Completely Potty Trained

As far as I know, I blogged about Jami being semi-potty trained last year. He's able to pee during the day and some nights where we don't use diaper at all. However, he still uses one whenever he poops and I had quite a hard time making him use the toilet back then. I accepted the fact that he might not be ready yet so I have to wait for the perfect timing.

Wait no more! I am glad to write about his new milestone!

He now knows how to use the comfort room. He can sleep at night without wearing one and won't pee on our bed. Just to make sure, I always ask him to clean himself up (brush his teeth, change his clothes, and pee) and remind him not to pee while sleeping. Although there were days that I would still make him wear a diaper especially if he feels tired with a whole day activity, or if he fell asleep without having to pee first. On some days, meron din syang presence of mind when he feels that he's peeing on his shorts, he will wake up and would ask me to accompany him sa restroom. During our most recent trip in Calaguas Island, I made him wear diapers while we're in the bus as it's a very long ride.

I am so impressed that he started using the comfort room for when he feels the need to poop. It started when he's having a tummy ache couple of weeks ago. Instead of making him wear a diaper, which if I may add, quite expensive tapos konti lang naman ang i-poop nya, I asked her to go to the bathroom and use the toilet bowl. He was resisting at first but since he really needs to get the poop out, he didn't get a choice. That's when he realized the use of the toilet bowl and how convenient it will be for him. You see, when he does number 2, he would hide himself in our bedroom or anywhere na walang tao. I am glad he found the comfort room the perfect place to use for his number 2 activities. Lol! =D

It was really timely since I am planning to make him start a summer school this month. I know it will be easier and economical for his teacher to help him use their toilet than make him wear diapers. Haha! =) There was a time when I came home and he told that he used the comfort room to poop. I talked to him about Mommy being happy with what he did. I was surprised to see him delighted knowing that his done a good job!

I can't wait to witness more milestones specially this coming months when he start going to school. I made an inquiry in a small school near our house for a start and I can't wait to tell you that new challenge too. =)

My selfie/video buddy. :D

A weekend at Austin Land, SM Southmall

Two weekends ago, I brought Jami to Austin Land again. After my last post here, we never had the chance to go back. Most of the time kasi, we just play inside Timezone with Daddy. Ayaw kasi nya to accompany Jami inside the play area, gusto nya ako, eh there were times that I am wearing a skirt so hindi pwede. The perfect timing came (just Jami and I) so I let Jami play inside.

He probably forgot the first time he was there kasi he didn't mention any of it during our stay.

We paid Php150 for one hour of play. We brought along our socks to save 100 bucks. Adult companion is free by the way unlike any other play grounds.

I know I had my review of the place last time so I won't elaborate on our experience anymore. The place didn't matter to me that much since it was the experience that we value the most.

I was surprised that Jami was so scared to go inside the tunnel. I don't know why but he insisted not to. He was scared so we skipped that. He played with the ball pit, the big blocks and  slides for small kids (scared of the big slides).

so proud of his blocks

I am just a little worried because there were kids talaga that has a not so amazing attitude. There was this one who doesn't want to share toys, she said "That's mine!". Napatulan ko tuloy ng slight, sabi ko, "It wasn't even yours!". Hahahah! There were times talaga na hindi mo mapigilan pumatol sa kids na mejo maldita eh diba? Sorry if it's a little offending with other Mommies pero kasi diba, you have to tell your kids to share specially hindi naman sa kanila yung toys or even the place. Heck! I paid the same amount. But anyway, I am so proud of Jami because when you say he can't have it, nakikinig naman. I always give him something to play with and make him stay away from those kids na may attitude.

Aside from that, we sure had fun and I am hoping to have more Mommy and Jami bonding like this.

Will I recommend the place? Yes. It was really small so you won't be tired trying to catch your kids compared to those big play areas that we've been to. It's perfect for a quick side trip when you go to malls and ran out of things to do or just want to rest while the kids run around safely. =)


Austin Land inside Timezone
SM Southmall, Las Pinas

Jami's Milestone at Three

Being a parent is a huge responsibility. From conception to birth, to taking care of them until they are ready to conquer the world on their own. Just like any first time Moms, I am enjoying this phase that Jami is on. He's 3 years old and is very talkative. I am being surprised with what he knows and amused by what he could say at his age. Looking back on my blog, I realized that in the past months, I haven't been able to write anything about Jami's milestone which somehow makes me sad kasi hindi ko na maaala exactly how it happened.

Anyhow, I'll write about those that I could still remember.

Since he was over 1 year old, Jami started speaking one to two words. To date, I didn't realize that he can now tell a story! He says so many things, laging meron gustong sabihin! There are times that you'll get annoyed because he's talking too much on days that you want to have a peace of mind. Lol! There were days that you are too busy but he keeps on asking questions like

"Mommy anong ginagawa ng feet ko?"
"Mommy bakit sya nagtakbo?"
"Mommy bakit sya nag grumpy?"

and just everything that he notices, he'll ask questions. We'll I can't be any happier because I know that he's being observant of his surroundings. Yun nga lang, endless talaga ang questions. I can't help not to answer his questions naman because I can see myself on him. Manang - mana sakin yan eh. Even to date, ganyan ako magtanong sa mga bagay na hindi ko naiintindihan, lagi pang may follow up questions hahaha! I remember I watched a video on facebook where the kid kept on asking questions but the mother was too busy. Later on when her kid became a grown up, she notices that something is wrong with her kid so she asked if they could talk pero ang sagot ng kid was NO. She's old enough to handle things. Sad diba? I know that most parents realized how time flies really fast so it's important to be on our kids' side. =) So the moral of the story? Just answer the damn question regardless how silly it is.

