My Clever Sammie

My Dear Sammie,

In a couple of days you will already turn 2 and a half years old! Wow! Where did time go?

Like what I did before with your Kuya, I am taking a break from all my worries, to sit down and write to you. I would like to capture in words everything that you are now...hoping that when you are a bit older and able to read on your own, you have something to remind you of how you were at this stage of your life.

They say that fathers and daughters have a different kind of connection. Usually, the daughters are closer with their fathers as compared to their mothers. But looking at the last couple of months, I don't think that applies to us. Two weeks ago, out of the blue, you just told me: "Mama, you're my best friend! My super best friend!" Yes. It melted my heart and made your Papa jealous! hahahaha :)

You are definitely the family's baby. But, am I already babying you too much? On my end I think I don't. You have had your share of time-outs and a little spanking, of a LOT of reprimanding especially from me! So I don't know what made you decide to make me as your super best friend! But I am very happy, honoured and challenged! Yes, I am challenged because I would like you to still tell me that I am still your super best friend after you start going to the big school or when you are already a teenager or even when you're already a grown up! I will not worry on that now. Let's take it one step at a time.

You are now at the peak of your terrible twos and can I say this? This is my first time to handle such "craziness" !!!! I can't believe how you've pushed me to my limits hahahaha really testing if I can be as consistent to all the rules. Yes, you did try my patience. But even if there were a lot of reasons to get annoyed or mad or lose it, you had that ability to make our hearts melt. To turn our frowned and angry faces to happy and laughing ones! Remember just last week, Papa was getting annoyed with you and Kuya because you were so noisy at church then out of the blue you just pretended and walked like a zombie! Hahaha I thought your Papa wouldn't give in...but he did ;) You have that special power specially with your Papa. Well, I guess for all of us too :)

Oh I just love it when you say "I love you Mama" or "I love you Papa" or "I love you Tuya" out of the blue! That makes our day sweetheart!

You are one caring and loving sister. At this point, I know that even if you tend to annoy your "Tuya" or grab toys from him, or fight him, deep in your heart, you love him. How can we forget the times when your Kuya was out and didn't sleep at home. You kept telling Papa and Mama that you're sad because you miss your Kuya. You kept on telling us to already fetch your Kuya. And when he got home? Oh the noise and all the commotion that filled the house! Your Papa and I can only look at one another and smile!  You stayed up late so you and your Kuya can catch up with "lost time" and you gave whatever your Kuya asked. You shared every toy and patiently waited for your turn for the ipad or tablet. You like that your Kuya puts his arms around your shoulders when the two of you watch something from the ipad. You get annoyed when he removes his arm! You know how to make lambing to your "Tuya." You also worry when Kuya gets hurt. When you see Kuya crying because he got into trouble with Papa and Mama, you don't take delight in it. You come to him and put your hands on his back, telling him "it's alright, Tuya." Don't worry sweetheart, it's not a one-way thing. Your Kuya loves you more than you can ever imagine. Papa and Mama are assured that if ever something happens to us (touchwood) your "Tuya" will take good care of you.

Like what we have expected, you are one chatterbox! I think I have met my match! Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Kidding aside, taking care of you was not as difficult because you were already able to express what you want, what you need, what you think of things. Yes, you even told Mama not to go to work a LOT of times already because it will make you sad. You already know how and where to hit me, eh? :) I was tongue tied too when you started praying about "my wedding" in our morning prayer time!

The past couple of weeks, your Papa and I were just so amazed with the words you were using to converse with us or with your cousins. You are becoming cleverer by the day! Not only because you are our child but because people around us can really see it. You already know how to rebut an argument (makings of a lawyer?) and yes, you already know how to complain!!!! "That's not fair! I'm tired!"....Are you sure you're only two? Well, we're not the only one asking that question because even total strangers can't also believe that you talk that much for your age! Well, I'm not complaining.

Your Papa and I are just thankful and proud of everything that you have achieved. You were toilet trained as early as 27 months! Well, sometimes, when we're out and Mama doesn't want to get disturbed, I silently wish that you were still wearing a nappy! Oooppps. Last week, we got surprised when you suddenly spelled out your name -- S - A- M. Yes, we knew that weeks before you knew that your name starts with the letter "s" because every time you see it on the newspapers or magazines, you excitedly point it to us and tell us "Look, Mama, that's my name..." And last Saturday, you were able to identify all the letters on Mama's shirt -- JUST DO IT. Sorry, but I underestimated you. I was gobsmacked when you finished. You can count backwards from 10- 0. You can now count from 1- 20. You already know how to figure out things and can sense when Mama is trying to trick you. Well, in return, you try to outsmart me too! Remember when I told you I had to drop you off at child care because your school bell is ringing already? Well, after two weeks, you told me that we had to bring Kuya first to school, because his school bell is already ringing -- yes, you were trying your best not to let Mama bring you to childcare!

You try to overcome your fears especially the first time you were doing swimming lessons without me in the pool with you. But you did it! It's just a start, anak. Life may be cruel sometimes and you just have to face your fears and do it!

