Happy Birthday Miles!

Well we are back home in SF! We had a very relaxing, fun and memorable time in Hawaii, visiting grandparents and meeting family and friends! Miles got to do a lot of outdoor exploring, loving nature and Hawaii night skies, feeling grass and sand on the soles of his fat feet, and the ofcourse--floating in the ocean!

We all were pretty spoiled on our vacation, eating just about everything, cruising, sleeping in--basicallly doing all the things we donʻt normallly do here in the bay. Miles had such a good time with grandma & grandpa, spending the night with them and playing all day long. He was really at home in Waipahu. It really felt as though he belonged there! I felt like i belonged there! I miss the nature, good vibes, and warm weather already!

New yearʻs eve was reminiscent of my childhood when fireworks were legal and seen & heard everywhere! The city was literallly clouded in smoke and it sounded like war was going on in the backyard. Ruben and Erica flew in for the festivities!

Milesʻ 1st birthday was such a special day for us all! I couldnʻt believe that it was exactly a year ago when I was in the hospital with Jus, my mom, and Lea. It really felt as though that day had just happened. Itʻs amazing how fast Miles has grown into the toddler that he is today. His birthday in Waipahu was filled with delicious local food and pupus, full of family, extended family, and friends, as well as kids and babies. Aunty Theresa put together a very thoughtful and creative slideshow, from Milesʻ newborn days up to the days leading to his birthday. I felt emotional watching it, seeing how small the monster once was, wishing I could keep him that size forever! All I can say is that Justin and I, and Miles would not have survived all the CRAZY, overwhelming, and life-altering changes without all the support and love we have been blessed with from God, our parents, family and close friends. Maraming salamat!

And some pictures from Hawaii..more to come!











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On our flight home, Justin and I were pretty sad to be leaving mom and dad & Hawaii. Poor Miles! Iʻm pretty sure heʻs wondering where his grandparents are! Since weʻve been back, Miles has been crawling to the door and yelling to go outside!

On Saturday, Miles had a birthday dinner with family at my parentʻs house. It was pretty funny when we were singing happy birthday to him because Darrien was right next to him and he would start crying everytime everyone yelled "blow the candle!" It felt good to be around a bunch of babies, Miles and Darrien being some of the oldest ones! Their cousins were all there; Aron, Nina, Jenna, and Andre. Miles got more presents and love!









We spent the weekend in Vallejo so Darrien and Miles could catch up on their playtime. Darrien is crawling superfast now, cruising along the couch and climbing the stairs. Miles and him also have such a funny relationship already. Theyʻll fight over toys, pushing and smacking each other, then the next thing you know they are reaching to touch each others hands and smiling! Itʻs so cute....My parents have never been happier with these two fat boys! They are the remedy to their stress! Give thanks for babies!

I made it!

Aloha! I did it! I'm finally here in Waipahu, visiting my grandparents and spending the holidays here Pilipino-Hawaiian style. After a peaceful flight, I arrived here early yesterday afternoon. I was a very behaved boy on the plane because mommy drugged me up with some benadryl (thanks a lot Aunty Teresa)! So I slept for 3 hours straight and woke up for some Elmo and people-watching. I only whined because I wanted my bottle. But overall, I was very good.

When I got to the airport, I was so excited--I knew fun times and delicious eating was on the way! Grandma was there to greet me and I was so surprised because she popped out of nowhere! Grandpa fed me a tiny banana and we rode in his VW van. It was the first time I got to sit face-forward.

At my grandparent's home, I explored and explored non-stop. I feel so at home. But grandma laughed at me and said I was a "city-boy." I didn't like the feel of grass and rocks beneath my feet! Mommy and daddy think I'm an old soul because its the first time they've seen me so willingly to go to anybody. And they thought I had separation anxiety! I didn't care when mommy was there when I woke-up in the morning! I just went to grandma! :) I think mommy has separation anxiety!

