She said what?

We were at a clothing store last Sunday to buy some long sleeve PJs for the kids since the weather is getting cooler.  So while I was looking around, our 3 1/2 year old Princess did too and helped herself, got a pair of pink pants and said, "Mama, I like pink. . . HOT pink!"  

Yes, you are never too young to learn about HOT pink! I had to correct her though.  

This is baby pink!  Haha!

Since we moved to LA last May, this little girl has become more articulate.  I've even heard her use some of these phrases:

What's up with that?!
What in the world?!
What in the whiskers?! (I know, whiskers?!)
Disgusting!
Smelly!
Oh dear  (and she just sounded like a grown up. . . an old one! Haha!)

One time, she did something and wanted to say "sorry" to me . . .
She said: "Sorry man" 

The other time, we were about to leave the house and she wanted me and her Papa to hurry up so . . .
She said: "Come on guys!"

As they say kids say the darndest things.

Well, they also say the funniest things..

She left the room and left her toys around so Hubby cleaned up.  When she came back and saw the clean room. . .

She said: "Papa, why you clean up? I like kalat! (kalat is the Filipino term for "mess")

Oh nooooo . . .

Last night, whe was pretending to go to class and I was her teacher. . . 

She said::  Good morning Teacher!

Me: Good Morning Princess!  Did you do your homework?  Let's try to count okay.

She (starts counting): One. . . .Two . . . Three. . .  GOODBYE Teacher! 

Where is that little girl who likes going to school?! Haha! 

The other night, I haven't taken a bath and it's getting late.

She said: "Mama, take a bath.  It's sleeping time!"  

I swear, somewhere inside of her is a grown up, haha!

And kids say the sweetest, melts-the-heart things too.

There was one time when she just suddenly told me . . .

"Mama, you are my best friend!"

Awwww, sniff. . . sniff. . . 

I hope she'll say the same thing when she grows up! 

And kids are honest too.

One night,while she was combing her Dad's hair
She said: Papa, you don't have hair.  Mama has lots of hair!"

Sorry Huney, that was just really funny!  It's one of my faves!  Haha!

Hope this post has brighten up your day just as it brightened mine.  Just spreading some good laughs to brighten up this cold and sort of gray day here in LA. =)

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day tomorrow because it's going to be the first time I'm celebrating it with Hubby! =)

To celebrate Mother's Day, I want to share with you videos (which you might have seen already since both of them went viral) which made me cry as they both describe Motherhood the way I see and feel about it.

One thing that Motherhood taught me is to strengthen my belief about being selfless and loving unconditionally. 

Just like this beautiful woman, Ms. Paddy, she gave up her dream of becoming a dancer (she started dancing when she was just two years old! to get married and take care of the family.

But after everything she had to do and went through, I am so happy (for her) that she chased her dream and did something about it.  

Yes, Motherhood isn't easy. . .it is definitely a tough job to do!

I love this video because it's heartwarming to see grown ups who suddenly remembered how great their Moms are =)  

And there's another side of Motherhood. . . there are just times that even when your love for your kids is overflowing and that they are your pride and source of joy. . . sometimes. . .sometimes. . .you just want to say . . .

Image from antoniarolls.blogspot.com

Haha!

Motherhood entails a lot of hard work.  It can be tiring and stressful.  I thought I was a patient person. . .until I became a Mom. (Haha!)  But in spite of all the "drama", the rewards are truly immeasurable!  

I am in a place where I want to be, happy and contented. =)

Happy Mother's Day!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Growing up, we have probably heard this question a million times!  I always answered, "I want to be a doctor!" only because my parents are doctors.  There were days I wanted to become a cashier or a singer (though I can't carry a tune).  I also imagined having my own store, or that I was a bank teller!  

As I grew older, when I had to choose what Degree to take up in the University, I still didn't know what I want.  However, there was one thing I was sure of. . . I didn't want to become a doctor! Haha!

One thing that I learned from my parents was to choose something that I really like and one that is interesting for me because earning a Degree isn't easy.  They were probably hoping that I would consider becoming a doctor but they never imposed.  They were there to guide, to advise but they never imposed and that is one thing I appreciate about them.  Making our own choice was what mattered most.

So I went to the University, took up something which sounded . . . umm nice, haha!  (If you're wondering what it was, it was a Double Degree in Applied Economics and Marketing).   No, I didn't get the chance to apply what I learned but I did get to do a job that I really, really loved and this is one thing that I'm grateful for in my life! =)

To my dear Princess, 

Choices are part of our everyday lives.  We can only hope (and pray) that we make the best one each time we have to do so.  Don't be discouraged if you make the wrong one.  You'll be surprised that the bumps along the way may actually be blessings in disguise.   

