Birthdays Galore!

Happy Easter!! Our family is recuperating from a Birthday/party weekend. We had a bbq shindig at our pad on Friday for Justin's 29th Birthday. Nanay cooked her veggie pancit (noodles 4 long life!), broiled salmon, and her virginia salad for Justin's bday. She's pretty much been with us all week to take care of Miles because he's been out of school due to an abscess in his ear. Thank God timing couldn't have been any better--since she's been on her vacation--she was able to help us out. She's had a granny vacation! So we've had a built in babysitter and a personal chef up until Friday and let me tell you, we've been spoiled. It really has made this week less work for us but more work for nanay. I would normally feel bad to bother anyone for extra help but she's happy to help out. Thank you Nanay!

So on Friday, Miles was super excited to have a house full of people. He had made a bday card for Justin, drawing a few of what he thinks are his daddy's favorites--James Brown, records, and "Galaxy." We always try to cram in as many people as we can in this apartment! Miles' birthday diet has been all sugar and activities--all play! It's been great but hard to get the boy down for his naps! Justin felt flattered that people showed up, including his fam from Hawaii & from the Bay. Couldn't find our camera Friday night but we have some pics via Bobawts' iphone:



Aunty Xtina & Uncle Arjuna hooked it up with chocolate & red velvet cupcakes (and a Wax Poetics Subcription--woohoo!!)


Dangs went into a cupcake trance the minute Aunty Xtina walked through the door w/ the cupcakes!

By the time, Kasama, and Dangs left, Miles was so sad that he cried when his Aunty Diane & Uncle Winston were leaving saying, "Who's gonna play with me?" Mind you, this is at 1 am, but bounced back to happy when he discovered his bag o' goodies from Aunty Crissie & Uncle Ian.

And today, is such a special day cause it's the birthdays of Miles' cousin, Jesse, his ninang Diane's birthday, and his BFF/cousin, Dang dangs 3rd Birthday! We had such a good time at Darrien's bday picnic yesterday and I will post more pics later but for now, here's some via Lola Baby's iphone (give it up 4 iphones!):


The boys and their egg hunting treasure.


BobAwts x The Jones'

On a side note, potty training can be frustrating. Maybe it wouldnt' be if I wasn't such a neat/clean freak with these expectations. Miles has been having accidents so we put him back in his pull ups this week when nanay watched him because he wouldn't go to the potty with her. But maybe it wasn't the brightest idea that we came up with!?! Sometimes you just have to laugh it off! Help with ideas/suggestions anyone!? What do we do!? He was doing a great job for the most of Feb & March. I think maybe we put so much pressure on him which is why I'm getting frustrated besides the cleaning up part. I need to keep reminding myself that we can just start over and that it's ok to start over from scratch.

Peace out!!

Lil' Rascals.

Dangs x Miles = ay yay yay! When the two are together, it's both cute and sometimes wild & out of control. Cute because, they are just so happy to be together, smiling, making up their own games, following each other around and sometimes if you're lucky, you will catch them being sweet to each other, sharing toys or food--a pretty mature and rare thing for them to do w/o fussing at this age. Wild because they totally feed off of each other's energy and keep buildin' on the momentum, getting into things, screaming to the tops of their lungs, running wild--you name it! So many funny memories of the two boys getting into trouble all ready--and they are only 3 years old (well, Dangs is goin on 3 on Sunday!).

Last year, around Halloween, everyone was just lounging around on a Sunday night, while the boys played. A few minutes later, we noticed that it got real quiet up stairs so Eric went to check up on the boys. He found a candy wrapper trail, leading into nanay's closet, finding Dangs & Miles going to town on the Halloween candy nanay had tried to hide from them. All they could do was chew as fast as they could and scream! Another time, the boys were playing and again, it grew very quiet. It was a telling sign of t-r-o-u-b-l-e. We ran to see what they were up to this time and found that the boys got into some tiger balm. Yes, tiger balm. Omg, I was freaked out--yelling for Jen to call poison control for advice when I saw Miles had rubbed it all over his face, saying, "it's only lotion mommy!" He was smiling so big and squinting his eyes cause I'm sure the vapors were stinging. He learned a big lesson that day--never rub anything on your face--even lotion--as he cried cause he hated that I had to flush his eyes out with water in the shower for a good 15 minutes= torture. Poor kid. We sure did learn our lesson: Never leave them unattended for even a minute.

