16 Days 17 Nights

Papa was on block leave for the past 2 weeks... which was partly why I went on the "semi-hibernating" mode in my blog... and today he has gone back to work. I thought it was such an enriching period of our lives that it deserves a blog entry specially dedicated to it.

"Where's my remote control?"

It all started when Ah Gong Ah Mah needed a 10-day vacation from us (Hokkaido). I was a little concerned that I was not able to cope alone at home. Fortunately, Papa needed to take his block leave so I quickly got him to coincide his leave with the dates that Ah Gong Ah Mah would be away. Great idea... I would get some help at home and he could do some fixing around (revival of the anti-procrastination campaign).

At first it was really tough, papa and I found it almost impossible to function in sync. Papa just wanted to relax, play with Sophie and maybe help out here and there a bit. I, on the other hand, hoped that the things around the house could finally be fixed with Papa's help... on top of the daily chores (and maybe take a break somehow). So you could picture a naggy wife telling the irritated hubby to do this and that while he was sitting on the couch watching TV... Fortunately, Papa soon caught the rhythm of the daily functioning and began to play the same tune with me.

The first thing he learnt was the importance of "routine" to Sophie. Prior to that, he did not quite appreciate what I tried to establish for Sophie daily. Whenever I asked him to look after her, he would put her in the play yard until I took over. It was frustrating because I had to be always around to tell him what to do next or do it myself. I mean... I had to tell him it was time for her bath, her breakfast, and her nap... etc. Sometimes, he could not understand why I got angry at him for "no reason" on weekends when he was around. Well, now he knows.

He is a different man now... he knows Sophie's schedule well and he is able to take care of Sophie when I am not around. He can appreciate that if certain tasks have not been done promptly, others would be delayed and Sophie would be cranky as a result. For instance, she had to bathe before breakfast and take a nap after. If we delay the bath, she would be too tired to eat and refuse her food. In the end, we would have to clean up the mess. Not to mention her nap time would have passed and she would have difficulty falling asleep then.

Another lesson Papa learnt was the "poo" test. It is a series of 3 tests to ascertain if Sophie has poo-ed. The first test is the audio test... Sophie would strain and "ern... ern..." very subtly. If he misses that, there is the smell test that he can perform. Finally, if he suspects that Sophie has already done the inevitable... he can do the sight test and check through the side of her diapers. Usually, I only perform the audio test because I watch her closely... but Papa did not even bother until I told him Sophie had poo-ed. But, for the past few days he could tell me straight away to change her.... very pro now. I think Papa has become more sensitive and observant towards Sophie... Way to go, Papa!!!

Another accomplishment worth mentioning is that Papa has gained a new understanding of what goes on domestically. He realised that Mama is not idling at home and there is endless chores to be done everyday. Usually on weekdays, he comes back at night, does a bit of chores and plays with Sophie before he sleeps. And on weekends, we go out. He never got the chance to really notice the leaking heater or the already washed clothes to be kept. Now, he recognises all the hard work needed... and he takes initiative in doing some of the chores. So proud of Papa!

In a nutshell, we are finally in sync at home. I love it because I do not have to nag at him and lose my temper. He seems happy too that he is more involved in Sophie's schedule. Honestly, I think we need to be in sync to exist as a family... at least at home anyway... This morning, after a teary goodbye at the door... Papa said, "Sophie, Papa miss you already (muack muack muack)... and of course Mama too (muack)... Darn! I'm going to miss those cartoons on Disney Channel..." Well, Papa... Mama miss your presence at home too!

"Sesame Street... as we remember it..."