Our Back to School Journey…

How have you been? Are you kids going back to school already? Kuya Angelo’s first day was quite tough. At first he was too excited but upon entering to his old school he became fussy and cranky. Infact,he was too hesitant to enter his classroom. Can’t blame him though, this is something new again for him although he’s been in his school from FS2 to Grade 1. 

   
 But after explaining and comforting him he eventually agreed to go inside. I hope in a week or two he’ll be more confident to his new teacher and classmates.

Anyhow, since we are in back to school mode. I’d like to share some of new things we did for the past week. Aside from giving him a short prayer and sending him with words of blessings every day. This school year, I started to make his lunch something special. 

Oh no! I’m not speaking of bento lunch or baon serye. I just simply added a lunch note in his lunch box and water bottle.   

 The first time he came back from school he was too excited to tell me that he was so surprised and he couldn’t throw the bottle. 
Then I realized that since we are away from them for few hours lunch is the perfect time to remind them of our love!   These lunch box notes are super easy and convenient. Simply print them and send them as is, and your child will feel loved all throughout his or her school day.

I also started to write encouraging words on our easel so when they woke up they can see/read a love notes from mommy!  

  
   
These little touches are sure to make them SMILE😄

***water bottles are free from itiswrittenonthewall while the lunch notes are from pinterest free printables.

Happy 2nd Birthday #chinitoinigo

  

 Two years! I watch you sleeping and I can’t believe you’re already two! I remember how tiny you were when you were born. You came out a bit too early and we got worried if you will be okay. Well, nothing to worry about because slowly, the little baby grew into a precious little boy!  

   

Two years. I cherish every moment. I learned how big my heart is because I met you.I learned that I could give until there was almost nothing to give. I learned how far I could go without getting regrets of becoming a mother of three. I learned that a life of chaos with you and your siblings could be so fun! I haven’t learned everything yet, so if I fail you sometimes, please be patient with mommy. I will try again.

   You have the sweetest little voice and my goodness, you are talking so well. Communicating with you has gotten more and more fun because you can tell us what you need and want and you are speaking in full sentences. You even starting using your manners “excuse me please, thank you & you’re welcome bulol nga lang

  
You are smart, #chinitoinigo. It’s amazing what you understand and can communicate to us. You have such a loving heart. Sometimes you will grab my hand and say “UP UP” so we can play hide and seek. It is so much fun to see you interact with Nanay Celda and Lolo Bossing.You call Lolo Bossing”Boboss” and light up when you see him. And you and Boboss have a very special relationship. You love eating beside him and mimick him especially when he’s teaching you kalokohan.He loves you and plays with you and you two have a wonderful bond that I have loved getting to see grow! 

One of my favorite relationships that I have loved watching blossom is with our princess. From day one, you have been smitten to her- but in the last few months as you’ve gotten old enough to really play and love on her, you two have become the best of friends. You loves chasing her around, messing her around, singing with her, playing with her, and snuggling with her. Your love for each other radiates from both of you when you’re around each other. It is one of the most precious things I have ever witnessed… and I know it will only grow stronger. Princess Isabelle must be very lucky girl to have you!

Your dad and I talk about you all the time… we feel so lucky that you are our baby boy. You are building such a strong relationship with both of us and I know you will always be one of my best friends. I have so many special memories from the last 2 years. I feel beyond blessed – you are so unbelievably loved. What a privilege and thrill to get to watch you continue on this adventure through your life. You are such a gift

  

Letter to Angelo on his 6th birthday

Dear Angelo,

Happy 6th birthday anak!

I can’t believe that you are 6 years old today. I’m surprised that so much time has already passed since I met you for the first time. You were so tiny back then and I am so afraid to touch you but you gave me a beautiful smile affirming me that you will always be secured with mommy’s arms. Back then I knew that you will give us joy every day. 

  
You are such an amazing boy, so happy, loving, and snuggly. You are absolutely gorgeous and my goodness, I am so unbelievably grateful for you every day. Although like any kids at your age madalas me kulit kang sobra. You are easy to pleased and loved to play with your daddy A. Sometimes you and Inigo fight over a toy or over small things but we tried to explained to you your role as a big brother to your siblings. It warmed my heart every time you’ll say ” i love my family “. It only proves that you are well- loved. We are still working on the traits of  obedience, patience and politeness but I know God is still working on your progress.

