The Adventures of Stinky and Tin

Dear Mr. Bautista re: PR507, January 12, 2012 -- my horrible flight experience with PAL (Philippine Airlines) --

2012-01-19T05:59:00.000+08:00

We had the worst flight experience with PAL during our first international family trip last January 12. (This trip was a post-birthday gift to me and my husband and an early birthday gift to my sister.)

In the Mabuhay magazine, Mr. Jaime Bautista has a space which provides his email address and asks readers to "tell him how they are" -- I sent this email to him (but my husband warned me that this will just end up in his Junk Mail folder.)

I have heard the same sentiment expressed by other people who have also experienced flight delays and cancellations (or knows someone who did) -- they all warned me that Philippine Airlines doesn't care. ~sigh~ =(

If anyone knows anyone from PAL who would, at least, read/listen to my story, I would really appreciate it.

* * *

January 16, 2012

Dear Mr. Bautista,

I would like to share with you our horrible travel experience with Philippine Airlines.

We decided to take our first international trip as a family using Philippine Airlines -- I had no doubts about my choice of airlines because I have traveled abroad using PAL and have experienced PAL at its best. I was confident that my two kids (5 and 2) would be comfortable.

We booked our tickets on September 25 for a trip from January 12 to 16, 2012. We were travelling directly from Iloilo to Singapore, connecting through Manila --

We experienced our first setback 2 weeks before our flight (December 30) when I received an email from PAL informing us of our new flight schedule -- 1 hour later than the original time (1115 am instead of 1010am) --

Although it meant having to wait 4 hours between flights, we were determined not to let this affect our enthusiasm and excitement over our vacation.

We arrived from Iloilo without incident and were pleased with the very attentive service from the ground staff of Air Philippines who assisted us with our transfer to Terminal 2. I foolishly thought this was a sign that our trip would be all positive.

Our international flight was not something I had anticipated to experience from Philippine Airlines.

We were first informed that our flight had been pushed back to 1230pm. When 1230 came, and no boarding announcement was made, I became very worried and your ground staff would not provide us with sufficient information-- they kept telling us to wait for an announcement.

When the announcement was made, informing us that our flight had been cancelled, my heart plummeted. We were told that our flight would be merged with the 920pm flight (PR505).

The cancellation of our flight caused us to lose precious time -- it also cost us 1-night stay at our hotel because it was too late to cancel our booking for the day. We paid for 2 rooms which we did not use. (More than US$400)

It also caused me endless worry -- we were scheduled to watch Wicked in Singapore on January 13 and were supposed to pick up our tickets one day before. Because our flight was cancelled, I could not pick up my tickets. Thankfully, Sistic still released our tickets when we explained our situation.

When we were issued new boarding passes for the 920pm flight, I was dismayed to see that my family was split up. I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old and we paid for the booking class that allowed us to do advance seat selection and I made certain that our party of 6 would be sitting together. (On our return flight to Manila today, our advance seat selection was also not honoured and we ended up sitting at row 64. What is the point of this benefit if it would not be honoured?)

***My 2-year old was in 67A, My husband, me and Seth were in 67E, F and G. My sister was in 71K.

I was close to tears, trying to get my family seated together -- and your ground staff kept pointing out that because our flight was cancelled, we had to accept the new booking assignment. I requested to speak to the person in-charge but he REFUSED to talk to me over your staff's phone.

At this point, my family had been traveling for more than 12 hours. We were exhausted, physically and emotionally. My children missed their naps and their medication. The seating was another painful, unnecessary blow to us.

Thankfully, we were finally issued seats that were together. (But this was after much pleading and waiting.)

Our 920pm flight eventually left at past 10 and we arrived in Singapore at 135 in the morning -- this was 12 hours later than our first expected arrival.

By the time we arrived in Singapore, we had no choice but to pay for a taxi service (S$50) since and the MRT and bus only operated until midnight.

We arrived in Singapore tired and very demystified with our terrible flight experience with PAL.

We had lost a day and we lost a bit of our budget due to circumstances forced on us by your airlines.

I am sitting here right now at the domestic terminal, writing this to you, because my PAL flight to Iloilo is LATE as well. I approached your ground staff at the appointed boarding time and I was told, yet again, to "wait for the announcement" -- our flight is supposed to depart at 605pm and it is now 556pm -- no announcement has been made.

I have already contacted Chartis to inquire about our travel insurance, which we also purchased through PAL -- and I was informed to submit my request but that reimbursements for delays only counts for delays from 12 hours.

I will submit my report to them -- but, even if we receive monetary compensation, I wonder who can compensate me and my children for their first trip -- it is meant to be an experience of wonder -- but it left both my children exhausted and sleepless for almost 24 hours. (My son now has anxieties and keeps asking if our plane is broken and if we have to stay up late again -- )

I wonder who can give us back the day we lost in Singapore and the tour we had planned for that afternoon.

A vacation is supposed to be a happy time and a time of relaxation and enjoyment -- my vacation was stressful -- the lack of empathy and consideration from your ground staff left me feeling very dehumanized.

Your airlines owes my son a vacation where he won't be afraid that the plane is broken and that he cannot sleep in a bed because of it.

Sincerely,

Khristine, mom of Seth (5) and Annika (2)

Iloilo City

Holiday challenge: Keeping the kids busy --

2012-01-02T17:16:00.002+08:00

The kids have been on vacation since December 16 -- and we started out with grand plans of how to keep them occupied. (piano, catching up on Filipino, etc. etc.) --

But all of my plans flew out the window -- I had a hard time coping with the holiday rush --

We did try to keep the kids active and moving. We walked around the subdivision and did attempt to play a mix of tennis and badminton.

And we Wii-ed a lot.

Now that life has slowed down significantly (read: the holidays are over) -- we are trying to get back on track.

School starts on Wednesday. I am so afraid for the teachers who will have their hands full with overly-active children.

Christmas Wish List for Seth --

2011-12-08T16:04:00.000+08:00

Seth is slowly getting to an age which I am not familiar with -- not baby and not toddler -- his interests are broadening and I want toys/gifts that would expand this further.

1. Angry Birds: Knock on Wood

He and his classmates are crazy about Angry Birds and have decorated their file cases with stickers. (And the exchange stickers!)

This was being sold at Toy Kingdom and I regret not getting it when it was still available. (I was worried that the game would frustrate him -- the building part seems okay but the hitting part seems a bit challenging.)

2. Jenga

We actually have a small plastic replica of the game and he loves it! It's a great way for him to improve his fine motor skills. ^_^

(We also play pick-up sticks.)

3. This Advent Calendar

We have a Gummi Advent Calendar right now (got it from SM for 99 pesos) -- and it's a great way for Seth to keep track of when Christmas is.

(It also saves me the trouble of explaining every day when Christmas will be.)

Muji has a nice DIY Advent Calendar but it wasn't available at Mall of Asia when we were there last November.

4. Mousetrap the Boardgame

He and Anya want it because it's similar to Pitagora Suichi --

(I actually got them volume 3 of the Pitagora Suichi DVD and I'll wrap it up and put it under the tree.)

5. More Lego. More Play-doh. More paints. More paper. More crayons. More ways for them to express their creativity.

... oh, and he needs shorts and pants. (He grows out of his clothes so quickly!)

Christmas Wish List for Anya --

2011-12-08T08:16:00.000+08:00

For Anya:
1. Cranium Playground

We have the Cranium Balloon Lagoon and Cranium Cariboo Island board games. Anya really enjoys Cariboo Island and we have already moved from Beginner to Advanced mode.

I love Cranium games because they're fun for the kids (and for adults -- even my mom enjoys Cariboo Island) and the kids learn a lot of things: turn taking, alphabet, numbers, etc.

2. CDs (and DVDs) from Super Simple Songs

I stumbled upon them on Youtube and I've had both kids enjoy them. Anya sings along to the Alphabet Song and BINGO on Youtube. (She also loves their version of Eensy Weensy Spider.)

They don't have DVDs of their Youtube videos. I wish they did.

3. This shopping cart or this one

Whenever I drop the 2 off at Dave's Fun House, Anya immediately grabs one of these supermarket carts and pretends to go shopping with it.

4. Leapfrog Cook and Play Potsy

We have the picnic toy from Leapfrog and it's such a great toy for a little girl. We pretend to picnic and it's fun to see her set up the plates and food. (It's a nice way to introduce food to her -- not that she eats them in real life.)

I think we will definitely be getting this for her. We found one at SM yesterday.

5. Shoes

She's quickly outgrowing her Crocs. I'd love for her to get a pair of Salt Water Sandals for a change.

I LIKE:

Salt-Water - The Original Sandal (Toddler/Youth) by

Salt Water Sandal by Hoy Shoes

Dating our kids --

2011-12-06T16:12:00.000+08:00

One of the challenges of having more than 1 child is finding one-on-one time with all of them.

In our case, we usually take Anya out for breakfast (pancakes at Jollibee or donuts at Starbucks) after we bring Seth to school.

I like our time with her -- we are able to focus on our little girl and realize how independent she is becoming.

With Seth, it's usually lunch time, while waiting for Anya's class to finish. A bridge is being fixed so our usual route home is experiencing very heavy traffic. Instead of going back-and-forth, we just have lunch in SM and then head back to school to get Anya.

Seth is slowly getting to the age where he is never without a gaming console. He enjoys playing Super Mario Bros on the DS and can get very absorbed in the game.

When we are having lunch together, all gadgets are turned off and are off the table. We ask him how his day was and he talks about how all of his classmates are crazy for Angry Birds merchandise (stickers, etc).

What amazes me about Seth is how open he is to trying out new food -- the other day, we availed of our free meal at Kenny Rogers (thank you, Standard Chartered) and he asked to try my coleslaw. (He didn't like it -- but he did give it a chance.)

We usually have enough time to squeeze in doing his homework -- so when we get home, it's really time for them to play and then take a nap.

At the start of the year, I was complaining about how unsynchronized the 2 kids' schedules were -- but I guess this was the reason for it --

Do you speak video games? --

2011-11-23T06:17:00.000+08:00

Yesterday afternoon, we needed to pick up our helper's urinalysis results and decided to make the best of the late afternoon by going out to dinner with the kids.

A Taekwondo school opened right outside our subdivision and Johann has been intrigued by it -- he pointed it out to the kids and asked if they would like to learn Taekwondo --

Answers:
Seth: No. (At first.)
Anya: Yes. (Resounding and with no hesitation.)

Anya continues: I like fighting lots and lots of people. (She does this on the Wii, playing the swords showdown on Wii Resort.) I like kicking. (This one, I don't know why.)

Finally, Seth says: I want to try.

Johann is pleased. (He wants Seth to do something physical.)

Seth asks: Do you have lots of life?

Johann answers: Seth, this is real life. We don't have hit points.

O_o

Mental note to self regarding next year's Halloween --

2011-10-27T14:09:00.000+08:00

1. Don't bother planning the 2 kids' costumes too early. They will not wear it.
<-- I have been thinking about and planning the costumes as early as August this year. I had them made last September and they were delivered early last week.

I've chronicled how insanely indecisive the two kids have been regarding what they would wear for Halloween. I listened to them and said yes -- hoping that they would eventually settle to liking the costumes I had made for them.

Now, they don't want to wear the costumes because they want to wear a different one. Seth wants to be Captain Bubble from an episode of Backyardigans -- and Anya wants to be whatever Seth wants to be.

Next year, I will just wait until the last minute and let them grab a costume off the racks in SM. I think it will be cheaper and less taxing for me.

And nothing so elaborate.

(We have a plan B: They still have their Batman/Batgirl costumes and their Pablo/Uniqua costumes.)

2. It is a good thing not to give away candy.
<-- This year, I got small face towels which cost 10 pesos each. I like the idea because the kids can use the face towels well after Halloween is over. (Johann thinks we will be known as the "boring" house where the kids didn't get candy.)

Notes From a Dragon Mom from the NY Times

2011-10-23T13:30:00.000+08:00

This was shared on our ML --

I thought I would a link here just so I can come back and re-read it to remind myself what really matters.

Notes From a Dragon Mom

I would walk through a tunnel of fire if it would save my son. I would take my chances on a stripped battlefield with a sling and a rock à la David and Goliath if it would make a difference. But it won’t. I can roar all I want about the unfairness of this ridiculous disease, but the facts remain. What I can do is protect my son from as much pain as possible, and then finally do the hardest thing of all, a thing most parents will thankfully never have to do: I will love him to the end of his life, and then I will let him go.
- excerpt from the essay

This conversation really happened --

2011-10-23T12:25:00.000+08:00

Johann and I went out to get Seth's milk -- when we came home, Anya excitedly showed us her hairdo -- the yaya had tied it nicely and Anya really liked how it looked. She kept looking at herself in the mirror --

I told her: "Anya, you're so pretty."

To which the little girl replies, "Mama, you're pretty."

So I said, "No, you're pretty."

... can you guess where this conversation is going?

She goes to her Papa, "Papa, you're pretty."

So Johann replies, "No, you're pretty."

O_o

Remembering Manong Plas --

2011-10-19T17:20:00.000+08:00

<-- taken during his and Seth's first trip to the museum ^_^

I decided to put this here because, blood aside, Plas was family.

Our driver, Plas, passed away this afternoon -- am not sure how but it seems to have been from complications stemming from pneumonia.

He's worked with my family since he was 18. He ventured out to work in Boracay for a few years but found his way back to us -- ever since Johann and I moved to Iloilo, Plas was our assigned driver and we got along with him very well.

When we moved to our house, we asked him if he would like to move with us. He didn't say yes and he didn't say no, either -- but, we found him packed and ready when we made the move.

We're about to hit the 2-year mark since our move to the new place -- and Plas has done wonders with the place. Our vegetable garden, which impresses everyone, is in full bloom right now -- with peppers ready to be picked and eggplants growing along nicely.

The neem tree, which he planted is also growing taller. As are the "baho-baho" plants which we were planning to gift to our friends for Christmas.

He had a way with plants --

And he had a way with the kids as well.

When it was the yaya's day off, I would ask him to drive me and the kids to SM and he would help me watch the kids as they rode the coin-operated rides. Last summer, he would bring the kids to the clubhouse and they would play volleyball/basketball.

