My Preschooler's Reading Apps

I don't know about other 5-year old kids but my daughter loves reading. She even has this quirk of turning on the bedside lamp and pretends she can actually read a book on her own. Of course, she has learned to memorize the story that it looks like she really knows how to read it. Hihi. Adorbs! Don't get me wrong, I do teach her to read but I also know that it must be according to her pace. I always believe that she will learn best if she is ready for it. And is having fun while leaning, too! So to teach her to read and have fun at the same time, I downloaded some reading apps from Google Play Store.

Intellijoy's Games for Kids Under 6 Years

I like how it gradually aims to teach techie kids how to read 3- to 4-letter words. It has the walking stick, running shoes and skateboard that represent reading level stages. It shows pictures of the words that help the kids on determining the correct missing letter. It has a 4.1 rating so I guess a lot of moms like me trust it in teaching their children to read.

10 Commandments to Consistently Get Along with an Abstract-Sequential Child

I got Pia's Developmental Assessment Checklist and her narrative report last week. Her head teacher, TS, said that my little popstar's love for music has clearly manifested this past 2nd trimester. He said that she can identify pitch and tone well; enjoyed the dance rehearsals for their school's Christmas presentation and showed interest in performing Math activities. On top of it all, she got a lot of WMs or well-mastered scores in the Social-Affective category of her progress report. I'm very honest about my child's tendency to be a spoiled brat, so to be told that she now has learned to reach out and mingle with her classmates is a big deal for me. 

My Dancing Angel

I'm so glad that Pia's school has this yearly presentation of sorts for Christmas. It is not an ordinary classroom dance-and-sing presentation, fyi. They usually hold it in convention centers or theaters where there's a really big stage. Parents are invited and must dress appropriately (of course, unless you intend to embarrass your kids). I wore a Forever 21 dress (not that I feel 21 but it looks really pretty, you know) not realizing it was kinda short when I'm seated. Anyway, this school year's Christmas concert was my girl's first because she had bad skin infection two years ago. The concert theme was Christmas Around the World. The girls from their class, along with the other girls from the morning sesh, performed a very sweet interpretative dance in the tune of O Come All Ye Faithful. When their head teacher gave us instructions for the costume, I asked you, my dear readers, through my Facebook page on where's the best place to buy one. I  mentally scheduled a trip to Divisoria since I really didn't want to buy the common dresses seen in department stores. However, a little like three days after the post, it must have reached the heavens. Somebody messaged me that she would like to sponsor Pia's angel costume. Hallelujah!

My Girl Kissed a Boy

Last year, when my preschooler started showing signs that she was liking this boy from her previous class, I found it too cute not to notice. I almost held a press conference for family and friends, in the intention of announcing that my daughter has entertained such an emotion at a very young age. In words of a shallow-minded egotistical individual that is me, I thought I'm a cool mom. I didn't want to be that conservative, square, dull parent that has mysterious wallflower kind of kids. I want my girl and I to be best chums. She shares her secrets with me and I'd be the most fun person to be with. Wait, uhm is there a camera rolling somewhere? No, that can't be real. That can't be me. In the truest state, I am corny, KJ (kill joy) and I can't allow my daughter to get hurt.

Today, which I'm sure I'd have more in the future, was something else.

A FAIRY TALE

After my daughter's class, right before I cook for dinner, we took some rest for a bit. We do that every day. We turn on TV, cuddle up closely and in between of trying to understand what's shown on the screen, we talk about how her day went. Lately, she'd ask what I've done while she was at school; but most of the time, it's all about her. She said they ate champorado and that she finished a bowl of it. It amused me that she told me she really didn't like it but she had to. Ha! I guess she now clearly understands she has to really obey some rules. She went back to intensely watch the show before Hi-5. Out of nowhere, after a little two minutes of peace and silence, she blurted out -- "Nay, I kiss N (name of the boy)!" 

Rayala Dialogues: The Sorority Girls

Earlier at school, LB and I were in a serious talk because she hit my face! She was running around and getting messy. I told her before we left home that she can't do that before class. After class, pwede. That's how she got pneumonia kasi --- sweating like a pig then will go inside an airconditioned room. Of course, she got annoyed that I was telling her to stop and sit. Perhaps, she felt embarassed. Actually, I still don't know yet. I will ask her later when I pick her up. Anyway, I was really furious but still trying to keep my cool because I didn't want to make a scene. As I was talking to her, her classmates, all girls named Ar, Al and Sh, surrounded her. It was like her support system, they are actually her "bestfriends". She always mentions their names here at home. They were like a sorority bullying me. Hahaha! Chos.

Clockwise from left: LB, Sh, Ar and Al.

