Got to Believe

My Motorcycle Diaper Cake

2012-02-10T12:51:00.000+08:00

I like nice packaging. It somehow makes me treasure the gift even before I open it.
So, having come across this easy craft online, I set to work to create an impressive but easy diaper cake that isn't in the usual shape.

It's a diaper motorcycle cake!

Stats of twin babies of a very dear friend.

Switchplate and Wall Clock Re-do

2012-02-08T18:20:00.000+08:00

I am in an DIY mode recently.

Somehow, I just got tired of looking at our violet wall clock which is so out of place in our ever so sunny kitchen.

Didn't have anything better to do with my dingy switch plate cover, too.

But I have paper on hand and my ever-reliable home -made modge podge (watered down glue) so off to work I went.

This is an easy afternoon craft that just takes cutting andpasting.

From drab

To fab ( cliché!)

I'm loving this new happier versions of our wall clockand switch plate.

Scenes from Y2011: A Visit to the Fire Station

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000+08:00

It was a lucky find, this fire station discovery. We were just dropping off our laundry and took a new road going back to the house and what do you know. Our neighborhood fire station is just around this corner.

Had fun posing with the fiery red engines!

Arts & Crafts: Soap Making

2012-02-01T23:22:00.000+08:00

Friday nights = cramming for last minute arts and crafts inspiration on the net. About three weeks ago, it was all about hand made soaps. We're doing a lot of improvements in the house and needed to cut on costs, I have all the ingredients on hand, and I never liked the commercially available soaps anyway so here's a perfect Saturday morning project.

How to make your own liquid handwash.

1. Fill your tummy and then lay down the ingredients on the table.

- a bar of your favorite organic soap ( we used Giga spearmingt soap)

- a few drops of glycerin (available at Mercury Drugstore)

- a cheese grater, a pot of water and a wooden spoon

2. Grate the bar of soap

3. Pour the grated soap on the pan. Bring to a boil and make sure the last string of soap is melted. Ang kalat ng counter! Pardon the mess.

4. All a few drops of glycerin to make it thicker. Let this mixture stand for 24 hours. It should get cloudy and thick after a few hours and should have the consistency of phlegm (hahaha)

Okay, ours never did. We probably used too much water. It smelled good though so we poured them on recycled but personalized pump bottles.

Next time, we'll use two bars of soap intead of one.

Don't blink

2012-02-01T05:34:00.000+08:00

Or the days will just pass by.Look at how fast this boy has grown!

Me (in blue) Jared and daddy and my friend Mitch and my godson MJ.
The boys were born just two weeks apart. Taken at Jared's christening.

1st birthday party

The boys, Jared (left) and MJ, at almost 4 years old. It's hard to keep them still for the camera!

Jared at almost 2 months, McDo Macapagal

At almost the same spot, more than 3 years after

Hayyy....

Beautiful Days: A Wedding Tale

2012-01-29T22:10:00.001+08:00

I cry at weddings, get teary-eyed at least. And this is on weddings where I do not even know the couple (not a gate crasher, just a curious onlooker, or they happen to get married at our parish church).

So, I was prepared to cry buckets at my only sister's wedding, one and a half years in the making, and full of small things that make a wedding beautiful.

The wedding was an onslaught to the senses: heartfelt vows, a beautiful wedding gown, lots of pretty flowers, a hauntingly good vocalist, a memorable wedding song (beautiful days by kyla) cute kids (ehem, my son included), a crying groom, big barangays/families from the groom's and bride's side.

Snapshots from the wedding of the year (hehehe)

my godson johan who will be the next ring bearer. naka attire na =)

hugging teddy bears, the flower girls gamely walked down the aisle. cute color combination. these two are 2nd cousins.

father and son as bible and ring bearer

me as little bride (este) matron of honor

dramatic dress and entrance as the mother-of-the-bride looks

mabuhay ang bagong kasal!

the bride crafted this cute cake topper atop their oreo cheesecake

pila sa takilya

gentlemen sweating it out at this really fun (to watch) take on the garter toss

our table with the couple

tired but happy at the end of the night. one last shot at the photobooth

No, I didn't cry (blame it partly on having a very energetic and talkative son in tow who wants my 100% attention, everytime), but it doesn't mean the wedding was any less beautiful. In fact, it was love, love, and more love from the couple to each other, from family and friends that truly made this wedding beautiful.

Repeating in my head now, I see beautiful days with you, I see beautiful ways of loving you....
Happy, happy birthday to the best sister and tati in the world!

Phot credit: Danica Tongco and RK Yboa

A Different Kind of Shopping Spree

2012-01-24T04:02:00.000+08:00

I have a lot of unfinished posts, with my sister's beautiful wedding being one of them.
Those would require more concentration and time to finish so let me post a quickie first.

I went on a shopping spree during Chinese New Year and it's making me all giddy today.
It's not clothes, it's not shoes nor bags.

Presenting....

Who does not need nore space in the kitchen? This slim cabinet fits the bill.
Love the adjustable shelves inside.

I really just went out to buy a filing cabinet but to the amazement of my husband who was looking for the filing cabinet when I got home, I needed a truck to haul my loot home (to be delivered today!)

Okay, walang kokontra sa locker ko. hehehe.
It's my dream to have a locker to serve as cabinet in Jared's room (which I would soon be fixing)

These babies would need minor repainting--I just might paint my file cabinet yellow, and Jared's locker blue. That woukd depend on how much I am up to sanding and refinishing these.

Happy!

Toddler activities you can do at home

2012-01-11T18:56:00.000+08:00

Exactly how does one keep a toddler preoccupied at home?

I have to give credit to mama, my son's grandma, for helping think of fun stuff to do at home.

Fish the worm. You just need shells, rubberbands and a stick. All items can be replaced by odds and ends from the house.

Gather all toys and let the child build (err, in this picture, make a mess)

Cultivate a love for reading. Have books lying around the house within easy reach.

Make faces. Here, Jared makes faces using clay for eyes and a pencil for the mouth.

Allot a time for praying.

Music Time. In their school, they have music (flute) time.

Make learning fun. Mama makes use of colored pens and cardboards to make letters. Jared knows all the letter sounds by 2 and a half and since late last year, can spell simple words.

Play ball. Who doesn't love this?

Play with popsicle sticks. He writes his name with it here.

Keep him busy. Let them participate in household activities. He helps pack away things in his Tati's room.

Let their imagination run wild. Here, he drags his grandma's bag all over the house. =)

Whatta Year It's Been!

2012-01-09T18:45:00.002+08:00

I've been meaning to post the highs and lows of 2011 for our family, but cannot seem to sit down long enough to focus on completing the list.

I saw this printable on the blog Thirty Hand Made Days and thought the questions seemed answerable in one sitting.

So, here goes.

I'll miss you 2011! This is my blog's official welcome to 2012.

The "Other Men" in his Life

2012-01-06T03:00:00.000+08:00

Asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he'll say "like daddy" (maybe he wants to work in a bank?), or "be a rocketship".

But aside from his dad, there are two other men who are always prsent in Jared's life. Meet.....

This is Kuya Roger, his tricycle service. Jared has memorized the body number of Kuya Roger's "ride" and thinks every other tricycle is Kuya Roger's.

broom, broom

And of course, Mang Edgar the handyman, who is around the house maybe a few times a month.

"Here Mang Edgar, I will do it"

What cha doing Mang Edgar?"

I'd love for my son to grow up around hard-working people.

Poem Recital Champion

2012-01-05T01:00:00.000+08:00

Yes, my little boy bagged the 1st place in the first official competition he joined.

waiting for his turn with the other contestants

confidently going up the stage

showing off his 1st place ribbon

for those curious about what he wore, here's a better view of his spider costume. mommy fashioned this out from felt, and daddy's socks filled with plastic!

Hope you can view the video.

I was away on a business trip during this competition and I can only pray he'll do his "actions" because he never did during practice.

I was told our son gave a cute performance and stole the show. Good job, baby!

The Best Christmas Gift

2012-01-04T12:40:00.000+08:00

I received a lot of nice presents last Christmas. I love gifts and I love the thought that (hopefully) comes with each one.

But the best (early) Christmas gift for me was a something made with lotsa love. Our little boy strung colorful beads into the most wonderful bracelet for me.

Disclaimer: my sister is in the accessories business so we have these stuff lying around at home. He just asked if he can make me one.

hard at work

the look of concentration. stringing beads.

whoa! success!

Little Bluey: My First Pet

2012-01-03T18:45:00.001+08:00

Bluey was a pet fish given by Aki on the first holiday party we attended in 2011. This was towards the end of November.

This little one was pampered, and loved by my son. He brought Bluey wiith him everywhere.

Sadly, he never saw the speactacular fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Asked what happened to his pet, he shrugged and said "he choked".

Too much bread crumbs is bad for your health.

Welcome, 2012!

2011-12-31T09:54:00.000+08:00

2011 is ending in a few hours.

This year has been very good to us. Health-wise, no hospitalizations and sickness aside from the usual colds. We were also able to start saving again after some financially-draining years. Our son is healthy and thriving in an environment of love. And we just celebrated our 5th year of marriage.
2011 is also a landmark year for my career.

I pray 2012 will be as nice or nicer to us.

From Team Ladan (minus me in the picture), have a truly happy new year!!!

Gift Wrapping Style 2011

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000+08:00

I like receiving nicely-wrapped packages. I like the care and attention to detail. The colorful ribbons, the note tag, the paper. It adds more "value" to the gift.

Last year, I warpped my presents in polka dot wrappers in red and green. Too bad I don't have any pictures, but they look festive alright.

This year, I went on the personalized gift track. More tedious, but I'm happier.

Stampers and a box of chalk for Jared's teacher in a clear plstic box. I included a big plastic letter of the recipient's initial inside

Love, love, love kraft paper. They look organic and different. Best part is, I can use them for all occassions, just change that belt to what is appropriate for the season.

Now, for the stamp part. I searched high and low, for weeks. Good thing I found a set in the size I was looking for. Buy 1 set, take 3 sets free. Whatta deal. Used rubber paint for this foam stamp. Easy to clean and stamping was therapeutic for me.

Yummy cookies in canisters, with the Merry Christmas greeting inside in acetate. Nice, yes?

To those I will be giving gifts to, please take a moment to appreciate the wrap before you tear it open, please? =)

Christmas Kiss

2011-12-20T02:00:00.000+08:00

I should put a mistletoe above them. My godchild and Jared saying thank you to each other after giving each other gifts last Saturday.

Too Close for Comfort

2011-12-19T21:30:00.000+08:00

At this stage, I love it that my son isn't shy. He's the first to greet the elderly neighbors out for their morning walk (Good morning po neighbors), his mommy and dady's friends (Heyow!) or just about anybody.

