Look Who's Here!

Yesterday, around 4:00 PM exactly 3 days ago after I had this post, we fetched Allan at the airport. This is what we look forward early this year, his 20 days vacation! :) He's lucky to have a very good employer who allowed him to extend few more days even though the usual allotted vacay for them is only 2 weeks.

As expected, Xian is super excited from the first time I told him the news weeks ago.Lagi nya ko tinatanong kung ilang tulog na lang daw bago sila magkita ni daddy.Since we don't want to preempt hubby's anticipated vacation since he told me not to tell the news to our family para daw surprise so I kept mum about it kahit kating-kati na talaga akong iblog, pero secret daw muna since mahirap ng maudlot.Pero wag ka,couple of days after he told me the news, ang mahal kong asawa na ang nagpopost sa fb wall ko already starting the countdown.Ayun,di rin nakatiis.hehe!

Contrary to the last time we're there 2 months ago, ibang-iba ang feeling ngayon. Together with my in-laws,hubby's 2 nieces,and my Inay, we left our house after lunch then we arrived at NAIA around 2:30 PM so we had our snacks first to kill time. After an hour, we proceed to the arrival area. While waiting, can't help but notice na wala pa din pinagbago ang Terminal 1 Arrival Area from the last time we were there 2 1/2 years ago and as far as I can remember.Kakalungkot lang.

Anyway moving forward..  Xian with his cousins positioned themselves in the barricaded area patiently waiting to get a better view of the people arriving, inip na inip ang bagets always asking me "Mommy asan na daddy?" "tagal naman.." with his eyes glued kung saan lalabas si daddy nya. Finally after a few minutes he saw his dad,and for the little man, happiness is an understatement! Di na ko nakapicture kase from that moment sinalubong na ni Xian si daddy nya while happily shouting "daddy! daddy ko!" and immediately Allan held him in his arms,then they kissed and hugged like there's no tomorrow. From that moment, parang gusto kong maiyak sa galak seeing them reunited once again.Of course we also had our own moment,pwede ba namang mawala yun? :D

This is the only matinong shot I got after their mag-ama moment kase puro blurred (sorry naman,excited din eh!) 

Nagti-twinkle pa eyes ni Xian dyan,see the grin? 2 months pa lang di nagkita lagay na yan.

hmmm,ano kaya pinapagusapan nila...

dropped by @ Duty Free for some pasalubong.feel na feel ni bagets ang cart ride nya na si daddy nagtutulak.

On our way home,we headed first to Calamba to drop off my BIL and Xian's Ate Venice then we also had our dinner there courtesy of Ate Lanie,my BIL's wife before heading home. I noticed that Xian became super duper extra clingy to hubby,super pa-baby talaga to the highest level! We arrived at our house around 9:00PM although we had some family bonding afterwards. t'was really a nice feeling to sleep once again together with the two most important people in my life.Sobrang saya ng feeling that we're a complete family once again.

Bago ko pa makwento lahat-lahat,babush na muna! :)

As of today,Day 1 of hubby's vacation: Xian and hubby had a haircut bonding moment. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go with them since pumasok ako sa work today :(  Looking forward to weekend,we really need to make the most of these precious days!

T.H.R.E.E

I've mentioned on my first post for this year that there are lots of things I look forward to 2012. As of today, #3 is connected on the top of my list.

 photo source: image from Google

..and since I don't want to preempt the plan,you'll know about it in the next few days!

Happiness on a Friday afternoon with me smiling ear to ear.Ayyy,para lang akong timang dito.

Happy Weekend! :)

 

Potty Training Xian

This is a late post. I wasn't able to blog this before since I want to be 100% finished (or close to it man lang) kase during that time nasa 75% pa kami although there's an improvement everyday.

Feeling ko pwede ko na sya i-post today since nasa 95% na so here it goes! :)


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October was also the time that our little man was finally potty trained.

For some, 2 1/2 years old is already late. Everytime I read the stories of those moms who start training their kids before they turn one, I was amazed how they're able to do that. Ibang level ang patience and perseverance and I admire them.

I started attempting to potty train him when he's 16 months old, I bought him a potty chair and started to teach him how to use it, but to no avail. He like it but he didn't want to use it. Baka mas feel nyang pang-display lang.Months passed and I felt like he's not yet ready. We also have our share of boo-boos of this potty training journey since there are instances when he would tell me the he's going to pee only to find out that he's finished and his diaper is wet already. In fairness nagpaalam nga naman. Sometimes naman he'll say "mommy,poo-poo-poo ako" so I immediately jumped up from bed, grabbed his arm and ran to the T&B and 30 minutes there waiting pero no show yung hinihintay namin. False alarm pala. Mga ganung eksena. I always hold the principle that each child is unique and each has their own pace, I don't force Xian if I could see that he's not yet ready. 

