A Week of SAHM

How fast time flies. Caleb is one, and my week of being a SAHM has ended.

My MIL went for an overseas trip and hubby was on course, so I had to take leave the whole week to take care of Caleb. Overall it was fun, and we had a good time bonding with each other. There were ups and downs, with Caleb throwing tantrums, refusing his dinner and generally doing what toddlers this age do. But after taking into account him teething (7th tooth), he has been an angel for the whole week.

14 Nov
The day started fantastic, with a slight drizzle to give rise to a beautiful rainbow.

Beautiful rainbow, wishing Caleb Happy Birthday

We went out for lunch at Jurong Point. I wanted to bring Caleb to Vivocity to play in the indoor playground, but he woke from his nap too late to reach Vivocity in time for lunch and play. It was good that we went Jurong Point too, as I could bring him back for his second nap and I could rest myself too.

Out for lunch!

16 Nov
Hubby was able to take leave on Wednesday, and we went to IKEA for lunch. Caleb loves handling cold stuff now, and seems to have an instinct on what's cold and what's not. He'll always point to those cold items to ask us to pass them to him.

Happiness @ IKEA

17 Nov
I wanted to go to my aunt's place sometime this week. But sadly, she was sick and advised me not to, so that she won't pass the germs to Caleb. So we popped by our neighbour, Sabrina's place, for a playdate with her 14month old son, Lincoln. I really believe that babies can communicate with each other with their babbles. It's really very amusing listening to them eee-eee orh-orh arh-arh at each other! They not only do parallel play, but will play a little with each other as well. It's really interesting to see the growth and difference between babies of the same age. Lincoln is much better at communicating, using hand signs and could point or respond to questions. I believe it's because there are many more people with him throughout the day to stimulate his brain. Sabrina brings him to baby classes as well. Caleb is able to stand, walk rather steadily and sometimes even run. He'll rarely sit still or crawl anymore. In this case, he's better than Lincoln, as Lincoln still sit and crawl most of the time. I guess this is what experts always advise about babies developing and reaching their own milestones at their own pace. We parents are just facilitators and should not rush them to achieve any before their time.

Forgoing the spoon during self feeding practice

18 Nov
I must admit that I was rather upset yesterday. My MIL came back late in the night on 17th, but hubby only got to know about it the day before. She could have take over babysitting duties, and I could have gone for my company's D&D. I really really wanted to go, as I missed the one last year already. I feel that hubby could have checked instead of assume on his mom's date of return. Also, hubby could not confirm on the time he'll reach home, and that he may need to do OT. But in the end, he reached home around 6pm. I really could have gone to the D&D.

I thought that since I could not go to the D&D, I could have a half day to myself, sort of like a compensation for not going. My MIL could rest for the first half of the day, and take over for awhile in the afternoon. I was planning to go for a massage and a tea session with my book. But I had to take care of Caleb for the whole day, as my MIL was not feeling well due to diarrhea. Oh well, it's my own child and I don't mind sacrificing. But still, I kind of feel unappreciated by hubby. He really could have planned things better. 

Not wanting to spend the last day of my leave at home, I brought Caleb out to Jurong Point again for lunch and decided to treat myself to Lai Lai lamien. We did not stay long, as Caleb was throwing tantrums and grumbling throughout the trip. I just kept reminding myself that he's not always like this, and is usually cheerful and funny, to accept his occasional acting up. If I as his mom don't accept it, who will?

Mummy still love you, even with your tantrums

Cutie enjoying the toys and books at JP

And now, I'm having some quiet moments at work, reflecting on the past week and kind of wishing that I have another week of playtime with my baby. Haha, playtime is learning time for Caleb and exercising time for mommy. My calves ache with all the walking that I did with him, and have surely toned them a little!