"I AM JUST A KID..."

I never expected these words to come out of my five-year-old. 

It's exam week and naturally I want to prepare my kids for it.  

Naomi can now review on her own.  However for Nathan, more attention and guidance is needed.  He seems to have very little attention span at this stage (i.e., 5 years old and kinder).  I keep reminding him to focus.  That is what I was trying to manage.  But I guess I am very much challenged at this aspect and I easily lose my patience.

Gosh, super gigil si Mommy.  Sometimes I don't know how to get Nathan's attention that I end up shouting.  And really gigil!  At one point Nathan told me, "Mom, you look like an evil man."  Ngyark!  Witch na witch ang peg.  And then Nathan let out these words...

"Mom, you are getting mad.  I am just a kid." 

That really crushed my heart... He looked down and was about to sob...  At that instant, I hugged him and said sorry.  I will never forget the expression on his face...

Dear Nathan,

Mommy is really sorry for allowing "anger" to control the mind and emotions.  Thank you for calling my attention.  Yes, you are still a kid and you deserve to learn through love more than anger and shouting.  

I love you sooooo much!

Mommy

P.S.  Please listen to mommy :)  Mommy is such an angel, you know hahaha

NATHAN DOODLES TOO :)

Dear Nathan,

You drew this last July 27, 2015 and proudly showed Mommy and Daddy your artwork.  Hahaha of course, it's about Minecraft, Stampy, the creepers and all.  And there's a dragon too.  

Keep it up, cool kid.  The drawings are starting to make sense hahaha  Just the same, I love them!

Your fan forever, 

Mommy

Do you see the dragon up there? :)

Stampy with the Creepers :)

WE SURVIVED JUNE

Yes, we did it!

I have written in a previous post that June is a period of transition not only for myself but for the whole family.  So how did we survive?  By trusting our instincts, by trusting the capability of kids, by believing in ourselves again, and most importantly by letting go and trusting in God's great providence.

Here's what happened:

• Naomi and Nathan went through their first day high's by themselves.  Yep, no Mommy with them.  I must confess I was so uneasy waiting for them to come home.  I was imagining so many things and was so worried they wouldn't find their school service or might ride the wrong one.  But God's protection is with them and legions of angels did guard my chikiting patrol.  So there, they went home safely and with lots of stories.

• No stay-in helpers.  I have two stay-out helpers who do the laundry and ironing of clothes.  Both go to our house twice a week.  Despite this, we badly needed a stay-in helper to cook food, do the dishes, watch over kids, and clean the house.  Since we did not have any for about 2 weeks, we needed to do things by ourselves.  Good thing the big kids cooperated.  They looked after the little kids.  They helped clean the house and washed the dishes.  Everybody contributed and extended a helping hand to keep everything in order.  So how did I manage cooking for the platoon?  I did not! hahaha I cooked once then decided to utilize food delivery (with the strong support of hubby)!  Isn't that cool (and expensive)?  But hubby kept telling me the cost is nothing compared to the stress of cooking.  So there, we survived.  But shortly after this, we were lucky enough to have been helped by hubby's sister and soon found a stay-in househelp.  But that short stint allowed everybody to do household chores again.  A discipline that will help these kids when they're on their own.  Also, this  allowed me to revisit parts of the house that need attention.  Most importantly, this experience reminded me that I am strong and that yes, I still have that extra energy to do chores to make a lovely home.  Not bad at all.

Nathan's first entry to his assignment notebook :)

• Nathan wrote his assignment all by himself.  How awesome is that!  Writing is a big chore for Nathan.  So this is really a big milestone for him.  I guess this time he does not have a choice but to write.

• Naomi does her assignment and washes herself without yaya's help.  Yep, because in the first place we don't have a yaya.  This has now become a routine for her so Mommy just checks and reviews her when Mommy gets home. 

• Gab's timing of college is a blessing in disguise.  Good thing Gabs will start college not until August 2015.  So back in June when we did not have anyone in the house, there's Kuya Gabs watching over the kids when they get home from school.  And if you're reading this Gabs, I want to thank you so much for taking care of your little siblings and for reviewing them.  Not just a big help for me but most of all for Naomi and Nathan.  You get to review them while there is still energy left for the day.  When they are not cranky yet.

So there. That's it.  And right now, even with our stay-in helpers back, we still do some chores.  It's much more relaxed now.  And we are not afraid.  

I just love my family.  And I thank you so much dear Lord, for helping me and the whole family get through this.  More challenges to come.  But you have shown so many times that you are with us.

P.S.  I am so busy as of this writing because of tons of office deliverables.  But I just have to write this now because my heart is just full of gratitude :)

MAN WITH MUSTACHE

Hey there, Nates.

You drew this on Feb 23, 2015.  You are 4 years and 9 months :)

This is the first time that Mommy saw you REALLY draw something hahaha

You said it's a man with a mustache, and well, uhmmm, and everything else :)

Mommy is just amazed with this milestone.  And I hope to see you draw and write some more (instead of playing with gadgets or watching tv).

