Anya's new thing at almost-11 months is going down from the bed feet first.
She does it really well and seems to have a silent "Ta-dah" when she nails the landing.
Her destination after this, is almost always the TV cabinet where she proceeds to make a mess of the DVDs and stuff that's inside the cabinet.
2/08/2010
A funny thing about Seth --
While at the airport, waiting to board the plane for Manila, I brought Seth to the bathroom and insisted that he pee before the flight.
The little one quietly obeyed and pulled down his pants and his diaper.
He stood at the edge of the toilet and "assumed" the position -- after a few minutes, it was clear that he didn't need to pee.
"Uh, oh --" He said. "It's empty."
O_O
The little one quietly obeyed and pulled down his pants and his diaper.
He stood at the edge of the toilet and "assumed" the position -- after a few minutes, it was clear that he didn't need to pee.
"Uh, oh --" He said. "It's empty."
O_O
My hubby, the teacher --
During our trip to Singapore, I picked up a couple of "age-appropriate" board games for Seth.
Right now, I'm trying to imagine how I will teach him how to play them -- I don't think I can. I lack the patience for it -- or the imagination.
Yet, my husband was able to teach him the basics of Arkham Horror and I am amazed listening to Seth "explain" the game to his yaya and naming the various pieces of the game. He understands a bit about the story of the board game (though I don't think he fully grasps just how terrifying Cthulhu et. al. are).
A few nights ago, Seth and I were "playing" Snakes & Ladders and I was trying to "dumb down" the game for Seth and my husband insisted that I teach him the right way to play it.
This is another reason why I know I married the right man (after almost 5 years, there's very little doubt of this ^_^) -- he's a great dad to his kids. I like how he treats them -- as children but not in a childish way. He talks to them properly and expects Seth to behave accordingly (Anya is exempt for now).
They have fun with each other -- while I can make my kids smile, it is my husband who manages to get them to burst out in laughter.
Right now, I'm trying to imagine how I will teach him how to play them -- I don't think I can. I lack the patience for it -- or the imagination.
Yet, my husband was able to teach him the basics of Arkham Horror and I am amazed listening to Seth "explain" the game to his yaya and naming the various pieces of the game. He understands a bit about the story of the board game (though I don't think he fully grasps just how terrifying Cthulhu et. al. are).
A few nights ago, Seth and I were "playing" Snakes & Ladders and I was trying to "dumb down" the game for Seth and my husband insisted that I teach him the right way to play it.
This is another reason why I know I married the right man (after almost 5 years, there's very little doubt of this ^_^) -- he's a great dad to his kids. I like how he treats them -- as children but not in a childish way. He talks to them properly and expects Seth to behave accordingly (Anya is exempt for now).
They have fun with each other -- while I can make my kids smile, it is my husband who manages to get them to burst out in laughter.
1/28/2010
Seth: Month 43 & Anya: Month 10 --
My darling children,
Your mama is late with this month's newsletter (again).
I have no excuse -- I really forgot all about it this month.
It's been a busy first month of the new year for us. We were planning for our trip to Singapore (by "we," I mean your Ah-i, me and Seth. Sorry, little girl.) and we had birthdays to celebrate (be "we," I mean your Papa and I).
I'm very excited for you, Seth -- this will be your first time to travel abroad. When your Ah-i and I decided to include you in our trip, we had very little hesitation because we've seen you travel to and fro Manila with no problems. (Except that you get tired of walking after an hour or so -- but we will remedy that with a stroller.)
I'm also very excited for you, little girl -- you get to spend this week with your Papa, who will undoubtedly allow you all the liberties that I don't. Use this time wisely and play with all of your A-hia's toys.
2010 has been wonderful for the both of you (so far) -- Seth, you are becoming more and more opinionated. ("I don't like this. I want that.")
Last night, we had dinner with your Ninong and Ninang and they were impressed with you. They were asking you what you wanted to eat and you were very clear in your preferences. (Noodles. White Sauce. Chicken. Fruit Juice.)
