From Dawn Till Dusk

A few hours from now, it will be 2008 and what better way to start the New Year with a more organized home. Well, if the Hubby is to be asked, knowing him as “OC one”, he’d assessed our home now as not that spic and span as it used to be four years ago—when we don’t have a Nico yet in our lives.

“A home filled with Nico”, that’s what families and friends often comment whenever they get the chance to visit us at home. From the toys cluttered in the living room, the high chair in the dinning room, the sterilizer and bottles in the kitchen, the potty trainer and the rubber ducky in the bathroom, and to even the littlest part of the home, there’s always that trace of Nico within the home. Time flies so fast, and being occupied with overwhelming parenting tasks for over three plus years, we hardly noticed the home needs a general cleaning mostly Nico’s stuff that he already outgrew. And thanks to holidays this week and last week, we’re off for a general cleaning in the home before the new year begins.

“Kailangan na nating mag 5S dito sa bahay,” Hubby said. “5S”, wow, that’s the first time in zillion light years I get to hear the word again. When Hubby and I are still childless, it used to be a regular home cleaning mantra that we practiced at home. Continue Reading »

Hubby said he was inspired by Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad book, so he opened a Kiddy Savings Account for Nico early in December to serve as his Christmas gift. Not that I am against it because to some extent, I agree with Kiyosaki’s preaching to teach kids early in using money where it’s most needed. My only worry was that if Nico, a typical three-year old kid whose more pleased with toys and books, would appreciate receiving the piece of booklet as his Dada’s gift for him this Christmas. So I suggested to the Dad to buy the bike that Nico has been meaning to have for the longest time, in addition to the Kiddy Savings he opened. But the Dad was insistent, saying Nico will be receiving Christmas gifts from all over so a toy or a book or the bike is unnecessary. And he said too he’ll take charge of explaining to our Little Boy what the piece of booklet’s for.

So then I rest my case. And come Christmas morning, the Dada surprised Nico with the passbook and asked him to get it from the Santa bear stocking hanging by our room door. I was just observing the whole time the Dad and the son were having a conversation after getting the gift. Nico said, “what’s this?”. Dad replied, “it’s where your money will go”. “But I don’t have money,” Nico said. The Dad replied again, “So I’ll give you money and we’ll deposit it here” (pointing at the bankbook). Nico scratched his head after hearing his Dada’s answer and as it looked, the Little Boy was likely confused. Then suddenly, the Little Boy popped a very long but smart answer to his Dad, “Eh si Daddy. Eh di ikaw na lang. Ikaw naman may pera, sa yo na lang to, gift ko sa yo. Merry Christmas!”. And when I looked at the Dad, I can’t bear but laugh the whole time Nico spilled the darn but innocent statement. He made his Dad’s Christmas Day! Haha. “See, I told you,” I teased the Dad. The Dad was speechless for a minute then later promised the smart Little Boy we’ll go buy the bike this weekend. Yipee!

Not to dampen the Christmas spirit early in the morning, I told him it’s OK and there’s always a right timing for teaching the Rich Dad, Poor Dad concept. Perhaps, caring for toys and books would be more appropriate to teach him at this time. And about the value of money, maybe, when Nico’s older.

And so, as a consolation for the Dad’s effort, I had the Little Boy posed for some photos with the bankbook, as souvenir. Continue Reading »

Christmas is definitely over but the warmth and joy plus the holiday feeling it brings continue to linger. It’s a regular working day today in my part of the world but still, I feel too lazy to write. I am afraid this laziness will soon lead to some sort of mental-blogging block so I am taking the opportunity now to drop in a few lines and just let the loads of photos speak for itself.

So here goes, our images of Christmas 2007. Continue Reading »

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without getting in touch with godparents, right? For a godchild (and his/her parents), it’s the most perfect time to collect the gifts, and rake money from the annually-rich “ala Santa Claus” godparents. Hahaha, just kidding. Seriously, it’s a tradition actually that’s long been practiced among Pinoys that the godchildren visit their godparents on Christmas Day (or vice versa), not only to receive gifts, but more importantly—to pay respect, keep in touch and receive some words of advice with godparents being regarded as the “second parents”.

The beautiful Pinoy custom however is seldom practiced nowadays and personally, I myself confessed that I haven’t done much effort to fulfill my duty as a good Ninang to my inaanaks. It’s either I am too busy with so many things (but just “sometimes” the truth is, I’m really hiding from them) or my inaanaks are too far to reach me—these are the two excuses I always have with me whenever Christmas time arrives. Gosh, I’m a bad Ninang, really!

There’s always this feeling of guilt but on the other thought, I know that the parents of my inaanaks understand their Ninang’s shortcomings. On the part of Nico’s godparents, all four of them, they maybe a few but we’re so blessed because we know we’ve chosen those closest to us. Nico’s Ninongs and Ninangs have never failed to remember him not only during birthdays and Christmas time, but also keep in touch with us constantly to know how Nico was doing all through these years.

And to return back the favor, I promised myself I’d be a better Ninang. It was a humbling experience taking the initiative to keep in touch with my inaanaks for the longest time, but the feeling of being able to give joy and mentoring them as well were all worth it. Three days past Christmas Day, I just have two inaanaks left to make it up to!

Ending this post with photos of our meetup with Andre Miguel, my adorable three-year old godchild with my good friend Michelle. Continue Reading »

When there’s only two days before Christmas and it fell on a Saturday and you’ve got nothing to do at home, you but bum around and wait, wait patiently for Christmas Day to come.

Me, I spent my lazy time taking and shooting photos around the home.

The shutterbug me Continue Reading »

I attended a gathering of former classmates in College last Wednesday night. We’ve had nothing but a simple dinner with lots of chatting in between, but it was something I’d been looking forward since it was planned because though we see one another once in a while (either during weddings, christenings and birthdays), it was the first ever reunion after 10 long years.

Being able to reconnect with them once more brought so much introspection. We remembered the crazy old days and how we survived College life back then.

Time flies so fast, I hardly realized it’s been that long since we steered ourselves in a direction that we choose…and fast forward to today, here we are, traveling our own journeys.

Fine. End of sentiment.

Ending this post with photos of that one memorable reunion. Thanks Geez for the photo link. Continue Reading »

Yep, you read it right! While most Pinoy Christian families around the world had already put their Christmas Trees as early as November, it was only yesterday that we were able to put up our Tree.

It wasn’t a plan to put up the tree this late (imagine, we only have four days left to go before Christmas), but our crazy schedules for the last two months prevented us from decorating the home.

And finally, yesterday (thank God I was home the entire day and sick with a flu), we had the Christmas Tree up already! It still needs some more trimmings and decors as we’ve decided not to put the cute little stuff animals which served as decors last year, but just the same, it’s up and glowing, making our home much more Christmassy now.

Take a peak. Continue Reading »