Well, I thought we learned our lesson. It's so easy to forget! Fast forward to this evening, Justin and I had dropped Miles off to nanay's & papo's while we went back home to finish up on our spring-annual-inspection-cleaning. When we were finished, we went back to nanay's house and as we stood outside the front door, we already had the hunch that something had happened. Uncle Bob, aunty Jen, and nanay were on all fours, wiping away. Justin noticed a big green bucket and was like, "what's going on?" And I'm naively thinking, "oh, guess they're just cleaning the floor...." But as soon as we entered, we found out that the boys were playing with their most favorite thing at the Elacio residence--the Arrowhead watter bottles. And I'm not talking about the ones you get for $1 at the gas station. I'm talking the big, ___gallon one for the water dispenser. Usually, the rascals are happy playing with the empty ones, pushing them around the downstairs like madmen, breaking a sweat and laughing. They could go on for at least an hour. But for some reason, this evening, they decided to try to roll one filled with water down the step together and into the living room. So, it pretty much cracked open, and gushed out--spread throughout the floor, under the piano, under the ottoman, everywhere!!

I heard from aunty Jen, that she heard Miles' feet running (another clear sign of trouble) and Dangs call out "Mommy!" Nanay laughed about it and told me later, what she said to the boys, "I'm mad, I have to clean all of this!" And Miles said, "My mommy and daddy are gonna be mad too!"

These two boys are really off the hook when together. I don't anticipate what they will get into, growing up together. Eric joked around, reminiscing about the trouble he got into during his own rascal years, imitating papo in his thick Filipino accent, "Why did you do dat?" Eric, replying, "I don't know." Then imitating papo again, "you don't know!? you neber know! how come you always say you dat--you neber know?!"

I love Dangs & Miles. They are a handful and then some together--but I couldn't imagine the two existing without each other.

Last night, as I was just in one of those reflective & appreciative moments--feeling so blessed for being a mother--especially to a kid like Miles, I tell him, "Thank you for picking your dad and I as your parents Miles." I didn't expect Miles to understand what I meant by that. But he intuitively replied, "Oh you're welcome. Me and Dang Dang were waiting so long for you, daddy, aunty Jen, and uncle Ewick in heaven."

Watching Miles Play

..it's pretty entertaining for Justin and I, just to sit back and listen to what he says to himself and what he creates in his own lil' toddler world. Check it out:

March Marathon

My bad for not updating & uploading (to all 3 of you readers out there)! We have been pretty busy in the AC! But now that it's our spring break, I have time to share what Miles & our Cadabes Crew have been up to! March has been non-stop. So many things going on, so many birthdays. We are so happy that spring is officially here--blue skies, warm weather, sunshine and all!

Miles had so much fun at Baby Loves Disco. For the most part, he mostly played with the toys they had available. The only time he danced is when the DJ played Planet Rock and some funk songs. Miles is a very particular BBoy.


Giving Thanks to his Uncle Won Way, the emcee for Baby Loves Disco.

The monthly get down for Parents & Kids who love music & dancing (and good food, games, free masages!)

The Father & Son dance.

Afterwards, he was reunited with his buddy from his baby days, Jacob. Jacob turned 3! The two really got along great and pretty much have a similar laid back personality. They also share similar interests-- play cooking and toy guns and swords. What a combo!? While we were at his party, Miles met Jacob's older cousin, Miles. The two Miles were pretty amused at calling each other Miles. The other Miles' mama was also named Maricel!?! What are the odds of that one!?


The Birthday Boy, Jacob!

So much personality!

