Matthew, 4-years old

I was washing the dishes. My 4-year-old Matthew was supposedly eating at his playroom, when he came to me and showed me his bowl full of mac-and-cheese.

Matthew : It’s yucky, Mommy! It’s yucky mac-n-cheese.

Me ( Thinking, it can’t be bad. I just made it. ) : No, it’s not. Eat it. It’s good!

Matthew: I don’t want it. It’s yucky!

Me ( Picked up a spoonful from his bowl and ate it. Showed him that I’m chewing. ) : See, it’s good. It’s good mac-and-cheese.

Matthew : It’s yucky. I grabbed it from the floor.

Me ( About to puke) : Yes, it is … yucky!

I should have asked why.

When I checked the floor, it looked like he dropped his bowl and spilled his mac-and-cheese since there’s still a few bits of mac-and-cheese on the floor. But then, he put most of them back to his bowl to show me … the yucky mac-and-cheese.

I’m a little bit nostalgic that Fall will start in a few weeks. Such a wonderful Summer we had.

We’ve gone to Delaware for hubby’s niece’s graduation party. Then we stayed home for quality family time. Then we went to Florida for quality time with my in-laws. While in Florida, we attended Hubby’s High School Reunion. Then we came back to Alabama and moved to another house, still rent-and-utilities free inside the military campus where hubby works. Not to mention Baby Mark’s Christening and Matthew’s 4th Birthday. Then the next thing we know, summer break is over!

I’m a little bit sad that some of our plans did not push through. We didn’t go to Disney World as we have previously planned. We’ve also missed a get-together with a friend before her deployment in the Middle East because of schedule conflicts. Sigh! But then there is always next time.

I am so happy with our move to a bigger house. I especially like the bigger space and Matthew’s playroom the most. This time whenever I clean the house, it actually stays clean for a longer time, since Matthew and his mess stays in the playroom and not everywhere else. Too bad hubby didn’t enjoy much of the house since by the time we were settling in, he had to be back to work.

The school campus now has a few cadets already. In a couple or more days, more cadets will be excited or not coming back to school. I can only hope that they will especially be good to hubby, and not give him extra stress this school year. But, I know, as hubby keeps telling me, in the reality of a military school, there is always at least one defiant cadet.

I’m looking forward to going back to our routine and a calm cool Fall!

… of Baby Mark, that is!

For 8 days straight, I had been worried stressed that Baby Mark haven’t had bowel movement! Well actually I started getting really worried at Day-4. He doesn’t seem like he’s in pain or in any belly problems, but he strains big time to pass gas and it’s just so smelly.

At Day-7, I called his Pediatric Clinic and asked for a telephone consult. In which a nurse returned my call and assure me that the baby is fine. Sometimes when a baby experiences growth sprout they can go a whole week without any bowel movement. The nurse gave me a few tips on how to make him go.

First, she advise to give him a sitz bath for babies. I placed warm water with diluted baking soda in baby bath tub. I had him soak there for about 20 minutes. Supposedly, he will feel comfortable in the bath that he will start to do his thing, but after a few peeing and farting, still no pooping!

Then, for the second plan, I pretended to be taking his rectal temperature. This involves sticking a thermometer right to his butt! Of course, I shouldn’t go over half an inch way inside. I’ve read about this and it’s suppose to work. I tried this trick a few time but still, nothing happened.

All those time, Baby Mark was just looking and laughing at me like I’m crazy for trying to get him to poop! He didn’t cry at all, or didn’t get fussy. He just wouldn’t go!

So at Day-8, the nurse called for a follow-up on his condition. He’s still fine and no apparent signs that he is in distress. But none of the tricks helped him go. So, it’s time for Phase 2.

For phase 2, the nurse recommended an over the counter treatment for occasional constipation – glycerin suppositories. Hubby got the liquid kind with it’s own disposable applicator. The applicator is supposedly in kid’s size but it’s much larger than the tip of a thermometer and I’m suppose to stick the liquid glycerin to him using that applicator.

With much hesitation I followed the intructions so slowly and carefully. In just seconds, it worked wonderfully! … It’s like explosion. I was relieved. I don’t think I’ve ever been happy about baby’s poop before.

I second Jacki’s comment before – “Such a life we mothers have.” Sigh!

This is in response to a friend’s blog post, After Omphaloskepsis. I tried commenting but it became too long that I thought I’d just link it up in my blog.

To Stephen and all,

1 -

From the time I knew you, I never thought of you as an underdog! You just don’t reflect that, or maybe you are just not that – an underdog, a doormat, etc …

I perceive myself neither as an underdog, nor as a champion. I am anti-popular!

2 -

I don’t dream much of a paradise, but I do dream of winning the lottery!

Your dream of a paradise in a quiet beach, all by yourself, etc.- That’s easy! Just isolate yourself and you’ll have it.

My dream is harder. Although, I buy lottery tickets, I still have to beat the odds! If only that is something I can plan.

