Tummy bug

For three days now, I and the kids have been victims of yet another episode of the tummy bug.

I feel so weak already. I'm having problems when I stand up, my heartbeat goes too fast. I feel like I'm going to faint anytime.

This time there were no vomiting episodes. Only lbm episodes. Although I got to lose two kg instantly in just two days, I think I already lost too much electrolytes that's why I feel so weak and sluggish.

Good thing this day I've seen some improvements on our condition. But my usual appetite is still not back hehe.

Even if I feel I'm in the road to recovery, I feel that my body had already taken its toll on me. I want to take a break from all my other duties. Cooking, cleaning, driving the kids to Gymbaroo and Soccajoeys. I just feel my body needs to recover. I need to recharge again to be back my usual self.

Actually told it to hubby and he's okay with it...I even turned down work because I'm still not fit.

Starting today until Friday, I'm calling in sickie.

Staying Positive

This will be short and simple.

I just didn't realise you'll stoop that low.

I guess I was expecting more from you. More character put into action.

You've proven me wrong once more.

This, I think is the last straw.

Life is too short to waste our time and energy to people who just bring negative vibes. I actually just wasted my time writing this blog entry. But this will be the last.

With the sad news I continue to receive of close friends suddenly passing away, I am committed to choose happiness. 

I am determined to stay positive and to keep it that way.

My Son Can Now Read!

Yes, all my patience and hardwork has paid off  :-)

Liam can now read on his own. Simple words and simple sentences. He is still not a perfect reader, but he is getting there. I was able to record it but the file is too big for blogger. I was able to upload it though in my Facebook account  :-)

Of course, not everyone gave the thumbs up sign :p who cares? It doesn't matter :)

I just feel proud because it is a personal achievement for both me and my son. I feel a different kind of high seeing him now, comparing him and looking back at how he was when we were just starting. When I hear him read to me, struggle to read the words correctly, sound out each letter top come up with the word and overcome it --all music to my ears. Feel na feel ko ang pagiging nanay, dahil ako ang nagturo sa anak ko magbasa. Sorry, but I won't give credit to his teachers in pre-school and in childcare because formal reading is taught in the big schools. Early childhood education here are all play-based unlike in Manila. Weird, huh?

I know this is only the beginning and it's still a long way for my little boy.But as they say, the first step is usually the hardest, once you've made that, the rest is history.

Another milestone Kuya Liam, reading at the age of 4 years and 4 months :D Another proud moment for both me and your Papa! Great job, Kuya!!!

Looking forward to more reading bonding nights with you.  :-)

Happy 18th!

Times flies! There is really no stopping you (and your Kuya) from growing up!

18 months!

You have achieved a lot of developmental milestones and Papa and Mama are soooo proud of you!

Your latest trick? Super powers!!!! Shiiiing! (with your hands raised pretending like a super hero! That never fails to brighten up our day!!!!

You know how to tell if you have been pushed by Kuya Liam (uh-oh) hehehe

You know and say already a lot of words: spider, flower, fruit, nana (banana), amins (vitamins), tick-tock, no, push.... they are just too many anak, Mama can't remember them all in one sitting.

And just a few days ago, you officially said goodbye to your high chair as you joined me, Papa and Kuya Liam on the big table! You can now sit still and eat by yourself, with very minimal assistance. Bravo!!! Makalat nga lang hahaha But it's okay. Papa and Mama are starting to enjoy our eating time again because we don't have to feed you. You seem to be one independent kid too, just like your Kuya Liam!

Anak, bawasan mo lang ng konti, konti lang, yung tapang at taray mo! Mama might be in trouble! hehehe

Papa and Mama were talking last night and realized that you are no baby anymore! Nakikipaghabulan ka na sa amin, nakikipaglaro sa mga pinsan mo, mahilig makipag-taguan, magtaray, tumili, umaray, tumawa ng malakas, magpatawa! Bata ka na! :C or :D? Both.