Last night I got to meet my Uncle-grandpa Robert and Aunty Terry at dinner with Aunty Rosy, Aunty Bri, grandma & grandpa. I grubbed on mashpotatoes and cornbread. What can I say--I love to eat like my mommy. This morning I had a big breakfast that grandma made, waffles and papaya. And I made them a big surprise in my diaper to give thanks. I love it here and feel right at home. I feel so free maybe because I'm boomba--well, just in my diapers mostly.

I will tell you more and show you pictures soon!

Binyag weekend photos

My mommy still has to get copies of more binyag photos..but for now, hereʻs a glimpse into that whole weekend:



Grandma & grandpa just arrived and grandma is making me smile!



I love grandpa & he loves me...and IHOP.



Getting ready for my christening. Check out my fit. So fresh and so clean, clean...



Uncle Mikey is silly--so is the rest of my family!



At PPQʻs ready to grub! Everybody "Got it crackin" except for Darrien and I!



My dad, Ninong Uncle Rube, Aunty Trisha, and Uncle Mikey



The last night of grandma & grandpaʻs visit at Olive Garden for dinner.



Ninong Uncle Ruben loves me :)



See, I can do the Itsy Bitsy spider when Grandma sings it...



Donʻt you love my fine-dining suit? Itʻs the Vallejo boy in me!



Me & my hat with my dad & his long head...Iʻm hiding mineʻs beneath that hat!



Can I get a grill? I have 2 teeth now on 2 more on the way!

Mileskiii's Binyag

Thanksgiving was one busy holiday! We spent it in Vallejo, grubbing on mom's delicious cooking. Deng-deng & Miles got to try some garlic mash & turkey. That whole week was pretty busy and it hasn't slowed down since! Justin had just got back from his Seattle Out For Fame gig, and we both were recovering from being sick. Miles was doing good until getting the runny nose on the day before his binyag, Saturday November 25th. But despite the busy holiday, we were happy to see Grandma & Grandpa! Miles got to spend more quality time with his Pilipino-Hawaiian grandparents, laughing with Grandma and learning new things from Grandpa.

Picking them up at the airport was such a treat. Miles immediately smiled at Grandma. And he just eyed Grandpa, figuring out just who he was. Later that evening, Miles stayed in with Grandpa at the hotel in Chinatown while mom & I went off gallibanting. We came back to a screaming Miles and a very calm papa! Miles' screams did not even faze grandpa (or did they?!) They definitely hit those nerves with Jus and I. But the following day, he warmed up to his grandpa more and started smiling at him, showing how comfortable he was with him.

Miles was so lucky to have visitors from all over to attend his first spiritual (& institutional) celebrasyon. Grandma & grandpa, Aunty Rosie, Aunty Lisa came from HI. Aunty Marilyn came from San Diego. Oh and his Aunty Trisha and Uncle Mikey also flew out from Hi. It was great to be around family that whole week! We pretty much camped at the Hilton with grandma & grandpa.

Miles caught our cold that weekend but was pretty good despite his discomforts. He was very playful and friendly with everyone, welcoming new family to carga him. He would get excited with grandpa and try to show him that he could do close -open. And grandpa would wave, Bye Bye to him and Miles learned how to wave back. After learning that from grandpa, he hasn't stopped waving at people! It's so cute to see him greet people. He even waves Bye Bye at the tv screen at the end of Teletubbies when they each wave and say Bye. I love seeing him communicate more and more.

Miles' binyag was great! First of all, on our way to the church, early Sunday afternoon, Justin tells me the story of how Ruben, Jerr, Rohawn and him were late from Ro's binyag. Everyone was at the church waiting except for them! "What a story!" I thought. On this special day of Mileskiii's, it was pouring hard and we were in a crunch, transporting everyone from the hotel to the church, across the city. Miles ended up napping on our way to the church so we decide to let him sleep in while Jus makes another trip back to the hotel to pick up Aunties. Anyway, mom & I are at the church waiting for guests. It turns out there is another family sharing the baptism with us. About 20 minutes later, mostly everyone is there ready to get the prayers started.....except for Miles, Justin, and grandpa! It was kinda funny but also a moment of feeling hiya for the other family, patiently waiting with their sleeping baby. Oh, our guests outnumbered the other family--about 40 to 5!

