Category Archives: life

life with a kindergartener: Yui got the gold medal

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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.

life with a kindergartener: slightly not fun

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As we walked toward the bus stop, I asked you how was your day. With twinkling eyes and a beautiful smile, you said it was such a fun day today at daycare.

And I smiled back, thankful that you enjoyed your day with friends.

But you suddenly said, that somehow, it was slightly less fun.

Concerned, I asked you why.

Hugging my arm tightly, and looking up at me with those round, expressive eyes, you said, “it would have been more fun if I were with you”.

You melt my heart baby.

baby diaries: you really are my daughter

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Apart from our shared dislike with peach, I learned recently that you have some traits that seemed to be a mirror of mine.

I bought you some new leggings and you pointed out that somebody-chan at daycare have a blouse with the same print as your leggings. I used to remember what somebody (at the office) wore at which day.

Then today, when you were playing with a branch and you called it えだ, I asked you what is it in English. You tilted your head sideways and said, “it starts with a “b””. This had me laughing right out loud because that’s what I do when I forget words. I often remember what letter it starts with, what letter it ends with, and how many letters are there on that word but I-could-not-remember the actual word. How weird is that?!?

You are my daughter alright.

baby diaries: Remember Me

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Coco debuted in Japan almost six months late. But I’d say that for us, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

We watched it a week after we bought your first guitar; guitar which have been designed after Hector’s guitar in the movie. We watched it the day after we said our last goodbyes to Hiojiichan. And I could only guess that it was because of Hiojiichan that you cried during the touching scenes of the movie. At first you tried to resist; at one point I could see you frowning, fighting the tears. But eventually, you couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. And even as my own tears were streaming down my cheeks, you were using my sleeves to wipe your own tears. Very endearing. Of course I’m writing this down to remind us that Coco was the first ever movie that made you really cry like an adult would while watching the movie; and you’re just five (and half); while the movie itself has a deep meaning.

And oh yes, you led the first prayer to Hiojiichan this evening. It was your first time to hold the prayer booklet much less read it and chant but they allowed you to lead and you more than delivered; well, except for the times you laugh out loud whenever you read “Yui” (altogether different kanji and meaning from your name). Hiobaachan and your grandparents were all praises for you; impressed that you could lead the chant and properly read the text which even for adults is a bit difficult. Everyone is pretty sure that you made Hiojiichan very happy. Good job, my baby.

farewell, Tatay Jaime

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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.