My AMOR and AMORITO

Cloyd and CJ

 

At 10 months, 1 week and 3 days . . .

CJ knows how to walk.  Well, not as in totally walk.  The first two to three steps, he’s okay.  After that he slowly tumbles trying to balance himself.  It’s happiness for a rookie mom like me.  It makes my heart leap with joy and at the same time with  fear, because he might hurt himself in the process. 

Mommy, let's walk!

Cloyd and I had apprehensions of actually buying a walker for CJ.  I said the yaya or his Lolo Ninoy would probably do a good job teaching him how to walk in the mornings, holding his arms with full support, making sure he’s not gonna tumble.  Not until Cloyd and I did it one weekend morning.  It got me so tired and got Cloyd’s back hurting the whole day.  It will not definitely work for the yaya and the grandpa.  No strength could match CJ’s urge to walk and loiter around.  Aside from being a big and heavy baby, his legs move fast in whatever direction he mobilizes himself.  Haaay! The walker which we bought a month ago is definitely a relief.  

 I could just imagine! CJ will already be walking when he turns one.  That’ll be fun in his party.  At least, that means we need not hold or carry him the entire time. He’ll be able to enjoy more his party.

 Hmm… Now, it makes me realize.  I think CJ is ready for Little Gym classes. 

 

CJ

CJ will be 10 months old this coming September 20.  And in a few more weeks, he’ll be celebrating his 1^st birthday.  How fast time flies.  It was just like yesterday that I gave birth to a lovely baby boy.  Now, he has grown to be a very big and adorable boy!  Many say that CJ is big for his age.  It’s in the genes I suppose.  =)

 CJ knows how to stare at the camera.  When you say “picture-picture”, he looks at the camera and stares for seconds till he sees the flash.  He utters words and sings along with me when I sing the ABC or I have two hands.  He has a loud voice like Cloyd.  He shouts when he’s bored or when he’s excited.  He’s favorite toy other than his usual toys is his daddy’s cellphone.  When he cries, just show him Cloyd’s phone and he stops.  He’s quite cranky lately though.  He often throws tantrums and that’s probably because he’s still uncomfortable with his growing teeth.  He actually has 5 teeth now.  There are 3 on his upper and 2 on his lower.  He initially crawls backwards but now he has learned to do the forward thing.  He can stand on his own in his crib.  He reaches for things outside it and whatever he reaches, he puts in his mouth.  He loves things that make sounds.  He likes to crumple paper and plastic bags.  He still can’t walk though.  He has yet to learn and we have to be more patient.  

My little boy

 I so heart CJ’s smile.  I heart even his frowns and loud cries.  I heart everything about him!  I’m his mom, how can I not!  I’m just sad that he likes his daddy more than me, his mom.  Sometimes when I get him from Cloyd, he would turn his back.  If I insist, he cries.  Huhuhu.  Mommy pains!!!  But I’m hopeful that we’ll get over this stage, SOON!!!

"laugh then cry"

 

Baguio Escapade

We were supposed to celebrate Papa’s birthday at a certain resort in Batangas during the long weekend but since we were predominantly crestfallen by reviews at tripadvisor.com, we were pressed to change plans.  We had to look for a hotel in Baguio the last minute.  What even made it harder was that I have to book for 2 to 3 rooms because our headcount is 10.  Baguio was the original plan months ago but due to conflict of schedules and my concerns regarding traveling with a 9-month old baby, the family thought of just celebrating it somewhere near.  We planned to go somewhere wherein travel would be just 2 to 3 hours, max. 

 Anyway, I called The Manor at Camp John Hay on Thursday evening but the hotel was said to be running full.  I was quite upset.  I guess we’ll just have to settle with the hideous hotel I initially called and reserved.  I tried my luck Friday morning, called The Manor again and hooray! I have room reservations.  They opened slots for the weekend at ‘The Suites’.  It’s the building right beside The Manor.  It’s they’re soft launch although as informed by the reservations clerk, there are still works being done but just minimal.  I said I will be traveling with a baby and she assured me that it’s fit for occupancy.  Only the room finishings are being done and that works are only done from 9 am to 6 pm.  I suppose the Baguio trip was truly for us.  I was happy with the rate that I got too.  The Manor and The Suites are offering irresistible rates till September 30.  They’re 50% off since it’s their off peak season.  After that, they’ll be back to their usual rates.

