#39 Crankiness

This is going to be a really short post, because it is really difficult to be grateful for crankiness. If anything, at least we know she's alive and kicking, and it'll gradually and painfully increase our patience. Also, we feel for her as she's hardly getting any sleep during the day.

Now excuse us while we go pacify her. As the picture suggests, she's turning our world upside-down.

#38 Ambigrams

I'm forever grateful to Jade, an itinerant ambigrammist (?) at NIE, who introduced me to the art of ambigrams. What other gift can scream 'unique' like a one-of-a-kind combination of two names, that can be read right-side-up and upside-down?

I've since honed my skill somewhat, and dare say I now have my own style, though I still lack speed. This is for all the students I've taught since 2008, all of whom have a little piece of me in their wallets. I know this because they show it to me on Teacher's Day every year.

#37 Facebook

How else was my sister, who is now studying in Perth, supposed to let me know in an instant that she found a Coke bottle with my daughter's name on it? Only by the power of Zuckerberg.

Just had a conversation today about the benefits of Facebook. I narrowed it down to staying connected with people I should be closer with, and sharing my life with these people.

Now, especially with my sister on another continent, will I truly appreciate Facebook, Skype, MSN, and any other app that brings us closer.

As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Or was that 'out of sight, 'out of mind'?

#36 Burps

There's little more satisfying than a timely burp. After a ill-advisedly heavy meal, nothing (apart from Eno) feels better than a barbaric belch. Even internal burps are gratifying.

Little did I know that someone else's burp would be more pleasing than my own. Sarah burping after a feed is essential for her to feel comfortable. It requires us to contort Sarah in all kinds of positions and takes ages to get her to do so. But when she finally does, it's music to our ears.

#35 Pram pushers

Without prompting, many of the people we go out with offer to either carry Sarah or push the pram. It really does make it easier when we go out with Sarah and gives Jasmine and I a chance to have a life. Thanks everybody thanks!

#34 Agape Life Groups

Thank God for supportive brothers and sisters in Christ. They truly provide a helping hand in time of our need. Catching on a flippant comment by Jasmine that we needed a bottle warmer, our ALG bought it the day before service and presented it the next day. Now, that's a thoughtful gift. Thanks, one and all!

#33 Pacifier

That one object can hold infants in such thrall. Unfortunately, Sarah's keeps spitting hers cos she can't get the grip on it. But the silence that ensues when she does get it right is sweet. There're arguments for and against pacifiers, but I do see that it soothes her when she is troubled. Just have to be careful when weaning her off it.