Winter time is here!

Itʻs sooo cold. Miles is waiting for the snow to fall. We definitely gotta get him and Darrien out to experience the snow. Heʻs so into Christmas and all the decorations and lights we see on peopleʻs lawns. People seriously have been doing it up! I need to take some pics just to show you how some fams went all out in Vallejo & American Canyon, alone.

This week we celebrated our vacation with our first Warriors vs. Magics game. Miles enjoyed the outing with nanay, Bobawts, Aunty Jen, Dangs, & Uncle Eric. He lasted for about the whole 1st quarter than got very restless and Justin and him circled the arena for the most part. He kept asking, "Whoʻs the good guys?" And when I told him Warriors, he said, "oh, I like the Magics." This boy has an affinity for the dark side.



















Lately, heʻs been picking up the phrases Jus and I say to each other. Like today, he saw something funny on tv and I heard him say, "what the feezy?" well, hey--guess thatʻs better than "what the f#%*."

Yesterday, we were driving down Soscol in the camry, and the radio is on. KMEL was playing that annoying song by T.I. where thereʻs some yodeling going on. Anyway, as soon as Miles heard the yodeling he says, "Mom, I donʻt like this song!" and his whole mood switched, adding, "And I donʻt like this car....Nah! I donʻt like this car, it plays ugly music" (he gets the "nah" from his dad who always says it). The picky music aficionado, finalizes & decides, "Nah, I donʻt want this car. I want a yimo."

Yimo = Limo.

Inhaling Spirit

This morning, on my last errand at the post office I did a funny thing that reminded me to be more in the present. So, Iʻm talking to the postal worker, asking for some stamps, asking about a missing package, followed by asking for a pen to borrow--heʻs pulling out stamps, holding onto his pen, and while heʻs talking to me--I reached over, and mindlessly grabbed the pen out of his hand and almost start filling out the package that I was sending out. I just grabbed the pen from his hands. It felt as if I got a glimpse of what I had just done, and saw that moment from an out-of-body perspective. He looks at me like "Huh? wtf?" And I realized I did that whole thing mindlessly and impatiently. Listening to what he was saying, on top of "whereʻs my package?", on top of "can I use a pen?", on top of I need to fill this out....Talk about, multi-tasking gone bad. Luckily, he just laughed it off with me (while, internally I was thinking, "wtf is wrong with me? why did I just grab a pen out of this manʻs hands?!) Hahaha..anyway, that was a clear sign for me to stop with all the errands, chores, tasks for the rest of the day and just breathe.

Thinking back to almost 3 years ago, one of the most important things that got me through childbirth was remembering to breathe. Inhaling fully, and being in that moment--followed by fully experiencing the exhale was all I could do to live thru the contractions & labor pains. Breathing is so automatic that many times, I go through the days without truly experiencing that breath. Iʻm sure you can relate. Maybe thatʻs why many smokers rely on cigarettes (or herb)--maybe its because (well--besides the nicotine, thc, etc..) thatʻs the only time they are experiencing that inhale and exhale of whatever it is that they are smoking. Why am I talking about breathing? I totally forgot. Just kidding...

Iʻm talking about breathing cause thatʻs exactly what I am doing, right now, as I am sitting in this Ikea lounger (thanks Bobawts), hitting the keys of this mac. Within the past 2 weeks, I have been inundated with mommy & wifey duties on top of all the studying for the last 4 exams--and within that time, I seriously felt crazy--up until my last errand this morning. I totally forgot to just breathe. Itʻs so simple. I tell Miles to do it all the time to calm him down from a tantrum. I know something is wrong when I feel disconnected, rushed, with my mind racing down a to-do list. Maybe its the holidays + finals week + life in general. Anyway, I am so loving this moment with Miles at preschool, Justin at work, and me--here, at home. I can just chill out. It will be really good for not only me but for my boys when they get home, mamafeelgood will be in a super chill mood.

