BENEDICT: "When I Grow Up, What Will I Be?"

" a TEACHER?...or maybe a VET...i just luv animals. I can identify all of 'em in this chart ;-D

a PILOT? that was Daddy's dream occupation...

perhaps become an EQUESTRIAN, a world-class at that, huh?...

or how about becoming a KARATE CHAMPION? just like my Ate Gabby is right now?

will this qualify me to become a MODEL?

Oh well... if I'll turn out to be a beach bum, then being a uber-cool LIFEGUARD, complete with abs would be it! Life will be a beach...

of course, there's always the usual i love to be a DOCTOR answer given by tiny tikes like me when asked what will we want to be when we grow up...

however i would turn up to be, I know Dad & Mom will always be behind me 101% all the way. "

The Little Leaps and the little boy..

Amongst his Leap Frog loot is the Little Leaps Grow-with-Me Learning system which we had ordered pa together with our merchandise. Actually, I think I am more excited than the little boy to try out this particular toy. I have heard/read lots of raves & reviews over this award-winning educational toy, inspite of its short circulation in the market. This was only released recently. But already amongst the best-sellers in the Leap Frog extensive variety of educational toys. I'm sure as a mom, most can relate to this excitement...

My only worry is that my friend told me a few days ago that she had a hard time setting up the system when she tried hers. I was worried it's going to be difficult & all-technical. I wish Marlon need not go to the office early so he could have been the one setting it up. Haay, I can only follow the manual and instructions, but you know how men are more wired to understand the technical stuffs? (But I guess, it's not really true to..I must admit that it just gets me off the hook easily..hehe) But in times like these, I have to rise to the occassion..no choice na, the little boy is patiently waiting for me to set-up his new toy. It's TV & DVD-connected, so I have to read through the manual for the codes and all. And it doesn't help that the little boy is so "hands-on"... (read: hilabtanon..hehe) But who am I to complain? Whose toy is it anyway? hahaha..

But with Baby Tad around to keep him company, I was able to set-up the new Little Leaps system in peace...after a few missed attemps on the codes, 'coz Benedict was occupied with his new friend.

The rest of the afternoon and even after dinner, was spent playing with his Little Leaps...he also liked pushing & pulling the buttons. So far, he likes the red circle button on the center, but he can say "boo" (blue) which means he can actually identify the blue rectangular button on his left. I think I am more excited than Benedict..hahaha..I tried pushing the buttons myself. And we had fun late in the afternoon bonding over his new toys.

I have only opened two CDs which are all played in the "baby mode"...The first one has a title of"Say It, Baby" which will teach about common first words... but today, we only tried the "Play & Move" CD. I thought it would be best to open a new one every month so that he can maximize the learning moments...get to really tinker with each & every title and its respective lesson/fun games. Just enough time to really get to play with each CD extensively. I had this Baby Mode CDs kept in the closet...

• Leap Ahead
• First Steps
• Creative Baby:Discovering Music & Artistic Expression
• Winnie The Pooh: Exploring Feelings and Friendships

And after his 2nd birthday, he will be ready to move on to the "toddler" mode CDs which has the following titles:

• The Backyardigans:Learning Rhythm and Movement
• Thomas and Friends: Exploring Manners and Emotions
• Dora The Explorer: Discovering Words and Language

When I see my little prince enjoying his new toy like this, it makes me so thankful that we get to buy stuffs for him. And I love my husband even more bec. he makes effort to work hard just so his son can "play hard". Thanks so much Babes! We love you so, Dada...

Benedict and his new "friend" Tad

The little boy was so tired of yesterday's activities, imagine skipping his usual 2-4 hr. afternoon nap altogether...but that was partly our fault too. We dragged him to the airport with us to fetch Auntie Heny. And to Abel's clinic where Auntie had a dental appointment. And of course, he was excited playing with Ate Gabby. No wonder that this morning, he was teary-eyed when he looked for me the moment he woke up. I was already in my work area checkin' emails. But he was all smiles when he saw his surprise!

We finally got our boxful of Leap Frog stuffs...but most of the books are kept directly in the closet to avoid being lugged around by the little boy. He wont be needing them just yet. But I am already satisfied with the purchases I have made...which the Daddy obviously had to pay for... But in terms of educational materials such as this one, we do not scrimp. It doesn't matter if we have to sacrifice a few shopping spree, dining out & dates... Marlon & I always agree, when it comes to Benedict... better more, than less. We make ways to be able to provide him the necessary tools but of course we can not afford everything also, but for the most part at least we try our very best. And nothing beats personal attention...being physically present ever...Oh you'd be surprised how the young boy prefers more cuddles & kisses than new toys and gadgets. At least, we are consoled that the right values are in place.

