Raeann Started Walking at 16 Months!

Wow... thanks to the lazy mummy here, it has been almost a year since I updated this blog!
Time flies and Raeann is growing up at an ultra F1 speed!
Sometimes I feel that I am missing part of her growing up journey, but well that's life, you gain some you lose some right?
I don't think I can survive being a SAHM, the boredom and lack of social interaction can kill me.
Being a SAHM without a maid is worse than being a "tortured" teacher with tonnes of work waiting for her... haha maybe it's real exaggerating, but just an analogy here.
I do appreciate the help of my Indonesian maid for 7 years, who takes real good care of little Raeann, thus allowing me to go to work with some peace of mind.
I think I would really worry more if Raeann is at some Auntie babysitter's place or at an infant care centre!

Looking back now, I realised that I was rather emotionally unstable when I returned to work during Term 4 last year.
My tears would fall almost every night, and I got so easily irritable.
Now I understand that post natal blues just appear without a trace and it is real difficult to fight it.
I guess I got over post natal blues with a supportive hubby and my personal strength by trying hard to be positive.
The year end holidays helped as well.
It was not an easy journey, but that definitely won't put me off from having another baby!
It is such a blessing to have a child, especially with a cutie like my little Raeann Claire. =))

Not posting much photos here, as there are sooo many nice photos of Raeann (taken by Hubby Chris of cos) which I prefer to post in Facebook.
Just wanna record this down here... Raeann could finally walk on her own at 16 months 1 week!
She has been cruising for months and managed a few steps on her own for the past 1 month, and it was kinda a torture waiting for her to walk!
Peer pressure was indeed imminent, most babies could walk independently by 12-13months, hence Raeann was really slow and late!
I do hope there is some truth in old people's saying that when girls start walking later, they enjoy a better life.
Let's hope this applies for my little sociable active thing. *smile*

Hubby Chris was overseas for 10weeks from 9 June to 17 Sep 2010, and I survived single motherhood with ease.
Thank god that Raeann is indeed a mild-tempered baby, who can play on her own and able to soothe herself most of the time.
Rarely, she would cry out loud or wail for a reason.
Not sure whether this is the effect of BabyPlus, Raeann does exhibit the stated traits of a BabyPlus baby!
I must say, I am real happy with the results, and you can bet your entire fortune that I would DEFINITELY use BabyPlus for my #2 and recommend it to my friends in future! =)

Now that Raeann has almost turned 1.5 years old, I guess it is time for me to find a school for her.
I don't think I wanna send her to a half day or full day childcare.
Frankly speaking, I seriously don't see the point of sending her for all sorts of enrichment and lessons from such a young age.
Do they really learn that much?
Rather than letting a toddler attend exhorbitant-charging enrichment classes, we would rather bring her to the zoo, beaches or be close to the nature.
We would rather let her attend a 2 or 3 hours playgroup, than succumb her to the threats of different childhood diseases like HFMD.
Childcare can wait till #2 comes along.
Moreover, the high fees of childcare just doesn't justify to me, especially the steep fees charged by those so-called "branded" childcare.
I just did a small survey with my P4 students from the top class.
Almost 1/3 of the class attended PAP kindergarten and not some "branded" ones, yet they are doing well in their studies.
Of course, I would still let Raeann attend classes when she is slightly older and attend a carefully childcare.
I do not need Raeann to be some top students, as long as she can move up smoothly and be able to get a local degree, we would be really happy for her already.
Meanwhile, we just continue our financial planning for her.
Full hospitalisation coverage, accident coverage and education savings plan.
I guess we would try to provide what we can for her within our financial limits.
Our wish?
Raeann to grow up with good moral values, and most importantly, healthily and to lead a smooth and happy life.
I guess that's what all parents wish for. =)