Last Saturday was our last time with him, he drove us to Breakthrough so the kids could enjoy the sea air and have a nice lechon meal. I knew he wasn't feeling well but he kept assuring me that he was fine -- "kainit lang" was what he said. (It's just very hot.)

The last thing he did was to put up the Halloween decorations before asking to go home on Sunday.

The kids have been asking about him since Sunday and we've told them that Plas wasn't feeling well and he was resting at his home.

And now I have to tell them that he's dead.

I am very sad at the loss of this wonderful member of our family. He had just celebrated his birthday this October and finished renewing his driver's license.

The last few weeks when we've been to and fro the doctor's clinic (because of the kids' allergies and Anya's UTI) and to and fro the labs (for tests), he was tireless and very reassuring. He was always ready, even at the oddest hours, to drive me to drop off samples and to pick up results.

The sad thing was that, while he was very dedicated to the 2 kids' health, he wasn't taking care of his own.

This afternoon, we had to tell our 3 young helpers about his passing and they were all crying. I reassured them that we should not be afraid of his ghost coming back to haunt us (a superstition) -- but, apparently, Plas had already assured them before.

We all know that it was not in his nature to frighten the helpers or the children. He was very protective of the household --

I have been crying and crying since 2 this afternoon. I am sad because he still had a long life ahead of him. I am sad for the 2 kids and the loss of a wonderful companion for them. I am sad for our house and our gardens and of all the flowers and vegetables that will never know the hand that grew them from seed and of the future vegetables that will never be.

I am sad for his family -- for his mom and his brother who depend on him. (Plas was single and his mother was widowed.)

I am sad for myself -- for the loss of his views on local politics -- for the trusty driver I can leave the kids with. For the person who can look up at the sky and tell me which way the wind is blowing and what kind of weather to expect. For the loss of the person who listened to me on the drives to and from my kids' school -- who shared the pride of Seth and Anya's achievements and the joy of their daily lives.

Last week, after coming back from his day-off, Seth asked him where he was because he had been looking for Plas since Sunday. Plas laughed and I could feel his happiness -- knowing how much the kids depended on his presence in their lives.

He will be missed.

Getting reading for Halloween --

2011-10-16T07:16:00.000+08:00

I think Halloween is on the top 3 of my favorite holidays (other 2 being Christmas and Chinese New Year) --

Last year, our Halloween decorations were a bit rushed and only stayed up for 3 days --

This year, we've been planning our Halloween decor for more than a month and we've been slowly getting things ready.

And the kids have been helping out.

We've been painting glass jars orange and we've purchased LED tealights to put inside. We plan to scatter them around the garden -- but we aren't done yet. I think I need to put a 3rd coat of orange acrylic on the jars.

I asked Johann to make a silhouette of a haunted house to put on our big accent window -- the kids thought it looked fun so I gave them their own sheets of black cartolina and they doodled on them as well.

I really enjoyed watching Seth work -- he was even telling the story of his spooky castle.

I was happy with how Johann's haunted house turned out -- he had the extra challenge of having to increase the scale to fit 2 sheets of cartolina.

Don't you just love the shadow it makes? ^_^

This is Seth's -- when he saw me cutting out his Papa's drawing, he insisted that I cut his next. (I think Seth's actually looks more spooky and more Halloween-ish.)

Our problem was where to put it --

Would fit right into a Tim Burton movie? ^_^

We stuck it to the wall of our main entry -- I also bought spider web decorations and the counter looks really nice. (Will take picture later and post it here.)

As for the trick or treating itself -- I'm half tempted not to give out candies this year -- maybe stickers? Or erasers?

Milestones and observations --

2011-09-22T14:59:00.000+08:00

Last Monday, Seth's tooth started wiggling and it worried the little boy --

We were debating whether to let it loosen and fall off naturally or to take him to the dentist --

We went for option B.

We're lucky that Seth has good memories of our dentist. He likes the chair and likes how the dentist polishes/brushes his teeth.

The scary part (for me) was when Dra anesthetized the area -- Seth hated that he had to close his eyes -- so I just explained to him what was going to happen and he was fine.

Apparently, both his lower front teeth were loose and Dra could already see a bump (the new tooth) on his gum.

The extraction happened quickly.

It was a wonder the see how small Seth's baby teeth were -- the last part of him that's a baby is shedding off. ~sigh~

He was very excited about the tooth fairy coming and he was very careful with arranging his teeth under his pillow (we put them in a small tupperware) --

Unfortunately, his papa forgot to do the exchange so, when the little boy woke up and saw that his teeth were still there, he was a bit sad --

He actually said: "Maybe the tooth fairy didn't like my teeth." =(

His papa redeemed himself -- while Seth was in the bathroom washing up, he made the switch. True enough, when Seth checked again and saw two not-so-shiny coins in place of his teeth, he was very relieved and proud of the coins he "earned" --

* * *

Observations --

Anya is insanely possessive -- while Seth was practicing his spelling, (spelling the word "fire") -- Anya actually yelled out: "That's my 'F'!" O_o

She's also a late-bloomer when it comes to cuddling. When Seth was a baby (actually up to the age of 3), he loved to sleep on my chest.

Anya never did that, even when she was a baby -- she was wiggly and liked her own space.

Now, she loves it. She finds a way to cuddle as close to me (or her papa) as she can. She likes holding my hand when she sleeps and she drapes her legs over my thigh.

And her LSS is contagious -- one night, Seth was actually singing the Samba song at bedtime. O_o

Anya has LSS! --

2011-09-13T14:31:00.001+08:00

Anya has been sick since Monday last week -- we've done our best to keep her occupied and entertained.

One of the things she has re-dicovered this week is Hi-5 --

And she's been watching the same show over and over (once a day for one week) --

So now she has LSS (last song syndrome).

She keeps singing the Samba song from Let's Celebrate:

The juggling song from Let's Celebrate:

With the juggling song, she really tries to juggle as she sings.

And she's also been singing the happy birthday song from the same show.

Keeping calm and carrying on --

2011-09-11T21:14:00.002+08:00

I'm having a really sh*tty week.

Anya came home last Monday tired and lethargic. She had a mild fever and was very clingy. We observed her for 24 hours and then went ahead and got the usual urinalysis and fecalysis.

Her urinalysis results showed that she had UTI. Even her pedia was surprised that she had UTI -- but he prescribed medicine for us.

Anya is not good with prescribed meds -- she spits it out or vomits it. But we have devised a method of giving her a "chaser" after her medicine (usually her multivitamins) --

She then developed a watery stool -- we thought it was an after-effect of the meds. Her doctor warned us that this might happen.

But I knew something else was wrong because she was pooping so frequently.

So we had another stool exam done --

And it turned out she had amoeba.

Then Seth came home on Friday after vomiting in school --

Then he started complaining about his stomach hurting.

And his poop is very wet.

The crazy thing is, we had 2 stool exams done and they both came back clean -- no amoeba.

So we are still in observation mode -- and it's been a hellish cycle of bathrooms and Desitin and hydration.

It's heartbreaking to see the kids likes this -- but it's a wonder that they still find the energy to play and find joy in being cooped up in the house.

All this happening a couple of weeks after this.

I'm taking it a day at a time and I'm adapting the keeping calm and carrying on attitude. (I find it helpful and encouraging.)

I went back to reverb10 and found this very insightful blog entry:

What Can Happen When Things Fall Apart by Jen Lemen

You can learn what you like and what just will not do
You can pay attention in a whole new way
You can find reserves you did not know could be yours
You can discover who your real friends are
You can let the past go
You can let tears come up for old sorrows
You can give love a chance
You can say no without thinking or second-guessing
You can find yourself tender and new
You can learn what it means to know nothing
You can tune in to your kids and really be there
You can produce extraordinary results under less than ideal conditions
You can find out you are more resourceful than you think
You can be disappointed
You can find out that is not the end of the world
You can let yourself be needy
You can tell the truth
You can surprise yourself and be surprised
You can survive
You can learn
You can grow

And this one:
Love Will Find You Out by Jen Lemen

My favorite part:
It’s okay to fall apart.
You don’t have to know the answers.
All those pieces you’ve been holding for so long while you raced around your life looking for the last roll of scotch tape, go ahead, let them fall.
Let them fall.
Every last piece.

Planning for Halloween --

2011-08-29T16:02:00.000+08:00

Halloween is 2 months from now but I am already thinking/planning costumes for Seth and Anya --

The original plan was to recycle the Batman/Batgirl costumes they wore to M's birthday last March but the crazy in me wants them in new costumes.

My rationale is simple: They are only children once -- and then they will be teenagers who will think that costumes are lame -- I want them (and me) to enjoy the simple silliness of Halloween while we can.

These are my guidelines for selecting Halloween Costumes for Seth and Anya:
1. Must be comfortable -- there is no guarantee that October will be cool. We actually had the sleeves of their Batman/Batgirl costumes cut so that it won't be too hot to wear. It shouldn't be itchy either.
2. Must be easy to wear -- nothing intricate or elaborate. Should be as easy as wearing a t-shirt.
3. Must be cute -- this is just me. Ignore me.

I really like this cupcake costume on OldNavy.com --

I've asked Seth what he wants to wear and he's dead-set on being Batman. ~sigh~

I wonder if I can convince him to wear a Chef costume?

Or this one from Pottery Barn?

One thing Seth and I agree on is that we need to decorate our house --

A few days ago, he told me he wants to hang skeletons -- lots of skeletons everywhere.

Will try to see what SM has. ^_^

On Teaching Seth Filipino --

2011-08-21T08:37:00.000+08:00

The early part of pre-school is fun -- the kids go to school to learn songs, have snacks, learn the alphabet, play, etc.

Pre-school gets "serious" when the kid enters kindergarten -- the number of subjects double. (In Nursery, Seth had 4 "subjects" and now he has 7 -- not counting PE.)

They had their first quarterly exams early this month and I was dreading his Filipino score.

We do his Filipino homework together and it's been difficult for the both of us. I try not to show that I am daunted by the language because I know he will see that and will be discouraged. I'm lucky because Seth has very good study/work habits -- and is very industrious once we're seated at his study table.

When the result of his quarterly exams came out, I was not surprised that he made 7 mistakes in his Filipino exam.

I've been thinking about this since school started and I am determined to help Seth (and myself) learn Filipino.

I found a wonderful set of textbooks in National Bookstore.

We're using the first book, which is for Nursery and I love how the lessons are presented. It begins with the alphabet and introduces all the vowels first. For each letter, 8 words are introduced and repeatedly used -- it's a great beginner vocabulary. (I only just learned that "sieve" is "embudo" in Filipino.)

Every Friday and Saturday, we sit down and do a few pages. (It's good that Seth's school doesn't send home homework for the weekend. I wouldn't like it if his mind gets jumbled with other subjects.)

We only started but I can see that the lessons are sticking! Just yesterday, Seth pointed to the fried egg on his plate and said, "Mama, itlog!"

Maybe in a month or two, we can start building his vocabulary and I'm really excited to make flash cards with him. ^_^

My cousin shared a great idea in her blog -- she lets her kids read Filipino storybooks so that they can familiarize themselves with the language.

So we're planning to slowly build a Filipino storybook library. ^_^

I also found this wonderful article online: How to Introduce the Filipino Language to Your Child.

Happy Buwan ng Wika everyone!

It's precious to both of us -- for different reasons --

2011-08-20T14:10:00.001+08:00

I used to collect pop-up books and I remember buying this one at the Goodwill "stall" during the annual Book Fair. (Forgot which one.)

Victorian House

We're doing a bit of spring cleaning and sorting and our helper found this and set it aside for the kids.

I brought it home and Seth went mad -- he was "exploring" every room and loved that the doors opened and closed and loved that the toilet cover could be lifted up and down. (And he would point to it and say, "Look! That's where I make poo-poo!")

I decided to check out Amazon to see if there were others in the same series -- and I was surprised to realize just how much this book is selling if it's brand new. (Can go as high as $100+!!!)

When I found out about this, I was thisclose to pulling the book away from Seth (and, at this point, Anya was pointing at the toilet too) and find some sort of covering for the book to preserve it.

But then, I stopped myself -- the book is valuable, yes -- but for different reasons. For me, it'll probably fetch $10 or $20 if I sold it -- but it's value for the kids is ... incalculable. There is palpable excitement when they play with this -- and they know that they should handle it gently. (They have torn a bit at one corner and the yaya taped it with Christmas-themed adhesive tape. O_O)

The kinda good news? A similar version of this book is going to be published! Publication date according to the Amazon Japan website is November this year.

Definitely, definitely getting a copy, or two. (Maybe 3. One for Seth. One for Anya. One for me.)

My kids have better gear than me --

2011-07-22T12:39:00.000+08:00

I'm very proud of the baked items that comes from our kitchen -- we don't have fancy equipment (only a hand mixer) and we mix all of our batters in cooking pots and regular bowls.

I don't have measuring spoons or a rubber spatula.

But our cakes and cupcakes are, thankfully, edible --

It amuses me that my kids have better kitchen gear than I do --

I love that the kids are interested in cooking -- I like involving them (well, Seth) when we do our baking in the kitchen -- even if it takes longer and the kitchen gets messy.

I love how Seth says "ingredients" = "ingrediems" ^_^

Yes, this conversation really happened --

2011-07-17T06:51:00.000+08:00

One evening, before bedtime, Seth surprised me when he announced: "I want to rinate."

At first, I didn't understand what he said because he said it so quickly -- but I quickly figured it out when he rushed off the bed and ran to the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom afterwards, while washing his hands, I ask him to repeat what he said.

So he slowly says, "I want to rinate."

I quickly correct him, "Seth, say urinate." (I emphasize the "yuuuu" bit.)

He blinks at me and says, "I rinate."

"No, you say 'urinate'"

The exasperated little boy eventually just said, "I made wee-wee."

A "no photo" Anya-related post -- (and you'll understand why in a bit)

2011-07-08T17:24:00.000+08:00

In which Tin talks about a part of her body --

.
.
.
(still time to hit the back button)
.
.
.

Last night, Anya walked in on me while I was changing into my nightclothes.

She pointed to my boob and said, "Oooh~ I want this one."

