Challenged and Challenging

Oh darling, where do I even begin?

As usual, we have dark days... usually after school, you'd act up and I'd try and try and try to be patient but sometimes, i'd really lose it. I think it has a lot to do with coming home to a place where you have to compete for MY attention.... what with Yamee growing to be engaging. I remember telling your teacher that there was this terrible week and I was feeling super lost because I couldn't tell what was triggering your emotional upsets... and then it dawned on me, that Yamee stood up by himself that week.

Sigh.

Your teachers say you have leadership qualities... that your playmates follow your lead even if you don't really tell them to do so. I guess that means you're charming, naturally.

I still haven't blogged about it but the Dev Ped we saw noticed that you have some "auditory processing issues" and need improvement with your fine motor skills. I'm glad and feel validated that this was pointed out by an expert... but inside of me, I am also slightly scared that this may develop into ADHD. And I do wonder if I have done you good (enough). I am scared of failing you, of not being a better mentor...

You have been sickly. Ever since May, you've seen a lot of doctors and the ER. One time, you even made me cry because you were stomping your feet at Healthway, refusing a blood extraction... and I didn't feel right about asking you to be brave yet another time. In my mind, there is always that fear of either one of you (and Yamee) getting seriously sick... like your cousin did... which is also why your parents bring you to the doctor most of the time.

I am not happy that you and Yamee are seeing an allergologist with me... but at least, I trust our doctor. And after Dr. Mantaring, I guess Dra. Sandejas is now your doctor.

You're sort of through your Toy Story phase (though we bought you Buzz and Woody at HK Disneyland) and is more into being a superhero. It's cute that you insist you're both Superman and Iron Man while calling Ice, Batman. You and Ice have also learned to play better... only, I've noticed Ice is more able to manipulate play between the two of you, which again makes me wonder about your development.

We got you Lego Duplo blocks finally... and finally, you're building your own stuff which you never did with your micro brick sets.

It's cute when you insist on having 3 cookies, 3 pieces of chocolate, etc because you 'are 3 years old' :)

And it's cute that you're sort of anticipating your birthday party, insist on having a Superman cake, and being a superhero on that day.

You are addicted to Angry Birds and have fashioned play dough as angry birds. You can see a sling/catapult in any mundane thing :)

You still tend to be contrary. You still cannot manage your anger. You still hit me when you're upset. But you're also easily pleased... and always active, dynamic, ready to go.

You kept asking us about going to Disneyland in the weeks before we did (Is this Disneyland? Are we going to Disneyland after this?)... and now you keep saying "Disneyland is in Hong Hong" (hehe) and keep singing "Hakuna Putata" :)

I love you. I know I am hard on you, but oh, how I love you. And I just hope you know that you are soooo blessed.

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

Miscellaneous FB updates:

Spent the day with Yakee and realized she missed such time with him. And Yakee obviously missed just having me all to himself... rushed home to a sorta starving Yamee, feeling a little guilty that he may be starving, but he was more interested in the ice cream I was eating. Life's like that.

*~*

Pappie Jojo Arevalo is sad because Yakee has been diagnosed to have exercise-induced asthma (one that doesn't require meds, thank God). We're really just praying he won't get/have other trademark Arevalo legacies, like kidney probs. I am invoking breastfeeding magic!

*~*

Laya Isabelle Garcellano Florendo and I are actually raising them with the hope that they will be the best of friends... and hubs even said that he thinks people will perceive them as twins... but I cannot resist this :D Anong panama ng Nestle commercial if they end up with each other?!

*~*

cleaning out Yakee's old pen and tunnel gym set... bittersweet and kinda inviting rhinitis :D
(kaloka nga kasi now I need age-appropriate toys for Yamee but don't have lots :D I have given a lot away and those that remain, kinda not sure if Yakee will part with)

*~*

Yakee was looking at me and said..."Mommy, you look like a spider... ay no, a mascot!" :D (after MY allergy attack)
*~*

The other day I was aghast to see Yakee hitting Yamee on the chest. When I asked him why he's angry, he said, "Yamee kicked me on the face." *oh gosh, start of my referee-ing days*

*~*

During a mass at the wake we went to
Yakee: Mommy, what is a rose from the dead?
(imagine the conversation sis, when he was asking me why the rose is not a flower :D)

*~*

yakee singing
There was a boy with a lonely goatherd
yey-odl-ey-odl-ey-hee-hoo
There was a duck with a lonely goatherd
yey-odl-ey-odl-ey-hee-hoo
...There was a king on a castle moat heard
yey-odl-ey-odl-ey-hee-hoo
There was a man with foam afloat heard
yey-odl-ey-odl-ey-hee-hoo

haha... inferno, tama yung ibang words :D
*~*

Yakee: Mommy, can we please have a baby kitten please? I want to take care of a baby kitten.

