Happy List Fall 2016 (whoa!)

What's making me pretty darn happy lately...

• with Fall in Vancouver comes the need of a denim jacket (closet staple!), keeps you warm during the cold days, but also cool enough for the Indian Summer afternoons. My favourite jacket is my 2 for 1 love; the Trucker jacket care of LEVI"s. By 2 for 1 I mean it's actually my husband's but it fit's me too, so we're 'sharing' -I mean i wear it all the time and it's in my closet :op 

• our apartment faces South, and with that we get a lot of heat all day from the sun. With heat, comes stupid fckn flies always flying around our balcony as they're attracted to the heat radiating from our windows- and of course, if you open the patio door they zoom right in! i'm a sadist with these nasty poop, dead carcass eating machines and I love to kill them using the BRICO BUG ZAPPER found at Rona. They're kept in the mesh via static, and then electrocuted. i found this brand to be excellent with battery life, lighter on the hand, and most powerful. No mercy!

• as Mikkel is no longer needing to be carried on the carrier all.the.time, i can finally wear tsome SENSIBLE heels! these boots are true to size, so comfortable (even if I need to carry Mikkel on the carrier for a while), and best of all, i don't need to bend down to put them on...easy slip, good to go! Good one STEVE MADDEN (Austin boots) for having mom's in mind (indirectly!) 

• now that my Max no longer naps (!!), Max and I are bonding even more with our mom + son once a week dates. While sister is sleeping, Max and I slip out to go to the mall and have a little snack together- sure a lot of our time is spent at any store with toys, and food consists of fries, it's like life before a sibling for him. He loves sitting at the back of the bus, going up escalators, NOT bringing the stroller and best of all, not having to share his time. Next year he'll be in Kindergarten M-F (!!), this 1:1 time is a gift to enjoy my growing boy
• my kids are dressed, fed, rested while i'm at work. no further explanation needed, thank you husband!
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. it's another round of adjusting to even less sleep now that work is thrown into the mix. i've been really happy with this concealer for awhile, it brightens up the under eye and gives me a more awake (i think) look. I make time to apply makeup daily so i feel like i have at least put some effort into me instead of just the kids or just the patients- like paying yourself first after pay day. take care of yourself so that you can take care of others.
• Raisin Bran! does this age me? i can't tolerate other cereals out there right now. so many things are just too sweet, or too gross, and subconsciously i want the kids to eat this cereal too for said reasons and that there's no mascot. anyhow, besides that fact that I'm totally regular, it's satiating for the initial hustle and bustle of our mornings (then i eat McDonalds ha! kidding but also not)

• this mantra, Let them be little because i often have to check with myself if what they're doing is age appropriate behaviour or if I'm imposing too much adult behaviour expectations on my kids and thus being a bit too stern. I need to chill!  

• also, i find myself saying Do Hard Things to Max A LOT. instead of being a nag (ie. about swimming, about writing his letters, etc), i find these words easy to understand, challenging and yet encouraging. Though yes let them be little, but no to fcking around and slacking off y'know? I'm not a tiger mom. i'm almost planning to get a pennant or this statement hung on the wall, hmmm

• my husband. he's stepping up to his responsibilities and has become more empathetic since becoming daddy daycare and having a taste of what it feels like to be needed relentlessly! however, he still has to be reminded that whatever work he's complaining about, the demands on me are ten fold. it's a start nevertheless.

What's made you happy lately?

I Heart...

10 things that have made me really happy lately....

1. my life saviour for Summer 2015 are my Birkenstocks AND Body Glide! 
2. the outdoor pool of my strata. it's free, I'm not tempted to eat junk food from the food stand, i don't need to deal with parking, and it's a hop, skip, jump away
3. Anyone else whip out The Sound of Music when it's raining out!? My children need to be exposed to this movie, even if it's just in the background! 

1. the ability to 'will' the baby to move when I feel unsure and panicked about lack of movement...or rather my lack of paying attention to movement
2. Max and his easily satisfied addiction to picking and eating blackberries along the railroad tracks and our secret spots in the neighbourhood
3. I'm on a 16 day vacation break from work!! then back for approximately 9 more shifts, and then off for a year!!  
4. prepping for Max's first day of preschool this september!! Who doesn't love back to school shopping? seriously, the smell of a new box of crayons is so tantalizing. For school, I bought him a (hopefully) forever backpack from the Fjallraven Kanken line and some Mabel's Label's for his belongings
5. I'm sleeping better. It appears that I need a fan blasting in my face, and my feet (yes 2 different fan sources) to sleep comfortably during this pregnancy
6. Wendy's chocolate frosty, YES! 
7. my due date is approaching!! I'm going to try to keep this baby in until September for logistical reasons related to going back to work in 2016. I want a September baby!! 
8. Max is spooning me (but really choking me with his short arms) at night! sweet, but because he's so exothermic, it's actually uncomfortable comfortable 
9. the large amount of girl clothes I got from my friend- I feel kinda bad that I didnt dress up Max as nicely- but really, boy's stuff just isnt as cute!
10. Nesting! painting the washroom's, the den, i've canned about 2 dozen jars of cherries, i've donate huge loads of stuff I dont need, i've shredded paperwork from HIGH SCHOOL and onwards, and i've thrown out about 4-5 bags of garbage. like a breath of fresh air I tell you! 

what's made you happy lately? 

