Happy Homeschooler... Happy Breather... So Far

Right now... we are undertaking a Buteyko workshop because I really want to wean us from medicines. Unfortunately, it will require around an hour everyday (at around 20 minutes/3x/day) of your cooperation, which is really posing a challenge. I don't want to be scaring you into obedience and compliance... nor dangling bribes your way... because this is for you. Like what I told you, it's because I love you so much that I want you off the meds and just managing your body on your own.

I would be the happiest Mom on earth if this results in the end of asthma for you, forever.

Homeschooling-wise... you have fallen in love with the term. Our rhythm was disrupted this week by the Buteyko sessions but we've managed to squeeze in reading time. I'm glad that, though you get disheartened initially by big words, you still end up tackling them the following day.

And I think I can already say that all in all, you ARE really reading. (You wrote bat and pat on your own at the workshop too, that was so cute!).

I just need to provide more activities for you from now on.

*~*

You still have days where you'd be teasing your brother a lot... or even get really mad at him over a toy... but you also get really upset when you see him in trouble with me, and you always rush to defend him.

I love that you tell me when you're upset with me. I love that you trust me that much. And i'm sorry for the times I really scare you with my temper (yesterday, when I was still hopping mad at Ate Nene and shouting my way through the rage).

*~*

I have kept my dates with you pretty much... and I know you like that. Last week, you suddenly had this desire to ride an elephant so Pappie and I are now exploring ways to deliver that desire.

*~*

Miscellaneous FB updates of you...


Yakee to me: Mommy, do you know why you're very beautiful? Because I love you so much.

Then later, he asked me to guide his hand in making a heart so he can write "I love you" (sorry, I dunno how to make a heart here)... then he said, "this is for you Mommy, I love you so much".

Yesterday din, he got our neighbor to write a letter for him... and the letter basically said, "I love you so much because you love me so much."

Haha... sana this sweetness at 5 will last forever! I am basking in the pure glory of it!

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As karma to me letting our 7-year old neighbor babysit my kids for me, Yakee is now going around saying he has a crush (because neighbor girl has a crush on her friend) on his classmate too... and that Yamee has a crush on him because Bunso kissed Kuya.

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After getting into a cab
Driver: Sa'n daan natin Ma'am?
Me: J.P. Rizal
Yakee: Mommy, where's the jeep ni Rizal? :D
(While we were driving to school naman mahal, Iakob said that he saw Maxwell and his twin brother (which he forgot the name of the brother). Me knowing that it was also a name starting with "M", teased him, s it Mcdonalds? ... "Pappie No!", Mariano? ... "Pappie No!", Mustafa ... Pappie No he is not a vegtable (Thinking of mustasa) !!!)

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Because Yamee was throwing a tantrum during lunch (and our attempts at comforting him or distracting him weren't amounting to anything), hubs and I decided we will just let him cry it out and we'd just comfort him after he's calmed down a little.

Yakee came to us brandishing a wooden sword, looking very upset. Then, on the verge of tears, he said, "I am angry to you. I take care of my brother but the two of you don't."

Yes.... sumbatan :D

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While walking from school to Power Plant Mall a few weeks ago... we passed by a huge drawing of a peen on the wall Yakee has a habit of jumping from. Yakee said, "Oh wow, look Mommy, a drawing. I think that's Mickey Mouse."

:D

Thankfully, the vandalism WAS rather plump in its rendition, haha.

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It's more fun if you visit museums with your kids :D

(haha, sorry sa lack of reverence for the art of the Masters) —

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Yakee: Mommy, you are the Mommy grouch. I am the Kuya grouch. Yamee is the baby grouch and Pappie is the Pappie grouch. We are Spanish.

(I dunno why he insists on announcing these things.... we have been penguins, birds, cats, molehogs, etc but ngayon lang kami nagka-foreign nationality!)

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Asked hubs to get boxes from work and he also got some from MIL for our decluttering plans... but the boys have turned the balikbayan box into a slide, and the other boxes into tunnels and 'grouch' homes...

so.. pano na?

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Let's just say... you each have your own brand of naughtiness :)

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Yakee just talked in his sleep... and said... "I will just stay here and wait for you, ha, Mama"

Awww... now I feel guilty already for possibly having to leave the house many times next week!

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Yakee: Mommy, I know 3 things from you.
1. Do not play with the eggs (he means the uncooked ones)
2. Do not rip the box (because I tell him they become useless), and
3. Do not run away from you (in public, because he might get into accidents or someone might snatch him)

Yes... in 5 years, yan lang naituro ko sa kanya :D

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I seriously hope that getting hit in the head by a book by your child... because you suggested for him to stop learning to read for the day... isn't part of regular homeschooling...

Hayst.
(I scolded him syempre and reminded him of rules 1) never hit, and 2) books are sacred. Then I explained why I was suggesting we stop. I explained na him being restless is his body's way of telling him he has to move.

Then I reminded him of our new homeschooling rules... 1) we homeschool everyday, 2) other activities are part of homeschooling... so he need not be scared we're not going to read or count or paint again, and that play is part of homeschooling nga)

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Yakee told me last week na he wants, even if he can read already, for me to still read to him sometimes. Yinakap ko ng todo syempre and sinabihan na I want that too

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Yakee put on a puppet show for us. I wasn't sure which was more wonderful... his attempts at storytelling that way, or the wonder in Yamee's eyes as he watched his Kuya.

You Are Now 5

 

You LOVED celebrating your birthday and would only-too-happy remind us that you will celebrate 3 times... the lunch with Pappie's family, the one at St. Michael and the trip to the robot zoo.

 

I also noticed that you were just sooo sweet and more eager to please coming into your birthday... and at my PTC with Tita Maricar, she echoed how you took charge of playing with and being patient with Dejan because you knew the others aren't as patient with him. That's Big Brother attitude and we love you for it. Tita and I also noticed how calmer you are generally, and she reassured me that you can deliver on instructions.

 

As at home, you don't like drawing at school but like painting... Tita also said you don't like playing house much there and still prefer physical activity.

 

You were sick days before our birthdays and just ended your medication and nebulizing tonight. Sigh. But as always, you were a trooper.

 

I had to spank you the other day for pushing Yamee off the sofa... which resulted in him hitting his head on the floor. I write that now here to let you know that you still get spanked (though very rarely now), you still have moments of overexcited hands... and juxtapose that to how loving you are as a brother (you'd often need to be reassured that Yamee was okay without you, you insist on getting hugs from him when you get home from school, you like playing with Yamee and would go berserk when he doesn't want to play).

 

Now... you are living for the Robot Zoo trip and the Bohol trip, because you're excited to see the tarsier.

 

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Miscellaneous FB Updates :)

 

 

Two moms I spent time with last weekend just recently found out that they're preggers... for their third child.

God... I am not taking this as a sign!!! Not even with Yakee having told me earlier that Yamee grew in my tummy because he asked God for a playmate.

 

*~*

 

I think I will really invest in these multi scarves just so they can play pirate and ninja in style :D

 

 

*~*

 

Me: Know what, we might be going to Museong Pambata with some of mommy's friends (talking of a Rockers plan to play date there).
Yakee: Good mommy. You know there is a computer there, but it's a different computer. It's a key computer. When you press the keys, some will get stuck. So, I will pull at them and they will not be stuck anymore. Then, I will press again and the keys will get stuck again.
(after thinking long and hard)
Me: Oh darling, that isn't a computer. That's a typewriter you're talking about.

