Warm Wishes

From our family to yours this holiday season! :D

Manila/Cavite December 17-29, 2009

Brendan Edward Castrillo Hill

The newest addition to the family! Brendan is the son of Ovvian, Mier's sister, and Bryan Hill. Congratulations to the proud parents!

Nadine's 1st Communion

Horseback Riding in Manresa

Is it harder to be a Mommy or a Daddy?

Nadine asked her dad and me this question one time. My ever-observant little girl must have noticed me getting rattled again when for the nth time all three of them were try to vie for my attention. I did not reply and gave it a thought. She asked again this time more directed to her dad when she saw that I did not reply, “Daddy, is it harder to be a Mommy or a Daddy?"

“I think it is harder to be a Mommy,” was my husband’s reply. I smiled at his answer but was curious as to why HE thought this was so. “Why?” Nadine prodded. “Well, because I can’t do all the things that Mommy can do,” my husband answered.

I thought of this for a moment. Looking at my life as an example (and I know a lot of mothers are in the same boat too) you can see that motherhood is definitely a multi-tasking career. It isn’t easy to juggle being a teacher, doctor, tutor, driver, cook and nurturer at the same time. And perhaps, this is what my daughter sees, especially since it is I who is more visible to them (and the one who loses her patience more often with them).

But I do not believe that this responsibility is limited to being a “Mommy” or a “Daddy”. I have known couples whose situations are reverse: it is the Mommy who is working and earning while it is the Daddy who stays home and takes care of the children and the household. And they are happy with such environments. I think if both the husband and the wife have a clear understanding as to their roles and contributions to the family then they need not live up to the norms of society.

I always believed that there is more to having a man and a woman bear a child. It is still the most ideal set up to have both parents available and active in the upbringing of their children. Having both parents present creates a balance in the life of a child. While I may be more strict in discipline and routine, Mier balances me off by making sure that there is fun and enjoyment too. And when at times he raises his voice, the children know that they can find comfort in me.

So is the responsibility harder for the parent who stays home with the children? It may seem so but not necessarily, I think. I don’t really think that what I am doing is hard or harder for that matter. I consider it a joy doing what I do for my family. When I see them finish up with gusto the food I’ve prepared or when they give me a meaningful “thank you” for helping them dress up or take a bath, then I am content.

I think that while mothers are perceived as the more nurturing one, fathers also have their own method of nurturing their children. They have a crucial role in a child’s upbringing and development. Sometimes, as mothers we tend to think that we are superwomen, capable of doing everything. Sometimes we think that we can do a better job in parenting. And this actually gets in the way of giving the fathers responsibility over the children and the children bonding with the fathers. It takes a lot to let go and trust that all will be well and fathers are actually more than capable of handling their children.

The other night, Raya wanted some ice cream and Mier agreed to go out and get some after dinner with her. Nadine and I were still studying for a test the next day so we decided to stay home and just wait for the ice cream. But as they were about to leave, 2-year old Alyssa insisted on going too. I told Mier to take the two younger girls since our helper still had to eat dinner. He gave me a surprised look and said, “Kaya ko yun dalawa?” I said confidently, “Yes, because you’re their daddy.” We strapped them in their car seats and off they went to the store.

They came back after a while with ice creams in tow. “How did it go?” I asked him. He beamed, “We’re ok.” But I knew they were more than okay. It was another bonding moment for them.

One Tooth Less

Four days after she turned 6 years old and Raya's first tooth fell off. She is ecstatic! I have mixed emotions. My baby is growing up.

Raya's 6th Birthday -- an elephant party

Raya's favorite animal is an elephant and she wanted an elephant party in McDonald's. I could have personalized the party more with decors and all but I didn't have enough time since we just arrived from Manila 3 days before her birthday. But I think Raya had fun nevertheless with all her friends and classmates.

Can't believe she's 6 already! Sniff! Sniff!

Sorry for the poor photos! Can you believe my DSLR camera's battery died during the party?? Bad bad me for not checking it before the party. :-( Good thing I had my Coolpix camera also with me. But still....

Barbequed Chicken Wings

Description:
This must be the easiest dish ever and one that my children just love! I sometimes cook this with pork ribs and it's just as popular with the kids. :D

Ingredients:
8 pieces chicken wings
1 bottle of Mama Sita's barbeque marinade

Directions:
1. Marinade chicken with Mama Sita's barbeque marinade overnight.
2. Place in turbo and cook for 30 minutes
3. Bast with the marinade, turn around and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
4. Serve hot with the cooked marinade sauce.

Kalabasa Soup

Description:
This is the all-time favorite of the whole family! I have to make this soup at least once a week and everytime I do, the girls give me the sweetest "thank you's" and "I love you's" :D

Ingredients:
squash cut into cubes
1 small onion
1 boullion cube (I prefer beef)
milk
all-purpose cream
salt
pepper



Directions:
1. Peel and cut up the squash into cubes.
2. Put the squash and sliced onions in a cooking pot and fill with water just enough to cover it. Add a beef or pork cube. Boil til squash is really soft.
3. Place boiled squash including the soup in a blender and puree.
4. Add milk and all-puspose cream then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Optional: top with crispy bacon bits.

Guisadong Kalabasa and Sitaw

Description:
This is becoming one of my favorite dishes. Although the girls are not so thrilled about it, we do ask them to eat even just a little. They prefer the kalabasa soup.

Ingredients:
squash (kalabasa) cut into square pieces
string beans (sitaw) cut into 1 inch pieces
one strip of liempo cut into small pieces
1 onion sliced
3-4 cloves garlic
2 tomato sliced
2-3 teaspoons of bagoong
patis

Directions:
Saute tomatoes, garlic then onions on a pan. Add pieces of liempo and little patis to taste. Stir til brown. Add bagoong and allow to simmer. Then add squash and string beans and mix occasionally til vegetables are cooked.

Another version would be to add coconut milk. Yummy too but a little more work doing that because I usually squeeze the coconut milk myself.

I am not Superwoman after all

I had the most humbling experience yesterday. Was it only yesterday when I still had my baby growing within me? Yes. And it was also yesterday when I found out that he was gone. 48 hours ago, we saw the pulsating beat of his heart on the ultrasound monitor. But yesterday, we saw it gone, vanished from the screen. I was numb at first, just accepting the apologetic words of the radiologist. But when we got to our room, the news sunk in: We lost our baby.