First time he asked for a pet. Yikes. (and syempre I told him "when you're bigger, we'll get you one")

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, when Yamee grows bigger, when he's a little kid, he can play with me... and we can fight over rice.
Me: Fight over rice? Why, don't you think there'd be enough for the two of you?
Yakee: Yes. There won't be plenty eh.

Patay tayo dyan Jojo Arevalo :D

*~*

Duday (pointing to a picture of a doorknob): Yakee, what is this?
Yakee: That is the door's friend.

Honga naman :)

*~*

Pappie: Who is part of your family?
Yakee: Mommy, Pappie, Super Yakee and Yamee.

Yes, kelangan may SUPER sya :)

*~*

while chugging water from a bottle
Yakee: Mommy, this is waterbeer.

Sana man lang anak, butterbeer! Natuwa sana ako... now, scared lang ako, haha.

*~*

after seeing rabbits being sold along Taft

Yakee: Mommy, you know, I am the biggest now. I can take good care of my own pets.

wish mo lang anak... hehe

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, do I look like Hairy Potter?
Me: Mahal, Harry. Harry. Not Hairy.

Over 2 years nang hairy si Potter :D

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, what's that?
Me: It's lipstick.
Yakee: What is it for?
Me: It colors mommy's lips.
Yakee: I want.
...Me: Sorry darling, only girls wear lipstick. This is just for big girls like Mommy.
Yakee: No! I want. because Iya puts on me eh.

Soraya Arevalo-Santos, your daughter has to answer to Jojo Arevalo :D

*~*

while watching Man vs Food
Yakee: Mommy, when I am bigger... I will eat that (referring to stupid wings, really super spicy buffalo wings). And drink beer. And iced tea.

anak... what is it about beer?!

*~*

is really thankful that Yakee only has classes Wed-Fri... gives us time to recover from weekends of partying, sugar high and too much stimulation.

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, look at my underpants!

I looked... and there was a red ribbon tied around his waist. Libet Lucero-Espaldon, I suddenly remembered your friend's story... but it's way too early for my son to gift himself to someone :D

*~*

yakee put the ribbon on, pirate daw sya. i don't know how... haha. then yamee wanted the ribbon too.

lagot tayo kay pappie.. but at least, if we have a girl, hindi naman pala masagwa :D



*~*

Adarna House, Yakee is calling me "Chenelyn" and I don't know if it's because he thinks I make magic or that I look exhausted.... or he thinks he can boss me around. I hope to God it's not because he thinks we can be mermaids together.

*~*

while kissing Yamee's feet
Yakee: "Mmmm, the best brother in the world Mommy"

super tender moment sana if he didn't also just wake the best brother :D

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, i'm a puppy in a cage.
Me: Aww... poor puppy!
Yakee: No, i'm not a poor puppy. I can play in the cage.

Glass half full :)

*~*

Pappie: Kuya, Yamee has a fever. I think he caught a virus.
Yakee: But how did he catch a virus?
(Pappie turns to me)
Me: Yamee is sick.
Yakee: Ahhh!

*~*

Super stressed. Cramming to get everything ready for Yakee's school. Pumping for Yamee. Yakee's recurring hives over I don't know what. Yamee suddenly always antsy and needy. And I don't know when or how I can get my gown in time for Saturday! But thank God my problems are just these little things...

*~*

just before Pappie got his flu shot
Yakee: Pappie, be brave ha?

:) he said the same to Yamee but Yamee cried pa din eh... haha

*~*

Yakee looking at my stomach.
"Mommy, you are pregnant? You're having a boy again?"

tsk. time to quit with the cookies.