I Heart...

10 things that's made me happy lately...

1. my patient loves
2. Outrageous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies; toddler helped and approved. under cook them a little so they're chewy!
3. Max wants to read THIS every night
4. fries and gravy lunch dates with our friends
5. alcohol free toner that removes leftovers after a shower, all the while moisturizing without a greasy residue. i prefer the lavender one over the rose petal
6. asado (bbq pork) siopao and cocktail (coconut) buns from nowhere but New Town Bakery
7. i love dental hygiene; words to live by
8. april can't come soon enough, fun in the sun
9. could we be the next Oregon? SCC on the right to die. check this documentary out on Netflix
10. i caved and bought a snazzy trench. i have re-banned myself from this store.

hope you have a sweet valentines day! 

whether it's soup for singles or a girl's day out watching 50 Shades, indulge in something that makes you feel good (bonus if someone helps the process)

Happy List :: December ::

1. this time of year when people and friends put in EXTRA effort to see each other. Sometimes one just has to settle for once a year get togethers, or more than half of the group showing up instead of 100%- it's hard to organize shift workers! 
2. my sister's child is on his way! I wonder what type of aunt/tita i'll be? AWESOME, i know that for sure! But as a support network for my sister, I definitely need to work on that since i'm a control freak and essentially think that what I'm doing is right and insist it be done that way :op ...it's not my child, hand it back to their mama when they cry! woohoo 
3. the approximately 90 minutes I had Max sitting on my shoulder as we watched the Roger's Santa Claus Parade. Once Santa passed by us, we bolted to the elevators at Burrard station so we don't get caught in the stroller traffic jam for that one crappy elevator. Max had so much fun and the weather was perfect!
4. we visited my husband's parent's and the border line up was only 15 minutes long! (we don't have a Nexus pass). We then ate at Anthony's Hearthfire Grill on the waterfront and had the best clam chowder and sour dough bread i've never eaten. It really beats Jack In the Box- my husband's main drive to go across the border. 
5. I bought a Clarisonic Mia and have seem marked improvement in my complexion. It's by no means a miracle tool, or a cure all, nor a fast fix...but the every 4-5 days routine i've been sticking to for the last couple of weeks has been enough to see some changes. 
6. Max and I's almost weekly Costco dates for fries, gravy, and polish sausage. It's definitely not the healthiest food choice, but whatever the rest of our week is pretty balanced ;o). Can you beat $4.40 tax included for a meal for 2? If the weather is just right, we walk on over to Science World for an exhausting yet fun filled day. 
7. It's been about 3 months since i've bought anything from Forever 21. I'm really trying to buy clothes of not only some quality, but to be more conscious of the impact this purchase has. 
8. my Hipster Business Name generator really made me laugh. I saw a name that actually made me pause and think twice about the name of this site and doing a rebranding, but alas, too much work that I'm prepared to accept. I really liked, "Child and Mortar," "Goose and Pear," and "Mitten and Pin," "Skull and Bedroom"- all for no apparent reason lol
9. I got a picture with Santa at Metrotown! No smile, but also NO tears, NO pressure, NO overwhelming body heat, NO caving in walls of ornaments...just a simple picture. I'd like to think he was older, but I think it's because my husband came along for a picture for the first time is what did the trick. 
10. Max is sitting on the potty and is excited to sit on the potty! After poops only though, and he requests some "privacy" even if it's after the fact. I hate cleaning up the stand alone potty though, really not my cup of tea (yes even though I'm a nurse, but we have mechanical and chemical sanitizers at work that does the dirty bit). We recently got this from IKEA, so far Max loves it and the price is right for multiple households. Any tips or tricks is warmly welcomed!

What's made you happy lately?

Happy List :: June 2014 ::

• we finally rode the Stanley Park Train! Apparently it's not my first time on this. Gene exasperatingly reminded me that we went on it when we were first dating. (Really? I don't recall EVER going on it before, must have been an exciting date...)
• I found my DREAM SHOES in Vancouver! Long live clogs! 
• this FELT SANDWICH SET! We love playing pretend kitchen especially with food. So far, he's been really creative with the meals he's made for me: jam, pickles, eggs, in a pita...yumm...thanks Max! 

