Xian @ SP Magazine March Issue

Since it's Xian's birthday week already, here's the little man on the latest issue of Smart Parenting Magazine Kiddie Greets together with the other Mighty March celebrants!:)

can you spot Xian? ^-^

Don't forget to buy the March issue with Chesca Garcia-Kramer with her pretty daughters Kendra and Scarlett on the cover. For my Xian, he loved the National Geographic Little Kids magazine that comes with it.

To know more about what's in store for you with this issue, click here.

Thank you so much Smart Parenting for my birthday boy's early greetings,may online na meron pa sa print. You made us really happy! 'Til next year! :P

New Loot for the Little Man

A Lightning McQueen character slippers!

side view!

top view!

After our husband and wife day out (aka Saturdate) after he fetched me from work, on our way home the husband noticed me busy taking pictures of the stuff.


Hubby: My,Kelangan talaga may picture taking pa? 

Me: Oo bakit ba? ba-blog ko lang :)


what I thought as a disapproval of my quirky habit, he said "ipatong mo dun sa dashboard my, tas lagyan mo ng shades!"


Hahaha!


Ay sus may sarili naman palang idea kaya ganun.


Anyway, here's his brilliant idea (kuno!) as suggested:

obviously the shades belongs to hubby and Xian.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to upload here all the shots kaya eto lang isang to, pero meron pa shots na parang magkausap sila and the other one is nagkakarera. So pinatulan ko talaga idea ng asawa ko. Wala eh, trip-trip lang.haha!


There you go, here's the little man's feet wearing his McQueen slippers.

Perfect pang-harabas for his outdoor playtime. Obviously, this is his current favorite pair,very comfy pa.Ka-chow! ;)

Another Kulilit Story: Reloaded

"Never underestimate the knowledge of a child."

SOOOO TRUE.

This statement is tried and tested by me for a lot of times already in different situations and circumstances. Guess what, My habibi strikes again with his playful and adorable antics! Bakit ka’nyo?

SCENARIO: Last night,during one of our casual talks at home together with my cousin Jane who’s fond of talking to the little man, started the conversation.

Ate Jane: Xian like mo na pumasok sa school?

Xian: like! papasok school ang Xian. (that’s his response most of the time, he loves repeating the question)

Ate Jane: *joking around* eh dyan ka na lang daw naman papasok sa Ilaya para malapit (public school which is just a walking distance from our place) 

Xian: eeeeehhhh no like. 

Ate Jane: eh san mo like?

Xian: sasakay ng car... doon papa jesus... (he’s referring to my alma mater in our town, St. James Academy which is a catholic school located beside the church)

Ate Jane: ah sa St. James, like mo dun sa St. James?

Xian: si cheyms.

Ate Jane: okay.eh meron ka na bag?

Xian: opo.ayun ka-kween! (pointed to his red bag Mc Queen)

Ate Jane: eh sino maghahatid sayo? Si Inay?

Xian: no like Inay.

Ate Jane: eh di si tatay.

Xian: no like din tatay.

Ate Jane: eh sino gusto mo?

Xian: hahatid ng mommy at daddy ang Xian.

Ate Jane: hindi pwede,di ga nagwowork ang mommy at daddy? Eh pano ang tuition mo sino magbabayad kung di sila magwowork tsaka pano ang baon mo?

Xian smile, speechless for a moment then he quickly replied:

"Se-sell na lang Azul" (Azul is our car)

Toinks! Does he really mean that? Bebenta na lang daw namin car pang-tuition nya basta si mommy at daddy lang ang maghahatid sa school.Hahaha!

Who says you can’t pull off a good conversation with kids, naïve answers yet really entertaining!


Xian anak,

Day by day you're becoming daddy's mini version when it comes to your humor which never fails to amaze me and put a smile on my face. Thank you for bringing me and daddy joy every day, every hour, every moment. If only I could keep you little and adorable forever.Don't grow up too fast ha?


Love,
Mommy

                                                                                         

Guess What's Making a Comeback!

Yes siree! after almost a month of looking for this brand,SansFluo is back in our household and now comes in its new simple packaging compare before.

SansFluo's new look

I want to do the chicken dance for a while.Ok,I'm kinda exaggerated! But the thing is this is my dilemma for the past few weeks, SansFluo is out of stock here in our area, even in stores that usually sell this product like Mercury Drug, Watsons, and other supermarket in the two biggest mall here in Lipa. All of a sudden they're not available. You see, Xian's doesn't like the taste of other brand even though they're both orange and strawberry flavor. I tried Fluocaril and Hapee for the little man but to no avail. According to him, "hanghang" daw unlike SansFluo wherein he loves the yummy taste of the flavored toothgel.

you two,ekis kayo kay bagets! both of the tube are still full.

