My First Book Review: An ABC Book =)

I read that reading is an important form of stimulation for babies.  As explained by KidsHealth:

Reading aloud:

• teaches a baby about communication

• introduces concepts such as stories, numbers, letters, colors, and shapes in a fun way

• builds listening, memory, and vocabulary skills

• gives babies information about the world around them

And so I went to the bookstore to look for flash cards but couldn't find anything I like so I bought an ABC Book for the Little One.  The book was sealed so I couldn't browse it but the description at the back of the book said it had "large, clear, easy to read text and vibrant pictures".  And this is exactly what I need!

The book does have "large, clear, easy to read text and vibrant pictures" that are pleasing to the eye.  Though I suggest they use objects for each letter that are one or two-syllable words because I think all Little Ones should start with simple words that are easy to follow.

Here's a look:

A is for "Apple" (as expected, hehe) . . .though I wish the apple was all red in color (LOL)
B for "Butterfly" is okay but I think "Ball" is a better choice. . . .right?

C for "Car" is good
D for "Dinosaur"?!  I wish they just used "Dog" . . . or "Duck" . . .  or "Drum" 

I must say though, this is a cute dino, teehee

E for "Elephant""?. . . .What about using "eye", "ear" or "egg"?
F for "Frog"?  Okay, it is one-syllable but I had enough of animals, haha!  
What about "feet" or "fan"?

G for "Gorilla"?  I'll go for "grapes"!
H for "Helicopter". . . is too long I think
H can also be for "Hat" or "Horse"
Though I would probably choose "Helicopter" over "Hippopotamus", Haha!

So I guess I'll stop with letter H now (teehee) . . . .

I'm planning to get some more books for the Little One. . . next on the list, a good fairy tale book.  

Yes, I'm starting her early . . . and I hope this would foster her love for reading.

Any book recommendations you'd like to share?

Parenting Lesson from a 5-yr old

Photo credit: www.kidpower.org

Thanks to Iya (my adorable 5-yr old niece), I got my first parenting lesson.

One day, she asked me something (forgot what the question was) and I answered it the best I could.  . . and then it was followed by a gazillion "whys". . . until I can't think of an answer anymore!  So I gave up and said "I don't know" (thinking that would make her stop).  Well, she did but after she told me this ---

Iya: Ta-ta (that's what she calls me, short for "Tita") dapat hindi mo sinasabi ang "I don't know"

      (Ta-ta, you should not be saying "I don't know")

Me:  *E-M-B-A-R-A-S-S-E-D*

Kids just don't say the darnedest things. . .they say the smartest things too!

I know I have a few more years to go before the Little One asks her "whys" . . . so care to share what you do when you can't answer a child's questions anymore? =)

Picture Perfect

It's the Little One's Day Out today and while waiting for lunch to be served, we took some pictures which we can send to Daddy (Zola's Dad).  You just don't know how many shots  my sister took so she can get a decent picture of both of us (meaning both of us wearing our beautiful smile) but well. . . we really tried our best! Haha!

Okay, we're both NOT ready! Haha!
(I can't believe I'm posting this picture of mine! Teehee)

I think the Little One might be ready . . . but I'm not

Okay, she is READY for the camera and I'm still NOT!

NOW I'm ready and she's NOT!

I'm still READY and she's umm. .. well . . . .tired and sleepy

PERFECT!

They may not seem to be picture perfect. . . but they definitely are to me =)

My "Sort-of Homemade Cooking" Series: Lettuce Chicken Wrap

I was 5 months pregnant and was craving for Peking Duck . . .not really for the skin but for the sauteed duck meat served with fresh lettuce leaves.  I was in LA during that time and wouldn't know where to get good Peking Duck *sigh*

But in one of our trips to the supermarket, I got so giddy and excited when I saw this!

Thank you Lee Kum Kee for my craving's quick fix!

Cooking it is easy as 1-2-3, just saute the ground chicken, put some chopped carrots, water chestnut, spring onion, roasted peanuts and turnips and the sauce mix and tadahhhh . . . .

I should have gotten more before I went back to Philippines! (I couldn't find this good stuff in our local supermarkets).

Hmmmm . . . . maybe it's time to get some real Peking Duck todayyyy!!!

Have a nice Sunday everyone!

