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 :)

Second Week of Skool.

Milesʻ papa & grandma left for HI on Monday morning and boy did he wail! It was so kuwawa ( Tagalog translation= sad). It reminded me of the kind of cry he let out when we first tried to ween him off his "nappy" during the summer. Ooh, speaking of "nappy," it is officially a done deal. He decided over the weekend, Saturday--I believe, that he was a big boy and he wanted to give them to his baby cousin Makoa. And let me tell you, he was super feverish Saturday--I thought he was delirious to say he was "done" but he went to sleep without a peep. No nappy request. No kuwawa cry. Nada.



All he requested for, on his first night of no nappy as a "big boy," was for me to hum to him--the tune Iʻve been humming to him since I use to nurse him.



Justin and I have a verbal agreement to take him to Toys R Us on the weekend to buy him his special Big Boy toy as a reward for his Big Boy status. Now, if only we could get him to #2 in his potty. Then weʻd be well on our way to saving money!! Next child, I think we definitely will do cloth diapers!

So anyway, Miles must have caught a bug on his first day of escuela last week because by Friday night, he was burning up. Even though his fever was gone by Sunday, we kept him in yesterday cause he still had that frog in his throat. He insisted on wearing his new PJs from grandma all day long. And today, in the car, he tells us, "I want to play with papa." His papa has been his playmate for the past month. Itʻs really great when he communicates how he feels to us.



Teacher Beth said she almost offered him his nappy but stuck to her guns and he did eventually fall asleep after some crying.

It feels kinda funny being home without Milesʻ grandparents cause we got so use to our pad being full. It was so nice for Milesʻ ninangs Jen, Erica & Dangs to come over for a visit, making our home feel full again. Miles & Darrien havenʻt really played as much the past month and when they finally saw each other yesterday, they both kinda ran to each other with the biggest smiles and started talking in their own language to each other. Weʻve been missing Darrien too. He wanted Miles to play trains with him and kept saying, "Miles & Dang Dang!"

On a side note, Miles actually signed his name at school today! And it wasnʻt just chicken scratch! He even did a lowercase ʻe.ʻ I was amazed! I took a picture of it on my camera phone but accidentally deleted it :( So heʻs been in the mood to practice his writing and check it out...

(he wrote the top, i wrote the bottom...sike! vice-versa!)