And here's proof. She cried, she squirmed, she screamed if we put her down and let her walk on sand.
This was her first time at the beach and she didn't like it. So not like mommy, huh.
We're hoping it's just first-time jitters and that she'll eventually learn to love the beach!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
Is your child being bullied?
Wow. My title looks like those of self-help articles/books. But no. I chose that because Lia is being bullied.
I don't know, "bullied" may be a strong word, but I don't have any alternative for it yet. But what do you call this situation: Lia greets the kid with an enthusiastic, "Hi!!!" and she receives a "No, Lia, don't come near! Don't play with me!". And when Lia attempts to get near the kid, the kid pusher her (in front of me), and then does a hand gesture that says "I'll knock you off".
Almost every time, the kid does something to Lia and Lia ends up always verbally abused, and sometimes physically hurt. And Lia keeps on wanting to play with the kid, while the kid shoots her with dagger looks and an extended "Don't, or else" arm.
Just this week Lia went over to where the kid was, said "Hi!" and the kid twisted Lia's foot. How about that, huh?
Neil is just so mad, he wants to pinch the kid the next time he sees her. Uh-oh. Me? I still don't know how to deal with it. I just assure Lia of our love every time!
Terrible Two's -- not true!
That's because we're experiencing it from Lia -- and she's not even two yet! Her favorite words: "Ayaw", "No", "Don't like". And when we're scolding her she scolds us back. Actually, there's no use scolding her because we just end up laughing.
How do we deal with it? We give up. Really! Because we've learned that if we keep warning her to not do this and that, she only either laughs it off, or does it again and again.
Oh well. I guess toddlers aren't at all adorable if they weren't so smart (or smart alecky)!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Cuts and bruises
Yesterday, Lia acquired her second bruise of her lifetime. I found out about it when I called home to ask about my baby, and the helper informed me that Lia's knees have just been scraped. The neighbor's kid pulled Lia towards her, and with Lia's smaller steps (the kid was 1.5 years older), she stumbled and scraped her knees, plus bruised her finger.
I went home with six cups of ice cream yesterday just to cheer Lia up. ;p
Lia had her first ever knee scrape around three weeks ago, while running along the stretch of the garage. She wouldn't let the nanny hold her hand, so there. She knew it was her fault; she told us the story of how it happened, later that day.
I wonder how she feels about her physical injuries? My first ever memory of my knees being scraped was when I was around 4. I was playing near a parked Pepsi truck. A great idea struck me - I climbed onto the truck, holding on to Pepsi bottles. Of course, I fell. Voila, my first ever bloody knee bruise. I ran home crying, and my mother poured (yes, poured) half a bottle of alcohol onto it. I believe my howl was louder than a hundred dogs'. From then on, I was very careful not to get myself cut/bruised. The memory of the searing pain of the alcohol was just too much.
Unperturbed. For now, that's how Lia is with her bruises and insect bites. ;)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Lia's second Christmas
I'd say Lia enjoyed her 2005 Christmas than the previous year's. This time she appreciates things - and guess what comes out when she opens her gifts. A loud and sincere "WOW!". Hahaha!
Mom and Dad bought her a VTech toy. She appreciated it all right. But the next day, when Lia got a bike from Ninang Anna and family -- well...just look at the pic to see the pure joy on her face!
Mom and Dad bought her a VTech toy. She appreciated it all right. But the next day, when Lia got a bike from Ninang Anna and family -- well...just look at the pic to see the pure joy on her face!
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Missing my baby
Yeah, big time. It's just that since the start of the month I've been out almost every weeknight and even on weekdays. As if I had a choice. :( My baby feels my absence, too. When I'm with her she won't let me out of her sight.
One day last week I came home late, and Lia was still up! Poor baby. Neil said she won't sleep. So I immediately took her to our room and lulled her to sleep. And she did; she slept right away.
This coming week's going to be hell for Lia and me again. Tomorrow, office Christmas party. On Wednesday, am attending another party. And another engagement on Friday night.
