Hello again! It’s been a while since I’ve last posted. I managed to keep up with weekly updates during my maternity leave, but then, once again, I disappeared into the daily whirlwind of life upon returning to work! Here’s a brief catch-up on what the second half of 2023 looked like for us! Feature pic was taken on a particularly early morning in Bintan, thanks to Baby Coco who seems to think that 5am is a great time to start the day!
Where do I start? Well, the re-entry to work was tough after maternity leave. Balancing work, household management, a newborn, and two energetic kids, while squeezing in precious moments with family and my husband, was a challenge. I don’t know how I did it and how mothers everywhere in the world do this! And just when I thought my plate couldn’t get any fuller, I decided to channel my inner 18-year-old on the badminton court—resulting in a torn ACL in my right knee. Ah, the things we do when our minds defy the aging of our bodies!
Now, post-surgery, as I reflect on this rollercoaster of experiences, it’s clear that life is a mix of ups and downs. Taking a hiatus from work to focus on rehab was a necessity, a time of hourly painful mobility exercises that have proven fruitful. The silver lining? I’m healing remarkably well. It also served as a much-needed mental break. In the first week of my leave post-surgery, Coco#1 remarked that I am much less stressed. Quite an accurate observation, I must say.
Rehab hasn’t been entirely easy, though. The frustration of limited mobility, reliance on others for simple tasks, and the inability to carry and stroll with my baby—these moments weigh heavy at times. Choosing not to dwell on the situation and embracing it with the best attitude I can muster, especially with the positive and helpful vibes from all the household members, has been a blessing.
Knee matters aside, we do have some really exciting plans in store to share! The unveiling of these multi-pronged plans will happen in due time, and I apologize if that’s a bit of suspense you hoped to do without! One of the plans is far too thrilling not to share, though. Drumroll, please—we’re writing a book! After numerous false starts, I’m thrilled to announce that we’re about 70% through our first book, the “Ultimate Guide To Reach FIRE in 3 Hours” (working title). An e-book for now, but who knows where this journey might lead? I’ll provide snippets of the book as we go along, so look out for that!
And what’s the SippingCoconut life without travel plans? December sees us mostly in Singapore and a quick jaunt back to my glorious hometown in Malaysia promises a reunion with northern culinary delights. Yes, I’m talking about Char Koew Tiaw, Koew Tiaw Th’ng, Oh’Chien, Nasi Lemak, Assam Laksa… I should stop. Writing it is hard enough, knowing the trip is a good few weeks aways!
Celebrations abound in December—a month filled with joyous gatherings, Christmas cheer, Mr. C’s birthday, and my brother’s birthday. November was peppered with fun Deepavali gatherings and now, I’m reminded of a dear friend who introduced me to the joys of Thanksgiving. Though miles apart, I plan to host a Thanksgiving mini-feast in her honor and the gratitude that fills my heart.
In the spirit of gratitude, there’s much to be thankful for—a successful surgery, a happy family, a thriving marriage nearing two decades, and the blessing of healthy and content children. Family time has been abundant, and we’re grateful for stable employment, enabling us to afford our lives, and the peace in our corner of the world.
Here’s a little of what the past few months looked like for us! Late night parties at Club Med, the family Deepavali shot, post-doctor consult dates with Mr.C (spot my current best-friend, Senor Crutches), fun shots with the baby, pre-match pics with one of our soccer stars, cheekiness overload with our homemade coasters (although the kids use them as frisbees), gorgeous night strolls, family art-work, and COco#1 showing his love by baking cookies for me when I did my surgery so I would wake up to homemade chocolate chip cookies <3. Lots of moments with our parents and siblings too, but I didn’t want to include their pictures here!
Until next time, embrace change, celebrate life, and stay tuned for the exciting chapters yet to unfold! Enjoy the festivities that are ahead! Make time for life and make time for the people in your life 🙂
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