In the rare moment when kids music is not being requested by those in the backseat, we put on NPR news when we are in the car. Often one of the news headlines begin with “Today, President Bush….” A few months ago, Noah started asking about who this PB is. He also brings in his “outside knowledge” from conversations with my dad about submarines when he learned about the power of presidents to declare a war. So one day, during a news report about PB and the Iraq War, he asked again about presidential power. See—anything related to submarines and fighter planes gets his attention. Paul told him that some people don’t think PB is a great president. This got Noah really curious: Why? Why some people think he’s not so good? “Well, some people think (we are mindful to always qualify these evaluative statements) that PB shouldn’t have started a war in the Middle East so quickly. Why? Why? Well, wars not only can hurt a lot of innocent people but cost a lot of money. Why? Well, some people think this was not a helpful war. So, if you ask him about PB, this is what he’ll tell you.
Long and behold, with NPR in the background, you'd hear Ben saying, very clearly, “President Bush!” It's a little bit strange to hear him utter those words...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
I take it back...
That post about being a tough east-coaster... I take it all back. I think east-coasters are not really tougher when it comes to cold weather. In fact, they tend to be used to the comfort of indoor heater. Last night, in my first night at the Buddhist dorm, I got my taste of the difficulty of being without heat or even worse, being homeless.
My room has no heat, and with it being in the 40s outside, the room must have been in the 50s. Without a thick comforter (it had been packed away), I was unable to make myself warm in bed. My frigid body, though exhausted after a long flying journey and six hours of classes, just couldn't get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Then I realize how being warm is considered such a basic element in my way of life, or the way of life of developed countries among the richer part of the globe. I also thought of the children in low-income areas where their gas/electricity may have been cut off, and what it's like to be cold in bed. Not fun at all.
I actually think this may in part have explained the Chinese people's obsession with staying warm (as I wrote about many times on the posts from Taiwan). When staying warm is not taken for granted--like eating adequate amount of food--people show their care by asking whether you are cold. As 'annoying' (at least to many Westerners) as the way Chinese people force their guests to eat more, we had found it strange how people would make comments about staying toasty warm.
Anyway, I am way behind with my classes, so I need to go and catch up, instead of dwelling on being cold in California!
My room has no heat, and with it being in the 40s outside, the room must have been in the 50s. Without a thick comforter (it had been packed away), I was unable to make myself warm in bed. My frigid body, though exhausted after a long flying journey and six hours of classes, just couldn't get comfortable enough to fall asleep. Then I realize how being warm is considered such a basic element in my way of life, or the way of life of developed countries among the richer part of the globe. I also thought of the children in low-income areas where their gas/electricity may have been cut off, and what it's like to be cold in bed. Not fun at all.
I actually think this may in part have explained the Chinese people's obsession with staying warm (as I wrote about many times on the posts from Taiwan). When staying warm is not taken for granted--like eating adequate amount of food--people show their care by asking whether you are cold. As 'annoying' (at least to many Westerners) as the way Chinese people force their guests to eat more, we had found it strange how people would make comments about staying toasty warm.
Anyway, I am way behind with my classes, so I need to go and catch up, instead of dwelling on being cold in California!
Friday, January 25, 2008
A housekeeper that I am (not)
Those who have taught, especially in language classrooms, all know such a student: extremely enthusiastic and well-intentioned, friendly, eager, but simply do not perform well, either due to the lack of talent or an effective study method. You know he means well, and does work hard, and your heart aches when the results are unsatisfactory.
Well, such a "student" I am in housekeeping. I do mean well. In fact, I often dream of being organized, clean, and on top of things: knowing exactly where the Easter decorations are, having all the socks matched up and neatly put away, labeling, categorizing, and storing away kids' clothing in known and predictable locations, no dust in hidden corners, a linen closet with squarely folded sheets and towels as if they've just been bought from Macy's, a pantry with all the bottles and cans lined up facing outward.
Believe me, I have seen friends' homes like this, many times, and made several secret vows to aspire to that, and have repeatedly tried. But, alas, I ultimately disappoint!
That said, I had just spent an hour scrubbing the bathroom. I think it looks pretty good right now ;) But how many times do I get to feel this way? Should I keep trying, or should I accept my own apparent limitations and just apply myself half-heartedly? (I know what Paul would say... I don't even want to hear it....)