But as soon as Miles arrived everything eased up. I wanted to laugh, standing in this big circle, with all eyes. And I'm there without my baby....my babies! :) What a story to tell Miles later. Well, the actual ceremony was nice. Miles' nap did him good and he behaved like a good catholic boy. He didn't cry with the priest pouring water on his head. He did, however, push the priests hands away when annointing him with holy oil! Oh that was a funny sight, seeing him dodge the priests hand and shoving it away from him.

Jus and I were happy that everyone made it, including Miles' 1 million godparents; Aunties Lea, Jen, Maritess, Erica, and Diane, and Uncles Ruben, Bob, Paulskeee, Dre, and grandpa/uncle Cesar. After taking 123, 34129387 pictures, we all headed to PPQ's for the good stuff. And yes, it was goooood. Mmmm, mmmm. Oh I'd love some right about now. Miles' grandparents really hooked it up! Grandma made cute and very creative favors! Everyone got a couple to take home, even the Pinoy valet at the Hilton. But back to PPQ reception grubbery--it was delicious. We were all rockin' our "Let's get it crackin'" bibs, getting down on purst class:

Deep Fried Calamari & Prawns
Papaya Salad with Shrimp
2 Roasted Crabs
Peppercorn Crab
Sizzling Pork
Steamed Shitake Sea Bass
Beef Steak Cube
Braised String Beans
House Garlic Noodles
Deep Fried Banana with Ice Cream

Yes, I just googled the menu to relive the delicious moment. And while we were all there, stuffing our faces and talking stories at each table, I realized how important binyags are not just for the religious sacarament that it is--but for the cultural aspect of this occassion. It is one day, a new beginning, and one of the first of many feasts--for our Pilipno families and friends to get together to celebrate life, Mile's new life. He was just about 11 months and his binyag was the first celebration in his honor. Next month, will be his 2nd celebration in Hawaii for his 1st birthday and I hear it will be big.

Speakin of the first year of his life, I can't believe it has simply passed just like that! It's amazing to see how much a little being can grow in a year's worth of time. And a year really does not feel like a long period of time anymore. One minute, he was stationary, lying on the bed, swaddled, and the next minute he is waving his hand Bye Bye, climbing up the staircase!

Miles has definitely brought a lot more sunshine in to our lives! Mommy loves you Mileskiii....

Cruisinʻ for a Bruisinʻ

Miles is so funny. As I was changing him, I saw a tiny bruise on his leg--maybe from hitting it on furniture from all that cruisinʻ. Heʻs learned to catch his fall by landing on his butt instead of falling back completely on his back. I guess he has figured out that his butt provdies all the cushion and padding to make for a comfortable fall. I donʻt know where he gets it from but he sure does have a lot of junk in his trunk to make falling more pleasant & without a whimper! Maybe his butt butt is getting a work out from doing all his squats, practicing how to get from standing to sitting and back up again. Justin told me today how he fell this morning. He did land on his butt, but he also lost his balance and fell back, hitting his head on our hardwood floor. He got up quickly looked and Jus, made a slight expression but he didnʻt make a peep. I guess not over-reacting to his falls are teaching him to brush that dirt off his shoulders too!

Life with babies

Weʻve had a busy week; Miles moving all over the place, Justin getting ready for his first out of state gig in Seattle, and Iʻve been busy getting ready for my gig in December--as well as being busy with my domestic arts. No joke!

