Bye Lola! Hello May!

On Monday, Lola came to visit me before she left for the Philippines for a month. I was totally surprised when infront of our door stood Uncle Eric, Ninang Jen, and Deng-deng! You know me, when I get excited I just point everywhere to take attention away from how shy I am when I first see you. So I was pointing away and avoiding too much eye contact. We all jumped into the car and drove it across the street to Baker Beach for a lunchtime picnic. It was Deng-dengʻs first time at the beach so you know we were so excited. Uncle Eric had to yank my hood--along with me--up in the air when a big wave came unexpectedly. I didnʻt even notice--I love the water, cold or hot, clean or mercury-infested--I love it.








When they left, I was lookinʻ at my mom, like "whatʻs next?" Iʻve been demanding that she entertain me. She mostly chases me around the apartment and hides behind doors and couches to surprise me. When weʻre outdoors, we usually go to the park. We had another picnic on Wednesday cause it was daddyʻs day off. This time we went to flower conservatory in Golden Gate park. After our meal, I got to play with a band that was drummin under the sun. It was so fun, I was mesmorized by the rhythms!





Since mom & daddy got the hookup on museums for the month of May, I got to check out the de Young Museum. I wasnʻt really impressed by anything but the large glass fruit in the middle of the room. I was mostly impressed by how loud my voice echoed when I yelled!

Another free.99 thing we got to check out was the California Academy of Sciences. We only had an hour to hang out cause thats how many quarters mommy put in the parking meter. Next time, she promises to bring more quarters. Now that Iʻm much older than I was when I first went, I really appreciated the place a whole lot more. I mean, I can say "turtle" now and seeing one in person was a real treat. I was running from one acquarium to the next in awe of the fishes. I even got splashed by the big ones with daddy! Daddy was really surprised when a big splash of water fell on top of our heads at first, but then he relaxed when he thought of it as "sea water."

Mommy & daddy promised to take me to the other museums this month to maximize their playa club memberships. This month just begun but Iʻm already having fun and enjoying the great weather weʻve been having. Next week, I get to see grandma, grandma Rosey, Auntie Terri & Auntie Bri, & grandpa Robert, & Ninong Cesar!! If we get their intime, I might get to see cousin Lucy, Aunty Teresa & Uncle Tom. Iʻm going to L. A. to chase my Hollywood dreams! Sike. Iʻm gonna see family!

Frisco crew.

Miles has been spending most of the week hanging out with his homeboy, Diego. I had an evening with the two of them going wild at our place. The thing they loved doing the most was playing records on the portable vestax and dancing! Miles had to give Diego his orientation of toys, play space, and ofcourse--dance moves! I swear, everytime we play James Brown, Miles will just break out! He even has his own style of footwork!





Yesterday, Lorraine (our neighbor and friend), and I took Diego, Miles and our other neighborsʻ son, Gabriel to the park. We met up with Monique and her son Jackson. I guess you can say we started our own Mothers of Color group. Well, except for Gabriel who happens to be French! Anyways, all our boys are so close in age, Jackson is 12 months, Miles is 15, Gabriel is 17, & Diego is 19 months. So you can imagine what happens when these 4 boys get together. Thereʻs a lot of energy, excitement, pushing, throwing, laughing, fighting, etc....itʻs pretty entertaining to watch them socialize but it is also great to be around other mothers who are experiencing the same things.

Today, Justin was off so we spent most of the day outdoors, walking under the bay bridge at the piers, playing in Crissy field, and finishing it off with more play at the park. Miles is exhausted and so is Justin which is why I finally have some down time to update this blog.




Since Miles has been walking and communicating clearly (he can say what he wants or point to it or sign), the days get easier. He is so much fun at this point! His baby days were fun but Iʻd say it was more work than today. Nowadays, heʻs been helpin us sweep, throw trash out, and cook. Hehehe...Itʻs amazing what you can teach toddlers! His tantrums have been less and less because we decided not to pay attention to them really, allowing him to just let it all out. Since he sees that we donʻt respond when he throws himself on the floor, he stops crying after a few seconds and gets up as if nothing happened. Thank God! If anything, its so easy to uplift his emotions at this point. Music is especially soothing for him-and for us!

Happy 1st Birthday Darrien!