Spunky and girly -- two words to describe you at this point. Spunky. Yes, you are a fighter. As early as now we can already see that. In a way, we are relieved because we are living in a country different from where Papa and Mama grew up. We know that it will be an asset in the future. Girly! Oh yes, you have this soft side. hehehe You love playing with your dolls, cooking for them, putting them to sleep. You get angry when Mama becomes too noisy at home or at the car when your babies are asleep. Just thinking, not that I want ok...but you have the makings of  being a good big sister ;)  you like lipsticks, you love dresses -- oh, did  I mention that a couple of months before you turned two, you were already the ones picking up your clothes?!  It's a bit frustrating for me especially that I got used to your Kuya who just wears the clothes I pick for him. Going back to you, you love ballets, leggings, bags and my four-inch heels! Still can't believe you were able to walk on those without tripping! At this point, you're done with Dora. You're slowly shifting to Hello Kitty.You still love Hi-5 and you love to sing and dance to their songs! I think you were inspired to take dancing seriously when you saw your Kuyas and Ates at the KFC - IKV :) You love to paint! You are not afraid to make your hands dirty. You love to explore and imagine things. Keep it up!

There are still some things I think we need to work on -- like your colours, shapes...packing away of toys, sticking to one decision...oooops. Yes, I have my list on that too! But like what I said, we'll take it one day at a time. For now, enjoy your childhood :) We will be here to enjoy it with you.

Yesterday, when you got back from school, you told me, "Mama, Tegan hold my hand in school. She's my best friend!" My world stopped. I panicked! What?! I tried to ask you, "what about me? you told me I was your best friend?" Maybe you sensed my hurt so in trying to make it up to me you immediately said: "Oh, you and Tegan are my best friends!" Ok. That will do for the mean time. But I promise you anak, Mama will try my very best to be worthy of becoming your best friend from today up until I'm old and grey.


Sweetheart, Papa and I can't stop the time. As much as we would want you and your Kuya to stay as lovable, sweet and young that you are now, we can't. All we can do is to enjoy every minute and every opportunity given to us to marvel at your achievements and everything that is part of your journey.

I look forward to our coffee (ok , you're still too young for that)....ice cream dates or shopping dates in the future.

I love you my Sammie.

And yes, you will always be our....my baby girl.

Love and kisses,

Mama

love you forever!

Goodbye, Nappies!

Our little girl is now fully toilet trained!

Yipee!

I'm a happy mum because we get to save now on buying nappies and wipes.

I'm a proud mum because she's just 27 months! :) Still early as compared to other kids her age, right?

I took it upon myself to toilet train her because first, Alvin was the one who toilet trained our son, Liam (well, 3/4 of the credit goes to him). Liam was toilet trained at around 28-30 months. It's still early as compared to kids of the same age.

Second, it's very understandable that I do the toilet training with Sammie, because she is a girl.

Third, I knew it wasn't impossible to toilet train her even at a young age.

When she started talking, I took it as a sign.

At 18 months, I started training her when it came to pooing. It's the easiest part for me. The second phase was when she needed to pee. There were accidents -- added work for me, since it was mostly on the carpet, and she got used to saying "pupu" even if she only wanted to pee. Patience was tested hehehe.

By the time she was almost two and we had to fly to SG and Manila, I was very thankful she was already toilet trained at daytime. You see during our flights, I didn't have the dilemma of cleaning her up and changing her soiled nappy on the plane, because she did all her poo-ing in the toilet :) Sometimes, I'd get so dizzy inside the toilet while we experienced some turbulence hahaha. There were times I'd hurry to bring her to the toilet because she kept on saying she needed to poo when what she needed to do was just pee. I admit, there were times in the flight when I wished she'd just pee on her nappy! hahaha We just put on her nappy as a back up :)

The hardest part for me was the night nappies. I was ready to wait. You really can't force the kids. It might be harder for me (and more work) in the long run especially if she just ends up wetting our bed every night. We started bringing her to the toilet before bed time and as soon as she woke up in the morning. Earlier this month, we have observed that there were days when her night nappies wasn't wet at all. We took it as a sign that she might be ready to end nappy wearing. But still, we didn't force her. We might be lucky, because earlier this week, after we put on her nappy, she started to get irritated and told us straight away, "Mama, I don't like to wear nappy." Alvin and I looked at one another, checking if we are ready for it. We asked her again and she stood her ground, no nappy that night.

And the rest, as they say is history.

I am not taking all the credit. It was a team effort for both me and Alvin. So thank you too, Papa A!

Now, because I am a hoarder, I have two big bags of nappy pants in stock at home and two opened bags of nappy we were trying to finish before that big day. At this point, we don't know what to do with all of it! hehehe :)

the two bags of nappy pants

Now that she's fully toilet trained, I am now moving on to another task...how to wean her from breastfeeding! O-o that is another story :)

Congratulations, anak! Job well done!

As a reward and because we get to save now on nappy and wipes, we bought her Peppa Pig DVD and Peppa Pig shirt, which is now her current favourite ;)

happy with rewards

Can't Explain It

Today was Sam's last day in her Beach Babies 2 swimming class. Her teacher Karen, was her teacher since she started at Beach Babies 1, when she was a few weeks away from turning 6 months old.

So much has happened in the last year and a half!

