Happy 2012!

I'm Acting Like My Mother

First things first, I love my mom and lately, I realized that I'm beginning to act like her. Here are some instances:

1. I nag around the house, "pick up the towel, put your dirty clothes in the hamper, put your dirty dishes in the sink!" Funny thing, though, my mother used to bark these at us, her kids. I, on the other hand, had to shout these out to a 31-year-old grown up man, hubby.
2. It irks me most of the times when Johan throws things from his crib to the floor and hubby acts like he didn't see or hear anything. I don't know if he really didn't notice or he's just too lazy to pick things up. Mama used to get really mad when we acted like this when we were kids. She had to call us by name before we do things. Now, I understand how it can be so irritating.
3. There are times when I had to go from one room to another to get something and when I arrive at the other room, I realize I completely forgot what I was supposed to get.
4. I got mad at hubby the other day because I cannot find Johan's bottle. I was so sure hubby was the last one who held it only to find out I was holding it in my hand, seriously. It sounded a whole lot like this one time when my mom got mad at everyone in the house because she cannot find her reading glasses and we were all laughing which got her more upset. Turned out, her glasses were resting on top of her head, seriously!
5. Lastly, I sometimes call out, "Jay! An! Lhai! Pao! Lian!" and I'm only trying to get hubby's or Johan's attention. The names I call out were the names of my siblings. Imagine my mom, who had nine siblings, call out all nine of her siblings' names to get the attention of just one of us. I tell you, those were the times when all six of us, Mama's kids, were all laughing our hearts out. More so when Mama start shouting bad words because she cannot get one name right. LOL!

In Case I Go First

On the evening of December 25th, the cousin of my husband died due to Cardiac Arrest. He was just 28 years old and he left behind a wife and their three boys aged: six, four and one. According to his wife, he was able to bid them goodbye by playing with the boys early in the evening and hugging and kissing her before going to bed. Now that her husband is gone, the wife said she does not know how to start without him, she does not know how she will make herself accept that he's already gone and that she will never marry again.

On our way home from the wake, I asked hubby, "What if I go first, will you marry again?". To which he got mad and told me these things are never discussed. You never plan things like that. I then told him of the not-so-recent discussion in my yahoo group, Newlyweds at Work. I told him the pros and cons of marrying after the death of the spouse and that it would be selfish of me to rob him of his own happiness in finding a lifelong companion after I'm gone, besides, I told him, I want Johan to grow up with a mother figure. But, hubby is adamant of not discussing the matter.

But, me being such a worrywart and a planner, I am making this post, just in case.

So, this post is for my family and friends who follow my blog. In case I go first, please make hubby read this because as far as I know he does not read my blog.

• Mourn and move on. I know it won't be easy to accept when a loved one dies but it gets easier as the days pass. I know you will mourn my death but move on for yourself and for our son. Johan needs you. Be strong for both of you.
• I know it sounds weird now that I'm still alive, but when I'm gone, don't hinder yourself from meeting other women. I hope (and I truly pray) that you find a good second-wife but more so a good second-mother to Johan. Find someone who will love Johan as her own even if you have your own kid/s.
• Allow Johan to know my family. Make an effort to visit the Tan-Yboa side from time to time.
• Work hard to give Johan the best education you can possibly give. We have discussed this numerous of times and I hope our plans don't die with me.
• I told you again and again, spanking alone is not a good disciplining tool. Aid it with an explanation why it has to be done. Don't spank unless badly needed.
• Do not allow Johan to eat chocolates and candies before he turns three. Chips and softdrinks are definitely not allowed until he's all grown up. Watch his diet, his teeth and his health.
• Save a few moments of your time reading with Johan. I know you hate to read, but do it for him. It has been my goal to raise Johan be an active reader.
• Lastly, please don't let Johan forget me. Allow Johan to grow up knowing me. Show him pictures of us, tell him stories of how much I loved him, how I took care of him, how I tried to be a good mom to him.

Sorry to write a not-so-happy post in a season that is supposed to be joyous. I am just affected with all that's been happening around me and I can't help but over think things (again).

Wacky, Happy Christmas!

From our home to yours,

Have a wacky, happy Christmas, everybody!  

