DRAWING IS EVOLVING

Dear Naomi,


Your drawings are starting to be more precise.  They are actually cute.  I love your turtle and snail here.  Also, the way you draw girls, they seem to be manga-like.

Keep it up, Naomi my love so sweet.  Keep doodling until you perfect those strokes.  But most of all, have fun!

Loving your artwork forever,

Mommy 

8TH WEDDING ANNIV LOVE DOODLE FROM NAOMI

Dear Naomi,

Thank you for this lovely surprise for Mommy and Daddy's 8th wedding anniversary!  You even stayed up late last night to wait for us and to give this.

I hope you stay this sweet and thoughtful until you grow up.  I will never get tired of your love notes.  And you will be Mommy and Daddy's precious gift forever.

Love much,

Mommy 

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 :)

NAOMI'S IMESSAGES

This year Naomi learned how to use the iMessage functionality of her iPad.  Such a great thing because she keeps sending love messages... and sumbong messages... and demanding messages hahaha  She also sends messages to her Daddy, to Tata, Ate Kichie, Kuya Gabs, and Kuya Isaac.  Sayang walang iMessage si Wowo and Wowa.  

What's so nice about this is that she knows how to express herself at this young age (Naomi turned 7 last month).  While we don't want her to get so addicted with gadgets, we also welcome the thought that with this, she is able to communicate and is comfortable with it.  I think good and open family communication is a habit and a "culture" to be developed.

Here are some of Naomi's love messages.  Enjoy reading!

P.S.  She wants viber to be installed to her iPad.  She just loves the stickers!

SORRY NOTE FROM NAOMI (2015-03-17)

Dear Naomi,

It's your finals week and last Tuesday, I guess both of us are so stressed from the review.  You were cranky and crying while we were reviewing, and Mommy lost her patience.

Then you wrote this note.

No need to say sorry, my dear.  Mommy should have known better that you are already tired.  I am sorry that sometimes I forget that you get overwhelmed too.  Please don't think that you don't make Mommy happy.  I love you and am so proud for what you are and what you are achieving at this young age.  Your happiness is more important to Mommy.

Let's spend more time in love.  

Hugs and kisses, Mommy :)

WELCOME HOME POSTER FOR MOMMY

Dear Naomi,

Going back home from business trips is sweeter because of your love notes... in this case love poster :)  I missed you so much!

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

You gave this to me on March 8, 2015 when I arrived from my business trip in San Jose, California :)

NAOMI DOODLES (2015-02-09)

Hey Naomi!

When you gave this to me, you asked me if I liked my earrings :)

No, I don't like them, I love them!  And I have such fabulous bag here.

Hugs & kisses,

Mommy

Front

Drawing inside the card

Back

LOVE NOTE FROM NAOMI (2014-09-21)

Dear Naomi,

You gave this to me when I arrived home from the US on September 21, 2014.

You did not just pick me up from the airport but you again touched my heart with this love note.

Sweet kisses!

Mommy

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MY BLOG! (AND NAOMI'S SWEET NOTES/DOODLES)

Well, hello there my blog.  Yes, I have not forgotten you.  I missed so many entries last year but I hope to document more of the good stuff this year.  And what a good way to start by posting Naomi's sweet notes and doodles for Mommy, Daddy, and anything about her family.

Dear Naomi,

You are 6 years old today and you have given Mommy and Daddy lots of your sweet surprises.  Yes, you keep surprising us with your love notes and drawings about how much you love you family.  

I am not sure how I will keep them so I thought of posting all your notes/doodles/drawings here in my blog so we can both look back at it.

Keep them coming my sweet monster princess.

I love you so much!

Mommy

P.S.  So here's one of your creations (Jan 26, 2015)

“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 :)

NAOMI, NAOMI, NAOMI

Dear Naomi,

Congratulations!!!  You did a good job being the first place in your class and you did a whole lot of other great things in just the first semester of SY 2013-2014.  You are 5 years and 4 months old as I write this letter.  Mommy and Daddy are just so proud of you.  Most importantly, I’m glad that you are enjoying school. 

Let me enumerate your milestones:

August 16, 2013 – First Parent-Teacher Conference (Kinder A, 1^st Trimester, SY 2013-2014

According to Teacher Dianne, this is more of a behavioral assessment.  This is what Teacher had to say.

