I have a preschooler now

We just got back from visiting La Petite Academy for a tour at their school coz that's where we're planning to enroll Abi. And after this post, I'm gonna be filling up the paper works coz me and my husband, and of course, Abi, decided that we like their school. I'm just so excited that's why I made this post first.

To say that I'm surprise with my son's interrelationship skill is an understatement. He's a friendly kid and like what one of the teachers said while observing him earlier, he has good personality which can make him fit in easily in a new environment. In fact, earlier when we had him sit down with other preschoolers (about 7 of them), he sat down quietly, observing them, then after a few minutes, we saw him scoot closer to a kid and they started talking. He then was able to interact with the teacher and all other kids there while joining their activity. They played instruments and sang songs that they like. My son even started singing "Row, row, row your boat", then they all sang the song altogether.

While we were observing him, we knew right away that he loved it there. It was even proven right when we told him that we need to leave and he started crying coz he wanted to stay there. For just about 15 minute stay, he knew that he liked it there. Which why I'm glad coz he's gonna be in an environment where he's gonna have some fun and learn at the same time.

We are supposed to go down to this aisle

Earlier today, we (me, hubby, and Abi) did our grocery shopping. I had the list with me while hubby's pushing the cart with Abi's help (how can he ever do that without a 3-year-old's help..lol). Like what we usually do, we start at the far right side of the store, which is the Fresh vegetable and fruits section, then the bread, canned goods, cereals, and then (before) the diaper aisle. I stopped in front of the diaper aisle and smiled. I told hubby, "It feels so weird not going down this aisle anymore..".

It's really weird coz I've been doing that for almost 3 years now and just recently, we don't do it no more coz our (soon-to-be) 3-year-old doesn't need them anymore. But I'm happy coz it only means one thing, he developed and stepped into another stage.

Next week, we'll gonna visit a Daycare center near us. We're planning to enroll Abi in preschool and start schooling on the 28th which would be my first day of full time job. I'm nervous and excited about it at the same time. I'm nervous coz I know it'll be a big adjustment for him and excited coz he's gonna explore and learn a lot of new things. I'm sure it'll be hard at first, probably for the first couple of days, but he's gonna have some fun. He enjoys interacting with other people but he's just not used to be with strangers alone and without me or his Daddy.

It's so nice seeing him developed and learned new things from day to day. And the nicest feeling of being a mother is to be able to provide our child the things that he needed and happiness out of non-material things.

Potty trained

I'm the proudest Mom now that my son, who will turn 3 next month, is fully potty trained. Yay, finally!

Before I decided to start his potty training, I searched online making sure I know what to do and expect. There are lots of helpful articles online, such as Parents.com, that explains the whole process of potty training. I've learned that the child's readiness to potty can be different based on their personality and not just with age. I didn't know that until I read the articles. I just thought of start potty training him when I knew that my husband's nephew who is about the same age as my son started potty training already. But I realized that my son wasn't ready yet that time. So I waited and just couple of days ago, I tried and it worked.

I knew that he wasn't ready when I first tried it coz he never wanted to go on his potty until one morning he woke up while his Daddy's peeing. My husband asked him if he wants to go to and said yes, took off his diaper, and went to the toilet, standing and that's it! Well, actually it wasn't really it. That happened couple of months ago. We weren't consistent about taking him to potty coz most of the time he refused to go. And by the way, my son's really independent. He wants to do almost everything on his own and he always have the i-can-do-it-by-myself attitude.

Then, couple of days ago, all of a sudden, I thought of removing his diaper and just let him be naked the whole day. I told him how messy it would be if he would just go, but if he'd tell me that he wants to pee and will successfully pee in the toilet, he'll get a reward. Being true to my word, I gave him all sorts of rewards such as suckers, gummy bears, etc. I believe it helped coz he never made a mess. Since that time, he always tells me that he wants to go. After the he went that day, I put just an underwear on him.

On the second day, while I was cleaning the toilet, he hid from me, then I knew that something's going on. I knew it! He was pooping. So I called him to the toilet right away but it he already went. I still asked him to sit on his potty seat and finish it there. He ended up letting the half of his poop! We were jumping with joy!

Then third day came. He was already good about going to the toilet to pee all by himself. Got him new pairs of underwear. And the afternoon of that day, he told me that he needs to poop. That was it! The big day! He pooped in the toilet. And not just the half but the whole thing. I was even happier after he did it coz he said that he can wipe himself. Finally, we all said BYE TO DIAPERS!

Actually, we still have him wear diapers at night when he goes to bed. He would only pee once which will save us $15 a month. Probably, a week from now, we'll have him totally separated from diapers and we hopefully that we'll be successful with it.

It is such a relief to see your toddler go potty. Relief for not having to wipe poops and dispose stinky diapers, less cost from not buying diaper anymore, and the thought of his development as a growing up kid.