They were also very impressed with how well you behaved in the restaurant. This is something I'm very proud of and I'm glad we were able to instill this in you at an early age.
Very soon, we will also be bringing you along, little girl. (I wonder if I'll be able to to eat with the two of you to attend to. ^_^)
Anya, this month has been a series of "upgrades" for you as well. You have graduated to eating rice in clear broth and to nibbling Marie biscuits whenever it pleases you.
I think you are still frustrated about not being able to try the fried chicken or the shrimp. Patience, grasshopper. Very soon, you will be required to eat "healthy" vegetables and fish.
You also enjoy music. One of the ways your yaya entertains you is by turning on the radio and "dancing" to whatever song is playing. (Sometimes, your A-hia joins along.)
A few nights ago, your A-hia was watching an episode of Backyardigans and you were bouncing along to the music.
You also had your monthly checkup and your doctor is very happy with your development. You also got a 6-in-1 shot, which your A-hia enjoyed watching.
We're gearing up for so many things this year: Anya, you are turning 1 and Seth, you are about to enter Nursery.
I'm more excited than worried about how the two of you will handle all of this -- I think you will both laugh and dance your way through the next set of adventures.
And I'll be there, awkwardly dancing with you both.
*hugs*
Your mama is late with this month's newsletter (again).
I have no excuse -- I really forgot all about it this month.
It's been a busy first month of the new year for us. We were planning for our trip to Singapore (by "we," I mean your Ah-i, me and Seth. Sorry, little girl.) and we had birthdays to celebrate (be "we," I mean your Papa and I).
I'm very excited for you, Seth -- this will be your first time to travel abroad. When your Ah-i and I decided to include you in our trip, we had very little hesitation because we've seen you travel to and fro Manila with no problems. (Except that you get tired of walking after an hour or so -- but we will remedy that with a stroller.)
I'm also very excited for you, little girl -- you get to spend this week with your Papa, who will undoubtedly allow you all the liberties that I don't. Use this time wisely and play with all of your A-hia's toys.
2010 has been wonderful for the both of you (so far) -- Seth, you are becoming more and more opinionated. ("I don't like this. I want that.")
Last night, we had dinner with your Ninong and Ninang and they were impressed with you. They were asking you what you wanted to eat and you were very clear in your preferences. (Noodles. White Sauce. Chicken. Fruit Juice.)
They were also very impressed with how well you behaved in the restaurant. This is something I'm very proud of and I'm glad we were able to instill this in you at an early age.
Very soon, we will also be bringing you along, little girl. (I wonder if I'll be able to to eat with the two of you to attend to. ^_^)
Anya, this month has been a series of "upgrades" for you as well. You have graduated to eating rice in clear broth and to nibbling Marie biscuits whenever it pleases you.
I think you are still frustrated about not being able to try the fried chicken or the shrimp. Patience, grasshopper. Very soon, you will be required to eat "healthy" vegetables and fish.
You also enjoy music. One of the ways your yaya entertains you is by turning on the radio and "dancing" to whatever song is playing. (Sometimes, your A-hia joins along.)
A few nights ago, your A-hia was watching an episode of Backyardigans and you were bouncing along to the music.
You also had your monthly checkup and your doctor is very happy with your development. You also got a 6-in-1 shot, which your A-hia enjoyed watching.
We're gearing up for so many things this year: Anya, you are turning 1 and Seth, you are about to enter Nursery.
I'm more excited than worried about how the two of you will handle all of this -- I think you will both laugh and dance your way through the next set of adventures.
And I'll be there, awkwardly dancing with you both.
*hugs*
1/20/2010
Seth, the gamer --
One of the things my husband misses the most in Manila are his gamer friends -- people he can count on for a game of VtES or WoW TCG or L5R.
He was lucky to find an L5R group here in Iloilo and meets with them on some Sunday afternoons.
One thing he'd really, really like to have is someone he can play with during the other days.
Last Christmas, Johann received some board games from my brother (Arkham Horror plus some expansions) -- I can't play with him because I'm usually on Anya duty and my sister is also busy.
