The Baby Blog

Discipline

Yesterday after leaving Ninong UPS house, putting AJ in the car was quite a challenge. After repeating myself numerous times "AJ get in your carseat, please... (after the 3rd time the please became omitted!), he just began to copy my every word. First, I thought this is funny! But after a few times, it became frustrating. I think I was getting more upset knowing that the only reason why he wanted to go to the back-back row was because our ornaments were there in the bag. And being how fragile they are, I was determined to not let him pass the middle row, and get him into his seat.

When I finally got the chance I literally picked him up and put him in his seat. While trying to latch the seatbelt he kept pinching me on my chest, on my arm, and anywhere else who could find to try and get a reaction. At that point I reached my "boiling point", and took away his game time once we got home, and gave him time out to be fulfilled the moment we settled in!

He knew he was in trouble when I told him he couldn't play his racing cars game, and began to carry him upstairs to our bedroom. Then he began kicking me, which Damoomoo saw, and busted out his "mad tone" voice, and threatened with a "palo". He stopped, but as soon as we were alone in the bedroom, the wailing began.

For 15 minutes or so, I sat down to tell him that pinching and kicking is wrong. His only response: "I want to play games!". I kept him upstairs explaining that it hurt mommy, and that he will not go downstairs until he says sorry. In the midst of my explanation, he said," sshhhh... don't talk! I want to play games" That was a first!

the crying just continues. He even added, "Mommy, please."

He finally apologized for hitting and pinching, and I told him I loved him. I brought him downstairs, but he had lost his game time for the night. As we got up to exit the room (in the dark) he said that we needed light because of the monsters. I assured him that the only monster in this house is the Mommy Tickle monster, and we gave each other our "monster kiss". So, I made our "latag" in the family room, and got us ready for bed. We fell asleep watching the Wiggles with Mio!

I woke up in the middle of the night, with Damoomoo standing over me with Mio. Apparently he wouldn't stop crying. But I couldn't let AJ go without telling him how much I loved him, and that I am doing what I can to be good mother who is patient. I know I have a short fuse, but I hope it's at least reasonable?!

I love my children, and pray that we can raise them to be respectful loving men. I refuse to resort to the "old school" of kneeling on rice carrying buckets, or even threatening them with a belt or slipper. But there still have to limits on bad behavior, right?!
what's your experience? please share!

I work at a school (sorry, bev!!) so I got the day after off... and John requested it off, so... at 5:30 am we were up to take his mom to dialysis...and then head straight for the stores.

Our first stop: Mervyn's. Luckily because it was not attached to a mall or anything it was quite quiet. Looking at the ads the night before, we headed for the home department. Bought our "couples" and big kids gifts. Sorry.. this year the presents are "personalized" as it was not as shopping efficient. But it's the thought that counts, and the fact we saved about $5 to $15 for each person! Give us break cuz we are still hoping to have a house soon!!

After we shopped out, we moved to Toys R Us for the younger kids... we got there in time to still catch some of the sale items: Leap Frogs, Crayola bucket sets, Power Rangers, hot wheels, clothes, and other toys! Although the line was quite long... Damoomoo stood there while I still went searching for 1 more gift.

Then with that all done we pretty had 75% of our shopping list, so we drove towards Target since we still had about 1 and 1/2 before picking up Mom. But before we did we bought some Starbucks! Gingerbread Latte for me thanks!

At Target it wasn't as busy, but we also didn't see anymore of the items on sale! Wiped Out of their stock! WOW, but we found some additional items to include to our "couples", and of course Damoomoo's cookies!

Still more time kill we decided to look at Old Navy.. where I found 2 outfits for 2 little girls on our lists.. for less than $10, too! Well, it was getting close to that time, so we left and picked up Mom.

After unloading all the previous puchases. We ventured out to the Mall. Crowded. It was a 2 and 1/2 hour wait in line at Best Buy, and all of their stock of laptops that Damoomoo was looking for---GONE! So we picked up some pretzels and just walked around. Finally we could feel our energy fleeing... and Damoomoo still had to work at the Arena for a GW game later that nite.

Home we went, and found our boys with all the energy in the world! So I did the only thing I could think of... take them to my Kuya's house where my family was hanging out. There the boys got to play with their cousins... Einstein and TRex (who was visiting from LA LA Land!) I was able to crash on the couch for a good hour, but the the whole night my kids just ran and yelled, and yelled and ran... until they just conked out in the car, and never woke up until...
10 the next morning!

Oh the glory of having nephews the same age!

Turkey was luckily spent without much travelling, for once! Damoomoo's family didn't really have a gathering this year, so we just had to travel between my dad's side of the family and my mom's. (Note: in case you don't know, my parent's are divorced and I spent most of life growing up with my mom's family. My dad's family has had a few arguments, and because of that keyopes stubborness, they it took about 10 years to reconcile. So seeing the keyopes is more special with my kids to share with them!)

