Can you not admire this hunk? :)

photo taken by ate Ghie right after his morning bath, and just before I was able to tidy up his hair :)

Sharing with you pictures of the little boy taken about two weeks ago while he was busy tending to his environmental duties, trying to save planet earth :)

Scene 1: Mom, what happened to this plant?!

Scene 2: Di bale, there's hope!
Scene 3: This is all we have now...gimme the sprinkler
Scene 4: See how fast they grow?

Scene 5: Boy am I good!

I've been invited by nice to answer her question of the week.

Here’s the drill:

The aim of these questions is to share opinions and experiences among moms (or dads) in the blogosphere. Each week a new question will be posted and I’m inviting mom and dads to answer and share their thoughts about it. If you are participating, leave your links in the comments section. Link back to this site inviting other parents to join the fun.Try to visit the other participants…you will love their answers, that’s for sure.
Now, for this week’s question: What are the names of your kids? Who picked them? Any significance of that name/s?

Name: Isaiah Miguel

Meaning:
Isaiah - salvation of God; the Lord helps
Miguel - who resembles God

Nicknames: he goes by a lot--miguel, chik, mimi, papa, manyu! don't ask me what they mean...these names just come out of me whenever i'm so gigil :)

Isaiah wasn't actually our first choice of name. We were still choosing between Miguel and Gabriel but Nico's cousin whose wife gave birth to a boy months before I was due already named their son Gabriel. It so happened that when I was pregnant, my sister and two other relatives were also pregnant with boys, so before we ran out of nice names we decided to announce to the world that we're naming him miguel. And then we researched for a second name. Antonio, Alfonzo, Inigo, Isaiah, Marco, Lorenzo, etc. But either the name is already given to a cousin or I just didn't find them appealing. Until Nico suggested that we choose Isaiah since my nickname happens to be one variation of Isaiah. And Miguel sounds like his name "Nicoell", hahaha :) ang babaw!

I wasn't too happy with the name we settled for, but one thing I realized now is that it doesn't matter whether you find the name odd, you will eventually find it the most special, most precious name in the world, simply because that's how you feel towards your baby. And I wouldn't have named him something else. :)

Nico reminded me about teaching Miguel to pray, so a few days ago we started taking turns in praying with Miguel as part of our bedtime routine. He learns really fast that after the first night he already knows how to put his hands together in a prayer gesture when he hears us say "it's time to pray."

Tonight when we were almost set to go to bed, he took out a book from the stack and so I volunteered to read a story to him. The story's entitled "Young Jesus." After reading a few lines, I was amazed to see that he put his hands together in prayer! Apparently, he understands the association between "prayer" and "Jesus." So I confirmed that he's right in associating the prayer gesture to Jesus and we went on to say our bedtime prayer. :)

It seems I'm running out of ideas to keep my little boy entertained. Being an active tot, you wouldn't catch him sitting on a single activity for a long period. Recently though, I've been feeling really stressed over his obsession with "The Circle of Life."

It started when Kuya Pei popped in the Lion King dvd. I was surprised to see that Miguel was interested to watch. Whereas before, when I tried to let him watch Barney, he didn't pay any attention. I didn't mind that he watched simba's tale that day. Fortunately, he's only interested in the part when rafiki would lift simba up in presentation. (You may notice by now that I've watched it several times already that I know the names of the characters, hehehe:)) But when he kept on "asking" me to play it again the following day, I got concerned.

You see, the problem with our house is that you can find TV in every corner, literally! And there's one that's meant for magic sing and radio and dvd. Miguel would take my hand and lead me to where that TV is so I could put in the dvd for him. Apparently I have a Disney sing-along DVD which has the circle of life as the first song, so one time that's what I put in so I could take it out again after his fave part is done. It worked for a while until the once a day tv time progressed to twice then three times a day. At times I am successful at distracting him with other activities but there are just too many things that remind him of tv!!

I don't dream of ever having a kid whose eyes are glued to tv all the time so I'm taking every possible precaution. Besides it's easier to not let him get addicted to tv than to reason out with him someday why he couldn't watch barney and thomas and what-have-you all day long. And besides, I believe there are a lot of other activities that are worthy of our time than watching tv.