Worse, I have to forced him just to brush his teeth thoroughly. The usual effortless "brush-brush moment" with the little man became a sort of "sapilitan moment" for the past few weeks just because his usual toothpaste is not available.

Funny thing is, since I can't find this brand anywhere within my reach,hubby bought the SansFluo toothpaste all the way from Manila pa.yes,desperate move.haha! I texted him one working day to look for it and thank God may nakita naman sya.yey! sana pala dati ko pa naisip,tsk! My bad.

Anyway, hubby bought two SansFluo with Xian's fave flavor. I guess this will last for a couple of months na before he consumed the two tube. Probably that time,SansFluo is available here already.Now,the little man is back to his happy "brush-brush moment" once again. He developed the habit of brushing his teeth after every meal.The magic of SansFluo for him is still there.Fuss-free toothbrushing. Happy mommy me :) 

 

The Story of our Happy and Precious Little Rock (Xian Allen)

I've been blogging since November last year but among all the posts, this is the story closest to my heart. Why? because this is the story of Our Xian.

This is for our little man Xian so that he has something to read when he's grown up already. This is really a super delayed post. imagine naman he’s 2 years old and 3 months already yet ngayon ko lang to na-post. Like what I’ve said before, I became inactive in my blog for the past years. It’s still better late than never, right? Anak, I hope you’ll enjoy reading this when you grow up, something to remind you how much we love you.

Dear habibi/chabibi,my love/baby love/bunso/boss (as your dad usually call you),

I'll be jotting down things here based from my memories of my 9 months of joyful pregnancy while you were just a tiny tiny living thing inside my tummy. I want you to always remember that you are really God’s greatest miracle and blessing to us.

Pregnancy Symptoms

 Before I knew that you were already in my tummy, I am always sleepy which is weird. After work, I’m already dozed off to bed at 7:30 PM to think my sleeping habit is usually around 10 PM every night.

 I really have a sensitive sense of smell. There was a time I smell the take out food of my workmates from a certain fast food and just the smell of it gave my stomach an unflattering reaction.

How We Knew We Were Having You

I was delayed for 2 weeks and I thought it was because of hormonal imbalance due to stress from work besides I don’t feel anything unusual about myself naman (well except from being sleepy and the sensitive smell) so I just thought talaga na delayed lang. Your daddy even assured me than I have nothing to worry about,as in kampante lang sya. Petiks mode lang.but when I’m on my 3^rd week of delayed menstruation and I’m already in doubt of what’s really happening with me, here comes my woman instinct. why not try PT kit? Then so be it. moment of truth!

So I pee'd on a stick. I closed my eyes waiting for the result and when I opened it, tadah!  I blanked out when I saw there were TWO RED LINES. I was pregnant alright. When I saw the two red lines of the preg test, the world stood still for like 10 seconds. I blinked and blinked but the two red lines didn't disappear. I felt something I couldn't explain. It was a mixture of happiness, anxiety,excitement at the same time worry.

  So I immediately texted your daddy and even send him the MMS of the preg kit and you know what’s his reaction, more than what I expected! Your dad is really happy about the idea that he’s going to be a tatay soon. You see, your daddy will be going to Oman for a very nice job opportunity 1 month from the day I told the news and our initial plan talaga is we’ll be getting married when he came back after a year to really have our dream wedding but since the blessing came sooner than expected we decided to schedule our wedding earlier before he left. Your dad and I texted and talked to each other all night about our plans, everything about you. in short, the anxieties vanished and replaced with excitement and happiness. A wonderful feeling which is so new - instant parents na kami!

From that moment, I love your daddy even more.

People We Told

 Everyone close to us whom we divulge our “little secret” is ok naman and happy for us.parang they’re really expecting it na din naman since we’re already on our 7^th year as bf-gf that time. Long overdue na ika nga.

Daddy immediately said the news to his family and the initial reaction is ok naman. it was a little difficult lang to tell my Inay Ludy at first. Syempre,she’s from my side of the family. I’m the girl. As expected, she got mad (even if I was already 24 years old then. Her mantra in life, no sex until you are married period) even though we’re pointing it out that we’re getting married na din in the next few weeks since your daddy will be leaving soon. but Inay Ludy eventually warmed up din naman after a few minutes that she's now a lola na (and look naman how much she take care of you anak and shower you with so much love and care from that day until now, di ba winner! She super adore and love you.We cannot thank her enough how much she and tatay take good care of you while we're at work and the love,immeasurable!)