*~*

To occupy a child for an hour, give him a malong, a box and some newspaper. Expect, however, that the newspaper will get ripped and scattered... and that he'll end up sweaty inside the malong... and that he'd be playing on the floor a lot. Pray, also, that he doesn't insist you go 'camping' with him. Otherwise, you'll be required to 'dance around the egg' until 'he hatches' for... an hour :D

*~*

Iya: Tita Mec, what are you doing?
Me: I am expressing milk.
Iya: Why?
Me: I will put in in Yamee's cereals to make it soft.
Yakee: And chewy?

uhm anak... hindi ito cookie, hindi rin mentos :p


*~*

Yakee singing
"Ti - a drink with garlic bread...."

*~*

Yakee's first day in school was perfect, with him pretending to be riding the long neck of a brachiasaurus with his 'classmates' here (the other group of kids are perched on a T-Rex). Unfortunately, it's his only day in school so far since one form or another of allergies have hounded him for around ten days now. Hopefully, he can really go to school tom.



*~*

Was expecting it to be sunny today because school was cancelled as early as last night... hehe. It's usually the case eh, and I spent part of the night thinking of ways to explain to Yakee why there's no school again for him.

*~*

I hid behind the door and spooked Yakee.
Yakee: "Mommy, you scared Superman."

good thing I didn't get punched, then

*~*

Ninang: Is that sexy for you?
Yakee: No. That's not Mommy eh.

naks... parang naturuan ni Pappie Jojo :) labeeettt

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, you are fat. Pappie is big.
Mommy: Remember what Mommy told you, only wallets and books can be fat. Is Mommy a wallet?
Yakee: No, you're a T-Rex, like me.
Mommy: What else can be fat?
Yakee: Worms!

Jennifer Trajano, haha, just when you were having the same issues! But at least Yakee stopped calling his father, fat! Rome wasn't built in a day, sabi nga, haha :D


*~*

Pappie bought Yakee a Philippine flag. After explaining to him what we can of Philippine Independence, we made him go out to shout "freedom" while waving the flag at MIL's street.



*~*

One of Yakee's concocted words ALWAYS makes me cringe and nauseous... it's boogerworm. Ewww to the nth level talaga, anak.

*~*

I don't have a pic in any cam... but hubs and Yakee does :D And John took it right before Yakee barfed all over his Dad. Yes, Pappie is in charge of barf... I am in charge of poop. Ganun ang division of labor :D And God bless all these babywearers...

My poor Yakee before he barfed galore... which landed us in the ER after the Babywearing meet. He's better now, hives are back nga lang. Hayst. Psychological bid for attention ba to, anak? :p

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, I want Baby Beatles. I want the one, Stawberry Cake Forever...

*~*

Feeling a little bad typing up Yakee's allergy history. It's been a rough 3 weeks.


*~*

Me: Darling, I noticed aprons hanging outside your school. Did you paint again?
Yakee: No.
Me: Oh, okay. I thought you painted again today.
Yakee: No... we washed those aprons eh. We did not paint. We washed.
Me: Oh... I see. Teacher taught you how to wash the aprons?
Yakee: Yes!
Pappie (to me): Sabi ko sayo mahal, child labor lang gagawin nila sa school eh.

*~*

Ninang: Why are you painting your hand?
Yakee: Because it has to be colorful. So I can see it properly.

*~*

while walking to Power Plat Mall
Yakee: Wait Mommy, I will pick a flower....
Me: Oh no, baby, please don't...
Yakee: ... and I will give it to you. This is for you Mommy.

arrgh... torn between LNT and son's thoughtfulness :D

*~*

Yakee: "Pappie, I will chop you into five pieces." (then our son proceeds to make cutting motion on his father's neck)
Pappie Jojo : "Crazy ka Yakee. Mahal, narinig mo sinabi ng anak mo? He's going to chop me into five pieces daw!"
Me: "Ahhh, he learned that in school."

*~*

Stressed that Yakee is suddenly a sickly child. Arghhh... no school again due to fever. Bigyan ko kaya ng BM? :D

*~*

We're really thankful we can give Yakee this... I just hope his immune system cooperates so he doesn't miss so much time in the sun.


*~*

Yakee: Mommy, I don't want to ride the jeepney eh. I want a cab.
Me: Why?
Yakee: Because... because... it's so panget.

