My Shepherd Boy - super late post ito! (09 December 2011)

I attended Enzo's Christmas presentation (his first-ever school program) earlier today. One of the perks of being on a mid-shift schedule and your son attending a morning class is you'll have the time to join him on his school's programs.

His face lit up when he saw me in school this morning. He didn't expect it, I believe. You see, his Lolo (normally) will be the one to bring him to school (via a school bus) as I'm usually catching some needed zzzZZ time so is the case this morning. The smile on my son's face is priceless and it melted my heart to see him happy that I was there to watch him. And for mommy, a bit teary-eyed watching him perform on stage with his classmates kahit hindi pa sila synchronized at all hahaha! Proud mommy moment!

Moving-Up Ceremony (17 March 2012) + another Birthday Loot from Forever 21

We are in full attendance... kala mo Enzo's already graduating from High School or College but very thankful for the support of family. It has been a year of initiation for me and hubby as we sent our eldest to school. He is now moving-up to Senior Nursery this coming school year. I don't know who is more excited at the Ceremony - me and hubby or Kuya?! It must be the parents as I don't think Enzo (or even his classmates) realizes how big a deal it was for parents like us ;)

This is birthday loot #4 - such a pretty dress from Forever 21. I bought it the same day I bought the shirt shown in my last post. I'll try to post the "girly" skirt I bought that day too. Enzo's too cute in his red short-sleeved polo from Periwinkle (for only less than Php700.00). I suggest you try that shop, it has really nice clothes naku! especially for those with girls. I love their dresses!

The above picture made me teary-eyed... still can't believe how fast children grow up... really! So I cherish the time that Enzo still longs for my hugs and kisses... we love you, Kuya!

This slideshow was shown while we were with Enzo on stage to receive his Certificate. The picture shown was during their Christmas presentation. He was one of the shepherd boys.

We treated the grandparents to lunch at Cafe Romulo. Food was superb!
Tinapa Roll for appetizer. This is their bestseller for appetizer. It was just ok.

Tito Greg's Kare-Kare which hubby loves the most. Imagine he even brought home the sauce and had it for dinner that night... and lunch the next day... sulit diba!

Crispy Pata Binagoongan - not your ordinary Crispy Pata! A welcome twist to your usual crispy pata.

The General's Chicken. Just ok.

Pancit Puti - flavorful! Kala ko from the looks of it that it will taste blah... I was wrong.

Crispy Suman sa Latik for dessert. Mama had 3 of those hahaha!

I sooo love this family picture parang Telenovela sa Dos hahaha! Next year ulit...

We spent around 3.5K but we were a big group of 8 adults.

Rafa's 1st Munch (26 February 2012)

He is now at 5months & 19days old. His pedia said we can start on vegetables and fruits. Cereals will have to be given on the 6th month. We gave him Gerber's Carrots since we were out the whole of this weekend. Next week, I'll try to prepare something fresh. Di bale, Enzo was also given Gerber as his first solid food. I just can't remember if it was Carrots or Squash but Enzo didn't turn out a picky eater. And I'm happy that we are still able to feed Enzo vegetables at this age. Sablay lang on the fruits as there are specific fruits he wants like banana. Mango di pa masyado.

I believe Rafa is sooo ready for solids as he finished off the 2 teaspoons of it and even wants more. He can also suck already the carrots from the spoon. Haaay! Time flies so fast... next thing I'll know he'll be walking na...

Currently, he weighs 7 kilos & 66cms longer now with 42cms head circumference & 40cms chest circumference.

Up next will be my Birthday Loot#2... watch out for it!

(Updated as of Feb. 7) 4th Month Birthday Celebration at Red Crab, Greenbelt (07 January 2012)

I suddenly remembered I haven't posted anything yet on Rafa's 4th month birthday. I only remembered it because he is turning 5-months on Tuesday... wow! Ang bilis lang noh?!

My in-laws treated us to Red Crab on this day. We didn't bother getting him a whole cake on this month and just opted for the free birthday Cheesecake slice from Red Crab. Sayang lang they don't have a candle anymore hayz! Initially, my in-laws were supposed to try Yakimix but since we got to Greenbelt at almost 1PM (i think), and there is still a waiting list plus they will close at 3PM, sayang lang! That's why we ended up in Red Crab. I don't know if I like the Red Crab now - there were really few choices on their buffet - so I just feasted on the Crab Maritess and Szechuan Crab plus the addition to their buffet - grilled Salmon belly. Sarap! I got full just eating them without rice ;)

My folks were saying how Rafa is such a behaved, happy baby! Nku! Ang bisyo lang niyan is you have to talk to him constantly and he will laugh and make loud, indistinct noises hahaha!