We realized that we're done with the hardest past of rasing babies! Hooray!

Thanks for not giving us a hard time anak.

Thank you for adding laughter into our home!

We love you Sammie!

You will always be our bunso.

"Be Still, I'm in Control"

I feel that this is God's present message to me.

Earlier this week, Alvin told me that his manager already gave them a heads up as to when their contract will expire. They have until August. Guaranteed. So that leaves us with only 3 months. Scary, huh?

Scary!

Especially that my work is only on a casual basis. Alvin, as usual was  still cool and relaxed as his boss said that he would still enquire in the hr if his contract had chances of still being renewed (because of pending projects) so that he doesn't have to spend time and energy looking for a new job, if only in the end his contract will be renewed. Alvin feels and is confident that his will be.

Anyway, we're still not sure until he gets to sign the contract, right? In the same manner that it doesn't help that almost every week we see news of big companies, mostly in the construction field though, but still, closing and announcing bankruptcy. The economic instability of some European countries adds up to the possible reasons of my worries.

But it's weird, because in spite of all these news, I am not finding myself worrying. No anxiousness, no fear. I am actually surprised myself. I don't think about it. I get to have good sleep at night.

I guess I've already come to that state  where I know God is taking care of everything. Anything bad that might happen along the way is part of His greater and better plan for us and our family.

I am still Lord, for I know you are in control. You are in charge.

I am keeping the faith.

The Beauty in Death

Death.

It becomes so real when it comes to  take people who are dear to you. People who have been part of your journey.

But it is not all ugly.

There is beauty in death.

It teaches you lessons. It reminds you of the more important things. It makes you treasure the loved ones you have now. It makes you hold their hands tighter. Hug them longer. Tell them "I Love You" more often.

You try to live your life making the right choices. Choices that will really matter in the end.

Death.

A reminder that our life and the life of our loved-ones is really not forever.

Death.

Thank you Tito Nick, you have taught me to value my family better. To overlook weaknesses and selfishness. To choose to love and to be happy. To be strong and to choose to fight.

Thank you Raewen. You were taken too soon. I am still overwhelmed with your sudden loss.  You have taught me to value my children more. To overlook their imperfections. To overlook my tiredness. To choose to serve and to be more patient.

I know that you two are now in a much happier place.

Thank you for the lessons you have taught me.

Be at peace now, for you are now with HIM.

Uh-oh!

Sam is presently in the stage "me-mine." She doesn't want to share things let alone someone just going near to see her play.

Last week, Liam's pre-school had a post-Mother's day morning tea and while waiting for the program to start, she had time to do free play. Two boys attempted to go near her, but lo and behold, she would say "NO!" then attempts to slap the hand of the boys! Oh poor boys! Ang taray to the max! One of the boys actually already had a crying episode with Sam.

I was just thinking, baka when she grows up, I might get into trouble, especially with the parents of other kids. Sobrang tapang! I know here in Sydney, it will be an asset. Can't help but think, kung anong bait ng kuya yun naman ang kabaligtaran ni Sam. She's not salbahe, but I think she is a little cheeky! :-)

Uh-oh! :-)  I think we need a different kind of approach with Sammie hehe :-)

By the way, she has plenty of new words: she can say spider, water, juice, rice, car, flower, amins for vitamins, bread, bacon, what, is :-)

She can carry a tune and looks like she's into music as well :-)  Thanks to the Wiggles and to her Gymbaroo classes :-)

Way to go, Sammie!

Very proud of you!

Love you!

Getting There

We are just thankful that God has sent us people with wisdom that can help us arrive at a decision.

We were at crossroads the past few days but thanks to these people, we are getting there.

Of course, we believe that they are God sent as we continue to ask for the gift of discernment for this present concern.

We'll get there. Getting there.

Looking Forward

I am an excited mum :D

Next year, my little big Kuya will already be going to the big school! Yes, there is no stopping them from growing up!