Sam is more confident now in the water and she loves it!

We gave our Christmas gift cum thank you gift to Karen today just before starting the with the lessons.

During the final activity, the  usual routine is to give each kid a high five as Karen says goodbye.

But today, for some weird reason, and much to my surprise, when Karen put her hand on air to give Sam her high-five, Sam didn't give her one. Instead, Sam reached out to Karen and gave her a cuddle and kissed  her cheek.

I was speechless.  Even Karen was too. Karen was very touched. I just told Karen that maybe Sam knew.

I was surpised and I actually can't explain it because I didn't tell Sam to give Karen a kiss and a cuddle. She decided to give it on her own!

Karen is a great swimming teacher! I hope all swimming teachers are like her.

Keeping our fingers crossed, we hope to get a spot on one of her Nippers class (good luck to us, she's that good that her classes are always the first to get full) next term, when Sammie swims already on her own.

Sam is Now Two!

Happy birthday my sweet darling :)

the very simple cake (vanilla strawberry sponge cake from Woolies) I brought to Yogies

Kuya, as usual, was more excited to play with the new toys!

all set for the birthday girl!

surprise, surprise! bagong gising! :)

turned down two calls today just as so I can do my Mama duties on this special day :)

ready to blow the candle on her birthday cake :)

her 2nd birthday gift from Papa, Mama and Kuya Liam

A happy day awaits our birthday girl :)

ready to "read" her birthday card :)

Sam is Turning Two

Dear Sammie,

Time flies indeed!

I can't believe you will already be two years old  in a few days' time.It  has now been two years, since your birth completed our family, having being given already a boy, oh how we prayed and wished that our second one will be a girl, and it was granted! :) Right from the start, you have been an answered prayer.

I am a proud mum because like your Kuya Liam, you seem to be an early achiever. You continue to amaze us with your little achievements. From the simple "Mama, Papa" to saying sentences now! You can count from 1-10 in order both in English and in Spanish (thanks to Dora!).

You and your Kuya may be similar in some ways but as each day passes, we are convinced that you are becoming a totally different individual, truly unique on your own.

You are one very clever girl. Ang bilis ng pick-up mo, anak. Natuwa and namangha ako nung nasa Gymbaroo tayo last week. We used a scarf at the first session, you seeing it and manipulating for less than five minutes. And come parachute time, you impressed me when you showed me that you remembered the scarf we used earlier. You didn't stop until you saw it. And come pack up time, the teacher only told the instructions once and you were able to follow it, putting the scarf on white basket and your nameplate on the brown one. Galing! :) Sa tingin ko, sa tingin ko lang ha, di ka uber talino, pero you are street-smart. You use your common sense.

Isa kang kikay. Sabi nila mana ka daw sa akin. Hmmm. Di naman masyado hehehe. HIndi naman ako super kikay anak :) Mahilig ka s mga ipit, pero ayaw mong gamitin kasi nasasaktan ka pag nilalagay ko, sensya na anak, mabigat yung kamay ni Mama wehehe. Mahilig ka rin sa mga kolerete. Yung bagong accessory ko, inangkin mo na! Talagang ayaw mo pang ipahiram sa akin! hehehe

Matalinong bata ka, hindi dahil sa anak kita, pero dahil sa mga ginagawa at pinapakita mo. Baka mas maaga ka pang magbasa kesa sa kuya mo. Nakikita ko na ikaw yung tipong gustong nacha-challenge! Kaya mong ipaglaban yung gusto mo. Ngayon pa lang nagtatalo na tayo sa isusuot mo na damit e! Talagang kapag may napili ka na, wala ng makapagpapabago ng isip mo. Di ka na namin mauto ng Papa mo! hehehe :) Barely at two, you already know what you want, especially with clothes and shoes. You know what shows you like to watch, books to read or borrow from the Lib and toys to play. No one can force you. I think that is a good trait anak.

May pagka-OC ka rin. Ngayon pa lang nakikita ko na hahaha. Di lang ako, witness ko si Tita Ellen. Nung minsan nasa bahay nila tayo, pag-gising mo, nakita mo na ang mga sapatos namin e nasa may bandang pintuan, tinanggal mo rin yung sapatos mo at binitbit papunta sa pintuan. Natameme kami pareho ni Tita Ellen mo, kasi walang nagsabi sa iyo na gawin iyon. Ganun ka din sa bahay. Pag nakita mong nakakalat ang sapatos ng Kuya at Papa, sasabihan mo na ilagay sa "Harry Potter"...naku salamat naman! hahaha :) Pati pagkatapos kumain, kahit hindi pa nahugasan, nagpa-pack away ka na! Aprub! hehehe

Kaya mo na rin kumain mag-isa. Oo, madalas, makalat pa rin, pero pasalamat na rin ako kasi independent ka na. Natuto na rin ako na hayaan kang magdungis at tsaka na lang ako maglilinis pagkatapos mong kumain. Nagugulat ang mga nakakakita sa iyo, katulad na lang nung Lunes na nakita ka ng Lolo Romy and Lola Nida. Bilib sila sa iyo anak!