This past week was full of family celebrations! On April 9th, Uncle Eric and Ninang Jen were officially married in San Francisco. Darrien and I got to roam freely while we waited for the ceremony to begin. By the time it started, Darrien was asleep in his stroller. Ninang Jen and Uncle Eric looked so happy! We had a big feast following at Buca Di Beppo and got the hook up from mommyʻs DJ friend. The next day was daddyʻs 27th Birthday. Unfortunately, he was sick with a fever but mommy and I sang to him anyway and made him aroz-caldo. The next day, mommy had her energy work done while I hung out with daddy, Uncle Arjuna, and Aunty Christina. I mostly danced around and got all up in the mix when daddy & Uncle Arjuna were talkinʻ records. We picked up mommy after she was finished and had a very delicious dinner at Uncle Arjunaʻs. My favorite part was the ice-cream! I got to see the new kittens!

The rest of the week was pretty busy because we were getting ready for Darrienʻs big day! His birthday was on the 12th, Thursday, but we celebrated on Sunday at Papoʻs & Lolaʻs house. Mommy decorated the house with Ninang Jen. Lola & her sisters--my grandma Meg & Mening, cooked pounds of katsu, pancit, lumpia, baked fish, mac salad and Papo cooked beefsteak. I couldnʻt eat much because I still had the stomach flu! But I did enjoy a bite of cake. The whole day was really fun but I was over-stimulated by the crowd of family and friends. I got to hang out with my homeboy Ian and kuya Andre.

Kuya Andre and I were playing chase and he made me laugh so hard. I got to hit the pinata and flop around in the astro jump. Most of the day was spent in the backyard!




Darrien was just chillin out with everyone, enjoyin the party. We had a lot of fun, especially Uncle Eric & Ninang Jen! We stayed until late at night before returning to our home. I canʻt believe Darrien is 1. Heʻs already starting to smack me back because he is so smart and he knows Iʻm not the only one who can do that. Darrien! got so many gifts! I canʻt wait to see him and play with all his new toys!

Papo left for the P.I. for two whole months. When he comes back, who knows what Darrien and I will be doing!?!

I will post more pictures of Ninang Jen & Uncle Ericʻs wedding and Dang-dangʻs birthday party soon!

$Free.99

Wednesday was the 1st of the month which in SF means--the Zoo is FREE! So I had a fun-filled day planned with my dad, mom, & Aunty Awts who arrived in the morning from Connecticut. We picked her up from SFO and headed to the Zoo to meet up with Uncle E, Deng-deng, and Papo. We had so much fun, so much macararoni to eat, so much walking, so much animal watching! I also got to pet a few of the farm animals with daddy. I canʻt wait to go back on a less busy day with Deng-deng. There was a stampede of people! I stomped everywhere myself. Here are some of the highlights of my day:



We love Papo! He must carry the both of us at the same time--or else!



Deng-deng and I are rabbits. Happy Easter!



Checkinʻ out the flamingos yo.



Deng-deng loves the flamingos!



Walk it out!



Deng-deng is happy to be on his 2-feet feet and daddy makes him laugh!



Uncle E & Deng-deng check out my friends--owls and hawks.



Mommy bought me a sword balloon but I was sad later because it deflated.



So I was cheered up with a sweet treat. After a long day of animal watching, I had Polly Anneʻs Ice Cream with Aunty Cheryl.

Mileskiii in the place to be

Miles is back at home with us, enjoying the sunny days at Presidio. Each day, weʻve been going about our adventures in the outdoors, exploring with Miles. At Golden Gate park, we visited one of his favorite places--the Botanical Gardens. He ran around the mounds of green grass, following the ducks and seagulls, chasing the squirrels, and touching each and every plant we walked by. On Saturday, we found a little hiking trail right behind our apartment building. Miles loved being surrounded by tall pine trees. At the end of the trail, we found a little park which was like the treasure at the end of rainbow for Mileskiii. He just laughed in amazement. It really feels nice to just walk around with him without having to push a stroller or carry him.



