The Youngest

Among the cousins of nine, that is. I am just glad that my sister's friends took some photos recently of my nephews and nieces back home. Nabulong man ang hidlaw ko.

Anyway, the Tatapilla is quite happy looking at the photos online. He seems to miss them all so it's a nice way of reminding him about them. Being an only child, I don't feel that he misses playmate as we are all his playmate around the house but I believe it's the comfort of knowing that he has cousins even if he doesn't know what really cousins are. As far as he is concered, they are relatives, someone to share steel rings or to grizzle to.

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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 real!

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Narnia - Dawn Treader

On weekends, we have made it a habit to watch a movie - sometimes early Sunday morning. And this weekend, it's the third adventure on Narnia. The Tatapilla liked it though, it take him sometime to catch up on what's happening.


We have resolved that we'll buy the DVD's for this as it's a quite good collection. Everyone was hooked.

Oh, I know that the apidextra review has to be done so enough of this blabbering.

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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 real!

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Baking Again

Today, after a long time, we baked cookies again. I liked the cookies that my workmate brought to work that I asked for the recipe. It's been over two or three months but finally, I tried it.

The Tatapilla at first, didn't one want to participate - because he was eating ice cream, what else is more exciting? But when it came to beating and licking the spoon and the beater, he was interested. The whole family pitched in.

The Tatapilla can't even wait for it to cook. He had two when they cooled down. I'd say they were quite yummy if I didn't burn the base. Not because I was busy on the vlc free download but I thought they were not cooked yet as they were not golden so I left them 5 minutes too long in the oven. Oh well, they're liked.

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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 real!

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Age Gap

I read this article about the big questions that most parents ask. What is the ideal age gap between sibs? There are different answers of course depending on anyone's point of view. The article suggests that based on studies, it is 20 months. The mother has to get pregnant while the first child is on his 11 months.

I strongly disagree on this. There are so many factors. The mother's health, the well being of the first child and the second child as well. If money is not a matter, I still reckon it is too early. The first child needs a lot of attention at that stage and comprehension as to why he is not getting it is too far beyond. More so with the 2nd child. It will be so hard to balance between the two.

I reckon, it is out of the question if money will be considered that the Mum wouldn't even find the time to enjoy shopping womens sandals once in a while.

But at the end of the day, to each her/his own. I just hope that everyone's welfare is considered.

*****

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 real!

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The Latest

Bedtime conversation
T: I have one question (although, it is not).
Me: Okay.
T: Lucky (our cat)sleeps in the morning and is awake at night.
Me: Do you want to be like Lucky? (thinking that he likes to stay up late)
T: No, I'm not a cat.
Me: Why not?
T: Because the light from the sun keeps me awake.
Me: Then you cant be a cat.
T: Plus I'm a person.

Very entertaining conversation.

******

Last week, I got to pick him up early from school and was able to talk to one of his teachers. Just to catch up. I was told that he is at the top of his class. That day, they watch a movie and then were asked what they can remember and some of his friends just made up stories about it. The Tatapilla told him if they were just making it up. I was told he is so switched-on and loves to talk. The teacher can have ten of him in her class. Plus he is well behaved.

I'm so pleased.

******
We had some alone time together last Saturday doing some shopping and library visit. At the library we did a bit of colouring. There was a movie so I left him watching while I browse around for some books. When it was time to leave, I approached him and he was so well behaved - didn't even complain that the movie isn't finished yet.

At the shops, there were toys that he likes but I told him that he had plenty and we only buy what we need. No complaints at all. At the food shops, we bought him some treats which he really appreciates. No Dunlop Strings to insist for. Just pure old junk food. :)

*****

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 real!

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Good Food

There's a stage in one's life especially toddlers that good food are not acceptable. It's hard being a parent because you know what's good for your child yet you don't want to have any battle and struggle between you and your child. One has to have tricks.

I have learned that exposing The Tatapilla to sports and superhero themed movies will encourage him to eat good food. He aspires to be all of them and the trick is to eat good food, have rest, exercise and sleep.

But here's a tip from bodyandsoul.com.au.

