Maid Matters

I have previously blogged about choosing a maid. By the grace of God, He has provided a good maid for us. Nancy, a 36-year-old Filipina, was a transfer maid. She had only worked for a family for a month. Agency cited that the employer's ah ma didn't like her face (too fierce looking) hence returned her. Other than that, Nancy had worked for a family, taking care of 3 children from 2005-2007.

I noticed her when we were going through the biodata at the agency. She was the one who poured drinks for customers, arranged the chairs and even tended to Cavan when we talked to the staff. I casually asked about her and found out that she was a transfer maid. There had been advice not to take in a transfer maid, as there must be some reason the maid was rejected. Going against the grain, I took her. Afterall, she had served one employer for two years. Surely she couldn't be that bad.

My life was changed by her entrance. What I meant was beside having the household load off our shoulders, I found my perspective of life has also changed.

Funnily, the 1st question I asked myself was, how can we better her life? Many employers here viewed their maids as, well, maids. I saw her as a person under my custody. That I am also a steward. God had entrusted her life to us during this time she serves us. How do we take good care of her?

My parents also shared the same sentiments as me although we did not make it explicit. For my parents, who are non-Christians, their kindness towards her stemmed largely from their compassion towards those more disadvantaged. We'd usually let her eat before we do. I was glad Nancy was also taken good care of while we were at work.

There was one particular church service where we prayed for children. Usually, my first thoughts would hinge around my own kids. But at that service, I could only think of Nancy's 2 daughters (probably aged 6 & 9). I prayed for their safety and for God's providence to be upon them. And for Nancy to have a peace of mind while she works here. It must be difficult for family to be separated for such an extended period.

With her around, I found that my relationship with Clem, my parents and my in-laws improved tremendously. With Clem, I no longer needed to nag him to do this and that. We also had more time with our kids.

With my parents, we have more time to talk over dinner. In the past, my parents would be busy with washing and cleaning whenever we went for dinner. Now we can sit down and chat and chat.

Likewise for my in-laws. We have more time chatting and catching up with one another as we go over for dinner during weekends. And my father-in-law refused to let Nancy do any chores in his house when she offered to wash the dishes. He viewed her as a guest. So cute.

Indeed, I thank God for such an able helper. She was always ahead of me, without needing me to instruct her. When I noticed that it was raining and asked her to bring the clothes in, she already did. When I asked her to prepare Cavan's water bottle before going out, it was already in the bag. She observed the way I did things and the kind of preparation I had and would follow accordingly, without being told to. I was spared of the mental and emotional stress that most employers have.

This week, we would be gone for a holiday, leaving her behind with my parents. I'm usually not the sentimental sort but somehow, I feel sad leaving her here. I'm sure she would miss our kids too. As I was packing for the trip, she tried to help and I could sense her sadness about our absence.

As much as my initial refusal to regard her as family, I have no qualms to say that now, she is part of us.

Nancy carrying Verity

Reflections of a 1st-time Page Boy

Ah Gu Collin asked mummy months ago whether I could be the page boy for his wedding. Before mummy could answer, ah ma and ah gong screamed "Yes!"

My, my. The whole family was so busy on 16 Dec. Ah ma followed Ah Gu Collin playing the traditional role of an aunt to bring the suckling pig and what-nots to the bride's house in the wee hours. Ah Gu Stanley chauffeured the ah yis. Daddy and mummy were emcees for the dinner. Almost the whole family was mobilised! Only Verity had the luxury of sleeping, drinking milk and being entertained in the hustle and bustle. Not fair!

Everything went pretty well and I was happily throwing the rose petals in the floor when suddenly I heard "Pop! Pop!" I panicked. Was there a terrorist attack? No, there were the aunties popping the party poppers! I hate loud noises and began crying at the top of my voice! Grandaunt Judy panicked cos I stopped walking and thus the wedding couple could not carry on. Daddy and Mummy, on stage, were wondering why there was a delay mid-way.

Grandaunt cleverly distracted me by popping M&M's into my mouth while goading me to walk on. I managed to multi-task: crying while eating M&M's while walking while throwing rose petals on the floor. Daddy and Mummy were the most amused when they saw this scene but had to act unaffected and carry on the emceeing. I'm sure Ah Gu Collin and his bride were NOT amused.

Would I want to play this role again? I don't mind. Throwing things on the floor was fun and I don't get to do it often without being scolded. And it was great to be accompanied by a pretty gal. Just don't pop anything loud ok?

"It's so happening out there! I can only lie here and watch. Hmph!"

Mummy, can you get me a nicer suit next time? I look like a waiter here!

A last minute rehearsal with June Ah Yi guiding Jie Jie Melody and I

The dinner was taking too long to start! Daddy saved the day by feeding us cakes.

Grandaunt Judy and Grandunc Eric watched over Verity while Daddy and Mummy were on stage.

I'm stoning already

Getting ready for the act

Boy am I famished! Feasting on sharkfins soup over my rice

The yam seng was too loud!

After a night's work

Preparing for Family Trip to Taipei

We're going to Taipei, dragging along the brood and all. Well, if it's meant to be a vacation, why are we bringing along Verity? Cavan is no problem - tried and tested - fuss-free both as a travelling baby and toddler. Now, to bring 2 kids... we're really asking for it.

The reasons are simple: 1st, I'm still breastfeeding her. It sounds like less hassle to bring her along to offload the milk than to pump and pump before and during the trip. If I have to pump and store milk during the trip, then what vacation am I having? Direct feeding is easier.

2nd, her doting father decided that she should come along as well. She's now our family and if Cavan is coming on a trip with us, she should be in the family trip as well. Right. Like she's going to be permanently emotionally scarred for being left out of the family trip.

So the decision was made. We're all going during the expensive Christmas to New Year period. Clem is currently studying at Command and Staff College and he can't take leave till next year. This is the only window for a trip. At the same time, I've been so busy since I returned from maternity leave. Felt like I've done 2 months' worth of work in that one month. And I needed a break desperately. So we're paying premium to getaway.

Everything was done last minute (yea, I sort of like this kind of thrill). We're not going on a tour cos if I have to breastfeed every now and then, the programme's up by the time I finish feeding. Booked Jetstar budget flights and found that they were more expensive than normal flight. Will lose $$ if cancel. Have not been successful in getting hotels cos mostly were fully booked. Fortunately, managed to get one with much sourcing and prayers. We're not very savvy bookers and tend to do everything last minute, so always ended up spending more than needed.

Oh, and one more thing. Verity doesn't have a passport yet and Cavan needs to update his passport photo.

Other than that, we just need to pack for the trip and plan the itinerary. This is going to be twice the prep we did for last year's Korea trip. Maybe 3 times more.

All said, we're really looking forward to the adventure!

Confusion

Sometimes we adults can send such confusing messages to our kids! We, for one, are no exception.

"Don't take so long to eat your dinner. Eat quickly!"
"Don't eat so fast otherwise you'll choke!"

So Daddy/ Mummy, should I eat quickly or slowly?

"You're a big boy now, you must use the potty."
"No, you can't use the knife. You're too young!"

So Daddy/ Mummy, am I old enough or still too young?

"Huh? You woke up already? Go back to sleep!"
"Quickly, wake up! Late already!"

So Daddy/ Mummy, when should I have more sleep and when to wake up quickly?

Daddy, Mummy, I'm so confused!