You made Mama proud, Baby!

Ichiro is going to be awarded 1st Honor of their batch this coming friday. On top of that, he will also receive the Most Independent and the Best in Science award. This is just one of the few reasons why I love being a mom. Despite all the hard work and heart aches, my kids save the day by just being my kids. Ichiro, as always in his own little ways remind me how blessed I am. I thank God for these wonderful children. They are my source of joy and strength. My only frustration is that budget constraints deny me of funding for his KUMON. Ichiro loves Kumon and would love to continue the trial class he attended last time. He loves school. He likes books and learning activities. Right now he is into reading. I couldn’t get any credit for his reading skills. He helped himself well by reading everything he sees anywhere. I just provided him all kinds of reading materials that my budget could allow. I was advised by his teacher to let him take the examination for Grade 1. I had to think it over coz he just turned 5 years old. He may qualify but for me he’s just a baby. He will be 2 years ahead if I let him. Besides, he is a little shy. I think he need to build more confidence first. I wanted him to be a well rounded person. So this summer I allowed him to join the baseball team. He will also take some taekwondo class with my cousin. I hope he enjoys his summer. To my Ichiro… I love you, my Baby.

Ichiro’s classic funny moments

I’ve been wanting to write these stuffs, srsly. I just wanted to post some pics along with it. Unfortunately, my camera has not been that available most of the time so I’ll post this anyway. The pics will just have to follow some other time.

 

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Naughty Hammerhead Hits Goldfish.

 

Tita B bought her aquarium at home for the kids to enjoy looking at everyday. It has 3 angelfish, 3 goldfish, 1 janitor fish, 1 Giant goldfish and a Hammerhead. The story was just relayed to me and I was like, “what?”

Here it goes…

 

Tita B: Oh no! What happened? Why did the giant goldfish die?

Ichiro: <nonchalantly> It’s because of the hammerhead Tita B.

(…paused with my brows meeting… then burst out laughing!)

 

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Santa’s Costume

 

So Ichiro and I were walking together one December morning when he asked me this question:

Ichiro:  ”Mama, what’s Santa Claus’ costume during Holloween?”

Me: “Oh well, I have to write to Santa to know that. I’ll tell you when he replies, ok?”

whew!

 

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Let’s count

 

I found an activity in one of Ichiro’s Math book and immediately showed the picture to him. The picture has 2 girls near a bench. One is doing jumping rope and the other one is just standing with her hands at her back. There is also a boy playing with a toy on one side. There are birds and other things to be counted. I asked several how many questions and i got corrected on one of them.

 

The question was:

Me: How many kids are playing?

Ichiro: 3 kids. Oh no, Mama it’s only 2.

Me: Are you sure?

Ichiro: Yup! Look Mama, only 1 boy and 1 girl are playing. The other girl is not. She’s just standing and looking at the other girl who’s playing.

 

Oh well. I hope to post the pic so you could see there’s truth to his logic. In reality, it’s just so funny being corrected by kids.

 

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i don’t wanna miss a thing

Who could blame me if i only have 3-4 hours a day of sleep before going to work? I work very late at night. My shift drags me up to 8:30 in the morning. When I’m home Ichiro is at school while I take the opportunity to play with Jiro. I’m supposed to be resting already after lunch but I still want to spend a little more time with the kids. Then I rest. After like a few hours of sleep I can’t help but wake up and join the party atmosphere of the kids downstairs. They were playing with their ate’s and the laughter inside the house while they dance and play is so inviting. I don’t want to miss these moments now that i’m still here. My plans of working abroad is going to make me miss all of these. I still have a few hours before going to work and enough time to sleep yet I’m spending it reading bedtime stories with them. Sigh… if only I need not to work abroad.

why, oh why?

I call him motor mouth. That’s my Ichiro. He never rans out of something to say, ask and comment to. He replies right after he hears a question. He comments after a reaction. He gives suggestions as when he feels its necessary. His ears pick up easily and he always has something to say. Most  of his suggestions are really okay and very helpful you’d feel his concern. But when the conversation turns into a question and answer portion, that’s when I’m running out of things to say. Sometimes I find myself laughing at myself for trying to come up with the cleverest of all answers. Here, my creative juices are always put to test.

I: Mama, I hope we have snow here.

M: No baby, it’s only in the Antartic and North Pole where it usually snows. In some countries there are also snow but only for those who are on the upper part of the earth. Our country is in the mid part that’s why we don’t have snow.

I: So Mama, when the cloud is heavy there will be snow?

M: (–not sure!) Baby, when the raincloud is already heavy the rain will fall.

I: Why can’t it be a snow?

M: Because we are not on top of the earth. You see just like in the refrigerator the ice is in the upper portion. Since we are just in the middle it’s just rain not snow. (–this i have to chuckle at myself! )

I: Hmmm…

Tita Xa: You know baby it snows at those countries because the sun can’t reach them as much as he can in the tropics. When the rain falls it is water because the sun already melted them. (hmmm…i forgot that.)