My Abstract Sequential Child

As what I have posted here, almost a year ago, LB was assessed by her former teacher as an Abstract Sequential (AS) child. AS kids need a quiet environment to think and work and like to debate about ideas and controversial issues. I automatically thought of her father when I read about it. Rhambo must be an AS adult. Hihi. Anyway, today was the second day of the issuance of their Developmental Assessment Checklist and narrative reports. Unlike other schools, parents of each PSS preschooler has the opportunity to understand their child better through a one-on-one conference with the teacher. 

Her being an AS still manifests even on her second year in PSS. Her teacher, TS, actually told me it's much more obvious now; such as getting grumpy when disturbed in the middle of being busy about something else. Well, that's an "okay" attitude but we, her folks, must practice her to adhere to a certain schedule. My being a very spontaneous parent must have something to do with this. Speaking of, it is advisable that AS kids have to have a parent who has structure. That's an oops moment for me. What kind of structure could a spontaneous momma give her AS child? Oh well, it'll be a real challenge. But guess what? Challenge accepted!

Her First Film in the Movie House: Despicable Me 2

Technically, my preschooler's first movie on a big screen was Barbie in the Pink Shoes at SM Skydome few months ago. For those who haven't been to Skydome, it's a venue for events; it's not a dark movie theater with comfortable seats. The special movie screening happened in the middle of the afternoon so the daylight roofs of the place didn't make the ambiance dark and we only sat on monobloc chairs. But the girl enjoyed it. She was focused on the dancing Kristin Farraday the whole duration of the film. She only got a little finicky when she was asking for food and I got none. My bad. So, when I told my husband there were two movies coming out at the theaters apt for our daughter, we decided that it's time for us to make her experience the real thing.

No One's to Blame, Not Even the Sharpie

Remember the hardwood dining table I bragged showed off shared with you here and here? I was so happy when my husband told me about it. I think it's the most expensive thing (and the heaviest!) inside our house. Look at what my artistic daughter did...

After Cif, toothpaste and prayers.

Not just one. Huhu, chest pain. I need CPR.

Ooh. I'm sure you were thinking: I scolded her, yelled at her and got really mad. Wrong. I wept; not too much but too painful I can't release it. It sounded shallow and materialistic but I longed for this furniture. I love food and cooking that I really, really wished to have a nice dining table to pair it with (aside from wishing to have a spacious airy kitchen with island counter). A table that would be the witness of endless chikahan over the dishes I cooked for my family.

Back-to-School: First Day and Free Time

I hope I won't sound like a witch mom pushing my daughter away but really, I'm relieved that today marks my daughter's 2nd year in school. Does that mean 3 hours of me-time? 3 hours of silence and peace? Yes, maybe. But no, I found myself cleaning and fixing the house; then eventually prepared for early dinner. Actually, as I type these words, I can hear the squeaky sound of my 4-year-old Ondoy-survivor washing machine. I have separated the clothes first, earlier before we left, from whites to pastels to coloreds to pinks (we have too much of it, it has its own group). The coloreds went first as it don't require much effort. I didn't want to tire myself yet as the thunder's teasing me --- always like that, raining when I wash. Pfft. Anywayyyy, so below's my little firework's first day of back-to-school outfit. Doesn't she look so timid, fragile and very lady-like? Hah! She was everywhere, sweating and even took off her dainty headband minutes we stepped the school premises. 

Cardies from The Little Bugger, Sandals from Elle Kids, Headband from Rain Bows,

The Peacock Project

As a SAHM, I am blessed with time. 

I can scrub the bathroom tiles at 2am and have lunch at 3pm. That's how blessed I am, yes? No, I am bounded with house chores all throughout the day, bombarded with demands and weird questions by the getting-taller-as-ever preschooler and hooked on my social media thingamajigs. But as an educated woman who knows better than enslaving herself with her own hook-ups, wearing unwashed hair and oily face, I still find time to relax. I do it by drinking coffee or tea, just lying down with Sophia when she's watching TV or I do crafts.

And because I'm blessed with time (a little skill, too) and I have not set aside a budget for things like these, I made a DIY PEACOCK COSTUME for Sophia that she used for her Moving-Up Day days earlier. I promised I will make a tutorial of sorts; but like recipe-writing, I think I'm not that good in finding words to make my readers understand how it should be done. Let's make the photos do more of the talking, shall we? 

LB's First Dance Recital

Forgive the quality of the video and my nakakalokang side comments. I was gabbing with a fellow mommy whose child played the giraffe character in the Circle of Life performance of Primemont Science School's 3s and 4s class. What do you think of their performance? Cute, noh? :)

My Little Lady's Moving-Up

I was supposed to blog about this yesterday, but I was suffering from this relentless migraine again. And my little major awardee was down with cough and colds. So I decided to sleep it all off. Now, it's a Monday and I got domestic duties still, but my body was asking for some blogging aura first. Upon checking my drafts folder, kaloka, ang dami kong pending posts! This is not good. I never had like more than five unfinished articles! Jeez.

