You Are Now Two!

I won't deny it, I am still talking to your angels and asking God to give you the gift of right speech. But I am still not overly concerned. It's actually funny that you're sounding out the alphabet along with Kuya and I.

You are more given to petulance lately... and just before your birthday, you were extra hungry, clingy, needy that I thought you might be coming down with something. You have recently taken a series of minor falls that left you more offended than wounded, and you cut my yarn that I had to keep tying them together.

Sigh.

You still like being read to and still adore cars... and is on a perpetual war over a certain stuffed toy dog with your Kuya.

For a while, you wouldn't eat right and would just insist on throwing things and putting the bowl over your head. But I'm glad you're back to feeding yourself again most of the time. I'm glad you like your cloth diapers. I'm glad you can spray water on your own.

I'm not glad that you still generally walk around without slippers on... and would just plop on any ground when you feel like it, even if it's dirty, wet or ant-infested. You're really a boy of the earth, hehe.

Pappie's birthday gift to you is a drum set, which you played with that first day... but haven't played with since. So, here's a pic of you enjoying the gift that first hour:

 

I can't help but whisper in your ear sometimes, "what will mommy do, mommy doesn't have a baby anymore" because you are now officially a preschooler.  But oh darling, you're still my baby and how bittersweet it really is to see you all grown up and coming into your own (temper, wahahaha).

 

I love how you'd insist that Mommy and Pappie do things for you, instead of Ate Nene and Kuya (but mind, it's very frustrating too!).

 

Two months from now, we will begin the parent-child program at St. Michael... and that will be the beginning of our official dates :)

 

*~*

Miscellaneous FB updates:

My sons are soooo lucky. They ended up getting lots of new toys from us and their grandma at the Rob Warehouse sale. So, I told Yakee we have to give away some of his old ones... aside from space issues, I don't want them to have too many toys that they're overwhelmed to do any meaningful play with any of it... and for them not to take care of them because there's so many others as backup.

Good luck to not being hit by toy arrows though... because Yamee was already hitting me with the nunchaku.

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The kids enjoyed National Museum so much... because of all the parquet floors and space to run about in... and the echo.

At one point, hubby had to tell other patrons that Yamee was the museum's sweeper/polisher disguised as a kid... because he LOVED rolling and sliding everywhere.

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

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

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

Yes.... sumbatan :D

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Two days ago, Yamee showed me his hands filled with some crinkle crumbs and was signifying they needed to be washed. I told him, "No need to wash baby, just go wipe."

He immediately walked past the hand towel hanging by the fridge door and went to the mat outside the CR... and wiped his feet.

Sabi ko nga!

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

so.. pano na?

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

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The cemetery was his playground...

 

 

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Uhm.... my sons know a balikbayan box when they see one. Kinda scary and too cute :D

Wooden toys, here we come!!!
(I was so excited to show the boys the wooden toys... but yamee is playing with the chains and the rope that came in the box, and yakee is preoccupied with the books lang)

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Mommy's super sleepy making this, darling, but oh.... how bittersweet it is for me that our baby is now 2!

I am loving your pout baby!

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

Why So Cantankerous, Baby?

It just occurred to me that waking up with you is very different from waking up with Kuya before. You, unfortunately, seldom LIKED waking up... was seldom in a happy mood to immediately play with me upon waking up... seldom smiles or giggles after waking up.

Usually, you'd demand for the breast again and again and again in a frustrated way until you've had enough.... or I've had enough.

But lately, you have also started switching on that naughty smile when we're already starting to rerpimand you. It is really so infinitely hard to keep scolding when you're so cute. And yes, Mommy had your head shaved again. You really just look better that way, baby.

I don't have much FB status updates involving you... but that doesn't mean you haven't grown much this past month. Your balance, for example, is a lot better now. You still take falls but a lot fewer :)  You've progressed to jumping off the sofa and some stair steps too.

Sometimes, when you trip or fall, you immediately start scolding and growling at Kuya... even though most of the time it's all you. How cross you look, and how cute.

Just tonight, you pouted at Pappie with your arms on your waist/hips... haha. You like pouting... and you like Mommy doing things fory you. How you resist Pappie or Ate Nene helping you wash hands or change you when I'm around.

One very great thing is... you are more amenable to brushing your teeth now. Love it!