But sometimes, he'll get too close such as...

The boy on the left is my godchild but the one on the right we don't even know. This was taken at a christening we attended recently. Talagang he squeezed his head in between theirs with matching hug.

At our group's Christmas party last Saurday. They were asked to just sit together to sing Christmas carols. He interpreted that as this picture below. The boy in red shirt is also my godchild.

Christmas is (almost) Here

2011-12-11T23:22:00.001+08:00

I started my Christmas shopping in early September. I was intent on beating the holiday rush this year. As a matter of fact, I have 2 shelves in our linen cabinet that was alloted for stuff I will buy year-round, those meant as gifts for Christmas.
As usual, I procrastinated until the last few days when traffic is so horrible it took us almost 2 hours to get home from what is normally a 15-minute drive.
Truth is, I have been to 4 of the biggest bazaars and while I did not leave empty-handed, it left me tired and restless. I think shopping like this isn't my cup of tea anymore. I rememeber I used to shop with my sister from mall opening til closing. Hay, those were the days. Aside from being more money-wise, I'd rather just spend the time with my son.

So, last weekend, we brought some of the packaging stuff I'd need. Wrappers, stickers, alphabet chip board.

And tried to put order on the gift list and the mound of stuff to wrap

Came up with "care"packages. This one I will call "Relax, and take a break pack". It has a packet of swiss miss hot chocolate with mallows, 2 instant coffee mix, ding dong, oreo, ovaltinies, nips and kit kat.

Okay, I'm still not satisfied with how these packs turned out. I hope I have time ti redo them this weekend.

More Christmas stories and packing ideas in the next few days.

My Little Sister is Getting Married

2011-12-07T18:21:00.000+08:00

Five years ago, I was like a headless chicken around this time, checking stuff at the last minute to make sure our wedding would be just like what I imagined.

It was my sister's turn to be busy, with her own wedding preps, for that January date down the aisle. Before people get too busy with all the holiday parties and with all the stress of the wedding, we (her friends and I) feted her with a bridal shower.

Pink and green banderitas (It's a fiesta, per my son) adorned our messy house. Please excuse that messy countertop. I prepped and cooked single-handedly. It was good mama helped in cleaning the house that morning.

Pink and pearls and an empty jar=instant centerpiece!

The super kwela "basagang itlog" (break the egg)! One of the games that night.

Time to open the gifts!

We love you tati!!!

My Yellow Submarine Ride

2011-12-04T22:27:00.000+08:00

It was my first time to experience thanksgiving but didn't have anything planned aside from dinner with old friends. Had a breakfast meeting, a lunch appearance at a company beach barbeque, and a walk through at our project.

I've been on Saipan a lot of times before but this is my first time to ever really do anything tourist-y.

The view inside. It can comfortably fit around 20. I am claustrophobic so there was hesitation when this ride was offered to me. Verdict: it ain't bad.

The submarine sprays bread on its side so the fish swims close to the porthole (not sure of the term)

The guy beside me was mistaken for my husband. haha. He is actually a colleague. I was the only Filipino on this trip.

The yellow submarine is behind this young, Japanese family. The little boy was ecstatic inside seeing all the fish.

The crew is mostly Pinoy so I got the sole priviledge of sitting on the captain's seat and putting my hand on the steering lever before we alighted. I'll update this with photos as soon as my Chinese friend emails it to me.

The View in the Morning

2011-12-03T22:21:00.000+08:00

I've recently been on a 4-day business trip and missed my son's first declamation contest. I'm sad of course, but there are some things you got to do. The view in the morning from where I stayed sure made mornings nicer and more welcoming. I'll post more pictures of this island destination in the Western Pacific in my upcoming posts.

My blogging mojo is back!

Baby Showers

2011-11-29T19:00:00.000+08:00

Channelling my inner Martha Stewart for these...because every mom, especially the new ones, deserve a baby shower!

Theme: Baby animals baby shower
Color: Aqua blue
Aqua is a refreshing color for a baby shower!

We did away with the usual tarp and made cute circle cut outs

Our makeshift buffet table
Advice for the new mom and well wishes for the baby

A cute welcome to guests
These are really french fries holder but they can hold anything that fits. We put in chocolate crispies.

Theme: Quen bee double baby shower
Color: Yellow and Black
The mom is really the queen bee at home, but the queen bee needs extra pampering, love and attention when the hormones threathen to rage every now and then during this 9 month period

All the yellow food we can think of

Isn't this the most striking? Note to self: I want a black and yellow DIY soon for the house

I was too busy with the program I didn't take too many pics. I did yellow paper flowers and placed them in a bayong box and voila, instant centerpieces.

The yellow cut out circles hanging from the ceiling was a nice touch, too.

Momma and Baby Bird Shower
Colors: Pink, pale yellow and brown

I Hope cards for the baby

Iced tea in jars. Cute stickers. You can't see from this angle but the bottles are arranged in a heart shape. Sweet! One pink drink for the momma and the rest are iced tea.

Pink biscuits in plastic canisters as giveaways to the ladies, a baby girl standee and more candies. I want a baby girl of my own.

The complete set up. Paper flowers turned out nice (only I didn't do them--have to learn how to make one as nicely)

What I Learned at the Memorial Park

2011-11-16T05:31:00.025+08:00

This is obviously too late to be of any use to anyone braving the November 1 crowd at memorial parks. But maybe, it's going to come in handy for me for our visit next year.

We usually do the rounds of visiting dearly departed relatives on November 1, but this year's 4 day weekend made it possible for us to actually enjoy our day at the (memorial) park earlier. Less crowd, less traffic= a happier clan.

Here are my learnings that day:

1. For a park deprived Metro Manilan, memorial parks are nice, well kept areas with the needed patches of green!
It's a good place for reunions. Admit it, a lot of people (us included) hold mini reunions during this time. Our big family converges at the tomb of our mamang, each ladden with food more than enough for his or her own family.

2. Almost anything can be made into a tent! We have no manpower (being female dominated)and no patience and thus, we were sheltered from the heat with just blankets thrown into wires and strings fastened to nearby trees. Just be sure to bring the nice ones.
You can even play lovey-dovey under one

3. For families with lots of kids, bring entertainment. I forgot to bring enough toys for my son.
Sharing a blackberry with his cousin Johan
crayons
books
Serious truck play (not his)

4. Ask what food will be brought by who--we had 2 versions of pansit!

5. Make everyday and every place you visit an opportunity and venue for learning.
How to blow candles the right way
How to walk (my cousin and her son Johan)
How to climb trees
How to pick up things w/o toppling over

6. We remember our grandparents all the more when we reminisce about our happy childhood--they were a big part of it. Now that we have kids of our own, and our parents are now grandparents, we hope to make our kids' childhood as memorable and happy as ours.

Sinful Lechon

2011-11-14T19:32:00.002+08:00

This lechon kawali has been made with lots of love, lots of research but was the easiest recipe I have had the pleasure of doing in recent months.

Set the slow cooker on high and cook for 4 hours. I used lechon kawali cut from the supermarket, added water and lots of salt.

Then, once tender, transfer to the turbo broiler, rub a bit of olive oil on the skin and turbo away.

Took just 30 minutues to achieve this crispness at the highest setting.

Less sinful because this isn't deep fried (excuses, excuses)!

Homemade Clay

2011-11-10T12:45:00.008+08:00

I strive to do one craft a week with this curious little boy. But, sometimes errands and stuff get in the way. So, when time permits we have fun with things we can find in the house.

Last weekened while cleaning the kitchen, I found a semi opened giant box of cornstarch. Was about to throw it away when I turned to pinterest for inspiration. Such a waste to throw out this box.

So, we came up with that week's craft: safe and definitely toxic-free clay.

Ingredients: cold water, cornstarch, salt and food color

Mix water and a cup of salt.

Stir until the salt melts.

Pour salt solution on cornstarch. Add a few drops of color and stir.

Once it cools a bit, start kneading.

Form into shapes and have loads of fun!

.

Moving Day

2011-11-08T20:01:00.000+08:00

The reason for lack of posts? This...

I think the pictures will speak for themselves. =)

I'm moving to a new place here at the office and I am hauling more than 11 years worth of stuff. Sigh.

Breastfeeding Room Story

2011-11-04T07:52:00.010+08:00

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (November). For this month, participants share their experiences on extended breastfeeding. This includes tips to moms with young babies, as well as barriers and myths which discourage extended nursing. Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants."

It’s a happy, happy day! We’re strolling without errands or a definite agenda for the afternoon. I might be able to buy a stuff or two for myself. Thinking about all the possibilities make me giddy. But within 10 minutes after this thought bubble in my head, my baby is suddenly hungry. Thank goodness this mall has a breastfeeding facility. We walk faster. Oh, there it is! He is getting fussy and wants to be fed.

We open the door and greet the lady at the desk. “We’re here to use the breastfeeding room”. The lady smiles. She smiles and asks “where is your baby, ma’am?" “Ah, this is my baby”. And together, we pushed the door leading to another room inside.

My ‘baby’ is walking, pushing doors and talking… a lot. He was 2 years old then.
After that long walk, he was tired and cranky. Wanting to appease him, I immediately pulled up my top to give my peace offering. He latched on, but there proved to be distractions in the same room. The inquisitive boy got down, left my boobies exposed, and walked to check on the other babies.

Inside, I still get stares from other moms because while their baby feeds peacefully, mine keeps getting down and playing peek-a-boo with theirs. He keeps on inspecting. Yes, inspecting every baby, making other new moms uncomfortable in the process.

The first 6 months were the hardest in this breastfeeding journey. That was when I was stressed the most on my son’s weight gain, my output, and when I got back to work, on my pumping schedule. Breastfeeding him after his first birthday was relatively easy. He didn’t feed that often, I’m more comfortable in little baring episodes (my son sometimes will just push my shirt up, or put his hand inside my to), I can leave him for longer periods without worrying on what he's going to drink. It is actually quite convenient, too. Imagine I'm al groggy from sleep and he askes for milk at 4 am. When I'm too sleepy to do what is needed, he'll usually be the one to pull up my shirt, drink until he's satisfied, then go back to sleep on his own.

With that story, what can I share to all moms who chose to breastfeed longer than what most people know and think is possible? Breastfeed as long as you can. You can never go wrong.

Jared breastfed until he was almost 3 years old. His favorite expression is "Oh, there it is!" He stopped on his own, without fuss and drama, after the author was away on a week-long business trip. This mama considers those times the most precious and to this day, does not forgive herself for not having a nice enough breastfeeding picture for all the world to see.

Our First Christmas Tree

2011-10-26T03:42:00.002+08:00

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. It's really different when you have a kid in the house. Somehow, Christmas brings a whole world of new meaning in the household. Makes it more special.