Anyway, let's start the kwento. This is going to be a bit lengthy and flooded with photos. Please be patient.

Ahh Yen Daah... Baba Lee, Babohh

My Little Popstar is very excited na for their Circle of Life performance on the 23rd. Eto nga kanina oh, pagkagising, yun na ang kinakanta. 

Peacock Costume Project Day 1 tomorrow. Wish me luck! Simple lang naman design ko but I'm so pressured. And what's more nakaka-pressure? We need to be at school ng 8am. Waah. Hindi ako morning person. Super good luck. o_O

Divisoria for Sophia's DIY Peacock Costume

Sophia was absent in school earlier (meaning yesterday) because we needed to maximize her Tatay's stay (and his driving skills). So we planned to go to Divisoria to buy materials for her peacock costume that she'll be wearing on the 23rd. Ipagpaumanhin niyo muna mga muthers kung maaantala ng slight ang ilan sa mga nai-promise kong posts ha. Magiging busy ang Martha Stewart crafty hands ko eh. Rest muna ang writer hands ha.

So after lunch, gorabelles to Divisoria ang Familia Rayala.

Grabe ang traffic. Nakakasuka. And imagine the pain when you have that unexpected (and in my case, very unwanted) monthly visit! Super nagpipigil akong sumigaw because I did not want to add to my husband's burden who's behind the wheel. Pasahero lang ako eh mainit na ulo ko, how much more yung driver di ba? Tapos masakit pa ipin niya. But when we finally arrived in the gilid of the 999 Mall to park, medyo gumanda na aura ko. Ready to hunt for the materials na.

Excited na din si R. We went to Tabora St. where you can find all the props, costume thingamajigs and materials for souvenirs that you need. Kung agila nga ang role ng bagets, may ready-made na wings na dun eh. Super dami ding fairy wings, in different colors pa! It's a lot better talaga in Divi when you're agresibo. Ako pa naman makapal ang mukha. Tanong galore ako ever. Ayun kakatanong, nakakita kami ng PEACOCK FEATHERS!

LB for Little Beki

Source

Infairview, bilib ako sa mga SAHMs na may jowa who goes home everyday. Bilang ako'y army wife, having Rhambo at home means it's a big production number. Busy ang kitchen ko 'day. At ang labada, sabi ko nga, Mt. Fuji-ish. I'm not complaining. Kasi nga it's a blessing that we have him here with us. So we have to make each moment really special. In short, full time regular wife ang peg. Kaya eto, lesser time for my social life. I miss making kwento already! 

Guess what?! My little popstar will be having her first moving-up day on the 23rd. Jusko, I swear. Ngayon pa lang, ramdam na ramdam ko ng may maiiyak na mudjey sa audience na mag-ssmudge ang mascara dahil sa eksena. Akala mo kolehiyo ang napagtapos no? #dramaticdiva 

Earlier after dinner, upon learning that Sophia's 3s and 4s class will be performing a dance inspired by the Circle of Life song of the movie The Lion King on the 23rd, the very much involved pudrabelle downloaded its video. LB heard it and made her moves. I heard my own heart slowly pounding like crazy, then a lump in the throat. Boom, naluha na ako. I knew it, maiiyak ako on her moving-up day. She was sooooo cute! Nae-excite na ako ever for her. Or for me? ;)

She will be a peacock! A beautiful, vibrant and elegant peacock. Her pop and I decided to make/give her the best peacock costume she could ever have. Kasi nga ang galing niya, she deserves it! Kanina we went to Marikina Dry Market and ask the local seamstresses there if they could make one in two weeks. Two of them declined as they have lots of sewing tasks in their line up already. Meron naman pumayag but it was too costly, and we're not even sure if she can make it really great. Her dresses in display were not that exquisitely made eh. So I told Rhambo I'll go DIY. I have a background naman in crafty stuff like sewing and using glue gun 'cause my special elective in highschool was Home Industry. We did so many DIY abubots for two years. And when I Googled peacock costume diy for kids, ang dami namang lumabas. May mga designs akong kering-keri kong magawa if given the whole day. Meron naman na pang-beauty pageant.

Speaking of, naisip ko, bakit kaya yun ang naisip na i-assign na costume for Sophia? Pwede naman turtle, bunny or elephant. And then we realized... Bagay na bagay lang sa bagets ang maging peacock. 

Di ba ang lakas maka-beki ng peacock feathers? Aminin niyo, most beautiful animal ang peacock. ♡

Waaah! Lalo akong na-challenge to make her costume really fab. Yung tipong pagtaas ng kamay, ayun ang colorful kiyemelou. Pak na pak na peacock! Perfect for Ms. Gay Malibay 2013! Winner.

