"Pah Pah... Mah Mah"

"Pa pa!"

"Ma Ma!"

These 2 words that I have uttered countless times in my life to my dear parents suddenly become so precious and something to die for... when I become a parent myself. These simple words instantly became music to the ears when it is uttered from the mouth of my own child.

I have interviewed a couple of mummies and they told me that their children learnt to call "Pa pa" first.

And Charis is no exception too :)

On 6th May 2009 ~ 7 months 12 days, Charis lunged out "Bu.. Bua.. Ba.. Pah.. Pah!" We were first taken surprise, then got excited over her new found baby language. Daddy was beaming with smiles of satisfaction from ear to ear as she repeated those words, swinging her arms and legs. Mummy was happy too, and at the same time wondered when will be her turn?

Well, Charis didn't forget her mummy.

Last night on our way back home in the car, Charis was hungry and kept crying out for milk. I was trying to keep my composure and mixing the formula as quickly as I can in the midst of the commotion when suddenly Charis screamed out in frustration,"Mah.. Mah.. Mah!!!" Hey wait a minute! Isn't this supposed to be a picture pretty moment when I hold her in my arms, and then our eyes meet while she lovingly utters,"Mah.. Mah"??

None of that sort! Yet the imperfection didn't overshadow our excitement and laughter as she continued screaming for mummy... Ha ha... It's not fun when a full grown adult loses control and screams out at others, but it's cute when a baby does that cos that's who they are... No fear, no control, and they will always be free to display any kind of emotions or do anything they want anywhere and anytime :)

Becoming a parent allows me to understand what is thanksgiving in a new light - I am thankful for a smile on my child's face, thankful that she drank well and ate well, thankful for a good night's sleep she had, thankful for the sparkle in her eyes as we gazed at each other, thankful for those special moments when we lie beside each other and burst out laughing as soon as we turned towards each other, thankful for the babyish giggles when I tickled her.. Thankful that she knows how to utter "Pah pah" and "Mah mah" though she may not yet fully understand the meaning of it.. And many more.

There's a price to pay along the way cos life is never quite the same when I become a mother, but it also comes with a volume of joy and satisfaction indescribable.

That's parenthood. It's a unique blend of tears and joy :)

I shall bookmark this special day : 22 May 2009 ~ 7 months 28 days