I promised our little one we'll have Christmas in our house last weekend. By Christmas, he means the tree.

So off we went to SM and hauled a slim tree which his dad preferred. Christmas trees are more affordable now, right? But thr trimmings, oh the trimmings cost almost as much as the tree itself. I would have wanted to make home made ones, but couldn't find enough inspiration on the net.

So the tree was bought and assembled, little by little. It took maybe twice as long to put up because little hands keep getting in the way =)

To make the 'event' more festive, we baked oatmeal cookies. So when we were doing this, it smelled like Christmas in the house, too.

He put up the first trimming!

Amazed at the tree, until he got bored and read and book instead.

We're still making the tree prettier and arranging the gifts (yes, we started shopping early!) underneath so the tree in full bloom pics will have to wait.

Playing with Home Made Paint

2011-10-22T03:17:00.002+08:00

This is an easy Saturday afternoon project with things you already have in the pantry.

Inspired by Irene and her crafty projects, I gathered a kaldero, 3 bottles of food color, flour and cold water.

Pour a gentle stream of water into the flour and stir well.

Once the desired consistency has been achieved, our into small containers and add a few drops of food color.

Start painting!

The Wonders a Small Can of Paint can do

2011-10-19T02:13:00.001+08:00

I've been on a DIY hiatus since my cloth covered light switch project failed dismally. The plate looked more dirty than when I started that I chucked all my lined up projects and swore to let the professionals do the job.

But...

I cannot let several yards of cloth go to waste, and my hands were itching to do something creative again.

So one weekend, I picked up where I left off and continued my home office project again.

The chair, unpretty in black paint and covered with a pale orange syntetic leather material turned Heima-ish with a good spray of white paint, P40/yard Divisoria sidewalk cloth find and loads of determination.

Next stop, this matching dresser that I will turn (cross fingers) to a pristine white work desk with chalkboard

Then comes a matching desk lamp and area curtains.

It's all starting to take shape!

Frustrated Stylist

2011-10-16T10:17:00.006+08:00

I like nice and pretty things. What I like better is making pretty things with my hands.

When I pass by store front displays, I'm hypnotized by the nice arrangements, I count the merits of the nice ones and in my head, I'm rearranging the decors of the not-so-good ones to form something that I feel will be more beautiful.

I've blogged about my Martha Stewart persona and my fairly successful DIY and there are still a lot of pending projects I am itching to finish (when I find the time) and blog about.

It is terribly fulfilling for me to help set up parties, especially for those I love, like the recent birthday of my godson, Johan.

Not bad, right for one hour alloted for the set up time?

Of course, coming from a big family where help is just a text or FB away, the set up was 1,000x faster and easier.

Teach me how to: Sort the Laundry

2011-10-14T22:36:00.001+08:00

A typical Saturday at our home will see me sorting dirty laundry to bring to the laundromat.

Last weekend was a treat with the two boys giving mommy a break and sorting the laundry themselves.

Can every weekend be just like this?

Teach me How to: Play the Guitar

2011-10-07T05:25:00.001+08:00

Ask a parent of any 3 year old and all would tell you, kids this age really are copycats.

Jared would try to copy our words and intonation (to the extent of callling dad "hon"), our actions and the things we do around the house.

When his dad took out the guitar to practice, Jared was eager to also strum the thing.

And in the end, got tired of sharing the new toy with his daddy that he got his own.
His instrument of choice? A mini guitar ref magnet

Since I am the least musically-inclined person I know, may Jared take after his dad in this aspect. The boy was thrilled when his dad played 500 miles on guitar, went to the room in a rush and got his toy trains. Then, he requested his dad to please play all the other songs he knows. All kiddie songs.

Weed Attack

2011-10-06T19:07:00.004+08:00

We were the only household on our street that still has the mark of the past typhoon and that means leaves, pieces of wood and debris all over. And this is 5 days after Pedring hit Manila. We finally had the time to sweep and do a little yard cleaning last Sunday.

Upon opening the gate to that leads to the side of the house, this is what greeted us:

And my beloved oregano given by a friend

It's good our plants are more or less self sufficient. We get by with minimal weeding and watering the past few months!

While you were Sleeping

2011-10-02T21:58:00.004+08:00

Amazing how a lazy, rainy Sunday afternoon brings out the wildest imagination a 3 year old.

A sleeping daddy= instant train tunnel.

Happy Monday!

Is He Ready for a Pet?

2011-09-27T04:17:00.003+08:00

I had my first dog when I was 11. He was Lassie (soo classic!), a great Dane and my friend and protector. I was heart broken when he died. We'd offer gumamela flowers on his grave at the back of our house.

After that, we'd have a string of other dogs, all loved by papa and me.

My husband loved dogs and would often tell of how he carried their askal to the nearest vet when this dog got sick.

So, we're happy that our son is starting to have his own affinity with dogs. Whenever he is at his lolo and lola's place, he'd play with the puppies for hours.

Does this mean he's ready for a pet? Nahhh. he's too young and I, the mom, isn't ready to have a pet at the house. We can barely take care of the plants!

The Field Trip

2011-09-23T21:16:00.032+08:00

My boy got his first taste of a field trip last month. We was 3 years and 4 months, in senior nursery and barely out of toddler-hood.

I knew it will be an exciting day full of photo ops, but I had reservations about joining. Plenty of them.

My reservations:
1. I think the itinerary was not wel thought out. They were to go to 5 places in various parts of the metro. Probably a bit tiring for kids. The school must have wated to maximize the rental on the buses as I understand they can be quite steep.
2. At 3 years old, we could have shown these places to our son at a more leisurely pace.
3. I think it's not very age appropriate. Take for example the Rizal lights and sound show at the Intramuros. It was a wee bit interesting... for me. My son could not care less, no matter how I explain who Rizal was. =) he even got scared it a few areas since since it was dark.
4. I hate crowds and having to line up, squeeze our way in and hustle for space in front of the exhibits is not my idea of a good time.
5. It will be just Jared abd me. Confession: i have never been out alone wth my son. I feel I'm not ready yet. He runs fast, I can barely catch up. I lug around too much stuff for him

But we still joined, for the experience. So here's my account of that day.

We were to meet at the parking lot of SM Southmall at 5.30 am.

But before that we made sure to fill up tummies first. Daddy joined us for this early morning breakfast.

Excited and wide awake at the bus. This is one of the few pics we have together. I was too busy running after him that pictures together were the farthest thing from my mind.

First stop: Luneta Children's Playground

He climed up the steep slides, was sweating too much I had to change his school uniform (the top) twenty minutes into playing.

It was good to see my old favorites such as the giant shoe and the slides again. While I cannot say the 'spruced up' park looked great, it was at least clean, or maybe because we were there just as the park opened. If you're going here, put lots of mosquito repellant lotion on you and your kid. There were swamps in some of the attractions and I was paranoid about dengue.

2nd stop: Museo Pambata
At another time, this would have been a great spot. Plenty of areas for your kids to explore, great interactive displays, they even have a cute library all housed in one comfortable place. But, there were lots of kids and each wanted wanted to try out the cool stuff. They all keep climbing the fire struck I was afraid somebody might get hurt. I swear we'll be back here and will explore and learn at a leaisurely pace.

3rd stop: Intramuros, Rizal's Light and Sound Show
Did not take pictures, it was too dark inside. There was nothing to show at the lobby.

4th stop: MOA, Nido Science Discover Center
By the time we arrived at MOA, the kids were a bit tired (it was so hot) and all of us were hungry. We were given an hour to eat before we headed inside the Discovery Center.

It was so nice inside this giant domed theatre. Jared was excited when I told him we're going to watch in a big, big TV.

Once it started, he got scared, and no amount of cajoling will make him stay. We left the theatre and just ate popcorn outside.

Aside from the theatre, there were other sections inside. We enjoyed the robot exhibit and the area with moving plates designed to let the kids experince an earthquake.

5th and lst stop: Ark of Avilon Zoo in Ortigas
Was excited since Jared love animals. Unexpectedly, when we arrived, he was more scared than excited. Maybe being too close to the animals is different that seeing them from books? I'm not sure but he did not really look at the animals on the first floor, not even the birds.

It got better when we climbed up the 2nd floor. Kids were feeding carrots to guinea pigs. He wanted to try but I didn't think it was safe (they ight accidentally bite even if the kids' feet were enclosed in a wooden fence. Still, there were too many kids for all the caretakers to keep an eye on each one and I figured better safe than sorry. And truth is, they're still mice to me.

The birds

Jared and the rest of the kids spent more time at the play area on the 2nd floor. Again, re-apply mosquito repellant and if possible, bring your own food. The snackk bar is selling just hotdogs and a few other snacks. It was a bit dark, too but there are plenty of seats for the tired parents to rest their weary feet.

At this point, I just wanted to go home and take a shower. It was humid! And somebody up there heard my little wish. We breezed through the normally busy c5 road and SLEX. encountered some traffic here in our hometown Las Pinas, but back at Southmall all in less than 40 minutes! It was a little miracle for me already.

So, all is well that ends well.

If we did not join, I'm sure Jared will not mind, or won't even remember. But then again, I won't have this particular blog entry.

If you will let your kid join their field trip, bring loads of patience and remember, this is for your kid.

Teaching my Son to Save

2011-09-18T20:23:00.003+08:00

Yes, this a post about saving.

To those who know me, this may seem like a joke. But honestly, since I had a kid, I'm saving like there's no tomorrow.

Okay, trying to.

I remember the different schemes mama used when I was younger to encourage me to save. I will not say us because my sister is a good saver. Basta better than me.

Back to the scheme, mama used to say what I save, she will double the amount. i think this was in HS. Back tnen, I will save my allowance BUT I will use it to buy my obessions then: knitted socks and quilted bags. I always want new socks. Not sure why. No scheme, cajoling worked.

Mama said "ito lang ang hindi nya naituro sa akin". Ma, please add sewing, crochet and cleaning. Hehehe.

Back to the topic, we are now teaching our son to save. How? I said we have you put all our coins in the piggy back because that's what we'll use to go to Disneyland!

Two weekends ago, we cracked open 3 of his piggy banks and counted all the P1, P5 and P10 coins and we now have as our Disney fund P1,700!

Keep on saving, baby!

p.s.
Ma, sayang walang pang Disney noon. =)

Date with Friends at Fish and Co.

2011-09-17T00:20:00.005+08:00

Fish and Co. is right across our favorite MOA restaurant, A Venetto. Never wandered off in this side as we are always in a hurry and would really just grab a bite to eat before tackling the traffic that is Coastal Road. But it was a pleasant first time for us family when I met friends there last week.

It's a belated birthday celebration for a friend and a welcome home dinner for another.