Uh-oh :D

*~*

Me: Iakob, did you know that it was raining so hard earlier?
Yakee: Did you have trouble?
Me: Trouble? Trouble going here?
Yakee: Yes?
Me: Not really. The rain stopped just before I got off to fetch you.
...Yakee: Were you worried?
Me: Well, yes, I was. I was worried we had to wade in flood.

It's amazing when you see them trying to sympathize and use adult words, no?
*~*

Yakee and the Story of the Thirsty Sparrow
(talking about the story of the thirsty sparrow)

Me: Once upon a time...
Yakee: ... there were five birds who wanted to drink.
Me: They were thirsty?
Yakee: Yes!
Me: Ok, so there were five very thirsty birds. What happens next?
Yakee: They find a glass of water and they drink.
Me: Who drank first?
Yakee: The crane drank first. His name is crane because his head goes like this (makes crane/backhoe motions with his hand)
Me: haha... Okay, then what happened?
Yakee: The water in the glass went like this (shows receding motion)
Me: Ahh, the water in the glass receded. Then, what happened?
Yakee: Hawk came next. He drank water too.
Me: Wow, and hawk is what kind of bird? (hoping for adjectives like big)
Yakee: Hawk? Uhmm... Incredible hawk!
(laughter from me)
Yakee: But he is incredible, you know, scary? And angry?

(he did finish telling me the story... but I was still laughing till the very end)

*~*

"Mommy, will you be dead on Wednesday?"
Such was how Yakee started our first conversation on death.


*~*

(while crossing the road)
Yakee: Mommy, if the car hits you, then nobody will help me cross the street. Then, I will be lost. (aside from my son seemingly intent on getting me killed, such at least allows us to talk about morbid scenarios)

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, you know, we have a new classroom.
Me: Yes... do you think it's smaller or bigger than your old one?
Yakee: No, it's just medium.

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, when you're troubled, I will save you. I will save you and... punch someone!

What 'sweet violence' no?

*~*

Yakee: Mmmm, Mommy, the radish is so good.
Me: I'm glad you like it baby. You want more?
Yakee: Yes... but Mommy, what kind of dish is in radish?
Me: Uhmm... Mahal, i'd look it up to check why they named radish like that ok?

*~*

DevPed: Which one runs faster, the big boy or the little boy?
Yakee: The little boy. (said with certainty)
DevPed: The little boy?
Yakee: Yes, because he's Dash. And he runs the fastest.

Haay... i really regret The Incredibles na, Pappie Jojo

*~*

(Pappie Jojo was helping Yakee pee when their 'neighbor' in the next cubicle gave a loud fart)
Yakee: Ooh... Pappie. It's a frog! Is that you?
Pappie: No! That wasn't me!

haha... defensive much?

*~*

We kept Yakee from school today, because we were expecting a lot of rain and I might have trouble fetching him.... plus, Yamee fussed all night, all of us were just dead tired.

*~*

May binata na ako... hikbi...



*~*

Mommies... I had a sudden slight worry. It's common for kids to show up with bruises and scars without them knowing and/or caring how they got it right?

*~*

Yamee on a walker means a lot of things crashing on the floor... and a very stressed Yakee over his toys.

*~*

I am windang about the boys' party theme... do I insist on the theme I want (which I feel reflects our family values and direction) or cater to Yakee's whim (right now, superhero, when we don't even let him watch cartoons/TV/supehero movies nor buy him any character-ed stuff). Hay.


*~*

Yakee telling me about the moms doing the bellydancing ek on stage yesterday
"Mommy, you know, the moms, they were dancing and their boobs were moving. It's so crazy."

*~*

Angry Birds na passport holders? haha... my son will be thrilled to no end... which may result in lost passports :D

*~*

(with a beatuifully shy smile on his face)
Yakee: Mommy, I have a beautiful friend in school. His name is Louise.

(oh no!!! first time he used the 'beautiful' description on his own... and he's really referring to a pretty girl, he just doesn't use a lot of she-her pa)
Aug 19

*~*

(while playing with play dough)
Yakee: Let's make a pizza mommy.
Me: Okay... I will make the grated cheese.
(after a while)
Yakee: Mommy, where's the macaroni?
...Me: Macaroni? I thought we're making pizza?
Yakee: Yes. I need to put macaroni on top eh!
Me: But baby, macaroni is pasta. We don't put macaroni on top of a pizza. Why don't you make ham instead?
Yakee: Oh, I was wrong Mommy. Not macaroni. I remember now... papa-roni! Where's the paparoni?