:D

I think it's time I bring out our old one...

 

*~*

 

Yakee: Mommy, when is Ninang Josephine coming back?
Me: Oh baby, she's coming back after a long time... you will be seven years old by then.
Yakee: Hmmm... then I will be a man, and when Ninang comes back, she will say..."where is my Iakob" because she will not know it's me. Because i'm already so big.
Me: Yes, probably.
Yakee: Yes, Mommy... I will be a man that time and taking care of Yamee.

*~*

Yakee: Pappie, when I grow up, I will be a big man like you.
Pappie: Yes.
Yakee: Then I will marry Mommy.
Pappie: No, Mommy is married to me already. You will find someone to marry.

(all this talk of growing up... maybe because he's turning 5 in 3 weeks' time)

 

*~*

While trying to explain to Yakee that we need to do something that will still allow me to draw pictures of Yamee's feet... he said, "Mommy, I wish you have more hands so that you can do everything with me and Yamee."

Since he wanted to play luksong-tinik, I told him I needed more than extra hands for that.

*~*

While reading Apolakus (an Adarna House purchase from the MIBF which I really love), I paused to ask him, "How would you feel if other kids took away your lunch?"

Yakee replied, "Oh it's ok Mommy, there are no enemies at my school. Nobody will get my food."

(yes, my son is assured he'd get to eat at @St St Michael Playhouse Makati because they all even help in food preparation)

 

*~*

 

And just like that... without me prompting him, teaching him, terrifying him, training him or bribing him... Yakee can read CVC words and even wrote BAT on his own.

It won't be a big deal to those who are following the more traditional way of preparing their kids for school... but it is proof that barring special needs and limitations, children will bloom beautifully on their own, without 'interventions' from parents and educational programs. (sept 19)

*~*

Their current brotherly trick is jumping from the headboard of our bed together...

*~*

This is a fire hydrant just past Ateneo Business school (?) in the Rockwell area which we pass by when I fetch him from St Michael... he's really bummed my Android phone broke because I can't take pics of him there anymore.

*~*

I dressed the boys in matching pyjamas (gift from Ninang Karla last Christmas). Yakee said, "Mommy, I think we should make Ninang XiAh see us on webcam."

I said... "Oh sorry baby, Mommy's laptop is broken, that's why I couldn't work all day."

Yakee said, "Ahhh... so you can play with us!"

Laya can I plead 'birthday blues' to my children to justify the extended PC use? No? Awwww.... :D

*~*

In the dark, while nursing Yamee and caressing Yakee to sleep... Yakee says, "Mommy? I am making a heart shape with my hands. It's for you because I love you so much."

Sigh. I think Yakee will kill me with sweetness sometimes, haha.

*~*

Hubby's post:
Iakob my dear son... 5 years have gone just like that. Be as sweet and as loving always! Happy Birthday Panganay!

*~*

Earlier....
Me: You know, when I was a little girl, i loved camote so much. I like it when it's still piping hot and I'd remove the skin and then mash it with butter and sugar. I'd eat it like that.
Yakee: That's good Mommy. That's a nice dream.

I really laughed so hard... yes, at 35, your childhood somehow feels like it was all a dream.

*~*

Instead of stressing myself in creating banners and what-nots for Yakee to wake up to tomorrow... I chose instead to cram and work on his birthday story.

Unfortunately, I am doing more crying than writing. I am doing more reminiscing than writing.

And in the background, Yamee is hooting.

*~*

He was perfectly created and is growing up beautifully... thank you, darling, for making better persons out of me and Pappie

*~*

Yakee: But Mommy, when you and Pappie sleep together, that is so BAD! (with matching tears)

Nope... he hasn't caught us in the act, he is just trying to argue his way back into the family bed and doesn't care who he ousts, me or his father. Eh, I told him Pappie and Mommy cannot sleep apart :D

*~*

There isn't a perfect hacky sack here... I struggled till the end (and there are many rejects, haha). But Yakee was in mind the whole time I was making them... of all the years we have been blessed by him. And so, I hope his friends will still enjoy them :)

Thanks to St Michael Playhouse Makati for letting us celebrate our son's birthday with them.

*~*

Hubby Jojo had the idea of gifting Yakee with something that appeals to the senses (wahaha, told him in Waldorf, there's 12 senses, so he's got a theme na till Yakee turns 17).

He bought him new binoculars and this.

The prob now is... how do we bring it to Bohol without breaking it? :D

Back to School

You know... last week, you were very insistent that you do not want to go back to St. Michael. Everytime I would raise the idea, you'd go all upset and would repeatedly tell me, "Mommy, I said I don't want to go."

You'd only give two reasons...  that you just want to stay and study with me, or want to stay with Yamee.

So I prayed and talked to your "I"... saying I just want to understand. I was worried you thought I was shooing you away, to think I was already very worried about when the time comes when you're not going there anymore and would really need to just stay at home. Sure enough, you woke up wanting to go to school, and would start throwing tantrums because I wasn't bringing you yet. But then telling you the number of nights you have to sleep worked for you.

And yesterday morning, you woke up early and raring to go. Pappie also told me you gave him a delicious kiss goodbye. And, of course, you were happy to go home with a red balloon and a new apron.

You were such a happy, sweet boy today... I hope I've told you enough how thankful I am that you're you.

=================
Miscellaneous FB updates:

Yakee and I are trying to memorize the Friendship Song from Curious George by singing it nonstop :D Haha...told him it's his song for Yamee 'coz they're both crazy monkeys.

*~*

I let Yakee stand on a chair and took him dancing... and of his own volition, he twirled me, the way his Pappie Jojo did at the party last Saturday.

As I was savoring the moment, teary-eyed... he started laughing so hard then said, "Mommy, I smell something bad. It's just my fart."

Hay.

Boys.

*~*
At bedtime these days, I'd have a son who'd talk to himself till he falls asleep... and another one who 'practices' crying while nursing.


*~*

At Church last Sunday, the priest asked, "Who among you is in love?"

Yakee raised his hand. I asked him, "You're in love?" and he said yes, giggled and then said, "with you."

*~*

While on video call, my sis XiAh asked Yakee, "Yakee, do you have a girlfriend?"

Yakee smiled and said, "Only my Mommy."

How many years do I have left ba before I cease to be the center of his world? Hahaha. Love it!

*~*

Pappie and Yakee bonding over the Pacquiao-Bradley fight.

Yakee: Look Mommy, you see Bradley? he just came out. Look oh, that's Bradley with the chocolate face.
Pappie: Mahal, you call them black.
Me: No, African-American
Yakee: Ok.

(after a while)
Yakee: Look there's Manny Pacquiao o. The one with the funny face.

*~*

While praying, Yakee said..."Papa Jesus, thank you for Mommy telling me about the boy."

I asked which boy, so he went on, "The boy in the cage, the one with the footsteps."

He's referring to Rizal at Fort Santiago. And that's how we celebrated Independence Day.

*~*

When Yakee came home from first day of school, he came running inside, dropped his things and ran upstairs with arms wide open shouting... "Yamee, where are you? I'm here na. I miss you my bestfriend."