I remember once when Jami was watching Lion Guard on Disney Junior.

Jami: Mommy anong color ng water? (sea water)
Me:  Blue, Anak.
Jami: Blue? Bakit hindi Pink?
Me: Ahmmmmmmmmm.......... mental blocked.

Hahahaha! Well, he's actually referring to a color white. He's confused with Pink and White and he often says, "Mommy bakit pink?" but he was looking at a white short.

I am amazed everyday with all the things that he says. I can't believe that at this stage, he could make sense of the things around him. I am just so proud!

Jami's 3rd Birthday Party

Now I believe that time flies really fast! I can't believe that Jami turned 3 last month! Parang kailan lang he was a tiny little baby who only sleeps, drink milk and poop! Tapos ngayon, sobrang daldal na! Next thing I'll know, he'll go to school na!! Hayy.. I feel old. =(

This year, I planned only to celebrate his birthday at home. I wanted him to experience having guests for his birthday. I know he appreciates his birthday even more. I felt that he's starting to feel the importance of this special day in our lives. For the last two years kasi, parang he doesn't care pa talaga and doesn't understand everything that's going on. Having that said, I appreciate his reactions even more and the happiness that it brings when he blows the candle on his cake. =)

Weeks before his birthday, I really didn't know what to prepare. Ewan ko ba! It's as if my mind isn't working until the day of his birthday when I was cramming to prepare for everything. Lol! I filed a leave from work on a friday before his birthday (fell on a Sunday) so I could still run to the grocery. I contacted his Lola to cook one menu, pancit, broiled chicken and Lumpiang Shanghai then she added a biko as well. It turned out na ang dami nya din palang handa. I cooked spaghetti for him and baked a cake for his birthday. I wasn't really planning to buy a cake since I know I could make one. Yun nga lang, since I wasn't that confident in making a fondant cake yet, nagkulang ako sa ingredients. Lol! Hahaha! I wasn't decided until last minute that I'll make him a Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache covered with Marshmallow fondant. So sayang because I didnt realize wala na pala akong cocoa to make one! hahahah. Good thing, I was able to make a 6x3 Round Yema Cake which we distributed to our guests. I invited some of my officemates lang so mga wala na silang arte sa cake. hahaha! I also bought a cake decoration that I could add. I was aiming for a pirate theme for him initially then later on realize that he loves Lion Guard in Disney Channel. Lol!

It was really funny though na wala man lang kaming maayos na photo during his birthday celebration. While we were singing a song for him before he blew his cake, I was watching him closely because I don't want to miss that for the world! We actually sang two times and re-light the candle so he could blow again because he likes it! hehehe. Pagbigyan, birthday nya eh.

We just had a chatful afternoon with my officemates. That day was really tiring! But definitely worth it. I was really glad that Jami's birthday fell on a weekend so we were able to celebrate it on that special day. And just like that, it was a very simple birthday celebration but we really loved it. I am looking forward for more birthdays at home until he's seven where we'll probably celebrate somewhere special too. =)


Dear Baby,

You were so happy having some guests that day (yung mga anak ng mga kumare ko sa office). You even talk to some of my officemates about what's in their teeth (braces) "Ano yan sa teeth mo?" you said. Haha! and I responded, "magiging zombie yan, Anak!" Just to bully my officemates. Hahah! But that's bad, we don't want bullying okay? I was just kidding and my officemates and I have an understanding of that. =D You played the whole day, you ate spaghetti and biko. I was a little worried that you became restless because we have some guests that we barely fit in the house but you behaved well. The only problem was, you don't want to share your toy to Anthony. But that's fine. I talked to you and you started sharing your toys to him. I like it that way. We briefed you that there were kids coming and you have to share toys. You forgot for a moment but you complied. You were really a 3 year old baby! Almost baby no more, Anak! But.. You are my forever baby boy.

You turned 3 that day and I was the happiest Mommy on earth. I grew up celebrating birthdays like this.. at home. No fancy gifts, no clowns, few guests minsan wala pa, there were times na wala talagang handa but it didn't make me a less of a person at all. I want you to stay humble with whatever that you have in life. I am really glad that you are growing up as a smart, lovable, and happy baby! I could not ask for more, Anak. All I want you to become is a healthy, smart, down to earth, hardworking, God-fearing man. Although I still want to cherish these days where all you know is that you love Mommy and Daddy, I won't hinder you when you wish to grow up. Just make sure that you'll take it a step at a time. I love you Jami and I want you to know that you are Mommy and Daddy's greatest blessing of all.

Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY FOREVER BABY BOY! Mommy and Daddy love you sooo much! Mwuah.

Love, Mommy

Jami's First Dirty Ice Cream

Hi everyone! 

Just letting you see Jami's first dirty ice cream experience. 

I thought I have to document this milestone since he has a cute name for ice cream.

He calls it "Suwakin".. Mejo malayo sa Ice cream diba? hahaa! I don't know he just started calling it suwakin. 

Anyway, he had that last weekend when he was still having cough pero I let him eat one. 

 

I also uploaded the video I took while he's eating his first ice cream. =)

Here it is. 

Click on it and it will bring you to my google + account.Don't forget to follow me there too.

Happy watching!! =)

Jami's Sick

Hi guys, sorry for not posting any updates ha?! I was kinda busy with crochet kasi eh. hehehe! I was so addicted to it so instead of taking photos of the things I'll be blogging about, nauuwi sa pagko crochet. hehehe!

