Containment

 

nowhere to go

Mr. Fliz was right. Micron has begun crawling. The photo above is with her "patna's in crime." Micron and the young, handsome gentleman baby in black pants are able to crawl (though at the time of this photo she was still two days away from actually crawling--she's soo close) and the other handsome gentleman baby in blue is a month younger, but I'm sure mobility is in his mind. I am soo not prepared for having Micron crawl, because it means, 1) I have to limit my time cooking because I still have yet to fully baby-proof our house and I can only see so much over the counter in our kitchen 2) I'm hoping both kids won't take off in different directions (good luck, right?) 3) ohh the spaces and places she'll find to lodge her chubby little body into. 

I quite admire my friend's baby gate, or as they like to call it, "Alcatraz." You can see that Alcatraz is littered with many fun things to do, so why leave it? Awesome. I need me an Alcatraz.

Tahoe getaway with two kiddies

It's been a busy start to our summer. Wait, summer solstice just happened a few days ago. Geezles. Well, it has been busy. After Mr. Fliz took his Level 2 test for his CFA, we wrangled our kids + Lola to venture off to scenic Lake Tahoe for some major R & R. This was a belated birthday gift/getaway for Lola (who hasn't been to Tahoe in yeeearss!) and our "staycation." 

We rented a minivan and headed off for greener pastures (well, where we live is pretty green and gosh darn beautiful already). This would mark the first time both kids have been to Tahoe (though I was preggers with Micro the last time I was there a few years ago) and our first ever, long drive with them. Since neither of my kids have ever stayed put in a car for more than an hour and a half, this will be our biggest challenge (so we thought) and a test to see how they would fare during such a drive (from the Bay Area, Tahoe is roughly a 4-hour drive away). Both rugrats did amazingly well. We had a few rough patches with Micron, she just hated going back into her carrier after a lunch break. Micro and Micron did manage decent naps in the van as we drove up. 

Snow-capped mountains in June? Yes, believe it. Just 6 days before our arrival, it had snowed in Lake Tahoe. Crazy isn't it. Well, it was still beautiful up there in the Sierra Nevadas and I was glad we packed the swimsuits, come snow or sunshine. It was too quick of a trip for us, but Mr. Fliz and I managed some "alone time" to gamble and enjoy a drink or two, all by OURSELVES. Thanks Lola! Lola had a blast spending time with the kids, especially watching them play in the pool. If you've followed any of my writing about our travels, you know Micro is a bit too fearless when it comes to the pool and something we're not too comfortable with. This summer will be a good time for him to start some swim lessons. 

Micron enjoyed Tahoe as well. However, she put us through quite a difficult few nights of waking up every hour and a half. She was still getting used to her "new room" and sleeping in, what looked like an uncomfortable pack n' play from the hotel. The night time was tough on us, but we survived. Micron took to the pool immediately. Quite a divergence from Micro's first pool experience at the same age. It's really interesting when you have two kids and seeing the comparisons between their personalities. We took Micro out for a paddle-boat experience and played a game of "catch the pine cone in the water." For more on our Tahoe vacation, check it out here.

Daddy you Rock! Happy Father's Day

Daddy, you're the big man in our lives. Whenever we see you, we know it's play and cuddle time. Something we look forward to everyday. We laugh when you make silly faces, sing silly songs, or make silly sounds. You make pool time such an event and we've grown to love the water as much as you do. That's why bath time is the best time of the evening. And 90% of the time, you're the one giving us a bath, which means more bonus time spent with you. We love you and so does Mommy. 

Happy Father's Day!! To Mr. Fliz, for being an amazing father and husband. To my own Dad, whose given me many fond childhood memories and more to come with my kids, thank you. 

**Happy 5th Anniversary Mr. Fliz. Here we are still on a "journey of a lifetime," and we've managed to make our best collaborations yet. I <3 you. **

Gilroy Gardens

Since Micro was first born, I've looked forward to reliving my own childhood enthusiasm in visiting amusement parks. I heard of Gilroy Gardens from many of my girlfriends who had kids before me and recommended it as a great place for young toddlers. Given that Mr. Fliz has been busy studying for Level 2 of the CFA, I wrangled my mom, my sister, her boyfriend, and his kids, to go with me and my brood to Gilroy Gardens to have some Memorial Weekend fun. And boy did GG deliver!

Dapper J and Micro hanging out

Micro and Dapper J had a blast. It was Micro's first time to such a place. GG had an online special called a "lotsa pass." Worked to our advantage!! You pay a discounted entrance fee and get a membership card that entitles you to come back as many times as you like til a particular date in November, for "free!" (however, parking is $10 each time). What a deal!

GG is a great destination for toddlers and young kids. It's a great place to do before doing The Big D. At the suggestion of my girlfriend, she recommended to do it as a "dry run" for The Big D. Good advice. It was an opportunity for me to see how we and Micro would handle overstimulation. GG however, is not nearly half the size of Big D, and is in the formation of one large circle. There's plenty of shade and benches. Surprisingly, there weren't too many people on the day we went (even though it was a holiday weekend) and the weather was perfect. Sunny but with a good breeze. Gilroy is normally very hot during this time of year, so if you plan a visit, plan accordingly.

There are toddler-friendly rides (based on height), kiddie games, a merry-go-round, and plenty of food options. Micro and Dapper J had a blast, to say the least. In fact, Lola was having a blast too. Her excitement couldn't be contained either :) Seeing Micro so enthusiastic and behaving well (who is this kid?) made the entire experience worthwhile. He wasn't afraid of heights or spinning rides. Micro patiently waited in line for the rides and wasn't gawking at everything being sold--of course, I tried to steer him clear of those. GG was a great weekend escape. I highly recommend making a day trip of it (if you live in the Bay Area) and come prepared for a few hours of amusement park fun.

Next year we'll attempt The Big D with the kids and Micron will get her turn to party at Gilroy Gardens.

Ninang, puhleease can we go again?

Micron enjoying GG

The World is Mine

Hey sweet bug, you are 9 months old today. Dance party! 

It's always a joy to watch you grow and develop. For the past few weeks you've been getting on all fours and scootin' your bum around trying to get ready to crawl. Daddy predicts you'll be crawling before the month ends, and that prediction may very well come true. Your two front teeth made their appearance and now, there's nothing to stop you for total world domination (at least, once you get mobile). Hehe!

I know it's hard being the youngest because Kuya still needs a lot of Mommy & Daddy's attention. But you get plenty, and trust me, you will not be hurting for it, ever. Daddy, Kuya M, and I love you dearly. You bring such joy to everyone you meet. Your smile melts icicles, your laugh resounds in the tiniest of spaces, and you are incredibly yummy to kiss. We love you Micron! Always and Forever.

Mommy's littlest dude

silly Micro

As of today, my eldest child is 2 years and 7 months. Boy, has he grown. I look at him and I'm in awe of this little being who loves nothing more than to gab, gab, gab. I barely can hear my own thoughts anymore. Silence only exists when both my kids are napping or everyone has turned in for the night. Other than that, I pretty much don't have a moment to figure out what exactly is going on in my head? Hmm?

Micro is also a very expressive and often, silly little boy. He makes me laugh constantly. But he's also at that age where he's stringing together sentences and trying to express his thoughts. And, sometimes behaves like a "tape recorder." I love my littlest dude and he's pretty cool too.