Nenek first

Beauty Queen Rania holding her beauty peagent placard.

There is a debate between Ika, Justin and me. Ika told Justin Rania clearly called 'Nenek' when she woke up this afternoon. Justin says No, she doesn't, she just makes the sound. Oh yeah, it's 'Nenek' alright - very clear. You see, Rania listens to me. I reminded her some time back that she has to say 'Nenek' first, after that learn to say 'Mami' and 'Daddy'. My precious Jantung Pisang did exactly as I told her. Whether Justin believes it or not it's definitely 'Nenek' and she can point out with her little chubby finger to me when we ask 'Where is Nenek?'. Well, Justin and Ika, eat your hearts out!! Ha, ha, ha.

But Ika rebuttal me and said Rania's first word is 'Mok'. Oh well, I agree. Mok is everything to Rania. Every picture of cats or kittens is 'Mok' to her and she gets excited when Mok comes near her. Now Mok is having a holiday visiting Izrin for more than a week. Rania has been saying 'Mok' almost every minute of the day. Poor Rania. We know she misses Mok but Mok is happy getting all the attention and love from Izrin and Haidi. At home, Rania is the Queen and Mok is sometimes forgotten though we love him to bits.

It's a good day for me today. I just came back from my eye checkup at UH and my eye pressure has come down

to a safe level. Prof Mimi was happy too and told me to continue with the prescribed medications. I am quite relieved and felt safe even though she is leaving for her sabbatical for 6 months.

Since the surgery, I have not carried Rania, just put her on my lap. I miss carrying and cuddling her and I know she does too for every time she puts her arms up to be lifted, I have to explain to her that I couldn't do it for the time being. Maybe next week I can carry her again. So after Ika picked me up from UH, we went to Amcorp Mall for lunch. 11 months old Rania is now walking though not so strong yet. Outing means freedom for she doesn't like to be carried. She wants to walk on her own. Today, instead of her in the stroller, she was pushing it. Seeing her laughter with her one gigi kapak and her chatter take all my worry away. This little grand daughter of mine is a gem.

I remember when my children were young, my bedroom was not their playground. Toys were kept at its place, definitely not in my bedroom. Now, the cleaners commented, Rania has a club in my room and on my bed. My bed is her playground, for reading or dancing to the music or just playing with heaps of toys there. Sometimes I can't close my eyes, for she will come and pick it open babbling in her baby language.

So, thank you Rania for calling 'Nenek' first.

To all my students and friends who send their get well wishes, thank you for your kind thoughts. Syukur alhamdullillah, I am OK now.