The Life of a Tatapilla

Jens' recent snap at the Brisbane River Festival. He was having so much fun despite the din and the crowd. He wasn't even overwhelmed - it's like a normal day for him to be among the throngs of people going to different directions. He was so mature.

He's very independent now - wants to carry his bag by himself. Wants to dash off when dropped off to "school". It's amazing how much he learn in a span of 2 years and 3 months.

He constantly amaze and amuse us with his antics. Oh, don't forget the smart remarks.

Raving about him makes me forget that I have to do the insurance quote opps. Really, ooppssss.

Aquamarine

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Your Gemstone is Aquamarine

Intuitive, tranquil, and trusting.

You inspire others to have faith in themselves.

What Gemstone Are You?

Trusting? It's a conflicting thing. I don't give all out very easily but if I like the person, I trust very deeply.

Intuitive? Enough to think of colon cleanse stuff? Maybe not, but I do mull things over most of the times.

And I like to be inspiring. I will aspire to be.

My Little Shopper

For plenty of reasons, Jens likes going to the shop. He now knows where we turn to go to the shop from his day care. And most of the time, we pass that intersection he would yell out from the back - shops. I know the reason why? The Wiggles ride. He's really so eager these days to get there. I went shopping the other night and he had a crying fit just to go with me. I don't like driving at night because of those blaring lights of the other cars on the opposite road so I left him with Dad.

See him on top of the shopping trolley? The father and son just like having fun and fooling around the shops. We have a full trolley - car booster, Jens' new chariot, Mummy's car accessories and some toys.

Oh, it wouldn't be long that my little shopper will turn into "I want this - I want that" madman. I don't look forward to it. :D

The Latest Chariot

September 06, 2009No comments

I've mentioned before that we left his pram in the Philippines when we last went there. It was just heavy for me to push and he'll grow out of it any time soon anyway. Plus, it doesn't fold out pretty nifty.

Jens had been pram-less for over two months. Then, we saw this stroller - something that I really want to have at a lower cost - maybe not as sturdy as steel buildings but will do on suburban roads. We bought it. And The Tatapilla had a ride around the place to try it on - as if it was his first time to ride a stroller or pram. Well, that's why it's always nice to be a kid - appreciates little things and big things as well.

Psssttt. Don't mind our messy lawn - it's winter and grass are not growing so we're trying to save up fuel for the mower. Haha.

Rocker

My punk kid. He thought he is a rocker or Mummy wanted him to think he is. The guitar is one of his latest toys - which he got tired after a couple of days. But the sunnies are all-time favourites. We bought them in the Philippines and he calls them his bikie glasses - he really thought, he's a bikie.

*****

It's been pretty quite for us this week. Jens was ill and have to stay home for 3 days last week. I was a bit ill also but manageable. Father's day is same old, same old. Mummy cooked all the meals today - brekkie, lunch and dinner.

Trying to get ready to work later but have to do the Seattle personal injury lawyer opp first. Oh, did I say that I really enjoy driving these days?

Let's Watch "Tagalop"

August 27, 2009No comments

I've been watching tagalog movies with Jens and he's catching the fever. There are times that instead of opting for The Wiggles, he'll tell me, let's watch "tagalop". Hahaha. He's really so cute when he says that.

One time, he told Mcj, I'm a Filipino. Hahaha. Beat that.

He can also say "maganda" in the song:
Sampung mga daliri
kamay at paa
dalawang mata
dalawang tainga
ilong na maganda...

Though we don't talk tagalog at home, I still want Jens to know a few words so he can talk to his cousins when we go back to the Philippines again.

*****

Mummy can't stop watching this video even if she has to do some ops on best weight loss program.

Adik!

We are Joyful

August 27, 2009No comments

As if I got Linksys router at home so I can blog while I am watching TV or just lazying around in bed.

You Are Very Joyful

You may not be happy all of the time, but you experience frequent moments of joy in your life.

There are moments so perfect that time has stood still and you wish you could freeze it forever.

You are so joyful because you appreciate the small things in life. You know joy is more about who you are than what you have.

You are thankful to be alive, and you know that things could be a lot worse. You are content with your life.

