The best friend I never had

 Dear Evie,

I thank God for you. Deeply. I feel like we have gotten to be more emotionally bonded. Talking to you this morning was like talking to a best friend I never had.

This morning was rough. I got mad at your Dad. 

I asked him to make breakfast and what kind of breakfast. It was roughly  8. I went to wake you and your sister up around 8:45. You two were very tired after coming home late from the Medieval Times experience with your class last night. It wasn't a 100% great experience for you because you had an allergic reaction from the food. I had to go in the shower with you when we got home as you requested. I had to help you wash. You were just too tired. Your Daddy went to check your oxygen level around eleven while you were asleep. He came in the morning to check you again around 5:30. I praise our Father God for healing you and giving you good rest.

You were not super happy because I woke you up. You were still tired. But it's already almost 9, a little too late. Otherwise, if you wake up very late, you will get more tired.

You came out from your room at 9:45 telling me you're hungry. I couldn't blame you for that. It's quite late for breakfast. I suggested a simple meal, but you asked for something where I have to spend time chopping and frying. My emotion started to flare. Honestly, it's not because of what you asked for breakfast. I got mad at your Dad for up until that time, he's still in the front room, doing business, not making breakfast for everyone.

Yeah, I know. You may ask, "Why can't you just do it Mom?" My answer is, "Why can't I not not do it this time?" It's a request I seldom ask. This time, I just wanted your Dad to make it. He makes good sandwiches. That's what I wanted to eat for breakfast. Today.

My unfriendly actions were quite obvious to you, your sister, and your Dad. I knew in your mind you thought I was mad at you. I had to make it clear to you.

So, I told you about it in your room while your sister was outside. I told you that I was not mad at you and I wanted to clear that issue out. I told you who I was mad at, tears rolling down my eyes. I was sitting on the edge of your bed, you were kneeling right there where I was, listening to my sentiments. Even if you didn't tell me, I saw in your eyes telling me you understand how I felt. It's funny (in a good way) how you tried to pacify me just like how I (or your Dad) do it to you when you are in the same situation. Breathe in, breathe out. Hug me as tight as you can. You knew and understand the reason why I didn't confront your Dad. It's a reason same as yours when you get mad at us. We don't want to scream at the person and just let it all out without filter. Makes me wonder. Is that even healthy? What is the best thing to do when we're super angry at somebody? Both of us are scared that we might say something that is not nice that will hurt the person. That is why we don't just blow up right there and then.

You helped me feel better. Your presence, your listening ear, your hugs, your understanding made a big difference on how I felt. While I was talking to you, it felt like I was talking to a best friend I never had in my life. Didn't I just mention it previously? Because that's what it felt like.Thank you Baba. 

As of this writing, I have not really (fully) reconciled with your Dad (yet). You have to go to your music lesson. I told him that I will just do grocery with you after lunch. We are going shopping!

I look forward to our time together.

I love you with all of me,

Mama

P.S. - This is the unfinished sandwich your Dad made 😂

Where has time gone?

 Dear Evie,

Where has time gone indeed? I let them slipped away for years from this blog. My last entry was June of 2017. Almost four years ago. But regrets will not do me any good. So I'll carry on and pick up the pieces where I left.

Tonight's conversation was very rewarding. It fills my heart to the brim. It's one of those conversations we call "deep." You are now 11 years old, turning 12 in few months. Our deep and meaningful conversation tonight made me realized how much you have grown, not (just) physically, but the way you think about things. For your age to tell me things and express your mind and heart to be heard is mind-blowing. I cannot believe I raised such a daughter whose wisdom is beyond her age. I wished I recorded the first several minutes of our conversation. While listening to you, I was dumbfounded of the wise words coming out from your mouth. But we did record the rest of it and it's almost an hour. 

I learned so many things from you tonight. You taught me how to be a better mom. I appreciate your honesty and your desire to have the best relationship with me and your Dad.

Thank you for sharing me the story that you are currently writing for your Social Studies' project. I can't help myself but be proud of what you have written so far. Your abundant imagination partnered with your creative writing will go a long, long way. 

Do you know what's the other thing I am most proud about you? You stepped up and set a goal for yourself to write and finish the number of chapters you set before the school year ends. I was quite surprised when you told me about your goal. That was totally unexpected. I am very grateful that your teacher, Mrs. Fuller let your read the book the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens." You seemed to learn a lot from it and you are taking actions on what you have learned so far.