Stay calm

Toddlers will do almost anything to get a reaction out of people. Next time they fling food on the ceiling or straight out refuse it, walk away. Count to 10, take a deep breath and try again. Be consistent and calm in your nonchalant approach, and the drama, for the most part, will stop.
Sneaky tactics

Stashing vegetables in meals is a constant game of hide and seek for fussy kids who only eat finger food. Try adding grated carrot to meatballs, zucchini to frittatas, mushy peas to sandwiches, spinach to lasagne, avocado to wraps or roast some potato and pumpkin wedges.
Fussy phase

Most toddlers go through a stage of eating limited favourites. As long as they are not terribly unhealthy choices, you have nothing to worry about. It's only a phase; it will pass. To encourage an adventurous palate, try harmless peer pressure and invite other toddlers around for lunch.
Stick to one meal

When picky kids are offered a second meal because they hardly touched the first, they might get clever and try it every time. This is not only exhausting, but mostly unnecessary. Offer one meal you know they will like and when they have had enough, offer some fruit.

One sometimes resort to bribery but it doesn't have to be American silver eagles. Sometimes, I have to feed him and most of the time.. playing and having fun works too.

*****

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 real!

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Early Bedtime

This is from bodyandsoul.com.au.

The proverb, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" seems to have some scientific merit for kids.

Studies into children and sleep are piling up and the latest suggests it's not only how much sleep they get that matters but also what time they go to bed.

It seems sleep is one of the most important parts of a child's general wellbeing.

The latest University of South Australia study on sleep times found children who go to bed earlier are less likely to be obese than those who stay up late

This indeed is true. I reckon the same go with adults. I am sure everyone noticed that when they didn't sleep good at night, they don't function as they do when a good night sleep occured.

Time is of the essence as well. As a parent, you are aware and have a fairly good idea when is your child tired and when that sleep is needed. But sometimes, they are not met due to circumstances - like putting up that teak wood patio furniture that everyone is excited about.

This is also a reminder for me although I am very much aware of it. The Tatapilla is active like an adult because he always evades sleep.

*****

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 real!

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Big Brother Phase

The Tatapilla is in a big brother phase. It would really be interesting to see if he has a little sister or brother to practice on. But that's another story.

Anyway, he has lots of stuffed toys and there's one blue bear that he favours. I can't remember buying it, must be a hand-me-down. But he likes it so much that he carries it with him around the house. He plays the big brother like looking after it, changing the nappy - pretend of course and just being the protective big brother. Just this morning, I saw the bear at the kitchen on the floor so I threw it at him in the lounge and I was told off during breakfast that just because I saw it in the floor it doesn't mean that I can throw it at him. The bear could get hurt. I didn't have an excuse for my abominable behaviour, really.

On another note, I read this letter from a Dad asking for advise for getting his kids (teenager) to do work around the house and I am just horrified. I haven't lived here long enough to really know how the parents should treat their children but I am not concern of that anyway. I rear Jens how I was brought-up regardless. But, I reckon as parents we need to teach our children young because they will be as adults what we teach them when they are in their formative years. There are so many things to teach our kids, like being kind to nature (and maybe use composters), being empathetic to others and just being a nice individual.

*****

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 real!

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New School

Today, the Tatapilla started on a new school. Still kindy or should I say pre-prep but a little bit different from the previous. We don't have any complaints on the previous, as a matter of fact, we will recommend it to anybody. The reason for the move is because of our moving to the area permanently. This is the 3rd school that he has been on. Hopefully, this is the last until he gets to prep. One big plus on this shift is the distance from home. Imagine taking you kid to school for just 2 minutes from your home? We can walk if the weather is nice or the Tatapilla can ride his bike.

The big consideration for shifting kindy is the kind of school and how is it run. He's moved before but it was so short and not so sweet. We want the best for our kid in preparation for his future ( which could involve Obstetrician & Gynecologist Jobs - it doesn't really matter). Plus, we want him to be happy. At the end of the day, that's the biggest factor.

*****

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 real!

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Sleep

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 our bed. He does, most of the nights and sometimes, I give in of course - I don't put eyelash growth serum for me not to be disturbed. But it's a move - one that we are all glad.

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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 real!

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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 at first but we have conditioned his mind and now, he's up to it.

*****

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 real!

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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.

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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 real!

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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 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 real!

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