Anyways, we started with the keyopes side in V-town (just down the street to be exact!) It was small, but still lots of food. My favorite: the prime rib!! YUMMY :P
Then after a little rest and picking names for the family christmas exchange, we headed out to my mom's side. (Another side note: this is the first holiday I am able to spend with my mom and younger brothers in five years! They have been living in the Philippines until this summer!)

We made our way to the "enchanted villa"... and that is no understatement. I guess when you are part of family that has lots and lots of people.. a big house is the solution... and we finally got one!! (Note #3: my maternal grandma is 1 of 11 children. She had 10 children (my mom is 1 of 10), and those 10 children had a total of 36 children (I am one of 36!), and we brought in 15 children, and expecting 2 more! So in short... that's a huge family! You should see the family reunion footage!

My nanay gave her heart-felt thanks and asked for those who were "fighting" to basically stop. I think it helped, however, the 2 people who have been the center of the conflict were not there! But it was all understood, and hopefully making way for a reconciliation. Then it was time, once again to feast...and play pool! My other cousins even managed to play frisbee/football in the pitch dark.

It was such a beautiful evening, but we had to go a little early to rest for "black friday!!"

Apparently a lot! We left the bay area from Etch's condo about 10pm. I said my sad good-byes to my BOYZ, Mio who was the hardest to leave apparently cried intermittenly all the way home!

On I-5 the adventures began. 2 semi trucks were in both lanes (1 passing the other), when a black truck begins to tailgate in the left lane... thinking of ways to pass the semi, it goes on the dirt median. I guess in reaction to that stupid action, it races back onto the freeway, but not without cutting off the semi, who, in result of stepping on his brakes, forces the tail end to form an "L". Luckily the semis don't collide, but the the black truck wasn't finished.

In attempt to gain control it skids completely across the freeway onto the dirt again, spinning out of control (although it seemed like slow motion), it ended up rolling over into the fields. Voodoo phones in 911, problem is.. not quite sure where we were..."just south of Kettleman City". We left the scene knowing that many truckers were there to assist and witnessed the accident..

Then as we begin the incline to the grapevine... TRAFFIC!!! Flashing lights up ahead signaled an accident or someone pulled over... as we near, I noticed smoke (and it wasn't the fog!) GREAT!!! another semi in (i think) a solo accident had it's cab completely engulfed in flames!

As we reached Anaheim we just thanked Almighty for getting us to our destination safefly, but one more accident at Disney Way! This time a van completely crushed it's front half!

Too much adventure for me! I'm just glad we made it okay to our hotel! We checked in, and I couldn't sleep! I took the sofa bed, and the whole time I felt like me head was sinking lower than my feet. Then I would get dizzy with a feeling that my eyes were constantly roaming underneath my eyelids. I probably slept a total of 2 hours, so I decided to just wake-up and take it easy the rest of the morning.

We made it to our character breakfast at the Plaza Inn. Took pictures of us with Cinderella, Belle, Aladdin and Jasmin, and Mulan. Stomachs full from Mickey Mouse waffles and coffee we headed through the park. All the Christmas decor was up throughout Main Street, New Orleans Square, It's a Small World, and even the Haunted Mansion!!

My favorites: the Aladdin stage show : "talk to the left hand, cuz you ain't right!", and the Haunted Mansion! The lines were so long that I didn't make it through a It's a Small World, but I told Damoomoo that I wanted to celebrate my next birthday (32) at Disneyland!!

So, as I walked through I couldn't help but think how much fun AJ would have, and maybe even Mio especially when everything was lit up! We did a lot of walking, shopping, and even more window shopping. I think this was least amount of riding I did on any trip. I didn't ride Tower of Terror cuz Voodoo and Weekender weren't riding it with me! BOO HOO!!

We left as the park closed, and headed "home"!! Time to rest, but Voodoo and I were glued to ESPN watching the replays of the "b-ball brawl"!! Do you think the punishment is too harsh?

This whole trip... I called Damoomoo and my boyz AT LEAST twice a day... mostly 3 or 4! I missed them so much over the weekend! I am glad to be home, but gotta study for my test right now!

So Saturday we woke up semi-early to prepare for the Likha staffers to arrive. Kuya Rudi arrived with "posse" and went on their way to pick up our lafang. WARNING: This blog will contain some Gay-logue (actually it's more rudi-isms!!

We bought lechon, Kuya made fish, sinigang, and of course rice! Damoomoo also made melon drinks with tapioca balls (the mini white ones)... After having the crab feast last night, here I was again having another! And Kuya wonders why we can't MLWK (mag lose weight ka!)