I look forward to reading the book with you and discuss the topics at the same time. I already see a lot of "deep conversations" coming between us.

Thank you for the laughs, the open heart, the honesty, the jokes you shared with me tonight. Most of all, thank you for the lessons you taught me so I can be the best version of a mom that you and your sister need.

I love you with all of me,

Mama

Slime Shoe Craze / Queen Mom

Dear Fifi,

 "This is you, with a crown. You're the queen mom!" How sweet of you!Yesterday you showed me this drawing  you did in my phone's app. You drew a few things, but this one is my favorite. It's amazing that in the span of time you spent on the drawing app, you thought of me. You thought of drawing the version of me in your imagination and heart —a queen! I asked why you made me a queen in your drawing. "Because I want you to look pretty in a dress and have good days!" What innocent and sweet thought. You made me feel so special. Thank you so much for this beautiful drawing that is full of love.

Dear Evie,

Your creativity always amazes me and makes me laugh at times. Today you thought of making a shoe made out of slime. Tadaaaaaa!

I laughed so much when I saw it. You are insanely creative and funny! I had to take a picture of it and share it with family and friends. They thought it's hilarious and quite clever. Same as what I thought. You and Fi can play slime the whole day if you want to. I am glad that this thing doesn't create a big mess. You were so worried you will get your shirt stained like what happened last time, so you decided to not color yours this time. However, you changed your mind and colored it. I saw your wet shirt in the bathroom. I suspect there's stains on it from the slime. Whoa! Good thing the stain comes off easily. So that is okay.

I appreciate how you are mindful of the mess. You tried to clean up everything. You're most probably worried that Mama will get mad. Thank you for cleaning up the mess baby. You are an awesome big sister who takes care of things. I am so proud of you.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Jesus Heals You

My dearest Evie,


I am writing this letter while you are at the Phoenix Children's Urgent Care doing your breathing treatment. Daddy took you there around eight o'clock tonight. I didn't like the sound of your breathing. I told Daddy that we should take you to the doctor tomorrow. Thankfully, Daddy suggested to take you to the urgent care tonight.

I am very much worried about you. Daddy just called me a little while ago. You undergone X-ray and the doctor thought that you might have pneumonia. I am very sorry that you are sick. I feel bad because I am not there beside you so I can just hold you in my arms. I wanted so much to be beside you right now.

Mama is praying for you. I pray to Jesus that He heals you, make you feel better...back to normal. He's the only one  I know I can turn to in times like this, no one else. With Him I am assured of your well-being. I cannot wait to have you back home. Most probably you will fall asleep on your way home.

I love you very much. My heart deeply aches whenever you are sick, specially at time when we have to take you to the doctor. But I know that Jesus is there holding you right now, giving you His healing touch.

Come home soon little one. I miss you very much.

My pirate fairy.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

First Day of School

Dear Evie,

It's your first day of school. You were the most excited. I can tell by the look in your face, the way you smile, all of your body language. And of course, verbally. You've been asking for days when will you be going to school and finally it happened today. Dada and me were worried that the school won't accept you today because we have not gotten the consent form signed by your pediatrician for the administration of Epipen.Your doctor was not available. But thankfully, your school was happy to take you in with your Benadryl in hand.

There was no sign of separation anxiety from you at all. Right after you got into your classroom, you instantly fit yourself in. You are just the happiest being around with other kids. I am happy that you are such a sociable little person. This is your first step in the "big world." I just pray to God that He will keep you safe always. He is the only one who can do it.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

"Uh oh"

Dear Fi,

You started to say "uh oh" which sounds so cute to my ears. You say it specially at times you have some naughty plans in your mind. You started to say "come" too. You are learning how to verbalize things. I so love to hear them. I am looking forward for more words from you.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Evie,

You got to meet your teacher and new friends in school today. You were the most excited. You shared the cart that you were playing with to a new friend. That was so nice of you. You are a very sociable little person. I know that you are happy to be around other kids. I know that you will enjoy school. You are turning into a big girl. I pray that God will keep you safe all the time specially at times I am not with you. I am used to have you 24 hours a day. But as you are getting into school age, you will be apart from me for few hours. I surely will miss you very much.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Sous Chef Evie

Dear Evie,

Kneading dough for siopao.