P-R-I-C-E-L-E-S-S

Proving Abilities

Your swimming lessons got delayed, you had to start last May 4 (Batch 4 of Snapper 1 with BLSS) because it took a month for you to be free of colds from our trip. And there were no rewards or acknowledgments of mastery for you for this class... but that's ok, Because you're the youngest in your class and you're doing it anyway, swimming, that is.

My heart went out to you when your instructor kept telling you to stop bending your knees as you kick. And as always, you were just so excited about everything, getting you to focus was a challenge. But again, you did great. I kept getting amazed that you were really swimming :)

And during our Visayas trip... I was also so very proud of you (so very worried and nervous too) when you went up the lighthouse even though you were scared, or walking down planks to peer through the deep sea for big fishes, or crossing makeshift bamboo bridges to get to a private beach pocket...

You are 4.5 years old and proving you're able... able to help, able to converse, able to think of solutions (you suggested we make copies of the picture of Ate May so we could find her), able to cope (Ninang has been gone for a month now but aside from some minor wee accidents, you've been okay).

And oh, you've been showing me how much you want friends in your life... regular playmates, not just Mommy (too big) or Yamee (too small). Just today, you told me you want your St. Michael friends... which means, if I am going to homeschool you, i'd really have to find you a regular gig to interact with kids. Preferably, not over anything structured.

I thank God that you are growing able... and I am sorry if I sometimes try to deny you opportunities to show me how able you are. I am sorry for being impatient sometimes. And thank you, for always kissing me with gusto.

Love you kid.

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

My FB updates about you since Feb 1:

a few days ago

Yakee: Pappie, who is that boy again? The one with the guitar and wearing glasses?
Pappie: Which boy, baby?
Yakee: The one on the stage? When we went to see the dragons?
- after much thought, Pappie Jojo bursts out laughing -
Pappie: Uhh, Iakob, that is not a boy. That's Aiza Seguerra. You only thought she's a boy because she has short hair and dressed as a boy.

*~*
overheard son singing

Yakee: Just like a bear, i'll take you there!

Uhmmm... not sure how Pappie Jojo would feel about our son singing Madonna songs, misheard lyrics pa!
*~*

On our way home while riding a jeep, a boy gets on and starts distributing envelopes to ask for money.

In a loud voice, Yakee turns to me and says, "Mommy, look, a boy with no family!"

*~*

Because of the discussions at class earlier, I was mulling over the possibility of dying with my sons so young (in my head) while holding Yakee close. After a while, he turned to me and told me that if I die, and Pappie dies, Yamee will cry so much and he will miss me so much.

Then he started wiping his tears, clearly upset.

I'm sorry my love... I forgot how sensitive you are... and that I shouldn't think of such things when I'm holding you close.

*~*

I heard Yakee say he's going to play with Justin Bieber. I turned to see him manipulating a toy beaver :D
*~*

Yakee has lately been using "TUMMY ACHE" as a reason not to do something he likes or finish his food.

*~*

Me: Do you want to become a vampire?
Yakee: No, Mommy.
Me: A werewolf then?
Yakee: No, Mommy. You will be scared of me, and I don't want you to be scared of me.
*~*

Waking up, Yakee wanted to just cuddle with me. Yamee woke up, saw us, and immediately hit his brother. Thus, our morning has been a series of fights between the two... and I am wondering which ones I lock up inside a room, them or me.

Sigh.

But having more than one child really gets a parent appreciating what "unique" and "individual" means.

*~*

(while settling down for afternoon nap)
Yakee: Mommy, I have a surprise for you.
Me: What is it?
Y (touching my tummy): There is a baby in your tummy! We're going to have a baby again.
Me: Oh, do you really want us to have another baby?
Y: Yes!
Me: I don't think I can take care of you and Yamee if we have one more baby. Remember when I was pregnant with Yamee, I wasn't feeling well all the time, ...I couldn't take care of you.
(pause)
Y: When Yamee and I are bigger, you will have another baby and we will take care of him. And we will name him Yamnyel.
Me: Why Yamnyel?
Y: Because Yamee is already Yamnyoy... and Yamnyel will be a girl.

Pappie Jojo, your son ha!

*~*

The second time we met, I took Pappie Jojo here... almost 6 years after, we got married in the small chapel here.

Now... it's the place to bring our energetic sons to.

Suffice it to say that Paco Park will always be magical for us...

*~*

Last night, Yakee kept playing while I was reading to him so I stopped. He begged for me to continue reading but I put my foot down, otherwise, he'd just continue not paying attention and the importance of the ritual will be lost.

He was so bent out of shape at not being read to... that he fell asleep with the book open to the page we were reading, after alternating between "I don't love you" and "i'm sorry" last night. Then every 2 hours or so, he'd wake to ask to be read to.
Suffice it to say, we both didn't get a good rest... and I'm reconsidering going to Logos Hope. Enforcing discipline is sooooooooo exhausting!

*~*

Haay... Yakee kept insisting we go back to ride MV Logos Hope as it sails. Kids absolutely had a great time...

*~*

We greatly appreciate the loot sent through this box, Lola, Lolo and Ninang XiAh ... but the box is really the priceless gift... we keep having a grand time because of it!

- Yakee and Yamee

*~*

I believe this is the first time that Yamee kissed anyone of his own volition... and he chose to kiss his brother.

I told Yakee.."see Kuya, I think Yamee kissed you first because he loves you best" to which my eldest replied, "yes, he loves me because I share my toys" :)

*~*

I just had to sit on the floor and watch my sons perform for me... painful as it was, I did not prompt Yakee to sing properly, I did not nudge Yamee to move so he won't fall off the sofa bed, I did not sing along with them, I did not get my camera. I just relished the moment and the boys just enjoyed having all of me.

It's sooooooo hard not to intervene but it's also soooooo very beautiful when a parent doesn't.

*~*

While waiting for our luggage at the airport, Yamee starts approaching the conveyor belt. Yakee shouts, "Yamee do not go there. You're not a bag."

*~*

While frantically cleaning Yamee's crayon masterpieces off our new floor... Yakee offered to help and said, "Mommy, i'm pretending we're cleaning a rocket ship."

naks!

*~*

Tita XiAh, here's a picture to hurry you in going back to the Philippines. Don't let us keep growing pogi without you... Ice, Yakee and Yamee :)

*~*

May tatalo pa kaya sa kissable lips nya? :D

*~*

Overheard.

Yakee: "Yamee, go inside. You've stepped on so many ants and now they're dead. I will look for the ant cemetery now, go inside."

Good luck, anak!

*~*

Yakee is 54 Duplo blocks tall :)

*~*

I wish there are words to capture the reaction Yakee had for this moving storybook I made (partida, I am not really artsy). As I showed him the moving parts, I saw how he unconsciously realized yet again how much he is loved... talk about c...aptivated! His brother just wanted to run away with the 'boys'.

How much more kaya if he sees the castle-dragon-knight storyboard? Naks... baka maluha na anak ko.

*~*

Yakee: Pappie, look, I have so many ouchies. Who is I, ha Pappie, if I have many ouchies?
Pappie Jojo: I don't know, who are you?
Yakee: I'm Papa Jesus. Because I have so many ouchies like him...

feeling! haha

*~*

Because he's seeing me do all the chores now, and a lot of cooking than he's used to, Yakee told me last night: "Mommy, you are the best. You are our helper too! I love you, Mommy."

And then, while praying... he says, "Papa Jesus, please let us find a new helper."

