Usually bedtime is snuggle up time with you Yui. But this evening, right after bath, you already mellowed down. And after burping your last milk intake for the night, you readily went to sleep without Mommy having had the need to sing lullabies. Even while we were still having dinner and you waited for us in your high chair, you seem to notice Mom and Dad are busy. We had to prepare for Dad’s business trip, see.
Thank you Yui Moirraine for being sensitive. Mom and Dad are so thankful.
Tonight and tomorrow night, Hubs is away for a stay-in workshop organised by the company, him being one of the lecturers. I’m happy for Hubs for this opportunity but I sorely miss him; this being the first night we’ve been away from each other ever since our church wedding two years ago let alone the first since Yui was born. Yui seemed to be out of sorts herself as well this evening. Not crying thankfully but more clingy than usual. Nighttime is actually her bonding time with Dad as I go about doing household chores. Funny how she finally settled for the night after hearing her dad on the phone when Hubs called to say goodnight. I am more tired as well since I have to take care of the baby AND do household chores; this after coming home carting a baby in my arms, a bulky baby bag on one shoulder and dragging a stroller/baby car on one hand (Mayumi carried the shopped goods thankfully). But still I’m real thankful because Yui at least wasn’t cranky this evening. In fact she was smiling a lot. So even when I was already very tired, I found myself still having the energy to do some household chores at 1:30am. Thanks to Yui’s help. The miracles of being a mom – you thought you’re tired already yet you still find yourself going and going and going. But really, aside from the lending arm that Hubs gives when he’s around, it definitely is lonely without Atsushi around. Two nights seem to be very long.
Yui is soon to start her solids already and I planned for today and tomorrow to buy the stuff necessary for the first few weeks at least. Been researching on giving baby solids for quite some time now and it’s finally time to actually buy the stuff for us to get started.
For today’s destination, we had to ride the JR train. Unfortunately however, the station we went to doesn’t have an elevator. We had Yui on a baby car and it’s really quite a feat to climb a long flight of stairs with a baby and a big bag albeit Mayumi will carry the folded stroller. The train master however kindly offered to carry Yui’s baby car and even offered that I put my big bag on the stroller for him to carry which of course I had to graciously refuse. When we got up to the platform, he didn’t leave us immediately the moment he set down the stroller. He waited till I was able to safely tuck Yui in in the stroller. Such a kind act. Thankful. Touched. Impressed.
The baby goods shopping was successful. Was really happy with these girly cover-all bibs; hello kitty and suzzy’s zoo being washable cloth type and the owl and flower design being easy to wipe plastic type. We’re ready for solids yey!
When my grandmother died last November, I couldn’t sing for two days. Not even Moirraine’s Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. When I learned about Jom’s death last December, I could only ease out what I feel by singing – most particularly Paglisan. But when Kuya Julz death was confirmed last Monday, I became speechless; I couldn’t articulate my thoughts and feelings and could only say “Kuya” with a frowney face on my status on social networks – me who’s usually expressive in written form and more especially when emotional.
When we first heard of the siege Wednesday night, it seemed our world revolved around it (aside from work for Atsushi and me taking care of Yui of course). The day is spent on reading the news and waiting for news within the company. Topic over dinner is about the latest update of the siege. Hearts fearful yet dearly hoping the news about deaths is not true.
Sunday came and we received the news that allayed our fears – Kuya is safe! We were still saddened for the other colleagues (Hubs was getting depressed) yet we were rejoicing that our prayers had been answered – Kuya is safe! I found myself mentally drafting my email to him, to let him know of our relief over his safety. I found myself looking forward as well, to hear about his survival story. I found myself wondering if he’d give a sort of press conference, at least to the P department in Manila, sharing his experience to department-mates who consider him as a dear friend, a mentor, a Kuya (older brother), a Daddy.
But Monday came and brought a terrible news. The real news was that Kuya didn’t make it. It seemed like all the tension and fear in the last five days caused some black hole and took all my words after saying “No”.
Such a terrible way to die, especially for a good man as Kuya had been…..and with this, I find myself lost for words again as I start to try to express myself and try to get a grasp of why it had to happen.
Kuya Julz, I know you can see us all now and know how we’ve been unsettled with your passing; unsettled being an understatement. I can just imagine how your family feel right now because even us, your friends and colleagues all around the globe had been mourning for days; mourning yet still unbelieving. And even when it hurts us a lot, with the unfairness of it, I can only imagine how your friends who share the same office with you must feel; they, who are reminded of you with every corner in the office.
Am surprised I’ve already written quite a lot albeit I still haven’t expressed a fraction of my thoughts and feelings.
I am sorry Kuya that I can’t even write a decent eulogy for you. But know that in my heart, there’s only one Kuya for me – only you and nobody else.
It hurts to say this but I have to because you have to – Rest in Peace, Kuya.
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They say it comes in threes. Please. Let Kuya be the last.
Hubs’ colleagues in his department asked him what he wanted as their group’s gift for our newborn. A toy/gym? Or an air purifier?
So of course hubs chose the air purifier which also benefits me, allergic to dust as I am. I just find it weird though considering the huge price difference between a baby gym and the air purifier. But of course I’m not complaining teehee.
So the air purifier now sits in our bedroom whilst the Nanoe air purifier that we bought last year has been relocated to the dining area.
They also gave us baby books – which would benefit both me and Yui as well haha. About time I learn Japanese.
And a towel set with Yui’s name in Hiragana on it!
Thankful to hubs’ department mates. 🙂
And of course we’re so thankful as well to friends and family who gave Yui such cutie gifts. I may not be able to post them here in our blog but know that we are truly grateful and thrilled and excited to use your cute gifts on Yui. 🙂
A career woman.
A mother of SIX.
A Nobel laureate.
Leymah Gbowee is one inspiration.
It’s my last working day in the office before I take my maternity leave / baby care leave. I shall miss work. It’ll be hopefully middle of spring next year already when I go back to work. I shall terribly miss my teammates in the project too (especially those that I have worked closely with) and I’m happy to know that they’d be missing me in the same way. Being part of this mega $17B project wasn’t just technically enriching. It also blessed me with great relationships along the way albeit it has been a looong journey of valleys and hills.
Here’s (a representative of) me and hubs commemorating my last day at work for the year. And we say THIS IS THE BEST GINGER ALE EVER!!!
Earlier, when I was still packing my stuff in a box, Jon bought me and Me-an this super delicious Greek yogurt. I haven’t eaten yogurt for the longest time already because I got saturated with it already after consuming tons during my first trimester. But this one’s different, with no sour aftertaste and would still be good even without the honey, we think. It’s more expensive than your usual yogurt at 189 yen, where usual yogurts are only at 105 yen or so. Thanks to Jon, Me-an and I had a nice yogurt break right there on my desk; sharing good conversation over good yogurt.
And so from tomorrow, I’d be in full swing with the baby preps. Looking forward to see Otosan and sis-in-law as well!
I do wonder if the “blue moon” would have its effect on baby’s amniotic sac just like how the full moon affects the tide. Let’s see.