I wish that the future brings you where you want to be, where you can be your best and most especially where you will be happy =)

*All photos are owned by Highgrove

Toilet Training Woes

Toilet training is one thing that we're dealing right now . . .unsuccessfully.  *Sigh*

I've read that Kids would do it in their own time, when they feel that they are ready and that they shouldn't be forced to do it.  But then when I see and hear about other kids that are her age (and some are even younger than her!) who have already learned to let go of their diapers, I can't help but feel the pressure, haha!

We tried the potty trainer which she didn't use at all!  She preferred to sit on the toilet so I bought her a baby toilet seat to use.  She actually knows when it's time for her to go. . . she just wouldn't sit on the toilet.  I even showed her that Mommy sits on the toilet so she wouldn't be afraid to do it.

I also borrowed a book at her school which I thought was perfect for us!

The story is about Ducky and his friend Piggy who can't come out to play because Piggy is in the potty.  Ducky realized that it's time to be like Piggy, to let go of his diaper and sit on the potty.  

So I read this book to the Princess so many times and emphasized (like EMPHASIZED!) on how Ducky kicked his diaper because the diaper is wet and heavy and that sitting in the potty/toilet is better!

Then I asked her (and I sounder like a coach who was giving her team a pep talk!) after reading the story:

Me: Sooo, do you want to be like Ducky and Piggy?  Piggy uses the potty and Ducky KICKED his diaper because it was WET and HEAVY?!

And she gamely answered with a loud voice and said . . .

Princess: NOOOO!!!!! I want to be an elephant!

Me: *Facepalm* --- (have I mentioned that there's no elephant in the story?!)

So yes, I am stressing over this toilet training thing!  Wish us luck!!!  I neeeeddd it!!!!

Any tips?!

What's the Story?

Last week, the Assistant School Administrator from the Princess’ school told me that it's going to be "Reading Week" in school this week.  As part of the activity, they've asked parents in each class to be the guest reader during the class' Storytelling Time.  So they invited me (unfortunately, heehee).  

And if someone tells you that you should do it for your daughter, chances are you can't say "NO"!  (That was a smart move I must say, haha!)  So I said "Yes" and thought, I'll probably manage.  Reading to toddlers is something I do with J anyway.  Only this time, there will be 6 of them.  All I have to do is read the book, be a little more theatrical and happy sounding and it will be over in 5 minutes!  

So last Monday, when Teacher T handed me the book I will "read", I got a big surprise!  

It was my first time to hear (and see) about Wordless Books!   

And that means. . . it's up to me to make up the whole story based on the pictures!

Spell STRESS!

I have successfully defended two theses in the University, I have prepared and explained budget and financial forecasts to the Management when I was still working.  But nothing could have prepared me for THIS!!!  Haha!

I went through the pictures several times, had a general idea what I want to say and was able to put a moral in the story too (the importance of saying Sorry).

I'm happy to say that everything went well =)  I was actually glad I had the chance to do it because I enjoyed reading to the kids!  Who knows, there might be a "teacher" in me, waiting to be nurtured, haha!

Everything happened in 10 minutes. . . but it sure was the longest 10 minutes I've ever had!

My Fridate! =)

Last Friday was one of the best Fridays I had!  All because I had a one-one date with the Princess which started at her school.  

The Princess had a Skills Demo Program that afternoon.  When I saw her name in the Programme (she was assigned to do Reading, Numeracy and Puzzle Solving/Sorting), I'm the one who had butterflies in the stomach, haha!

She was asked to match the head and the body part of the animals.

The kids were asked to pick the picture that represents the word.

First, she had to sort the pegs according to colors.
Then she was asked to count for a particular color
and pick the number for that color!

Have I told you that she is just in PRE-NURSERY?!  All I remember doing in my Nursery class was eating and sleeping after Recess!   Haha!

By the way, that's her "game face" on!  She is serious (and quite timid) when she is with other people.  I know her face doesn't show it (haha!) but  she really enjoys going to school.

She did a really good job that my heart swells with pride! =)   

After school, we celebrated and capped our Friday with some comfort food from Shakey's!

Because the Princess wanted to eat Chicken gravy!

And I missed eating this classic pizza (Shakey's Special)!

No trace of her "game face" haha!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and may this week be amazing for you! =)

For Pet's Sake!

The Princess and I were watching Cartoons where it showed that a little girl had Pets at home.

So out of curiosity, I thought of asking her what animal she wants for a pet.

Me: You know, Pets are animals you want to take care of.  How about you?  What pet do you want to bring home?

J: Snake!!!

(Gasp!!! )

So after a few days, I asked her the same question (as I would like to see if she will give me the same answer)

Me: What pet do you want to have?