Well, such a "student" I am in housekeeping. I do mean well. In fact, I often dream of being organized, clean, and on top of things: knowing exactly where the Easter decorations are, having all the socks matched up and neatly put away, labeling, categorizing, and storing away kids' clothing in known and predictable locations, no dust in hidden corners, a linen closet with squarely folded sheets and towels as if they've just been bought from Macy's, a pantry with all the bottles and cans lined up facing outward.
Believe me, I have seen friends' homes like this, many times, and made several secret vows to aspire to that, and have repeatedly tried. But, alas, I ultimately disappoint!
That said, I had just spent an hour scrubbing the bathroom. I think it looks pretty good right now ;) But how many times do I get to feel this way? Should I keep trying, or should I accept my own apparent limitations and just apply myself half-heartedly? (I know what Paul would say... I don't even want to hear it....)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Not delayed... just late
This is my first trip on the retro and cool-looking Virgin America out of SFO. I’ve been curious to check out the new airline and compare it with my favorite Jetblue. Here are a few observations:
--The Virgin America gate is all the way past many international airlines in the new terminal at SFO. Besides a long line at the security and a long walk from the security check, you get the pleasure of observing many international travelers going to Seoul, Narita, Beijing, Hong Kong, as well as Cancun and other interesting places. Always interesting place to people-watch, it made me feel that my six-hour flight isn’t so bad.
--The on-board entertainment is quite comprehensive and high-tech, equipped with numerous options for TV, movies, music, games, and even internet access and food ordering (with fees, of course). The funny ones are the many Asian TV shows and independent short films made by students. You don’t get bored for sure, and it’s clearly two notches above UA, NWA, etc.
--As far as free snack, VA definitely does not fare up to Jetblue. Besides one soft drink, you don’t get any free snack, whereas you get a wide selection of good snacks—unlimited—on Jetblue. The snack and meals for purchase do look quite good, but they are not cheap.
--Our flight was supposed to leave at 11:30, but we didn’t board until pass that time, so I went up to ask, “So it’s been delayed.” The attendant replied, “No, the plane just got in and all we need to do is to clean it up and we can board shortly.” “Oh, so it’s delayed”. “No, ma’am, it’sll just be a couple of minutes and we’ll board very soon.”
So, I guess the flight was just taking off late, but not delayed?! Anyway, the arrival caught up the time difference, so I guess from that perspective, it WAS really not delayed.
--The Virgin America gate is all the way past many international airlines in the new terminal at SFO. Besides a long line at the security and a long walk from the security check, you get the pleasure of observing many international travelers going to Seoul, Narita, Beijing, Hong Kong, as well as Cancun and other interesting places. Always interesting place to people-watch, it made me feel that my six-hour flight isn’t so bad.
--The on-board entertainment is quite comprehensive and high-tech, equipped with numerous options for TV, movies, music, games, and even internet access and food ordering (with fees, of course). The funny ones are the many Asian TV shows and independent short films made by students. You don’t get bored for sure, and it’s clearly two notches above UA, NWA, etc.
--As far as free snack, VA definitely does not fare up to Jetblue. Besides one soft drink, you don’t get any free snack, whereas you get a wide selection of good snacks—unlimited—on Jetblue. The snack and meals for purchase do look quite good, but they are not cheap.
--Our flight was supposed to leave at 11:30, but we didn’t board until pass that time, so I went up to ask, “So it’s been delayed.” The attendant replied, “No, the plane just got in and all we need to do is to clean it up and we can board shortly.” “Oh, so it’s delayed”. “No, ma’am, it’sll just be a couple of minutes and we’ll board very soon.”
So, I guess the flight was just taking off late, but not delayed?! Anyway, the arrival caught up the time difference, so I guess from that perspective, it WAS really not delayed.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Feeling like a tough east-coaster
For once, I really felt like a tough east-coaster. It's in the 40s here in Berkeley, and people keep saying how cold it is and how wintry it all seems. Having just been in DC, where the landscape shows true winter, and temperature much harsher at times, I have to laugh at these Californians. Come on! The trees are still green for one thing! What do you mean it's so cold! That said, the homes tend to be less insulated and the inside does feel colder than in many East coast homes. Anyway, it just doesn't look like winter here.
Stay warm, everyone, no matter where you are.
Stay warm, everyone, no matter where you are.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Ben’s cold shoulders
As I was leaving for the airport, Ben started giving me cold shoulders. On our way to Dulles, Ben was silent. And when I kissed them goodbye, Noah was very warm but Ben was very standoffish. Paul thinks it’s his way of avoiding getting hurt. The next 4 months will be so long (for example, while sitting on the plane, or anticipating the next visit to home) and yet so short (when preparing for an upcoming exam, or trying to write the thesis, or taking an enjoyable class), on different days and at different times of the day.
