We went into the Zoo!

Finally! After a year and a half, my husband took us to the Belgrade Zoo!  I’ve been wanting to go there since last year, but husband doesn’t want to because he doesn’t like the smell of the zoo.  Good thing that my friend Phoebe told us that the zoo is on it’s worst and smell pretty bad only in summer.  So with that I finally get to convince my husband to take us to the zoo and besides, he sees that his son is so much into animals... so for sure Mavi will love there.

Before hitting the zoo, we had our lunch first at McDonalds that day.  God blessed us with a wonderful weather that day! The cold was manageable and it wasn’t raining.  Entrance fee is 340RSD (about 170PHP) per adult and Mavi is free.

The Belgrade Zoo is located at the Kalemegdan Park and it covers around 7 hectares. They have an official website, but there’s not much information here and it is written in Serbian. 

Note too that the last time I went into the zoo was back when I was 6 years old.  Here’s what we found in the zoo so far..

Meetkats were a favorite of Mavi.  He was fascinated with them because they interact with him hehe.  See how they all assembled in front of him when he started touching the glass wall.. maybe hoping for Mavi to feed them LOL.

The pony on the lower right was his favorite!!! He wanted to touch them but they were smelly. Then there were also some elephants and giraffe. He was so happy to see the elephant, even gesturing how the elephant would sway it’s trunk.   I just wonder why he didn’t appreciate the giraffe... maybe he was too tired already. Pero in fairness I like the giraffe. Para syang isang binibi na ballerina, walking with so much grace, carry nya ang mahaba nyang leeg.!

Then we went to look for the white “albino” lions.  It was soooo beautiful but their size was intimidating. Para syang fairy god-lion.  We stayed there for a little while, resting on one of the benches.

Further walk into the zoo led us to the kangaroo and camels.  Okay, so this is my first time to see a camel.  Minanol mode.

 

Then just beside it are the birds: parrots, owls and more.  Mavi was scared of the parrots because they were making loud noises and freaked out when one of the parrots made a loud screeeching sound. Kahit nga ako nagulat.

We saw lots of deers and llamas too.. and some animals with horns as well, though I’m not quite sure if they are still classified as deers/ram because I have never seem them before.   It is said that most of the animals at the Belgrade Zoo are locals... so I bet they can just be found on the mountains of  Eastern Europe and Balkans.

Oh and I was pretty excited to see the monkeys but they weren’t in their cages! So instead, we played around on this statue, which of course Mavi recognizes as “monkey” because he kept on shouting “monkey! monkey!”.  Pero nung nilapit ko na sya, natakot sa mukha ng monkey hehee.

Before heading out to the exit, we passed by on the pools were we saw the hippo, sea lions and swans.  Mavi loved the hippo so much! Everytime the hippo would open their huge mouth, he would laugh and kept on shouting “hippo!”.  Then he would even imitate how the hippos opened their mouth hehe.  A strategy I used whenever I feed him.

Oh it was such a great day for our little family to visit the zoo and see the joy of your little one wonder and be amazed on the things that he sees. How I wish we also have this back home, where a zoo is accessible for everyone and that the fee is affordable.  That is one thing I love about this place because there are a lot of things that you can outdoors... perfect to raise a family. 

If I become a billionaire, I would overhaul Bacolod and would put lots and lots of parks and playgrounds.  If only I can buy the climate.. I would change our climate too... but since I am not God, we just have to live with the hot hot temperature lol.

Tot School Break

I forgot to inform the readers that we are currently on a break.  Tot school will resume next year, though I still have no idea on when to start our 2012 Tot School since we will be having a family vacation early next year. 

Last week, we finished our Week 26 tot school and I still have to find time to write all about it so I can share it with you.  Although we are on a break, I still keep on giving Mavi some activities... mostly from our past activities and depending on what he wanted to do.  But mostly, we are out, attending parties, meeting friends, playdates and exploring Belgrade before the winter hits the city.

So while we are on break, feel free to browse our precious activities for some ideas for your kids.  I will try to post our Week 26 as soon as possible and if I have enough time, share some photos of our outdoor activities for the past few weeks.

Till here for now :-) 

Our aspiring Chef!

Hello there!!

