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!

"Wifey" & "Mommy" role.

I've got to admit, I've never cooked so much in my life until now. Now, that I'm a wife and a stay-at-home mother, I'm learning how to cook dishes that I took for granted when I was living at my parents house. All these delicious Pilipino dishes are comfort foods that I want to be apart of my new life with my own little family. I want Miles to grow up, eating these meals too. Here's today's dinner, a very easy recipe:

CHICKEN ARROZ CALDO (CHICKEN RICE SOUP)

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Soups/stews Chicken

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
-----YIELD: 8 SERVINGS-----
1 1/2 lb Chicken, cut into serving
-pieces
1 ea Tb vegetable oil
2 ea -3 garlic cloves -- minced
1 md Onion -- finely sliced
1 t Fresh ginger -- finely sliced
1 c Rice grains
5 ea -7 cups water
2 ea Tb fish sauce (patis)
5 ea Stalks green onion -- finely
-sliced for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large non-stick soup pot over medium heat, saute
garlic in oil until lightly brown. Add ginger and
onion, stir for a minute. Add chicken pieces and fish
saue and cook for another 3 minutes. Add rice, water
and a little salt and pepper. Cover and simmer in
medium low heat for about 40 minutes or until the
consistency of a light ceamed soup has been reached.
Stir occasionally while cooking. Correct seasonings
to taste. Stir in a small amount of sliced green
onions. If rice soup becomes too thick, add a little
water to thin it a bit. Garnish individual bowl
servings with sliced green onions just before
servings. Tips: If you prefer, sprinkle a little lemon
juice on the soup servings. This will give a pleasant
tartness to the dish. Serves 6 to 8.

My mama said that I can actually try feeding some of this to Miles but without the pepper. We'll see how it goes. The weather here in SF is grey, cloudy, and cool--arroz caldo is perfect. Plus its quick and simple. We have to attend a baptism workshop today at St. Monica's for Miles' baptism at 7pm. I got to run to grab some groceries. Miles is asleep, Justin's off today---and the grocery trip is my time to myself! But see, I'm still doing something domestic! I DO enjoy cooking though, giving Justin a break.

707

Justin has been working all weekend but today, he is finally off. It feels so lonely when he's not home with us! But Miles and I have been busy with our long walks, playtime dates, playground trips and more. He keeps me busy now that he is mobile, dragging himself across the apartment floors with speed!

Right now we're all just hanging out, enjoying 'On Demand' programs since we don't have cable at our apartment!



Miles has been a curious lil monkey, exploring everything. You would think he'd sleep in a little more since he is so active but that's not the case! Last week, Thursday night, Justin and I went on our anniversary date to watch Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings. And yo, she is one funky soul sista. We really enjoyed our break from Miles! Aunty Lea and Aunty Erica (both his ninangs) were so nice to babysit him. I think they made a good team, putting him to sleep within one hour! That's pretty good considering it was the first time they had to watch him and also because Miles was overtired that day.

Lately, he's been preoccupied with exploring every place we go to. He is not as interested in nursing and at Diego's house, he didn't finish his food--which is a first! Saturday Miles hung out with Aunty Diane all day and we went to a BBQ at Diego's house for his 1st birthday. Miles enjoyed playing with the balloons and all of Diego's toys. Diego enjoyed cake for the first time and was covered in the blue icing, looking like a cute lil smurf!

So anyway, we are spending Justin's day off here back in Vallejo. And man, it's like 90 degrees outside! It feels like a whole season different than SF! Miles can just be boomba or maybe just in his diapers in this kind of heat.

Isang Bagsak!

