And I ask God that . . .

Micron has this ultra-cute habit of folding her hands, as if she's praying. It's what she does when she's lying down and crying, when some stranger is carrying her around for the first time, or in the case of the above photo, simply relaxing. 

I don't know why she does it, except I know that doing it brings her comfort. When she feels the need to feel secure and that everything is ok, despite the constant flow of tears, and the excessive crying, she's making herself feel better by interlocking her fingers. I just love it!

Book Plug: Lakas and the Manilatown Fish

Of course I could not omit doing a book review of a Tagalog/English book for toddlers. Though Micro and I have not quite gotten into this book, I thought it merits mentioning, at the very least. Lakas and the Manilatown Fish, is a colorful and playful story of Lakas, a young filipino boy, who meets a fish at the market who escapes, and both go on a little adventure through San Francisco. This book was given to us by my cousin, who, God bless her heart, is an exceptional artist, and quite thoughtful in getting this for Micro to help him (and me!) read about Filipino culture that is both entertaining and enlightening.

It's a rare find, and one you often won't see in many chain bookstores. The book is written in both Tagalog and English, which makes those who aren't fluent in either language, easier to read.

The material is still a bit difficult for Micro to understand at his age, but the colors pop out of the book so it's easy to keep him engaged. As Micro gets older, I'm sure he'll appreciate the whimsical storyline more, and it will give him insight (as well as Mr. Fliz) about Filipino culture.

Lolo Love

My Dad raised two girls. Very. Difficult. Indeed. So when I got pregnant the second time around, he thought I would have a girl. He was right. He also told the hubs, that having a daughter is special, that there is truly something to the Father/Daughter relationship. I knew even before we had Micron, that she would really have Daddy wrapped around her tiny fingers (well, both kids have that power). But there is something to what my Dad said. Whenever Micron sees her Daddy, she can't help but babble out loud for minutes on end and she showers him with smiles like no other. Each time I see the two of them interact, it brings me pure joy.

Yet Micron also has a special bond with her Lolo. Both are Year of the Tiger and like me, she adores him too. 

Thanks Lolo.

Love your Mama. No, not that one, This One

image from blog.shockwave.com

Adventures in babysitting

image from pinkmafia.ca.blog

To this day, neither of my kids have been watched by anyone other than family members or by good family friends whom they see often. Because I'm a SAHM, it's rare that they need to be watched by others. However, family and friends can only do so much, and even then, I don't want to rely solely on them for when I need to do errands, have time to myself, or for a date night. My parents have already done their share of child rearing with my sister and I. I realize there are positives to having your children exposed to other caretakers that you're not related to, but finding the best babysitter for your kids is a difficult, sensitive, and personal decision. 

I don't feel guilty trying to find a sitter despite being a SAHM. Parenting is a full-time job where there is no clock telling you it's time to go home and be relieved of your duties and responsibilities. (there's no such thing as "vacation" either) I feel it's important as a parent, that part of that responsibility is taking care of yourself so you can better care for your family. Sometimes, that requires relinquishing your "parental duties" for a few hours to someone else and doing things for yourself. Heck, running errands such as going to the grocery store or going to the doctor is easier if you don't bring kids along. But having a sitter is a luxury that many parents often can't afford. My husband and I try our best to schedule "date nights" and find time for each of us to reconnect with each other and ourselves amidst hectic weeks without the luxury of a paid sitter.

There are also cheaper alternatives to finding a babysitter or a nanny. There are co-ops and nanny shares available in your community. If there isn't, perhaps you should start one. Life is expensive and difficult at times with children. Even in the Philippines, the privileged few who can find afford a "yaya", still have a hard time finding ones that are trustworthy, reliable, and good with kids. 

As it stands now, the hubs and I are looking for a sitter or take part in a nanny share. This is a whole new world for us. I am in search for an experienced, jovial, adores kids, CPR certified, active (I've got a toddler and an antsy baby), affordable, and comes with references, sitter. If you happen to know one in Oakland or Alameda, please let me know. I'm using all available resources to find one (yes, I've reached out to fellow moms in my area, mothers groups, online resources). I'm sure there'll be someone who can fit the bill.

Monday. Monday.

Uh-oh. Looks like somebody's got a case of the Mun-days!

Well, it's been another busy weekend in our household and though the sun was clearly shining, the windy weather brought a bit of a chill around the Bay. That's ok, because courtesy of my dear Dad, we got ourselves a really nice, inexpensive, patio set that works for sunny and mild days, even breezy ones. Thanks Dad for running around to different Targets to find it and bringing it to the house. I can't wait to have some alfresco dining during the Spring/Summer. Look for those posts in the future.