Flavors of America
I have some lasting first impressions of America when I took my first plane trip to LA at the age of 10. Among the memorable novelties were: Smooth and wide freeways, the smell of a garage, carpeted stairway in people’s homes, seedless green grapes, pink bubble gums, and the taste of apple juice.
Yes, apple juice, clear, sweet, and thirst quenching. I first had it on the flight to America. I had never tasted something like this. For some reason, at the time, “America” entailed something very positive and precious. So naturally the taste of the apple juice gave that impression.
Last week we hosted a potluck dinner for neighbors on the block. Paul said that with so many kids, we should perhaps get some juice boxes. I was made aware of the prevalence of juice boxes in kids’ parties. Almost every party, big or small, nice or casual, these juice boxes abound! But for some reasons I felt like rebelling, just so slightly. I was at first going to make fresh limeade to save on packaging but decided to go with large bottles of apple juice to be conservative. At least I didn’t help contribute to non-recyclable carton packaging and potential juice waste. I went to Costco and got, for the first time, these twin-pack gigantic bottles of Mott’s apple juice. Really huge bottles, but I figured we’ll have many kids.
Well, it turned out that only about 1/5 of one bottle was consumed. I ended up with so much apple juice. Reading the label made me see how much sugar is in one serving. When the kids didn’t finish their drinks, my intuition was to drink them up to avoid wasting. However, I realized that I wasn’t doing myself any good by drinking up the juice. As I was torn between drinking it up and throwing it away, I was reminded of such “precious” and yet huge, inexpensive servings of what represent a sweet (literally as well as figuratively) flavor of America.
Yes, apple juice, clear, sweet, and thirst quenching. I first had it on the flight to America. I had never tasted something like this. For some reason, at the time, “America” entailed something very positive and precious. So naturally the taste of the apple juice gave that impression.
Last week we hosted a potluck dinner for neighbors on the block. Paul said that with so many kids, we should perhaps get some juice boxes. I was made aware of the prevalence of juice boxes in kids’ parties. Almost every party, big or small, nice or casual, these juice boxes abound! But for some reasons I felt like rebelling, just so slightly. I was at first going to make fresh limeade to save on packaging but decided to go with large bottles of apple juice to be conservative. At least I didn’t help contribute to non-recyclable carton packaging and potential juice waste. I went to Costco and got, for the first time, these twin-pack gigantic bottles of Mott’s apple juice. Really huge bottles, but I figured we’ll have many kids.
Well, it turned out that only about 1/5 of one bottle was consumed. I ended up with so much apple juice. Reading the label made me see how much sugar is in one serving. When the kids didn’t finish their drinks, my intuition was to drink them up to avoid wasting. However, I realized that I wasn’t doing myself any good by drinking up the juice. As I was torn between drinking it up and throwing it away, I was reminded of such “precious” and yet huge, inexpensive servings of what represent a sweet (literally as well as figuratively) flavor of America.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Too much to clean up
We had two fun playdates at friends' houses in the few last days. Noah seemed to really enjoy the Playmobile toys, with realistic miniature people, sets, and things. So I asked him whether he thinks it'd be a good idea some day to get him some Playmobile for a special occasion, figuring he would be excited about it. His answer really got me stumped: "I think it's too hard to clean up all the small pieces."
Now-I really don't know if I should be embarrassed or made proud by this comment. Is he just way too lazy? or un-materialistic? or both?
Now-I really don't know if I should be embarrassed or made proud by this comment. Is he just way too lazy? or un-materialistic? or both?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Paul's birthday
His only request was a homemade chocolate cake, the dense chocolaty kind. Since he's gotten the new camera, a combined Xmas-B-day present from his parents and from me, he really didn't want anything else. So, I put myself to work in making a fancy dinner of broiled wild Alaskan salmon wrapped in bacon with shitake-mushroom sauce (a Dean & DeLuca recipe) and stuffed cabbage pockets, as well as the long-anticipated flourless chocolate cake.
