Another round of knocks.

What's new? Luca knocked his head again twice in a night. One from falling on his own while walking and the other was a knock from my elbow.

Both times he cried for less than 15 seconds. Ok. Maybe 30.

And both times I didn't rush to his aid. I just laughed at him until he stopped crying and laughed with me. Or at least he tried to laugh but couldn't bring himself to do so.

He must have been thinking how cruel his dad is to him especially ignoring his cries with laughter.

I guess for kids, laughter is perhaps a better cure.

Basketball.

A few of us got together for a basketball game. Four fathers.

I guess amongst us I can be labeled the weakest - in stamina and speed.

Basketball isn't one of my favourite ball game. Didn't play much in school as I preferred soccer.

As age catches up, the reflexes don't seem right anymore. It feels as if there's a lagging time. Low bandwidth maybe.

As I sit on the sides watching the other three fathers play against teenagers of college age, I sit and think back of my teenage years.

I was very active in sports. My stamina was likely best among the four of us but today they lasted much longer.

I guess it's just pure lack of discipline on my part to not keep up a healthy lifestyle.

Bad.

一

A lousy dad ..

Frankly, I haven't really done much for my boy. Other than playing with him, reading books and teaching him how to appreciate music I have never really played the role of a father.

I don't bathe him. Don't change his diapers. Don't make milk nor feed him and worst, I don't even want to be alone with him.

OK. I'll let the cat out of the bag. Sandy has some work to do this evening and thus I have to spend the night with the little one.

It's not that I don't wish to be alone with him but it is because I am afraid I do not know his needs. I don't wish to get into that panicky mode whereby he cries and I feel stranded not knowing how to react.

Yes. That surely makes me a lousy dad.

Well, I have to be thankful that my parents are wiling to stay up late for their grandchild. Help put him in bed and make sure he falls asleep before I take over. Importantly, clean diapers.

Unfortunately shortly after they left, the rascal cried. I don't know for what reason but he cried and I had to carry him up. He cried for a short 30 seconds and that's because I shot a pacifier right into this mouth.

I shut him up. Placed him beside me and tried to pat him back to sleep. He tossed, turned and looked irritated. I didn't know what to do so I turned on the music for him hoping it'll do the trick. Well, it did but only for a short while.

So I decided to put a soft pillow over his head. Don't worry. I wasn't suffocating him. It's just that the glare from the television may be the cause of him being irritated. And now he is sleeping soundly beside me.

I can hear him snore.

So with what I have described above, will that categorize me as a lousy dad? Definitely.

I know of fathers who can do everything on their own without the help of their better half (except breast feed of course) and i have to say these fathers sure have my respect. You know who you are ... : )

Therefore those lucky wives who have capable husbands ... please do give lots of love and attention to your hubby and tell them how wonderful they have been because if they behaved like me .. your hair will turn white faster.

Just take a look at Sandy.

Walking too quickly ...

These days Luca refuses to crawl. After all wouldn't walking be faster?

He is walking well and now learning to make quick dashes. Straight dashes and the occassional sharp turn where he'll end up bumping his head on the ground.

Over the weekend he bumped his head on the floor thrice. Yes. Three times.

Part and parcel of growing up. Sometimes avoidable. Sometimes not. But I have to say he is quite good at breaking his fall. Still landing on the head though.

Other than walking, he is engrossed with his drum set which I have set up for him.

Using two drum sticks, he'll smash the hi-hat and toms while his foot tries beating the bass drum.

Let's hope he'll have enough interest to pick up lessons in the future. Drumming and playing the piano will make a good combination.

Like Yoshiki.















.... hideKraM on the go ....

Using the cane ...

I recently invested on a cane for a dollar. Surely cheaper than a belt ...

So I used them hard this morning on Luca's right hand. He was constantly throwing things around. Remote controls. His drum set. Books.

There are things which I can tolerate and some I can't. Throwing things around is a no no for me. Especially when they are not meant for that purpose.

So I hit him thrice on his right hand. Or was it four ... One of which landed on his knuckles. He frowned and held back his tears.

He learnt his lesson the painful way. So did I after seeing his skin swell from the beatings. But there was no other way to teach him. Reasoning out with him at this age is not possible.

Action speaks louder than words.

It broke my heart really. I felt like I stabbed myself. But there is no way I can convince myself to ignore his irresponsible actions and bad behaviour. Someone has to teach him ....

The cane will.







.... hideKraM on the go ....

A children's playground ...

On Sunday, a group of good friends got together with their little princes and princess at an indoor playground and the result of such an activity - fatigue fathers.

I guess not only the little ones had their fair share of exercise but the fathers too after running after the small ones and worst, bending their backs to catch their fall. Tiring.

Luca played almost one and the half hours non stop. He enjoyed the unrestricted activity of throwing balls while playing at the 'ball pool'.

He climbed the various obstacles like mini slopes and even tried on the slide. Reluctant at first but he enjoyed it after a few tries.

My naughty one ended up so tired at lunch he fell sleep while lying on my tummy. Maybe the beer belly was better cushion.

.... hideKraM on the go ....