Potty train to save

My son would be almost 3 but he is not yet fully potty trained. He is doing so well in peeing in the toilet all by himself now but not with his pooping. For some reason, he still won't be able to tell if he is about to poop. We already tried our best to have him tell us when is about to go so that he can sit on his potty seat like a big boy. We also set a motivation for him such as his potty seat's color/design which he chose himself and the thought of him being a big boy. I also explained to him the food process in our body and the reason why we poop, as what I've read in an article online. Maybe, it would just come in time, right?

Anyway, it would be nice to have my son fully potty trained so that he can graduate from disposable diapers and we can save money from it. We usually spends about $30 a month for his nappies which means that if he doesn't use it anymore, we would be saving $360 a year. With the economy nowadays, that's considered a big savings. But I know, saving money is one thing and it's not the most important. The most important is his development as a child.

I can't wait to see him poop all by himself in the comfort room just like how he pees all alone.

Game system upgrade

My son is starting to show interest in video games now. He always see his father playing games on his Playstattion 2 and Nintendo N64. My husband loves playing football, baseball, and Mario Cart with those game systems whenever he has time and my son is always his number 1 plan.

Our son is probably too young to be playing video games right now but I know time will come that he would be doing it. But as a Mom, I wanted him to do what makes him happy but with things like this, I'd have some limitations and I guess, we all Moms has and you all know what I'm talking about.

Anyhow, me and my husband were talking about getting some upgrades for our game systems. Ours are not that old yet but it will get old. So we're thinking of getting a Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii, that way we will have a wide selection of games. And I like the idea that it's easier to get PS3 and Wii accessories anywhere.

Well, I just wanna share my thought about this. Thanks for reading.

Potty Training Development

Couple of months ago, I made a post about my son starting his potty training. It's taking longer that what I expected cos until now he is still on training. Actually, it was just last week that he showed a big development on it -- he pees in the toilet bowl all by himself. And what's really surprising is we never taught him to stand to pee cos they said that it'd confuse him since we usually sit down when we poop, but the first he did it, he stood to pee. He just suddenly removed his diaper and went to the toilet and then yelled "Abi peed, Abi peed". It was so cute. Since the, he is always excited to pee on the toilet just like a big boy.

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Sleep Tight, Mommy and Daddy

Being parents are not easy, whether it's your first time or the 20th(?) time, but it's still worth it. Every full day is all about learning, for me and my son, and it is really tiring, emotionally, mentally, and physically but it's not the kind of tiredness that you won't to give up but it's something that you still want to do again and again. And due to the activities we do everyday, we need to have a goodnight sleep so that we can face another tiresome day again. That's why I wanted to get the sleep number bed that would help me and my husband get a goodnight sleep.

I love being a parent to my son but I need to admit that most of the times, I can't help pulling my hair. It is a very big responsibility that won't give you any option. But if I'd be ask to do it, without a doubt, I'll do it in a heartbeat.

Simple things that makes him happy

It's so amazing how very simple things that make kids happy and all the while, you have been trying to do a lot of stuffs only to find out that just a moment spent with him is all he ever wanted, and I ever wanted as well.

My son is very jolly kid. He loves to laugh, do silly stuffs, make Mom and Dad happy, and does his best to be a good boy. We tried to give him everything he needed, material-wise, but that's not what he really wanted. All he wanted is attention and happiness shared with us.

I know that for sure cos I can see in his eyes the indescribable happiness he's feeling each time me, or his Dad, or both of us are playing with him or just do anything with him instead of just being alone with himself. But sad to say, there are times that he needed to be alone cos there are some things that we needed to do and he's not included. Each time that happens, I felt so bad, and so each time I get the chance to with him, I always make sure that it pays all the time that I can't.

So, if you have child like us, make sure that you spent a lot of time with them cos that's all they needed, a special TLC from us.

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It's good to share

I am so pleased with my son on how much he improved about sharing. He is not used of being with other kids so he was really bad about it, but we say, he doesn't need to be around with kids for him to learn to share, he could learn to share with anyone as long as we are consistent about it.

Even just at home, we made sure that he shares so we'll try to ask him once in a while to share the things he owns with us, which are his toys. Then if he wanted something from anyone, he needs to ask properly, if they won't share it with, "it's fine cos they're the one who doesn't want to share", if they share, "say thank you to them".

It's actually pretty easy as long as he sees us sharing too. Then, we also tell him that it's fun to share so that he'd always have the enthusiasm for that. Of course, right now that he is still a toddler, he'd only share his toys and foods but if he's old enough, we'd teach him that there are some things that you can't share, like your wife (lol).

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Abi on Time-Out

Giving our child time-out is a way to discipline them. Some say that it's not really effective but I'll say it is based on my experience. It is just a matter of giving him the right approach and knowing when to give him time-out. If you're unsure when and how your child would be on time-out, read this article that I got from Parents.com, All About Time-Outs.

