Tag Archives: mommyhood

baby diaries: wall decor

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Was awakened last Saturday morning by a small hand tapping my arm. When I opened my eyes, Yui was smiling at me. She was still lying down but with head raised, looking at me, mouth babbling whilst smiling and pointing from the wall then touching her hips. Apparently, the letter Y fell off the wall and hit her hips which then woke her up. It was so endearing how Yui finds the whole thing funny. She woke me up because she knows I want the letter back up on the wall. After putting it back, she lay down again and the both of us went back to sleep.

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Organized and putting back things where they usually are – you have some penchant for this, Anak. Today, your sensei pointed out on the renraku note about your inclination towards 後片付け [あとかたづけ (atokatadzuke)]/tidying up/cleaning up/putting things in order. Of course Mommy is proud! 🙂

Grow up well Anak.

baby diaries: “Mama suki”

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From late last week, Yui has been alternately addressing me as Mama/Mamay.

I was handing Yui her bread for breakfast this morning and was about to ask her if she wants yogurt before her milk. But before I could utter my line, she said the most beautiful thing she’s ever said, and with a wide smile at that while saying it.
Yui: Mama suki.

I wanted to make sure if I heard it right.

Me: Honto (really)? Mommy daisuki? (You love Mommy?)

Yui: nnto. Mama suki.

This time you were nodding your head whilst smiling.

Dad: Honto? Mommy daisuki?

Yui: nnto. Mama suki. Suki. Suki.

Of course I was in heaven the whole day. Thank you anak. It’s a Happy Easter indeed.

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(Yui! Drawn by Daddy)

baby diaries: Secured

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Mommy had a beautiful moment with you earlier this evening, Anak. Thinking about it made me cry tears of joy at 1:30 in the morning.

Dinner was ready to be served (with miso and fresh salad at that!) but we were waiting for Daddy to arrive so we can all eat together. I had just turned off the stove and walked out the kitchen to take your hands off the iMac keyboard. But then you also left the iMac and met me halfway.

You were standing then and was gesturing for me to hold both your hands. Thinking how sweet it was of you to request so, I obliged. But then you turned gymnast. You folded your knees and beautifully arched your back so the top of your head reaches the floor. Achieving this feat, you burst into giggles and laughter and did it again and again, all the while using Mommy’s hands as anchor/gym bar(? hehe). Emboldened, you stood up, arched your back and slowly dipped your head to reach the floor. This being harder, you burst into more laughter when you reached the floor, laughter ringing with happiness because you’ve achieved something difficult. Holding your hands, I can feel how strong you’ve become, how tight your hold was on my hands.

Mommy was very happy to hear your laughter. But what really made Mom’s heart well up was the fact that you were very secured with me. That you know Mommy won’t let go. That you know Mommy can support you. That you know you can achieve a difficult feat by holding on to an anchor, a secure anchor. When you’ve grown up some more, your Dad and I will share with you some more WHO is that secure anchor who will always be with you. But know, dear child, that your Dad and I will try our best to be your anchor, when you need us.

At 19 months, you really haven’t addressed me yet as Mommy albeit there was a weekend when you called me Maman. You’ve consistently addressed me though as “eh-eh-eh”. And that doesn’t bother Mommy at all, Anak. What matters more is that we see you growing up secured, self-assured and able to care for others. These are more than enough.

Grow up well, Anak.

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potty training milestone

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If there’s one baby milestone that I’ve been dreading, it’s definitely potty training. I’ve read the books and articles. I’ve read the “horror stories” – one toddler dashed straight to the couch and sat around before the Mom was able to wipe his bottom. I’ve read the many ways on how to potty train – from rewards system (a cookie, a penny etc for every successful deed) to affirmations. Been looking around for training potties too for a long time now – from standalone ones with famous cartoon characters to toddler toilet seat covers that can be put on top the adults’. However, we haven’t really established yet how to really go about it.

One thing I’m sure though ever since I’ve read about potty training. That my baby has to be developmentally ready before we start to make a go for this difficult task; with my mark for “developmentally ready” being she herself making the initiative that she already wants to be trained.

From early March, Yui has been quiet interested with the toilet room. She hovers around when we go inside; sometimes even banging the door, reminding me of a very funny meme with the twilight zone words yet showing cute chubby little fingers.

