Category Archives: life

It’s a small world after all

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Tokyo Disneyland had so much attractions to offer; the Electrical Parade that was already magical over a decade ago got even more magical. But there was just something with the attraction “It’s a Small World After All” that makes me teary eyed with every ride. Heart bursting as we cruised and watched and listened to the happy song, as I saw my daughter looking up ecstatically at the dancing dolls, as I saw Hubs looking happily at our daughter, I remember a dream and yearning I had back then. Over a decade ago, I dreamt that the next time I’d cruise the man made river and see the dancing dolls with the different world costumes, it will be with my husband and children. Dreams come true. God is good.  

 

baby diaries: Totoro

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This is you, Yui, sleeping on top of Mommy for the most of our 2015 summer nights. I guess you got the idea from the movie Totoro in which Mei-chan slept on top of Totoro. Well, to be honest Mommy did complain of the weight every now and then. For the last four days though, you were already fast asleep by the time Mommy finishes the evening chores. So yes, Mommy missed playing Totoro. This is yet another reminder for Mommy and Daddy to always seize the moment where you are concerned. Love you, Anak. 

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life with a toddler: I love you

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July 11, 2015. 

Yui anak, you’re quite expressive with your affection; huge on smiles and warm, tight hugs. Being the receptiveness of those expressions is enough to put Mom and Dad in Cloud 9. 

But today, you said it back for the very first time. You told Mommy, “I love you”.

A big lump was on my throat. Thank you, dear. We love you much too. 

life with a toddler: walking whiskered Snowman

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She drew a snowman.

Added in two eye dots and dot nose, dot mouth.

Added in one BIG eye, cyclops style, almost covering the dot nose.

Added whiskers, saying “meow” whilst drawing the whiskers.

Then she added feet and with laughter in her voice said “snowman is walking”.

Such imagination, my child. Keep it up, Anak!

life with a toddler: what would you like to be when you grow up? 

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That question is probably one of the most common question a parent would ask their toddlers. And most often than not, any answer illicited from the toddler gives the parents immense joy, even if it’s just for fun; after all, the child have no idea of other existing professions. 

Like any other parent, of course we have our dreams and aspirations for Yui. But we’ve always thought that we were not the type of parents who’d ask Yui the captioned question. Not until one evening. 

We were then looking at a hair conditioner  bottle we bought in our recent trip in the Phillipiness (hotel amenities just ain’t enough for my hair). 

Yui: nani? (What’s this?)

Me: it’s a photo of celebrities, in the Philippines. 

Just for the fun of it, I then threw her the question.

Me: Would you like to be a celebrity?

A strong head shake from Yui. Again Just for the fun of it, I asked Yui the outrageous. 

Me: would you like to be Japan’s Prime Minister?

Yui: Hai! (Coupled with a definitive nod) 

Daddy and Mommy had a good hearty laugh. 

Er, Anak, Mommy’s not sure she can handle that. 

Yui sketch by Daddy. 

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Life with a toddler: sorting out the emotions

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Monday morning. 

We were walking to daycare when we came across a dead bird by the side of the road. 
My heart was really gripped with the plight of the bird; I pointed it out to Yui. 
Mommy: Look Yui, the bird is dead. Kawaiso bird ne (poor bird).
Yui: Sad. Bird dead. 
And indeed, she hung her head for a minute or so while walking.

Monday evening. 

I was racking my memory, making sure if we did not, by happenstance, touch the bird’s peripheris at all; wanted to make sure we didn’t come into contact of any possible pathogen. 

Tuesday evening.

While in bed, before sleep. 

Yui: Sad. 
Mommy: Why are you sad, Anak? Do you miss Daddy? Mommy miss Daddy too. But don’t worry, he’ll be back soon. 

Yui nodded her head and said “Mmm” in answer to my second question. To answer my first question, she said:

Yui: Sad, bird dead. 
And she closed her eyes tightly, me holding her, whilst she drifted off to sleep.

It’s been two days yet it lingered with her.