I spent this first morning of down time, and I mean--at home, nothing to do--(in the past semester of school), burning calories on the eliptical, re-reading my momfullness book, and meditating, and now this--reflecting while listening to some good music. And let me tell you, I feel so good. The endorphine rush from working out + leisure reading (w/o having to memorize s#@%#), + just being, breathing.--Iʻm telling you, I feel like Iʻm on a mini-vacation.

Donʻt forget to breathe...

Two Things

At 2.75 years old, two very important aspects of life for Miles are--family & self-expression (in the form of Bboyinʻ). Thanks to Uncle Rube and Aunty Cathy, we have some pictures to share from the Jam @ SFSU (Miles battled his Uncle Profo!) and a few from Great Grandma Lucy & Great Grandpa Ernieʻs 60th Wedding Anniversary celebrasyon in Vegas.


Dad got multi-taskinʻ skills.


Aunty Cathy got photography skills. (Miles & his Ninong Rube Dude)


This is the smile that makes me happy :)


Milesʻ You-shot-me-freeze.


Big Miles givinʻ Lilʻ Miles some pointers...


Got the toprocks.


Got the makings of a 6 step (Iʻm so proud to be his mama)!


And, hereʻs one of Miles bugginʻ out at Lucky Chances, the after party.


Cadabes Pamilya.


Uncle Ruben & Daddy w/ Great Grandpa Ernie & Great Grandma Lucy.


Miles was checking out his cousinʻs dancing skills! She set the dance floor w/ Grandpa Ernie.


He saw people throwing money on the ground for the money dance and tried to collect (Cidney is his new favorite Aunty)!


All of Milesʻ aunts & uncles & cousins on the Cadabes side (with a handful missing)!

No Place Like Home!

Weʻre back! Vegas was full of non-stop activities & fun. Miles is still recuperating and catching up on all the sleep he missed from his time in the city that doesnʻt sleep--literally. Got more stories to tell but for now, while I still need to upload the photos from the trip--here are some memorable moments from this fall...


Tunnel fun!


Papo & Aunty Cheryl aka Awts @ our going-away-brunch for Papo. Heʻs been in the P.I. since November!


Nanay & the Boys enjoying the feast.


Miles & Ayana Jamminʻ ( he loooves her so much & asks me, "whereʻs my sister?" omg.)


Ayana is a true rockstar!


Miles w/ Mama feel good, Aunty Sheila aka Shred One, Jeskilz, & Dr. Lundy @ Rock The School Bells

Thanksgiving is around the corner!

"Vegas baby!"

Miles has been anticipating an airplane ride since the beginning of this month and tomorrow, his wish will be granted as we head over to Vegas via Southwest. Woo hoo! I think Jus and I are more excited than he is! :) Right now, we are just packing and getting everything organized and ready so after school & work--we'll be ready to jet.

We will miss being with Nanay & Dangs & the whole gang for thanksgiving but yo, Miles got fam in all area codes...
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Vegas here we come...


(Miles' Kung Fu Panda face)

SF Weekend

Miles has been itching to go to SF (and so has his mama). So Friday, I asked him "Miles do you want to go hang out with your Aunty Lea?" And he replies, "Yeah! How we gonna get there?" I say, "We'll drive there of course." Disappointed, he says, "I want to fly there on an airplane!"

So Saturday, we had an afternoon play date with Lorraine and Diego. We miss them and haven't seen them enough this year but it was as if Miles and DIego just took off where they left off--a year ago almost. It reminded me that we need to keep in touch with them more often. Afterwards, Miles had fun exploring Aunty Lea's new pad. He was so excited to be in a new place. And when he was leaving with his dad to go to Uncle Eko's birthday and hang out with Uncle Rube, he asks Justin "how come Aunty Lea lives in a hotel?" Aunty Lea's pad reminded him of a boutique hotel--da kine his gramma books downtown SF.

Miles partied with his uncles and didn't want to go home, telling Jus that he wanted to go party with the guys too--oh, and the ladies. He tells me, "mama, all the girls were talking to me....they think I'm CUUUTE."

