On our last day in San Diego, we were greeted with a temperature of low 70s so it was a perfect day to go to the Beach. We decided to go to Moonlight Beach in Encinas upon the resort recommendation - being a family friendly beach and all.

The waves caused Calix to fall down a few times

So Kail, being a great brother that he is, held Calix's hand

Calix finally decided he didn't like the beach too much - water is cold, he kept falling down, and the water tasted funny, so he left

His kuya, on the other hand, had a lot of fun in the water, despite being carried by the waves a couple of times

while Calix tried to figure out how to fly the kite instead.

When Kail decided he had enough of the water, we rinsed the boys off and moved to the nearby playground where Kail had a blast with the slide and the monkey bar

While Calix was content on the swing

I brought Kail with me to the library yesterday. While there, he ran towards the children's section and picked a book, then handed it to me borrow. When we were at the counter, he told me "I'll be right back!" and ran back towards the children's section again. After a few minutes, he emerged carrying another book and said "this is for Calix!". I was so proud of Kail because he didn't forget to get one for his baby brother!

Despite their constant bickerings when Kail wouldn't share his toys with Calix, or he would push his little brother aside, or would pinch his little fingers or arms, I know that deep inside, he loves Calix so much.

When Kail goes to school, he would kiss Calix goodbye. As soon as he gets home, he'd ask Calix "did you miss kuya?". When it's Calix's bed time, Kail would kiss him on his cheek and say "goodnight". He'd also run a few errands for his baby brother like throw his dirty diaper away, or get him a fresh diaper or wipes, put his clothes to the laundry.

Calix on the other hand, adores his big brother. He follows him around like a puppy all day. When his kuya is in school, he would run from room to room as if looking for Kail. He probably thinks they're playing hide and seek again. Young as they are, they surely formed this bond with each other that every parent would be so proud of.

And I thought I could rest... 

One thing I realized since becoming a mom is that there is no rest, especially when you do not have the luxury of a nanny.  This three week break gave me a chance to bond with my boys - and bond so much we did!  My boys have been tugging my pants since Day 1.  All day I play with them, clean the mess, take care of the boys.  The husband is helping (bless him!) so that has been keeping me sane throughout.  In the afternoon, we head to the park.  Kail plays in the playground, or rides the bike with his dad, while Calix and I would walk around the park several times.  This serves as our family's exercise (as if we needed one after running after the kids all day!).  

I can only do the things I want to do (like scrapbook) when the kids are asleep - either taking a nap or sleeping through the night.  This leaves me feeling so tired the next day because I get to bed around 12mn or 1am!  

Am I complaining?  Nope - not at all!  It's tough sometimes, yes, but I won't have it any other way.  Our kids bring us tremendous joy - one that's beyond imagining.  They also give us gray hair and wrinkles, but we've long since accepted that it's part of the package.  I'm thankful for this chance to spend three whole weeks as a dotting mom.  

Kail the Kuya

Hubz got upset with Calix last night. We were having dinner when Calix suddenly cried - the cry when he wants to be held, so I held him. But then I couldn't eat, so I placed him down again. He cried - louder this time. Hubz placed him in the living room without any lights on. What actually touched me was when Kail, then having dinner with us, stood up from his seat, went to the living room, opened the light, and stayed with Calix - trying to pacify him. I tell you, I was so proud of my little boy. I knew right then that when they grow up, they could depend on each other and they won't leave each other's sides.

I Voted!

It's Election Day and an exciting time for all citizens, including me. I have mailed in my ballot a couple of weeks back. I wanted to make sure my vote will be counted. God bless America - for the freedom it stands for, and for the freedom it gives its' citizens to be heard and to make a stand. Today, history will be made. With the economic crisis on hand, it is important, more than ever, to choose wisely - to pick those who will lead America back into its seat of power.

Halloween came and went. The weather forecast said it was going to rain. True enough, it drizzled. Good thing the kids were done trick or treating. We have about two bags of candies to finish, plus those bags we weren't able to give out because we were out with the kids. They might end up in a balikbayan box to Manila for christmas.

A year ago, we were in the East Coast. On hallow's eve, we were sightseeing in downtown New York with Kail dressed up in his pumpkin sweats. He was handed a handful of candy then. Calix, on the other hand, was still in mommy's tummy so no costumes for him. This year though, theywere dressed as Mickey Mouse (a hand-me-down from Kuya J) and Dragon (which I got from Old Navy for $5). I also got them matching pajama sets to wear in bed. Hubz said I'm more excited about Halloween than the kids. I even practiced Kail to say "trick or treat" days before. Am I a stage mom in the making? ;)

I've been out of circulation yet again. Calix is almost 5 months now, and is growing up so fast - right before our very eyes. He started eating solids a week ago and like his kuya, he's proving to be a big eater. Kail on the other hand, currently has ear infection so he's been coughing and sneezing, and his nose is dripping.

Here is my boys' latest photo - my favorite one. It is not always often that they get together like this - for camera's sake, so the mamarazzi in me had to take advantage... :)




Kail is a very good kuya. We can now ask him to do things for Calix - like give us diapers, give him his bottle. And he also loves hugging and kissing his baby brother. Calix, however, seem to dislike being near is kuya. Even when these two boys came from the same parents, you can see, even this early, their differences in attitude. Kail is so friendly and malambing while Calix seemed a bit distant. Calix doesn't do well with strangers unlike Kail who flashes his beautiful grin to everyone. But, differences or not, we still love them so much!