It seems that my little boy wants to become a Chef when he grows up.  He would often stay at the kitchen with me while I cook.  Very much interested with the things that I do there.  So one day, while I made him play his Play Doh, he pretended to make cookies for Mama out clays!

Hi! My name is Maverick, and I'm going to show you how to make some cookies.

Prepare a small amount of doughs from each colored cup.  I used blue, green, red and yellow clays.

Then mashed them individually, then form them into a solid ball-shaped doughs.  When the hot cooking cup is ready, place the rounded doughs on top of it for baking.

Make sure to check the doughs from time to time.  I didn't have any spatula so I used a spoon to check if it's ready to be served! 

It's seems that my cookies are cooked now!  Wait for the cooking Play Doh cup to cool down, then remove the cookies.

I arranged them on the a plate to be presentable enough for Mama.  Be careful because they tend to be really really hot once cooked.

And there you go! Green, red, blue and yellow cookies for my beloved Mama! 

Prijatno!

Present!

Hello everyone! 

Our homeschooling program took a break for awhile.  During the first week of June, Maverick has accomplished Week 10.  So I still have have to share my record for Weeks 8 to 10.

Before I proceed to our Week 11.. I would probably took a break again from homeschooling to take some time preparing lesson plans and materials.  I've been assessing our activities and it seems that Maverick gets a little bored with my activities, especially with the alphabets and numbers because he knows them already. So I might focus more on the shapes and colors, singing and dancing activities and my priority would be developing or refining his motor skills.  So probably, there will be some changes in my approach of homeschool.  I still don't know yet when we will start our next schooling, because I myself has a lot of technical things to do for myself.

That's it for now, thanks for continuously visiting my site.  Will post the rest of my records once we get back.

On break

Sorry if I had been away for awhile.  I need to tend to some personal stuff so I've been delaying my posts.  Also, I was not able to give Mavi lessons for Week 9 because of some work to do.  Anyway, I still have to share our homeschool for Week 7 and Week 8, I still have to find time to write the post though.  It's a good thing I take photos during our sessions, it's easier to write when you have pictures rather than remembering what happened on a certain week.

Week 7 and Week 8 post will be coming up next!

Everday, he waits for his Dad to arrive

Daddy, please come home already

Poor boy.

Same time, last year

Last year, we celebrated All Souls Day at Rolling Hills Cemetary. I took Maverick with me because I don't have a yaya. My relatives adviced me to dress Mavi in red.  I really don't know what's the explanation for it, but I took their advice anyway. I had a great time that afternoon.  The food was great as well.  My Mom and I bought some "finger foods" for everyone from Quan.  While my Tito Lito prepared Valenciana... twas the best!

Haaaay, this picture makes me miss everyone and everything. The food, the places and of course, the people.

I have two reasons why I post this.  First, because here in Belgrade, they don't have this kind of holiday. Well, as far as we know.  And that makes me appreciate the Philippine calendar year, lots and lots of holidays and non-working holidays.

Second, two days after this, Maverick's eczema worsened. He had mild rashes already, on some portion of his body.  But after this, he had an outbreak.  I remembered it all so well, how can I not forget? I watch him like a hawk.  I was thinking at first that he was allergic to the pollen, but I was told that eczema was genetic, and that I can't blame anyone for it but my gene hahaha.  So anway, the rest was history. The only time that his rashes disappeared was when he reached his 6th months of life.  But it didn't just go-away entirely.  From time to time, he still gets the rash, but this time, its manageable.  Poor boy.

Hope that everyone offered a special prayer for their loved ones who passed away. 

My little toddler boy

Our little boy is growing and growing.. and it's unstoppable!

These days, since I already allowed him to roam arround the house, sobrang kuliiiittttt na talaga. Kahit ano ano nalang kinukuha at ginagalaw.

Then last weekend, we brought him to USCE, ayun, nagtatakbohan sya kahit saan. He's not scared at all. Hindi nya nakuha sa Daddy nya ang "cautious" na attitude. Feeling ko lang, nakuha nya sa Tito Jeff nya ang "brusko" at "risky" na personality. Hindi talaga sya takot sa kahit ano.

Hopefully, the rain would stop so we could go out more sa mga parks and allow him to play.

