A Love Letter To Victoria

My dearest Princess,

I have not written a love letter to you for a long time now.  As I sit here at my desk, after having potter around the kitchen for a bit this morning, my mind drifted off once in a while on you. I'm wondering what you are doing now at school, whether you'll come back chatty or moody.  You're only 9 this year, but my, how you have grown as you experience a growth spurt this year.

I know you don't like me teasing you about your size, but sometimes I do that just so we can have some crazy moments, not because I want to hurt you, dear.  I like to squeeze your thighs and compare them with mine, or smack your bum just because I still can, and sometimes wrap my arms around your neck.

We don't often shopped together for clothes and girly stuff.  I hope you understand that's because both our schedules don't allow such luxury of time, and neither does mummy believe that we should buy carelessly whilst daddy work so hard at work.  We don't always see eye to eye on fashion too.  Sigh.  But do you remember the last time we headed off to Paradigm Mall, just you and I, to grab some stuff and also pop in Lovisa to look at some cute ear rings?  I thought you'd like them, and it's nice that you asked me for my opinion.  Eventhough we were rushing to our next destination, I really wanted to get you something from this shop and I'm glad I did.

Now that you have those cute little ear rings, I hope you'd remember our short escapade everytime you wear them.  We should have more mummy-daughter doing girly stuff.

So, how are you at school?  Isn't great that you have made 3 wonderful friends you can call them your BFF?  I hope these friendships last, and most importantly I hope they will be good influences on you, just as you become a good influence to them.  Remember we don't have to be followers all the time, and we don't have to cave in to peer pressure ok?  It's normal to want to be the same, but it's ok to be different too, because that's what makes you special.  So your hair will grow longer, now that we've gotten them snipped off a few inches.   So what if people notice that your hair is shorter now, because that doesn't change who YOU are.

My girl, my precious girl.  You said you never liked to be the eldest.  How I wish you have someone to look up to, as a jie jie.  I know I have been hard on you most of the times, pushing you to do better, aim higher, smile more, talk more, etc and that's only because I love you.  I'm sorry when I've scolded you too harshly.  I'm sorry for not taking time off to hug you.  I'm sorry for always being too engrossed in my own things or work and just expecting you to accept that.

I love you.  I really do.  I hope you believe that.  My heart breaks when you talk rudely to me.  Growing up doesn't mean you are allowed to talk rudely.  My heart breaks when you don't listen to me, and choose to be stubborn and do things your way instead.  How many times have I said... or reminded... or threatened... but you don't hear me.  Because of this, Daddy and Mummy really pray that you don't fall into the wrong crowd because you're just round the corner to being a teenager.

Would be nice if you share more about your feelings and learn to express yourself more.  It's hard to keep persuading you to come out of your shell, girl.  But if I can assure you again and again, I'd like to say that I love you no matter what.

Looking forward to the school holidays so we can do some fun stuff together.  Last night, I told you the hard truth that life is not about having fun, but everything is about hardwork and perseverance. I hope I did not demotivate you.  Hang on to your piano lessons, girl, but if it really drives you crazy just to practice, then stop it.  (note to self:  better start to secretly record her playing so that I can listen to them next time)


Love you XOXO,
Mummy

Graduation: When did you grow up, my son?

My baby boy graduated from his kindergarten last Saturday, 27th September 2014.  His kindy alternates between a Sports Day or a School Concert every year, and this year it was the School Concert.

Two years ago, when William was 4yo, he played the main role of the lion in his class presentation.  This year, he was given the Whistle Master role.

Students were required to arrived early by 7:45am to register, thereafter they were to gather in their respective classes so that the teachers and helpers can help them put on light make-up, adjust their costumes or graduation gowns and feed them a light snack.

Left:  Big jie jie helps him gel up his hair.  He wraps a towel around his neck in case his shirts gets wet in the process.    Middle:  Wearing his shoes  Right:  Boy wears his costume by himself. 

Photography credits

Much as I would have liked but parents were not allowed in the classroom.