  
Your smile lights up our whole world – and all I have to do is close my eyes and I can see it and it immediately makes me feel happy. 

  
I know we always argue every time I’ll asked you to smile for pictures and I’m sorry for that. All I wanted is to have a cute photos with you para pag malaki ka na you’ll remember how mommy loves being around you.  

 You are still in Lego’s toys but this time you’re building the small ones na. At first you find it hard because the pieces are too small but with patience and perseverance you made it! You were so proud of yourself! And I am so glad seeing your achievements.

 We are so blessed to be your parents. I love watching you change and grow everyday. It’s amazing how quickly you’re adapting, learning and how much you are observing the world around you now. I am very proud of you, son.Thank you for understanding the big change of our life!  

You are giving me a whole different perspective on the world and seeing you laugh, play and smile is the highlight of my day. You and your siblings have made being a mom the most treasured journey of my life.

  
Once again Happy Birthday Angelo! I love you to bits!💋

Love,

Mommy 

Congrats Kuya Angelo!

For recieving the Best Achiever Award in your class.

  
May God continue to bless you with wisdom, understanding and knowldege thay you may be wise like King Solomon.

  

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

Daddy, Mommy, Tita Raquiza, Inigo and Isabelle are so proud of you our little achiever!

  

Learning through play – Sorting using IKEA Kalas Children’s Tableware

With my experience of teaching Kuya Angelo at an early age I noticed that toddlers learn so much from just living and playing!  
 

And now that Inigo is on the stage of exploring and like simple tasks and activities that can feel successful at accomplishing. We have been doing a lot of activities over at our house this week.

   

   Aside from puzzles, shape sorters, and stacking rings, we love to thrown together items around the house!  When we have had a stretch of time at home, I often quickly pull together an activity to engage #chinitoinigo that happens to introduce him to a learning concept or skill.  

Today I am sharing how we used the IKEA Kalas tableware in learning the process of sorting.

Inigo sorted the tableware according to its classification. I wanted to introduce sorting by colors as well but don’t want him to overwhelm so we settled in stacking them. But since we are also of teaching vocabulary every time he’ll picked one item I am saying the color he’s holding. Remember – repetition is the key!😊  

 

Inigo (now 18 months) loves to complete these tasks. What toddler doesn’t like to clap for themselves??  He learns so quickly and amazes me everyday by how much he has learned and changed in his short 18 months of living!  

  

   

 I look forward to spending more time with him and finding teachable moments in his everyday play!

The Best Mothers Day Gift

Happy Mothers Day to all you mothers! It’s summer and hot here, but we are having a lovely, relaxed day nonetheless. The boys were already sleeping while I’m still nursing the little princess. Looking at them I feel so blessed and complete. God has been so good to me that He gave my heart’s desire to marry a man who knows how to value a family and honor God.

Today I recieved the best mother’s gift. It didn’t come in package but It is made with pure L❤️VE and heartfelt message.

  
Thank you so much daddy A, Kuya Angelo, Kuya Inigo and Isabelle. I will forever be grateful of having all of you in my life. 

  

                 

Dear Moms: What are your favorite things about being a mother?

Before I answer my post I would like greet all the mothers Happy Mothers Day! 

Being mom of three I learned that it is not an easy task. It requires lots of patience and a full tank of LOVE. I’ve realized that aiming to be the “best mother” is impossible. 

I am far beyond a perfect mother but I am glad that little by little I am learning to embrace motherhood with grace. That my imperfections doesn’t sum up how I loved my children. They are my precious gems! 

Everyday is a learning process and I loved waking up seeing their angelic face lighten up the moment they opened their eyes! 

So what are my favorite things about of being a mother

1. Watching my kids learn and grow reminds me daily that there’s so much good in this world.   2. Hearing ‘I love you, mom’ nothing else compares.  3. Unconditional L❤️VE  4.Hearing Kuya Angelo telling his siblings how he loves them.  

   
   5.Soft little hands in mine, the “I love you Mommy”‘s, the bedtime talks, little arms around my neck, watching their faces when they see something or achieve something new.