Oktobar 2008

Because I was creating a copy of my son's photos on his Dad's portable drive, I came across this photo exactly shot a year ago. Maverick was still a month old here, looking like a smurf and Yannah, my precious niece was still a cutie Devojčica (little girl). The photo was taken at SM Bacolod, a local department store/mall in my province.


Maverick spend his first 8 months 'malling' here. It's a meeting place for him and his sestra Yannah. Oh I miss the crowd! Back then I would get easily annoyed seeing a lot of people in the mall, because I easily get dizzy with all the motions and the noise. But now, I am so totally missing all of it! Especially that Bacolod is celebrating it's 30th Masskara Festival. I love riding the jeepneys, the delicacies, the foods, and everything about Bacolod. I stayed there for more than a year before leaving for Belgrade and I'm attached to my birthplace again.

And above all, I miss everyone whom I loved and left. My parents, my extended my family, my relatives, my friends and my niece. Just a year ago.... time flies isn't it?

Bored Mommy

I still got 6 days (according to the countdown timer). So here I am, bored. Just playing with photoshop and all.

Hopefully, the sun will come out tomorrow because I've got piles and piles of laundry waiting to be washed and dried up under the sun.

Where's the heat when you needed it most?

Now, going back to the main course of this post. Look! The Maverick is wearing a shade. This little boy will definitely kill me when he grows up for publishing "kahihiyan" photos of him.

Disturbing behavior

I can't sleep when does this.

Can you count my teeth??

People are fascinated of how fast my little boy's teeth are popping up. As you can see in the picture, Mavi lose some weight. Aside from difficulty in feeding due to pains in the gum area, my son's length has also increased (tumangkad). Kaya slender syang tignan.

Thank God, he currently feeds well na. I hope that the molars won't give me those "feeding issues" again. I'm just thankful that despite his lack of appetite before, he's still a super duper mega over to the 100th power hyperactive. Trust me... kahit sino sa amin dito, surrender sa kalikotan ng anak ko. But I am not complaining, it's better that's he's like that kesa sa unhealthy.

Kelan Kaya Namin Makakasama Daddy Ko??

First time ng little boy mag swimming. Nag emote kaagad :-)

Sa Lugar Lang

Two weeks ago, I took Maverick for his first jeepney ride. I myself have never commuted for quite a long time.. So one day, together with my helper, we took Mavi out for his jeepney experience.

Joy ride lang ito, we don't really have a destination. Last February 14 kasi, I had a date with a very special friend aka Saphira Gayol, and I only commuted. While riding, I imagined having Maverick with me. He would love and enjoy the view of Bacolod with all these people and the noises the cars were creating.

Kaya eto si little boy ko... sympre sabi ng Daddy, I have to make sure na walang sakit ang ibang pasahero, baka daw mahawa si little Binoy. Well so far, wala naman.

Look at my little boy, so quiet and behaved. He's not like this when he rides his Lolo's vhroom vhroom. He is busy observing the people inside the jeepney, and his new environment.

** Sa lugar lang is Ilonggo's version of "para boss"

TISOY, ang itawag mo sa akin

The many names of my little prince:

Mavi, Mavs - this is how I call my little boy on a daily basis
Mambi - my grandmother calls Mavi this. Don't why. Maybe she can't pronounce "v" anymore
Moby - my Tita Pacita calls Mavi by this name. I tried to correct her, but she kept on calling him the same name over and over again
Yanno - my cousins (paternal side) calls Mavi Yanno, the male version of Yanna who is my niece
Mabi - our helper's version :-)
TISOY - my parents and Mavi's paed calls him by this name because of complexion just like his Daddy


Mavi is growing up looking more like his Dad. I couldn't be happier. I simply adore my husband and I love it that everyday, when I woke up, I would see his face through our son. Sabi nga ng family friend namin, I must have love my husband so much daw, kasi Mavi looks like him. Yup, I am deeply, madly, in love with Alvin.. and I will love him for the rest of my life.

You Are What You Eat

I love to read books to my baby, I started this habit of reading since he was weeks old. Reading books to Maverick enhances our bonding and I believe that it will develop his language skills.