At 4-months, he weighs 6.8kgs and 63cms longer. Head circumference is 40cms while chest circumference is 39cms. I just realized when I looked at Enzo's baby book that he was heavier at 7.5kgs and longer at 64cms at 4months old. Well, he was bigger at birth din naman. Rafa's next check-up is still scheduled in March, on his 6th month birthday.

2011: the year that was...

2011 has been a blessed year to our little family with the arrival of bunso, Rafa. There is really nothing more to ask. We are thankful to the Lord for giving us our heart's desire. Late last year, hubby and I were already discussing about having baby #2 as we believe this is the gap we wanted for our kids. Honestly, I don't want to be 35 and still be caring for an infant. I want to enjoy them as toddlers already when I reached that age. I'm turning 33 next year, I'll have a 4-going-5 toddler and a baby-going-1. Not bad huh?! Thinking of baby #3... hahaha! No more (for now) but we're not punctuating that statement with a period. God might have other plans and I'm still within the age range that I'm okay to still be carrying another baby. But with the difficulty that goes with the pregnancy as I get older, I'd like to stick with my 2 boys. And with our plans to bring the boys to Disneyland on Enzo's 7th Birthday (year 2014 - I'll be 35!), that just might be the case for good. Note to self: must SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

Going back this 2011, early January, we were able to go to Nuvali. I didn't know I was pregnant already this time. It took us the end of the month before we decided to take the pregnancy test and voila! It wasn't as easy when I had Enzo in 2007 (I was 28 then!). I had bouts with nausea and GDM on my last trimester. That wasn't fun. But I had to be strong for the little boy. And now looking at him (at 3months), I'm still in awe that we were gifted with such a precious little angel.

We weren't able to travel for 2 years now (cancelled our Bohol trip last 2010 because Enzo got sick boohoo! then I got pregnant) but we plan to make up for next year. Though we were able to enjoy summer as we enroll Enzo to Futbol Fanatics. He surely had a blast and we'll do it again this coming summer of 2012. We also enrolled Enzo in school for Junior Nursery.

We did get a few gadgets this year so materially, we are also as blessed. And grateful for that.

Happy, Happy 4th Birthday Enzo!

Birthday banner courtesy of his school and
Goldilocks Rocky Road cake

my "labor of love" - spaghetti, Krispy Kreme M&M mini-donuts,
and Purefoods nuggets

candle blowing with his classmates at Section Masaya

First Day @ Junior Nursery - Section Masaya (21 June 2011)

Enzo up sooo early for school. He even wakes up now at an earlier time since he has to ride the school bus. They pick him up between 5:40-5:50AM so imagine I had to wake him up as early as 5:15-5:20AM.

Early dismissal time on his first week of school. I took a leave for 2 days to witness this milestone. Hmmm... maybe on my maternity leave, I can bring him to school again on some days.
















Since Daddy also went on leave during his first day
and brought Astroboy (the car), we ended up in Starbucks in Trinoma hihihi!

on my toes...

I am literally on my toes... just too many things on my plate now. Will blog again when I am settled. For the meantime, here's a preview of how it has been and of what is bound to happen soon enough...

- cancelled our much anticipated Bohol trip due to Enzo's bout with gastroenteritis. Our only consolation was that no hospitalization was required.
- moving to a new workplace in a week's time. Mixed emotions - excited yet nervous!
- preparing for Enzo's 3rd birthday party in Jollibee with only 2-weeks lead time...

Ok, ciao for now!

before he turns 3!

Look at him now...


A picture with his "current" fave toys... Woody and Buzz and he even memorized the lines from the movie already geez!













This is his current loot from lolo Jun... Mario & Luigi!

















Recently, he does this... he says "What do I want?" with matching hand action (like in the pic)... really it amazes me where he gets it?

This red Superga sneakers, on the other hand, is courtesy of my in-laws. He is spoiled well... loved!













A closer look... he is heavy at 15kgs. as of his last check-up. But he doesn't really look fat, just heavy. I guess because he eats with so much "gusto" and I'm happy that he loves eating vegetables even the ampalaya tops we mixed in Monggo. Though he also loves Jollibee chickenjoy and KFC chicken and anything fried chicken.

What the future holds?

Enzo will be 2 years & 10 months come August 7. He'll be 3 by October. Imagine that!