Our spring break started on my 29th (omg) birthday. What a great gift, right?! After a Cadabes birthday lunch at Mi Zacateca's, Miles and I headed to Nanay's for birthday dinner. But before we went to Nanay's & Papo's, Miles asked to get his haricut. "I want a haircut like Dad's so we could be twins." Check it out:


His Bruce Lee-do.


Lined-up & tapered.


Saturday, was Miles' Ninang Maritess' baby shower. She is such a cute pregnant woman! I love being around pregnant women...something about their energy! Maritess was telling me that when she starts laughing, she can't seem to stop! What a good feeling that is! Saturday was also the Mighty 4 Birthday Edition Jam--as all the Hip Hop Piscean and Aries folks celebrated. We got to hang out with one of our favorite fams, Miles' Ninong Dre, Aunty Sonda, and Kasama. The boys got down while dad played all the feel goods.


Mileskiii w/ Daddy Jones, Ninong Dre Boogie & Kasama Llama!

Must be groovin' to some James Brown!

Miles gettin' down, showin' his moves & maybe too much "butt butt"

Afterwards, Miles and I visited Bobawts and Nanay, chillin' at the Bobawts humble abode. When Ninong Bob is in the house, I am off duty. Miles was following him around like a puppy! "What you doing Uncle Bob?"...."What's that?..." "Where you going Uncle Bob?" We had to agree to come back so he can continue his playdate with Uncle Bob & Aunty Awts.


Look at Nanay and her gangsta pose!

Sunday night was The Deuce at Skylark, my monthly residency. Before I leave the house for a gig, I usually feel lazy, unmotivated, and ready to sleep! But, I'm so glad that I manage to get myself out for a night on my own. Playing music, out loud, and for the people has to be one of the most energizing things for me to do! It feels good to set the mood! I was so happy that Bobawts, and Aunty Tintin came out (before she leaves for Oregon!). We had a pretty good turnout (our best ever so far!) at Skylark. It was fun sharing the birthday festivities with Miles' Ninong Paulskee and Jivin Ivan. We even stopped the music, lit candles on the cake, and had everyone sing Happy Birthday!

Yesterday Miles and I went to the city to have a picnic with Aunty Cheryl (aka Awts). Dangs was suppose to come with us but he had other plans in mind, wanting to stay home with Papo. Miles was a bit bummed (so was I!) that Dangs wasn't coming with us, but he cheered up after his car nap, waking up to seeing Golden Gate Park and Aunty Cheryl in the passenger's seat. After a delicious lunch, Miles checked out the sundial clock at the flower conservatory. And he led us on our lil' hike through Golden Gate Park.

Our hike begins.


He spotted a mushroom growing from the inside of a tree.


Miles found Keroppi!


Taking a breather!

Tree huggers unite!

Taking the path less traveled...

Bamboo!

I think he knew where he was going cause at the end of the hike, we ended up at his favorite part of the park--the playground.





Thanks for stopping by!!

Boom boom bap!

We love Friday here at the Cadabes household! Miles and I get to spend the whole day together while Justin is off at work. We started the morning by doing yoga, ending it with a relaxation portion, and Miles meditated with his Om's sounding like "Mmmmm" then laughing cause it tickled his throat. After an afternoon scooter ride to play at the fire truck park, followed by a mid day nap, Miles wanted to make some "boom boom bap" on his drums. Justin came home just in time to teach him some paradiddles.






We are looking forward to going to the kiddie club, Baby Loves Disco tomorrow at Rubyskye as well as going to Jacob's 3rd birthday party! Hey moms & dads (or future ones!)--this happens 2nd Saturdays each month!



Look out weekend!

March days

When it was stormy, we would find things to do (other than watch Noggin) that kept Miles engaged. Miles and I baked another batch of banana cupcakes and Miles did all the mashing, singing the Wiggles' "mash buh-na-nuh, mash buh-na-nuh"--accent and all...