J: Spider!!!

(Whaaat?!)

I don't know why she couldn't just say a "Dog" or "Cat"!  Haha!

So for now, I'll just leave it at that. . . it's still too early for her to have pets anyway.

Or until she changes her mind about what pet she likes!

Little Miss Multitasker

I've blogged about our Princess being a little Miss Independent in a previous post.

Apparently, she is a "multi-tasker" too!

When I saw her getting sleepy, I tried getting her snack but she REFUSED to give it up.  I guess she loves Yan-Yan that much! (Like mother, like daughter---NOT that I can't give up Yan-Yan!  We both have a sweet tooth) 

Who says you can't eat and sleep at the same time?!

So to the non-believers. . . I say. . . BELIEVE! Haha!

Just Laugh!

I went to the mall with the little girl to buy a few things.  I drove, I parked, I went to a computer shop to buy a couple of ink cartridges, we walked, I took the little girl for a ride at the carousel, we walked a little bit more to go to the book store.  We spent some time around the place, browsing, looking for things that I need, something for her too. . . until finally, we were done and were at the cashier to pay for our stuff.  While waiting at the cashier, I brushed my hair with my hand and my hand brushed a part of my face and then. . . I felt something on it!

There was a SMILEY face on my face!  Eeeeeppp!  Haha!  

Ate gets a smiley face from her teacher when they are done for the day which she sometimes sticks on me.  I completely forgot about having one that day and removing it before leaving the house!

So yes, I was walking and doing all the things I've mentioned above with a smiley on my face! 

I probably looked something like this . . . 

while walking around the mall!  Haha!

"As long as you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused."

- Unknown quote 

Hope you had a smiley and an amusing kind of day today! =)

Best Foot Forward

The other night, the little boy and I were in the room and were playing.  After a few minutes, I stood up to read a text message in the phone when I noticed that he got really quiet.  When I turned to look at him, I saw this!

At least it's his foot, not somebody else's! Heehee

This scene actually looked pretty familiar. . . 

I wonder, what is it with children and their fascination with their feet?!  Haha!

Little Miss Independent (Take 2)

Our little girl learned how to hold her bottle when she was 5 months and when she was about 16 months, she learned how to eat on her own.

I've also blogged about her, being our little Miss Independent in a previous post.

Please indulge me as I share with you another Proud Mommy moment for me. =)

This morning, when I walked into the room, I saw this. . . .

All because my little Sweetheart wanted to fix her own milk!  She even got a tissue and wanted to clean up this mess. (Heart melts. . . )

To my little girl, I am so proud of you!  I know you want to explore and do things on your own now, and I will let you do so (as long as it doesn't harm you).  Always remember that Mama and Papa are here to guide you.  We will always be here for you.

P.S. I hope you won't change. . . that you will always remember to clean your mess. . . until you reach your teenage years!  Haha!

Saturday Morning with a Princess

I think all little girls go through a "Princess" phase.  My sweetheart just started hers!  (Thanks to Disney's TV cartoon series, "Sofia the First").

The other night, she was walking and holding her imaginary ball gown and was curtsying!  

So this morning, I thought of going to the mall to buy her the "Princess stuff". . . like a Princess gown and a tiara!  So I told her (excitedly) about what we'll do but she wasn't really to keen on going out.  After a few minutes, she went to her closet and got her frou-frou skirt and said "Princess" and asked me to put it on her.  Then she went to get a piece of our puzzle floor mat and put it on her head and said that was a "crown".  I found her idea of a crown to be . . . fresh!  (Good job Ate!)

Her take on a Princess outfit. . .

I told her to smile and she gave me these faces!  Haha!

Thank you my Princess for reminding me that we can have fun with the things we already have.  We just have to be a little more imaginative!  =) 

 . . . Oh And that Princess gowns don't have to be long, haha!

Happy Weekend everyone!

Duck You!

As defined by Urban Dictionary, Duck Face is a term used to describe the face made if you push your lips together in a combination of a pout and a pucker, giving the impression you have larger cheekbones and bigger lips.

Duckface ala Kim Kardashian

Photo Source

Not sure though if this was what our little girl was trying to do. . . because I never told (and taught) her about it.

This is NOT our Duck Face. . .

It is our SAD face!

Well okay. . . I probably did this "Duck Face" thing. . . once.  

Only because I want my face to look slimmer!  Haha!

So. . .have you? =)

P.S. I wonder if you are trying to do a "Duck Face" while reading this post, haha!

NO to Drugs!

The Holiday is here!!! And so is the flu season (No thanks to the change in weather!)

The kids are having their share of the virus right now. (Spell STRESS!)

