The Tatapilla has no day off from “school” this holiday season as Mummy still goes to work. But I think, he is having a great time in school as he learns something new everyday. The most recent is saying ‘STOP’ with action. And he always has presents for us at the end of the day – his drawings.I think he is in the word spurt stage. He just hears the word once and he can repeat it right away. Oh, I’m a very proud Mum. Can you imagine him saying “blue berry”? He can’t say it audibly but it sound like it is. You know, Mums can understand gibberish...
31 December 2008
29 December 2008
"Driving" Drama
Since the drama last Sunday and the repeat this morning when we left the house, I’ve been looking up the net for toy steering wheel and car toys. So far, I saw these.This one looks very cook but I don’t think it is safe as it doesn’t have a harness to hold the rider in place. Although the description says, it’s for 1 – 3 years, I reckon it should be recommended to older kids. The rider also needs to have long legs in order to push and get moving...
A Gift Well Appreciated
We’ve bought Jens lots of gifts and we are happy that he likes them. He enjoyed playing with them – bikes, balls, blocks, mini-trucks, books, etc. But this Christmas we found this amazing toy and the price is right even it’s not on sale. Even buy.com carry this item in their product range. I know this type of toy exist as the daughter of my friend back in RP owns one of a little size. I saw them in the side walk in Santa Cruz but I don’t know that...
26 December 2008
21 December 2008
Jens' Christmas Party
We were looking forward to it. Funny thing was, I was so late in coming home (typical if I hold an administrative careers, but NOT!) so when we get to the centre everyone was already having fun and Santa Claus had already been to Jens' room.Anyway, the Director noticed us waiting for Jens' turn to receive a gift from Santa so hurriedly took Jens' gift from his room and gave it to Santa. Jens was a bit scared. Obviously, he has not taken a liking...
16 December 2008
Fruit Aplenty
We were in buying frenzy of stone fruit last week. Yellow peach, lychee, grapes, cherries, nectarines, etc. And we can't eat them all. Today, I found out that some of the fruit are starting to rot, some are over-ripe. The over-ripe ones are here beside me, waiting for my TLC. The grapes in the fridge are starting to loose their beauty as well. Need to have more mouth to feast on them.It's a shame that the little boy is ill and can't eat some of the...
Teething
This past weekend is the worst night we ever had since The Tatapilla was born. Some parents complain or shall we say, share that they have problems when their baby is a few months old. We can't say the same for Jens as he is generally a happy baby. He didn't get sick until he is one year old either. And Sunday night was the worst.He is cutting his first molars - both up and down on the right side. He can't eat anything lumpy and solid. Can't even breastfeed. It's so distressing. He whinged but not all the time. He still laughed and make fun of...
Not So Happy Chappy
The Tatapilla has been pretty sick Friday. He was coughing and running a temperature. By Saturday, he was not eating much. Very unusual of him who loves food. Thanks to Vaalia, he had filled his tummy.He only eats custard/yogurt and drink water. Anything with flavour especially sweet, turns him off. Good thing though, he loves his medication and kept asking for "more, more".He had lost a bit of weight already. So this is the moment when the extra...
Torch Fettish
We haven't really thought what to give to our Tatapilla. I'm sure they will just be toys, but what, we don't know. I think we'll just play it by the eyes. What I mean, we'll buy what we see he likes and fit his age.
Just like this one.
We dashed to the supermarket last night just to pick up custard and yogurt. Then we saw this on the floor. I thought, it's a microphone toy until Mcj pressed the yellow button. And it looks like this.
I reckon,...
08 December 2008
A Busy Boy
The little boy is coping very well with the family's busy schedule - as long as there is food. Just like us, he loves having fun and eating. Just have a look at the following snaps and you'll see that the big fat belly runs in the family. :) We're not in the point of needing a diet pill yet. But as long as he's active and happy, we are all happy.These are what we've been up to this last weekend. Pretty busy, eh! ...