O_o

Summer Summary 2011 --

2011-07-03T16:19:00.000+08:00

The truth was, I was dreading this summer -- Anya had no yaya and she was still too young to be enrolled in the Summer Program at her and Seth's school --

I only had one thing to look forward to: our first family trip to Cebu.

The first half of summer (April), Seth was enrolled in the summer enrichment program at their school. He's attended it for the past three summers and it's a great way to keep him busy and entertained in the morning.

Anya and I developed a routine -- we do stringing beads, then we paint, then we blow bubbles, then she plays with all the toys she wants to play with before Seth comes home.

Her favorite thing to do is to try to catch the bubbles using the wand. (She succeeds, by the way.)

In the afternoons, before naptime, the kids and I would break out the Kumon craft books and do sticker/pasting activities and crafts.

We had to buy multiply copies of the books because we were using them up so quickly! The kids really enjoyed it -- it was a wonderful exercise in turn-taking: I'd help Seth first and then Anya, etc.

Seth's yaya was very nice and stored the finished projects for us -- we have 2 ziploc bags full of finished pictures. Sadly, the craft projects didn't survive because the kids played with them and left them mangled afterwards.

The kids also discovered a love for tube paints (so expensive!) and we permanently borrowed their papa's palette for use.

Seth really loves splattering paint -- very messy -- and making "butterflies" by folding the painted paper and then unfolding it.

This summer also saw the opening of two rival restaurants where the owners would order food from each other.

It was fun watching the two pretend to cook and then serve the food -- and then asking to be paid after! (Papa/Mama, money please.)

When the summer program finished, we were surprised when the school informed us that Seth would be moved up to Kinder 2 (pre-elementary) because of his age (turned 5 this June) so he had to be enrolled in a class for the whole month of May with his other classmates so he could catch up to the curriculum when school started. I was worried because of the big jump from Nursery to Kinder 2 and I could see Seth struggle, initially -- but he eventually rose up to the challenge and knows (with a bit of coaching) how to count to 100.

He had to miss the first few days of that "remedial" class because we had already booked our trip to Cebu --

Cebu was lovely and the kids enjoyed their stay there. I think it's a great way for them to broaden their horizons and discover that there's more to the world than malls and toy stores ... although, we did end up going to both. =^_^=

The last part of the summer, we all discovered Batman: Brave and the Bold and it became a nightly pre-sleep habit to watch a Batman show. Now the kids pretend they are henchmen and their Papa is their boss. Hahaha!

It was a great summer for us. ^_^ (But I was counting the days when school would start so I could have more free time -- imagine my shock when I saw that Seth and Anya had very different class schedules and I'm more busy now with dropping them off and picking them up and helping Seth with his homework!)

The Kind of Dad (Mom) I Want to Be --

2011-07-02T19:45:00.002+08:00

Click, read and enjoy --

The Kind of Dad I Want to Be by Sam Davidson

First Family Vacation: Cebu (Day 2) --

2011-06-16T14:58:00.000+08:00

Day 2 at Cebu was our only full day there --

It started with a really insanely delicious buffet breakfast at Tides, Shangri-la and then we went to the swimming pool.

The kids loved the pool! I love that the water only came up to 3 feet so Seth could walk the whole length of the pool without any concern.

Getting the kids rashguards was a great investment -- (ours were on sale at SM) -- less skin area to apply sunblock on (although I still apply it all over) and it protects them from the draft.

After wrinkling in the pool, we marched our wet butts to the beach, hoping to feed the fish. We were informed by the staff that it is now prohibited because they were advised by a Marine group to discontinue the process. (The fish were getting spoiled daw and didn't know how to look for their own food.)

It was Anya's first time to touch sand -- and she was a bit hesitant and worried about the "mess" but she quickly got into the spirit of building sandcastles and getting sand all over herself.

For lunch, we decided to go to SM and the kids couldn's resist the lure of the coin-operated cars there. We ate at Sunburst (I love Sunburst!) and then spent x number of tokens on the rides. (Cebu has better rides than Iloilo. I like that they have a lot of 2-seater rides so the two kiddies could share.)

We went back to the hotel and the kids took a nap -- when they woke up, we brought them to Adventure Zone (Seth) and Toddler Zone (Anya) --

(Dinner that night was at Tides again -- I won't bore you with superlative description of how insanely delicious the food was. ... it was insanely delicious.)

... to be concluded

Pancakes at our place --

2011-05-31T19:08:00.000+08:00

Like French Toast, pancakes eases the guilt of feeding my kids processed food.

I don't make them from scratch (though I am thinking of trying it out) because I'm very happy with the pre-packaged pancake mix that you can get from the supermarket.

We tweak the recipe --

Instead of adding oil or butter, we add applesauce.

We also always add mashed bananas in our mix. (The only way I can get Johann to eat bananas is in this form -- because he has no choice.)

Seth likes his pancakes with Nutella, which has pretty impressive nutritional value.

When we're in Manila, I pick up the Bob's Red Mill Whole Wheat pancake mix and use that. (Gets pretty dense with the added banana but it's very healthy.)

I can also add shredded carrots to the mix but, unfortunately, my kids have an intolerance to carrots. It's a shame because it's one vegetable that they actually don't mind.

First Family Vacation: Cebu (Day 1) --

2011-05-27T16:08:00.000+08:00

We have only travelled together once as a family, that was when Anya was 6 months old and we brought her to Manila to meet her Ah-ma. That was a hellish trip to plan -- with a 3-year old, a 6-month old and 2 yayas in tow.

Our next scheduled family trip was supposed to have happened May 2010. We had all booked our hotel in Cebu and had purchased our tickets online -- it was supposed to be the grand trip with the grandparents, the Ah-i and 1 Ah-ku.

Then Anya got Kawasaki and we had to cancel. Only Johann, Seth and my brother were able to go.

After that, I didn't make any more effort planning trips -- I went to Singapore with my sister and Seth. Johann went with my brother. Then we left Anya and brought only Seth to Cebu last October. Then we left Seth and brought only Anya to Manila. Etc. etc. --

We decided not to have a big birthday party for Anya when she turned 2 -- instead, we booked 4 tickets to Cebu and made reservations at our hotel.

I was determined to make this trip succeed and had lists and ziploc bags and other things --

2 days before our trip, I actually got cold feet and tried to book a ticket for the kids' yaya -- but they were too expensive already. Then I considered rebooking our flight back to a much earlier schedule -- but, again, cost was a big issue. (It was also a lucky thing because the earlier flight that day got cancelled.)

On May 3, we brought Seth and Anya to Cebu. We stayed at Mactan Shangr-la for 3 days and 2 nights. We were lucky enough to get our hotel stay at a super-discounted rate (thank you to Shangri-la for the offer!)

We stayed on the 7th floor of the main wing and we opted for the Garden view rooms (which were cheaper than the Ocean view rooms).

After settling in, we brought Seth to Adventure Zone and Anya to the Toddler Zone. Kids really enjoyed playing in their respective zones. It was a good way for them to expend their energies.

We had lunch at Tea of Spring. (Super delicious Chinese food!) -- Seth really loves the mango pudding there.

Our first afternoon in Cebu, we took the hotel shuttle to the city and went around Ayala Center Cebu. First stop was Fullybooked so Johann could get his bookstore fix for the quarter. I brought the kids to the children's book section -- the kids had fun browsing and picking out books for themselves.

Seth asked for a toy and we ended up going inside Rustan's -- he chose a Lego Duplo set, which he and Anya loved playing with over and over.

I like that the kids enjoy building blocks and it amazes me what ~~mess~~ they can make with it.

I don't usually expect the kids to nap on the first day of a trip but I was relieved that they were able to sleep, which gave me time to clean up bottles and get things ready for the afternoon and evening.

That night we treated ourselves to the dinner buffet at Acqua (thank you, again, Shangri-la for the wonderful 1+1 voucher!)

Food was insanely good. We were surprised to see that Acqua was full, considering it was a weekday. Thankfully, they were able to seat us and, thankfully, kids were behaved and patient enough to allow Johann and me to enjoy the food.

Seth really loved the chocolate fountain and ate "lots" of marshmallows (only 2, actually -- I let them eat sweet treats but I limit it.)

We walked around a bit and ended up at e-Zone where we spent tokens on a claw machine (Anya thinks the candy part is the big prize. O_o)

Seth really enjoys the basketball shooting (at any arcade) even though he's still a bit too small for some of them. (We just let him stand on the game area itself and let him throw the balls in.)

The kids read their new books and fought over the Lego before going to sleep.

... end of Day 1

Great List: 25 Manners Every Kid Should Know by Age 9 --

2011-05-12T05:37:00.000+08:00

Original Article Here --

Manner #1 When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2 When receiving something, say "Thank you."

2 down 23 to go. ^_^

In praise of french toast --

2011-04-30T14:50:00.000+08:00

I have moments of guilt that usually comes after watching Seth gobble up bacon for breakfast. (Yes, we eat processed meat for breakfast ... and sometimes for lunch <-- another story.)

I am always at a loss with breakfast -- my kids don't eat oatmeal or cereal and I can't feed them just yogurt or peanut butter sandwiches also.

My go-to food is pancakes and french toast.

For pancakes, I add in banana or Mott's Apple puree in the batter. (And I eat mine with peanut butter.)

I especially like making french toast -- it's a way to sneak in some good fiber and vegetables. (We've made french toast out of zucchini bread and carrot bread.)

I put Nutella on Seth's and he's good to go.

We love butter and maple syrup on ours. ^_^

Where does it go? --

2011-04-27T18:59:00.000+08:00

One afternoon, while Seth was washing his hands, he asked me about the water and the drain.

"Mama, where does the water go?"

This part was easy, I told him that the dirty water goes down the drain.

He then asked me, "Then where does it go?"

I told him that the water goes into the big pipes outside our street.

It was his last question that stumped me, "Then where does it go?"

I wish I could tell him that our water goes to a water treatment facility. I wish I could tell him that the water gets cleaned up again and that we use all over again.

Instead, I stayed silent -- I was embarrassed to tell him the truth -- that our dirty water flows back into the bodies of water and that we leave it to nature to clean it up.

I didn't want to tell him about what happens to what goes down the toilet -- or what other houses do (tossing not just dirty water but also waste into rivers -- and this is the reason why the Iloilo river is not blue or that the water at the local beaches aren't clear enough for him to see the bottom -- I would not let him go to local beaches anyway because I know what's in them.)

I wish I could tell my son a fairy tale --

I wish I had a different answer for him --

What Seth just said --

2011-04-27T14:28:00.003+08:00

He ran to me frantic, "Mama, it did not come out!"

I asked him what he was talking about --

He explained that he was using his imagination but nothing came out.

I asked him what he was imagining --

He said, "A jungle."

O_o

Copy the color or color your own? --

2011-04-14T16:59:00.000+08:00

The kids went through their coloring books already (mostly by Anya and her mad doodlings) so I went out to get more coloring books at National Bookstore.

Last night, the children were coloring away when the thought hit me:

Copy the color or color your own?

I gave Seth the Bob the Builder Copy the Color book because I thought it would help him with color identification (and also with following "directions" --)

But, then, I realized that I might be hampering his creativity --

Should I have let him just color away?

* * *

What big brothers are for --

Anya does everything Seth does. EVERYTHING.

She's actually self-trained herself to pee in the potty. (And today, she pooped there by herself). She goes to the bathroom when Seth goes and she sits down in her potty.

A few days ago, I decided to see if she's okay to pee without her diaper. We sat in her potty and I read to her while we were waiting for her to pee. When she finally did, I think she was worried at first about the new experience but was able to go through the whole process.

She actually went there by herself yesterday to pee.

Now, here is the actual point of the story:

The little one hates having her teeth brushed. (Sorry, Dentist Ninang C!) And we have to wrestle her to wipe her teeth with a bit of toothpaste.

Then, one evening, she saw Seth brushing his teeth and went to me and asked for a toothbrush.

Of course, on her own, all she does is suck the toothpaste off the brush --

I-less kids --

2011-04-09T14:59:00.000+08:00

It's been over 2 weeks since we imposed a ban on the i- products here in the house.

We decided to wean the kids away from them when we noticed that they were getting too attached to them.

There were some complaints and "violent reactions" at the start but the kids don't seem to mind so much that their time with the i- products is limited. (1 game or 1 show per day)

Instead, we are spending more time reading and playing.

It amused me when, one night, after a marathon reading session with the kids (4 books plus a story from Seth's book of Bible stories), Seth handed me a pillow and proclaimed it the "Champion Trophy for Reading" --

Of course, all the reading (nap time and evening) has affected my throat a bit --

But I love how excited they get ~~about making a mess~~ rummaging through their books to pick out which ones to read.

Current favorites are:
The Cat in the Hat
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back
Green Eggs and Ham
Ni Hao Kai-lan: The Ladybug Festival <-- Anya just wants an excuse to say "Apple Tree" because she knows she says it so cutely

We (adults) have benefited greatly from this ban as well -- books are being read, shows are being watched, things are getting done. ^_^

How much? --

2011-03-27T15:58:00.002+08:00

I had this exchange with Seth at naptime today:

Me: I love you, Seth.
Seth: I love you, Mama.
Me: I love you, a lot a lot a lot.
Seth: I love you a lot, Mama.
Me: How many "a lot"?
Seth: (Paused to think) 21.
Me: I love you 2 "a lot" --
Seth: Makes a moaning, complaining sound.

Happy photos --

2011-03-24T17:21:00.000+08:00

My sister got tired of trying to get good photos of the kids using our regular point-and-shoot so she got herself a camera that could take proper pictures of the kids in whatever state of action.

I really love how these ones turned out:

-- Right before attending dear M's birthday party for her son, Matthew. The theme was Superheroes and M (Anya's ninang requested that the kids be in costume) -- we made the kids wear Batman and Batgirl!

-- My son is so gwapo!!! >_< (Ignore me, I'm a smitten mom.)
-- Playing "shoot 'em up" with their Papa. Yes, Anya is holding a panda eraser. Yes, she thinks it is lethal.

-- Anya peeking out at the grotto of her grandparents' house

-- Culminating activitity at Seth's school. *koff* Three awards *koff* (Most respectful, Most well-behaved, ... forgot the 3rd one)

-- With the two loves of my life. My source of happiness. The reason for all my white hair.