I should have taken the signs well. I should have rested more when I felt tired and sleepy. I should have been more careful given that I didn’t have the usual pregnancy symptoms. I should have, I should have, I should have. So many regrets. So many guilty feelings and thoughts. My doctor assured me that it was nothing I did or did not do. This was because of the formation of the baby. Still, I can’t help but feel that things could have been avoided, things could have been better.

I wanted this baby. I already imagined him to be a boy with Alyssa’s curls and Nadine’s eyes and Raya’s smile. It hurts that I would never see that, never see him. I am not angry. I am not questioning God and His ways and I trust in His infinite wisdom on why things happen like this. I just feel sad. Sad beyond words.

Like I said, it was a humbling experience. I used to pride myself in how I am able to juggle everything for my family. I am the home manager, the cook, the driver, the teacher, the doctor, the budget officer, the psychologist, the lawyer, the judge. I used to tease Mier, “What would you do without me?” And yet here was something beyond my control. And I know this hurt not only me but as well as Mier and the girls.

I know that there are others who have far worse experience than this. I never really thought it would happen to me. It still seems so surreal. Acceptance is difficult but it is essential to move on. A lot of times I find myself just sobbing uncontrollably for our loss. It hurts and the pain is so real.

I tried to answer the girls' questions as honestly as possible and truthfully admitted to them that some questions just had no answers. Yes, some questions have no answers just as some things are beyond our capacities. We just have to trust in Him and His ways. We are moving on. No, we will never forget him but in time, I know the pain will subside and and we can talk about what happened without tearing up anymore. In His time.

Picture Me!

"Picture me, Mommy!" Alyssa requested giving me the sweetest smiles. And who can resist those pretty white teeth and the vibrant eyes? I brought out my camera and she gamely posed for me. So adorable!

Best Friends Forever

"Best Friends Forever" This was the theme of the Preschool Mother and Daughter Day this year. Raya, who is in Senior Kinder (the equivalent of Prep), and I attended the event last September 19, 2009 at the Harbor Lights Hotel. The Mother and Daughter activity is an annual event where mothers join their daughters in a day of fun filled activities. This is a great opportunity to bond with each other.

Raya felt extremely excited that we were spending time just the two of us. I have always been conscious of the fact that she needs a lot of attention too being the middle child. Nadine, the oldest, gets a lot of attention herself because she experiences things first --- first graduation, first this, first that, etc. And of course, adorable Alyssa at 2 years can never be without attention. So I try to make it a point to spend enough time with Raya, just the two of us. It's difficult yes, but achievable.

During school days, Raya is my companion when I do the grocery or do my bank errands. I pick her up from school and we do the activities we have to do. We sing together in the car while listening to music or we just talk about anything. A lot of times, we have lunch with Mier in SM. During this time, we try to bond with her as much as possible even if we are still busy with other stuff. Mier also does his share in bonding with Raya. A lot of times they go out together just the two them.

But the nice thing about the Mother and Daughter activity is that it's a whole day affair where the focus is just on Raya.

We woke up bright and early on that day and drove to Gusa. We were one of the first ones there (excited obviously!) but we were able to bond with early mommies and teachers too.  Although the activities started late because we had to wait for the other participants, Raya and I enjoyed the time there. First activity was an Amazing Race game. We had to go from one station to the other and complete the activity asked for. There were four stations all in all but far apart from each other so we had to run all over the place. It was fun doing the collage, the limbo rock, the puzzles and the scooping activities with Raya.

Then the mothers gathered together for a short talk on communication. Effective communication is essential in any relationship. And having good communication lines with our children will enable us to understand them more and them to understand us too.

After lunch, was storytelling time! Days before the event, we were asked to bring a storybook to read to our daughters, preferably a story that has never been read before. Since Raya is an avid reader, we have no book at home that she hasn't read. So I decided to buy her a book and wrapped it as a present. Seeing her face while she unwrapped the book was priceless! She asked me to read the book again and again and she kept on hugging me and saying thank you. Little things for us but big things for them.

The next activity, we had to decorate a cake, another activity that she throughly enjoyed. I gave her free reign to do whatever she wanted with the cake decors and she was so intent on decorating her cake. She looked so cute! 

The last part of the affair was a picnic party. However, the rains beat us to it in the garden. But this didn't stop the mothers from dancing to the tune of Beat It and Jai-Ho!

Our souvenir for the day was a picture frame with both of us hugging each other. On our way home, Raya fell asleep in the car, tired but happy and content. I could tell that this was an event that was very meaningful for her. And indeed it was as she talks about it fondly even weeks after the event.

The Second Birthday

We learned our lesson during the first birthday of our first child. At age one, the child has no idea what is happening during her birthday. She is oblivious to the singing, playing of games and eating during a celebration that is supposedly in her honor. Although all the guests have fun, the main celebrant is often cranky and over stimulated after the whole event.

For Nadine’s first birthday, we had a somewhat elaborate party at Museo Pambata in Manila. My mother-in-law cooked food for more than a hundred and fifty guests. I put together loot bags for fifty children, made bookmarks and jars of marshmallows as giveaways for the adults. My husband and I decorated the place by ourselves with posters and balloons. We did extend ourselves to make that birthday a memorable one. However, our little baby cannot even recall the event.

So we’ve learned our lesson. For our succeeding daughters, we would have a simple celebration inviting only relatives during their first birthdays. It is on their second birthday that we do give them a well-thought-of party because at this age, they can already “feel” the specialness of the big day.

When Raya turned two, we planned a unique party for her at the zoo. Yes, in Manila Zoo itself! We learned that they didn’t usually allow this so I had to write a letter to the director for permission to use the premises. We were overjoyed to get a positive response. A number of trips to the area and we were all set for the party. Since her birthday fell on a Sunday, the busiest day of the place, we timed the party at 9am just in time before the place got full. I made entrance tickets that served as invitations as well. Each person invited got a ticket and would surrender a part of it at the entrance.

The theme of Raya’s party was Barney because that was her favorite at the moment. We bought decorations and backpack loot bags and other stuff from Divisoria in Manila. I asked my friend to make a Barney cake for Raya. We began the party with a prayer then the blowing of the cake; we served brunch and distributed the loot bags. After all the birthday happenings, the guests were now free to roam the zoo. We learned that many stayed even until late in the afternoon.

Raya, on the other hand, knew it was her birthday and although in the beginning she wasn’t very much in the mood for the party, she felt special the whole time. She warmed up when her daddy allowed her to play and frolic near the fountain, getting herself all wet afterwards. So when we proceeded to the Kinder Zoo (the part of the zoo where you can pet the animals), she was so game and was her usual self already. She even rode the ostrich! And the horse by herself!

