What a Wonderful Weekend

And it's a wonderful weekend for all of us.

It's the start of the year, I just hope that it will be a good year for all of us. I thank God for always guiding me and Dada and for continue blessing us. I thank God for my 2 wonderful kids, yes they make us crazy most of the time but we learn to embrace it and we love every single day with them. Looking forward for a prosperous.

Fun never looked so good.

Last November, our Company has the Microsoft RSM Christmas Employee Purchase Program were Employee can purchase selected Xbox 360, Microsoft Hardware products and extending to external brands, as holiday gift for friends and family.

as soon as I received the email, I informed Dada immediately and once he said yes, I quickly fill up the form and send in our orders. The order didn't came in the expected date (pre-Holidays) but at long Last it did( Post-Holidays).

Hoping that it will create family bonding  like what Sony PS did and other console to me , my brother and my Dad when we where kids.

And someone will be very happy to stay in the weekends because of this.

Kumare

True friends isn't about being inseparable, it's being separated and nothing changes.

it's been Fifteen years since I last went to college (that long?) and 5 years since we move here in Singapore. I still misses my friends, so whenever we got the chance to visit back home, I always find time to catch up with them.

First year of College - missing here is Bochelle. 

Thanking Sheryl for keeping the photos fresh

taken at Makati Cinema Square

   way back when we are still young and free

at Daranak near Ella's place in Tanay, Rizal

First date with Nino, I ask Janine and Sheryl to meet me up so I can introduce Nino to them

right after we went to Eurostar in Taguig.

Janine got sick because of the rides while me and Sheryl enjoy the day.

This is Ella's post-breakup pre-getting back together with Paul meet up at Tanay.

Missing Bochelle this time cause she just couldn't make it.

this is one of those attempts to get back together after college for meet up

Missing both Ella and Bochelle

this was at my 2nd pregnancy. 5 of us were complete.

Thanking Ella that she can come over all the way from QC with Paul and Trisha.

Kudos to Janine for taking the photo using iPad.

I guess even when we are all apart we will always be friends. Thank you Janine, Sheryl, Ella and Bochelle for the friendship. You make my College days even more colorful because of the memories that we have shared. I will forever be grateful to have met you all.

My #1 turns Three.

You guys that's like, little KID status. 

Dear Mason,

Hello Handsome, yesterday you turned 3 and I can't believe that my baby now is growing up. 

It seems that you have grown leaps and bounds this past year. 

I remembering praying when you were in my tummy that I wanted you to have a good personality… well God answered that prayer tenfold! When you walk into a room, you light it up and instantly command everyone’s attention. Your hunger for life and fun inspires me.

You have taught me more to life in your 3 years on this earth. You taught me unconditional love. You continue to encourage me to be a responsible person and every day you give me reason to be a good mom. God gave you to us and I am very thankful for you.

I will always pray for your safety, continued knowledge and for your good health.

I am your biggest fan and I love you so much. Happy Birthday, little kid.

Love you,

Meemai

There's no Buddy like a Brother.

Can I be honest right now?  two kids are harder than one. But when you get to see them together, giggling, laughing, running around and just being great to each other, I cant help but feel joyful. 

Today, I am back at creating Music Videos for my Kids...
I hope when they get older, they can see this video and laugh about it.
Realizing how special they both are to each other.

Meemai Day: Choices

Thursday - Work Day

How cool is this?

Who doesn't love donuts? I surely does. and one perfect way to love it even more if its free! 

I so loving my new company, they just giving away Krisy Kreme donuts for nothing (well, that is if you didn't count the 30 minute seminar) on a Thursday.

	Take a break and enjoy a Krispy Kreme
		Thursday, 26 September Pop by OMB, Level 21 Auditorium at 3.30pm today to collect your Krispy Kreme! Krispy Kreme is opening in Singapore on 12 October and they are delivering 600 doughnuts to Microsoft employees at One Marina Boulevard as part of their opening celebration. Get one before they are gone!

Back in Jeans

This is what I am excited about today. I'm back in jeans!At first, I'm quite hesitant to try it out, it's been awhile since I wore one. After the initial joy and excitement of giving birth to 2 sons back to back has worn off, I always faced with the dreadful task of deciding what clothes to wear. 

It become a very difficult task to find clothes that fit's me correctly. The clothes I wore before I was pregnant din't fit. But today is a good day, and a good day means I can wear my old pair of jeans (size 10) - yeah I know its still big but 3 sizes down isn't bad at all - I'm happy.

My Pre-Schooler this week: Little Mister

Our Mason is getting older.

sometimes I wonder if he is really just a 2 year old kid, cause most of the time it feels as if I have a Tweener.

Having my little kid is amazing.  He is so much Fun. It's just like hanging out with my little Man.  He is so smart.  I am constantly amazed.

he's a toddler, so yeah... he has a short fuse sometimes. But honestly, he's a great kid. He gets so proud when we watch him accomplish something & beams with pride when he's done a good job. 

I love the way he is growing up & becoming a little person He's a joy to be around.