:( :( :(
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Goodies!
And here's the little angel checking out her goodies.
Until now, the pumpkin basket still hasn't been emptied! Too much goodies in there!
Until now, the pumpkin basket still hasn't been emptied! Too much goodies in there!
Trick or Treat!
Lia went Trick-or-treatin' at the office! Along with the other kids, they spent the day at the office playing Halloween games, watching Harry Potter movies, coloring pictures, and of course, trick-or-treating.
My baby was so excited she only took one nap for the day! Hahahaha. And despite one (or two) monsters freaking her out, she had fun!
My baby was so excited she only took one nap for the day! Hahahaha. And despite one (or two) monsters freaking her out, she had fun!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Bad hair day
I arrived home last Monday night to find Lia with shorter bangs.
"What happened?" I asked the yaya, while trying hard not to lose my temper at the thought that she, indeed, cut my baby's hair without my permission.
"Ginupit ko!" answered the yaya, somewhat proud.
I took a deep breath, and went upstairs to discuss the matter with Neil. I found out I could not discuss it with Neil without being mad. So, I just went back downstairs.
And had a screaming session with the yaya. Starring me, of course.
It was the first time I had an outburst with the nanny. I've always been very patient with her. Despite family and friends' comments that she was "preska", "feeling close", "atribida", I forced myself to ignore them. Just because she was also patient with Lia's kakulitan.
And, it was the first time, I think, that my anger got into her. After my outburst, she sulked in a corner. Until the next day, mind you.
I don't care. It was better that I got mad. She crossed the line already! Because of what she did, I felt she didn't respect us. (And therefore, my sermon was all about respect.)
Lia, meanwhile, has much much shorter bangs. Higher than her eyebrows. And a little bit layered.
Will just have to grow them back. Can't take her to the salon as they will just shorten her bangs just to keep them neat.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Sick baby
I took Lia to the hospital last Friday. She wasn't taking in too much food (or milk), her fever won't go down, and her cough bothered her at night (which led to us not getting any sleep either).
I actually wanted to have her confined earlier during the week because I was dead worried about her condition. The pedia was utterly conservative. Observe, she said. Whenever I sent her SMS informing her of my baby's condition, she'd always respond with "observe". Finally, on Friday, after having a sleepless night, Lia's pedia consented to have her confined.
As instructed, I first took her to Makati Med ER. The triage was expecting us, as the doctor had already called and briefed them. After the usual checking, they inserted an IV for her dextrose. Lia cried her lungs out! I dared not look at the resident inserting the IV as I feared that I might take pity on my baby and tell them to stop. I offered what I can - soothed her with momma's kisses.
Daddy held her as we wheeled them to the room. She started to cry again when she saw the resident who inserted the IV. After much crying, she fell asleep on the hospital bed, with me by her side.
Nursephobia?
Oh, that's inevitable, I think. Lia's lips would curl downwards, pout, and start to cry when the nurses came in. Even when they just came in to check her dextrose! Even if they were a feet away. She'd cry, and stop only when they've gone.
On the second day, she mustered enough courage not to cry, but to get mad at the nurses. She'd grunt and move away when they'd come near her. Hahaha!
Before she was discharged, she was chummy with the nurses. Smiling at them, waving her hand to say "hi". Funny girl!
Will to get well
A day after Lia was admitted, she was almost up the whole day. Reading her books, talking to Mrs. Turtle and baby Turtle (heehee, toys from Ninang Tiff), and blowing imaginary bubbles on her bubble-wand.
The doc however advised that she still stay in the hospital, because her fever was still fluctuating.
My little girl didn't look like she was sick: she sang, smiled, babbled the whole day.
Discharged
The next day was a bright one for Lia: she was going to be discharged! While the nurse took off her IV, she watched in fascination. And when her left hand was finally free, she counted her fingers. Made sure they were still there! Hahaha! And then she smiled, and laughed.
And during the ride home, a bright smile was pasted on my baby's face.