A confession: I really enjoyed having the excuse to putt around the kitchen in my pajama pants. Since I've always considered myself a better cook than baker (having made some very stupid mistakes in the past), I decided to really focus on the baking process and be extra attentive to details. One thing I noticed: when beating the egg whites, the instruction calls for beating "until stiff peak forms". I saw the foamy stuff very quickly but wasn't sure if it was "the peak", so I kept on beating, and the foamy stuff disappeared! Never seen again! So the art is in the timing. The beating can't be too short or too long. It's got to be just right. See- that's something that comes with experience!
Anyway, everything turned out really well, I think. The boys loved my cake. And Paul was really happy :)
A confession: I really enjoyed having the excuse to putt around the kitchen in my pajama pants. Since I've always considered myself a better cook than baker (having made some very stupid mistakes in the past), I decided to really focus on the baking process and be extra attentive to details. One thing I noticed: when beating the egg whites, the instruction calls for beating "until stiff peak forms". I saw the foamy stuff very quickly but wasn't sure if it was "the peak", so I kept on beating, and the foamy stuff disappeared! Never seen again! So the art is in the timing. The beating can't be too short or too long. It's got to be just right. See- that's something that comes with experience!
Anyway, everything turned out really well, I think. The boys loved my cake. And Paul was really happy :)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Ben's heartfelt comment
Over pasta dinner, Ben said to me, "Mommy, I love you so much, so PLEASE don't go away." Of course, that got me very emotional.
Noah asked, "Why are you crying mama?"
"Nothing, my eyes just got a little sweaty...."
Noah asked, "Why are you crying mama?"
"Nothing, my eyes just got a little sweaty...."
Monday, January 14, 2008
Paul's blog
Check out Paul's blog! I don't know how much he plans to devote to this, but it's there for those interested.
Funny dream
R (my mentor from UCSF) was in my dream last night. The setting was my childhood home in Shih-yuan. She actually lived across the street from us! I was picking up my two boys, who were at her house on a playdate with her 15-year-old son. When I appeared at the door, I saw her sitting in the living room, with a bowl and chopsticks in her hands, having a late lunch after work. I remember thinking: "Wow, how cool--at Berkeley, Caucasians using chopsticks in daily life has become commonplace!" Every bit of the dream was clear and realistic. What's funny is the mix-up of people, roles (especially the fact that she and I are interacting as mothers), and settings.
I know what's at stake: my guilt for not working hard enough is creeping up towards the end of this long long break, and my academic role is forcing its way into my mommy role. This is starting to make me slightly restless....
I know what's at stake: my guilt for not working hard enough is creeping up towards the end of this long long break, and my academic role is forcing its way into my mommy role. This is starting to make me slightly restless....
Friday, January 11, 2008
NY trip
Last weekend, to celebrate our 7th anniversary, we had a short but fun trip to New Jersey and NYC. Here are some things to note:
--Got to visit Paul's old friend L on the way in Pennsylvania and it was great to catch up with her, the best excuse for all of us to get out of the car and stretch our legs.
--Stayed with my uncle's family in New Jersey. The boys had been excited about this for a long long time. This is when Noah's excellent memory boggles me-- he still remembers all the details of an Amtrak trip I took with him when I was pregnant with Ben: the birdie, the dog Mindy, and everything about the house. This last trip was when he was less than two! So this time he got to again play with the animal friends as well as all the family and all had a great time :)
--I believe that human beings are originally "clan" based and as we evolve and assert independence and privacy, we grow to be more used to being by ourselves or stay within nuclear families. Why do I say this? I notice that our boys are always very happy and easygoing when we are with big groups of families. They seem completely comfortable and at ease having aunts and uncles and cousins all around, and they are well aware of the kinship and connections among members. While the adults sometimes find the big crowd too much too handle, this is never the case with the little ones. Just like two generations ago, when people tend to live in clans or at least close to their extended families.
--We trained in to NYC from Princeton, walked around midtown, then took the subway to the Village, where we enjoyed the scrumptious Murray's Bagels. Then we walked to Soho and strolled around town. A store called Evolution captured my three boys for almost an hour: fossils, ostrich eggs, freeze-dried rats and bats, a two-headed cow... you name it. Some are kind of cool to me, but others simply gross, if you ask me. After about 30 minutes, I started getting bored. My girly side started to complain: what about all the fashion and shops right around us? Nobody wants to go with me to check out some purses on sale? Oh well, I am well aware that this is only the beginning of me living in an all-male dormitory, as my Dad used to describe his situation. Baba--I now feel for you when you used to stare blankly into the clothes in a department store, waiting for the three of us!!