Are You Joyful?

But my Little Boy is always very joyful, rain or shine. :)

The Money Barrel

August 23, 2009No comments

I bought this sometime in the early month of this year. Mcj asked me why did I choose the big one - so it will fill more? Hahaha. We don't religiously put money in it. Just when The Tatapilla remembers or when we want to distract him from something - it's a good distraction you know. It has about a fifth filled. A tad heavy for Jens to pick-up.

We don't have plan what to buy for his savings - it's just the habit of putting money aside that we want to instill in him. Although, we can contribute it to our home insurance or shall we say have it covered with our home insurance. Hahaha.

New Ride

August 23, 2009No comments

This was taken two days before his 2nd birthday. He always get to try new rides at the shop - except yesterday when I don't have coins in my purse and when I had, he was asleep. You see, we don't need to go to the carnival, the shops will do. Hahaha.

My, Mine, Etc..

August 18, 2009No comments

Jens is at that stage now – everything at home is his even if somebody is holding it. The biggest thing he owns so far is “my car”. I just find it amusing.

The Wiggles is his favourite band – if you may call them that. He watch their DVD in the morning when he wakes up, before going to sleep during daytime on weekends and if I will let him, before going to sleep at night. And the funny thing is, not all their songs are loved by him. If I’m around to fiddle the remote, he would be screaming “no like it” 20 seconds after the start of every song. We are planning (It is actually my idea) to watch the Wiggles when they have a concert here in Brisbane on December this year. Mcj said, it would really be funny when we are at the concert and when everyone is quite and Jens would scream “no like it”.

He is back in his old self now; eating any food he sees. It is good but I complain. Why? We have to give him a bath or bum wash three to four times a day. Haha. Well, what goes in must come out, right? Lest he would be needing weight loss supplements.

He's fast asleep now after watching The Wiggles which we just skipped and skipped. It helped him get sleepy though.

Not a Little Boy Anymore

August 18, 2009No comments

Just this week, The Tatapilla declared that he’s no longer a little boy. His words “no little boy, I a big guy”.

My, my, my. Our little bundle of joy is growing up so fast we’re running out of breath to catch up.

I’m at a loss of words to explain how I feel. Proud. Happy. Excited. Ecstatic. A bit sad – you know, I’m sure most mothers can empathise.

His carer told us that Jens is quite good in his language and vocabulary. He is also doing well in puzzles especially shapes. He holds pens or pencils like a pro when writing. The carers at “school” are grooming him for the next “level” room.

Tell me who is a two year old that sings himself ABC to sleep? Who is a two year old that can count 1 to 10. Tell me a two year old that knows all our names at the house including the grandparents and uncles and cousins here and in the Philippines? Tell me a two year old who can sing Once I Caught a Fish Alive? Tell me a two year old who can sing a “Snack” song – adopted from the Philippines that go like this?

Watermelon, watermelon, papaya, papaya, saging, saging, saging, fruit salad, fruit salad, halo-halo.

Well, Jens of course!

I know, I'm bragging. I can't help it. I'm just d*mn proud. Haha. And before I go on and on and on, have to do the diet pill reviews opp first.

Heart This

I'm addicted. Really. To this. How I love it.

They are just so sweet and "kakakilig ha"! I can't wait to see their third movie. Hopefully, I could get a copy even if I'm here.

Anyway, been online long enough. It's time to make tucker and maybe check a walk in tubs.

Health Update

Jens is quite good now, since Friday afternoon actually. He got his appetite back - stuffing himself with anything. The non-stop eater is back.

He is still coughing and very mucousy. But he hasn't had any fever since Friday night so that's a very good news. I hope whatever he has is not swine flu or if it is (I can't do anything about it), he is getting over it.

He lost a bit of weight - I can see and feel it when I hold his bare arms but nothing to worry about. He was a bit beefed up before that he just used up his buffer.

The Wiggles is still the favourite singer. Our tv stand is very short so he is able to put the telly on or stand infront of it to have a good view. Not that it's not a good view to stay away from it. It's just him or a kid in him. Hahaha.

Anyway, he has another GP appointment tomorrow. Hopefully, everything will be alright.