First Visit to OB-Gyne

The day after we found out of you baby, we scheduled kagad a visit to my OB-Gyne, Dr. Rinna Ritchie Alday-Atienza. I encountered about her during my Med Rep days. Since then I already wanted her to be the one to take care of me and my future baby. She’s so mabait and really one of the best OB-Gyne. Medyo pricey nga lang.hehe. but to your dad,ok lang as long as healthy tayong dalawa. During the check-up, she confirmed that I was pregnant through transvaginal ultrasound. We’re so ecstatic when we saw you for the first time. It’s really unexplainable feeling. The doctor said that you’re doing well inside mommy’s tummy and with a good sign of heartbeat. She later prescribe me vitamins and milk.

Symptoms of Pregnancy, Weird Cravings & Pregnancy Problems

First I would like to say that you’re really a Good Boy since Day 1 in my tummy.  You really helped me out to cope easily with my pregnancy that’s why nga it never came into my mind that I was pregnant na  pala, You never gave me worries especially daddy is miles away already (he left 2 days after we got married) O di ba anak, you’re really a blessing since Papa Jesus gave you to us at the right time para di ma-sad si mommy while daddy is away.  That’s why daddy did not experience all your kicks and turn in my tummy and he just rely solely on my stories and updates about your latest fetal development. But don’t you worry baby, daddy is twice as excited as me every time you have your latest development. He said nga na if only pwede tayo magkakasama tatlo especially during those times, but daddy is thinking of our future most especially your future.

I did not experience the usual pregnancy symptoms. I did not vomit, no morning sickness, no major cravings, just constant visit to the bathroom to pee which is normal for preggy and also the long queue to my OB every check-up which I comply faithfully. Other than that,I’m still like the normal me(well except from my bulging tummy that get bigger and bigger each day)  Though, there were just some weird changes that happened to daddy since he had cravings for shawarma daw. I don’t know if it’s coincident lang since he’s in the Middles East where shawarma is a staple food, pero eat it most of the time na walang umay? duh!  So most probably si daddy ang naglihi? :)  I am indeed blessed to have a healthy pregnancy all throughout and even coined as “spoiled na buntis” kase your daddy really exerted a lot of effort just to show that I’m not deprived of TLC and attention even we're geographically challenged.haha!

  Although no major cravings,I super love fruits! apple,grapes,orange,ripe mangoes and take note,I can finish 1 whole watermelon. Seryoso.  I also love halo-halo.hmmmm!

 When you were just three months in my tummy, I had a cough and colds and that incident ended me up in a 1 week bed rest. Couch potato mode lang tayo that time. My OB advised lots of Vitamin C, uterine relaxant and antibiotic (the safest one) After that, no more sickness na, everything is all well.

Names We Wanted for You

Even before we get married especially during our college days, we have talked about the name for our future babies kase our initial plan is to have 4 kiddos. I even jotted down 4 names (2 boys and 2 girls) that are written in our scrap book. Your daddy really wanted talaga a baby boy since he promised sa lolo Pepito mo (RIP) that he’ll be the one to give the first boy na apo sa side of the family nya since all of your cousins are girls. Me naman, I initially wanted a baby girl kase ang sarap bihisan ng mga cute dresses tapos kikay pa na pwede ko karay-karay kahit saan.we’ll be the best tandem I’m sure.

Our initial choices of names, for the girls its either Zhaljanne Ysidorelle (taken from Isidora-my beloved granny) then we’ll give her the nickname “Zhay” or the second name Faith Hershey Adrienne kinda long pero maganda pakinggan. For boys naman, it’s either Jared Lance or Elfrick Jann Allen jumbled letter ng name namin ni hubby plus some dagdag na names from a certain book I’ve read na gusto ko yung bidang guy.

So it’s either ZHALJANNE YSIDORELLE or FAITH HERSHEY ADRIENNE for baby girl and JARED LANCE or ELFRICK JANN ALLEN kung baby boy :)

Pero for the meantime,while di pa sure ang gender.we lovingly call you “Baby Zhay” para lang di lang plain na “baby” tawag namin.

Can’t wait then to have my next ultrasound to confirm our baby’s gender.