I know that she cannot remember the day as vividly anymore but at that moment, I know that she felt that the day was extraordinary for her and I believe that was what matters most.

Two weeks ago, my youngest Alyssa turned two. Since she is into music and dancing, we decided to have a dancing party for her. I burned her top ten favorite songs that included Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift and Black Eyed Peas. (Yes, my baby likes RnB music!) The CD was her invitation for her guests. Since she also gets excited when she sees Jollibee, we thought a party there would be fun enough.

And then 4 days before her big day, she suddenly got into the Snow White princess mode! (I don’t really understand WHY they’re into the Disney princesses but I guess that’s another discussion to make) She would look for Raya’s Snow White toy doll and would insist on playing with that all the time. I thought of Raya’s old princess costume and felt that it would fit Alyssa already. And it did! Alyssa wouldn’t even take the costume off! (It was only when she spilled water on it, that we were able to convince her to remove it for washing.)

On the day of her birthday, she was definitely the STAR of the day and she KNEW it! She would repeatedly say throughout the whole day, “Alyssa birthday.” And would even point to herself when she says this. We made sure that she took a long and good nap in the afternoon to prepare her for her late afternoon party.

At age two, I don’t think she really realized that there was going to be a party in her honor until the party actually began. She thoroughly enjoyed the event, playing with her guests and dancing and smiling the whole time. And when Jollibee came out, she was mesmerized! While most children would be afraid of mascots at this age, Alyssa was actually star-strucked. She even allowed Jollibee to carry her! And after his personal appearance and dance number, she kept on looking for him and asking us, “Where Jollibee?” (Well, she actually said, “Where Babaja?” That is what she calls Jollibee. Why? I don’t really know.)

It was a long day for her but well worth it, I believe. At the end of the day, after all the preparations we made, I asked her, “Did you have fun today?” She gave me a smile and said, “Yeth, Mommy!” And that’s what matters most.

Alyssa's 2nd Birthday

We had a dancing themed party at Jollibee (her favorite). But since she suddenly got into a princess Snow White mode, we dressed her up in the costume. She had a blast!

Snow White's Prince

Since she's into Snow White these days, we let Alyssa watch the Disney version of Snow White. She got scared of the witch and the hunter who was trying to kill Snow White the first time she watched it. But last night she watched it again with her sisters and all was well.

So when I was discussing the movie with her later on, I asked her, "Who kissed Snow White so she'll wake up?" Alyssa answered, "The Daddy!"

Hmmmm... I'm now wondering. It's either she thinks that all men are daddies (maybe she associates men with daddies because of her own Daddy) OR she thinks the Prince is the Daddy and all the dwarves are the children! Hahaha!!!

Isn't she such a cutie??

A Day at the Beach

Opol Beach with Papa, Mama, Mackie and Mabel and the San Joses.

Nadine's Tree Planting and Picnic party

Nadine turned 8 years old and decided to have a tree planting and picnic party in school. We planted mahogany seedlings in designated areas.

After the tree planting, we had a picnic on the school grounds. The kids played soccer and blew bubbles and just enjoyed the windy day. It was perfect!

When asked if she was having fun, Nadine answered, "It is (much) better than what I thought it would be." :D

Steamed Fish Fillet with Garlic

Description:
Got this from Chinky's cooking blog, http://feedingtheboys.blogspot.com. Super yummy! I impressed Mier again. Hahaha!

Ingredients:
white fish fillets, skin removed (cod or grouper. I used what they call Parrot Fish)
slices of ginger

Sauce:
1/4 cup light soy sauce
1/3 cup water
2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp grated ginger

Garnish:
2 stalks green onion, sliced thinly on the diagonal

Oil:
1/4 cup neutral cooking oil like canola, corn or peanut oil
2 heaping tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. sesame oil

Directions:
Fish:
* In a shallow bowl, spread ginger pieces and put the pieces of fish on top. Steam for 10 minutes. Pour off the excess liquid which accumulates in the bowl after the fish is cooked. Set aside.

Sauce:
* Simmer ingredients together just until everything blends together. Set aside.

Garnish:
2 stalks green onion, sliced thinly on the diagonal

Oil:
* Heat oils over medium heat. Add garlic and gently cook until garlic turns light brown. Watch carefully because garlic quickly turns from brown to burnt. Remove from heat.

To assemble:
1. Pour sauce over steamed fish.
2. Top with green onions.
3. As soon as the garlic-oil mixture is done, pour it over the fish. The hot oil will sizzle and will cook the green onions.

Raya's Buwan ng Wika Celebration

Raya's pre-school class had a month long Buwan ng Wika celebration. They had a culminating activity today wherein their Senior Kinder Class presented a dula (play) --- Ang Kuneho at Ang Pagong (The Hare and The Turtle). Although Raya was just an animal who witnessed the race in the play, seemed like she had a lot of fun. I think she liked the dancing part after the play the most. :D

After the play, they were all asked to dress up into Filipino costumes and we had a Fiesta in the preschool grounds. Raya wore a traditional Igorot costume. I overhead her tell a classmate, "This is a real Igorot costume." Hehehe!

Mabel and Mackie's Wedding

14 August 2009
Photos taken by Mier.

Cory

I scoured my photo archives for this picture. I know we have a better picture of a photo op with her but I must have forgotten to scan that one. Either that or I did not think I would need to scan it. I now regret it. I know I should have done something for posterity's sake. (Will text my brother-in-law to look for it and scan it for me as this would be a reminder for my children that they were with her).

I remember distinctly when we were in the same event that she attended in Quezon Province. She came with her entourage (I think Ballsy was with her) --- bodyguards and her grandson, Joshua. She was as humble and as simple as expected. No pretenses at all. She greeted us all with sincerity and was very down-to-earth, joking and laughing with everyone else. I remember that after a few words with my Nadine, she said that Nadine was a beautiful girl. My heart swelled with pride then and again now as I think back about it.

The outpouring of grief and solidarity in the past days has shown how much she is admired and loved by the Filipinos. Here was a woman whose death has impacted us all. Her passing is a loss to everyone. But much more to the children and family she has left behind.

Before she became a President, before she became a champion for democracy, Cory was first and foremost a mother. She practically brought up five children single handedly while Ninoy was incarcerated during Martial Law and finally killed in the early 80’s. It takes strength and great character for one to be able to do just that. And she did it with flying colors.

