Baby Sam

My best friend told me once that I should be extra careful of the things I tend to splurge on for Liam, because, if in the future I have another child, I should make it a point to also do the things I did for Liam. The reason? To avoid unnecessary comparisons and sibling rivalry. I kept that in mind. But needless to say, I still sometimes overspend for Liam, thinking that I will just have another child in the future and doing everything again would not be that difficult.

Well, fast forward, after 2 years and 7 months, Liam is about to become a Big Kuya to his baby sister, Andrea Samantha, or Sam for short. We are thrilled to know that we are having a baby girl in a matter of 3 months. We're praying that all will be well until we finally see her come November. As I prepare for her arrival, I try to recall everything, every little thing that I did with Liam. I decided that maybe when I put it in writing, it will be much easier to remember it when the time comes.

But first, I would like to thank Baby Sam for being a good baby. Though I had a terrible first trimester (just like with Liam then), the past 3 months have been a smooth ride. She hasn't given me any problems considering the physical load I have to do almost everyday. From the surprise party for her Papa up to now that I do my daily grind of house chores and extra errands/driving for family, she has always cooperated. FOr that I am very thankful for her. Though I know that in a matter of weeks, I should slow down already and physically prepare myself for her arrival.

Now back to the things I will have to do with her as well. The big projects include: having a baptismal party, having a grand 1st birthday party, coffee table book for her 1st birthday, having a simple 2nd birthday party, enrolling her to Gymbaroo, enrolling her to Kindermusik, and enrolling her to swimming lessons. Oh I almost forgot, breastfeeding her as well unti she turns 2! The photo sessions during the third month, 12 month, and 24th month. The monthly mini-birthday celebrations from the first month up to the 12th month. Maybe, just maybe, I will have to enroll her as well to dance lessons when she's a bit older, like our plan to enroll Liam on another sport (Tennis) as soon as he turns 3. Now for the smaller projects, we'll make it a yearly family bonding to watch a kid's concert (like Thomas the Train and Wiggles) and of course, splurging (a little, promise) on the clothes. I feel guilty (really? hehehe) everytime I see how much I have invested on Liam's branded clothes. Oh well, I'm having a girl this time so I'm pretty sure, I'd spend as well. Of course, spending on books and a little on toys as well will be part of the small projects.

We already did something for her recently, which we also did with LIam. That is to have a video of the ultrasounds that we had with the doctor. The only difference now is Sam's pictures are in 3D and her video is now on DVD while Liam's were on 2D scan only and was recorded on a VHS :) Can't blam that on us, blame it on technology hehe.

There you go, so far that is what I can all remember I'm pretty sure in the coming weeks I'll remember more. But for now, I'll just enjoy the days and the weeks that she is still inside me, sharing every emotion and everything that I experience. I love you Baby Sam and I can't wait to see you!

Music and My Toddler

Young that he is my son is already showing signs that he enjoys music.

I really can't describe the feeling but it sure makes me smile whenever I am reminded of a new "act". At present, he is so fascinated with the Wiggles! His fascination with this group just started last December. HE borrowed a DVD of his cousin and the rest as they say is history!

The Wiggles is not your ordinary children's show because first, the lead stars are 4 adult males! Yes, no mascots or imaginary creatures like Elmo, Pong Pagong, Kiko Matsing, Big BIrd, flying spaceships, etc. No purple dinosaurs as well. Though he is fond of Barney, I think he enjoys watching the Wiggles more nowadays.



What's with this group? Well, it is still a mystery for me. But for one, when one sits and watches their show, there so much singing and dancing involved. I was actually surprised that after a month Liam can already sing some of their songs. As expected, Liam has a favorite among the four main characters, and that is Jeff. The one who always sleeps!

Even if I promised myself not to spoil him in buying some more DVDs, I can't help but eat my words. I am eating my words because I can see the good effects in him. It somewhat develops his musicality.Though, we see it a point that we buy him a new DVD once every quarter.

I don't know up to when will he show fascination with the group. But I hope that by the time he is ready to move on, his love for music has grown deeper and his musicality fully developed -- in all aspects at that!

I forgot to mention that maybe, his classes at Kindermusik is also helping him enjoy music. I just hope, he didn't inherit my genes when it comes to music. =D

kIdS' Schools

I remember not really being happy with the "schools" that were emerging a couple of years ago offering programmes to kids as young as, what, 6 months old? I remember telling my friend that I felt it was not really advisable that kids who are still not in the formal schooling age, start attending these so-called "play schools." The reason I mentioned was that when kids start too young, they tend to get tired and experience burn out even before they finish Year 6.

Well, I ate my words when I had Liam. I was actually surprised to find myself looking and checking out a number of schools when we moved here in Sydney. I felt that as an educator, I needed to maximize the time I have with my son. I felt that it was not healthy just staying at home almost the entire day. Another thing that made me eat my words is the fact that I learned and found out that these schools are really not the formal and traditional schools I grew up with. These schools make use of play as their main form of "instruction". And lastly, another big difference is that when I enrolled Liam to one of these schools, I was with him. I and my son bonded as he tried out the gym equipment, the musical instrument or when he sang songs. Maybe it would have been different if we stayed in Manila. Maybe, it would be the yaya or the Lolos or Lolas joining him in the sessions. But that is another story.

To make everything short and simple, I am thankful that these schools are here to give parents an asssitance to develop the skills of these little boys and girls without putting too much pressure on the kids. I am thankful that my son got to enjoy his Gymbaroo classes for two terms and hopefully he will also enjoy his Kindermusik sessions again with me or his Papa. I can only hope that all these opportunities to play, sing and learn along the way, will aid him as he prepares to face what is in store for him in the future.