Nature vs Nurture

Camille had never seen an animal before coming to Australia

As part of the psychology course at Kew High High, we always taught ‘The nature nurture debate’. What determines who we become, our genes or our environment? I can clearly remember the textbook explanation ‘our genes determine the upper and lower limits of our abilities and our environment determines whether we reach our potential’

Sometimes when I look at little Camille I can’t help wondering. In my mind there is little doubt that Camille’s biological parents were poor and probably had little access to education or any opportunity to fully develop what skills they might have. People in China work long, hard hours.

Therefore we can have no prior expectations about Camille, which is truly liberating. Camille might be artistic, scientific, or sporting, who knows. All we plan to do is to provide her with a rich and stimulating environment, so that she can live a happy, productive life.

When I look back at the orphanage photos, I see a quiet, alert, serious, little girl. So different from the lively, cheeky, curious, little Camille we have come to know. Perhaps those psychologists really have underestimated just what impact environment might have.

Growing up fast

Out and about with my mate Mei.

Je suis une (punk) rock star.

I'll have the Pad Thai noodles tonight Mum.

Highchairs and bibs are for babies Mum.

My favourite books

One trick I learnt very quickly since arriving is that to get Mum’s complete and undivided attention all I have to do is grab a book. She immediately stops what she’s doing, sits down and reads to me. Perfect! I’d like to share some of my favourites with you.

Harey McClarely
A great read, this book has everything. A villain (old Scarface), cute dogs and a rollicking rhyming story. I love it and think it’s a must for us under 2s. 5/5

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
A special book for Mum and I. It’s about a lady who goes to China to adopt a baby girl, just like Mum did. It really explains what it must have been like to come to Guangdong and finally meet me. 5/5
Spot lift the flap books

Every little person loves Spot. He's very cute and the books are very well written so that we get a chance to practise using all the new words we have learnt. Even though they don't have much of a story, we all love to lift the flaps. 4.5/5
The Pea and the Princess
Most people would say this is way too hard for the average 23 month reader, but I disagree. There are heaps of great things to look at like carrots and peas. What’s more, Mum’s a keen gardener, so I love to see how happy it makes her to read it. It’s a bit hard to follow the story, but it has lots of really interesting pictures. 4.5/5
That’s not my dolly
Let’s face it there’s not much storyline here, even for me. But I do like the different textures I can feel. Perfect for when I’m too tired to think. 3.5/5

A trip to Daylesford

Lake Daylesford

Annie's cottage






Out and about on a freezing morning

Last weekend we visited Granny Annie in Daylesford. Despite the freezing cold and fog we had a fabulous time. Tim’s mother lives in a beautiful little cottage. She's a brilliant gardener, who likes nothing better to spend her days outdoors creating gardens.

As usual Camille woke at 5am on Sunday, so we decided to go on an early morning stroll. On the way we saw and heard a flock of 10 kookaburras and the lake looked so beautiful shrouded in fog. We finished up with lattes and a baby chino in a cosy café. As Camille would say mmmmmmmmmmm!

Six Months in Oz

The little Camille Sui Hua Chan Goodman and I have been together now for six months. I’ve never been so busy! Each day seems to blur into the next and I’m sure I’ll wake up one day and she’ll be all grown up. My gorgeous girl.