Today you helped me make siopao (steamed bun). It's a very popular snack in the Philippines. We made this one before. But I don't think you still remember. You were very young then.You enjoyed kneading the dough. And because of that, we over-knead it. The consistency of the bun turned a little dense instead of soft and fluffy. But it's okay. Dada suggested that next time if we are going to make siopao again, I should give you a small piece of dough just for you to knead. You can knead it as long as you want :) By the way, you liked what we made. You ate one big piece of it. Your favorite part is the bun. You kept stealing Dada's pure white bun. Thank you for helping me today. I know there was a time I got a little frustrated while making it and snapped at you. At least now I know how to take care of it next time.

arrrrrrr

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Fi,

It's funny how you tried to snort everytime you watch the show "Peppa Pig" on Nick Jr. And everytime I sing the line "peppa pig" you try snorting. You still don't know how to snort, but you are brilliant to find a way to mimic the sound.

You are so expert in opening doors now. You started learning the trick a week ago. I guess we have to lock doors where you don't want you to go like the bathroom. You know why? Because you dip your hands in the toilet or throw something in it. You are my clever girl.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Toys Get Timeout

Dear Evie,

Mama put all your toys in the garage. Well, except Snowbear (I know how much you love that toy). Dada and me had been telling you since Saturday to clean up your room. Monday came, and your playroom was still a big mess.  I do not know how many times we reminded you to tidy up. You cleaned a little bit, put the books and stuffed toys back on the shelf. And that's it. I was tired of reminding you, Dada was tired too. So Dada had to set the timer on and gave you a certain amount of time to finish up everything otherwise, all toys end in the garage. Sadly, they did. I didn't want to do it. But sometimes, parents do the things they have to do. Your playroom look so sad now. There's still books that you can read, easel and table where you can draw. You will only get your toys back when you do the things you need to do. And of course, listen to Mama and Dada and do what we tell you to do. We don't tell you things that will hurt you or bad for you. We love you very much. But for now, toys are getting time out.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Sleepy Little Ones / UTI or Yeast Infection?

Dear Evie and Fi,

You both were so clingy to me when you woke up this morning. Fi was still so sleepy when Dada took her to the living room. I gave you your milk, but you wanted me more than your milk. You fell back to sleep in my arms while I sat on the couch. I think you're too tired after not having your regular naps yesterday. Your swollen gum from your teething is bothering you a lot. It's keeping you awake and cranky everytime we put you in your crib.

Evie, right after you got up, you curled yourself next to me while I was holding Fi. You too were tired. After you had your milk, you went back to sleep again and woke up at 9. You two were just too exhausted this morning and just wanted to be held by Mama.

Meanwhile, I like the fact that you both like to eat frozen grapes. We call them "candy grapes." Better snacks than animal crackers or oreos. Because of how much you like them, we ran out of frozen grapes. Among the frozen fruits I made, grapes were your favorite. :)

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Evie,

We went to the doctor after office hours. You're in pain when you pee. You complained twice this afternoon.

I tried to make you pee in the sample container at the doctor's office, and you were screaming. Not because it was painful, but because you were scared it gets painful when you pee. We tried for like 5 minutes and nothing happened. Dada tried, and it was successful. I think I was pressuring you a lot, that's why you were not able to pee. Dada did a great job as he was able to make you pee.

They examined your pee and the nurse practitioner wouldn't say it it's UTI until your pee sample gets into a laboratory testing. He also thought that it could be yeast infection. He told us to avoid taking a bath. He said that soaking in the tub specially with bubble bath is not good for girls. You've been taking a bath almost everyday lately. What you have could be yeast infection. We will find it out in few days when the result gets back from the lab. For now, we will do the medication that was prescribed to you and everything will be alright. I am sorry this happened. When things like this happens, I feel like I am a failure. I do not want you to get sick or in any pain. This could have been avoided. So for the meantime, no more bath time for you and Fi. You can still take a bath but not sooner and not as much anymore. You will feel better. I will take care of you.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dreaming on the Couch

Dear Evie and Fi,

 Fi woke up so early this morning. It was around 3:30. You were crying non-stop in your crib, so Dada had to pick you up and move you to our bed. But then, you started to play, crawled all over us. Even trying to play with Ate Evie. We knew that you are still sleepy but you were fighting it. Dada finally decided to take you out in the living room.

