Buses here in Japan stops when in idle mode (eg while waiting for the traffic light). And when the engines are off, it can be eerily silent. Yui almost always chooses this particular moment to loudly say in a sweet voice, “Mommy daisuki (I love Mommy)”. It’s one of those moments when you feel several emotions all at once – joy, pride, elation mixed with embarrassment (because of public declaration and because the silence was broken and might have disturbed somebody) and worry (how to teach Yui when to choose the best time to say her affections without discouraging her from expressing her feelings).
Thank you Anak. You’re giving Mom and Dad immeasurable joy. 🙂
Category Archives: Toddler life
baby diaries: Little Lord Fontleroy
Felt like it was only yesterday when I was looking forward to the day’s episode of “Cedie, ang Munting Prinsipe (Little Lord Fontleroy)”. I can still remember the highlights where I cried buckets; the joyful feeling I’ve had with the happy scenes.
And now, it’s our three year old who’s watching the series. Our three year old who’s so empathic in that even during the very first scene where Cedie’s father clutches his chest, she already knew what will eventually happen to Cedie’s father. During that first chest-clutching scene, she turned to me, her face thoughtful but with an awkward smile, a smile trying to fight getting emotional. I already know that expression; she always have it when the scene touches the heartstrings. So I told her (as I always do whenever she has that expression) it’s ok to cry if she feels the emotion of the scene. She vehemently denied “not crying!” but ran away to avoid looking at the scene.
Several scenes later, Cedie’s Dad died while Cedie was playing the flute for his Dad. During that scene, Yui was watching behind the sofa, or more like peeping from behind the sofa. When Cedie’s Dad’s lifeless arm fell, Yui covered her head with her blankie. I told her gently that Mommy also cried in that scene. The episode ended and automatically proceeded to the next (difficult) episode where Cedie and his Mom had to deal with the Dad’s loss (there was preview to the next episode). But Yui announced she doesn’t want to watch anymore. That she wanted to read a book. We usually just let her watch to her heart’s content while I’m preparing dinner. But for the first time this evening, she refused the tube and read then played instead.
It just surprised me. How our three year old could understand such emotion. Albeit, really, it shouldn’t come as a surprise since Yui has always manifested her empathic nature even from year 1.
And so Mommy and Daddy have to learn and pray how best to raise you, given the heart you have, baby.
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.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Daycare Year 3
First day on Level 3 (わかば組). We wish you passion in learning new things, anak. Grow up well.
Hinamatsuri 2016
The difference of one year with Yui’s artwork. They even did the origami kimono for the Hina dolls this year. Happy Hinamatsuri! 
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.
