Mommy's little boy no more

Goodness he has become like a cloned weed lol. How did he grew up so fast? Richard and i were just browsing some videos when he was only 4mnths and helpless now he can almost get what he wants at his own convenience. He turned nine months last week, weight(20.2lbs) at 45% and height(29.1inches) at 80%, not too bad considering his mother is short lol. Loaded with many tricks like going down the table by scooting legs first and let gravity pulls him down is the most gutsy maneuver i've seen, i know babies are careless and doesn't know any better but he does know not to dive head first from tables, bed anymore. All i have to say is "bobu"an he knows what it means. He'll sit and wait till someone grabs him or simply would look down over and over and i guess realize how big of a fall it would be if he try. It's the repetition that made these babies smart hahaha. Newly acquired facial expression like the lemon face(i named it)after he took a sip of the lemon and squeezed his face downward was the most funny face his grandpa had ever seen in years. Silly thing is he'll ask for more and would gladly do the lemon face again. He must love sour taste like i do. Singing and dancing are few of his favorites especially when he hears me singing the twinkle twinkle. Besides the walking with me holding one hand, i could tell he really wants to walk unsuppported and reach all corners of our little house lol. What he does to get through is pull himself up by leaning towards the wall and walk sideways. If not walking he would climb the stairs if gates left open. Thank god he hasn't fell yet but we already put it on our routine to close the gates all the time coz he could sneak in behind our back. When we take him in the shower room expect him to be at the side of the tub waiting to be picked up. he would raise his arms and blabber until you grab his little butt, he loves to take shower the adult way, one time he slide into the tub while daddys taking shower i heard a big sound i thought he crack his head or something but it was daddy calling me to come over, i saw mattie sittting down next to his dads foot with an excited look on his face, he still got a diaper on soaking wet but very happy to get in there lol. How he climb there we don't know, but he did it, probably slide his heavy head over. Clever he had become. Definitely not a baby anymore.

This coming holidays we will be in the philippines. It's about time for matthew to meet the other side of the family. Hearing my family's excitement makes me want to fast forward the days, i could not wait to relax the whole month and not worry about mommy chores lol. There's going to be a lot of travelling coz were not directly flying to davao from manila, we decided to visit cebu then davao before settling at my parents hometown of mati for the holidays. This is going to be draining when it comes to loading and unloading luggages. We might go to hongkong or bangkok if cebu pacific airfares stays cheap during our trip. Right now it says less than 20dollars on their webpage(going to hongkong/bangkok). Too cheap to be true? we shall see. It would be an exciting sidetrip when that happens. This is going to be mattie's baptismal too and inlaws are flying there for the occassion and short getaway.

That's all for now folks. P.s. i haven't forgotten my long overdue tag assignment. Coming up soon!

Video of the week. Enjoy

Continue Reading...

Night with the Legend

It was a night worth to remember a spectacle i shall never forget. Mr. Tony Bennet was in town for a 2hr concert, it was my first live solo performance experience here in the states so i just feel like sharing it to everyone. I'm a music lover mostly oldies coz i grew up listening to it, this was really a treat if you know what i mean. Plus his not getting any younger, this could be first and last glimpse of the him. That's why Richard did not hesitate to get tickets for us when i saw the promotion from our local grocery store. So concern to miss the event we held them(tickets) hostage for a month. I told him that i can watch it alone if he choose to stay home but he happen to like him, surprisingly he even have some of his songs loaded on his ipod so I figured he'll tag along and even bought another ticket for his dad. Another bonus is that he got the best seat the closest i can get to take a decent picture of him. Can you imagine my excitement? really it's tremendous.

