Terrible Twos

I was crossing my fingers that you won't go through the terrible twos but today you threw your very first full-blown tantrum.

And it didn't get any better tonight. Basically, you've got 3 adults scrambling to see what will calm you down. I think next time, we're just gonna have to ignore you.

You've been increasingly contrary this past week. Won't hold hands while walking, needing a specific fork or spoon when eating, wont' let us help you eat even when your food is falling all over the place, won't let us help you drink. No, no, no on everything. You're getting on my nerves but I still love you to pieces.

Hope this storm passes quickly. Love you, sweetie.

Mina's Smile

I was about to write something a bit depressing. I've noticed my posts lately aren't as chirpy and positive as they used to be. So I decided this one wouldn't be more of the same. In fact, I dare you not to crack a smile!

Here's my daughter at 13 months. I've got more vids of her that are absolutely hilarious. Those will be published later...

Your Steps To A New Adventure

A few days ago you took your first few steps my dearest Mina. Two steps that made Mommy cry out loudly. I clapped and you crowed and smiled proudly.

Man, what will you do next? I can't wait to see you soar.

Mommy Stuff

Cross-posted from my other blog.

I'm trying my hardest these days not to say "I'm bored". I know I won't be saying that next month when I've got classes starting, and I get to do homework for one of my weakest subject in HS, Chemistry. Homework along with keeping up with balancing time with Mina, relationship with my husband, some breathing time, and planning Mina's b-day. I think some people think I've got the birthday/christening all planned but all we have settled on is the Date and recently what favors will be available. Location, menu, etc, etc. are still all up in the air.

So yes, I'm trying not to utter those words. To be completely honest, I feel I am not cut out to be a SAHM. I like being available for Mina, but I have this tugging feeling at me that I'm not mommy-like enough. By now I should have already enrolled the little one in Gymboree, Swim class, set up playdates. I should be mashing her foods instead of buying jars of Gerber/Beech Nut/Earth's Best baby foods. I should be wheeling her to children's museums. I should not be avoiding attending my mommy group events (I haven't gone to one event). She should have baths everyday and not whenever I think she's too dirty. I should have home-cooked meals ready for the hubby every night, laundry done like clockwork. I feel like I'm doing everything wrong.

Sometimes, just sometimes, I wish I was back at work and so I can say, "hey I'm too busy for these things!". Instead I'm pretty much on vacation mode feeling still hence the utter lack of motivation to get anything in gear.

Rest assured readers Mina is happy and healthy. My husband does not starve and I do do the laundry. Everything has a "I'm winging it" quality to it though. Anyway, I have to remind myself I've only been doing this for 2 months. (that's it?!) so I'm giving myself a pass).

New Goals:
1. Sign up Mina for swim class
2. Attend at least 1 mommy-group event next week.
3. Cook at least 3x next week.
4. Get Mina fresh air at least 4 days out of the week next week.

There you go, hopefully this gets me in gear.

And below is a picture from La Jolla on Memorial Day. Damn these beaches. How am I ever gonna shake this vacation-mode feeling?

Mina's Gotten Clingy

I'm sure it's just par for the course of being a SAHM. She's extremely attached to me, and to being held in general. I try to put her down as much as possible but i have a sneaking feeling that when I leave her with her Lola Mama, my mom, about a couple of hours every few days, she's not put down at all. Heheh...I do remind everyone that she needs exercise, but I guess she's just so darn adorable they can't!

On the developmental front, I am not sure if this is normal but Mina's been scooting for the longest time now. When I noticed her crawl for real Apr. 28, I was finally halleluia! she's crawling now. Well a halleluia and a yikes...but most times she still insists on dropping on her belly and scooting. She kinda shakes her head while crawling and decides that no, she'd rather scoot. But then it hurts her a bit, because it's a wooden floor and her skin scrapes against the wood. I just don't get it.

Another development I'm thrilled about is her amazing love of music. I first noticed it months back when she'd be quiet and calm when I sing, or play Colby Caillat's Bubbly. And she'd get all excited when we'd play music in the house or dance around.

Now, she will go completely still if my brother Jedd, Mom, or Dad play guitar. She'll stare and stare and then start shaking her head. At Home Depot a few days ago, I was holding her, and when I'd start singing she would start dancing in my arms just absentmindedly. Gah! So cute! Kakagigil!

Here's a bit of what she does:

Tagged Reply: Now and Then

I was tagged by Christine so so long ago, about posting a picture of my baby. I'm supposed to post a Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and then a Now picture of my dearest baby Mina. So I guess I better hop to it. Sorry it took me so long Christine. I enjoyed seeing pics of Amelie, and hope you enjoy comparing Mina!

Day 1. She was adamant in staying inside me, and after about 20 hours of labor, we had to do a c-section. She was not happy coming out.


Day 2. Here she is looking a bit more peaceful. She doesn't look Filipino at all does she?


Day3. She is in her going home outfit here. Lovely girl. We were very excited to bring her home.


And now. She is a carbon copy of her dad, but she's showing off her Asian side by wearing this Chinese outfit. She continues to bring nothing by sunshine into our lives.


Look at her Daddy's adoring look:


And here's the two of us...is there a hint of me in her?

Mina's Laughfest

I'm a bit miffed that you seem to like Daddy better than me...Hmmp...I mean have I not been supplying you with liquid gold all this time? But then, when I watch the following video, I can't say I blame you...