The auditorium was decorated with balloons and fairly packed with excited parents and family members 

However, as you will see later, we received privy photos taken by the official photographers of our son behind closed doors and unblocked view up on stage.  Words cannot express how touched and blessed I am when these photos were sent to us, as the photos from my camera did not produce very good results.  On the same note, many of the beautiful photos here were taken from Yeh Yeh's camera because Yeh Yeh decided to move up to the Gallery before the ceremony, and he found prime spot for his iPad to video and snap photos.  I am forever grateful!  Looks like getting front row, aisle seats has so much limitations.

His class teacher, Apple puts on a little bit of color on his fair white cheeks and lips

The concerts started on time at 9am with a brief welcome by the Emcee, followed by the house rules and soon after, the announcement of the students and classes as they walk proudly into the auditorium.

Oops, this is not William!

First to walk in was the Malaysian flag bearer who was a boy from another class.  I held my camera up to get ready to snap pictures of my son not knowing when he will be walking in, but assuming he will be together with his class.

I got a shock when the Emcee announced my son's name instead as the Malaysian flag bearer!  I fumbled with my camera for awhile until I realized it was a mistake. I felt so bad for the boy who's name was only quickly mentioned after the Emcee realized his blunder, which I thought was rather too late as the Selangor flag bearer has walked in.

Finally, here he is!

After the four flag bearers walked in, it was William's turn and he smiled his boyish smile at me us when he saw me us by the side.  My heart melted.

First glimpse of my graduating boy!  

View from the powerpoint

Standing beside Teacher Evelyn who gives him the cue to blow the whistle

Steady on stage.  Very serious too.  Hhmm...

View from the Gallery.  William stands in the middle

The students entered class by class, all dressed up in their respective glittering, shiny and smart costumes.  The 3yos made the guests oooh-ed and aaaahh-ed with their cuteness, the 4yos made us giggle and laugh, the 5yos made us clap louder, and last but not the least, the 6yos made us all swell with pride.

Teacher Evelyn gives the cue to William for the first blow on the whistle, to indicate for all to stand as the National Anthem, Negaraku is played.

After the National Anthem was sung, the guests were requested to sit and William blows the whistle twice to gesture the same to his fellow school friends.  They get off stage and then it was time for the student speeches in three languages, Principal's speech and Pastor's speech.

Presentation of Certificates

William stands on the last row, second from right

Second from right, William stands almost as tall as a few of the girls in his class

Each graduand's photo was flashed up on the big screen when their names were called to collect their certificates

Party time!

We were entertained by all the colorful and vibrant performances in different songs made popular in the 1970s also in different languages.

Here are some by other classes:

William in action

And here's the video of his class presentation of "Ja Jambo"

My little performer 

Mummy with my two darling children

Let's celebrate with food!

After the ceremony, we had lunch at the newly opened Jaya Shopping Mall in Section 14.   Although we had not planned to eat at Serai Restaurant which serves local, northern cuisine, but it was a pleasant surprise as service and food quality was good, dessert was sweet and the ambience was comfortable.

The foods that we ate...  from nasi kerabu to pavlova

And finally our home looked festive too, with all the balloons that we took back from the auditorium.

My Dear Boy Boy,

I want you to know that Mummy Daddy are both very proud of you.  Your graduation marks another milestone in your life and although reality have not really set in for me, I know I will very very soon miss sending and fetching you from kindy.  I will one day hold your folded uniform, wishing that you can fit into them once more.  I will one day look at your Transformer pulley bag and wish I'll see you push and pull that bag as if it was a car to you.  

Wasn't it just a couple of years back that you cried when you joined kindy?  Boy boy, now you almost run into class every morning when I drop you off!  

I know you are ambitious just by knowing what you want, and praying hard for it.  But hardwork needs to be put in, and consistency is the key.  Take time to play, but don't take too long a time to finish your meal or a page of homework.  Last but not least, take time to assure your mummy here, that you will always be my little boy. 

Loving you always and forever.

Update:

Last night when I put him to bed, I lay down beside this boy because I wanted to see him drift into Dreamland.  This is what he told me after a while, "Mummy, you better go out to do your work now, so that you can finish fast and come in to sleep fast."