Lucas is walking

Finally, the day we have been waiting for is here. Lucas is walking! He can take more than 10 steps and seems happy practicing it.

Getting Better at Gymboree

With work now, there is less time to blog and less time to observe Lucas's development.
I took Lucas to his Gymboree class this morning. I must said I am very pleased with his development. I was just thinking that seeing him interacting with other children gives me a perspective on how he is faring.
He used to cling to me all the time during the class. If I put him down, he will pull my shirt and refused to let go. Now, he breaks from his comfort zone and explore on his own. He will crawl to places of interest to him. He will go to the tunnel and crawl happily thru the tunnel. That is a big achievement.
He used to hate the parachute. He just did not like to be sitting on it or under it. Now, he will not make any fuss. He just sit there and look, or rather stare at his play-mates. The most interesting observation is when the instructor put two chests of 'treasure' aka toys in the middle. Lucas will be the second toddler to crawl there and help himself. I suppose he is not shy person. He will empty the chest until he finds one that interests him. If any of his play-mate takes his toy, he will not (yet) snatch back. That shows he is not aggressive. I think both are good characteristics.
I realised he matures a lot more after he hits his first birthday or rather he is developing his character steadily.

Full time working mom

Now that I have been working for 2 weeks after my one year maternity leave, I can share some thoughts as working mom.

1. THEN: I used to take my shower, blow dry my hair, put on some makeup and leave for the office. All these would take half an hour. If I have extra time, I can have a cup of coffee and a slice of toast.
NOW: It takes much longer to prepare (if I have to go to the office).I have to prepare Lucas first. Have to time his feeding time, sleeping/nap time, nappy time. Then, I will have my shower, blow dry my hair and no makeup. I would say I am lucky if all these take an hour, and not forgetting anything behind. (I send Lucas and the nanny to my in-laws's place if I have to go to the office).

2. THEN: It was not a big deal to forget some items from the grocery shopping. Dropping by the supermarket is an easy task.
NOW: Being able to do grocery shopping twice a week is a luxury. By the time I am done with Lucas's grocery (his list goes like this- broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrots, mushroom, cheddar cheese, macaroni, sweet potatoes, eggs, apples, strawberry, banana, papaya, grapes, mangoes, fish, chicken, minced meat), I am too tired to think what I should do for my own meals. So, grocery usually means Lucas's food. We will just do take-away or Dominic's parents are kind enough to share with us their home cook meal. Bless them.

3. THEN: I have Lucas the whole day and usually wish he sleeps more so that I have more time to do my own things.
NOW: Officially, I have Lucas an hour before I starts work, an hour during lunch, and an hour and a half after office hour, before he goes to sleep. Now, I treasured his waking hours more, and I understand what it means to have quality time.

Looking back, taking a year off to take care of Lucas was a good decision, and can be better. I raise him the way I wanted it to be. There is no worry if the nanny or day care will change his routine/diet and confuses him. Now, I tell the nanny his routine and still manage to keep an eye (the beauty of working from home). The downside is, Lucas is extra clingy to me. He is like glued to me. Whenever he sees me, he will crawl to me, asking for attention. Hope this will not make him less independent.

Happy Birthday

Lucas celebrated his first birthday on Saturday. His grandma whom he called Omi baked him a cake - a healthy cake with less sugar and butter. It was a small event with Dominic's family and cousin. We gave Lucas his birthday cake and ice-cream. He was all happy throughout the 'party'. We had it during tea time.

Not that he is no longer a baby, he definitely tortured us this weekend. Cried when he is not being carried at home, cried when we put him in his car seat, cried when we put him on his stroller. We are just wondering if his running nose is causing him to be such a cry baby or he is showing us his true color?? Is this the beginning of his toddler-hood? Hope NOT!

First two days

Lucas greeted my first day of work with his running nose! It started on Sunday but got worse on Monday. He did not sleep well as his nose was blocked. He is breathing through his mouth now. We almost took him to the doctor yesterday but changed our mind after that. Thought maybe we should let his body build up his immune system by fighting the virus without any medication. When he woke up and cried again just now, we decided to take him to the doctor tomorrow for sure. Poor boy. Feel sorry that we let him 'suffer' .

First day of work was okay. My eyes (I was wearing contact lenses) were very dry after staring the the computer for 8 hours. I have a lot of e-training to do on my first week. By today, my second day, I had my notebook all setup for remote logon. From now on, I will be working mostly from home .. clap clap clap...
I am coming down with a sore throat..another sickko at home...

Urh..no time to upload pictures of Lucas. Will do it when I have more time hopefully.