Just the same, my little munchkin is so happy with his new stuffs. Of course the first thing to catch his attention is the cute little thing...his new learning friend we named "Baby Tad". I have such a sweet little boy for a son. He hugs me tight for no reason at all (with matching "hmmmm" sound) occassionally accompanied by kisses on the lips pa. And he does the same too on some of his fave toys...esp. Mickey Mouse. But this morning, after my good morning hug & kiss, the receipient of his affection is the new toy still in it's box.

In fact, after his lunch I was able to set-up his new Little Leaps system in peace...after a few missed attemps on the codes, 'coz Benedict was occupied with his new friend. They were singing a counting song (which I am actually not familiar with) and by mid-noon, he was already adding "ten" to his few counting vocabulary consisting of only "eight" and "nan" (nine).

He was so smitten with the new toy that when he napped in the afternoon, he was hugging the stuffed toy to sleep. And he's constantly hugging (or maybe wrestling is the more appropriate word?...haha) Baby Tad again tonight just before his bedtime.

I just removed the toy from his arms when he was in deep slumber 'coz it might sing and wake us all up in the middle of the night should my little guy roll over it. I feel satisfied that we can now "guess" what kind of toys he prefers. Oh, it mostly involves cars & everything with wheels, and balls of all sizes...Lately he loves books too, the ones with flaps most especially. I hope this Tad would be amongst his fave ones, so that Mickey Mouse can be given a rest too.

Huggies-Chicco promo

I was pissed off these past 2 days because a representative from Huggies delivered the wrong toy to my place. And bec. my houseboy didn't know the difference (a slide is...a slide to him) so he accepted it, gave the 50 points worth of empty Huggies wrappers and paid the cash portion of Php 2,000.

You can just imagine my dismay when an hour after, I saw the new "Chicco" slides, now all cleaned up (wiped with Lysol at that) and ready for my little munchkin to tumble down. Good thing that the little one is still napping. I immediately texted the representative first to ask if Step 2 is same as Chicco...he replied that Step 2 costs Php 500 more than the Chicco slides. hmmm, really? I told Marlon to drop by our fave toyshoppe in the vicinity, Ventura--which carries all known brands of kiddie toys & gadgets (Little Tikes, Chicco, Playskool, the likes...) and guess what? The salesclerks there, whom we have befriended already for being repeat customers...told hubby that said brand (Step 2) is not the same as Chicco. Their plastic is not only thinner but a bit more rought too as compared with the Chicco brand. Oh, oh! I am slowly heating up to a boil...grrrr!!!

I immediately texted the same representative to make the complaint. To his benefit, he also made a Huggies representative call me. Explaining that they dont have the Chicco slides anymore & that Step 2 is a sister company (really? how come I never heard of the said brand before?). Anyway, I told the said girl representative to just make sure that this slides delivered to me will be exchanged with the Chicco ones. And she did say that she will forward my concern to someone on the next higher rank. Okay...what else can I do? I emailed my sisters at Newlyweds@Work but it seems that aside from 2 other people, no one else is bothered by the same thing that's pissing me off.

I remembered my own sister whom I have convinced to buy a boxful of Huggies diapers so she can avail of the same promo. I even hand-carried the said box to Cebu since we bought it here in CDO at special price from my SIL's pharmacy. Anyway, she did say that she will also call the Huggies Cebu office to relay my concern in case they won't be calling me anytime soon.

The whole day almost passed by, no calls whatsoever..Oh, i got a text message from the guy representative (the one who delivered the Step2 slides to my place) asking for my email address. It gave me an idea, browsing through a Huggies leaflet, i got an email address. So I recounted all the events starting from when I placed the first call informing them of my desired toy to redeem, to how my friend got her slides first when in fact I have placed my order ahead of her (I should know this bec. I have shared my extra wrappers with her then AFTER i have placed the call)...to how I had been trying to call them up a few more times to make a follow-up up to how the said representative even tried to make me meet him up for the exchange of slides & wrappers making me believe all this time that he is delivering a Chicco slides (even indicated it in his text messages), when in fact it was clearly stated in the same leaflets they have given out last year that FOR RESIDENTS OUTSIDE THE SAID AREAS (where there are respective redemption centers, such as Cebu & Davao), TOYS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THEIR ADDRESSES. I texted the same representative that I am so disappointed with the service they are giving and it speaks of the poor customer service of their company.

