Nadiah Alwi

Normally, when it comes to parenthood, I write it down at my other blog about kids and parenthood (in Indonesian). But, now, it’s not me being my baby Hana’s parent, but more like me being a parent…or other people being parents.

Nothing is more important than the child(ren)’s happiness for parents. At least, every time I see my daughter’s smile, I feel like everything is okay.

Parents would do anything to make their kids happy, to protect their kids. Anything.

And, I kindly did that within these few days. And, seeing my Hana smiled and looked so happy, nothing was more important. No matter what I had to go through, it was nothing compared to that beautiful smile.

Yet, I can’t expect the same thing from other people. So, being a parent differs from one person and another. No expectation is a lot better than the contrary.

What makes me happy about being a parent might be something that make other parents irritated. And, what they find enjoyable being parents might also be something that I can’t stand.

So, being a parent, you can’t be judgmental about other parents’ opinion or decision. No, you can’t.

By the way, I like the new series, Parenthood.

Frankly speaking, this is not my first, yet I can’t tell you how many teeth had gone out of my mouth though. Yes, I’ve just got my tooth taken!

One thing for sure. Getting your tooth taken is worse than giving birth — talking about the take and give here ;). After a labor, you have a gorgeous little baby with you. Yet, this…no baby. No tooth! What you’ve got is only gum that hurts a lot. And, yes, of course, blood.

Now I’m eating rice congee. Not actually eating it, I simply swallow it.

Mom made her famous delicious risoles and sent some for me. And, there is no way I can eat them. Not even one!

Too much complaining, aren’t I? But, hey, I think I have the right to do so. Considering that I have just lost a tooth. Oh my, it still hurts. Hm…yes, I have taken the pills that the dentist gave me. Hope they do their job well. They did this afternoon.

Now, will you excuse me, I need to take a rest — although, to be honest, writing and/or working helps get rid of the pain a bit.

[Picture by Tory Byrne]