We’re Back!

Someone pointed out that I haven’t published an entry on this blog in a long time! When I checked the date of my last post, I was shocked! I was gone thatlong?

Anyway, Daniel turned two last month and we celebrated it with my husband’s relatives. As opposed to the grand celebration that we had during Daniel’s first birthday, we had a simple one this time. The birthday boy blew his candles without help (well with some coaching from daddy) and clapped his hands while our relatives looked over.

Daniel’s is a big boy now. He’s also very smart and knows words such as ‘infinity’ and ’scrumptious’, can count in seven languages, can memorize his alphabet and numbers up to 50, can identify the things around him, knows the president and the secretary of state, and is a big fan of American Idol! He’s also semi-retired from watching Brainy Baby and Baby Einstein– his favorite shows now are Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues and Go Diego, Go!

We often check out some kid-friendly locations in the Bay Area for our active toddler. Here’s a recent photo taken at SadieDey cafe in Oakland.

The Cake Lover

Well, not really. Daniel just likes cake decorations like most kids go. We didn’t order one. As far as enjoying it, yes he can but on special occasions only.

Blogging from my iPhone.

Raising my 20-month-old son

So, after almost two months of living in the Bay Area, I can safely say that Daniel has already grown accustomed to his new environment. The adjustment was so quick that he didn’t even break a sweat over the sudden change of weather patterns and new faces that bourgeon in front of him. He’s more attached to me now: he clings into my pants or any fabric that he can clutch his tiny fingers into, whenever I attempt to slip on my heels or put on my rubber shoes. He knows when I’m going somewhere, maybe by the way I blithely toss my damp hair, or how I wear my purse in a certain way. And no amount of cajoling can soften his strong grasp. Most times, he rushes to hide between my legs or pretend to morph with them, whichever makes him more invisible. While that is the best thing since sliced bread, sometimes I feel guilty that I have to go somewhere without him. On the other hand, I delight in the fact that I am needed by my son. I admit I’ve never felt so needed like that before.

Daniel doesn’t miss his Yaya and while I am still trying to figure out whether “not missing” is a good thing or not, I also doubt if he even realizes losing his nanny in the first place. It seems that life goes on for Daniel and his days go by nary a word spoken about his trusty nanny. I guess I wouldn’t want my son to start crying profusely in the middle of the night and demanding to fly his Yaya to the Bay Area. So in this case, it makes sense to say that “not missing” is a good thing.

When we left Iloilo (God, the mere mention of the place makes me want to catch the next flight out of San Francisco) more than a month ago, Daniel brought with him basic words that he picked-up from his Yaya, the people around him (mostly our relatives), and from his deep personal attachment to food or anything that looks edible. One of the first words that he masterfully enunciates in different accents is apple. I didn’t know that apple, if repeated a thousand times over in one day at the rate of five repetitions per second, can be pleasing to ears especially if it is formed out of the lips of my dear son. Read more

Hello, Dad?

This was taken a couple of months ago when Daniel was still learning how to walk. The next thing I knew, he was on the phone and pretending to talk to someone.

How observant!

Sleeping Prince

There are times when I can’t help but take photos of Daniel while asleep. I love how wonderful this toddler is. I feel like squeezing him all the time!

The Happy Walker

Daniel will be 18-month-old soon and has grown into a smart and happy toddler and a happy walker. He has long abandoned his crib and now seldom uses his stroller to go places. He prefers walking and has expanded his playground to the lawn where he can enjoy the colorful flowers and lush greenery.

He also loves dancing, which makes him popular among relatives, neighbors, and even among my mother’s co-workers. He loves his Brainy Baby videos, which are extremely effective to soothe his tantrums.

Although Daniel likes watching his videos, he prefers being read to and likes to look and point at illustrations. He can identify photos of the following: banana, apple, Coke, bird, car, duck, chicken, ball, flower, tree, baby, mommy, and daddy. He also attentively listens to his favorite children stories.

Daniel started talking last month and has expanded his vocabulary by early June. He now uses words and actions to effectively communicate what he needs and wants. While some kids have mama or papa as their first words, Daniel first uttered the words banana (his favorite) and Coke.

I love being a mom and I’m happy to see my son’s progress every day. I can’t wait for him to have full mobility so he can just tag along with us wherever we go.

Do You Have a Close Relationship With Your Child? | Benefits of Attachment Parenting

Taken before our trip to Manila

In a nutshell, attachment parenting is responsive parenting. It is a parenting philosophy coined by esteemed pediatrician William Sears, MD. During childhood, a strong emotional bond is formed between parents and their kids so it is important to be able to assess and address the latter’s needs. The ability to be sensitive to the needs of a child yields a lot of benefits, not only to the child but also to the parent.

I got interested in attachment parenting when I was pregnant with Daniel. I learned that being attached to your baby develops in him the ability to receive and give love when he grows up. He becomes more trusting and more competent. He grows better because he feels better. At the same time, I become more confident as a parent, being able to intuitively make decisions in response to my child’s needs. Being able to read my baby’s cues helps me understand my baby’s temperament, which gives me ideas on how to discipline him.

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