 Teacher told us that you are so lady-like.  You are so poised!  You are soft-spoken and yet starting to show leadership skills.  Teacher said you just need to learn how to speak louder and to work faster on your seat work.  Yeah, anak, you can do this.  And I’m glad to know that your first two months started well.  Mommy is just so anxious at first as to how you will adjust to the big school.  But look at you now :)

October 18, 2013 – Little Archers’ Olympics

 

Yes, finally, your dream of being a cheer dancer is now a reality.  You auditioned for La Salle’s pep squad and you got in!  I think you were about 3 or 4 years old when you started dreaming to be a cheer dancer because of the movie “Bring It On”.  And so your first performance happened last October 18, 2013, when you performed at La Salle Greenhills for the Little Archers’ Olympics.  Mommy and Daddy are so impressed of you because you woke up really early for it (without us waking you up) so we can be in school at 6:15 am.  You went to La Salle Greenhills without Mommy, Daddy, or Yaya.  Sorry, Mommy was not there to watch (parents can go to La Salle Greenhills but on their own).  But when I asked if you looked for Daddy and Mommy, you said no.  When I asked if you got sad because there was no Mommy or Daddy to watch you, you said no.  Gosh, Mommy was so relieved because Mommy was feeling guilty to have missed this.  But more than the relief that you gave Mommy, it was the thought that you are showing signs of independence that made me really smile.  Parents are not really there to protect and shield you all the time but it is more to train you to have the traits and values you need to live the life you have.  For some reason, Mommy is more concerned on how you’ll have a high emotional quotient than just being good at academics.  I’m glad that I see La Salle as a partner to that goal.  I’ve been seeing various activities in your school that I think train students to be independent and confident.  Ooops, carried away na naman yata ako.  Umo-OA na naman si Mommy.  Wala lang, I’m just so happy for you anak.  I saw your video in Facebook since Sofia’s mom shared it.  Ang galing!  Winner ang kembot mo hahaha

October 24, 2013 – Science Quiz Bee 

Another first, my princess.  We got a note from Teacher that you were chosen to be one of the representatives to the Science Quiz Bee.  When I got there, you just finished the quiz bee.  Good thing Daddy took a video of it.  And Mommy was really impressed.  Especially during the difficult round where there were no choices and wrong spelling will not be counted.  Example lang.  One of the questions was “Where do orchids live and grow?”  You answered, “pot”.  Tama yun, my princess hahaha you see naman that our orchids at home are growing and living in the pot (some of them lang kasi others are in a drift wood kaya nga si Daddy puno ang naiisip na answer hahaha). But the correct answer was “air”.  Hihihih that’s okay, anak.  This is just the start.  For sure, there will be more quiz bees for you.  And I really admire La Salle that they expose students this young to activities like this which I think train students to be confident and competitive.  Sige bawi tayo next time, my princess.  And don’t worry, we are still buying you a new pair of rubbers shoes ;)

October 25, 2013 – Card-giving day for the first trimester of SY 2013-2014

You did it!  You’re the first in class!  In fairness, ang galing mang-surprise ni Teacher Dianne.  She showed me first your Exemplary Deportment Award, discussed with me your grades, and finally showed the First Place Award.  Yiiiiiiiiii!  Can’t contain my happiness then.  Galing mo!  I remember Daddy would always tell you to aim to be number one because 2^nd place is the first loser.  Syempre to the rescue si Mommy because I’m not sure how you’ll take the pressure in school.  I just would like you to adjust to the “real” school first.  But look at that.  Maybe, I’m babying you a little.  Maybe, I should trust you more :)  Anyway, I’ll leave the pushing to Daddy and Mommy will be that safety emotional net ;)  Good deal? :D

 

Hayyy baby ko.  How time flies.  You are now starting to build yourself.  I hope and pray that you will continue to aim high, love learning, and act with integrity and with heart to others.  Pray always my baby and  know that your family is always here to support you.  

I love you so much,

Mommy

CONFIDENCE

Hubby called and narrated his conversation with Naomi today at lunch time:

Daddy:  Are you the smartest in the class?
Naomi:  Yes.
Daddy:  You think teacher will say the same?
Naomi:  I think so.

Awww, ikaw na, anak!  Hahaha I am just so proud that Naomi is so confident of herself.  

