Since we moved in our new house, the Tatapilla has been almost on top of the roll for sleeping in his own bed all on his own. It's a really big step in his independence. We've tried to get him to bed on his own in our old place but most of the times, it ended up in tears. What changed, you'd ask. It's the location of my room relative to his. You see, my roo is just across the hall. The light from my room shines to his and I don't turn off the light until he goes to sleep. But it doesn't mean to say that he doesn't use tricks to sleep on...
31 December 2011
20 December 2011
The Shift
.. Again, to another kindy. The Tatapilla has another year in kindy before going to prep and we decided that it is best that he meet new friends locally and then when he goes to big school, he has friends there. He is a very friendly and social kid, but knowing somebody at a new school is another story.And so, we enrolled him to one of the kindies just at the end of our stree. It's a 3 minute drive or less. A plus. No need to recharge my personal duracell procell aa to get him when I'm home and plan to walk. He was a bit hesitant about it...
07 December 2011
Puss
Everyone is excited to see this movie - in Oz at least. It was showing in the Philippines when we left, and it was silly of me not to have thought to watch it. And you bet, we won't let it pass. If we'll have time, we'll see it on the first weekend. It will be the first for the Tatapilla in 3D movie. How exciting, right?Oh, Mackers are not having the toys for their happy meals yet. Why oh why. It's always late here - movies, fashion, I wonder if it's the same with motorhome insurance. Hope not. *****It's All About What's In Down Under...
What for Pressies?
What do you give a boy who you think has everything that he needs? I'm sure if you ask him he has a very long list. But then, we don't want him to be so caught up with the commercialism of the Christmas here, which it has been downgraded to that in almos all over the world. (A sad thing). I'm finished with my Christmas shopping. We're not spending much, just some bits and pieces that will cheer those little persons. Has anyone thought of giving funny t shirts? I have and I'll get some if I can find holes in my budget. *****It's All About...
19 November 2011
The Pretend Thing
As every mother knows, the hardest thing to do is to get your breastfeeding baby to take a bottle.So, mimijumi has created the Very Hungry ($15) and Not So Hungry ($14) collection for those bottle picky tots.Designed to mimic the shape and feel of a natural feeding, the BPA- and phthalates-free silicon nipple won’t express milk until the baby fully latches on.Plus, the wide nylon container is easy to clean and easy to fill up.To learn more about...
Switch
There are two kindy's close to our new home - one is following the curriculum of the Qld Education and has been recommended by our agent. We are planning to put the Tatapilla there. I've been prepping him up about it and at this point, I am getting negative feedback. He's best mate in his current kindy reduced his attendance to three days and they only get to see in two of those. That really upsets him so the plan to move is being affected. Hopefully a change of mind will happen soon as it is going to be beneficial for all parties involve...
13 November 2011
Games and Imagination
The Tatapilla has so many cousins to play with in the Philippines. Playmate wasn't a problem. He is used to have many friends and playmate in school but it is a different story at home. When we got back from our holidays, I thought, he'll have a shock with the transition of plenty of playmates to none. But I was wrong. There wasn't any transition at all. He was back to his old self. His imagination kicked in automatically to play by himself. He doesn't need toys to amuse himself. He can invent and pretend games and toys from something...
Teaching them to Save
I personally believe that teaching kids to save or spend money at an early, has a big impact when they grow up. It is important to teach our kids the value that we want to them acquire regarding money at an early age. We are not perfect parents but we do our part in teaching the Tatapilla to save money with some silver dollars and gold as well. We opened a bank account for him almost 2 years ago and we've been teaching him to fill his platybank. We go to the bank every month when we can to deposit the money. He is a spender with things that...
09 October 2011
Foodies and Sleep
The Tatapilla is at the age where sleep during the day has been out of the scheduled. Even when he is at school, he always tells me that he just watch telly during rest time. I have yet to talk to hi teacher about it. On weekends or holidays, he always doesn't sleep or even laydown to rest. The trick is just to go to sleep really early at night, which is good. Also, these days feeding him has been a battle, at the dining table that is. But when he is hungry, he can feed himself all on his own. One afternoon when I got home, he was eating...
25 September 2011
So Near
I'm so excited for our trip but I am not ready yet. There are so many things to pack and consider in packing. And of course, keeping in mind to travel light which is near to impossible when travelling with a tot or shall I say a preschooler. But I suppose, taking a magellan gps with us will be over the top. Anyway, I am just getting the Tatapilla ready on his Filipino language a bit. Hopefully, he'll learn a lot when we are there. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy...