Tuesday was nothing but beautiful skies, warm weather, and a nice breeze--summer in the city. Celebrating our one year of marriage, we picked up some sandwiches, packed up baby's lunch, and headed to Crissy Fields for a picnic. It was such a nice, simple way for us to spend time together (as if we don't spend a lot of time with each other already!), relaxing outdoors. We have to take advantage of these nice, sunny days in Frisco cause they are rare. As we were eating, I was telling Justin how as a kid, my parents would take us to the park to eat lunch here and there also. Those memories are some of the best ones. My dad would have a bucket of KFC, my grandpa, Tatay, was with us. Sadly, one of the only times we were all hanging out together since my parents worked so much. Those picnics were fun for us all to be outdoors, together as pamilya. And while we enjoyed our grub at Crissy Field, I couldn't help but watch Miles and look over to Justin and just think of how I am somewhat reliving childhood--both Justin and I. No coincidence, that later in the car, Nas' 2nd Childhood song off of Stillmatic played (cause earlier we were listening to him diss Jay-Z). Nas, I overstand!





This first year of marriage and our first year as a family has really been nothing but good. Besides stressing off of finances here and there, everything else has been pretty exciting and enjoyable. Justin and I--if anything--have built a stronger relationship. Marriage hasn't changed the way things are between us (besides sharing a bank account, oh yeah and my new last name). We are still two quirky individuals, sharing a quirky experience. But what has changed up our relationship was giving birth to Miles, switching up the flow. He's made us stronger and happier. I think it was UB40 aka Calvin who said to me once at Q's, "Being a parent just makes you stronger." It's so true. And this is just our first year...we got years to go!

Funny Boy, Funny Family.

Miles' determined face transformed into an even funnier one! This boy has got a lot of character already...



Yesterday, visiting Aunty Erica and her pamilya, Miles went crazy, dragging himself around on her carpet. I think that's the first time he ever got to move on carpet. Anyway, he was super juiced, making this exaggerated facial expression. He had us cracking up and everytime he heard us laugh, he would stop moving and look around at each of us!

It would have been so funny if he was making this face on Friday when I took him to Babies "R" Us, entering him in the American Baby Magazine contest. I think this face is the winner! Justin and I are wondering if he's imitating one of our many crazy faces that we make for him? If so, I think we're teaching him to be a little wierdo! Well, he is our son :)

Tomorrow is our one year wedding anniversary. Last year, Miles was apart of our ceremony, in my womb. We plan on having a family picnic maybe at Crissy field or Dolores Park, depending on whether SF is sunny throughout the whole city. I'm looking forward to a relaxing day with my cute little family. How much deeper can I love my husband and son?! We've been blessed with a lot of love. Give thanks.

And, one more time for the road...

Determined

With all the new developments he's going through; physical, mental, and emotional--Miles has been yelling out his frustrations, and making a new face to go with his new feelings. I love this new face! It's his look of determination.



He's so determined to get to any object. While I'm feeding him, he'll try to grab the spoon or bowl out of my hands. And the whole time, he'll purse his lips together and shake his arms quickly.



He gets frustrated, draggin his body around on the floor and yells for us to help him stand on his feet. He gets all excited when he's finally up, bounching non-stop. Today, he actually stood on his own for a few seconds and walked toward Justin a few steps (ofcourse with Justin holding his hands). Realizing what had just happened, Miles smiled and let out a joyful yell. It's not easy, honestly, hearing him yell so much! But I am being as patient as ever.



Another thing he does now as I carry him, passing by our studio, he leans towards the turntables and yells "Oooo! Oooo!" I was pretty amazed by that. I'm not kidding. He loves smacking his heavy hands on the platter and moving the faders, hitting switches. It's amazing how he already knows what we do on the tables and mixer, seeing and hearing us on it often. I will never underestimate Miles' understanding of things!

Miles-proofing

Today has been a whole day of rearranging the living room-just for Milesy. He has been crawling (mostly backward) and pulling himself to stand up since last week. It's hard to just calm him down unless there is baby einstein on the screen--and that usually only for when its time to unwind. With his new obsession for moving and groovin--its been challenging to get him down for naps at times but especially for bedtime at night. He keeps rolling over and getting into crawling position. Even in his sleep, he'll start whining and when I check to see whatsup--he's on all fours, rocking but with his eyes closed! He sleep crawls...it's kinda funny! I just turn him around and lay him back down and he's peaceful again.It seems the only time he is really peaceful now is in his sleep!


See, he's watching Einstein.