We have more SF fun planned with the BGirl/BBoy Jam at SFSU Friday which Mileskiii SR. is spinning at. Miles has been practicing his dance moves and is looking forward to hanging out with Kuya Book & Ate Angel. He might also be attending the second annual Rock The School Bells conference/workshop at Skyline College with us on Saturday--or possibly hang out with Aunty Cheryl & Uncle Bob. It's another HIP HOP weekend. To be continued...

Oh My Goodness...

Miles is pretty well-adjusted to his preschool, teachers, and classmates. Thank goodness! I was quite worried during those first couple weeks. He has days when he looks forward to going and when I pick him up after, he's not so eager to go home, wanting to stay and play awhile. Miles has been telling us about his days at school--what he does, what he snacks on, who he plays with, who he doesn't play with, and all the "new" words he's learned.

This evening, Jus and I are just hangin' out, talking with the boy and while he's playing with his star wars' general grievous toy, he goes, "Keith calls me Smiles!" I'm thinking oh, that's cute..but I go, "Well, do you like that name?" And Miles says, "Yeah..." then he continues playing and still smiling--he adds "and, he calls me STUPID!" I'm looking at his face, and I realize, the boy thinks its a term of endearment!

Oh My Goodness! Jus and I weren't expecting that! And I didn't know what to think--be serious & annoyed or laugh!? Jus had to cover up his face with whatever was closest to him, laughing silently--so I asked Miles, "Do you know what Stupid is?" And he really didn't. Anyway, we talked to him about the word a bit and just told him that next time someone calls him that, he can tell them that it's not a very nice thing to say. We also reaffirmed him, telling Miles that he was not stupid but intelligent.

After 2 nights of reading him Green Eggs & Ham, Miles has been reading the book to us! He remembers the rhymes, and the story for each page, and really gets a kick out of re-telling the story from his memory, page-by-page. It's something that I really need to catch on film. We are not pushing him to learn how to read (he's only 2.75 for goodness sake)--but certain things he does--like the Green Eggs & Ham thing--or when we're driving and at a Stop sign, he'll spell the S-T-O-P and ask me to sound it out--then sound it out with me...those things are tripping me out and I'm thinking--maybe he'll start reading soon? Reading to the boy since he was a baby, really has helped him language-wise and also nurtured his love of books. This boy really does love books. He's just as excited to get a new book as he is when he gets to have ice cream or gets a new toy. I think I was 4 when I started reading--so I was well prepared for kindergarden even though I didn't go to preschool (thanks Mom! she hooked me up).

On a side note, Miles learned that he has a new cousin on the way!! Yay!! :) Congratulations Maritess & Dave!!

Here's some pictures of the boy & family...



Miles with his Ninong Cesar & Uncle Hoa.


Uncle Rube, Mileskiii, & Daddy!


Miles copying his Grandma Rosey's Steez.


One of his many faces!


Posting in his old stomping grounds w/ Gramma.

Teacher Beth's Post-Election Conversation with Miles

Miles: "My mom has a bruise on her elbow because Obama is our President. McCain lost."

Teacher: "Maybe mom got too excited?"

Miles: "Yeah."

Teacher: "Did you vote for Obama?"

Miles: "Yes. Obama is going to be good for us."

(when they had announced Obama's victory, Aunty Jen and I did toe-touches, & I fell backwards & hit my elbow against the wall--got the bruise!)

It's a New Day.

At this moment, I feel just as good as I did after I gave birth to Miles. I feel refreshed, inspired, overjoyed and empowered. This moment feels so surreal. I am so happy that Miles is experiencing this moment and this time--and all the changes that are to come. The timing couldn't have been any more perfect than it is now. He will grow up with a Black president, and one day understand the significance of what has just happened. Miles will know that even as a person of color, all things are possible and attainable, growing up in this world when you believe, persevere, organize, and hustle. The world is yours, Miles...



Justin was just as juiced to vote for Obama--his first time to vote during a presidential election.

Voting

Tuesday is the election!! With the media covering the pre-election days non-stop, the names: Obama and McCain have become household names--at least in our household--with Miles yelling, "Look mommy, it's Obama!" of "Look mama, It's McCain," every time he sees an advertisement or something on the news about them. I am teaching him the basics of voting--pretty much, we all can vote when you become an adult--that person becomes president--makes decisions...bla bla blahh...don't know how much of it he can understand but he is so interested in who these people are. Anyway, can't wait for it to be Wednesday so we can somewhat relax (or start a revolution).