The company

The food (well, some of them)

The entertainment: 3 measly crayons and a coloring pad which the crew replaced as soon as Jared filled up the first one

Spotting a TV at the bar, the boys left us girls to our gossip and catching up.

Would we go back? It is a bit expensiive for the weekday dinner, but yes, we will go back.

My First Post with No Glasses or Contacts

2011-09-16T12:15:00.002+08:00

This isn;t ging to be lengthy. My drafts are still well, drafts. But I am just excited to post today. My first post-surgery. I had the LASIK treatment on my eyes last Tuesday and my world has been very clear and bright for the past 2 days. Iam going to do a detailed poston tis experience. Just waiting for the post op evaluaton next week.

This pic was taken right after the surgery at Manila Vision Correction Center. I'm wearing the protective goggles they gave me and looking very happy, indeed!

Milestone Haircut

2011-09-09T07:50:00.008+08:00

Kids' haircut tend to be expensive. Whereas my husband can get his at the neighborhood barbershop for P30, our son's haircut is I think about P280--and this is discounted already.

His hair grows unbelievably fast and thick so we had to bring him for once a month trims.

The expense we can take. What makes each visit something we want to avoid is is incessant crying (he threw up once) and the fact that since he sits on my lap during the process, the little hairs end up inside my mouth. If you are a mother and have experienced this, thank goodness I'm not the only one. And you will agree with me, that is surely not pleasant.

So, imagine my surprise last month when the boy agreed to sit by himself on one of those small cars and lasted the entire hair cut with no crying and not much protest (because there still is, a bit).

He still cringes at the sound of the razor, so the kind Kuya Gio went all scissors on him. It took longer but is definitely worth it. See the yellow thing he has on? It's put on like a shirt, different from the cape like thing that Jared clearly doesn't like.

Last month was full of happy changes and developments and I am loving it!

Meet Mother and Father

2011-09-08T19:35:00.001+08:00

Since I have not finished the draft of more lengthy posts, let me just introduce you to Mother and Father. These are Jared's finger puppets which they made in school.

It's going to be Friday tomorrow and we'll have fun wiith these two during the weekend.

Magkano?

2011-09-06T07:48:00.002+08:00

Before I get down to business, let me just post it here so i will remember this cuteness when my boy is a teenager and I have to ask myself where the hell did he come from? =)

Jared at 3 1/2 knows only a few Tagalog words. Not something I am proud of. I just realized how few last month during Linggo ng Wika when the teacher said they all have to speak in Filipino at school. I don't know if he even talked that day.

One word he sure does know is "magkano". He hears it from mama when they buy from the carts plying the neighborhood. Fish, vegetables, buko. You name it.

Then during that Tagaytay vacation, he saw the volcano outside our hotel room and promptly asked the room boy "Kuya, magkano the volcano?"

Okay, work mode now. Bow.

Ready for a Sibling?

2011-09-06T07:41:00.004+08:00

Our son is now 3 1/2, and I 34. My OB Gyne said if we wanted another chiild, now is the best time for it. I agree. I am not getting any younger and my pregnancy is difficult as it is.

Now, we are seriously considering getting pregnant early next year. Or just until after that planned Disney trip for the boy's 4th birthday.

Or maybe this is just a phase, with my friends having babies and all.

What a Tuesday morning.

Art Time: Potato Stamp

2011-09-02T22:36:00.001+08:00

As a mom, you have to continuously invent something fun for kids.
During the long weekend, we had time on our hands and a bored toddler looking for TV.
A bright bulb clicked and the result is this potato stamp art.

It helps that I was able to put the almost rotten potato to good use.

Mommy, it doesn’t look like a letter J!

Note to self: next time, carve the letters reversely so they will appear right when stamped.

Happy @ Home

2011-08-31T19:28:00.002+08:00

During the long weekend, I planned to tinker around the house, fixing things (that doesn’t necessarily need fixing), making it more of a home- but I was still tired from a recent trip and I just decided to play with Jared and update my neglected blog.

It feels good to have your own home. We did squat with my mom and sister for two years after we got married and life was pretty easy. We still sleep there from time to time and our son practically lives in ‘the other house’. Ours is just the right size for our little family. It’s in an okay neighborhood and though we don’t really know our neighbors quite well yet save for the ‘hellos’ and occasional ‘how are you’s’, we feel safe here. More importantly, it’s a place we can rear our son and maybe his siblings.

We found this home because we prayed for it, we actively looked for one and we think we got the lead. It was a serendipitous find, something we did not expect when I was heavily pregnant with our son. It’s as if our son wanted a home before he was brought into this world.

So, in finding a home, real estate leads are important but being on the look out for the property, being patient, doing your part is just as important as well. Also, know what you want to make the search so much easier.

Here is Jared last weekend, enjoying play time with mommy in our home sweet home.

Acuatico Stay for Free

2011-08-27T15:06:00.006+08:00

I have the company to thank for this. A night at Acuatico! Splendid, splendid!

Given that we had our 'summer outing' during the raining month of August, it was still a wonderful stay nonetheless. This is also despite the 3 hour travel from our office in Manila to this resort in Laiya, Batangas. Don't worry, the road is paved all the way through the entrance of the resort.

I can only share photos, prices I think were negotiated room rates. Food hmm, maybe not also since we took our meals at the nearby Acua Verde, their sister resort. I am not sure which resort prepared the food.

Our room and restroom. What I didn't like was, we had to climb 2 flights to get to our room. Not good at 3 am and you are dead tired. This room as well as the others on the left side when you are facing the corridor are a bit small. The rooms on the right side have an amazing view of the sea. Not complaining though.

Around the resort. See the droplets of rain? It was good we were given a respite when the sun shone happily mid-morning. Two hours under the sun was enough to burn me. It was good we swam at the beach from 1 to 3 am, so we had time to enjoy the infinity pool.

The beach was wide, it was okay to walk in slippers although aqua shoes might be better. The sea water was comfortably warm even at 2 am! sand isn't fine but it isn;t icky either.

The nearby Acua Verde. Not as luxurious, but okay and clean as well.

The breakfast served at Acua Verde's tree house.

Hay, the best things in life are really free (wink!)

A Brush up on History and Our Luneta, Intramuros, Fort Bonifacio Tour

2011-08-23T18:51:00.002+08:00

A few colleagues were in town for our business planning recently, and I volunteered to drive two of them around Manila one Sunday morning.

An hour before I left hime, I panicked and thought, I did not know Manila that well at all! Shame on me when I was born in the city, studied there in High school and has been working in the area for close to 12 years already.

My, my.... A quick brush up with history is in order.

The itinerary: Luneta, Fort Santiago and CCP.

The first stop. We were looking around and taking pictures when they sudently looked for Rizal. I was flabbergasted. Where is he??? It was only when we made a full circle of the monument when we realized we've been taking pics of the backside all along. Rizal was in front, thank goodness.

Intramuros, San Agustin Church. Pls do not even try to understand my body here. It looks alient to me. Why did they paint the facade peach?

Beatiful walls, still at Intramuros.

Nice cobblestone street. I hope informal settlers here can be relocated.

Manila Cathedral. All I knew was that Sharon and Gabby were wed here and that Sharon fainted. Hahaha. But would they even care? Hahaha. I'm so glad I remembered Cory was brought here so we talked about that and the ensuing procession. Good thing her son is now the President so that at least qualifies for current events?

Fort Santiago across the Cathedral. Scaredy cat. Horses I do not like! This one is on a horse-drawn carriage (kalesa)

Still at Intramuros, this time at the Rizal Shrine. It was coincidence I was wearing a Pinay and Proud shirt. So perfect for taking visitors around.

Thee image on every tourist brochure.

No pictures of CCP. It was just too hot to pose by then.

Lesson learned: go brush upon yoour history. I'll be a better tour guide next time.

Monster Faces

2011-08-22T22:36:00.005+08:00

I am amused and amazed at how our son "sees" us.

I'll let his drawings speak here.

disclaimer: mommy's body was drawn by lola and so are the labels in the pictures.

Crayola Obssesed

2011-08-22T22:17:00.005+08:00

We might as well be stockholders of Crayola, with the frequency we buy crayons.
We've bought them in all sizes and shapes and National Bookstore is now the favorite store of the little boy.... more than Jollibee, which says a lot about his current favorite.

He loves to draw and color and make use of his crayons. But he loves it just the same to just hold his newest box and look at it from time to time. If there is a security blanket, maybe a box of crayola is his.

Such is his fascination that his Tati was able to take an afternoon session of Jared and his crayola.

Long Absence and Marathon Posting

2011-08-22T22:04:00.004+08:00

A lot has happened since I last posted but I am back on track and will be posting 3 weeks worth of stories.

The baby boy is asleep, nursing a slight fever which I pray will not progress into something else and I have free time in my hands.

Have downloaded pictures, too and before I forget about happy partiesa nd touching base with dear old friends, of my son growing up way too fast, and of everyday things I would rather not forget, I'm posting them all tonight.

Hello, Friday!

2011-08-12T06:56:00.001+08:00

Senorito while getting ready for school

Okay, give us a half-smile only baby

One more time...

I've been so busy with work the last 3 weeks I barely had time to post. Today, I won't be sleeping beside my two boys. Which makes me sad. But on a lighter note, I've been wanting to visit Acuatico and this is my chance. =)

If it's really nice, we might bring Jared there for the long weekend by end of August.

So I won't miss him much, I took photos of him before we left the house this morning, just as he was getting ready for school.

Here's my little boy wearing his PE uniform.

Sunday Love

2011-08-07T20:07:00.005+08:00

I should have been done with my report, if only I've started on it. =)

As it is, I only have a slide on my powerpoint presentation, and an empty one at that. I opened this pc 7 hours ago but...

I've just untangled myself from our little boy's very tight embrace. He's fast asleep now and snoring ever so gently. Too tired from playing. Fact was, I felt guilty trying to work earlier when he was by his lonesome, talking to his trains.

So we played and mommy cooked spaghetti and we made the most of what was left of the weekend.

My report? I'll finish it later.

More of Tagaytay

2011-08-01T21:18:00.001+08:00

We went to the Residence Inn Zoo (entance fee is P250 I think), where the stairs are so steep it scared me. And rightfully so because Jared miscalculated a step and had a lip cut. Thanks for the ice cream stand inside, it helped stop the crying and the bleeding.

at the parking lot of Joaquin's before we went around. The lot offers a great view already.

This giant primate will stare down at you at Residence Inn Zoo. Our boy panicked at this sight.

These days, it seems our3 year old is up to anything. Asked if he wanted to ride the pony, his answer was a loud and super long YES

Still at Residence Inn Zoo. This is a scene straight out of Lord of the Rings

Sweet-sour smile =)

A Charming Bed and Breakfast Inn

2011-07-31T18:32:00.013+08:00

Cheesy title, but really.

