My dearest H and A,

When we welcomed H into our world, your mother and I were like pioneers in a new land – Japan. Away from our homeland of Singapore and the comforting arms of our families, we were navigating the intricate map of parenthood, largely on our own. We were new to this, every cry and giggle was a mystery we yearned to decode.

But nature has its ways. We found our rhythm, punctuated with the rare, cherished visits from family. The universe seemed to be conspiring in our favor. I had a break from work, and your mother had a generous year of maternity leave. It felt like a divine design that allowed us to figure out the baby steps of, well, raising a baby.

Fast forward to when A arrived, and it felt like we had an entire village rallying behind us. Our parents, always just a call away. A dedicated domestic helper, smoothing out the day-to-day hiccups. Yet, amusingly, it didn’t feel any simpler. The nighttime lullabies were still punctuated with cries, the sacrifices remained, and we realized parenting was a course we’d perpetually be enrolled in.

The tapestry of our journey, interwoven with trials, errors, and boundless love, led me to an epiphany. Help, in the realm of parenting, is a paradox. Whether we are aided by many or few, parenting challenges us, reshapes us, and most wonderfully, rewards us in ways unimaginable.

It’s not about it being easy or tough, it’s about the journey and the lessons. It’s about watching you both bloom, evolve, and radiate. It’s about the heartwarming giggles, the first words, and the innocent questions. And most importantly, it’s about love, a love that is vast, deep, and immeasurable.

Always remember, no matter the obstacles and the amount of help we had or didn’t have, the ultimate joy is in cherishing every moment with you both. Good parenting isn’t defined by ease or difficulty but by love, persistence, and the joy of seeing you grow.

With all my love,

Dad