*~*
Too cute... saw Yakee playing with a flashlight, pretending it's a rocket and only turning it on upon take off.

*~*

Great. Both boys eperimenting on how to break the electric fan through the use of paper, small toys, pens, etc.

*~*

Ninang Josephine, sinamantala ni Mommy na hindi ka na makakakontra sa gupit na gusto nya para sa'min... pero bagay naman diba? In love ka pa din? :)

*~*

Yakee's playmates (2 girls) decided to bring out their dolls (and accessories) so my son had to watch them comb their dolls' hair. After 3 minutes or so, he comes in to get something to change the tune of their play: a HK Disneyland map.

*~*

While putting sunscreen on Yakee

Y: Awww, Mommy, you're so scratchy. I think it's your hands... you're like a bug.

*ouch*
Eczema, I hate you!

*~*

STRESS... Yakee inserted a bead he found in a nostril and was showing off to Yamee... and it got stuck.

The mom in me was super upset as I was trying to get it out... but I also couldn't help but remember someone I knew whose son inserted a battery up his nose, so I also couldn't help but laugh at how typical this incident is... so Yakee also kept laughing while crying as I pushed the bead out.

Hay Pappie Jojo... your sons ha!
(I say sons 'coz Yamee just wrote on his face again)

*~*

At the beginning of this year... I titled a blog post for Yakee with "It's 2012 and You Will Learn to Read". I initially planned on teaching him early, but as I knew more, I delayed it further. And now, I may even delay it some more... even if I already have these.

We'll see how ready he is... and up to what extent he is ready. Meanwhile, I shall shop for Waldorf Alphabet books :)

*~*

After I came home yesterday from the Radyo Inquirer guesting, Yakee presented me with a brown paper bag with the outline of his and Yamee's hands... spa products bought by hubby Jojo Arevalo :)

He originally intended to make a hacky sack for me, but then decided my hands needed extra moisturing... and well, he didn't know which yarn to get or something :D

*~*
The best happy problem in the world for a mom... having your boys compete for reading time with you.

*~*

Yakee's phrase yesterday: Camouflage Axe.

Asked him what it was and showed me by putting his toy axe in front of him and started acting like a soldier peering through leaves, or warriors in the jungle covered with leaves for cover.

At least he has a working knowledge of camouflage, haha!

*~*

2-in1 Kaloka

Yakee: "Mommy, why isn't there a baby girl growing in your bilbil?"

*~*

Last night, because Pappie Jojo wasn't home yet, Yakee prayed, "Papa Jesus, please take care of Pappie and keep him safe because he is not yet home."

But when I was out late last Wednesday night, he prayed, "Papa Jesus, please take care of Mommy because I don't want her to die."

Not sure if mata-touch ako or what :D



My FB updates about you




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The second time we met, I took Pappie Jojo here... almost 6 years after, we got married in the small chapel here.

Now... it's the place to bring our energetic sons to.

Suffice it to say that Paco Park will always be magical for us...
*~*
Last night, Yakee kept playing while I was reading to him so I stopped. He begged for me to continue reading but I put my foot down, otherwise, he'd just continue not paying attention and the importance of the ritual will be lost.

He was so bent out of shape at not being read to... that he fell asleep with the book open to the page we were reading, after alternating between "I don't love you" and "i'm sorry" last night. Then every 2 hours or so, he'd wake to ask to be read to.
Suffice it to say, we both didn't get a good rest... and I'm reconsidering going to Logos Hope. Enforcing discipline is sooooooooo exhausting!
*~*
We greatly appreciate the loot sent through this box, Lola, Lolo and Ninang XiAh ... but the box is really the priceless gift... we keep having a grand time because of it!

- Yakee and Yamee
*~*
I believe this is the first time that Yamee kissed anyone of his own volition... and he chose to kiss his brother.
I told Yakee.."see Kuya, I think Yamee kissed you first because he loves you best" to which my eldest replied, "yes, he loves me because I share my toys" :)
*~*

I just had to sit on the floor and watch my sons perform for me... painful as it was, I did not prompt Yakee to sing properly, I did not nudge Yamee to move so he won't fall off the sofa bed, I did not sing along with them, I did not get my camera. I just relished the moment and the boys just enjoyed having all of me.

It's sooooooo hard not to intervene but it's also soooooo very beautiful when a parent doesn't.

*~*
While waiting for our luggage at the airport, Yamee starts approaching the conveyor belt. Yakee shouts, "Yamee do not go there. You're not a bag."
*~*

While frantically cleaning Yamee's crayon masterpieces off our new floor... Yakee offered to help and said, "Mommy, i'm pretending we're cleaning a rocket ship."

naks!

*~*

Tita XiAh, here's a picture to hurry you in going back to the Philippines. Don't let us keep growing pogi without you... Ice, Yakee and Yamee :)

*~*

May tatalo pa kaya sa kissable lips nya? :D

*~*

Overheard.

Yakee: "Yamee, go inside. You've stepped on so many ants and now they're dead. I will look for the ant cemetery now, go inside."

Good luck, anak!
*~*

 Yakee is 54 Duplo blocks tall :)
*~*

I wish there are words to capture the reaction Yakee had for this moving storybook I made (partida, I am not really artsy). As I showed him the moving parts, I saw how he unconsciously realized yet again how much he is loved... talk about c...aptivated! His brother just wanted to run away with the 'boys'.

How much more kaya if he sees the castle-dragon-knight storyboard? Naks... baka maluha na anak ko.

 

*~*
Yakee: Pappie, look, I have so many ouchies. Who is I, ha Pappie, if I have many ouchies?
Pappie Jojo: I don't know, who are you?
Yakee: I'm Papa Jesus. Because I have so many ouchies like him...

feeling! haha
*~*
Because he's seeing me do all the chores now, and a lot of cooking than he's used to, Yakee told me last night: "Mommy, you are the best. You are our helper too! I love you, Mommy."

And then, while praying... he says, "Papa Jesus, please let us find a new helper."

*~*

 Too cute... saw Yakee playing with a flashlight, pretending it's a rocket and only turning it on upon take off.
*~*

Great. Both boys eperimenting on how to break the electric fan through the use of paper, small toys, pens, etc.
*~*

Ninang Josephine, sinamantala ni Mommy na hindi ka na makakakontra sa gupit na gusto nya para sa'min... pero bagay naman diba? In love ka pa din? :)

*~*

Yakee's playmates (2 girls) decided to bring out their dolls (and accessories) so my son had to watch them comb their dolls' hair. After 3 minutes or so, he comes in to get something to change the tune of their play: a HK Disneyland map.

*~*

While putting sunscreen on Yakee

Y: Awww, Mommy, you're so scratchy. I think it's your hands... you're like a bug.

*ouch*
Eczema, I hate you!

*~*

STRESS... Yakee inserted a bead he found in a nostril and was showing off to Yamee... and it got stuck.

The mom in me was super upset as I was trying to get it out... but I also couldn't help but remember someone I knew whose son inserted a battery up his nose, so I also couldn't help but laugh at how typical this incident is... so Yakee also kept laughing while crying as I pushed the bead out.

Hay Pappie Jojo... your sons ha!
(I say sons 'coz Yamee just wrote on his face again)

*~*

At the beginning of this year... I titled a blog post for Yakee with "It's 2012 and You Will Learn to Read". I initially planned on teaching him early, but as I knew more, I delayed it further. And now, I may even delay it some more... even if I already have these.

