TOYS sale!

Yup, it;s officially financial year end sale. I woke up bright and early to get my little girl's toys. A new plastic Dora cubby house, a tea set , some DvDs and a little plastic kitchen toy for her to do her imaginary cooking.

Thank goodness Milly (Mother-in-Law) was here to help load the heavy stuff. The cubby box is HUGE and we had to tear it open to it into my SUV. The bill ran up to 187 but not bad for discounted items and I have been pouring over the brochure for a week to decide which toys were worth buying.

Funny thing is milly did not nag me for buying the toys. I think my little girl have made her very tired and she can be entertain with the toys, on cold winter days! It;s quite chilly these days. July being the mid winter months. Even I am feeling sore because I really like some sunshine and gloomy days only make me miss home further.

All I know is she does need some basic toys that will last her for a few months and keep her occupied while the weather turns warmer.

I know what most people think, are toys really necessary but due to the lack of people helping me keeping her entertain, it is a vital strategy to keep her learning, happy and well adjusted.

As for the selection of toys, I do look for something sturdy, well made, educational, functional, easy to clean, something she likes and suitable for her age. She is not 3 yet, so I have to be careful of choosing parts that she can potentially choke on.

My partner dun really like me spending lavishly on her but I do budget on what is suitable for her and whether it is truly a good bargain. Dun get me wrong, even with toys, I still need to participate in her play so as to enhance her learning and speech. My council nurse is still chasing me for teaching her words and all.

We shall have to see how long would the toys keep her happy.

My pride and Joy

When people tell you that having a child will change the way you look at the world, they were not kidding.

Lyanne is my pride and joy.

being a new comer...

I dun have any clue to why I even bothered migrating to a foreign land and think that I can start a family here without facing any consequences. I convinced myself it was THE right thing to do but it has become more than a personal challenge. Somehow I am pushing myself to the limits.

My mother-in-law is convinced that I will not be able to handle two little children by myself. I leave it to God for any unanswered question about how I will cope with that challenge. Lots of people do it here. Bringing up their family with very limited help or family support.

I am however, ready for the challenge. Even with Lya, my personal struggle to get to where I am never fails to amaze me that it;s pure effort and pure good faith in personal perseverance.

Quitting is never an option. Life still goes on. That;s the real secret. There is NO secret formula in how one prevails under extreme conditions.

I simply believe that you just have to take the first steps and falls several times, ON your face. Pick yourself up and try again. Somehow, you will get there. Oh, Be careful when one is wishing for things to happen because you can never tell what makes you happy in the end.

Motherhood is all about comprimising your old life, letting go of the past and embracing the future.

It is the single most life changing journey that I have ever encounter.

and I am still learning.

In the beginning

It all started without any warning and she came unexpectedly after my water broke at 3.03am, 9 November 2008.

My partner rushed us to Mercy Woman's Hospital on Heideiberg and before long, Little Lyanne Zhang appeared , weighing at 3.99kg.

No words can prepared anyone who has not been through pregnancy or labor pains. People may be foolish enough to try and give you advice but in the end, it all boils down to personal experience.

I wish I knew what I know now as Lyanne turns 20 months and I am again, pregnant with a second child. Thus, I am building my own empire of little troopers in my new found home, Melbourne.

This is my journey....