Almost 1!

In the blink of an eye Liam is almost 1.

When Madison was born I had relatively more time and wrote in the blog frequently. When I look back at the old entries it's quite nostalgic and of course it seems all too easy then! One child to many adults... She is the lucky one.

By the time Annika came, the time crush started. Days began to become more stressful. It was hard trying to balance work, Madison's preschool schedule and finding time to spend with Annika. And as time passed, it actually got harder, because Madison took on more activities, and we got busy with work.

For a long time, I felt really guilty and sad towards Annika. I felt like I was shortchanging her, but honestly I didn't know how to relate to her. She was ( and is ) the most challenging of them and really brought the monster out in me. I try not to compare the 2 girls, but it's difficult. Where Madison is calm, composed  and easy to look after, Annika is loud, messy, attention seeking and fussy.

I started reading up articles online about middle child syndrome, and got even more anxious and paranoid. Was I damaging her spirit and self esteem?

Then I thought more about it. And read somewhere that we shouldn't make the middle child syndrome a big deal. There are many successful middle children, and the challenges that they face as a child make them stronger and more independent people.

Annika had a parent-teacher conference just last weekend. And she had a glowing report! I was quite amazed. Her teachers were very pleased with her progress--socially and developmentally. She is apparently quite an independent child in school and is able to socialize with most kids in class.

So I should focus on the positives and try to work on my relationship with her. I have to work on my patience and have trust and faith that things will be ok.


Liam is truly the baby of the family. He is progressing in leaps and bounds, and is starting to walk already... Warni and Mylene are encouraging him to walk... and I'm saying "no, no it's ok... he doesn't have to walk so quickly!!" He really gets the benefit of being the last child, so will enjoy the most relaxed parenting compared to his sisters.


We are going to have a birthday party for Liam and Annika on the 21st of June. Again... poor Annika has to share her birthday with Liam because I want to get the party over with before Chris leaves for Germany. I don't think I would have the motivation or energy to host a party while he is away.



Finally... our new house is almost ready. There is a final inspection on the 11th of June and bearing any complications we should receive our TOP ( temporary occupation permit). I also want to complete our move before Chris leaves because I think I would go mad trying to move by myself!



Oh.. one last thing... Primary one registration is set to be on 8th of July for Madison...