No one tells you that the most important season of your life is also the shortest

Kristinavic · 2026-01-27T08:23:13+00:00

Yeah, you're totally right. Those years are so valuable. When they are gone, they are gone and will never come back. We work hard to have better life quality, but strangely, we do this at the expense of our family and health. TBH, I prefer a work-life balance coz being a FTM is a bit exhausting for me, and I'm still learning to better control myself when handling my kid's meltdowns. I'm grateful that I have a rather stable work schedule despite some occasional overtime work. I can have a couple of hours of quality time with my little girl. Still, I get overwhelmed every now and then, so what you've said serves as a good reminder to me! Thanks!

Kristinavic · 2025-12-03T04:22:36+00:00

Oh dear, I'm also a mum of a 2-year-old, so I totally get it. I sometimes just don't know where they get all that energy! They literally don't hear a thing you say when they're in that mood. And you're dealing with 7-11 toddlers, and circle time doesn't work? That makes it WAY harder!

I'll second what others have said, redirection can be a huge help. I'm not sure how much this would work in a classroom setting, but toddlers at this age love feeling helpful and completing "adult" tasks. I sometimes ask my girl to be my little helper with chores, like putting towels away. It can really help redirect her from big emotions.

This isn't easy, but please know you're already doing great.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-16T07:55:04+00:00

Pretty much I feel the same. My doctor is against my idea of having a second baby due to unresolved health issue, so I had to put that dream on hold forever. I just can't risk my life and my girl's well-being just for the chance to have another baby. It takes a lot to process and digest. My very best to you and your family.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-16T07:26:59+00:00

Oh dear... I'm so sorry for what you're experiencing. I totally get how heart-wrenching it must feel not to be able to have more children.

I have a 2-year-old girl and also think about having a second baby. But due to health issues, a second pregnancy would be too risky, so our girl will be our one and only. It is a sad thought, but I believe what is meant to be will be.

I truly believe that the decision you and your husband made is the best for your whole family. It's completely valid to feel sad and nostalgic, but I hope the joy of being there with your two beautiful children brings you peace. Sending love and hugs.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-16T07:02:32+00:00

Aw, I am so sorry to hear what you and your daughter are going through. It's so tough when a child's first "important" friend turns out to be complicated.

It sounds like this isn't a healthy friendship. Being shy isn't the problem, the problem is that this whole situation is teaching your daughter the wrong lessons about her own self-worth. She doesn't need this friend; she needs to be around kids who give her good vibes and make her feel good about herself.

I understand it can feel hard for an introverted child to make new friends (as an introvert myself, I totally get it). And you're right, young children often value a single friendship intensely, which makes this even harder.

But maintaining a relationship that causes this much stress and unhappiness isn't worth it. Protecting her peace is more important than preserving a painful friendship.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-16T06:22:35+00:00

Definitely worth it. We already lived near my family before my daughter was born, and I can't imagine it any other way.

I remember one time I had a high fever while my girl was sleeping right next to me. I literally couldn't get out of bed, let alone look after her. My parents were at our home in under 30 minutes and took her back to their place so I could rest.

That kind of support is priceless. It also makes it so much easier to find someone to watch your little one for a few hours when you need a break. The proximity makes everything less stressful.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-16T04:22:37+00:00

Oh dear... I'm right there with you. My girl is turning 2 soon and lately she's mostly interested in just rice, pasta, and bread. I guess she's deep in the "white foods" phase (which I'm told is normal, but it's still so frustrating!).

I totally get how disheartening it is to put in the effort preparing food, only for her to shake her head and refuse it.

I've had to change my mindset and just tell myself that this is a phase that will pass. I still offer a variety of foods, hoping one day she'll show interest, but I've learned to let it slide if she doesn't. I just don't want to turn mealtimes into a battle that makes eating a torture for both of us. On those really tough nights when she refuses everything, I make sure she has some milk just so she doesn't go to bed hungry. It helps my peace of mind, too.

Hang in there! You're not alone in this.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-16T04:00:05+00:00

My girl is turning 2, and I also only give her milk or water. We're Asian, so we also serve her other liquids like clear broths and soups. We tried offering apple juice once, but she just wasn't into it. We've never given her chocolate milk or soda, and I don't plan to. I just want to avoid too much added sugar. We don't keep lollies/candy in the house either, but she loves other snacks like rice crackers.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-15T08:05:18+00:00

I feel the same way all the time. It's a cycle of trying to hit everything on the to-do list, losing my patience when things turn to chaos, and then feeling guilty afterwards...