20 advice I can tell both Red and Max when they get a little bit old

1. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably,lose gracefully, respect authority,work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
2. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship,so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.
3. Use careful aim when you pee.Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.
4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.
5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom.Now please go use them.
6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.
7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.
8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.
9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.
10. Take pride in your appearance.
11. Be strong and tender at the same time.
12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.
13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.
14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.
15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.
17. Be patriotic.
18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.
19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

My Baby this week: Bottle holder

Max has been able to recognize me and Dada and it shows. Specially when both of us comes back from work and calls his name, he giddily shakes his hands and feet. Yeah sure he continues to smile at strangers, especially when they look him straight in the eye and coo or talk to him, but he's starting to sort out who's who in his life, and he definitely prefers Me, and Dada. (Actually more of Dada)
Now he learns how to search for us in a room and move his arms in excitement or smile when he finds us.

His learnings so much and just recently he knows how to hold his bottle. sooo CUTE!!!

MAX: 3 Months Gwapo

My itty bitty boy is 3 months old today!! It's unbelievable to me how quickly time has gone by over the last few months! It really feels like yesterday that I was in the hospital giving birth to this amazing little human.

I don't have his official stats because babies don't have a routine appointment at 3 months but he's growing like a weed. He's actually a wonderful eater!

It really has been so nostalgic to pull out all of Mason's old things and put them on Max. At first I kinda had a hard time "sharing" Mason's old clothes with Max, but now - I LOVE it. See picture below, Max is wearing both of Mason's red sando and stripe pajama.

Gone are the days of being the newborn who can't hold his head up by himself. He's a very strong and determined little boy. He was lifting himself up and rolling over from tummy to back at 2 months old (which I think is pretty young). He's discovered his hands and reaches for everything that catches his attention. Obviously, he's working on his coordination and motor skills, but it's so awesome to see him figuring the little things out so quickly.

Speaking of hands, Max now knows how to hold his milk bottle. I will need to get a good picture of it but it's pretty cute and silly all at the same time.

He has his bad days but for the most part, he's a happy baby and such a joy to be around.  He's got the sweetest little voice!! He's cooing so much more now, and laughing. Ooooh the laughing, I die of cute every time he laughs. It's pretty much unfair how adorable he is. Right? ;-)

Every single day I fall more in love with my baby. He is such a sweet soul, his spirit is already shining so brightly and I can't help but feel giddy when I'm with him. I just love him to death.

My Toddler this week: 19 Month old Ryder: crazy tantrums

Toddlers are awesome & so freaking hard all at once. In the last couple of weeks, Mason has become completely unruly. I feel at a total loss as to what to do with him. He's throwing crazy tantrums (non-stop!). Mason is testing me and Dada's patience constantly.  but all at the same time he is picking up so many new things, becoming this hilarious mini person & surprising me every second with this strong little emerging personality.

A few days ago, Nino offered Mason to use his Ipad while we are busy with Max, after awhile Dada ask Mason to give back the Ipad since its kinda late, Mason freaked out when he was asked to sleep and give the Ipad back to him, Obviously, this resulted in thrashing & crying on the floor.  sometimes I have to turn away & count to ten to keep from throwing myself on the floor & crying & kicking & screaming alongside him.  sometimes i wonder how the heck this sweet little guy can make me so dang frustrated one second & then turn around & melt my heart with his innocence & sincerity the next.

I feel like with every age & stage the polarity between the good times & the bad times gets greater, like he's more challenging than ever but he's also more fun than ever.  does that just continue on forever?  i don't know if my heart can handle that amount of love & stress.

someday we'll be trying to figure out what to do when he stays out past curfew or skips school.  or maybe he'll talk back to a teacher or get caught cheating on an assignment.  but i'm pretty sure he'll still find ways to amaze us & make us more proud than we thought possible.

until then, i'll just enjoy the days of oatmeal in my hair & timeouts.  seems easy enough.

The greatest wealth is health

How many times have you heard that "Health is Wealth"? Being a mom of two, Its very important for me to be healthy. Taking care of my health is being responsible to myself and to my family. 

So when I receive an email from my company about the health screening program and the Essential Health Screening Package that any Regular employees and Internal Temporary Workers in Singapore can avail I go ahead and register.

Isn't this great? I mean the package includes: 

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

2. Diabetic Screening

3. Height & Weight Measurement, (honestly don't like this, as I maybe dismayed of the result) 

4. Waist Measurement, (Same with this one.. hello just recently gave birth I'm still in my post pregnancy weight.. grrr) ]

5. Spine Screening, Full Cholesterol Profile 

6. Eye Screening (This I need to check, cause seriously I feel dizzy all the time)

7. Blood Pressure Measurement (I'm used to this one so it's OK I guess)

Basically the screening helps you to find out if you have a particular disease or condition even if you feel perfectly well, without any symptoms and/or signs of disease.  Early detection, followed by treatment and good control of the condition can result in a better outcome, and lowers the risk of serious complications.  Plus, it Includes – Light Refreshments after health screening, Individual Report & Post Screening Review

The best six doctors anywhere

And no one can deny it

Are sunshine, water, rest, and air

Exercise and diet.

