ITS FRIDAY!

Mind of their own

Today I had my monthly art lesson in Nathan's class. The art was to create a collage using different shapes from the warm or cool colors family. I completely underestimated the time it would take to finish the project. This is my second to the last lesson with them and I have come to realize that first graders behave differently every single time. After explaining what the lesson was going to be, I slowly introduce the materials for the project. From designing the collage to gluing the pieces was a little overwhelming for the kids than I anticipated. I was half disappointed how the lesson went and wish that it could have ran smoothly. However, if you are running on 4 hours of sleep you would be out of it too.

While I was out in the real world interacting with people who can speak, my lovely baby was being cared for by dad. And what usually that means she's going to be super spoiled and carried around all day. I have been a little concern with her lately because she lost some weight. She was grabbing her ears and unusually sleepy. Her rashes has also come back but that I thought could just be me eating food with cheese (i.e. pizza). Anyways, I couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. It was the weekend and could not see her doctor. She lost about 7 ounces and was nursing for only 3 minutes at a time. She looked tired and weak. My poor baby. Then around Sunday things turned for the better. I weighed her again and she seems to have gain back whatever she had lost. I suspect ear infection but she seem to be doing fine now. So I think I might hold of on rushing to her pediatrician.

different

It seems this pregnancy is completely different from my pregnancy with Nathan. Everything was documented every step of the way. From my moods, to the food I eat, or challenges that happens for first time moms. But pregnancy second time around is different. Don't get me wrong it is exciting to finally have another child. I think all along I did not want to have my hopes up only to end in vain. I know that adding another person to our family changes every aspect of our lives. From finances to planning trips it becomes more complicated compare to when it was just the three of us.

I wish I had documented this pregnancy month by month or week by week just like I did with Nathan. Does that seem unfair for her?? I don't know. I'm just glad I am finally getting the hang of things around here. I just hope I can keep this up.

scare

How I am petrified with the swine flu in full charge. You see my son has asthma and flu symptoms combine with asthma does not sit well with me. The change of weather has him coughing and running nose. That is usually the start of the downhill journey. I am usually more optomistic but I am very worried because I ran out of inhaler. If he can't breath in the middle of the night God help us. I am on the edge...

took some photos...

Oh how lovely when your one and only son spontaneously pick a flower nearby, gives it to you and says "your the best mommy ever"...I love you! My heart melted and flooded the entire city of Arcadia. I'm very lucky...

I fell in love ...

Nordstrom had this on their November catalog.. .oh so pretty. The price tag $2795.00

Gucci bag

also in the same catalog is this:

 

Historic

Today was a historic moment in this country. I never thought I would see it in my lifetime that a black man can become president of the United States of America. It was emotional watching him deliver his acceptance speech. Its unbelievable how this country has come together and showed the world that we are capable of change and we are not as snooty as they thought we were. Other countries always say they are more progressive than us (i.e. gay marriage for one) but tonight those doubts had been squashed. Hopefully this will renew relations with foreign countries and improve our status from the rest of the world.

I took Nathan to the polls with me mainly because he talked about yesterday. He reminded me that today is election day and that I should vote. He even went on to say that I should vote for Barack Obama because he's the best. He confidently declare that Mr. Obama is going to win and that John McCain is going to loose. I was a little surprised by his comments. I thought he learned this from school, more specific from his teacher. But after being grilled for 15 minutes and rolling his eyes he told me that no one told me to like Barack Obama. He simply formed his own opinion from watching CNN. Hmmm??? Still I was a bit skeptical. So when Will got home from work I told him about it. He too grilled Nathan only to be met with irritation and rolling of the eyes as well. To this day we are still baffled how he came up with that statement. Although I suppose never underestimate children.

Anyway, I had to drive 30 minutes to vote. Three weeks prior I submitted my change of address as well as change in my voters registration info. Unfortunately, the man who processed it at the DMV did not process my voters registration. Panicked over the idea of not being able to vote for my first ever presidential election ( at least since migrating to this country) I called the SB County to verify if my registration still belong in that county. Much to my surprise I'm still register with them. For the sake of not having my right taken away, I drove with my son who is suffering from hives and voted in Chino Hills. I am happy to say that during the voting process Nathan keeps whispering who I'm voting for. Seriously, can a Mom vote in peace without being questioned? Its enough that I get requests even when I'm in the bathroom much more less during the time when I'm voting too. I guess being a mom means you never get a rest or time out even on election day.

I watched the coverage from 3 pm up to the point where they announce who they next president will be of the United States of America. Although it was pretty obvious when JM did not win key states like Ohio, PA, or Florida. Plus he did his "I concede" speech. Now lets see what this man can do for this country. Change was what he was all for and change I will look forward too. I'm excited...and Oh I'm proud to be an American...And thankful for my Mom for bringing me and my sister here. Tonight it showed me what can be possible in this country. Nothing is of limits, well maybe the Presidential position since I"m not a natural born citizen but my son can.

Surprises

It never cease to amaze me that no matter how long has it been since I've become a mother I will never be exempt by sudden shenanigans courtesy of my son. Today after picking him up from school, Nathan complained about itches all over his body. At first I thought he was acting up to avoid homework. It wasn't until I saw bumps all over his face and the rest of his body that I took notice. Of course children doesn't show any kind of illness unless its too late to schedule an office visit to their pediatrician. I had no choice but to take him nearest emergency room. I hate taking that route because the wait is always long. Having a 5 year old coup up in place where everyone is sick and yucky isn't exactly my cup of tea. But off we went despite reservations.