Wala ka pang two, toilet trained ka na! Galing! Kailangan namin tyagain ni Papa at maging pasensyoso sa mga oras na di umabot sa banyo, pero ok lang :) pwede ka ng di mag-nappy sa maghapon! Pero dahil segurista kami, pag nasa labas, nappy muna anak hehehe Pero galing mo, kasi kahit nasa labas tayo, nagsasabi ka na. Tuwa nga teachers mo sa Yogies, kasi wala ka pa ngang two. Samantalang yung ibang bata daw sa Yogies, 2 1/2 na nappy kids pa rin. Sa gabi rin, naka-nappy ka pa, pero pag check ko sa umaga, walang bakas na umihi ka habang tulog. Feeling ko kaya na rin na walang nappy sa gabi, pero di ko muna sasagarin and swerte ko hehehe.

Eto pa ang isa, kaya mo na matulog mag-isa sa kama! Ikaw na nga gumagamit ng kama ng Kuya Liam mo e! Pagkatapos mo magdede kay Mama, pwede ka na namin iwanan mag-isa at ikaw na mismo ang matutulog or magpapatulog sa sarili mo. Syempre, di naman yun araw araw. May mga araw na naglalambing ka sa Papa mo at gusto mo katabi mo siya hanggang makatulog ka. O minsan naman, ang type mo katabi muna, e ako. Yun lang, dapat maganda ang gising mo, kung hindi, ay sus, napakasungit mo.

May topak ka rin daw sabi ng tatay mo hehehe. Minsan nakakatawa ang mga trip mo lalo na pag naglalaro. Galing mo mamilit ng kalaro! "SLeep!" at kailangan nakahiga pa talaga kami! Minsan pag toxic si Mama, nakakainis, pero madalas, natutuwa ako kung paano ka maglaro. Isa ito sa mga pagkakaiba niyo ng Kuya mo. Minsan nakikita kita kung ano ano nilalagay at sinusuot, nakakatawa ang end-product, ang hitsura mo!!! Mamis-miss ko tong mga to pag-laki mo Sammie!

Mataray ka anak, lalo na kung di mo feel or di mo lubusang kakilala yung taong nagpapa-cute sa iyo. Tama yan anak hehehe :) Mahirap magtiwala ng basta basta sa panahon ngayon.

Malambing ka na bata. Ang sarap sarap ng pakiramdam ko kapag out of the blue, sasabihan mo ako ng "I Love You" or "Mahal Kita Mama." Nagsasabi ka rin ng "Thank You at Please."

Nakakagigil ka bulilit. Minsan nakakainis na gigil (kulit mo kasi, lalo na pag pangit ang gising, o topak) pero madalas, nakaktuwa ang gigil ko sa iyo! Sarap mo pisil-pisilin at halik-halikan! :) I'm sure di lang ako ang nanggigil sa iyo!

Ngayon ang favorite mo, Hi-5 at Dora, next year kaya, ano naman? Malalaman natin.
Ngayon, enjoy muna natin ang pagiging 2 years old mo!

Maligayang Kaarawan anak, mahal na mahal ka namin, Sammie!

Love,
Mama

many faces of my Sammie

a collection of your funny antics!

more faces captured in photos

will love you forever Mahal kong Sammie!

One down, Two to Go

Finally, I can now move on.

Sammie celebrated her birthday in advance yesterday. Sorry, no photos to share as I was punong abala :( I'm just waiting for the copy of photos from my friends who took some pictures. Crossing my fingers, they'll give it to me soon.

Back to my blog. Big sigh of relief, it's over. I can now focus and move on to my other projects like our trip to Singapore and Manila, packing stuff, etc.

I can attend to some pending stuff at home and in our service.

I can now put up our Christmas tree since my Kuya has been bugging me to set it up since last week.

I can now finish my Christmas shopping and wrapping.

I can now catch up on my missed favourite TV series.

I can now finish my Cebu photobook project.

Thankfully, I will not be working four days a week now so less pressure and more time to accomplish them. I still did get some calls to work Monday and Tuesday, but I politely turned them down.

The birthday party was a success! It wasn't spectacular, spectacular ...but it was a good day to share Sammie's special day with family and friends. The kids, especially the birthday girl, really enjoyed the play land. We got positive feedbacks from our friends who are used to seeing plain and boring birthday parties here in Sydney. I had all the games done straight away, birthday candle blowing next, then eating time! Alvin and I, both agreed to finish everything so the kids can maximize the use of the area and the parents can relax.

We got help from some people especially in terms of picking up the food we ordered. Thank you, thank you!

At the end of the day, I wasn't as tired as I expected it to be. Alvin and I are finally learning when it comes to party planning and having the party itself :) We got what we wanted without spending too much. Well, actually, napa tsk tsk na lang si Alvin Thursday night when he learned about the running total of expenses hahaha So when he thanked me yesterday on our way home for organizing, I also thanked him for letting me go a little over the budget hehehe.

I actually enjoyed this one better than Sammie's first in Manila. Oh well. It's one horror story for me! :)

Sammie was even happier with all the presents she received, mostly which, are Dora themed :) Imagine receiving four different looking Dora dolls! :)

Just thankful, as always, it's over. Now, time to move on.

Eating My Words

I remember mentioning that for my daughter's 2nd birthday, I wanted a simple celebration.

