Lots of significant things happened, like gaining a new sister/aunty and driving over 4000 miles of interstate and Marei getting a job and meeting up with some of our Cebu friends. But here are the real items of note:
Jaya has narrowed down her career path: Dump truck driver or rope-saver. What is a rope saver, you ask? "A person who swings on a rope and when people scream to them they swing and rescue them."
Raja is learning the haka (who knew fierce could be sooooo cute?)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
The great Jaya/Camila lipstick caper of 2009
Carolina, James (Camila's parents), Marei and I tried to be stern when we caught them, but it was hard not to laugh at these two 3-year old cuties getting "ready to go out" in heels, jewelry, and lipstick. Miraculously, nothing was ruined, and somehow, there was no lipstick in the carpet or on any of our clothes. Raja ended up with some lipstick between his two front teeth. And I moved all our toiletries to a higher shelf.
Monday, May 25, 2009
It's been a month.....
And here's the summary of what's happened in that month:
9 bittersweet days of parties, dates and sad goodbyes
17 long but tolerable hours of international travel
2 relaxing days of chilling on the beach in SoCal
2 fun-filled frantic weeks of family time in South Dakota
1 600-mile 24-hour trip driving from South Dakota to Utah
1 week of joyous reunions and settling back into our home sweet home.
Some random reflections on the last month:
Saying goodbye to so many wonderful friends was tough, tougher than we could have imagined. This year has changed our lives in many ways. More on that in later posts.
I was fully prepared that Raja would have a really tough time with the car seat concept. I was prepared that he would scream bloody murder when he couldn't take it any more. He did scream and get mad about being constrained, but it didn't take too long. I'm happy to report that although he may not love it, he no longer regards the car seat as a toddler torture device.
I was not prepared whatsoever for Jaya's tough adjustment back to being in the US. I knew it was a change, and she would need to adjust. I knew she'd miss our life there, and the stability, but I figured, once she got over jet lag, maybe after a few days, she'd be back to normal. I figured wrong. It took two weeks of her being a different child to adjust - being a fussy, whiny, tantrum-throwing child who cried at the least provocation. I will be totally honest, it was rough, and uncharted territory for us. I had to pray for patience and guidance to deal with her, and I've never felt I had to do that before. I'm happy to report that it worked. We all got through it, and she is back to her normal amiable self. Whew.
Our layover in LA was brilliant - two days of relaxation in gorgeous surroundings, courtesy of a generous employer friend. Staying in South Dakota was wonderful - getting to see the family after an entire year was the perfect way to end our travel back home.
I am no longer tall. Neither is Marei. The kids are average size once again.
Within days of being back, we all had dry skin issues. Ashy skin, dandruff, eczema, yuck. I miss the humidity - didn't think I'd say that a year ago. However, it is nice to not be perpetually sweaty.
Over there, when it came to lots of things, we were pretty much like everyone else. Here, there's the labels "extended breastfeeding" "cosleeping" "attachment parenting" "green" "crunchy" and I don't know what else..but I miss just being label free. I miss being in a place where this would likely never happen.
We dearly miss our ward family.
I miss smiles. It became so natural to smile at everyone and have them smile back. Jaya had to get used to the idea that not every stranger in sight would be friendly to her.
We love having water sanitation. I love not using bottled water. The kids love bathtub baths.
We're thrilled to see our friends and family here again.
Whether we get to go back or not, Cebu will always be a special place for us. We will never forget our friends and the time we spent in the Philippines.
9 bittersweet days of parties, dates and sad goodbyes
17 long but tolerable hours of international travel
2 relaxing days of chilling on the beach in SoCal
2 fun-filled frantic weeks of family time in South Dakota
1 600-mile 24-hour trip driving from South Dakota to Utah
1 week of joyous reunions and settling back into our home sweet home.
Some random reflections on the last month:
Saying goodbye to so many wonderful friends was tough, tougher than we could have imagined. This year has changed our lives in many ways. More on that in later posts.
I was fully prepared that Raja would have a really tough time with the car seat concept. I was prepared that he would scream bloody murder when he couldn't take it any more. He did scream and get mad about being constrained, but it didn't take too long. I'm happy to report that although he may not love it, he no longer regards the car seat as a toddler torture device.
