He's baaaaaack!

..and on the loose! Sneaking some juice at bedtime...


...covering up his third eye!


Justin & Justin Jr. doing the power shaka!

Miles finally came home with gramma & papa (now on a roadtrip from Vegas to SD to L.A. to the Bay) and let's just say, we are all adjusting. So far, the transition has been smooth sailing with the exception of a few bumps. At the airport, we were just so excited to see each other! After saying Iloveyous, Miles informed me, "Mommy, did you know that Michael Jackson died?" And when I asked him how he passed he said, "too many drugs." I guess he's been watching plenty of news reports in Hawaii. One of the activities he's been busy with at home is dancing. Seems like he missed B-boying so he's been practicing with Justin and requesting Michael Jackson's music. Some of the new things he's learned from his vacation in Hawaii, includes doing Shaka and saying some Pigeon "Shaka bradda!" He also has picked up his gramma's vocab, commenting on things with the words: interesting and neat. Miles is also more knowledgeable on the different planets of our solar system, saturn being his most favorite. And he is also able to tread in deep ocean waters now! All in all, he's told me that he loved his vacation in Hawaii and says that he can't wait for his vacation next year. Thank you gramma & papa, for being such loving grandparents and spending quality time with your apo ("grandson" in Tagalog).

Yesterday, we celebrated at his Uncle Patrick's and Aunty Nara's wedding, where Miles ran free and wild with his cousins. He hasn't seen everyone in such a long time so he was pretty excited. And he also had a good time being nanay's dance partner.


Congratulations Uncle Patrick, Aunty Nara, and baby cousin in the oven!


Kuya Andre, Aaron, Dengs, & Miles buggin' out!



Dengs x Miles reunited!

Right now, I actually have time to blog cause the boy is exhausted and napping from a hot afternoon of walking. We walked for about a mile (which was forever for the poor boy) under the blazing sun. On our way, we spotted a green caterpillar, a few white butterflies, bees, and ants. Miles was pretty excited to run into these bugs. It was just another reminder for me, to stop, slow down, and notice these things that I've been passing up with Miles in Hawaii. So, thank you Miles for helping me appreciate these simple things.

Before school starts up again, I'm trying to read all the books I had on my list (plus a few more). Right now, I've been busy with Alfie Kohn's Unconditional Parenting. Besides reading it, we are trying to apply it in our parenting styles, doing away with the time outs, bribes, etc. It's an adjustment on both ends, I'm realizing how much of our discipline was through positive reinforcements (a.k.a. "treats") and solitary confinement a.k.a. "time out via the corner" (terrible, i know!) but so far--just being as loving (through the good & the hard times) and as patient (as EVER!) helps soothe Miles when he gets frustrated or angry. For him it's an adjustment, because he is use to being reprimanded or offered a bribe--but getting nothing but hugs and help. One of the things I've noticed that's a new thing he does when he gets mad, is that he starts hitting his head. He did it last night when he got frustrated, slapping his forehead and yelling to the top of his lungs. Talk about frustrated...it reminds me of how guys punch holes in the walls when they are mad. We gotta get Miles back into using his words to express all that he feels...it's really quite a challenge. But, I'm so thankful for all the parenting resources out there and having access to it. I'm also thankful for having a partner who is pretty open and down to flip styles. I know in the long run, Miles will be a happier, healthier (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) boy--with sane parents!


"Shaka bradda!"