We were blessed with a warmer, blue-sky sunny weekend and Miles got to go hiking in St. Helena. He's been asking to go hiking for the whole rainy month of February and finally got to be outdoors--one of the things we all love to do. Justin felt like he was home in Hawaii.



Miles also had an impromptu educational lesson about water power and witnessed the Bale Grist Mill spin.



He also volunteered to help make corn flour. He took some kernels home and we placed them in wet paper towels waiting to see how they sprout.




He decided to take some corn home for his play kitchen.



And later that night, I got to go have a break from being a mom w/ Ayana's mama, Rhea. We are such moms...eating Papalote grub at the club!



Even Bob x Awts came out!


It was great to play the feel goods...




p.s. If you're reading this, mama Susan & papa Ruben, how do you like the picture quality ;) Maraming salamat. We love you both so much and are thinking about you guys...especially your apo.

Happy Weekend!

Justin was thinking about E.T. this afternoon. You know, the scene where E.T. is hiding with all the stuffed animals.

Potty Traininʻ Inspiration: Clyde Stubblefield

It has been a great two weeks of growth and progress and Miles reminded us of what we promised to reward him with after potty-training progress. As a "big boy," he wished for a "big kid" instrument. He has been inspired by James Brownʻs music and WAR and hopes to create his own rendition of their music, especially WARʻs Galaxy.

"Mommy, letʻs talk about something..."

Riding in the car with Miles is always an enjoyable moment, dancing to music, observing our surroundings, and of course--having stimulating conversations. I remember when I was a lot younger (mentally--not just physically), I would ask my homegirl, Rosallie, "Whatʻs it like to spend your days with Juju?" Juju was her 6-year old at the time, she would tell me, "It feels like I always have my best friend with me." Six years later, Jujuʻs about 12 years old (omg!) and I totally understand and remember what she meant.

On our way to school yesterday morning, Miles randomly asks, "Mommy, does Hawaii have toy stores?" And I tell him, "of course they do. I think thereʻs a toy store in most places." I look at the rear-view mirror and see that he has his thinking face on. And a few seconds later he says, "I want to live in Hawaii." I tell him, "Ok, you can live in Hawaii for part of the summer." And he says, "No, I want to live their longer...and grandma & papa will be happy cause theyʻll have a kid now."

At this point, I want to laugh and Iʻm pretty surprised with his ideas. Then I tell him, "Oh, but what about your dad and I? We would miss you soo much." And he says in his very reassuring tone of voice, "it will be ok mom, you can make another baby." So I ask him, "Do you mind if you had another brother or sister?" And he says, "No, cause Iʻm not a baby anymore." And then he asks, "Do they have good schools in Hawaii?" And I say, "yes, there are good schools. Some are a bit expensive though." And he says, "When I move there, can you put me in an expensive one?" You know I had to have my poker face on, learning that education to Miles is another important factor in moving, besides toy store locations.

Maybe, he has been thinking about this for a while now. Maybe, he just misses his Pilipino-Hawaiian grandparents and has been thinking of a plan to have the best of both worlds. Or, maybe wearing scooby-doo underpants has made him officially independent and ready to experience new things.

Milesʻ Anti-smoking Add

When we are out around town, Miles is always noticing the people who smoke cigarettes. They always remind him of his papo who he has seen smoking cigarettes. And, he has formed his own thoughts about it. I think it would make a good add, what do you think?...

Miles: Why does Papo smoke?
Mamafeelgood: Because heʻs having trouble quitting.
Miles: But I donʻt want Papo to, smoking makes people dead. Tell him to just smoke bacon.

Potty-Training In Progress

Miles has been doing a great job using his potty for #1, morning and night. His teachers Beth & Sarah have also told me that he has been using it more at preschool too. Today, I introduced to him his "potty chart" (thanks Aunty Teresa & Lucy for the idea!). Miles has been feelinʻ his bigboystatus self and announced "I feel my poo poo coming out" (sorry t.m.i.) and so we rushed up up the stairs where he pulled his pull ups down & pants, sat on his potty and you know the rest...before he did, he told me to "Close the door, please mommy." So I left and let the boy do his business. Now, I know this may not sound like much, but for us itʻs a BIG deal. I am just so proud of him, I had to blog it. Miles was also proud of himself (and happy to get 4 skittles). The nappy has been a done deal and hopefully his pull-ups are next...