My Little Girl Loves Me

Today is a very typical day for me and LB. Monday. School day. Woke up, fix bed, breakfast, argue, clean up mess, argue, bathe, dress up, argue, school, finally some alone time for 2 1/2 hours, back to school for the student who wants to play for extra 30 minutes, argue, went home, late lunch,argue and goes on. BUT! We spent today with less arguments. Yes, like out of 10 usual arguments we have every.single.day, we only had three. Not bad, eh? Disclosure: I am to blame for the arguments half the time. I just don't let her win, that's why. And upon realization that she's indeed growing up fast, I changed gears into how I talk to her. Yup, there's still baby-talk. I can never do that when she turns 13 already. I still smell her kili-kili if I want to (or when she wants to!). However, there's this hint of adult-ish conversation happening around at home once she starts talking. Momma, she's definitely my daughter! OA sa daldal. :D

So earlier at school, I observed how attentive she was during story time; and cheerful the next when she saw me outside waiting for her. She even blurted out a very bonggang "I'm so proud of you, Nanay!" For whatever reason she said that, I'm super thankful she did. Ooh, I'm now teary-eyed. LB's not a baby anymore. But I feel just how much she needs my care and love. That every time she's about to go home, she's excited to see me! Kahit madalas kaming mag-away, she clings to me like a koala bear does to a Mongol pencil (Haha! so 90s).

The Ant Who Wears Pink Dress

I was searching my notepad {that I got from TSN} about something I wrote for a new series on this blog; when I stumbled on this. That's LB's drawing, obviously. And I suppose, that's her imaginary friend, Rekeli. Hello, glad you met her.

Rekeli, according to LB, is an ant --- a girl. An ant who wears a pink dress and whose dad works in the office. When water spilled on the floor, she blamed Rekeli. When she cut her finger with her scissors, she told me Rekeli pushed her. By the way, Rekeli has a bestfriend. Her name is Perchi, from Prensi. Whatever.

ERRATUM:

LB saw this and I asked her if this is Rekeli. She said "NO! Don't say that. It's a crocodile in the river, and there's food. Rekeli will hear you." My bad. 

The Field Trip That Never Was

Source

FYI: This is a long narrative. And this is a personal blog. You'll get bored if you don't care. So don't read. 

Am I being an irresponsible parent? Earlier was LB's first school field trip; and unfortunately, we stayed home. I woke up late; 45 minutes after the assembly time. I never thought my phone's alarm won't work this time. Hey pink C3, I thought we're cool? You just failed me. Of all the days that it would have topak, bakit ngayon pa? Hay. Can't blame the phone though, she's two years old na and weathered storm (hinulog ni LB sa plangganang may nakababad) and bruises (naihulog at hinulog na ni LB ng maraming beses).

When I got the chance to talk to one of the teachers, I felt worse --- the money I paid for the trip was non-refundable. I wanted to puke. I wasted Php 2000 from my husband's hard-earned money! Now I am literally in tears while typing this. And guess where he is right now? Working --- ARMY way --- not in front of the papers inside a comfortable office. I was a mess. I wanted to argue with them that it was not stated in the letter they gave us, but my mind went blank already. I still wanted to go, that was what I cared about. LB was still blissfully sleeping when I was talking to her teacher. She only woke up due to loud sobs from a distressed woman beside her.

When Little Bebeng Met a Little Gentleman

I feel guilty for not going to church every Sunday. It is my obligation as a Christian parent to bring my child to Sunday School to learn about the Bible and Jesus. LB basically knows who Jesus is and what He can do for us as I have mentioned here. But I think it'll be more exciting if she'll meet Jonah, Samson, David, Peter, Paul, Mary and Martha --- characters and heroes a lot better than Woody, Merida and Puss. Anyway, we really wanted to let the sunshine touch our skin as we've been in house arrest and locked up in our own home after our umbrellas were stolen at the facade of the house (yes, we were scared!); so we went to Marikina Sports Complex (MSC). 

Aside from the really nice running track it has, MSC designated a small part of the place to be its playground for tots who can't jog and run continuously in an oval with their parents yet. That's where I brought LB. As we were walking towards the gate, I can feel her excitement and she even asked me "Nanay, are you happy?" So I said "YES!" with a grin. She replied, "oh, I can't wait!" She's becoming more kikay as days pass by. Too much Barbie, perhaps. About 5 meters from the playground, we've heard shrieks and giggles from the kids playing --- LB ran to its direction and just let happiness enveloped her childhood. Bliss.

Crazy Children are Beautiful

Source

Why do I get so cranky? Is this just my period or I've been possessed? I'll scream. Please.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There you have it. Thank you. Now let me tell you something. Get a chair and listen. This is my story.