3 -

The truth is – nobody likes a 2nd-rate performance! Even if you are a genius or truly talented and the work you do is maybe above standard, and even if you get the approval and applause of your peers, if you didn’t put it all your best, you can never be truly happy with yourself no matter which path you have taken – whether you have pursued your dreams or whether you have placed your dreams aside and braved a real job.

Just like on anything else in life, the best way into putting all your best is to constantly choose to, to make a conscious decision to do so and act on it.

4 -

Although I do not blog everything in my life, it doesn’t mean I am less truthful about the things that I do blog about. But you are right! Writing about the ‘glass being half full’ makes me internalize it more and keeps my sanity in check, as what blogging has always been to me.

About the ‘glass being half empty’ – although, sometimes it makes a good blog post, most of the time I feel that it too shall pass and doesn’t need any more attention. I call that – staying at the bright side of life, optimism … and not lingering on the negatives.

5 -

And no, I don’t think I have ever meditated on my belly button or navel area before while I wasn’t pregnant. I’m sure meditating on a pregnant belly is another matter …

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Danielle and Rachel, Aunt Jessica, and to all the well wishers.

Blow the candle. When he woke up on his birthday, we greeted and hugged him "Happy Birthday". After which he looked around and asked "Where are my presents?"

Still Daddy's Boy!

The Birthday Cake. (I baked this 2-layers chocolate cake with too much frosting and lots of colorful candy and chocolate sprinkles. So proud of how this cake turned out!)

1. WAS YOUR PREGNANCY PLANNED?
2. • Yes – planned and 2-years of trying so hard! I was taking vitamins, eating and drinking whatever they said would increase the chance to conceive. I was also doing the ovulation kit for 6 months before I got pregnant. I was pregnancy-testing on a monthly basis when I was doing the ovulation kit. The results were always negative and I cried each time.
3. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?
4. • Yep! More than 2 years married.
5. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS WHEN YOU FOUND OUT ABOUT THE PREGNANCY?
6. • It was December 24, 2005, I was shocked then I cried a lot more – tears of joy!
7. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?
8. • No.
9. HOW OLD WERE YOU?
10. • 27-years old.
11. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?
12. • Home Pregnancy Test
13. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?
14. • Hubby. He was waiting for the result. I didn’t actually tell him. He knew from my reaction. (refer to #3)
15. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?
16. • No, but hubby wanted to know. So I gave in. If he knew what the gender was going to be, I will know eventually.
17. WHAT WAS YOUR CHILD’S SEX?
18. • Boy
19. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?
20. • Yes. We’ve always wanted a baby girl that before we found out that it was going to be a boy, we would stroll the baby aisles of the department store, and hubby would marvel at this pink baby shoes with feathers on it.
21. DUE DATE?
22. • I forgot.
23. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?
24. • No.
25. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?
26. • Grapes, cinnamon buns, or anything I can eat. I had the greatest appetite. I ate until I couldn’t breathe, and ate some more.
27. WHAT IRRITATED YOU?
28. • I had an office mate whom I avoided during this pregnancy. I am so annoyed by her because she calls me ‘Buntis’ (Pregnant Woman in Filipino) and touches my belly EVERYTIME she sees me.
29. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?
30. • I forgot …
31. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?
32. • Yes. I had 2 baby showers. I will always be grateful to my friends who gave me those baby showers…
33. WAS THE BABY SHOWER(S) A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?
34. • I knew.
35. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?
36. • I had gestational diabetes. I had to see a Nutritionist to plan my meals and see Internal Medicine to manage my blood sugar. And of course the, OB … Three different doctors scolding lecturing me about my blood sugar.
37. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?
38. • Yokota Airbase, JAPAN
39. HOW MANY HOURS WERE IN LABOR?
40. • I came in for a supposed check-up at 8 a.m. The baby was born at 10:15 p.m. same day. So, more than 12 hours ….
41. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?
42. • Hubby did.
43. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?
44. • Hubby and my mother.
45. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?
46. • All natural…
47. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?
48. • I thought I could make it through without pain medication, until my water broke then when the nurse asked me if I wanted epidural, I was so dizzy, fussy due to so much pain. All I managed was a whispered response of “Yes, please.”.
49. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?
50. • 7 pounds 9 ounces
51. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?
52. • August 14, 2006
53. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?
54. • Matthew Alexander

I am a proud mom of a little man who turns 4-years old today. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Related:

• A Baby Story, Part 1
• A Baby Story, Part 2
• Matthew Turns 3-years Old

Hubby's HS Senior Yearbook Photo in 1985. He just had a haircut when this photo was taken.

One of the reasons we went to Florida this summer, aside from visiting my in-laws, was to attend hubby’s 25th-Year Reunion of their High School Class. Hubby had been looking forward to this since 5 years ago, when they had the 20th-Year Reunion which he wasn’t able to attend. I was looking forward to this reunion for a chance to dress up get pretty, to meet some of hubby’s high school buddies, and to hear stories about him.