Knowing our baby’s gender

everyone is so excited to know our baby’s gender. they are all asking na kung boy or girl to think I’m just on my first trimester. I told them that the gender will be detected on the 5^th month pa. came my 4th month check up, my OB, had seen images that my baby is a boy. She said may sign daw na parang balls pero she’ll confirm it pa next check up,not yet sure pa since not totally visible pa. Then came my next check-up,confirmed! May “pototoy” daw sabi ni OB and I also saw it on the ultrasound machine. I was super happy that time,because I know your daddy will be happier.that time nawala yung longing ko na initially baby girl nga pala gusto ko.Basta happy ako kase naiimagine ko na reaction ng daddy mo.So when I said the news,feel na feel ko ang excitement! uber happy ni tatay mo tawag kagad kina lola Ligaya mo sa Bayanan to deliver the fresh and juicy news.Naunahan na ko! He always kulit me to email him na kagad the ultrasound pics,to think nasa clinic pa ko that time ha.di na makahintay!

How We Came up With Xian Allen

The funny thing is, during the check up you kept on hiding your gender. As in, natatawa na lang kami na nandun sa clinic but after a little prodding, voila! CONFIRMED! You showed to us that you’re daddy is going to have a Junior. (So he really kept his promise to Lolo Pepito that his first born is a boy) The first Baby Boy Caldo is coming! :)

So, we already dropped down the nickname “Zhay” and that time although we have reserved names parang di ko na ganun ka-like.I asked hubby if it’s ok to change and he said it’s up to me as long as I’ll retain the name derived from his name.haha! So I started thinking of a name that will fit with Allen. I read about tha name Xian in a magazine and I find it cute. Plus the fact that the guy with that name is also cute (Xian Lim) I don’t want naman to choose a very long name for you that later on when you’re schooling na,you’ll get back at mommy complaining na di mo natapos exam kase kulang ang time sa pangalan mo pa lang.

Anyway,so back to Xian. Mommy researched on the internet and later found out that Xian is from the Chinese origin which means “happy” then Allen is the younger form of Allan (daddy’s name) meaning “precious” from Gaelic origin and “little rock” from the English origin. So Perfect! Xian Allen is our happy and precious little rock! :)

What We Did To Prepare For You

*I'm really looking forward every check up because that’s the time my OB assess your development and I’m so proud of you when you’re still in my tummy because you’re fast developing and doing great. You respond every week and I can see it in the ultrasound machine which makes me (and daddy) more excited to see you.

*From the day your gender was confirmed after that shopping na kami ni Inay Ludy to prepare for the big day starting from the cute shirts ,pj’s, onesies ,frogsuits, mittens and bonnets, feeding bottles, comforters,bath set and other baby stuffs that you’ll eventually use. Every time we go out, we always buy cute little things for you and syempre ang theme- blue!
 

*Mommy kept on reading pregnancy books and online articles. My constant companion is the pregnancy book “The Smart Mom’s Guide to Pregnancy and Baby’s First Year” winner talaga ang book na to,daming helpful tips. I also listen to nice songs and put the earphone in my tummy, and you always twist and turn in my tummy. seems like you really enjoy what you’re listening.

*Everytime daddy call, I let him talk to you so that you’ll still feel that daddy is just around, anticipating for your big day.

*Mommy and Daddy prayed hard every night also that you’ll be healthy and free from any defects (physically and mentally) and I’ll have a safe delivery.

Total Weight Gain

 Anak, Mommy gained 22 lbs while pregnant with you. It was all you who got bigger and bigger in mommy’s tummy. Probably because I love to eat sweets plus the vitamins and Anmum Choco I regularly take helped a lot.Look naman when you came out, you weighed 8.7lbs (3.95 Kg)! You were even tagged as Metro Lipa Medical Center’s biggest baby born during that time and your weight is like you’re 2 months old already!

When You Were Born

During my last check up to my OB on my 39^th week before my EDD, she said na  If I want I could have a scheduled CS na lang since based on your weight as of that time  I’ll be having a had time delivering you via Normal eh I still have 1 week to go pa before my EDD. It’s up for us what date na lang to choose. I still wanted to try and do it the Normal way but after weighing the pros and cons of both manner of delivery, your daddy said that I might have a hard time since you’re so big compare to my petite frame plus he’s not there physically to give his full support.in short,gusto nya sa mabilisang paraan para isang hirap na lang that’s why we opted for the SCHEDULED CESAREAN OPERATION! Your daddy even joke “Sayang at di kayo naging magkabirthday since he is a March 9 celebrant. So after deliberating (naks!) we finally came out with March 25 as the official date of your birthday.