*~*

Stressed... but more worried why Iakob is so sickly lately.

*~*

While watching the Philharmagic show, I looked over to see if Yakee was enjoying it and I saw him and his cousin Iya, arms outstretched, trying to touch the I-forgot-what... "and in the middle of the colored cartoon, I started to cry" :) Childhood innocence is sooo fleeting and sooo bittersweet

*~*

Dates and tickets... Yakee and I are so lucky... thank you Pappie Jojo.

Just So You Know

... I love you so much.

But Mommy lost it with you earlier, because you were hitting Mommy when I was just talking to you about respecting Ice's property. I lost it because you still haven't even apologized for biting me so hard the other day, with the bite still bruised till now. I hate having you turn on me and I hated realizing just how big and strong you're getting.

You're really not a baby anymore. And despite the fear, the pain, the sadness over you growing up, there is also that celebration of your willfulness that must only come from being so loved and raised feeling secure. You're your own person and a thinking one at that.

Mommy is sorry, not really for hitting you, but for still learning how to discipline you better. Mommy is sorry for being tired and sleepy and for not being more strict with our structure, our routines.

Oh, but how I love you.

*~*

You wowed a pretty girl and her Mom at Aristocrat, enough to get her to ask for a balloon for you. She said you're very smart. Later, you'd get people looking and smiling by using a display platform at Robinson's Place as a stage. You danced to music from your father's phone. Half the time, you danced like a dork. But we were proud and you were happy :)

I guess the book given to you by Ninag Jet (I hope you dance) is taking seed.

*~*

I didn't know that you're ready for puzzles (acting intimidated by them lots of times before) but look at you here!

*~*

Your grandparents love you, baby.



*~*

We had a scare for a while about you having primary complex. But Dr. Mantaring said to observe you for a while since he doesn't believe you do. Not when you're that talkative and interactive... I thank God that you are thriving, baby.

*~*

You were fighting with Ice earlier on who's able to really 'gentle touch' Yamee.

Despite all the major, major tantrums and meltdowns lately, you have never lashed out at Yamee. So, I just know, you really have a protective sense for him.

*~*

Miscellaneous FB statuses concerning you:

~ sniffs... Yakee's big enough to warrant entrance fee at Star City... and to be able to ride more rides... *bittersweet emote*

~ can just imagine Yakee's delight from watching Little Big Club... hope Pappie can manage and they'd have a blast.

~ Yakee: No, Pappie, that's not a fart. That's a FROG. (after Pappie told Yakee that Yamee is farting)

~ sporting a swollen wrist from Yakee's bite... and scratches in the other. I love my son but some days, I just want him detained somewhere.

~ wonders how to best impart to Yakee that his every thought shouldn't be spoken out loud,especially if he's saying someone is ugly or has funny eyes (You see, at Dampa, you said, "Pappy look, funny eyes" at the man selling glow sticks... then when Ninang Gang was hangig the wash, you said, "Ninang, you know, that girl, so ugly." referring to the neighbor's helper)

~ overheard Pappie reading to Yakee, "And this is the ankylosaurus, the dinosaur whose balls are misplaced. So you, you shouldn't ever misplace your balls ha?" (so yeah, if not for the bonding component, I wouldn't allow him to read to our son)

~ sighs... after some 20 mins of crying to let him in when he could do it himself, now Yakee is crying for me to lock him outside

~ "Arrgh... the brothers keep pooping together! And just when am about to pump!!!"

~ hates that Yakee's been diagnosed with primary complex, she just hopes nobody from their home gave it to him.

~ shares (overhearing Yamee crying at the other house) Yakee: "Mommy, get Yamee! Take care of him, Mommy, please, please."

~ hopes that the brothers who poop together, grow up loving each other :D

~ is concerned abt Yakee's on and off fever but is opting to not overworry since the child can still throw tantrums as usual

~ hopes Big Brother Yakee's fever is a viral something, and not because she's been negligent of her firstborn *haaayst*

Sigh

Because Mommy lacked redirection strategies, and you can be real ornery sometimes, you attacked Mommy basically when Mommy put the chairs you were playing with on timeout, because you were not listening to what Mommy was saying.