• I finally found my dream SUNGLASSES! if you're like me with a round face, it's a nightmare to find properly fitting glasses. Thank you Ray Ban's for creating this gem of a pair! (first world  problem)
• Raspberries and strawberries are ready to be eaten at our local park, we go for a nightly stroll and have a fresh snack of local fruits. but on the way there, we're eating ice cream cones! did i mention this is Max's first year of holding an ice cream cone and licking it? 
• it's still light out until 9pm!! As a parent who is pretty militant with bedtime routine, I don't really get to enjoy the longer day light hours. However, it being light out until 730pm is pretty awesome as we can be outside at the park burning some Max energy enjoying the weather
• I have a secret, but can't say just yet :op (no i'm not pregnant)

• Even though we are still waiting for summer to arrive it's still just a tad chilly, the water parks are FINALLY open in Vancouver! Pictured above are in Stanley Park
• My sister is getting married in a couple of weeks! I haven't been to a wedding in such a long time, i think i'm even more stressed out about what to wear and how to do my hair/makeup than the bride 
• Max has taken on wrapping his arms around my leg when he's wanting my attention or when he's scared. I cherish the feeling of his arms around my leg, so so sweet and endearing! he won't be able to do this forever 
• this video of Max at Science World makes me laugh

• Max and I met NEW FRIENDS last week! Specifically, we took our internet relationship and turned into a real life one. Our first date was very memorable because we were under lockdown at Science World! the what if's of the situation didn't really sink in until later on at night (ie. what if we were taken hostage?) i'm really happy that we were safe in the end

what's made you happy lately?? 

Happy List :: March 2014 ::

• Max finally playing with the Playdoh he got as a gift 2 years ago! sure i have to tell him not to eat it multiple times (even i think it smells delicious), I'm hoping he gets it sooner than later hehe. have you ever made your own play doh? it's easy and fun to make! 
• I love how Max calls polka dots, COCONUTS!
• I'm totally in love with the Revlon Colorbust Mattle Balm and Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm. great colour payoff, moisturizing, cheap, and retractable
• in my search for the perfect straw cup for Max that doesn't mould, is easy to wash, perfect for little hands, and has a straw ...these are the best! we love them around here First Years Take and Toss Straw Cups
• Max's artwork! 

• light jacket or no jacket Vancouver weather! Max is wearing sunglasses, I'm keeping warm with a hat and a light sweater and people around the neighbourhood are happy! no one is complaining that is it's too cold or too hot, it's just the perfect weather outside
• my favourite furniture store just moved closer to me! i'm happy but my wallet isn't.  check out the beauty that is mid century modern scandinavian furniture at By Design Modern

• my neighbour and i exchange our kids' toys every now and then and Max has been loving the Donald Duck that we got at our last trade. funny enough, the little boy is 6 months younger than Max and his name is Maxx! 
• with Max's current infatuation with Michael Jackson, Max is now using his toys as a microphone and saying, Just Beat it! in monotone, spoken voice.. over and over again! gotta hear it to join in the laughs
• i just discovered The Land of Nod! i want every.single.thing from this store, I'm kinda glad there isn't one in Vancouver.
• it's hyacinth season! i love love love the smell of this plant

What's made You happy lately? 

Happy List :: October ::

1. Max talking in tagalog! Even though they're one word statements, im pretty excited where this will take us. Im still trying my best to speak solely in tagalog, but there are so many words and phrases I dont know. im looking for an app to help us out!

2. the TWENTYTRUCKS channel on youtube. When Max wakes up in a foul mood or is having a tantrum, i take the edge off of his moment by turning their kid's truck videos. he loves trucks and this intervention almost always works to de-escalate so i dont have to turn to the soother (love-hate). i like the the excavator and impact hammer vids as i've learned something and the songs are really catchy

3. This STILA liquid eye liner. Best and blackest i've ever used! love love love it

4. JOE FRESH finally having an online shopping option! I like this for Max, this for husband, this, this, and this in black and grey for myself!

5. i've subscribed to Sesame Street's channel on youtube so I can memorize songs like THIS and THIS! I love all the musician collaborations (the one with Norah Jones is just so depressing though)

6. Pumpkins and pumpkin flavors for the next month. This time of year im obsessed with Whole Food's pumpkin pie (bonus when it's on sale), pumpkin and chocolate chip loafs or muffins from the Farmer's Market, pumpkins at the grocery store and on people's porches, pumpkin spiced drinks...yummmm

7. MAC Cosmetics lipstick in Craving. perfectly Fall berry and also in my favorite MAC lipstick formula

8. Max accepting his new stroller! im actually trying to wean him into the stroller for our upcoming Australia trip and God help me if i have to babywear him come this Jan 2014. The scale says he hasn't gained much (still at 24ish lbs) but he feels like 30+ lbs. i'm hurting at the end of the day. So far, he's fallen asleep in the stroller once for 2 hours! This stroller has the best sun and sleep shade out there!

