Yui was trying to reason her way out of putting on her socks by herself this morning. Me (for the nth time): Yui put on your socks.
Yui: Mommy mo sokoshi dekiru yo (Mommy, with just a little bit of effort you can do it)
We were already about to be late for the bus so I eventually had to put her socks on her.
Yui: Mommy, dekita ne. Jouzu (see Mommy, you can do it! Good job!)
Yui was helping me hang the clean clothes in her locker when she spotted one summer dress and asked for it. I gave it to her and went about my other chores. A couple or so minutes later, she rushed back to me with a big smile and exclaimed, “Mommy, pretty dress!”. She managed to work out the buttons and put the dress on on top of her clothes and just kept the buttons unhooked as they were at the back (I couldn’t manage back buttons myself either).
She then asked that we play catch ball. She was so passionate with it that I had to ask for time out a number of times to catch my breath. And during those times that I was holding my chest, catching my breath, she did pirouettes and laughed as her skirt twirled and swirled around her, saying “pretty dress, pretty dress”. She also skipped and hopped around in between pirouettes. So sporty yet so girlish and stylishly feminine and kikay.
Seeing the happiness on her face and hearing her beautiful laughter, my heart too is suffused with joy and thankfulness to God for giving us this happiness in the form of Yui. And with the happiness is the conscious thought that she’ll be growing up so fast; in that before we know it, time may come that she’ll be one of those students wearing their school uniforms on a Sunday because of some school activity. The thought pinched Mom’s heart a bit.
But really, it is a reminder yet again to treasure the now and maximize the time we have with the baby Yui.
Daddy moments (as told by Hubs).
Yui: iikoto omoi tsuita! (I have a good idea!)
Hubs: nan desu ka? (What is it?)
Yui: naisho (secret)
Yui sometimes whispers secrets into my ear. She’s yet to do it with her Dad though. Or…this “good idea” might be some mischief like Penelope’s (one of her fave cartoons) ideas.
Over breakfast this Sunday morning:
Me: oh γγγγ,too bad Yui, we didn’t wake up in time for Church. π
Yui: Ne….γγΏγγ (it literally means “lonesome, lonely” or “missing somebody” but I guess she meant “sad”)
Me: why are you sad baby? (I was thinking she missed her favourite parts of the Mass)
Yui: no donuts….
Me: ~forcing a grin on my face~
And so it seems se has her Hara Donuts tradition jut like I had my Puto Maya tradition when I was a kid; we usually buy Puto maya after Church which makes me really look forward to when the mass is finished hehe. I wish Yui also gets to taste Puto maya.
Hubs: Have you seen Yui’s latest drawing that got posted at daycare wall? It already looks like an illustration; with composition; not like a toddler’s impromptu drawing anymore. There’s a pond, fish. And tree too. ….oyabaka desu ka ne……
Me: Er….. if you are pertaining to the drawing I saw yesterday, you certainly are oyabaka hehe. I’ll check later if we’re talking of the same drawing.
~a couple of seconds~
Me: hmmm. I haven’t interpreted it as you do but I actually think Yui’s drawing is the best in her class. Haha, fine, I admit I’m oyabaka. Admit you’re oyabaka too.
I checked at daycare. We were really talking of the same drawing. I have to have some crash course though in arts appreciation. π
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.