You bit Mommy on the stomach. Hard. Enough to make Mommy really scream and cry for hours after. I have yet to take a picture of the bruise, and it goes without saying, Mommy felt abused.

I spanked you once and put you on timeout, then locked myself in our bedroom lest I upset you more, or get more hurt.

A Month of Updates

... and I can't think of anything.

But ahh, last night, while playing in your tub, and Mommy was showering with you after we both got steamed... you said, "Mommy, your breasts are my friends." I asked why and you said, "Because I dudu." :)

*~*

At the OB check-up I had, you asked me if the doctor was going to give you a lollipop. The poor OB then had to steal a candy from the pedia she's sharing the clinic with to give to you. Needless to say though, you were happy. And the candy habit with doctors was further reinforced.

*~*

When you were reunited with Lianne and Iya that weekend you all visited Lolo before he was disachrged from the hospital, the girls refused to play with you and even closed the door on you, which led you to crying. Yaya scolded them for you but well, they had a good reason though... you liked boxing with them :)

And then last weekend, you wanted to play with your friends (Kat, Eli, Nicole) but they didn't want to play with a boy. You rushed to me and called me and you were oh so cute trying to fight back tears. All the guests at the baptism found you adorable as you blinked back tears, then succumbed to weeping. Mommy's heart was broken with yours, darling...

Later though, you accidentally kicked Zach on the lip as you boys were playing with a balloon. And you and Zach and Nicole all swam in the pool without really playing with each other. Hehe.

*~*

Pappie made you this.

For a while, you like chanting, "I'm a robot, a crazy robot." while wearing it. But now, when I put it on you, you tell me you're a plane.

*~*

About two weeks ago, you decided to climb the stairs while hanging on the rails, on the danger side.

And you have been enjoying the new mattresses as jumping boards.

*~*

My heart bled again when you refused to join the Gymboree thingie because you didn't know any of the kids. We really have to get you into a class and get you used to interacting with strangers.

Pains and Tales from Yesterday

We went back to Dr. Mantaring for your Hepa booster shot yesterday. You were generally engaging the entire time we were waiting, even fanning the babies like I told you to. You did throw a tantrum for a while but did not end the day on a bad note. Plus, Doc said you're at least pretty advanced generally for a child your age. He also said not to worry about your weight.

And you were so brave, did not cry over the injection, and even started wiping the alcohol-soaked cotton bud all over your arm after... and your face. Hehe.

You did touch a speculum, to which Doc said, "Do you know where that is placed? Yuck!" :D

And when I showed you how Yamee looks at 5 months from a picture chart, you said, "Ewww, smelly, like Pappie." :D The clerk thought we had a puppy dog.

*~*

You slipped last night after Pappie washed you and hit your head on the edge of the CR step. Your head bled a little. Awww. But you seem generally okay today.

Weekend Wonder and Tears

Saturday, Mommy was gone the whole day. Pappie said you were behaved most of the time. I won a small prize with bubbles and gave it to you immediately after coming home. Of course, you loved the bubbles and proceeded to empty the small container. After it's all used up, you said..."Aha! Idea... water!" :)

Pappie was so happy!

*~*

Read to you the book, "Naku, Naku, Naku" which is about an older brother worried about what to expect with a new baby. You loved it. And you somehow know that Mommy has a baby inside her tummy as well. :)

Also read to you "Luis and the Enchanted Creatures" and you also loved it. Unfortunately, you kept on insisting that the kapre is Pappie. Hehe.

*~*

Sunday we attended Maico's baptism. You cried at least four times during the afternoon. First, we suspect Zach might have made gigil. Second, you thought Nicole didn't want you to play with them when she was telling you not to go into the playhouse yet (she was clearing the balls). The third was when Elissa closed the door and Mommy and Pappie weren't in the playroom with you. The fourth was when somebody closed the door again. :)

At Paco Park, you cried when you went ahead and Mommy and Pappie were lost in conversation and turned towards the Chapel and you went straight ahead. I guess you were scared when you looked back and didn't find us there.

You also cried when you stepped forcefully on a kneeler which toppled a pew chair over. It landed on your shoulder. At first, I thought it was Pappie who made the pew topple and I couldn't get to you fast enough. Good thing you didn't fall badly to hit your head on the next pew. There is a mark on your left shoulder now though but you can paddle and splash and clap normally enough.

