life with a toddler: Doraemon and bedtime tears

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

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

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

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?

conversations with Yui: candy

I could probably count with one hand the times I allowed you to eat candy which probably makes you one of the least entitled kids in the world when it comes to candies. 

Yesterday you were watching this educational video about counting using candies. And hence during dinner, with a bubbly air, you raised the candy topic. 

Yui: Candies are so sweet! (Insert cute expression here). And they come in different flavours too. 

Me: U-huh. 

Yui: it would be good to eat them together  with Daddy (at this point your Dad looked at you to see where this is heading). 

Me: U-huh. 

Yui: (with a sweet expression on your face) Mommy can we buy, for me and Daddy. 

Me: Just as I thought! That’s the next line I was expecting. 

Yui: Sou da ne (You may be right).

To the tune of “No more monkey jumping on the bed”, I said

Me: No no candy for Yui-chan

Yui: those lyrics are not correct Mommy! It should be “No more monkey jumping on the bed!” desu yo?!

And so you didn’t have your candy. But I told you as well that I appreciated the fact that you tried to work your way, by reason, to what you wanted. I know and saw that you needed courage to say it so I appreciated that. 

Grow up well, honey.