I am a mother of an eight month old daughter. Prior to her arrival, I had no idea what motherhood or fatherhood really meant. Was it supposed to be a struggle or an enjoyable time of bonding? I had no answers then. Now that she has arrived, I am happy that she did and am enjoying every moment of it.

Her arrival meant fewer hours of sleep, no lazy sundays, no movies, no concerts, no leisurely buffets. However, we embraced the joys of parenthood and happily traded all these for that once in a lifetime opportunity to wholly care for her, provide for her and be with her.

My husband and myself decided that she should be cared for by ourselves. I count myself extremely fortunate that my husband assumes the role of the primary caregiver to our little girl while I am at work. He has been great.

On a typical weekday, my husband will care for our little girl while I am at work. He juggles between work from home and caring for her during the day.

My part is to ensure that her daily milk and food supplies are sufficiently stocked.

"Mummy the Chef" will be in the kitchen by 6.30am. That's when I start preparing her foods, followed by expressing of milk. By 8am, I will be out of the house and my husband takes over. He will feed her, bathe her and play with her. By 6pm, I will be back and will feed her dinner, nurse her, play with her and read to her. Our little girl keeps active till about midnight.

So, we will engage her till then. After tucking her in bed (and if energy level permits), we will catch up with each other for a while.

Weekend mornings are spent on catching up with household maintenance.
Weekend afternoons and evenings are reserved for family outings. We have always made it a point to engage in activities that can comfortably accomodate her. So far, every outing has been a family affair except for days of official and formal engagements, and then either one of us will be at home with her.

A "little" sacrifice will ensure that she continues to be immersed in parental care and love. A little planning will ensure that she continues to receive her supply of mother's milk and home cooked food everyday.

We hardly have time for anything else.

Despite the sleep deprivation and more, we seem to possess an amazing strength to soldier on. This must be the power of parental love.

Her every smile and chuckle brighten our days and fill our hearts with warmth. We derive immense joy out of caring for her and watching her every moment of the day.
Her arrival made me a better person and has taught me the meaning of unconditional love.

I must be richly blessed.

- Carrie