Dear Sabrina Banana,
I must confess that we have been snickering a bit (albeit lovingly) at the way you pronounce your "L"s and "SH"s. We would repeatedly ask you to say words that we know you're struggling with just because you sound so cute saying them. Last night, I asked you to tell your Gramma about your memory verse from Sunday school which goes like this "Trust the Lord with all your heart"
Liv: Andrea can you tell Gramma about your memory verse today?
Andrea: Trust the Wohd with all your heart!
Gramma: The Wohd?
Andrea: No the WOHD.
Grama: Wohd?
Andrea: WOHRD!
Gramma: Wohd?
Andrea: L-O-R-D!
OMG. We were so surprised. We didn't know you could spell! This is so interesting because this is not a word you come across often even in your Bible. You don't study this word in school. So I know you spelled it out phonetically instead of by your memory. I must say, you shut me and gramma up pretty good last night. =)
Love ya,
Momma
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Lessons from You
Dear Sabrina Banana,
I have been feeling so tired and sick these past couple of days that this Sunday, I let the exhaustion get to me. I was irritable and grumpy. I was generally unpleasant to be with.
I could tell that you knew something was wrong with me. You took on the role of peacemaker and you generally tried to make sure I wasn't even more irritated. I'm amazed at your sensitivity and I'm sorry for causing you any distress.
At night, I felt a bit better. I went to your bed and apologized. Our conversation went like this:
OUCH. You definitely schooled me! You are right of course. I shouldn't have been grumpy. Being sick is no excuse. I mean what I said, I'll do better next time.
Love you,
Momma
I have been feeling so tired and sick these past couple of days that this Sunday, I let the exhaustion get to me. I was irritable and grumpy. I was generally unpleasant to be with.
I could tell that you knew something was wrong with me. You took on the role of peacemaker and you generally tried to make sure I wasn't even more irritated. I'm amazed at your sensitivity and I'm sorry for causing you any distress.
At night, I felt a bit better. I went to your bed and apologized. Our conversation went like this:
Mom: Banani, I'm sorry for being grumpy today. I shouldn't be grumpy. I'll try to be better tomorrow.
Sabrina: Why were you grumpy?
Mom: I was feeling sick and it made me grumpy.
Sabrina: If something hurts you can just feel sad, you don't have to be grumpy.
Mom: You're right. I'll do better next time.
OUCH. You definitely schooled me! You are right of course. I shouldn't have been grumpy. Being sick is no excuse. I mean what I said, I'll do better next time.
Love you,
Momma
Thursday, February 16, 2012
What is Love?
Dear Sabrina Banana,
A friend of mine who is a teacher in a preschool asked her students what LOVE means. I found their answer so interesting that I decided to ask you as well. I was sure you were going to come up with a crazy, funny, far-off answer but I was so wrong. When I asked you what love meant, you said:
"It's caring for someone. It's when you take care of somebody"
I was taken aback. Wow. You got it!
Love ya,
Momma
A friend of mine who is a teacher in a preschool asked her students what LOVE means. I found their answer so interesting that I decided to ask you as well. I was sure you were going to come up with a crazy, funny, far-off answer but I was so wrong. When I asked you what love meant, you said:
"It's caring for someone. It's when you take care of somebody"
I was taken aback. Wow. You got it!
Love ya,
Momma
Trust
Dear Sabrina Banana,
Last week, you were sick. I wrote you a letter during that time: Sick Baby. I told you about how I tried to teach you about the need to trust me and to believe that I will not lie to you and that I will do my best to take care of you.
Imagine how terrible I felt last Tuesday when I was 10 minutes late in picking you up!! Here I am asking you to trust me, yet I wasn't so dependable. =( As soon as you got inside the car you immediately said "Mommy you weren't there when I went out". I apologize and told you about what caused the delay. You looked at me proudly and said "I just waited in the classroom and I didn't cry".
You see, in the past, you used to cry at the slightest delay of your fetcher. I asked you why you didn't cry and you said "Because I'm sure you will pick me up, like you said." WOW. On one hand, my guilty feelings resurfaced but at the same time I'm so happy that you now understand that Daddy and I can generally be trusted (albeit, 10 minutes late in this case). When you said this, I pulled over and hugged you....and I silently thanked God for guiding daddy and I in raising you to be as wonderful as you are now.
Love you,
Momma
Last week, you were sick. I wrote you a letter during that time: Sick Baby. I told you about how I tried to teach you about the need to trust me and to believe that I will not lie to you and that I will do my best to take care of you.
Imagine how terrible I felt last Tuesday when I was 10 minutes late in picking you up!! Here I am asking you to trust me, yet I wasn't so dependable. =( As soon as you got inside the car you immediately said "Mommy you weren't there when I went out". I apologize and told you about what caused the delay. You looked at me proudly and said "I just waited in the classroom and I didn't cry".
