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!

"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!