So my resourceful and patient husband decided to teach our almost-3 years and 7 months-old son to play.
And Seth loves it! He loves throwing the dice and gathering clues. He hates it when the monster shows up because it means they will eventually die.
<-- the circus tent on the left is from Seth's A-ku
It's nice because the board game has a story so it isn't just about moving your character around the board and see you gets to the finish line first.
Last night, Seth ran into the room, distressed -- "Oh no, Mama! Seth has only 1 brain." (The fewer brain counters you have, the less sane you are.)
And he has learned to count dots on the dice.
He knows that "One is not good" and "Three to Five is okay."
"Six is very good."
He and his papa have a regular after-lunch game, which they never finish because the little one naps.
Seth has also taken a liking to watching his Papa play Mario Kart on the DS. He knows the characters and roots for Mario.
For Mario Kart, he knows that "One is very good" and "Two and Three are okay." (The order of finish in the race."
Fourth and Fifth place are definitely "not good" -- ^_^
I've tried getting him to play simpler board games like Snakes and Ladders but it doesn't have the appeal of the many counters and knickknacks that Arkham Horror has.
^_^
He was lucky to find an L5R group here in Iloilo and meets with them on some Sunday afternoons.
One thing he'd really, really like to have is someone he can play with during the other days.
Last Christmas, Johann received some board games from my brother (Arkham Horror plus some expansions) -- I can't play with him because I'm usually on Anya duty and my sister is also busy.
So my resourceful and patient husband decided to teach our almost-3 years and 7 months-old son to play.
And Seth loves it! He loves throwing the dice and gathering clues. He hates it when the monster shows up because it means they will eventually die.
<-- the circus tent on the left is from Seth's A-ku
It's nice because the board game has a story so it isn't just about moving your character around the board and see you gets to the finish line first.
Last night, Seth ran into the room, distressed -- "Oh no, Mama! Seth has only 1 brain." (The fewer brain counters you have, the less sane you are.)
And he has learned to count dots on the dice.
He knows that "One is not good" and "Three to Five is okay."
"Six is very good."
He and his papa have a regular after-lunch game, which they never finish because the little one naps.
Seth has also taken a liking to watching his Papa play Mario Kart on the DS. He knows the characters and roots for Mario.
For Mario Kart, he knows that "One is very good" and "Two and Three are okay." (The order of finish in the race."
Fourth and Fifth place are definitely "not good" -- ^_^
I've tried getting him to play simpler board games like Snakes and Ladders but it doesn't have the appeal of the many counters and knickknacks that Arkham Horror has.
^_^
1/15/2010
My little girl and big machines!!! --
A few weeks ago, I was in SM with Anya and Seth -- and Anya was restless so I decided to put her in one of the Chicco car/rocker on display outside of Toy Kingdom --
And she loved it!
She protested very loudly when it was time to go and we pulled her out of it.
Now, we let her ride the coin-operated cars in SM. (We don't insert coins so they remain stable and stationary.)
Her favorite (for some strange reason) is the bulldozer. O_O
She's figured out the joys of turning the wheel.
She's really growing up fast. ~sniff~
And she loved it!
She protested very loudly when it was time to go and we pulled her out of it.
Now, we let her ride the coin-operated cars in SM. (We don't insert coins so they remain stable and stationary.)
Her favorite (for some strange reason) is the bulldozer. O_O
She's figured out the joys of turning the wheel.
She's really growing up fast. ~sniff~
1/12/2010
Doing the impossible --
Yesterday, my little boy was playing with the Gakken blocks his A-ku gave him.
At one point, he asked me to perch an O-shaped block, with a +-shaped block inserted in it on a very narrow horizontal block. We tried several times and the two blocks kept tipping over.
I had to tell him that it couldn't be done -- but he wouldn't give up. He didn't give up on himself and kept trying to find a way to balance it. And he didn't give up on me.
After several failed attempts, I figured out a way to do it. We anchored another block on the horizontal block and the O-shaped combo was able to rest nicely on it.
