Up

Russell's counterpart in "Up 2: The Green Balloon"

Pilot's license

He's almost 3 and already trying to fly away from me. My little Micro (the reason I even have a "mommy blog") is growing up right before my eyes. I know it seems that lately I'm always posting about how big my kids are getting and it's getting old (ha!), but really, sometimes I look at them and I don't know when my littlest dude is becoming a "big dude" and my baby is becoming a toddler. 

Can you see the sheer joy painted all over my son's face? He's like every other boy, totally and completely into vehicles. This is a ride found at our local zoo and last year at his birthday party there, he couldn't yet ride it because he was too short. Recently we brought him back and he was super excited that he could ride 90% of the rides now. All of a sudden, a whole new world has opened up for him. I told him it's because he's been drinking his milk and eating his broccoli like a superstar. Let's see how long that will last ;)

Summer Essentials-Get out!

Mommy & Micron's summer must-haves

I know this post is months late, but for some of us here in the Bay Area, summer is just beginning around the corner--talking to you SF. Though the above photo says it all, there's more to summer than straw hats, sunscreen, swimsuits, shorts, and water activities. Summer means long lazy days, wishing for cool, crisp nights, and getting outdoors to bask in the sun. This summer, I've got two little nuggets to keep me busy--more importantly, to keep them busy.

Lucky for us, where we live is conducive for lots of outdoor fun. Muy importante when we were house searching. Summer is important to keep the kids busy (especially if you have kids that go to school and are on summer break). As one teacher told me, "Boredom results in conduct issues." That applies to kids regardless if they are in or out of school. Even if it's a scorching hot day, find time (maybe evening time works best) to get outside and get some sort of fresh air for at least 30 minutes. It doesn't have to be a playground or park. Your backyard, side yard, or a stroll around the block helps. While living in an urban area, I took my son to the train station just a few blocks from our apartment. We'd watch trains pull in and out. He'd get plenty of stimulation and joy doing a simple thing like that. Make outings fun by playing little games like, "I Spy," or make your grocery outing a "treasure hunt."

Keeping kids busy during the summer ensures that they're getting the much-needed social interaction and stimulation they need. Of course, don't overdo it. Make plenty of time to just relax and laze about. Besides, what good is summer, if there's no laziness involved.

We lubs you lots!

Our little girl at 10.5 months

It is mind boggling how much faster time flies when you have children. It truly felt like yesterday when I was just holding my tiny Micron in the hospital right after I gave birth. She was the most beautiful baby girl I had laid eyes on, and still to this day, that remains. Of course I'm totally biased. One month from today, my Micron will turn 1. I can't even wrap my head around that. I'm completely under her spell and often get lost in her sea of smiles and giggles. She's pulling herself up on all our furniture and is a speedy little crawler. She makes me blush when she gives me that sideways glance and makes Daddy flush when her eyes brighten as she sees him walk in after a long day of work. The power of a smile is undeniable. I always knew that my second child would be a girl. Maybe it's a mother's instinct or just quiet, greedy, wishful hoping, but Micron came into my life and made the world of motherhood, all that more exciting. Now I have two babies to love endlessly.

Micron, you make us so incredibly happy. There is not a love note we can write that can do justice to how we feel about you. You've brought much joy to the lives of those around you (even complete strangers that have told me, "She just made my day."--Now, who can compete with that?). As you approach yet another milestone, your family wishes you true joy and happiness of heart, mind, and soul. Thank you so much my baby girl for choosing me and Mr. Fliz to be your parents. We've struck gold twice now! Mahal kita.