We'll see how ready he is... and up to what extent he is ready. Meanwhile, I shall shop for Waldorf Alphabet books :)

*~*

After I came home yesterday from the Radyo Inquirer guesting, Yakee presented me with a brown paper bag with the outline of his and Yamee's hands... spa products bought by hubby Jojo Arevalo :)

He originally intended to make a hacky sack for me, but then decided my hands needed extra moisturing... and well, he didn't know which yarn to get or something :D


*~*

 The best happy problem in the world for a mom... having your boys compete for reading time with you.

*~*

Yakee's phrase yesterday: Camouflage Axe.

Asked him what it was and showed me by putting his toy axe in front of him and started acting like a soldier peering through leaves, or warriors in the jungle covered with leaves for cover.

At least he has a working knowledge of camouflage, haha!

*~*

2-in1 Kaloka

Yakee: "Mommy, why isn't there a baby girl growing in your bilbil?"

*~*

Last night, because Pappie Jojo wasn't home yet, Yakee prayed, "Papa Jesus, please take care of Pappie and keep him safe because he is not yet home."

But when I was out late last Wednesday night, he prayed, "Papa Jesus, please take care of Mommy because I don't want her to die."

Not sure if mata-touch ako or what :D

Loving and OC

You have gotten to be cry-y and whiny... usually, over your Pappie having to work.

Last Saturday, we had you fetched so you can attend counsin Lianne's birthday party in Pampanga because I still had class. They told us you were absolutely wonderful, dancing and joining games and just really having fun. But when I kissed you and you realized it was me, you cried buckets. I guess this slow process of us letting you go is also hard on you. I should really stop thinking that it was only us who worry.

You pushed Yamee today... and I note this (and me having spanked you) because I want you to know that you struggled controlling your emotions. I know you ARE a loving brother and will grow up more able to express that love. It really is a process, baby, and I know it isn't easy on you when we ask you to be gentle. After all, even we are sometimes not that gentle. Hopefully, all my entries here will show you someday how you grew.

You're also developing a certain kind of OC behavior that I know manifest in kids your age. You refuse to have your light blue Crocs along with the other shoes. It stresses you when the shoes are in disarray... or the vehicle toys. Even if I tell you i'd clean up after Yamee, you obsess... and pack away the minute you can.

In eating, you've really settled on a system of choice foods first before laboring with the rice. And usually, you don't want your food touching, or you want us to put certain food in certain parts of your plate (which is why Yamee will never have such a plate!), but would later on mix them all. When you're ready.

You are now asking me to sound off the first letters of words. Too bad the books I ordered got delayed... but no sweat. At least I know you are real ready. In your own way too, you have mastered counting 1-10 without pressure and stress from you or me. That is a blessing.

Me being gone 3 straight days per week for my Waldorf crash course IS gettting to you... because I also have to catch up on a lot of things after, so we don't get to play as much. What's funny though is sometimes, you'd be all sad-faced to tell me we forgot to exercise :)

You enjoyed Chinese New Year celebrations with your father... and is feeling all PIG inside, though sometimes you wish you were a DRAGON.

I see your big smiles, naughty expressions and often cannot help how beautiful and handsome and attractive you are. Hopefully, you will be one of those people... forever cheerful. Take note, son, cheerful... not hyper.

I really love you more.

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


My FB alerts about you this month:

Yakee: Mommy, the ants are like beggars.
(not sure she heard it right)
Me: The ants are like what?
Yakee: The ants are like beggars, they're looking for food.

Oh gosh.

*~*

Pappie: Why did you wake up at 5 am to use the computer?
Me: Because of this conversation with Yakee.

(yesterday)
Yakee: Mommy, can you close your computer?
Me: Why should I close my computer?
Yakee: Because I want a Mommy that plays with me and my baby (points to Yamee).

*~*

We should really stop egging Yakee to eat his rice because he does get to it in the end... he just likes his fish and veggies first. And I can just heap on more veggies instead.

*~*

You know those P.E. exercises you once thought boring? Well, teaching them to my son exhausts me so much. Who knew circling your arms could hurt like hell...

*~*

Because it was "More Fun at Paco Park", we were denied entrance from their exclusive event... and that resulted in my son crying and whining for around 30 minutes, unwilling to accept that I am not delivering on my "run around the park" promise.

Hayst.

*~*

Me: Oh Yakee, you're going with Pappie later ha? To fetch lolo.
Yakee: And then, after we fetch him, he will say, "where's my paborit? where's my paborit." he doesn't say favorite, he says paborit.

Told my Dad about this... he now says 'favorite' :D

*~*

I am happy that Yakee is finally hitting the ball when I pitch it to him. Proof his hand-eye coordination has improved.

It sucks though that when he hits the ball, the ball hits me. Most of the time.

*abusedmom*

~*~

A few nights ago.
Me: Iakob, what is stopping you from sleeping? It's way past your bedtime.
Yakee: It's you! You're making noise so I can't sleep. It's too noisy.
Me: Okay... I'd stop practicing the recorder.

(sigh... and to think I was practicing the ONE SONG I believed I was already playing well)

*~*

Yakee, in love)
~ while at Duty Free in Clark ~
Y: Mommy, I sooo much love you.
Me: I love you more, baby.
Old woman who heard: Gosh, that is so sweet!
...
~ while having dinner the other night ~
Yakee comes to me with the seashell bracelet he got from his cousin's party
Me: That is nice.
Y: It's for you. Because I love you very much.
Me: Aww, baby, thank you for being so sweet.

(It was specially wonderful because I was wondering when my son will start coming to me bearing gifts, hehe)

It's 2012, and You Will Learn to Read

Lately, you have been always hunkered over some book, pretending to "READ" :) I started you on the concept of Ball-Stick-Bird to prepare you for the books we ordered for you. In a way, I cannot wait for you to be reading already... in a way, I am also saddened by the thought.

I am also intimidated - a lot - of the prospect that homeschooling is now for us. But then again, what every 4-year old has to know is that the world is an amazing place. That was something I 'gave' you before but sort of failed to give most of last year as I struggled with you and Yamee. But my gift to you is to bring back the joyful, exciting parent you once enjoyed. And the great thing about all this is that we will be inspiring Yamee along....


Here are my FB updates about you for the past 4 months:

Pappie : who do u like playing with, me or buzz?
Yakee: you!
Pappie: why me?
Yakee: because I love you and you're my partner.

Suffice it to say, Pappie had to say goodbye to working at home :)

*~*

Yakee and Lion King
Y: Pappie, i'm Booba.
P: Who's that?
Y: You know, the baby lion?
P: You mean you're Simba.
...
Y: You know, there were (indistinct)
Me: What's that? Did you say honking ass?
Y: Yes.
Me: Baby, Rafiki is a monkey, his ass doesn't honk.
Y: No, no. I mean the 3 honking ass that ran after Simba.
Me: You mean, hyenas.

Y singing: Hakuna Putata, there's no worries for the rest of your days, it's your problem frees, philosophies, hakuna putata
(yep...lahat dapat plural)

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, when I grow bigger, I will poop like Pappie.

bwahahahahahaha... I dunno what he meant, ekshuli

*~*

Just recently established that both my boys share the same blood type. I hope I raise them loving each other enough to someday freely donate bone marrow or a kidney to the other, should the need arise.