*~*

And then last night, because you weren't cooperating and we were enforcing the rule that such kids aren't welcome in bed, you also cried of course. But you did sleep readily after being disciplined.

I guess you could say, it wasn't the best of days for you. But you were laughing a lot during the day still.

*~*

I couldn't wake you up this morning for your swimming lessons and it resulted in tears because you refused to get moving. You were wonderful in the water but threw a tantrum when you didn't get to walk and kick roots at Plaza Dilao. You refused to walk, budge, stand or be carried at the edge of the road. I was torn between being super hungry and leaving you there, and being worried that we might have an accident involving a car.

And then you refused to have Mommy give you a bath soon after getting home.

And then you started crying because Tito Jun closed the door at the other house, thinking you won't be able to eat.

So yeah darling, not a good start to the week either.

*~*

You were very resourceful yesterday though. You didn't wait to be given fish food for the koi at Congo Grille. You fed them with rice off your pants instead.

Valentine Weaning

Generally, Mommy still feels the numbers and pictures and references to you being a dinosaur now helped in the official weaning. But you are only a baby after all, so there were several times during the day when you did rage when Mommy reminded you that Mommy has no milk anymore for you.

So yes, there were tantrums. And one or two times when Mommy had to ask if you wanted a spanking because you refused to listen.

Then again, Mommy has been going out a lot and Pappie and Mommy were out last night. I guess you were bound to feel neglected somehow even if you're not.

But anyway, you celebrated with cake and ice cream today. I am so proud!

here are your pics from that time a grandma found you cute,
asked you to 'bless' and then gave you P3 after

Note for Mom

You slipped twice and bumped your head twice on the floor during the weekend. Saturday and Sunday. I'm making note of this in case you get particularly wonky.

And poor baby still had colds so you really couldn't do your underwater antics because you couldn't breathe right. But you still had so much fun, it was sinful.

And tonight, because Mommy isn't feeling well, you did not insist on your stories and meme and slept on your own. Mommy loves you for it. Mommy is very thankful.

Awawa Boy

Sunday, three of your fingers got caught in one of Maxime's doors when Momsy shut it and I let go of your hands to turn off the light inside the car. Took you about 10-20 seconds before you started crying. And you hated dipping your fingers in cold water... or holding ice.

But at the Church, you feasted on quail eggs, using your injured hand. Later on, you were supporting your body using both hands to swing yourself. I knew then that you'd just be fine.

Monday night, Pappie hit you with one of the car doors... on the face/forehead. But you didn't cry.

I also saw you balancing yourself on the edge of the sofa while watching Momsy sweeping.

Seriously, my son, I am sure other parents will consider you a nightmare of a son because of your exuberance, curiosity and spirit.

Lolo says that you're that way because you're making up for all the activities your father didn't do when he was young. After all, he stayed put for hours wherever you put him. he was that behaved. And that your kind is better compared to quiet, shy, sensitive and sickly babies.

Now, you're sick with coughs and colds. And for some 20 minutes, we were holding a control contest in the CR where Mommy was trying to wash you, and you insisted on throwing tantrums. Nobody won and we both felt ugly and exhausted after. But at least you ate your lunch and I got you to sleep.

Mommy is sorry if she doesn't always have a long fuse. If she doesn't always understand. But Mommy loves you so much. Always. In all ways.

Hurt

Slipping twice on the ground in Lipa did not hurt you.

Falling in a hole then down, did not hurt you.

Tripping several times did not hurt you.

Slipping on the floor, and falling down to bump the back of your head did not hurt you either.

But without us knowing, you really hurt yourself. Enough to keep crying everytime you'd remember it. Enough to cry and cry again everytime you attempt to pick something up. Enough to really not leave Mommy's arms again the rest of the night. Enough to sleep fitfully in the car and sleep again immediately once Mommy put you to bed.

Pappie and Mommy don't know what really happened. But I guess this is the first of many times when you'd really hurt yourself without us looking. Because you're growing up and not a baby anymore.

Rough and Tumbles

I was leaving to run some errands yesterday when you started crying because you wantede to come with me. You lost your balance and ended up hitting your forehead and face on your table. Tita Ninang said your eyes ballooned for a while and you have a bump on your forehead to show for the tantrum.