The night started with dinner at the same building, fine dinning which i'm not really fond of, food and service was excellent for the price we paid ,it better be good, right folks? The place was packed with people of all ages, mostly on their 40's and above lol. It's a solo night but he brought along a surprise for us, his daughter singing one of my favorite of all time standard song "The Nearness of You". I could not help whisper the lyrics in the air lol. I know i'm not supposed to do that, i just missed performing a lot that's all. Some favorites like The way you look tonight, Shadow of your smile, For once in my life, Boulevard of broken dreams, I left my heart in san fransisco, and the popular "Fly me to the moon by Frank sinatra as he pay tribute to his bestfriend was among the selection. It's so wonderful and refreshing to hear these songs live from a legend. I couldn't ask for a better pre-birthday treat than this. He was magnificent, little dance steps here and there, short chats in between made me feel like i've known his life a little bit. I didn't know Bob Hope gave him his name tony bennet, his original name was quite long so the comedian thought it's best for him to get an american short name, that's how it all started. What a memorable wonderful 50 years career he had he said and still wishes to continue to sing for everyone. Him saying that really inspired me. I will truly be a big fan of yours Mr. Tony Bennet. More years to come for you and your music.....

Continue Reading...

Eight months and home alone again

7and a half monnths photos of mattie

It's challenging to be left alone with a hyperenergetic infant in tow, though i dislike it a lot before the baby when hubby travel out of country, now i must admit i'm not as bored and irritated as i used to. Because at least i get to play and do more chores with the little one if i don't feel like going out thus requires moving around doing something to be entertained. Just perfect for my personality, coz it makes me feel productive and useful. I think i know where my son got all his energy lol. Hubby coudn't agree more either lol. Mother son bonding definitely fill in the hours of my mundane day to day existence. Honestly, it's more of like my favorite hobby now. Fun and interesting, also a learning exploration of my childs growth and development. Each day is like another day of newfound skills ready to be unfold to the world, it's amazing. It's like a sequence in the movie only i get to watch it live all the time lol. Truthfully, this is the stage that i'm so looking forward to, we interact and me on the other hand playing foolishly like a clown to match up with him. I couldn't ask for a better playmate.

So what's new with my 8month old hyper boy lol? He crawls and scoots(combat crawl)half and half, ends up with the latter most of the time. He can climb up to the sixth stairway now unsupported while me watching him at the near side below. He can manned his walker back and forth easily, sometimes he couldn't figure out how to get out when stuck on the edges of the kitchen cabinets, besides that he is cruising fine when there's no obstruction. So far these are the major ones. Other minor silliness like pulling the stopper cap behind each doors and eat it, he have a fetish with anything that has tags exposed on it(clothes, rags, toys,cables). More fascinated with our cat buddy that he wants to go after her when he sees her coming. He recognizes her meows too that he would stop instantly in whatever he does to find the object that's making the sound. Attentive and curious, i wouldn't be surprise if he becomes an investigator in the future. I got a daily report from the daycare people saying he has been a bully lately, stealing other babies toys. There are times too that some female babies left with him in the afternoon pulling his foot backward so he couldn't crawl. They said he hated it so much that he end up screaming furiously loud enough to get their attention lol.

Video my mattie on his walker:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFCmb2kd4xM

affair with my belly folds......

Now that im back to my pre pregnancy weight i coudn't help to get annoyed with my little flabs. I am now wearing my old clothes but could not enjoy the looks of it. I know i shouldn't be whining right considering that it only took me 8mnths to shed it? But heck i don't have the guts to flaunt the extra piece of skin when i wear lowrise bottoms. Grrrrr, i can't let this stay for long, it has to go away otherwise it's very unlikely for my skin to get back to normal according to some doctors. Speaking of cocobutter, since early in my pregnancy i've never stop using it. I really hope it holds true to it's purpose of reducing stretch marks.... i do have a few on my left lower side only that needs help lol. I'm so vain when it comes to this(tsk tsk shame). My hair and body is what makes me feel good and confident, forget about materials stuff that covers it..... those weighs less to nothing to my whole being. Alright, time to hit the floor for some crunches i mean serious 15-25minutes of sit ups/crunches starting this week.

Meanwhile, i decided to play golf today with mattie riding along, we'll see if i survive without daddy's company to switch him around. Some fresh air and sun is much needed booze today to prepare me for this second week of being home alone with my shortie. We were suppposed to go spend our weekend at the lake 2hrs outside of Houston with my inlaws, but too short of a time and a lot of moving around with the little one to be worth a road trip going there and flying over to get back here in SA. So i decided for us to stay home, i'm a little sad. But it's ok we'll survive.