9. my current nursing student is awesome

10. Finding awesome riding boots at Value Village of all places! they fit my calves, they're cognac, they've got gold detailing, they're leather, they zip up, they were cheap, and did i mention they fit my MONSTER calves!? dream come true

What's made you happy lately?
What are you thankful for?

Before I Became A Mom

Before I became a mom, I wanted an elective c-section

The roots of my vaginal birth aversion came from a nursing school experience. Essentially, I watched a mom during her last minutes of labor and then through delivery of a healthy baby. Basically I had my eyes peeled to her vag from pulsating --> to ring of fire --> to baby out. To other's it was a beautiful moment, to a 20 year old female student with children nowhere in the near forecast, everything about the experience was ghastly. The only thing that turned the tide was discovering I was pregnant, and clarity set in.

Before I became a mom, I was set on exercising every day throughout my pregnancy, eating right, and gaining only the minimum amount of weight (25lbs)

Well I walked a lot. I tried swimming for a couple of weeks and eventually went shopping instead to fulfill my daily cardio requirements. I ate like I always ate, except that Coke tasted ever.so.good that I even bought a case or two or three for the first time in my life. I have to admit that that was officially my pregnancy craving, as today I would drink it more so for the fact that it feels good going down my throat than me loving how it tastes.  I gained 40ish pounds in the end.

Before I became a mom, I thought breastfeeding was easy; like stick the mouth to your nipple easy.

Breastfeeding was initially a struggle because I didn't really understand the concept of feed baby + brain = body makes milk accordingly. I definitely had struggles with engorgement (those "breast rocks" were more uncomfortable than my vag stitches), deciding whether to continue to pump or just exclusively breastfeed (for number 2, im going to do BOTH!), dry cracked nipples that hurt like a biatch with each latch (I LOVE YOU, lanolin), fears of 'nipple confusion' from too much googling. Who knew breastfeeding can go sideways in so many ways?! Max breastfed until 18 months when he decided he wanted to stop, im still kinda bummed about it but also happy that I went that far.

Before I became a mom, I thought my kid would have a short sleep adjustment period but eventually take after me and sleep like a pro ...never even heard of 'sleep training' issues.

I dont know how many times i've written or mentioned sleep on this blog but Max is no pro. At 21 months he still wakes up once a night and we still move in and sleep with him. For naps, he's good with sleeping about 2 hours on average with a soother that pops in and out. Ah well, i've taken this as a no big deal thing now because im totally used to the lack of thorough, uninterrupted sleep and actually enjoy co-sleeping with him. i am wondering though if we have another child how i'm going to repeat this or would I (??) to begin with because what would be the other kid's room has no space for the ever-so-convenient twin bed that allowed for the many interventions to get Max to sleep. hmmm...

Before I became a mom, I thought i'd be a minimalist and have a couple of toys, a few clothes, and the bare minimum in baby gear.

Well we definitely aren't minimalist as we've enjoyed the convenience of 'stuff' that has made first time parenting just a little easier (seriously, is a diaper genie really essential? no. but we have one anyways). Kid's clothes are SO CUTE. I love buying them, but I don't go nuts or spend too much as I have insight on how fast these kids grow. Plus, you get so many clothes as gifts  that you don't even need to buy at times...we've been blessed! As for toys, i'm thankful for the toys Max has been gifted, and also thankful for craigslist.

Before I became a mom, I thought I could hand my kid off to a baby sitter or my parents so I can do things for myself (ie. go to a concert), guilt free.

Aside from work, the longest i've been away from Max to do something for myself was 2-3 hours. I think we were going to a concert? or a dinner with friends? as evidenced by my poor memory, this was a LONG TIME AGO. I do remember looking at my phone of pictures of Max and telling Gene that I missed my baby. I think I even kind of rushed exiting the whole event so I can get back to Max. Today, I still kind of feel this way. if i did need to do something for myself, i have no qualms with leaving Max with Gene...but I dont really like giving him away to my parents so I can do extra curricular activities. he's never slept over at anyone else's house without us, he's either always with both of us or one of us (if i'm working on the weekend though, Gene get's his little break by letting my parents have him for 2-3 hours, but I think he misses him too as it never overlaps into Max's nap time).

Before I became a mom, I thought I had all the time in the world to do what i wanted to do , the kid will just adapt.

Today, activities are scheduled with and or around meal times, nap times, poo times, and bed time in mind. I can still do activities I like to do, but if I can help it, i prefer to stay within our +/- 30-45 minute established schedule for Max's well being. kids thrive off of structure and some predictability right? his quality of life is paramount, and directly affects my quality of life too. he sleeps well, i sleep well..YES!! win-win!!

Before I became a mom, I thought my kid would just go with the flow.