When I got up at 6:30, I saw you and Dada on the couch. You were so asleep. Dada was awake and moved to the big bed. Few minutes later, Ate Evie followed me, asked and had her milk, lay on the couch and fell asleep.

You both look so comfortable sleeping on couch. Most probably dreaming beautiful dreams. I delight watching both of you sleeping in one place. Such a sweet sight to me.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Character and Shoe Fashion Day

Dear Evie and Fi,

The doc and the superhero.

Fi's wearing a superhero cat costume today and Evie thinks she's a doctor. Ate Evie actually wanted me to wear the Superman cape, but I passed it on Fi instead. I am surprised that you (Fi) kept it for a good period of time. In fact, you liked it on you. Then you decided to wear Ate Evie's kitty cat winter hat. With the cheetah print onesie you are wearing, we called you the cat superhero!

Superhero cat!

On the other hand Fi, you did something today that tickled me inside, I couldn't help but laughing. I noticed you grumbling and made small frustrated cries while laying on the floor. I was wondering what was going on so I tried to find it out by observing the situation. You got up and tried to put on your Ate Evie's Cinderella shoes. Because you don't know how to put it on, you threw yourself on the floor (again) and made that grumbling sound again. You are so funny. I helped you put the shoes on and you were the happiest. You walked around with that one-inch heel, 9/10 size shoes (you wear size 5 by the way) with so much delight on your face. When Ate Evie tried to take it away from you, you were the maddest girl in the house. LOL. I tried to put on you a Minnie Mouse plush slippers but you didn't like them. You wanted Ate Evie's Cinderella shoes! Oh well dear, you have it your way :)

Big shoes on small feet

Evie, you ate spaghetti for breakfast. Not a typical breakfast I know. But, it was your consequence for not finishing your dinner last night. What you ate this morning was your leftover spaghetti. Thankfully, you cleaned the whole bowl, otherwise, it's what you will eat for lunch.

I am happy that you ate the shrimps with rice I made for lunch. Thank you for the willingness to try something new. You have been a little picky eater lately. You ate all your portion of shrimps and asked for more rice :) I think I will buy more shrimps when we go shopping at the Asian store. I hope though you will eat fish too. You do eat fish, but they're fish sticks and not the one freshly prepared. But, I don't lose my hope that one day, you will eat fish.

I love you two with all of me,
Mama

Whatta Day

Dear Evie,

Saturday morning, doing a "music lesson" with your favorite stuffed toys.

I know. I have not written a letter as promised. We had a tough day yesterday. Rough. We actually started our day with excitement as Mama was trying to practice decorating a doll cake for your birthday. You helped me prepare the making the icing. As expected, you ended up licking-clean the beaters with icing. As soon as I was done you were demanding to eat the cake. But Mama said to wait until Dada comes home. I wanted to show Dada what I made so I can ask for his opinion and suggestion. Mama needs a lot of practice with this. You were so happy the way the doll looked. The cake was short in height. I underestimated the cake batter I put in the cake pan. At least now I know what to do next time.

Then came midday. You took a bath with Fi. I had to be there to watch you two. Fi is too young to be left unattended in the bathtub. I asked you to stop doing things that's not good for Fi. You kept repeating it and I was very disappointed. I yelled at you. I was mad. You started crying. I picked Fi u, dried her off and get her dressed. You were in bathroom still crying, then you threw up. I pacified you, and of course, it's Mama's job to clean the mess. Mama was very sad. She's not happy of what she did. She cried in front of you, apologized for what happened. You hugged me tight a lot of times and told me, "it's okay Mama." Then you said you will pray to Jesus. You held both of my hands and you prayed over me. You asked Jesus to take away my "cries," make me feel better, and other sweet requests came out from your mouth. I was so touched of what you did. You made me cry even more. And you had to remind me to stop crying. After all, you asked Jesus to stop my crying :)

Night time was also rough. You were so excited with your new paints. Fi was curious of what you did and started messing up. I took her away several times from you but Fi kept going back to disrupt you. Then I heard a loud, painful cry from your sister as I was preparing dinner. I asked what you did, and you won't tell me. But I did not give up asking you until you admitted what you did to your sister. You bit her arm. I couldn't help but notice a small red mark on Fi's right arm. It's your teeth! I was hurt. I cried, again (cried twice yesterday, huh). I cried because I felt bad for Fi and I felt bad for you. I did not scold you. But I reminded you of the consequence of your action. Dada was going to take away Snowbear from you. I remember that morning, you shoved Fi and Dada was not very happy at all. He said that if you will hurt again, he is going to take Snowbear away. We know how much you are attached to Snowbear. She's with you every night. You love her. Then you cried. Went to the playroom and later went out to go the bedroom. You fell asleep.