 My nephews have actually packed their swimming gears.  They were ready for an excursion to blue waters.  Due to the change in plans, they had to unload their swimming trunks and pack their sweaters and jackets instead.  It was my brother’s first time to go to Baguio too.  Praise the heavens! We were asking him to kiss the ground since it’s his first time to set foot on the soils of the Philippines’ City of Pines! He’s been to other places outside the country but he hasn’t conquered Baguio for that matter.  I’m just wondering why Mama and Papa weren’t able to bring him to Baguio when we were kids, to think that when going to Ilocos, we could pass by Baguio.  J  I remember that I was only able to go there because my aunt Mely tagged me along when I was 7 years old.

 Anyway, we left home a quarter before 6am.  No traffic or whatsoever since we took the SCTex.  We had breakfast at Jollibee Luisita and arrived at Baguio 1pm.  It was just raining when we got there.  As initially said, we stayed at The Suites in Camp John Hay.  What the clerk said is true.  There are still a few works.  It’s not fully operational but the lobby and the ground and 3^rd floor rooms are fully made.  It’s run by the same management of The Manor.  We still got the same comfort though, and it’s like we had the place all to ourselves.  The rooms are new and fully equipped.  Only few guests are checked-in while The Manor is running full and so crowded.  We park our cars just at the hotel’s big and wide drive-way, so our come and go in between was a breeze.  The only difference is, The Suites has no garden, no piano bar and no restaurant yet.  We often eat outside anyway, either in the city (SM or Session Rd.) or at the commissary, so it wasn’t really something that we actually needed.  Besides, we wanted a quiet get away since we were with kids and a baby.  So somehow without these amenities, it was more of an advantage. 

 We had late lunch at Dencio’s and went back to the hotel to rest.  It was still raining when we decided to go see the city (around 5pm).  We really don’t know our way around Baguio so we often stop and ask the people around for directions.  We went to Baguio Cathedral and we were in time for the anticipated mass.  We had dinner at SM then went back to the hotel.  My CJ has to rest.  We actually all have to rest as we all traveled for hours.  We decided to call it a night.  And since it’s said to be always raining in the afternoons at Baguio, we planned to start early the following day.   

 Tourist spots visited the following day were:  Botanical Garden, the Lourdes Grotto (whose long and steep stairs shocked Dongee, my youngest nephew.  “Aakyatin natin yan, Tita?”), Burnham Park (the kids went boat riding even on its murky water), Mines View Park, Good Shepherd (bought ube and strawberry jam, yum yum), Wright Park and The Mansion. 

Baguio

 We were also able to visit some friends of Mama and Papa who were staying too for the weekend at EGI Albergo di Ferroca, a newly built condominium near Wright Park and The Mansion. 

 Much as I like my brother and the kids to see the Philippine Military (PMA) School, we had not much time.  The heavens were crying again and it was quite foggy too at 3pm.  I also can sense that CJ was so sleepy and tired so I said maybe next time. 

 On our third and last day, we had breakfast at the Manor, had our picture taking at the lush garden, and did some last minute shopping at the commissary while the kids went horse back riding.  CJ slept soundly while we all got ready to leave.  I love his look resting calmly in our bed.  No cares, no worries.  It’s a happy moment for a first-time mom like me. We freshened up and breathed the fresh air of Baguio, left the place thanking God for the lovely experience we all had.  This trip is indeed an addition to my life’s simple joys. 

 On the way home, we had late lunch at Isdaan at Gerona, Tarlac.  It’s one of Barrio Fiesta’s chains of restaurants.  We were all hungry when we got there as the travel down from Baguio gave us all a dizzy-woozy-head.  Plus+ we would want to beat traffic at the expressway knowing that a lot of Manileno’s went out of town.  Food was great at Isdaan.  We ordered this so-called “bilao” which has liempo, chicken and fried crunchy fish and pork.  We had additional order of their famous “tinupig na chicken” and pakbet.  Yummy!  It was a feast for both the adults and kids.  We did visit their ‘Tacsyapo wall’ too.  We literally broke plates and mugs!  