I wanted to get a haircut and I asked my sister to just push Max in the stroller around the mall for 20 minutes or so (he was sleeping anyways). From the second (I mean this literally) I departed, I was told Max woke up and screamed and cried the entire time I was getting a haircut. I could hear a baby cry from the hair dresser's seat and I would see my sister's reflection in the mirror- pacing nervously in front of the entrance checking if I was done the entire time. I think she's still traumatized, hahaha!

Before I became a mom, I thought I was pretty happy.

Then I had my baby. And despite the crying, the sleep deprivation, the tantrums, the unpredictability, the job that is never-ending/24-7/365 days a year, motherhood has brought a whole new meaning to life- it's just so much more meaningful. i've said this so.many.times on this blog, motherhood is the hardest thing i've ever done in my life, but it is also the most fulfilling, rewarding, my greatest accomplishment.

Happy List :: August ::

1. the many words Maxiboy is saying lately, it's a word a day! I really like the sound of little kid voices and how they say things that only their own parents can understand. Max is saying "bape" lately ...and who else but us would know he wanted "grapes?" haha
2. i recently purged a bunch of clothing from my closet and donated to charity or to my sisters' closet. the empty hangers are in need of being filled up again! 'I can resist everything but temptation' -Oscar Wilde
3. my sister saying YES TO THE DRESS after 1 shopping session with her! gotta love Columbia st. in New West that caters to so many styles and budgets
4. Max accepting the stroller!!! As long as he's facing out, we're good to travel for a few hours
5. something about this song
6. the awesome weather we had while I was on vacation for 2 months! 
7. Max holding and reaching out for my hand as we do our daily stair exercises together! we do the toddler equivalent of the grouse grind every day at the park
8. the hundreds of watermelon slices, berries, grapes, and oranges Max has eaten since May. Hurray for healthy eaters!
9. this FREE app, it's pretty funny
10. two summers for 2013 --Australia bound this winter!

What's made you happy lately?

June :: Happy List :: Daddy Edition

summer 2012 ---> spring 2013

my husband has taken on the role of a lifetime as a stay at home dad while I go back to work. Initially, of course, he was nervous about the whole thing as i had my own tricks with Max that I just can't all divulge without being interrogated. But in a span of 2-3 weeks, i noticed the anxiety level of the house decline each time i returned home and i was getting plenty of reports that were more anecdotal rather than beefs on stress, lack of sleep, rest, etc. Dad + son have a bond different from mom + son, it's really endearing to watch their relationship.

This is what makes my husband happy lately...

1. When my favorite coffee is on sale because i need plenty of it when im on daddy daycare duty (side note: coffee prices are getting higher, not lower. terrible)
2. When Max lets me sleep in until about 9am before he starts getting ansy about starting the day off (side note: Max wakes up an hour earlier, just plays quietly beside me)
3. A hot and sunny day so we don't have to be cooped up in the house. I'm really looking forward to when the outdoor pool opens as we'll be there nearly every day
4. Max not waking up until after 11pm at night. it's really hard to cosleep before 11pm as im wound up from the day
5. When he isn't so restless at night, as then i can get some sleep beside him. all i ask for is a night without being woken up by a body slam or head butt
6. neapolitan style pizza picnics with the family at Grandview Park
7. Mobile Max is better than and more fun than infant Max. it's a hoot watching him run around with his sound effects that sound like goy goy goy goy goy
8. Max dancing to "Who Let the Dog's Out" and "Monster Mash" at school
9. When Max eats well at every single meal. he doesnt have to eat all of it, but at least most of it so i dont have to whip out our emergency meal (grilled cheese)
10. When mom is off and can take over! naturally.

Good job Dad!

What's made You happy lately?

Life Lately

ive been doing a lot of facepalms this week as i've finally come to realize that shift swaps are really NOT my cup of tea. A month or so ago, i was all gung ho about trialling some weeks with no night shifts and in place just screw around with my schedule (and hence days off) by just doing day shifts. i unfortunately don't have a perfect shift swap partner and instead of having 4 straight day shifts, i end up with an exhausting work sequence that looked something like 2 days 1 off 2 days 2 off etc. it was a good idea then, now, i see night shifts are worth it...um too bad for me though as i've already made some more swaps in the months to come. Facepalm!

"mama, don't work so much!" - i think that's what he's thinking!

When it comes to my day shifts, i only get to see Max for 30 minutes before he goes to bed. it really really SUCKS. Today, on my first actual day off ive already noticed some changes in him that weren't there the last time i had a true day off and was in parenting mode physically and mentally. Damn, these kids grow up so frickin fast! Teeth #7, 8, 9, and 10 have all cut through and growing. Last time i noticed they were just white tips on the gums! Secondly, he doesnt breastfeed first thing in the morning anymore...what the WHAT?! Ok, last time i was with him, he just had a snack size feed, now it's a full on rejection.