Keeping Good Behavior
As usual the raisingchildrennetwork has greatly helped me and I'm sharing it here as well. Children do as you do. Your child watches you to get clues on how to behave in the world. You’re her role model, so use your own behaviour to guide her. What you do is often much more important than what you say. If you want your child to say ‘please’, say it yourself. If you don’t want your child to raise her voice, speak quietly and gently yourself. Show your child how you feel. Tell him honestly how his behaviour affects you. This will help...
28 August 2011
Top Gun Phase
Because of the aircraft carrier that the Tatapilla received on his 4th birthday, he is drawn into top gun. I reckon, he is a bit early for this type of show but currently he is more concerned on just flying aircraft and such - more on the aerial show.
His favourite show is more on the inclination on some of his toys. It's like seasons to him. I hope all this leaning into technical stuff will encourage him into Transportation Attendant Jobs or anything related to transport.
*****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change...
Nice Conversations
The Tatapilla was left in his own room to try to go to sleep. After a few seconds, he came to my room saying: I am a little bit lonely sleeping on my own. So he ended up sleeping with me.
*****
We were heavily discussing if he can watch fireman sam on my phone and how many episodes can he:
T: I'm sorry Mum, I frustrated you but I really, really want to see fireman sam on your phone and I want 4.
*****
We were at the library and after picking up the dvd's and books that he wants, he wanted to go home while I was still picking mine.
T:...
15 August 2011
Taste of the Real Fire Engine
We did and saw many things at the Ekka today but I think the highlight for the Tatapilla (michael kors watches for me if there were any) is to be upclose and personal with a fire engine and real fireman. Inspired by the show Fireman Sam, he is so engrossed everything with fire. He also has close encounters with fireman at school as they were educated about fires as well.
He was shy at first when we asked the firies if he can inspect the...
07 August 2011
Making Conversations
Me: Do you know that I love you?T: Yes.Me: How do you know?T: Because I know best?*****At the shops wanting to buy cherry ripes (not Wholesaleinsurance.net).T: I want cherry ripe for dessert.Me: We already have turkish delight.T: I don't want turkish delight. I just want cherry ripe.He got what he want and for his Dad.T: Dont you not want cherry ripe for dessert?Me: Do.T: Just one for me and one for Dad.Shop attendant: What's your name?T: J...SA: Can you say it again?T: J... P..... I share everything with my family. SA: (to me) is he always...
What's in a Bag?
brownie? Not really. We havent had real brownie for a long time - home-made ones that is. Sometimes, it is easier to use the brownie delivery nation-wide service. We have a favourite brand of brownie that we used to buy. The Tatapilla is very fond of it but I reckon, it wasn't really worth it. It was eliminated from the shopping list. Although, sweets are a constant item on the list. It's very handy sometimes as a bribe. The Tatapilla has to go to sleep (which recently, he'd ditched when he's at kindy) so he can have desert. Clever plan,...
17 July 2011
Pressies
I am proud to say that we didn't brought up the Tatapilla to expects presents but after this party, I don't know if that is still the case. When asked yesterday what present does he want, he said, I already got a present. He received nice presents so we are greatful. He likes them all and have been playing with them. No blackberry covers though. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling...
The Party
The big party was at the Hippos House, an indoor playground. I am happy with this decision as it was raining early that morning.We invited a couple of his schoolmates and it was good turn-out. Most of the kids that came are actually his best mates. A good bonding time outside of school. His best friend ever who moved to south side of Brissie also came despite the long drive. It was a good reunion.He had a ball what with sugar loaded food. It...
Happy 4th
The Tatapilla turned 4 this year. We didn't have a big day on the actual birthday. We woke him with greetings and he asked for a cake which of course, I haven't bought. We were not prepared as I was thinking that we're throwing him a party three days after anyway. One of the teachers bought him a cake so he can blow candles on. I was thankful.That night, we dropped by the shops to buy a small cake and cupcakes for school the next day. It was...
03 July 2011
ThunderBird Phase
Who would have thought that my almost 4 year old will be watching a tv series created in the 60s? Well, maybe his dad as it was him who encouraged the Tatapilla to do so. Now he is hooked line and sinker specifically. He plays pretend as the characters in the series. I am not even aware what the rating of this show is but it seems he likes it. Well, in our house.. there is really no censorship whatsoever. It always boils down to teaching him what is right and wrong (including choosing ATV Parts if he's out with dad buying tools). He'll be...