To my surprise there weren't that many patients waiting, at least 2-3 people at the most. So I was hopeful that we will be able to leave before 7 pm. Bedtime is very crucial during school night. One minute too late can make bedtime feel like getting a rootcanal without anesthesia. Its that serious! Especially when I have a child whose routine is extremely restrictive that if you missed a beat the whole bed time routine is ruined. I think he has a light case of OCD! So we register and were called to the triage station to get assesed (i.e. weight, blood pressure, temperature). Then we were led to a room in the back where I guess the non-serious cases are placed. But of course being a mother you always think that whatever you're child is having is much more serious than that guy who just had a heart attack. Okay so I'm a little narrow minded but I like my child's health to be taken as seriously as I do. It might be a little overbearing, so what! After 15 minutes of wait a very nice lady came and check on Nathan. And being that he wasn't that serious we were seen by a PA (physician assistant). As much as I hate being seen by a PA but these days ER are so swamped and doctors are overwhelmed they need someone to take off a little bit of the workload. PA's still consult doctors and they get the final say. But I guess there is that assurance you feel when its actually a doctor thats checking your child. Anyway, there wasn't really anything they could do for Nathan except give him Benadryl and steriod shots. They can't even find out what he was allergic to because that could be a myriad of tests and testing all the food in the world would be close to impossible. They suggested to keep a food diary and when it happens again we can look back at his history and determine if there is a pattern.

We went home that night unprepared for what is going to come. I lost sleep and feel like a walking zombie. I feel so drawn out that I might as well hurl in a corner and just be. Let the dishes pile, let the laundry walk to the washer (right!!), and let the food just magically cook on its own. I suppose I should be grateful because its not something terminal...God forbid! Then I would probably loose my mind.

Our Halloween started slow. The pumpkin bought at the patch a week and a half prior haven't been carved yet. My son has hold off picking the pumpkin until Dad can come with us on the weekends. Everyday as we passed the patch he would always remind me not to stop because we cannot buy the pumpkin until daddy is able to come. That weekend came and dad was able to go with us. Okay so the pumpkin he picked was a little lopsided but I promised to let him pick and my husband to hold my tongue. It sad in our living room for days until the night of Halloween. 

For the sake of trick or treating we took him to the usual spot: the mall. Every year since he was able to go trick or treating we take him to the mall. Its a bit crowded and most stores run out of candy 30 minutes after the event started. We are fortunate to live 10 minutes away and are able to walk there. Finding parking is like finding a needle in haystack. Its ridiculous!! On our way there Nathan fell asleep and was a bit groggy when it was time to go trick or treating. He was able to get candies from a few stores but given upi after just 15 minutes. I think he learned that even though he gets lots of candies he can only eat 2 pieces. So what's the point right? After a stop at Lollicup for some drinks and a detour to Gamestop we decided to head home. Mall was too crowded and it wasn't as fun for Nathan as I thought it would be. 

We got home and decided to carve the pumpkin. It was my first time so I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Nathan picked out the pattern and I carved and clean the pumpkin. Of course dad helped by cutting the tape for Nathan to hold the pattern against the pumpkin. And the result was this :

Isn't that awesome. Now that piece of art was only awesome for about 2 hours. As we are saying goodbye to my SIL and her boys we found out that our little piece of artwork was STOLEN!!! Honestly, who steals carved pumpkins? If they wanted candy we had tons and would happily given then some. In the spirit of enviousness or just stupidity they decided to steal. Argh!! I was upset and worst Nathan was devastated. They boy cried wondering why would anyone steal his pumpkin. Or in his innocent way of thinking: How could anyone took his pumpkin without asking him? It meant a lot to him and as small as it maybe he was emotionally attach to it. He picked it, helped carved, decided on the design, and took pictures with his cousins. To top it off we didn't thought it would happen in the neighborhood we lived in. So our Halloween started with a smile and ended with tears. 

Oh the humanity!! Sometimes I wonder what has the world come to. It wouldn't have hurt me but it did because my son was devastated. And no mother wanted to see their innocent little boy so broken. And those tears is enough to make me scream to the world: WHAT THE HELL!!!

Insane

My Grandmother visited us this week. She recently came from the Philippines and have not seen her in 12-13 years so it was exciting to finally see her after these many years. She lives with my mom 3 hours from where we live. Last weekend we drove to my mom's house  to see my sister who is home from boarding school. Also I will be the one driving her back Sunday afternoon since my mom was working. 

I was apprehensive having her at my house. My home is where I retreat from the world, including time with my family (i.e. mom, sister, in-laws, grandma). Seeing that I have not seen her in awhile I convinced myself it was okay. At first it was interesting but then it got to me. I don't mean it in a bad way it was just odd. She cleaned my kitchen like wouldn't believe. She folded my clean and dirty laundry. She scrub every nook and cranny of my condo. I was fine until she volunteered to clean my office. I told her no and that I would do it since its my office I'd like to know where things are. I am the type of person who knows where a pen is despite the big giant pile. So rather than stay downstairs she decided to stay upstairs watching me clean my office. It was odd since I haven't had someone watch me clean before. I was a little concern i wouldn't have patient. And I'm afraid to admit I  raised my voice once or twice. I didn't mean to but I'm only human. 

My life is whirlwind. Despite my stay at home mom (SAH) status I have endless to do list that I can't seem to finish in one day. Some may wonder what is there to do trust me there is. Although I wish I am working to change the pace a bit. But for now this will be it.