Category Archives: baby’s stuff

on Japanese honesty: refunded clinic check-up fee

Posted on by

I was about to pay for my daughter’s checkup fee after her visit to her paediatrician the other day when the two receptionists bowed and said “申し訳ございませんでした” (Moushiwake gozaimasen deshita/we are terribly sorry for our grave error), that phrase for apology that the Japanese reserve for terrible errors/mistakes. Surprised and baffled, I waited for their explanation. It turned out that they made an error in the fee they charged us during our last visit – TWO MONTHS AGO. So now they are returning the excess amount I payed. The delta? Only ¥370, roughly equivalent to three bottled drinks.

And just in case I didn’t get their explanation right (doctor and nurses speak English but the receptionists do not), they gave me a memo so I can show it to my husband.

20140709-120603-43563973.jpg

Amazed. As I always say, if someone’s dependable on small things, you could count on them to be dependable on big things too.

20140709-121009-43809118.jpg
The clinic was not named after a person since the doctor herself is not named Yui. Rather, Yui here refers to the meaning of the kanji itself which is “bind”. The clinic aims to be a bind in connecting the community even closer.

baby diaries: silence in the house

Posted on by

One thing that’s definite of a house with a baby/toddler/kid on it – it’s rarely dull and silent. When the child is awake and they’re silent, parents would definitely rush in to check what’s happening why it was suddenly silent. Rush in with their hearts on their mouth. With Yui tagging along everywhere I go even when inside the house, I broke into a sprint from the kitchen to Yui’s playroom a couple times this week when I realised she wasn’t beside me and it was silent in the house. Relieved beyond words when I came upon these.

20140628-142618-51978001.jpg

20140628-142619-51979863.jpg

First bestfriend

Posted on by

One of the many worries that besets parents is the fear that your child would be diagnosed autistic. So you check for early signs, fearful. And with every eye contact with your child, with every smile exchanged with a stranger, with every shared pretend play, somehow your fears are allayed. And because Hubs and I couldn’t see how Yui is behaving with daycare friends, from her previous class and this year’s class, we asked Yui’s head teachers how is my child’s social interaction with the other kids. And all of the head teachers affirmed Yui is ninkimono/popular, always having a big smile for everyone. But yet again, we want to see for ourselves how our child really fares.

Ahhhh. Hearing those giggles and laughter and funny antics from toddler girls – priceless.

And Yui anak, just in case Mommy forgets in time, Saki is the name of your first bestfriend.

20140613-020553.jpg

baby diaries: tender moments

Posted on by

Your Ninang Maha was right, Anak. That as you grow up, there’d be tender moments that I have to give up so that you could grow well. And that as we give up one certain bonding moment, for sure they’d be replaced with other forms of bonding.

For one, I have always loved holding you close to me when you go to sleep, singing you “twinkle twinkle little star” (yes! It’s been going on for 21 months now! Counting some more!). But Mommy knows you also have to learn to sleep by yourself on your bed. Oh how I miss your head on the hook of my arm. How I miss your little HEAD and body pushed against Mommy’s. However, by letting you lie down on your bed by yourself, we get to look at each other’s eyes and smile. In the dimmed bedroom light, you smile at Mommy, alternating between an enchanting smile that stretches your mouth real wide and a beautiful smile showing off your teeth. The smile would have been more than enough. But then you look deep into my eyes, your eyes twinkling, your face radiating with love, your face looking happy and secured. During those moments, Mommy’s heart seems to be bursting from the seams. Thank you Yui.

I also had to give up/avoid carrying you with baby carry and walking long distance. Mommy’s back just couldn’t handle it anymore baby. I miss the times that we walk and you’re really close to me, most of times your head leaning on Mom’s chest. The new bonding time in exchange for baby carry? It’s walking with you, your hand firm on my hand. Such lovely walks, baby.

Everyday is such a joy with you anak.

20140529-014546.jpg

baby diaries: wall decor

Posted on by

Was awakened last Saturday morning by a small hand tapping my arm. When I opened my eyes, Yui was smiling at me. She was still lying down but with head raised, looking at me, mouth babbling whilst smiling and pointing from the wall then touching her hips. Apparently, the letter Y fell off the wall and hit her hips which then woke her up. It was so endearing how Yui finds the whole thing funny. She woke me up because she knows I want the letter back up on the wall. After putting it back, she lay down again and the both of us went back to sleep.

20140508-003122.jpg

Organized and putting back things where they usually are – you have some penchant for this, Anak. Today, your sensei pointed out on the renraku note about your inclination towards 後片付け [あとかたづけ (atokatadzuke)]/tidying up/cleaning up/putting things in order. Of course Mommy is proud! 🙂

Grow up well Anak.