04 December 2008
"School" Christmas Party
I fished out an invitation letter from Jens' file in school for the Christmas Party, Wednesday next week. Seems there will be loads of fun - sausage sizzle, side show ally, face painting, etc. Each family should bring a plate to share. That, got me thinking. Worried is the right word.I've been looking up the net, high and low, for food ideas on such occasions and I haven't any yet. It's not really what we can take with us that is the problem. It's the time. I can construct anything if I have more time on my plate to play with. I just don't. It...
A Pleasant Goodbye
We dropped Jens to daycare later than usual today. I'm working from home, so we were not cramming this morning. Plus, we want to go when the bank and the post office are already open so we can kill three birds in one go.The other kids where playing outdoors, in the sandpit and riding some toys when we get to "school". I took him there and he sat on a big car instantaneously. We then left without any drama. He was waving and all, as well as the other kids. Now, that's the goodbye I want everytime I dropped him off there. No fuss. Not that, I don't...
Another Credit Card Coming
Last week, I received a mail from my bank. I thought it was my bank statement but it was a credit card offer – low interest rate as well as annual charge. It sparked my interest for a couple of minutes and then it wane. It would be better if it was a pre-approved credit card. But how would they give me as such as they don’t have bases. Yeah, it’s a combo account and my salary goes into that account. Yet, it doesn’t stay there. I just let my account have a feel of it for a day; if it gets lucky then I transfer it to a savings maximiser account.I...
24 November 2008
First Time
...bus ride and go shopping without Daddy.I was really itching to go out yesterday to where ever but Mcj had something important to do at home. I don’t want to be stuck at home so after doing some housework, I packed up Jens’ stuff and set to hit the shops.We’ve never done it before but I have researched on how we can get to the shop. Take the bus. Mcj volunteered to pick-up us when we’re ready to go home. We just have to worry how to get there. Jens and I hiked up to the end of the road and waited for the bus. There was no bus stop but we can...
22 November 2008
Chomp, chomp
Jens loves to eat. Anything will do. He wants to eat every time someone’s eating. And, I am really doing my best to give him variety. But you can only offer him too much.He can eat adult food now but as much as possible, I cook him a separate meal because I don’t want to expose him to salt and other spices that we are using for our food. We could change the taste of our food but well, we also want to eat appetising meals.I’ve been searching the net, thanks to it, and found some. And they really help.But if all else are not possible, he can always...
18 November 2008
Titssue
That’s Bubby talk for tissue. As far as my memory can tell me, this is the first word that has more that one syllable that Jens was able to say the word. He blabbers and talks gibberish for months now but mostly monosyllabic words. Then, out of the blue, he pointed to a box of tissue beside his car seat and said, TITSSUE. Boy, I’m so happy! You see, tissue is not a common word. But, I guess it retained in his mind because we’re constantly using it to wipe his face, cleaning up his mess, etc. We have more or less 5 opened boxes of tissues all over...
10 November 2008
First Plane Ticket
The Tatapilla's first plane ticket. I just hope he's excited about our upcoming holiday. Or does he now knows what excited means? :)...
In the Night Garden
We teach him young, to be fanatic, that is. In a nice way, of course. Well, that’s how we see it.It just used to be watching television baby or kids show in the morning when we want to do it. I use not to like that program because the names of the characters are so out of this world – no meaning, long and I thought they are not easy to have off pat for a young mind. But the jingles are catchy and the characters are funny. They don’t talk much. Somebody...
Weekend Treats
“It’s funny how some things don’t work.”“It’s funny when it does.”I love this conversation between Lorlene and Melanie in the movie, Sweet Home Alabama. I really love this movie. I’ve seen it for the nth times and I still feel the same intensity of emotion from the first time is saw it. It tugs my heart just thinking about it. Funny thing is, I can’t explain what it is.I also love watching Two Weeks Notice. Most people that I know (well, those who are willing to give their opinions) don’t like Hugh Grant. I feel the same way sometimes. It seems...