Aside from that, Jami is really getting sickly nowadays. Probably because of the weather na din natin - sobrang init sa tanghali then uulan sa gabi. Last month, he got sick. He had fever with colds. We also took him to ER in San Juan De dios Hospital to make sure that he wasn't sick because of his really big bukol sa noo. He was so makulit so nahulog ata sa bed ni Tita Frualene nya. We were told naman that the interval of his bukol and his fever was a little far away na to consider it being critical. We weren't asked to have CT scan na because his activity never changed. He was sick because of colds so viral lang naman.

He got better after couple of days pero he got sick na naman last week. He had cough naman after his colds. His cough looks worst pero the doc said that his lungs are clear so mainly bacterial daw. WE bought the prescribed antibiotic that he'll take for the next 7 days starting today. I am hoping that he'll get better anytime soon.

What makes me really sad is, sobrang laki ng pinayat ni Jami. I can see his bones na bumabakat na sa katawan nya. One thing that doesn't change is his weight. It stays the same kahit sobrang pigil sa pagdede dahil sa kakaubo nya. That's my reference na lang not to get to panic since he maintains his weight.

We had our check up yesterday and good thing he's not getting fever na. Again, we were given antibiotics now, meds for cough and anti-histamine. When his colds gets worst, we'll give him meds for colds na. Nakakaawa because he doesn't want to drink his meds but I insist, mas nakakaawa kasi kapag hindi nakainom ng gamot eh. Jami was so clingy din. Wala ng ginawa kung

Jami: "Mommy.. Mommy... Sama.. Sama... Mameeeeee.... Hug.. Hug.. Hug" (repeat 100x).

Honestly, I am tired pero I loved it. Very demanding nya and always looking for me. Malayo lang ng slight, tumayo lang, "Mommy, Si dan (sit down)". I know sooner or later, ayaw na magpa baby nyan so habang feel na feel pa nya, pagbigyan. Hehe =)

That's all for now and I promise to show you my artwork. hehe! See you guys soon!

Terrible Two Jami - A Start

Sorry guys ha?! I was not able to blog a lot nowadays because I lost my phone. I don't have a tool to take photos so mejo lie low muna tayo. My plan was to buy a smartphone (Samsung) or I'll have a small phone for texts and calls then I'll have Ipad na lang since I'll be using it for blogging and photos. Anyway, wala pa naman budget so it's too early to decide. Hehehe!

I miss instagram a lot na.. Huhu! Kung kelan naman nag eenjoy na ako sa gamit nya, saka naman ako nawalan ng phone. Follow nyo ko ha? @itsmommyjen

So eto na nga, what I want to blog about today was about Jami.

This weekend that passed, we stayed at home so we could take a rest. Jami just got sick last week and ayoko naman na mag umpisa na naman ng byahe. Everyday kasi, dinadala yan ng Daddy nya to their hometown tapos dun nya inaalagaan. I can't get the difference of taking care of his son sa bahay.

Men.

Anyway, I had a good 48 hours to study Jami's behavior - a little. I didn't notice that something has changed to Jami. Akala ko kasi because he was not feeling well at kagagaling lang sa sakit so he must have been really grumpy.

Yesterday, I noticed that Jami shouts a lot.

Jami: Mameee...... Mameee.... 

He was calling me and would stop until I answer back. He was shouting on top of his lungs. I thought it was normal or he was just trying to catch my attention, fine.

-----------------

Jami was playing when he notice something that he wants to get from me. Say for example a pen, I wanted to write about our expenses when he would go to me and would take the pen away while saying..

Jami: Sulat.. sulat.. 
Me: No, wait. Mommy muna. 
Jami: Sulaaaaaaaaattttttt!!!!!!!!!!

Then would sit down on the floor while crying. I will do my best to make amo and would give the pen (which I do have the intention to give the pen in the first place, I was just trying to finish what I was writing about) but he won't accept. Maglulupasay sa sahig while crying and won't give in to anything that I'll say to him.

-------------------

There was also a time when he was playing with his toy cars, I was in front of netbook checking my facebook account when he would cry and would give his toys to me. He was blabbering and I can't understand what he wants me to do. When I touched the cars, it was wet. Sinubo nya pala sa bibig nya out of his annoyance to the toy.

Since the toy was wet because of his laway,

Me: Okay, pupunasan ko na yung toys oh. Punas.. Punas.. while rubbing a cloth to his toy.

When I gave the toy back, he was fine and continued playing with the car.

After 30 seconds, he would cry again while giving his toy to me. I have to make sure it's all dried up then would give it back, he'll play with it and would cry again.

-----------------

Last Sunday night when we were inside Amber in Las Pinas, we were waiting for our dinner to be served. He was seated in one of their high chair while I was watching what he was doing. He was playing with coins when he shouted really loud. The lady who was 3 chairs away from us looked at us with an annoyed face. I looked at her with a questioning face as to why she was annoyed. Hahaha! Oh dear, I can't wait for the day that we'll be in the mall and Jami would throw tantrums. I could already hear people's judgement and those annoying look.

-----------------

This morning, he was crying again when I asked kung anong gusto nya. He was just crying and won't tell me what's the matter. When I checked him, may poop pala so I told him we'll go to bathroom.

Jami: Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! (with matching lupasay at nagpapabigat so I would have a hard time carrying him to the bathroom)

He didn't win. I took him to the bathroom so his Daddy could wash his pwet. I was dressed for work na kasi.