Sigh… i think i need to read more about the stuff  kids love to ask. I remember back in my grade school days I love Science and i’m amazed at all the wonderful things about nature. Ichiro is more on the planets and animals.

Tsk, i remember he’s been reminding me to help him on his plant. He wanted to plant a new mongo seed so he can take care of it. I told him I need to find a good soil first. I’ll be including that on my to do list this week.

trick or treat part 2

This day was a hectic one. First, I had my final interview for a job abroad and in the afternoon i’ll be bringing my kids to my office for some trick or treat events. Then I still have work after that. That means no sleeping today.

Ichiro’s costume was made by Tita Xa and ate Isking. He’s a wicked tree this time. Jiro was dressed as the little scarecrow but we did not put too much accessories since he’s irritated easily. This is Jiro’s first trick or treat and I think he liked his basket being filled with candies. Ichiro is now used to wearing costumes. He thinks it’s really cool he even poses for the camera. I thought we’re gonna skip this year’s event because both of the kids are not feeling well lately but you know the effect of sugar on kids .

We came late and Ichiro’s costume was not seen immediately by the selecting team. I think they have selected their winner already. Some who have seen his costume particularly liked his rooty hands. The official photographer was actually following him. This year they did not go around the building because of too many kids. And the program was cut short. They still collected candies and loot bags though.  We then went to our own account’s trick or treat right after. There are just a few kids and surprisingly a clown was there who did some magic and games.  I have just one comment on the clown’s entertainment value. I think there’s no point of calling and comparing 2 kids to do the game again if there is only 1 prize. I mean,  there are many kids who joined so if there is only 1 prize just give it to the 1st winner.  Then, he was asked to give a prize to the 2nd placer on another game but he refused because he said he still need it to the other games.  I thank the organizer for coming up with this activity and i think the kids enjoyed it esp the goodies and the magic. I just hope they choose clowns who knows the right approach to kids not just doing what they are paid for.

I first tought of staying in the office to sleep a little before my shift but I missed my kids and i don’t know why. I went home with them and made sure everyone’s okay before i left. I’m actually tired to go to office but i’m looking forward to a health bonus for this month so with all my might i went to work and hoping the next day to get some sleep before we go to my mom’s heaven. Yeah. heaven. That’s Ichiro’s term for his Lola’s house.

Happy Holloween.

Quick Trick or Treat

If there’s one thing I really don’t like about Ichiro’s school that is their lack of proper communication with the parents. They have all the means- a calendar diary, circular folder, contact numbers. Most of the time I find it complete but there are times that you would really be surprised on change of plans. 

We were actually looking forward to dress Ichiro with a scarecrow costume he used last year. It was the one that won him as bast costume in my office. Little did we know it was re-scheduled earlier. My sister and I were in DFA to get our passports when my cousin texted me that Ichiro needed a costume. I was calling them on what to do. I even tried to call his teacher but she’s not taking the call. They said it was announced during the tour. I guess I missed that announcement. But what the heck! They have issued a circular regarding the schedules but did not bother to revise it? Sigh. Good thing we have already tried out some costumes and my cousins came up with their version. Ichiro doesn’t like to have scary make up so they opted for the scarecrow instead. Good thing the materials are readily available at home. I felt like my cousins were proud of what they have accomplished. I’m proud of them too, though i felt bad about not being prepared.

When we got home, Ichiro has a nice surprise. He was given a recognition for “Best in Book Making Contest” I wonder where that book is. I think it was one of their Foundation Day activity. My kiddo is quite competitive lately. I think he’s enjoying being the leader always in every activity.

Anyway, he said he enjoyed trick or treating. He even gave us some of his goodies. He said he’s not gonna eat the candies coz he wants to take care of his teeth. I”m proud of him, really.

My destined Travel Partner

Last Wednesday I joined Ichiro’s educational tour.  Good thing he is a morning person so there’s no trouble waking him up early. He was able to take a bath, eat breakfast and prepare before we go.  I had to double check everything on my list just to make sure we have everything we need.

We were in the meeting place exactly on time. As usual, the departure time was moved from 6:30am to 7:00am. Ichiro was his usual self, asking a lot of questions on why the bus is not leaving yet. While most kids are still sleepy and grumpy, mine is just on his seat waiting patiently. I have second thoughts of giving him a medicine for moving sickness but decided not to coz he never had problems with that anyway. I don’t want him getting used to medicines. Finally the bus moved and we were rolling our way to Manila. My kiddo don’t sleep during trips. He loves looking at the windows to see where he is and look for familiar buildings like my office.