P.S. he finally got some teeth, two sharp ones lol.

Continue Reading...

My take on fitness

above photos:5th wedding anniversary date

Since the baby i vowed not to keep the weight i've gain the whole pregnancy. I didn't set any timeline though on when i will be back to my original size but rather i tried to slowly put myself back into my normal eating habits. Luckily, i don't have to fight the temptations anymore of whether to grab some doughnuts or pecan pie(2 cravings when i was pregnant) on my way home lol. So far it has been an easy ride, all i did was control my brain and not give in. I know it sounds crazy and difficult to do but remember your brain is your master, it dictates your system on how to function everyday. If you have the control, it's so much easier to make plans and routines on how to lose weight. I know for some women it's depressing when you know you tried so many different things but still unsuccessful, my routine may not even work for some of you. You just have to find some other ways that is manageable long term. I never believe in diet pills, diet teas and fast result, unless you can keep it up after then good luck. I think it's a matter of your body getting used to it, once it's programmed into your system it's hard to break it apart and the rest is just maintenance. I grew up watching my mom and her up and down weight loss/gain. From pills to aerobics, jogging to wearing astronaut like suit for steaming lol, all of them were seem to be useless. She reached the point of getting discouraged and eating more than her usual. Later on, she eventually gave up lol. Too frivolous for her hectic life as a teacher and mother of 4kids. Everyday she reminded me not to become like her, it's genetic so anytime i could be a jumbo size like them(mom and sister) if i want to. I guess i took it seriously with me through college when i became more feminine and insecure looking at them "slim tall ladies" on their skimpy skirts and shorts at the mall. And to make it even worse, i could not even wear these outfit coz my brothers would always tease my legs resembling a "big coconut log". I laughed with them knowing that they were only joking, but boy deep inside it was crashingly painful and embarrassing. I swear not to be fat AGAIN.....

The fact that i refer myself as an ugly duckling/unattractive(that's what i always thought) chubby girl, i'm surprised it didn't affect my confidence and cheerfulness. I go on with my day thinking that it's the least important thing i have to worry about in life, that someday it will change for i am still young and driven, that it is likely attainable with the attitude i have. So i did, starting year 2000, i established a routine. No more 2 sweet snacks a day, cut the amount of food intake to half and subsitute soda with fruit juices, lots of water and milk. I focused more on vegetable to help pump my digestion therefore aiding to good metabolism. Took time on chewing my food before swallowing, avoided eating so late at night and all other silly beliefs. Did some light excercise, mostly walking from school to my boarding house to burn some energy. It took me a year to shed all of my unwanted weight. When i had the opportunity to work in China after graduation i took advantage of the free utilities for us to use foreign employees. One is the gym, perfect timing to tone down some areas lol. Then the restaurants where i can eat a lot of vegetables, seafood, and continuous supply of green tea to our room all at no cost. Since then, it was a constant awareness to be consistent every single day. My body finally got used to it year 2001(year when i met richard). A MORE confident me has finally emerged lol.

Anyhow, i would like to share my daily routine, food picks and favorites:

Cereal at 6:55am, i pour more milk than cereal. I packed my cup with dry hot chocolate mix with peanut butter and jelly to go with it(more on peanut)to work. Half of it is what i can only eat. That would be my mid-morning snack. It's cheaper and healthier than buying croissant, scones and doughnuts from the cafeteria. Only applies when i'm at work moving around thus burning some calories. Otherwise, only cereal in the morning at home will do. Lunch at 1:30pm, then dinner at 7:30. Lunch is when i have a complete meal. Dinner can vary from soup and sandwich or just salad, bread and fruits. Every meal MUST contain less carb. Since I prefer double serving of green veggies, chicken and fish, i never had a problem filling up my stomach. I'm a happy soul when i have these three in my meal a day. When i don't, i feel guilty/weak and ends up bouncing back the next day with a big chicken salad(my favorite). Because i believe carb is the main culprit when i gain an extra pound, it is always my least favorite. I have a very good metabolism now compare to when i was a student and not so crazy about sweet stuff, that is probably the reason why i'm not a master baker lol. Occassionally, hubby would asked me to make some cookies and chocolate cake. The whole serving would last us two weeks or so lol. No sodas(i don't crave for it either) only milk and sip of juices. Pineapple orange is my favorite. No dessert after meal, a fruit(grape or banana) or fruit mix will do. Once a month craving of something chocolatey(premenstrual period) i freely give in to one bite of cake or ice cream. A bite is all i can allow coz honestly i don't have a sweet tooth to enjoy it. Cooking more at home is very healthy and cheap plus you can make whatever you want. I know it takes effort and time, especially when you don't like to cook or don't know how. Then, twice a week of stretching, sit ups and walking. My once a week golf covers the walking, so that leaves me with two that i have to do at home granted i'm not lazy.