And you sign more... and are more verbal. Now, Pappie and Tita Grace have heard you say "aho" (taho) and "bye" and you like immitating Mommy by calling Ate Nene for me. How I really wish you will talk soon, darling, though that will also kind of make me sad because then... yet another step from babyhood will be done.

Happily, I have managed to feed you more succesfully these days. It's not that your appetite isn't there (except when you were sick, maybe) but you intend on showering yourself with the food... or throwing them at Kuya.

Sometimes, I still get exhausted when you're in that difficult mode of now knowing what you want. But all in all, you are lovable and cute and sweet. Now, you even like kissing us all one at a time, when it was very hard to prompt you to do so before.

Because I instructed Pappie to lap read to you, your drive to be read to was stimulated that you're now more able to sit through a book (but you still insist on being the one to leaf through it) and you LOVE sitting on our laps.

You still like that naming game where you point to things and expect us to label it for you. That's how I know you're making sense of this world in your own way.

You've developed a bad habit of JUST wanting to eat the icing or butter off food though... tsk tsk tsk.

You amazed me with the Tangrams because your fine motor skills are really so well developed... and you showed how you can sort things, stack things and attempt to make pictures.

One thing that distracts you and is your favorite game to play is getting me to guess which fist has whatever it is you're hiding there. Funnily though, because your fists are so small, we could sometimes see the object and you would refuse to open the fist with the object... you insist we pick the empty hand. Or,sometimes, both fists would be empty (as it turns out) because, what you want me to find is the big object in front of us... or the object is hidden under some canister or box.

You're cute that way!

Kuya has been more patient with you and I wish I can say the same thing about you... haha... but you adore your brother and still perpetually try to emulate everything he does. There were a few times though that I had to let you cry yourself to sleep (and downstairs) this month because you'd insist on playing way into the night (which doesn't help all the crankiness in the morning)... and well, it's nice to know that YOU CAN sleep on your own already.

Next month, you will already be two. Really no longer an infant nor a toddler... and I sooo, sooo love you!

========

Misc FB updates:

After 1.5 hours of theatrics ('coz he bawled while lying on the stairs) and hysterics (I'm sure neighbors thought I had locked him up in a cage)... Yamee finally fell in an exhausted sleep.

Now... I dare not transfer you to the bed lest you start wailing again.

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

*~*

First... I heard Yamee's soft, pretend whimpering. Then, a repeated soft wailing for "Mama". When I turn to look at him, he was sitting, his back against a wall, covered all over by a blanket.

If this was the first time it happened, i'd have probably screamed in fright.

Talk about crazy kids :D

*~*

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

 

Yamee Baby: Quite Contrary

Heaven knows how much I love you, Mahal... how I am struck by amazement and and a tinge of sadness every time I hold you close and realize that you're no longer a baby (but like Kuya, you'd always be MY baby). I really cannot stop myself from nuzzling your neck and hugging you, somehow hoping that time will stand still for a while, and you'd stop growing at the rate you're going.

Sigh.

I love you so much.... but I also want to just lock you in a room and have nothing to do with you at times when you're being very contrary.

I find myself selfishly praying that you'd talk already, just so I can understand better. I guess, in a way, my prayers were heard and are being answered... because you're more willing to sign now. You still don't know enough for us to communicate properly in terms of activities or meals but it's a start. And you're babbling more... and more willing to repeat some words/sounds (like Banana and Nene). Based on my non-expert opinion, I'd say your language development is behind by 6 months to a year compared to other toddlers. But much as I want you to talk already (if only to assure myself that you aren't mute nor have speech problems), I'm cool with that. It is what it is.

But you are VERY CONTRARY.

I know Kuya went through a phase like that... when you want everything and don't want everything and nothing I can do can please you. But Kuya didn't start and end our days with tantrums. Bedtime is sometimes a battleground between us... and I sometimes can't help myself being cross for the better part of the morning because you chose to kick and scream and whine upon waking up.

Sigh.

You hate it when Kuya demands a toy back. You hate it when Kuya wants the toy that you got. You hate it when Kuya leaves without you. You hate it when Kuya goes first on something.

BUT you are now Kuya's true-blue playmate. In fact, Kuya earlier told me that I got pregnant because he asked God for a playmate.

And you're always easy to, and eager to share.

And your fave imaginative play is going around pretending to get things and put them somewhere (like in a bag, or your mouth).

We bought you a notebook of your own when you kept trying to be allowed to use Kuya's notebook... but you didn't like the new notebook and preferred the BIG scratch book.

