baby. It’s astounding to think that a little baby could teach me so much about life. I’m pretty certain that most mothers would agree with me and so tonight, I’ve decided to write a special letter of appreciation to Baby Dozer and all the other babies out there.

Dear Baby,

What an adventure it has been this past 1 year! For the first time in a very long time, I’ve woken up almost every day full of anticipation of the wonders each day would bring!

Having faith that things can change

You’re certainly one for surprises. Just whenever I think that things are all stable and well, you decide to change the next day with some new program of your own: turning, crawling, walking then running! I like your boldness and how you put the phrase “Things don’t change overnight” to shame! You are a living proof that things CAN change overnight! One day you’re babbling so delightfully and the next you can enunciate, “Daddy!” with perfect articulation!

Lessons in forgiveness

How do you forgive so easily my mistakes? That hug of yours tells me in one simple action that you love me unconditionally. Coming from someone so small, the hug is surprisingly big! Clearly you have some insight into true happiness, which I tend to forget as I grow older. We adults make such a huge fuss about love but you show me every day that loving is easy and natural, if I forgive easily.

Looking at the big picture I appreciate how you remind me to focus on the big picture. I get so caught up with life’s details sometimes that life stops being fun. Then you come along and show me how simple life can be - when hungry, eat and be thankful that I’m full. I often get so busy comparing my “food” with others’ - is their portion bigger, do they have nicer food, are they served? For you, it’s all about basics and extras are a bonus! Your enthusiastic thumbs-up whenever you like your meal teaches me to exude that same simple joy in order to live my life fully! Thank you for being such an exemplary teacher - teaching without needing to say a single word but through fine actions and plain emotions. I’m blessed to have you on this adventure and let’s continue to be adventure-mates in the coming year!

To more adventures and beyond!

Lots of love, hugs and slobbery kisses from, Mummy.

If you find Gracious Little Things helpful, like my Facebook page at facebook.com/graciouslittlethings or Instagram at instagram.com/graciouslittlethings to receive updates whenever there’s a new post!

Also, please check out my new venture at facebook.com/littlebabygrains where I sell organic baby rice for your babies suitable from 6 months onwards!

[graciouslittlethings]

Birthday Note for Mummy

Hello everyone! Baby Dozer is here! It’s Mummy’s birthday today and I’m teaming up with Truffle, our Poodle, to write tonight’s post. Our birthday present to Mummy is to tell her why we love her! 

1. She lets us bully her

Baby Dozer: Mummy is easy. Usually, a cry and a pitiful look is all it takes to get myself carried and kissed. With Daddy, I’ve to work a little harder. I need to deploy up to 4 tactics before he finally gives in. Tactic #1: Cry —> Tactic #2: Pitiful look —> Tactic #3: Make the bottom lip quiver —> Tactic #4: Bring on the tears.

Truffle, the Poodle: Big Lady can never resist me if I sit and stare at her with my big round eyes. She will give me a couple of pats and put me on her lap. Sometimes I throw in a couple of whines for good measure and it earns me treats. Totally cool. 

2. She hugs us in the middle of the night

Baby Dozer: 1 year down the road and I’m still waking her up in the middle of the night. But, does Mummy complain? No, she hauls herself up, clambers to my cot, hugs me, feeds me and then puts me to bed.  

Truffle, the Poodle: Baby Dozer’s the baby so I let Big Lady hug him. The only time I need hugs at night is during festive occasions like Chinese New Year or Hari Raya. I hate those nasty firecrackers - they go bang very loudly without any thought or care for my poor nerves, but Big Lady knows it best. She will hug me when I start whining in the middle of the night. 

3. We spend quality time in the mornings when Mummy’s not working

Baby Dozer: I’m an early bird. I like to conquer the world while it’s still early and Mummy is always there to share it with me. I love mornings even more now that I get to eat breakfast. Mummy and me - we enjoy the quiet mornings together. Oh, and Truffle too. OK, your turn, Truffle.

Truffle, the Poodle: Sometimes Baby Dozer can be a real pain. He wakes up a little too early for my taste but…we promised to accompany each other, so, I have to oblige by waking up too. The best part is when we all head to the kitchen for breakfast. No interruptions from anyone else. Just me, Baby Dozer and Big Lady. It’s OUR time.

4. She spoils us

Baby Dozer: When I’m feeling a little under the weather and need a little carrying, Mummy always carries me. I’ll let you in on a little secret. Sometimes I just WANT to be carried. Daddy’s smart. He doesn’t fall for my tricks as easily, but Mummy will carry me, even if Daddy is warning her not to. I just love Mummy. She’s dependable that way.

Truffle, the Poodle: The other day I was a little naughty and barked even though everyone told me not to. Big Man punished me; he made me face the wall. When Big Man went out to run some errands, Big Lady secretly let me out. Heh heh. She’s dependable that way. 

5. She loves us

Baby Dozer: How can you not love someone who changes your smelly poo, kisses your bruises and just loves you unconditionally?

Truffle, the Poodle: How can you not love someone who picks up your poo (I don’t know about Baby Dozer but I personally don’t think my poo stinks that bad), tickles your tummy and just loves you unconditionally?

Happy Birthday, Mummy!!! 

Mummy’s coming! Hurry, publish the post on the blog! 

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