Dada came home and told him about what happened. He put away your LEGOs and Snowbear while you were asleep. You woke up later and we talked to you. Everything was settled last night before we all went to bed. You fell asleep in my arms.

Today, you and Fi had cake in the morning (right after your breakfast). I know that as long as there's cake in the house, you will not stop asking until it's gone. But as what we always say "too much is not good."

You made a version of your own books. You made three books. You folded the bond paper, drew and wrote something on each of them. You told me what they are. One book was entitled "Evie's Food is Not Good." It's a story about Dada making raw spaghetti and you were not happy about it. That is why the girl on the book has a sad face. The other book is entitled, "One Lost Turtle." A story about a baby turtle who got separated from his family, got hungry and ate Dada's flowers and oranges in his garden. Last one was, "Dada's Poor Tummy." It's a story about Dada who got a tummy ache because he ate a lot of plums. I love your creative imagination. They are remarkable! :)

 I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Fi,

I love you Fi-Fie! :) Sorry of what happened yesterday. I know you don't remember it. You don't even remember how paintful Ate Evie's bite was. But I just want you to know that Ate Evie loves and cares about you very much. Sometimes she forgets how to be nice to you specially when she's doing something she really likes and you try to mess them up. I also know how much you like to explore. As I said, you are into everything. I love how active you are. Sometimes it's a little exhausting. Yesterday morning, you dumped your electronic notepad in the toilet. You were too quick to do that. I was too late to get to you and prevent it from happening. I am not sure if the toy is still functional. I have not checked. But you know what? I prefer you to be this active. It's your personality. You are a very happy girl. You are very clever. You are very sweet. Mischievous at times. :)

You made this bucket as your stage. When you're up there, you sing and dance.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Tired Mama

Dear Evie and Fi,

Mama is a little tired now. I just realized that I get more caught up with things on weekends. Most probably because we go out on weekends and I am dead-tired when we get home. I have not written you a letter yesterday (even last weekend because we went to Strawberry).

I know you will understand. I also don't want to pressure myself so much. Otherwise, I won't be able to write something from the heart.

There are few things I want to write on what happened yesterday and today. I thought of sharing it with you tomorrow. Good night little ones. You are my forever love.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Silly Faces, Monkey on the Move

Dear Evie,

Lalaloopsy Peanut look-a-like.

We had a great time taking pictures of you today. First, I took a picture of your Lalaloopsy look-a-like outfit. Actually it was not in the plan. I asked you to get socks so I could put petroleum jelly on your cracked sole and you grabbed the knee-high, stripes socks. They look like Peanut's tights, I said. Then you asked me to do your hair like Peanut's. I did. Then I took a picture of you,

Later this afternoon, I cannot remember how did the silly faces photo shoot idea came into being. We just found ourselves laughing at each other while I took pictures of your silly faces. We had fun. We even used the fan to blow your hair. You were very funny, and yes, silly. I love how we laughed together. Such a beautiful day I shared with you.

Sily faces of you.

I love you with all of me,

Mama


Dear Fi,

"Mama, your sister!" Your Ate Evie was yelling at me. No, I do not have my sister here with us. She still has not grasp the full concept of "sister" and "daughter." Anyhow, I was stunned when I saw you standing on the entertainment center while both of your hands were on the TV. The monkey in you is on the move again. You climbed up using the box that was sitting by the entertainment center. I picked you down and few minutes later, you were on the top of that thing again. This time, you opened the drawer, stepped on it to get your way up. You, you, you. The third time you climbed up, you used a stool. Yes, you are a tool user. You know how to get your way out. Now that this climbing up on the center to get near to the TV has started, I think it will continue for a while. I know you dear. Once you like something, you keep doing it. My, my, my. More work for Mama. :)

Do you know that one of the favorite things you do is sitting on Dada's legs? Well tonight, right after Dada knelt down on the floor to check his computer, you immediately jumped in and sat on his legs. It's your favorite place to sit onto. You looked so content and comfortable. I love such a sight!