 That’s our Baguio escapade.  It was tiring but it was all well worth the fun and family bonding.  It’s a good thing that my will power won over my apprehensions to do this trip given that CJ is just 9-months old.   And mind you, we didn’t tag along any yaya.  CJ was so manageable.  Good thing was that everyone in the family (including the kids) is so willing to carry him at times when Cloyd and I can’t.  I think he’s ready for an out-of-the-country trip.  Yehey!

 

Father’s Day

It’s daddy’s day this coming Sunday and since the aH1N1 (swine flu) scare is still in town, we’re doing our celebration within the confines of our home. It’ll just be a simple get together. Nothing really grand in a sense but the thought of just being together as a family, it enlivens me. We’ll all be in Papa and Mama’s place at Pilar. Lolo is there and my brother’s family will be arriving! Haven’t seen my nephews for a month already and when they last called, they said they are excited to see CJ soon! Come to think, they’re all boys pala! It’s actually a “riot” when you see the boys playing and running all over the place! Hay naku, superrrrrrr “gulo”!

Anyway, this is to say thank you to Papa for having been a very good father to me. Thank you for providing well and for always making me feel beautiful, loved and good all the time, from the day I was born and to this day! I will always be your little darling angel on your shoulder. I love you!

Jijan Bro, it’s nice to see that you turned out to be a more responsible man that I thought you would be. You make me proud sistah! Keep it up so that your kids may mimic the good man that you are! Just do us a favor, stop the smoking.

And to my dear great love of my life, I’ve always been a proud wife knowing that I have found my better-half, my Mr. Right and my BFF (best friend forever)! But I’m prouder now, because you turned out to be the wonderful and loving daddy to our son, CJ. Thank you for being a good-worthy father to CJ! I love you very much!

 

Antonio’s

My dad, my mom, and my family (Cloyd and CJ) went to Antonio’s (at Tagaytay) on a cloudy Sunday.  It was actually a lunch treat for Mama who just celebrated her birthday a day before.  Eating at Antonio’s was really on my list of things to do this 2009.  Since we still can’t travel (because of the little kid), we opted to do things that are within reach.  Now, you’re wondering why my brother and his family weren’t with us?  My nephews Don and Dongee have the itchy chicken pox virus.  They’re banned from joining us since CJ is susceptible to these kinds of viruses and I wouldn’t want him to get it at this early stage.

 Anyway, making the reservations was a breeze.  I just called 0917-8992866 (Liezel was the one who took my call) and in no time we have a table reserved for us already.  Thank goodness, they weren’t running full. 

 Finding the place was also easy.  There were visible signages after the Mendez traffic light.  Directions were easy to follow and it accurately led us to the talked about place.  The huge wooden gate of Antonio’s welcomed us. 

Antonio's gate

As expected, there were already lots of cars parked inside since it’s a few minutes pass noon.  We were seated at the main dining hall because the receptionist saw that we have a baby.  I wouldn’t risk having CJ getting rained on so even without a garden view, seating at the main dining hall was the best option.  Besides, it was near the kitchen so I suppose the food will get to us faster.  And gauging from the cars parked outside, I knew there were lots of dining guests so there was really no choice.

 And so we ordered.  Cloyd and I had the Grilled Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib Eye Steak (with mashed potato and rice with olive greens), my mom had the Antonio’s Trio Sampler, while my dad tried their Seafood Sampler. 

Antonio's Trio Sampler

All entrees were served as set meals, which includes the fresh house salad with raspberry vinaigrette, soup of the house (oven baked tomato soup at that time), the sweet desserts and coffee/tea.  I upgraded my salad to Foie Gras Potato Truffle Tempura and I just love it! When it was served, we all start digging into the salad.  I did not get a chance to take a picture of it.  The main entrée were all delectable, although nothing really mouth-watering.  It was cooked the way we expected and wanted it.  What was notable was the service.  It was the experience of having the courses served one at a time at your table by the courteous waiters.  Of course, CJ was kind of restless while waiting for each course to be served.  In between, Cloyd, Mama or I take turns in distracting him. We had to bring him out in the garden at times (good thing it was just cloudy and not raining).  He particularly got amused with the koi pond and he liked the mashed potato (that came as side dish with our main entrée’) I gave him in minuscule amounts.

 Anyway, back to the food.  Since I really have a sweet tooth, I just had to overindulge on their desserts.  What my mom, dad and Cloyd couldn’t finish, I finished.  As in, I literally ate everything on their dessert plates after they said they don’t want it anymore! 