Anyway, I'd like to share with you my son's video when he was on his time-out. He was put on time-out because he keeps getting into things that he's not supposed to and after a warning and telling him the consequences such as he might hurt himself, he still continued to do it. So, he sat on his bed for 3 minutes. Actually, it wasn't that bad cos he's facing the TV that has his favorite show, only that he is not allowed to get down and play with his toys or anything.



He didn't like it but he knew that he's gonna get it when he doesn't behave. It was not a way of punishment but to straighten him up whenever he does the things that he is not supposed to and might hurt him or anyone else.

No means No

My son is just learning a lot of things. Some things we don't know where he got it from. One of the things that I observed from him these past few days is he's correcting us whenever we say something and not supposed to be said. Just like when he complain that he is thirsty, we ask him if he wants water, he'd say "not water, juice". Then there was one time that he's sticking his fingers in his glass, his Dad tell him not to stick his hands in his glass and he answered, "not hands, fingers". It's kinda funny for me.

But one thing that bothers me a lot is when he is playing or messing up with things that he is supposed to. I may want to watch him every single second but it's too impossible cos I need to do some personal things. Just like the other day, he was playing with ball lock pins. No matter how I tell him that he can only play his toys and things, he still loves to mess around with some other things. Kids will be kids, they're always curios and the more you say no, the more they wanted to do it but I'd still say no whenever I needed to cos some things may hurt him if he'd keep doing it.

He's been sick

Abi has been sick for almost a week now. He has a cough that started last Sunday, then it went with sniffles and fever for couple of days. Now, he doesn't have fever and clogged nose anymore, but he still has cough and it seems to be very dry.

I really don't like seeing him being sick. I wish I'd be sick rather than him but he's such a fighter. He'd always been a fighter even he was still in my tummy. What's weird is that though he is so sick, he is as active as what he is when he's not which I am so glad about. But still, it's making me worried sick if he is not feeling well. The only thing that I can do is to always be there for him when he needed me.

Abi is officially on potty training

I am so excited to start my son's potty training cos, one, to save from diapers, and two, which means he is a big boy and it's another way for him to be more responsible.

Potty training is not an easy task though. For me, the hardest part about it is the starting point cos since the baby can poop right away in their diapers, it's not easy for them to realize when to poop actually. My son, he'd say that he is pooping, but he means he already did and it's too late for us to put him on his potty seat. But of course, that is part of the training and we just need to be patient about that.

I didn't just started his potty training cos of his age. I knew there are some kids who's younger than him and already started their training. But it's not about the age, it's when they are ready. I knew that he needed to start his potty training cos he'd sit down when he's pooping and try to remove his pants. I think it was a good thing though that the restroom's door in our bedroom doesn't lock cos Abi can follow and see see us if we go to their and take a crap or piss and that triggered him to do the same.

We also decided to not use the usual potty seat for his potty training but the potty seat for toilet one where we'll just the thing on top of our toilet bowl, then he can climb up the bowl with his stool. It is more convenient cos we don't need to worry about cleaning up his poop everytime he would cos it goes straight to the toilet, plus it is more cheaper, and they would know where to exactly take a crap.

For now, it is a matter for us to constantly tell him to tell us when he is about to go so that he can sit on his Spongebob seat (it has Spongebob prints on it and he loves Spongebob). He is always excited to sit and poop there but he doesn't understand when to go yet. I hope he'd be able to understand that sooner and we can say bye-bye to diaper.

Am a living witness that two's not terrible

Whoever had started the phrase "terrible twos", shame on you! I'm sure you are the most terrible kid when you were just two years old. Well, I just hate him/her who said that twos are terrible.

My son just turned two last September, so he's at the stage of what they said as "terrible two", but I'd strongly disagree about that cos though he's causing me headache sometimes (I guess everyone, no matter what age can cause headache too, right?!), but he is always the best thing in my life.

Why two's not terrible?

I'm a living witness and I can definitely say that two's not terrible because now that my son is two...

...he is starting to be responsible -- he always remind us when to feed the cats, that he needs to take a bath, he needs to take his vitamins, etc;

...he is very helpful -- he'd feel bad when he can't help us doing the household chores, especially throwing out the trash and you can really see his happiness each time he's able to help, of course, we always make sure that we acknowledge his helpfulness and our appreciation;

...he has become more sweeter -- since he knows how to talk a little now, he has been really vocal about his feelings which makes him really affectionate, such as he tells us "i love you" as much as he can, then he'll kiss and hug us whenever he feels like doing so;

...he is learning right manners -- he's been really good about being polite, like saying "please" whenever he ask something, saying "thank you" if someone gave or did something to him, saying "excuse me" when he belched in public and when someone belched and forgot to say excuse me he'll say "excuse you"; and

...he is such an angel no matter how old he is as long as us, as parents, would continuously guide him of becoming a good person.

