Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?

I live in the tiny red dot on the map called Singapore. (It’s the dot right next to Malaysia.)

I was born here, but my ancestors (that means great-grandfather and beyond) were from China. Based on my basic understanding of the Hakka people, my dialect group (which means “guests” in Chinese), we were a bunch of nomads, so I guess you can say I’ve got the travelling genes. I constantly bug the hubby to ship us off to somewhere. Still working on it (him) though.

What language(s) do you speak?

I speak English, Mandarin Chinese, Babblese, and Wifese.

When did you first become a mother?

On that fateful day in February 2009, when suddenly (okay, not so suddenly, it took nearly 24 hours) out of me, popped a tiny, teary, little baby. We named her Vera, which means faith and truth.

I did a re-run of that in May 2011, except it was a much calmer experience this time with a scheduled C-section. Javier was out within half an hour upon entering the operation theatre. Javier means bright.

Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?

I’m currently working part-time as a communications consultant. Many people tell me I’m getting the best of both worlds, and that I’m able to balance home and work better. True to some extent, but the flip side is I’m also getting less out of both. (Am I sounding a little disgruntled when I should be far more grateful?)

Why do you blog/write?

Words just jump out of me. I’ve really been writing all my life, just that I let my fears and insecurities stand in the way of my letting it run free, in messy splendor. Well, I’m making up for lost time. I love penning down ideas about motherhood, pregnancy, breastfeeding, learning, and strategies for dealing with a toddler gone mad.

I also blog for my family and kids. I have this utopian idea that they will somehow enjoy seeing the various episodes of their lives covered on my blog, and hopefully learn something about how they were raised and their family heritage.

How would you say that you are different from other mothers?

I. Am. Different. We. Are. All. Unique. And. We. Can. Respect. These. Differences.

What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?

Today’s world has become increasingly complex. And I see real challenges in trying to raise my children to appreciate the simple things in life, embrace simple truths and values, and live out lives that are true to themselves and their calling. But I’m determined to do my best. I believe that we just need to model it out ourselves, and hopefully, the kids will follow.

Life is also becoming increasingly stressful, where everybody seems to be focussed on out-doing everybody else. I’m trying not to get sucked into that kind of mentality, and it is a challenge in itself.

How did you find World Moms Blog?

I first chanced upon it when I got to know Alison fromย MamaWantsThis. Following that, I saw Ruth fromย Mommy Cafeย post about being a role model by pursuing her dreams. That was that. I got inspired. Hooked. And here I am.

This is an original post from our new writer and mother of two in the teeny, tiny dot country of Singapore, Mamawearpapashirt.

The photo used in this post is credited to the author.

Mamawearpapashirt (Singapore)

June, born and bred on the sunny and sometimes rainy shores of Singapore, is a mother of two - a chatty 4 y.o. girl and a toddler boy who babbles. She works part-time as a communication consultant, and she is deeply passionate about family, writing, faith, and good old-fashioned love. She can be found on her blog, Mamawearpapashirt.

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