I took the opportunity this morning to introduce him to a new activity. Since he's an early riser, we would normally be running around the neighborhood at 530am. This morning was no exception. At around 630am, we went back in the house and he spent a few minutes scattering all his clothes and putting them back in the closet. I just let him. When he got bored he took out a book and I read a few lines. After a while, he tugged at my shirt again and led me to the moondeck (this is our laundry area that doubles as a garden). We don't normally spend time here but since it's summer and we couldn't head off to the beach, an idea came to me. We went up to the moondeck and I filled two basins with water, gave him a few tools (plastic toys such as a seahorse, crab, shovel and sprinkler) and we're set. He had the grandest time of his life sprinkling water on the plants, getting soil from the pot and just messing up. I'm happy to have found a new activity he could enjoy.

And he didn't remember to watch TV. :)

PS.
Dear moms, can you share your toddler's activities with us, please? We need more ideas. Thanks!

It's supposed to be a fun day today. But we need to go to the lab in a while to get some tests done on the little boy. This will be the third and hopefully the last test he'd need to endure during his toddlerhood (lifetime sana). I almost wanted to skip this one, but I realized I'd want to know if the meds did work.

You may be wondering what's this I'm babbling about. Well, I certainly hope to blog more extensively about why Miguel has been on meds for months now and has to undergo series of tests. Promise, I'll do that one day.

But oh, I hope you don't think of him as a sickly little boy! He's the opposite, in fact. He's one happy boy. Always smiling and giggling and "talking." He may not be chubby, but he sure knows how to sap every bit of my energy during playtime! :)

Waaaaaa :( I thought we 'd make it to the next doctor's appointment without any incident.

I've kept my fingers crossed since last check up. The next one is on Saturday, May 3.

And then there's the nosedrip again! Waaaaaa! :(

If my memory serves me right, there was never a month this year that he hasn't got colds. And it's usually clear and dripping. The last time we went to the doc, it was confirmed to be an allergic reaction. To something, I don't know! It could be the chickens, darn chickens. He's not eating chicken but he loves chasing them! Or it could be the haystack at the neighbor's yard. But whatever, I'm dead sure he's allergic to something that's here around us.

Probably the most acceptable reason we have for deciding to ship out.

So yes, the neb's at work again. And zyrtec, too. Pray it will work.

Here are some of the pages from Isaiah's First Year Book printed at The Picture Book.

My final rating would be 7 out of 10. The reprinted copy of the book is much better than the original, at least the photos appeared clearer and the redness was minimized. However, it took them another two weeks to finish the reprint. Naubos na lahat ng excitement ko!

Anyway, I chose the classic style for this album because feeling ko sayang ang space if I'd go for the crayon template which was initially suggested--yung style na may borders and the photos are mostly in the middle of the page. Feeling ko gusto ko makita ang mga photos na ito in all their glory hehehe. And there are just some photos that are too precious NOT to be printed on a half-spread!

Nabitin lang ako sa captions. I didn't prepare any captions kasi when I prepared the photos at home cause I thought I'd just think about it when I'm doing the layout na at PictureBook, kaso lang when I went there I was with Miguel who was tugging at my shirt the whole time. Nico bribed him with an ice cream and he was pacified for a while, tapos eto na ulet. So I ended up rushing the process, di ko na nalagyan ng captions.

Anyway, gwapo naman ang anak ko sa lahat ng photos and I was able to narrow down the pages to 23 na lang (sa dinami dami ng photos na gusto kong ilagay!) and the whole book captured his development naman from birth to first year, so happy na din.

Next project is Isaiah's birthday party photos. Delayed na naman ako, haven't printed a single photo. Namamahalan ako sa album ng photographer e, so I'm thinking baka ipa-PictureBook ko na din. But I've learned my lesson well...I'll do the captions na and will probably do some collage since medyo limited ang templates ng PictureBook.

My biggest worry about our decision to relocate is the possibility of Miguel getting bored with just the two of us at home most of the time. He's used to having lotsa people around. I've been thinking of ways to entertain him especially during the first few weeks, the adjustment period. And I'm worried he might not have the opportunity to develop his social skills with our new set-up.