Your favorite chair.

You look so content.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Lalaloopsy Peanut

Dear Evie,

With your new friend, Peanut.

You went gaga with the Lalaloopsy Peanut doll today. You have been watching the Lalaloopsy show a few weeks now and you like it. Your favorite character is Jewel. That's what you keep telling me. Until this morning when Dada showed you the Peanut doll he found at Goodwill. Your eyes beamed and a big smile rose on your face. You wanted to play with it as soon as you can. But Mama had to wash her first.

As requested, I took a picture of your peanut.

I put Peanut outside so she will dry faster. Every 3 minutes you asked me if she's dry yet. Yup, that's how desperate you are to play with her. And finally she's ready to be played with. I remember I bought a Lalaloopsy dress (for sale) before. Thankfully, it's still here. You were so happy. I so love that look on your face. From then, you didn't stop playing her. I do not know how many times you changed her dress. You even took her to the bath with you. And right now as you are sleeping, Peanut is there with you. So, is Lalaloopsy the new Evie craze? Let's see. :)

Somebody wants to take a picture too!

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Fi,

Banana!

Dada showed you the Minions banana mini movie this morning. Oh my, that gleeful face of yours, so heart-melting. Your laughter is the most contagious. I love every reaction you do. You like minions! I like 'em too! And Dada and Ate Evie!

You like a lot of shows. But we know what your favorites are. Everytime you watch them, you can't stop smiling or laughing or clapping. Just looking at you already makes Mama's day. You are such a joy.

Lazy bug watching Bubble Guppies.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Drawing Nana's Cottage

Dear Evie,

This is how Nana's cottage in the mountains look like--according to Evie.

This morning, you called out Dada and Mama into your room to show us your drawing-- Nana's cottage! You named each one that you drew: Nana's cottage, windmill, grass with the elks' poop, mountains, apple tree, sun, and clouds. Do you know how active your imagination is? And do you know how good of an artist you are? I am amazed how what your imagination and hands work together. They make wonders. I believe you are an artist. It's innate in you. I see it in all your drawings. I hope that you will continue to hone the talent as you grow up. Dada and Mama will always support and encourage you.

By the way. you didn't get any snack today. Dada was not happy with how you ate your dinner last night and your breakfast this morning. Dada said you can only have a snack or treats when you eat your meals well. Sorry about that. We'll see how this works.

Another illustration of yours.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Fi,

Big, happy girl on the toy box.

  Hello my little, "big" girl! You climbed and sat on the toy box today. It;s the first time I saw you do it (though you already climb on a lot of things).  It reminded me when Ate Evie spent her time there when she was younger -- probably a little older than you are right now. You doing it brought me back beautiful memories. And here you are. I am sure that whenever I look at that toy box years from now, it will always bring a smile on my face. Makes me wonder now if we should keep that toy box for life. Ha! The lid is actually falling apart. Dada should fix it. We got the toy box from your Nana and grampa before Ate Evie was born. I think they got it from a garage sale. I know some people will say it is "just" a toy box. But it is no ordinary toy box. It is a very special toy box. It creates a lot of wonderful memories with you two. That made the difference.

You're wearing your Minnie Mouse outfit today. I love that outfit on you. So cute. Dada got it for you months ago. Sometimes, Dada has "good taste" for girl's clothes. :)

So amused watching Dora the Explorer.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Cookie Faces, No afternoon Nap

Dear Evie,

 Today you made play-doh cookies with faces on them. How creative you are! You love playing with your play-dohs. It's one of your regular daily activities. You love the feel of it in your hand and most of all making various shapes. Yesterday, I gave you a new one because the one that you had been playing with was already dry. You were very happy. :)

I am quite happy that you cleaned the playroom this morning. You were very good with following instructions. I know I helped you, but you did a big part of the cleaning. Thank you bebe. :)

I love you with all of me,
Mama


Dear Fi,

You didn't want to take an afternoon nap. Your schedule is kind of off. Makes me wonder if it's because you are teething. You have a new tooth on the lower front. You now have 4 teeth o both lower and upper gums. Dada said that he felt something on the side gum too.