You see, in the past, you used to cry at the slightest delay of your fetcher. I asked you why you didn't cry and you said "Because I'm sure you will pick me up, like you said." WOW. On one hand, my guilty feelings resurfaced but at the same time I'm so happy that you now understand that Daddy and I can generally be trusted (albeit, 10 minutes late in this case). When you said this, I pulled over and hugged you....and I silently thanked God for guiding daddy and I in raising you to be as wonderful as you are now.
Love you,
Momma
Friday, February 10, 2012
Obsessed
Dear Sabrina Banana,
Last night, I read a story for you before your bedtime. You didn't really need me to read for you but I love reading with you. Because we get to talk about the stories (last night we discussed what prophets were...and generals) and be silly and have fun.
After our reading activity, you crawled to bed and then you asked me if it's okay if you brought your bible to bed. I said that would be okay. So you spent the rest of the night quietly reading your bible
Then, you quietly crawled into your blankets, and slept...while hugging your bible. Daddy and I were gushing all night. We can be silly like that.
Love ya,
Momma
Last night, I read a story for you before your bedtime. You didn't really need me to read for you but I love reading with you. Because we get to talk about the stories (last night we discussed what prophets were...and generals) and be silly and have fun.
After our reading activity, you crawled to bed and then you asked me if it's okay if you brought your bible to bed. I said that would be okay. So you spent the rest of the night quietly reading your bible
Then, you quietly crawled into your blankets, and slept...while hugging your bible. Daddy and I were gushing all night. We can be silly like that.
Love ya,
Momma
Empathy
Dear Sabrina Banana,
Can I tell you a secret? When you were younger I was sure you had asperger's. This is a condition which makes you unable to feel empathy for others. It's having , shall we say, shallow emotions. You see, you were very cognitive. You were very concerned with patters, and you get obsessed with order, etc. I went as far as having you tested and everything came out normal. I guess there's nothing wrong with you...there must be something wrong with me then =)
This afternoon, as I was giving you a bath, you proved me wrong once again. You were trying to balance on one foot and I told you the story of how my Nani fell while trying to balance on one foot and how she has a wound because she fell in the bathroom. You were so concerned and you kept asking me "Is she okay? Are you sure she's okay?"
You then insisted that we go to Nani's place to give her your plaster strips. I told you that she already has a band-aid and you said your favorite Phineas and Ferb Band-aid is best because the drawing will make her feel better. You love these bandages and I know you would rather have all of them for yourself but you didn't even hesitate to offer them to Nani. I hugged you because I was so happy.
I don't know exactly how one can teach empathy...but I'm glad I don't have to find out as you already have it.
Love ya,
Momma
Can I tell you a secret? When you were younger I was sure you had asperger's. This is a condition which makes you unable to feel empathy for others. It's having , shall we say, shallow emotions. You see, you were very cognitive. You were very concerned with patters, and you get obsessed with order, etc. I went as far as having you tested and everything came out normal. I guess there's nothing wrong with you...there must be something wrong with me then =)
This afternoon, as I was giving you a bath, you proved me wrong once again. You were trying to balance on one foot and I told you the story of how my Nani fell while trying to balance on one foot and how she has a wound because she fell in the bathroom. You were so concerned and you kept asking me "Is she okay? Are you sure she's okay?"
You then insisted that we go to Nani's place to give her your plaster strips. I told you that she already has a band-aid and you said your favorite Phineas and Ferb Band-aid is best because the drawing will make her feel better. You love these bandages and I know you would rather have all of them for yourself but you didn't even hesitate to offer them to Nani. I hugged you because I was so happy.
I don't know exactly how one can teach empathy...but I'm glad I don't have to find out as you already have it.
Love ya,
Momma
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sick Baby
Dear Sabrina Banana,
You have been sick these past couple of days and you have no idea how hard it is for both Daddy and me to see you as uncomfortable as you are now. We don't know why you got sick, it could have been from the play place we visited over the weekend. Our whole household is affected because we don't know how to deal with you being this sick because you very rarely get sick. The worst that has happened to you is that you had fever for 24 hours...now you've been sick for 4 days!
Thank goodness you are such a great sport. You take your medicine like a champ...no complaints at all. Sometimes, I'd wake you up in the middle of the night to give you medicine and you had no problem with that as well.
You know what? One of the most challenging things I've experienced is hearing you cough like crazy in the middle of the night, then look at me with tears in your eyes and say "Mom it hurts, it really hurts". There was that pleading look, as if saying "Mom, you are always able to fix things. Why aren't you fixing this? Why aren't you making this pain go away?". It broke my heart in ways you will not understand until you yourself have your own child.
Yesterday, I told you we were going to the doctor. You were not happy with that. You said you don't want the injection and by your own words "The doctor makes me nervous". I told you that I am sure the doctor will not give you shots today and that you have to trust me. Our conversation went like this:
Liv: Do you think I always tell you the truth?