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Everything I Hope to Be, I Already Am

In my state of mind these past few days, I needed to find something that would lift me up. Songs are always great diversions. I haven't listened to an actual radio in years. I only listen to podcasts of my favorite radio program, The Morning Rush with Chico and Delamar. Haven't heard their voices live for a very long time.

I only download some songs and transfer them to either the Ipod or my Blackberry and I only get to listen during the few times that I go out alone - like pay some bills or run a few errands.

Lately, I found consolation listening to Jewel's What You Are. The calm melody soothes me and the lyrics, well, it hit home. Come, listen (and sing) with me.

I’m driving around town

Kinda bored with the windows rolled down
See a girl on the bus stop bench
Dressed to draw attention

Hoping everyone will stare
If she don’t stand out she thinks she’ll disappear
Wish I could hold her, tell her, show her
What she wants is already there

A star is a star
It doesn’t have to try to shine
Water will fall
A bird just knows how to fly

You don’t have to tell a flower how to bloom
Or light how to fill up a room
You already are what you are
And what you are is beautiful

Heard a story the other day
Took place at the local VA
A father talking to his dying son
This was his conversation

“It’s not supposed to be like this
You can’t go first I can’t handle it”
The boy said “Dad now don’t you cry,
Remember when I was a child what you used to tell me when I’d ask why?”

(You’d say) Gravity is gravity
It doesn’t try to pull you down
Stone is stone
It can’t help but hold its ground

The wind just blows, though you can’t see
It’s everywhere like I’ll always be
You already are what you are
And what you are is strong enough

Look in the mirror
Now that’s another story to tell
I give love to others
But I give myself hell

I’d have to tell myself
“In every scene there’s a perfect plan”
Everything I hoped to be
I already am

A flower is a flower
It doesn’t have to try to bloom
And light is light
Just knows how to fill a room

And dark is dark
So the stars have a place to shine
The tide goes out
So it can come back another time

Goodbye makes a love so sweet
And love is love so it can teach us
We already are what we are
And what we are is beautiful

And strong enough
And good enough
And bright enough

Yes, everything I hope to be, I already am.

I am beautiful...

..and strong enough

..and good enough

..and bright enough.

Let's Help the Victims of Typhoon Sendong

What happened to Cagayan de Oro is devastating and heart-breaking. We've seen many photos of the typhoon victims circulating the social networking sites and the daily news. Hubby and I shed tears when we saw this photo, I'm sure many others - parents or not - cried as well.

source

I cannot imagine the amount of grief the families who lost their love ones are feeling. I don't know how they will move on from a tragedy such as this. What makes it even more heart-wrenching is that in a few days it will be Christmas Day. It is supposed to be a happy season. But, how can we celebrate if many of our fellow Filipinos lost their families to the flood?

Maybe we can lessen their burden even for a little bit by sending help. Here are some ways:

SMART
Smart Money: Donors to Typhoon #Sendong may help through Smart Money acct. no. 5577-5130-6822-1104 at any BDO, Hapinoy or Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.
Text: Smart subscribers may donate to #Sendong victims via text. Send RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100

GLOBE
Gcash: For GCASH, donate through Red Cross by texting DONATE MPIN REDCROSS and send to 2882.
Text: Text RED and send it to 2899. You may donate in these denominations: 5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000.

Philippine Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

SAGIP KAPAMILYA HOTLINES

(02) 411-4995
(02) 394-9272
0917-887-4411

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

FOR IN-KIND DONATIONS*

SAGIP KAPAMILYA
ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Mother Ignacia cor. Eugenio Lopez St.
Diliman, Quezon City

*You may send rice, canned gods, noodles, biscuits, coffee, sugar, clothes, blankets, mats, medicines

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

ABS-CBN CAGAYAN DE ORO and ABS-CBN DAVAO also accepting donations for relief operations

ABS-CBN Cagayan De Oro
Barangay Bulua, Cagayan De Oro City

ABS-CBN Davao
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City

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

FOR CASH DONATIONS
1. BDO Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39301-14199
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

2. BDO Dollar Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 39300-81622
Swift Code: BNORPHMM

3. PNB Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 419-539-5000-13
Swift Code: PNBMPHMM

4. BPI Peso Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3051-1127-75
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

5. BPI Dollar Account
Account name: ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Sagip Kapamilya
Account Number: 3054-0270-35
Branch: West Triangle, Quezon City
Swift Code: BOPIPHMM

Here's a link to the Xavier University webpage
http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university

For those live in Manila, you can help us
For CASH/ CHEQUE donations...(through Simbahang Lingkod)
Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:
SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

donations in kind are accepted at LBC Branches, please call (632) 8585-999

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xu.edu.ph%2Findex.php%2Fother-news%2F642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university&h=CAQGivJTxAQGNBR3oVgsYf0lRGg58niyNWJE-EILKm8s-iA

Gotta Get The Groove Back

source

Looking at my blog archive, I realized I've been neglecting this blog. I haven't written any new posts since December 9th. 

