The Baby Blog

The long weekend was full of friends, family, shopping, and being lazy!

I started my weekend on Wednesday with a going away party for a dear friend of mine who is moving to New York! The party was held at good ol' skool reliable... BOONE's! It brought back a lot of memories of a time when I could go out any night of the week and still make to school in the morning with no problem! The place has changed but it was worth seeing Meliss before she left! Unfortunately, Damoomoo was in no mood to dance or anything since he left his wallet in the car and was still dressed in his shirt and tie from working at the bank & Arena!

Turkey Day was smooth. We usually start in Monterey and work our way back up the bay to Sunnyvale, and then Pacifica or Pittsburg, then home. But this year was pretty low key with just 1 stop, but not low key in terms of the food. I just kept on eating, and munching, and eating. My favorite was eating the Mango Cheesecake with a hot cup of coffee! I think I drank too much cuz I didn't sleep until 2:30!

Black Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
But that didn't stop me from Shopping! I finally got up before 5am and headed out with my cousin. We hit up Kohl's where I wasn't really impressed with the sales. Then before heading home (and filling up the tank) I decided to drive by the outlets. By 7 am the rain was starting to fall and people were definitely driving in...except for the one corner I wanted to check out... Osh Kosh and Carters! No one was in there, and the prices rocked! I bought all the little kids on our list (between $3 to $9 each) on clothes of very good quality. My cousin even bought our boys identical sets of Dinosaur pj's!!

I had to return to the house before 8 so Damoomoo could go to work, but I just ended up trying to catch up on sleep. I did encourage my cousin to take advantage of the sales one more time and attempt another store while I watched the kids! And my little corner of the couch (with the chais) is where I stayed almost all weekend!!!

Sunday we decided to hit the Napa Outlets where I went crazy at Ann Taylor! But I bought some new clothes to go with my "new" job (and pay raise!!) Woo hoo... (I am now the shugga momma!!)

Now I just have to try and catch up on all the cleaning I didn't do this weekend! Plus, the kids just tore up the house all 3 days at home!

At 11am I had my final interview... my boss and another manager were the panel. It went by just as fast as I started which kinda scared me. I was able to add a little humor, but I felt comfortable when I finished.

After I returned from lunch my boss kindly called me into her office, she kicked up the door stop and closed the door behind me. If you are familiar with the "family" atmosphere that the Comets have, it sort of scared me! But as soon as she sat down she said the magic words, "Mighty Mom, we would like to offer the position as... Do you accept?"

Yes... at this point I was ready to jump up and down... She even added that it is under negotiation to start me at Step 3 of my salary range! Hell ya!!! Cross my fingers for that one! I will officially start on Monday... which means I get paid during the 2 week Christmas break.. I love working for a school!!!

Saturday, Daddy decided to stay home with the boys! Thank you!

I am very lucky to have a husband I don't have to worry about when I leave the children with him... I know he may not do everything as I would ask or prefer (i.e. time to put them in bed, how to prep them after a bath, etc), but they eat, they play, and they are healthy when I return!

He is great because he is just full of energy especially when his mind is set on cleaning. I have to admit that he does a better job than me sometimes (although I would prefer my bathroom cleaning and laundry over his). But he did it on Saturday... he dug up weeds, he did laundry, he cooked lumpia for the kids, did some random shopping, and they were all still up (I blame that on the gelato he let them eat!) when I came home after the wedding performance.

Daddy day apparently went well, and I know that AJ and Mio really enjoyed their time with him. Unfortunately it also left me out because now they won't do anything without daddy there! Great?! But the next day I had some of my own daddy time, too because the kids went with Nana and Lolo to the Niner game and I watched daddy's softball game and later at practiced he watched me struggle through my dance marathon. But I enjoy even our car rides together where we can just talk, enjoy music, or just laugh at random stuff.

We were all tired by the time we got home, but we still watched Robots...

Random baby tidbit...
AJ started in our bed last night while we were watching Robots. He even requested, "I want my daddy to sleep with me!" But before he actually fell asleep he moved back to his "bed" on the floor at the foot of our bed! I was a little sad! A little separation anxiety maybe?

That's okay, I guess I still have Mio.. but he hits or kicks me away when I try to snuggle close to him!

Whew... let's just say that I was sweaty, sore legs, aching back, and the whole front part of my feet is one huge blister!

First we practiced our LA trip stuff... which wasn't bad because I just had Bagobo. But then we started with a general practice of Tadek, which after the fourth run through from the "begins" I was huffing and puffing! Then after a quick run through with musicians the 7 gongs dance was called, and I filled in for a missing dancer for the second week! My mistake...

as soon as we finished I was called the dance I am casted for...oh, I forgot to add that all the dances were hoppety-hop dances which would explain my faint and tired look in the middle of Idu-idu!