I don't know if that did it or the fact that I warned them too through that lengthy email that I wont hesitate to bring this case to the local DTI to make a formal complaint against them. Barely an hour or roughly 30 mins. after I've hit the sent button, I received a call from a certain Rowena Orbon, a marketing representative this time, apologizing profusely and promising to deliver the Chicco slides not later than 2 weeks from now, as she said there will be deliveries she had expected to come next week. So much for Chicco slides being faced out hence the exchange to Step 2...i pity how corporate people can be forced to make lame excuses and blatant lies?!

The moral of this long story? Know our basic consumer rights! I did it once I won't hesitate to do it once again...if only to teach these giant companies that we consumers should be their topmost priority when they go into promotions like this. After all who came up with these promo ideas in the first place? And they could have saved their whole ass if only they had not forgotten to write on their leaflets a one-line all important waiver "offer good while supply lasts..."

Anyway, I'll be counting the days when I get hold of the real Chicco slides. And this time they better deliver on their promise...

Benedict is now 18 months old!

and we are more excited than the little one...

I am thinking along the lines of POTTY TRAINING and DISCIPLINE, while the Daddy is more concerned with the 2nd Birthday Party Plans...o di ba? Life is sweet for those who are simplier!

Oh, how time flies! We now have a very active toddler who wears us both when he is up to it, which is almost always.

We now can't get through the entire mass because for sure, 5 mins. after we would wheel him into the "church" (more like the airconditioned Atrium of LimKetKai mall converted into a chapel set-up), he would be fidgeting in his stroller (strapping him on it is sometimes a struggle in itself), and like he got ants on his pants, he's sure to roam around the place...to the glass-encased pond with the biggest Koi I've ever seen, and the man-made waterfalls that surely draws kids like my little Benedict.

We can hardly match his energy thus we do not frequent the malls these days. Kapoy kaha ug gukod sah? Ma-wa akong poise! hahaha...Marlon's getting enough exercise followint the little boy around. And oh Boy! does he love to...nope, not walk but break into a run...when he gets excited by...almost anything...from the zooming mall train (which used to scare him off like a rabbit with its bells in the past) to the "neigh" (the horse) in the carousel which he rides with gusto now...promting the Daddy to buy 2 tickets nalang coz he is sure to ask for 1 more ride after the first one. And he loves to follow little fellas like himself. hmmm, he seems to think he is independent huh? Ah, the mommy in me dreads the time when he gets independent enough to not need me around...*sniff,sniff*

Marlon is constantly buying Bengay, the extra-strength variety at that..but then again it could also be because he is not getting any younger...hehehe. But I think we both know who the real culprit is for the Daddy's excruciating back pains. But then again who taught him that piggy-back is fun, fun, fun???

And Benedict can really wear us out, what with all the climbing on the toy boxes...the couch...even the bookshelf. We really have to wish for extra pairs of hands & a pair of eyes to go with that apositioned at the back of our heads pls... I'm sure God would trully understand the simple wishes of a mom...

But on a more positive and happy note, we are excited..and happy...and looking forward to the joys Benedict will surely bring the house now that he is fully mobile (running at top speed), communicative (saying words that only he can understand, "babbles" really...but he expects you to fully comprehend, lest you get the raised eyebrow which seems to say "huh Mom! which planet are you from?" Oh men! And to think this little munchkin is only a year & a half old.) and aggressive! oh the little darling knows what he wants/or doesn't want for himself. And it totally takes all of my willpower not to spank the little butt bec. he can really be a handful. I think I have to be contemplating on using the "time-out" na.

Oh well, we always take it one day at a time...and we take pride in raising the little boy the way we want him raised. The discipline, we will get to that...meantime, can I enjoy the sweet little hugs from behind (hmmmm, with matching sloppy, wet kisses) everytime the little boy feels like it? (but I do seem to notice that follwing this is a no-nonsense request of a "nene" (milk), which suggests that my little prince somewhat has an idea about "suhol" na?

Yes or No? =D

Isn't being a mom so amusing at times? I just introduced the word "Yes" to my Benedict who seems to answer all questions now with a firm "No!" with matching shaking of head pa. I invite you to eavesdrop on me & my little boy's conversation...

Mommy: Do you want a siobe (baby sister)? Yes or No?

Little Boy: No!

Mommy: Do you want a sioti (baby brother)? Yes or No?

Little Boy: No! (shaking his head pa)

Mommy: How about a fish?----

Little Boy: (without missing a beat) Yes! (with hand gesture pa)

***toink!***

Birthday Stories

I have yet to upload the pictures, but both occassions were very happy events...Marlon & my natal day! We had unexpected (but very much-welcome) visitors. My mom came over, primarily for her monthly check-up (she's a diabetic) and also from Marlon's side of the family, Nana & Nono came over to celebrate our birthdays with us. They also have to renew their passports. Didn't they all have hidden agenda for coming over? Hmp!

Auntie Heny, from L.A. here for a long vacation, arrived via PAL last Saturday with another relative, Auntie Suzy (technically our ninang sa wedding coz her hubby Uncle Nando is our wedding sponsor).

We only had dinner at home on Saturday. That's actually Marlon's bday! To do away with stress, I told my SIL Ate Dul, not to cook anymore & that we just order all food from our fave restos...to save on energy and to have more time to spend with each other.

Twas just us...our household & my SILs pharmacy staff and the people mentioned above who joined us for dinner. Some of Marlon's staff has to stay in the bodega so food was sent over to them na lang. Abel & Oboy and their not-so-little angel Gabby came and celebrated with us too. So my little boy is ecstatic to see her BFF (best friend forever! cousin)...so much so that he was having nightmare at midnight. Marlon's titas commented that it must be bec. he was overstimulated..hay, an understatement! When Gabby is around, Benedict can last til 1am playing ...what can i do? they're kids! There's only 2 of 'em but they can bring the roof down. I can't wait for the other cousins to come over..hehe

Sunday morning we attended mass at the Atrium and had lunch over at Kagay-anon. It's my bday!!! After that we visited Carmelites once again and toured our visitors to the Divine Mercy Shrine in nearby El Salvador. After which, we brought them to Panagatan for dinner. They love the wide assortment of seafoods. Wala yan sa States! hahaha

Hmmm, I'm now 31...i feel old! I hope I don't look old...(uyyy, fishing for compliments, hahaha). I am at a point in my life where I am happy and contented with who I am and what I have achieved, thus far. My family, esp. the little boy is the most important treasure I have. My Marlon is the soulmate God sent my way. And our little boy is very much the "angel" we have longed- and prayed-for all these years.

What are my wishes/resolutions?

• Hope we get to travel to more places this year. Cebu & Bora trips definitely booked for May. Hope there can be even 1 trip abroad, maski Asia lang. Hmmm, have to do well sa mga raket to fund these trips.
• I am not sure if we are serious abt it but we might decide to try for a baby middle of the year, when I am off the pill. Hopefully the polycistic ovaries will heal itself and the medication I am currently taking will work.
• Arg! Oh i need to diet...and exercise! My OB advised me to take care of my health. I have started seeing an Endocrinologist too, as my mom is a diabetic, so I am also prone to be one. I may be "slim" but I may not be fit so I have to do something about this.
• I also pray that we can continue to give to our fave charity. Inspite of the hard times, we are never too poor to give.
• I also wish that I can have the courage to be able to drive. I really need to learn this skill coz we might be enrolling Benedict in a playgroup soon. And I cant always rely on the Daddy to chaffeur us around.
• If there's one more wish I'd wish for myself, it's for my online toyshoppe to thrive and prosper. I'm keeping a positive attitude on this, with the help of dear friends and family, I know anything is possible under the sun.

Oh I've always been a firm believer and will always validate that God is so good.

And so I will end this bday post resting on my laurels for a while. I have been a good daughter, grand-daughter, sister, sister-in-law, friend, colleague, cousin, wife, mom, soulmate, neighbor, barkada, classmate, student and most importantly a good child of God....and will continue to be the best that I can be...hoping, praying, doing all that I can...always trusting that the best is yet to come...

Happy bday to my Babes and to me!!! **cheers**

blowin' bubbles

Mommy & Benedict's bonding time includes a night-time bath before we retire for the night. Mostly we play with bath toys like the rubber duckies, the froggies and his turtle friends.

But last night, we added to our list of fun things to do in the bathroom the blowing of bubbles. Oh the little one shrieks in delight! I love hearing his pure tinkling laughters.

If you ever wonder who is the one behind the lens, of course there's no one else but Dad...who mind you had to climb over the tub just to get top-view shots The things fatherhood can make you a person do. What an we say we're head-over-heels in love with our little boy.

The little guy loves popping the bubbles...and mom & dad loves watching him do so

father-son shopping

Marlon and Benedict checking out the little one's new hot wheels track. See the little boy's reaction when he saw the box? He said "Wow!" over and over again. Talk about being appreciative!

He couldn't seem to contain his excitement too...Daddy had a hard time assembling the whole set bec. the tiny hands just loves "helping" Daddy out...hahaha

We also love watching him at play lately 'coz he kinda mumbles to himself and would even include us in his "talking"...sometimes engaging me or his Daddy in an "animated" conversation. I would usually sort of decipher his talks and guess what he means...reading between the lines. Part of the role of "mommy" is being the interpreter. Marlon would oftentimes give me his clueless look and I would immediately bridge their conversation. So far, I must have been successful coz my son would reward me with a quick hug or the sweetest smile...which would promptly melt my heart...

Just take a look at this particular pic. Although this is not for me. I am guessing that it is for Dada, who got him this latest toy of his.

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Post-Valentine Date

Marlon surprised us by going home early yesterday. So off we went to SM for a little post-Valentine dinner. True enough, restos there still has long-stemmed roses as centerpieces. Still feels like V-day alright minus the queueing to get the table.

When we arrived at 5pm, I was famished already but don't want to ruin my appetite for dinner so we just had a quick bite at Pizza Hut, where the little boy enjoyed playing with Yaya at their "playhouse". He doesn't fancy their hat though so I had to take super-quick shots since he swiftly takes them off.

So that we can finish our food, we allowed him to ride the train with Yaya, which unfortunately is being recharged so it's not available for another 40 mins. Ok lang sad for the little boy to just sit and wait. Though we didn't wait til the train got fully recharged, we just made him ride the horse in the merry-go-round and he was more than happy to oblige.

Then off he went to the "taxi" ride, while I was able to shop for what's new at National Bookstore and Booksale alike...weeee! I feel like am in heaven when I am left to roam these places.

Was able to buy the Moms Today ish where Tessa Prieto-Valdez was on cover, while I was able to get a few Dr. Seuss titles for Benedict at a lesser price, bec. I got them at BookSale.

While at Book Sale, there was a mom I came across who kinda pissed me off bec. of her comment about my little boy. He was asking my Yaya man gud how old is my kiddo, so Yaya replied with 1 yr. 5 months. The she proceeded with regalling me with her tale of how her 2-yo boy is speaking well na at 1yr. 2 months. Bec. she was playing all these tapes while he was still on her tummy and bombarding the boy with educational videos daw. I just smiled at her and said "Oh that's very good, Ma'am." then turning to his little one, I told his boy "You're such a bright boy, sweetie!". But the thing is his boy squirmed and hid behind his Mommy's back.

I never did pressure my little boy to learn anything. He does it mostly on his own. What I do is just support him when I see that he is interested in something.

And without missing a bi, the lady added "Lain-lain jud diay noh?" (each child is different right?) My little boy is only interested in cars and nothing else...Oh men! I wish I had the guts to tell her that its never good to push the little ones. But then again, if she's so convinced about her parenting style.. I would have loved to brag that my little boy can identify most of the common animals now, but bit my tongue. I really don't know this stranger...and who does she think she is counseling me on my "teaching" style. To each his own! We are all entitled to think we are doing the best we can for our own child. I just gave her a lame smile, and proceeded to pay for my purchases, so I can stay away from that nosy lady.

Grrr...it irritates me still. I know she must have meant well. And on the other hand, she really has the right to brag & tell the world of her son's achievements. It's just that she came off very arrogant and know-it-all. You know the type!

How many times in the past was I tempted to "teach" my little boy the ABCs and the Numbers...but I couldn't see the interest yet. Inspite of the videos and music I have exposed him to. So, I backed off and reasoned that if he would want to, he would somehow show me that he is interested. I do still play those videos occassionally (when he's bored of the usual Mickey, Hi-5 and Barney stuffs na) but mostly I just give him waht he likes. After all the best "teaching" we can impart on our children is how we love them unconditionally.

Aw, that somehow ruined our post-Valentine family date. But not quite...

I still am happy with the books I got. Here are the titles: the classic Green Eggs and Ham, There's a Wocket in my Pocket, The Foot Book, Go Dog Go and Sesame Street's It's Not Easy Being Big! great value for these books...and great savings for Marlon's pocket.

the black-eye

Last Wednesday, the little boy playing with his table accidentally toppled forward. He did not regain his balance in time thus hitting his face on his toy. I thought he banged his head so I was frantically searching for a "bukol".

I was even more dismayed when I saw that he hit the corner of his eye. Was in a panic mode so I called up his pedia, who advised me to go see her in the clinic right away. Fortunately, twas only the outside of his eyelid. No cuts whatsoever. I was so scared as it's so near the corner of the eye. Haay!

Now 3 days after the accident, the eye has a yellowish brown mark...true sign of being bruised. My sis told me to take pics for posterity's sake...hehe. And so i thought of posting it here.

Hopefully, I pray that there won't be any other "accidents" such as this..Haay! wishful thinking Mom. My Benedict is so active and full of energy that between me & his Yaya, such a thing as this can still happen.

Take a look at how I have to chase him all over the bed every after bath. Oh boy!

Happy Heart's Day!

Happy love day everyone!