30 October 2008
Say Boo!
Halloween for me is when we go the cemetery, clean the tomb, pray for the souls of our departed loved ones – my mother would also say novenas for all our relatives’ house that live close by. It’s also the time when we cook our native delicacies, most are sweets. We would visit the rellies house and share with their prepared food. It’s like a celebration of the living and the dead. Some would light candles in sconce or outside the door of the house.I miss those things.Halloween is not big in Down Under. There might be people who celebrate it but...
A Barbie
My sister-and-brother-in-laws are really nice. They threw a belated birthday party for Mcj. How nice is that?They were away on Mcj’s happy today so we had the party last Sunday. It was a barbie at their backyard.The weather was nice. Not hot. Cool. We didn’t expect it and I dressed lightly. The place was close to the beach and a cool breeze was blowing in. Good on Jens, I packed him a couple of extra clothes so I dressed him in layers.We dashed to...
Some Free Things
I am missing the freebies that I used to receive. Remember those boxes of make-ups? Not to mention some promotional products for Jens to try on? I don’t receive any of them anymore.
Why?
Because I’ve been so busy that when I get the change to be online, there would only be enough time to do some blogging (most were for paid posts), update my friends through friendster, check emails, a little shopping and searching for this and that. Important this and that, if I might add.
I love those freebies that though I can do without them, they’re too...
28 October 2008
Mercury Rising
The mercury is rising in our side of the world. Days are longer also. Summer is just around the corner. And what better way it is to spend summer than on the beach or pool?That's the most that we did at the beach.Busy, busy, busy. One of these days. For now, I am just aiming of buying Jens a big outdoor bath tub. Mcj suggested once to buy inflatable pool instead. I am not really keen on that. It’s too much hard work just to put it up plus needs more...
23 October 2008
Pinas Here We Come... Not Soon Though
At long last, we were able to finalise our long awaited Philippine holiday. We’ve booked the flights last Sunday. We have accumulated enough frequent flyer points that the family’s return airfares were free. We only paid for the taxes and charges which by the way had gone up to $300+. The previous time I checked it was just a wee bit over $250.It is a three-week holiday with the main purpose of acquainting Jens to my family. I don’t really know what’s going on in Jens’ mind now let alone by then but I just hope that he’ll have a good memory of...
16 October 2008
What's The Latest?
The Tatapilla's defiant nature is slowly crawling to the surface. When you tell him off, he'll give you a cheek.When he got something that you don't want him to have, he'll run away if you're coming towards him to take it.When he wants to do something that you don't want him to... the last resort is take him away from it, he'll arch his back and throw his head back.He says TA! when you give him something and he will want you to say TA! when he gives you somethingHe knows how to share his food, toys, and anything.He now knows how to ride his bike...
13 October 2008
I Want to Drive Too!
Jens is really funny! And a big copy-cat. On our way home from the shop, Mcj let me drove from the gate to the house. Then, we gave Jens the car key as soon as we got off the car as he wanted it.Do you know what he did? He didn’t want to leave the car and then kept on pointing the key to the car to unlock it with a matching motion of climbing onto it. He also wanted to drive. Can you imagine that? I reckon, he’s really quick on the uptake.On the other side of the car, my instructor said that I had a big improvement with my driving. We mainly practice...
Holiday Plans
Seems our plan of a holiday back home is getting clearer. We haven't booked our tickets yet but at least we have a plan. If all goes well, we might push through. But it's still too far in the future.But we really need to go to the Philippines before Jens turns two so he will have a free airfare. That's the biggest motivation why we're flying back home. :)So again, Mummy has to do some research again. Anybody who knows somebody who rent a car in Bacolod, please leave me a message. We would appeciate it. It's one of our big stumbling block, transportation...