I was not prepared whatsoever for Jaya's tough adjustment back to being in the US. I knew it was a change, and she would need to adjust. I knew she'd miss our life there, and the stability, but I figured, once she got over jet lag, maybe after a few days, she'd be back to normal. I figured wrong. It took two weeks of her being a different child to adjust - being a fussy, whiny, tantrum-throwing child who cried at the least provocation. I will be totally honest, it was rough, and uncharted territory for us. I had to pray for patience and guidance to deal with her, and I've never felt I had to do that before. I'm happy to report that it worked. We all got through it, and she is back to her normal amiable self. Whew.
Our layover in LA was brilliant - two days of relaxation in gorgeous surroundings, courtesy of a generous employer friend. Staying in South Dakota was wonderful - getting to see the family after an entire year was the perfect way to end our travel back home.
I am no longer tall. Neither is Marei. The kids are average size once again.
Within days of being back, we all had dry skin issues. Ashy skin, dandruff, eczema, yuck. I miss the humidity - didn't think I'd say that a year ago. However, it is nice to not be perpetually sweaty.
Over there, when it came to lots of things, we were pretty much like everyone else. Here, there's the labels "extended breastfeeding" "cosleeping" "attachment parenting" "green" "crunchy" and I don't know what else..but I miss just being label free. I miss being in a place where this would likely never happen.
We dearly miss our ward family.
I miss smiles. It became so natural to smile at everyone and have them smile back. Jaya had to get used to the idea that not every stranger in sight would be friendly to her.
We love having water sanitation. I love not using bottled water. The kids love bathtub baths.
We're thrilled to see our friends and family here again.
Whether we get to go back or not, Cebu will always be a special place for us. We will never forget our friends and the time we spent in the Philippines.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
AAARGH! Only 4 weeks left! Let's go to the movies!
We've been busy trying to squeeze in what we can while we are still here. In honor of our time here, we'll be blogging about lots of different things related to life here (and there). Here is the first:
Why going to the movies in Cebu is awesome (and why we go here MUCH more often than we ever did back there):
- Tickets are $3 or less.
- You choose your seats when you buy your tickets - before you ever enter the theater. You look at a screen that indicates which seats are open (we always pick upper balcony front row - great view and extra leg room).
- The screen is huge and the seats comfortable.
- You can bring in your own food - whatever you want! You don't have to buy from ridiculously overpriced movie concession stands. Can you imagine?
- The restroom is IN the theater itself - so you miss very little if you have to go during the movie.
- When we took Jaya to a movie, an usher came over with a booster chair just for her.
On a related note, I am completely disillusioned by the MPAA. Gratuitous elements of violence, sexuality, and profanity bug me. On the other hand, mature thematic elements (which may include some violence, sexuality and profanity) that contribute to the telling of a meaningful story may not. If anyone else is interested, here are some sites that give more detail about violence, sex/nudity, thematic elements, etc. in movies, so that you can make judgments for yourself about what media you will allow in your home/life, whether it is meant for adults or for the whole family.
www.kids-in-mind.com
www.commonsensemedia.org
I don't necessarily agree with all of their assessments, but I do love having a place where I can see what is depicted and make a judgment call about whether it is worth watching.
Why going to the movies in Cebu is awesome (and why we go here MUCH more often than we ever did back there):
- Tickets are $3 or less.
- You choose your seats when you buy your tickets - before you ever enter the theater. You look at a screen that indicates which seats are open (we always pick upper balcony front row - great view and extra leg room).
- The screen is huge and the seats comfortable.
- You can bring in your own food - whatever you want! You don't have to buy from ridiculously overpriced movie concession stands. Can you imagine?
- The restroom is IN the theater itself - so you miss very little if you have to go during the movie.
- When we took Jaya to a movie, an usher came over with a booster chair just for her.
On a related note, I am completely disillusioned by the MPAA. Gratuitous elements of violence, sexuality, and profanity bug me. On the other hand, mature thematic elements (which may include some violence, sexuality and profanity) that contribute to the telling of a meaningful story may not. If anyone else is interested, here are some sites that give more detail about violence, sex/nudity, thematic elements, etc. in movies, so that you can make judgments for yourself about what media you will allow in your home/life, whether it is meant for adults or for the whole family.
www.kids-in-mind.com
www.commonsensemedia.org
I don't necessarily agree with all of their assessments, but I do love having a place where I can see what is depicted and make a judgment call about whether it is worth watching.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Momma Bear and Mamachie!