By June 2011, he'll be 3 years & 8 months and all ready for school. If you ask him if he wants to go to school, he will gladly say "yes." One of the schools we are considering is Claret School of Quezon City, which is located inside UP Village. They are accepting applications for admission by August. When I inquired over the phone, the staff said Enzo will be in "Junior Nursery" by next year. Tuition fee is reasonable and much lower compared to progressive schools. I'm not that convinced yet of progressive schools as I came from a traditional school and I turned out okay. Plus my boss' wife (who's a teacher) told me that what is important is how my son will enjoy the school setting whether traditional or progressive. And that not all schools that claim to be progessive are really what they claim to be and there are traditional schools which integrate the progressive approach to their teachings. Hubby & I are planning to visit the school by end of August to check their facilities. I was told that for Nursery level there will only be around 10 kids per class which is a good ratio and they do have grade school and high school already if I intend to keep him there or perhaps move him to Ateneo by Prep.

Another school we are looking at is Miriam College Child Study Center, which is located in Katipunan, Quezon City. Browsing through their website, Enzo will probably be in First Step given his age. Then they have Nursery and Kinder. Tuition fee is a bit steep, almost double than that of Claret. The savings I could have if I enroll him in Claret, I could already use for the next school year and even will even help us prepare if we're going to enroll him in Ateneo by Prep. And when he graduates from Kinder, I would still need to find him a good school when he enters Grade 1. I'll ask hubby. He might still want to compare the facilities they have.

If we'll afford to send him to Ateneo in grade school, I'm still wondering maybe I can send him to Philippine Science High School afterwards. Well, we'll cross the bridge when we get there besides I still have to consider how my son will fare in school. I don't want to pressure him. He doesn't have to be an honor student as long as he studies well, enjoys school and pass his subjects (no red marks please! 80 is okay).

But first, where to send him for preschool? Will update you when we do visit the above schools and let you know what we decide. I have downloaded the application form of Claret... teehee! excited!

First Face Painting Experience (03 July 2010)

His first ever face painting (at 2 years & 8 months) is a Spiderman. He loved it that he even lined up for another one which is Winnie d Pooh (though I was unable to take a photo this time).

We attended last Saturday the 1st birthday party of my boss' granddaughter at Wack-Wack Country Club.

presenting... the "Coin Bearer" (24 January 2010)

Here am I with the Coin Bearer getting ready for his "big act."

We attended the wedding of hubby's cousin, Cecile to Ronald last Sunday at the San Ildefonso Parish. Enzo is "officially" the coin bearer and it was an exciting milestone for me and hubby more than for Enzo. I bet he wouldn't remember it all! And you think walking down the aisle on your wedding day is nerve-wracking... wait til it's your child who will or will not walk for that matter.
























The wedding was held at San Ildefonso Parish last January 24. This is his 2nd time to be asked to be a coin bearer but the 1st time he really was up for it. He was down with a fever the first time so we didn't push him anymore to walk then.




















His "shining" moment and he did it with ALL smiles. When they had a practice about a week (i think) before the wedding, Enzo doesn't even want to be put down that aisle. So we were not really hoping anymore that he will walk the whole length but he did. Surprise! Surprise! He might be the youngest but he's the only bearer who walked without the tantrums so we're proud parents!

This picture so remind me of Santino talking to Bro teehee! One of his shining moments.

Here is a picture of the flower girls and bearers with the newlyweds. Enzo was sooo behaved the whole ceremony. With Stik-O in his hand, he happily obliged with the picture-taking.

The wedding reception is held at the Paco Park. Since it is an outdoor venue, we changed Enzo's barong to a more comfortable polo.

the party that was...

our DIY (do-it-yourself) decor...

banderitas (flags) from National Bookstore, blue balloons from Toys R Us...

Birthday banner from National Bookstore...

Birthday cake (chocolate cake in buttercream icing with caramel filling) and cookie souvenirs from n@wie Elaine of Quintbelles...

the handa: Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket, pork barbeque of Andok's, rellenong bangus of Ninangs', menudo & shrimp courtesy of lola Myrna, leche flan & gelatin courtesy of lolo Jun, spaghetti...

the guests (from bottom to top/left to right): kuya Brent, lola Nene, yaya Emily, lola Sane, lola Rose, Memmy & Enzo, lolo Jun, lola Ling, lola Myrna, Daddy, kuya Gabby, lola Helen and lolo Boy...

... the blowing of candle

the "3" of us!

presenting the Birthday Boy!

the birthday attire: red Converse "Chuck Taylor"

red polo from Baby Guess...

the Birthday Boy (07 October 2009)

... and now he is officially 2! At the moment, he is finally taking his nap (late at that) which gives me time to blog and upload pics... the party that was coming up...

Adorable Two!

