"I AM JUST A KID..."

I never expected these words to come out of my five-year-old. 

It's exam week and naturally I want to prepare my kids for it.  

Naomi can now review on her own.  However for Nathan, more attention and guidance is needed.  He seems to have very little attention span at this stage (i.e., 5 years old and kinder).  I keep reminding him to focus.  That is what I was trying to manage.  But I guess I am very much challenged at this aspect and I easily lose my patience.

Gosh, super gigil si Mommy.  Sometimes I don't know how to get Nathan's attention that I end up shouting.  And really gigil!  At one point Nathan told me, "Mom, you look like an evil man."  Ngyark!  Witch na witch ang peg.  And then Nathan let out these words...

"Mom, you are getting mad.  I am just a kid." 

That really crushed my heart... He looked down and was about to sob...  At that instant, I hugged him and said sorry.  I will never forget the expression on his face...

Dear Nathan,

Mommy is really sorry for allowing "anger" to control the mind and emotions.  Thank you for calling my attention.  Yes, you are still a kid and you deserve to learn through love more than anger and shouting.  

I love you sooooo much!

Mommy

P.S.  Please listen to mommy :)  Mommy is such an angel, you know hahaha

SORRY NOTE FROM NAOMI (2015-03-17)

Dear Naomi,

It's your finals week and last Tuesday, I guess both of us are so stressed from the review.  You were cranky and crying while we were reviewing, and Mommy lost her patience.

Then you wrote this note.

No need to say sorry, my dear.  Mommy should have known better that you are already tired.  I am sorry that sometimes I forget that you get overwhelmed too.  Please don't think that you don't make Mommy happy.  I love you and am so proud for what you are and what you are achieving at this young age.  Your happiness is more important to Mommy.

Let's spend more time in love.  

Hugs and kisses, Mommy :)

BIG SISTER IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE

June 25, 2014, Wednesday
 
Dear Naomi,

I want you to know that I am beaming with pride to see you accompany your little brother Nathan to his classroom today.  You know it's only Nathan's third day in big school and he is still building up his confidence and courage to be on his own.  Nathan got clingy to Mommy when I brought both of you to school this morning.  Of course, the teacher in charge wouldn't let Mommy in the classroom area and Nathan wouldn't go without me.  Good thing you offered to bring Nathan to his classroom even if you're almost late for your own class. 

Awww, such a sweet sister.  It's like you were reassuring your brother that it's okay and he can do it, without babying him.  At that moment I felt like you were his source of strength.  You were all smiles to him.

I really pray that you both grow up to be like that --- supportive and loving of each other.  Because people will come and go through your life but your family will always be there for you.

I love you both, my adorable gremlins.  And thank you again, Naomi, for being a real big sister for Nathan.

Love, hugs, and kisses,

Mommy :)

THIS IS IT, NATHAN! :)

Dear Nathan,

Mommy finally submitted your Nursery application form to the big school and you are having your entrance exams on Feb 22, 2014 :)  Do great my little gremlin!  You will be one real school boy starting school year 2014-2015!

Actually, Mommy is excited for you and at the same time a little anxious.  Mommy would like you to stay one more year at Kids Discovery Corner because there the teachers will really have the time to help you improve your skills (writing and reading).  But Daddy and I talked about it (even your Ate Naomi) and they believe that you can do it in the big school.  Don't get me wrong my little gremlin.  Sigurista lang si Mommy.  When your sister entered the big school she was well prepared and knew how to write her name.  I just would like you to be as prepared as Ate Naomi.  Right now, you are in the developing stage and is starting to learn the alphabet, the numbers, and even writing basic lines and coloring.  Oh well, Mommy just have to trust your own strength.  Besides, it is really in school where you are expected to learn and master these skills.  I guess, I just have to erase that thinking that you should know all these basics even before you enter the big school.

I just wish you well my baby, este, big boy.  More than learning, I want you to enjoy school and learn to build healthy relationships.  For the meantime, medyo cramming lang tayo ha.  Let's practice your alphabet, numbers, and writing in preparation for Feb 22.  Most of all, lets PRAY!!! Hahahaha :D

On another note, here is your assessment for the 2nd sem of school year 2013-2014.  Good job for you, my adorable gremlin!  And yes, you are the king of pretend play.  You are just one funny kid.

I will love and support you all the way, my gremlin,

Mommy <3

SUPERMAN DOES NOT DANCE

Dear Nathan,

Here is your supposedly dance performance for your 2013 Halloween Party at KDC.  For some reason, you did not dance :)  

Well, I think I know why...

Maybe you're thinking Superman (and other superheroes for that matter) is not supposed to dance but to fly and rescue people in need...

Or maybe, you are just sleepy...

Whatever the reason is, okay lang, because I still enjoyed watching this.  

And when I showed you the video and asked about something, here is what you have to say:

Mommy: "Nathan, what were you whispering to Moe?" (in the video Nathan whispered twice to Moe)
Nathan: "GO HOOOME!!! "

Hahahaha naman anak.  If you don't want to dance, wag nang mang-BI ng ibang classmates hahaha Classic ka talaga, anak!