We spent the weekend in Vallejo and Miles and Darrien got to kick it in the backyard that Papo fixed, getting ready for Darrienʻs 1st Birthday party. Yesterday, Papo barbqued and Miles stayed outdoors, chasing the dogs and throwing Darrienʻs sand toys at them in amusement! Poor, Snupe--he was his main target. Afterwards, we took the boys to some new parks in Mare Island. Darrien has been practicing his walking skills and is getting pretty good at it. Itʻs so funny how these boys interact now that they are a little older. Miles likes to punk Darrien but gets what he gives out when Darrien lays his heavy hands on Milesʻ face. Another thing they do is get jealous of each. Miles gets mad at me anytime I hold Darrien or play with him. Heʻll literally pulls Darrien off of me. Well heʻll try to! Ofcourse he cries when I scold him. Heʻs been having more tantrums now that he has this freedom of movement. Darrien also gets jealous of Miles but only when Papo cargas Miles. Darrien will crawl-run over to Papo and bounce on his knees, crying to pick him up to. Poor Papo! They are both very heavy to carry at the same time!

But overall, the nicest thing to witness is how they do play and share. When they are in their own little worlds, Iʻll catch them exchanging toys and smiling at each other. In the car ride yesterday, Miles wanted Darrienʻs sippy cup so Darrien handed it over and Miles gave him his chipeta in exchange! Ofcourse Darrien didnt care to use it but held onto it happily. They play more with each other directly besides all the parallel playing that they do. Justin was getting them all excited and so they started playing peek-a-boo, Miles standing behind one banister--Darrien on the otherside. It was cute watching them crack each other up.

Itʻs so nice to have him back here with us. Heʻs been impressing everyone with all the new words that he learned to say when he was in Hawaii--from his grandparents. He also showed everyone how he could wipe and clean the tables and floors. Papoʻs family kept calling him the "Hawaiian boy." Iʻm sure Miles misses Hawaii because everytime we pass the Ocean on a drive, he yells in excitement. He also looks around when I ask him where his grandma & Papa are. Justin bought Miles a red VW van to remind him of his Papa.

Todayʻs letter from Miles

Hi Mommie and Daddy!

My granma says its almost your birthday, Mommie and I thought you’d be happy to wake up on your special day and see ME there on your computer!!


That’s me looking at the fishees at the Waikiki Aquarium. I loooooved it there!



Oh, and that’s me at Kapiolani Park, right across the fishy place, where papa and granma took me to have a picnic after. Granma’s always looking at me through this box that goes click, click, click?!! I want it!!

And yesterday, we went to the swap meet to get Uncle Eric his fishy food. The lady there gave me a sushi roll – I almost ate all of it except for the hot cabbage stuff that my papa says I would spit out anyway!! My favorite is the seaweed..yum, yum!!

I was so happy my tummy was full and mostly because my granma bought me a yellow pikake flower…see it??!! I had fun after and played in papa’s VW van – Mommie, see my sandals?

I can walk really good in my sandals, you know! The best was when my papa read my new book with me!!!



And today, granma and Auntie Emily took me to the beach, one last time. Oh Daddy and Mommie, I’m going to miss Ko Olina so much. Will I be coming back to splash, splash at the beach soon? Ah, I hope so…





BUT I LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE! I’m gonna see you soon!!!

Your son Miles

I miss Miles!! Another e-mail from the golden child...

Hi again!

I’ve been going to the mall with my granma Susan and granma Rosy cuz its been raining and raining this week! It’s a little boring but at least my granma Susan lets me pull all the tags on kiddie clothes at Macy’s.

Like right now we are waiting for the rain to stop so we can go to Ko Olina and splash water and play with sand. I’m soooo missing the ocean and my papa felt so sad for me that he let me play with the water coming out from the roof gutters. Hee, hee, he didn’t have the heart to pull me away cuz I was having so much fun.

I think my granma ran inside to tattle on me - I hear the tapping of the keys on her computer in her space.

Mommie and Daddy, I’ve been a good boy, you know. I help granpa and granma with their chores and I think I’m doing a good job cuz papa and granma keep saying “ Good Boy!!”. I help grandma water all her plants in the Zen Garden ( I watch her every time and she waters EACH plant in those little pots).

Hey I can do that too tho sometimes the watering can gets too heavy (I told granma no, no…not too much water!!)


And papa, he LOVES me! He lets me clean his vw van! I wipe, wipe, wipe, just like him!!!