Same date last year, I posted this. Imagine it has been a year ago and we now have an Adorable Two! As they say, "two is terrible" but Memmy & Daddy don't really think you fall to that category (I hope I don't talk... err write too fast!). Really you have such been a sweet, happy boy. Well, your energy surprises us at times but we are satisfied knowing you are thriving indeed.

We will have a celebration tomorrow so I will be on leave again. It will just be a small salo-salo to celebrate another year of life. Though we look forward to your Blue's Clues cake. I will post pictures of the birthday boy tomorrow.

the next LBJ!

Yup, he can dunk! He can even shoot. Can't wait for him to wear his LBJ shoes... thanks to ninong Mac!

this & that

As my work keeps me busy these days... I don't have time to blog about our adventures. First, on our little boy...

... He can clearly say "daddy." He still calls me "She-she" and at times, "mama."
... Ask him where mommy is and he'll reply "ffice" without the "o" sound.
... points at anything and everything and says "eto."
... He can clearly say "banana" and loves the fruit as well so I mix that with his oatmeal and a dash of sugar.
... He also says "apple" but doesn't like it hihihi!
... He says "mmmm" when he sees food on TV.
... Ask him what does the cow says and he'll reply "mooo."
... recognizes the letters "A" and "E."
... counts "1 to 2."
... loves Blues Clues now and doesn't watch Barney anymore.
... We just bought his "first ever" maong pants from Guess Kids last Friday (June 12). Will post his pictures by next week as hubby still has to upload them but he's just sooo cute on it.
... We also bought his "first ever" Timezone card as they have the Independence sale where the Php200 card is only for Php150.
... Hubby decided that it would be practical not to throw him a party for his 2nd birthday party. We could use the funds for his school in year 2011 and another travel next year... I hope the H1N1 virus subsides already.

Last Saturday (June 13), as an advance Father's Day celebration, we went with my in-laws and BIL (and his gf) to Lola Ina's in Macapagal's dampa. We don't have any pictures as hubby left the camera at my in-laws' house geez! We are satisfied with the food and we were full to the brim really. Special mention to their "Inihaw na Tuna Belly" yummy and their sweet toyo sauce that matched it perfectly. Enzo enjoyed the "Sinigang na Ulo ng Salmon sa Miso." Our other orders were: Inihaw na Liempo, Salt & Pepper Squid.

I also ordered this Simpson's cupcakes from Veronica's Kitchen for hubby as he is a Simpson's fanatic. I'll have to post the pictures because it's sooo cute!

Enzo talks!

The lil prince learns new words quickly these days.

... instead of Baba for "Barney," he now clearly says "Barney!"
... says "pizza" when you show him the flash card with a picture of a slice of pizza. Must be the Barney show!
... says "bird" when you show him the flash card with a picture of a blue bird. I wonder where he got that?!
... says "a clue!" when you give him that small flash card (freebie from a Blue's Clues cd) that show's the handy-dandy notebook. cuteness!
... answers "Che-Che!" when asked "What's your mother's name?"

Simply amazing!

more words...

Just last Friday (March 27) on our way to Makati Med for his yaya's check-up, he uttered "Ado" pointing to McDonald's. He used to call McDo "Baba" just like Jollibee and Barney but now, he calls it by its' rightful name. So proud mommy & daddy!

I can't remember when he first said this but he is now able to say "Awww!" for "wow!" He says "Awww!" when you turn on the lights or open the refrigerator or a cabinet hihihi!

Smilestones at 17 months!

I have not been able to keep track of Enzo's "smilestones" since he turned 1 last October (bad mommy?!). So let me share with you these "smilestones" that continue to amaze us. It does not really mean he only learn these tricks this month alone but in the course of the last 5 months since his first birthday.

- calls me "Sheshe," not "mommy" huhuhu! My nickname is Che really!
- says "bo" for ball. He loves to play with the ball and even knows how to shoot. I guess a passion he got from his dad who religiously watch the game.
- says "Baba" for Barney.
- says "Baba" for Jollibee too but he knows quite well the difference if you ask him to pick and he will pick the right one. Amazing!
- says "Bababa!" to go down our 3rd floor condo.
- says "water" for water. His that clear!
- knows the sign for Amen.
- knows the sign for Lactum. His milk is NAN 3 really (and Pediasure lately as recommended by his pedia!).
- knows the sign for "Kamay sa baba!" And even does it on his own when he sees Pokwang on T.V.
- knows the sign for Coke.
- knows the Papaya dance.
- knows his nose, eyes & ears. Still have to teach him the other parts of the body.
- knows how to properly hold a crayon like adults do. We were actually surprised how he knew!

This just shows how a child can make a simple antic priceless! I'll leave for lunch in awhile so I'll try to update again later when I think about something. Ciao!