Your method of saying hello to our plants is to try and pull them (you  killed two mongo plants the minute we got back home).

When you're being naughty... your father sometimes can't help but burst into laughter because you either look soooo much like me, or sooo much like your grandpa.

And you attract insects like crazy... you have so many itchies on your legs (which you scratch) and arms and legs, you look like you're a streetchild :D

And man... your appetite for meat and strong flavors is a little disgusting for me (tomato and garlic dip, and you try to drink it! ewww).

And I thank God that I have finally figured out how to brush your teeth properly... I let you brush me while I brush you. That's the only way where you'll allow me to really clean your mouth.

I love you Yamee... I have told hubs that IF we have another child... I really want it to be a girl, not just because I want a girl, but because I want you to be BUNSO forevermore. The girl will be PRINSESA :)

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

Miscellaneous FB updates:

Upon seeing what looked like a baby centipede, Yamee's initial reaction was to mock-eat it off the floor.

Suffice it to say, I felt weepy inside and asked God again why He gave me boys.

*~*

Yamee... on the other hand, has just shown me that he can sort Lego blocks by color :) And line them too! (posted Aug. 23)

YES... all the bumps and falls and crashes didn't damage their brains!

*~*

Biruin mo... same face shape :D

(but Bunso isn't happy you have a baby girl in your arms, mahal kong Jojo)

*~*

Yakee to Yamee: If you cannot sign or talk, I will not let you borrow my toys.

tsk. pressure!
(and your expression showed you understood that Kuya was asking you to do something you still cannot do... awww)

Growing Independent

Just a few days shy of being a year and 9-months old, you're still not talking. But you've grown very self-sufficient... automatically cleaning up after making a mess, climbing shelves to get to pens, bring cups and glasses to me at the sink and packing away after you're done with something.

You love the photo album... and love getting us to tell you whatever it is you're pointing at in the album or in books. Now, you also sorta pretend to take your turn being read to at bedtime.

You still love meat... and just last dinner time, feasted on pickles. You also love sauces and dips.

You like fine motor stuff... pasting things, sorting, doodling... but you can also spend a long time just sliding down the sofa bed, or running around, or exercising with us. It's so cute when you try to jump (and you can, with two feet).

You've also developed this affected big hug for every person that arrives... hehe... which is really sweet. And it's still really hard correcting and scolding you because your lips still quiver, and you bow your head as if you're the most pitiful sight in the whole wide world... then siddle up for a hug.

In your father's own words... you're such a character!

*~*

Here are my FB alerts about you since the last update:

Lolo... do you know, I love crabs :)

*~*

great, Yamee just ate dust off the aircon

*~*

Great.
At one year amd eight months, Yamee can hitch himself up over the stair railing and slide down all by himself ... and all in pursuit of doing everything his older brother does.

Kuya is a clapping mess of proud.

The parents cannot quite afford to be.

Stress. (July 17, day of the fall)

*~*

Babies sure grow up soooo fast...



*~*

Hubby Jojo reinforced some things in Yamee because he found it cute. So, now, Yamee walks around with puckered lips (nguso) and crossing his arms on his chest when he doesn't like something.

Paluin ko tatay, no?

*~*

Yamee was his usual exploring self when we heard a rattling/shaking sound... when we looked at him, we saw that he was shaking this canister where Jojo was collecting his kidney stones. Bwahahahaha

*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*

more on your fall:

It was like slow motion for me, because somehow, you did land on every step... which was why, even though I felt all kinds of bad and scared, I also knew you couldn't be seriously hurt. You didn't fly off the stairs, you rolled down.

You cried, I held you, breastfed you, and within 2-3 minutes, you unlatched and proceeded to continue playing.... as if nothing happened. That was another sign for me that you weren't seriously hurt. Your late-night cryings lasted longer than that one.

And then at the hospital... you were dancing and exploring and really playful and pa-cute.

Thank you Baby, for being ok after that fall!

Master Immitator

Darling, there are no words to describe how much I adore your pursed lips when you're concentrating on your play, and how I'd laugh inside when you cry because the play dough containers wouldn't stay stacked... or when you feed yourself or prompt me to feed you MY peanut butter sandwich...

Lately, you're obssessed with putting lotion on your tummy... and my tummy. Obssessed with bottles with caps too. And immitating everything your Kuya does, like climbing stairs (and I don't mean the steps), jumping off ledges and just allowing yourself to take a tumble.