TIRED! but i survived... but suffering today! Every step I took I could feel the burn from the blisters! OUCH

I was invited to interview for the permanent position of my current temp hourly position for Wednesday at 10:30. "I need an interview suit!" I had actually bought one last month, pulled a Ms. Luzon, and decided to return after trying it on at home (the pants were too low on the waist and way too long).

I went for "quick" look during my lunch. I found a great jacket that didn't make me look even shorter or frumpy since it cut off right above my waist. Had a shoulder pads, but actually worked with the sleeves. But in the tradition of Ross, it was a 2 piece suit, without the 2nd piece! I searched for the pair, but to no avail! I got it anyway, got a 40% discount on the price, and made plans to drag the family to the Ross near our house to find the perfect black dress!

We got to Ross..after Target (where we bought Madagascar and other "essential" items that just jumped into our basket!) It tookme FOREVER to find a black dress that fit right and make me feel confident wearing it! I finally found it right before we headed to the check out, and I picked up another skirt suit for the second interview (keep my fingers crossed).

I have received a lot of great compliments on my outfit, and felt really good about that, but was a nervous wreck even 2 hours AFTER my interview was over! But I am hearing really good feedback so far...which I hope will lead to the final interview!

a Great time-out
Mur kindly invited me to join her at the Warriors game last night. Damoomoo was working that night also so we dropped the kids off with mom, and headed to O-town. I was HELLA early! So, damoomoo walked me around the suites, introducing me to everyone, and showed me the new "mezzanine club". We told mur to bring her business cards so she can play "big exec" and got free passes to see the game from a different, expensive view! It was really nice until a couple sate in front us and the girl couldn't keep her hands or tongue off her man... GEEEZ at least stand in the corner where people dont HAVE to see it, please.

Yes the Warriors lost, but they really had some opportunities to make it on top! Fisher fouled out with less than 2 minutes left in the game, and they could have really used him. Warriors missed 2 3-pointers (1 didn't even come close to the basket) It reminded me of the 49er game when the kicker came short of the goal and the other team scored a 108-yard t.d!! Another thing that didn't help the GSW was that they still aren't getting the calls from the refs, and that just SUCKS... oops I said a bad word (AJ will get mad!)

Then....
I lost my cell phone !! Since I lost at the Arena while I was waiting for him, Damoomoo is using this as another "reason" why he HAS to go to work on Saturday. I think he should just stay home and spend time with the boys. Not watching TV and them running around. Not him taking them to a softball game where someone else (me) is watching them and he visits in between "ups". But really spend time with them...reading, playing games, showing them how to play catch... you know boy stuff, quality time. Right?!

Whew, that was a long update! Thanks for reading my blog..

He did it...

Mio went pee-pee in the potty... Okay he actually started on the bathrug as I got him out of his bath, but as soon as I asked him and set him on the potty, he did it!

AJ was great cuz he was right there cheering him on as soon as he heard him in the bathroom. He then starts to tell his brother, "Now you can go to school with kuya, Mio!" And they shared hi-fives and low-fives!

I hope this is truly the beginning...if we don't have to spend another $30 on diapers that would be GRRRRRRRRREAT! Now I should really get his potty chart going!

Thursday afternoon a few parents from AJ's school called an "all site parent meeting" to discuss holidays and celebrations. Apparently as a Euro-American, she felt that her daughters culture was being ignored when "holidays and celebrations" are honored within the curriculum and/or activities. Now understand the campus community for which we belong is predominantly Black/African American, Latino, and Asian, or in other words the majority is the "minority".

The discussion eventually ran in circles. All I could think of was..."Welcome to my world". Welcom to the life and struggles that people of color face everyday!! The Site Supervisor actually saw me just twitching in my seat as the conversation rolled on, that she actually called on me to share my thoughts! I could feel my voice get shaky, as I tried really hard to suppress the actvist inside me and stay calm and reasnable without "offending" her any further.

I did share the fact that I don't believe the center has "ignored" "American" culture (yes, she used word American to define her culture) because they still have pumpkins, they still have Christmas Trees, etc. When does my son, NOT see the "American" celebrations? I shared with the group that as a Filipino it is difficult enough for me to ensure that my son learns anything of his Filipino culture! I do like the fact that this center is diverse enough that if he is to learn anything about another culture or religion that he is going to learn it from the people/families who actually practice it...and not just from the internet or book written about it.

I am not quite sure what this parent has in mind of recognizing the American celebrations... but I guess we will wait and see! How should celebrations be covered by the school?

pretty much sums up the 3-day weekend. Thursday started off with us meeting in Concord hanging out with uncle Patrick at the mall. I had to exchange some stuff that AJ received from his birthday because they were too small, and it gave me an excuse to walk around some stores and buy Mrs. Fields cookies (the chocolate chip nibblers!)