-----------------

Out of all these.. I had a conclusion that Jami is starting a "Terrible Two" stage. I had previously read some articles about this stage and I didn't know it was true until I had Jami who was doing it now. Honestly, I feel a little hopeless. I have read that toddlers undergo this stage and they throw tantrums since they can't communicate well yet. They don't know how to express their feelings properly which always ends up on tantrums. I was torn between understanding Jami's feelings and try to view things on his own eyes without spoiling him. I don't want to make him feel naman that whatever it is that he likes, he'll gets. I want to limit the no's because I want him to experience his surroundings but I also don't want to risk that he would be so spoiled he knows that I am powerless.

I talked to Daryl last night and explain about terrible two. I know Jami is close to that stage and it's starting. I told Daryl to calm down when Jami is throwing tantrums and calmly ask him what he wants. I also told him to observe Jami closely since they will be together most of the time.

Here are the things that I am doing so far.

1.) Ask. Based on what I read, they cry because they can't communicate what they want to tell you.

I always ask him "Bakit?" or "Bakit ka umiiyak?" "Ano yun?" "Anong gusto mo?" Most often than not, he would answer with a cry but still, I ask him.. Like this instance..

Jami was crying.

Me: Bakit? Anong gusto mo? Sad ka ba? Sad??
Jami: Indi (Hindi or No) 

I think I have to tell him how to say what he feels. Like happy, sad, hurt etc.

This morning inside the car, he was sitting on my lap when he started crying again.

Jami: Pusod.. pusod..
Me: Bakit ano yun? Pusod? (then I covered his tummy with his sando)

He hugged me and stayed like that for around 5 minutes. I asked him if masakit ang tummy but he didn't answer. When I asked him to sit on my lap again, pinapalaiit nya yung tummy nya then I had an idea that his tummy aches. Kaya pala he was saying "Pusod". Hayy..

2.) Calm.

I always try my best to calm down when cries or shouts a lot. Pero there were times na I start to think na maybe it's too much na and he might grow spoiled naman. OMG, ang hirap lang.

3.) Talk.

There were times that Jami would be so grumpy I would talk to him. I would hold his face so his attention will be at me then I would start talking saying "diba sabi ko be good ka lang?" then he would start to cry a little as if he's trying to defend what he did. I don't know if he understood what I said pero at least, I tried my best to communicate. Hehe.

So yan, mga bakla. Yan lang muna ginagawa ko today. I don't know yet if this works pero I am hoping that this will past and Jami would not be spoiled naman. =)

Kayo? Any tips?.. =)

Enjoy the rest of your week. =)

Jami's Progress at 21st Month

It's been a while since I last post about Jami's progress. I have written this topic on my notebook where I keep all my blogging ideas however, I am so lazy to write down the things that Jami can say or do so it's been delayed na for so long. I guess I should start focusing on his progress and write things down often so I won't forget.

Anyway, I have told you many times that Jami is a lot of a talker. He can say a lot of things and at the age of 21st month, he can talk already and can at least communicate on the things that he likes.

During the time we were in Pangasinan, last weekend which I should tell you about, I asked him to remove his shoes and socks since we're inside the car na. Biniro ko sya that I will smell his feet. When it reached my nose, I smelled it at mejo pawis syempre nakulob inside his shoes so I acted that it was mabaho.

Me: Hmmmpp... Baho!

Jami: (Laughing).. Ba-ngo..

I was so shocked that he said "Bango" in full. I didn't even know that he knows the word. Daryl and I laughed at him because he's so adorable. He also say "Ba-wo" for "Baho" or Mabaho. =)

-------------------------------------------------------

At night, Jami has to drink his milk before falling asleep. There were times that he would sleep with his milk bottle inside his mouth so as soon as I see him sleeping, I'll take the bottle away. By morning, around 6am, he would wake up asking for his milk.

Jami: Man... Man.. Ku-wa.. Man..

He refers to his Milk as "Man". It actually started with "Didiya" but since he heard Nanay said "Dede na naman?!" He then called his milk "Diman" then evolved to just "Man" na lang. Shortcut kung shortcut. Hahaha! So what he's saying there was

Translation: Milk.. Milk.. Kuha.. Milk

Even if I am so sleepy pa, I'll go up because he won't stop until I give him one. I don't want to wake him up din since I want to sleep more pa. Hehehe.

--------------------------------------------------------

Jami was so makulit, he can't keep still and loves to run and run and run everywhere.

Every time that he wants to go somewhere away from me, specially if we were not at home, Our usual conversation is..

Me: Oh.. San ka na naman punta? or San ka punta?

Jami: Pow-ta.. Dun.. (points somewhere)

--------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes, Jami would come running to me blabbering words as if he's trying to say something while pointing out somewhere..

Me: Saan?

Jami: Dun.. lanlagfakjbsafa.. Dun..

Me: Saa? Ituro mo sa akin. (Then I'll follow him to where he's pointing out)

Jami: (would stop to where his pointing out).. akhfaiogbrgbsgbslbgs

Me: Ano daw??

Hahahah! It was really hard. One good thing is that he knows a lot of words na. So I always try to pick up those words that he's saying so I could respond accordingly. 

---------------------------------------------------------

Last night while in the car, he kept on saying..

Jami: Da-go.. Miming.. Da-go

Me: Oo.. hhmmm.. okay.. (Just for the sake of responding while looking at his eyes)

Jami: Da-go... Miming... 