Yesterday, Kuya and I were over the moon when you immitated us as we sang "open and shut" for you.

You are so cute, so lovabale, so you.

And I am still the center of your world. Once, I got upset and scolded you for dropping the remote for the nth time, and your lips started quivering and it sunk in that Mommy meant business. Your father was ready to play good cop but you rushed to me with open arms and cried within the folds of my shorts. And that is why, I rain kisses on you...

Kuya's back to school and I relish all the mornings we'd have to ourselves. I am looking forward to getting to know you more, without Kuya competing for attention, and without me competing for attention with Kuya.

And one thing that I really appreciate is that it is easy to ask things from you... hopefully, Kuya fully realizes that so that there'd be no more grabbing from his end, and tears from you.

(Yes, I still wish you'd start talking already but I am not really worried. In a way, I love just watching you.)


*~*

Miscellaneous FB updates:

After repeatedly banging his head lightly on the bed railing, Yamee is now mock-crying.

He is scaring me with this glimpse of things to come.

*~*

I feel like the pied piper when I sing and the boys start packing away as if they can't help it... haha.

*~*

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.

*~*

How do I stop rough play, when both boys are screaming with glee? STRESS. (because you keep hitting your head on the wall or falling off the bed, or you keep jumping on Kuya's back)

Flexing Abilities

Last week, you went through three consecutive days of bad falls... mostly because you like jumping off the bed now or sliding down the sofa back rest. But for what it's worth, despite the tears, you were also always more upset that we're not letting you 'go back on the horse' :)

And, you can go down the stairs now really well... that I need not worry that much.

Unfortunately, with you flexing your arms and pushing your limits, meal times are proving to be a struggle lately since you're more intent on showering the dining area with food... which is really a no-no.

I love that you generally acquired the habit of packing away, especially when Mommy and Kuya are singing you the song.

You love showing me things, playing with coins and having shoes on. And just seeing anyone put on proper clothing gets you waiting by the door, ready to go, even if you're not coming along.

At swim class though... you're such a baby that you wouldn't respond to the teacher's cues. It took you up to the 5th class to even warm up enough to smile. And you're only just kicking and splashing the water (in public). You love it though when you're with Kuya and even jumped off a ledge on your own at the baby pool, immitating the big boys.

Your charisma is undeniable... people are just drawn to you, even other young boys.

And forgive me if, when I scold you sometimes, I love watching your lips go a-quiver with your head bent, trying your best not to cry. Hay darling, you are too cute! And I think you're getting sick that Mommy is always kissing you and squeezing you close... but you see, you're really becoming less and less a baby and more and more a little boy... just like Kuya.

I love it that you signal when you're about to poop.. which should really get me started on potty training you. We might as well save big bucks there, right? Unfortunately, you would still pee on the bed with narry a care if left without a diaper.

Your favorite game to play with Kuya? Pretending to be a ghost (complete with bedcover or blanket on you) while going after your older brother. And messing with the play dough.

You're exploring now, testing your boundaries and getting to know the world. I hope Kuya and I are showing you how magical it is... and that you're learning to trust your body :)

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


My FB updates about you since Feb 1:

Hay... the son I thought just wanted me close turned out to be doodling all over my arms and clothes pala.

With a purple permanent marker to boot!

Yamee!!!

*~*

I will gush because I really, really love this shot I took... that face!!!

I must have done something good :)

*~*

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.

*~*

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...

*~*

Yamee just played pretend ...preparing food and eating, that is. Arevalo talaga!

*~*

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" :) *March 11*

*~*

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 :)

*~*

Had to console two crying boys... Yamee bit his Kuya, enough to scrape some skin.

*~*

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

*~*

I am a true-blue Arevalo. More meat please!

*~*

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? :)

*~*

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... May 9)

*~*

Teaching Yamee the parts of the face is an exercise in icky... for me.

He can't seem to point to his nose without having to insert a finger in a nostril (and because I don't want to reinforce, I ignore) but when we move to our lips, he insists on putting his finger in my mouth.

And so, I quit. :D

*~*

The best happy problem in the world for a mom... having your boys compete for reading time with you.
(but mostly you just like pointing at pictures... I know you're trying to tell me something about them and i'm just sorry I don't understand you that well yet)

*~*

Scary Crazy.