Here comes March 25, I do the usual routine all my bags and your baby bag is ready na. My
OB said I should be in the ER muna at 10 AM (We were late pa ng 1 hour since your Lolo Oscar who’s supposedly the one to drive us there didn’t make it so we look for alternative driver. Thanks to our neighbor na on call!)

At the hospital, I’m not that nervous probably because I conditioned myself that THIS IS THE DAY WE’RE GOING TO MEET YOU and the anxieties and fears of giving birth is overcome with excitement and anticipation. Your daddy always text and call me asking how I am feeling and giving moral support and much love to the best way he can since we’re geographically challenged.

 When they brought me to the Operating Room at past 3 PM, finally this is it. All I have is the Novena booklet which I hold in my right hand even at the Operating Table. Your Inay Ludy and Ate Jane naman is patiently waiting outside the OR. Attending to your daddy’s text and phone calls. (Very supportive talaga si daddy,kaibahan lang di natin sya kasama that time) After the anesthesiologist gave me the anesthesia, my lower portion is numb na and after that everything became so fast. I just hear them, very light conversation lang para maging at ease din ako kaso super groggy na ako. I don’t feel the cut (I had the traditional cut anyway), but I knew it when they get you from my tummy. I cried and utter "Thank you Lord!" after my OB said that you’re so cute and chubby.very healthy and cried out loud which is a good sign. She said you were born at exactly 3:40 PM that time, I was so nauseous; all I know is that they’re bringing me to the recovery room.

I woke up na in my room at around 12 midnight and there I received tons of texts from everyone and let your Tita Ninang Sol read it to me since I’m not allowed to move and talk that much. She even kissed me and said that she’s so proud of me.As much as I wanted to carry you and kiss you from that moment, they did not allow muna the usual room in. you’re still in the nursery because the doctors said to give me time to recover and they will bring you to me early in the morning. Everyone there at the room share their stories how your daddy is so happy, thankful and excited when he found out that I gave birth na. Di daw makafunction ng ayos kase kabado,panay ang tawag and pangangamusta.kung pwede lang lipadin ang Oman punta ng Lipa makapiling lang mag-ina nya. eventually after the good news of my safe delivery and having an uber cute baby, nag-treat sa mga kasamahan nya to celebrate his fatherhood”

Early in the morning, your pedia and the attending nurse brought you in our room. The moment I saw you it was love at first sight. I instantly carried you and feel the mother and son bond. Everything is all worth it. You are indeed the most beautiful thing that happened to us. I’m so grateful because God blessed me and Allan with a healthy and handsome baby boy. I’m finally a mom :)

Xian Allen Zaraspe Caldo

March 25, 2009 3:40 PM

Your Forever Proud Mom,

Thoughts About Last Week

I'm really not feeling well last week, I'm having a terrible headache plus sore throat, feeling feverish not to mention cough and colds, my goodness sabay-sabay sila! I probably got it from eating too much sweets and drinking (uber cold) softdrinks. Not to mention, indulging myself with ice cream hubby bought during our trip to the grocery. Pasaway, I know!

Because of that, lie low muna sa lambingan mode with my little man. As much as I want to shower him with too much kisses like I always do every day and every minute when I'm around,lie low muna. So for the meantime,konting distansya muna and sacrifice since I don't want him to catch the virus. Di kaya ng pusong ina ko na makita na nagkasakit sya dahil sakin.

Tuesday midnight I was awakened from sleep when I felt a little hug from a tiny arm, obviously it's my Xian because hubby is at work and he only go home every weekend and since we co-sleep with Xian eversince he’s just a baby, it’s just the two of us that night. He doesn’t want to sleep naman beside his Inay and Tatay (lolo and lola) from the other room. He said “tabi,mommy..” So when I open my eyes, I saw my darling Xian watching me intently. At first I thought he just wanted to drink his milk and when I asked him,he said "no like" then I slightly kiss and hug him back then told him na matulog na ulit kami since mommy is really not feeling well and besides, it’s past midnight already. Then I closed my eyes because my head is really heavy. Although my eyes are closed, I peek and notice again that although Xian is trying his best to close his eyes, he still glance at me every once in a while. I saw his face with this unexplainable expression.That’s the first time I saw him like that. Probably because I never got sick for the long time and I’m always the vibrant and kulit mom to Xian. That moment, I felt like he really wants to ease the pain so we could go back to our sweet touchy-feely mode once again. My eyes are close but my mind is wide awake and I really want to cry. but I don't want him to see  me weak just like that. Last thing I know is nagpapakiramdaman kaming mag-ina! I don’t know how long we’re in that position. Good thing we both managed to sleep.