When I read book to Mavi, it's either we are lying in bed, one arm wrapping him and the other holding the book, or sitting with one arm holding him. When he turned 3months old, he showed an interest in holding the book, but of course, he always puts it in his mouth. At first, I was so strict not to let him hold the book, because he might end up eating it.

But nowadays, I encourage him to grab the book, and play with it. I learned that when you do this, the baby will understand about the very basic level that books are important part of life. Also, stimulating more of his senses during reading builds a smarter brain by challenging it to integrate multiple types of sensory experience at the same time. That's why when I get bored reading the same book to him everyday, I would change my style of reading, sometimes I would accompany some actions and movements of my hands or with some change in vocals.

Siguro ang iba magsasabi that this activity might waste your time because the baby doesn't understand anything you read. Actually, it doesn't matter at all. Your baby will gain a great deal simply by listening to your voice, hearing fluctuations in speech and rhythm of the words.

So take a look at what my little boy did to his Little Einstein book. He was so interested that never got tired reaching for it, and eventually won my sympathy, gave it to him only for him to eat. Tsk tsk tsk.

Some usefull informationa bout reading to your baby:

1. Books with large pictures are best for ages 4-6months because babies at this age aren't able to discern much visual detail. Each page should only contain 1-2 pictures and the illustrations should be simple.
2. Stick to books that are illustrated with bright primary colors, particularly for babies up to 8-10months old because they are less responsive to pastels.
3. It's never too early to read classic books to babies.
4. Rhyming books are great because they help teach phonics and can encourage the development of both language and reading skills.

I myself haven't invested too much on these books yet. But I think I'll be looking for 1 rhyming book with 1-2pictures on each page tomorrow. Kahit isa lang, and I will just read it again and again everyday.

Source: Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten

Just Because....

Bad weather, no outdoor activity for Mavi and Mommy. We were always at home, sigh.

My Little Bruce Lee

Mama bought this, Dad picked the color.

Sarap magka baby! Sarap damitan!

Just Sling!

Mavie loves Mommy's slings! He can fall asleep on it, without having Mommy sing a lullaby.

Mummy Jarms and Mavi in a pouch

I have to say that these slings a my best buys for Mavie. He's curently 5kilos and still growing. My arms are starting to get numb every time I put him to sleep. Mavie is a very active and curious baby, it's really difficult to put him to sleep, without rocking him for an hour and singing him songs. At the end of the day, I would have this achy throat from singing and my feet so tired.

Mummy Jarms and Mavi in a sling ring.

But when I use the slings, putting him to sleep is effortless! Aside from that, my hands are also free.. free from the pain of carrying him and free to do other things. Here are other advantages of slinging babies:

• Babies are more content in arms, they cry less and thrive better.
• Babies feel more secured. It provides a constant and assuring presence.
  
• Soothing for babies, that's why they tend to fall asleep faster.
• Babies are attended /responded immediately when slinged.

My Baby is Active and Fussy

• Nurses more frequently, nurses greedily, and is impatient for milk to let-down. Yes, greedily talaga. I would usually tell my son to slow down when sucking! Minsan may kasama pang sipa, tadyak at kung ano anong sounds everytime I nurse him hehehe.
  
• Sleeps fewer hours and is not able to calm himself when awake. He has several crying spells a day, may startle and cry easily, and may be disturbed by noise, visitors, or outings. I still have to find a solution to this because it's getting the life out of me.
• Enjoys being warm and swaddled, being held close and held often, and may not nap well in a strange place. We can't put him down to his crib or bassinet already. He just wants to sleep on my chest! If not, he cries with piercing screams! Nabubulabog ang mga neighbors namin, the kind of cry that can really scare the hell out of anyone. He just wants to be carried all the time, to be rocked, to sang lullabies or any song. He's like a leech.. always wants to be with his Yummy Mom!
  
• Should be allowed to nurse, doze, and play at the breast for generous periods of time if he finds comfort in this. Oh this one is really funny, and I felt that I have already lost my privacy hehehe. My little one sleeps well on my tits, after nursing, as in!
  
• May spit up and needs lots of burping if he is nursing too eagerly and getting lots of air. Most of the time time due to crying and sucking milk too eagerly.

But Mavie, even though you're too much to handle for Momma, I still love you no matter what.

So what's your baby type?? Click here to know.