   

      

My children, like nothing else in this world, have sparked growth in me as a mother.

Motherhood is more than just dirty laundry and cleaning messes.

My life, each day, is full of small joys that should be noted and celebrated.

Happy Mothers Day! Saludo ako sa lahat ng mga Nanay! 

Wake up to the beauty around you.

This is it.

Your life flashing before you … during every diaper change, every load of laundry, every boo-boo and every homework battle.

You are so busy.

And yet you know there’s more to life — that being there alongside your kids is important.

There are just not enough hours in the day.

Cook’s Nook – Chicken and Vegetables Meatballs

Easy for little hands to pick up and nibble on and jam packed with wonderfully nutritious vegetable, meatballs make the perfect baby led weaning food, especially for blw beginners!
So when Inigo was born I equipped myself on how will I prevent picky eater. Then I came accross Baby Led Weaning. At first,I was adamant with choking and gagging but as what other BLW mother’s would say “how will you know if you will not try”. 

So again what is BLW means and how it helped me as a mom to achieved a non picky eater toddler this time.

“Baby led weaning quite simply is self feeding. It means allowing your child to feed themselves from the very beginning of their experiences with food. At meal times, your child eats at the same time as the rest of the family and is offered the same food. Baby led weaning is all about exploring, experiencing and enjoying nutritious and delicious family meals from the very first taste of solids.”

And because Inigo loves vegetable and pasta I combined two of his favorite food. 

To create your own batch of easy peasy vege packed chicken and vegetable meatballs  simply.. 

 Begin by placing the grated carrot, zucchini, sweet potato, potato, chicken breast, flour and eggs into a large mixing bowl.  Stir until fully combined.. 

 

Take heaped tablespoon of the mixture and place into shallow bowl with flour. Next, dipped it in egg and lastly into the bowl with parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

Spray a non stick mini muffin tin tray with cooking spray oil.   

 Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden, flip each vegetable balls and bake for another 2-3 minutes.
  

I served these vegetables alongside a very simple tomato pasta and in no time Inigo gobbled them up. Even Kuya Angelo tried it! 

   

  

   

Oopppps! I did it again…

Sorry little princess but you really look lovely even when you are crying..

P.S

How did you do that? Same facial expression for three consecutive months? Hehe..

  

  

Letter to Jelly Bean @ 3 months

  

  

3 months old!  I can’t believe it.  This month has been filled with lots of smiles – big, open mouth, squishy eyed smiles.  Some of my favorite smiles in the whole world.  You’ve started to really take in the world around you and like to be walked around so you can see everything.  You’ve also become more comfortable with your surroundings and your ‘fussy moment ‘is lessen.

  

A couple weeks ago, you started discovering your hands and batting at objects.  In the morning you love sitting on the swing with toys on it and you have really started eyeing the toys, grabbing at them, and swatting them.  You also love staring at books and toys while sitting inside the toy room as well. Your favorite book is Angelina Ballerina.

When you grow up and wanted to enroll in Ballerina class, I will be willing to come and watch you doing the curtsy. Can’t wait seeing you performing on the stage.

  

Sleeping time has never been a problem even from the start that you were born. You established your routine now and you are already in bed at 5:30 pm and will wake up at 5am in between of course mommy is still nursing you. I am so proud that for three months i am still exclusively breastfeeding you. The golden milk helps you a lot in giving you strong immunization. You never tasted vitamins except for Vit D which is necessary for your bones since the sun here is not recommended for babies.

  

I am amazed how you love the water and taking a bath now is so much fun. No more crying and screaming blues. Yay thank God!

 

You and your brothers are starting to interact a little more, you love to look and watching them playing.  You are such a happy baby and it is so much fun to see you grow and change so much each month.  

  

It always melts my heart every time I heard you giggling while your daddy is playing with you. You are very snuggly and love being held. In fact when I can’t pacify you it was your daddy’s arm and lullaby comforts you.

 

Today, I prepared Baked Macaroni and Open Face Crispy Chicken for dinner. Kuya Angelo helped me to bake the Funfetti cupcakes.

 

  

 

I love you my sweet,pretty adorable little princess.

Love,

Mommy,Daddy A, Kuya Angelo and Kuya Inigo