Monthly Archives: April 2013

baby food: steamed tofu and hard-boiled egg yolk

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I’ve loved this soft, silky tofu ever since Okasan sent us a box for the first time some two years ago.

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Tofu is one of the suggested baby first foods for 5~6 months that was listed in the guide book/brochures that I got from the ward office. But I delayed on giving Yui one because I only have this Morinaga tofu in mind for Yui and I hadn’t bought one yet.

When we had our first orientation at the daycare last Sunday however, tofu was among those that we need to feed Yui before she goes to daycare – they’ll be feeding Yui this so it would be best if we observe for ourselves first if yui has any reactions to the food.

Thankfully, Okasan sent us two boxes last week. Talk about perfect timing.

So this morning for lunch (Yui’s first time for twice a day feeding!), I thought of giving Yui steamed tofu with hard-boiled egg yolk which she already had with her rice cereal for two dinners.

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This Morinaga tofu can actually be eaten as is, without cooking. But I wanted to play it safe with Yui so I had it steamed.

Did the baby like it? Just look at that smile.

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on Japanese honesty: Family Mart and my 500yen

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Two weeks ago, we dropped by the Family Mart nearest our place to get something printed (yes, we still haven’t bought our own printer!). Thankfully there was English instruction on the printing machine so I was able to follow through the instructions. Thing is, it was designed that you drop your coin first before proceeding which is unlike other printing machines in malls and techie stores. So it was only after I dropped my 500yen that I learned that the machine can’t print PDF files, only jpeg files. Disappointed, I cancelled my request and with a frown went out the store, my mind working on re-planning our itinerary for the day with my parents as it was heavily dependent on that document to be printed.

Because my mind was preoccupied, I totally forgot about my 500yen coin, still in the printing machine coin slot. When I remembered about my coin an hour after, it was with a pang – it’s gone for good for sure.

I hadn’t thought about it thereafter and only remembered it when my sis in law and I (and yui) again dropped by the convenience store last Tuesday. With a smile, I suggested to Mayumi to ask the staff if they’ve noticed some coin that was left on the printing machine a couple of weeks ago.

The staff had an eager yes for confirmation and without hesitation gave us our 500yen. Wow.

baby diaries: laughter

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Oh how you love to laugh Moirraine. It seems like you wouldn’t let a day go by without laughing. And you surely initiate the laughter when you feel like having your daily laugh already.

Mom remembers that first time we went to Tokyo with Tita Me-an. You’re used to the attention you get with all our train seatmates. But our seatmate in that particular train ride looked so sad and wasn’t giving you any attention at all. So you know what you did? You almost jumped out of my arms and leaned towards the woman, giving her one of your brightest, biggest, cutest smile. The woman almost jumped out of her skin with your gesture, so surprised to receive such a sunny smile even without prompting you to. And of course Mom and Tita Me-an couldn’t help but laugh a loud laugh with what you did.

But what prompted this baby diary now? Because for today, you waited till bedtime to have your laughing time. Thing is, you were already in the brink of sleep. You were like this baby girl who wanted to play with her mom/dad but was too sleepy. But more so because you were laughing. Too bad Mom already dimmed the lights (and Mom’s phone was charging) so I couldn’t catch it on video. You would open your eyes a slit and give Mommy and Daddy a smile and when you close your eyes, you would laugh, laughter that had you shaking your belly. And these you did again and again.

Mom and Dad are happy baby because you’re happy. Keep the laughter with you baby as you grow.

a bookworm? an author?

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We had our first orientation in the daycare last Sunday. Because the instructions/discussion/materials were in Japanese and because Yui started to babble loudly, I went out the room so as not to disturb the other parents and hence joined the other babies with the teachers playing outside.

While chatting with a teacher, we let Yui play with a Lego piece and a ball. But Yui soon ditched these over a book. At home, Yui actually has more books than toys so I can understand how she’d be interested with the musical book she found.

What was more interesting however was how Yui portrayed her love for the book. I had her sitting on my lap while the teacher was holding the book for Yui to flip the pages on. Yui however was about to tear the page so I gently removed her hand from the page while her sensei lifted the book higher. Just right after I’ve let go of Yui’s hand however, she lifted her butt from my lap to stand and reach for the book. With no support whatsoever to help her stand. First time!

Happy Mom, proud Mom that Yui was able to stand on her own. I wonder when will she consistently do it. And I think I just might have a daughter who’s just as addicted with books as her Dad.

baby diaries: independent, a little more each day

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Aside from singing to you, Mom’s other favourite, Baby, when putting you to sleep is that you hold Mom’s fingers tight with your chubby little fists – be it when you sleep in my arms or on your crib by Mom’s bedside.

Mom noticed something from the other day though. When I hold you in my arms for you to sleep, your hand looks for a blanket or cloth to hold on to. And when you go to sleep lying in your crib, you just simply touch Mommy’s hand, preferring to put your small hand on top of mine rather than holding a finger.

Mommy was making a mental note to include in the daycare questionnaire how you prefer to hold Mommy’s hand while sleeping, so that your nurse can do it for you while Mom is away. It seems there’s no need for me to inform now.

My heart twitches, a bit heartbroken you’re starting to be independent. But Mom and Dad are proud too how our little Moirraine is growing a little more independent each day.

Love you baby. Grow well.