Thank you, Nestle Yogurt with Jelly! --

2011-03-22T15:15:00.001+08:00

(I will sound like a paid blog.)

Some mornings (and afternoons and evenings), the kids refuse to eat. This stresses me out because they are growing bodies that need nourishment --

I'm glad we have a steady supply of this in our fridge:

I know this isn't the healthiest thing I can give them but it is healthier than most other things.

I don't know what crazy genius thought to add jelly and yogurt together but it works!

It's actually a fun food to eat. ^_^

Bubble Guppies! --

2011-03-11T13:30:00.001+08:00

~Sigh~

I only just mastered the names of the Yo Gabba Gabba characters and I have to remember a new group --

Bubble Guppies!

It's a really fun (and educational) show on Nick Jr. -- they show it every Thursdays and Fridays but we get our episodes on iTunes.

The songs are so catchy and Anya loves dancing to them. ^_^

Now I understand why parents call themselves "Papa" and "Mama" --

2011-03-06T06:12:00.000+08:00

I didn't think much of it growing up but my parents would refer to each other as "Papa" and "Mama" --

But I understand now why it needs to be done.

I still call my husband "Honey" -- and the kids have copied it. So it's amusing/odd that Anya calls her papa "Honey" and it makes Seth laugh to say it.

~sigh~

400th post: The kids are all right --

2011-02-27T15:12:00.000+08:00

(Apologies, I borrowed my blog title from the movie.)

February started out rockily for my family. A day before Chinese New Year, Anya's yaya informed us that she was going home and won't be coming back. This was not unexpected -- we could sense that she wasn't enjoying taking care of Anya anymore -- she'd be so sour-faced and snappish so early in the morning and she wasn't playing/interacting with Anya anymore. (And there was that matter where Anya tripped, fell and bumped her face on the side of the bed -- we had to get an X-ray to make sure that nothing was cracked.)

A week later, our maid (coincidentally, the cousin of Anya's now ex-yaya) also told us she was leaving. Right then and there. (That was 5 in the afternoon.)

So we were left with the cook and Seth's yaya --

And then the weekend of the 18th came -- Johann was scheduled to go to Manila and Seth's yaya asked permission to go home for a few days.

So it was me and the 2 kids (and the cook and the driver) -- and my sister.

I was worried about how I would handle the 2 kids and be able to meet my own basic needs (bath, toothbrush, eat, read, etc) --

But all it took was some planning and I managed everything nicely.

It helped that my sister was there. And my parents came in the evenings so I could have 30 minutes of quiet before having to put the kids to bed.

It also helped that we had a box of Krispy Kreme in the house. (Sugar, I love you so much.)

And the kids were wonderful -- I was ready to just have them watch TV the whole day, but they were very nice and actually spent most of their time in their playroom -- they colored, and built blocks, and did all sorts of creative things.

(And I even taught Anya how to say "Wolverine!") <-- she has this thing for Seth's Marvel Heroes sticker book. Don't ask.My biggest challenge was meal times -- and I have Apple to thank for 8 nice, quiet, tantrum-free meals. I would plunk Anya on her chair with the iPad and Seth would sit and play with the iPod. And, yes, they ate their meals.

I'm glad I was able to experience a weekend like that -- it made me realize (and appreciate) all the people and resources that I have available to me and my children.

The day after Johann came back, I treated myself to an afternoon out with my friend, F. We ate merienda at Cafe Laguna ... and it was amazing.

Life's good -- lemons and all. ^_^

More things I love --

2011-02-16T18:18:00.000+08:00

1. I love how Anya says "Poons" instead of "Spoon" -- and how Seth says "Ooby Trap" instead of "Booby Trap" --

2. I love how Seth calls his underwear, "underbriefs" -- and how Anya insists on always wearing a dress.

3. I love Anya's hair -- it has great movement. I started calling it "first lady hair" but, I realized, my daughter won't settle for that -- so now I call it "lady president hair" --

4. I love how Seth always inserts "Also me" during prayer time, when we are asking God to bless all the people we know.

Me: "Please bless Papa and Mama"
Seth: "Also me"
Me: "Please bless Gwakong and Gwama"
Seth: "Also me"
etc.

I love --

2011-02-14T16:07:00.000+08:00

1. I love how Seth giggles when he hears his name mentioned in the story of Adam and Eve and their sons.

2. I love how Anya "oinks" -- we've been teaching her animal sounds and she does a cute immitation of a pig oinking. (Her voice is a bit paos = throaty so it adds to the whole charm.)

3. I love how Seth tips his head to one side and then he looks at me and smiles. And you can tell that he's really, really, really happy.

4. I love how Anya tries to "fake" sleep -- she scrunches her eyes close for half a second and opens them again to check that you are looking at her faking sleep. (She also has a very cute fake cry and a cute fake angry ... at least, I hope they are fake.)

5. I love how Anya can see, "Milk, please" or "Open, please" or "Help, please" -- always with a please. So polite. ^_^

Uno! --

2011-02-05T16:34:00.000+08:00

So I got Seth the My First Thomas Uno card game to help him learn his numbers --

We taught his yaya how to play it (so they can also play it together when I am not there) --

The yaya got addicted to Uno and taught Anya's yaya (who quit) --

And they taught our cook and our driver and our laundry woman how to play it.

And then my sister found our really old original Uno --

Last night, I discovered that, after dinner, they all play it. ^_^

Simple Pleasures --

2011-01-30T17:28:00.000+08:00

It's been a difficult time for us -- Anya is recovering from asthma-like symptoms (she doesn't have asthma) and Seth has tummy problems (food poisoning?) and has to deal with antibiotics to correct the problem.

We missed last Saturday's Arts & Crafts Day at their school because Seth was too sick and we didn't want to leave him alone.

What I appreciate about the 2 children is that they have such indomitable spirits -- even while neck-deep in sickness (and vomit), their quirky personalities shine through --

*Anya "sang" and performed that song that she was supposed to do at their school's Arts and Crafts Day -- the toddler playgroup was supposed to do "The Eensy, Weensy Spider" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" -- she was so cute! Johann and I couldn't help but smile at her attempts to steeple her fingers and make them move like a spider.

*When I asked Seth what song they were dancing to, he started to beatbox -- his yaya isn't familiar with the song so now I have to ask his teacher about it.

*Anya's been very caring -- dragging a blanket for Seth and making sure he has his water. (Such a mommy!) She's also tried to be quiet when Seth's sleeping.

It's Chinese New Year next week -- I hope Seth's tummy settles by then so he can enjoy the festivities ... and the food. ^_^

Wordless Monthsary Post -- Seth: Month 55 & Anya: Month 22 --

2011-01-28T16:45:00.000+08:00

Seeing the future: My little girl will hate me in 2 years --

2011-01-17T19:37:00.001+08:00

Seth's in nursery right now --

One of their writing exercises is to write their names several times on a sheet of paper.

Seth has had to do it about 5 to 6 times (each exercise requires them to write their name 5 times) --

Seth's lucky because his full name (not counting his middle name) is only 12 letters long.

And I can see his exasperation. (And I've heard his classmates complain about this exercise also.)

I could imagine when it is my little girl's turn -- having to write her first name: 6 letters + her second name: 9 letters + her last name: 3 letters = 18 letters long!

Ah, how she will hate me because I gave her her second name. (She's so feisty pa naman!)

My son is so wise --

2011-01-17T15:56:00.000+08:00

Johann hasn't been feeling well since yesterday

I have to explain to the kids that they have to be quiet and that their papa can't play with them. The kids have been respectful of this and really try to be quiet around their papa.

Yesterday, Seth and I went to the grocery to buy his milk. Out of the blue, he said, "I think we need some healthy food in the house."

I asked him what kind of healthy food he wants. He said he wanted some apples. So we got one. We also picked up a bottle of peaches (for Anya) and a bottle of mandarin oranges (for him).

Last night, he and Anya ate the apple.

At lunch, I served them the peaches and the oranges. Seth told Johann, "Papa, I got some healthy food for you so you won't get sick."

*Sniff* Am so proud! (Even if the peaches and oranges have tons of sugar. Proud pa rin. ^_^)

Confidence and self-esteem --

2011-01-13T05:23:00.000+08:00

I just read an interesting article on Yahoo! News: Young People Crave Self-Esteem Above Sex --

It really got me thinking about how I can help my two kids with their self-image and self-esteem. It also got me thinking about how a mom, who has her own issues with self-image and self-esteem, can help her two kids with their self-image and self-esteem.

I want me kids to feel good about themselves and to feel that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. But I also want them to be grounded and sensible. And I definitely don't want them to be narcissistic with monstrous feelings of entitlement (when they don't deserve it).

So, again -- balance. But how?

* * *

Seth at work (also Anya) --

I love it when the kids are puttering about with paints and crayons and stuff.

I love it because:
a. It means they are not watching TV
b. The house is relatively quiet
c. They are settled and, more importantly, still
d. They are building up their creative side.

I also love it because, whenever I ask Seth what he's making/painting, he will almost always reply: "I'm making art." <-- bold declarative sentence. Hahaha!

He's getting better at coloring, though -- very conscious now of coloring within the lines. And I love that he is experimenting and mixing two or three colors within the same are to create a "stripe" of sorts.

Anya loves coloring, too. She actually has a better "grip" on pencils and crayons than Seth.

My problem is, we are running out of paper. The kids insist on using new paper -- I buy Manila paper for them and cut them up but they like the shiny whiteness of bond paper.

Seth: 54 and Anya: Month 21 --

2011-01-02T17:18:00.001+08:00

Dear Seth and Anya,

At this morning's mass (January 1), the priest was talking about thesis, antithesis and synthesis. I think the two of you represent thesis and antithesis in my life (you decide which one you are) and the two of you together form a wonderfully frightening (or frighteningly wonderful -- again, you decide which one you are) synthesis.

It's lovely to see the two of you get along: coloring beside each other, dancing with each other, running around and causing chaos together, etc.

It's nice to see Seth remember to always include Anya. "Also Siobe?" is something you often ask when we tell you we are going somewhere or doing something.

And it's nice to see Anya pampering her older brother -- remembering to bring him his water or to get his blanket or his pillow for him. (Even in church, you will hear the little one call out "Seth!" and running to him with his water.)

It is also lovely to see the two of you fight. You scratch and shout and kick each other -- no holds barred. I love that the two of you have such strong convictions that you are willing to stand up for it (at the risk of bodily harm) --

I think you are also learning the concept of working together to achieve a common goal -- especially when the goal is snacks or to make your Papa crazy by running around and making horribly loud sounds.

Oh, but the two of you are lovable and so full of love -- at those perfect moments, you will both run around kissing and hugging everybody -- twice! And there are so many of these moments. Don't ever stop doing this, little ones.

It's a new year, dear ones -- it's time for resolutions and wishes. My most fervent wish for the two of you is happiness -- and joy in all that you do. Don't listen to me or your Papa or to anyone who tells you something can't be done. Do it anyway and see for yourself. My resolve as your Mama is to love you and love you no matter what. (Remind me from time to time -- especially, when you've spilled paints or sneezed out food, of this.)

Hugs my children! Here's to another year of adventure and surprises!

(Pics to follow.)

Seth said --

2010-12-16T09:02:00.002+08:00

A few days ago, before we played Monopoly, Seth brought out his little book of Bible stories and pointed to a picture of Jesus:

"This is Jesus."

"He loves me."

^_^

Anya in Pink! --

2010-12-15T18:34:00.000+08:00

One day, we got a bit crazy and dressed Anya in 2 shades of pink -- add to that her pink Dora backpack and ...

Explosion of Pink!!!

Oh, and her Crocs Keeleys are also pink. =^_^=

Subtle Seth --

2010-12-09T16:52:00.000+08:00

We were watching the episode of Yo Gabba Gabba that talked about talents --

I asked Seth what his talent was.

His answer? "I'm very good at building things."

I asked him what his Siobe's talent was.

"Dancing."

I asked him what his Papa's talent was.

"Painting."

Finally, I asked him what he thought my talent was.

The little boy answered with a smile, "wrapping gifts."

Christmas Wish/Want List for the kids --

2010-12-01T16:29:00.000+08:00

Here are the things Seth is asking for. We told him to choose the 4 he likes best because he is only 4 years old.

1. Hot Wheels Octobattle Playset -- last year, his Ninong gave him a Hot Wheels Trick Tracks starter set. It was love at first sight for the little boy. It was a great way to introduce dinosaurs to him. (And the concept of skeletons/bones.)

2. Moon Dough playsets -- he saw an ad for this in one of his magazines (and also in the Toys R Us Singapore Big Toy Book) and now he wants it. I tried looking for this in our local Toy Kingdom branch but they don't have this. (Am kinda okay with this toy because it doesn't dry out like Play-Doh.)

3. More Plarail. Especially Thomas and Friends-related ones.

4. Lego Ramses Pyramid Board Game -- he already has the Minotaurus and the Race 3000 one.

... he also wants a Panda stuffed toy (like Tolee in Ni Hao Kai-Lan). O_o

* * *

Here's what I want for Seth:

1. An airplane toy. His Ninang gave him a battery-operated jet plane last Christmas but the wing broke. Seth likes to pretend it's the airplane he rides when he goes to Cebu or Manila.

2. This mp3 player. Music + Microphone = 'Nuff said. (When Seth's taking a bath, he sometimes pretends the shower head is a microphone and has mini shows.)

3. The Backyardigans and Ni Hao Kai Lan Mega Bloks. He loves these 2 shows and was so, so thrilled that he was able to dress up as Pablo (from The Backyardigans) this Halloween.

4. Bendomino Junior. A highly-rated game for kids up to 5 years old. I really should just get this one soon.

* * *

Here's what Anya wants:

... everything that Seth has. (I now have to buy 2 of everything because she'll grab whatever Seth has and vice versa.)

* * *

Here's what I want for Anya:

1. A nice kitchen set. They have the small Play-doh stove and she loves to put things inside the oven and try to turn the knobs by herself.

2. More sticker books. (But I got them this one already.) It's a great way for us to talk about pictures in her sticker book. She especially loves sticker books that contain characters that she is familiar with: Dora, Kai-Lan, Diego, etc.