--I would love to live in NYC for a few weeks some time. It's so walkable, interesting, and fun. The only thing is the cost--it's so easy to have to open your wallet, and rarely can you walk away from a store without spending at least ten bucks!
BTW, Paul's just posted some pics from today's walk at Turkey Run Park right by the Potomac on his blog (which he started months ago but never gotten around to write). With his new camera, we should be posting some nice photos soon.
--Got to visit Paul's old friend L on the way in Pennsylvania and it was great to catch up with her, the best excuse for all of us to get out of the car and stretch our legs.
--Stayed with my uncle's family in New Jersey. The boys had been excited about this for a long long time. This is when Noah's excellent memory boggles me-- he still remembers all the details of an Amtrak trip I took with him when I was pregnant with Ben: the birdie, the dog Mindy, and everything about the house. This last trip was when he was less than two! So this time he got to again play with the animal friends as well as all the family and all had a great time :)
--I believe that human beings are originally "clan" based and as we evolve and assert independence and privacy, we grow to be more used to being by ourselves or stay within nuclear families. Why do I say this? I notice that our boys are always very happy and easygoing when we are with big groups of families. They seem completely comfortable and at ease having aunts and uncles and cousins all around, and they are well aware of the kinship and connections among members. While the adults sometimes find the big crowd too much too handle, this is never the case with the little ones. Just like two generations ago, when people tend to live in clans or at least close to their extended families.
--We trained in to NYC from Princeton, walked around midtown, then took the subway to the Village, where we enjoyed the scrumptious Murray's Bagels. Then we walked to Soho and strolled around town. A store called Evolution captured my three boys for almost an hour: fossils, ostrich eggs, freeze-dried rats and bats, a two-headed cow... you name it. Some are kind of cool to me, but others simply gross, if you ask me. After about 30 minutes, I started getting bored. My girly side started to complain: what about all the fashion and shops right around us? Nobody wants to go with me to check out some purses on sale? Oh well, I am well aware that this is only the beginning of me living in an all-male dormitory, as my Dad used to describe his situation. Baba--I now feel for you when you used to stare blankly into the clothes in a department store, waiting for the three of us!!
--I would love to live in NYC for a few weeks some time. It's so walkable, interesting, and fun. The only thing is the cost--it's so easy to have to open your wallet, and rarely can you walk away from a store without spending at least ten bucks!
BTW, Paul's just posted some pics from today's walk at Turkey Run Park right by the Potomac on his blog (which he started months ago but never gotten around to write). With his new camera, we should be posting some nice photos soon.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Those trembling lips....
Those who know Ben well are familiar with those trembling lips when he feels sad. Well, I think I had pushed my little boy too hard last night....
After dinner, we kept hearing the farts (sorry to non-parents out there for offensive language in this post!) and Ben looked at times preoccupied. I thought to myself: golden potty training opportunity! Since he had successfully peed in the potty a few times, and that he had just gotten out of a warm and clean bath, I didn't give him a diaper and kept putting him the potty. We all cheered on with the Family Motto of the Week, coined by Paul:
Poop it out! Poop it out! WAAAAYY OUT! (The parents would say the first two lines, and all would join with WAAAAYYYY OUT!!!)
He complained a few times: "I don't feel it mommy". Or "My bottom feels too hard." Well--wwo prunes (at his request), three different toilets, three unnamed "techniques", several enticing bribes (including a new toy and telephoning the grandparents to report the news), and two good hours later: still no product! I said to Ben, "You should try to go, or you'll end up poopy in bed." He kept on sitting, and sitting, and finally, an hour past his bedtime, I said, "I think we've tried hard enough. Let's put on the diaper and go to bed."
"NO! I want to put on the diaper and go downstairs to play."
"No Ben. It's very late."
Trembling lips.
"Ben-do you want to go down because you want to poopoo?"
Nodding. Teary eyes and trembling lips.
"Ben. It's okay if you poopoo in your diaper. You've tried very hard."
Trying to resist and hold back the tears. Those heartbreaking lips!
"Ben. Are you sad?"
"Yes."
"Are you sad because you tried so hard and couldn't poopoo in the potty?"
Suddenly the little guy completely broke down, looking so sad, burying his head in my chest, crying uncontrollably. I felt so bad for pushing him! I just held him in my arms and got Paul, who's doing work in the basement to come up and comfort him together. Ben just got sadder and sadder, leashing out all the emotions and disappointments towards himself. We kept saying that we are so proud of him for trying. Noah even adds: "Don't worry. You are not 3 yet. When you turn 3, you'll learn, because I learned when I was 3. You can't do it because you are not 3 yet. It's almost there!" He goes on and on like an erudite old man. But at this point, whatever we said only made Ben sadder and in more despair.