Anyways, as of this writing we have two choices.

One: Barnier Public School.  I got the application form yesterday and submitted it today.

According to the school secretary, he is already accepted, officially enrolled, since we are within the area of the school. Yipee!

Hubby and I are considering this school as our top choice.  Barnier Public School  is a Technology school. It is only a few blocks away from our place. It's beside the present pre-school of Liam. It is the same school where his Kuya Lance and Ate Anika go to. In other words, it will be very convenient.

We think that technology is really here for good. It is the thing of the present and the future. There is no way we can stop technology from being a part of our daily lives. So I guess, it will benefit him to be familiar and to learn thru technology.

I am more at peace knowing that he has older cousins attending the same school.

What about his RE classes? They have Scripture classes every Tuesday :D

Now, option 2: Quakers Hill Public School.

Kuya Lance will be taking the placement test for Opportunity classes for Year 5. If he passes, he will transfer to Quakers Hill Public School. We are not in the local area so I think we will be in the waiting list.

Why are we considering this school? We also plan to have Liam try out in the Opportunity classes when he reaches Year 5. But we are considering the social implications if he starts in Barnier and transfer him later on in Quakers Hill Public School (if he gets accepted in the OC Programme). By that time, I'm pretty sure he has already established his friends in Barnier. Hubby and I are thinking, if accepted, we will push thru with Liam's enrollment in QHPS as well. Might as well let him start in QHPS than transfer him later in Year 5. That way we have addressed the social implications of him establishing a new set of friends and adjusting to the school all over.

I am still not familiar with QHPS. It is not a technology school but from the feedback and the school ranking, it is performing really well. It will not be very convenient for though because it is still a ten-minute drive from our place. And I have to study the other details like OOSH or Day Care Centres available near the school.

The school-choosing thing is the serious part. Now for the fun part!


Now, what am I looking forward to? Why all the excitement?

As you very well now, I am a primary school teacher here. Working on a casual basis, I was given the chance to handle different year levels, from Kindy to Year 6, in different schools. Just last week, I handled a Kindy class. And I just can't help but ask myself and imagine what kind of student Liam will be.

Will he be like me? I am no nerd and I don't consider myself bright. I am just diligent and hardworking. I plan and organize things ahead of time. I follow the teacher and I do not like breaking the rules. No fun, huh? hehehehe Hindi ako kalat at makupad, medyo OA nga lang sa aga mag-prepare at mag-aral lalo na pag may exams. I am one chatterbox. I panic when I miss deadlines! Ehem, I am an academic achiever from elementary up until college (okay, even in my Masters :p)

Will he be like his Papa? He is not a nerd as well, but he is naturally intelligent. He is the type na hindi mag-aaral kahit ang dami-dami ng dapat aralin. He will just start studying the day before the exams and still manage to get good grades. He is Mr. Cool, not worrying even if he misses a deadline. He has problems in planning and organizing stuff. Medyo kalat, sorry Papa :D He is the silent achiever.

Will he be like some of the students that I have met over the year? Madaldal pero nakakagawa at may natatapos. Mr. Tulala or Mr. Dead-ma?, "Mr. I Can't Do This!" (I hope not!)? Tahimik, makupad at walang natatapos? Makupad? Kalat? Kalimotero? Maayos at mabilis?

Exciting, huh? :D

I promised myself that I will not be a stage mum, but it doesn't mean that I will not get involved in my son's studies.

Like in my previous post, I will still continue to give him his fare share of stress (ooops) when it comes to studying. I plan to establish his study habits as early as now so we will not be having any troubles when he gets older. I will continue to give him supplementary exercises so he is always one step ahead. (So he will not have a hard time adjusting when he gets to Secondary School where all students start to get stressed because of HSC!)

But secondary school will be a totally different story.

One step at a time.