Just  a background why there was this kind of conversation, today at 3 pm will be Naomi's 1st performance review with teacher.  So we will meet with teacher later and both hubby and I are just so excited to hear how Naomi is in school.  And this conversation of hubby with Naomi just makes me smile and hopeful that such confidence will be with Naomi as she grows up.  I just don't remember myself being that sure of myself when I was Naomi's age :)

I better log out now as I need to finish work so I can leave the office early.  Will blog about the result of Naomi's performance review later :)

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! :)

(MAY 22, 2013) NAOMI'S BAKING PROJECT: BANANA CAKE

Oh yes, Naomi had another baking project last night.  This time we did banana cake using Maya Oven Toaster Banana Cake mix.  Actually, I thought this would not push through because we started doing it past 8:00 pm (almost 9:00 pm, I think) but my adorable gremlin still have the energy.

I'm so glad Naomi likes baking.  I am a frustrated baker but now I get to share this activity with her.  I know we are just using instant cake mixes but I plan to gradually do the "real" baking thing with her... Slowly :)  And both of us can learn at the same time and make this our bonding moment.  This baking project started with kutsinta mix, puto, and now banana cake.  Next, I'll teach her how to make choco oat chip cookie which is the only thing I know how to bake.  My friend and I even came up with a business because of this cookie (called Cookie Creations) but that's another story.


Anyway, here are the pics of the banana cake baking project.  For some reason, Naomi reminds me of Tessa Prieto in these pics hahaha  And for the record, the banana cake is really yummy (not because I'm her mom but yes of course I'm a proud mom!)  Parang Purple Oven banana cake sa sarap :)  

The ingredients!

Proudly showing off her batter :)

Tessa Prieto, is that you? hehehe

Isa pa ulit pose :)

Ready for baking!

At syempre another pose with oven toaster :)

  

Done baking!

Ready for eating

Mommy tried plating 2 slices using whipped cream, marshmallows and candy sprinkles :)

Hmmm, medyo kulang sa art si mommy hahaha

  

Slices!  No pic na nga lang with Naomi coz she was busy watching the tv na upstairs.

Therefore, si Nathan na lang nag-photo shoot with the finished product hehehe

A very happy customer!  Yum Yum raw talaga :)

Nathan: "I can eat all of these!"

*Pictures of past baking projects of Naomi*

1st baking project: kutsinta!  We did this first week of April 2013.

April 9, 2013 puto project ;)

NAOMI --- A "NOEL JR."

(Repost from http://nerissaaquin0.multiply.com/ , May 27, 2009)

**********

Most people say Naomi looks so much like me... a "mini me"... a "junior Jeng"... Yeah, there's no denying about that... but really, Naomi is so much like her Daddy... in substance.

I can't help but be really proud that Naomi is growing up to be like her father --- witty, jolly, playful, sweet and loving.   Here are some of their common traits:

~ Daddy likes to read... Naomi reads the newspaper with Daddy.  She reads Dora books.  She reads the labels in the DVD.  She reads anything and everything she thinks can be read!

~ Daddy likes cars... There's no stopping Naomi when she goes behind the steering wheel!  You bet everything gets going and crazy --- the wiper, signal lights, stereo, hazard lights, everything!

~ Daddy is always on the move because he is allergic with idle time... Naomi is a certified "kiti-kiti" and "gagambina".  Put her on the floor and she moves with a flash... crawkling from one end of the room to the other... going up and down the bed or the sofa... there is so much going on with her.

~ Daddy likes to travel and to drive around... Naomi always point to the direction of the door, motioning for her and the caretaker to go out of the room or the house.  Both Daddy and Naomi are certified "lakwacheros/lakwacheras"!

~ Daddy always have a positive disposition in life.  He sees the good in every situation and finds humor in everything.  Life is so easy and light with Daddy on the side.  Same goes for Naomi.  She always wake up with a smile, or grin even, in her face.  How can your heart not melt with that?  She surely brings joy to the people around her.  And playtime is so much fun.  "Harot" is the right word to describe her and Daddy.

I can go on and on with Daddy-Naomi comparison but what I would like to say is that I'm really thankful and grateful that God gave me both of them.  They are my life's real treasure, my joy, my life... I love you, Daddy & Bebe!  Tsup!