Beset with guilt from neglecting the kids, every day their Dad feeds them in the morning before he goes to work and while one of my parents is playing with Jack, I go spend some time with the kids, petting them and talking to them, and giving them some grub.

I noticed today that all of them accepted pets, and dear sweet Kaku who spent the past few months staying away from me, leapt onto the table and lay in her "please pet me Mommy" pose (prone with bum up in the air). I gladly petted her and cooed at her calling her my sweet baby girl.

I gave her some food then, which she nipped at and after, fed the rest too. Buffy rushed and ate but the rest hovered around. I petted each of them and then left them to their own devices. When I turned, Boy went to eat some more.

It broke my heart that he would rather I pet him than eat (although yes, they had been fed not long before), which probably means he is feeling neglected. Unlike the rest (and maybe even Kaku), he doesn't seek much solace in feline company.

I should try to organise more time with them as baby grows more independent.

Meanwhile, I made Baby a Treasure Chest (from a small blue cat-laden mug box with a lid) with a rotating assortment of toys inside: his rubber soccer ball, Baby Tigger, a yellow plastic donut ring, a photo album with the cats' pics, his cardboard "mobile phone".

He always delights in playing with them. Sometimes I add small plastic bottles of different colours and sizes. Sometimes different balls. Anything that teaches him categories and are fun to play with.

He's been pulling up to standing since 6.5 months, but it's his most favourite activity now. He even lets go of one hand and looks at me, like look Ma, one hand! He also crawls like a speeding bullet, usually when his Dad comes home and shrieks in delight when he picks him up.

On Sunday, he amused all of us by sticking out his tongue whenever we say shh and put a finger to our lips. I have no idea where he learnt that from but it sure brought laughter to everyone watching.

Now he usually wakes up before me. Sometimes he pulls my hair and I yelp ouch! He quickly buries his face in my chest and hugs me tight. I smile and hug back and tell him it's okay. It is just ouchie for Mom. And he returns the hugest grin. It's the sweetest thing.

Technorati: parenting, motherhood, babies and cats, Jack, cat, cats, Kaku, Boy