I still have to wait though for the official letter from the school in the post (probably next term) informing us of his acceptance and the next steps that we need to do.

I can see that Liam is excited as well. He just doesn't know that I am more excited!

Can't wait :D

Wanting to Remember

I started writing blogs for two reasons: one, I enjoy writing and two, I was kind of hoping to earn extra through blogging.

Thankfully, there is no need for me to write blogs in order to earn. I get to write now because I love and enjoy it and it also serves as my breather from the daily grind of life.

After almost four years of blogging, there seems to be another reason emerging as to why I continue to chronicle my journey: I want to remember.

I'm pretty sure you are familiar with the novel The Notebook. Well if you haven't read it I'm sure you've watched the film.

Having Alzheimer's Disease runs in the family. My father's immediate aunt and my father's own sister were diagnosed to have one. So I am open to the idea that I might have it too in the future. It doesn't help that at the age of 33, I have had 3 major operations that needed general anesthesia.

Because of this possibilty, I now  write because years from now, when I  am old and gray, and who knows with Alzheimers, I would like to have something to  help me remember how my life was before. On how I have lived my life. On how my journey went. I would love Alvin to read it to me as well, just like in The Notebook.

But Alzheimers or no Alzheimers, I'm sure years from now, I will be very happy with the decision I made, of writing my journey to remember all the happy and sad stories and the choices I made.

Hopefully, there will be no regrets, only lessons learned and lessons to be taught in the next generations :)

Upgrading

After three years, I'm upgrading my mobile phone.

Thank you LG Renoir, you have been a good mobile and a good camera. if not for your busted mic which hinders me and hubby to have video calls, I would have not replaced you. I will miss you.You have been a bearer of good news.

Welcome Samsung Galaxy S2. I admit I am still a bit intimidated. I am not that tech-savvy. I hope that you will be as reliable as lg. I also hope that you will be a lucky mobile.

 I hope that we will also have a beautiful relationship in the comings years. Looking forward to getting to know you  and using you more in the coming days.

Blogger Mobile App

Talk about being slow and late. I just discovered that blogger has a mobile app!

I tried it twice on my new mobile and in less than fifteen minutes I had two blogs, published!

Had I known, I would've tried and installed one in the tablet. Well, better late than never, right?

It wasn't so hard considering I also had to put some pictures. Downside though, I can't edit the position of the photos and put some captions.

But overall, I'm just loving it  :-)

Mothers' Day 2012

This year since both kids go to childcare, I had additional gifts from them :)

This was from Liam's outputs from Yogies

This was Sam's outputs from Yogies

Another output of Liam from Yogies

And of course, being a mum to Liam and Sam has its other perks. Hubby gave me four new Pandora charms and a new bracelet for the special occasion.

Four more Pandora bracelet charms and a new bracelet :D

Thank you, Liam, Sam and Papa for your presents. They are very much appreciated. But I am already happy with the hugs, kisses, cuddles and I love yous you give me everyday. Not that I'm complaining hehe

I hope you also had your share of beautiful presents, unforgettable moments and stories as you celebrated this special day!

Cheers to all of us mums, single mums, dads who are mums to their kids and grandmas out there! :)

Motherhood is the greatest and most beautiful gift I have ever  received in my life. Just humbled to have been given the chance to experience it.

Reflections on Motherhood

In a few days from now, we will again be celebrating Mothers' Day. It will be my 5th year celebrating this special day.

The past few days as well, I have had chance encounters with fellow mums and I just found myself reflecting on motherhood.