The Bee

There's no Jollibee in Down Under that I know of. I haven't told Jens anything about the Bee but the first time we ate there, he was quite smitten. I had to take a photo of him, Daddy and the big bee.

The next day, we had breakfast in the bee with friends.

On Toys

Jens' Nanna always say that we are buying toys way ahead of his age. Yes we do. But I think, we are just being smart and wise. Why would we buy toys or clothes for that matter for his age, when he'll just grow out of it in three months? We are also thinking ahead. We want toys that will last and he will enjoy longer. So far our big investments, yes I call it investments, are his push bike, his pedal bike and big black car. I know he likes swing sets but these toys requires constant supervision. Plus the fact that he doesn't stay home everyday of the week, buying them is not practical for now. Maybe, when he has a sister or brother, ahurm, we might be compelled to buy one.

Jens also uses his imagination almost all the time. Lookie here, he wanted to have a shower in the fountain and I was not so sure that the water was clean.

Un-well

July 29, 2009No comments

The Tatapilla is not back up to his healthy aura yet. He has been sick on and off since we got back from our holiday. These common colds are really wearing him down.

Ice cream is the favourite food. He would ask them before dinner and won’t eat his dinner at all. It’s frustrating but I have to let it be lest he’ll be screaming and would end up coughing more.

Hopefully, this illness would soon go. I want to see him back to his normal self, eating lots of veggies and being a fruit bat. And no snotty nose.

I’ve been doing some research on food ideas for him as I know that he’s in the stage of being a picky eater. He likes pasta salad, pizza, noodles, pancakes, and chips. I’m also considering of consulting our GP if we can give him any vitamins to boost his immune system or his system at all. If only, I can get remedy for his illness as easy as getting netbooks for bookwork. But nah. I have to be patience and try to get him back to normal.

The Bubby is 'ick

July 21, 2009No comments

We had a staff meeting at the office late this afternoon and some socialisation after that so I wasn't able to go home in usual time. I rang up to talk to Mcj to be told that he was called by Jens' "school" as The Bubby is 'ick. I was worried of course. It wasn't even a month when he was struck by RSV caused illness and now, here we go again. At the back of my mind, I was thinking of not working at all so I can take care of him. I feel guilty.

As usual, my one-and-a-half-men picked me up at the train station. I was told Jens' threw up thrice at school, hence he is wearing somebody else's pants. He used up the extra pair of clothes I packed for him today. This may sound weird but I am thankful that it is just a stomach bug that hit him - not flu or cold or anything worse. Today's episode was the third for him to get sick since he was born and in other two, we were not worried. He was his usual self. Thank God for that.

He is asleep now. No drama to put him to sleep and ate fairly enough. My mind if put at rest. We had a big and heartfelt talk before he went to sleep so I feel better also. Nothing to worry about else I might be needing best wrinkle cream soon. Absolutely NOT!

P Plate for Mummy

July 21, 20091 comment

I’m not really satisfied that I have bragged my getting a P licence today in my other blog. I’m also bragging it here in case you won’t be able to stumble in my other blog.

Yes, you heard it right. I got my P license today with just 2 minor mistakes. Well, you would say I should have aimed for no mistake at all. Give me some leeway alright? This is my first take and you should have seen me in my first try on the wheel. You wouldn’t come near the car. But as my instructor said, I stuck in there for the long haul and my effort and support of my one-and-a-half men have paid off.
Next aim, a new car. I prefer to own the same that I used in my practises. It’s small, easy to steer and I’m used to it now.

Well, have to do a bit of research on that car and maybe the best weight loss supplements, in case somebody asks me in the future.

Language Skills

July 20, 2009No comments

I just dropped-off Jens to day care. It’s the first since we came back from our holiday. He was a bit clingy and shy at first, as usual.

I was told by his career, L, a Filipina that he is very good with his language. I am glad to hear that. Our effort and non-effort to teach him is paying off. As I’ve said before, we don’t have routines at home. We do things as we go and when we have time. We read books when he wants to. But every minute is a learning experience. We teach him anything that would be beneficial for him whenever the change arise.