I have no idea what he's saying there.. Miming was the cat and "da-go" was something I have to figure out pa. I think he's referring to "Dugo" or "Blood" because yesterday, while I was cooking our lunch and my pack lunch to work, I saw him reaching for something inside my brother's cabinet. I didn't bother looking since the cabinet is slightly open lang. 

I continued what I was doing, I looked back to him and saw him holding a razor!! 

I immediately went to him and saying "Jami, No." 

He went running away from me and I caught him. When I grabbed the razor, I saw a blood on his chin!!! 

OMG talaga I shouted " Daddy!!! Yung anak mo nag ahit na ng bigote nya tulog ka pa rin!!!"

I have been asking him to wake up na since I can't look after Jami while cooking. He immediately got up and hold Jami while I looked for betadine and cotton. It was a small cut lang naman on his chin. Alam mo yung sugat na makukuha mo when you shaved? 

Hayy.. Ubod ng kulit talaga. He didn't cry as much since sobrang liit lang naman ng sugat although it's bleeding kasi kaya we put a band-aid muna.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Today, while I was busy in the kitchen preparing my pack lunch and our brunch, Jami climbed up the chair beside our fridge. I guess he's busy looking at himself in the mirror. Later on, I heard him cried and saw him holding the effin' razor again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My brother left it above the fridge and Jami saw it so since he always see my brother or his Daddy shaving their beards, ayan.. ginagaya nya. 

He got a double wound na. His wound yesterday was the same spot he shaved today. Nakakaloka!

With that, nag init tuloy ang ulo ko and blamed his Daddy na hindi sya tinitingnan because he's busy watching T.V. 

Jami is almost 2 years old and he's sobrang makulit. I guess I am about to go into "terrible two" stage na. I hope I can manage it well when I get there. 

Jami,

You are growing really fast and you talk a lot. As much as possible, I want to encourage real play where you can play outdoors or indoors with your toys. During the time that I let you watch T.V, I am amazed that you know some characters in Disney Junior like "Pi-ya" (Sophia the first), "Mi-Mim" (kate and Mim-Mim), "Payy" (Hi-5), "Mos-ter" (Henry Hugglemonster), "Ma-Maws" (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). You're so smart, Anak, alam ko sakin ka nagmana! Itanong mo pa sa Daddy mo. =) I know we're almost at the "terrible two" stage and I am praying that God guides us to be the best parent for you so we could instill a God-fearing, Smart, at Mabait na bata. Daddy and I want the best for you, Anak. Just please don't grow up fast okay? I love you, my forever happy but grumpy (on photos) baby.. 

Love, 

Mommy and Daddy

My Toddler and The Tantrums?

Just before I continue our Manila Ocean Park Trip, I would like to discuss about James’ attitude nowadays.

I can’t believe that he’s growing up really fast. He’s being responsive every day and that he does more things than before.

For example, He can now fluently say “CAR”. Last time, he learned “DOWN” and “Daddy”. I can also hear him say “Dede” either pointing on his milk bottle or my or anyone else’s boobs or even navel. I don’t know why he call the pusod as dede too..

James is a year and four months and his vocabulary is growing every day. I am surprised myself to hear my baby boy saying things out loud. Akala ko yan, magsasalita pa lang when he reached 2 years old but I am dead wrong. He can now say single – words with a minimal repetition for him to learn.

One of the things that I noticed too is that, he’s singing. Although it’s as if he’s saying something na hindi talaga maintindihan but you’ll know because there’s sort of a tune. Whenever we watch frozen, he duets with Elsa singing “Let it go’ with matching hand gestures. He also dances with upbeat tones. In short, pa bibo na ang bagets. =)

Pero eto talaga ang hindi ako makapag move on eh. Last night, we went to Mall of Asia to have dinner and to unwind for a bit. Yung tipong makalabas lang ba sa lunga at nakakainip naman ang laging nasa opisina lang. When we got to the mall, we decided to eat na lang sa Max’s Restaurant. Under renovation ang place and Max’s was not relocated elsewhere daw. I don’t know if it was relocated or tinanggal na talaga. We decided to eat na lang sa Congo Grill courtesy of Daryl’s Mom. While we order, nakakinis lang na masikip ang place and there’s no room para sa stroller so kelangan ko pang tupiin. 

 While we were waiting, I have decided to bring James to Timezone. Malapit lang kasi sa Congo Grill eh. I bought another card because my officemates didn’t return my old one. Anyway, sulit naman because for P100, It comes with P120 load that you can use right away. I let James do one ride while I sang on one of their cubicles for videoke. Grabe! Winner dun ang videoke nila, ang gaganda ng equipment.

Daryl and I decided to go back to Congo Grill kasi baka ready na ang food. We were telling James “Bye” so he would follow us out pero hindi, deadma lang sya sige pa din ang kalikot sa mga ibat-ibang gadgets. When I hold him and sapilitang inilibas sya. Ayun, lumuhod at naglulupasay sa labas ng Timezone. I carried him right away pero as in nagpapabigat sya at kumakawala dahil gustong bumalik sa Timezone. Until we got inside Congo Grill, nagwawala pa din. I have to make him sit sa high chair then gave my spoon and fork para manahimik na. I don’t want any commotion. That’s when I realized na marunong ng mag tantrums ang Anak ko!.

A tantrum or temper tantrum is an emotional outbreak, usually associated with children or those in emotional distress, typically characterized by stubbornness, crying, screaming, defiance, angry ranting, a resistance to attempts at pacification and, in some cases, hitting.