Andrea: Yes
Liv: Do you think I lie to you?
Andrea: No
Liv: Do you believe I am going to tell you the truth now?
Andrea: Yes
Liv: The doctor will only use three things, thermometer, stethoscope and a flashlight. That's it. No injection. I promise. Do you believe me?
Andrea: Yes
When we reached the doctor's office you went from nervous to alert and friendly. You said hi to the doctor, embraced the doctor and gave a detailed account of your illness and your medicines. I was laughing because I'm not used to you being that sociable. The doctor was so impressed, and truth be told, so was I.
I told you after that I felt proud of you. I felt proud because you obeyed, and because you were able to "force" yourself to do something you don't want to do.
You're feeling a little bit better now so the challenge for all of us at home is having to remind you to take it easy and take it slow. Every time Daddy and I would call home to ask how you're doing you would have 10 complaints about the things your nanny won't let you do. We have to gently remind you that your body is still trying to get better and yes, your nanny is right...this is not the time to fly a kite. =)
Love ya,
Momma
You have been sick these past couple of days and you have no idea how hard it is for both Daddy and me to see you as uncomfortable as you are now. We don't know why you got sick, it could have been from the play place we visited over the weekend. Our whole household is affected because we don't know how to deal with you being this sick because you very rarely get sick. The worst that has happened to you is that you had fever for 24 hours...now you've been sick for 4 days!
Thank goodness you are such a great sport. You take your medicine like a champ...no complaints at all. Sometimes, I'd wake you up in the middle of the night to give you medicine and you had no problem with that as well.
You know what? One of the most challenging things I've experienced is hearing you cough like crazy in the middle of the night, then look at me with tears in your eyes and say "Mom it hurts, it really hurts". There was that pleading look, as if saying "Mom, you are always able to fix things. Why aren't you fixing this? Why aren't you making this pain go away?". It broke my heart in ways you will not understand until you yourself have your own child.
Yesterday, I told you we were going to the doctor. You were not happy with that. You said you don't want the injection and by your own words "The doctor makes me nervous". I told you that I am sure the doctor will not give you shots today and that you have to trust me. Our conversation went like this:
Liv: Do you think I always tell you the truth?
Andrea: Yes
Liv: Do you think I lie to you?
Andrea: No
Liv: Do you believe I am going to tell you the truth now?
Andrea: Yes
Liv: The doctor will only use three things, thermometer, stethoscope and a flashlight. That's it. No injection. I promise. Do you believe me?
Andrea: Yes
When we reached the doctor's office you went from nervous to alert and friendly. You said hi to the doctor, embraced the doctor and gave a detailed account of your illness and your medicines. I was laughing because I'm not used to you being that sociable. The doctor was so impressed, and truth be told, so was I.
I told you after that I felt proud of you. I felt proud because you obeyed, and because you were able to "force" yourself to do something you don't want to do.
You're feeling a little bit better now so the challenge for all of us at home is having to remind you to take it easy and take it slow. Every time Daddy and I would call home to ask how you're doing you would have 10 complaints about the things your nanny won't let you do. We have to gently remind you that your body is still trying to get better and yes, your nanny is right...this is not the time to fly a kite. =)
Love ya,
Momma
Bookmark
Dear Sabrina Banana,
You had to make a bookmark in school. When you went home, you wanted to know what a bookmark was. I got confused for a while. What do you mean, what a bookmark is? Then it dawned on me. You honestly had no idea what it's for.
You see, sometimes, I forget that you haven't been around this world that long and that you cannot imagine what a bookmark is for. I explained it to you and your eyes lit up. I can see that you realized that "wow" a bookmark is a great invention.
You hurriedly got a book and you went through a soliloquy of sorts:
Andrea: Hmmm, I think I will read a book. Look I'm reading a book. Oh, now I'm feeling sleepy. Let me get my bookmark and put it here. (closed your eyes for a few minutes and then) Oh, I want to read again, where's my bookmark?
What a spectacle just for one, small, homemade bookmark! It's quite funny.
Love ya,
Momma
You had to make a bookmark in school. When you went home, you wanted to know what a bookmark was. I got confused for a while. What do you mean, what a bookmark is? Then it dawned on me. You honestly had no idea what it's for.
You see, sometimes, I forget that you haven't been around this world that long and that you cannot imagine what a bookmark is for. I explained it to you and your eyes lit up. I can see that you realized that "wow" a bookmark is a great invention.
You hurriedly got a book and you went through a soliloquy of sorts:
Andrea: Hmmm, I think I will read a book. Look I'm reading a book. Oh, now I'm feeling sleepy. Let me get my bookmark and put it here. (closed your eyes for a few minutes and then) Oh, I want to read again, where's my bookmark?
What a spectacle just for one, small, homemade bookmark! It's quite funny.
Love ya,
Momma
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