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And then from last week, whenever Yui is about to do deed no. 2, (no. 1 being peeing) she would stop whatever she’s doing and present herself in front of me and put on her usual expression when she’s about to poop (mouth stretched thin, face red from effort). I always lead her to her play room for clean up but from last week, we had to make the trip to the play room twice because she still didn’t make the “go” the first time we go to the room.

And so last Friday, when she made the face, I asked her if she wants to go to the toilet. She took a couple of steps towards the toilet, hesitated, then went to the play room and did deed no. 2 there.

Saturday came and we had a spring day walk that took our whole day. When we came home and I went to the toilet, she hovered around. So I asked her if she wants to pee in the toilet. She nodded so I sat her up (no kiddie lid on! We still weren’t able to buy as we thought she still wasn’t “developmentally ready”). But nothing happened so I let her go. Later in the evening however, she came to me wearing her funny about-to-poop face. I asked her if she wants to go to toilet. She nodded yes. And so I sat her up. This time, it was a success. She just sat prim and proper and behaved while I was cleaning her up. Her Dad was very surprised that her diaper was clean still.

So relieved to get through this difficult milestone! We can only hope there won’t be a relapse. Now, we just have to make her tell us when to pee. Will push it next time, when she’s developmentally ready. >

Life lessons with Itsy Bitsy Spider

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Like most babies/toddlers/kids, Yui likes Itsy, Bitsy Spider. Whenever she hears me or Scout (her programmed doggy stuffy) sing it, a smile lights up her face and she would sway from side to side.

And so I sing.

Itsy, Bitsy spider climbed up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain. So Itsy, Bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

And then I froze. What a cruel song! How could people teach their kids that song?! With the rain washing out the spider (so mean!) and the Itsy, Bitsy spider climbing again (so masochistic!).

And then I froze again or better, unfroze. And smiled as it hit me that I had it wrong. And right then, I felt thankful to whoever did create this nursery rhyme. You were simply marvellous.

Yui, you may one day see one tall, giant “spout” and be curious enough to go explore it. By deciding to explore it, your Dad and I are already very happy that you didn’t think yourself too itsy, bitsy to be able climb up. You can conquer it! But remember dearie, something may happen to keep you away, to wash you away from your interests, from what you worked hard to climb for. It’s part of life’s cycle. Enjoy the lessons it brings and enjoy the ride. Pretty soon you can have a fresh start to pursue your spout again, this time stronger, cleaner, more determined. Climb up Yui

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photo courtesy of PM Garcia

baby diaries: proud and happy

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It’s difficult to leave you behind at the daycare, Yui, when you’re crying. But it’s even more difficult to leave you when you’re all smiles and you’re eagerly showing your new moves. Moves that are quite so varied nowadays albeit it’s mostly trying to stand and sit from tummy down without holding on to something.

And you know what? Even when everything is so new to you, even when you’re just practicing and that it’s understandable to look awkward, you’re far from looking awkward at all. All the movements you make, they’re so fluid and graceful, they even look measured, as if you’re assessing your next move first before you act on it.

Mom remembers, several months ago, that time when your movements were more limited, you were playing on your crib and your toy fell on Mommy’s bed. It was within your arms’ reach albeit lower so you leaned to retrieve it. But when it fell again and rolled somewhere just a bit farther, you looked at it, looked at the elevation distance between your bed and Mommy’s bed, tried to extend your arm but seeing it’s a bit far, decided to ignore your toy. It was amazing to see it as it shows Mommy that at a very young age, you show some critical thinking already.

Your first steps a couple or so months ago, albeit it was assisted by Mom (or Dad), we found it beautiful. Probably all parents feel this towards their babies, no matter how wobbly it was. Yet still baby, you were so graceful. Mom would always remember that first time as a tender, sweet memory.

Before Mom left you off at the daycare today, your feet was firmly on the floor, looking as if any moment now you’d push yourself up and stand, unassisted. But what lingered with Mommy more was your big and happy smile, looking up at Mom beaming with pride at your efforts, your cheeks a pretty blush. That touched Mommy in so many wonderful ways anak and that moment would probably be one of Mommy’s treasured memories.

Grow well anak. We love you.