After some thinking, I realized na madalas na nga syang umaarte kapag hindi nakukuha ang gusto nya. When his Daddy and I are eating, he wants to have a spoon and fork for himself and would scoop our food. Since di pa sya marunong, it sometimes ends up na kumakalat. There were times din na he gets something na hindi pwede sa kanya, as much as possible, I would tell him to “bigay kay mama” so he would give it to me peacefully which often than not works but for some other time, I would need to grab it from him para di na mag cause ng anything that would hurt him the he would start crying with paawa face. There were also times na sisigaw at magtitili yan ng matinis nyang boses na nakakabingi. I don’t know kung san nya natutunan ang pagtili – tili.

Not just that, whenever he sees me going out of his sight, hahabol na yan while crying. Kapag alam nyang he can’t get close to me, mag lulupasay na yan sa sahig at iiyak na akala mo wala ng bukas. 

I don’t know what has changed. Previously, when I still had the old househelp (sumalangit nawa sya!), he won’t cry kapag aalis kami going to work. Alam kasi ng yaya kung paano sya lilibangin while doing some activity like, when he sees me going out, instead na humabol, the yaya would get him and would carry him then would make him lock the door which makes him forget that I am leaving. I don’t know if it would still work if we would get a new Nanny. As of the moment, yayaless pa din kami. My aunt found one from Masbate daw and she’s a relative of them kaya lang their asking for an advance payment that I can’t produce yet kasi biglaan naman. You know, walang savings. Hehehe.

Anyhow, I don’t know kung paano ang approach na gagawin ko with James whenever he throws tantrums. Should I give in ba to avoid his crying or should I make tiis. Naisip ko naman kasi maybe he’s too baby pa para mapagsabihan although I know that starting to teach your kids the correct manners early would surely pay off, diba? I’m torn..

How about you Mommies? Any suggestions?

Tips On How to Stop your kids from Thumb-Sucking and Pacifier

When James was a month old, he's always been crying at night. I don't know why but he is. Maybe because of what they were referring as "colic"? I tried to offer his milk, he would decline and his crying goes on and on, non-stop! It was really frustrating. I can't do some me-time too like going to the restroom because he wants to be carried. There was this time pa that I overfed him kasi he was crying all the time, I thought he was hungry. Sumuka sya, siguro dahil sa puno na yung tyan nya ng milk! Bad mama. Hehe.

One time, we were in the grocery getting some supplies, I was surprised that there was a silicon pacifier on our basket. Nanay put one underneath of other stuffs so I won't see it. I was anti -pacifier kasi. I have been told that it can damage baby teeth daw and I don't want that to happen to James. Also, I don't want him to get used in pacifiers or thumb sucking because I know, it will be so hard to wean him from doing it. I don't want to go through the drama as this can be really a challenge for me as a mom.

When James was offered a pacifier, he behaved so much. He spends his time on his pacifier. This also became his sleeping companion until he reached 6 months old. Once his milk is finished, he would sleep only with his pacifier on. There was this time pa when he was 3months old, I think? We left his pacifier in Mcdonalds. I forgot that I put it on our table so that night, we bought several pacifiers available in Mercury Drug but James doesn't want any of them. What he wants was the silicon type which was way cheaper than that on Mercury Drugs if I may say. I had a hard time putting him to sleep because he missed his pacifier so much.

When he reached 6 months old, I was surprised that he no longer wants his pacifier. He can sleep without it and when he cries or wakes up in the middle of the night. I was so happy that I don't need to wean him as he did it himself. I don't know why but whenever I try to put his pacifier on, he seemed nauseous so I stopped and completely kept his pacifier away.

James at 3 months old

James at 4 months 

Now to support those Mommies who're undergoing the fight of weaning their kids from pacifier and thumb sucking. I have enumerated some tips that could help us lessen the battle.

1. The earlier, the better. - It will be better if we will start weaning the kids from using pacifier/thumb sucking as early as possible as this will be easier because most likely, they have a hard time communicating what would make them comfortable. It will take all your patience and energy in weaning these on a toddler than a baby. In my case, James only uses his pacifier on bedtime or if Nanay or I will have to do chores.

2. Tastes - I remembered my mom telling stories about how she weaned my sister in thumb sucking. She said she put a small ginger on my sister's thumb so when she thumb suck, it will give her the impression of it tasting bad and would eventually stop them.

3. Lose it. - Some parents would intentionally keep the pacifier away from their kids so that they would forget about it sooner or later.

4. Slowly but surely - this means taking the use of pacifier gradually. It would be the ideal time like bedtime. With that, it will lessen their needs of it and would eventually let it go.I think this is what happened to James.

5. Let them stop when they want - Some mommies out there doesn't see the use of pacifier or thumb sucking a big deal. Their motto was to keep it until they wanted to as they would stop when they feel like stopping. In my case, I didn't agree with this last one. Thank God! James stopped in an early age. =)

How about you Mommies? Any tips that are not included here? I'll be happy to edit and link it back to your blogs. =)

P.S articles are from babycenter.com

Savings For My Son's Future

Finances -  I am seriously in troubled. That I admit.

Honestly, when I was single and working, I spend my money on… on.. ahm… hmmm… I actually don’t know where. I started working when I was 18 years old and believe me, I never had a savings account. I didn’t realize that savings is fun and will definitely be something that I will regret soon. In 2012, which as per my eldest sister Fraulene said as our most traveled year, I spent all my money paying for my trip. That, I never regret. Of course! I have been to Boracay in April, Coron, Palawan in August, Cagayan de Oro – Camiguin in October then Laoag – Vigan – Pagudpud in November. It was all worth it. When people discuss about where they went on holidays, I have a lot of stories to tell. I even discussed it during my final presentation when I applied for a position from my previous company, the one I left when I got pregnant.