You are taking out the DVDs from the entertainment center again. You do this everyday. Yup, you do! Mama has no choice but to put them back in the drawer after you make a big mess. I noticed that once you found something you like, you stop digging. I just wish though that you find it at the early stage of your treasure hunt.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Big Girl in the Shower

Dear Evie

You're showing me the castle that you made w/ Ariel & a farmer inside :)

This morning you took a shower without Mama or Dada. You did it all by yourself (except when Fi wanted to join you)! You said you can take a shower all by yourself because you're a big girl now. Dada's a little sad to think that her little girl is turning into a big girl. You did a great job taking a shower today. You brushed your teeth, washed and rinsed yourself, and you even washed Fi! :)

You are taking a nap now on the big bed. Fi is on her crib. I was there with you for several minutes. I was able to take a very short nap. I woke up with you laying on top of me, your head on my chest. I actually grabbed you to be in that position because I missed the time when you were a baby. A lot of times you fell asleep on me. You love being held. You fall asleep so quickly when Mama or Dada is holding you. And we love doing that. When you're a big girl, things will change. You will have your own life. I will definitely miss you sleeping with us.

I love you with all of me,
Mama


Dear Fi,

Last night I saw your feet suspended from the floor. You were working so hard to get ice in the cooler. It was a very amusing sight. You, you, you. You do whatever it takes to get what you want. I don't understand why you and Ate Evie like to munch ice. What's with ice?  Whenever you see a cooler in the living room, you always open it to look for ice or take out the things in it. It's one of your favorite things to do. :)


I always love it when you and Ate Evie play together. Your laughter is so precious everytime Ate Evie does something that amuses you. It's music to Mama's ears. This afternoon, you didn't want Ate Evie hold your Eeyore pillow. You scream everytime she takes it away from you. Do you know that you love pillows a lot? Whenever you see one, you'd always throw your whole body on it with delight in your face. Right now you have three pillow pets and one regular pillow in your crib. I know for sure that there will be more pillow collection coming.

Ate Evie is dragging the laundry basket with you in it.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Back at Home Sweet Home

Dear Evie and Fi,

We're back home after spending the weekend at your Nana's cottage. We had a great time up there. The temperature was 30 degrees lower than what we have here in the city. I believe your Nana had a wonderful time spending time with us (most specially with you two).

On our way up there Friday night, we were greeted by a big storm. It was dark and the rain was pouring hard. I can tell that your Dada was a little worried driving because of how small the road is in a bad weather. We saw a lot of beautiful lightnings. Evie didn't like the sound of thunder at all. You covered your ears everytime there's thunder. Even with the harsh weather, God delivered us safely to your Nana's cottage. We got there a little late than expected.

Fifi, you were into everything in your Nana's cottage. Your curiosity was a little anoying but at the same time amusing. Last night, you knocked down the trash can. Whooaa!!! Dada had to clean up the mess. Thankfully it was not a big mess.

You two were very good sitting still in your car seats with the long travel. We couldn't be more happier than that. Thank you both for being such great kids.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Cranky Baby

Dear Fi,

You were not happy this morning when you got up. Dada gave you your milk in the "wrong" sippy cup. You were crying to protest. How could Dada give you the wrong sippy cup? You didn't stop crying. So Dada had to move the milk in the "right" sippy cup. While he was washing the cup, you were sitting by his feet, wailing. It's amusing to look at. It's funny how you have preferences in a lot of things. When you don't get it, you grumble. But always remember, you can't have everything you want.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

Dear Evie,

Whistling using LEGOs

You got mad because your LEGOs were not staying together. You ran into the room and slammed the door. Mama was not happy about it. I was very mad too. I felt like my blood was boiling inside of me. I wanted to yell at you for doing it. In fact, I stormed on my way to the door, nose and ears smoking. Thankfully, I said a very simple prayer in my mind and my raging emotions subsided. I calmly knocked the door and you opened it. We talked about what happened and your feelings. We prayed about them and everything was okay.

P.S. We are going up to Nana's cottage today and spend our weekend there.

I love you with all of me,
Mama

You asked me to ride in the choo choo train.