It's Monday now, and though the days are longer, these past few weeks feel like they flew by. I don't necessarily have a "case of the Mondays," but Mondays in our neighborhood are trash, recycling, and compost pick-up days. Which means that my dear kiddos can easily wake-up from the loud, blaring noises those trucks make,instead of sleeping in. Luckily, it's only happened once that Micro woke up because of the trash truck, and he made a point of telling me that he heard them and that "they were loud Mommy."

So to all of you out there, have a good week and hope that you didn't wake up this morning with a "case of the Mondays."

10 Fun Facts About Me

I've had this blog for awhile now, and though I talk about pretty personal stuff about my kids on this blog--it's a mommy blog gosh darnit--I've never talked too much about me. So I'll share with you 10 "fun" facts-that depends on how you define "fun."

1. I'm short, like really, really short-just shy of five feet y'all.

2. I'm not a fan of chocolate cake. I'll eat it if I have to, but I definitely need to be in the mood to eat it. But I love chocolate.

you still following?

3. I love words. I like funky-spelled, funky-sounding ones. My favorite word is "deoxyribonucleic." 

4. Originally I was an English major (my parents ballyhooed that choice big time--hmm, well whaddaya know, I'm writing now. Let this be a lesson to us parents now and future ones--Let your children follow their passion--gosh I hope I remember that when it's time), then became a Biology major, then decided that neither of those were really making me happy, so I became an Economics major with a minor in Psychology. Yes, I'm a deeply introspective person, can't you tell? 

5. I hiked up to the top of Half Dome and back in Yosemite Valley in one day (on my second attempt) with Mr. Fliz. Once I got up there, one of the first things I said to him was, "If we ever get married and have kids, you can do this with them, while I stay down below and cheer you guys on." Then he got down on one knee and proposed. Guess I'll be going up again. 

6. I'm pretty fast at reading books. I can be working my way through 2 to 3 books at a time. 

7. I really love to travel. I hate packing. 

8. I collect spores, molds, and fungus. PSYCH! I have a great sense of humor. 

9. I laugh at my own jokes. See #8.

10. I believe in ghosts.

This one is for Kuya G. Thank you!

It's not the easiest job being a stay-at-home parent. Like I've said before, it definitely "takes a village" to raise a child. And more often than not, that village consists of one parent or caregiver doing the heavy lifting. But with that comes the rewards of being there to witness the milestones. Though Mr. Fliz is an incredibly supportive and giving husband, he often is at work when I need him the most, like calming everyone when either of the kids are having major meltdowns and tantrums. But he also misses out on some of the kids' "firsts." Yesterday came one of those moments where I know Mr. Fliz would have wanted to be witness to another one of Micro's firsts'.

Micro has owned a tricycle since he was 14 months old. It was a gift from Lola because she cherished the excitement Micro got whenever he saw a bike on the street or on the sidewalk. So she thought it fit that he have one, though I kept telling her it would be another year at least til he could get on one. The bike was too big for him for quite some time, until recently. Micro enjoyed the bike, yet he had shown little interest in learning how to ride the tricycle properly. He would just use his feet to scoot around on the bike. This past weekend he spent a good amount of time with his Kuya G (only 9 years old). Kuya G was ever the patient and "doting" (yes, I'm using that word because he was 'doting') older cousin, pushing Micro around on an old tricycle at cousin Jilly's party. And Micro was having himself a grand ol' time on that tricycle. (Of course, if someone wanted to push my big bum around for a few hours, I'm all for it!)

Well, Micro enjoyed it so much, that yesterday he was requesting me to bring him outside and push his little tush around while he merrily sat on his tricycle. Of course, I was in no real mood to strap Micron on my back and push Micro around for an hour. However, I had promised my baby and I didn't want to let him down. So I figured that afternoon would be as good as any to teach him how to pedal and ride his tricycle. The way it should be. Lo and behold, my baby managed to pedal a few inches to a few feet in a matter of minutes. A natural athlete. Ahem. ;)

I was flabbergasted and giddy with excitement. The people walking along the sidewalk must have thought I was one of those "loony mamas." But c'mon, my little boy was pedaling, he was learning to ride his tricycle!! It was truly a joyous and momentous occasion. For both Micro and me. I was so incredibly proud of my son and only wished Mr. Fliz was there to celebrate and witness it with me.

I'm dedicating this post to my awesome nephew, that's right, you, "G" man, whose patience with pushing Micro around on a tricycle paid off. You rock and rule!

And Micro, Mommy and Daddy are so VERY PROUD of you. You didn't give up and kept trying til you got it down. We hope you continue to foster a love of the outdoors and know to never give up. One small step leads to mighty big things.

Lola love

It's good to be loved by you.