Anything with Eggs
Been thinking of making leche flan. Well, just been thinking. I will come to it one day. Meantime, found one of the egg nog recipes in foodnetwork.com:Ingredients4 egg yolks1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon1 pint whole milk1 cup heavy cream3 ounces bourbon1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg4 egg whites*DirectionsIn the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved. Add the milk, cream, bourbon and nutmeg and stir to combine.Place the egg whites...
06 October 2008
The Crowd
You know what? I've been hearing and seeing in the news that Australia is one of the fatest country in the world - I mean the poeple. But frankly, I don't agree with it. I'm out and about on weekdays and I've never seen those people that were described as obese. Maybe, its in the geography? People living in the hussle buzzle lifestyle area are more fit than those living in laidback town, I reckon. I haven't seen enough of people of Brisbane yet so I can't really tell. It could be that I am moving around a circle of healthy people? I am not sure....
Family Friendly?
The idea of going for cruises is fantastic especially if the tour is around Europe - in the romantic cities. I fancy myself going to one. Until I read in a magazine article more than two years ago of a take of a newly-wed couple who spent their honeymoon on a cruise and the wife woke-up one morning to find out her husband missing. The gist of the story is they were at the bar and it was getting late so the wife begged off to go to bed early. The last person who saw the husband was the cabin crew and claimed that he escorted the husband to their...
02 October 2008
Candle Light :)
I have a friend who loves candles. We used to be roomies and she would always light candles when she came into the room. They were scented (some might have been tea light candles) and really, it changed the atmosphere. It was a routine for her already.Anyway, I tried to do it myself. I didn’t buy the candles though. They were gifts. I have so much of them but I only get to use one twice. I don’t know. I’m not just a candle person. Maybe because I was just used to the idea that we only lit candles on Halloween or when doing novenas. And then there’s...
01 October 2008
Looking Back
Jens was born three days overdue. And literally he was overcooked. The skin on his legs and feet and even his soles then were very dry. From then we didn’t use soap for his bath and shower. Just oil. He had used soap twice only. Then, Daddy bought some cream recommended by the chemist for baby’s skin. I finished using it before winter this year and only then did I read the fine print. I found out that it was not a leave-on cream rather you have to rinse your skin after applying it. Huh! Lucky, Jens didn’t develop any rash (or worst acne) while...
25 September 2008
Security
And you think, it could be something like pillow, blanket, stuffed toy or anything that you can cuddle. It’s another story for Jens. Finally, I can say that Jens has a security thing though, he is not really looking for it before going to it. It is just something nice to have for him. What is it? A spoon!If he’s at home, you can see him holding a spoon while playing around especially after eating. It just started actually when he learned how to feed...
Fill in's Tag
Thanks, Eds for this.My roommates and I once: shared a wonderful life together. I miss 'em!Never in my life have I: taken drugs or tried diet pills.High school was: just a memory though I miss my friends from back then.when I’m nervous: I get heart bumps and get quiet!My hair: is very long - way past my waist now.When I was 5: I was a bitch. I don't want to lend my clothes to our visitor. :)When I turn my head left: I see the other computer. I should be: watching telly now but nothing nice on.By this time next year: the Tatapilla would be 28 months...
19 September 2008
Toys and Games
Things I love to play with other than my toys – shoes, books, Mummy’s glasses, phones (wireless and mobile), meds droppers, brush (hairbrush, toothbrush, etc.), bundles of keys, spoons, hats, water bottles, lotion container, lollies container (of course, especially if I can open it and get a handful) and most of all 'motes - you know remotes? He's always sneaking out just to get hold of the remotes. My keyboard is wireless and he likes it, it's a big 'mote for him. He hasn't seen my laptop yet, but I reckon if he did, it will be a batttle of wills...
Looking?
I was able to watch some current affairs on the telly last night while Jens was playing in the lounge after dinner. Something got me say Hmmmm and chew my bottom lip.A 50-ish couple was out of the job at the same time. It was sort of redundancy. They thought, it would only take them a couple of get another job but hey, they’ve been hunting for more than 5 weeks now. They deduce the reason why nobody wants to hire them was their age. Is it really true that nobody wants to hire experienced and qualified employees?Some expert said that while in the...