The last time we were at Tagaytay, it was a day trip and Picnic Grove disappointed us big time.

This time, it was an overnight trip, it was chilly, fog enveloped the area early in the morning, it was our tenth year anniversary as a couple and our son can now appreciate things and trips better.

We stayed at this wonderful 8-room bed and breakfast called Joaquin's and feasted our eyes on a perfect view of the volcano right outside our room. We had our own small patio where we leisurely ate breakfast, the room had a charming shabby chic look and have I already mentioned the view? If we could eat it, we'd be so full by the time we went home. The place was so nice our son cried when we went around doing tourist-y stuff. He wanted to stay at the hotel the whole day.

***

For a change, I didn't book anything prior to the trip. Since it was low season, the plan was for us to look around and see what's the best deal. I was eyeing this place already but when you have a child with you, you have to think of convenience first. The most logical place for us to stay was at Summit Ridge (where Robinson's, Starbucks are). But as luck would have it, all the lower room types are booked and I didn't want to spend 6k for what they were offering us.

So, off we went. We were looking for another inn called Potter's Ridge. We didn't find it.

Last place we looked at was Joaquin's and after we were shown the room, we were sold.

More Tagaytay stories in the next few days. Right now, I just wish I'm back there.

The Dining Chairs...Again

2011-07-28T19:01:00.005+08:00

I may not have mentioned them recently but my chairs are still my newest darlings. I reupholstered all 6 recently but have only posted one or two pictures.

So, here I am like a stage mom posting them in all their glory.

And see this sad little light switch plate? It hab been transformed! Wait for the pics!

To the Principal's Office

2011-07-26T07:44:00.005+08:00

From friends telling their own tales of dealing with principals and teachers, we expected we'd be in this situation maybe 4-5 years from now. Definitely not in his first formal year of school, and most definitely not in the first 2 months.

But, it's not really to the principal's offce. Let's say we were called by Teacher for "small talk".

The boy apparently hit a classmate. It's what his teacher wrote on his diary.

Not because I am the mother, but I know him. My son doesn't hit, doesn't grab toys out of another kid's hand. I've been bringing him to the playground for more than 2 years and if there's anything he's learned there aside from developing stronger muscles and limbs, it is (1) no hitting and (2) wait for your turn.

So we went for that talk. And I was right. It's not really hitting in that context. Jared was so excited because he has another really energetic classmate, went up to that boy and put his hands on the other boy's chest. No one was really hurt.

Still we gave him the talk. Of not hitting. He said he's a good boy in class.

Teacher also said he threw the mongo seeds used in an art project in class and when teacher was offering him a tissue, he shred t into pieces and threw that at teacher, too.(this one I believe)

My boy. I had to remind myself he is just 3 years old and the youngest in class.

The Schoolboy

2011-07-24T21:16:00.003+08:00

I realized that it's been more than 2 months since school started and I have not blogged about Jared going to school. I mean the regular school since he had tried going to summer play schoool for two years in a row.

I'm so sleepy I can't write properly but suffice to say, we've already been called by the teacher for a mini conference. =) Will blog about that soon.

Here are his pictures from the first day of school.

p.s.
our Tagaytay weekend was so fun Jared now wants to live in a hotel

Starbucks Date

2011-07-19T05:05:00.001+08:00

Our plan was set.

We'll talk over coffee for me and maybe a vanilla frap for him. Share a plate of pastries. Laugh.

But my date slept on me!

It was after a full day of energetic play at my office when we whiled away the time at Starbucks Harbour Square to wait for his dad.

After giving his order (a big cookie), he drank milk, walked a bit around the coffee shop, asked to be taken to the rest room, fidgeted in his chair, then sat on my lap and slept. Thanks to the staff, they gave a big, comfortable chair for my tot to sleep on while I read magazines of months past.

It was still a good way to end the week. A date (although cut short by sleep) is still a date with my son and some me-time with a magazine and a cup of coffee is a nice way to unwind after a hectic week at the office.

All in a Day

2011-07-17T21:07:00.005+08:00

Too bad I didn't have a camera today because it would for sure be a picture-packed post.

Here's what happened to us today:

1. Cooked and ate breakfast at home (rare these days because we usually just eat breakfast at Mcdo)
2. Heard mass
3. Had water delivered (Maynilad, kailan dadaloy ang ginhawa?)
4. Went thrifting at Bangkal. Most shops were closed plus the whisper of a disapproving husband was very distracting. Next time Tati, come with me.
5. Send smart money for our soon to be kasambahay (Thank goodness!)
6. Ate at Mcdo (again)
7. Had tires replaced (yes, all four)
8. Had car carpet replaced by a vendor who measured and cut that mat roll on the spot. Cool.(finally!)
9. Planned to buy my power sander but postponed this
10. Picked up the aircon
11. Dropped by Ruins at BF to look around but before we got to Ruins we...
12. Dropped by 2 furniture makers and inquired (expensive--esp after coming from a Bangkal excursion)
13. Had a snack of Kopi Roti at Pergola (loved the area, so literally cool)
14. Got back home and checked on the flightless bird who seemed to make our house its temporary nest
15. Watched HP 7 part 1 on DVD
16. Had dinner and put the tot to sleep
17. Blogged

Wow! No wonder the boy was asleep 5 minutes after his head hit the pillow.

p.s.
we saw an accident at SLEX. hope the man riding the motorcycle was okay.

It All Started 10 Years Ago

2011-07-16T14:49:00.009+08:00

Last May 5 marked the 10th year I've known my husband. We met in grad school and we have totally different vesrions of how that fateful meeting went. We met the day we took the entrance exam to grad school.

It was not a well-thought out plan, my entry to grad school. It came because I was bored and wanted to do something after work that would be a deviation from our mall or Malate nights.

It was a good thing I passed but now, looking back, I wonder if Veritas Prep could have taken the stress out of thinking if I passed or not.

We decided to pursue our graduate studies at UP Manila because of its proximity to both our work places ( I walked to school from the office on most days) and because of ur loyalty to our alma mater but if money wasn't an issue, I for sure would have explored studies elsewhere and Houston gmat prep would have been a great resource.

A few days from now, we'll mark our 10th year anniversary as a couple. It was in grad school where it all started. Beautiful friendships and this relationship now blessed with a son.

The Tale of the Good Samaritan

2011-07-13T00:20:00.001+08:00

Okay first things first. I think I'm a fairly good driver. I also still believe in the innate goodness of people.

This story contradicts the first statement but validates the second. I'll take that anytime.

So, the story is one day at the parking lot of a supermarket, I chanced upon an empty parking slot. Didn't mind the directions that I was supposed to enter the other way. I was in a hurry before another car beats me to it.

In my haste, I got myself in a situation that I cannot get out of, literally. I was an inch away from the next car and could not maneuver the car. I was still cool but my sister was getting nervous. Several attempts later, I was still stuck and clueless on what to do.

Until a nice gentle giant (he was big) approached and asked if we needed help. Of course I said yes.

He took the drivers seat and he was out in about 10 seconds.

So there. Thank you good samaritan.

In my Hands: My Clay Alphabet

2011-07-12T07:26:00.002+08:00

For an energetic todler, one has to be really creative to cultivate curiosity and inquisitiveness and to keep his body busy. We're having trouble keeping up with the latter aspect. =)

But it isn't just me and hubby raising our son. So in this case, five minds are better than two. There is my mama, sister and an aunt whom we credit for giving the same loving care, and sometimes even more patience, to our little boy.

One of his favorites recently is to help shape his clay into big and small letters of the alphabet.

Below are the pictures of how proud he was of his accomplishment.

My Little Monkey

2011-07-07T18:53:00.010+08:00

This series of books by Eileen Christelow is a find from Booksale. His fascination and eventual love for the book started with 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.

He does jump on the bed to imitate the monkeys, screeches like one and at times teeters dangerously goes to the bed's edge as if to demonstrate the "one fell off and bumped his head" line.

Those 5 little silly monkeys getting ready for bedtime, jumps on the bed and gets a bump on their head gives him laughing fits no matter how many times he's read through it.

After a month of reading this to him everyday, I scoured the bookstore to try to find a gem again in those piles of books. And gem I found as I happily bought two more: Five Little Monkeys with Nothing To Do and Five Little Monkeys Sitting on a Tree.

On another visit, my eyes spotted the fourth book. Now the Little Monkeys Goes Shopping.

I am now bent on completing the series with 3 more books. Hope I do find them at booksale this weekend.

Just the perfect series to start my own little monkey's love for reading.

MY Great DIY Attempt

2011-06-30T18:24:00.007+08:00

Like I mentioned in previous posts, my mind is going on an overdrive. I get inspired by a lot of things and the result is I have so much energy and so many lists of things to do I feel my two hands, one body and the 24 hours in the day just isn’t enough.

So, the only logical thing to do is start doing and ticking off those things on my list. NOW.

My mind is dictating that my hands do something. Anything. And so I looked for my guinea pig. Walking to and fro in our home sweet home, my eyes settled on the okay-but-not-fab- looking accent chair we picked up at Bangkal in Evangelista last year.

Jackpot!

And I began to work. Armed with a few meters of cloth of choice, my trusty staple gun and the hard-to-find brand of spray paint my DIY online idols love, I'm set.

But the moment I stripped off its fabric and saw the sad state inside, my triumphant smile left my face. I concluded it’s a job meant for a pro. Or maybe something I can tackle on when I’m more confident of my wood working skills. For now, it will remain as it is. A skeleton.

Jared on the chair before I took it away

In a sad, sorry state

So, I decided to look for my next 'victim' because I can't let the afternoon pass without celebrating a DIY success. No, I can't accept failure. Not when I cried so husband will buy me my staple gun.

I pranced to and fro again and zeroed in on the dining room area.

It was at this moment my dear husband became deathly afraid.

This set was his favorite and I am about to dismantle it.

After a mere 20 minutes, I came out victorious. It was so easy! And I proceeded to show the world my success by posting it on FB.

It was a good week when I tackled on the rest of the chairs and every single one came out perfectly. No picture of the full set because of my camera issues.

One good discovery: I never knew I had it in me. To be a DIY Diva. =)
Fuelled by this success, I am all too excited to start my next project.

Before I get too carried away, here it is. My lovely, lovely chair with a before and after and a close up shot.

To my dear husband. Yes you can still retain that look. I will really paint our kitchen.

Another look at the chair before I end this post

Mama is Home

2011-06-28T07:54:00.002+08:00

After a few days at the hospital, mama is home. We can't be happier. For a time, during that 2-hour operation and the subsequent 3-hour stay at the recovery room, I got a bit nervous because they were a bit late in wheeling her in. And in those few minutes, my over-active mind went even more on the overdrive thinking of what could have happened.

