How long have you become a parent?

I told Hubby one day that no matter how many children we have, the eldest child’s birthday is always special. Why? Because it is a sign of how long we have become a parent.

In our case, yesterday (Sunday) marks our third anniversary as parents. 3 years of parenting…and I still got lots more to learn.

Our Ashraff turns 3 on 5th August 2007. 3 years have passed, but I still remember every single detail of the day Ashraff was born. The arrangement in the labour room, the TV show that was shown at that time, how the nurse who attended me looks like, how I refused to have any pain killer, but later surrender to having pethidine, how long I was in the labour room (9 hours - 5 hours in labour and 4 hours of constant monitoring after the labour coz I had a heavy bleeding), the look on Ashraff's face the very first time I hold him in my arms, how clueless I was in breastfeeding Ashraff for the first time...ahhh...a long list of that significant event in my life.

Time really flies. Now, that boy of mine is already 3 years old. I can’t believe that he’s a big boy already. He is as charming and cheeky as ever. A joker in the house that make us all laugh with the unexpected things that came out from his mouth. But of course, this joker could also be the one that makes my darah bugis goes upstairs. I’ve been reading and re-reading the book “Cool Mum, Super Dad” few times in hope that I’ll be able to apply some of the advices given in my daily parenting life.

And this year, unlike the past 2 years, Ashraff knows the meaning of birthday. He was so happy the moment he opened his eyes in the morning, and found me laying besides him singing birthday song.

And for the whole day of yesterday, he has been singing to himself “Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to Ashraff, Happy Birthday to You”. Perfect pronunciation with perfect tune. We were not aware that he knows how to sing that song until he actually sang it. He must have learnt from all the birthday parties that he attended too.

This year is also special coz this time around Ashraff has school friends and teacher that he can share this special day with. So, as mentioned in my earlier post, we celebrated his 3rd birthday at his school.

The cake-cutting ceremony was held during the 15-mins snack time. Ms. Van was kind enough to let us have the simple occasion for Ashraff. Ashraff’s eyes lighted up the moment he saw the Spiderman cake we bought for him.

The birthday boy, dressed in the personalized t-shirt I made for him, was extremely excited when Ms Van, Citra (the assistant) and all his friends sang birthday song for him. And this year Ashraff could blew his candle perfectly (just one shot), of course, with the help of few of his also excited friends.

Tok Abah, Tok Mak, Bibik and Aliff also tagged along as they want to witness that very special occasion. I also made chocolate wrappers for Ashraff’s friends and teacher and I let Ashraff gave it to all his friends. He hesitated every time he handed the chocs though coz he wants the all of them to himself. Ahh, the possesive Ashraff!

Tengoklah muka tak puashati Ashraff...hehe...

It was a short and simple event, but all in all, I am thrilled that Ashraff got to enjoy this moment. Oh, I got to meet the very preggy Mommy Nael for the first time. She brought along some chocolates for Ashraff. Thanks a lot!

To Ashraff, the past 3 years has been the most wonderful and rewarding time of our life. You were the one who teaches me the meaning of responsibility and patience. Having you, I learnt to become a motivator, a teacher, a singer, a story-teller, a negotiator, a handy man…and lots of other different roles that I have to switch from day to day. It’s tiring but I never regretted any of it. I just hope it’ll never end. Happy 3rd Birthday, my son! Hope you have a good year ahead…

Love, Ibu.


****************************

Oh, oh, people. We managed to pick a name for CMOG's giveaway. Pls check my other blog to see whether your name is choosen...