These six will gladly you attend

If only you are willing

Your mind they'll ease

Your will they'll mend

And charge you not a shilling.

2 Month old Max

Two month stats:

Weight: 4.345 kg.

Height: 56 cm.

2 months ago, my little baby "Max" was born!!! Love this little boy more and more every single day! Here's what's goin' down with my 2 month old these days! He's a very very good eater, as you can see in his weight/height measurements. Ha ha. I am still producing quite a bit of milk so I nurse at night while in the mornings his bottle fed.

Max is wearing mostly 3 month clothing but I can see that he will be in 3-6 month stuff very soon. He's just so dang tall, not much fits him in the length. Poor guy. He is sleeping through the night at this stage most of the time which makes us very lucky. However, there are still nights when he insist to stay awake like a night owl.

My little one's movements are getting a bit more coordinated, especially when he's watching people.
Max is a very happy baby!! He's smiling so much more now, which just melts my heart

Sunday Mornings

I have been a little absent lately, from this blog anyway. A lot of the reason is that I just don't have time to write anymore. I have a crazy 18 month old  and a 2 month old (yeee, 2 months already!) Now I am back at work.

But I will try to update this blog from time to time since I wanted to make sure that I record all things that's been happening with our family specially the growth of both Red and Max.

A lot of things happen lately, but the best times are those when all of us are together in one room playing or just laughing.

To be apart of a family like mine is so divine,

where love is shown and laughs are shared 

Warm hugs are given and loving hands that can be held.

I hope my family will stay this way :)

My Toddler this week: 18 Month old Ryder: Managing meltdowns

Since I'm always at home ( still on maternity leave) I rarely witnessed a tantrum from Mason. But if he does like to throw one like the back-arching-screaming-at-the-top-of-his-lungs messy diaper change, or when making himself go-limp-and-become-dead-weight the second you pick him up from the tub when he is enjoying himself taking a bath.

I read that tantrums are an expression of frustration over something a toddler can't do, either physically or because it's not allowed. Mix in fatigue or hunger, and kaboom!

As much as I wish I could soothe the savage beastie right away, there's no magic formula. A tantrum usually burns itself out faster if I act neutral or even ignore it instead of responding with a sympathetic cluck or rational explanation.So what I try to do is wait for him to calm down, offer him a chance to regroup or try a distraction.

But don't get me wrong Mason is very loving, sweet and funny, and to prove that here are the pictures to show.

My Toddler this week: 17 Month old Ryder: Acting like a Baby

Is it normal that mason is acting like a baby?


From time to time, I notice that Mason is acting like a baby again. like, wanting to be carried or held all the time, asking for a pacifier when he sees one in his baby brothers mouth or asking for a lot of attention.


But I guess it's normal, I mean his world is expanding pretty quickly and sometimes he may need to go back in time to grab a little of security. So I guess I have to stay calm and be supportive, knowing that Mason will bounce back to his previous level of development as soon as he feels secure again.

The first 7 days...

We made it through our first week, but not without a couple of hiccups. 
The big issue for the week is if Maddox need to be admitted to the hospital because of jaundice, luckily his Serum Bilirubin Level went down from 250 to 236 in just 2 days, so our little Dragon Baby need not to spend a day or two at the hospital. we knew what to expect this time around since Mason went through this before and its very heart aching leaving your bundle of joy at the hospital under photo therapy.


So now we are back to normal life!
Maddox is a pretty good sleeper. He gives us 3-4 hour stretches at night. He very rarely cries unless you're changing his diaper. Overall, he's just the sweetest little thing!! I just love him to death! 

On another note, Mason has been up & down since we've been home. On one hand, he's so sweet with his little brother. If he sees Maddox he will run around do something to help us or let Maddox feel better by tapping his head. Mason is very interested in him, and will give him hugs and kisses. We're just working on being gentle and soft :-)

Happy Birthday Maddox Riley

A baby boy was created by the hand of God above

to give the world the sweetest touch of tenderness and love.
With the softness of a whisper, God made a baby's skin
and then designed two trusting eyes to put the starlight in.
With giggles from a waterfall and breezes passing by,
God made a baby's laughter and a tiny, sleepy sigh.
God made the world a precious gift more dear and pure than gold,
with little toes to play with  and tiny hands to hold
then brought into the sunshine a precious baby boy
All wrapped up in a rainbow of wonder, hope, and joy.

My baby's birth date was

Monday, April 2, 2012

at 7:44 am at the Parkway East Hospital

Delivered by: Dr. Denas Chandra OBGyne

Fun Birthday Facts

Astrological Sign:Aries, Loyal, Patriotic, Courageous, Adventurous, Confident & Passionate
Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Black Water Dragon: the symbol of power and wealth
Birthstone: Diamond, are said to increase personal clarity to help one see things clearly as well as be straight-forward and honest
Birth Tree: Rowan, the Sensitivity which is Full of charm, cheerful, gifted, without egoism
Life Path Number: 2, which suggests that Maddox entered this plane with a spiritual quality, allowing him to be one of the peacemakers in society.