We lost our father when I was 17, and my sister is 9. So for more than half of my life and 2/3 of my sister's life, mama was both a father and a mother to us.

During those few more minutes of stay at the recovery room, I prayed to God to please give us mama whole because isn't it that he took papa already, and at such a young age at that?

I may not be the most religious or spiritual person and I know I should not question God. But I am thankful He heard me that day.

Last Father's Day

2011-06-26T21:52:00.009+08:00

It was supposed to be a surprise, this Father's Day breakfast. But that day of all days, the daddy of the house woke up early. No prodding, no kicking from Jared at all. So, he caught us by surprise instead.

Jared helped prepare our simple surprise for daddy. Here he is straight from the bed.

The breakfast platter. It's a wonder what some plating and presentation, plus a nicer camera can do. What he prepared were scrambled eggs (the mayo really makes a lot of difference), toasted bread with jam and 3-in-1 coffee.

Jared gave this card to his dad a few days before father's day. They made this necktie card at school. He gave it again to his dad that Sunday and the dad I think was touched the gesture.

The problem with using a cam not your own is you don't know the settings! All along, it was zoomed in. The result: blurred photos.

Belated Happy Father's Day, Daddy! We love you.

The Need to do Something with my Hands

2011-06-22T21:43:00.002+08:00

The lack of posts had been due to so many projects to finalize at the office, sorting through hundreds of unposted photos and the need to create something with my hands.

I'm catching up tonight on things that might just be otherwise 'unremembered'.

Here's one photo that got my attention. It's a 5 layer cake for a baptism. Hope there's going to be an ocassion so I'll have the chance to do this again.

Mix and Match, Connect the Dots and What's Been Keeping my Son Busy

2011-06-20T22:23:00.004+08:00

I remember years ago, my summer days were spent playing AND answering a booklet that mama so painstakingly prepared days before. That time, of course, it was literally a pain. Imagine, my playing time needs to be cut short so I can answer the multiplication table before she gets home at 6.

But it's true when they say, you will only get to fully appreciate your mother when you're already a mother yourself.

I am so thankful my mama still has the energy and the patience to do these kinds of exercise booklets for my son.

Her greatest reward is my son need not be forced into answering them. He answers pages in a matter of minutes, pages his lola so lovingly cut and pasted and colored for a few days. In fact, he cried once when he's finished one booklet because the next one isn't ready yet.

Our Son, The Rockstar

2011-06-17T21:53:00.001+08:00

As parents, we have lofty dreams for our children, right?

One of our most common conversations in the car is: what will Jared be in the future? We have fun imagining our son as a doctor (hope we've saved up enough for that when he do decides to be one), as an engineer (oh goody, he'll build a nicer house for mommy), an accountant (teach me baby, please).

But my husband will always ask me if it's okay if Jared wants to be a rockstar. Yes, a rockstar.

A rockstar... hmm. That, well, rocks!!!

Then we'd imagine him on a tour with his band, with me in tow.

Of course, it's just fun thinking about it but seriously, I'd prefer he choose a more err, regular path. Rockstars lead difficult lives, me thinks.

So one day at the mall, when mama saw this spanking red drum set, I let go of my reservations and did not protest when she insisted she'd buy this for her apo.

Here's our rockstar.

What's In the News?

2011-06-15T21:32:00.000+08:00

We love the weekends! Aside form the respite from the busy work week, I love waking up early and boiling water for our coffee jolt in the morning. These days, we favor the Kopiko brown variant. It smells so... breakfast-sy.=)

Another favorite part of the weekend is reading the paper. I read it from cover to cover, even the obituary. And I only get to do that on weekends. During weekdays, the most I can do is skim over the headline and the entertainment section. I love the smell (but not the feel) of the thick weekend edition and I linger over every section, starting with my favorites: life style and entertainment, then the metro, then the main section with the headlines and then the rest of it.

So, it thrilled me to see my son picking up the paper and 'reading' with mommy and daddy.

All Consuming Passion

2011-06-13T12:07:00.007+08:00

I figured that the more I get inspired by personal projects, the more inspired I get at work--because probably, inspiration knows no borders?

Right now, my being is consumed by my desire to finally turn the third room in our house into Jared's play and study room. And also because 2 rooms turned storage rooms in a 3-bedroom house doesn't sound and look right.

So, I am raging an all out war vs. trash. With my main 'enemy': the biggest trash of all, my husband's dismantled billiard table. It's a useless thing taking up too much space. A space that can be made warm, happy and useful for our baby boy.

Here's my vision for my son's very own area.

Who would not get inspired by these?

I sing you are my sunshine to him so this is a meaningful artwork i will do myself.
Source: etsy

A modern looking playhousesource:http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/nursery-furniture/kids-furniture-from-true-modern-148801

Love the colors and the curtainssource: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/a-modern-nursery-on-a-budget-for-gus-148445

I have a lot more pictures to post but I'll just update this blog about my progress with this room and project, probably in 3 months time.

Wish me luck!

Deja Vu

2011-06-08T21:20:00.002+08:00

After we decided that Jared will go to school this June (yikes which is a few days away--they start school on the 15th), we had been going back to the malls looking for his shoes, completing his school things, and then going to his school to get his uniforms, his books (just 2, don't worry) and attending his orientation.

I was being OC, wanting to wrap his notebooks and box for personal stuff (yes, tissue for those emergencies) in matching, non cartoonish wrap, I had deja vu. I've been in this scene before. Only it was mama wrapping a ton of my notebooks and books in plastic.

I realized, that seemingly mundane stuff mothers do is actually hard. As in! And I only wrapped a box and 2 notebooks.

My 3 Year Old Gave Me a Pop Quiz

2011-06-07T21:00:00.002+08:00

I am so over quizzes, especially surprise ones, but last Sunday's pop quiz was a surprise I welcomed.

At 5 am, Jared woke me up with...

Jared: (whispering into my ear) Mommy, what's the sound of the goat?
Mommy: (groggy) Huh?
J: What's the sound of the goat?
M: (finally getting up) Mee, mee
J: Very good, mommy!

Mommy prepares to go back to sleep

J: What's the sound of the lion?
M: grrr!

J: What's the sound of the train?

and it went on an on

Then, the lesson turned to his current favorite: opposites

J: What's the oppop (it sounds like oppop when he's saying it quickly, otherwise he can say opposite fine) of short?
M: Long
J: No, what's the oppop of short?
M: (thinks... hmm, di ba long naman?)
J: Mommy, the oppop of short is tall
And on it went... he already knows a lot of words and their opposites, and he understands their concept as well. I'll blog about that soon.

I get to answer his questions until this last one which got me stumped.

J: Mommy, what's the oppop of sheep?

Hehehe.

Jared Goes to School

2011-06-05T05:44:00.002+08:00

He went to school last year, also during the summer and again, we enrolled him this year.

While his participation last year was mostly during recess, when he'd ask for seconds or thirds in whatever is being served, he really was part of the class actively this year.

The SchoolThe school is WishBone, a prep school a tricyle ride from where we live. It's a colorful building with clean bathrooms and airconditioned rooms. What I liked best was there were only 6 kids to a class manned by a teacher and assisted by 2 teacher aides.

The StudentArmed with a small backpack where his snacks, an extra towel and water are placed, he'll walk with his lola (grandmother) up to the village gate where they will hail a trike to school. Lola allows for a lot of time for that 5 minute walk because Jared has so many stops: to inspect a flat tire of the neighbors, to shoo away some stray cats, to check on the blooming flowers and the fallen mango fruits.

always excited to go to class!

seriously at work, este play. well, play is work for kids, right?

The Graduation

The 21 days of summer school closed with a ceremony. Well, his lola first of all should get an award since she so patiently brought and took home Jared from school everyday. But the ceremony was more of a performance, not a graduation. The kids in Jared's class were just participants this time. Next year probably, he'll sing or dance or do something in a program. I will for sure be a teary-eyed mom.

The Evaluation
What I liked was after the summer class, the teacher had a one-on-one with the parents to evaluate how the kids did in school. Teacher Kate was happy to report that Jared, at 3 years knows all the lessons, and is generally behaved in class. he's skipping junior nursery and will be enrolled as senior nursery upon Teacher's recommendation.

The Best of Us

2011-06-03T07:45:00.005+08:00

I have a terrible voice. But I make up for it with my strong stage presence. Hahaha. I can follow dance steps fairly easily though.

My husband is the world's most lousy dancer. He is always one step ahead... or one step behind. Never with the groove. But he can hold a tune.

So, as a mom, I am wishing that my son sings like his dad and follows mommy's grooves on the dance floor.

But this early, he's leaning more towards daddy's dancing and mommy's singing. Ack!

Lately, he's taken to borrowing the microphone from the friendly sales people manning the Magic Sing areas at malls. That mic fascination started last month during our family outing.

His song? The oldie but goodie, 500 Miles.

If you miss the train I'm on, you will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles,
A hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles, a hundred miles,
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.

Lord I'm one, Lord I'm two, Lord I'm three, Lord I'm four,
Lord I'm 500 miles from my home.
500 miles, 500 miles, 500 miles, 500 miles
Lord I'm five hundred miles from my home.

Not a shirt on my back, not a penny to my name
Lord I can't go a-home this a-way
This a-away, this a-way, this a-way, this a-way,
Lord I can't go a-home this a-way.

If you miss the train I'm on you will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles.

Father’s Day Treat—Door Sign Printable

2011-06-01T21:58:00.006+08:00

Welcome, June!

I’m sure the rest of the year will be a blur and before we know it, Christmas will just be around the corner.

Before we think of the holiday season though, let’s prepare a special something for Father’s Day is a few days away.

To those who can’t think of anything special yet to give to the man of the house, why not give them a choice of what they want for their special day?

Here’s a door sign that you can print on board paper.

Download the pdf file here.

*Credit to the scrappin cop for the SC animal ding font

How Tall Will I be? Check this Height Predictor!

2011-05-30T04:52:00.000+08:00

pardon this photo again. this is also a teaser to the upcoming blog post: Jared Goes to School

I’m just 5’ 2” but I look taller than my actual height. I’m actually a picture of the average Pinay. Medium built, sample size clothes and sample size shoes. I need not ask for my size when trying to fit shoes because those on the racks fit me to a T.

Now, Jared was born small and so very fragile. It was only when he turned 1 that he started gaining weight. At two and a half, he was hefty and carrying him the times he’d demand to be “like a baby” would mean back and arm ache that would last a day or two.

So we stopped buying him the probiotic drinks and the sweet treats he loves so much as what his pediatrician suggested. The doctor said he was at the 95% percentile with his weight, while his height was at 50%th percentile only, making him a bit overweight.

