Category Archives: parenting

baby diaries: forever young

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I have two mentors who told me to be “forever young” albeit they said it differently. The message is nevertheless the same; to always be willing and open to learn something new, to go where you’ve never been. 

We were at your paediatrician earlier, for our tummy bug. We had a looong wait but you didn’t mind at all because the doctor’s place was a very interesting one with decorations done in good taste, obviously expensive toys that promotes critical thinking, tons of books. I can almost forget we’re in a clinic. 

Today, I noticed this new picture book, by Bob Dylan, Forever Young. I read it out to you, both in Japanese and English. But a lump was forming on my throat as I was reading the lines. It fully captured my wish for you my dear little one. I said so to you, after I read the last line, that it was a song of my wish for you; and even when you were tinkering over a toy, you solemnly replied, “arigatou”. 

The lump stayed for quite some time. It’s even returning now. 

Love you, dear Yui. 

Forever Young by Bob Dylan

May God’s bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others

And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung

May you stay

Forever young
May you grow up to be righteous

May you grow up to be true

May you always know the truth

And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous

Stand upright and be strong

And may you stay

Forever young
May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful

May your song always be sung

And may you stay

Forever young

life with a toddler: Doraemon and bedtime tears

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We had a great day today. The Fujiko F Fujio Museum was a great visit. Although I’ve only watched one Doraemon movie, still, I had a great time because it made me happy to see Hubs and our daughter having a grand time. 

Hubs for his part was feeling nostalgic; Doraemon after all was a huge part of his childhood. As I tailed Yui, Hubs lagged behind, looking at the original artwork in detail. The museum is celebrating its 5th anniversary, but since it’s still 2016, I’d also like to claim the 5 is for A&M’s anniversary (hehe!) although really, that should have been back in April and we were civilly married in 2010.  But still! Happy 5th!


Repeatedly Yui had said “tanoshikata” (it was enjoyable). The effect it has on me doesn’t wane though, every time she says it; especially when she looks me in the eye and I could see her eyes twinkling. 

This evening though, I sent her to bed crying. 

It was already 30 minutes past midnight yet she was stil asking that we read a book; this, despite the fact that we already read her 5 different books this evening. She was crying that she can’t read yet and hence have to rely on us to read to her. Told her we don’t mind reading to her but that the point is, it’s already past midnight and tomorrow’s not a holiday for her – it’s an early day to daycare. 

And so she cried herself to sleep. This made me remember as well the nights I cried myself to sleep because my father scolded me hard because I was still awake (reading too!) at past midnight. 

Well then, when it comes to late nights, indeed, it’s “like mother, like daughter” for us. 

life with a toddler: on simple courtesy

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I picked you up late today so I just bought cooked food for dinner since I wouldn’t have time to prepare for one this evening. And because it was late (almost 8!), the bus was crowded albeit thankfully, you were still able to get a seat. I stood before you, with both my arms and my shoulders loaded. You told me to hold the post but your expression turned reflective when you realised my hands were full. 

And then you uttered the sweetest words: 

“Mommy, I’ll carry that for you”.  

Well. You just made me the happiest mother. Thank you anak and continue to grow well. 

life with a toddler: priority seat

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This morning, you made Momma really proud, anak. 

Two 40-ish seemingly healthy men (one was absorbed on a book) were seated on the priority seats (reserved for elderly, pregnant women, small kids, disabled) of the bus leaving only one seat available. I urged you to sit but you vehemently refused to sit. You then gestured and offered the remaining available seat to the mom who was standing behind us and carrying a baby. 

Couldn’t be more proud of you, baby. Keep that heart, always. 

life with a toddler: night person

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You chose a long bedtime story for tonight. But I couldn’t skip pages because  you were quick to see if I skipped a few pages. So, I tried another technique: I just read the page on the right then tried to turn to the next page. But you complained loudly that I didn’t read the left side. How you knew exactly what huh page I didn’t read (since you couldn’t read yet) I have no idea. But I’m mighty proud of you my child. 

One thing though. There’s this one phrase that throughout my childhood and adolescence Papa kept on shouting at me late at night: JOJI KATULOG NA!! (JOJI, GO TO SLEEP!!!). It’s the very same line I use with you now. Don’t you just love it?