Adrenalin Junkie
This is why I love going to the shops – apart from the treats, of course. This is where Mummy’s coins go. This is why Daddy goes ahead of Mummy out the checkout – so I can have a ride while Mummy pays. This is why I don’t want Mummy and Daddy to hold my hands while walking in the shops – so I can run away, come back and climb up the rides again.Only if I can say what I really want. I would always tell Mummy and Daddy to go to the shop so I can go...
08 September 2008
Father's Day
It was father's day here in the Land Down Under yesterday - Happy Father's Day to all! Been wondering what I can give to Mcj. Then I thought if what he likes. Coffee comes to mind. Planned on looking up the net for some espresso machines.Then when we were at the shop, we parted ways to save time. We were supposed to look for Jens' favourite show DVD and then Dadda said. Mum, it's Daddy's day tomorrow and I know what I want or something like that.Well,...
Big On What?
This week I received this pretty catalogue in the mail. My second. As much as I love shopping – at home or going to the shop, I still fail not to notice and feel sorry for all the money spent in making catalogues and brochures such as this.Look! This is really pretty. Glossy and colourful and in thick and hard paper. But wait till you see the magazine for modern furniture that I received a few months ago. It might be a strategic marketing campaign...
03 September 2008
Securing the Future
Mcj was supposed to have his dental surgery last month but he was ill then so it was postponed. He’s been waiting long enough for it - the anaesthesiologist was on holiday for 5 weeks and the dentist that he wants to attend to him was fully booked. And then, when it was his time to go under the knife he had a flu. Now, that’s what I call, what? Not his time? Maybe.You know what’s funny about it? A week before the scheduled surgery, he hastily arranged that my name will appear as beneficiary of his life insurance – he didn’t include the Tatapilla...
It's Bath Time
The week before last, the Tatapilla had an outdoor bath. Now, I’m reminded to buy him a big bath. I just used a small basin that he can only sit on. It was a tad chilly that morning plus he was not over with his flu yet, he loved the bath. It was the first time that I used some of the bath soap that was given to him to make him a bubble bath. I normally use his bath oil. I also gave him all his floating toys and he had fun splashing. But, I reckon...
Cuppa?
Mcj is really big on coffee. It needs two mugs to completely wake and perk him up in the morning.I notice though that Aussies are big on cuppa, tea or coffee. Visitors are more likely to be offered with hot drinks. Though restaurants and fast foods are not that proliferating in OZLand just like in the Philippines, café and coffee shops are ever present in shopping blocks. But, in our area, I barely notice Starbucks coffee anywhere near. True that the coffee mogul had closed down some of its branches in Oz but even then, I haven’t spotted it in...
23 August 2008
Simple Pleasures
We went shopping for Mummy this afternoon (more shoes). It was just supposedly a short trip (we didn't take the Tatapilla's pram) but Mcj decided to be effecient and killed two birds in one hit. We dropped in first to the telephone network company/provider. The little boy got bored so we wandered around. And look what he did? This was one of the security post at the entrance of the store. He crossed that barrier 3 times after me urging him to do...
Not Well
Yes, the Tatapilla is not well. That's my point of view because he is still his normal self. The runny nose and some cough are still coming on. Plus, this conjunctivitis that's been around. I checked cyh.com what is this illness:Conjunctivitis is caused by an infection of the lining of the eyelids and of the outer protective layer of the eye (the conjunctiva). It can be caused by a germ (virus or bacteria) or by allergies.It may not always be clear which type of problem is present as each will cause reddening of the conjunctiva.If it is caused...