I can imagine how difficult it must have been for her. And how painful it must be to be alone when she sees her children stumble and fall in their mistakes. I have always believed that there is a reason why it takes two people to be parents. It is more than just to create a child. It is to work hand in hand, to complement each other in bringing up that child to be the best of what he or she could be.

With the absence of Ninoy, Cory had taking the reins of parenthood on her own bringing up not only one or two but five children on her own. And all five children have been successful in their own rights. Among all her achievements and accomplishments, I think this is the most admirable. Her experience, coupled with her deep spirituality, was her source of strength. And she carried this strength on in everything that she did.

As Kris in her eulogy said, Cory as a mother loved unconditionally but will not tolerate your mistakes. She expected only the best from her children. She supported her children wholeheartedly but never asked anything for return. Here was a mother who will not compromise dignity and principles for anything.

As a people, we will forever be grateful for the sacrifices she has made for us. But as a mother, I am thankful for the example that she demonstrated.

Mabel's Bridal Shower

Mabel's women's group in the Kahayag Community gave her a bridal shower yesterday at Jane Belen's house. It was a night of fun and laughter with lots of sharing from the married women, not to mention the yummy food. :D

Before we ended, we all gathered around and prayed over her and the new journey she'll be undertaking as a married woman. We wish you all the best, Mabel!

My Little Pumpkin

Yesterday was the culminating activity of Nutrition Month in Raya's school. The preschoolers were asked to wear costumes and say to the class what they are, in what food group they belong to and what they are rich in.

Raya decided right away that she wanted to be a pumpkin. I didn't want to spend a lot for costume so after much thinking, Yaya Annie and I remembered that we had an orange cloth used in one of Mier's costume parties before. We then proceeded to sew the hem and put wire underneath to make it a little circular. Fo her headress, we had this garter that was supposed to be for a fairy costume that I put on her head. The orange pants underneath (courtesy of the Lanug sisters) were perfect for the costume. Raya looked so cute! Her classmates loved her costume and were all saying how beautiful she looked. :D :D :D

My Angels

Potty Trained!

I usually start potty training at one and a half years old. I start by observing the child and anticipating when they need to go to the potty then encourage them to sit down. I thought I'd be a little delayed with Alyssa because this time, I have two other school age kids to attend to and a budding business too. But I'm happy to say that working hand in hand with my yaya, Alyssa is almost toilet trained and she isn't even two yet!

This day, I was working in the computer when she said, "Mommy, potty!" I removed her underwear and made her sit down. In a few minutes, the plop plop sound was heard. "Are you done?" I asked her. "No," she replied. After awhile, she shouted, "Done!" and jumped up. Hehehe!

The Mayonnaise Jar & 2 Beers

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students aga in if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar  represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' 

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.'

Give me a Kiss

I love it that she holds my face with her hands as if to steady me while she gives me a kiss. She is a precious little one!

Many Faces

Adorable little Alyssa and her many faces! :D

Thoughts on Home Schooling and Others

I’ve always believed that the home is a child’s first and foremost school. This is where they learn the basics of life --- how to behave, initial values and principles, etc. Parents are, therefore, a child’s first teachers.

My two older girls learned how to identify shapes and colors, to count, and to name the parts of their bodies way before stepping into a classroom. Our house is surrounded with various books, art materials and music. And like her older sisters, my 21-month old is learning all these things right now.

So I believe that I’ve “home schooled” in a way since here was their first learning venue. The question was what to do when they reach school age so that we can continue what has been started in the home and build on the previous skills learned.

I remember when I gave birth to Raya, I wanted Nadine, then aged 2, to start in a toddler school so she would have some other activity and socialization with other kids. (It turned out that she wasn’t ready for it and we pulled her out. But that’s another story.J) Aside from continuing her academic formation, I wanted her to develop social skills with kids her age.

Nadine formally started preschool at 2 years and 10 months. Raya, on the other hand, started at 2 years and 10 days because she wanted to join Nadine in going to school everyday. It was fortunate for us that their school was just a few houses away from ours in Manila so it was so easy for us.

There was a time, in a conversation with the school’s directress, she asked me if I would consider home schooling my girls since this was a growing trend in the Philippines and she saw how involved I am in their upbringing.

I thought a lot about it. Seriously, I know deep in my heart that I would be able to do well in home schooling if I do decide to pursue it. But I felt that there is more to just having my kids in the four walls of a classroom. Learning how to interact with other kids in a school setting (in a daily basis) can teach them in developing skills at listening, being patient and taking turns which are essential to a blossoming personality. They may encounter undesirable friends or experiences but these are all opportunities of learning and growth. (That is why a parent’s involvement in a child’s life whether in school or in any other setting is very essential)

Likewise, I believed that it is important for children to have other authority figures other than the parents. In a school, they not only interact with their peers, they have constant interaction with other authorities such as teachers, librarians, as well as, guards and janitors.

But this doesn’t mean that we turn over the reigns of teaching to the school. The home is still the main seat of learning. We, as parents, are life-long teachers and models for our children.

The challenge, therefore, is to look for a school that has parent collaboration as one of its thrusts. I was fortunate to find a PAREF school here in Cagayan de Oro. PAREF is short for Parents for Education Foundation Inc. and involves parents in the wholistic formation of their children. There are periodic chats between a mentor with the student and also with the parents. In these personal conversations, both the school and the parents can collaborate in the overall development of the child’s growth and can assure greater harmony between the home and the school. Many parents do not understand this and have transferred their children to other schools where they feel can “teach” their kids more.

Another thing I like about a PAREF school is that enrollment is not the priority. The aim is for a small teacher-student ratio in the classrooms and they continue to keep student count at 20 maximum for every section. When we transferred here 2 years ago, Raya had only four classmates in the afternoon session and Nadine had 8.

Honestly, I don’t think there is a perfect school. Parents will always have something to complain about or be unhappy about. It’s just a matter of making the most of what is there and what you want.

Buttered togue (mung bean sprouts)

Description:
This goes well with the Korean Ribs. Whenever I make this, I usually decide that I won't make it again next time because it takes time to clean the bean sprouts. But I always buy and make it. Hehehe!

Ingredients:
butter
garlic
togue (mung bean sprouts)

Directions:
1. Clean the bean sprouts by cutting off the tips and removing the green covering of the mung.
2. Saute garlic in butter. Add the mung beans then saute until a little cooked but not too cooked. Serve warm.