Last week, Miles got to hang out with his older & cooler homeboy, Isagani. Gani is such an adorable 2-year-old! He was mindful of Miles and very sweet to me, holding my hand and requesting that I read to him his favorite book! He showed me his memorization skills and I was quite impressed! Galing si Gani, dios ko. I am definitely curious to see how Miles will be as a toddler. It was great to catch up with Mama Kimmy and Perci Papa too! I canʻt believe they are leaving the Bay..but one thing is for certain; having a kid definitely makes me re-think how Iʻm living and definitely pushes us to step up our game. Good for Perci, Kimmy, & Gani! And as for us...we have certain decisions to make within this next year.

Itʻs a different kind of fun, hanging out with other parents & babies & kids. Itʻs also a relief! Thatʻs another reason why I love going home to Vallejo to hang out with Darrien and JenEric--as well as Lolo & Lola. Justin got to go home this weekend since he had the days off and we enjoyed a whole day with everyone, minus Bobawts. Lola was surprisingly off of work on a Saturday because it was Veteranʻs day! Miles was definitely thinking of his Great Grandpa Cadabes & Papa in the 808. One day, Miles will hear the histories of his lineage, a very rich one from both my side of the family and from Justinʻs side.

Here are some photos of the new Bboy crew, Double Trouble:



Defiant Darrien



Mischievious Miles



Matching-matching for sleepy time...



and ready for action! The adventures of Double Trouble....

10 Months Old

Miles is gaining his independence as he exits baby life and begins to adopt his toddler traits. One things for sure, he is definitely more stubborn now than ever. He has always been such an easy-going, mellow boy. But now he knows more of what he wants and doesnʻt want, protesting when we try to change his diaper and when he doesnʻt want to be contrained in his stroller or high chair. Itʻs funny now, seeing him be more stubborn but we are definitley teaching him "NO," now--before he becomes one of those screaming toddlers in the toy isle of target. But hey, maybe we wonʻt be able to avoid that if that is apart of his toddler personality. Oh well! For now, I am trying to hug him as much as I can because he is slowly starting to protest those tight hugs and smell kisses. Last night, Miles protested against Justin rocking him to sleep when his sleep was disturbed. He screamed until I came into the room and took him in my arms. Heʻs becoming very particular. But Iʻve read that this is one of the stages babies go through-peaking when he turns 1.

Today, we started the day early and after dropping Jus off at work, running errands, Miles and I went to the park. He was more interested in watching the other toddlers. Poor baby was pushed away from this wind chime in the play yard by two toddlers. He yelled his, "O-O-OOO!," trying to get right back in the middle of the toy but couldnʻt overpower the other two. Heʻs definitely learning how to fight at this point, showing more persistence.

At home, heʻll fall down here and there but heʻs learned to get right back up without much complaining. He can now break his fall and he knows how to go from standing up to sitting down, vice-versa. The other night, he took a big fall, holding onto a TV tray then losing his balance and taking the tray down with him! I was horrified! Justin was right there with him and I was behind him but we did not catch that fall. He cried one of those loud then silent cries, whaling. Itʻs his first bucol on his ulo. Poor baby! Justin distracted him with some toys and then he was fine! He started smiling as if nothing happened. I looked at his head and saw that he had some scratches where he hit the playmat. I was more bothered than Miles! Babies are much more resilient than us parents! Goodness...Justin kept saying, "Heʻs fine!" But I didnʻt feel fine. I guess since Darrien took a fall last week Iʻve just been freaked out by the whole thing. Darrien is fine too but the whole thing was just scary. I guess I just have to get use to cuts and bruises now.

the Monkey & the Lion

It was Milesʻ & Darrienʻs first Halloween. As parents, we wanted to have a picture taken of the two of them in costume. We got to the studio and were all ready--except for the babies. The monkey & the lion were in no mood for pictures, crying in sync! Well, we tried!