17 August 2008
Shoe Fetish
This may sound odd but the Tatapilla has a shoe fetish. He loves playing with my shoes - carry a shoe around with him. When he gets bored, he would take his shoes off and play with them. Mcj said, he is related to Imelda Marcos. :)Anyway, we bought him a new pair this week. He's already in size 5. Though he still wears his size 3 and 4 shoes. Mcj said size 5 is humongous for him but hey, why buy shoes that will just fit him perfectly and no room...
11 August 2008
Ekka 2008
Ekka is a Aussie English for Brisbane Exhibition - formal term is Royal Queensland Show. The show was a spin-off from the famous International Exhibitions being held in Britain and worldwide dating from the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851.So we hit the Ekka last yesterday. We took the train as most people do. Mcj told me that the famous food there were dagwood dogs, floss fairy (cotton candy for some) and cheerios. After buying the show program,...
10 August 2008
Off To Ekka
We are going to a place with this tomorrow. The Ekka. I'm not planning to ride a ferris wheel. I would love to have fun in a merry-go-round but it was banned this year. I also want to try the chair lift but we have a pram so.. NO No No. But I want to have more fun.. fun.. fun.And eat lots of food.. yum! I might need the best diet pills to shed off some pounds if I even gain some. But, got to go now.. will have to check our itenerary for tomorrow....
A Toddler in the House
This maybe the lamest excuse you've ever read but it is true. The reason why I don't have much time to stay online is the Tatapilla. Now that he is out and about on his feet, I need to devote all my attention while he is awake or even asleep. He's not contented to stay in his cot, he doesn't want to stay in one room, and absolutely not satisfied to just stare. He needs to climb, the stamp his feet, taste everything and reorganize our furniture, etc. This is the time that we really ned a tv mount except that our tv can't be mounted. He hasn't found...
05 August 2008
The Tatapilla is ill
It's the first time that we experience this, the kind where you have to stay up most of the night, nurse him to sleep and almost all day. I can't leave him to anybody. Going to the shower was a battle.He was running a temperature the night before last but it didn't worry us. But last night, it shot up. More than 38 degrees. We don't know the cause. Teething alone won't cause a temperature of more than 37.8.I was force to get an appointment with the GP today, and his GP was not available so we saw the wife. Good thing, if you may call it that, it...
02 August 2008
Four-some
Thanks, Mich for this tag.A) Four places I go over and over::: library:: supermarket/shops:: park:: beachB) Four people who e-mail me regularly::: friends:: family:: friends:: friends ;)C) Four of my favorite food to eat?:: pasta:: salad:: seafood:: tuyoD) Four places you’d rather be?:: my parents' place (we don't really need moving trucks to get away):: any place in the philippines:: shops:: in the car - practise drivingE) Four people I think will respond::: wbliss:: idealpinkrose:: arlene:: mitchF) Four TV shows I could watch over and over:::...
29 July 2008
Sport-y
At least we can go to sleep earlier than what we used to. Recently, we've been inundated with sports telecast until the wee hour in the morning that we left the television on overnight.Wimbledon. We stacked up munchies. It usually started around 10-11pm. If my favourite player was playing, I stayed up until the match was finished. The women's single finals was swift. But men, the men's was not. It was going on like foreever. Every set had a tie-breaker plus the rain. I finally went to sleep past 6am.Golf. I think it was the French Open (not in...
Know Me More Tag
Thanks, Leah for this. Though, it's a little late.The rules are simple. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer.What was I doing 10 years ago?I was busy studying for the CPA board exams at the same time enjoying life with friends. Carefree. I just finished college. :)What are the 5 things on my to-do list today?Blog.Reply to the email...
Real Spa For Mums
This is a fun meme from Arlene. Thanks, sis.I don't visit spa. I can't remember if I ever did. :) Maybe once or twice. I'm not sure at all. Anyway, this indeed is a real spa.Brow-threading. Whew! I haven't done this yet.. but I'm sure I will... soon. :) Aroma therapy. Always. I'm actually a sniffer. Microdermabrasion. I can't remember if this has happened yet. But it is too soon to say it won't. Hehehe. Body-wrap. Always got this....