Looking at him last night, I became worried he looked kind of lean—too lean for me. His daddy suggested check his height.

It came as a surprise that be shoot up at least 2 inches from two to three months ago. We were kind of worried he was stuck at 4 ft, so we skipped checking his height every month and just let him be.

Here's the link to the height predictor. According to this, Jared will be approx 5 ft 11 inches.

The Dawn of Cable Days

2011-05-27T00:55:00.001+08:00

Ours is the only household I know who still doesn’t have cable. My friend Ces used to not have cable too, until a year ago, when they finally had it installed for their son. That made me feel so alone. Hehehe.

Last weekend, the cable guys finally reached our place! I couldn’t argue anymore since the monthly fee for SkyCable is down to P288/month with a P1,999 installation fee.

Now the daddy can have his fill of basketball TV. So, there we now have cable. And I admit the AFC is not too bad.

Ate Vi

2011-05-25T19:18:00.001+08:00

She is talented but no, I am not a fan. My mother is, though.
The Ate Vi I am referring to is our beloved car, a fiery Vios.

Ate Vi came to us at the most fortunate time—during wedding preps. And with 1,001 errands always on our list, she proved to be a lifesaver.

Almost 6 years down the road, she’s having the usual breakdowns, in as much as we bring her to regular check ups.

So now, the question is, can we afford a new one?

I Feel so Adult, So Responsible

2011-05-24T12:31:00.004+08:00

At 34, I sometimes see me as my 25 year old self. I do have lines now on my face, and a husband and kid to boot, but there are days I still think and feel like a 25 year old.

But not yesterday.

It was a landmark day. I signed up for an insurance with VUL from my friend who is a Sunlife agent.

We used to discuss our ‘song of the day’, night outs and outings. Now, we are talking about investments, critical illness riders on insurance, and emergency funds.
My, my, we are getting older.

But I am happy.

And I feel like the title says, so adult and responsible.

I finally took that baby step to start our retirement funds. In 5 and 10 years, the two will be fully paid. Just in time to get the most out of the most productive years of my working life.

After this initial step, I am raring to go and save, save, save! Maybe a budget planner will be of help, no?

A Happy Childhood

2011-05-20T01:08:00.004+08:00

this is a picture totally unrelated to the post. hahaha.

Because we’re products of happy homes, not privileged certainly, but happy nevertheless, we wanted to give our son the same, or an even better one.
As parents, we are still trying to learn the ropes. With 3 years experience, we have a long, long way to go. Our hope is that we’ll be able to raise a smart, happy, productive and a kind-hearted child who’ll be ready to face the world when the right time comes.

Without bias, I can say that so far, we’re in the right track in raising a happy kid. As with most children, he takes delight in simple things such as sticks and wires for toys. But unlike some, he is openly affectionate, far from shy, and seeks other kids out to play.

Here's our thoughts on a few things which we think affects our child's upbringing.

Establish routines. It says routines ground a child, give him an idea of order. We’ve included in our family budget (more on this in a separate post) a certain amount for our Saturday and Sunday activities. It’s not much and our activities can just be a simple as going to the park or mall—but we want to take our child out on a “date” on weekends. We (more of I) feel he’s cooped up inside the house on weekends and Friday night is the start of being with mommy and daddy. We let him enjoy his favorite things like running, playing at the park, Sundays at Mcdo, and pasgeti (spaghetti) at Jollibee. I sometimes can’t tolerate the smell of Jollibee anymore but all for the sake of the little boy.

Balance. He can’t have all the trains in the Thomas and Friends series, he can’t play with electronic games yet, he can’t have all the chocolates and ice cream. Even if we want to actually give him more than what we know is good for him.

Share. This is a concept we practice at home. Often, he’ll even shove a toy under a baby’s nose to “share” his toy. But he’s still a kid and just this weekend, refused to share his spaghetti with mommy...even if he’s done eating. So, we just repeat. Share.

Hitting. I think most kids go through the hitting part. I consider ours a lighter than normal problem. He’ll hit his daddy in the face when he’s excited. But not me. And for me, it’s more of waving his arms in utter joy (and hitting your face in the process)than really hitting to hurt someone. In the presence of younger kids, my son is more careful, more gentle in fact than when he's with us.

Set examples. Children this age are mirrors. What they see, they'll copy. He's affectionate because four people shower him with kisses every day. He has learned to hug and gather us in a big embrace to say "family" because that is what we do. He doesn't shout in anger (but shrieks in glee)because he doesn't hear that at home, he says thank you, please and welcome, even to total strangers (food delivery guys, even the cable guys).

I could go on and on but let me reserve that when I have gotten to know more about parenting and its many challenges.

Building Friendships

2011-05-18T00:23:00.003+08:00

I just read at Babycenter over the weekend that kids Jared's age are just beginning to understand the concept of friendship.

I agree with this. A few months ago when he was just two, even if there are other kids around, he would just look at them and will proceed with his own play. They have a term for this at babycenter and that is parallel play. It means playing side by side with another child but not really playing with each other.

When he turned 3, I got so excited to see him interact with other kids and this summer at play school, I believe Jared made his first ever friend.

The boy's name is Miguel. He is a few months older than Jared and although Jared always says "Midel (for Miguel) pushed Jared", I've seen how fond he is of his playmate. He shares his toys with him, calls his name when Miguel wanders around in class, and during their culminating activity, he actually saved a seat for his friend.

Ay anak, I hope you'll cultivate beautiful and lasting friendships as you grow older.
Miguel and Jared with Teacher Kate

Jared (in orange) probably asking how Miguel is

On my Bike

2011-05-17T13:05:00.002+08:00

This should have had a great biking picture with it but alas no camera yet.

Moving on, Jared learned to bike just last weekend! As in propel himself forward by actually pushing on the pedals.

I'll borrow my sister's cam and take photos this coming Saturday. Or maybe a UP visit will be much better.

Life Without a Camera

2011-05-14T12:56:00.001+08:00

No camera= no posts.

It’s just not right that I document my son’s life in this blog without pictures.
My latest cam is a Panasonic and it lasted me less than a year. I had a Sony before that, and a Casio before that Sony.
Is it me (and my son’s deft hands) or are digicams becoming ‘disposable’ too nowadays?

Will be back with a vengeance and hopefully a new camera.

Here are some old photos to tide me over as I go through this blogging drought.

Top 10 Things I Wished I’d Done When I Was Still Breastfeeding

2011-05-11T05:34:00.001+08:00

I was supposed to join the Milk Mama blog carnival, but other activities and things got in the way so I didn't make it to the deadline. But I'm posting my Top 10 here just the same._______________________________

Breastfeeding was a wonderful experience for me and I’m pretty sure for my son, too. I breastfed him for 2 years and 8 months until he weaned at will. Up to now, I still miss that special bond, the look a baby gives his mommy, during feeding time.

If only I could turn back time, I will…

1. Jot down my breastfeeding experience in a journal or blog from the very first day. I was apprehensive on starting a blog and letting everyone in on our lives. I started actively writing in the blog when my son was already 8 months old. The result: a lot of backtracking and in the process, forgeting the minute details that will forever be unexpressed in words. Write down your breastfeeding experience and and let other moms learn from your experience.

2. Sit down for a nice photograph. Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful moments experienced by mother and child and it is but apt that you immortalize that moment in a nice photo. If I have one, I’d gladly display that in a prime spot in the house. Sadly, I only have photos of me breastfeeding in ratty clothes. Tsk, tsk.

3. Raise the awareness on breastfeeding more actively. We still lack breastfeeding facilities in the Philippines. I was lucky I got pregnant and gave birth at a time when information and the importance of breastfeeding is being resurrected. And we are starting to have breastfeeding stations in malls. I know breastfeeding in public ( in plain view) still makes people cringe—not the mommy but more of those around her. I regret not writing to malls who still doesn’t provide breastfeeding stations, and then not writing to let them know my appreciation as a user of the breastfeeding stations available. I can go on and on here.

4. Wait until I meet my son before buying baby stuff, breastfeeding stuff included. I bought a lot of breastfeeding covers before I even met my son. I didn’t know yet he will sweat and feel utterly uncomfortable under one and rendered my purchases unfit.

5. Not dilly dally in my decision to shell out money for an electric pump. I’m a working mom and I’m not yet in a position to give up work to be with my son 24/7. So like most CS moms, I went back to join the workforce after 78 days. And with only a manual pump to build up my stash of breastmilk and to use as pump at the office for a month or so, I got sore fingers and almost, almost gave up on breastfeeding. The P16,000 I spent on an electric pump was one of the wisest decision and well-spent investment I’ve ever made.

6. Chillax. As a first time mom, I wanted to be the best, to do everything for my baby, to be supermom. I didn’t want anybody to hold him. In the process, I was putting added pressure on my already sleep-deprived and harrased self.

7. Buy a fridge to go. I lugged around my breastfeeding paraphernalia in one eskimo cooler. Not cool. It always looked as if I’m carrying an organ for a transplant. Hahaha.

8. Bring my baby to out of town trips. The most stressful moments I had related to breastfeeding were during trips when he wasn’t with me. The first time was when he was a mere four months. I was pumping and stressing over my milk half of the time. I pumped on the plane ride beside a male colleague who had no idea what the movement was behind that breastfeeding cover I had on and I experienced expressing milk by hand on a bus (my manual pump broke at the most unfortunate time). It would have made life easier for me. Now if only I can do that for business trips.

9. Eat tons of malunggay! Not only does it increase milk supply, but it’s also really nutritious. I ate lots but if I can do it again, I’d put malunngay in everything I ate. I discovered the wonder of malunggay powder late.

10. Maintain the weight I had when I was breastfeeding. I was 120 lbs when I got pregnant and ended up 40 lbs heavier when I was due. Three months later, I was able to fit back into my old clothes. Then, a year after I was down to 116 lbs! Thinner than when I first got pregnant. Breastfeeding burns calories. I was constantly hungry and eating but didn’t put on a pound. It’s just sad I kept the appetite even after we stopped breastfeeding. Don’t ask me how much I weigh now.

The good news is, I still have the chance to correct these mistakes once we’re ready for baby #2!

Mother's Day post: I am Turning Into My Mother

2011-05-08T08:51:00.001+08:00

I am turning into my mother. And I say that in a nicest way.

You see, my mama is the most simple mother. Growing up, there were times when I'd wish she’d dress more fashionably, put on make up, or be glamorous, like those moms I see on magazines and TV. I sometimes wonder how me and my sister turned up like this (maarte).

It was only when I was in college and papa passed away already when I finally understood and appreciated the simple-ness of mama. She was simple so we can be dressed up in the best brands (Patrick dresses, anyone) our money can afford, sent to private schools, taken to SM Makati on weekends for malling and eating out and never wanted for anything that we needed.