When he turns 2 years old, everyday as soon as he woke up we'll immediately go to the toilet since I'm the one who bathe him before I go to work. There, I ask force him to pee so he'll get use to it. I also bought him cute McQueen and comic boy briefs to encourage him to wear it often instead of nappies. I try to practice him to sit at the throne just to let him get the feel of sitting on it and luckily there's no violent reaction although there are still instances that he's uncomfortable and always hide at my back whenever he would hear the flush sound.

October came, during that time, I was thinking that since we're planning to send him to school soon, I need to think a valid reason for the little man why he need to let go of his diaper. I told him that since he's a big boy now and we're gonna send him to school in the next couple of months, the teacher will be happy if he knows how to use the toilet when he's about to go and that diaper is not allowed there.hehe.

And you know what,it worked for us! Since then he no longer wear diaper and prefers to wear his underwear everyday and he's making paalam everytime he wants to pee or poo because he doesn't want his McQueen brief to get wet.hahaha! Oha,effective! During nighttime,he still wears a pull-up for emergency purpose since he's still having a hard time controlling his bladder when he's asleep. Although there are mornings that he wakes up dry. We still have a few months before he's 100% diaper-free which is what we're currently practicing nowadays.But nevertheless, I'm happy for my Xian's another huge milestone.

Usually our conversation goes like this:

Me: bi,basta sasabihin mo everytime mag-wiwi or poopoo ka ha?

Xian: yes mommy,sa CR lang.

Me: yes,dun lang para pag nasa school ka na matutuwa si teacher.

Xian: very good ako?

Me: yes,very good! (imitating teacher's voice)

Xian: yehey!

Me: then lalagyan ka ni teacher ng star sa hand mo.

Xian: yehey! ...achaka din sa paa.

O_o

photo source: image from Google

Potty Training Xian is one of the many mom-kid moments I will always treasure.Syempre pa,kasama na dun yung star sa paa.LOL

We're Featured in Smart Parenting Article! :)

I received an email few days ago from Mommy Jazz, one of the writers of Smart Parenting Online about her upcoming article on Ways How A Baby Changes Your Life because she's currently gathering replies for that article she's working on. I feel honored and grateful for giving me the privilege to share my experience because for the second time around,Xian and I were featured in SP article. The first one was last year about my review on mommy rated product.

 

Here's the article I'm talking about and we're on the #2 Slot.

Here's my simple answer:

“When I'm shopping for an item I need, I can't help passing by the children's section and end up buying things for my baby instead. What about those which I need to buy for myself? There's always a next time.”

Don't forget to check other answers by SP Mommies on Smart Parenting Online. :)

Nostalgia: Xian Then and Now

Xian Allen @ 4 months

All you knew back then is to smile back, coo and babble at us. You love to giggle to the delight of everyone. You're so helpless and you demand our attention by fussing and crying your heart's out. You entertain yourself by observing your surroundings on what's going on around you. Brightly colored mobiles and play gyms attract you the most.  Mommy's lullaby put you to sleep and my loving caress soothe you.

Xian Allen @ 2 years and 9 months

Connecting dots! I'm happy that his pencil grip is improving,yey! #proudmomma

Now at your age, you are unstoppable force anak! You will not take NO for an answer. You won't stop unless you are satisfied with the proper explanation. I can't help but be amazed at how smart you have become.  Daddy and I can't wait to see and experience more as you grow. If there's one rant I have right now,"bakit naman kase ang bilis mo lumaki?" hinay-hinay lang ha? Di pa kami sawa ni daddy sa pagkabata mo :)

 

My Dearest Xian,

You're growing up too fast into mommy and daddy's little man leaving mommy's baby behind. A couple of months from now and you'll conquer another world away from home and that is your school although I wasn't sure how it will all going to turn out on your first day! :D I love seeing how excited and proud you are everytime you tell Daddy, Inay, Tatay and everyone in the house that you're going to preschool soon and I was the one to drop you off everyday to your school and how excited you are to meet "teacher".I can't wait to see you in your first ever school uniform and I'm looking forward to prepare your everyday baon. I'm excited to see you perform in your school activities.I want you to know that I will always be your #1 fan in everything that you will do.

love you so much,anak!

Mommy 

P.S:

Actually, I was just overwhelmed to see Xian holding his pencil correctly and seriously doing his worksheet one night,yet na-emote na ko.oh well, mom's happiness to kid's achievement.hihi!