Oh well, I'm a woman, so I am excused to change my mind ;P

The date that we initially wanted has been booked already. The date right after her birthday was non-negotiable for hubby, since it coincided with service (and most of our guests will be coming from the CFC community). End result? We are celebrating Sam's birthday, 3 weeks early of her real birthday hehehe

Of course I panicked! I was taking my sweet time and then suddenly I was only left with 4 weeks to prepare! (Not to mention that I have been bombarded with work the past few weeks).

Not wasting any time, I started to attend to the things needed for the party :)

Venue: Check!

We will be having it at:

Kids Play Land at Castle Hill

The play land will be for our baby/toddler guests (0-5 years old).

What to do with the older ones?

We will be hiring a separate court for them to play different kinds of sports (soccer, cricket, bastketball). Hubby was okay with this (extra payment of course! to my surprise he said okay!)

Aside form the huge play area, the adults entrance being free, the thing that convinced me and hubby to choose this as our venue: we can bring our own food, no corkage! wee!

Theme: Sports

I do not believe that Sports can only be used by boys as theme for their parties :)

Invites: Do - It - Yourself

The venue offers free invites upon booking, but I wanted to make my own :)

(Sorry, can't put it here as some private info are on the invites ;))

I'm done doing the FB event page and I'm done sending out the invites, which means guest list has been already finalized.

Food:

I already have the menu and where to order them. I just need to confirm number of guests before I place the order four days before the party.

We will just be serving light snacks. No mess, no fuss, no dramas. Easy to eat, easy to clean :)

Tokens:

I just bought huge bubble sticks for the girls and rescue pack for the boys.

Not thinking of giving them lollies this time :)

And this time, only the kids get a token after the party ;)

Decors:

The venue will have their own but I plan to just add one big balloon for the birthday girl :)

Program/Extras:

The venue in itself can already entertain our little guests, but since we have one whole court all to ourselves, and to put a bit of structure to the party, I plan to put sticker tattoos for the kids, prepare 3-4 parlor games for the biggies and the little ones (I bought medals for the winners of each game, to follow our sports theme..of course this is aside from the prizes), pinata, and of course the candle-blowing...just before everyone eats :)

Thankful that I can squeeze in the party preps :)

Hopefully, all will be well :)

Here are some photos of the stuff I have been slowly buying for Sam's 2nd birthday party :)

pin the tail of the donkey...one of the games fot the little ones

sorry it's upside down!
when I saw these badges, I thought, no need to buy a statement shirt for Sam, she can just wear the badges ;)

the medals I will be giving for the winners of the games

 

the tattoos which the kids can choose from :)
 

thejumbo  bubble stick and rescue car sets for tokens

There are some more crazy ideas in my head, but I'm still thinking if I will do it or I can do it :) Time will tell :)

Will update you again soon :)

Our Sammie is Back!

Whew! Yes, definitely a sign of relief!

Our sweet, bubbly and happy Sammie is back! (touchwood!)

Hubby and I were both relieved to see Sam back to her usual bubbly, happy and malambing self.

Maybe, she was really indeed in pain because she was teething.

I oberved that her upper canine is about to come out and her lower left molar.

I am just relieved! :)

Pinakaba mo kami anak! hehehe

A Sign of Things to Come?

Sam got sick two weeks ago.

She became very cranky and became very clingy. She had a very bad case of mood swings.

Stretched my patience because she was sick.

It's been almost two weeks now since I noticed the change. Her Papa also noticed it.

I don't know if it's still part of teething, but she is unbearable when she has tantrums!

As in, she says "no", she cries A LOT for TOO LONG not only at home but outside as well, she is clingy, she is cranky, she is supladita, she is naglulupasay sa sahig when she doesn't get what she wants, she changes her mind too quickly.

I'm going nuts! Alvin and I are so close to losing it! hehehe We tried everything!

Well, I guess she is now in that stage where she is testing boundaries. She is testing us and she is testing the power of "iyal at karga." So we are back at that stage where we have to be firm and consistent!

I'm just not used to these things because Liam didn't give us a hard time, really. Not to compare or anything.

Well, I guess it's true, no two kids are ever alike. And we can't have it all. I thought we were that lucky! hehehe

She is nearing her 2nd birthday, the terrible 2's and 3's stage ...if this is a sign of things to come,uh- oh.... I better prepare myself! Lord, bless me!

@-@

Respecting Their Feelings

Yesterday, after Sam's swimming lessons, I decided to go to the library which was in the same centre since I didn't have much to do back at home.

After five minutes and reading two books to Sam, I thought it was time to go. When I decided to go home, Sam was just starting to get interested. In other words, she felt she wanted to stay longer in the library to explore.

E makulit ang nanay. I was thinking I didn't bring my library card so no use staying. I carried her against her will. She didn't try but she was saying, "no, no, no Mama. Inside" while pointing to the library as we headed out to the parking lot.

When I put her on her car seat, dun na siya nag-wala. As in, she wasy crying the whole ten minutes from the place up until we reached home.

I didn't lose it, but I felt bad. Naalala ko yung isang article that I read in Attachment Parenting, about parents should learn how to respect their children's emotions.