Now, when i tend to overeat i get sick. You see, it's so lenient when your body takes good care of you. During my pregnancy, it's like a flashback of emotions. Whether i have enough to eat, or should i satisfy my cravings with sugary stuff lol, whether to exercise or be lazy due to my growing tummy? A battle i have to overcome the entire nine months. I thought, i did a good job. I kept the "eat only healthy food plan"(double size this time). Some walking twice a week and stretching which is everyday and once a week visit to the fitness trainor(courtesy of hubby). I don't think i did anything in excess except the twice a week doughnut snack, you see even that i pay attention very closely. Funny thing today, i wouldn't even pay for a single one lol. After 5 and half months, I'm down to 120lbs effortlessly. Ten more pounds to lose till im finally back to my pre pregnancy size. It's actually harder to lose the last 10 coz it's more of like toning now. It's a challenge when your day is filled with work and mommy chores. This is going to be a slow process, the same thing i did before, that way i don't have to feel like i'm punishing myself for having a baby. If it takes me a year or less to get back, i doesn't matter coz i know i'll get there. At 7months I can pretty much wear some of my tight fitting bottoms if i want to but it will require a breath in and out work to last me a day(damn hips and thighs lol). I'll give myself another month or so, when that time comes i know i can slide in pretty easy. I don't have any issue with my upper body though, so guess i can't complain too much lol. Ok to wrap it up peeps, no drastic dieting and excercising of some sort. Please don't starve yourself. Trust me it pays off later. Perseverance, consistency and discipline are the key words. To some it's a daunting task and mind boggling reminder but if you are determined you will surpass the trial and once you've reach the goal, you won't even have to consciously fight with yourself ever again.

I guess that covers all of my routine to stay fit and healthy......

Continue Reading...

Sad and happy moments

unexplainable........
I know there have been so much development with our little boy that i could not even remember some of it, duh.. what can i expect from myself who never make a list and type my thoughts here irregularly. Lately, has been weird, i could not explain the sadness and unpredictable mood swings. Could be emotional post partum moments. It's gone now folks so don't worry, one snap back to reality did the trick. In many ways, i am a private person(or trying to at least). Today is an exception, somehow i felt like i have to share it to mommies out there. Whatever it is that is bothering me before, I realized i have no room to feel this way, there is so much to thank and look forward for everyday that none of this drama make sense in any way. I can't even justify what is going on. First, I have a good job although boring but hey it pays very decent, a wonderful loving husband that never ceases to love me and make me feel good during bad times and a healthy silly baby who never fails to make us smile. I tried to ignore and in denial, convincing myself that this is not me, that i'm a strong person yada yada. But in the end i gave up fighting and acknowledge that i'm not a superwoman, i'm not perfect and there's nothing to be ashamed of. I can be vulnerable too and it's "OKAY". Now, i'm so much of a better person. Hubby told me that we are going to find something to do besides golf which i am going to love and enjoy on my leisure time. Perhaps, culinary/cooking classes as a start. I'm just waiting for the right time to squeeze it in to my daily routine. Maybe, switching to part time someday soon will make all my plans easier. Watch out, for i'm going to venture new endeavor. Alright, enough said from a rambling mom lol....

