Category Archives: life

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

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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. 

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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