Simple Joy: Ice Cream Cake!

Bake & Churn's Ice Cream Cake just like what I've mention here is one of my favorite dessert to buy whenever I'm at the mall. Their Chocolate Ice Cream Cake log with chocolate chips on top is so addicting so I bought one last night on my quick trip to the supermarket to satisfy my sweet tooth. 

Two of my favorite dessert: cake+ice cream = perfect combination! :)

What I love about it is that even though it's an ice cream cake, the sweetness was just right and I don't have to worry that it will melt easily because they can last up to three hours under room temperature, no wonder when I came home and took this pic, photogenic pa sya and buo pa si ice cream.hehe.

When it comes to delectable yet very affordable treat, I'll definitely come back at Bake & Churn's for more.

Friday Night Sweet Treat

Dunkin' Donuts is the donut store I grew up with. Wayback to the time when the battle in our household for our choice of donut pasalubong were just between Mister Donut or Dunkin' Donuts; and for me, the latter is my palate's choice because of their distinct taste suited for my picky tastebuds.I was always the first one to choose what flavor/s I like in a box full of yummy donuts and my "pinagpilian" flavors of donuts will go to my siblings. They can have it all as long as I have my favorite flavors.lol. No wonder this store will always be a part of my happy childhood memories.

That's why It's happy to know that our favorite donut store has taken their goodies to the next level (yes I know, it's been a couple of months since their release and I already tasted some of their flavors but I haven't got the chance to blog it) until I bought some munchkins pasalubong last night for Xian and for my folks and a premium donut for me so naalala ko lang sya bigla.

I already tried Blueberry Cheese, Chococcino and Black Forest and the last one became my favorite.

  

The cute box

And this is my sweet treat inside that box.

The classic chocolate donut topped with bittersweet chocolate shavings, a dollop of whipped cream and cherry.so delightful!

Best enjoyed with a good cup of coffee :)

Xian's Quotable Quotes!

I came home from work last Saturday and when I enter our room here's what caught my attention.

Xian's deflated animal figure (which looks like the combination of Tasha and Austin of The Backyardigans) Once upon a time he became Xian's favorite uhmmmm....pet.

And before I was able to ask Xian about what happened he emerged at my back and said "look mommy,kawawa no? dead na sya..." 

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I bought him a happy meal few night's ago as his pasalubong since the featured toys are the Chipmunks. I bought Alvin first because it's his favorite. Anyway,whenever we ask what's the meaning of A in Alvin's shirt, his quick response "Allen!" (because Xian Allen is his full name) so feeling nya,sya yun.hehe.

While staring at Alvin he innocently said "Mommy bakit wala suot short si Aveeen? like this eto.." (then pointed to what he's wearing) Seriously, I was caught off guard. Malay ko ba naman na pati short mapapansin ni bagets.haha! 

Yaan mo na anak si Winnie The Pooh wala din naman short! :D

Xian's Random Photos

These are just some of Xian's photos two weeks ago that I have here in my computer that didn't make it to this blog because of my topmost reason: I'm too lazy to blog. Owyessss,I promised that I'll catch up with some kwentos about the past weeks,kaso eto na naman po ang sakit kong bumabalik.haha, sorry naman! I don't know, is it because of the weather or probably tamad lang talaga ako. Malamang pareho! Besides I've been too busy with my domestic and work life. Busy-busyhan ang peg ko this week.

Ayway,lemme just photoblog for my post today :)

 Playtime @ The Mall a.k.a Xian's Happy Place 2

playtime is not complete without a carousel ride.

umeffort pa talaga sa pag-pose,hihi!

I want to replace my yellow blue bike with this one,daddy!

Choo-Choo Train, another favorite of the little man.

Mommy and Baby (No More)

My Little Kulit @ Home

 playtime with the 10 year old Koala bear (yep, 1 dekada na sya. One of the stuff toys Allan gave me during our college days.Ayan,naabutan pa ni Xian,hehe!)

Imitating his dad.Mekaniko ang peg that day ni Munting Allan :)

when one is not enough--his fave Dutch Mill. His frequent bilin everytime I go to the grocery, "mommy strawberry lang.yoko ng orange.di masarap!"

 his first ever taste of lollipop!

So there, if you noticed I'm just using my mobile phone for the photos because my trusted digicam of two years broke down. Sniff! I think nagpaparamdam na sya talaga for a new one. Although the husband promised that he'll replace it soon! :-)

 

Christmas-y Cupcakes we Love

Ok fine, ako na ang di updated sa pampaskong post! :)

My Xian loves cupcakes and breads. If the husband is a rice person, then the little one is a bread person. 