... married big gruff men who needed their soft touch. Big strong manly men who wouldn't have survived and enjoyed life as well without their shorter and steelier helpmates.
...had their first child 37 years ago.
...had their youngest sons, their mama's boys, about 27 years ago.
...have an awesome (and different) middle child.
...are opinionated and honest. They know what they think and will tell you exactly that. I love never having to guess what they mean.
...generous beyond what words can describe. They are constantly giving to us. They buy things for themselves, only to easily and sincerely give those things away to one of their kids. They would give their children and grandchildren anything to make our lives better.
...hard-working. They come home from stressful jobs to run a household and take care of their families without a complaint. Neither of them are ever idle, and need to be told to relax. When they are in our home, they cook, clean, wash - and never once have they made us feel inadequate by doing so, only grateful. They truly do it out of a desire to help their children, not from any criticism of our housekeeping skills.
...supportive. They are so supportive and respectful of our parenting choices, even if they did things a little differently.
...feel the same when you hug them!
...loving grandmothers who dote on their lucky little grandbabies. I wish they both lived closer to us.
...extremely unselfish, always doing for others, and not just family.
...good cooks - nothing else tastes like mama's homemade food.
...treat their children-in-law with the same love and respect as their own children. They are both great mother-in-laws. They share from their vast experience but they don't interfere or try to control. From the time we married, they gave us the time and space we needed to make our own way, and yet we knew they'd be there if we ever needed.
...are sought out for advice. Not only from their children, but many of our (and their) peers go to them for counsel and guidance.
... are tough as nails and tender and emotional all at once.
...born in March, one day apart. Happy Birthday Nanny and Amoomma! Thank you for all that you do for us. We love you both.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I wouldn't REALLY bite them but maybe a little nibble...
We took Jaya on a date today. Just mommy, daddy, and Jaya. We do this regularly with one parent - mommy/daughter dates, and daddy/daughter dates. This one, with all three of us - it was a rare treat. I adore being the mom of two. I also love having the chance to just enjoy my kids individually. It's so...relaxing, to have just one at a time. And sometimes I am so overwhelmed by how precious and darling they are that having them one at a time means I can focus and not keel over from the paralyzing adorableness. Seriously. Sometimes they are so darling I have to repress the urge to squeeze and bite them. Does anyone else suffer from the intense cuteness? Am I the only one?
Kissing is a good outlet for the intense cuteness attack. These two must get kissed 10,000 times a day. Thankfully, Raja thrives on it, and Jaya does too, most of the time. Sometimes she merely tolerates it, allowing hugs and kisses like an uppity queen allowing peasants to kiss her royal ring. In true capricious three-year-old form, other days she wants nothing but cuddles and kisses, massages and hugs. And both the kids, (and the dad) are cuddly sleepers. I love it, even though sometimes I wake up in the morning sweating (in an air conditioned room) in a tangle of arms and legs, because I swear, the three other Wild Things emanate more heat from their heads than your average furnace.
Jaya recently:
After coughing, with alarm , "Oh NO MOM! I am coughing again, that means the germs are coming back from the dead! They are coming back from the DEAD and again I will be so sick. I better get a blessing."
Raja recently:
Walking around, bemoaning something, but not really all out crying. He keeps wandering around, grumbling, not appeased with offers of crackers or toys. Everyone asking him, "Raja, what's wrong? What do you want?" He spots me from the corner of his eye, crawls up on my lap, yanks my shirt down, points at my cleavage and says, "THAT!" With that huge toothy grin on his face, of course.
Whenever Raja is upset, Jaya tries to fix it - with hugs, kisses, words, and gifts. Today, Jaya tripped and fell on the floor and started to wail. That is, until Raja waddled over and patted her shoulders and then, squatted down and leaned in so he could kiss it all better.
And yes, first I was paralyzed by the intense cuteness, and then I had to repress the urge to just take them both in my arms and just bite it out of them. Like I could somehow save the sweetness of that moment in my body and pull it back out it at a later time when I needed it, perhaps years from now, when they're not so little and maybe not so charming. But I know, blogging and kissing is better than biting and squeezing.
The two snuggle-bugs - 10 minutes after we'd laid them down on opposite ends of the bed.
Raja - in a hand me down shirt and name from his sister.
Jaya enjoying our lunch date.
