baby diaries: the seemingly mundane things

Funny how when you’re a parent, you could get emotional at the seemingly mundane things. 

When you see your baby toddler running ahead of you, a big smile on her face, urging you and Dad to walk faster when just a few months ago she would sulk and throw a tantrum because she wants to be carried rather than walk. 

When you see her gracefully getting off the bus whilst opening her umbrella without looking awkward. 

Our baby is growing up so fast. I have on a thankful and a prayerful heart; thankful for how you’re growing and prayerful that you will always enjoy God’s abundant blessings. 

  

baby diaries: one day 

You were bobbing your head and a smile was on your face though your cheeks were full as you chew a spoonful of your meal. And in between swallowing your food, you were saying “Arigatou, Mommy!”. You were just so happy with the delicious meal that I had cooked for you. 

You still have cough despite finishing off your meds so we turned to natural remedies (albeit from now, seeing how effective it is, I’ll start off with the natural remedy first!). I gave you half a teaspoon of pure honey and then gave you a glass of water. You smacked your lips after licking your spoon and then drank thirstily. And then with a wide smile on your radiant face, you said in a booming voice, “Arigatou, Mommy!”.

We were at the daycare, that day was your daycare’s Christmas party. You just had your presentation; up next was the last presentation for the morning which will be by your teachers. All kids were done with the presentations and are with their parents. You chose the most crowded time to loudly say “Mommy, DAISUKI!!!”. Some parents looked at us, some looked at their kids. Well, you just made me the happiest Mother in that room. 

We were walking to the bus stop from daycare, on our way home. Then you asked me to stoop so you can whisper on my ear, “Mommy, daisuki!”.

All this and more Anak, I will treasure, through the years; I am truly grateful to you for giving us such joy. 

I remember a conversation with a woman at work. She asked me how old were you and learning you were in your toddler years, she said that you now are in your cutest. Once you get into your junior high school years, definitely not cute anymore, but a headache; referring to her daughter. 

I found it sad. And I found myself reflective. The day may come when you suddenly get embarrassed with expressing your feelings to me and your Dad. We can’t stop that. But I pray that you will always keep a grateful heart. 

We love you. 

 

Winter beautiful 

Dear Winter ,

I’m probably one of the very very few who absolutely loves you. 

Sure, you can be terribly harsh and hard. Even sans the snow, the bitter wind makes us feel so numb that we sometimes don’t notice some fluid is already dripping down our feels-like-nonexistent-nose. Trees and plants look so bare and dried up most would think it’s gone and died up. 

But whenever I look at these seemingly dried up plants and bare trees, I see so much promise. And I smile because I know below the ground and within those trunks and branches, there’s life that’s throbbing and  preparing a beautiful surprise that’s called Spring. And whenever I look up at the brilliantly blue sky, the breathtaking sunrise and brilliant sunsets, I exclaim with a big smile on my face and a grateful heart to God, “Ah, Winter! I’m glad you’re here.”  

sandcastles

Dear Kid who made this sandcastle,

You and your friends have been in my thoughts the whole day. From now, you will always be in my prayers. I pray you and your friends get the education you need, the passion to achieve more, the heart to do good, the wisdom to choose good over evil, angels to guide and help you in your way for a better and more fulfilling life. I claim to God that my prayers will be answered in His perfect time and that you and your friends are in Good Hands. Indeed, it’ll be a Happy New Year for you and your friends! 🙂  

 

life with a toddler: when Mom is on forced bed rest 

When at home on a weekend or holiday, I rarely take an afternoon nap; unless of course I’ve caught terrible colds and cough. I consider those afternoons as a “me time” which is mostly to read or do the week’s ironing whilst listening to music. Truthfully, I welcome those ironing moments as it gives me the quiet time to reflect and think and yet be productive still (sheepish grin).  

Almost two weeks ago, Yui caught a high fever that’s lasted for almost a week. Thankfully, she got over it already. Truth be told, it was one of the most difficult time we had a parents. And as expected, I followed after. It’s worrisome, this tonsillitis, as I have an impending business trip – I have to put the house in order before my flight and of course I have to prepare for the task at hand. 

Yesterday (a Monday), I went to the office after visiting the clinic (my second doctor in a week) to make sure to issue some deliverables that may be required for my business trip; thinking of issuing them ASAP so that I can go home and take two days leave to recuperate from my tonsillitis and recover my voice. My boss learned I had 38degC fever over the weekend and strongly asked me to go home to rest. But my drive to knot loose ends was stronger so I told him I will stay until I’ve issued the last document. This left a small smile on his face. One hour after, he again strongly told me to go home (see, he is normally a scary person). My answer: one last document and I’ll be going home in 15 minutes. That same small smile on him again. And yes, I’m always headstrong when I’m driven with a passion; aren’t we always are?

And so now I’m on forced bed rest when even on a weekend, I don’t take naps. Forced because I know I have to rest to recover fast and prepare for my trip. Forced because I know this time, I really did maxed out my immune system. I can’t even do my “relaxing” ironing because it makes me dizzy. 

When us working moms living away from our parents get sick, it really poses a challenge. Yet a reminder for me not to overdo things. 

Yet, there’s so much to be thankful for. First of course is Hubs, who has been doing a great job taking care of Yui that our little one is all smiles and giggles recently. Yui’s sensitive side too, is more apparent during times like this. When she sees me lying in bed, she lies down beside me and holds my hand, giving me a smile whenever I open my eyes. What a sweet child you are anak. And your Dad and I are so thankful to God for giving you to us.