Yamee wound the bedcover around him and just sat by the wall... we just saw him rocking himself there, waiting for us to find him funny. After that, he chased his older brother around with the bedsheet still covering him, playing ghost.

*~*

Yamee found some rubber part from I don't know where... and happily showed me how he managed to stick it up his nose.

His brother's brother indeed.

(it turned out to be part of your father's earphones... hehe)

Separation Anxiety and You

Nobody should be surprised that you're more attached to me. But lately, it can sometimes take on wailing proportions that result in vomit... to think I'm leaving you with your father, and I was only going downstairs to pee... or store milk in the other house.

You are finding more ways to navigate barriers, and are far too eager to emulate your older brother in scaling the stairs however way you can... even if you go climbing and hanging like a monkey... much to our stress.

You're growing sweet... would even let complete strangers hold you, and you'd be so huggy in their arms, as if you're going to sleep there. You know your extended family and would sometimes choose Momsy over me, only because she brings you outdoors.

And gosh... how you love being outside. And how crazy you can get with animals. You are like your Kuya that way.

Sometimes, you make sounds that sound like words... but it's weird that the most distinct I hear (aside from Mama and Dede) is WATER :)

This afternoon, you alternated on breast milk and pomelo... and insisted on having more pomelo after dinner. But you said NO to ice cream... which was a relief because it implied that you're into FOOD, not just sweets.

Your next blood extraction is coming up, baby... and I am worried. I really hope your blood results will be more normal now.

And by the way, I really pray you would stop hitting people in fun or when you feel threatened... especially Kuya. I know he's not perfect but he's trying... and I am raising him to love you more than he loves us. That's the way it should be, baby.

I kiss you more and more (and your paternal Lolo loves 'nibbling' on your ear!) because you may really be our last baby... and sigh, you're not really a baby anymore. Why, just this afternoon, you've rejected two pairs of slippers and insisted on your old ones... even if your feet is bigger than the shoes.

Oh... finally, you are growing your 7th tooth!

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

My FB alerts of you this month:

First time Yakee cried because Yamee bit him.

Good luck to us all when Yamee finally gets all of his teeth.

*~*

Stress.
Yamee treating the mayo as lotion and slathering it onto his body.
And treating lotion as mayo, and eating it.

*~*

On my way home yesterday, I was finally able to text back and forth with hubs. He texted me about a fire near our street. I asked him if Yamee finished all my expressed milk. He told me he hasn't given it to our child so I told him it would go to waste. Then he texted me, "I tell you about a fire, and you're worried about your milk?"

Only breastfeeding moms will understand :D

(I normally throw kasi BM after 3 days if unused... and the next time i'd be gone will be Thursday pa. I seldom freeze kasi (old ref, need to defrost every week or so), and I hated knowing my bunso went w/o my milk the whole time I was gone :D)

It's 2012, and You Will Learn to Talk

You like tumbling down... and I suspect, you allow your body to exaggerate your falls. I don't know why, you're weird that way.

Yesterday, you fell off the bed again... upset that I had to assist Kuya to pee, you kept on rolling till you fell. Howell.

I also don't know why you insist on calling me "Nanana" but I expect you will be talking this year. I also don't know why you don't seem to like signing. Maybe I'm not teaching you as consistently as I taught Kuya. You also do not like the signing videos though, it's Kuya who watches them instead.

But I like that you're growing up sturdy, solid, strong. And with the same generous amount of curiosity your Kuya had. I just wish you'll stop hitting and biting. And my gift to you is a gentler Mom, so that you would have something more positive to mirror.

Love you, baby. Here are my FB updates concerning you for the past 4 months:

I was dancing to ColorMe Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up" and my friend Gaget told hubs "Lagot ka pag-uwi nyo!"

Hubs and I enjoyed the concert but were excited to get home... and when we get there, we were greeted by my super sleepy cousin with a wide-eyed Yamee.
* I swear*

*~*

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.

*~*

taken at madame tussauds (hk)... kanino kaya nagmana? hmm...



*~*

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.

*~*

yan ang happy baby! may liyad factor pa



*~*

You know you need a break when a baby's incessant crying makes you want to buy ice cream and leave the house for a while ...or for a few days. Hay.

*~*

I am researching crying fits by a 10-month old... read this on separation anxiety: "It is generally considered to a good sign of healthy attachment, although it can be a difficult stage for the parents to cope with." Talk about difficult.... suddenly, I pay 3 hours for just peeing for a minute. Hayst Yamee....