As I have told you gazillion times, when I got pregnant, I stopped working which brought me on a situation and realization that I need money and the health card as it provides me free pre-natal check ups. Though it is for 14 pre – natal check ups only, it is still a great deal right? When I was 10 weeks – 16 weeks pregnant, I tried to go back to workforce pero they are no longer considering me because I was 4 months pregnant by then.

Fast forward to today, I am still struggling financially. Totoo pala yung sinabi nilang magastos yung unang taon ng baby. From the experience I had after giving birth to where I am as of the moment is because of the fact that I wanted James before I was even ready. I never had any regrets though. I know it happened for a reason and I am certain that I will be able to fix this as soon as possible. From the expenses of milks to diapers to vaccines and so on, All I was thinking was I am lucky to have a healthy and beautiful baby. This is what I am most thankful for and cheers to that!

When I get back to work, I was able to read financial blogs and found it really helpful. It was such an eye – opener. So what made me think about things has changed. I came up to a thinking of not having a savings account. Now that I have James, I should have an emergency fund to save us from anything. I found out that it should be an equivalent of monthly salary for six months. Hell, ang laki pala dapat! Hahaha. That’s what I thought. I am really struggling to come up to it but I have to. There’s no way I should not have one. I had 2 ATM savings account na walang laman so I thought of just funding them from time to time pero there will always be this time na I badly need it so walang kaabog – abog, I will go to an ATM then withdraw the money until it is back to zero.

I checked online as to which will be the best way for a starter. I found out about the Junior savings. It’s about having a savings account for your child who are 0-12 years of age or for some up to 17 years old. I checked on my bank but they only allow 10 years old and up so I searched which bank offers a wide variety of benefits. I am torn between 3 banks actually – BDO, Metrobank and PSBank. You may want to find the difference of each when you click on each of them.

I have chosen BDO Junior Savers because it is the nearest bank to me while in the office and at home. I even considered the bank schedules where they are open on Saturdays and Sundays and even Holidays. They also have additional benefits/freebies/discounts for the principal holder. You can see the list here.

I have been thinking about Metrobank because of the educational trust benefit worth P50,000.00 sana pero I have set myself into BDO. It’s very important that I’ll be able to have an access to the bank because due to my work schedules, I can’t manage to go there anymore.

Tadah!!!

Finally, last month, I was able to open an account for James. I put the money I saved couple of weeks before.

For those who are like me na hindi mapakali ang pwet kapag may hawak na pera, I suggest to open a passbook account without an ATM to lessen the tendency of you withdrawing the money.

Here’s what you need:

Authenticated Birth Certificate (Baby)

1X1 ID Picture

2 valid ID’s of the parent

Proof of Billing ( for some branch)

When I was asked for the requirements, I showed them James’ birth certificate that came from the hospital (my copy). The teller quite hesitated so she asked one of her collegues and luckily, they accepted what I have. I just gave them my Unified ID and filled out the form. After a while, I was aked as to how much will I deposit then couple of minutes after, handed me the passbook.

Hindi pa double digit ang laman nyan pero ok na din for a start. I am taking a baby step one at a time. Parang si James lang while he’s trying to learn how to walk diba? =)

Although one of the things that I have noticed is that I wasn’t given instructions on how I will be able to take advantage of the discounts from their partner establishments. Mejo mukhang stress kasi yung teller na kausap ko kasi she’s being pressured by this other client who said that her passbook is missing and she wants it blocked/cancelled. The teller said she has to line up first kasi first come, first serve basis daw. Hindi mapakali yung babae (which I understand) kaya ayun, mejo sumungit tuloy si ateng teller. Anyway, there’s always a way to find out naman on how I can get those discounts diba? In time. =)

One of the reason I am posting this? Feeling ko kasi I will be more pressured to fulfill a goal rather than keeping it myself kasi for sure with this blog that's open 8 hours a day for 5 days will remind me so much about it. =)

I hope this will be a good start. With this, I am planning to let James know how important savings are and what good it will do to him in the long run. =)

Dear James,

I am so happy that I was able to start saving for you. I know it will be quite hard with all the expenses that we are facing as of the moment but I am really glad, truly glad. I hope in your early age, you will be able to save as this is one of the things that I regret not doing. It can take you places Anak, believe me. I will try my best to encourage you on this one. Sana lang di ka gastador tulad ko. For the meantime, You might ask why pero I don’t know why exactly I opened an account for you but surely this will be one of those things that will be useful for you while you’re growing up Baby. Sabi nga nila, the best time to save up is “Now”.

Yesterday was your 8^th month birthday. I really didn’t plan to buy you a cake kasi sarado na yung Red Ribbon when Mama goes home then in the morning naman, they open at 10am pa. Di bale, We’ll have it this weekend na lang baby ok? Stay healthy and Happy. I love you more than you ever know. =)

Love,

Mama

New Food, New Taste

I have mentioned to you sometime ago that I bought Gerber for James. I was told that if you let your baby get use to Gerber, they will become a picky – eater which as much as possible, I try my best to avoid James to become one although there’s a huge possibility that he will kasi I am one picky – eater too. I don’t eat veggies and other ulam sa totoo lang. I don’t like to be forced kasi the more na I am being asked to eat a food that I don’t prefer, the more na ayoko. Sometimes, I base my judgement on the looks of it and how it is being served and sometimes, sa kung sino pa ang nagluto. #ubodngarte Hahahaha. I know but this is the way I am. But then, when I started to blog again, I have decided to try some other food. There will still be time na mejo maarte talaga ako when it comes to food, yung tipong I stick to my comfort food all the time but then I will try my best to at least explore things around me. I think this will be one step of achieving new, don’t you think? So when I said that James has the tendency to become a picky – eater too, hell I am not joking. Hehe. Good thing Daryl wasn’t. He can eat whatever kahit lupa. Hahahah! Joke lang Bebe. =) I am hoping James would appreciate food like Daryl does. So, why let James try it? I just want to.. Hehe! I want to discover the things that he would and wouldn’t like at all. I want to see which food he likes the best.