*~*

Out of delight, I sometimes feel like paying Yamee for having to entice him with fish & other veggies just so he'd eat other veggies. Even Kuya Yakee will devour his fish & veggies first before laboring over rice.

*~*

I also especially love it when I fetch Yakee and everybody greets everybody else like an old friend... and mommies tell me their kids tell them about playing with or missing my son. (and no drama like my friends' stories)

*~*

Yakee to Andee (neighbor, girl age 8)
"You want to come upstairs? There's books there. It's not scary there. There's no monsters there."

Up there = our bedroom
gudlak!

*~*

Yakee didnt like my cathedral windows... hope he likes this chicken nuggets naman...

*~*

I finally got fed up and lost my temper with a non-cooperative Yakee and withdrew priviliges... it upset him so, he declared he is not sleeping in our house tonight but with my cousin next door. I let him. Pappie is antsy about it. And Yakee turns four tomorrow :D

*~*

Four years ago today, I gave birth to our firstborn... and life became more magical than we ever thought possible.

Happy birthday Yakee...

*~*

While washing Yakee's face:
"Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be a teacher at St Michael"

Napa-awww... and napa-kiss naman ako talaga!
(from Tita Winnie
Iakob is truly one sweet boy too...even if I am with the full day class and I visit their class, he's one who would approach me and call me Tita Winnie! and would talk to me too...)

*~*

I am such a parent now. I was super scandalized and disgusted by a pop ad of naked people (not sure if from Mediafire or 4shared). Thank heavens Yakee wasn't nearby but he was like, "what Mommy, why?" after hearing my "Ewwww, oh yuck!" shriek

*~*

Yesterday, Yakee and Ice were giggling under the stairs. Turned out they were waiting for me...got my behind poked with a giant bubble wand while getting ice cream.

Today, Yamee scratched his Kuya's face over a toy.
It's so bittersweet that my babies are not babies anymore ...and a tad scary that they're growing up typical boys.

*~*

My hubs' sibs call Yakee crazy, and we all ended up calling each other crazy. It's a family thing. Unfortunately, Yakee started calling his friends at school "crazy dog" so they in turn call him the same, and their parents end up chastising their child for something my son taught them. I do a lot of apologizing and explaining.

So as not to invalidate the 'family' aspect of it... I told Yakee that only members of our family are crazy and that other people cannot be crazy. They can be nice, cute, funny, awesome... but not crazy.

At school today, a Mom told me that her daughter told her, "Mommy, Iakob's family is crazy." I did a lot of apologizing and explaining again.

*~*

My nephew and our girl neighbor easily trumps Yakee with emotional blackmail... I am often unsure if I should be worried that my son still hasn't a grasp of this kind of manipulation. Does this say anything about his EQ? O... sheltered lang talaga sya?

Ahehe.

*~*

At the Power Plant Mall, when I first realized I didn't have my wallet with me, I apologized to Yakee for not having money to buy the agreed popsicle that we went there for. He was immediate in his response, "Mommy, it's ok, I have money..." and proceeded to get the 25 cents he found in the jeep that morning.

*~*

When I was crying by the dining table after realizing I lost my rings, Yakee asked me why I was sad then hugged me. Then he said, "It's ok Sarabi, it's ok."

*~*

Left sons with Pappie to attend LATCH G.A.... I came home to well-fed, napping boys, what's more, Pappie made play money with Yakee and got him to WRITE numbers.

Looks like I need to find me a job na, 'coz it seems Pappie is a better hoeschooling parent!

*~*

Me: Mahal, even if you don't like to, you have to pee.
Yakee: No, I don't want to pee. My penis is not angry.
Me: What? Why does your penis need to get angry before you pee?
Yakee: Because... I have to wait for my penis to be angry before I can pee. It's not angry o.
Me: Who told you about your penis needing to be angry?
... Yakee: Ninang!

Disaster ka Ate Josephine, ni-relate mo ba to sa Angry Birds?

*~*

Me: Mommy is so sad, Mommy doesn't have a baby anymore. You and Yamee are growing up so fast, you're now big boys!
Yakee: Don't worry Mommy. Someday, we will buy another baby again.
Me: Uhm, no!
Yakee: Yes we will.
Me: No, I will just wait till you and Yamee are super big boys already, and you will have your own babies.
... Yakee: Ok :)

I wonder though how much he thought we bought Yamee for. P25? :D

*~*

Let some 20 or so kids loose on a farm and you'd usually expect mayhem. But these kids weren't that noisy, didn't fight, took turns, shared, held hands and generally kept to themselves while having fun. They also ate their veggies, no prob. And there were no tears when it's time to go home.

That's Waldorf kids for you :)

*~*

Yakee feeding a goat during his field trip.

On a related note... thank you, darling son, for not smelling like one... even after a most active day in the sun.

*~*

haha... the look that won him P1k gift cheque and got him more candies than others just because he did not show up as a vampire :)

thanks Ninang XiAh for the costume!!! sulit na!


*~*

Yakee: Mommy, when the chicken is killed, it becomes chicken sad. Then, when it is cooked, it becomes chicken joy.
Me: Why does it become chicken joy after cooking?
Yakee: Because it wants to be fried.
Me: Why does it want to be fried?
Yakee: Because it wants to be happy.

I did ask again why frying makes the chicken happy, but Yakee got mad na... "the chicken wants to be fried nga daw!" :)

*~*

Never heard of the song coz am not a Springsteen fan... found the lines, got goosebumps and thought of how I want my sons to grow up as each other's keeper... and decided to scrap this.

Turns out... it's some sort of tribute to a lost brother...and no, I am not invoking that naman.



*~*

Yakee while praying last night:
Papa Jesus, thank you for everybody will be dead.

Eto na naman kami sa dead. We did go to a cemetery yesterday though and Pappie did say during one of their convos that 'someday, everybody will die' :)

*~*

There was a moment at the party last Saturday when Yakee was the lone boy in a sea of at least 10 winged girls and I really felt a pang of longing for a girl... a little regret that I will never dress someone in tutus and ribbons and glitter.

Maybe all my grandkids will be girls.... :) And I will be an insufferable doting grandma.

*~*

How do you declutter and spring clean without triggering allergic rhinitis and eczema?

Promised Yakee a Christmas tree after we've decluttered... and well... :D

*~*

Yakee: You are bad, I don't want you. I want another Mommy, not you.
Me: Oh, I am so sad to hear that but if that's how you feel...

(later)
Yakee: Mommy, hold my hand.
... Me (holds his hand): You still want me to hold your hand even if you don't want me to be your Mommy anymore?
Yakee: (silence)

(later)
Yakee: Mommy, i'm so sorry for getting mad at you. I want you to be my Mommy.

* sorry son, no getting rid of me *

*~*

Me: want me to scramble the egg or cook it sunny side up?
Yakee: Sunny side?
Me: Yes, I can cook it sunny side up so you can see the yolk.
Y: Will it look like Barbie and Ken?
Me: What?
... Y: You said sunny side, like the daycare (in toy story 3)?

hay... the lines between reality and TV are so blurred with my son...

*~*

I used the quote on the boys' party giveaways, as they were books from Adarna House :) We have been reading the ones the storyteller related for a week now... Yakee can't get enough of Titoy's magic chair.