My sister has often commented that Seth asks us to do impossible things --
When he got his first tub of green Play-Doh, he asked me to make a frog. I am not THAT creative so I told him I couldn't do it -- but he persistedwhined until I had to give in and tried to make one. And I was able to make something that kinda resembled a frog. Needless to say, he was satisfied with what I had made.
And the time he asked his Ah-i to draw a trapezoid and my sister told him she didn't know how. And he waited and waited until we figured out (read: Googled) how to draw one.
I am amazed and humbled by his unshakeable belief in me (and all the people around him) -- that I can do everything for him. I know I can't -- but, because of him, I have pushed myself to challenge boundaries (real and imaginary ones). Every time I've said I can't or I don't know, I realize that I could.
And I have learned so much along the way.
Maybe one day, I can get the moon for him. (Thank God he hasn't asked for it yet.) ^_^
At one point, he asked me to perch an O-shaped block, with a +-shaped block inserted in it on a very narrow horizontal block. We tried several times and the two blocks kept tipping over.
I had to tell him that it couldn't be done -- but he wouldn't give up. He didn't give up on himself and kept trying to find a way to balance it. And he didn't give up on me.
After several failed attempts, I figured out a way to do it. We anchored another block on the horizontal block and the O-shaped combo was able to rest nicely on it.
My sister has often commented that Seth asks us to do impossible things --
When he got his first tub of green Play-Doh, he asked me to make a frog. I am not THAT creative so I told him I couldn't do it -- but he persisted
And the time he asked his Ah-i to draw a trapezoid and my sister told him she didn't know how. And he waited and waited until we figured out (read: Googled) how to draw one.
I am amazed and humbled by his unshakeable belief in me (and all the people around him) -- that I can do everything for him. I know I can't -- but, because of him, I have pushed myself to challenge boundaries (real and imaginary ones). Every time I've said I can't or I don't know, I realize that I could.
And I have learned so much along the way.
Maybe one day, I can get the moon for him. (Thank God he hasn't asked for it yet.) ^_^
12/31/2009
Seth and Anya's List for 2009 --
Favorite Toys (Seth)
1. Ikea Mala Easle, rolls of paper, chalk and markers
2. His trike
3. His Thomas the Tank train sets
4. The cute circus tent his A-ku gave him (and Anya) for Christmas <-- Anya likes this also 5. His Ah-i's iPod touch or his Papa's phone <-- he loves Tozzle Favorite Snacks (Seth) 1. Chips and Cheetos <-- ~sigh~ 2. Gummy Bears/Worms 3. Cookies 4. Soft pretzels or Star Mamon from Tinapayan 5. Jelly Anya likes her Heinz Teething Rusk, which we found in Robinsons. And bananas. Favorite Books 1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle 2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 3. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss 4. His Bible for Children <-- O_o (He loves the Creation story and also the Crucifixion of Jesus) 5. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Anya likes Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss and the Richard Scarry Best Mother Goose Ever, which I found in Booksale
Favorite Shows
1. Little Einsteins
2. Backyardigans
3. Muzzy
4. Classical Baby
5. Glee <-- because he watches it when we watch it ... and he likes the songs
Anya's Top 5 Things that make her happy
1. Riding in her stroller late in the afternoon when it's not so hot
2. Playing inside A-hia's house (when A-hia is busy doing other things)
3. Crawling in and out of the tents
4. Standing
5. Playing Peek-a-boo
1. Ikea Mala Easle, rolls of paper, chalk and markers
2. His trike
3. His Thomas the Tank train sets
4. The cute circus tent his A-ku gave him (and Anya) for Christmas <-- Anya likes this also 5. His Ah-i's iPod touch or his Papa's phone <-- he loves Tozzle Favorite Snacks (Seth) 1. Chips and Cheetos <-- ~sigh~ 2. Gummy Bears/Worms 3. Cookies 4. Soft pretzels or Star Mamon from Tinapayan 5. Jelly Anya likes her Heinz Teething Rusk, which we found in Robinsons. And bananas. Favorite Books 1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle 2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 3. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss 4. His Bible for Children <-- O_o (He loves the Creation story and also the Crucifixion of Jesus) 5. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
Anya likes Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr. Seuss and the Richard Scarry Best Mother Goose Ever, which I found in Booksale
Favorite Shows
1. Little Einsteins
2. Backyardigans
3. Muzzy
4. Classical Baby
5. Glee <-- because he watches it when we watch it ... and he likes the songs
Anya's Top 5 Things that make her happy
1. Riding in her stroller late in the afternoon when it's not so hot
2. Playing inside A-hia's house (when A-hia is busy doing other things)
3. Crawling in and out of the tents
4. Standing
5. Playing Peek-a-boo
12/29/2009
Anya: Month 9 --
Hello, little girl --
Happy 9 months to you!