Kissing is a good outlet for the intense cuteness attack. These two must get kissed 10,000 times a day. Thankfully, Raja thrives on it, and Jaya does too, most of the time. Sometimes she merely tolerates it, allowing hugs and kisses like an uppity queen allowing peasants to kiss her royal ring. In true capricious three-year-old form, other days she wants nothing but cuddles and kisses, massages and hugs. And both the kids, (and the dad) are cuddly sleepers. I love it, even though sometimes I wake up in the morning sweating (in an air conditioned room) in a tangle of arms and legs, because I swear, the three other Wild Things emanate more heat from their heads than your average furnace.
Jaya recently:
After coughing, with alarm , "Oh NO MOM! I am coughing again, that means the germs are coming back from the dead! They are coming back from the DEAD and again I will be so sick. I better get a blessing."
Raja recently:
Walking around, bemoaning something, but not really all out crying. He keeps wandering around, grumbling, not appeased with offers of crackers or toys. Everyone asking him, "Raja, what's wrong? What do you want?" He spots me from the corner of his eye, crawls up on my lap, yanks my shirt down, points at my cleavage and says, "THAT!" With that huge toothy grin on his face, of course.
Whenever Raja is upset, Jaya tries to fix it - with hugs, kisses, words, and gifts. Today, Jaya tripped and fell on the floor and started to wail. That is, until Raja waddled over and patted her shoulders and then, squatted down and leaned in so he could kiss it all better.
And yes, first I was paralyzed by the intense cuteness, and then I had to repress the urge to just take them both in my arms and just bite it out of them. Like I could somehow save the sweetness of that moment in my body and pull it back out it at a later time when I needed it, perhaps years from now, when they're not so little and maybe not so charming. But I know, blogging and kissing is better than biting and squeezing.
The two snuggle-bugs - 10 minutes after we'd laid them down on opposite ends of the bed.
Raja - in a hand me down shirt and name from his sister.
Jaya enjoying our lunch date.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Reason two million and one why Marei is just awesome.
...because he always gives me the last bite. Always. Even it is the last morsel of the most delish dessert ever, sticky rice with coconut ice cream - he always gives me the last bite. What a man.
I am already plotting how I will make this amazing concoction from scratch back in the US, and yes, YOU are invited to come and have some. Warm sweet sticky rice with coconut-y creamy cold goodness topped with chopped peanuts and crispy puffed rice.....oooohhhhh...
*and yes, I will be posting more again. We've been busy and I've been neglectful, I know.
*and yes, I will be posting more again. We've been busy and I've been neglectful, I know.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Wild Things Facial Expression Encyclopedia Part I
"Yes?" - used for humoring adults.
"Eyebrows" - used to indicate mild frustration or just plain sassiness.
"Giggle" - Used when remembering that she is actually only three and prone to silliness and giggling fits.
"Yuck" - used when becoming painfully aware of being less than pristine.
"Hee Hee!" - used for excitement, and anticipation.
"ME!" - used when accomplishing something daring, usually alone.
"YOU!" - used when needing assistance to get out of whatever situation "ME!" got him into.
"Whoa" - used most often when watching big kids do things he wants to do.
"most endearing expression ever"- Used when he wants someone or something, before he is upset enough about it to be mad or sad.
"Eyebrows" - used to indicate mild frustration or just plain sassiness.
"Giggle" - Used when remembering that she is actually only three and prone to silliness and giggling fits.
"Yuck" - used when becoming painfully aware of being less than pristine.
"Hee Hee!" - used for excitement, and anticipation.
"ME!" - used when accomplishing something daring, usually alone.
"YOU!" - used when needing assistance to get out of whatever situation "ME!" got him into.
"Whoa" - used most often when watching big kids do things he wants to do.
"most endearing expression ever"- Used when he wants someone or something, before he is upset enough about it to be mad or sad.
Monday, February 23, 2009
14 months of drool and bliss
Raja, I love how you're learning to be so independent, but you still love cuddles.
I love that you get this much joy out of things like feeding someone else.
I love that you adore your daddy.
I love your mad faces.
I love how strong and determined you are.
I love that you get this much joy out of things like feeding someone else.
I love that you adore your daddy.
I love your mad faces.
I love how strong and determined you are.
I love how it's always your big sis you want to play with, sit by, and kiss good night first.
I love every single part of your perfect little face. (and I love this picture so much I'm using it again, even though your dad calls it a re-run).
