Dear Baby,
There are times that I appreciate and love your non conformity. The guidebook shows six legs for the octopus. You insisted an octopus has eight.
Category Archives: beginnings
life with a kindergartener: Yui got the gold medal
When I arrived at the daycare and was putting on my owabaki, as I glanced inside the Teachers’ room, I saw another class’ head teacher signal to your head teacher that I have arrived. Your head teacher then got out and approached me with a serious face.
Her first line was that she has a good news for me. But I was very confused because her face was very serious and hence I could not expect there really is a good news coming. And as she went on, I understood why her face was serious.
It was because you got the Gold medal in a drawing contest among almost 300 four- and five-year olds.
Your daycare have 13 branches and on September, there will be a festival gathering all daycares. As part of the program, there is a drawing contest. Sometime in this August, all four-year-olds and five-year-olds were asked to draw something. I understood that the theme was to draw what each of you would like to become. You drew an ostrich. And your drawing won, not only because of the quality of drawing but also because of the composition.
Your head teacher asked if I’d like to see a photo of your work on their camera or whether I can wait during the awarding ceremony during the festival. EQ test!! I chose the latter and goodness, how difficult it is now. Awarding is still a month away!!!!
But, oh baby, I am soooo proud of you. And to think I never did anything at help you in this contest endeavour. You did a great job. Your head teacher, Sugawara, doesn’t even think it’s due to her teaching.
It’s all because of your own effort and imagination.
I’m proud of you. And thank you for working hard.
our first Hanabi-by-the-park
”Twas full moon.
You insisted on being traditional and wanted to wear your yukata. And because I was worried your sleeves would pose a hazard, I decided not to hold a sparkler but hold the igniter instead, to light up your sparklers and then keep watch. It was good to see you ecstatic about our hanabi.
farewell, Tatay Jaime
One very unfortunate coincidence. That my family in the Philippines are also experiencing grief at the same time that my family in Japan have. But what is more unfortunate though is that you passed away with a broken heart. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything about it. At least now though, there’s no more pain for you. And I hope and pray your kids, my cousins, will one day visit you.
Rest in peace Tatay Jaime. Know that you are loved and will never be forgotten.
farewell, Hiojiichan
It was a short seven and half years compared to your 95; not enough to get to know each other deeply especially since we live in separate regions and we have the language barrier to be scaled. But it was more than enough time for me to grow very very fond of you.
In these two days, whenever we go over to you and look at your peaceful face, the words that comes foremost in my mind are “thank you”. Thank you. I am so glad I was able to express my heart to you and Hiobaachan last year; about how thankful I am to the both of you. But I wish, I could have said it in person, look at your round eyes that so reminds me of Atsushi. Nevertheless, there’s no sense now to regret. What I can do now is to live my life fully, as I know you have lived yours.
I will never forget. You will always be in our hearts. Thank you. Rest in peace, enjoy heaven; Hiojiichan.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Daycare Year 5
We’re here. Finally you’re in the oldest class in daycare; たいよう組. Years from now, you’ll understand what an emotional point this is for me. Was able to talk to Hitonari’s Mom today and we were talking how now your class is the eldest when it seemed like it was only yesterday that you were crawling around, the youngest in the school.
It was almost symbolic actually because for the first time, you chose what to wear for today and prepared it the night before. I didn’t have to make you hurry too. In fact, you dragged me to walk faster. How much you’ve grown. And for that matter I was surprised the spring pants you’re wearing was already inches short on you when it was still a little bit long when you wore it last in autumn.
This year will be busy as we will be preparing for when you enter elementary school. But as I keep on saying, let’s enjoy the present; live the present.
Grow well, Anak. Love. Laugh. God bless you.
PS (March 30)
I learned today that your head teacher last year (my favourite!) is also your head teacher this year. I’m totally ecstatic. We owe it to her that you could seamlessly read your hiragana and katakana really fast. And you could write too!
And since this year will be full packed with activities and preparations, I am truly thankful she’s your head teacher. In hindsight though, I think the school staff thought it best that she still be your class’ head sensei because they can see our rapport. I probably am difficult to handle for them…and somehow, her level of strictness coincides with mine. Hence, I’m thankful and excited!