Our first stop was Museo Pambata. Ichiro had trouble going inside Ms. Mouth because he was afraid so we had to come inside through the other door. We were inside the room for only 5 minutes not enough for the kids to actually enjoy all the exhibits. I don’t know why they are such in a hurry. The place was educational and interactive but did not allow enough time to be appreciated.  Ichiro enjoyed the rest of the tour especially the science room. He loves planets and the universe so when he saw the stairs going up to the planets he immediately went up to see.  We were directed to the souvenir shop and Ichiro asked for a domino. I don’t know why he chose that over some colorful stuffs and toys. He even bought an orange hand squeeze for Jiro.

Then off we went to the Ocean Park which was just a few steps from Museo. I’ve noticed that while some parents are busy scolding their children from playing around, I was just cool watching Ichiro mingle with his friends. I mean, let kids be kids. let them play.  Or maybe because Ichiro was just behaved and acts properly without being stiff and controlled. I’m proud of him. He knows how to control himself. He knows when to be shy about his attitude.

The Ocean park is not as huge as i expect it to be. It looks like the Ocean Museum in Ocean Adventure in Subic. Well, there are amazing sights though. I loved the part where the aquariums are getting bigger and fishes are grouped in school. Now, the sight i’d really love to see is where fishes go around the tunnel. I wasn’t dissapointed. It was a different kind of experience seeing them swimming around you. Ichiro enjoyed it as much as I did. There was even a diver who were feeding the sting rays and the fishes. What a cool job!  It’s justa a shame that at this point my camera is showing signs of low bat. I so hate that moment esp that we cannot use flash so as not to scare the fishes.  Oh well, What’s important is that my kiddo was able to enjoy the sight and the other exhibit as well.

Next stop is Rizal Park for lunch but since it’s raining I decided not to wait and let Ichiro take his lunch inside the bus instead. I just brought his clothes so he can change in the park and play. While watching him play I can’t help but feel so blessed. This boy is just overwhelmingly beautiful.

After Luneta we went straight to McDonalds for their kitchen tour. They were brought inside to see how the food are prepared in McDo. They asked parents to buy a happy meal for the kids to be able to join the raffle. Luckily, Ichiro’s name was drawn along with his 2 other classmates. Funny thing was, he gave me all the toys, went back to get the bigger one but won’t open it even if one of the higher level was bullying him to open it. He really doesn’t want to remove the plastic. What he did was look at the diagram or instructions at the back and showed the kid how it works. Only when I went to give him water did he asked for my permission to remove it from the plastic. I initially resisted saying he should just open it at home but gave in anyway since he has waited enough.

The best stop was the Manila Science Exhibit in Mall of Asia. I felt like a kid again. I think the educational tour iteneraries have much improved far from my grade school days. The place was all educational, interactive, more engaging and realistic. Ichiro enjoyed it too especially the games, the 360 film showing in the planetarium, the robots and everything actually. Next time I’m gonna load my digicam with extra batteries. They even have a birthday package which made me counted for Ichiro’s 7th birthday! It’s gonna be a lot of fun for his cousins for sure! This tour is definitely worth it.

Ichiro’s tired already so I let him sleep with his piggy bag. He refused the milk bottle coz he doesn’t want his friends to see that he is still drinking from his bottle. I so love this kid. He turned out to be exactly what Mama wants him to be- a travel partner. He’s hassle free, no motion sickness, no tantrums, doesn’t ask too much to buy and so much fun to be with even if he’s most of the time has so many questions. I couldn’t ask for more.

the walls have ears

Ditse mentioned that Ichiro and his lolo had a very interesting conversation last time.
Ichiro: Lolo, you should be with us in Rial (-that’s the street of the house we are currently staying in.)
Lolo: If you want me to be with me, you shouldn’t have left me here.
Ichiro: Eh kasi Lolo you are making Mama angry and you are always scolding ate Akai.(-a cousin who takes care of my sons when i’m out)
Lolo’s reaction? oh well, he just smiled.

I always tell everyone in the house to be very careful with their words esp if the kids are awake coz they easily pick up words and actions that they can immitate. Ichiro is a keen observer. Even if he appears to be busy with something,  he would butt in if he has an opinion or a suggestion about what’s being discussed. I’ve always wanted my kids to be able to make their own decision. If there is something that needs to be done I always ask  them to choose and why. In KUMON I agree that we parents should tell our kids what is to be done but my approach is to lead them to the right choice. I’m not the imposing type coz I don’t like it if someone pushes me to do something and i don’t want my kids to develop that resistance to follow just because they are being forced.

Of course he was reprimanded for butting in. Even if I so appreciate his opinion or suggestion he should not join in adult matters. The only problem with motor mouth kids is  they are so excited that they tend to forget to say “excuse me” before diving in the conversation.