*~*

(during Mass last Sunday)

Yakee: Look Mommy, he's tied to the cross.
Me: Yes, Papa Jesus was crucified. He died for our sins.
Y: He is a hero.
Me: Yes, I guess you can say that.
Y: He is a hero. Like St Michael :)

*~*

Done by our neighbor, 9-year old Andee. Misspelled names aside, she actually beats me at drawing... even the Bop It toy in the background was part of the picture!

Lu, next time i'll ask her to draw me naman, hehe :)



*~*

So, even if I don't feel like eating Oreo, I have to... if only to ration Yakee. Hehe.

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, come! It's your song, come on!
Me: Awww, you're so sweet. (I go to the kitchen expecting to hear "If I Fell" which I sing to the boys often.)
Yakee: See, Mommy. How Gee!

uhmmm.... my child knows me only too well? :D

*~*

This is Yakee, refusing to apologize to the DDU girls.. hehe...


*~*

First... it was just a makeshift cape from his cloth diapers we never really used as diaper.
Then... it was a toy sword worn down his back.
Now... Yakee has added a toy axe hitched on his underpants.

MY son's everyday costume is sure starting to pile up.

*~*

Time flies... and the baby is no more, except in your heart... and your memories of him...



*~*

The challenging thing is that I wanna homeschool Yakee and I know he's physically/musically inclined :D

*~*

Watching my son caught up in his imaginary world like I used to be when I was young is an exercise in beautiful. . . Weird, but beautiful. :)

*~*

(while trying to tell Pappie Jojo about our day)
Yakee: Mommy, who is that boy I played with? The one with the white bird?
Me & Pappie: What?
Yakee: The one with the white angry bird on his shirt.
Me: Ahhh...
...
(while praying before bed)
Me: Papa Jesus, Mommy is sorry for losing her temper...
Yakee: Again! Mommy lost her temper again.

*~*

Disaster: Santa leaving a Transformers gift without the parent who can help it 'transform'... plus, the blasted toy hurts my hands.

*~*

Sorry Yakee. I'll read to you na lang.
Yakee: Mommy, the ants are like beggars.
(not sure she heard it right)
Me: The ants are like what?
Yakee: The ants are like beggars, they're looking for food.

Physical, Imaginative Boy

It was a horrible day again for us yesterday... I was a horrible Mom again, being sick and preoccupied and you having all this restless energy with no more swimming lessons to burn them in.

I am sorry.

There were days also recently wherein Ninang Gang allowed you to play outside but you'd get overzealous about running with the other neighborhood kids that you'd forget your boundaries and head where Ninang cannot see you... and both you and Ninang will come home upset... and you will vent your anger on me by hitting and biting me.

I 'punished' you by 'no reading' for 3 days... explaining to you that it really hurts me when you hit, and I want you to feel how it is when there is no caring. Because you really love reading. And I think, this last day without you, you sort of finally understood. Plus, Pappie talked to you and instructed you to go hit the punching bag all you want when you're angry... and then smile after. Haha.

I am sorry too, I know you loved having a companion in Ate Duday for two weeks... but she couldn't stay with us. I know, I see, how much you want a regular playmate now... and regular play.

You were great in your swimming lessons though... and have started with your summer parent-child class at St. Michael. I really hope we can come up with the funds to pay for your tuition there this June. Just a few thousand pesos short, my darling.

You're still a great brother although you really are getting more competitive for attention. Just last Black Saturday, you tried carrying the rocker with Yamee in it, I think, which resulted in the rocker tipping over with Yamee in it. Good thing he was strapped to it so I'm pretty sure he was just annoyed at the awkward position I found him in. Good thing too that you immediately called my attention to it.

Oh... you fell super in love with The Incredibles... but your imagination is getting the better of you. You're always pretending to be a superhero slaying a villain that you have started to hit for no reason, even strangers... which is why Mommy had to withdraw all TV/show privileges. Weirdly enough, you're surviving pretty well. You remember all the shows still but have accepted that you cannot watch any of your old shows... and actually seem to like watching all the cooking shows Mommy watches. Then again, they do sometimes eat bugs so you're intrigued.

It's hard to make you eat, sleep and you still refuse to poop in the potty. And you're such a fan of veggies and fish, I really ought to just give you a bowl of them instead of rice.

You can now pretty much hitch yourself up anywhere... I was telling your father that you're actually not just lean, you're leanly muscled. :)

And lately... you have been telling me, reminding me, asking me, insisting that you're my baby. It is so hard trying to help you understand that you always will be... Sometimes, I know I am being hard on you because I do not know any better, and I am mostly scared. Sometimes, I know I am being hard on you because you're the eldest and I want you to set a good example for your little brother. It's unfair, darling, I know... but I really hope I can make you see that there are perks to all these.

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

Miscellaneous FB status about you:
Yakee: Mommy, I think it's like a fountain.
(referring to his peen when he pees)

*~*

Yakee puts a ball on Yamee's chest
"Look Mommy, he's a mermaid!"

Yakee tugs at my shirt.
"Mommy, I swallowed a ball. I'm a mermaid now."
...
(things he thinks up over Mutya, hehe... told him he's a merman 'coz he's a boy)

*~*


Yakee's fave scapegoat-y thing to say: "I think the fairy got it."

*~*

was scolding Yakee last night for not eating properly when Yakee suddenly stood up in front of her and started singing:

"sana'y pag-ibig na lang, ang isipin..."

ampf

*~*

"Mommy are you sad, or in love?" (Yakee)

*~*

It will be a series of classes for Yakee: swimming lessons from Bert Lozada Swim School (because we believe that knowing how to swim is empowering); play/life classes at St. Michael playhouse (parent-child program) and trial football classes with Futbol Unlimited.

I think i'm starting the school run early :D

*~*

Yakee: Mommy can I drawn with you?
Me: You mean, draw?
Yakee: No, drawn... you know, like swimming.
Me: Drown, you mean? You want to drown with me?
Yakee: Yes!!!

*~*

Me: Yakee, please tell Yamee (who is gnawing on her arm) that Mommy is not food.

Yakee: No, Mommy, it's ok. He's just practicing.

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, when Yamee grows up and is bigger, I will be happy. He can carry me! (super delighted face here)
Mommy: Uhm, mahal, even if Yamee grows bigger, you will still be bigger than him since you're older so you will carry him. Unless he grows as big as Pappie before you do.
Yakee: Yes, and when he's as big as Pappie, he will carry me! (sorry Yamee, intent si Kuya, you have your work cut out for you)

*~*

asked Yakee to thread the yarn through the basket... he wound it around the stairs, furniture and his body instead. I am counting up to 100 :D

*~*

Yakee has been telling Pappie that he's angry with me because I'm always taking care of Yamee. Don't know what to do with the information since I feel it's my duty to give as much caring to Yamee as I did with Yakee... plus, Yamee keeps on crying from being woken up or gigil by Kuya. *disaster*

*~*

has the happy problem of having a son who devours veggies, even bargains for more... but has to be prodded to eat his rice and meat. I won't bother with the rice if he wasn't so lean.