So I went online today to check if there are play schools in Dubai. And I was super happy to find there's Gymboree that's very near the area where we plan to stay. Yipee! There's even a Music Institute where children can learn to play musical instruments but it's located at Knowledge Village, very far from our place. Ok nako sa Gymboree for now. :)

I'm excited about this coming Saturday.

I'm due to claim Miguel's First Year Photo Book from The PictureBooks.

After more than a year. It's about time I see all those photos in print. :)

This was the first time I was able to interfere with an impending asthma attack. Previously I would either hesitate on checking with Miguel's pedia about the necessary meds or remain complacent about using the neb, though she's told me many times to start neb at the onset of coughing. I've learned my lesson after two hospital confinements.

Nose drip started showing off on Sunday, and I heard his first cough on Monday. I just knew I had to put him on regular neb with salbutamol and NSS. And so I did every four hours. On Wednesday, coughing was still present, I called the doc to check if there is anything else I needed to do. I was told to give him zyrtec.

Today, the cough's almost gone. I did it. I'm happy. Commend me. :)

My little boy's sick.

Cough and colds. Poor Miguel.

Bring out the NSS and the neb!

My nephew has a small stuffed teddy bear which he's had since he was about two. And he's now almost seven. It's his little companion whenever he goes to bed--cuddling, kissing, biting, even throwing and tossing it, for years! Imagine how the poor little thing looks now. And he just wouldn't trade it for anything. His mom bought another teddy that's exactly the same as the old one and he's gladly accepted it, but he wouldn't let them take the old one away. Clever boy!

I didn't pay much attention to this behaviour before, (except for the fact that I was finding the old teddy so unhuggable as days went by), until I got pregnant and started reading about parenting. I came across a topic about dummies, soothers, and comfort toys & blankies and I realized there actually is a profound explanation to this behavior.

Babies are born with a great need for comfort and security and parents, especially mothers, are supposed to be the main providers of comfort. When such security isn't available, babies tend to look somewhere else. And they often develop an attachment to an object which become powerful soothers.

Miguel thumbsucked for only a few days when he was still very little, and he wouldn't take any dummies. I didn't actually like to give him a dummy, he was never a fussy baby so I didn't see the need for dummies, but my mom (who's a bit old fashioned) wanted me to try it. And so I did. And he refused big time. And I was happy, lol :)

At one year old, Miguel still hasn't had a comfort toy. He's got stuffed toys in all shapes and forms but he just didn't have any particular favorite. I've been thinking about an explanation to this and I am convinced of my theory-- that is, the level of comfort and security he needs is well-provided by me (and his dad), thus, there isn't any gap to fill. Logical, ei? :)

Recently, though, I noticed he's got his eyes on little kermit, the green stuffed frog he got as a birthday present. Elmo's always around too but it's kermit he wants. He wants to hold kermit when he's taking his milk and just before he goes to sleep. He even uses kermit to wipe the floor! Now how do I wash the unwashable kermit?! Anyway, that's another matter. I'm thinking now of another logical explanation to this sudden change of behavior. I'm not worried, though, I just want to understand. Child psychology fascinates me. :) I mean, the situation still hasn't changed. I'm still a SAHM and I spend 24 hours a day with him. I rarely go out without him. So why the sudden attachment to a toy? It's actually cute that he has a frequent companion, and the level of his attachment is not on the extreme. I just really want to understand. Any views?

with new pal, kermit

Darn digital cameras! They made my life a bit more complicated especially since I've been having a really tough time choosing which photos to include in Miguel's first year book. I want them all in! It's impractical, surely. Finally, I'm able to narrow it down to a reasonable number. And it's just about time that I pursue this photo book project. Much as I'd like to diy this one--oh how I envy those who can really digiscrap!--unfortunately, I'm not one of those who are gifted with an artistic side. Anyway, I discovered a local printer of photo books and they make really nice picture books at a reasonable price. I'll be trying out their services this weekend and see what comes of my little boy's baby book. It has to be nice!

From tiny tot...to handsome little man...

Allow me to brag, it's my blog and it's my boy! :) My 13 month old has mastered the following skills and is learning loads everyday...

