Parenting

I thought being a mom is easy, but I was wrong.  I decided to stop working in Riyadh because of my daughter. I wasn’t able to spend most of my time with her for two years and I really regretted it.  She smiled shyly and hesitated to hug me the first time she saw me in the airport.  But as soon as she saw her dad, she jumped with excitement. I admitted, I was so jealous that time.  She didn’t even want me to carry her because she said she’s heavy.  So I accepted her reason.  But as days passed, I even regretted more why I left her on the most delicate days of her childhood.  She would always call daddy if she needed something.  She wanted daddy to give her a bath, change her clothes, comb her hair and others.  I just sat there watching them hugging and tickling each other while we fought most of the time.  She always cried if I reprimanded her and I told my hubby he made my daughter a spoiled brat but honestly, I was just frustrated.  For two weeks, my daughter and I had this love-hate relationship.  I don’t want us to fight everyday so I changed my strategies.  I tried to be with her without her daddy.  We studied, sang, danced or even played temple run together.  While daddy was busy working, we would rumble in bed as I tickled her until she laughed her heart out.  We even took a bath together and she scrubbed my face with soap.  I let her washed her clothes while I am doing the laundry or put the vegetables in the pot while I am cooking.  These are small things but paid a lot.  Nowadays, she usually says “I love you” first and gives me with small kisses.  My heart is really overjoyed. Now, I am starting to work again.  Though, I am not earning as much as I was before but I have never been happy like this.  

Mikka and Me :)

To my dear friend Jarmie, who is a very dedicated mom to Mavi, my sister in law Mariton, who is a loving mom to Travis, my Aunt Tess and Aunt Jo who devoted themselves in serving their family, I salute all of you.  And to those mothers who spend their time away from their family, I believe that God will someday grant the deepest desires in your heart.   I have been in your situation and I know how hard it is to be far from the ones you loved. To y best friend Sefa and Jared, in God's perfect time, both of you will be reunited. 

Jarmie and Mavi :)

Mariton and Travis :)

Sefa and Jared :)