Growing up, we never went out of the house looking like slobs. And I would see kids looking unkept when their mothers looked immaculate. To this day, this is one thing I swore I'll never do.

And true to this entry’s title, indeed I am… turning into my mother that is. I may not be as simple, but I always put my son's needs before mine.

It also used to bother me that my mama would write in my diary more often than my classmates’ moms do. I mean she would write to ask questions and she has plenty. I used to be so embarrassed to show teacher. Now my son is going to summer play school and when asked one day on what happened in class earlier, he replied “Midel (for Miguel, his classmate) push Jared. My, I wanted to wage war against a three year old that day.

Like my mama, I work fast and I absolutely hate people so are slow, in all ways. It makes me think they are lacking in energy or food or sleep, whichever is not so good an excuse to be sloppy. I also walk fast and I talk even faster.

On some weekends when I was small, she'd bake her infamous coffee cake for papa or my favorite custard cake and all kids in the neighborhood would be waiting for the left over icing in the mixing bowl I'd share with them. Now my son is growing up, I'd want him to have a nice memory of his mommy in the kitchen, concocting all sorts of wonderful and tasty goodies for him and yes, even his friends.

There are a lot more things I'd want to follow, especially on how she raised me and my sister. We turned out to be wonderful daughters so I'm praying that my husband and I can raise a son well and prepare him for when he's ready to test his wings out in the world.

This post is dedicated to mama, my blog’s most avid follower and my son’s greatest fan. I could have added more stuff here but I'm saving the others for the following years. We have more Mother's Day to celebrate.

'm

10th Anniversary

2011-05-03T04:06:00.003+08:00

My husband and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary as a couple this year. We met in graduate school, I was nursing a broken heart and he had nothing better to do.

There is always a debate on who ‘made the first move’. I talked to him first, yes but only to ask him to move his newspapers so I can sit down on the bench he as hogging all to himself when the other applicants had nowhere to seat.

Our anniversary will deserve another post but let me go before that and highlight another important thing that came out of spending time taking post graduate studies: we found a group of friends that I’m pretty sure we’ll be with until we grow old.

Not all of us graduated with that degree, not all who graduated did at the same time, but 10 years after that first day in Management 101, we’re still here, still friends.

Happy 10th anniversary, GroUPm8s!

Here’s to many, many more kids, more adventures and more years of beautiful friendship.

The Untold Story

2011-05-01T07:17:00.008+08:00

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
- Maya Angelou

Because today is May 1, Labor Day here in the Philippines, and more than three years after I gave birth, please allow me to tell THE STORY through this scrapbook of how our son Jared Nicolas came to be (minus the PG details, wink!).

Finally, one album down.

Here's a preview of some of the pages.

Six months after the wedding, our boy was conceived.

It wasn't an easy pregnancy and it was one filled with small sacrifices and constant fear that he will be out early.

But God and out little boy heard my prayers and...

and on that fateful day in April, just when he turned exactly 37 weeks, our boy came to this world. Full-term and healthy!

At the nursery, he was always trying to open his eyes and the look he gave his daddy on the other side of that glass was priceless.

The days that followed were about trying to make the thought that we are now parents sink in and trying hard to frantically learn what we needed to learn: holding the baby, giving him a bath and feeding him right. I was in and out of the nursery to breastfeed the hungry boy. Never mind the CS operation on me.

Four days after, he took him this precious bundle of joy.

Summer Outing and Cake Blowing

2011-04-28T07:34:00.006+08:00

After feeling guilty having no cake for Jared's 3rd birthday, a perfect ocassion came up where we can "celebrate" his birthday with cake and ice cream.

It was during the Tan family summer outing.

Scared of the traffic, we looked for a resort somewhere near. And what could be nearer than Pacita, Laguna where the resort is a walk away from my Tita's house.

So the saying it's not in the place, it's who you are with that applies here.

And what's memorable about this outing is that this is the first time Jared really enjoyed pool time. Here comes the nog-nog days!!!

we have cake! now, this goes to jared's scrapbook

Jared isn't looking at the cam but I had to post this. Mommy is feeling a bit pretty here. =)

Loving the water!

How I Wear My Slippers

2011-04-26T21:24:00.005+08:00

Hi, my name is Jared.

Don't let my happy smile in this picture fool you.

I was playing happily with my toys when my Tati arrived home with a surprise! She has something for me. And I got so excited.

Unfortunately, she brought me slippers. I don't like them at all.
Tati, please give me back my sandals!

Easter Sunday at Home

2011-04-24T12:07:00.003+08:00

Easter Sunday is quiet in our home. We miss the daddy in the house and we were tired from the pool outing cum Jared's belated celebration yesterday. We also attended a christening earlier.

I am too sleepy to do anything else. The easter eggs will have to wait until next year. I'm sure coloring the eggs will be a nice, exciting experience for our little boy.

Let me just post this photo taken last week during Palm Sunday. I know, I took pics during mass. But the flash is off, promise. And somehow I know God will understand as I want to capture the very first lenten celebration Jared participated in actively. He held the palaspas (palm frond) so that's active, right? Hehehe.

A No Cake 3rd Birthday

2011-04-22T17:59:00.006+08:00

We arrived back in Manila on April 2, a day before the little boy's birthday, happy but tired.

The next day, we drove to far-off SM City to attend the first birthday celebration of Cyrus, my cousin's son.

Due to the flurry of activities before and on the day of his birthday, I did not even remember to buy him a simple cake with a candle to blow. Forgot to get him a new birthday shirt even.

Now, days after, I feel the guilt. I know for a fact he extremely enjoyed that birthday party we attended, and had a blast in Boracay. But for his album (which I am yet to finish-- I am getting there though), will I be content that the page dedicated to his 3rd birthday cake-blowing will be empty?

Hmmm, no. So tomorrow, while we have our annual Tan family swimming get-together, he'll have his cake-- and ice cream to boot! Yey!

Will post photos of his actual and belated birthday on Easter.

Keeping True to My New Year Resolution

2011-04-21T19:52:00.006+08:00

Remember one of my new year resolutions?

This year, I promised to myself I will save, save, save! Not to the extent of starving myself, or totally depriving myself of the small things that make me happy (like shoes or a shirt--on sale). After all, these small things make me happy, and my happiness = a happy wife, mommy and a happy and peaceful household. =)

I have been putting this goal in my to-do list for the past few years but more important things get in the way, like giving birth, building a house etc etc. With a growing son (whose growth and development never ceases to amaze and entertain us), we seriously need to start exploring on how to better manage our finances and where to invest the little that we've saved.

I have already asked my good friend Claire on insurance with stock options.

I cannot really buy stocks at this point because I have practically zero knowledge on how it works. But it is something I will study. My end goal is to build enough for us in our retirement, a sum that would cover our health needs, something which can still allow us to enjoy trips as a couple or a family (our son would probably have his own planned trips by then ), a sum that would be there if we develop new passions or and have something to give to our son when he is already of age.

As parents, almost all of our actions are really for our kids, right?

Belated Post: My Birthday Celebration

2011-04-19T19:00:00.002+08:00

My birthday celebrations are most of the time low key. If it's a workday, I always try to take a leave so I'll get to spend it with family. This year, it was a Sunday but since we were going on a vacation in a few days, I decided to spend it somewhere close by. Lunch was courtesy of my sister.

Kids get to eat free! My son enjoyed his buffet of bread and biscuits and endless bowls of ice cream

In keeping up with my 2011 resolution, I applied make up that day. Hmm, now looking at my pics, I really should apply more

We got a table by the window and we were bathed with natural light. So, its a good time for some nice family pics--but the men with us, my husband and Tito Den (Tati's fiancee) were camera shy. =)

Lola and apo bonding moments

I thank the nice gentleman playing the piano who indulged my mama's request to play a birthday song for me.

Never Too Late

2011-04-17T20:02:00.005+08:00

The recounting of our boracay vacation isn't over but I am not done resizing the photos yet so that will have to come later.

But before we get busy with the activities this lenten season, let me share something that made me realize that age must not be a deterrent in letting us be experimental and adventurous.

I just bought my mom a 2 piece bikini. Yup, yup. Her first at the age of 60! I doubt if she'll really wear it by itself, but it even underneath a flimsy top or top and shorts for that matter, it can make one feel bolder, more alive. And in the Philippines, who really wears bikinis at 60, right?

So, humanda ka Boracay next year. hahaha.

Love you, mama!

Boracay: What we Did in Boracay

2011-04-16T21:43:00.000+08:00

During our vacation in Boracay, we..

ate of course! lined up the glasses at Jonah's. And surprise, he drank watermelon shake thinking it was red ice cream

our first meal on the island: merienda at Manana. Jared was an all too willing server

posed for pictures. lots of it.

buried his feet on the sand

exercised to build stronger muscles for next year's beach adventure

made our (temporary) mark on the sand

climb a pole--or try to. something we might never get to do in manila

to be continued...

Summer School and the Absent Mommy

2011-04-15T22:02:00.001+08:00

By this writing, my son has attended summer school for 4 days. I'm a bad mommy--I've never been with him at school yet, or even just dropped him off. Even the camera isn't cooperating. I asked his lola to bring it to school the first day and got a total of 1 shot. Forgot to delete the other photos. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

But his daddy is leaving for a training soon ans we needed to fix a few things before he leaves. My license for one and the MMDA ticket I got in 2009 ( I promise to write about this soon), the car transfer and registration and buying and packing stuff.

They'll be on a break starting Monday, which is the day I planned to bring him to school. Talk about timing.

Hope I can sit in and observe him in class before this month long class comes to a close.

Boracay: The Boat Ride

2011-04-13T23:46:00.002+08:00

To reach Boracay, we took 4 modes of transportation. I know our little boy enjoyed the adventure.

This is the boat ride. His very first.

There was no need to reach for that bottle of Benadryl that I was thinking of initially. Benadryl=drowsiness. And good thing too since he clapped his hands at the sight of the banca, bravely crossed the wooden plank from dock to port only holding the hand of the boat man (while mommy quivers after him), enjoyed the 10 minute booat ride to the island and made his first step on the island-- with all his energy intact.

We took the tricycle too after this but we had too much stuff with us for me to take pictures of that so I'll probably skip that mode of transpo and proceed to recounting what made our days busy during that vacation.

Boracay: Up We Fly

2011-04-11T21:21:00.001+08:00

During the less than an hour flight to Kalibo, our boy alternately looked outside the window, struggled in his seat even when the seatbelt was still on, ate almost a whole pack of Fita biscuits, took out his crayon and paper and posed for mommy's camera.

More Boracay stories coming up!