Korean Ribs

Description:
This is one of my favorite dishes but I don't cook it often because my MIL makes this super yummy and it's hard to compete. Hahaha! But sometimes I do crave for it so I try to make it as close to her version as possible. Yum! This is good with buttered togue which I will post in a separate entry.

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo ribs
garlic
ginger
onions
pepper
laurel leaves
soy sauce
sugar
pandan leaves
sesame oil
sesame seeds
leeks (or spring onions)
red pepper (optional)

Directions:
1. Saute garlic, ginger, onions and ribs. Let the ribs cook in its own juices.
2. Add pepper, laurel leaves, soy sauce, sugar and pandan leaves. Add a little water if necessary. Bring to boil then simmer.
3. When ribs are soft, add sesame oil, sesame seeds, leeks (or spring onions) and red pepper.

Back-to-School Soon

While most schools will be starting school today or have started school last week, Nadine and Raya have yet a week of vacation because their school postponed classes for another week. Nope, it’s not because of the swine flu virus (Thank God!) but their school is finishing the 2^nd floor of their building.

Well, that means another week of thinking of stuff to do for the girls. I think we’ve thought of every activity in the book already and the girls are just sooo ready for school. But there’s nothing we can really do about it, I guess, but make the most of vacation time.

I involved both of them in buying their schoolbooks and school supplies. If you have kids, I’m sure you can imagine their joy in choosing their notebooks and even the smallest erasers for their school stuff; and after buying them, their delight in arranging them carefully inside their bags. My happiness lies in carefully labeling their books and notebooks and wrapping them one by one in plastic wrapper. I don’t know why but there seems to be some relaxing or therapeutic thing that causes me to just enjoy this activity.

My girls are looking forward to seeing their friends again, exchanging stories and hanging out. I’m eager to have some routine back into our lives too. Don’t get me wrong, I love having the girls at home and spending time with them. But I also look forward to some “me” time for me. Well, I guess not exactly since I still have my 21 month old with me. But since she still naps, I’m hoping I can squeeze in a few minutes for myself.

Going back to school is no joke for the wallet. I think there are more and more stuff to buy every year, especially as the year level goes higher. And to think that a lot of these things weren’t even used! Some things we recycled from last year like rulers and scissors etc. A lot of stuff we donated to the school’s giveaway program including unused notebooks and hardly used books. But still we kept some schoolbooks that would help in review for the coming year.

Speaking of review, while browsing through Booksale in SM (Yes! Our favorite store!) I found some workbooks that would be helpful for the coming year. Most of them are for the lower grades though especially Pre Kindergarten and Kindergarten workbooks. I found one or two for Grades 3 and 1. Although Nadine and Raya are only in Grade 2 and Senior Kinder respectively, these US workbooks usually cater for the higher level. Besides, it would be nice to challenge them a little too.

What about the little Alyssa? Well, while the big sisters do their studying, she can practice her motor skills by coloring and drawing in her own papers. She has always been a little gaya gaya and would copy everything her sisters would do. Oh, we bought her a shape sorter toy that can help her in her motor development and shape identification. She’s ready for school too --- home school, that is. I can imagine the expenses when all three girls are of school age already. Well, I don’t want to think about it just yet.

So what do we do for the remaining vacation days? Hmmm… will have to think of other activities and just enjoy each other’s company.

My Little Social Butterfly

Literally and figuratively. I think Alyssa is the most outgoing among my three girls. I don't know if this has something to do with her being the youngest or not. But she readily smiles at people, even strangers, and would not hesitate to bless or kiss. If she likes you, she'll even let you carry her. LOL!

She loves this butterfly costume of Raya and will not wear it unless it's complete with headband and wand. She is simply adorable!

New Phone

Mier and I trooped to the Globe Center in SM yesterday to apply for a new globe phone line. He has been a prepaid subscriber for a long time now but doesn't have the hassle of loading credits because I send him Pasa Load from time to time. But there are times when I exceed my limit and can't send him load. He then needs to use my phone instead which becomes a hassle naman for him. So I've finally convinced him to get a line na for himself. His concern was that he memorized his old prepaid number already. Hehehe! Good thing when we inquired, the number is still available and all we need to change is his first four numbers from 0927 to 0917. Easy peasy! (So those of you who have his number stored in your phones, just change the first four numbers for his new number. Thanks!)

Plus, Globe has a promo now of new phones. After much deliberation, he chose the black Nokia 2630. Nice and sleek! But when we got home, he said I CAN use the new phone instead. Sa kanya na yung old phone ko (Nokia something. I don't remember the model.). At first, sabi ko hindi na para new phone siya. But he insisted sooooo, why not? Hehehe! So now, I'm sporting a new phone. I'm starting to love it and make it mine.

Busy Hands

Ahh, summer! I have always looked forward to summers as a child. No more early mornings, no more school books (time to read my novels!), no more worries about school. Although there was an absence in the daily routine of school, I wasn’t entirely lazing my way around the house. I did have my share of summer activities: swimming lessons, acting workshops, household chores and summer jobs.

When classes ended last March, the girls and I immediately trooped down to National Bookstore (one of our favorite stores!) and bought various art supplies. In the following weeks, the girls were painting and drawing and making scrapbooks on their own. They would even beg me to scrap with them!

Books were another option on our list. We got them various books from Booksale (another favorite store!) and the girls enjoy reading them. Now that Nadine reads very well, she loves finishing pocket books and the like. Raya too can now read simple words and enjoys going through the Dr. Seuss books.

Since it’s summer, we let the kids sleep later at night than usual. At first they would play with their toys til they would literally drop. By 1130pm or 12 midnight, they themselves would ask to sleep already. Then we decided that even if it’s summer, they would still need a curfew at night --- it isn’t good for little kids to stay up too late. So we all agreed that 10pm is the curfew and the girls would willing oblige once they’re told that it’s time for bed.

The girls can just stay home all day! They enjoy playing with their toys (even with the headless Ken doll!) and just watching TV (approved shows, of course!). When we were in Manila, they would spend hours in the tree house and unto their imaginative plays. We got some DVD’s and had movie marathons in some days. And they flew the kite that Lolo made for them.

There were different sports clinics and classes being offered in this city for summer but since we were vacationing in Manila for the whole month of April, we couldn’t enroll them in any of the programs just yet.

When we got back last May 1, we asked the girls what activity they would like to have. They both decided that they didn’t want to take up swimming anymore and were tossing the coin between ballet and golf. (I insisted on only one activity because poor mommy driver needs a break too!)