Para sa atin kasing mga matatanda, since tayo ang matanda, dapat tayo ang masusunod. We forget about what our kids might have felt or might be feeling during the time of the ordeal. Believe it or not, there has been a big improvement when I learned and did the "giving time" approach to Liam. Seldom do I get mad now at Liam or seldom do we argue or him crying because I give him time to finish the activity he is involved with or he is stucked with. I give him allowance, I patiently wait for him to settle and when he is ready to move on. I read that it is one way of respecting them, and true enough, it worked.

So yesterday, I felt that I didn't do it with Sam. She wasn't ready yet. I should have let her stay and respected her time and emotions.

Tayo ngang mga matatanda ayaw ng naiistorbo pag may ginagawa, di ba? Our kids are no different. We just take them for granted because we think everything is okay. And we get mad when there is a violent reaction -- tantrums, etc., on their part. What we do not know is they can already feel different emotions di lang nila kaya pang sabihin ng derecho sa atin.

I promised myself to do better next time. I promised that like what I do with Liam, I will also be more sensible and respectful of the emotions of my little girl.

:D

Sam's 2nd

Hubby must have sensed my frustration during Sam's 1st birthday party. He seems very supportive of me the past few days after I have shared with him my plans for Sam's 2nd birthday party.

Yes, I know, it's still 5 months away, but you know me by now, right?

We will definitely throw Sam a birthday party because Liam had one when we got here in Sydney. He had his at Hungry Jacks. It was a very simple party.

I was actually thinking of having Sam's 2nd at Hungry Jacks too. You know, para lang maidaos.

Alvin said that if we are to invite just kids, then it wouldn't be a problem. But the thing is, we expect adult guests too. Here in Australia, they have a weird way of celebrating kids' parties. You drop the kids off at the venue and leave them at the care of the hosts only to pick them up again after two hours. In our culture, it is already expected that you will have to prepare food not only for the kids but for the adults as well. And since majority of the guests will be kababayans, then we have to look for another possible option as to how we will celebrate Sam's 2nd.

So what to do?

I looked for a venue that will meet the following criteria:
 - within our budget
 - kids can do something during/after the party -- like a playland and the like (ayaw ni Mr. B ng simpleng Neighbourhood Centre)
 - we can bring in our own food
 - enough space to accommodate our kid and adult guests
 - will give us a free hand with the programme

Result?

- we consdired parks, but the thing with parks, it's free for all. first come, first served basis. not also weather proof, mahirap especially if it suddenly rains. we have to bring chairs and tables for our guests.

Gusto ko sana sa bahay, pero maliit masyado yung bahay namin to accommodate everyone we are thinking of inviting. Ayaw ko na rin magligpit sa bahay after the party.

Research, research and some more research, until...success!

Found one. It meets all of our criteria. Indoor Venue. We can bring in our own food. It is a playland. Adults and kids aged 6 years and above need not pay the entrance. They have indoor cafe in case we run out of food hehehe. They have host for 2 hours. They have tables and chairs for the guests. We have exclusive party area for two hours. Exciting!

What makes me more excited is the fact that when I share my plans to hubby, he also gives his inputs. Like the food we will be having at the party (we will do it the Aussie way, walang kanin, lechon, etc. walang masyadong kuskos balungos...yung madaling kainin at ligpitin!... something light but it can make you full) or ideas about the other details for the party. It's not a first, but knowing hubby, when he starts to become actively involved in a project (parties especially), it's already good to go :)

Madami pang aayusin, but bottomline, tapos na yung pinakamahirap na parte. Ang pag-oo ni Mr. B at ang venue. I am also not raising the bar this time, I will keep it simple. Aalisin ko na yung mga kaek-ekan ko LOL :) Hopefully, if I keep it that way, I will not see myself being frustrated again if things don't go as planned.

Now, keeping our fingers crossed, we will still be able to celebrate and push thru with the plans.

A lot of things can still happen in five months! :)

My Sammie is A Gwel

Yes, there is no denying that Sammie is a girl.

As early as now, she has been showing us her femininity.

She likes coloruing in.

She likes music and dance.

She likes dolls. She plays with it like it was the real thing! She puts them to bed and sings for them. She asks us to change their nappies. She likes Elmo the most, treats him like her baby.

She likes playing with tea-sets and knows how to use them.

Truly, boys are different from girls.

My two kids are already proving it. :)

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.

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!

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.

My Dear Sammie

My Dear Sammie,

As promised, I will be writing something to you as well. Sorry it took me a longer time to write to you as compared to your Kuya Liam. Not to worry, Mama is not playing favorites :)

By now, you already know that like your Kuya, you are an answered prayer. God giving us a daughter, like what we have prayed for was bonus! And we will be forever thankful for that.

You are now 16 months old and in those 16 months I have cherised every moment spent with you. And how your name has evolved! :)

I can say that you are lucky because you got Mama personally taking care of you during the first 14 months of your life :) No yayas :) Your Kuya was not as lucky, hehehe You are a living proof that I can do things, multi-task to the highest level, and I only have to will it :)Because of your birth, Mama's ka-praningan and fears as a first-time mum vanished into thin air! I'm a more confident mum now :)

I consider myself luckier because not all parents can see and witness their kids' milestones, like me. On your every "first" I was there to witness it. I was there to see you try and succeed.