Lemon Square products is a staple in my grocery list because of  their diverse baked goodies perfect for Xian's snack. The little man loves their snack cakes , cake pies and cereal snacks. Since I'm a working mom, I do the grocery every weekend and I just filled  the fridge with snacks for the little man to munch anytime of the day. One time during my previous trip to the supermarket, I discovered the limited edition holiday cupcakes of Lemon Square which becomes a hit to the little man (and for mommy, too!)

Moist chocolate cupcakes with scrumptious deck of christmas-y toppings with delicious cream filling. A box of 6 individually packed cupcake is P60, very affordable for the quality of this snack.


It really tastes like Christmas (weh,para namang nalasahan ko na ang Pasko eh no!)  because Christmas just taste good, doesn't it? :D

Xian @ Happy Place 1

I guess for my Xian, spending some quality time is not complete without his playtime at two of his happy place. As much as I wanted to just stay in the house muna  to savor the moment of my work-less days since I don't want us to be caught in the middle of the holiday rush, I don't have the heart to say "no" to the little man's request plus he already showed me his cutest smile with matching "please mommy..please,please?" and the moment I said "okay" eh mabilis pa sa kidlat ang reaction nya na "yes!" 

Now I wonder kung san nagmana ng pagka-artista batang 'to.

So despite the traffic, we headed to Jollibee and no, I didn't drive. Azul is park comfortably in our garage.commute kami,hehe!

As usual, typical scenario, the moment we enter Jollibee store he went straight to the play area and the rest is history!

 

 Obviously, this is his version of "me time" and this little thing is happiness for him to the highest level already.

ayan nga't may pa-cute cute pa :)

Before heading home, we had a quick snack at Greenwich and that explains the green chair Xian is sooo comfortably sitted while playing his toys. At home na at home ang bagets, ano? After making our stomach happy, we had a 20 minutes travel time wala pa dun ang pagtigil ng driver sa gasolinahan or pamimick up ng pasahero at ang pansumandaling paghinto dahil sa traffic,so all in all we reached our home less than an hour,just for the little man's request.

So there, a peek of our typical day last Christmas break! :)

Unang Post sa 2012

First of all, I would like to greet y’all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

photo source: image from Google

Hello mommy blogger friends, how are you? How’s your Christmas and New Year celebration?  If you’re going to ask me, there’s nothing peculiar about our family celebration this year; we still share the same familiar joy, had the same menu on that same old table, the only difference is that the husband is not with us on these two special occasions but he had his way of making us feel that we’re still together in celebrating as a family despite the distance. Besides, we have a lot to look forward this 2012, and I’m excited about it already so instead of drowning on sadness regarding the hubby’s absence, we just look forward to beautiful things because this year is all about positivity and happy thoughts!

Anyway, for the past few days that I haven’t visited blogger, I miss each and everyone of you and I miss reading your posts. I came from a long holiday vacation and as expected, naki-bakasyon din ng bonggang bongga ang blog ko for almost 2 weeks. The only account that I frequently visited for that two weeks is my facebook account.

I owe this blog a lot of posts and I don’t know where to start. So malamang dun pa din sa gift na napanalunan ko sa raffle kase dun ako natapos.hehehe!

I’m officially back to work today after my holiday vacation; I love every moment of the past few days, my daily routine with the little man includes waking up late than usual and spending our morning in bed cuddling, watching together his favorite cartoons, eating our newly-discovered snack, trying my very best to mold the best fruits and animals during our clay time-play time, having our version of child-friendly wrestling (if that’s what you call it) bathing and feeding him everyday, answering his paulit-ulit-ulit questions on merely just about anything tipong kung ano lang maisipan nya (talking about child’s curiosity)  In short full-time mommy mode ako to the highest level. 

Being with Xian 24/7 made me appreciate my Inay more than ever because I had a taste of what she does everyday with my Xian while I’m at work. So for that 10 days, it’s all about mom and kiddo. I noticed that Xian became extra clingy to me as in he always wanted to be with me ALL THE TIME. Paminsan, CR break na lang meron ako. But I do not complain, because I knew that more that the gifts we gave him this year, it’s the gift of time that he love the most. Being a SAHM is something I happily look forward to. Hopefully the soonest!

Anyhoo, I’m just organizing my thoughts and I’ll be back to blogging soon.

Yes,lagay na ‘to introduction pa lang.

Seriously, I’m excited for this year and what’s in store for me and my family. So 2012, bring it on! I’m so ready for you.

Happy New Year mommy blogger friends, cheers to a blessed and amazing year for each and everyone of us. Cheers to more years of online friendship! God bless us.xoxo.