They checked out the Junior Golf session in Pueblo de Oro and as soon as they hit the greens, they decided that they wanted to take up golf for the rest of the summer. We explained to them that they would need to wake up early everyday because Golf lessons are from 730am to 10am Mondays to Fridays. They agreed and we got them clubs and gloves to start their sessions.

They really enjoyed it at first then they realized that golf isn’t just about hitting the ball and making it go inside the hole. That form and skill are important aspects in being good at the game. At first they would complain about the heat and the perspiration (hey! I have girls!) and later on at waking up early in the morning. But we explained to them that these are part of the course and they will have to finish the session. It isn’t right to get into something and bail out in the middle of it all. We told them to at least finish the course and then decided later on if they would like to continue or not.

So far, they’re starting to like the game again. They came home the other day with Nadine successfully putting 8 balls inside the ball while Raya triumphantly said she put 4. Yesterday, they had a putting tournament and Raya and her partner bagged the 2nd place. Yes, there is some progress in their work and someday maybe they’d be playing golf with their Abu. It has been a busy busy summer and will probably continue to be that way ‘til the end of May. But that’s ok, busy hands and busy minds are a lot better than nothing at all.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my dear mother friends!

I found these really cute apple picture frame magnets when I was in Manila last month and thought of my mom instantly. Her kitchen theme is fruits and I thought this would go well on her refrigerator. I bought four apples --- one for each of her four granddaughters. :D

I then asked the girls to make this poster so we could put it on her refrigerator. My mom loved it!

Oh, then we had a yummy feast of barbequed ribs. Yum!!

Junior Golfers in the Making

Nadine and Raya started their Junior Golf Clinic today. When we got back from Manila, we asked them whether they wanted to take ballet or golf lessons. After a few minutes of trying out the greens, both decided that golf was their thing.

As you can notice, they both need a lot of improvement in their swings and their stances. Hehehe! But I'm sure they'll enjoy their time at the golf course for the rest of the summer. :D

Swimming in Cavite

Everybody enjoyed the cool waters in the Cavite pool... Alyssa especially. As soon as she would see the blue and inviting pool, she would insist on WEEM! WEEM! I think she enjoyed the waters the most. April 2009

What big shoes you have!

Alyssa insisting on filling up Daddy's shoes. She just can't wait to grow up! Sigh!

Look who found her Ates' toy lipstick

We were all busy doing our own thing when we realized that the little one was awfully quiet. Turned out that she found her ates' play lipstick and smeared it on her face. I guess she couldn't find her lips. Hehehe!

Two-way street

I got this as a forwarded email in one of my egroups. I am astounded with the powers of breastfeeding and the bond a mother and child is truly intended to have! Allow me to share:

----------------------------
Two-way street
By Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ
February 28, 2009
Philippine Star

  The Armed Forces of the United States of America, after intensive investigation for two full years, came to the conclusion that babies, who were nursed at their mother’s breast, never got battle fatigue.

Battle fatigue, during World War I, was known as “shell shock.” It is insanity, brought about by the pressure of war. It was especially terrible, because those soldiers who “went off”, years later, in civilian life, from shell shock, saw the enemy everywhere. They fought, for survival.

The US Army was so disturbed by the high incidence of “battle fatigue” in World War II that they said to the medical corps: “Find out the cause of this, so that we can defend ourselves against it.”

The medical corps went at it. Their first report was: “It is nothing that we do to these boys! We take two boys from the same town. We feed them on the same food. We train them in exactly the same way. We put them in the same battle, under the same pressure, and one breaks, and the other doesn’t! It is nothing that we do to these boys! It is something that happened to them before we got them!”

Then they investigated the homes from which they came. And they discovered that the boys who nursed at their mother’s breast never got battle fatigue! They were immune. All the boys who came down with battle fatigue were artificially fed!

When they had this finding, they did not know what to do with it. They did not release it, for two years. During that time they investigated what happened when a mother breastfed her baby.

In the middle of their investigations they felt they had it! It was basic metabolism! The transubstantiation of the food you eat, into your body and blood. They always thought that basic metabolism was determined while the baby was in the womb! But they discovered that it was determined only in the days, and weeks, and months, after delivery!

So they felt that their investigation was over. It was: mother’s milk! They checked this. They took the real mother, with a breast pump, and fed it to her baby in a bottle. It did not work! The basic metabolism of the baby came out very rocky. Better than if it was purely artificial feeding, but far from normal!

The doctors thought: “What is this? We know it is breast feeding, but it is not the mother’s milk!”

They got their lead from this: some babies have insomnia. They lie awake at night, as tense as a drum. You can put these babies to sleep with injections, but the doctors do not want to do this, because the baby is a delicate little instrument. If you put too many chemicals into him, he will die.

In practice, every nurse, in every nursery, knows what to do. She takes the baby from the bassinet, brings him to his mother, and puts him on his mother’s breast. When he is pressed against her, when she is holding him, and talking to him, he relaxes, and he sleeps.

The doctors said: “What is it — about the mother — that does this to the baby?” They investigated this, for months. Now they have about five things that they can prove, scientifically.

It is the skin of the Mommy! The skin of the mother is the sweetest skin in all this world, to her baby. It is his safety blanket. That is why a baby, nursing at his mother’s breast, puts his hand on her other breast. The touch of his Mommy makes him feel safe, and secure.

It is the smell of the Mommy! To a baby, the scent of his mother is the sweetest scent in all the world.

It is her heartbeat! The beating of her heart is the music of his life. He has been living to the music of his mother for nine months, in her womb. When he is separated from that heartbeat, he is frightened!

It is the sound of her voice! Every woman has a frequency. The baby is tuned to that frequency. There is no chemical, known to men, that can relax a baby so completely as the sound of his mother’s voice.

When the baby breastfeeds, the milk is the best! It is designed for the baby by God! He has the touch of his mother, the scent of her, the sound of her voice, the beating of her heart — everything is right! His basic metabolism comes out “normal”, which is the doctor’s word for “perfect.”

When a baby feeds in a bassinet, with a bottle, the food is only food and it is not as good as it ought to be. He is a delicate little instrument, and every door that slams frightens him. He does not have his mother — the touch of her, the scent of her, the sound of her voice, the beating of her heart. He feeds in panic, in terror. His basic metabolism comes out very rocky. Twenty years later, when these two boys go into battle, the one who fed at his mother’s breast comes out normal. The baby who fed in the bassinet comes out shattered.

When the doctors had this finding, they said: “This we know about war. How much pressure is there, in times of peace? How many boys blow up, who might not have blown up, if they were given a fair start by their mothers?”

