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. 

  

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. 

 

life with a toddler: socks

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!)

life with a toddler: sporty yet stylishly feminine

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.