We finally had our meeting going over our policies and procedures for next year, the ever-fearful budge', and some strategies for next year programming and fundraising. All I have to say about our staff: who needs a 'stinkin' board members! These people are awesome... talented in every aspect! WOW!!

The question still remains: will this dancer be joining the Brazil group?

After our long meeting and the sun goes down.. we had our photoshoot for kuya's book. I was not expecting to participate, but I was glad to, except for my hair being too short made it difficult. I was surprisingly not in Spanish gear --- that was Mrs. dot com!! My favorite was Mrs. Professor and baby wrapped in the bontoc blanket (I think that was region?)

I was just in awe with kuya's personal collection! it was absolutely GORGEOUS! The singkil umbrella, fabrics, ay apo juice... FABU!!

Sunday my all time favorite of the weekend, was tagging along with Damoomoo to his softball game (he joined yet another team in SF) in the Portrero Hill area. The weather there was so much warmer than home, and they had this awesome park for the boys. My favorite part was playing in the sand, and we made friends with a mom who has twin boys almost 1 year old... and they gladly shared their toys us! Thanks!
There was this older boy that would absolutely not share and was just mean to mine and the little twins even if they had any thought of touching his trucks or sand in his area!!! boo to you!

I barely made it to practice, cuz I had to get food for me and kids...at Costco (on a sunday...the snack bar is going to be hella crowded!) I think I overdid it cuz I am still sore! But it was good... learned a new dance that I will most likely forget because I won't be there until my birthday!

I left early cuz we had to make our way down to the South Bay to meet grandpa to discuss any possibility of him helping us out with our pursuit in buying our house. Unfortunately, it didn't work out... but he did promise to help us as soon as he was able to get more financially situated... NOTE: divorces are going to cost you!!

I missed that night's episode of Desperate Housewives!! but it was still a fun and long weekend with the family... now it's time to get ready for the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!!!

You know what's scary is that it is only Tuesday, and I am having a really hard time remembering this past weekend! But here's a shot!

Having Veteran's Day fall on a Thursday, I decided to take the day off and make it a LONG weekend. With an open schedule we made an appointment to meet my uncle and view a house in Hercules. For $600K it was small, older, but cute. The couple just bought it a year ago, re-financed 6mos after, and divorced 6mos after that! My uncle decided to run the numbers in and later that afternoon Damoomoo called me and told me the news... WE CAN ACTUALLY QUALIFY FOR A pretty good HOME LOAN!!!

So that shifted our gears to FAST FWD and all we could do was think about buying a home! but before we got any further, we fought through the 20 minute rain "storm" and watched the Incredibles with my bros and my boys. I just love the movie! my fave is Dash and all the references to the Bay Area, and animators! And the kids actually sat through it again, too!

Friday was my real work holiday and I chose that day to take AJ to his check-up. I was so proud hearing all the nurses and doctor say, "he is so calm. he is such a good boy!" AJ even passed an eye test, identifying the apple, umbrella, and house with one eye covered! Although he has not grown much, the doctor says he is healthy and recommended multi-vitamins based on his diet, or lack of. Then it was time for the shot. Luckily it was only one in his arm. But he didn't even cry. Maybe flinched a little but that was it. The lady who him the shot was really good at hiding the needle and talking about things unrelated, and happy! So he walked away with a huge sticker, a smile, and two peel-off tattoos.

Then it was off to Toyota for Morpheus' check-up (the name of our Matrix). Before that I bought AJ a happy meal with the Incredibles toy, but they screwed up our order giving us a DBL Cheeseburger instead McNuggets. Sad thing: I was the only one in drive-thru! Morpheus needed a little more work than an oil-change, and had to be left for additional work... mainly changing one of the belts which was worn out. Cost me about $140 bucks!

Dinner was set to be at Casa David for a steak and crab feast! YUMMY... I was grubbin on that fat crab and lotsa butter! no rice... just crab! We were all stuffed just loungin' around the couch the rest of the night and enjoying the company and letting the kids enjoy themselves!

Wow, that is a long weekend... i'll continue again tonight! Gotta get back to work!

This morning when I woke up... actually on time! I decided to just lay there holding my "kuya bear". At three I can't help but think how big my little man is! Oh he has his moments, but nothing that will cause me to call "Nanny 911".

Anyways, I just laid there next to him. kissing his cheeks, and watched him sleep. He looks like his daddy... even with both arms folded up and reaching behind his neck. Then I get up and before entering the bathroom to begin my morning regiment, I took some time with my baby bear!

He is getting so big, too! I almost thought it was AJ. In fact last night after I got home I took out all of his small clothes and unpacked all of AJ's hand me downs! So now he really looks like kuya! And as he was sleeping I noticed he was sleeping just like daddy, too! What is it with the male genes!! It was enough to make me smile! Then daddy got mad at me because I was making Mio restless by kissing him so much!