AJ wanted noodles for dinner so we ate at that "build your own" noodle grill restaurant (AJ's favorite). It was fun watching him observe the "cooks" as they prepare your bowl your noodles. He eats a lot of noodles, which he insists on eating by himself. Uncle Patrick also got a chance to practice driving! (I'm still in denial that he is even old enough to be behind the wheel!)

Friday, we slept in as long as we could with the kids in our bed, and sloooooooowly got through the morning. Soon enough daddy had to work at the Arena and we were left alone. I tried to do laundry, but boys just kept me so busy. When Mio fell asleep AJ was awake. When AJ finally fell asleep Mio was awake, and for some reason just needed sooo much attention. I wanted to just drive around to pick up something quick for dinner, but by the time they were both awake... I was exhausted!

Winter Clean...
Daddy decided to clean away on his Saturday while I met with my aunt to plan her 50th birthday party in Pittsburg. The boys enjoyed playing with their uncles so much that they didn't want to leave! I already had made plans for them to stay with mom so daddy and I could watch Maestro in his opera. Well the opera didn't work out cuz it was sold out! But after the steamcleaning and vacuuming was done (Daddy bought a the bagless vacuum, and he is loving it... so much that I think he will be the designated vacuum guy!) that we watched Jarhead. I think I'll try and read the book.

And on Sunday... it was practice... practice...practice! We had to move to the smaller studio because of a conference. The floor was more like a gym floor, and my feet still hurt!

I realized that I haven't been giving much of an update on my littlest rugrat. I guess it kinda sucks to subconsiously let tuya (that's how he pronounces kuya, and AJ hates it!) be dominant.

Anyways, lately I have noticed that Mio, (who we were afraid of was delayed in speech) is now REALLY talkative. The only challenge is translating everything he is saying. Most of the times it takes at least 3 repeats before I can fully understand him, and there are times where I just say, "Oh, really! Wow!" because I just don't understand!

But he is quite smart for a 2 year old. He knows his alphabet, his colors, and can count (almost by himself) to 20! He still has difficulty pronouncing "X"s and "S"s. tuya is getting a little frustrated when Mio says, "T rek" and "tuya" . It quite a treat when you see and hear kuya playing teacher!!

I guess what the most fun I have with my little one, is playing tickle monster while we change diapers. Yes, he is still NOT potty trained. But the diaper changes are time for us that I cannot share with kuya. I love to hear Mio's laugh and still be able to teach him funny faces that show off his eyes and cute dimples.

Mio does have selective hearing, which I guess he got from Daddy because when it comes time for me to call him... Nothing. No response. Just ignore me! But now this has lead to time-out. Yes, discipline is a challenge which I blame myself for because I still see him as my "baby" and really skipped that window to begin. Now I am trying really hard to play catch up.

He sleeps with a pillow. Not any one in particular as long as it has an open end pillow case. Now he has moved out of my shirt and into pillow cases. As he sleeps he plays with pillow case and sticks his arm inside. Doesn't necessarily play with the pillow, but just leaves his arm in there! He can still sleep anywhere at just about anytime he gets sleepy!

And that my friends is my littlest rugrat... Mio (or my new name is Chicken Little) Ninang MnM says he looks just like him... and I have to agree!

Mo Money!

Likha had their fundraiser on Saturday, which was a great success. The Coco kids performed and they were great...I can't wait until AJ and Mio get big enough. But I noticed how much of a stage mom I can be... I just don't want to be a pageant mom, now that would just be borderline insane!

The great part was seeing some of the veterans come out and support the group. Some of them may be coming back, too! I think it would be great since they all started to leave to raise their own families before all the tours started to take place. They deserve the opportunity just as much!

Has it been that long?!
Sunday morning we started bright and early to get to the Arena to watch Disney on Ice. The boys had a GREAT time. As much as I argue with Damoomoo about working at the Arena, I don't think I could ever go back to sitting in the "regular" seating when I have the boys. In the suites you have room to walk around, change diapers, have food and drinks, and even your own bathroom!

As soon as it ended we rushed over to practice. Liza was with me for her return. She claims to not know any of the dances, but she's still got it! But my favorite was having Damoomoo come back out. Although at first he was just sitting with the musicians (using Mio as an excuse), until I gave him the "look". He took off the shoes and had changed into his b-ball shorts and "The Rock" sleeveless shirt!! I'll let him tell you the rest, but babe, "where's the sweat at?" I have a picture of him carrying Eman on his shoulders!! He still remembers the dances, too!