What the United States Armed Forces discovered was that a baby needs his mother!

But the mother also needs the baby! When her child is born, for the first time in her life, a mother is loved without calculation! Her husband, who marries her, chooses her out of all the women in the world, and this is beautiful, but he measures her beauty! He knows if she is as pretty as Miss Universe, or prettier, or not as pretty. He calculates!

Her baby does not calculate! A mother took the wrong baby home from the hospital. In the hospital, she only saw the baby when he was brought for breastfeeding. And she was so happy with him, here! He was always hungry. He would consume all her milk. He would snuggle. And he was a laughing baby. She never heard him cry.

But when she got him home, he would not breast feed! She was hurting! She felt that she had to nurse, but the baby would not nurse! And he was weeping and wailing! And when she tried to hold him close, he would pull away from her! Finally, in the evening, he developed fever. She thought: “Oh, my God! He is going to die,” She brought him to the doctor, and the doctor said: “You have the wrong baby!”

When they found her real baby, he was doing the same thing! He would not breast feed! He was weeping and wailing! He would not snuggle! When she got him home, he consumed all her milk, and then - not only did he snuggle — he put both hands into her hair, and hung on to her for dear life, afraid that he would lose her again!

Mother, your baby is a one-woman boy. He is not interested in any other mother. Only you. He loves you, without calculation. Because you are his, and he is yours. And this is love.

Your baby needs you. And you need your baby. It is a two way street.

Project 365

I have to be more diligent in taking my photos. Now that I've organized them, maybe it will motivate me to record our memories. :D Hopefully...

Look who's giving Alyssa a bath!

We gave Anie, our very dependable helper, a much needed afternoon off. So while I was preparing dinner, Daddy decided to give Alyssa a bath. I guess he couldn't stand her "asim" smell. Hehehe! Or I think she pooped. Anyway, the little girl was thrilled! She kept on calling, "Daddy, Daddy!" And even refused Anie when she finally arrived and offered to finish the bath. She definitely enjoyed the bonding session. :D

Summer is officially here!!

Today is the beginning of summer in our home. Nadine and Raya had their last exam yesterday and we celebrated by hanging out in SM the whole afternoon. Harharhar! They played in the children's play area for an hour then we had a snack in Dunkin Donuts. The girls and I road the train and they had their share of toy car rides. We bought art stuff in National Bookstore for their summer projects and waited for Daddy to join us for dinner after his work.

Nadine and Raya worked on their art stuff this morning. Later this afternoon, we'll be having a swimming party. I am challenged to come up with meaningful activities for them and I'm looking forward to 2 and a half months of bonding with my girls. :D

They'll be having their Recognition Day on March 27 and Lolo and Lola will be coming from Manila to attend that. Definitely both girls are on the honor roll. We are so proud of them! Next week, they'll be having their practices for an hour or two a day. So much to look forward to!

Gatang Manok

Description:
This is one of Mier's all time favorite dish. The first time I cooked this before, it didn't turn out the way he wanted it so I put off cooking it for the longest time. Tonight, I tried it again and was finally successful! Mier likes the sauce thickened very well and according to him, this dish tastes better when cooked earlier and then reheated lang. He had 3 servings tonight so I rate this a VERY successful meal. :D (Sorry no picture this time. Naunahan kami ng gutom namin. Hehehe!)

By the way, this dish is best with natural gata. I actually sqeezed the coco cream myself. It was worth it! :D How to get the gata from coconut: 1st exctraction --- just squeeze the coco meat with your hands. For the 2nd extraction --- pour a little water (about 1/4 cup) over the coco meat and then squeeze again.

Ingredients:
gata - 1st and 2nd extractions
garlic
pandan
sili panigang (optional)
chicken, liver and gizzard
salt
pepper
little sugar
vinegar

Directions:
1. Mix the 2nd extraction of gata with salt, pepper, pandan, garlic, vinegar, little sugar, liver and gizzard.
2. Boil then simmer until the meats are almost tender.
3. Add chicken then continue to boil. Simmer again until chicken is almost done.
4. Remove all the meat and let sauce boil until desired thickness (Mier likes the sauce really thick)
5. Return all the meat and pour gata 1st extraction. allow to boil then turn off fire.

Nadine Wins First Place

We had a pleasant surprise when we learned that Nadine won in her grade level's poem writing contest. We weren't surprised that she won, she has always been a good writer. But this was the first time we read a poem of hers and we didn't know there was such a contest. :D We are so proud of her! :D

Pinangat na Isda

Description:
I thought of cooking more fish and seafood not only because of the Lenten season but for a healthier lifestyle too. I got this recipe from my Mother-in-law who is a wonderful cook, by the way. Even the girls enjoyed it. :D

Ingredients:
fish (I used 2 med tilapias. I tried it also with flat fish before, not sure of the name)
kalamnsi juice
patis
pandan
sili (optional. I don't put because of my girls)
little water
little sugar
butter
tomatoes cut in round slices

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients together excpet fish and tomatoes.
2. Bring to boil.
3. Add fish and put round tomatoes on top.
4. Put to high heat then simmer until fish is cooked and tomatoes are wilted

Sleep Deprived

It doesn’t really take much to understand that having children will definitely get in the way of a good night’s sleep. Obviously with a newborn, parents find themselves getting up a lot of times at night to respond to crying or hunger. To some, sleep might get easier when the baby gets a little older. To others, like me, who are ‘blessed’ with high need babies who ‘hate’ sleeping, it might take a while longer for uninterrupted sleep to come.

By the age of 2 and a half, both my older girls would be sleeping well already through the night. They would occasionally get up with night time dreams or may ask for milk but more or less would go back to sleep with no fuss. Oh, I can’t wait for Alyssa to get into that stage!

Alyssa has never been a sleeper. My mom thinks she has super bionic ears that wake her with even the slightest noise. You might think that living in a house with 2 older sisters, who can be quite talkative if given the chance, would make her used to noise. But no, Alyssa turned out to be a light sleeper since Day 1.

She has a certain music type that helps her lull to sleep. Nope, she doesn’t go for those lullaby songs for babies but would prefer loud and pop songs. Here is a girl who used to sleep with the music of Michael Jackson blaring in the speakers!

Today, she turns 18 months and still her sleep patterns are as erratic as ever. She literally hates to sleep no matter how tired she may be. In her mind, she feels that sleeping will hinder her from precious time of being with others and experiencing stuff.

