I'm back......

A full week at work has passed.....I'm now beginning my second week.

Things have been moving fast and I've been trying to keep a balance between work and family. I must admit the family is benefiting from my efforts.

Keane has shown much development in his speech. He is quite good at catching tunes and can sing a few songs very well. His pronunciation needs work but his pitch is very good. Am I beginning to sound like an American Idol judge? I believe he really needed our attention. My recent full time spell at home gave him much of my time and I feel closer to him. He has also shown more restraint in his behaviour, except when he is playing which is typical of most children. He has picked up our singlish phrases like "aiyo" and has the sweetest way of expressing his distress with "Oh NO!"

Xavier has become more matured for his age and is demonstrating his abilities to be an elder brother. Some of the things he said recently made me laugh:

I injured my finger while closing the gate of our main door. Don't ask me why or how I did it since I have no answer. Guess my brain was in sleep mode.
Mom: Oh no, I injured my finger when I was closing the door.
Xavier: It's ok, just put a plaster and go to sleep. When you wake up, it will be ok already!
I wonder if this is a demonstration of the way we show our love while trying to teach him to be strong.

Keane was fiddling with a book recently. Xavier went to him and took the book.
Xavier: Come Keane, read this....Hop...Hop on Pop!
Keane: silence......
Xavier: Come on Keane, just try your best. Hop....say Hop.
Keane: silence......
Xavier: Keane, it's very easy....Hop....say Hop....Hop on Pop!
Keane: Don't want!!! (and off he ran)
I hope this shows that he has learnt a lesson from us. We always try to teach him that to try his best is an achievement itself.

Ryan has started walking on his own albeit unsteadily. He is also showing his own character. He has a habit of snatching toys from his brothers. Whenever he doesn't get them, he will go to his dad to complain and cries till he gets what he wants. All his tantrums are forgotten with his endearing smile which brightens up your day. He has a long way to go......

Recently my focus on work is self discipline. I'm trying to exercise discipline in how I plan my schedule and how I balance my time between work and family. I'm also trying to put in some time for exercise. I tried going for a jog again on Sunday, after a one week break. I'm far from what I call fit. But I'm giving myself a bit of time to get to it.

We're planning a trip to the zoo this Saturday and I hope we do make it......

This week's motivational quote:
Discipline is the bridge between Goals and Accomplishments.