I guess you must have thought you needed to avenge yourself but it was out of glee that you headbutted Mommy last night. Mommy now has a swollen, black lip and it's hard to eat. My skull also still hurts.

*~*

You lasted 7 seconds underwater though, so i\m still so proud of you. But excitement really doesn't sit well with you because we had a major incident again after you kicked my food and it spilled on the floor. I slapped your hand and shouted because I was really angry. And I let you cry while restraining you in my arms.

Just know Baby that i've never really spanked you yet. I've been angry many times and scared many times but i've generally chosen to put you down, away from me, instead of spanking you.

I've come close to denying you of Mommy but you're still baby enough to remind Mommy that I shouldn't do that. Love you.

And you hit your head on the ball near my ankle while playing with Tita Ninang, from too much glee and kaharutan really.

A Hard Day

Yakee got so many souvenirs today of his uhm... spiritedness. First, he skinned his right knee at Plaza Dilao while trying to play with the big boys.

Then he was amusing himself by going around in circles and bumped his temple big time on the corner of a cabinet. The bruise is smack dab in the center of his head/hairline.

Then Mommy failed to catch him while he was trying to cling to the stair railings like a monkey, so he hit the floor with the back of his head.

Poor, poor baby.

*~*

We watched SO MUCH of Signing Time videos today. One time, he even got the plug of the player and tried figuring out where to plug it so the video will play. He accidentally knocked the two remotes, looked at me, and proceeded to put them back in place (and stacked too!)

*~*

I know his Crocs slippers are still slightly big for him but because of that fact, he's also able to put them on by himself.

*~*
His Ninangs gifted him with a light basketball and basket ring and he's having a blast making his father shoot baskets while he refuses to let go of his new orange ball.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Sigh.

Yakee isn't really a sickly boy. But we seem to always find ourselves in the doctor's office over weird concerns. Like right now, his eyes.

Good luck with the rest of the days that he'd need oral and eye drops.

*~*

He really likes the Signing Time videos and we can easily amuse him with those, we just have to put up with interruptions wherein he'd come to us to demonstrate the sign. So cute!

*~*

He and Ice are always quarreling... I think he knows Ice is competition and is always at great pains to try and squeeze a jab or kick his way. Ice returns the unkindness by taking away toys from him, or biting him.

Cousinly love!

A Little Sick, A Lot Playful

Yakee went with his Tita Ninangs yesterday to Rob, where he played so much and ate Jollibee Spaghetti. And then he suddenly felt bad and vomited all the spag out.

He still has the colds and he's still warm but he hasn't registered a fever yet really.

*~*

He knows the signs for hat and cereal already. And Ninang Grace taught him the "sit down, sit down, you're rocking the boat" thing. And last night, he played with a cotton ball and was soooo amused and involved with it, I was able to massage his father without interruption.

And he slept through the night, almost. Mommy was happy.

Teeth and Shadows

All on his own, and because he was manic and refused to listen to our warnings to be careful, slow, etc., my son fell on his face last night.

And again because of his many teeth, he bit his lip and bled.

Am beginning to think it's going to be an every other day thing now... sigh.

*~*

He's able to sign cat now :) And we love it when he's looking at one of his books and immitating the babies there for Peek-a-boo, blow, eat, etc :)

*~*

His father tried engaging him in shadows by making eagles and dogs with his hands. We thought Yakee would be amazed at the shadows but he did us one better... he proceeded to play with his hands to project his own shadows.

It's really amazing when they make those connections.

Lots of Teeth = Bloody Tumbles

Yakee has 17 teeth now, in varying stages of growth.

And since he likes playing rough, he was having a grand time with Tito Rocky, who put her back down when he was still dizzy.

And because cousin Iya started tugging at him, he fell. Slowly. On his back.

And because of his many teeth, he accidentally bit his tongue. Which bled for a while. Which got him crying.

Tita Sanch hurried to get him a flower to cheer him up. She offered it to him and then got surprised when he whipped out a flower from the inside of his jacket and laughed.

Crazy boy.

*~*

Mommy is happy to report that he didn't make the Vizcaya trip unbearable. He was quite antsy on the way to Balai Gloria from the wake but he was entertained by the photoslide Mommy made for him.