That same morning, hubby called and I told him about it. Likewise, he’s also amazed with what Xian did last night and even try to comment that our little man is not a baby anymore. “Pwede na nga daw maging kuya!” In my condition, naisingit pa talaga eh! 

After a couple of days of being sick, Good thing, I’m feeling ok already, back to cuddle time with my two boys. Need to really take good care of myself especially for Xian. I don’t want to see him sad and longing for mommy just like what happened for the past few days.t'was really hard! So near,yet for the little man, kinda far. haaay! Promise baby that will be the last time,I'll keep myself always fit and healthy for you (and daddy too!).. promise :)

 

A Letter To Our Birthday Boy Xian

 Our Xian 2 years ago

born on March 25, 2009

3:40 PM

To my baby love,habibi,chabibi,boss (as your dad usually calls you),

Two years ago you were born and that particular day brought so much happiness to me and to your daddy and to the delight of everyone. I remember the first time I saw you, I was still in daze because of the effect of the anesthesia that time, yet I knew from that very moment that it was really love at first sight. Just the same way, I have fallen in love with you even before we met.  Only seconds passed after I held your fragile frame in my arms but I know I’ll die for you. 

You’re so cute with your chubby cheeks, button nose, chinky eyes, cute little dimple and cleft chin. I was in awe staring at you. You are God’s greatest gift to us and our most precious possession. You are our happiness beyond our happiness. You are the one that uplifts our moods and show us to be carefree at times and you unleash the inner child within us every once in a while. You are absolutely our little stress buster.

Time flies so fast, you're turning 2 years old already! You're growing up too fast and I'm trying to cope up with everything.We always pray that you’ll grow up to be a good person, God-fearing, respectful and loving individual. Like all parents, we only want the best for you. Mommy and Daddy always pray that God will guide and teach us to be the best parents for you and being your mom, you make me want to be the best mommy and the coolest playmate that I can ever be.

We’re excited to see the man you will grow up to be, but whatever happens one thing is for sure, we know we will love him as much as the little boy we have today. 

Happy 2nd Birthday anak! Stay healthy, smart and a happy tot.We love you so much!♥

With so much love for you,

Mommy Joy and Daddy Allan

Xian's First Ever Bus Experience

This is a late post,but still I just wanna share it since this is another important experience in our little man's life. Afterall, this is his first ever bus experience! :D 

 Whenever we travel, we always bring our ever reliable family car Azul, who's  3 months younger than Xian. That's why he never experience riding public vehicles. except from his Lolo Oscar's jeep during his first three months.

Remember the last time when we went to Manila to meet the MomCenter staff? (blog post) We didn't bring Azul that time, meaning to say we have to commute from Batangas to Manila back and forth. At first I was a bit hesitant to accompany Xian especially the EDSA bombing that time is still fresh from my memory, what if ganito, what if ganyan? Sometimes you can't blame a paranoid mom's mind!

So to make the long story short, natuloy din na kasama si Xian.So when we were at the bus terminal, he kept on exclaiming "wow,bus!" He initially wanted the color yellow bus and want to ride there but the thing is Alabang bound si yellow bus and we're going to Makati that's why we need to ride on the red bus which is LRT Taft Buendia. After a little prodding, Xian decided that red bus is nice too. Buti na lang! While we're inside the bus and on our way, he kept on pointing other vehicles and exclaimed "mommy, car! ganda.. yun, bangga!" which got the attention of the man on the other side next to us. Kadrastic naman netong anak ko talaga!

my boys - busy watching the movie of the day na di ko marecall kung ano.

 my goodness!  super attentive ang father and son tandem.mana-mana nga talaga! :)

 our little Xian got bored watching and decided to count using daddy's fingers, but for hubby it's the other way around.aha! no wonder he's lazy to drive, di kase sya makakanood kung sya ang driver unlike this one.joke! :D

Too bad, I cannot find the other pictures. But anyway, all in all Xian's first ever bus experience is okay and the little man obviously enjoyed it. The excitement in his eyes is priceless! :)

 

Another Kulilit Story Part II

I was having a hard time feeding Xian last time.So I told him that if he finish his food kagad, we'll go somewhere. I just went to the kitchen to get something and when I came back, the little man is already there waiting for me ready with his cap, already wearing his outdoor slippers hold my hand and said "mommy,ets go (let's go)!"

