Semi P-Trained

Now at two years and seven months, my little boy is semi-potty trained.  I said semi because he still has his nappy at night and whenever he's in school or out of the house.  But still, I think it's great! Say hello to less diaper expenses! :)

Since he was one and a half, I've been bugging my husband to remove the carpets in our living room so we can start training little dude to let us know when he needs to go.  I didn't want our house to smell like pee and poop and with the carpets on the floor, I'm sure it would be much more difficult to clean and remove the nasty odors.  However, lazy as he is, he insisted that we just let Marcus do his stuff, carpet and all.  That was a definite no.

I then decided to give the task at hand a rest until earlier this year. I instructed yaya to leave little dude without a diaper for a few hours everyday.  At first we noticed he was trying NOT to pee (he was holding it in!), conscious that he doesn't have a nappy on, so we got a little worried.  We remained persistent and trips to the CR even if he didn't say he needed to go did the trick.

Hoping to be completely diaper-free soon!

However, there was one challenge then - little dude would pee sitting down! Imagine his dad's horror when he saw this!  We never bought a potty for him to train on so he got the idea of how to do "it" by watching me!  To remedy this, Jax had to take Marcus with him whenever he had to pee to show him how it's supposed to be done.  Hehe.

Now, we're still working on two things:
1. Make him pee at the middle of the night, and
2. Get him to stay in the toilet seat and wait until he's "done".  Kids have very little patience and attention span so this is posing another challenge.  What's good though with Marcus is that, whenever he doesn't have a diaper on, he says "poopoo" which means we have to take him to the throne. If we're lucky (which we more often are) he'd take a dump where he should be.

To be fully P-trained will probably take a few more months but hey, I'm still thankful we're slowly getting there!

How We're Spending Rainy Days at Home

Rain took a vacation here in the Philippines and decided to stay for a while.  Sigh.  All these dark clouds and drizzle-one-moment-then-heavy-rainfalls-the-next downpours and mud puddles and news about floods are making me sad and sentimental.  So. Uncool.

Good thing I have my little ray of sunshine here at home.

Just woke up! How could you not love this little dude?!

The only consolation I have from this weather is that we were sent home yesterday and I had some time with Marcus.  Since we can't go biking outside or go to the playground, this is what we are keeping ourselves busy with:

His turtle alphabet puzzle!!!

We're also starting to train him to work in his own desk (which is just beside the office desk in our room) so that hopefully soon we could both do our own stuff at the same time - him reading or playing while me blogging!  I think it's going to work, with a little more practice, because now as I type, he's pointing out the puzzle pieces and saying the letters aloud while showing it to me.

He won't stop saying the letter over and over until you repeat what he just said.  Oh, kids seeking approval and confirmation! We parents could only wish they'd ask this from us forever.

He puts the pieces on the same layer in the puzzle into a pile.  Could this be a sign of OC behavior?

These are priceless (and sadly, rare) moments I get to share with my little dude.  To me he'll be the smartest, funniest little guy with whom I will forever wish I had the luxury of time to spend every second with.  I want to wish no-work rainy days come more often but that may not exactly be a good thing for mankind.  Hehe. 

Stay safe, everyone! Let's all pray that the sun finally comes out soon.

I'm (still) in Love with Christian Grey

So I finally finished reading the controversial Fifty Shades trilogy.  It took me about a month and a half to do so but yep, I made it through all three books.

(photo source)

You see, I don't really consider myself a reader.  I'm not the type who would always have an unread book on my shelf that I save for when I have my me-time.  The last time I finished a book was last year and it was about parenting (a gift from a good friend - see, I don't buy books!) so I'm not sure that counts since it's something I felt I had to read.  Just thought I'd mention that to give you an idea of how (and why) these EL James books must have had an effect on me.  So anyways...

Fifty Shades had a mix of reviews - some loved it while some thought it was a little too sexual and kinky to the point of even being considered porn.  As for me, I loved it... at least the first two, that is.  Fifty Shades of Grey (I was quite surprised with my own reaction towards the ending!) and Fifty Shades Darker (Best in sex "scenes" award - don't they ever get tired of all that sexing?!) were harder to put down compared to Fifty Shades Freed.  As what the other reviewers and critics have mentioned, the book is not considered well-written.  I found it a bit too spontaneous, as if the author was just literally typing away what was on her mind with no hesitation whatsoever, but I didn't mind.  In fact, I think it was one of the things I liked about it - it made the story a little more "real" and relate-able.  I actually admire the author for having the courage to write about such a seemingly sensitive plot which most women (or maybe even men?) wouldn't dare talk about openly. 