I really don't know what's wrong with me but I've lost the drive to write. I can't find any inspiration. The past few weeks have been stressful and I don't want to taint my blog with any more negativity so I decided to remain silent.

Honestly, I am trying to get the groove back. I am doing my best to find my center. I am currently reading an ebook copy of The Secret which my sister sent me. I've been practicing the "Three Deep Breathes" technique I've read about from the book Buddha Never Raised Kids and Jesus Didn't Drive Car Pool by Vickie Falcone and for a few days I swear it worked. Until today.

I lost it. I just had to get out of the house, take a walk alone and calm down. I was out a good 15-20 minutes and even if it helped letting the steam out, it didn't really solve the problem. So, when I arrived home I still had to voice out what I was feeling.

Not a good idea. I ended up having an asthma attack which I haven't had since I was 3 months pregnant with Johan. I was asthma-free for a year until today.

So, I am now making a pact to myself. Do not let things bother you. Just take three deep breathes and find your center. Pray harder. 

Hopefully, 2012 will be more promising than 2011 has been.

1. Less stress I hope. 
2. Well, please make it less people that bring stress. 
3. Better yet, make it a new home where there won't be any of those on number 2.

That's more like it.

What to get Johan for Christmas

Since Johan started saying "Caa" for car, there isn't a day that he never says the word. He calls anything with wheels a car, even a bicycle or a trike.

We noticed he's gotten a not-so-small interest in trikes when we went to church one Sunday and there was this kid riding a trike. Johan went up to the kid and played with the trike's handles, tried to kick the pedal and, as usual, got amazed by the wheels.

So, hubby and I decided to get him a trike for Christmas. That'll be our gift to him. Question is what to get. I didn't realize there were so many choices. Here are some of them:

Fisher Price Kawasaki Tough Bike (source)

Joovy Tricycoo (source)

Little Tikes 3-in-1 Smart Trike (source)

Pintoy Pick Up Trike (source)

YBike (source)

I didn't know choosing bikes would be this hard. Personally, if only we can afford it, I'd love for Johan to have the Joovy Tricycoo. It costs $89.99 on Amazon.com.

I'm sure hubby and I will decide when we get to the toy store to actually buy one for Johan. I am 100% sure he'll love whatever we'll get him. 

Gotta wrap up this post because the little boy is going crazy behind me seeing all these photos of the bikes, shouting "Caa! Caa!" over and over.

First Words

Johan is becoming very talkative, with hubby as his dad, that's not really surprising. Here are a some of the words or syllables that he can already say:

1. "Caaa" for car. He would say this everytime he sees a car, jeepney, bus or even a bike. I'm constantly correcting him but to him everything is a car. This is his favorite word.
2. "Doo" for dog. He said it the first time this morning when we went out to buy bread at the local bakery. He pointed to the dog at the side of the road and said, "Doo".
3. "Ba" for bag. My bag, specifically.
4. "Ma" for Mommy. This is what wakes me up in the morning. Johan, either lying down or standing in his crib, calling out to me, "Maa, maa".
5. "Da-da or Dy-dy" for Daddy. His second favorite word next to "Caa". "Maa" is just the third fave. =(
6. "Kek" for cake. He learned this even before he turned one. That was during the time that I was prepping him for his upcoming birthday and I was teaching him all the stuff that he can see during his party.
7. "La" for his grandma.
8. "Te" for his older girl cousin who's living with us.

Some actions/gestures that he know:

1. Wave hi and bye
2. Flying Kiss - to which his hand remains in his lips, not really releasing the kiss
3. Tap his head whenever he's asked where his head is
4. Bless or Mano where he would just bow his head whenever a hand is offered to him

I'm looking forward to teaching him more words, probably the alphabet soon and a little sign language. I'd love to teach him the song "Welcome to the Family" complete with sign language which I learned while going to Colegio San Agustin. I have to do more research, though.