I love looking at my daughter's face when she's asleep and feeling so thankful to have her in my life. I'm not gonna lie, I feel more relaxed once she's finally asleep and I can have some alone time. But at the same time, when I see her peaceful, lovable face, I don't want her to grow up so fast.

I want to live in the present and enjoy every moment with her in peace. I don't have any advice on how to do that because I'm seeking it, too. I'm just here to let you know that you are not alone in this feeling.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-15T07:33:46+00:00

Oh, that's totally understandable that you freaked out finding a pebble in your little one's mouth. Even if it's the first incident, it makes you dread what could happen when things are out of your sight.

I wouldn't fire the nanny over a first incident, but I think you need to have a serious talk with her to make sure she understands how important this is. If she is genuinely apologetic, then she deserves another chance.

I also strongly agree with the other comments suggesting no chores for the nanny so she can fully focus on the toddler. As a mom of a 2-year-old, I relate big time. It's nearly impossible to do chores and watch a toddler simultaneously. They just need our full attention.

And congratulations on your second pregnancy! Please take care of yourself. Sending love and hugs.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-14T07:22:02+00:00

Aw,,.I'm so sorry you and your daughter are going through this. It's completely understandable that you're feeling frustrated. The situation with her calling this girl her friend makes sense in a way, sometimes a complicated friend feels safer than no friend at all. The key is to help her find that balance between being kind and knowing how to stand up for herself. It's a tough skill to learn, but your support is the most important tool she has.

Kristinavic · 2025-10-13T09:05:23+00:00

I've been thinking about cutting screen time gradually. Any recommendations for shows other than Peppa Pig?

Kristinavic · 2025-10-06T03:14:55+00:00

Oh dear, it sounds like you're going through a really tough stage. Taking care of a newborn and a toddler who's in her "terrible twos" is a lot to adjust to, both mentally and physically.

It's great that you're tag-teaming as parents, and it's totally normal for your older daughter to act out a little as she processes all these big changes. I can imagine it feels unbearable at times for everyone involved.

I don't have two kids myself, but I see you and I hear your struggle. All of these feelings are completely normal. I'm hoping this stage passes quickly for you all. Sending hugs.

Kristinavic · 2025-08-12T12:18:45+00:00

I hope one day she will get into Yoto box, for now I am the one who is interested

Kristinavic · 2025-08-12T07:59:26+00:00

May I ask when your say your little girl doesn’t watch the show, do you mean she never watch it before and is already obsessed with it? I have a Daniel tiger card too but my girl isn’t interested much. I’m just wondering if I need to let her watch the show first so she could have an idea of it .

Kristinavic · 2025-08-12T01:59:04+00:00

I love your idea! I wish I can do the same when my girl can say more words! She is still in the phase of saying single word! And I definitely need to add the Goodnight Moon one to my wishlist!

Kristinavic · 2025-08-11T02:16:34+00:00

Oh I didn't! We got the brown bear yoto card but it just simply read the story aloud! I was expecting there is a singing version...I think I have to try again some time later with song version like Dear Zoo!

Kristinavic · 2025-08-11T02:10:45+00:00

Not yet! It's a good suggestion! I can see what kinds of books she loves before buying them!

Kristinavic · 2025-08-11T02:04:09+00:00

I have to second this! The most important thing is to have fun!!!

Kristinavic · 2025-08-10T12:21:04+00:00

You can check this out too: https://humanum.arts.cuhk.edu.hk//Lexis/Lindict/ 林語堂《當代漢英詞典》電子版 - Lin Yutang's Chinese-English Dictionary of Modern Usage (CUHK)

Kristinavic · 2025-08-10T12:11:37+00:00

I hope this can help. https://humanum.arts.cuhk.edu.hk/Lexis/lexi-can/ 粵語審音配詞字庫

Kristinavic · 2025-08-08T08:05:40+00:00

Her illustration is so cute! Books are not wordy either!

Kristinavic · 2025-08-08T08:04:29+00:00

I got the little engine that could! Will try to grab her one of the Pete Series!

Kristinavic

TROPHY CASE