Antonio's Flourless Choco Cake

Papa had the Dark Chocolate Souffle.  Mama had the Pana Cotta with Caramel and Chocolate Notes.  Cloyd had the Poached Pear in Port wine with Mascarpone Ice Cream and the finest of them all, my Antonio’s Flourless Chocolate Cake!  To be exaggerated about it, “It was to die for!” (Hahaha!).  I just love the sweet bitter taste of their chocolate!

 After the meal, we also got the chance to wander at the well-manicured garden of Antonio’s.  It’s just awesome. The garden was simply beautiful and I’m sure the owners are really proud of their gardeners for having done a great job with creating and maintaining this garden.

 Here is a view of the garden from the staircase.

 

Antonio's Garden

Antonio’s is every bit grand and gorgeous.  It’s beautiful!  You get to really experience a remarkable dining ambiance.  There’s not even a pressure to dress up (like you would have to in hotels, for instance), and you get an overall pleasant meal with exceptional service.  But of course, exceptional service always comes with a price.  It’s worth paying a few thousand bucks anyway.

 Good thing we were able to take pictures in the garden.  A few minutes after leaving Antonio’s, heavy rain poured.

 

My life-giver on earth turned 60

Mama celebrated her 60th birthday last weekend and we were all happy to share with her 60 years of a healthy, happy and fulfilled life. It’s indeed a piece of good fortune for her to have reached this age still healthy and fine good-looking. Hopefully, we get to reach her age too at the same state.

Mama is one good person. She is very loving wife, a very kind sister and a very dear friend. Mama is also an epitome of a good mother. Jijan and I need ask for more. Mama is an equally good grandma to Don, Dongee (my nephews) and CJ. She is good karma, personified! Truly we are blessed to have her in our lives! And as she celebrates her 60th birthday, we could only wish for her continued health and countless happiness!

God bless you always, Mama! We love you very much! We look forward to celebrating another 60 more years!

 

8 Things

Saw this from a friend’s blog. She got tagged. Just wanted to do my own enumeration.

8 Things I’m Looking Forward To

1. CJ growing some teeth
2. My LV bag (from UK, Monogram Neverfull)
3. The new built-in cabinet to be installed in 2 weeks time
4. Buying GAP, Old Navy and Nike stuff for CJ
5. CJ’s 1st birthday celebration
6. Having a baby girl next year
7. Traveling to Hongkong Disneyland with the family
8. Winning the lotto and saving it for the future

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Went to work
2. Ate lunch with girlfriends at Mom and Tina’s
3. Got the stuff (party favors) I ordered on line
4. Spoke with my agent at Manulife regarding and educ. plan proposal for CJ
5. Ordered cake at Goldilock’s for my mom’s 60th birthday on Saturday
6. Played with Daddy Cloyd and little CJ till 10pm
7. Surfed the net
8. Watched TV

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Shop everyday
2. Travel every month
3. Take care of CJ 24/7, wahaha! Feeling super mommy!
4. Buy a house (300 sq. meters lot at least)
5. Go to the gym, exercise and get a massage
6. Speak several foreign languages like Latin and French
7. Work from home
8. Eat at Spiral tmrw for breakfast or lunch

8 Shows I Watch
1. Nigella Feasts
2. House
3. Desperate Housewives
4. Handy Mandy (cartoons, I make CJ just listen to this)
5. Disney Playhouse (also cartoons)
6. Only you (Teleserye of ABS CBN)
7. project Runway
8. CSI

 

When CJ was about 1 month old . . .

My little baby knows how to smile!

 

Our bundle of joy has finally arrived and completed our lives!

CJ

 

 

Baby CJ (Cloyd Joseph) was born last November 20, 2008 at 8:32 am.  God gave him to us a few weeks before Christmas and we must admit it has been our best Christmas ever although what Cloyd and I just did on Christmas eve was just watch CJ sleep and just stare at him.

 

CJ is so loved by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  I could see how happy they are to have CJ around.  He’s been long awaited and we’re happy that CJ is growing fast healthy and cheery!  The warm welcome that the family gave him is so heartfelt, and it’s a joy for a mother to see that many other people love her child.

 

My only prayer for CJ is that he stays healthy as he grows up to be a fine man: happy, handsome, intelligent and God fearing.