Christmas Shopping in Divisoria

 And we thought we'll have the Divisoria streets all to ourselves, until we realized it was a national holiday.


I, personally, do not want to go to Divi on a weekend. I have had one too many experiences of going there on a Saturday or a Sunday during Christmas season and those experiences were horrible. So, this year, I promised myself I will go on a weekday, midweek preferably, thinking there won't that much crowd.

I thought wrong, well, me and sister did, when we went there last Wednesday and I totally forgot it's a holiday. We were there around 8am and the traffic in Binondo was unbearable already. The vehicles going to Juan Luna St. weren't moving anymore. I arrived there first and was able to hear mass in Binondo Church while waiting for my sister.

The church is really beautiful. If ever my husband asks me to marry him again, it would be in this church. One thing though, because of the size of the church, it's hard to understand what the priest is saying even though several speakers were mounted around the church.

When my sister arrived, we walked towards Divisoria and proceeded to the Bodega. This is the place you should go if you're looking for cheap toys. We were able to buy vanity sets for girls, billiard sets for boys, bowling pins and balls, doll houses, lego-like toys, stackables, toy cars and more. It is such a treat to buy big, bulky toys for such incredibly low prices but it is a major mistake to make if you're in Divisoria on a crowded Christmas season. We were lugging around three huge bags of toys from Divisoria Mall to the New 168 Mall in CM Recto.

When we arrived here, we were already pulling our purchases behind us. Our arms were already aching from walking the not-so-short distance from Divisoria Mall to 168.

The throng of shoppers inside 168 Mall

Good thing is that we were there around 10:30am and when we went up to the food court area, there were a few tables unoccupied so we were able to have an early lunch in peace. When we left around 11:30, there were a lot of people already dying to have lunch. By that time, there were no vacant table in sight.

People stood up while waiting for vacant seats at the food court

I love the new 168 Mall. The air-conditioning is working really well despite the number of people inside the mall. The comfort rooms are better than the old 168. The goods are well segregated in different floors, I think there were five or six levels in the new 168 Mall. The food court area is huge, with more choices in terms of food tenants: there was Tapsi, Dairy Queen, Reyes Barbeque to name a few.

After eating, we walked around the mall to shop. My sister was able to buy a dress for only 750 pesos for their Christmas party. I was able to buy a pair of denim shorts (350) and a polo shirt (200). I also bought a pair of Timberland shorts and a shirt for Johan for only 250 pesos.

All in all, this Divisoria trip is very tiring but satisfying. We were satisfied with our purchases, me and my sister were able to bond together. One tip though to a hassle-free, uncrowded Divisoria trip - Shop as early as September!

What's your Baon?

My son, obviously, likes to eat. He's never picky. Give him any food and he'll instantly grab it and put it in his mouth. However, it's a bit different when it comes to crackers or biscuits.

When he began teething and eating solids already, I started giving him bread sticks to munch on. He didn't really use teethers. Don't ask me why but I guess I just find it too time consuming to regularly wash, sterilize and dry the teethers.

Usually, we just bring a pack of bread sticks with us whenever we go out for Johan's snack. But now that he turned one, he began being picky with his biscuits. He would refuse to eat his bread sticks and would throw them on the floor. What I did was introduce different types of biscuits.

There's a chocolate variety of the Stick Wafer but I refuse to give chocolates or anything chocolate flavored to Johan until he turns two (crossing my fingers). Good thing is he liked the Strawberry flavored ones, just like me.

I pack a few pieces of each kind in a food container so when we go out the biscuits don't get squished in the diaper bag and end up crushed. Believe me, it's better this way, there was one time I had to feed Johan with crushed stick wafers and it was one huge mess. The crumbs were all over me, Johan and our seatmates in the van. Hihihi. Sorry, guys.

How about you? What do you bring for your kid's snacks? 

Rest in Peace, Tito Yuly

Our dear Tito Yuly, my Papa's brother, passed away yesterday after battling with liver cancer for years. When he was diagnosed, he was given only months to live but he surpassed it and lived more than a year before he finally went to meet our Creator yesterday, November 21st.