3. More acclimatiser tights from Mothercare. This is so frustrating. They only have the white ones in the stores in Manila. When Johann went to Singapore, the branch he visited (Plaza Singapura) didn't have the right size! I'd love to get them in Navy or Black.

4. A basketball ring. Anya really can't go out much because she gets a really, really bad reaction whenever she gets bitten by mosquitos. She usually plays in the playroom. Her current love is throwing her ball around -- Seth's yaya fashioned a makeshift basketball ring for the kids but that one broke. Now I'm thinking if I should get them the small one from Toy Kingdom.

Anya: Month 20 --

2010-11-30T15:33:00.001+08:00

Little girl, you are almost 2 years old!

Where has the time gone?

One thing I've realized now is how much you've grown this past year. I know this because I am almost at the edge of the bed because you like to sleep sideways and take up too much space now. We are slowly trying to get you used to the idea of sleeping with your A-hia (and we are also trying to get your A-hia used to the idea of sleeping with you.) That way you can ~~torment and kick each other on the bed~~ enjoy each other's company even at night time.

You are learning the funniest words --
"Smile~" whenever you are holding my camera. (The "~" denotes that it is said in a sing-song way.)
"Knock-knock" when we are waiting for our turn to use the bathroom.
"Seth!" in that stern, authoritative voice.
"Mine!" for everything that you decide that you like.
"Night!~" every time you snuggle under the blanket -- but, then, you never actually go to sleep until much, much later. O_o
"Backpack! Map! Dora! Boots!" -- um... I don't know how you learned these. (Kidding! You love, love, love Dora.)

Lately, you have been accompanying your A-hia to school and you delight in going through the motions of it. First, you change clothes. Then, you get your bag. Then you borrow your A-hia's gate pass and pretend it's your school ID. When we get to school, you also put your bag in the cubby and get a toy to play.

You're sleeping better now -- you only wake up once at around midnight to get your diaper changed and for a bit of milk. You're actually an okay roommate and I'm fine sharing my bed with you -- except that you sometimes wake up earlier than me and will take it upon yourself to tap me on the shoulder and my hip repeatedly until I wake up.

I think you are slightly vain and you know when you look especially adorable -- which is everyday, by the way -- you will call someone's attention and then tip your head to one side and smile so cutely. It's insane how adorable I think you are!

It's also insane how impishly devilish I think you are! You seem to have a sixth sense of when I am in the midst of doing something important and you will find a way to distract and sabotage my work. (Pressing random keys on my laptop. Adding extra scribbles to my 2go pouches. Etc. Etc.)

I was thinking about this this morning -- how it's such a great time to be a woman.

There are so many wonderful and convenient products for your *ahem* personal needs (We will have a nice chat about this in about 15 years). You have so many options available to you: cottony soft or ultra absorbent. Wings or no wings. Thin or Maxi or Ultra Thin or Ultra Maxi.

You have so many options available to you. (This repeat is intended because I'm serious about the so many choices that you have in your life.) Jeans or Skirt. Mini or Maxi. (Knee-length please? Your papa will have a heart attack if you ever go out in short, short skirts.) Heels or flats.

Career opportunities are opening up for women. (There are more female heads of states now than ever before.)

The world is waiting for you to make your choices, dear little girl. Go make them! (But make sure to ask my opinion first.)

Seth: Month 53 --

2010-11-23T06:10:00.000+08:00

Well, my son, you are almost halfway-through with your 4th year -- and I have to say I am so pleased with how you are turning out.

A few days ago, you asked me if you can have the box of blank calling cards that I had left -- I asked you what you wanted to do with them and you told me you were going to make some cards.

I reluctantly said yes and watched you scribble away on the small pieces of card (and on our wood floor) -- I was teetering between horror (my precious blank calling cards!!!) and pride (my precious son!!!) --

You were diligently and quietly working at your little project and saw it through until the end (read: use up ALL of my blank cards) --

Afterwards, you invited me to play with you. Apparently, you made flash cards/memory game so we proceeded to play.

It was impossible to finish the game because most of the pieces didn't have pairs -- but I saw your effort and saw how pleased you were with your little project.

After we played, we put your cards back into the box and you went in search of your yaya to ~~torment her~~ ask her to play your game.

Your papa has been on a miniatures painting spree and you can't help but be interested -- your papa was game enough to let you try painting the primer on one of his miniatures -- but you quickly lost interest.

We decided to get you something more relevant to paint -- it's a good thing National Bookstore was selling Christmas painting sets for kids so we got you one.

You were so excited to start working on it. We borrowed your papa's paint palette and some of his brushes and proceeded to open the paint pots that came with the figure. You started with blue, your favorite color. Then you asked for some yellow.

At this point, your papa reminded you that Santa wears red. To which you had the cheek to reply: "But Santa's really colorful."

We put up our Christmas tree today, so I will let you hang your little Santa project on it later. ^_^

Speaking of Christmas, you are one excited little boy. I wasn't planning on putting up decorations and lights until December 1 but you have been very insistent that you should have Christmas decorations now. So I brought you to SM to pick out some decorations that you liked. We chose 2 and they are hanging in our living room now.

When you got home from church this morning and saw that the Christmas tree was out, you said, "Mama, we have another problem. We have no decorations."

So now I am also in a rush (and in a bit of a panic) to get all of our decorations -- I love seeing you get so excited over that 1 Christmas ornament hanging on our tree (and I love hearing Siobe say "Wow!" though I'm not sure she understands what she is "wow"ing over.) -- I want to feel your excitement and happiness over and over again.

Thank you for sharing your Christmas spirit with me, my dear son.

*Hugs* from your mama.

Best answer ever --

2010-11-15T06:10:00.000+08:00

As you know, we are obsessed with trying to pinpoint who the children resemble -- and we ask anyone who is willing to participate.

My aunt is currently visiting us from the US and, during her first meal with us, my parents popped the question: who do the kids look like?

My aunt was quiet and thoughtful -- and looked at the 2 children -- and finally said: They have their own faces.

And, you know what? -- I think she's right. ^_^

* * *

Why I love Seth --

One evening, after dinner, we took Seth out to Smallville to get yogurt -- Johann started to tease Seth in the car and told him that there are lots of pretty girls in Smallville. He asked Seth if he wanted to see them.

The darling little boy answered: No, only Mama.

* * *

And more Seth --

My aunt gave Seth and Anya some clothes, including a silk outfit she got from China. My parents were very excited and wanted Seth and Anya to wear their new Chinese outfits.

To which the little boy replied, "I don't want to wear Chinese clothes because I'm not in China."

* * *

And, finally, an Anya anecdote --

Anya loves bananas. One evening, my parents were having dinner with us and Anya asked for a banana.

She normally gets the whole banana, which is peeled halfway down -- she likes to hold it and eat it by herself.

I think her Gwa-ma missed that memo and cut up Anya's banana in half!

The little girl shouted in protest! When the banana was given to her, she tried to put it back together!

We had to give her another banana. ^_^

Ready for school?

2010-11-07T08:24:00.000+08:00

Seth started attending a Toddler Playgroup when he was 2.

I think Anya is already ready to go ---

Anya loves to pretend to be going somewhere -- dragging along my bag and "packing" it with her things -- and then saying "bye!~" in that cute sing-song voice of hers.

She's been to Seth's school and it seems like she actually enjoys being there more than Seth does.

She could've started when she turned 18 months last September but we decided to postpone it until next year because of the dengue scare.

We brought her along for Seth's school's trick-or-treating day and she enjoyed exploring (we didn't -- it was exhausting chasing after her!).

We might let her start this January -- but I'm a little worried because she's feisty and might end up terrorizing (and biting) her classmates.

10 Habits of Happy Moms --

2010-11-06T18:55:00.002+08:00

Found this list on Yahoo!

I really want the 2 hours every 3 days!!! T_T

Seth's Halloween at School --

2010-11-05T06:33:00.001+08:00

In a room with 4 Spidermans, 12 Princesses, 1 Robin Hood, 2 Flash(es?) and 1 bat, I loved it that Seth stood out in his Pablo costume.

I love Halloween and was planning for this as early as June. We had ordered a different costume for Seth. We wanted him to go as Mike from Monsters Inc -- and the costume has been ready since June. When we finally tried it on in October, we discovered that it was too tight! (The little boy had another growth spurt!)

It was a good thing my dad and my brother were going to the US and were going to be back before Seth's Halloween Party at school.

So I ordered a Pablo (The Backyardigans) costume for Seth because Pablo is his favorite character. (Too bad he mispronounces that name -- "Paglo".)

We also got a Uniqua costume for Anya and they were supposed to go as a set -- but the little girl hated her costume. =(

I was worried that Seth wouldn't wear the costume because it was too hot -- but he loved it!

They also had a fun trick-or-treating at his school. I think that they older students were instructed to share their candies with the younger students -- so, while walking down the corridors, the graders would be handing out candies to Seth and his classmates. Even before they entered a classroom, their pails would have candy already. ^_^

Anya in her not-costume but with her Halloween Pail.

I'm already thinking about what to dress the 2 for next Halloween. ^_^

Anya: Month 19 --

2010-10-31T15:53:00.000+08:00

My dear little girl,

I think it's time we talked about your security blanket -- let me preface this by saying that I am all for having things that give you comfort and security. I still have a pillow from when I was younger -- and your Ahia has his Muzzy doll and blue spud (small baby pillow) --

Yes, you have a security blanket and you love it to bits -- but it is Just. Too. Big. --

On top of that, it happens to be my blanket -- which you have appropriated quite stealthily.

You are so fiercely protective of it and would actually fight with anyone who uses it. (Your Ahia has learned to skirt around it when he is in our room sitting on the bed.)

You are also very particular and would actually kick off any other blanket that we use on you. (There was the week when we had to take the blanket out for dry-cleaning and it was hellish trying to get you to sleep without it.)

Your yaya and I have already made plans to have it cut down to your size because traveling with you (and it) would be impossible. (We've actually tried -- and we brought that blanket with us to Manila -- and it filled up an entire medium-sized suitcase.)

On the other hand, it is a fascinating peek into who you are --

You fight for the things that you love and don't settle for anything but what you want --

You are vocal about your likes and dislikes and you can don't blink even when I am looking at you with my I'm-trying-to-be-firm-and-about-to-get-angry-so-you-have-to-listen-to-me glare --

But you aren't all serious -- you are so cute when you are laughing -- it involves your entire body -- head thrown back, your tummy jiggling along as you laugh that throaty (kinda weird-sounding) laugh of yours. ^_^

And I love how you say, "Yes!" -- always with an exclamation point and always with both hands raised with enthusiasm -- and then quickly turn your head to say "no" when you realize you just said yes to something not-so-pleasant (like your medicine) --

It's cute how you say "Milk, please." (And also how you saw "Chips, please.")

You're a sweet, funny, fierce little girl --

I love you!

Seth: Month 52 --

2010-10-21T16:32:00.000+08:00

Dear Seth,

We celebrated your 52nd month by bringing you to Cebu for a weekend trip.

It was the weekend after your exams (which you handled nicely, btw) -- and you were so excited to go. So excited that you packed your pillow and blanket a WEEK before we were leaving.

You actually wavered a day or two before we were going, when you realized that Anya wasn't coming with us. You actually said that you would rather stay home and play with your siobe and Papa and Mama can go without you.

Don't worry, dear -- when Anya is older, we will bring both of you with us.

You are a wonderful travel companion -- and I enjoy sharing all these new places with you. (Where do you want to go next? ^_^)

I'm glad that you and Anya have become friends -- and you actually insist on playing with her every morning. You knock at our door, greet everyone good morning and then ask Anya to go to the playroom to play with you.

It actually amuses me when I hear you moan that you "don't want to play by yourself" -- you are slowly embracing the social aspect of your life.

You are also very protective of your little sister. We brought you to school this morning and we had to wait for the first batch to finish. While waiting, we were looking at the koi in the school pond and Anya was trying to touch the water. You actually pulled her hand back and said, "Anya, don't touch."

Last night, we left Anya's rechargeable fan in your room. You were so worried that there might be a brownout and Anya would feel hot -- you asked your yaya to bring the fan to our room.

Your current love is Backyardigans -- and we try to watch all the available episodes. You really love Pablo and think he's funny. (Your favorite song from the series is the Hokey Pokey song.)

You have also returned to playing with your blocks -- but now you build malls and piers. (The latter one was because we picked up your Tito J and your Tita V at the pier. They came from Bacolod.)

Yesterday, you went to your pediatrician for your Pneumo23 vaccine. (I didn't tell you beforehand because I was worried that you would get scared.) -- It was your doctor who told you and you didn't flinch or cry when he gave you the shot. (Your heart did race a bit as he was going near you.)

What made me laugh was that, afterwards, you said you were still more afraid of the Jollibee mascot than your vaccine. ^_^

School is going well for you. This entire week, I've been bringing you to school -- and I hover around you. You actually have to push me out and say "Mama, you go home now and take care of Siobe." --

I am amazed by how independent you are at school -- you don't mind that your yaya doesn't wait for you outside anymore. You actually eat your lunch (together with your classmates) with minimal supervision. I am most proud of you being assigned occasionally to get the gate passes at the guard. (I didn't think you could do it -- but you have proven me wrong.)

When we were in Cebu, I was scared to death thinking about the rope bridge at Adventure Zone (in Mactan Shangri-la) -- you were also afraid at first -- then I realized I wasn't helping you grow up -- so there we both were, taking tentative steps -- and, before I knew it, you were crossing back and forth by yourself.

You also loved sliding down the pole -- but you didn't have the discipline to hold on to the pole. (Good thing your Papa is always waiting to catch you at the bottom.)

You have proven me wrong so many times -- and I'm glad you are a little too stubborn to listen to me sometimes.

Thank you, dear boy. Thank you for teaching me how to say "You CAN do it." (And thank you for showing me that you actually can do it. ^_^)

My 4-year old --

2010-10-02T05:55:00.000+08:00

This is something we do quite often:

1. We remind Seth that he is 4 years old.
2. Then we ask him to do the task = to his age.

This especially helps when he has writing homework. (He hates practicing his alphabet.)

I count out 4 spaces and then ask him to write a letter 4 times.