Mommy Badge
My friend Marc said I deserve a Mommy badge already for Lia's first hospitalization. ;p
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Accomplishment No. 41
Nah, just kidding. I DON'T have a number for each of Lia's accomplishments! Duh!
Anyway...Lia's been sick since Sunday, and she's not eating much (or drinking her milk) for the past three days. =(
But this morning, after many attempts of cajoling her to eat and drink her milk, I decided to put her milk on her new drinking cup. This cup had a straw. Maybe, just maybe, this new experience would prompt her to drink. Then, I showed Lia how to sip.
When I handed the cup to her, she sipped, too! I can't believe how easy it was for her to do that. (Or maybe I'm just overreacting, hmmm?)
So, here's a proud mom. Plus, she consumed her milk (finally) - which made me even happier. =)
Friday, August 19, 2005
Trip to the Zoo
One boring Saturday afternoon, we took Lia to the zoo. It was a good day to go to the zoo because the sun hid behind the clouds and the afternoon breeze was cool.
Lia was excited as I dressed her in her 'gator shirt, corduroy shorts, and rubber shoes. She was going on an expedition! Hahaha!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Lia's birthday blog
Finally! Hehehe. I had to wait until we were all settled again, and the leftovers consumed and the balloons deflated. ;p
The day before the party, I could tell that Lia was just as excited as we were. Especially after I burned (on CD) birthday songs for the party and let her listen to the CD -- she clapped and danced and jumped! Couldn't contain her excitement.
On the day of the party...
8AM Lia's bath
830 Mom's prepping up - manicure and pedicure
10 Lia takes a nap; Mom finishes, runs to party venue to check on caterer and organizer
11 Mom runs to salon; Lia awake
1230Mom finishes with hair; runs home. Lia sleeping again
130 Mom dresses up; Dad takes bath
2 Lia dresses up
230 Mom, Lia, Lola Molly, and Yaya leave for the party
330 Dad arrives
When we got to the party venue, Lia immediately pointed to the crayon balloon sculpture that stood by the entrance. "Ta-ta!" she exclaims. And then she sees the Elmo pillar by the gift table. "Aaaah!" was all that she can utter, in amazement. Elmo was here, and it was more than enough for her!
But when Lia saw the other Elmos - on the tables, stage, and cake - she was speechless. Only her eyes, which were wide in disbelief, told us that she was very happy. Balloon queen Petite did a really great job with those balloons! And the interior decor was very pretty. It was exactly what I wanted. Actually, it was more than I expected (I had worries earlier that the balloons were not enough to decorate the place. Apparently not.).
I was glad to see Armel there already, relaxed and ready to host. A stark contrast to my tense aura, Armel exuded the "part-y" mode I should have had. Thanks, Mudra!
Guests started arriving at 3:30. And the invitation said 2:56, hmmmm. Hehehe.
The highlight of the party was the bubble show. Again, it exceeded my expectations! The bubble shows that I've seen are blah compared to this one. No, really - not because it was LIA's party. The show was 45 minutes long (I thought it was as short as 20 minutes - like other shows I've seen). There was dancing included, which I think amused the little ones too. And of course, the actual bubbles! Lia, who's such a bubble freak was all happy. And the kids enjoyed being inside the big bubble. =)
There was also the glitter tattoo booth, which the adults enjoyed. ;p The booth was never vacant. Haha!
My niece Marianna was the life of the party. The moment the party started, she was already sneaking prizes from the prize table! (Hmmm and she thought I didn't see, hahaha.) She danced, she limbo-rocked, she socialized with everyone (i.e., attempted to take Vida's name tag because she didn't have one YET). And what a big surprise for her, when, at the end of the party, she won the big jar of jellyace (the one she's been eyeing on the whole time) in the raffle draw! Hahaha!
The party ended at 6. I was exhausted, and had a bad headache, but didn't care. I was happy, Lia was very happy, and the kids had fun. =) And, everyone said it was a great party (thanks, you're real friends, hehehe).
'Til the next one! (That's Lia's seventh, hehehe.)