A-va-o-na

The last time I fetch Ichiro in school the teacher told me how he remains to be the top in his class. She said he’s the only one who can already read well  and she can’t move the lessons ahead since his classmates are still catching up. She then informed me that she plans on  teaching him phrases next time. I was asked if I teach him at home. Well, I do bought him reading materials and sometimes teach him when he asks but mostly the initiative comes from him. I think it rooted mainly from him knowing the alphabet at 18 months. He loves identifying letters even at a young age and now he loves to make up spelling of words according to the sounds. Most of the time it’s ridiculous but we get surprised when he spell some words correctly. What I like about him is that he is very persistent in asking if he doesn’t know the answer but when he already knows he makes fun of it by using it as a substitute word in a song.

He is funny. Last sunday when we were in the church and waiting for the priest’s final prayer, my Ichiro said: “Today is Oct. 12, 2008. Today is Sunday. Mama what is the spelling of Sunday?” I said: “s-u-n-d-a-y, sunday!” Then he goes singing: “Sunday…I’m gonna be your lover, Sunday, oh,you’re gonna be oh mine, Sunday….” And yes, it is a Jason Castro original composition. I tried not to laugh at that moment since we were inside the church and he was simply making funny faces at me while singing that. I don’t know but he loves substituting new words to songs he knew just to amuse me.

When he came from school today he said that they are already reading the “ar” family. I didn’t understand at first but when he started enumerating the words like far, bar, car, i got it! Whenever and wherever he see familiar words he tries to read it. One time he said: “Mama, look! I’m gonna show you what i’ve read: A-va-o-na. I can read already mama. . Guess what? He was reading A-V-O-N. Yes, that’s AVON!

Jiro Mania

Jiro is my loveable youngest son. He is the playful kid. He can turn Ichiro from the well behaved and shy kid into a Taz like him whenever they are playing together.  When he’s alone he’s just like his ko,  singing and dancing along while watching tv,  sometimes silently playing with his toys,  and most of the time munching on some crackers.  We love Jiro’s kisses coz it’s so yummylicious. He has the sweetest smile ever  with eyes lighting up whenever he’s excited or happy. If Ichiro is academically smart, Jiro is definitely the street smart. He’s not afraid to say Hi to every kid he meets. He loves to mingle around even with big boys and girls. He starts the “conversation” in the crowd of kids. A typical Leo, he always is the center of attention and was never shy. He can make games of his own and even introduced playhouse to his Ahiya. Funny, but yes. He made his own house using blankets and pillows and put them at the corner of the room. Then he invited his Ahiya who then created the door and their window where they could climb and swing through. Then they would pretend to sleep and hide. Jiro also loves books. When I call for bedtime stories, he would be the first one to sit beside me. We would often see him turn book pages while murmuring some words while nodding and making funny facial expressions.   He can also hum Jason Castro’s “I don’t wanna cry” and “If I fell”. He also loves dancing with Hi5. He knows how to put his empty bottles in the sink. He would say “milk” if he want one and would go straight to the bed to finish it. He follows his sleeping time by heart except when he’s sick. He knows how to say “sorry” sweetly and “I love you’s”

 He is a sweetheart but there’s a catch. He is the clingy type of baby maybe because he’s used to my baby wearing. I used to carry him with a baby sling that I purchased when he was still a baby. I find it useful for it not only lifts off the baby’s weight from me but it makes him sleep tight while I can still do other chores at home. I was like a kangaroo carrying a joey on my pouch J. He’s now more attached to his cousin Arlene whom we fondly called Isking. And oh, he has the loudest voice for a baby. I remember him crying in morning and his voice really is so loud you wouldn’t believe it’s a newborn baby crying. It is so funny because it will really make you jump on your feet to attend to him pronto! He was just too demanding for a baby but it was so lovely coz he’s just too cuddly and cute. He’s not as chubby as Ahiya but it’s always a wonder to us why we love to carry him except of course for the reason that he’s our baby J.

 I think he’s also very considerate on my budget. At the age of 2, he is already toilet trained. He can say “Wiwi ako!” in a funny accent. Very timely on my meager budget for I no longer have to buy diapers in bulk. You can give him pansit which is btw his favorite, any crackers or biscuits as long as he can eat it while watching or playing. He drinks  lots of water and any juice. He love fruits a trait he didn’t get from me. Well, with milk I cannot compromise since I cannot trick him on it. He knows his own milk bottle and wouldn’t drink if it taste like Nido which is Ichiro’s brand of milk.

 I always thought that he would grow up to be the kind of boy that would get away with his naughtiness, at least not the bigger ones. I imagine him bringing Mama some flowers after being late from his curfew. Oh well, that would be several years more. For now, I’m enjoying the happiness these kids are giving me.

 

 I just learned that I’m supposed to be called atchi ,  Sofi is ditse and Xa is sanse. the oldest kuya is called Ahiya and the younger brother is called Syoti and younger sister is called Siobe which is similar to my Japanese endearment for Ichiro and Jiro.