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.

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*

*~*

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



*~*

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

*~*

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.

*~*

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 and Sorry

It's Mommy-not-in-a-good-place meets Yakee-testing-his-limits-and-growing-more-jealous-of-brother.

And by jealous, I mean, you are fighting for attention since we mostly coo at Yamee now, not you.

You've been really testy most nights now. Last night, because I was sick and fed up already, I didn't do our bedtime rituals again. And in the dark you told me, "Mommy, I will make you happy. So you're not mad anymore. I will be sleepy." It broke my heart that I was not being a better parent... still, it took you over an hour before you settled down.

Now, you're also always asking me if I'm angry, mad, upset or sad. And I hate it that you're trying to decipher my negative feelings. But oh darling, you are such a handful. I threatened you with a royal spanking yesterday because you were trying to put a piece of paper in Yamee's mouth, because you were probably wondering if he can do the whistle thing on it too, like you can.

It's not all bad but it's really more a struggle these past few weeks. I have removed your TV time because I want both of us to be forced to connect and play. I let you waste two containers of glitter glue yesterday and will let you paint our CR walls again more regularly.

I am still hoping to send you to St. Michael... you enjoyed the trial class because you loved the sandbox.

And Yamee is really so used to you crowding him in his sleep. He even smiles more when he senses you than when he senses Pappie.

You're seldom without a cape now, made from a cloth diaper... even at Olly's christening. Lolo even thought it was for your sweat :)

Your level of imagination is still very good, seeing things in shapes and shapes in things.

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

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hopes Yakee will get better na so he can freely hug Yamee again... hay

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Yakee: Mommy, I got your magazine from Ninang. I saved the day! (yup, recovering na sya)

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Just when I thought id have to wait a year or two more before he draws something that makes sense to me, he draws this: himself :)

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Naiyak ako when I saw this... what happened to my baby boy? Asan na sya! (aside, Yakee is the super spitting image of his Pappie here)


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Yakee helped Yamee roll on his front, unbeknownst to me. Seeing his baby brother wriggle like that while supporting his head, Yakee shouted, "Look Mommy look, he's a caterpillar!"

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Yakee singing..."Jack be nimble went up the hill to fetch a pail of water..." (well, he also says Thomas and Jerry)

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waited for hubs and son to get home and they did at around 1 AM this morning... they were both sitting in the front row of Quirino Grandstand last night for the Chinese New Year festivities & fireworks. Love Jojo Arevalo for keeping his promise of dancing dragons...

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Yakee: Mommy, last night, the dragons is not spit fire. There is no fire. (Chinese dancing dragons clashing with stories of knights slaying dragons)

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Yakee: Look Mommy, a dinosaur!
(seeing the shape of a sauropod)
Me: Wow, is that a diplodocus or a brachiasaurus?
Yakee (indignant): No, no, it's the swimming dinosaur. The elamasaurus! (elasmasurus, anak)

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notice the gigil in YAKEE


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At least I can't say yet that Yakee's bored...



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Pappie: why did you ask momsy to buy the spaghetti if you're not going to eat it?
Yakee: because I have to.
Pappie: you have to what?
Yakee: I have to get the car!
(yikes, Jollibee kiddie meal has gotten to my son)

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told Yakee to wait'coz she's looking for money for the water. He tugs at her shirt handing her a peso. Sigh. Very reminiscent of Py

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(we're playing with play dough)
Yakee: Mommy, let's make Mr. Potato Head
Mommy: ok
(I start making a ball then I flattened it for more surface area for the eyes, nose, ears, etc)
(Yakee saw what I made)
...Yakee: Mommy no. I don't want a potato chip.

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Yakee: Mommy, who is as big as Pappie, the elephant or the owl?
(haha, syempre OWL ang sagot ko)

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Yakee singing: Old MacDonald plant a farm, e-i-e-i-o...
(may point sya diba?)

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Yakee: Pappie, I want to see the fireworks. Buy me a ticket. I want 3 tickets.
Pappie: Why 3 tickets?
Yakee; Because i'm 3 years old!!!

Pappie: Uhm ok, but I don't have money.
...Yakee: There is money in Mommy's bag. Come on, in the bag, get it. Come on.

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hopes her friend wasn't just being kind in telling her that Yakee telling and making up stories is a little advanced for his age. Consuelo de bopol for Mommy who hasn't yet taught him how to read. At least, he's just differently able academically... hehehe

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Yakee playing with his magnifying glass
"Mommy, let me see your heart."

I think he'd have been confused if I said... "you're it." :)

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putting a ribbon round his pappie
Yakee: Pappie, you're a gift.
Pappie: I'm a gift?
Yakee: Yes! You're a gift. Look Mommy, Pappie's a gift.
Me: Yes, Pappie is God's gift to Mommy.
...Yakee: Pappie, you're a gift. You're a Lego.

hope everyone had a nice Valentines :)

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while cuddling with me yesterday

Yakee: Mommy, who bought me?
(I thought a long time)
Me: I did.
...Yakee: Thank you Mommy, thank you for buying me. (Feb 14)

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brought yakee to his trial class this morning... where 2 boys fought over who would help get the placemats... aylavet (Feb 21)

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After reading Adarna House Si Pagong at Matsing to Yakee... he tells me, "Mommy, don't cook Yamee and make him red? Please?" (either he thinks of Yamee as a turtle or I should stop pretending i'll eat Yamee when I'm pretending to be a dinosaur)

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Yakee: Mommy, what to feed the ants?
Me: Ay no baby, we're not feeding the ants. They are not house pets!
Yakee: But they need food. They will store for the rain. If I don't give food, what will they eat? They will go hungy!

arghhh

Sick Boy Getting Better

For some weird, I hope viral, reason... you got sick last Thursday. You just suddenly ran high fevers and even barfed twice. You also slept a lot and was just lethargic all day, it scared us.

Funny though, when I started retching while helping clean your vomit up the second time, you quietly moved the basin where we told you to barf into in front of me. So sweet of you, even when sick.

The following day, you pretty much recovered but I still brought you to the doctor. While waiting at the clinic, you kept telling me you loved me. And because we napped late that afternoon, we watched Ninja Assassin on HBO. You were greatly moved by all the violence, you kept asking me if you can learn that martial art and to buy you a ninja star.

Oh and when you were running high fevers, I'd ask you to stay away from Yamee but you'd still end up sleeping beside him. Sometimes, you'd even drape your arm around him which will upset him since you'd be very hot.

Anyway, am happy you're recovering baby. Love you.

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)