Chapter 72

 The Melody of Family The growth of their baby brought a new melody to Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen's life. As the baby gradually learned to walk and talk, their home was filled with laughter and joy. "Xiaoxiao, the baby called me 'Daddy' today. I was so excited," Lu Tingshen shared this joy with Lin Xiaoxiao over the phone. Lin Xiaoxiao responded with a smile, "Yes, Tingshen, I heard it too. The baby's language skills are developing very quickly." The two began to pay more attention to communicating with the baby, spending time each day teaching new words and encouraging the baby to express their thoughts. "Baby, this is an 'apple,' a red apple," Lin Xiaoxiao patiently taught the baby to recognize objects while holding an apple. The baby widened their eyes and repeated after Lin Xiaoxiao, "Ap...ple." Lu Tingshen also actively participated in the baby's education, using the evenings to tell stories and help expand the baby's vocabulary. "Baby, Daddy will tell you a story about a brave little lion," Lu Tingshen said, holding the baby and opening a storybook. The baby listened intently, eyes sparkling with curiosity and interest. As the baby grew, the couple also began to consider providing more social opportunities for the baby. They took the baby to parent-child activities, allowing the baby to play with other children of the same age. "Xiaoxiao, I think letting the baby interact more with other children will be very beneficial for their social skills development," Lu Tingshen said after one such activity. Lin Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement, "Yes, Tingshen, I think so too. The baby has learned to share and cooperate while playing with other children." They also started to cultivate the baby's interests, providing various toys and materials to encourage the baby to explore their own interests. "Xiaoxiao, the baby seems very interested in music. Every time they hear music, they start to sway to the rhythm," Lu Tingshen observed the baby's reaction to music. Lin Xiaoxiao suggested, "Then we can consider buying a small musical toy for the baby or taking them to a music enlightenment class." Lu Tingshen agreed with Lin Xiaoxiao's suggestion and began looking for suitable musical toys and classes. The baby's growth also brought new challenges to Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen's life. They needed to learn how to balance their busy work schedules with taking care of the baby. "Xiaoxiao, we need to find a better time management method to ensure we can take good care of the baby while maintaining work efficiency," Lu Tingshen proposed at a family meeting. Lin Xiaoxiao thought for a moment, "I agree, Tingshen. We can try more flexible work arrangements or look for some work-from-home possibilities." The two began to experiment with different work models, such as flexible working hours and remote work, to better care for the baby. "Xiaoxiao, I think our current work arrangement is working well. We have more time to spend with the baby now," Lu Tingshen said after some time. Lin Xiaoxiao also felt satisfied, "Yes, Tingshen, this arrangement makes our family life more harmonious." As time went by, the baby gradually became an indispensable part of the family. Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Tingshen learned more patience and understanding through parenting and cherished each other's company even more. "Xiaoxiao, our baby is the most wonderful gift in our lives," Lu Tingshen said tenderly to Lin Xiaoxiao one warm evening, holding the baby. Lin Xiaoxiao tightly held his hand, "Tingshen, yes, our baby makes our family more complete."