Anyway, I look forward to more art works from you.

Keep it up my "grown-up-baby"!

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

PORMA MUCH AT 4YO

"Mommy/Daddy, I want my hair up."


"Mommy/Daddy, I want a rock star hair."

"Mommy/Daddy, I want to be like stegosaurus."

"Mommy/Daddy, I want a hair cut."

Yes, Nathan, at 4 years old, you are so vain when it comes to hair style hahaha Porma talaga eh.  And you want to put gel to your hair.  I don't agree very much with the gel thing pero sige minsan puede.

I am glad though that at this age, you are conscious about good grooming before going to school (not only because of Yanna hahaha). And great that you know what you need to do and what you want to look good.  

Dahil dyan, Daddy bought you your own gel.  And I am giving you your own brush.

Your own hair styling set

Happy good looking! :)

You said we did not put enough gel to hold your hair up :)

Love,

Mommy

MY ADORABLE FELINE

Lagot ka Nathan kay Ate Naomi!  You wore her head band hahaha 

But how can you resist such cuteness!

Feb 3, 2015, 4 years & 9 months

Feb 3, 2015, 4 years & 9 months

“MOMMY, IT'S YOUR CHOICE…” - NAOMI

Last night, I had a “gigil” episode with Nathan.  I was reviewing Nathan for a quiz and for some reason I lost my cool because he couldn’t focus on what we’re doing.  Nathan kept giving me wrong answers.  I totally broke down.  Gosh, sobrang OA reaction ko and I still feel guilty about it as I write this…

Anyway, good thing we ended the night in good terms.  We said sorry to each other and we both ended the night with love.  When we were on the bed with Ate Naomi, Nathan was starting to get kulit again.  I told him, “Nathan, do you want Mommy to get angry again?”  Aba, biglang singit si Ate Naomi sa usapan and said, “No, Mommy.  It’s not Nathan.  It’s you.  You have a choice if you want to be mad, sad, angry… It’s you.”

TOINKKK!  Straight to my face.  Nagpaka-mature si Ate!  Parang last week lang yan ang speech ko sa kanya when I was talking to her about managing her crankiness.  I paused.  Di na ko kumontra.  Did not say any excuses.  I just acknowledged her. 

Yes, Ate, you’re right.  Thanks for reminding me.  And thank you for remembering that we always have a choice on how we will react to situations.  That we are responsible for our own actions.  Made me feel good na nag-sink in naman pala sa yo long speech ko.  And again, thanks for reminding me about it.

Naomi and Nathan, I am so sorry if Mommy tends to raise her voice when trying to make a point.  I love both of you very much and I only think of what’s best for you.  When Mommy loses her patience, yes, it’s her and not you.  You are both very special, kind-hearted, smart kids.  I have faith in you, my adorable gremlins.  I love you!

BIG SISTER IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE

June 25, 2014, Wednesday
 
Dear Naomi,

I want you to know that I am beaming with pride to see you accompany your little brother Nathan to his classroom today.  You know it's only Nathan's third day in big school and he is still building up his confidence and courage to be on his own.  Nathan got clingy to Mommy when I brought both of you to school this morning.  Of course, the teacher in charge wouldn't let Mommy in the classroom area and Nathan wouldn't go without me.  Good thing you offered to bring Nathan to his classroom even if you're almost late for your own class. 

Awww, such a sweet sister.  It's like you were reassuring your brother that it's okay and he can do it, without babying him.  At that moment I felt like you were his source of strength.  You were all smiles to him.

I really pray that you both grow up to be like that --- supportive and loving of each other.  Because people will come and go through your life but your family will always be there for you.

I love you both, my adorable gremlins.  And thank you again, Naomi, for being a real big sister for Nathan.

Love, hugs, and kisses,

Mommy :)

THIS IS IT, NATHAN! :)

Dear Nathan,

Mommy finally submitted your Nursery application form to the big school and you are having your entrance exams on Feb 22, 2014 :)  Do great my little gremlin!  You will be one real school boy starting school year 2014-2015!

Actually, Mommy is excited for you and at the same time a little anxious.  Mommy would like you to stay one more year at Kids Discovery Corner because there the teachers will really have the time to help you improve your skills (writing and reading).  But Daddy and I talked about it (even your Ate Naomi) and they believe that you can do it in the big school.  Don't get me wrong my little gremlin.  Sigurista lang si Mommy.  When your sister entered the big school she was well prepared and knew how to write her name.  I just would like you to be as prepared as Ate Naomi.  Right now, you are in the developing stage and is starting to learn the alphabet, the numbers, and even writing basic lines and coloring.  Oh well, Mommy just have to trust your own strength.  Besides, it is really in school where you are expected to learn and master these skills.  I guess, I just have to erase that thinking that you should know all these basics even before you enter the big school.