Then when I’m done with the chores, I get to play. My favorite is going inside my HUGGIES box and taking out all my toys.
And also playing with my pals, teddy bear and birdie (they watch over me until I sleep, ya know!!)



Ok, gotta run now. I think the sun’s peeping out so I’m going to bug my papa to see if we can go to the beach a little while.

Love you,

Mileskiii



PS Mommie, happy birthday soon! Sorry I won’t be there with you but I will be thinking out you, ok???

An e-mail from Miles (what a genious child!)

Hi Mommie and Daddy,


I tried to call you on my cellphone (the one Auntie Lisa gave me), but you didn’t answer! I ran to your room Daddy and waved to you and Mommy (grandma made a big picture of our family when we visited great grandma at the cementary). I think my grandma was trying to film me again (she’s always chasing me with her camera!!!).

Anyway, I have two friends I hang with – Birdie (granma found him at the zoo and let me take him home cuz I was sad to leave my birdie friends at the zoo) and Bear ( I found him myself when I was exploring in granma’s office)..




I love reading my books in grandma’s space – hee, hee. I spread out all my books on the floor and granma picks it all up again. I love to play that game with granma!!

My favorite is the one with the ducks, and plants and fish. Oh, and I love Elmo’s book on colors. Did you know Elmo is red like my red balloon (my granma Rosy took it from a big store called Sears. I don’t think she paid for it!!)

Hey, my grandma taught me to say NO!, NO! NO! and I can even copy her and point with my 2 fingers on both hands and say NO, NO, NO – just like granma!!

Em, I can kiss too!! Except my granma thinks its not too cool to do it with my mouth open and my lawai coming out!!

My granpa is teaching me to say FISH,. When I try I don’t why granma and granpa laugh so hard. I say it with my tongue out and my teeth on my tongue and go theeee. Then I see my granma run to get a bib and she wipes my mouth so hard – I guess when I say fish, all the water comes out….hee, hee.


I loooove the slide , Mommy. I’m a big boy and can go do the big slide by myself, you know.
But I think the best thing I love to do here is EAT. I’m always hungry. I don’t know why.

Ok., I think my granma’s tired now.

See you soon,

Love you,

Your son Miles

OMG.

I am missing Miles sooooo much! Justin and I canʻt stop thinking about our baby! He sounds like heʻs doing really well with grandma & grandpa, learning new things and exploring more than ever since he is literally on his own 2 feet! But I canʻt wait until he is back here and I have my little buddy to spend the day with outdoors. I miss our little adventures and hearing his voice, seeing him smile, and smelling his face! Mama loves you Mileskiii! I am truly blessed and thankful to be a mother and have such a beautiful son and husband. I could cry but I want to just laugh!

Big thangs!

Just had to share with you that today, Miles started walking by himself. We are so proud of him! And we were able to catch it on tape! ALOHA!

who needs indoors?

...when you got the GREAT outdoors! I'm having a wonderful time here in Oahu with my grandma, grandpapa, daddy, and mommy. All I do is mostly stay outside of grandma & grandpa's house, hangin out with my plant friends and touching their leaves nicely. I also play like I'm driving grandpa's '62 VW van. It's pretty warm and sunny here with a nice cool breeze they call "trade winds." I love it! This time around I'm not afraid to run barefoot. I've been barefoot mostly on the grass, sand and even concrete. I have a little pool that I splash splash in--in grandma's zen garden. Yesterday, I was having such a good time in the pool--I was so relaxed and decided it was poo-poo time. Grandma was laughing at me the whole time--even when she pulled my shorts down to clean me--and the 2lbs of poopoo i made plopped on the cement! Hahaha...mommy is still grossed out by it!!

Today, I finally got to go to Haunama Bay where my Aunty Erica (not Aunty ca-ca), works. She wasn't there but I got to see large blue fishes swimming around me as well as schools of other types of fish! I was so excited to go into the ocean. Grandma put me in my cool new Ocean floater and I was so gangsta. We spent a few hours playing in the sand. We had a lot of fun outdoors and here I am now back at grandpa's house, hangin out with him. My favorite thing is to be outside, day and night. I'm such a little tree-hugger already. I'll tell you more about my 3 week vacation here as an Island boy as the days go on...