I love every single part of your perfect little face. (and I love this picture so much I'm using it again, even though your dad calls it a re-run).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Battery-powered spew
It was a quiet Sunday evening in the Wild Things home. Marei and I were talking, and the kids were playing quietly.
Suddenly, Jaya runs over to me with a panicked look on her face. It was that look - the guilty face...
"Mama, I did something bad! I swallowed the battery! We have to get it OUT or I will get a HEADACHE!!!!!!"
(Unbeknownst to us, she had been "fixing" a toy cell phone. She'd had the phone in one hand, battery cover in the other, and the small round button battery of the toy in her mouth - and then, well, you know).
We jumped in a taxi and went to the hospital emergency room to get her an X-ray. A button battery that gets lodged in a crevice in the esophagus can burn a hole and cause serious damage. I was pretty sure it was past her esophagus, because she was in no pain (save the self-inflicted agony of being naughty), but we needed to check it out just in case. (Information courtesy of the 24 hour battery ingestion hotline and a Skype phone).
The initial X-ray indicated it was already in her stomach, which was good news. Since we had no way of knowing for sure how intact the battery was, or how intact it would stay, the concern was that it could leak into her system and cause poisoning. We decided to go ahead and admit her so that we could monitor the battery's progress through the length of her digestive system. Daddy stayed with her, and I went home with Raja. She did so well! Her only complaint was having to wear diapers, since every bowel movement needed to be caught and inspected for said battery. She and daddy had a solid, if short, night of sleep.
I, on the other hand, tossed and turned all night. In the morning, I left Raja at home with Jam and went to the hospital. At this point the battery was in her lower right small intestine. After spending some time with her and Marei, I went home to find Raja in the throes of a vicious but short-lived stomach flu that had been going around. A few bouts of projectile vomiting later, I called Marei and we decided that if the evening X-ray showed that the battery was still moving along and she had no symptoms of poisoning, we'd bring her home, along with some diapers and a box of disposable gloves.
Throughout the day, I felt awful - my poor son was so miserable, and I clearly needed and wanted to be with him, as I knew breastmilk would keep him hydrated and get him back to health quickly, but Jaya and I had never been apart for so long. I knew she'd miss me, and while she did cry on the phone asking for me, reminding her that Raja was sick and asking her to pray for him calmed her down. She was well taken care of by her beloved Daddy, and she had six visitors and a bouquet of flowers delivered by friends, all in her one day at the hospital.
By late evening, Raja stopped vomiting and was sleeping peacefully. The phone rang, and I heard a delighted "Mama! I pooped the battery! I pooped it out Mama! Can you come see us now? Can we all go home?"
Jam had offered to stay and help, so I left my sweet little worn out boy at home and went to pick up Marei and my happy battery-free child. I walked into her room and was received with a big grin. After a gleeful recounting of how she pooped out the battery, she looked up at me with those big eyes and a certain look, and there it was - the now all-too familar shudder, shake, and torrential outpouring of yuck. The virus had apparently decided to wait for the exodus of the battery and the arrival of the mother before making its attack. For the next three hours, Marei and I dealt with an absolutely horrific check out process (it felt like we were convicted felons trying to convince the warden to let us out of prison!) and caring for an absolutely exhausted miserable Jaya, who just wanted to be home asleep. We finally left at midnight, and made it through a taxi ride vomit-free. Thankfully, Raja had stayed asleep, and his little radar went off when we arrived and he woke up, happy to see us all. After showers and a little more forceful regurgitation, we were once again a puke-free family. The vomit-fest was even shorter-lived for Jaya then for Raja - perhaps because my body had already made antibodies in response to Raja. All four of us were utterly exhausted and fell asleep. But it wasn't over yet. Phase two of the virus' attack was diarrhea. Really stinky diarrhea. I am dead serious when I say that Raja's 4 am diaper change was the stinkiest diaper in Wild Things history. Maybe even in history, period.
It's been a long two days, and I am so excited that 1) all four of us are under the same roof and 2) bodily functions are once again in the normal range. It is amazing how much help we received from friends in such a short span of time. Jaya had visitors, got fruit and flowers, Raja received a blessing even though Marei was at the hospital, Jam stayed, Lyn brought coloring books and fruit and a much-needed opportunity for Marei to go take care of money, and most of all, our children are safe, happy and healthy...we are so very very fortunate.
I will say one thing though, that was one expensive battery. Good thing Jaya made sure we brought it home - "Mama, let's go clean it off so I can put it back in my phone, alright?"