Those are just few reasons that I can think of right now why two's not terrible and I know there are more than that. And I can't believe why'd somebody would say that two's terrible 'cos I can never find any reason to say and believe that.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness

"Cleanliness is next to Godliness"... I've heard that motto when I was still in Elementary, that is why I always make sure that I am clean and my surroundings is clean. Now, as a Mom, I am trying to instill that motto to my son and so far so good. He knows that he needs to take a bath everywhere and was his hands when it's dirty and before and after eating. Good thing, he can easily reach our Grohe faucets to where he can wash his hands by his own.

It feels really good to see your child learning good things and doing it always.

Babysitted by Grandma again

Abi was babysitted by his Grandma last Saturday and Sunday again.

Last Saturday was his Daddy's birthday. We went to Grandma because she was preparing Enchilada as requested by Daddy. Then, we left him to his Grandma so that me and Andy can have moments alone with each other.

It is so different to not having Abi around the house. The first time we had him slept at Grandma's was during our honeymoon. It didn't hit me that time because we were not in our house, but I still missed him though.

The 2nd time really hit me big time. Grandma just wanted to babysit him that time so we let her. Then we just stayed at the house and watched movie. But I could imagine him bothering us while we watch movie. The non-stop "Mommy" and "Daddy" whining he does just to distract us from the movie. It can be annoying but when he's not there to do it, the atmosphere and surrounding of the house can never be normal.

Then, the 3rd time was last Saturday. I still missed him but I'm getting used to have him at his Grandma once in a while. And he enjoys it a lot. You know what Grandma does, spoiling the grandkids unintentionally *wink*.

Got A Good Quality Winter Jacket For An Affordable Price

I just got the Winter (Bubble) Jacket that I ordered online.

I was hoping that it's good one and I didn't fail. You may be wondering why I seem to have doubt on it. Well, because when I saw that same jacket from other stores, it cost $50.00++, but I got it at $8.00 from Walmart.com. Nope, it's not a typo, it is really that cheap. But mind you, it doesn't look cheap.

Actually, when I looked today on the product so that I can leave a nice comment as an appreciation to good quality and fast shipping of Walmart.com, it now cost $6.00. Such a great deal, isn't it? You can always have the best deal when you shop at Walmart.com. Plus, their product has always good quality. What can I say? I'm a satisfied customer.

Oh, and you may be wondering why I'd say that it has a good quality when I just got it. Simply because, you can really tell with the materials being used in the product. It has nice fabric that would really make my son warm during winter, which is why I got in the first place.

So, if you are on budget (or not), why shop anywhere else when you can find it at Walmart.com? I'm not posting this to advertise them, but because I am really satisfied and they deserve a good thumbs up from me.

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Faded Glory - Toddler Boys' Bubble Jacket

Babysitter Wanted

Not for now though, but some time next year. Me and my hubby are talking about having a nice vacation in Vegas next year so we probably need a babysitter for our son while we're away. Though we know that my his Grandma would be willing to babysit him but we're not sure about her work schedule yet, so that's why I'm making this announcement as early as now.

We don't have a fix date yet because we are still trying to find a hotel in las vegas where we can stay at. Once we're done with that, everything else would follow.

Keep your appliances away from your children

One of the things that most parents would take for granted when they have a kid at home is to make sure that appliances are away from their little ones. It is very important that appliances are out of reach from the little ones because one, they don't know how to use it yet and two, it might hurt them. So, as much as possible get the furniture that would put the appliances out from their reach. It may can be expensive but it's all worth it.

For TV sets, I found tv lifts that you can put with the furniture where you usually put the TV and it will extend your TV to where it would be too high for your little ones to reach.

Do's and Dont's In Disciplining a Toddler

I have a toddler and I admit that it's really hard to discipline him plus I am a first time mother so I guess I don't have any idea on what to do. I know I am not alone. So, I would like to share with you an article I found from Parents.com about the Do's and Dont's in Disciplining a Toddler.

Dont's

Don't hit. That sends the message that it's okay to use force. Plus, a young child can't yet connect his misdeed to your response.

Don't overuse the word "no". Toddlers who hear this term all the time will tune it out. Focus on what he can do instead: "Why don't you jump on the floor, not the couch?"

Don't cave in when she cries. If you do, you'll set a precedent for future sobfests.

Do's

Do stay calm. Yelling may startle or scare your child, but it won't improve his behavior.

Do catch him being good. Shower your child with kisses, hugs, and praise when he listens or behaves well.

Do make eye contact. This shows respect and commands attention.

I admit that I don't do some of them but it makes sense to do them. So, if you are a parent who is having hard time disciplining your toddler, learn from the expert.