To My Dearest Precious Anthiea

When mummy and daddy were childless for almost 3 years, we wondered if we would have a child of our own. Miracle happened when Heaven gave you as a gift. Mummy and you must have been fated to become mother and daughter in this life :)

Mummy can still remember on your first day in nursery, you were very frightened. When I was at the door, saying bye to you, I could see you having tears in your eyes and whispering "mummy come ... mummy come"

I went to nearby shop to buy sweets for you, as a promise to you that if you did not cry on your first day, you will receive your reward.

Mummy stood outside the classroom for an hour, just wanted to be the first person you would see when teacher opened the door.

When you saw me, you were so happy and proud to tell me, "mummy, I never cry!" and you sure did not shed any single tear throughout your nursery days, though on your 5th day, you wet yourself in school. Heehee ....

You were a very quiet and soft spoken girl in class and had never given teacher any problem.

As you advanced to K1, you were still quite a child. That's for sure because you were only 4.5 years old. It's your childhood, you must enjoy it.

About 3 weeks into K1 life, your form teacher complained to me that you did not understand instructions well.

She asked you to draw 3 circles and coloured them. Maybe you love to draw and colour very much that you colour the whole paper instead.

However, I do understand the teacher's intention. In primary school, you must learn to follow instructions in order to do your worksheets. Anyhow, after this incident, you have learnt and made progress.

During February 2008, your auntie did something wrong and mummy sent her packing. Mummy decided to take pay cut and worked partime so that I can bring you to school in the morning.

It was indeed a tough path ahead but mummy never regretted this decision as I was more involved in your growing up.

In K1, you started to learn more about our Mother Tongue. I should have blamed myself as since birth, I always speak English to you. Hence you face difficulties understanding what your Chinese teacher taught in school.

Mummy decided to help you, to make amends for myself. I forced us to speak more mandarin at home. It proved to be useful as your spoken Mandarin made a great improvement.

By the end of your K1, you are able to converse in Mandarin. Mummy is so proud of you. You also have opened up yourself. You are more daring to speak up sometimes.

This year, is your final year in kindergarten.

Being more mature and responsible, your teacher made your monitoress of your English class.

For a girl who is quiet and soft spoken in her nursery, till now a monitoress of the class, Mummy is so proud of your achievements! :)

Next year, your classmates and you will be going to same/different primary schools. Mummy decided to plan to have your 6 year old celebration in school. This is the first time you ever had celebration in school and you were very happy. I am glad :)

I could see you are well-liked by your friends as when they saw me preparing your cake, all of them exclaimed, "Happy birthday Anthiea !" Two of your classmates even gave you kisses and hugs too !! Aren't you the happiest girl in the world ? :)

When Year 2009 comes to an end, it will mark another beginning of your milestone as you are going primary one next year !

Mummy still cannot believe ... my precious gem, my sweetest, my most wonderful girl has grown up.

Today is one of your big day, your K2 graduation concert.

Mummy had seen how hardworking you are when you learn the dance steps, going for many rehearsals. When you are bathing, eating, trying to sleep, you are still dancing. Heehee ...

I know you will put up an outstanding performance for mummy, daddy and didi tonight. Mummy will shed buckets, buckets of tears .... of joy when it's your turn to up the stage.

Mummy is always proud of you and Mummy always loves you.

Love,
Mummy