Here are some of it:

Are mothers born or are they made? 
Like what my older mum-friends have told me just before I had Liam, motherhood will change me. And it did. I did things that I never thought of doing. Doing things came out naturally. Changing diapers, washing clothes, tidying up their mess (not to mention soiled clothes), nursing them, putting them to sleep, bathing them, cooking for them, and doing crazy and corny stuff for them -- reading books with voices and feelings, acting out, making silly sounds, dancing, jumping and playing with and like them (I mean, really levelling with them, acting like kids. This list also includes the natural tendencies of moms to discipline (and instill discipline) to their kids, especially when they are some place else (especially, when they are in other people's homes). I thought all moms are alike, you know, that there's like this invincible common denominator that makes people call us "mothers." Guess I was wrong. I am surprised to see some who acts as if motherhood is done as soon as they have given birth to their bub. There are plenty of like that here. Sad to say. (Siguro kasi here, the more kids you have the higher ang government allowance mo, so yung iba, anak na lang ng anak).

Just last night, I was actually telling Alvin the story of a fellow mum in Sam's Gymbaroo class. Before I told him the story, I told him, I am not judging the mum, because I don't know her personally, I am not seeing the bigger picture. But I was just amazed because it was my first time to see a mum na talagang dead-ma. As in. During equipment time, di niya tinutulungan. Di niya prino-prompt. Hinahayaan lang talaga niya. And come activity time, pag lumalayo yung anak niya, tinitignan lang niya. Yung tingin pa niya, blank stare, even if her kid is starting to annoy other kids. During Ttime, kids are supposed to wait for the thing that they brought and get it from Teacher Jo. Yung anak niya, kig nilalabas ni Teacher Jo. Medyo nakikipagagawan na siya sa Teacher, pero si Mum? Dead-ma pa rin! As in! Kapag kinuha ni Teacher Jo yung gamit sa bub niya, iiyak pero dead-ma pa rin si Mum! I am just amazed. Si Sam naman and the other kids, may ganoong episodes din, minsan di nagpa-participate or nakikigulo, pero the other mums know when to intervene when they see their kid crossing the boundary na. I got the feeling na Teacher Jo was just waiting for the mum to intervene na, kaso, wala nga. Sabi ko kay Alvin, di ko alam kung sino ang special, si Mum or si bub. Sabi ko nga ayaw ko mag judge kasi baka naman during Gymbaroo time, yun na lang ang breathing time ni Mum from bub. Baka it is the only place and time na pwedeng magdead-ma si Mum, dahil naaliw si bub. Pero sobrang dead-ma naman yun. Ang hirap magsalita kasi lalo na kung special case si bub, at ako yung nasa position ni mum, baka maging ganoon din ako ka-deadma.

After being a mum for only 5 years, I can't and I won't say that I am already an expert in this field. I know I still have a LOT of things to learn. I just consider myself lucky to have been given two wonderful children, who, at the time of this writing, has not given me any major headaches or worry, aside from their usual and normal bouts and episodes of whining, crying, and cheekiness.I can say that their behaviours are within normal and thankfully, no problems whatsoever in achieving developmental milestones.

I think it also helped that I got to read a book before I had Liam sharing stories of the "darker" side of motherhood. You know, it's not all perfect. It prepared me to be realistic and to see motherhood on both sides.

Well, so much for this.

As I end this reflection on Mothers' Day, let me share this story I received from the e-mail last week and let me greet all of the mums out there: Happy Mothers' Day!

 A  Newborn's  Conversation with  God


 A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
 but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

 God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

 The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have
 to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

 God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
 And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

 Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand
when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

 God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words
 you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will
teach you how to speak."

 "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

 God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
 you how to pray."

 "Who will protect me?"

 God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

 "But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

 God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach
 you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

 At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth
could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave
 now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

Being Prayed Over

I have been prayed over a LOT of times already. So I am not really new to being prayed over.

But being prayed over by my 4 year old son?

Guess how I felt when he did.

Are you for real, anak?

What did I do to deserve such a good boy like you?

Like in my previous posts about my son, I am writing this because I want to remember something special that my son did.

Wednesday: Sam had the tummy bug and since Wednesday I have been doing laundry, heavy laundry, aside from the usual chores at home.