On a sunny side..........
Our Mattie has become a little squirming baby, as daddy would say, a little pescado(fish). A significant development indeed. He scoots all over the living room(pulling plugs) and kitchen now without using his knees. His strong shoulder and lower legs do the locomotion mostly lol. Soon i will have to put away his bouncer coz he rolls on top of it, since i don't really strap his hip to restrict him from moving. Sitting to crawling is his new found skill these past week. He loves to go after our cat buddy that she hide herself from us now and only shows up when she's hungry. Poor cat, wait till mattie can walk and run, she definitely can't outran and hide from him anymore lol. He babbles instantaneously when something interests him/or when i talk he talks back. That includes pitch variations and syllables strung together, complicated to decipher but very fun to hear. I can tell he really pays attention lol. Daycare move him to the nursery 2 room, they say he is too mobile now that he needs a bigger room to play and explore. A milestone that some other babies at the daycare older than him is not ready yet, that's what the director told us anyway. I know each child varies and deviate from one another when it comes to development, i just can't help being proud knowing that he is normal and healthy. Oh my little one is in the big boy's area now....time really flies by so fast, i'm still amaze how he has grown so much. I have to get over this now, because when he gets big and ready to move out from us it won't be such a big deal anymore.

Babyproofing the house is in our list of must do. Find fun at the same time learning toys that can amuse him at his age, coz the entertainment gym doesn't seem to last lately, i guess he gets bored fast. Also more outdoor activities especially this summertime. He sleeps on his tummy and side now, thank god there's still time to get rid of his flat head. As you can see in the picture above(taking a bath), notice the little bobo on his nose? He fell off the bed three weeks ago, it happened very fast not even a minute that i'm gone and suddenly he's on the floor already. I thought it will take a little bit of time for him to roll on his belly and scoot to the edge before he can throw himself below, boy i was so wrong. I underestimated his abilities again. Bad stupid mama. Never will i leave him unattended again.

For the second time, i was able to meet Sarah and Abe again and of course little Caleb last week. Boy he is an exact replica of his daddy. As usual Sarah remains beautiful and always smiling. Abe was playful last time we met, this time he looked very serious, i bet very exhausted from the exam. Abe and Sarah, goodluck! i hope all your prayers will all come true.....someday we will be neighbors and we can have all time to chat and eat all day long.

Continue Reading...

Naturalized

It was nice and brief, except that i have to be there at 11am and the ceremony didn't start till two in the afternoon. I thought a long process/interrogation awaits at the entrance but it was just a matter of finding your group, which side of the auditorium we're suppose to line for smooth processing and a couple of questions before they guide you to your seat inside. Total of 877 attendees from 79 countries present that day and 100 something people didn't show up and rescheduled. Yes, what a crowd huh. At 1pm almost everyone is seated waiting for the judge to start the swearing. Auditorium was packed it was actually an overwhelming experience knowing i'm among them seeking to become naturalize citizen of this great country. It took about 15 minutes for me to get in and realized i have to get something to eat otherwise my stomach will be growling very soon. Hubby was kind enough to drop me off then came back with food, anyway it wasn't that far from the house to do multiple trip. Oh they followed(my family) right before the ceremony start, it doesn't make sense to have them wait with me that early. I had two hours to waste so i went out to eat my food and meet some asian ladies who were also eating their packed lunch. I guess they know better about the whole processing.

Not a lot of women wore a dress, if i only knew they can't send you away because you're wearing something else i would have just wear slacks and a blazer. Oh well, i guess some people refuse to follow instructions or simply just cannot comprehend(sigh). Anyhow, it was a good memorable day for all of us 877 people. I didn't quite grasp what it's like to be given such opportunity till i hear 3 testimonials from other applicants. One Jamaican immigrant, Mexican and of course a Filipina. What an emotional revelation they've shared, the trials and homesickness that we all can relate was indeed very deep and meaningful. I could not help shed a tear as i hide my face in between my fluffy hair lol.

In the end, it was happy moment when the judge finally granted the petition for us to be all naturalized, i could hear the cheering crowd waving the little american flag in the air with excitement and joy. I am one of them blessed and proud.... i will never forget such day.

Continue Reading...