Last Friday, Mcj was held up because he was asked how we managed to teach him to remember his Nanna’s and Poppy’s names as well as ours and his last name. There were amazed. Our Little Boy really makes us proud.

So much babbling about it, have to do the Outer Banks opp and get back to work.

It Runs In the Family

July 08, 2009No comments

Well from me to Jens that is.

I am not sure if I have stressed enough before that I like shoes, shoes, shoes and shoes. Although these days, I’ve curbed my spending on them and I now go for comfort and durability unlike before. I go for my fancy.

Anyway, the Tatapilla has caught up to me on that. There was one point when he owned 5 pairs. His Nanna said, he should grow more feet. When we were at the mall in the Philippines, we were looking for flipflops for him. It took so long yet, we didn’t find any. He and his Dad were roaming around and found school shoes (it was opening of classes). The Little Boy fell in love with them (Yes, fell in love). He was wearing them while we were paying for them. The sales attendant had to just get the tag from them. It had been his favourite shoes while we were there – the flashing shoes were set aside. They’re in hiding now as I reckon, they are not everyday shoes.

These days the boots (Mummy’s boots that is) and warming shoes are out because of the cold weather. When we get home, he would take off his own shoes and put mine on. One morning he had my shoes on in going to the train station. He just likes (if only I can use the term “love”) women shoes and big shoes and just any shoes. But at his age, it’s quite costly to go with his fancy. He grows out of them like lightning.

I Like Rides

where ever I am.

He was so tired after shopping for clothes and Mummy had to have manicure so they waited for almost 2 hours. On the way out of SM Manila, he had a ride...actually, lots.

The ship back to Manila was delayed to Tita Mila took us to SM Bacolod and I don't have a pram so I just had a ride.

I wonder would he be interested in XBox when time comes?

Reciting Poems

We can’t point the date when Jens started to show that he can memorise the poems and rhymes he often hears. It was just one day he was reciting the Poem introduction of his favourite telly show, In the Night Garden. It goes like this – I will highlight the words that Jens will say when he hears this.

I borrowed some books for him in the library and it’s been with us for more or less a month. We don’t read it everyday – maybe, 3 times a week is more often.

Last night, after dinner and bath, we got ready for bed. We started the flashcards then followed by reading the books. While he was drifting off to sleep, I started reciting the rhymes in his book and well, I am not surprise. I am more of a very proud Mum. He was able to fill in the blanks.

Clap hands, dance and spin.
Open wide and pop it in.
Blow the trumpet, bang a drum.
Wave to Daddy, wave to Mum. (Jens say Mummy)

Squelch, squelch in the mud.
Splish, splash, scrub-a-dub.
Gently, gently brush your hair.
Tickle, tickle under there.

I believe, if he is able to say lots of words, he might be able to recite these poems. Oh, I’m just so excited. Haha. And wondering, what’s the buzz on Rochester personal injury lawyer.

I Write Everywhere

Maybe even auto insurance quote. :)

Writing, drawing and painting are very good tantrum timeouts. But either Daddy or Mummy should be attentive as they are required to do some circles or to draw anything.

He has a favourite pen – Mummy’s pen which has a permanent mark. Scrap the washable marker. We bought him crayons but left it to his cousins back in the Philippines. I’m thinking of getting him some here or this kid kaddy.

2nd Birthday

Our plan to celebrate The Tatapilla’s 2nd birthday in my parents’ place was pushed through.

Planning was easy. Tita Ma (Nanay’s sister) suggested the menu and list down the ingredients. Heaps of relatives help in the cooking. I ordered the cake three days before the party.

We just had “Pabitin” and “Paagaw”. The space was so small that any games aren’t practical.

We decided to have lechon. I didn’t get any decent photos of the lechon when it was cooked. We went out and when we came back I forgot about it and I just saw them chopping it up. But I think, this will do.

The party was on Friday and we only decided to have lechon on Tuesday night. Good thing we have relatives who were very helpful.

With those yummy food, some might think I would need Liporexall. But no, I didn’t even tasted some of them.

Mcj and I were talking aftermath that Jens didn’t understand what the chaos was all about, although he sang and clapped his hands. For me, it’s the thought that counts. He’ll just have the photos to remind him. Plus, it was also an acquiantance / introduction party for him.