His usual routine is, he will be offered lugaw or pandesal in the morning when he wakes up or even a biscuit. Later in the morning, around 10am onwards or before I go to work, I will have him eat cerelac. Sometimes, if Nanay’s able to cook food like the other day, he will be offeredveggies like sayote for example. I just didn’t see if he like it though. Then the whole day, he will have milk unless Nanay would offer him rice only or bread or anything in a small amount.

 

When I was buying Gerber, I don’t know which flavor to pick. I was standing there for 5 minutes lang naman kasi kasama ko si James or else baka tinubuan na ako ng ugat sa pagkakatayo ko dun. Hahaha. When I go to malls kasi with James, kinakarga ko na lang sya kesa sa baby carrier kasi mas madali akong mapagod eh, I think.

Two days ago, I let James try Gerber. I bought the Banana Flavor kasi I love Bananas eh. Feeling ko din kasi it’s one of the safest flavor I can go. Yung ibang flavor kasi na available sa groceries are Squash, Carrots then yung ibang mixed na. The moment of truth came… Drum roll please!!! James… didn’t.. like.. it. Nakakainis! Hahahah. I thought he would love it pero nung sinubuan ko sya, nag asim face sya tapos para syang masusuka. I tasted it myself and found na maasim pala yung Banana Flavor kala ko pa naman matamis. I stopped him from eating it kasi nga para syang masusuka. Although hindi naman ako nawawalan ng pag-asa na magugustuhan din nya. Baka di lang sya sanay sa ibang flavor pa. I have read somewhere din na it takes 15 times ata bago maging familiar ang mga babies sa bagong lasa. So I’ll try it again next time. I also bought the Monggo and soya flavor ng Cerelac and so far, he liked it. I tasted it and it was almost the same taste with the rice and soya flavor.

I was able to see other food that can be introduced to James pero I opted not to for the meantime. I want him to be able to eat fresh vegetables pa rin. =) I badly want to visit Healthy Options outlet for their organic food. I have heard a lot of good reviews about it so I am trying that too. #makikigayalang. Maybe in the next couple of weeks. Tara!  =)

James' Favorite Video: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

One of the things that I don’t want James to be doing most of the time is to watch television. As much as possible I want to limit it only for an hour or two a day. Well, some said 4 hours is quite fine per day. When James was 3 months old, from the moment that he’s able to see very well, he don’t prefer watching tv kaya I thought nagmana sya sakin na hindi mahilig manood ng TV.

A month or so ago, Often in the morning, James and Nanay stay at Tita Grace’s house specially those days na sobrang init ng panahon. They’ll stay at their room with ac turned on while James’ happily plays on their bed or sometimes, he’s watching the video on the their tablet. Since then, nakahiligan na ni James ang panonood. I even thought of buying a tablet na din so he can watch videos wherever we go but for the meantime, what I did was I downloaded the videos on my memory card to transfer it over to my own netbook. The videos like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Pororo Opening Song, Hi-5 song compilation and Tom and Angela song came from my brother’s netbook which has a speaker defect kaya no choice ako kundi itransfer sya sa laptop ko.

Whenever I play the video, he giggles while watching the Twinkle, Twinkle. That was his favorite amongst all the videos I mentioned. He really liked the owl there and the bright yellow star. I was hoping to download the other videos too this coming weekend. =)

Here are some of the screen shots of the video.

As I said I don’t want him to be watching too much kasi they said it causes a speech delay to kids which I totally agree. My nephew Andy started saying words when he turned near two years old. The doctor even advised to get him checked for speech but the good thing is now, he’s able to say phrases which the doctor said is fine and there’s no need to undergo therapies. Although it’s still late, it’s more of that we are thankful he’s going there than nothing at all diba? =)

By the way, The video came from www.SuperSimpleLearning.com . I can’t link the video here kasi I am using my email to update you with this post. Hihihi. =) na discover ko kasi yun last night. I didn’t know na pwede pala yun. Hahaha. Ignorante lang.

I always want him sitting while the video is playing pero most of the time, what he wants to do is to get closer sa netbook para mas matitigan or madilaan nya yung owl. I don’t allow him though kasi baka lumabo naman ang eyesight kapag sobrang lapit nya. Pero bukod pa dun, pinupukpok nya yung keyboard ng netbook eh sira na nga diba? Ninenerbyos ako kapag kasi nga baka lalong masira pa. Kaloka!

Anyway, ano bang mga books ang pwede kong ibili kay James. He’s turning 8 months this Monday, the 23^rd of June and I guess by next month he will be interested with books already. I tried to give one while looking for books when we were in Booksale kaya lang kinakain nya. Nyak!

I am not buying him a very expensive books kaya I checked in Booksale. Most of their books are cheaper kasi second handed  ata ang most of them.

Any suggestions were to buy nice but affordable books? I’ll appreciate it Moms! =)