Sheesh.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The word on the street
I love words. I'm ecstatic because Jaya does too. In honor of this post, I asked her what her current favorite words are. She said:
milkie
enemy
cankers
eyes
lotion
à´®ൂà´•്
camping
fixer
piddle (not sure what that is, but apparently it hurts if it gets under your eyelids)
Since she loves words so much, we've been watching these. Ingenious.
Another brilliant way to spend time is this. If you want to procrastinate, you might as well improve your vocabulary and the world.
A series of words I just finished and highly recommend is this.
milkie
enemy
cankers
eyes
lotion
à´®ൂà´•്
camping
fixer
piddle (not sure what that is, but apparently it hurts if it gets under your eyelids)
Since she loves words so much, we've been watching these. Ingenious.
Another brilliant way to spend time is this. If you want to procrastinate, you might as well improve your vocabulary and the world.
A series of words I just finished and highly recommend is this.
And words I would use to describe these:
devotion, rapture, tenacity and joy (among others)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Raja-ball
Raja keeps himself endlessly entertained playing his invention. All you need is a balloon and a stick, and an energetic baby who loves whacking things. It is quite a fun game. And it diverts his attention so he doesn't get his kicks whacking, say, his sister in the head or his dad in the *&$%#s.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Baby kisses and hot running water
I can't decide which one of these fairly recent events is more exciting:
1) Raja is kissing now. He keeps his mouth open wide as he's coming for your face, then right before he lands, he purses his full little lips and plants one. I just want to kiss my cuddly little guy all day long.
2) We have been taking cold showers for the last 7+ months. Apparently, we had a hot water heater that ENTIRE time that we didn't know about. It has been fixed and now we can take warm showers!
1) Raja is kissing now. He keeps his mouth open wide as he's coming for your face, then right before he lands, he purses his full little lips and plants one. I just want to kiss my cuddly little guy all day long.
2) We have been taking cold showers for the last 7+ months. Apparently, we had a hot water heater that ENTIRE time that we didn't know about. It has been fixed and now we can take warm showers!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Raja's fade and Jaya's priorities
Here's Raja with his big boy haircut. He looks so cute with a fade! I love his perfectly round head. We took him to the salon and Marei held him while I spoon fed him mango shake to keep him still. He loves to eat! Food is one thing that will keep him semi-still.Raja doesn't say more than a couple of words that are recognizable as English (or Malayalam or Tagalog or Cebuano). He does make his feelings and emotions known and he is LOUD. We don't always know exactly what he is saying but we do know exactly what kind of mood he is in.
He is in the adorable phase where he wants to use everything the way big people do - phones, utensils, crayons, golf clubs, etc.
A few nights ago, I mentioned to Marei that I was going to read Raja Brown Bear, Brown Bear for his bedtime story. Raja toddled over to the stack of books, rifled though them, pulled out Brown Bear, Brown Bear, grinned as he gave it to me, and climbed up and settled in on my lap expectantly.
He comprehends so much and loves to do what we ask. "Bring me the block." "Give this to sister." "Stand up." "Close the door." "Go to daddy." "Put the toy in the box." He rewards us with that huge grin every time too. He knows when he is listening, and he clearly knows when he is doing something he isn't supposed to do - the sneakiness registers on his face clear as day. He's been going to the nursery class at church. Usually we would wait until he was 18 months old, but since he is so eager to listen and cooperate, they are thrilled to have him in there now.
Jaya has been trying to give up her afternoon nap. The effort has been largely unsuccessful. No nap means an inevitable meltdown later in the day, while the usual hour or two nap means staying up way too late. Staying up way too late results in multiple night time wakings. What are we to do? Well, we just implemented a 30-minute afternoon nap. Never thought my cell phone alarm clock would come in handy for my 3 year old, but so far it's working great. It is such a relief to have our old wild thing back. The sleep deprived one's a little too wild for every day.
If anyone leaves our house, Jaya HAS to look out the window and wave good-bye. When we arrive home or at another destination and get out of the taxi, she HAS to stand and watch the taxi leave until she can't see it anymore. When asked by her father why she needs to do that, she replied, in complete seriousness, "Because it's important to me." Can't argue with that, right?