*~*

last attempt at a Milkaholic pic coz all their shirts are getting small for them na

*~*


Parenting confusion: Yakee throws bigger tantrums and tests his limits more after QT... how come? Shouldn't the quality, one-on-one time w/ a parent help mellow him out? Or pagod lang yung parent after the QT so the tantrums seem worse? *weird*

*~*

Yakee: Mommy, this is not for swimming ok? This is a forest for the eating. (referring to Kainan sa Dalampasigan)

*~*

Me: See, Mommy's removing the core so you can eat more of the apple.
Yakee: Wow, Mommy, thank you so much. You are so good, you're a super Mommy... and I am the superhero Yakee.

ehem... ehem :) *made my day*

*~*

Me: E is for Earth, it's the planet we live in.
Yakee: Planet? Like Pizza Planet?

(hindi naman halatang nagka-Toy Story phase kami?)

*~*

Oh gosh... sana lang 15 yrs from now, there won't be a pic like this... where Yakee's grinning as he puffs on a ciggy... and Yamee is trying to light up his *arrghhh*



*~*

Terrible moment this morning: while crossing the road with Yakee, we witnessed a teenage boy snatching someone's Blackberry (from a jeep passenger). Realized how sheltered my boy's life had been. Realized too that I cannot shield him from society's evils for much longer.

*~*

while crossing the road
Yakee: Mommy, who snatched the cellphone?

haysst....

*~*

was looking forward to adoration only a baby can give to its Mom... alas, though, Yakee is the apple of Yamee's eyes! Hirit naman ni Pappie, "so dapat talaga magka-girl tayo para may fan naman ako?"

*~*

believes Yakee experienced one of his most bittersweet days yesterday... watching his brother try solid food (and being so happy about it) and forcing attention from everybody by being unruly (out of jealousy)... the curse & privilege of being the eldest *haayst*

*~*


has to believe that she has what it takes to parent her cantankerous 5-mo old and spirited 3-yr old. *sigh*

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not a flattering shot but this is what's keeping Yakee busy so far... and what's helping us with his energy levels. Don't know what we'll do once he's finished w/ the lessons, haha



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Proud of Yakee for being so supportive and happy for his younger bro.

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Wet spots on the bed? Yamee. Scattered toys on the floor? Yakee. But the time when i'd have to really guess who did what and both boys denying everything is coming oh so soon.

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conversation between us
Yakee: Hello, butterfly.
Me: Uhm, hi bee.
Yakee (beaming): Butterfly, come, let's play.
Me: Uhm, wait little bee. I have to change this caterpillar's (Yamee) diaper.
...Yakee: Mommy, we are so cute.

hehe... so now, Yakee always calls me butterfly!

Struggling With You

Discipline is a big issue for us these days. You've lately been really contrary. And we still have to find a way to cure you of your hitting.

Last night though, before we watched The Shadow and the Phantom, you were singing a lot of songs to me. It's a delight having you come up with songs about our family and about RPG (the movie). I'd have recorded it but it would spoil the moment. I also started you on tongue twisters.

And oh, I dunno why Mockingbird Hill is your current fave lullaby.

Toy Story 3 was your first movie in a theater. The second is RPG: Metanoia.

And because Yamee's getting to be more engaging, you have been seeking attention by gigil-ing him or us. But always, you tell him you love him. And you remind me to get him. And you still don't like sharing him with Ice.

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Misc FB updates and asides:
~ is so out of shape... she pulled a muscle just from playing tag with Yakee *sus*

~ Yakee was just 1 year and 2 months old here... picking up candy/cookie crumbs from the Cookie Xmas tree... I am feeling senti coz he woke up at 5 AM today, asked for milk, 2 bowls of cereals, a banana and a sandwich

~ Me: "I thought I was your lady love and the Queen?" Yakee: "Yes Mommy. But you have to change clothes Mommy." (uhm... yun ba ang ginagawa ni Queen Guinevere for King Arthur and Sir Lancelot noon? wehehe)

~ Yakee: Papa Jesus, thank you for watching Metanoia. They have guns! They are fighting the guns!!! (yun lang!)

~ It breaks my heart that one way Yakee's coping with his father's absence (due to work) is to 'reassure' Yamee all the time that there's "no more Pappie," projecting to his younger bro his expectation setting...

~ Yakee: I want to follow you! Ninang: You're not my shadow! (talaga naman!)

~ Yakee: Mommy I have a face. I cannot remove my face!

~ Yakee: Come on, ninang, let's make the puzzle! Ninang: You make it, i'll just watch. Yakee: But... but... I'm not perfect!!! (nyahahaha)

~ Pappie: Yakee, let's share your milk. (drinks from Yakee's cup) Mmmm, now Pappie will grow big and strong like Yakee! Yakee: Yes!!! Because this is Mommy's milk! (silence) Pappie (to me): Mahal, milk mo ba to? Yung totoo?!

~ Pappie: "Ouch, you hit Pappie's eggs." (referring to his balls) Yakee (confused): "Where?" Pappie (still trying to remember the right term to use): "You know what, you also have eggs." Yakee (indignant now): "No Pappie, no. I cannot have eggs. I'm not a dinosaur." (referring to animals laying eggs)

~ heard Yakee was tying his Pappie up so he can't go to work... awawa, miss ang tatay! (hubs has been working real late kc)

He's a Big Kid Now

POOP TALK

Last Friday, November 5, you were just wearing shorts for you had already pooped and I have been training you to really just tell us if you need to pee in the potty when you excitedly told me that you wanted to poop. For a minute there I didn't know what to do so I just asked if you'd do it in the potty (because you never agreed to it before and always insisted that you're wearing a diaper when you poop, sometimes, you won't even do it unless you're home here in Paco) and you said YES.

You managed to keep everything in and just let go after I have seated you in the potty seat.

And just like that, you pooped in the potty for real. And of course, we were so proud!

Then, Sunday, while Pappie was pooping, you told me again that you had to go. Good thing your potty seat was outside and I got you to sit there and you did your business. It sort of scandalized you to be hearing your poop hit plastic though, and not water but still, again, you pooped in a potty.

I just hope your brother's coming won't dampen your drive to go potty in the potty. I'd really love to not have to keep buying diapers for you, you know. We can save up the money and buy Lego sets instead, hehe.

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VERBAL DEVELOPMENT

Once, a week or two ago, you jumped/dived on Pappie which ended up hurting him. He scolded you and you reasoned out. You said, "But I am a super hero eh, I am flying." :) Pappie then had to acknowledge that he understands you are a superhero but reminded you that superheroes don't hurt people. He gave you permission to fly as much as you want if you'd be careful and not hurt anybody.

You are really very talkative now. You're still apt to be contrary and reverse psychology still works with you, but you also tend to reason out more now. You also never fail to remind me to be proud of you, for outting on your socks all by yourself, or removing your shoes/socks all by yourself.

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A few days ago, I told you that soon, my tummy will be small again. Then you asked, "And I can sit on your lap again?" :)

So sometimes, I would allow you to sit there even if it's a real discomfort. And during Mass, I encouraged you to be on my lap and to take your nap there in my arms. I had to hand you over to your father after a while but it was really bittersweet how I haven't held you like that in my arms for a long time now. Usually, you'd sleep beside me, even in the car, and not anymore in my arms. And as my tummy grew and we instructed you to defend it and protect it, that kind of closeness has been deprived us both.

It was a privilege holding you like that for over two years, Yakee, and I really missed it. I am sorry you missed it too. But you do know I love you right?

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I worry about the coming days where we'd all have to adjust to Yamee. But somehow, you have reassured me time and again that you are really aware of a baby on the way, and that you will be a good big brother to him. Yamee is so lucky. We are so lucky that you're you.