Growing Sweet and Thoughtful

You are generally more mellower, more easy to cooperate, more thoughtful and sweet. In fact, I sometimes get weirded out by how gushy you get with affection... wondering if you're up to something :D  Not that I don't appreciate it, my love, I do...

I really love our date days too... and maybe, that has something to do with how cooperative you've been. I can see how much you've grown and matured when it comes to Yamee, and I know that your brother is sooo sure of your love for him too.

You still love being read to, still love watching TV/movies (but can only do so every Fridays and Saturdays), still love toasted bread and butter as well as scramble eggs. You're slowly learning to eat more meat but still hate fats and gristle and texture.

You suddenly can't get enough of bananas. And you've un-learned being OC about underpants. See, there was a time when you refuse to wear shorts or pyjamas anymore without underpants :)  Sorry darling, but since it's hard to dry clothes nowadays.... this is a plus for our helper.

I don't know how you'll handle losing your new best friend, Chase... but I'm sure you will adapt, and know that Mommy's heart will break with yours as you deal with yet another growing pain.

================================
Miscellaneous FB posts:

A mom told me earlier that her daughter told her about how my son helped her yesterday... by getting the towel some other boy was hitting the girl with.

I was also told by one of the nurturers that my boy is so grown up and matured already, helping them with the other children.

We are so mighty proud of you, Kuya Yakee. This is all you.

~*~
Yakee: Mommy, Can I tell you something?
Me: Yes.
Y: Mommy, i'm so proud... and happy. I love you very much because you're always making happy sacks for me.

(he meant hacky sacks and purposely calls them that because he says they make him happy... haha... and yes, this is one of the perks of embracing crafts, suddenly, you're like a magician in your kiddo's eyes)

~*~
Pappie: Don't tell Mommy what you told me about why you're wearing all white, she will cry.
(Yakee giggles)
Me: What?
Pappie: Sure ka, you want to know?
(me getting nervous as morbid thoughts come to mind)
Pappie: Go on Iakob, tell Mommy.
(Yakee giggles again)
Yakee: Mommy, i'm wearing all white. I look like i'm going to a wedding.

Waaaahhhhhhh.......

~*~

I couldn't help but feel senti... my firstborn is just really not a baby anymore, even if he'd always be MY baby.

~*~

I never understood the rewards of domestic chores and crafts... until I started doing them, and seeing how Yakee appreciated me making things for him.

~*~

(sms exchange)
Pappie: enjoy your date later
Me: thank you for letting me date another man... and for giving me money for it too :)

(while eating ice cream by the fountain at Power Plant Mall)
Yakee: Mommy, this fountain was very sad kanina.
Me: How come?
Yakee: Because nobody was sitting here and enjoying the fountain. But now, it's a happy fountain because we're here.

I love Friday date days with Yakee!

~*~
Yakee: Mommy, you know what's making me sad? Your words.

Ugh.

After watching an old episode of Criminal Minds last night, I thought of talking to Yakee about losing him in a public place and what he can do (stay put in the last place he saw me). I thought I was doing it as casually as possible... unfortunately, he got so upset about it.

~*~
while walking from school

Me: Oh my, Iakob look at the clouds. I think it might rain again.
Yakee: Hmmm... I think Jesus said, "No rain until my son Iakob is home."

Sure enough, it was still only drizzling when we got home after our date.

~*~
(posted by Tita Kat)
Thanks so much for the present, Chase has been playing catch with daddy. Chase is already missing his best friend he said!
(my reply)
Awww... that's the same thing Iakob said last Thursday when we were on the way to the mall... that Chase is his super best friend!

We will miss you both surely :)

~*~

Like wolves at the moon, the boys are howling at the rain through our lone bedroom window.

Hopefully, it addresses their cabin fever...

~*~

I couldn't resist but turn on the news last night. Images of flood everywhere was on the TV.

Yakee: Wow, that is so nice.
Me (aghast): No darling, flood isn't nice at all.
Yakee: No Mommy, not the flood. The sailboats (lifeboats) are so nice because they're going to rescue people. Help is on the way.

Sigh. I have always told him that, when he hears sirens, help is on the way... but it is I who forgot to look at the glass as half-full. Thank God though that he listens to what I say.

And with that, despite the raging rain last night, I managed to sleep better and not fret as much.

~*~

during our bedtime prayer

Yakee: Papa Jesus, I miss my friend, the sun. I want to see my friend because the plants also miss the sun.

God... what your will is, will be. But if it's really not too much to ask, please let the rains stop.

before napping

 

~*~

Yakee: Mommy, is that the sun?
Me: Yes, I believe your friend, the Sun, is back.
Yakee: I think God heard me singing so He took the rain away and gave the sun back.

...

~ he was referring to yesterday, we were sitting outside while watching the rain and he thought of playing his guitar and singing to chase the rain away
~ I should not have started him on mere outlines and stick figures which greatly limited his art (rectifying it!), but that's his drawing of what we did yesterday... where he's sitting with his guitar, and his hat is on the floor, and in the flood floats two slippers he tried to rescue
~ amazing, his faith that God listened to him :)

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




*~*

*~*

*~*

*~*

*~*

*~*
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.

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!