*he confidently walks unsupported, oftentimes runs, and even bends over to pick up things

*he dances to the tune of "let's twist again", with that funny little action of his hands that resembles someone who's wiping the floor :)

*he goes up and down the stairs

*he imitates our actions

*he points to objects, and even points to some body parts (mouth, teeth, nose), when asked

*he responds to instructions (kiss mommy; stick out your tongue)

*brushes his teeth; uses spoon (most of the time plays with them)

*pushes and pulls toys and other stuff while walking

*says mama, dada, baba, tata, da-ung, daw-dow (or at least that's what it sounds to me!)

*babbles while scanning the pages of his books (as if he's actually reading)

*uses different tones and volume when talking

These are the reasons I am keen on staying home everyday. Always glad to have the chance to witness Miguel's progress firsthand.

My dear blogmates, thanks for your never-ending patience and untiring effort to visit my blog and leave comments. The past week has been buuussy, thus, there hasn't been any new post recently. Here's a quick look into where I've been and what I've been doing:

Saturday, March 01

I left you with a note on my obsession with Harry Potter movies and my attempt to get a new haircut. I've seen all the Potter movies, all right (my bro has the dvd's), but the hair remains unchanged! I was supposed to visit the salon after Miguel's pedia visit last Saturday, unfortunately, he got sick on Friday and went throwing up all over the doctor's clinic on Saturday! Oh yeah, we made them all stink! :) Naturally, my scheduled rest & recreation was cancelled; we headed home immediately after buying the meds he needs.

And the following days were spent with a regular neb schedule, medicine administration and a lot of effort to encourage him to eat and take his milk. Believe me, it is always a battle to get him to eat.

Wednesday, March 05

Miguel's fever went up again, to as high as 39deg celsius, and he was fussy and crying all the time. After 4 doses of paracetamol, he still didn't improve. By 7pm, I decided to bring him to the hospital for blood test (I'm scared of dengue). Thankfully, the results were normal. The fever subsided the following day but the coughing continued.

Thursday, March 06

I went for a job interview in Makati. I wasn't actually actively looking for employment at the moment, but there were days in the past when I felt I would want to go back to the corporate world again (perhaps those days when I was so stressed of my routine already). Then I chanced upon an interesting position with an oil major, I sent my resume (thought I would just try). I was contacted the next day and was invited for an interview.

The interview went well, but unfortunately for me, the job requires a 6-day work week, so I honestly told them I am not amenable to the schedule. I was asked if I'm interested with a job in sales but I don't think I'm ready for it, so I declined as well.

Since it's very seldom that I visit Makati these days, I took the opportunity to visit my friends and ex-officemates in Chevron. It was always good to meet old pals. I got home around 7pm, it was the longest time I was away from Miguel. I missed the boy.

I've been tagged by Nice. This reminds me that I haven't yet posted Miguel's 12th month milestones so let me just share with you these 8 random things about him:

1. He started walking unsupported before his 11th month.
2. He's the first paternal grandson. Imagine the joy of my in-laws upon learning it's a boy :)
3. He's been checked by a total of 6 pediatricians during his first year! No, he's not sickly, guess as first time parents, we'd been way too cautious. :)
4. At night, he sleeps on his own, doesn't need to be rocked to sleep
5. He's breastfed for 11 months. Self-weaned gradually.
6. He's super sweet. He would rest his head on my shoulders and hug me tight occassionally.
7. He's a bit sensitive. He would give you that super cute pouty-lip gesture whenever he's hurt.
8. He's fond of (or should I say, amazed at) four-legged creatures--cats, dogs, even lion and tiger, though he's only seen them on NatGeo :)

Now tagging May, Vannie, Manel.

...I gave birth to twins! Meet Miguel's twin sister, Marcia. Ain't she pretty?! lol :)

**Nico's gonna kill me if he sees I posted this pic! :)

No more tickly, uncomfortable curls! We finally had his hair trimmed. After months of struggling with unruly, girly-like curls that usually caught people's attention (we usually hear the comment "oh he's got curly hair"! as if it's the most unusual thing on earth), Miguel had his first haircut a week after his birthday.

As expected, he gave them quite a hard time as he cried and protested as soon as his hair was touched. Good thing, this hairdresser (or whatever you call him) at the salon is highly skilled that he was able to finish the process in minutes. Here's a scene at Cuts4Tots and a photo after it was done :)