Happy Halloween everyone!  Here's the video and hope you'll enjoy it even if Nathan did not dance :)

NAOMI, NAOMI, NAOMI

Dear Naomi,

Congratulations!!!  You did a good job being the first place in your class and you did a whole lot of other great things in just the first semester of SY 2013-2014.  You are 5 years and 4 months old as I write this letter.  Mommy and Daddy are just so proud of you.  Most importantly, I’m glad that you are enjoying school. 

Let me enumerate your milestones:

August 16, 2013 – First Parent-Teacher Conference (Kinder A, 1^st Trimester, SY 2013-2014

According to Teacher Dianne, this is more of a behavioral assessment.  This is what Teacher had to say.

 Teacher told us that you are so lady-like.  You are so poised!  You are soft-spoken and yet starting to show leadership skills.  Teacher said you just need to learn how to speak louder and to work faster on your seat work.  Yeah, anak, you can do this.  And I’m glad to know that your first two months started well.  Mommy is just so anxious at first as to how you will adjust to the big school.  But look at you now :)

October 18, 2013 – Little Archers’ Olympics

 

Yes, finally, your dream of being a cheer dancer is now a reality.  You auditioned for La Salle’s pep squad and you got in!  I think you were about 3 or 4 years old when you started dreaming to be a cheer dancer because of the movie “Bring It On”.  And so your first performance happened last October 18, 2013, when you performed at La Salle Greenhills for the Little Archers’ Olympics.  Mommy and Daddy are so impressed of you because you woke up really early for it (without us waking you up) so we can be in school at 6:15 am.  You went to La Salle Greenhills without Mommy, Daddy, or Yaya.  Sorry, Mommy was not there to watch (parents can go to La Salle Greenhills but on their own).  But when I asked if you looked for Daddy and Mommy, you said no.  When I asked if you got sad because there was no Mommy or Daddy to watch you, you said no.  Gosh, Mommy was so relieved because Mommy was feeling guilty to have missed this.  But more than the relief that you gave Mommy, it was the thought that you are showing signs of independence that made me really smile.  Parents are not really there to protect and shield you all the time but it is more to train you to have the traits and values you need to live the life you have.  For some reason, Mommy is more concerned on how you’ll have a high emotional quotient than just being good at academics.  I’m glad that I see La Salle as a partner to that goal.  I’ve been seeing various activities in your school that I think train students to be independent and confident.  Ooops, carried away na naman yata ako.  Umo-OA na naman si Mommy.  Wala lang, I’m just so happy for you anak.  I saw your video in Facebook since Sofia’s mom shared it.  Ang galing!  Winner ang kembot mo hahaha

October 24, 2013 – Science Quiz Bee 

Another first, my princess.  We got a note from Teacher that you were chosen to be one of the representatives to the Science Quiz Bee.  When I got there, you just finished the quiz bee.  Good thing Daddy took a video of it.  And Mommy was really impressed.  Especially during the difficult round where there were no choices and wrong spelling will not be counted.  Example lang.  One of the questions was “Where do orchids live and grow?”  You answered, “pot”.  Tama yun, my princess hahaha you see naman that our orchids at home are growing and living in the pot (some of them lang kasi others are in a drift wood kaya nga si Daddy puno ang naiisip na answer hahaha). But the correct answer was “air”.  Hihihih that’s okay, anak.  This is just the start.  For sure, there will be more quiz bees for you.  And I really admire La Salle that they expose students this young to activities like this which I think train students to be confident and competitive.  Sige bawi tayo next time, my princess.  And don’t worry, we are still buying you a new pair of rubbers shoes ;)

October 25, 2013 – Card-giving day for the first trimester of SY 2013-2014

You did it!  You’re the first in class!  In fairness, ang galing mang-surprise ni Teacher Dianne.  She showed me first your Exemplary Deportment Award, discussed with me your grades, and finally showed the First Place Award.  Yiiiiiiiiii!  Can’t contain my happiness then.  Galing mo!  I remember Daddy would always tell you to aim to be number one because 2^nd place is the first loser.  Syempre to the rescue si Mommy because I’m not sure how you’ll take the pressure in school.  I just would like you to adjust to the “real” school first.  But look at that.  Maybe, I’m babying you a little.  Maybe, I should trust you more :)  Anyway, I’ll leave the pushing to Daddy and Mommy will be that safety emotional net ;)  Good deal? :D

 

Hayyy baby ko.  How time flies.  You are now starting to build yourself.  I hope and pray that you will continue to aim high, love learning, and act with integrity and with heart to others.  Pray always my baby and  know that your family is always here to support you.  

I love you so much,

Mommy

CONFIDENCE

Hubby called and narrated his conversation with Naomi today at lunch time:

Daddy:  Are you the smartest in the class?
Naomi:  Yes.
Daddy:  You think teacher will say the same?
Naomi:  I think so.

Awww, ikaw na, anak!  Hahaha I am just so proud that Naomi is so confident of herself.  

Just  a background why there was this kind of conversation, today at 3 pm will be Naomi's 1st performance review with teacher.  So we will meet with teacher later and both hubby and I are just so excited to hear how Naomi is in school.  And this conversation of hubby with Naomi just makes me smile and hopeful that such confidence will be with Naomi as she grows up.  I just don't remember myself being that sure of myself when I was Naomi's age :)

I better log out now as I need to finish work so I can leave the office early.  Will blog about the result of Naomi's performance review later :)