The other day, after a period of deep
thought, Jaya said to me, "MAMA! If we go back to the United States, I will be a baby - I won't be able to talk anymore! I won't be able to talk!" She was clearly terrified by this prospect. I had to reassure that she would still be able to talk and would not revert to babyhood when we came back.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Developing a healthy body image, part I (Jaya-style)
Jaya today, twisting around to check out her booty:
"I have a chubby bum...and I LOVE IT!!!"
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sinulog!
Tourists come from all over the world, and people come from all over the Philippines, to attend Sinulog. The history of Sinulog reflects the unique history of the Philippines. We felt pretty blessed to already be here and to have friends who could be our guides. The festivities were nine days long, culminating in a grand parade, which we went to see. We traveled via jeepney close to the parade street, and walked the remainder of the way to the actual parade. Raja slept on me as we traveled, and woke up amidst throngs of people. We live in a city of 2 million people, so while crowds are nothing new, this was intense. The parade route was 5km long, and it was estimated that 2 million Cebuanos and visitors filled the area. The streets were teeming with people. Raja loves to people watch, so it was priceless to see his big eyes in his little face, wide as saucers and trying to take everything in. We were basically just swept along in a current of people. It says something about Filipino culture that even though we had two small children (and I'm the anxious-about-safety type), we weren't too concerned about getting trampled or anything like that. People just helped us along the way and made room for the kids. When Raja needed to breastfeed, a one-legged man gave up his stool for me to have a place to sit. People smiled and moved out of the way as Jaya danced in the street without paying any attention to who she was bumping into. Jaya even got to sit on a float.
The weather was overcast and high 70s. Around us, people wore long pants and long sleeves - and seemed cool and comfortable, while we dripped with sweat in short sleeves. We were relieved when it rained for a minute here and there and cooled us off.
There were all kinds of floats and dancers. There were gigantic papier-mache figures called higantes. Music was blaring, bass was thumping; there were painted faces, henna tattoos, and colorful costumes to see everywhere. Many parade goers wore feathered hats and headresses. People squealed and cheered as celebrities waved. Some clamored for souvenirs thrown from the floats. Vendors were hawking water bottles, trinkets, and food at every turn. We could see those who had traveled to Sinulog with little but a cardboard box to rest in. The distinctive and uniquely Cebuano Sinulog beat played everywhere, and you couldn't help but dance.
Raja was content to watch. Jaya wanted to see things up close. She wanted to know everything - "How does the big costume move if there's people inside and the people are small?" "Why that lady is wearing crazy clothes?" "Why is the dinosaur wearing rubber shoes?" "Why it's so crowded??"
As much as the kids (and we) loved it, we didn't want to overwhelm them and didn't stay too long. We hopped back on a jeepney and made our way home. We had our friends over for dinner and rehashed the day, and Jaya spent the evening practicing the dances she'd learned.
What an experience!
Here are some moments from our Sinulog adventure...there is a lot of footage we just couldn't get, but hopefully this gives you an inkling of what it was like.
The weather was overcast and high 70s. Around us, people wore long pants and long sleeves - and seemed cool and comfortable, while we dripped with sweat in short sleeves. We were relieved when it rained for a minute here and there and cooled us off.
There were all kinds of floats and dancers. There were gigantic papier-mache figures called higantes. Music was blaring, bass was thumping; there were painted faces, henna tattoos, and colorful costumes to see everywhere. Many parade goers wore feathered hats and headresses. People squealed and cheered as celebrities waved. Some clamored for souvenirs thrown from the floats. Vendors were hawking water bottles, trinkets, and food at every turn. We could see those who had traveled to Sinulog with little but a cardboard box to rest in. The distinctive and uniquely Cebuano Sinulog beat played everywhere, and you couldn't help but dance.
Raja was content to watch. Jaya wanted to see things up close. She wanted to know everything - "How does the big costume move if there's people inside and the people are small?" "Why that lady is wearing crazy clothes?" "Why is the dinosaur wearing rubber shoes?" "Why it's so crowded??"
As much as the kids (and we) loved it, we didn't want to overwhelm them and didn't stay too long. We hopped back on a jeepney and made our way home. We had our friends over for dinner and rehashed the day, and Jaya spent the evening practicing the dances she'd learned.
What an experience!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A friend of ours who lives nearby called for a taxi today...
When he got in, the driver said to him, "I thought I was coming here to pick up that foreign family, do you know them?"
"Which one?"
"The ones with the 2 kids - the husband is a pastor, and his wife looks like Halle Berry."