26 June 2011
The Best Part of Making Cakes
Lately, he's been wanting to bake cake everytime we're at home so I indulged him for two weeks now. He helps as much as I want him to - put extra sugar, eat the egg. But the best part is eating the batter. He actually ate more of it than the cooked cake. It was a hit. I reckon for him, it's as exciting as taking the hot tub covers to have a big dip. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A...
19 June 2011
Listen Up
You Communicate With Your EarsYou love conversations, both as a listener and a talker.What people say is important to you, and you're often most affected by words, not actions.You love to hear complements from others. And when you're upset, you often talk to yourself.Music is very important to you. It's difficult to find you without your iPod.How Do You Communicate?Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity On the same note, I found myself...
KFP 2
This is not the most awaited movie in the Tatapilla's household (his Nanna was very much against the first one) but it looks interesting. We own a DVD of the 1st one but when it was advertised to be shown in free tv, he has to wait for it. Sadly, it was aired at the same time as Cars and we haven't seen the latter. Even in his sleep today, he's been telling me that he wants to watch Kungfu Panda. Speaking of chinese related, anybody heard of garmin zumo? The latest in GPS and the lot, I reckon. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence...
13 June 2011
Not a Walk in the Park
I watched the movie Stepmom today and it made me realise that what we are going through today as parents (at the Tatapilla's age), is barely a scratch on the whole package. And at times, I thought.. it's really very difficult and challenging. Hah. How much more would it be when he becomes a teen. Though, there's another way of looking at things. It's all learning curves and we should enjoy all the curve balls thrown at us. I've been telling myself that every situation should be handled with ease and no pressure but this is easier said than...
05 June 2011
Funny Conversations
We drove past KFC and I made a comment that I want to eat something from there but since we are on the other side of the store, we didnt. The Tatapilla has been whining about it as we cruise along. J: I want to eat KFC.Me: What do you want to eat at KFC anyway?J: KFC, of course. *****We were talking about dinner and I suggested pizza.Me: (talking to Mcj) we can have p-i-z-z-a on Tuesday. (spelling it as when the Tatapilla hears it he will want it right away)J: Pizza? Me: How do you know it's pizza.J: Because I have good memory? These days,...
29 May 2011
Unwell
The cold season has brought a damp in our house that almost everyone is sniffling and coughing. It's really not funny. The Tatapilla (including me) had stayed home last Tuesday so I can take him to the doctor. I was advised to just give him paracetamol and not to worry. Yeah, right.It all started I suspect after the swimming lesson. Although, the pool is heated it is still cold when you get out of it and while dressing up. It's really fortunate that the Tatapilla is still himself beside feeling unwell. One can be without mothers rings so...
22 May 2011
Meaningful Conversations
... with the Tatapilla.Sometimes, for an outsider the Tatapilla talking back to me is sort of disrespectful. Even for a Filipino culture or the 50s, I'd say. But I thought when I didn't have the Tatapilla yet that when I have a kid, I will allow him to say his peace. But joining free online dating is another matter altogether. :) When jens was getting in to his car seat, he slipped.Me: you should watch where you r going & what u r doing.Jens: its the slippery boots.Me: (forgot that i told him to put them on) you shouldnt wear them.Jens:...
15 May 2011
Weekend with Morris
One Friday, his carer at school handed him Morris, the stuffed dog.. along with a scrap book. We were the first to take Morris home for a weekend. And so we took him home and let him participate in our household activities - no document scanning though. We took photos with him and the Tatapilla in it. It was fun. The Tatapilla's carer thanked us for a wonderful job. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A...
Fireman Sam Phase
All this watching of the Fireman Sam episodes are taking its toll. The Tatapilla has been playing pretend fireman for almost a month now. He wears his helmet and hang on the anything long as his firehose while watching the dvd. Other days, he can really look serious with his fireman jacket and all that I can put him in Trade show booth. Other days, he'll keep on saving babies - the cats, the stuffed toys - and my kitchen. *****It's All About...
07 May 2011
Souvenir of the Royal Wedding
Well, the Tatapilla might be too young to understand the event that has become an important part of royal history if not the world but he is quite exposed to it as the news have been inundated with it. He recognised the couple. When we went food shopping, an island display was dedicated for the magazine (just like at some pc desktops shops) and he wanted me to buy it. I didn't buy this particular magazine as I already have another. It was tempting...