He loves this car from his tita (auntie) Vivian and Jon. It was actually from Jon's grandma and Jon played with it when he was a kid, and they passed it on to Max when he was a newborn. At 15 months, he's looking for it in his toy bin, getting on the ground and wheels/pushes it around on all fours. Sometimes he has to take it into bed with him and if i try to take it away from him, he cries, so he falls asleep with it in his hand and then i inch it away. Super cute! Along the same vein of self-entertainment, he's also getting the feel of how hard this toy is by hitting himself on the head with it. See below

this is a new thing for him; showing me where it hurts. When he stumbles, he has recently put his palm where he doesnt feel good, pouts or cries, and comes to me for comfort. So far i've noticed that he puts his hand against his head, against his cheek, and shows me his hand if that is affected part. I seriously melt and want to eat him up when he does this. i'm teaching him the english word 'owie' and the tagalog word "aray" for when he's hurt.

Max is able to wave bye-bye or hello, but it's still hit or miss as to when and whom he'll share this skill. However, Gene taught him how to 'high five' and he does this all the time on command now regardless of how he feels about the person (or so i've noticed). I love how friendly he is!

Max + Moe = Love

Lastly, he loves our cat Moe. Sure he tries to sit on him, straddles over him, sometimes steps on him, pulls his tail, flicks his ear, pokes his nose or eye, chases after him, drops his weight beside him to scare him...but all in all he is IN LOVE with Moe. In fact, i think he even says 'Moe Moe" more often than 'mama!' Much to our luck, we found a stray cat that is absolutely great with children. Moe hasnt swatted him, growled, or hissed at him...sometimes i think he's even entertaining Max's antics! Ah brotherly love.

Happy List :: April ::

1. Max's night sleep hours getting later and later before the first cry (to which we have to intervene by cosleeping)
2. going to work and it's light out, going home and it's still light out (shift workers know what i mean!)
3. the feel of a little palm carressing my arm or holding on to my arm or just holding onto my side while on the carrier (it seriously makes me tingle)
4. Finally packing away Max's first winter jacket (it was a 3-6month old in size that surprisingly lasted him until 14 months)
5. Husband stating that he really enjoys sleeping with Max even though he doesnt get much sleep while doing so as Max is so restless when he sleeps!
6. Tax return season
7. warm weather without the need for a jacket! but if a jacket was necessary, then denim jacket season as it just goes with everything
8. Max l-o-v-i-n-g PEAS of all things. Seriously, he can eat about 1/3 of a cups worth in a sitting
9. Cherry blossoms! I love it when the tree branches of two different trees touch each other in the middle creating the illusion of a floral ceiling. Check out the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
10. Lamb Curry at Tandoori Palace on Commercial Drive, it's the best and their naan is the best
11. Those donut holes at the Red Wagon on E. Hastings. It's unfortunately not on the menu, but they give it out to the waiting customers outside as the wait can be around an hour long
12. Max dancing- either bum bounces, flapping his one arm, or bum bounces as his upper body turns side to side (i MUST capture this on video ASAP!)
13. Black and white are the latest fashion trend, these are my shades

what's made you happy lately?

Spring Changes!

Ah toddlerhood!

 Honestly, though i have said "i liked it when he was more stationary" once or twice in the last few months, this 13-14 months old stage has got to be my all time favorite life stage so far!

doing 'wheelies' at 14 months!

i've just recently realized that i havent whipped out the stroller in so so so long because the ERGO keeps Max CONTAINED. To illustrate, if i didn't have the ERGO, Max would be whining like crazy wanting to be picked up then put down then picked up (again and again), darting out into the streets or through a sea of big people, refusing to hold my hand as we walk, falling down stairs, climbing anything and everything. oh you know, normal stuff for his age that would triple the time allotted for our errands and basically make my heart jump because i'm scared for his life and safety!

Ever since i've been back to work, i've seen some big changes in the father son bonding that im most definitely happy about with a little hint of jealousy (hey im no longer in denial that 'dada' was his first word and even when he sees husband from afar he goes 'dada' and runs to him! aww). aside from the fact that i speak to him in a total different language, i think Max knows that with mama __x__ happens, and with daddy __x__ happens instead. with some expected good days and bad days, Max has definitely adapted (and so have we) to our new schedules. Gene and I have our own little routines, give shift reports to one another, and most importantly are now working better together (and less fighting) when it comes to the child rearing. Phew, our marriage survived! 

what boy doesn't love trains?

Sleep in the house is still an issue, but when will it ever not be right? i think once one becomes a parent, they'll always be wondering if their child is ok whether they still live with them or not...and this equates to sleep quality nowhere near pre-baby days! When i'm off, I co-sleep with Max after his first night wake, and Gene does the same when im on my work set. This is really working out well as instead of waking up at 530am/6am and starting days off early, Max is waking up at 700-730am, it totally makes a huge difference in his mood when he not only gets a good nights sleep but sees us beside him when his eyes first open. We do let him CIO after the bed time routine just so he knows how to put himself to sleep sans pacifier, in his crib, and alone in his room- im waiting for the day when all of these dots are connected for 10+ hours of uninterrupted sleep nights! Bedtime continues to be at 8pm, and get this...we dropped a nap, and now only have 1 nap a day! Usually a 1.5-2 hour nap, but this is definitely a significant change in the routine as we have always known.