This lazy Sunday, I officially voted, turned in my absentee ballot down the street at a precinct--and am gllad I got that out of the way but I'm feeling kinda anxious and I'm hoping to get as much studying done before Tuesday so I can celebrate the victory of the people and...



Please vote:

NO on Prop. 4

and

YES on Prop. 7

and PLEASE

vote NO on Prop. 8! I can't believe it is even on the ballot in this day and time.

AND, vote for OBAMA!!!

Happy Halloween!!

We have an eventful day planned this evening w/ Frankenstein (Dang dang) & Darth Vader (Miles). Last night, we painted our pumpkins which Miles had lots of fun with but complained that his dad made his pumpkin "too scary!" Justin was going off painting sceneries and errythang even when Miles and I finished! I'm tellin you, holidays are now way more fun since we've had Miles and Darrien in our lives! The boys have been looking forward to getting their candy on (don't worry Awt, Miles brushes his teeth well and we have our flouride drops...somewhere!). This week, Miles and Darrien got a halloween package from granma full of treats. Miles' favorite was the gummy worms. Last night, his Ninang Erica came by to bring him yet another Halloween bucket full of treats and a spider finger puppet--which Justin is using as his costume today... In the meantime, here are some pics from Miles' Hip Hop weekend, hanging out with his legendary uncles...


Miles found a slide at Uncle Q's house!

Miles w/ his daddy & Uncle Crazy legs & Uncle Qbert.

Miles has the same birthday as his Uncle Legs.

Universal Magnetic BBoy!

Mighty 4 weekend

That's a snapshot by Glyde One taken at Mighty 4. Miles just got finished rockin a cypher and was watching the next kid break.

I was 18 when the first Mighty 4 happened and it was one of my best memories of my high school years. Fast forward to 2008, it's the decade anniversary and now it's my son who's having the time of his life, bboying non-stop since we got in. I was such a proud mom, taken aback by how well he had his moves and his own style down! I was surprised he wasn't doing his "interpretive" dancing! Miles knows when it's Bboy time.

That M4 weekend was full of fun. Miles got to have some Hiphop in his life as well as plenty family time with his grandmas from Hawaii visiting, Uncle Alex, & cousins Boo & Angel hanging out. I'll update with some pictures soon. So you know, Miles had a lot of fun being surrounded by his more family and Justin and I got to have a drunken night of dancing.

On a side note, Miles has been entertaining us with his commentary. Last night, I was picking things up off my bedroom floor, Miles was watching (prolly making mental notes--noticing it was his daddy's stuff), and as soon as Justin enters the bedroom, Miles tells him, "daddy, you a messy man!"

And another time, last week, while I was cleaning (somehow, I'm always cleaning!) the downstairs before our fam arrived, I was taking out the trash and Miles looks at me, runs into the living room where Justin was chillin, and points to the left towards where I was, looking at his dad and goes, "dad, you help mom clean!"

Oh, and last night, while he was taking his bath, he asks me for more bubbles. I tell him, "Sorry Miles, we ran out. I better buy more at Target tomorrow." And he replies, "No, mommy. We can make-believe....Look at all the bubbles around me!"

Planet Rock

Halloween mode

Miles is getting more and more excited for Halloween as the October days pass by and we count down. One night, he suggested decorating our home "like Halloween." He's also been in and out of catching viruses. One day he's better full of energy then the following day, his temperature rises. To entertain a cabin-fever boy, I dug up some construction paper, glue sticks, crayons and his safety scissors and he got busy. Here are a few of his masterpieces.





He worked so hard on his "Ben 10 ghost"

Today, we picked up his gramma from Ikea (yes, that's where her plane landed LOL!) and right after---headed to Target to pick up some motrin for the boy and he also chose some dress-up gear which is the makings of a possible Halloween costume.


"Tharr be good!"