This also works with meals and medicine. ^_^

Sometimes we sneak in +1 and we tell him that it's for his siobe who is 1 year old. ^_^

One time, my sister got a bit enthusiastic about the whole scheme and asked Seth to take 10 sips of soup.

To which the little boy responds, "Ah-i, I'm not 10 years old."

Seth: Months 50 and 51 + Anya: Months 17 and 18 --

2010-09-30T17:19:00.000+08:00

My dear children,

It warms my heart to know how obedient you both are to your mother's wishes. Yesterday, I asked you both to kiss your tummies -- and you tried to -- with humorous results. (Thank you for amusing me. ^_^)

Up to today, you are both still trying to figure out how to do it.

You can have your revenge on me when you are older -- there's a part of me that is excited to see what devious mischief the two of you will concoct decades from now. (Yes, decades please -- not years. I need time to prepare. ^_^)

A few days ago, I found myself complaining to your doctor at how completely different the two of you are. Your doctor politely butted in in the middle of my litany with one sentence: "Imagine if they were exactly alike."

That got me thinking --

And with much chagrin, I will admit that I prefer the two of you as you are. I realize that the two of you complement each other -- from the simplest thing: When we open a box of Champion Antioxidant Pack (consisting of raisin, blueberry and pomegranate), Seth gets the raisins and blueberries and Anya gets the pomegranate. (Seth also loves the pomegranate but he doesn't mind eating the raisins and blueberries.)

To more complex things: Anya is independent and tries to do everything by herself. Seth loves being doted on and taken care of.

Anya is very social and tries to engage everyone around her. Seth prefers the company of people he already knows.

It will be interesting to see this dynamic when you two are older.

These past two months, both of you have had dengue scares (you both had fevers of 38+ -- and your pedia recommended the NS1 Antigen test immediately. Just to be safe.) -- and I was amazed at how brave the both of you were. You both did not cry or complain when you sat down to have your blood extracted. And only let out a little whimper when the needle penetrated your skin.

It was especially amazing when Seth had his blood extracted. The patient after him was also child -- a little girl who was older than Seth. She had to be dragged in by her parents and didn't stop crying while waiting for her turn and cried even louder when it was finally her turn.

The one instance that Seth hesitated when we had to do another CBC and the medtech used creepy looking lancet (not the pen) -- but we took a moment to talk about how it works and how quickly the process was. Somehow, I was able to convince Seth to have it done.

I think it's wonderful how nicely we communicate with each other. (Except Anya who mocks me.) I love that we have a give-and-take agreement on everything -- I know that we are sometimes slow to realize this (and quick with our tempers) -- but I'm glad that, at the end of the day, we can get together and hug/laugh/kiss it out.

Happy Growing Up, my dear children! (Now go kiss your tummies! Hahahahahaha!)

Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

2010-09-13T06:46:00.000+08:00

13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

20 More Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

An all Anya post --

2010-09-09T10:46:00.000+08:00

I. In which we take a ridiculously large number of photos of a vegetable from the garden --

The front of our house has nice flowers and the driver (who gardens) and I have been slowly fixing the landscape -- planning colors, heights, etc.

The back of our house has a functional garden where we have eggplants, kangkong, malunggay, etc -- I figured, we use water for them, we might as well get something back. ^_^

The driver planted patola and this is one of them:

... there are more photos. O_O

II. In which we ignore the tantrum and admire the pretty dress and Anya's latest fashion "accessory" ... tights --

My mom laments that Anya is always in leggings and jeans. Anya has a lot of dresses -- but I don't like that her bottom and legs are exposed when we're out. Solution: tights --

I read about these tights on the Mothercare website -- they're supposed to be comfortably (and cool) when it's hot and nice and warm when it's cold. We were able to get a 3 pack in the Mothercare branch in Manila.

They're great -- I don't have to worry about mosquitoes or dust or other things that I don't see but I know are there.

The pretty dress is from Anya's ninang C -- this was last Sunday while getting ready to go to church.

III. In which Tin delights at how nicely and cleverly Anya plays --

I love watching Anya play. She's very clever and has figured out a way for her to keep her toys (without her A-hia snatching them away) --

She hides them in their tent. Their Ah-ku gave them that tent last Christmas but it's really Anya who inhabits it.

She gathers the toys that she wants to play with and quietly brings them inside the tent. And then that's where she plays.

Lately, she's been playing pretend cooking and eating -- and feeding. She never fails to offer me or her yaya a bite of whatever it is she has cooked. ^_^

It might be time to get her a kitchen set.

IV. In which Anya find a chair and reads --

I found a really nice book for Anya at Booksale. We read it together the first few times and now she likes to go off and look at the pictures on her own.

She also loves to copy the gestures of the babies in the book. Her favorites are "hug" and "kiss" -- ^_^

She really loves the rocking chair in our room. When she is engrossed in something (a book or the iPod Touch), she climbs up the chair and sits there.

V. In which Tin contemplates getting Anya a haircut --

No photos for this part yet because we haven't actually had it done.

I don't know if it's good for Anya's scalp that her hair is constantly tied up. I want to give her a pixie haircut, which seems to be all the rage in Hollywood right now.

But my sister warns me that Anya might get used to having short hair and won't like to grow her hair longer when she's older.

"Board Game" geek --

2010-08-31T14:49:00.001+08:00

Seth and I spent the long weekend hunting for a memory/matching game.

I actually had a different board game in mind for him -- the My First Scrabble set -- but he really wanted to get a memory game.

We went to Toy Kindom in SM City and were a bit disappointed to discover they had run out of stock -- they only had a Mickey Mouse memory game but Seth didn't like it.

We went to the toy section of the department store and they didn't have any either.

Yesterday, we went to SM Delgado and Gaisano -- Gaisano had one in stock but the box was a bit dusty and I was worried that pieces might be missing.

In the afternoon, we went to Robinson's -- they have a "Toys R Us Toybox" -- which I thought was a bit misleading because, when I asked them to point out the board games to us, the sales person pointed to one small shelf with checkers and chess sets. That's it.

We eventually found a Justice League memory game inside National Bookstore and Seth was very happy with his new loot.

Here are BoardGame Geek's guide to board games for the little ones:
For 3 year olds
For 4 year olds
For 5 year olds

We actually got Seth a Thomas tile game (Making Tracks), which he enjoys as well. ^_^

Am trying to put together a budget and will try to get some more Board Games for him.

Reading BoardGame Geek, Bendomino Junior is highly rated from age 3 up. Curious.

Reality bites --

2010-08-28T11:00:00.000+08:00

Yesterday we received a circular from my son's school --

They school is addressing the very real threat of dengue to their students and are now allowing students to wear jeans to school instead of the usual shorts/shirt uniforms.

I've heard stories that the hospitals here are at full capacity. My cousin, who is based in Cebu, even texted to check in on the kids because she heard of how serious the situation is here in Iloilo.

Anya has had a fever twice this season and has had to take the Dengue test once -- thankfully, the results came back negative the first time and the cause of her second sickness was quickly identified.

The kids hardly go out anymore -- and I feel bad for them because they haven't felt the sun on their faces in a long while. Anya misses her swing -- and Seth wants to go swim in the swimming pool at the clubhouse.

But I don't want to risk it.

It's also an interesting reflection how the kids are growing up and what sort of experiences are shaping their world --

For Seth, it's SOP to spray his legs and arms with an insect repellant. If he wants to ride his back down the sidewalk or play on the swing, he needs to spray his legs first. I never had to do that growing up.

Every night, the quiet of the house is interrupted by the loud "zap" when an insect unwittingly makes its way to our bug zapper. It's a sound the kids are used to -- but I never had that experience growing up.

I wonder if I am unknowingly presenting them a world that they need to be afraid in -- because I don't want them to see that. I want them to be able to step out bravely and know that they can conquer whatever obstacles they encounter.

Maybe when they are bigger? Or would that be too late?

Lol --

2010-08-27T08:29:00.000+08:00

Last night, Seth announced that his house was a castle and he was the king.

Seth: This is Puerto Castle. I am the king.

Me: What about Papa?

Seth: Papa is the people.

Me: What about Mama?

Seth: Mama is the princess.

Me: What about Siobe?

Seth: Siobe is the other people.

Me: What about Ah-i?

Seth: Ah-i is also people.

After a while, he laughs when he realizes, "Wow, so many people!"

O_o

* * *

Seth discovered an old Krispy Kreme pamphlet/flyer and has been looking at the donuts.

He points to the mug of hot coffee, "This drink is for old people".

I say, yes.

He continues, "old people play cards and drink coffee."

Ah, what an education. ^_^

Thinking aloud --

2010-08-12T18:47:00.000+08:00

Last week, Seth's class had their first grading exams -- the teacher sent home a reviewer/guideline for study --

Over the weekend, we found worksheets online and in books and had Seth answer them. At one point, I could feel his impatience (and maybe frustration) -- he's studied this in school already and doesn't want to work on them again at home.

At one point, I decided to change gears and just let him be productive -- we colored shapes and read books and answered pages on his magazines (We sometimes find cheap copies of Friends at Booksale).

I even told his yaya not to review him -- to just continue with whatever they usually do. (Read books, play, etc.)

I wonder if I'm not doing my part in instilling good study habits in my son. I wonder if I'm letting him play too much and study too little.

I wondered and worried even more when his yaya told me that he was always the first one out after the exams --

We took comfort in that it was only the first grading and we had 3 more opportunities to catch up. We saw first grading exams as our baseline for Seth's performance. It would allow us to see how well he understands his lessons without any intervention.

As a teacher, I've seen both extremes of the spectrum -- I've seen students who aspire for the top marks and have amazing study habits. But these are also the students who get stressed out when they get a score lower than their expected score. I've also seen students who have very poor study habits -- who can't seem to organize themselves and their work.

I do not want Seth (or Anya) to be either of these. I want a happy medium -- but it seems to be so elusive and the search for it is not-so-happy --

Seth's only 4. <-- this is how I think of him

Or should I say, Seth's already 4? <-- is this how I'm supposed to think of him?

Is it too early for me to worry about such things? Or too late for me to plant the seeds of good habits already?

(Btw, we got the results of his exams -- he got a perfect score in all 3 subjects.)

Anya eating crackers --

2010-08-10T08:06:00.000+08:00

Anya's ninang C sent over a pack of goodies for everyone last week --

Part of the package was a box of Autoland crackers. I think they were meant for Seth but it was Anya who fell in love with them.

That entire evening, at every instance, her hand was in the box of crackers and she nibbled away at them.

Anya really loves crackers. Whenever we go out, we need to have a pack of Skyflakes or Magic Flakes or something similar in our bags because Anya will ask for some sometime during the trip. It's a great way to keep her calm and settled in the car.

What paper and markers can accomplish --

2010-08-10T07:58:00.001+08:00

A quiet moment with the kids --

The markers are washable, by the way -- a godsend because Anya likes to scribble on EVERYTHING. We usually have to chase after her and wipe as she goes.

Seth is becoming more deliberate in his doodlings. He used to just scratch away at a piece of paper -- but now, he actually thinks about what to draw and he talks about it.

Photos! --

2010-08-04T08:58:00.000+08:00

-- A proud moment: Both kids with fruit. T_T

-- Anya looking so dapper in her new hat. Got it from Sassyhairsies on Multiply.

-- Seth rediscovered his love for Thomas on his 4th birthday -- and his love is stornger than ever! (Corny-ness intended.) We started getting him some plarail parts to develop the layout of his rails.

Seth: Month 49 & Anya: Month 16 --

2010-08-02T18:06:00.004+08:00

It amazes me to realize just how little gets done each day:
- I am constantly late with newsletters.
- I miss a lot of photo opportunities because the camera is neatly stashed away so Anya doesn't destroy it.
- The pantry is getting dangerously close to being empty.

And it amazes me how much we do each day:
- We cook dozens of pretend food.
- We build and destroy towers of blocks and train tracks. (Seth builds. Anya destroys. Seth sometimes destroys.)
- We read and rip through quite a few books and magazines. (Mostly Anya.)

I'm very happy with how Seth is turning out -- he can express his ideas confidently. He is learning to be more polite during a conversation -- he tries to listen, tries to wait for his turn to talk and then talks.

He surprised me this month by drawing a fish -- and it looked like a fish! (He also drew a sailboat! His favorite thing to draw are happy faces. ^_^)

And he has friends in school! I was a bit suspicious about this -- I thought he just enjoyed the idea of labeling everyone "friend" -- but, apparently, he is quite discriminating and only counts a handful of his classmates as friends. (About 4 in a class of 11) --

His favorite thing to do is ride the jeepney home with his friends. They all take the same jeepney and, according to his yaya, they are very loud in the jeepney.

They had their Nutrition Month culminating activity last Wednesday and, when Seth entered their classroom, his friends really came forward to say hello to him (and he said hello back.)

Seth studying actually reminds me of myself when I was younger -- I hated doing my homework and would take shortcuts. (In grade school, I was able to convince my yaya to do my homework for me.) Sometimes I get frustrated with Seth (older, more responsible, teacher me has some expectations about how he should be performing) but, then, I remember and I try to calm down and be more patient.

Seth loves to pretend cook and it frightens me to think about him pursuing this when he is older. Just the other night, while taking a bath, he said he was making dessert and he listed the ingredients -- eggs, sugar (he loves sugar in his cooking but not in his real food), some sauce, some fish, cheese and whipped cream. <-- did you notice he said "fish"

And he also made cheese soup ... with sugar. And whipped cream. (In his defense, we let him play with his papa's shaving cream so I know how irresistible it is to be able to shake the can and seeing the shaving cream in all its foaming glory.) This morning he helped me make banana pancakes. He helped mash the bananas and then he helped beat the eggs. Then he helped pour the water into the dry mixture and then he mixed it.

Anya is evil. Her weapon of destruction are her A-hia's markers and she loves scribbling on everything -- no book, magazine, toy, phone, wall is safe. Thank goodness they are water-based markers so it's very easy to clean up after her.

She recognizes The Little Einsteins and Thomas and The Backyardigans and insists that I sing the theme song when she points to them. She'll cue me by humming the first bar. She really loves music and will, literally, stop in the middle of a cryfest if there is a nice song on. (We just play Glee and she's all set.)