We never had the chance to become close because he spent most of his life living in Catbalogan, Samar and we only get to see him during Christmas when we go to our annual Christmas lunch/dinner with the rest of the clan. I only have memories of him singing with my father during the many videoke moments whenever we have a family get together. 

It is always sad to have someone from the family pass away but we are all thankful because now his suffering has ended. No more pain, only peace.

We love you Tito Yuly and you will sorely be missed.

That Big Red Bee

What's with Jollibee that makes the kids drawn to their mascot every time they see him (assuming he's a guy)? All of the Jollibee parties that I attended were all huge successes because of this mascot. Some kids run under a table or hide behind their mommies at the mere sight of him but most kids would jump in glee and welcome that big red bee with the hugest of hugs and squeals of delight.

Some would even follow him around persistently.

Johan is no different. Every time we go to the mall and we pass by a Jollibee store, he points to it with his finger and would wriggle out of our arms until we bring him closer so he could touch Jollibee's face.

I don't know what's with this mascot but I'm happy that he's there to make the kids (and the kids at heart) smile, laugh and have fun.

Christmas Came Early

The very pretty Mar with an equally pretty smile of the blog Not Your Ordinary Beauty Queen is hosting Eight Weeks of Christmas and is giving away one gorgeous arty ring every week. Here are the prizes:

I was one of the lucky ones and was able to bag one of the rings during the second week of the giveaway. Mar didn't announce what ring each week's winner is going to get so I was so excited to find out what she chose for me. Today, the ring arrived and it is G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!

Look at the details, they're exquisite!

I had to take off my engagement and wedding rings to make way for this 
beauty but my God, it is so worth it! 

I have never worn any accessory this huge but I am up for the challenge to make it work. I'm sure this ring will add that "oomph" factor to any boring outfit of mine.

Thank you so much, Mar! You definitely made my day! Merry Christmas!

Mar is also hosting other giveaways on her blog. Click on the links to get there.

• Davidoff's Champion ENERGY - Knockout Giveaway!
• Eight Weeks of Christmas Giveaway!
• Here Comes Santa Claus

The Missing Phone

Yesterday, Johan kept on taking my phone away while I was exchanging text messages with my sister. I know that he wanted to watch his nursery rhymes videos which I downloaded to my phone. So, after sending one last text to my sister, I gave in to Johan's request and played his video. I was watching the news while Johan remained riveted to my phone.

Then I heard my phone beep alerting me of a new message. When I turned to take it from Johan, my phone is nowhere to be found. Johan is quietly sitting on his potty (no, he isn't potty training yet) watching the news with me all the while that I thought he's watching his video on my phone.

I looked around thinking he probably left my phone lying on the floor or under the potty but it's not there. I tried asking Johan but he wouldn't take his attention off the television. During the commercial break, I tried asking him again and he looked at me, went down his potty, put up the seat cover and voila! 

Here is your phone, Mommy!

My sister (the one I was texting before the phone went MIA) was laughing and said to Johan, "Next time, Johan, make sure that you used the potty before throwing in Mommy's phone." Ha.ha. Very. Funny.

Still Here

I know I haven't posted for quite some time. It's just that Johan's been sick the entire week and I cannot find the energy or the drive to blog. I admit, I'm beginning to feel frustrated because Johan's not feeling well and I cannot do anything about it. He refuses to take his medicine despite all efforts from me like I tried to mix the meds in apple juice, water even his milk. All to no avail.

I really don't know what to do but try little by little to make Johan drink even an ounce of apple juice with his medicine.

I promise to return to blogging once Johan gets well.

Please pray for my son.

All Soul's Day 2011

I missed going with the family to the cemetery last year because I had just given birth to Johan, so this year, I made it a point that we'll be present when we visit our Ankong and Mamang at the Manila Memorial Park in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

We started off early, we were there around 8 in the morning and left at around 3 in the afternoon. It was a hot day but we didn't really mind, we just moved the blankets to the shades and went on with our talking, eating and  talking some more. We never run out of stories to tell, mommy tips to exchange and funny kid stories to share. 

I love spending time with our relatives, catching up with their lives, playing with the kids and making chit chat with my cousins. If only we could do this everyday, I'm sure we will. 

Johan had fun as well. He played with his cousins and was aided by my Papa to walk. Here are a few of my fave photos of Johan from that day: