Congrats Efren Penaflorida

Congratulations Efren Penaflorida! This is a follow-up post to a previous one.
I think you said it best, ". . . you are the change that you dream of, as I am the change that I dream, and collectively, we are the change that this world needs to be."

Be a hero to someone you know or don't know.

Yikes! Black Friday!

I came across some photos from SFGate.com about the shopping frenzies happening all-over the nation this Black Friday--it's enough to keep the sanest people at home. What's the deal? It's part thrill of lining up with hundreds of other people, scoring big ticket items at a deep discount, and for some, the true signal of the start of the Christmas season. I've never lined up for anything--ok, except to be a contestant for The Price Is Right (never got past the 3rd round) and get the iPhone 3GS when it launched--and that was due to my husband eager to get it and my cell phone at the time had been dead for over a week (not really smart when you're out and about with a baby--for emergency purposes of course). It was pretty exciting to be in line and share the enthusiasm or stupidity of doing it. I mean Old Navy opened its doors at 3 a.m.! Old Navy is such a bargain already, what more could you want to get your butt out of bed and stand in line beginning at 12 a.m.? All right, if I had multiple children to buy for, yeah it'd be a great deal. Times are tough these days, so scoring deals is a PLUS.

I remember last year Mr. Fliz thought seriously of getting up with our then NEWBORN to line up at Best Buy (he says, it's because the baby would be up anyway and it was during his shift--so why not?)--the reason--none. He just wanted to do it. Of course, I said no-leave the baby with me if you really need to fulfill this desire of hitting Best Buy as soon as their doors open to just "window shop." But he actually looks forward to lining up someday to get Micro the next "Tickle Me Elmo" or "Wii." In order to survive Black Friday or Christmas shopping in general--have plenty of snacks on hand (not just for the kids, but for yourself too), take frequent breaks if needed, and make a list--stick to your budgets as best you can (maybe pay in cash). 

If you have any crazy Black Friday stories, I'd love to hear them. Post it in the comments below. Happy Shopping All--and maybe, just maybe, you might see me out there helping the economy out today.

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/besighyawn/ / CC BY 2.0

Doesn't his face say it all?

Salamat!

Micro's first time on the Golden Gate Bridge

It's a been a year of "firsts" as my neighbor puts it--Micro's first trip to the zoo, attending a baseball and basketball game, and going down a slide. Mr. Fliz and I have much to be grateful for. We celebrated his first Easter, Pumpkin Patch outing, Flag Day, you name it--it was all his first. As Micro's 2nd Thanksgiving is approaching, I'm reminded of where I was a year ago--an overwhelmed, yet truly happy first-time mother. Micro was a little "milk monster" when he first arrived and I felt like a cow. Parenting took some getting used to. But I think Mr. Fliz and I handled it quite well considering the lack of sleep, energy, and appetite.

Now, no longer a rookie mother, I'm comforted in knowing that this holiday season I can appreciate it a bit more. Micro is growing up healthy (considering he's fighting his first true cold--actually we all are right now) and happy. I get more sleep these days and I'm getting a chance to write for the Oakland Examiner online. I'm sure life can be more difficult--given the current economic downturn.

I just want to thank all my friends and family who've supported me and my family through an amazing year. It's been rough here and there, but we really couldn't have managed without your unconditional love and endless support. You guys are a blessing. I've learned a lot from the "pro-moms and dads" out there. You guys are amazing parents and an inspiration to Mr. Fliz and I. To my girlfriends, who listened attentively when I felt like I was failing at motherhood, and "held my hand" during those trying times--Salamat! The pep talks and advice were comforting.

To God--geez what more can I say that you haven't heard me say in my prayers everyday? I value the relationship I have with you. Thanks for your grace.

I'm thankful for Mr. Fliz for putting up with my insanity, crazy outbursts, and who doesn't ridicule me for loving the "Twilight" saga, and appreciates the taste of a good brownie. More importantly, shares the same values as I do--like Dennis Quaid said in the movie, "In Good Company,". . . you just pick the right one to be in the fox hole with . . ." So I've chosen you, and boy am I glad :)

Last, and certainly not least, to Micro--words can't begin to express the love and joy you've brought your Daddy and I. This blog would not exist, if not for you. Thank you for making me a mommy.

Pinay Nanay and Micro at his first NBA game

Crafty Savviness

With Micro's first birthday party well behind us, I can look back on it and say, "ok, that was fun, but a lot of work." In true Filipino fashion, we celebrated with a big party and had lechon for our guests. My sister even managed to reuse her cupcake tower in a fun and pretty way without using any cupcakes.

In the weeks leading up to his birthday (which planning only commenced at the beginning of October-because I was too lazy to start any sooner-so you can throw a decent party in a month), I was working myself over about the little details and what I could do to not spend too much on favors and decorations. Not that a bunch of toddlers need a bunch of balloons, party hats, and such to have fun (give them some open space and a nearby playground and they're good to go), but I wanted to mark Micro's huge milestone in a fun and crafty way.

I'm by far the least craftiest of many of my girlfriends, but I can pull some surprises. Since Micro's birthday is close to Halloween, my husband and I didn't want to have a heavily-Halloween themed party. Invitations were done in blue and brown and peppered with Halloween accents. I made a birthday banner by using up old ribbon (boy, do I have a few!), cardstock, and printing 10 pictures of Micro. It was a more personal touch than buying the plastic-y kind at party stores (and it was fun to make and a great keepsake).

The favors my husband and I worked so tirelessly on, are what I'm proudest of the most. It was a collaborative effort.

I had saved A LOT of Micro's baby food jars and knew I wanted to do something creative with them at some point (yes, at 6 months of age, I had already begun thinking of ideas for his birthday) and didn't know what until it came time to plan Micro's grand affair. I originally intended to use the glass jars as favors and thought of making them into piggy banks, candles, or homemade preserves.  Then I'd label them like baby jars, but instead of nutritional info, it would be Micro's statistics (like his current weight, likes and dislikes, you get the picture). I discussed these ideas over a quick lunch with my bf, and she thought they were good, but too complicated and time consuming. She was clever enough to think of an Oprah episode where she saw some women make individual servings of hot chocolate as inexpensive, but creative Christmas gifts. So we talked and talked, and out came

With the idea born, I headed off to Michael's to see what I could do to make it look nice. So many ideas were swarming in my head, but I needed to make sure our execution would be easy and not too labor intensive. After two trips to Michael's, Micro's Hot Chocolate Mix turned out pretty good. I must say, Mr. Fliz and I did pretty good. I'm sure some of the favors had stickers coming off, but they were useful favors and eco-friendly--you could recycle the individual components.

It DOES take a village

*this is Micro watching me prep his bath, I just love the way he's looking at me

Yippee! Hooray! Micro turned 1! It was a momentous occasion. We had so much fun celebrating his birthday with family that had flown in from the East Coast and many loved family and friends too. Mr. Flizz and I can't thank each and every one of you enough for making his birthday a true celebration. We are very blessed!

Looking back on Micro's first year of life, it truly is unbelievable how much has happened. I hate to be so cliche, but it does take a village to raise a child. I could not have survived this past year without the endless love, support, and encouragement from my husband, parents, sister, in-laws, and good friends. Motherhood is so much more than being responsible for someone who is completely dependent on you. The unexpected joy it's brought me is unparalleled. There were definitely trying times (as I'm sure there will be for the rest of my life). But I've learned quite a few things, like putting on a diaper with one hand, that it's ok to make up my own lyrics when I've forgotten how a lullaby goes, that the advice of Dr. Karp goes a long way ("rise to his level"), sacrificing a shower means the rest of the world will have to suffer, I still detest poo, living in diapers is the easy life, crying can be a good thing, and that when it comes to Micro, there's nothing I wouldn't do to make his life better. His smile alone (even after 30 solid minutes of constant crying) is my reward at the end of a hard day.

Parenthood is HARD; it's hard on the marriage, it's hard emotionally and physically. Yet it's one of the best jobs there is. So I tip my hat to all the moms and dads before me, because even if you've only raised one "Micro", you've managed to survive the toughest job on earth.