(We found this hilarious.)
"Which one?"
"The ones with the 2 kids - the husband is a pastor, and his wife looks like Halle Berry."
(We found this hilarious.)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dear Mr. Bill Gates,
You know, although I am so totally a Mac woman, I don't think you're half bad. I mean regardless of the PC issues I used to have (that is, when I owned one of those antiquated machines), you and I agree on a few things. I mean, I know so many people personally who have benefited from your Gates Millenium Scholarship, and I too, am seriously concerned about the plight of our public schools today and wish I had millions of dollars to pour into the cause of improving them. We'd probably do different things with the money, but I digress. Anyway, Bill (can I call you that?), I do have to take you to task for one thing - that pernicious Xbox.
Bill, my husband is an amazing man. I would even venture to say he is a truly rare breed of husband and father, and I don't think anyone who knows him would argue with me. But your little box of evil has, on more than one occasion, turned him into...well, someone else. A glaze-eyed zombie with little on his mind except, "MUST. WIN. NEXT. LEVEL. MUST. KILL. ALIENS. AND. SAVE. WORLD." And, Bill, I just don't think that's right. Or even in harmony with what appear to be your ideals. I mean, if it does this to my husband, don't you think those high school and college kids you care so much about are being affected too? Think about that one.
So I wanted you to know first, Bill, before I told anyone else. He sold it today! It's gone! No longer will he be sucked into that 360 vortex! He hasn't even been playing it that much in the last year or so. I'll be honest though, Bill, even the mere existence of it in my house could, well, throw me into a rage. My children thank you, Bill, from the bottom of their little hearts. Angry mama is gone! I will never again fantasize about being alone in a room with a hammer and one of your precious little Xboxes.
I wish you the best in your public endeavors, Bill. Keep providing scholarships to those who need and deserve them. Keep doing that charitable thing. If you need any help with reading scholarship essays and the like, give me a call, I'd love to help. Shoot, I'm so happy right now, I'll donate time and money. Just keep that box out of my house.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Bill. I just thought, well, you never know...a guy like Bill Gates just might listen to a former Xbox widow and give up a lucrative vertical in the video game industry for the betterment of society. Maybe, just maybe, I could give others in my situation the experience of an Xbox free home life. I had to try.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
P.S. Not to rub salt in your wound, Bill, but you know what he's doing with the money? Getting an iPod. Score another one for Steve! I'm pretty sure he'd be okay with me calling him Steve. You know, being the hip, accessible one and all.
*Disclaimer - this is written (mostly) tongue-in-cheek.
Bill, my husband is an amazing man. I would even venture to say he is a truly rare breed of husband and father, and I don't think anyone who knows him would argue with me. But your little box of evil has, on more than one occasion, turned him into...well, someone else. A glaze-eyed zombie with little on his mind except, "MUST. WIN. NEXT. LEVEL. MUST. KILL. ALIENS. AND. SAVE. WORLD." And, Bill, I just don't think that's right. Or even in harmony with what appear to be your ideals. I mean, if it does this to my husband, don't you think those high school and college kids you care so much about are being affected too? Think about that one.
So I wanted you to know first, Bill, before I told anyone else. He sold it today! It's gone! No longer will he be sucked into that 360 vortex! He hasn't even been playing it that much in the last year or so. I'll be honest though, Bill, even the mere existence of it in my house could, well, throw me into a rage. My children thank you, Bill, from the bottom of their little hearts. Angry mama is gone! I will never again fantasize about being alone in a room with a hammer and one of your precious little Xboxes.
I wish you the best in your public endeavors, Bill. Keep providing scholarships to those who need and deserve them. Keep doing that charitable thing. If you need any help with reading scholarship essays and the like, give me a call, I'd love to help. Shoot, I'm so happy right now, I'll donate time and money. Just keep that box out of my house.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Bill. I just thought, well, you never know...a guy like Bill Gates just might listen to a former Xbox widow and give up a lucrative vertical in the video game industry for the betterment of society. Maybe, just maybe, I could give others in my situation the experience of an Xbox free home life. I had to try.
Sincerely,
A concerned citizen
P.S. Not to rub salt in your wound, Bill, but you know what he's doing with the money? Getting an iPod. Score another one for Steve! I'm pretty sure he'd be okay with me calling him Steve. You know, being the hip, accessible one and all.
*Disclaimer - this is written (mostly) tongue-in-cheek.
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