Update on life as a SAHM

I must admit that this role is tough,  probably my boss is so spot right about my character.  She shared with me in a few occasions before my departure that I'll not be able to adapt to the life of a homemaker.  Given the level of energy inherent in me, she told me that my boys will be squeezed to the maximum to complete all kinds of assignments planned for the day. Her point is - I am a kind who thrives on getting stuff accomplished and it can be quite stressful for those working with me or for me to keep up with the pace. I didn't quite concur to her observations initially but as I live my role at home, I am beginning to get the vibes from my boys at times.

I thought the energy in kids are much higher than any adult so they can be stretched.  Basically what I have established for them on a routine basis is to pack their school bag, keep me updated on stuff from school,  explain to me on the circulars distributed ( especially many from primary 1), do their school assigned homework, practice piano and work on my assigned homework.  Seems a lot but most of the tasks don't take up too much time. The boys prefer to spend their time talking and playing with each other, laughing over the smallest gesture made by either one and ended up telling me that they needed more rest at home instead of getting down to do any work. I had to adjust my expectations and slow down the pace towards them these days but yet think of another way to motivate them to get those tasks completed - usually with a treat of playing mobile games, a trip to the playground, sweets, having their dinner in front of tv, etc.

Lately I realised that I am getting more detached from social interactions, I don't mingle with the mummies or grannies at the school pick-up point, I don't do small chats with supermarket cashiers and market owners, I only talk to the boys most of the time at home. So I tried going to the library recently to pick up some books and hope to read them to keep my mind occupied. Honestly I don't know how the rest of the SAHM do it or maybe this doesn't even bother them.

Spring Cleaning:

We have to keep this year's CNY to a minimal... but nonetheless, I started doing spring cleaning during pockets of my free time at home since late December.

Am glad that I finally had them all done by yesterday.  What's left for us now is the usual eve of CNY routine, ie, vacuum, mop, change of bed sheets, toilet cleaning and car washing (perhaps I should just clean up all the fans by tomorrow). . Hahaha, still a far bit given this long list to accomplish.. haiz..

Anyways,  I have been asking my boys on a periodic basis if they would like me to get back to work on a full time basis again. They were not supportive of this option and both wanted me to continue to be with them on this arrangement.  So at least I must conclude that they do really like my company afterall ! What I do hope is for the period that I am spending the time with them,  they are benefiting from my presence in one way or another.

First CNY packets

We got together at Dover Hospice last evening for a family dinner and booked the function room to facilitate this early reunion. Its kind of mixed feelings for us given my father in law's condition at this point and yet we were hoping to do this as a happy occasion. 

My mil was thoughtful enough to prepare some red packets for my fil to distribute after dinner. He gave them personally one by one with all of us and his grandchildren.  Given his current condition, its strenuous for him to talk to us one by one while giving out the hongbaos.

Eversince I was married to ah lou, besides the hongbao I got from my fil during the wedding tea ceremony,  I think this is probably the second and last hongbao I have received through him.

These cousins are enjoying each other's company in the function room. They are probably too young to anticipate whatever that is going to happen in the next few days

No matter what's going to happen soon, I hope it will be a peaceful and painless departure for him..

First day of school

Finally Ethan has started in the same school as his brother this year. Being a primary 1 student, parents are allowed to get into the school compound together with them in the morning.  I chaperoned dear son to the hall where he's supposed to assembled.  The elder one has to go parade square for his usual anthem song and pledge taking. 

The boys woke up at 630am and thankfully they ate the breakfast fairly fast. 

All ready for school! 

During recess, he has the help of a P5 buddy to get his food

And he finished his food within the 30min slot

One of the shortest amongst the school mates

On an overall basis,  Ethan seemed to adapt well to the environment in school.  I am hoping that he will slowly adapt to the school academic requirements. 

Caden as usual,  is happy to be back in school to catch up with all his friends.

Ethan's doodling

This Friday evening,  Ethan started doodling us on his whiteboard.  This is how he portrayed us:

Tornado man Papa

Wonder woman Mummy

Superman Caden

Flash Ethan

His version of a family portrait