I even bought Joshua a toy that would help him walk…you know like a fancy looking, sound-making, music-playing machine that would crinkle, shake, roll, sing, and make us all mad when it is pushed. Accordingly, this will help encourage child to take one step and then another and then another. Jed never had this toy…yeah, he used same one I bought for Joshua…AFTER he learnt how to walk. Because you see, Joshua walked at around 12 months of age and Jared started walking on his own when he hit 10th month mark. Now, you go figure whether that push-toy thinghy actually worked its magic or not.

Sadly, one of things that I missed out on is fact that I recorded down every single little milestone Joshua passed. Like time, he uttered his first ga-ga, 1st time he crawled on his own, 1st tooth, 1st smile, 1st independent step, 1st wave, 1st everything! I didn’t have time or patience to start ANOTHER list with Jed. With him, I didn’t even notice 1st time he smiled at me that wasn’t a result of wind in tummy.

Sadly, I had only Joshua to care for when I had him…naturally, he was only person I had around when daddy was working. He was my BESTFRIEND, still is. With Jed, kakak has always been around and I am not as powerful an influence on him unless it comes to breast department. By way, he doesn’t call me mommy. He calls me either ‘kakak’, ‘cher-cher’, ‘tar-tar’, or ‘nen-nen’ (milk). Funny being called MILK.

Here’s difference, with Joshua, he was ONE person who filled an emotional void in my empty soul. I didn’t really have a lot of friends then cause all my friends were either looking, hunting, seeking for potential life partners or they didn’t have children. For those who were men hunting, my little boy wasn’t really husband material yet so, my penchant to rattle on and on about my kid was disconcerting to them.

Jed, instead, turns out to have kind of relationship I should have with my child…total adoration and love beyond words. There are no words on this planet that can adequately describe my feelings for this tot. Everything that he does tickles me to no end and he is absolutely kind of baby any mother wants. He is pleasant, outgoing, cheerful, rarely kicks up a fuss, breastfeed ferociously and love shape of my body.

Joshua’s relationship with me was not a mother-son relationship. He was King of my life. Everything his heart desires, I got it for him. If he starts pouting, I would feel rotten all day. He was everything…still is, to me. I wrote him letters to tell him my heartfelt love towards him and spends almost close to RM1,000 printing conventional photographs. With Jared, I got smarter. I invested in a digital camera and started taking pictures of him like there’s no tomorrow and turns out, I don’t have to spend a single cent on printing photos of my kid….and I still get to keep memories of his childhood!!!

When I said paranoia is a symptom of a new parent, I mean it with all my heart. You don’t have to answer me but answer this yourself. Did you check for your baby’s pulse every half and hour when he was sleeping? If he was sick, did you keep yourself awake and towel him every 2 hours or so? If yes, then you have just confirmed my theory. Insanity is something every new parent will go through.

But it’s only temporary, don’t worry. I would like to think I am sane now. If you’re a new parent yourself, I look forward to speaking to you in person when you’re saner.

As loving, caring, pet owners, we need to find a way to take care of our dogs while we go out on trails with our other family members. We could take turns dog sitting with family, friends, other campers with dogs. One thing we need to do is make sure we are good responsible pet owners. Check ahead before you go camping with man's best friend.

Here are some pre-camping tips:

Try to take your dog for a pre-camping visit for possible needed shots, and a Rabies shot tag for his collar.

Look at a possible Lyme disease vaccine.

Take with you a current copy of his records and his vet's phone number.

Pick up a proper dog license & ID tags for your dog with their name, your name, ect.

Microchips, tattoos and pet registries can be used.

Bring medications and a copy of prescriptions.

Try to get a site with some shade for your dog.

Supervise your dog closely around children, other visitors and other dogs.

Keep your dog quiet. Frequent and continued barking disturbs wildlife and other campers.

Let your dog have time to adjust to his new surroundings. Give him time to rest

Try to use ziplock bags to pick up after him and properly dispose of it in appropriate trash containers.

Keep an eye on how weather conditions effect your dog, heat, cold, rain etc.

Consider use of a crate for travel and short term restraint, while you are near. Your pet could be stolen if not watched carefully.

You should be aware that your dog will have increased exposure to ticks and fleas. Take proper tick/flea collars, repellants or use Frontline applications. Other diseases can also be transmitted by wild animals and insects.