It was only when I was pregnant with Kate that I started noticing how caring and thoughtful #3 was. I had a very difficult pregnancy and was bed-bound for most of the 9 months. Initially, the kids were all very helpful, but they got tired of it and slowly became less and less helpful. Except for #3. Even till the end, she never hesitated or gave any excuse when I called for her. She pushed me to the toilet on the study chair, brought my food to the room, fed me on days when I couldn’t even feed myself, and dressed me when I had to make a trip to the doctor’s. I could be calling her throughout the day to fetch things for me and she always paused what she was doing and came to me. Ever since then, and after the birth of Kate, her character has really started to show, and I can say that there is not much more I can ask for in a child.
2 weeks ago she said, “Mum, is it ok if I take boy for a movie after school tomorrow?” I was slightly taken aback as #5 is only 7, and none of them has taken him out alone. “I asked him if he wants to watch the Lego movie and he said that his friends have watched it and he wants to watch it too. I know you are very busy so I can take him there by bus. Don’t worry mum, we’ll be fine.” Deep in my heart, I knew they would be fine as #3 is very independent and also very nurturing. Besides, the bus goes all the way to the terminal so there won’t be any roads to cross. I allowed them to go and told them I would pick them back so that they’ll be in time for dinner. It suddenly hit me that my kids have really grown up!
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Sibling day out |
When they came back, she immediately went to take care of Kate as she missed her very much, having been out the whole day. She’s also the one who spends the most time with Kate, playing with her, seeing to her needs, and teaching her all sorts of things. When Kate had quite a bad fall and bumped her head, she immediately ran to her, picked her up and consoled her. My sister-in-law said to me “Why are you sitting here so calmly? Looks more like she’s the mummy.” I quipped, “That’s her first child, but my 6th”.
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Her real life toy |
Sometimes after school, she invites her friends over to play with Kate as they all dote on her and Kate loves her jie jie’s friends too. We don’t own a dog and she knows that Kate loves dogs, so she goes to our neighbours’ houses to ‘borrow’ their dogs.
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All in a day’s work |
One wonderful trait of #3 is that nothing fazes her. She looks forward to challenges and instead of being stumped or anxious, she faces them squarely and thinks of ways to solve them. If one solution doesn’t work, she will think of another way.
You know, the strange thing was that when they were growing up, I had the most problems with her. She couldn’t sit still (too much energy), was always answering your questions with more questions (her mind thinks too fast), and was always getting lost (extremely curious child). But now, all that is working out really well. The same issues which I had with her became a boon instead of a bane.
I am indeed blessed.
Thankful… for #5’s cooking and caring of Kate
Thankful… for #3 in so many ways
Thankful… for sister-in-law #1
Thankful… for all who helped create this blog
Thankful… for #4’s resilience and forgiveness
Thankful… for blogging perks
Thankful… for my husband’s extended family
Thankful… for #2, the dream baby
Thankful… for school
Thankful… for my parents

I'm so encouraged by this post. To not just look at how Sophie is at the present but imagine how she would be like when she'll be older and also acknowledging all her positive traits. I believe her strong personality can be a good thing too.
Yes, looking back, thankfully we never labeled her as 'naughty' or other negatives. Sometimes in the busyness of parenting, we only tend to notice the 'bad' things the kids are doing, when in fact, they could be finding their feet or internalising what we are teaching them.
She is so sweet!! Well done and many pats on the back!
Now you have to write a similar post for all the rest! If you haven't already been doing that heh.
She's such a sweetie. A caring sister, an understanding daughter and i'm sure she will be a great Mommy in the future!
Yes, yes. I started with a thankful post on the hubs, then my son, then #3. Will follow on with the rest of the family 🙂
I'm sure she will be.. lots of practice with Kate 🙂
Nothing more than what a mum can ask for. Sweet little #3. Wonder how old she is 🙂
Yes 🙂 She's 11.
What a wonderful jiejie #3 is, thoughtful, selfless and sacrificial. That photo of her carrying Kate (her real life toy) is my fav…you've raised the girls well!
Hey Angie,
That's too kind. I'm glad she's turned out so well in a lot of ways, but still room for improvement in other areas 😉
she is such a sensible girl, you definitely have raised your kids well 🙂
Hi Haifang,
Thanks for the compliment and taking the time to comment 🙂