Her favorite things to eat are stalks -- she loves the white part of petchay, asparagus, string beans. It's fun to watch her eat, finish her portion and ask for more. ^_^

Her favorite snack are apple chips.

It's easy to convince her to try other food -- just convince Seth to try it and she will, most likely, follow suit. (She really looks up to her A-hia and follows him around.)

Anya is adorable. Sometimes she wakes up with a mess of hair covering her face. She has this way of flipping it all back that reminds me of shampoo commercials. And it's an amusing thing to watch at 6 o'clock in the morning when even the sun is still sleeping.

She's recovering from another strange sickness right now. (She had Kawasaki last May.) This time, it started out as a sore throat and her doctor gave her medicine. A few days later she had two different kinds of rashes -- one kind on her face, chest and back and a different kind on her legs and arms.

The pedia decided to change her meds because he suspected that she was having an allergic reaction to the first prescription but he couldn't explain the rashes on her arms and legs. He referred us to a dermatologist who suggested 3 possibilities:

1. Hypersensitivity to medicine
2. Viral exanthem
3. Hypersensitivity to insect bites <-- for the rashes on her arms and legs

She and our pedia also suggested that we see an Infectious Disease specialist but said that it wasn't urgent -- she didn't want us exposing Anya to other sick people in clinics or hospitals. Thankfully, my parents know an Infectious Disease specialist who came over to the house to check on Anya on Saturday. She came up with a similar conclusion: the rashes on the top part are the result of an allergic reaction and the rashes on the lower parts could be viral exanthem. (She called up a Pedia Infectious Disease specialist and explained the symptions. <-- so many doctors. T_T)

They changed her meds (3rd time in 4 days) and recommended a CBC (2nd time in 3 days) --

On Sunday, Anya woke up and she was fine. She still had some rashes but her general demeanor was better. She slept better and ate better.

It's Monday and the rashes on her face, chest and back are gone. The ones on her legs are healing.

A funny observation: Since the infectious disease specialist knew my parents, she kept commenting that Anya looked like my mom. (People also say that I look like my mom. Ergo Anya looks like me. O_o)

I still don't see it.

She is getting very good at saying "Mama" and can even do it in an exasperated tone when I don't pay attention to her the first time she calls me.

She has a few other words as well. I think. My favorite moment was when she was itching from her rashes and I applied Caladryl all over her. She looked at me and "said" thank you.

Considering how late I always am with my newsletters, I've often considered just stopping altogether. But I realize the value of these newsletters -- it allows me to sit down for an hour or two to reflect on my kids and our life. I think about all the deviltry and annoyance they cause -- and I think about all the white hair and wrinkles ... and laugh lines.

And I realize that it is all worth it.

Funny logic --

2010-07-28T20:28:00.000+08:00

At lunch today, Seth had a slice of pizza left on his plate. His papa teased him and said, "I will eat your pizza!" and sat down at Seth's place on the table.

The little boy said, "Oh, no! What will I do?" (Such drama. ^_^) -- A very quick moment later, he sat down at his papa's place and said, "I will drink your iced tea!" --

Fun weekend for the kids --

2010-07-12T16:56:00.001+08:00

We got the kids a swing and had it installed over the weekend --

It was love at first sight with both kids -- Anya wanted to sit in it right after it was installed but we had to stop her because the swing was still dusty.

It's interesting seeing the two of them with the swing --

It's a miracle that Seth is actually willing to take turns with Anya (and vice versa).

I was pleasantly surprised when Seth refused the seatbelt and wanted to be pushed really high (this is the same kid who is afraid of clowns) --

The swing is pink because Anya will use it for a longer time. (Seth will probably outgrow this in a year.)

Photos courtesy of my sister. Would you believe these are screen-captured from a video? ^_^

Photos from my phone --

2010-07-04T06:16:00.001+08:00

Right now, I'm using a Nokia E63 --

Here are some photos taken using my phone. ^_^

These were from Seth's birthday. We brought him to SM in the morning and he rode the coin-operated rides. And then we went to Toy Kingdom and I asked him to choose his gift. He chose a Thomas rail system. We availed of the free gift wrapping service at Toy Kingdom.

Yesterday, I brought him to Museo Iloilo.

In the picture, that's our driver with him. (Apparently, our driver has never been to the museum so I invited him to join us inside.)

Outside the museum, contemplating the statues representing the Barter of Panay.

When we are in Manila, Seth likes to go to TimeZone and play the arcade games. We found this one near the entrance of TimeZone Gateway. So calm, so peaceful.

* * *

Seuss-ian Anya --

Anya came in one morning with a flower stuck into her hair. (Not the typical way, tucked behind her ear -- but straight up.) It was fun watching her hair (and the flower) bob around while she played and moved around the room.

* * *

Yes, it's empty --

She just likes chewing on the straw.

Anya in a skirt --

2010-07-03T08:39:00.000+08:00

I love skirts and live in them almost exclusively.

When I found out I was having a girl, I wanted her to be in dresses and skirts all the time. I have now realized, however, that this is not entirely possible. Considering how active Anya is and the threat of mosquitoes and ants and other insects, she wears cute leggings or pajamas most of the time.

It's quite rare for her to wear skirts -- this is one instance.

* * *

Goofy smile --

I love how Anya smiles. It's so wide and open -- and she makes the cutest sound when she laughs.

All pictures taken with the Hipstamatic app.

Honesty --

2010-07-01T19:23:00.000+08:00

This morning, Seth was being difficult and didn't want to stop watching TV. (He's only allowed to watch 2 shows in the morning: Yo Gabba Gabba and Team Umizoomi.)

He really wanted to watch Dora but I told him it was time for him to turn off the TV and do other things.

It was a long back and forth and in my exasperation, I told him that only good boys get to stay in my room and naughty boys who don't listen to their moms stay in their room.

I let him sit on that for a while and then I asked him: "Are you a good boy or are you a naughty boy?"

The little one really hesistated and just ended up saying, "Well..."

We waited a little bit and then he quietly went with his yaya to his room.

A bit of sun on a cloudy day --

2010-07-01T11:28:00.000+08:00

It's been very gray lately, with rain falling in bursts and the sky grumbling occasionally --

The two kids are sick and are on meds --

But today, we received a bit of very good news --

Anya had her 2D Echo today (delayed from the 28th because of sickness) and her results are clear. Her pedia-cardio is very happy and has decided to skip the 2D Echo scheduled 6 months from now.

Now she only needs to take a CBC (with ESR) and that's scheduled for next week when she finishes taking her meds.

Yay!

Sick, etc --

2010-06-30T09:05:00.000+08:00

Both kids are sick right now -- they have strep throat.

Their doctor suspects Seth got it from school and infected Anya. The transfer is my fault -- Anya likes to share from her A-hia's plate during meals and I let them.

So now we are juggling meds for both kids. It's a good thing Seth is easy to talk to ~~con~~ about taking his meds. Anya resists ... and sometimes she vomits the meds so it's a tedious process of giving her a bit and letting her tummy rest and giving her another bit and then letting her tummy rest.

The thing is, neither kid's energy was affected by this illness. Both of them are still bouncing about like molecules in a contained space -- once in a while, they collide and an explosive (crying) reaction follows.

* * *

Amusing --

Seth thinks their digital thermometer is a sonic screwdriver ...

And he thinks this is the TARDIS. O_o

* * *

And something about Anya --

It was my sister who took this series of pictures -- it's the little one opening the gate ... by herself!

Anya: Months 14 and 15 --

2010-06-28T06:44:00.000+08:00

Dear little girl,

Every morning, you wake up and follow me to the bathroom. Then you pull open your drawer and take out a pair of bottoms which we put on you. It's amazing to know that you have a sense of this -- that getting ready in the morning entails the wearing of something other than a diaper.

This morning, however, you pulled out your old bib -- which I put on you. And you twirled around admiring your new accessory -- it made me laugh! You really are a girl!

You, officially, have your permanent spot at the dining table -- you occupy the other end, opposite your A-hia. I like that you are there -- it signifies that you have equal power/rank to your A-hia (though we are all seated closer to him and you sit closer to the fruits).

You have been in a very "hug-y" mood and your A-hia is the usual target of your hugs -- thankfully, he has been more tolerant of you ... and he actually plays with you now! (Yesterday morning, while I was making pancakes, the two of you were actually scooting around in his blue car -- and no crying or pushing was involved! Miracle of miracles. T_T)

I've also noticed that you try to copy what your A-hia is doing. If he's eating, you will eat. If he is sitting with a book, you will do the same. When he is shouting and having a tantrum, well ... (and you have quite a loud shout).

You can understand some things now -- when we tell you to give something to someone, when I tell you to pat-pat your tummy -- you can even understand the tone of my voice when I am trying to tell you NOT TO DO SOMETHING. With the last one, you smile and then do whatever it is anyway.

I don't know where you get this impishness but it's actually fun to provoke it -- the wide beautiful smile on your face somehow makes cleaning up the mess you've made worthwhile.

You also understand that you can get things done for you by doing certain things (read: manipulate me, your yaya, your papa and your Ah-i.) I'm glad that you are able to "communicate" your wants.

Just so you know, I'm already looking forward to sending you off to the Toddler Playgroup "class" at your A-hia's school. Oh the havoc you will wreak there~

Hugs, my dear girl.

* * *

An update on your Kawasaki recovery --

We are scheduled to have your 2-D Echo this week but you are a little sniffly so I'm on a wait-and-see mode for now.

You will most likely get it done on Wednesday or Thursday and I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that your results are favorable.

Seth: Months 47 and 48 --

2010-06-23T06:47:00.000+08:00

Well, my son,

You are now 4 years old.

We celebrated the day by spending some coins riding the coin-operated rides and then playing the arcade games in SM.

Then we went to Toy Kingdom where you chose your own gift -- your mind was pretty set on a Thomas the Tank playset. You were so excited! It was fun watching you carry the box (quite big) over to the counter.

We met with your Papa, Ah-i, Gwakong and Gwa-ma at Al Dente for lunch and you had your favorite -- Tuscan Cream of Mushroom soup. You also had a bite of my Creamy Pesto.

On Monday, we will be celebrating your birthday with your classmates and you had only 1 stipulation: no clowns.

They still scare you!

You are being more and more clear about your ~~demands~~ needs and wants -- you were very specific about which restaurant you wanted to celebrate your birthday at and what gift you wanted.

You have also become more adventurous in your eating -- we tried a new restaurant last night (to celebrate Fathers' Day) and you tried the squid (and loved it) and the fish. You actually wanted to try the oysters but we wouldn't let you. You were quiet for a while and then you said, "When I'm bigger, I will eat oysters."

You are quite an independent boy -- and so polite! (I don't know where you learned it!) -- You always insist on doing things by yourself. "May I do it?"

At the restaurant, I did what we usually do -- we shared a plate. At one point, you asked me, "May I have my plate?" So we filled a plate for you and you used your spoon and fork and ate with gusto.

Of course, a lot of your eating has been influenced by Man v. Food -- when we were in Manila, we bought a bag full of Mushroom Burgers (around 12 burgers) to bring home to Iloilo. While walking back to your A-ku's place, you looked at the bag and saw the quantity and said, "Like Man v. Food!"

And then you want to eat like him. O_O

On our short trip to Manila, we gave you your own luggage -- and you were so excited to pack it! You packed your blanket, your small pillow, your stuffed animal (Muzzy) and Dr. Seuss books days before the flight. It was interesting to see what you thought were your essentials. ^_^

Right now, your favorite shows are Yo Gabba Gabba, Team Umizoomi, The Backyardigans and Ni Hao, Kai-lan. You especially enjoy Ni Hao, Kai-Lan and have surprised your grandparents by saying some words in Mandarin. (Your yaya didn't understand you at first when you started referring to your slippers as "Wo te Tuoxie" -- but now, even she can understand some words in Mandarin.

At Fullybooked, your yaya found you some Kai-lan books and also some Backyardigans books. We also found some Baby Einstein books. I told you that you can only buy 2 and you were very judicious about buying 1 Ni Hao, Kai-lan books and 1 Backyardigans book. (I ended up buying 1 more Ni Hao, Kai-lan book for Siobe.)

It's fun to watch you navigate your way through your toddler years -- now you are a pre-schooler! Complete with assignment notebooks and PE uniform.

I think I've said this before but I'm really excited for your future, my son. It's big, bright and waiting for you!

Happy 4!

* * *

A 15-minute Party --

We had unanimously decided NOT to have a big birthday party for Seth this year. The decision was reinforced last May when Anya got sick and we had to spend a big chunk of our money to pay for her meds.

So Seth had his party with his classmates.

We had expected a class size of about 15 to 20 children (last year's Nursery class had 23 students) so we were pleasantly surprised to find out that Seth's class only had 11 students, including Seth!

The school asked us to write a letter asking permission to celebrate his birthday with his class and then I spoke to the Guidance office informing them of our plans --

My goal was simple: I just wanted a picture of Seth blowing a candle with his classmates.

I asked for the last 15 minutes of their class last Monday and your yaya and I went in at around 1215 and laid out your cake. We went through 4 rounds of singing "Happy Birthday to You" before you blew out your candle.

Then we handed out the boxed lunch for the kids (KFC Fully Loaded Meal) and the lootbag.

We were finished by the time the other parents came to pick up their kids at 1230.

Radio Silence --

2010-06-09T19:36:00.000+08:00

I know haven't updated this blog in a while and I haven't written my kids' monthly newsletters either --

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Anya's illness early last Month.

We thought we were dealing with a viral infection and were prepared for what we thought was the worst-case scenario: a UTI gone wild --

But when the pedia at the ER told us they suspected Kawasaki, that was way, way, way beyond what we had expected -- or planned for.

I had a vague understanding of Kawasaki and knew it had something to do with your blood -- Johann asked the doctors if it was serious -- I told him that any disease that had a person's name attached to it usually is.

Long story short, it was caught early -- very early (it's usually detected at Day 10 to 14) and we were in at Day 5 -- and the proper (very expensive) medicine was administered.

We were in the hospital for a week and we were transiting back and forth the house, spending as much time with Seth as we could.