Heath and Christopher

I was reading the local  YES Magazine this afternoon and saw some old pictures (which were taken during the 70's) of Christopher De Leon, one of  Philippines' premier actors.

And for some reason, I thought he looked like Heath Ledger, one of my favorite actors.  

I guess I just miss Heath Ledger. . . .I liked him the first time I saw him in "10 Things I Hate About You", loved him in "A Knight's Tale" (I don't know how many times I've watched this film!) and thought he was brilliant in "Brokeback Mountain".  It is indeed a shame that he left us too soon . . . 

Googled for some more pictures of these two amazing actors and there seems to be some resemblance. (well, just my opinion, teehee)

What do you think? =)

Photo credit for Christopher de Leon (www.video48.blogspot.com) and Heath Ledger (www.perthnow.com.au, www.herospy.com and www.thehunkies.com)

Ready for Christmas Shopping?

It's 60 days until Christmas . . . and I haven't even done any gift shopping yet! Aaarrrghhh!  I got to start working on that list!  I do take my gift giving seriously, haha!  I know some people don't like shopping for gifts but I find joy in finding that perfect gift and knowing that the person absolutely loved it!  

Do you know how I choose which gift to give?  Here are some of the things which help me:

1. I keep in mind their interests, hobbies, their lifestyle - For example, for somebody who loves to cook, a good cookbook, a cool or unique kitchen gadget would be nice gifts.   A health buff would appreciate a gift which he/she can use at the gym or when exercising or if the person is a music or book lover and you're not sure of the person's faves, you may just get a gift certificate so they can make their own choice. 

2. Do-it-yourself (DIY) gifts - I would love to do this!  If only I'm creative and crafty enough, I really would! haha!  Or if I only know how to bake . . .a box of homemade brownies or a jar of delicious cookies in a nice Christmas packaging would be a lovely gift.

3. Personalized Gifts - I like giving and receiving personalized items because when you see your name on it, it makes you feel special.  Some of the personalized items I have received in the past are towels, notepads, gift tags and stuff for travelling.

4. Buy something that person won't buy for himself/herself -  I wanted to buy a really nice bag but decided not to since I'm saving for something else.  So my sweet sister thought of buying it for me as her Christmas gift. (Thanks sis, love you much!)

5. Or sometimes, all I got to do is ask this question if I have to decide over a gift. . . would I like to receive this gift as well?  Haha!  Try this. . . it really helps =)

Happy Shopping! =)

P.S.  Don't shop 'til you drop, just take it easy. .. teehee

Image Credit: www.cartoonstock.com

Zola's Dad

Janina turned 4 months today so I told hubby that the next blog post will be our letter to the Little One.  I told him that he can just give me random thoughts, ideas, things he want to say (you see, he is a man of few words) and I will then come up with the letter from both of our inputs.

But after reading what he sent me for this post, I just know that his letter (unedited) deserves an entire post in itself. 

Hello my Janina. My baby Zola. You are now four months old and you are growing up fast. By the time I get back, I might be able to see your neck better.  How I wish to be by your side right now together with your mommy.  It's hard for me to be away and it makes it even tougher when you are sick; so I pray that you grow as a healthy little girl.  I miss making beso-beso to you and I miss carrying my little darling, tiyan-to-tiyan style.  I miss you and your mommy very much.  We love you. Smile always.

I've mentioned in an earlier post that my hubby makes me laugh without even trying and this is what I'm talking about. . . . "I might be able to see your neck better?". . . "making beso-beso?". . . "carrying my little darling, tiyan-to-tiyan style?" . . .you may not find that funny but I DO (and probably my good friends M and M who are his biggest fans)! LOL . . .

And I'm sure he wrote this without the intention of being funny . . . and that to me is what makes him funny!

Just reading this letter makes me miss him more . . . (for you single ladies out there, just a friendly advice, for me, it is important that you have a partner who makes you laugh because laughter creates a bond and brings happiness in a relationship . . . and besides, you need a good sense of humor in dealing with life)

Btw, you might still be curious about the " see your neck better" part . . . . after looking at the Little One's photo below. . . I guess it's self-explanatory then  (LOL)

Happy 4th month Birthday Little One!

You have brought so much love and joy to us,
you are a blessing in our lives.
We love you very much sweetheart. . .


Hugs and kisses,
Daddy and Mommy