Hello, Long Weekend!

It is a lovely, rainy evening and the 3 of us are chillinʻ together after another long but good week of the grind. We started the week hanging out with Uncle Ruben & Aunty Cathy and had a delicious homemade dinner (pics by Aunty Cathy).


Miles and I also had dinner with Nanay and Aunty Cheryl, who also hooked him up w/ a stack of new books! Miles was pretty excited about it and has been reading the Scooby Dooby Doo book morning & night. He was so inspired by the book, that he picked up his Ukelele and started strumming it and singing his own version of the cartoonʻs theme music. Itʻs really cute. And Iʻm not just saying that cause heʻs my child. I need to video tape it!

Miles had a great week in school, having his first Valentineʻs day party. I wanted to sit down and make cards with him but we just didnʻt have the time, so I opted for those cute, already made, valentine cards with _____________(insert your favorite character here). Miles signed all the cards, stuck on some heart stickers and was pretty juiced to fill up his classmatesʻ valentine bags. When I picked him up from school, he asked me, "Mommy, did you have a Valentineʻs party at your school?" And I told him, "No, I didnʻt, " and he replied with, "Iʻm Lucky. I got so many goodies. Your school is boring!"

Yesterday, Milesʻ Papo arrived from his 3 month hiatus in the motherland, the Philippines. We headed straight to his grandparentʻs house and the first thing he said to Papo when he saw him was, "Papo, you missed my birthday."
I could tell Papo missed the boys and was amazed by how much they grew and how much Dang Dangs hair grew (omg, itʻs sooo cute--I need to take a picture of him tomorrow and share). Papo brought back pasalobongs (Tagalog for gifts). My dad even bought the womyn lovely, hand-woven bags--very stylish and I picked one that had some vintage flava.

Tomorrow, for V-day, we are having a big lunch at Nanayʻs & Papoʻs. Miles and I are going to bake V-day inspired cupcakes tonight. Friday really is a day of rest for Miles and I. Except for this morning, dedicated to finishing our taxes (looking forward to paying off some bills!), Miles and I have been playing transformers, and having stimulating conversations on why the Autobots want to save the Earth while Decepticons want to destroy the Earth.

Happy Valentineʻs Day Friends & Fam!! We love you! And let me spread the love to you, by sharing some love-themed music mixed live by the homie, DJ Phatrick: Erykah vs. Jill:

http://www.illshare.com/erykahvsjill/

(Sorry, for some reason, I canʻt insert html links up in here! Just cut & paste yo!)

Oh before I forget, please come out, dance, party, and support (if youʻre in the Bay) a fundraiser for the Gabriella network conference coming up:

Saturday, itʻs a Saturday...

This is the look on my boyʻs face when Mama Feel Good is going for a night out in the cit--ayyyy.
Itʻs hard for me to go out, after a long week of skool/studying/family life--not too mention, having to leave these 2 boys behind-- but sometimes I really need to just be out and listen to music!! And tonight, DJ Shortee, (Females Wit Funk!) is actually spinning in the Bay!! I never heard her live--maybe last time she was out here it was for Future Primitive @ Justice League?! And that was ages ago. I donʻt think I was even of age. Anyways, itʻs gonna be a FWF outing with DJ Lady Fingaz & Deeandroid (Milesʻ DJ aunties).

Miles is missing his papa & Grandma and is telling us that he wants to visit them! Wish we had a portal! Technology is pretty amazing because he is lucky enough to spend time with them through the digital waves. Today, he had fun on Skype with his papa. 10 years ago, this may not have been possible!

For all the moms, dads, party people, music lovers...

I never usually post up fliers but maybe Iʻll start doing this for the 09 :)