Anya's back in the house now -- fighting with her A-hia, eating bananas and dancing along to songs from Glee but she isn't completely recovered yet --

She had to be on "house arrest" for a month because she was considered "immuno-compromised" -- (we were given the green light to bring her out this week.)

She's on aspirin once a day (she started out at 300mg 3 times a day and she's now down to 80mg once a day) -- and needs to have a 2D Echo Cardiogram taken at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year from now.

We're scheduled for her first one at the end of the month and I'm holding my breath -- at the hospital, she had one done prior to taking the medicine and it came out clean -- I hope we get the same results this month.

The same week after Anya got discharged, Seth stepped on a mirror and had a bit embedded on his foot -- we were able to take it out but we still had to bring him to the ER to make sure there weren't any rogue bits left.

The kids are fine now -- and we're working hard to make sure they stay that way.

Anya: Month 13 (photos) --

2010-05-04T14:28:00.000+08:00

* * *

I really love Anya in her denim pants --

It surprised me when her yaya brought it out about a month ago and told me that it fit her already. Based on her size when she was born and based on her growth percentile in the early months, I thought she would start wearing the pair when she turned 18 months. But, then -- after her 6th month, she started to catch up and shot up to her current height.

She's still much smaller than Seth was at this age, but she's fairly taller than most 13-month olds. ^_^

Anya: Month 13 --

2010-04-30T14:35:00.001+08:00

Dear Anya,

You're sleeping right now and, as usual, you've kicked off your blanket and you're in a strange angle with your head on my side of the bed and your feet poking your Papa's side.

You'll wake up very soon and a new day will begin for us.

Your morning begins with a trip outside with your yaya so you can catch some sun and some fresh air. You'll most likely wave at the passing people who are walking or riding their bicycles. (This is quite mortifying -- we are trying to be aloof and un-neighborly and here you are being friendly and all that.)

After that, it's time for your breakfast. I've noticed that you like to copy what your A-hia is doing and will, most likely, eat what he's eating. We have had a few wonderful moments where the two of you are sitting quietly, eating your rice and your scrambled eggs.

And then there are those moments of chaos where you insist on trying to feed yourself -- getting the spoon and bowl from us -- these moments lead to mess. But they also lead to having some time to finish my coffee and watching you use your fingers to pick at the rice and your ulam --

I notice that you seem to be taking note of what your A-hia is doing and would try to follow him. Last night, he was playing with the coaster and you gestured to your own coaster and tried to play with it. You'll eat what he eats (sometimes from the same plate) and you'll try to play with what he plays with.

Unfortunately, your A-hia is very territorial with his toys and space and will sometimes push you away.

Ah, but you are not so pure-of-heart either, little one -- I've seen you pull your A-hia's hair or run your tiny little nails down your A-hia's arm many times.

And I know it's all part of sibling dynamics and I let the two of you ~~duke it out~~ deal with it because it is important that you do. But I'm hoping that, in the same process, you will also learn to trust, depend and love each other.

As 1 of 5 siblings, I can tell you that it's fun to have "instant" friends who you can play restaurant with. You'll always have someone to boost you up when you want to climb up and reach the chips stash and you'll always have someone to talk to about your day and know that they have very few places to hide in the rooms that you share.

I'm confident that you will find a nice middle ground with your A-hia someday (hopefully, soon) and the two of you will get along.

In the meantime, I'm here -- making sure that your nails are cut short and blunt. ^_^

Love you, little girl!

... I have a lot of pics! To follow! (I misplaced my card reader T_T)

Pretend Play: Bookstore --

2010-04-23T19:25:00.000+08:00

Seth is playing "bookstore" right now -- browsing through some stacks of his (and Anya's) books and then going to his Ah-i to pay for them.

He hands his selected stack to his Ah-i and then hands a credit card and signs a "receipt" (random receipt he took from my bag) --

Then he walks over to his papa, shows his purchases and proudly declares: "I paid!" --

Ah, there is hope --

2010-04-22T19:20:00.002+08:00

Anya is having a bad reaction to something she ate (read: vomitting and feeling cranky) --

This morning, she had an episode and she vomitted all over the floor. While the yaya and I were trying to clean up the mess, here comes my little boy with his siobe's sippy cup.

"It's okay, siobe. Here you go, siobe." And hands her the cup.

Ah, my warm and tingly Hallmark moment. ^_^

Seth: Months 45 and 46 --

2010-04-21T13:27:00.001+08:00

Dear Seth,

I missed last month's letter! I'm sorry, I forgot!

It's been a whirlwind of activities these past 2 months -- We were so busy preparing for your siobe's birthday and then your Gwakong and Gwa-ma's trip to Japan and then Holy Week!

You have been like a whirlwind as well -- with no school and with the heat, it's been challenging getting you to expend your energies. Thankfully, a lot of it comes in the form of talking loudly and we keep trying to remind you to use your "inside" voice.

You've been watching quite a bit of Nick Jr. in the morning -- it begins with Yo Gabba Gabba, then Umizoomi (your current favorite) -- you try to sit through all of the shows in between Umizoomi and Ni Hao, Kai Lan but you don't have the patience. Halfway through Dora, you're out the door and playing somewhere else. I'm glad you aren't glued to the TV that much and I'm glad that you realize that there's a lot more out there in the world. (It is slightly amusing how frustrated you are that you have NEVER watched an episode of Kai Lan) --

We attended your I-ma's birthday a few nights ago and you are an interesting dinner partner. They served us soda (which you don't drink) and I was trying to sneak a sip or two and you gently reminded me not to. "No soda, Mama. Put it down." I told you I'll only drink up to a certain level and that seemed acceptable to you and you let me *ahem* enjoy my sugary drink.

(We interrupt this newsletter with a news bulletin:)

So, my son, a day after you turned 46 months old, you get struck down by amoebiasis.

Your condition has improved a lot since yesterday morning and your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic for you so we will start taking that today.

I am amazed by your spirit, dear boy -- late yesterday afternoon, you were complaining about being hungry and we asked you what you wanted to eat, you proceeded to list all the food that you didn't want to eat.

(Back to our regular programming.)

We're getting ready for your 4th birthday -- and we decided to give you a small celebration at your school with your classmates. We made you choose the theme and you decided to go for Little Einsteins. ^_^

That should be fun. ^_^

Update: You finally decided what you wanted -- it's a hamburger and pineapple juice. O_O

Frustrating --

2010-04-08T04:25:00.000+08:00

Anya is still sick.

Actually, it seems she got well and then she got sick again. This time, the doctor suspects UTI.

And it doesn't make sense to any of us (including the doctor) because the antibiotics she was taking for her Upper Respiratory Tract Infection should've taken care of the suspected UTI.

But she's still sick.

~sigh~

We had to take her for a CBC yesterday. Thankfully, the labtech who extracted her blood was very good and it took, literally, less than a minute for the whole process.

Of course, the little girl was pissed and just glared angrily at the labtech and refused to wave goodbye. (This is the same little girl who looks out the window and waves at EVERYTHING that passes by.)

Today, we're supposed to figure out how to get her to pee into a cup so we could get a urinalysis done.

~sigh~

Anya: Month 12 photos --

2010-04-05T08:01:00.000+08:00

Well, my little girl, you spent your first week as a 1-year old sick with a sore throat. On top of that, your teeth are rupturing. Double whammy for you ... and for us. You've been very uncomfortable and it's affecting your eating and your sleeping.

You also missed your first Easter mass and lunch. (It's okay -- plenty more of those coming. ^_^)

We're going to your doctor later today -- I hope that goes well. ^_^

Seth and a stack of blocks --

2010-03-30T16:51:00.002+08:00

Seth brought out his wooden blocks set and said, "Mama, I want to make Trinoma."

Oh, dear Lord.

Anya: Month 12 --

2010-03-29T17:56:00.001+08:00

Dear Anya,

This letter is late not because I didn't have time to write it but because I'd re-written it many times.

I'm still reflecting on the year that has been and the year ahead and I want to make sure I get my thoughts down properly.

When you were born, I had to think about how you fit into the family -- we had been together with Seth for almost 3 years and were comfortable with life as it was. Then came you -- born slightly premature and quite small, considering that I'm your mom. I think it was your way of making sure that you would fit into the tiny gaps in our lives.

Then you started to grow -- and so did your space in our family. It was no longer "Us 3" but "Us 4" -- and you contributed something different and something very special to the family.

For one, we don't dance so much and we listen to very little music -- you, however, seemed to be dancing/bouncing along to music from the get-go. To simple tunes like "Eensy, weensy spider" and even to "Happy Birthday To You" --

It's such a joy to watch you dance and twirl -- and you have the silliest grin when you do it.

It's interesting to watch you grow up as a second child because I am a second child also -- you've already established your own space (the right corner of our room where your picture books are) and your own personality. It's fun to watch you get annoyed because your whole face turns red and you sound like a kettle whistle about to blow. (You get your temper from your Papa, btw. Know that your mama is very patient and mild-mannered. O_O)

You have learned to assert yourself and get the attention that you need -- when you think no one is listening to you, you grab that person's face in both your hands and turn it to face you. It's amazing! I wonder how you figured out how to do that -- but I'm glad you did. ^_^

You've inherited your Papa's food preference and you dislike fruits and vegetables, in general. You have a warm spot for Heinz Apricot & Pear and for rice in soup. And how you love French Fries -- it was taste/love at first sight for you.

You're walking more steadily now so a whole new world of adventure (and mishaps) have opened up to you -- as evidenced by the healing scratch on your nose. A few days before your birthday, you decided it was a good idea to stand on your tricycle -- it wasn't. The tricycle tipped over with you in it. Which is why you don't have birthday photos -- we will take those a month from now when your nose looks better. ^_^

Now that you're one, you'll be dealing/playing more and more with your A-hia -- and word of advice from a second born to her second born: Be patient. Don't be afraid to take what you want but do so in a gentle and peaceful way. Smile. And know that there's a place in this big wide world for you.

Love you!

- Your mama

... photos to follow

Anya: Month 11 --

2010-03-03T16:06:00.003+08:00

My little girl,

Where did the time go?

In a month, you'll be a year old already.

Has it been that long? Has it really been a year of you interrupting my sleep at night?

I'm trying to remember when it was that your A-hia started sleeping through the night ... and I'm counting the days when you start doing so. I'm fairly certain it's going to happen soon. (This is a decree from your beloved Mama -- Sleep. Through. The. Night. Now.)

Not that I mind so much -- after almost a year, I still don't get tired of looking at your lovely, lovely eyes (except at night, when they are creepy O_O) and be amused by your mess/mass of hair.

You've made amazing strides this month -- literally! -- you're walking! You started out with tentative steps -- and I could imagine what was going through your mind as you judged each distance -- when you felt it was "safe," you would walk -- if you were uncertain, you would crawl.

But now, you're walking more and more! It's fun to watch, but it's also much harder to look after you.

Another fun thing that you've learned to do -- Peek-a-boo! -- it was so cute when you started to do it!

You have an impish side to you, my little girl. Whenever you see me typing away, you try to press a key -- and I swipe your hand away -- and you try to press a key -- and I swipe your hand away -- and you try to press a key ... all the while giggling oh-so-cutely.

We've been busy planning your birthday -- we are celebrating it a week early because your actual birthday happens to be the weekend before Holy Week. I just finished making your invitations -- it took 5 days to prepare, print and assemble 24 invitations ... but they turned out really nice and I'm saving a copy so that you can appreciate it when you are older. ^_^

I am baffled by one thing, little one -- everyone, EVERYONE, insists that you look like me. And I've spent hours watching you, observing your mannerisms -- and I don't see it. Your Papa teases that you got your temper from me. I've taken pictures of you and studied them --

And I don't see it. Maybe it's good that I don't. Maybe it's good that you won't. While I would be honored and proud to have you follow in my footsteps (and read romance novels and eat bags of Cheetos, etc. etc.), I'd love it more if you found your own path and be your own person. I would love to see where your path will take you -- and I'm excited to know about the choices that you make. (Always make the right one. Whatever that is. <-- words of wisdom!)Here's to you, dear girl. Here's to life and all the adventures waiting for you.

Seth: Month 44 --

2010-02-20T16:21:00.001+08:00

My son,

I had a different letter all drafted out nicely in my brain --

But I had to scrap it because I want to record the insane thing you said today:

We were having lunch and you were biking around the table. (When you are a little older, we will have a little chat about manners. In the meantime, enjoy the freedom.) Then you purposely fell off your bike.

And you said, "I fell down. I'm dead."

O_O

Then you continued, "I will go to the cemetery because I'm dead."

So I asked you, "If you're dead then, why are you still talking?"

But you ignored my question and proceeded to zoom away on your bike. All the while saying, "Goodbye! I'm going to the cemetery! I'm so dead! ..."

And you ended by saying, "See you tomorrow!"

O_O

Oh, we went to Singapore this month. Your first trip out of the country. (You had fun, btw.)

<-- Ninang!And your A-ku was in town. (And you had fun with him also.)

And your new "best friend" is your Ah-i's iPOD Touch.

Happy 44 my crazy, wonderful son!

And a little something about Anya --

2010-02-08T12:43:00.001+08:00

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.

A funny thing about Seth --

2010-02-08T12:41:00.001+08:00

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

My hubby, the teacher --

2010-02-08T12:38:00.001+08:00

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.

Seth: Month 43 & Anya: Month 10 --

2010-01-28T05:59:00.000+08:00

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*

Seth, the gamer --

2010-01-20T12:36:00.001+08:00

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.

^_^

My little girl and big machines!!! --

2010-01-15T14:35:00.000+08:00

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~

Doing the impossible --

2010-01-12T06:46:00.001+08:00

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 persisted ~~whined~~ 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.) ^_^

Seth and Anya's List for 2009 --

2009-12-31T14:42:00.000+08:00

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 also5. His Ah-i's iPod touch or his Papa's phone <-- he loves TozzleFavorite Snacks (Seth)1. Chips and Cheetos <-- ~sigh~2. Gummy Bears/Worms3. Cookies4. Soft pretzels or Star Mamon from Tinapayan5. JellyAnya likes her Heinz Teething Rusk, which we found in Robinsons. And bananas.Favorite Books1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss3. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss4. 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

Anya: Month 9 --

2009-12-29T16:45:00.000+08:00

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.