Brianna's Moving Up Day 2015

(I would have to hold the Ilocos Tour posts and practically everything else, basically, - AGAIN - to give way to my post regarding my daughter's moving up day. Not really good with the updating the blog regularly thing. HOW DO YOU GUYS DO IT?!)

(Also, PHOTOS GALORE!!!)

Last Tuesday, March 17, the KinderCrib Learning and Childcare Center held their Moving Up Day at the Tanghalang Pasigueño main theater.

What Not To Do During Moving Up Day

Yesterday was Brianna's school's Moving Up Day presentation general rehearsals. As much as I wanted to focus on the fact that Brianna did a great job in the rehearsals, there were some annoying things I noticed which I am pretty sure a lot of parents (and yayas) were rehearsing for the event itself that they shouldn't.

Since it is Moving Up Day season, here are things I think you should avoid doing during your kid's graduation day:

1. Sit on a chair where someone else was sitting. I guess this just all boils down to scarcity thinking. In an auditorium as big as the main hall of Tanghalang Pasigueño, there'd be a huge number of empty seats especially for a preschool with a student population of about 60. If you saw someone leave their seat, don't assume they won't be back unless they haven't come back for, say, 15 minutes...maybe not even because the line to the restrooms tend to get pretty long.

2. Block the view of someone else. I guess with us being proud parents and all, we tend to take as much video as we can of our little darlings. What I am trying to say here, though, is for you to just be aware of your surroundings. If you feel you're blocking another parent's view while trying to find the perfect angle, adjust accordingly.

While we're on the subject, don't...

3. Use your iPads for taking photos and videos. Yes, I am hating specifically on iPads right now even if I, myself, have one. If you own one of the iPad units that have huge screens (iPad2, 3, iPad Air, etc), never ever EVER use this huge chunk of a gadget to record your kid's precious moments. Believe it or not, some people don't really want to watch their kids through a mobile device's screen.

4. Talk on the phone. Okay, maybe you can do this if you keep your voice low enough to not disturb everyone around you. If not, head on over to the nearest exit because no matter how loud Tomorrow's blaring through the speakers, you'd still probably disturb a mom who has super hearing powers nearby.

And lastly, don't...

5. Gossip about the kids. The women I heard talking didn't talk about Brianna but it still made me sick. It doesn't matter if the poor boy has a hideous costume or if the little girl doesn't exactly look like a movie star. Never EVER gossip. It's generally a horrible thing to do, let alone do it to kids! Just. Stop.

You'd think adults would know and master respect by the time they hit a certain age but I guess some of them haven't had the time to grow up yet.

-End of rant-

Brianna's 4th Birthday Celebration

Sharing Brianna's 4th birthday Jessie the Cowgirl celebration photos at the KinderCrib Learning and Childcare Center last Thursday. She had fun but she kept on getting the urge to cry and we don't know why. We assumed she was just so touched by her teachers and classmates. Haha!

After greeting Brianna a happy birthday, they played 2 games: Musical chairs and this game where they tuck a ball in between their legs and they race around chairs and pass it to the next person in line. 

After the games, we sang the Happy Birthday song:

And she blew out her candles...but not without letting go of my hand. That's why you can spot my hand in the photo below.

She also didn't get to blow them all in one go so she pulled me in to help her with them.

After that, eating time of course!

And then, gifts and giveaways time, their (seemingly) most favorite part of any party. They were all too excited to receive the lootbags, a lot of them kept going to the lootbags and the teachers had to make them sit one by one. I really admire the patience of preschool teachers...

And there you have it; Brianna's birthday party. The birthday girl wants to thank you all who greeted her (pati narin yung mga humahabol pa).

For the birthday girl...

To my dearest baby girl,

Happy 4th birthday, Brianna! You are growing up so fast, I wish I could grip whatever it is that's making you grow and just ask it to slow down a bit.

I am so proud of all the things that you are doing and all the things that you are trying to do. No matter what happens, kahit sobrang naghihigpit ako sayo (sabi nila), please know that I've got your back - and your well-being in mind - all the time. I will support you through everything you will ever decide upon on from now until the end of time because I know that you are a smart girl. That you know what you should and shouldn't do. Yes, even at the tender age of 4, I trust your intuition and your decisions. Sometimes I disagree with you and force my thinking on you and for those times, I apologize. I guess it's human/mommy nature to nag but know that I am doing everything I can to improve my "mommy-ness" everyday. Susubukan kong hindi maging nagger and assuming talaga kasi sa lahat ng ayaw ko, yang dalawang yan talaga. I will try to be that mom you can confide everything - literal, 'nak, everything kahit sex life mo pa yan - in and that mom you would be proud to "share" with your friends.

I am so happy that you are growing up to be that respectful albeit shy little girl (at first) that you are now. There's nothing wrong with being shy, despite what other people are telling you. Keep that in mind. I love you for who you are and I won't change anything, Lovey. You are perfect in my eyes, despite all the "imperfections" that other people seem to see in you, a little girl.

Thank you for making Mommy feel better whenever I feel sad. Your simple "Mommy, why are you crying?" is enough to put a smile on my face. Your hugs make me feel loved despite all the wrongs in our world. Your attempt to literally wipe away my tears helps me build the strength to just keep going despite wanting to give up and just end everything. You are truly the reason why I am here and why I am pushing through all the hardships.

My wish for you is for you to grow up to be the best you truly are meant to be and for you to grow up  healthy, loving, respectful, strong, and courageous. I also wish for you to follow your heart's desires, no matter what they may be. I will be right behind you 100%.

Thank you, honey, and I love you so much. We will get through everything together and come out victorious in the end.

Happy birthday, Brianna Angelica!