I just wish you well my baby, este, big boy.  More than learning, I want you to enjoy school and learn to build healthy relationships.  For the meantime, medyo cramming lang tayo ha.  Let's practice your alphabet, numbers, and writing in preparation for Feb 22.  Most of all, lets PRAY!!! Hahahaha :D

On another note, here is your assessment for the 2nd sem of school year 2013-2014.  Good job for you, my adorable gremlin!  And yes, you are the king of pretend play.  You are just one funny kid.

I will love and support you all the way, my gremlin,

Mommy <3

SUPERMAN DOES NOT DANCE

Dear Nathan,

Here is your supposedly dance performance for your 2013 Halloween Party at KDC.  For some reason, you did not dance :)  

Well, I think I know why...

Maybe you're thinking Superman (and other superheroes for that matter) is not supposed to dance but to fly and rescue people in need...

Or maybe, you are just sleepy...

Whatever the reason is, okay lang, because I still enjoyed watching this.  

And when I showed you the video and asked about something, here is what you have to say:

Mommy: "Nathan, what were you whispering to Moe?" (in the video Nathan whispered twice to Moe)
Nathan: "GO HOOOME!!! "

Hahahaha naman anak.  If you don't want to dance, wag nang mang-BI ng ibang classmates hahaha Classic ka talaga, anak!

Happy Halloween everyone!  Here's the video and hope you'll enjoy it even if Nathan did not dance :)

MEET SUPERMAN, GREEN, AND FLOWER :)

This is a rather late post.  I just found time writing it now because I am currently confined at St. Luke's BGC for my annual executive check-up.

Anyway, I wrote about Nathan's first pet here.  That is Sam the fish.  Sadly, Sam passed away last month.  Not sure why.  We bought Sam a new house, or should I say an aquarium, but after about two or three days we found Sam floating.  The pet store saleslady said it might be due to stress.  Hmmm, puede nga siguro because I think Nathan got too excited about Sam's new house, he kept on poking him.  Oh well, so long Sam.

And so we decided to buy new pets for the kids.  Hubby and I believe that having a pet is a good way of teaching responsibility to the kids.  So this is what we got for the kids: new pet fish and two turtles!!! 

We named the fish, Superman.  Only because Nathan likes superheroes.  Even as we bought Superman, I don't think Nathan realizes that Sam is gone.  That's okay.  For the turtles, we named the darker one Green (male) and the lighter one, Flower (female).  Initially, I asked Nathan if he liked to name his turtle Blue.  I remembered Blue from Rio the movie which is his favorite.  But then Nathan looked at me and said "Green?"  Josme tawa ako ng tawa.  He looked at me like he is saying "Shouldn't it be named Green instead because of his color? Duh, mommy???"  Oo nga naman.  Shucks, eh anak, name naman pinag-uusapan natin at hindi color no! Hahaha of course I did not argue anymore.

That's it.  Enjoy your pets, my adorable gremlins! :)

LITTLE EINSTEIN

Hubby and I decided to have Nathan's eye checked because we noticed that he would always tilt his head to the left whenever he watches the television (even if the television is just in front of  him!).  It was a red flag for me because my sister and my niece had the same habit when they were about 5 to 6 years old (can't remember exactly when) and that was when they started wearing eyeglasses.  

So I had Nathan scheduled at the American Eye Center, at Shangri-la Edsa, on July 27, 2013, for consulation with a pedia-ophthalmologist.  Our doctor is Dr. Catherine Qui-Macaraig.  Actually, she is the same doctor that we consulted when Naomi was months old.  Naomi had discharge in her eyes (sort of pus-looking discharge) when she was a baby.  We learned that it was because her tear ducts were closed.  According to the doctor, some babies are like that but it opens up sooner or later.  If it did not, then a surgery was needed.  Good thing, Naomi's tear ducts opened and with the help of some eye medications, all was well.  I guess her tear ducts were too open that's why she easily cries now that she is a toddler hahahah (joke lang, Naomi, you're such a bubbly kinda maligalig lang kid hahaha).

Anyway, going back to Nathan, the eye tests resulted to him having astigmatism.  Below is his prescription.  The first number is the lens grade and the next number is the astigmatism.  For the last number (180), I forgot what it is for :)  

The doctor told us that we can have him wear eyeglasses to correct astigmatism.  If he stops tilting his head after wearing eyeglasses, then Nathan may be feeling the comfort of the lens support. Although sometimes, at his age, some kids just have certain habits.  And the tilting of his head may just be behavioral.  So we just need to remind Nathan every time he tilts his head.  

Oh well, I hope the astigmatism will be corrected soon.  The challenge is to have him wear the eyeglasses longer.  Nathan can only wear it for a minute or less.  I guess he is comparing the vision with and without eyeglasses and it may still be weird for him.  I don't blame him.  I also find wearing eyeglasses such a hassle that's why I opted for contact lens :)  O sya, for now here is our cutie little Einstein :)