Funny Phrases

I can’t remember where did Jens hear the word “No Way” from but that’s his most decisive phrase as of this phase. I do remember he started using it when we were back at my parents place. They find him funny and I think clever as well, as Jens always use it in the right occasion.

His Nanna here wants him to stop him from saying that. I don’t mind. It’s a phase. It soon shall pass.

Patting bottom is a sign that we are sending our kids to sleep. When Jens is eating Moocows, Mcj would do that. Jens would then say, No pat bottom. It’s quite funny that Mcj kept on doing it again and again just to hear Jens say No pat bottom.

We don’t have a Kiwi blood. I’m a Filipino, Mcj is Aussie and his ancestors are Danish. But Jens say “Gi Up” for Get Up. Mcj mimics it as he likes the way The Tatapilla says it.

Funny Phrases

A Really Big Guy

June 22, 2009No comments

The Tatapilla had surprised us. We didn’t set expectations of him for our trip but as I have always been saying, he is a happy and contented baby. Nothing to complain about.

And he had proven again that he is very flexible. He is his usual self during the flights. Taking the boat to and from my parents’ place was an excellent idea for him as he had learned a lot. He is very observant and always seeking new things or activities. We stayed mostly outdoors while on the ship.

There was no evidence of a routine being upset apart from an upset tummy (like he was taking the best diet pills). Well, we didn’t have a routine anyway so what is there to upset. Hahaha. He fitted well among his cousins. He eventually got closer to Nanay and Tatay (my parents) and to his aunts and uncles.

Some of the food that he is used to is not available in my parents’ place and we didn’t take any of them with us. He ate what was served except rice.

Sounds Like Mummy

May 28, 2009No comments

Indeed.

You Are Bitter

You aren't bitter at the world, even though you have a strong personality.

Instead, you are sophisticated and cultured. You appreciate acquired tastes.

You are very powerful. You have the ability to change a room's energy.

While some may find you disagreeable, your points of view are intelligent and interesting.

What Taste Are You?

But, I don't like bitter food except coffee.. I do make good coffee for myself though. But sometimes, it has an effect on me like appetite suppressants.

Busted PC

May 25, 2009No comments

My home computer is busted. It was fine the last time I used it and then after a week the monitor does not display anything. Mcj said the monitor cable is loose. How can it be when I just use it? Grrrrr.

Fortunately, I have a work laptop. I am using it now to blog, check emails and surf the net at home.

Although, it’s not good enough. I want Jens photos from my home computer so I can burn them into a CD or DVD to take to the Philippines. I want to show them to my relatives and maybe have some printed and display in a digital frame.

Oh, I don’t know. I’m not really keen to have it fixed as I don’t use it as often anyway. Maybe, when we get back from the Philippines, I would find the time to look for a spare cable. For now, the work laptop will do.

Memory Tested

May 22, 2009No comments

Just like a computer memory, Jens’ has been tried and tested. I know the memory of kids his age is like sponge to water. It sucked up all that it can. And The Tatapilla excels in that department.

The first test, so far.

He likes watching In The Night Garden. I recorded at least 6 episodes now and we play it almost every day. Before he goes to sleep (if he is not reading) or right when he wakes up during weekdays and anytime during weekends. One night, when the program started he was reciting the poem along with the telly. Not every word of it but I know that he memorise it and can say it if only he can. He’s not in that stage yet.

Sometimes, I would recite the poem and let him fill-in the blanks. It is fun.

Rainy Wednesday

May 20, 2009No comments

It’s raining very heavily for two days now. Our backyard looked like swamp this morning. We took the long way to the train station this morning as Mcj suspected that the short cut might be flooded. The river has flooded the bridge on the long route also. I was late as some drivers don’t want to drive on the proper side of the road rather on the middle of the road afraid the water will sweep their car, so cars piled up on one end waiting for the cars from the other side to get through (they might have no life insurance what with the fluctuating life insurance rates right now).