Their first trick or treating house--the Parpan residence. Aunty Erica-ca was ready for the babies. And luckily, she is a skilled photographer with her 1st class camera. Here are some of the lovely pictures she took:





I got to admit, Halloween is now fun again for both Justin and I! I think all the holidays will feel this way-now that Miles and Darrien are here. Itʻs also pretty fun hanging out with JenEric too. I donʻt think I ever spent so much time with my brother since we were the little ones. But now that we are parents--there is so much more things to look forward to and be excited about.





I love my chunky monkey!

Surprise visit!

I'm having non-stop fun spending time with Grandma. She brought some aloha with her to the Bay! My mommy hasn't had time to blog because we are gallibanting everywhere! Grandma has been here to witness some of my new milestones. I have another tooth coming in. And I now cruise, holding onto furniture as I walk and explore-all by myself. I've had a few falls but Grandma and mommy are there to catch me. I can also walk quickly when someone holds my hands. I love to be on my feet now more than crawling. Mommy gets a break since grandma has been here. Tomorrow is her last day with us, cousin Rohawn is spending the night, and we are going to enjoy Pilipino American History month at the Asian Arts museum. I'll tell you more about it later! Pagod ako! Sleepy time!

transitions

At 9 months, Miles is gradually becoming a toddler. He is no longer my lil infant! I'm reminded of this everytime we're out and I see the newborns..and also when we are looking at clothes and I see that he can no longer fit the onesies and other newborn clothes.

Time just flew by quickly. So many more changes and developments, one after the other! Parenting so far has been pretty much learning how to adjust and adapt quickly! I can never really settle into any type of routine. But it's ok, because I hate routine! It's so boring! And Miles is smart enough to know how boring routines can also be. ;)

I don't think Earth's Best fruits and veggies are cuttin' it for him. He needs the real deal! And I'm slowly but surely, letting him try small portions of foods on my plate. I can't help but feel nervous everynow and then, fearing that he will choke on a piece of food. But he always shows me that he is a big boy now, chewing and swallowing just fine! I think I need to grow up as well!

Today, Miles and I met up with Uncle Eric, cousin Darrien, and Lola at our favorite place-to-be, Babies "R" Us. I can't tell you how much I love that store. I just like looking at all the little knick-knacks. Lola must have hit it big at Cache Creek cause she hooked Miles up with rations. Hahaha...I mean, with all those baby food jars, cereals, etc. Oh yes, Miles also got his first box of teething biscuits. He loves it... I think he should be the mascot for Earth's Best. What do you think?

Pinsans

One day, I will be living in Hawaii and hanging out with my Grandma & Grandpa but I will miss these days at Lolo & Lola's house. But I will also have these memories which hopefully my mom & dad can remind me of.



Mama & cousin Darrien



Ninang Jen spending quality time with Deng-deng.

Monkeying Around!

Aunty Lea came by on Friday and spent time with me. We went to the Pita Pit on Chester St. and I got to taste pita bread. I loved it so mama had to give me my own big piece! Afterwards, we picked up Dad from the bus stop, coming home from work at the crazy new mall with Bloomingdale's. I go every morning with mama to drop dad off. I'm so excited for the car ride and I wake up ready for it even when my dad is off! I know my mom doesn't like that very much. :)

At home, I played until it was sleepy time. Aunty Lea and dad were keeping me busy! I've been so whiney this past week because my first tooth is poking through! And it hurts so much! Mom said it feels very sharp--she's afraid to feed me sometimes and prays right before she does! But I've been good and I don't bite her. I just want to eat and get it over with so I can sleep...









I am officially 9 months today! Daddy was staring at me, saying that I'm not his baby anymore. I'm his little boy. I think my first tooth is a sign of my little boy status. Speaking of little boys, my cousin Darrien is also growing up so fast. He just ate his first jar of babyfood yesterday! He also enjoys sweet potatoes. Right now, we are here at Lolo's and Lola's visiting again since dad is off tomorrow. Ok, It's time for my bedtime. Good night!