At 16 months, you already have your own personality. You and your Kuya may have physical similarities, but your personalities are uniquely your own :) You know what you like and don't like. You don't have a hard time telling us your preference because as young as you are, you can already verbalize the things that you like (and don't like).

You like to sing, you like the Wiggles (like your Kuya Liam) and their songs, you are a silent observer but you learn that way. You started counting one to five at this age. You like Gymbaroo (especially the song "I Hear Thunder')and you have fallen in love with swimming :) You like to draw and read. You like to dance and is into music as well. You are starting with your toliet training, but it is still eratic :) On the times that you verbalized what you wanted, it was always a success :)

You already know a lot of words! :)You even make simple sentences now :) We think that you will be one chatterbox like your Kuya. You are one bubbly and smart girl. It seems though that you are tougher than your Kuya. I am not worried. I know in the future, that trait will benefit you more. You are one spunky girl! :) You have been attending childcare now for almost 3 months and by this time, you have adjusted well. No more tears :) You have your way of making lambing to your Papa, Mama and Kuya Liam and it is very effective!

Your favorite cousin is bebe! You like calling her name all the time! :)

You don't like frills and ribbons. Sorry if Mama still insists of putting something on your hair hehehe Hey, you are a girl, ok? :)

When Mama is down and a bit sad, all I have to do is remember the funny faces and the happy moments that you made and it helps lift Mama's spirits.

We often argue, especially if you insist on the things you like. But Mama has to be tough. I think this a sign of things to come. But remember that I have to be tough for you and your Kuya to learn. It's a crazy world out there!

I know in due time, you'll look up to me as your model. You'll probably get some of my traits and attitude. God help me! I hope I am worthy enough to be one. With all the flaws that I have! Ha! But more than that, I look forward to the time when you will be old enough and we can have our mother-daughter bonding :) AS it is, we already have two, your Gymbaroo and swimming classes, and sometimes shopping. But it's different when you are much older hehehe :)

I love you very much. I thank God that He has entrusted you to us. Papa and Mama will continue to work together so we can raise you up to be the person God wants you to be. I am not thinking anymore of what the future will bring, all I know now is I am thankful for having this opportunity to personally take care of you, raise you, teach you and guide you. It is hard and sometimes drives me crazy, but I know in the end, all will be worth it. I will not focus on the hardships (because it might drive me nuts), but focus on the beauty of having to take care of you. This is a rare opportunity and not everyone has it, so I'll make the most out of it.

You and your Kuya will forever be the source of our joy and our inspiration.

I love you very much!

Till my next letter!

Love,
Mama

Updated: Sam at 15months

My daughter turned 15 months last 21 February. I can't believe that she's the same age now as Liam before when we first arrived here in Sydney. Time flies!

At 15 months we are still very thankful that she's very healthy and continues to achieve developmental milestones. No major headaches (so far) :)


Language: I am thankful, that just like her Kuya, we did not encounter any problems with her speech development. Right now she can say these words: Papa, Mama, up, down, ha (hot), bebe (for Siobe, her Ate Anika), bibi (baby doll), gu job (good job), gu (good), ayts (lights), ep (help), ti yu (thank you), wata (water), tito, bi (bin), fi (feet), bu (book), hi there, de (there), roo (Gymbaroo), ro-ro (Row, Row Your Boat, mimi (excuse me)and hello. She even had her first simple sentence a few months back: "Mama, ep me" (Mama, help me). She had an expression: "Oh Di (Oh Dear!)" when she knows she is in trouble, like when she made a mess. She does this with her shaking her head, hehehe. She can now also call her Kuya Liam: "mi-am", to the delight of her Kuya of course! I might have missed out on some of her other words, but one thing is for sure, she is daldal na, a chatterbox, like Liam and yours truly :-)

Physical: I just weighed her yesterday and she weighs almost 12kg. She uses Walker sized-nappies, she wears 2T sized clothes or clothes for 24-month babies. She still is bilugan and I can say her weight and height growth are ok within her age.

Motor skills:I think her swimming lessons and seeing her Kuya Liam do soccer lessons are helping her develop her gross motor skills. I sometimes catch her kicking her Kuya's soccer ball at home. She is yet to jump on her own. But she loves to dance.You should she her do the moves when we play Dance Central in Kinect. She has memorized some of the steps in one particular song! LOL! She is getting there when it comes to running. I forgot to mention that her Gymbaroo classes also help her develop her gross motor skills. She does a lot of crawling, walking and climbing in her classes (and at home).

