Lim Pei Lu and Lavinia Ong T
he first time we say hello to little Lavinia is when she emerges sleepy-eyed from her bedroom. Much like a baby koala, she clings tightly to her father’s neck as her mother gets ready for our shoot. “She’s a little shy,” Pei Lu explains as she tenderly takes her daughter from her husband, Jian Win, and repositions her on her lap for the camera. A much-loved baby, Lavinia was a happy surprise for her parents, after a routine visit to the doctor led to the discovery of their pregnancy. “We had ample time for the preparation, down to designing and choosing the right wallpaper for her room. My favourite part of it all is the shopping! It’s an indescribable feeling when you’re happier shopping for the baby, rather than yourself.” Pei Lu recalls. Motherhood came naturally to Pei Lu, apart from the first few months which she described as an ‘intensive parenting lesson’. “In just one night I suddenly had to learn how to be a mum, nurse and a doctor all in one!” she laughs. Luckily, she had her supportive husband and pillar of strength by her side, even through her agonising 24-hour labour and a month later when Lavinia first fell sick. Overcoming the stresses of new parenthood together also strengthened their marriage further. As a plus point, you also develop the ability to understand baby language and train your patience, according to Pei Lu. Although they often see a split of duties when it comes to taking care of the new baby, it’s all about working together, say Pei Lu and Jian Win. She adds, however, “I’d say I am the fierce one and her daddy is the angel.” However, there is one particular area she excels in: “I produce her most favourite milk in the world!” she laughingly admits. While many would call it the struggles of motherhood, Pei Lu simply chooses to call it a new list of priorities—whether it’s replacing shopping for herself with buying things for Lavinia, or even finding holiday destinations that are baby-friendly. “The hardest part is of course trying to squeeze in a mummy nap during the day,” she sighs, “but motherhood has definitely taken over my personal space as well as my social life. And as I mentioned, my priorities in life have changed, I am truly happy that I’m able to be a full-time mother, which allows me to completely take part in her growth and everyday experiences.” Mummy and baby time is often during Lavinia’s feeding times. “Every time she gazes at me during feeding time, I just love to see my mini me looking at me with such an adoring look on her face. It’s the most precious time for me and her. Now that she’s a little older, we have our daily routine where she’ll pick a book and request to sit on my lap as I read to her. I just wish she stays that way for as long as possible.”