*~*

God...grant me double the patience for my sons ... and acceptance of things I cannot change ...

*~*

Yamee supposedly can stand up on his own without needing support, but I have yet to see it 'coz he insists on hugging me, climbing on me, diving on me. And yeah, biting me when I take something away from him. Such love, my bunso... such love.

*~*

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.

*~*

Super losing patience and understanding for Yamee... who keeps making himself gag and barf by poking his mouth with his fingers. Grrr talaga.

*~*

Eczema on hands = painful.
Not being able to caress my sons = more painful.

*~*

We left you home today because you cried all night from veing over-stimulated at Play Pilipinas yesterday. You recuperated by sleeping for 3-hour stretches while we're gone.



*~*

Yamee's recent addition to his vocabulary:
tata tu = sawsaw suka
boo = book

It's so cute when he says Boo :)

*~*

I can't help but think sometimes that everyone should have more than one kid... if only for the wonder of having two (or more) child come from you and grow up alike, and yet so different.

It's irrational but really an exercise in amazing watching them become. I can't think of a more beautiful thing than getting to know each child for who he is, and who he's going to be.

*~*

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.



*~*

Next week, Yamee won't really NEED my milk anymore as his main source of nourishment but I am extending breastfeeding because we could benefit from the long-term protection. Besides, it's not like it isn't rewarding.

*~*

Hay.... it seems the birthday boy will be a very sick boy :( We're the ones denying him a bite since he's asking for everything he sees... he's had a cold for a week na, now naman coughing na...hayst

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I am not sure if I should be happy that my Bunso thought up a 'game' to play... he'll stand up then dive on me or pretend to fall on me... to make his Kuya laugh.

Somebody tell me the bruises will be worth a genius son someday... and not just another typical rough little boy like Kuya.

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You are loved... and you brought more reasons to love and be loved in our home. Happy birthday darling



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And for my bunso... we're the best chew toy ever. :)

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Only found out that, had he been alive, hubs' grandfather would have been 99 today... 1 year shy of 100. Yamee turns 1 today... and a part of me can't help but think there's some cosmic connection there somewhere.

And that would make seven 1's because our son is 1 on 11-11-11 :)

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I am so bad for not updating our blog template... Yamee reached the age of 1 without getting his picture there! But now, i'm going to be updating with a Holiday feel :)


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Just only now made the rounds of the Milk Mama entries on extended breastfeeding... also just realized how babies seem to fit their moms like a glove more when they're outside already and being breastfed... rather than when they were still kicking and stretching inside our bellies.

Everyday, I am amazed talaga at that perfect fit when Yamee and I turn to each other for nursing. He has more than doubled his length after all, but still, perfect fit :)

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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 :)



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Life is what happens to you when you're busy making social plans.
Monday, I was down.
Today, it's the baby.

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Either Yamee had the misfortune of suffering from chicken pox vaccine side effects (lethargy, cold and cough-like symptoms) just when he's also having the roseola fever.... or he's unfortunate enough to get rashes from the chicken pox vaccine too (1 in 25).

But he's his usual happy, shrieky, combatant self again so I'm betting on roseola.(it wasn't roseola)

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Having fun working witd digiscrapping templates... Yamee's been sporting a shaved head for a week na, and hair's growing back na!



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What does this make of my son? His head is the egg?



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I have learned to embrace the color...



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Watching a still groggy, sleepy Yamee dancing just to see his shadow bounce is soooo cute...

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Can't help but wonder how many times Yamee needs to bump his head before he settles down for the night?! Five frikkin' hours ALREADY... mas matagal pa sa CS delivery ko! Na-room in ko na rin sya within that time!

Gahhhhh...

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Getting jabbed and poked by two sets of elbows and knees = bitter

Having my two boys blow raspberries on my tummy = sweet

Getting hubs to smell my tummy later = tough love

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Heard Bunso shrieking... turned out, he was wrestling with Kuya who was trying to put a clip on his nose.

Peace and quiet, where are you?

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Heard the boys giggling and thought it's because they're scaring the pigeon we rescued into running away from them. When I checked them out, found Yamee under the sofa, trying to get the pigeon ...with his older brother just laughing while egging him on.

Later on...Yakee would nearly suffocate the bird trying to feed it...while Yamee naman tries to lick its face.

Boys = stress