Actually, she is more like Nadine in that aspect as Nadine too was not much of a sleeper when she was younger. And up to now at age 7, Nadine would try to put off going to sleep whenever she can. One time, she told me that she doesn’t like sleeping because it is so boring, “You do nothing but lie down and close your eyes.” Hence when it is time to sleep her mind becomes active and she thinks of so many other things instead.

Raya is a lot easier to deal with in the sleep department. When she’s sleepy she would just let us know then lie down in bed and within seconds, she’d be snoring away. Oh, if only all my children would sleep like her. I guess that would be wishful thinking on my part.

Lately Alyssa would really refuse sleeping at night. No matter how much talking and explaining I do, she would fight me and whine and cry. And when I have finally put her to sleep and think that I would have a little time in my hands, she would be awake again. She still insists on breastfeeding even if I know and feel that my milk has decreased considerably already since she is more into solid foods now. I do give her Lactum milk once in a while but on most nights, she would refuse it.

I checked in the Internet and found out that a lot of mothers have experienced a break in sleep patterns usually at this age and that it would get better by age 20 months. I do hope that Alyssa gets to sleep better soon for my sanity’s sake. And maybe, just maybe I’d be able to sleep a little more at night until the girls become teenagers --- by then, I’m sure I’d be having interrupted sleep again.

Beef Stew

Description:
Have been looking for a good beef stew recipe for a long time. There's a certain flavor that I've been wanting and searching for in the Internet. I finally found something a little similar to what I wanted. I tweaked it a bit and had a very good hearty dish last night. Mier loved it! :D

Ingredients:
· Olive oil and some butter
· 3/4 cup Flour
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon pepper
· 1 kilo beef short ribs
· 1 onion, quartered
· 2 clove garlic, minced
· 2 cups beef broth or bouillon
· 1 tsp. salt, or to taste
· 1 tbsp. lemon juice
· 1 tsp. sugar
· 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
· pepper
· salt
· 2 bay leaves
· carrots, cut in pieces
· med. potatoes, cut in pieces
· can of button mushrooms

Directions:
Combine flour, salt and pepper in a food storage bag; add beef ribs and toss to coat. Brown coated beef in hot oil with butter in a large skillet; transfer to the Crockpot. Add the remaining ingredients except for vegetables and mushrooms. Cook until meat is tender then add vegetables and mushrooms. Continue cooking until vegetables are done.

Lion King School Presentation

The Preschool Department of Rosevale School culminated their Literary Month today with a program showcasing songs from The Lion King. Raya, as part of the Junior Kinder class, was a giraffe. She was part of the "Circle of Life" and "I Can't Wait to be King" songs. Here are some pictures I took. :D

Loved loved the show! The Lion King has always been one of my favorite animations. Watching them dance literally gave me goosebumps. Ang galing galing talaga! My friend and co-Mommy, Hannah, said it was better than Broadway. Hahaha! Siempre, because our kids were in it. :D

A Lesson on Friendship

When I picked up my girls from school last week, I noticed right away that Nadine was bothered by something. “What’s the matter?” I probed.

“We got our class pictures today,” she answered. “I had a funny face and my classmates laughed at me,” she continued showing me her picture. Indeed, the camera caught her with her eyes half closed. I looked at her distressed face as she started to cry. I gathered her in my arms and let her bawl. What hurt her the most was that the classmates she thought were her “best friends” were the ones who laughed the most.

Oh how my heart broke to see her hurt and distressed over this! If I could take away her pain and bear it for her I would! But I knew she had to learn that life is not all roses, that sometimes there are thorns that would prick and hurt us.

I let her cry for a while and after some more probing, she said that there were some who did not laugh and she was grateful to them. She said that she now knows who her real friends are.

Nadine has always been a highly sensitive child. Even as a babe, she was always quick to notice more in her environment and would react accordingly. She is a deep thinker and is capable of observing subtleties that most people would miss. Her mind is constantly filled with interesting perceptions and imaginative plays. Her sensitivity has also resulted to a tender heart. She is thoughtful and can easily empathize with others. In her own time, she has made a number of friends in school.

I always knew that I could never shelter her from the harshness of the world. That though difficult it may be for me, I have to let go and allow her to experience these things in order for her to grow and learn. That these encounters will mold her into becoming a better person.

As we were having lunch, Nadine was obviously still affected by the morning’s events but has somehow settled her emotions already. I slowly suggested that maybe her friends didn’t know that laughing at her picture made her feel bad. I explained that sometimes people are not aware that what they do or say may hurt others. I told her that maybe if she tells them how she really felt then they would realize what they have done and may show that they are sorry.

Nadine thought this was a good idea and agreed to do that the next day. I thought this would be a good way to encourage her to stand up for herself, to express how she felt, to regain the confidence and self-esteem that she needed.

The next day, we asked her if she was able to talk to her classmates and she gave us a big smile and said yes. She had told them how she felt when they laughed at her and she was pleased that they all apologized and said that they still wanted to be her friend.

I am relieved that it all turned out well in the end. Sigh. The challenges of parenting.

An Appeal for Mothers Breast Milk

My friend, Ann Tolentino, is looking for breast milk donations. Kindly click on this Link for more information. Meanwhile, I am reposting an entry from my previous blog about Ann's son, Zach. :D

This is Zach - October 2, 2006

Two weeks ago, I bumped into a friend of mine, Ann Tolentino. Actually, our bumping into each other was only the second time we've met but I feel we have a bond that was meant to be. I met her two years ago when she came to my house with a cooler filled with ice. She was picking up my breastmilk to give to her son. Her little boy, Zachary, was born prematurely at 31 weeks and was in an incubator fighting for his life. There was a call for breastmilk and since Raya was feeding directly anyway from me (I was pumping just to increase my milk supply) then I didn't really need the milk stored in my freezer. I never saw Ann again after that. Not until that meeting two weeks ago. Seeing her and hearing how much Zach has grown (he is now 2 1/2 years old) has brought tears to my eyes! The wonder of breastmilk!

But I have never been more proud than this moment. You see when I gave birth to Nadine five years ago, I was told that I didn't have enough milk to feed my baby. I tried and breastfed Nadine for 1 1/2 months only. That is one of the biggest regrets of my life up to this day. But with Raya, I proved them all wrong by being able to breastfeed her for 1 1/2 years. And now seeing Zach all big and healthy... I am more convinced that I DO have milk and that it is healthy and nutritious. I just wish I am able to encourage and support mothers to breastfeed their babies too.