I realized that for all this time, when he seems like he couldn't care less about the potty thing, it was all a way of protecting himself as he has no confidence in this matter quite yet. What a lesson for me to learn.
This morning, he woke up hungry, and as we came downstairs, that sad look still remains on his face. I asked him whether he was still sad, he nodded.
So we decided to drop the issue for a while. After all, Noah may be right about the magic age of 3. Let's hope so. But I know that he won't be going to high school in diapers. So big deal!?
After dinner, we kept hearing the farts (sorry to non-parents out there for offensive language in this post!) and Ben looked at times preoccupied. I thought to myself: golden potty training opportunity! Since he had successfully peed in the potty a few times, and that he had just gotten out of a warm and clean bath, I didn't give him a diaper and kept putting him the potty. We all cheered on with the Family Motto of the Week, coined by Paul:
Poop it out! Poop it out! WAAAAYY OUT! (The parents would say the first two lines, and all would join with WAAAAYYYY OUT!!!)
He complained a few times: "I don't feel it mommy". Or "My bottom feels too hard." Well--wwo prunes (at his request), three different toilets, three unnamed "techniques", several enticing bribes (including a new toy and telephoning the grandparents to report the news), and two good hours later: still no product! I said to Ben, "You should try to go, or you'll end up poopy in bed." He kept on sitting, and sitting, and finally, an hour past his bedtime, I said, "I think we've tried hard enough. Let's put on the diaper and go to bed."
"NO! I want to put on the diaper and go downstairs to play."
"No Ben. It's very late."
Trembling lips.
"Ben-do you want to go down because you want to poopoo?"
Nodding. Teary eyes and trembling lips.
"Ben. It's okay if you poopoo in your diaper. You've tried very hard."
Trying to resist and hold back the tears. Those heartbreaking lips!
"Ben. Are you sad?"
"Yes."
"Are you sad because you tried so hard and couldn't poopoo in the potty?"
Suddenly the little guy completely broke down, looking so sad, burying his head in my chest, crying uncontrollably. I felt so bad for pushing him! I just held him in my arms and got Paul, who's doing work in the basement to come up and comfort him together. Ben just got sadder and sadder, leashing out all the emotions and disappointments towards himself. We kept saying that we are so proud of him for trying. Noah even adds: "Don't worry. You are not 3 yet. When you turn 3, you'll learn, because I learned when I was 3. You can't do it because you are not 3 yet. It's almost there!" He goes on and on like an erudite old man. But at this point, whatever we said only made Ben sadder and in more despair.
I realized that for all this time, when he seems like he couldn't care less about the potty thing, it was all a way of protecting himself as he has no confidence in this matter quite yet. What a lesson for me to learn.
This morning, he woke up hungry, and as we came downstairs, that sad look still remains on his face. I asked him whether he was still sad, he nodded.
So we decided to drop the issue for a while. After all, Noah may be right about the magic age of 3. Let's hope so. But I know that he won't be going to high school in diapers. So big deal!?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
A sad way to satisfy my craving for cuddles
Noah got a stomach bug and was miserable last night, with bouts of vomiting even during sleep. He was pale and wanted nothing but mommy's cuddles. So I sat him on my lap, covered with soft blanket, stroking his back, and just being with him quietly.
The same room, same spot, same way of holding him, with gentle strokes and soft songs... for a moment I was brought back to those newborn days five years ago. Just me and my little boy.
As miserable as it was for him, there's a slight little comfort, I think for both of us, that we had each other to lean on, and we got to savor that connection.
Now that he is back to being himself, carrying away with loud and at times discomforting/irritating tone of voice, I feel lucky, both because the sickness was so short-lived, and that I was there for him during the sickly hours.
The same room, same spot, same way of holding him, with gentle strokes and soft songs... for a moment I was brought back to those newborn days five years ago. Just me and my little boy.
As miserable as it was for him, there's a slight little comfort, I think for both of us, that we had each other to lean on, and we got to savor that connection.
Now that he is back to being himself, carrying away with loud and at times discomforting/irritating tone of voice, I feel lucky, both because the sickness was so short-lived, and that I was there for him during the sickly hours.
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