Ocassionally, Clare would have to work long hours at the office and I would end up bringing Chloe home all by myself. I would pick her up from the childcare centre, wash her hands, and fill up her Dora water bottle before we head home. Once back home, I would shower Chloe, dress her in her pajamas and make her a big warm bottle of milk. We would cuddle and spend some time in the living room either playing with her toys or reading story books. As I put her to bed and quietly watch her fall asleep, I can't help but think to myself "Gosh, she's beautiful.....". I am overwhelmed by a feeling that is difficult to articulate.........I guess, just like a cup of hot coffee on a cold rainy day, she warms my soul.
Past conversations with friends and colleagues on the topic of starting a family has truly been an eye opener. There is a spectrum of diversified opinions - ranging from those who can't imagine living life without kids, to those who just don't fancy them at all. Looking back, let's just say I was previously somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. I never did spend a lot of time with kids, which was probably why I was always apprehensive about how I would cope as a parent. How things have changed..........all I can say now is that even if you feel that you don't connect well with children, you WILL definitely love your own child. You will inevitably love them more than yourself. It may sound grossly cliche', but having your own child instils a sense of selflessness in a person.
The challenges and rewards of being a parent are unique - it is an experience which only parents would comprehend. It can be thoroughly exhausting, but utterly satisfying. Kids can make you laugh under the strangest and funniest circumstances - take Chloe for example. Clare would sometimes punish Chloe by sending her to a "naughty corner", complete with a good old-fashioned scolding that is accompanied by the ever-reliable cane (for scaring effect....haha). Guess what........Chloe subsequently began mimicking her mommy by placing her own piglet Nana at the same designated "naughty corner" and gave Nana a good scolding using the same cane!!! Hahaha......