Friday: kids went to childcare. at breakfast I already felt something different in my body. When I picked them up, I was informed that Liam had vomiting episodes. Now, that makes us three. no, that makes us five, since Anika, and Lance also showed the symptoms of the tummy bug. Even if I was feeling sick already, I decided to wash their beddings and soiled clothes from childcare (because I wanted to get rid of the germs and eliminate of the germs having another go at our home and making the kids sick). Result, by dinner time I was having chills. I really needed to drink medicine.

After dinner, Liam was playing with the tablet. I was having chills.

Liam (looking so concerned): Mama, do you like me to play your song?
Me: is it okay?
Liam: yes (he then selects "A Thousand Years" from the list of songs from the tablet, as it has been my current favorite.)

Liam: Is that a relaxing song mama?
Me: yes
Liam: Don't worry mama, I will take care of you.

Liam then goes to my side and gives me a massage at the back, asking me if it was making me feel better.

Liam: Don't worry mama, when you are sick, me, Papa and Sam will take care of you.

Liam then starts to pray, makes the sign of the cross and prays over me! Asking Jesus that I feel better already. He prays it with so much sincerity and concern, I already felt better just listening to him and looking at him pray over me.

Mother's Day is fast approaching, but who needs gifts or cards when you get to experience something really special like this? I really felt loved and special that moment. I didn't cry but I had an overwhelming feeling inside me. I felt I was in good hands. I felt that I can count on my son.

Thank you, Lord for the gift of my son.

Thank you, Lord for the gift of prayer.

Thank you for that very special and humbling experience of my son praying for me.


Liam praying for me was more than enough, but he still gave me these early presents for this year's Mother's Day. The tree was an output  from his Pre-school and the card was  an output from the KFC assembly last Sunday.

Back to My Arms!

Well, technically speaking, it's back to my ring :D

Happiness!

I got frustrated, sad, angry and was already resigned to the idea that I really lost it. But after two days, I found the missing diamond of my engagement ring!!!!!

Imagine the stress and sadness I had to go through. Imagine all the places I've been to and the high possibility of me losing it due to the activities I did that day!\

Friday, after lunch, I was feeling sick. Just before I vacuumed the carpet in the lounge area. I saw something that obviously caught my attention. Something shiny was on our carpet. Our carpet is gray in colour with small white spots. I could have easily vacuumed it. But, no!

I picked it up and my heart skipped a beat! Yes!!!!

I'm just so happy to have found it :-)

Thank you Lord for letting me find it.

Thank you St. Anthony for letting me find it :D

Super SAD Day

Today, I lost my engagement ring.

Today of all days!!!!!!

When I've two loads of laundry, cleaned and vacuumed the car, been to K-mart, cleaned the house, been to the dentist and to the market.

I only discovered it this afternoon on my way home from the dentist and market. I was only 5 minutes away from home when I accidentally discovered it was missing. I was still waering the ring,  but the diamond was missing. So it's like the ring already lost its essence.

I want to cry now.

Hubby knew about it as soon as I arrived home. He called and tried to comfort me.

He even sent follow-up text messages to make sure I'm okay and to not worry about it.

It's not him getting mad at me (he didn't ok?) that makes me upset.

It is the value of the ring. (Ok, it is only 0.25 ct, but the cut was very clear, Alvin didn't buy it from Binondo, so it's not yellowish, the effort that Alvin had to do so he can spend for it ...)

The sentimental value of it. (The way Alvin researched about engagement rings and his search for the perfect ring for me, as he told me. It would have been 8 years old come 29 May, the day he propsed to me.)

I even treasure it than my wedding ring.

I'm upset big time. Hubby is still hopeful it's just at home or in my bag.

Even if he replaces it, it's still different to have the original one, the one he gave me when he proposed.

I was planning to give it to Sam or Liam as a family heirloom, since my mom's engagement ring is with me up to now.

Sad. Just sad.

I hope we can really still find it here at home.