As for her fine motor skills, I guess picking up tiny (and I say really tiny objects!) she sees on the floor helps her develop her fine motor skills. I also let her use those big crayons (top-looking), Crayola made, to develop the tripod grip properly. I let her do free painting and do some free play that involves putting/pouring soil from one pot to another. She likes to play with dirt! She loves to go outside the house and have a little walk (She's not too happy when it's raining!). She loves to explore! She likes picking up things and trying them (eating) to my dismay, of course! hehehe At 14 months she learned how to manipulate the fork. Now at 15 months, she can now use the spoon without any help from us! Yipee! I don't know if I can actually upload the two videos I took with her using the fork and now the spoon, all by herself, here in blogger, because the files are a bit big :)



At Gymbaroo, she does participate in the circle time, but most of the time she quietly observes. When she pulls her hand from me during a song, I know and I don't force her, to do the actions. I observe her observe her surroundings. When we get home, that is the time she shows me and her Papa what she has learned in the class. Thankfully, she does not cry and attract attention if it's time to leave the equipment room and have bubbles time or music time!

At 15 months, Liam started telling us if he needed to poo but with Sam, she is yet to utter the words "pupu" when she really needs to go. But she is aware of what a poo looks like and what it smells :) Weeing on the other hand is a different story. I think, she's getting there. But she still can't sit still on the toilet (even when I have alreadt put those handy potty-tranining seats), I guess she is still overwhelmed with the size of the toliet.

She may look like her Kuya Liam, but she is slowly evolving into another unique inidividual. With a different personality like that of Liam. She is very strong-willed. Hindi siya magpapatalo. You should see her fight for what she wants! She is one brave kid! She already knows aht she wants and what she doesn't like. She is more sociable. She waves and says hi even to strangers! But giving her to strangers is a different story. They are both malambing, but she has her own way of making lambing to me, her Papa and her Kuya.

In a few months' time you'll be 18 months, and then you'll turn two! Dance classes or GYmnastics? Piano lessons? Goodness!

Time flies our little Sam, but remember that even if you outgrow us, you will never outgrow our hearts (and love for you). You will always be our baby.

We love you!

Back to Yogies

Today I am writing my blog in peace.

Liam is back to daycare. The big difference is, Sam is now with him.

I have no substitution call today so I am alone in the house.

The past three days, Liam has been hinting every now and then how he will miss me when he goes back to Yogies.

Sam last night was a bit uneasy in her sleep. I don't know what time it was but she kept on waking up calling out for either me or her Papa. She even woke up as soon as I finished taking a bath (around 6am).

I don't know if they can feel the uneasiness inside me. The fear and the worry inside me.

It's really very hard leaving your kids to somebocy else's care. Part of me feels guilty, but another part says I shouldn't. Why would I when there are millions of moms out there who either leave their kids in childcare or with nannies, right? Sundays to Wednesdays I am a full-time mum to them. When they are not in daycare, I am the one who personally takes care of them. And it hasn't reached that point when they prefer their teachers/carers over me!

I also think I need this break every now and then. It recharges me and I am pretty sure it will make me less (or not at all!) grumpy to my kids and my hubby when they get home. I can take care of them better, right?

We have prayed for this so I know that we are on the right path. I should not worry because it is now that FAITH comes in.

I can only pray and hope that my kids are ok (with the trained childcare workers); that their carers/teachers will help us, help them hone their God-given talent and skills,and lastly, won't have any bad effects on their development. I know they are in a good centre. They did a good job with Liam so I am less worried about how they are going to take care of Sam. In addition to the old and veteran teachers who took care of Liam before, a new carer in the centre happens to be a kababayan.

So I really shouldn't worry, right?

Am I convincing you or myself?

Probably just convincing myself. :)

P.S.

I have called their daycare twice and good to hear that Liam is doing well and Sam is too.

It was funny because when I left them Sam didn't cry! (I was the one who cried back in the car!) :)

A mum will always be a mum.

Happy Disposition

Yesterday, we went to the shops and Sam was wearing the Sailor dress I bought from Manila. Everytime she wears it she gets sooooo many compliments from people around us -- family, friends and even total strangers!

Getting compliments from family and friends is one thing, but from total strangers? That is another thing ;) It makes me and hubby just happy to hear them :)

Aside from:"Oh, she's so cute! She's super cute! She's adorable! She's so round!" her happy disposition also attracts compliments -- "She really is one happy baby!"

It's the last compliment that really makes me happy. Both and Sam and Liam have been happy babies, so Liam also had his share of those compliments.

I hope that they can keep that happy disposition until they grow up, especially when life is being tough on them :)

Time to Write Again

Next week, my two kids will starting going to childcare, twice a week, since I will be back to work thrice a week (still on-call though).

Part of my preparation was to write the routine of my youngest. That list included her likes and dislikes. I really had to spend time to sit down in peace so I won't miss anything. I felt with everything I have written, it's time to write a letter for my daughtet. It was a wonderful time to recall everything with her. Her milestones and her developing personality. And what a coincidence, one e-group I am a member of, had a new message thread about letters of parents to kids.

It has been more than 6 months since I wrote a letter to Liam and I really haven't had a letter for my sweetie, Sam.

I write to them so I have something to remind them of how they were as kids. I don't know how they will be in the future, but I'm loving what they are now. I will forever cherish these times and if writing is the only way I can preserve those memories, then I will take the time to do it.

When hubby and I are much older, these are the things that I'm pretty sure, we will not get tired of doing. Reading and watching (our videos of kids, which hubby thinks he'll be able to edit, arrange, file properly when he is retired na!) anything about our kids :)

Sam and Liam, Mama will write to you both soon :)