<-- Ghibli t-shirt! You experienced your first Christmas this month -- am not sure what you're taking away from the whole deal considering that it was your A-hia and me who opened your gifts for you. You did spent about ten minutes sitting in a dark church while waiting for the Christmas tableau to begin ... and you didn't even get to finish watching it because you got persnickety and I had to bring you outside of the church halfway through.
We spent the last two days together because your yaya went home to visit her family. I was worried about how I would entertain you for 48 hours -- but it wasn't that hard. The littlest thing amuses you -- the crinkle of the cover of a magazine as you wrinkle and rip it; the sound of the fan as it hits the side of my face (or the cry of surprise when the handle finds its way up my nose; your A-hia's annoyance as oyu tug at his ear and pull at his hair (he is being very patient with you and lets you do these things because we asked him to); your new Winnie the Pooh pillow (although it's really the tag that you enjoy) ...
You are now officially annoyed when we fiddle with your hair -- but you have no choice because your hair is a mess and gets into your eyes. Suffer us for a few more months, little girl -- and then we will get your hair trimmed.
You're a clapper and I think you recognize excitement because you take your cue from the sounds that we make and you are a very cute clapper.
Your favorite game is crawling in and out of your A-hia's pop-up tent. It's really funny to see you scurry inside and then plopping down on your be-diapered butt and bounce up and down with joy.
It's so much fun watching you explore all these new worlds and experiencing all these new things (like walking barefoot on the grass) --
And it fills me with so much joy to see that bright spark on your face as you make these discoveries. And I am so excited for you and your future when more of the world unfolds and reveals itself to you.
There's plenty more to see, my little girl and they are all yours for the taking.
Happy 9 months to you!
<-- Ghibli t-shirt! You experienced your first Christmas this month -- am not sure what you're taking away from the whole deal considering that it was your A-hia and me who opened your gifts for you. You did spent about ten minutes sitting in a dark church while waiting for the Christmas tableau to begin ... and you didn't even get to finish watching it because you got persnickety and I had to bring you outside of the church halfway through.
We spent the last two days together because your yaya went home to visit her family. I was worried about how I would entertain you for 48 hours -- but it wasn't that hard. The littlest thing amuses you -- the crinkle of the cover of a magazine as you wrinkle and rip it; the sound of the fan as it hits the side of my face (or the cry of surprise when the handle finds its way up my nose; your A-hia's annoyance as oyu tug at his ear and pull at his hair (he is being very patient with you and lets you do these things because we asked him to); your new Winnie the Pooh pillow (although it's really the tag that you enjoy) ...
You are now officially annoyed when we fiddle with your hair -- but you have no choice because your hair is a mess and gets into your eyes. Suffer us for a few more months, little girl -- and then we will get your hair trimmed.
You're a clapper and I think you recognize excitement because you take your cue from the sounds that we make and you are a very cute clapper.
Your favorite game is crawling in and out of your A-hia's pop-up tent. It's really funny to see you scurry inside and then plopping down on your be-diapered butt and bounce up and down with joy.
It's so much fun watching you explore all these new worlds and experiencing all these new things (like walking barefoot on the grass) --
And it fills me with so much joy to see that bright spark on your face as you make these discoveries. And I am so excited for you and your future when more of the world unfolds and reveals itself to you.
There's plenty more to see, my little girl and they are all yours for the taking.
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