==========================================================

Last weekend on our way to my in-laws place which is a 30 minutes drive from our place, in one of our car conversations:

Hubby: Xian, like mo na ng another baby? 

Xian: no like!

Me: no like? why? baby girl yun para magpe-play kayo.

(no reaction from our Xian)

Hubby:  yung maliit na baby, gusto mo nun?

Xian: ayawwwww!

Ah ok,wala na kami sinabi.

But come to think of it,don't cha think Xian will be a good and doting "kuya" to his future sibs similar to these photos taken 5 months ago:

Our Xian @ 1 year and 7 months with cousin Vaughn while he's trying to feed him.

trying to soothe the crying baby Vaughn

teaching baby Vaughn how to play peek a boo!

Now tell me, you think he'll still say "no like" and "ayaw" when he saw a baby as little and fragile as this? Just a thought :)

Xian on Turning 2

It was a whirlwind of activities leading to our little man’s 2nd birthday. In fact, we had been singing the birthday song to him since last month and he had so much fun blowing his dad's birthday cake the last time.

Our little one isn’t so little anymore. He's turning out to be like a mini-Daddy though.Here’s his “report card” at 2.

1. He already knew the alphabet in his wall chart from A-Z and what word corresponds to each letter.

2. Can count 1-6 without any assistance (1,2,3..6!) 4 and 5 omitted.hehe!

3. Can identify most of the animals and things whenever he saw one.

4. loves bread and cookies and his daddy's specialty "ginataan" mixed with rice.

5. knows when to say "yes",  "no" and "mya-mya" (later)

6. follows simple instructions and errands (like pick his toys, get something, rub daddy's back etc.)

7. absolutely loves cars. Whether riding one or driving his own small version of toy car. His daddy let him sit on his lap.He knows when to press the horn and to say "bilis!"

8. Still walks barefoot in the house but at times, will wear his favorite mickey slippers.

9. Very fond of watching cartoons (his favorites are Cars, Herbie Fully Loaded, Shrek, Toy Story, Madagascar, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Wall-E, Stuart Little, Chicken Little, Finding Nemo and Shark's Tale)

10. He is generous with his affection to us, he loves to hug and kiss and show us the sweetest smile especially when he's in the mood.

11. Loves TV commercials and dances to them using his half sway step or full way step. I think Xian have inherited his dad’s dancing skills (haha!)

12. He calls us  Mah-mii and Dah-dii in his most distinguished tone.

13. Favorite song is the instrumental song from Brainy Baby.

14. knows different facial expressions and make silly faces which always amuse us.

15. He is almost 3 ft tall (his pedia said he's kinda tall for his age) and weighs 15 kgs.
16.  His interests are Lightning McQueen, coloring books and toy cars.
17, already has a clothing preference and knows how to remove his clothes when it's bath time.
18. partly wean from the bottle, he's using his McQueen tumbler during daytime  but switched to bottle during night time. partly potty-trained, we're still on that process.

19. Gets excited when he sees playmates, but prefers older kids who run around (and whom he chases) rather than kids closer to his age or kids younger than him.
20. Gets smarter and smarter each day.

We really did not plan of having a big party for him since we’ll be having a simple  and intimate one at home to celebrate with family,relatives and friends on his actual birthday plus a family getaway the next day, we're planning to go to Tagaytay which will be Xian's first time. Supposedly in EK, but the thing is they'll be closed for public on the 26th because a certain company will rent the place for a big company event on that day. good thing I was  able to check it in their website beforehand. Anyway, I'm sure the little man will surely enjoy his day as an upgraded family bonding whatever mom and dad prepare on his special day, no doubt about that :)

Advance Happy Birthday baby love! We love you so much! 

I was browsing through Xian's old pics when I saw these pics. he's 5 months old here, look how much he have grown! :)

Xian's Photo Entry Won in MomCenter Philippines PhotoBlog Contest!

 

photo courtesy of MomCenter Philippines

I'm a self-confessed proud momma but I seldom join online photo contests, this is only the second time. The very first time was August last year when I joined Xian’s entry in MomCenter Philippines’s Pic of the Week together with other babies and toddlers of his age. But since the chosen winner is based on number of likes from fellow fb users who need to like and register first on Mom Center’s page before they can actually like the actual photo entry, Xian didn’t win the first time.