Check out Mega's (our roomate) shoe collection in the back...no way of Miles-proofing that section!


The Justin & Miles Band.

First Wednesday of the Month in the 'Sco

In celebration of Miles' 8th month (not to mention--8 months of surviving through nursing him), we planned the afternoon to do one of SF's free things on the first Wednesday of September, check cashing at Cash n' Go. Sike!

After Miles and I went on a trip across the bay bridge to send off Aunty Rizalene back to NY, we headed back to meet up with Aunty Lea and Papa Jones. Miles was such a patient boy, riding solo in the backseat from Oakland airport back to Presidio--without crying! I was really surprised. I guess he is more of a big boy now! I guess that also means that we can drive to Vallejo--just the two of us--when his daddy has to work.

Anyways, back to our free thing on the first Wednesday...
Today, we visited the Steinhart Aquarium on Howard St. It was Miles' first time to see sealife upclose. He was amazed by the fishes' movements, trying to grab them as they passed by, learning that he could not do so because of the glass surface. How frustrating!

He enjoyed the crocodile turtles, jumping up and down in excitement. They looked like old statues, dinosaur-like and crusty.



Aunty Lea enjoyed the giant striped bass. Justin enjoyed the Electric Unagi--I mean, Eels. And I just wanted some patis and bagoong! It was a seafood lover's haven. When Aunty Lea kept pointing out the striped bass, I just kept thinking "Ayon na masarap!"

Anyways, I got to see a Humuhumnukunukuapuhua'a. I just love saying that. Here are a few shots of our day of FREE.99 fun:









A little after, Miles got to hang out with all the other babies in the play area. But ofcourse, he was the only brown kid in the corner. I still trip out, seeing him play with toys all by himself. His dexterity is improving and so are his locomotive skills. He has yet to crawl forward--but he can now crawl backward!



First Wednesdays in SF are fun for everyone. There was a good mix of people at the aquarium, including homeless folks, buddha monks, babies, teenagers, and us. I think Miles had a lot of stimulation for the day. We headed back to the presidio and relaxed awhile. Justin cooked us his fried chicken dinner. Uncle Ruben came home and was able to dine with us. And Miles got a treat, Yo Baby yogurt. Aunty Lea enjoyed feeding the monster!



Peace!

People-Baby

I've noticed that Miles is most happy when he is surrounded by people. He is a city boy, being use to the hustle & bustle of the streets. Besides, Jus and I, he loves interacting with just about anyone who stops to smile at him. After grandma Susan left back to Hawaii on Monday morning, we decided to visit the other set of grandparents in Vallejo--along with Deng-deng, Aunty Jen & Uncle Eric. It feels really good to be around family and being around mama Susan made us want to be around more fam. So, we decided to spend the night in Vallejo which is something we usually do not do.







Miles also got to spend time with his bro, Homielito. Homie loves the attention from him. He's such a good dog for babies and kids. Even Snupe tried to lay a kiss on Miles' fat cheek--and funny Miles turned his face forward and opened up his mouth wide!



Every time Miles and Darrien see each other, they are able to communicate with each other better. When Darrien was lying down and I was holding Miles just above Darrien's head so that he could peer down, both staring at each other--Miles would talk to Deng and Deng would laugh. Whenever Miles made any kind of noise, Deng would laugh, making Miles laugh! So they both kept doing this for a bit, making each other giggle. It was such a cute moment--I wish I had in on video! And that's just the beginning of their fun together as babies, at about 5 & 8 months.

Since grandma Susan was here, Miles starting balancing better (& longer) on his two feet feet. So Justin kept Miles exercising, and baby loved taking steps. I asked my mom how old I was when I started crawling and she said that I never crawled but walked at 10 months! If there is a correlation between mother & child--then maybe Miles will be walking sooner than we think. Don't get me wrong,--I'm in no rush for him to walk! Please Miles, take your time.



