I finally understand that the term "Stay-At-Home Mom" does not refer to a parent who no longer works outside the house, but rather to one who never seems to get out the front door. I will now understand what people mean when they say that parenthood is the hardest job they will ever have. In my LBD (life before diapers), going out means me + a handbag ( inside handbag : housekeys , wallet, tissues, wet wipes, a bottle of sanitizer, a notebook, a pen , novel ). Now = Me + Baby + Pram + Changing bag ( inside : a bottle of formula , a flask with hot water, a bottle warmer / thermal bag , nappies, nappy sacks, baby wipes, bibs, change of vests, booties, sanitizer, tissues, change mats, digicam, videocam , baby's hat, baby's sunshades, wallet, housekeys, notebook , pen , novel )...Oh and getting ready used to take less than 5 minutes, and now, nearly an hour ( especially if JJ decides to have a feed and then make me change his nappy before we leave ). I realise now that I used to take escalators and stairs for granted. Nowadays, we have to lookout for lifts and ramps at shopping malls.

I think I am a step closer to one of life's greatest accomplishments. No, I did not find a cure for AIDS / discovered a new planet somewhere, but I am now holding a miracle in my arms. Jamie Ian Jones is my life's greatest accomplishment. I have never felt this proud when I completed the Nursing Course / won medals in sports. When he was born, the pride I felt was almost like the day I became Mrs I Jones. These are the 2 very special moments that I'll cherish forever ! Given this opportunity to raise him is my greatest challenge. All I want to do for him is that he'll grow up to be happy and fulfilled. Both Ian and I will do anything for him to achieve that. As challenging as parenthood is, it is also equally rewarding, because we are using all our wisdom, our talent and skills to help forge a new person. It is this person, these people, who, in turn, will use their gifts to create our future.

In the mean time, he is now calling out for food, and here I am, waiting for his feed to warm up, typing this at nearly 12 midnight ! I guess doing this is the only thing that keeps me on the border of insanity.