This morning I could hear him rummaging through the bathroom...
MM: What are you doing?
'moomoo: Getting my workout stuff together [drawer slams] You know, soap and shampoo and stuff [drawer slams].

I guess he finally got another "reason" to start that healthy lifestyle! He even told me at the end of rehearsal, "You know what would be good, is Yoga. I'm sure we can find one in the double V somewhere and sign-up"

It was great to really share the "stage" with everyone again, especially Damoomoo! Even AJ was getting into the groove and started drumming with Ninong Rok Star. Mio was just all over the place as always.

The End is coming!
after practice we headed over to V-town to eat dinner (the boys were knocked out) at Ling Nam for Tosilog meals. Then we headed over to meet Ledge and Antonio to watch Chicken Little. The boys seemed to enjoy it. I on the otherhand was just wiped out! I could feel the energy just sucked out!

A night of lights. After being sick for three days, I finally made it back to work on Friday just in time for our Hall of Fame event/fundraiser. It was quite an event. The event planner had a black curtain put up in the front with twinkling lights showing through and an Eiffel Tower in the middle to set the mood for "a night of lights" in paris. Park benches and globe lampposts were brought in to add to the ambiance. No wonder this event planner does high end weddings... she told me a story of a wedding that totalled $100,000!!

We inducted 5 new people who were former employees or students or major contributors to the college. There are some amazing people in the community who have connections to this college you may not even know was there! One inductee grew up in the internment camps, graduated from UC Berkeley and during her tenure at the college, developed the Child Care Lab where AJ is now attending!

I left the Country Club in the El Cerrito hills at 11:30, to find out that Damoomoo was just arriving to Fremont to pick up the boys. thanks to Rok Start and Tin for watching them on Friday! They were still up and playing! But were definitely knocked out by the time they got home...

Since the party and my sick days, our laundry has been piling up. So today, I decided that I would start tackling the large piles, so far I am only on the 3rd load and it's already 2pm.

Lint piles
Last time I did laundry I noticed that our clothes weren't drying as well as it used to. So I decided to clean out the lint inside the dryer. Not just on the screen but the little area that holds the screen. I was able to scrape up some pretty big wods of lint with a BBQ scewer stick, but right as I was getting into a groove... I dropped it!

So now I had think of another way to get the lint AND the stick!

"Duck" tape is the answer to every problem
After 10 minutes of trying to get the stick out with a drumstick... I finally thought of sticking some tape at the end and pick it up that way. It worked. It also helped in picking up the wods of lint high enough for me to suck it up with the vacuum!

My tricks seems to work for now... I guess we'll see how long it lasts...

Tonight is the fundraiser and tomorrow we'll be going to Disney on Ice, practice, AND take the kids to watch Chicken Little... a mother never rests, even when she can hardly breathe!

Yes it has happened.... AGAIN... Mommy is home sick! After the weekend in Disneyland, non-stop party planning, 2 hour commutes home every night, the party, practice, and night of trick-or-treating... whewwww?!

Halloween was fun. Unfortunately AJ's pre-school did not permit the kids to dress up and parade around campus like in the past (many of co-workers were really looking forward to it!) So I had asked to leave an hour earlier so I can get home in time to change the kids and get them out in the neighborhood early.

AJ was a pteradactyl and Mio was a blue parrot ($10 bucks each at Costco!). I found an evil queen costume for $20 at the Halloween store, and Damoomoo was farmer to match his co-workers as pumpkins. Damoomoo already mentioned the hords of candy we DIDN'T give out ( I still insist that I was right!). But I was able to take the boys trick-or-treating the old skool way... door-to-door. We did the mall thing twice... and honestly, that was enough.

It actually can be more hectic and chaotic than in your own neighborhood. At least our neighborhood consists of 1 court and 1 street so it was easy to walk around, and just enough to tire the little one out. Although they didn't wear the hood part of their costumes (still a little too big to fit on their head comfortably) everyone thought they were sooo cute saying trick-or-treat and thank you every single time!

We came home to find dinner ready thanks to farmer 'moomoo. But I wasn't in the mood, I could already feel the "bug" hitting. Sure enough by the next morning... I was feeling the achey body and the fever that was about to break. Unfortunately, it also meant that AJ wouldn't go to school, so he was stuck with me. The next day, not any better, but damoomoo worked the season opener for the Warriors and convinced me that I wouldn't want to get up later to pick up Mio from the sitter... he was right but it was just getting worse.

I finally called my mom to come out and help. Thankfully she did. Today I woke up thinking I could go back to work but as soon as I finished the shower, weakness just took over, and all I wanted was to sleep! Thankfully in-laws took the boys and for the first time I was able to relax. I should be working on my resume and job application due to tomorrow!