FIRST Gymboree Class

This morning was a momentous day for our little one because it was his first ever gymboree class. We did the 10 am preview class (trial) at the Eastwood Mall branch. The L2 (Level 2) class is for babies 6-10 months. Today's class focused on "Acting with Purpose and Intention" activities. You were very shy at first and it's probably because you are used to being with so many people on a playmat. After a while though you managed to warm up and enjoy the class! 

Your teacher's name was Kim and you were 5 in class: Louie, Reese (the rose among the thorns), Wax Marcus and yourself. 

HIGHLIGHTS :

1. "Rocking Activities" to encourage the understanding of "cause and effect" and to promote body and balance awareness. You shared the equipment with your classmates to give you an opportunity to interact and socialize with your peers.

2. "Baby Soccer" - to expand knowledge of "cause and effect". Feeling the ball with your toes and seeing it move forward to the other baby teaches you that you can make things happen.

3. "Mini Chute Swing" - Henri was a bit scared of this one. He did this activity with Dada. This is to help develop a sense of where your bodies are in space.


4. Parents Sharing Time : Topic on Teething - All the mom's were asked to share a little about their own experience with teething. I shared that you have one tooth as of now and 2 more are just about to come out. I said that to soothe your painful gums, we give you teething biscuits and cold fruits inside a mesh feeder.

And then it was time to say goodbye to Jimbo the clown and all your other friends. Teacher Kim gave all of you Jimbo stamps because of a job well done! 

Kissing Jimbo goodbye!

Pictures by Tito Pao

Tita Geline sent me the pictures that Tito Pao took of you during Tita Marina's shower and they are absolutely amazing! You look so adorable! Thank you so much Pao and Gel for these wonderful pictures! I am posting my favorite ones here...

Swimming in Valle

2 weeks ago, Ninong Hip and Dada bought you an inflatable pool so you can swim outside and beat the heat. I took pictures of the first time you all used it. I realized that maybe they really bought it for them to enjoy more than you! hahaha! :)

Henri and silly Ninong

Splashing water all around

with two big whales...

nice pose!

You love being in the water!

FIRST Kiss

Henri had his first 'kiss' from Amanda yesterday... Tito Andy and Tita Mag you better watch out for your little girl. She's starting early..uh oh! :)

Amanda trying to get a good timing...

Henri looks scared here...haha! It's ok sweetie!

priceless moment - Henri and Amanda

Tita Marina's Baby Shower

I was excited to see all the dbfb girls again after almost 2 years! It was their first time to meet our little Henri. Tita Gaea hosted Tita Marina's baby shower in her LGV residence where we had a potluck merienda-cena celebration. I was in charge of finger food so I made homemade chicken liver pate and apple sauce with crostini. It was nice seeing the whole crew again. Henri was happy to meet Amanda who was very friendly and outgoing (and yes! a little aggressive! hahaha! It was a very wholesome and fun-filled kwentuhan session and bonding.

I'm so glad to be back girls! I missed you all :)

BFB girls with Amanda and Henri

Dada still feeding Henri his baon - Mommy's special meatballs, rice and broccoli puree...he finished it all!

Ready For Pasyal!

   Woohoo! We were finally able to buy Henri a new car seat. We couldn't bring his old one home because it was way too big to put inside the balikbayan box and it would be impractical to air freight it. Now we are ready to take him around and go pasyal!

Mother's Day Surprise

I was greeted with a pretty bouquet of pink tulips with a touching note from my boys on my first Mother's Day! Thank you Dada and Henri for making me the happiest mother in the world. I'm truly so lucky to have you both. I love you to pieces!

FIRST Visit to Corito's Garden and FIRST Swim

Lolo Monching was very eager to bring us to the new Corito's Garden. Still jetlagged and exhausted from the long flight, we dragged ourselves to Batangas. When we got there, we understood why Lolo couldn't wait for us to see it! It was paradise...our home away from home! The sanctuary has gotten more beautiful than ever. They really were able to accomplish a lot in the two years we were away.

Henri and Lolo Monching

Henri and Lolo by the Pavilion

I'm eager and excited to work on my new project here. I certainly wouldn't mind being based in Batangas for a while. :) Fresh air, green grass, plants and fruits all around, roaming animals (peacocks, chickens, geese, mini horses), caged animals (spotted deer, monkeys, etc.), creative and artistic Bali-inspired villas, a relaxing pool....what more can you ask for? 

We were up at 5 in the morning and were at the main pool by 5:30...quite an early swim to avoid the harsh heat from the sun. You loved the water and had lots of fun with Dada and I. I told Dada that I want to enroll you in a class so you can learn how to swim early! I'm so glad you enjoyed our family swim! Can't wait to go back there again! 

Splash away little one! :)

Welcome to Manila, Henri!

Last Monday was a sad and tearful day in New York because we left. It was especially hard for grandma because she got so attached to you. She cried when she bid us goodbye in the airport that day. Don't worry because we will really try to convince her to visit us more often.

Traveling with a baby is  a production number in itself. There are just so much stuff to carry - we had two diaper bags with clothes, diapers, food (I still managed to prepare your baon so you don't have to eat processed baby food), toys to keep you from getting bored and another travel bag containing your heavy duty Bugaboo stroller. It wasn't easy getting passed the baggage check all the way up to the plane. Your Dada and I were worried about the long flight. We initially wanted to drug you (give you baby Benadryl or something) but decided to just do it the natural way because you might be allergic to the medicine and that would be a bigger problem. We were given front seats which had room for a bassinet. It was very helpful because we were able to put you down whenever you'd fall asleep. This gave us time to get some rest too! You slept almost half of the time and was very behaved even when there were other babies crying and screaming. Thank you for not giving us a difficult time!

After about 17 hours (in total because we had to stopover Hong Kong), we arrived in NAIA. The whole entourage was there to greet us... Lolo, Ninong Hip, Ninang Addie, Tito Neil and Tita Maan.

Welcome to hot and humid Manila!