Then last January this year, my sister informed me that Xian’s photo entry won in Reader’s Digest Asia (I blogged it) How come that happened? I was clueless because in the first place I don’t remember any instances that I send Xian’s photo on that famous page. You see I’m very careful with photo sharing. Turned out, my sister send the photo entry pala! Because that time the contest's theme is photo that depicts Christmas spirit. My echoserang kapatid (hehe,but I uberly love her for that!) send Xian’s photo without my knowledge. Luckily, Xian’s entry won one of the major prize which is Troika Travel watch and some reading materials from Reader’s Digest.  Of course I just let my sister have the prize, for me seeing Xian’s photo on their page with recognition is enough.That's already a mom's happiness and source of pride.

Then last week of January,here comes Kodak Precious Moment Photo Blog Contest with the concept Any Christmas Related Photo and Why Do you think it is a Precious Moment? (Since the contest is sponsored by Kodak Philippines)

Having Xian’s winning photo entry from the previous RD Asia’s contest I join again. why not? I know every mommy will agree but for every mom, there’s an innate proud momma in us, but I know my limitations naman. Besides, life is too short to let every passing chance like this be bottled up.In my thoughts that time, malay mo lang naman.The thing is, I actually send my entry a day before the cut-off! Here’s the lucky photo :D

But lemme tell you first the story of this photo and why do I consider it as a Precious Moment:

This is taken the first time we set up our Christmas tree in our house. It's obvious, the tree is still bare with decorations,just a few hanging balls and Christmas light, yet the first time we light up our Christmas tree and we let Xian pose beside it, believe me,that’s really his instant reaction! there's a certain happiness that emanates in his eyes. Simple yet so pure,really a candid shot to think I just used a simple digital camera.

 MomCenter's Notification:

Then after two weeks after I send the photo entry via LBC (told yah, it's not only based on the total # of fb likes the Kodak representatives judged the actual photo based on their concept "Precious Moment"), I received a call from  Ms. Abby from MomCenter that Xian's photo entry won! They've been trying to call me na pala since last week but I'm always unattended.

My initial reaction is of course, happy! but a bit hesitant at first when Ms. Abby told me about the claiming of prize since we need to bring Xian to Manila. Di pa namin sya natatravel ganun kalayo! Supposedly,first time pa lang nya. plus hubby and I have work on weekdays, plus our schedule always didn't meet and a lot of PLUS issues.. So, isip-isip.. I told Ms. Abby that we'll inform her within the week what's the best date for us to go there since we have a toddler in tow.

 Our MomCenter Experience:

Then finally after a week,we came up with the date. After confirming it with Ms. Abby,we went to Manila last Feb 28, Monday. Xian's first ever bus experience is so much fun for him. We didn't bring Azul,our car because hassle for us,hubby's just too lazy to drive plus it's Monday.traffic masyado! We arrived at their office 10:30AM, we we're graciously acknowledged by Ms. Abby, Ms. Arbee and the pretty lady in red nail polish that I forgot the name, So sorry poor memory! :D

 I was a bit surprised lang because feel at home kagad si Xian,walang masyadong hiya factor to think he woke up early than his usual tapos long travel pa.  Very energetic pa nga eh. Actually beforehand, I'm worried that Xian might throw tantrums since that will be the first time he'll meet those people but on the contrary, Xian smile and answer their simply questions during our conversation (in English pa ha,kaloka!), shook the ladies hands and even showed them his bibo side (when we're at Kodak Philippines, he saw a picture of a dog on the wall and he identify them to the delight of everyone who's there. they call him Bibo Kid and Baby Rockstar because of his hair's tail na takaw pansin!)

At Kodak's office, after the conversation they handed us the prize which is a Kodak Playsport Camera Sir Jerome told us the details about it. For full details of the gadget,  here's the link. :)

 The prize! Xian's new gadget :)

Too bad I wasn't able to take snapshots that time (andun lang si camera sa bag,na-shy ako.hehe!) Good thing Ms. Abby provided me with some pics through email.  Then early this morning, they finally post the announcement of winner in their fb wall.

announcement of winner in MomCenter's fb wall

It was indeed a very fun and memorable experience for us especially to our little Xian, although I know he don't fully understand it yet, but I'm sure that this will be one of our little man's fondest memories of his toddler days. Something that will make him smile remembering, moment like this is indeed priceless :)

To the people behind MomCenter Philippines, Kodak Philippines, to my fb friends who liked Xian's photo entry, to everyone, Thank You so much! Xian love y'all! :)