Here's what I loved most about Fifty Shades: 

1. Christian Grey kinda reminds me of my husband.  Minus the ridiculously rich and BDSM bit, Jax is my Mr. Grey - smart, has a way with engines, and (the biggest resemblance) bossy.  Fine, he could act sweet and could be a sweet-talker too, but the operative word there is "could" because he's more often not. Hahaha!

2.  Anastasia Steele inspired me.  She may be easy when it comes to giving in to sex but I find Ana's strength admirable - how she stands up and reasons out to Christian (something I wish I could do so much more of these days), how she really goes after what she wants, and how she could unconsciously (or was it?) able to control her man.  I totally get how she's perceived to be the weaker one but turns out to be the "source of strength".

3.  I'm a sucker for love stories. And fifty shades IS a romantic novel for me.  Sure it had a whole lot of sexual content but if you see beyond that (and actually read the book, not just the F parts! hehe), it's really about acceptance of your partner's past and his/her entire being, of compromising and working things out together, of trusting and unconditional love.   


I've read from several blogs that they're making a movie out of this series already but I also learned that there's not even a director nor writer yet! I guess that will have to wait for at least another year.  I'm curious as to who's the playing Christian and Ana parts though.   Any bets?

Laters, baby! :)

Schoolboy Mode

Check out this little guy looking so sleek haggard  in his uniform! Haha!

Taken during his "dressed rehearsal", a few days before school started.

Looking at him I can't help but feel sentimental.  He used to just lay in my arms and cry all the time and now.. and now... *tear* Ok, that's too OA.. So proud of my little dude. 

A Favorite Outlet Store

A few weeks ago, I mentioned the many outlet shops we have here in Paseo de Sta. Rosa.  Whenever a new shop opens, naturally I'd go and take a visit asap to check if it's worth including in my usual (window) shopping route.  For a while I'd drop by that particular shop on a regular basis until another shop opens, and then that would be my new "site".

Out of all these retail shops, however, the Bench outlet is the one that remains in my top list of places to drop by in that area.  When I saw it was being constructed last year, I shrugged and wondered, "Why Bench?" I mean, not to look down on the brand but I just thought it was somehow a little out of place since it was surrounded by Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Aerosoles, Nine West, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. What I failed to realize, however, is that it also carries La Senza, Mothercare, Charles & Keith, Lyn, Pedro, Face Shop, F&X, and more.  Homygash, it was heaven in there! These are nice retail brands but products are being sold at affordable prices.

These are low-res photos as I just used my paparazzi skills to get them.  I don't get why they wouldn't want their shop to be photographed though.

On the left side are American Eagle, F&X, Chaps, and Celio.  Mothercare is at the center.  There's also a small area for Kasheica's Luxe line.

Lyn and Pedro.  (That sounded like a couple's name! lol!)  Some shoes are on sale for up to 70% off!

La Senza Lingerie.  It's quite a big area too.

Charles & Keith.  Sorry for the blurred pic.  This was the time they told me taking photos isn't allowed.

Sure the styles are not the newest ones but for someone like me who isn't really so much into what's uso, this is definitely worth spending some time and moola on. Stocks/sizes may sometimes be limited (as what is common during sale seasons) but you just have to be patient enough to look around for good finds.

The down side of living near these rows of outlet shops is that whenever I shop in malls like Glorietta or Power Plant, I always end up debating in my head whether or not to get a particular item knowing that I can probably get a similar product at a lower cost, in a place very near to us where the shiny 4-letter word S-A-L-E happens all year round.

Til next outlet shop feature! :)

Recent Family Photos

I've been wanting to have a family photo shoot since early this year but being the cheapskate that I am, I don't want to book a professional photographer nor sign-up for those members-only studios.  Instead, I decided I'm just going to have a DIY shoot with my photography-enthusiast dad.  I haven't, however, seriously planned for our theme, color palette, props, and venue.  Oh and my dad & I have not yet agreed on the schedule (he's one busy lolo, but I'm sure not for his apo! hehe)

Anyway, just thought of sharing these very few photos we have.  It's quite rare for us three to have a decent picture since my hubster is allergic to the camera.  Frustrating, I tell you.

A sub-photoshoot from The Viado's family picture taking

At hubby's friend's wedding in Bamboo Organ

On our first visit to the Fun Farm at Sta. Elena

At my niece's baptism reception

Did you notice how difficult it is for us - the can't-stay-still toddler, anti-camera father, and begging-to-have-our-picture-taken mother - to have an acceptable family photo? *sigh*

Little Dude's Milestone Post # 1

If there's one thing I regret not doing since Marcus was born, it is to properly document my little dude's milestones.  Of course there will always be the photos (which I have not organized as well - bad mommy!) but I still feel that it could've been better to have a journal to match the pictures with.  Ooooh.. the trade-offs of being a working mom!  I still blame my laziness and inefficiencies as a kick-ass mom to my job.  Anyhoot...