Though i still breastfeed twice a day (first wakeup feed, before bed feed), i only do this when i'm off. During my day shift, i dont attempt to dream feed or even wake Max up early to nurse. I just let him sleep and Gene says he has adapted. When i come home from a day shift, I continue to give Max his bedtime feed which has significantly changed from 6min (in January), to a whopping 20-30 minute nursing session per demand! During my night shift, I no longer feed him before going to work because he refuses (too full from dinner) and there have been night shift transition days when i dont even feed him for 24 hours, and again, Gene says he's adapted. I have noticed though that his morning feeds are quite short, more like a snack in terms of time length...i think a weaning process for me and him has started. I am ok with this rate, but not this rate!

Im really happy with what's been going on lately in terms of our work-life schedules and balance. I'm trying to not get TOO comfortable though as i think Max's senses it and thus decides to change things up again...it'll always be something!

Spring Break

How was your spring break?
Who is l-o-v-i-n-g this amazing weather we've had since spring break started?
Who's happy that the great outdoor weather coincided with Strong Start being closed so it wasn't a struggle to find something to do that didn't involve a million other parents and tots who had the same idea?
Me! Max! Gene!

our week started with Max randomly cleaning up after a spill he made after i gave him a paper towel. seriously, i didnt ask him to do it, he just bent down, connected the dots, and wiped it up. I wonder if he'll be the type to keep his room clean without my asking? Thanks baby!

after each work set (when i basically don't see him for 4 days in a row), Max always surprises me with a new skill. This week, he randomly climbed up this fence (look how high!) and held himself there in protest as i wouldnt let him walk up this sketchy looking stair case. Also, it appears husband has been teaching him some ninja moves as now he's randomly doing high kicks like this in the air on his own accord and on command. Hai ya!!

The more i react to a skill, the more Max seems to want to do it. In this case, the stairs. he wants to climb them all. the. time. At least 10 times a day up and down up and down. On this particular occasion, he found someone's TRASH to boot and wouldnt let go of it. Up and down, with this cup. Tears or play with the cup until he got tired of it? yep, cup. 

Did i mention he wants to go down the stairs too? This kid wants to go down the stairs on his own, i'm visualizing blood and broken bones, you can bet your life that my knuckles are white from my vice like grip!

Warm enough for multiple outdoor picnics and flowers of love from my sweetie! 

I hope your Spring break was just as fun filled as ours!

Little One Update

Little Max turned a whole f-o-u-r-t-e-e-n months on the 19th! I can't believe it myself, seriously wasn't i just pregnant? from my popular posts widget, my "37 weeks" story seems to get frequent traffic- a fun reminder at how time is flying right before my eyes.

yummy...flyers...

What's Max like these days you ask? Well he's a fun fun fun little boy who's personality is blooming each day. I think he's going to be quite the athlete judging from his super strength such as moving heavy furniture around the house, ability to independently hoist himself up on our couch that's about chest in height to him (as well as the twin bed in his room) and know how to get himself back down on the ground feet first. Instead of dragging toys around the house, he often chooses to pick things up (sometimes over his head) and carry the item(s) with one arm, and bring it to us - so so funny when you can see from his face how much he's struggling but he is just so determined to carry it! 

I love how he knows his way from our parking stall, to the elevators, then up to our floor, out of the elevators and which way to turn to go home. This walking (sometimes nearly running) skill is a huge help when we're carrying up groceries and he can carry a small thing or so while i can help husband with the rest of the load. i love how he assists in putting his clothes on and off. if certain clothes are put on, it means we are following up with a predictable activity and he actually gets excited! Max appears to know what words mean when we say it in english and in tagalog- I'm thinking he's still babbling for the majority of the time but i won't be surprised if he just whips out a sentence one day when no other witnesses are around to hear it but me!

size 12-18months shirt and pants, size 6 feet

the little man already has his own music tastes and dance moves! he can moon walk and shuffle- but we see it as walking backwards and sideways. if he is particularly feeling the groove he stomps his feet on the ground and flaps his right arm like something that came out of the chicken dance. at anytime anywhere even while on the carrier, if he's feeling the music or likes the song being sung, he'll do an arm move somewhere between the chicken flap-a conductors arm waves-and raising the roof. he's got quite the eclectic taste!

at school, there are girls who already come up and try to kiss him (and have kissed him) or hold him. ive seen him back away independently but ive also seen him go for girls by means of pointing his finger close to their face and inch closer and closer until i intervene (and then he laughs). he likes girls with long hair (maybe because i have long hair?) and he'll go up to them stare, smile, giggle and attempt to play with their tresses. seriously, i cant resist him...i can't imagine what he'll be like when he is older!

scrambled or over easy?