Mcj said it stopped raining at home but the day care centre rang up wanting Jens to be picked-up as they’re scared that the river might rise so high, parents won’t be able to pick-up their kids.
So, it’s play time for Jens at home. He was writing when I rang earlier – his favourite past time. I envy him. Hahaha. I wish I’m with them right now.

More Updates

May 18, 2009No comments

Just a proof that The Tatapilla likes (loves) writing/painting/drawing.

Setting: Jens setting on his chair writing. Mummy is tidying up after dinner. Daddy is in the lounge watching telly.
Jens: Mummy draw.
Mum: Mummy is busy, call Dad.
Jens: Dad, draw.... (wait) Dad, come on, come on. Hahaha (that's me). Dad, NOW!
Dad: This minute?

Setting: Jens and Mummy lying in bed reading a book just before sleeping. The book is "On the Farm". Mummy points to boots, sheep, goat, farmer, barn and..
Mum: What's this.. (pointing to the cow on the book).
Jens: Aya... (I can't understand that but that's what he said when he doesn't know what it is.)
Mum: Come on, you know this.
Jens: I don't know. (Hehehe).
Mum: Cow.
Jens: Mooooo.

Bow!

Time to hit the hay or if I have a few minutes to spare might look up San Jose motorcycle accident attorney.

Updates, Updates

May 18, 2009No comments

The Tatapilla can now say a sentence or a phrase with 4-5 words max. He always has some new fancy and big word everyday. The funny part is him pointing to himself and call “you”. I’ve been trying to teach him to say “me”.

Oh he likes drawing, writing, painting or any work using a pen. He can stay awake until 8:30pm just sitting and scribbling. That’s one of the reasons why I can’t get him to sleep. Lookie here, some of the proof of his talent - his Mother's Day gift to me.

He’s getting confident riding his big car now. And he (rather we) limits his ride at the shop. Well, mainly because he has a big money barrel to fill. We’re teaching him young to save.

He’s gone off eating grapes and rock melon. Maybe because of the weather. It’s getting cooler and these fruit always come out of the fridge. The new fruit in bowl is mandarin. That and banana replaced the grapes and rock melon.

And our Vegas vacations are coming up. Not! Our RP Holiday rather. I’ve been priming him up about the people that we’re going to meet, the places to visit and the carrier that we’re going to ride and he’s quite excited about the plane and boat. Don’t forget the bus, Mum. Hehehe.

Noooo

This is one of the moments when Jens said NOOOO that I was able to capture. We went to the park to feed the ducks and have a bit of a game around the grass area. It was getting late so we head back to the car and he said NOOOO. With determination.

No has been his automatic reply if ask of something. But he always mean it. You can't force him to say something when he says NO. It should be the end of it. No more persuasion.

Oh well. Independent.

*****
The Tatapilla is watching video clips on the other computer. Gives me time to blog and check the life insurance no exam. Hopefully he'll be amused for long.

Too Much Brown

I have never seen anyone getting sick from eating too much chocolate until Jens had in the middle of this week. We bought him several chocolates last Easter and I didn't give the lot to him at once.

One night after dinner, I gave him the Kinder rabbit. He wouldn't let go the whole lot. I just managed to get an eight off him. He was fine after eating it. He had a play and bath. He went to sleep without a fuss.

Around 9PM, he woke up spewing. I was thankful he was in our bed, we instantly knew what happened. He chucked-up twice and we changed our beddings that night. We're soaked. We were not worried though as he was his old self. No crying or fussing around. He managed to drink lots of water which he just spewed later.

Thank God, he was fine the next morning. He also had a good night sleep. We deduce, it was from too much chocolate. Oh well. There's still a whole bunny in the fridge.

Maybe, Lucky can have it just like Frontline.

The Real Thing

The Tatapilla likes anything with steering wheel. He would stay longer in the car when we reach home from somewhere so he can play with the steering wheel. He likes getting into one of the ride-on mowers too. He look forward going to the shop so he can go in the rides.

When we saw a big car on sale, we snatched the opportunity to get him one. It's his advanced birthday gift.

He's not so much inlove with it yet as the pedal is a bit far but I know, he will be taken into it in no time, just like his bike.

So much for that, have to check out what's the buzz on nuphedra.

Smart Boy