06 May 2011
Fireman Sam
This is the latest craze at home. We borrowed a dvd from the library one weekend and after seeing it, the Tatapilla has been emulating Fireman Sam, putting out fires, saving babies, etc. His Dad even bought him a new fireman chief helmet that he takes to school like a normal hat. All these shows that he likes, I'm thankful, are very educational so sometimes we indulged him in watching it several times a day. I sometimes play the act with him if I am not doing chores like direct mail printing. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence...
Rio
No, I haven't seen this movie yet but I'd like to. I'm thinking of the family to see it this Mother's Day sunday - I'm sure Mcj is not going out fixing goulds pumps or any pumps for the irigation. It'll be fun. When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change...
26 April 2011
The Easter Bunny
The commercialism of Easter (and all the other holidays) is very rampant here in Oz. Just like Christmas, things and food related to the holiday being celebrated.. are all over the shops, literally. But I suppose that's why the shops are in business. Because they make do of what's given to them or shall I say, of the tradition (it has become that overtime). The target market is mostly kids and of course, the ultimate victims are the parents especially...
Redcliffe Sail Festival
It fell on Good Friday this year and we have learned our lesson from last year so we went there a little bit early. Yet, finding parking was still horrible. We had to go round and round, then ended up parking about half a km from the beach. That wasn't bad at all as the Tatapilla and I didn't walk back to the car. Just Daddy, lucky us.. we just waited on the sidewalk close to the beach for Mcj to pick us up. I digress.Anyway, the sail festival...
03 April 2011
Movies of the Week
I know that Iron Man 2 is rated M... not for kids. But what can I do when an almost 4 year old, likes it? Mcj watched it Saturday morning right after waking up and of course, when the Tatapilla woke up... he had to join. So far he likes it really especially that he owns and iron man toy. He actually wants to watch it again. The chipmunks and the chippets (is that the correct spelling?) are real fun to watch. This had been played twice in our home just this weekend. This weekend has been really glorious for us. Just the same relaxing weekend...
To The Duck Park
We planned on going to the duck park this weekend - preferrably Sunday. We told the Tatapilla on Friday night and it seems he can't sleep while waiting for sunday to come. Last night, he asked what time are we going.. and I said in the morning, referring to sunday morning. He said he wants dark time and he actually meant to go there last night. He had reasoned out that ducks close their eyes on day time and open their eyes on dark time. :) We prevented a big teary episode last night because we were not going.This morning, right after he woke...
27 March 2011
Games and Toys Ideas
The Tatapilla has enmassed so many toys that he hardly play with them all. Well, it's not really him who bought them but me. Although, I think that I should switch to something more educational although he had lots of them too. I've been thinking some board games and maybe really complicated puzzles. Plus something to spend some pent-up energy, although, best pre workout supplement is out of the question. I've been thinking these will do. *****It's...
Winter Gear
It's starting to get cold these days. When I say cold, it's still above 20. I like these outfit only if they are a bit colourful. Some things in life are nice when there are splashes of colours, maybe except home speakers. Anyway, we're not due to buy the Tatapilla new winter gear as some of his warm clothes still fit him. Just maybe a hoody or two or some pants. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic...
The Shoeaholic
Yes, that's the Tatapilla. He got two pairs of shoes in just a week or so. I got him a pair of bob the builder boots last week (not to match slutty costumes, now there's the word), considering that the cold season is coming up. He's been wearing sandals and thongs this warm season and I haven't really bought him any decent pair this year. Then last Thursday, Daddy needed new boots and they have a promo at the shops that 2nd pair half price. We...
Toy Story 3
The Tatapilla have seen this movie twice over this weekend already. He is just so into it. It's late considering it has been out for a long while already but it still feels new to him. He is into Woody's salute for quite sometime now. We wondered where he got it. I had good fun watching the movie. I reckon, there will be a 3th sequel to the movie. Some things are just worth doing over and over again, just as marketing gifts for women are worth giving every special occasions. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change...
05 March 2011
The Big Bang Theory
Before going to sleep tonight, we searched for videos in youtube. The big bang theory is always the favourite. The Tatapilla really liked the Justice League Recombination that we watched it over and over. This production was really amazing. Forget about the discount scrubs, they've gone all out on this. No wonder, it's the favourite of an almost 4 year old. *****It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and re...