Tuesday, Miles & I spent the day with Aunty Rizalene. She's leaving soon for L.A. then back to NY! She had dinner with us at the pad and played with Miles before his bedtime. Aunty Riz claimed that "Miles is the type of baby that makes you want to have one." What a compliment! Miles was just putting on his charm all day long for his Aunty Riz. He even had a surprise for her in his diaper but she refused the gift! How rude! Miles hopes to see Aunty Riz before she leaves again. Maybe he can accompany her to lunchtime at Nation's.



Tomorrow is Miles' 8 month birthday! It's a celebration!

Mini-Vacation

I got to spend a lot of quality time with my older cousins Boo & Angel, Aunty Lauren, Aunty Lea, and ofcourse--Grandma Susan! Ate Angel set up a puppet show just for me and I loved it! She made me laugh so hard! She also fed me. I was waiting for Kuya Boo to open up the gift I had for him in my diaper.





Aunty Lauren came over and cooked a wonderful smelling, fried chicken dinner. I did not get to taste her yummy cooking but my mommy did.



Aunty Lea spent a whole day with me, mommy, and grandma, gallibanting up and down Union Square. She is one of my funny aunties. I think I resemble her in ways.





Renaissance Parc 55 has been our camping grounds since Friday. Mommy, daddy, and I have been spending the night in Grandma's lovely hotel room. We get a different view of San Francisco from this point, more sunshine & warm weather.



The hotel is purst class. Grandpa and grandma have been very generous! I'm telling you, I'm a very lucky apo!

Grandma got to get her last minute shopping fixes in before she leaves me once again--tomorrow. I've had so much fun spending time with her! I've learned how to dance since she's been here. All she has to do is sing her Katenkateng song. Aunty Lea even got to see me shake my booty yesterday.



I've been on my best behavior in the hotel. I even let my mommy & daddy enjoy later than usual dinners at cheesecake factory, kitaro, and also siam thai. This morning I got up to have brunch with mommy & grandma at Betty Boop's diner.



I can't believe she is going to leave me tomorrow! She sang me into my drowsy state, holding me in her arms. I know I will wake up tomorrow, expecting her to be there to start the day with me. I've gotten so use to having play time with her in the morning, followed by our short naps. I love making her laugh when I eat, yelling "Aah!" while squinting my eyes. But I know she will be here again soon enough--and hopefully Papa will be here with her! He hasn't seen me in action yet so I've got a lot in store for him when he visits. I know I'll have so much fun with him--da kine I have with Grandma! We even wrestle!





I'm so thankful that I get to spend time with my Pilipina HK Hawaiian Grandma. She is so funny and malambing--as well as being so hip--28 year old scholars try to holler at her! I am in love with my Grandma and I let her cradle me like a newborn, even though my limbs dangle over her arms. I don't even let my mommy and daddy do that too often.



I will miss hearing her say, "Wahna!" and "Ay-ya!" But overall, I will just miss her presence in general. I have the coolest grandparents with that je nai se quois (yes, I can speak some french). She has been my fashion stylist and coordinator during her visit.



I hope she wakes me up tomorrow before she leaves the hotel to say Good morning to me. I think I'm going to go through Grandma Susan withdrawal! Mommy & daddy beware!

My First Trip to the SF Zoo

On Tuesday, grandma, mommy, and daddy took me to the the San Francisco Zoo. It was my first time I got to see real animals that I usually stare at on the pages of my books.

The first animals I got to see were giraffes. I got to watch them during their feeding.



I was quite amazed by their color and size, so I decided to take a baby one with me.



My favorite animals were the prairie dogs and flamingos. The prarie dogs reminded me of Homie, watching them run made me laugh so hard! The flamingos made funny noises and they cracked me up also!



I made bears stir, smelling my suka. One even stood up, sniffing the air, looking straight at us! After seeing the grizzlies and polar bear, we saw birds of prey. The owls were amazing! I saw a mouse run across the yard and then the owl tried to fly after it, but couldn't catch it because he was chained. I felt so sad for the bird. He was bigger than I was.




Besides all the animals, I was content with all the trees and flowers in the landscape. I wanted to take a few with me.



I really enjoyed our day outdoors with all the animals. I think I am going again with my cousin Deng-deng. But for now, I will just play with Homie :)