So on our way out of the driveway, I told AJ to say by to daddy! "Bye daddy, see you later." Daddy replies, "Be good at school." AJ: OKay! and has a smile on his face!

Feedback: are there any moms who have are putting their children through pre-school? AJ will be at that age next fall, and I don't know where and when to begin!!!

This year I signed up to be a PUENTE mentor. Many colleges around the state have this program to assist underrepresented college students be successful in school and transfer to a four-year university, and eventually graduate.

So, last night I attended the PUENTE mentor training. Met other mentors from our campus and Berkeley, ate REALLY good food from Kaliente, and learned more about the program and received the background of our mentee. It was nice that my "Asian Invasion" colleagues have also signed up this year, and we plan to kick some culture into our mentee, and plan joint activities!!! hehehee

It's a very innovative program with rates of past PUENTE students beginning the transfer process. Much props to the two counselors who are in charge... I believe they are top notch amongst that group! The funnest activity was seeing the list of "Characteristics" and proposed activities the students developed. Here is a preview:
Supportive, Good Listener, Professional at least 5-years in their field, Under 40, Mentally stable, etc.

ACTIVITIES: coffee, campus visits, movies, clubbing, wine-tasting, family parties, etc.!!!

Boy, that list scared me a little bit. The counselors said that they paired us up by gut feeling, and not necessarily career choices. Which I think is better. I am really looking forward to it!

to the Game Cube! That is my summary of our weekend, or at least Sunday. When we came home around 10:30pm from our party tour on Saturday, I told AJ that he could play tomorrow! When I told him that I didn't think that meant ALL DAY, and never changing out of his clothes. I left for practice around 12 pm and got home around 6:00pm and there he was in front of the TV with the game on, daddy sleeping on the floor, and eating popcorn. Then there was Mio eating dinner with Lolo and Lola, who just came home from watching another 49er loss.

Oh, to make matters worse, Daddy wakes up and starts playing the game,too. I go upstairs to catch up on some homework, and come down about an hour later in time to watch Desperate Housewives, and they are still playing. Pull-ups and diaper full of pee-pee. I finally convince both of them change, and attempt to feel AJ some dinner! And still, Daddy is playing... even when the doorbell rings and ninong arrives with a copy of Shrek 2. Daddy doesn't pause for one second!!! so in a nutshell... addicted!

Saturday was fun.. we trekked out to San Jose for Ninang Voodoo's family bridal shower. It was nice to see Mother Voodoo, and hang out with the bridal party, again. I finally won a game! wooo hoo! AJ and Mio enjoyed themselves hanging in the backyard with Ninong Mango kickin' at the kids table and just running around.

I decided that since I was in the area to take a visit to see Auntie Debbie next to the Great Mall with new hubby, Dr. Mason. Congratulations to them... they brought a souvenir home from their honeymoon!!!

So by the end of the night, my two boys were knocked out in the car! But that just left them with some energy to stay up and watch Aladdin, while I wanted to just sleep! Daddy finally came home from work at the arena, and just left me with the two boys... I was tossing and turning, and waking up constantly to their kicks and Mio turning over AJ!!

But the cutest thing happened that night. As I laid awake waiting for AJ to fall asleep, I asked if he could scoot over cuz I was about to fall off the edge. Then that whole night he held me saying, "Mommy, you might fall! You might fall!"

And now it's Monday, back to work!

okay so we lost... i'll leave it that.

I had a whole other blog which I erased because I am just so upset...

Hey Brahma, maybe we should move to Canada!

VOTE!!!
many people fought hard for this right.
let your voice be heard in this very important election!!

(i have class tonight, so i won't be able to hear the results as the east coast closes its polls!!)

We pulled it off! Another birthday literally thrown together last minute, despite how long we've been talking about it! What made matters worse: computers crashing! All my addresses for friends were on our computer at home, so whe that went bye-bye, so did my plans to have invitations sent out! Then that vacation we took, I lost all track of time and how close the party date was getting.

Despite it all, we had fun seeing friends I normally don't get to hang with anymore, the Bitos, DK, even the weekender and etch! I wish I had more time to actually visit with all of you but the pinata and cake kinda kept me busy! There were still some kids, "Kim Possible", "The Incredibles", "Princess", and "Bratz" who stayed for trick-or-treating. My little ones REALLY enjoyed that. Every house that had a light on, you can hear my power rangers, "TRICK OR TREAT!!!", and then happily screaming down the driveway to the next house!

The birthday definitely had his share of fun. No nap all day lead to a very tired red ranger who was fast asleep by 9:30pm! With the whole time change the party ended early, although it seemed like 10pm already!

As soon as I learn to post pictures, I will try to do so!