Our girl has bronchitis while the little boy "may" have asthma . . . but our Pedia-Pulmonologist chose to be aggressive in treating the kids so they can enjoy the Holidays, thus prescribing a cocktail of Meds!

The only "drugs" my kids are allowed to take (in their lifetime!) . . . are the ones that truly make them feel better (and not high!) 

Good news is they are getting better now (thank you Lord!)

I just hope they would never have to take a LOT of meds for a looonng time! (NO to drugs talaga! Enough please!!!)

Stay healthy everyone!  

Wishing everyone the finest pink of health as you celebrate the Holidays! 

200!

The no of toy-building pieces that would test my

Imagination and  . . .

and ability to follow instructions! 

It would probably test my patience too, haha!

And doing it with a curious toddler would probably take longer than usual, haha!

As they say, Patience is a Virtue =)

Pretty in Pink

One of the things I've taught Ate early on is the importance of Sharing.  It didn't come easy because she was in her "mine" phase, a normal developmental stage for toddlers.  When her little brother came, it became a bit easier because she was truly fond of her baby brother (though there are still days that the green eyed monster gets to her).  And just like a broken record, I tell her repeatedly that she should share things (and people!  haha!  Yep, she has to share me with her brother!) with "Cobo" (this is how she calls him).

One day, when we went to the salon to have my our nails done:

Ate (in toddler talk): "Mama, Cobo, pink. . .nails"

(Translation:  Mama, Cobo should have pink nails too)

Haha!  I think she got my point on what sharing is all about.

Oh my Darling Ate, thank you for always thinking about your Little Brother and for wanting to share all the nice and fun things you do =)  I am sure your brother can't wait to play with you!

For the second time. . .

There are some things in my life which I want to experience again. . . and hearing the word "Mama" for the first time would be high up there on the list.

Our little man has learned to say "Mama" just about the same time as his big sister, they were both about to turn eight months. (I blogged about Ate's moment here)

It just happened one day =). . . .and hearing it again was as exciting and memorable as the first time!

Baby J always wakes up  in the morning this way. . . with a smile!

He loves, LOVES  to eat (errrr, like his mom?, heehee), I think his next word would probably be "milk"! Haha!

You always brighten my day sweetheart. . . I love you (and Ate) to the moon and back!

Rocking Red Lipstick

Growing up, I would wear my Mom's high-heeled shoes.

I think all little girls love wearing Mommy's shoes!

As for Ate, well, love for make-up came before the shoes, haha! =)

Somebody is playing with the lipstick! =)

Which reminds me, I should ask my Mom what the brand of her lipstick was (Ate used played with her lipstick) because it's long-lasting!  It is!  Because it took me more than a few scrubs to clean the nipple, haha! 

Uma-Anne Curtis sa red lipstick! =)  
I must say she did a pretty good job applying it.
Yep, it was all her!

She started her day with a bottle of milk and a swipe of (bright) lipstick that put her in a good mood!

Make sure you have a tube because you might just need it someday =)

Image Source

Ice Cream Love

I think Ate took after my love for sweets!  (Patay!  Haha!)  First, it was M&M's, then Ice Cream.  

As I've mentioned in a previous post, eating Ice Cream has helped us in managing her crying bouts when she takes her Medicine.   I guess there is really just something in ice cream that makes it comforting and brings joy to whoever eats it.  It can even solve problems!

If you want to shop and make a toddler sit still, Ice Cream can save the day!  Haha!  

P.S. And pray that he/she stays that way until the ice cream is gone, heehee.

Happy Halloween!

One of the school activities that I was looking forward to doing this year was Ate's first Trick or Treat!  I got excited with thinking of what she's going to wear, haha!  One thing was for sure, she won't be a princess or a fairy because she is not into those. . . yet.  I wanted her to wear something she really likes and one that makes her happy.  I figured that if she likes what it is, she would definitely wear the costume.

And if there's one thing she really likes now, it's M&M's chocolate (Plain)!  So I went online and googled for some costumes which my Mom's dressmaker can make.  Initially, I wanted something like this:

Iimage from www.spirithalloween.com

But went with this instead . . .

Image from www.spoonful.com

because it looked more COMFORTABLE!

Mom's dressmaker did a good job with the yellow top.  As for the M&M's logo, I just sent it to the Printer and had it printed. =)

She LOVED it!!!  And was excited to wear it!

As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I love the school's idea of recycling old shoe boxes and turning them into a Trick or Treat bag.  

Ate actually worked on the pumpkin during her Arts and Crafts time in class =)

Ate's Costume Parade/Trick or Treat in pictures. . . 

I'm glad she enjoyed her first Trick or Treat =) 

Everyone at home enjoyed it too. . . .Thanks to her candies!  Haha!

Wishing all of you a great weekend! =)