I thought of starting now anyway.  Better late than never, right?

Presenting my little dude's milestones at 2 years and 6 months... *insert drum roll*

Feeding

• Milk intake is about 4 bottles of 200ml each per day - Enfagrow and this week tried Nido Junior (must seriously start weaning soon!)
• Rice and meats. No veggies (trying my best to make him to!)
• Aside from milk, tries Dutchmill yogurt drink (different variants) and the classic Zest-o tetra pack juices but the winner is Nestle Chuckie!   
• Holds his spoon and fork (calls out to yaya if either one is missing) to feed himself
• Drinks only distilled water

Bath

• Has overcome the fear of the shower as long as the water volume flow is right
• Insists on washing his face on his own (the drill is cheeks first, then forehead, then nose, then chin)
• Wants to "swim-swim" (get into the pail of water) with his rubber duckie buddies after he has been rinsed off of soap
• Usually uses warm water but can tolerate cold water a little better now with the help of some oil spread over his chest and back before hitting the bathroom
• Products used - J&J's milk bath, milk lotion, and shampoo, Human Nature's Tangerine Tarsier body wash and Citronella oil, Cetaphil liquid soap (for the face), and Avon Baby lotion & oil    

Sleeping

• About 8 hours straight at night, average of 2-hour nap in the afternoon
• Wakes up before 6am and turns in around 9pm (I'm trying to think of ways to make him sleep earlier but not yet successful)
• Cannot sleep (and even drink from his bottle) without his favorite "doo-doo", the Lightning McQueen pillow his Tito Berto gave him on his dedication day
• Refuses to sleep beside daddy.  If he wakes up at the middle of the night and realizes it's daddy who's hugging him or is beside him, he'd wail and call out to mommy.  I pity Jax sometimes. :( 

 Attitude/Habits

• Knows how to say good morning first thing when he wakes up
• Says "A soyi" (I'm sorry - with matching hug) when given the evil eye and "Please" (with clasped hands) when asked to
• Throws tantrums by banging his hands on the floor/wall/table/bed whenever he doesn't get what he wants
• Learned the "No!" word and says it with much gusto whenever applicable (to him, at least.  Not to mommy!)
• Says "Lovuuu" (Love you) and "Take Care" and waves with a "flying kiss" when sending us off to work (but have to make him ride the car and go round one block first before he agrees to let us leave)

 Abilities/Development

• Can do simple chores - close the door, throw trash, bring to the sink, get stuff (pillow, milk, diaper, etc.)
• Knows his family - mommy, daddy, momsy, papsy, papa Don, mama Jo, Jaela, nanay, tatay, papa Jim, ma Hana, ta Ava
• Washes his hands with soap and water (uses the chair to reach the sink) on his own
• Goes to toddler school and according to teacher, his attention span has improved
• Can say mommy's, daddy's, and yaya's first names
• Identifies most of the alphabet letters and some colors & shapes
• Able to name some animals and their sounds - dog, cat, monkey, bird, snake, elephant, tiger, lion, dinosaur, horse, etc.
• Recognizes rain, thunder, and lightning
• Draws lines and circles
• Can pee inside the bathroom on his own after he says "weewee!" (though sometimes still pees sitting down - tsk! tsk!) but insists on putting on a nappy when he feels he's about to poop

Favorites/Pet peeves

• Loves to watch "Po" (Kung Fu Panda)
• Biking (Finally!  I teared up when I saw him pedal, not walk, with his bicycle for the very first time.  So thankful I was able to witness it!)
• Finger puppets and his turtle puzzle before bed time
• Playing with phone cameras  
• His "Mater shoes" - red crocs with Cars movie characters design 

Measurements

• Height - 89.5cm
• Weight - about 13+ kg
• Shoe size - 6 to 7
• Shirt size - usually S or 2T (depends on brand)

Sometimes I am still left in awe of the things he is now able to do, of how much he has actually grown, of the million silly things he is capable of, of how he makes all my stress instantly melt away just by looking at him strut his stuff (unknowingly).

I love you so much, Alonso Marcus!

Hey, I had fun writing this post (felt nice to reflect on how my little dude is now) so I will try am going to make this a regular thing.  Let's call this the Marcus Milestones portion from now on. :)