Max has become a pretty good eater who knows what he likes, what doesnt taste good, and what he wants all the time if given the opportunity. He's feeding himself and doesnt often let me feed him anymore. he appears to love using his utensils though still needing some help in the piercing with a fork department. Fries or potato wedges seem to be our go-to treat, he loves these things whether baked or fried. i always judged moms before i became a mom when i would see their babies/kids eating fries but now, this is our bribe at restaurants when he just needs to be cooperative so we can eat hot food...it always works! What kid doesnt love french fries right?

As for sleep, he still sleeps in my arms for his first nap when i'm off work (Gene and him have his own technique). For his afternoon nap, i finally clued into using the carrier during this time and he often has naps while im on the go zigzagging around Vancouver trying to get retail therapy errands done. i purposely schedule my 'me' activities during this time as the movement of us lulls him to long naps while receiving the benefits of babywearing and mamma gets to chill out doing pre-baby activities (minus the ability to try on clothing). As for nights, not sure what's up lately but Max has been needing to co-sleep. Some brief CIO sessions once put down in bed, then he goes to sleep only to wake up 2-8 hours later crying and this is my signal to get up and sleep with him. sometimes i can stretch out our wakeup time from 6am to nearly 715am! I quite enjoy the cosleeping when i'm off, but brutal when i have work the next day as he doesnt sleep like a log but more like  a tazmanian devil with his need to always reposition and basically do a 360 revolution each night.. Thanks for the head butt! Thanks for placing your bum in front of my face! thanks for dropping your body weight on me! hahaha...always so cute though! he will never be so small again right? cherishing it! 

this is his most entertaining skill

how can i say no to this face? xoxox

Oh Happy Day

1. when tooth #6 finally cut through the gum. i finally have my sweet little boy back!
2. the sound of laughter when i find Max's armpit tickle spots
3. finally purchased a Kobo Mini (currently reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn)- the bedbug and library connection has me totally turned off borrowing books
4. Max and I holding hands and walking together!
5. it's 530pm and still light out
6. im 10 floors away from the most amazing and best sushi in Vancouver (Alaska and Yam tempura roll to be exact)
7. going out shopping while Max is having a lengthy afternoon nap on the carrier. i cant stand taking the stroller downtown!
8. i get along with all the new coworkers i've met in my new job
9. my new everyday shoes...i don't love the breaking in process though!
10. this is my new guilty pleasure: OR's Sweet and Salty popcorn
11. quality night sleeps where i'm just out like a light and have crazy vivid dreams i can't remember but have my heart beating fast when i wake 
12. Max making a quick recovery from his recent battle with a virus

what's made you happy lately?

Indoor Fun

the look of F-U-N

I'm now living with a child who no longer can tolerate prolonged periods on the stroller! (gasp) We have a tagalog word for kids like this, "Malikot" (i think that's how you spell it), it means restless, ansy, go-go-go! Gone are the days when Max would just sit for hours and fall asleep, watch the hustle and bustle of life, eat, back in the stroller, and probably fall asleep again. When out, i get about an hour or so of stroller time before he arches his back, stretches out his arms, tears start flowing, and he must be let out and walk around. I used to judge parents who had those backpack leashes for their kid, recently i've contemplated the perks of having one- but i think it's a decision that shouldnt be made lightly. 

indoor activity idea #1- reading. He loves his books!

I hate to admit it but i'm pretty tired during my days off. Sleep is definitely not the same since having a child, and definitely not any easier working shifts with a child who wants you and only you (i want to consolidate my pre-work naps, not stagger!). We've been having plenty of indoor days as my body tries to adjust to these new hours all the while noting what works and what doesnt work (trial and error). trying to figure out the ideal schedule for me and techniques to keep Max distracted without too much whining and tears is a slow process!

indoor activity #2: balloons

Max has been obsessed with this balloon for at least 3 days now. At first it was floating full of fresh helium, now it's just a ball on the floor which he picks up by the string and waves around hitting himself as he runs across the room shrieking in delight. nothing beats cheap + simple sources of lengthy  entertainment! i realize rubber balloons are a major choking hazard once deflated, but i'm always supervising his play.

indoor activity #3: soccer balls

my mom gave Max this soccer ball when he was too small to do anything with it. I've seen the progression of him just enjoy looking at it, then pass the ball to me, and now he's learning to control the ball with little kicks and foot manipulations! No joke! Perhaps a futball star in the making? He gets so excited watching us do little kicks from one foot to the other or just follow the ball around the house but doing some not-anywhere-near-fancy footwork. Kids are so easy to please sometimes I tell you!

Ah days off....they come by so slow, yet goes by so fast. I so miss my little man when im working xoxo