Lunar New Year – Day 4, we visited my aunt’s house for lunch and my eldest sister’s for dinner. My driving has become much smoother after these days of practice.
My uncle was more active today, doing light exercises in the morning and walking with my brother’s help in the evening. We’re gradually helping him regain independence.
However, I’m feeling under the weather—my throat is sore, and painful mouth sores are making eating and speaking uncomfortable.
Lunar New Year - Day 3, I drove Xiaoyan to the high-speed rail station for her trip, handling the drive smoothly but feeling slightly tense. Later, I picked up family members from my aunt’s house and refueled the car for the first time.
The evening was filled with simple moments—Hamer and Coco playing before doing homework, and my brother making extra egg fried rice when the kids couldn’t get enough. For the first time, I observed the kids managing their bedtime routine independently.
Today started with unexpected news of a fire in the mountains. I helped guide the fire truck and joined villagers in putting out the flames. Later, my brother changed my uncle’s dressing, and I was shocked by the severity of his injury.
In the evening, we gathered at my maternal family’s home. We enjoyed a lively dinner followed by an energetic card game, filling the house with laughter.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, we visited family and friends in the village, starting from Grandma’s house and ending at my cousin’s. The day was filled with warmth and laughter.
The sun was intense in the afternoon, and the courtyard was lively with chatter and laughter. In the evening, I was surprised to find Hamer doing her homework, determined to catch up on her schoolwork.
As I write this, I feel very tired, ready to rest and recover for tomorrow’s festivities.
Lunar New Year’s Eve was filled with traditions and joy. I started the day early, exploring DeepSeeK and enjoying a serene frost-covered morning.
The kids helped put up Spring Festival couplets, taking pride in the tradition. After lunch, I drove Xiaoyan and the kids to town and later played chess with Doudou.
The evening was lively, with a big family feast, fireworks, and games. At midnight, we celebrated with more fireworks, welcoming the new year together.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Beneath a cerulean sky, children reveled amidst the fields; their laughter crystallized in the amber glow of the setting sun.
When I got up this morning, there lay a blanket of white frost - both chilling and picturesque.
On this sunny 28th day of the lunar month, we gathered at home for New Year’s preparations.
In the morning, I practiced driving a manual car, gradually gaining confidence despite some initial stalling. After lunch, I drove my sisters to town and back, improving but still finding intersections tricky.
In the evening, we celebrated with fireworks, with each person contributing to the fun. The laughter of children and the warmth of family made the night truly festive as we approached the Chinese New Year.
After the rain stopped, the house felt calm and refreshing.
I took my uncle for his IV treatment and picked up a package at a chaotic delivery station. In the afternoon, I played cards for a while before Yaoyao, Sisi, Hanghang came over because they were worried about their Mom. Later, I picked up bicycles in town and played chess with the kids.
We ended the evening with firecrackers and laughter before I turned in early.
The kids were eating noodles together, and even Yoyo was eating by herself.
The six people sat around to watch one phone.
The two busiest people in my family: Mom cooks, and Dad assists.
My mom joined her granddaughters in riding bicycles around the car.
A warm welcome to Xiaoyan back home last night.
Rain made the day chilly and inconvenient, but it was filled with family moments.
After taking my uncle to the hospital for a quick IV session, I returned home for Mom’s noodles, which Hamer and Coco adored, each finishing two bowls. In the afternoon, I spent time with Yoyo and practiced driving before heading out to pick up Xiaoyan.
Heavy rain and traffic made the return challenging, but arriving home to a lively and welcoming family made it all worthwhile.
The two sisters really enjoyed their noodles after adding some spice.
My uncle’s hands are covered in bruises from having too many injections.
This morning, I went to the hospital to take over for my dad, who’s been caring for my uncle during his IV treatment. Dad wasn’t feeling well and was found to have high blood pressure, so he decided to get an IV drip himself. The hospital’s basic conditions and elderly rural patients left me feeling reflective.
In the afternoon, I played with Yoyo, who resisted napping but eventually joined me to read on the bed. While reading, I fell asleep first, only to find she had also dozed off.
Hamer sat by the window with her headphones on, softly singing along and looking so grown-up.
Today, I traveled from Beijing to Yueyang to pick up Hamer, and together we continued to Yingtan. The journey home was smooth yet eventful, with Hamer impressing me by carrying her own luggage the entire way and saying heartfelt goodbyes to her playmates before she left Yueyang.
At home, we were warmly welcomed by my family, and Dad jokingly expressed surprise that Xiaoyan wasn’t with us. In the evening, Hamer happily reconnected with her cousin Coco, and the two played together until late at night.
The final stop on our journey home: Yingtan Railway Station. We arrived earlier than expected.
The third stop: Changsha Railway Station. Hamer carried her suitcase herself and climbed the stairs for a quick transfer to the next train.
The second stop on the journey home for the Chinese Spring Festival: Picking up Hamer at Yueyang Railway Station.
Heading hometown for the Chinese Spring Festival. Bon voyage
Today was a lucky day filled with good news. I received recognition for my 230 Tips project, and my visa interview was unexpectedly approved. Back in Beijing, I found out my promotion to Senior SDE was confirmed, bringing immense joy. My colleagues’ efforts to secure my presentation slot at the developer conference also moved me greatly.
In the evening, Xiaoyan and I enjoyed a delightful vegetarian dinner. Tomorrow, I’ll travel to Hunan to bring Hamer to my hometown. Despite a busy day, I feel energized and grateful.