It was a great party. I was just a tag-along but I had a good time! I really did. I met a lot of nice people. Some of them, hubby grew up with, went to the same school since grade school, and almost all of them he hasn’t seen since high school graduation. They all had stories to tell. Hubby said he couldn’t remember most of the stories we’ve heard about him because he could be high when those events happened. The funniest I heard about hubby is how the girls envied his long blond feathery ‘Farrah Fawcet’ hair, and the way he brushes back his hair …

Photos taken on July 17,2010 Florida.

I am so happy with this dress! It's priced at $35 but got it on sale for $11 at Sears! LOL ... I love how it fit me so well. And my hair - I was going for a few big curls but my hair just won't curl even with a curling iron and some styling products. And Doesn't hubby looks so dashing in this photo?

I took most of our photos. When I was taking this one, I had intended to include the whole banner "Class of 85". Hubby cracked up because it's such a joke how the picture turned out.

Hubby - awarded as the person with the youngest child (3-months old). Apparently, he still got it ... luck at his age. LOL! He was also awarded the person with most kids - 6!

The Filipino Connection. This is me, Gerry, Noreen and Noreen's Hubby Peter. Gerry and Noreen are the only Filipino on hubby's high school class. (Thanks Noreen for this photo.)

This is Mike J. and Mike K. They were buddies in high school.

Thanks 'Bartow High School Class of 1985' for the fun ...

Hubby had so much fun – I can tell by his drinking. LOL Hubby and his buddy, another Mike, made me their designated driver! At first, I was a bit upset to be not able to drink but I wouldn’t pass a chance to drive… I am desperate for driving hours, driving experience! It was my very first time to drive past 12 midnight, which wasn’t hard because of no traffic.

Thanks to Mike J. for guiding me while I was driving. I accidentally drove to the ditch and you didn’t yell at me, unlike someone I know whose name is also Mike, who goes nuts when I drive…

The reunion party was extended to a bar nearby for more drinking for them anyway …

Photos taken June 9 – July 9, 2010

Brothers: Baby Mark and Matthew

ON MATTHEW …

• “Surprise!”

When we were in Delaware, every morning when Matthew wakes up, it delights everyone that Matthew would yell out “Surprise!” rather than “Good Morning!” coming out of the room.

• Who’s the Dummy?

So Hubby has been home since school ended, and we love it! He’s not working Summer School so he has been with us all day long, and we love it! So the babies had so much attention from him these days especially Matthew who trails his Daddy all the time. They do a lot together. He has gotten used to calling out “Daddy” that whenever he means calling ME out, he ends us calling me “Dummy”. Well actually, it more like “Daaaa-mmy”!

ON BABY MARK …

• Babies grow up too fast …

We have recently visited Baby Mark’s Pediatrician for his very late 2nd Month Well Baby Appointment. He is now 13 lbs and 24 inches long. Just a few days more and he will be 3-months old but he can’t wear anymore most of his 0-3 months baby cloths.

• Wanted: Someone to talk to …

Baby Mark coos so loudly in the mornings, laughing and just baby-talking, that I can’t help but get up and check him out at the crib. He’s always just fine, but just needs someone to talk to him …

• Hand and Eye Coordination

He is exploring his hands and fingers these days, I mean trying to join his hands together, looking at them, that makes his eyes cross. It always looks so funny … I should take a photo when he does this .

• Baby + Needles = Sad Mommy

He is almost always a happy baby! The only time he was particularly fuzzy and irritable was the day he got his 2nd-month shots! (Immunization) I hate to see my baby and needles together.

THE ROAD TRIP

Our road trip to and from Delaware was easier than anticipated. I anticipated a troublesome road trip. After all, we have a restless toddler and a baby on board. But they actually made our trips more interesting and amusing. We’ve learned that Baby Mark can cry for 10 minutes straight and then falls asleep; and that Matthew can now hold his urge to go potty(pee) but never fails to remind us every 30 seconds.

The road trip between Alabama and Delaware is about 15-16 hours but we made it about 36 hours. We took our time, stopped every 3-4 hours for breastfeeding and snacks and meals, and we stopped for the night wherever we were.

By the Pool

IN DELAWARE …

It was sort-of a family reunion on hubby’s side. His niece Amber graduated high school and we were there for her graduation party along with my in-laws.

Baby Mark had so much attention towards him too. Everyone seems to marvel at his cuteness, that they seems to genuinely like taking care of him. And Baby Mark don’t seem to mind as well. He is always a happy baby and enjoys all the attention he gets. While, Matthew got all the playtime he wants – riding at lawn mower, running around the pool,… he was just all over. Hubby and I enjoyed the week-long party, lounging in my sister-in-law’s place and hanging by the pool. And we enjoyed everyone’s company and help with Baby Mark and Matthew.It was definitely a nice vacation.