27 February 2011
BPA-Free Water Bottle
I'm not really a fussy mother. I'm not that neat freak either. But there are things for children that I have used that didn't meet my requirements. Take the water bottle with small opening that cleaning the inside is impossible. I have fallen victim to at least 3 of them and they are such a waste of money. I found out after a couple of months that the inside gets slippery and sort of mouldy but cleaning it is just next to impossible. Very frustrating...
Face Painting
This is the first time the Tatapilla to sport a paint on his face - if you don't count temporary tattoos on his face, that is. He loved this spider man face painting that I was told not to wash it off in the bath but they come off pretty quickly making the bath water yuck and sticking to the hot tub covers. The next day, he came home from school sporting a batman paint on his face. And another one sometime last week. The teachers paint their...
On Full Gear
The Tatapilla is starting a new swimming lesson this month. It's a big late time of the year but it had been raining this summer and the swimming school pool was flooded. This is sort of our gift to him instead of giving him edible gifts. Yesterday was his first. It wasn't a big event as he was getting familiar with the teacher and starting to trust him. I just hope that he'll be on full swing in the next sessions. *****It's All About What's...
20 February 2011
Heart Breaking
BABY Yvanna has just two months to live - unless she can find a donor.The eight-month-old is gravely ill with liver failure in The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Doctors say she will certainly die if they cannot find a compatible organ.Yvanna Cartilla is one of a handful of NSW babies younger than one who will require an organ transplant this year.Doctors realised something was wrong with Yvanna when she was born extremely jaundiced. She had her...
Cool Comfort
Sugar-free popsiclesSugar-free popsicles come in a variety of flavours, with some containing as little as 30 calories, and most less than 100 calories. Keep these icy treats stored in your freezer for your next sugar craving.It's 29 degrees now and the Tatapilla wants some ice cream. We have some in the freezer, fruit yogurt and vanilla. And our friend who sells commercial icecream is here and is sharing some of his trade. Im not really a fan...
Early Taste
Your diet can affect what your baby likes to eat.A new study at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the US has found that a pregnant or breastfeeding mother's diet can not only sensitise the foetus to particular smells and flavours, but also physically change their brain and impact on an infant's food preferences in the future. This study reinforces the importance of mothers eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding. If the mother eats a healthy diet, their child will prefer these foods.Children will...
Art Work
Your adventurer-to-be has been dreaming of far away lands ever since he was in the crib.Before he officially starts rocking a leather jacket, fedora and bullwhip, bring the world to him with Putumayo‘s new World Culture Collection.The company — known for their successful kid-friendly folk music CDs — is now adding art prints, coloring and sticker books and greeting cards to its repertoire.First stop is Africa. Featuring the distinctive artwork of...
On Breastfeeding
MIRANDA Kerr has defended publishing her breastfeeding snap with baby Flynn. The Aussie supermodel caused a stir when she posted the intimate picture taken by husband Orlando Bloom on her blog.Kerr said she was happy to promote breastfeeding, and encouraged other mums not to be put off by stigmas about feeding babies in public."Honestly, I for one can say there are more breasts being shown on a daily basis around the world in swimwear and low-cut...
Adult-like conversations
We were getting ready for the bath. I took the Tatapilla's shirt off then he asked me if he wants me to put his pants on his head, like a chef. :) I asked him what is a chef, he said, somebody who cook people dinner. So right.*****I wasn't paying attention to him and he had told me twice to read his book. Finally he said, I sound like a broken record Mum. I asked why? Because you're not listening to me, he said. *****The Tatapilla told me he had lipstick on this arvo. Asked him where he got it, from Sophie, he said.Me: you know only girls...
13 February 2011
In the New Centre
The Tatapilla is showing excellent signs that he is enjoying his stay in the new centre. It's not really the new centre but just the sister kindy of his old one. Some of the kids in the old centre are there so it's like the usual routine. It's just been 2 weeks and he's been bringing home stuff that they've made at school and been talking to me about what they've learned during the day. It's exciting.Recently, they're learning french, tracing letters and numbers. Today, he showed me that he is able to write letter "a" and the initial of his...
06 February 2011
Snippets of Conversation
Lately, the Tatapilla has really demonstrated maturity of an adult especially in conversations. An adult can carry a conversation with him like he's one already - well maybe if it's about area rug, then that would be out of the question. I was eating toast for breakfast on the patio. I tossed the crust to the birds.Tatapilla: Do you like the crust, Mum.Me: No, I don’t.Tatapilla: Me EITHER.*****We were going out and I asked him to find his hat. It was on my desk.Tatapilla: Here is it. I was wondering where it was!*****The Tatapilla was singing...
