My main highlights:
1. Learning to be mummy.
I gave birth to Leia in December 2013. So 2014 really was about me learning how to be a parent... From the basics of feeding my child, changing diapers, bathing her... Trying to soothe her when she cries. Getting her to sleep at night or nap in the day.
Struggling with lost sleep and emotional coaster rides post delivery. Getting used to loss of me and couple time.
Becoming mentally stronger to deal with all challenges because I love Leia so much.
I believe I've grown in ways that hard to describe in words. If you're a mummy, you would understand.
2. Watching Leia grow up so so fast.
They always say children grow up so fast. And it's especially true in their 1st year! It's amazing how they transform from a little newborn to a toddler at one year old. The 1st year yields the most milestones!
A lot of 2014 holds moments of me delighting in Leia doing new things.
3. Renovation and moving into our home at Punggol.
Yes, we moved into our very own home on 30th April this year. Designed just the way we wanted. Having your own place to stay is seriously one of the best joys and milestones in life.
You have your own space to create memories for your own family. A place to seek comfort and rest from the outside world. A place to do anything you want!
After moving in, I've learnt how to grocery shop and manage the household. Now I can proudly say that I'm capable of grocery shopping own my own and I do it very systematically! Lol.
3. Engaging a helper and becoming an employer.
We hires a domestic helper from Philippines when we knew we were going to move to Punggol.
We're so thankful to have her help and stay with us. She's good with Leia, which is the most important thing since I've gone back to working flexi time.
I've learnt how to become an employer, which isn't easy. There are many things to balance. You have to treat your helper right yet at the same time, maintain authority and assertiveness at times.
4. Going back to work after half a year of maternity leave.
Honestly, I was dreading going back to work because I wanted to spend more time with Leia. But it turned out well because working kept my mind active and busy.
And I had an interesting project to do when I went back so it was a good experience. I was lucky to be offered the option to work flexi time, until 3pm everyday so that I can go back early to Leia =). Really thankful for that.
5. Completing a major work project in September.
I learnt so much during this project and met some really fantastic mentors who are so patient to guide me and the team.
6. Couple trip to Hong Kong in December!
We enjoyed the trip immensely, especially since we haven't travelled in a while. We had much couple time needed to connect with each other again.
7. Leia's 1st birthday party!
8. Our 2nd year Anniversary.
We celebrated simply by having dinner at Ambush then watched Hobbit at PS. I originally planned to have a fancy dinner at Black Swan with G but we felt it was more us to do the former.
9. Celebrating our first Christmas as a family and at our own home!
We invited my family over to have a cosy Christmas celebration during lunch. Always nice to have family around.
I remember how my mum, brother and I would celebrate Christmas by going to town together and see the lights. Such memories are precious.