The new maid is here

My new maid has arrived. And I am stressed.

Ironically it is more difficult than I thought it would be. First of all, although she is suppose to make my life a whole lot easier, I am not used to putting up with a stranger in my house. And this stranger will be taking care of my baby!

She came with only a handbag and one change of clothes. Exhausted from her trip to Malaysia she went to bed right away. I thought, maybe I should not give her too much work so soon or it would overwhelm her. So I started with showing her around the kitchen and that she should make her own meals. She's from a small village in Medan and I was not sure if she could use modern appliances. Thankfully she knows how to use a rice cooker. But when I asked if she has one at home, she said no! She's only used one at someone else's house. And when I saw she did not know how to light a gas stove….. I knew I was in for a long haul.

Now I am overwhelmed. How is this clueless girl going to take care of my baby? Can I trust her to heat his milk (Ayden's on stored breastmilk during the day) and feed him at the right time? Will she be able to tell if he is still hungry? Or in pain? I cried with the thought of leaving poor Ayden at the mercy of this stranger. Both the maid and Ayden will be at my grandmother's house while I am at work.

Why continue to work you say? Why not give it up and stay at home. Yes it had toyed in my mind many times, alas I know I will not be happy fulfilling what I want. It is indeed another reason to argue about, career vs family, but we all know that is one never ending debate, so I shan't go there.

So the training of this new maid will begin in bite sizes. I had already started showing her how to do the laundry, separate the colours, delicates and bulky items. I've showed her how to give Ayden his bath and by watching her do it, I know it is with practiced hands.

I hope this works out without too much problems. She seem to be a keen worker and eager to please. Proactive and does not need to be told twice. I think I am the one who needs adjusting more than her!

Indeed, the dilemas of a working mom.