Cutest Thief Ever!

Would you say having twins is worth seeing such cute antics every day? :)

Video from Rumble Viral

Picky Eater's Karma

If you're expecting tips on how to deal with a picky eater, or how to get your toddler to eat more, then I'm sorry to disappoint because honestly, I'm every bit as clueless as you are. Maybe even more so.

You see, my toddler is currently in food management because we are playing catch up with her weight. Here are my notes regarding her eating habits:

1. We used to mix VCO with her food to help her gain weight, but when I noticed that she eats more without it, I stopped. Because the main goal is for her to eat more right? But at the same time, I also try to include steamed camote tops, kangkong or malunggay leaves in all her meals.

2. I can't predict her appetite. One day she eats with gusto and by herself, the next, she hates it. Even her food preferences are unpredictable. One day she'll eat a lot of batchoy with rice, the next, she's deadma.

3. We offer all kinds of food every 1 to 2 hours the whole day, including rice meals, fruits, biscuits, oatmeal, etc. So all we basically do all day is eat.

Recently, I've tried cutting back on her nursing, and really push solid food instead. I've been doing this since she turned 1, but it's only recently that I've been more forceful about it. And I have to say, this has turned into a battle of wills and is really stressful for both of us, with her crying her eyes out for her "dede," and me, wanting to just breakdown with her. Honestly, this is waaay more stressful than any day I've had in the office.

Personally, I was also on the thin side for most of my life (my playmates even called me "Dhalsim"), so is this karma? I honestly can't wait for this phase to be over. Helpful tips and comments would be most welcome.

Kindle Love

I have been breastfeeding Rui for almost 20 months, and while we are lucky to be at it for so long, there are times when I can get bored out of my mind when she's nursing. Yes, there's Facebook, Instagram, and other social media or apps (thank you smartphones!) to get lost in, but nothing beats a good ol' book.

Buuut cradling Rui in one arm leaves just one hand to manage a book, so reading for long periods during nursing time can result to cramped fingers and at times, a book on my face (or god forbid, Rui's face/head). So this is why I sooo love the husband's gift last Christmas.

Ta-da! A Kindle Paperwhite.

I sooo love my Kindle. Let me count the ways:

• It's waaay lighter than any book. So goodbye cramped fingers and books on my face. Plus the size is just right for single hand handling, and easily slips into any of my bags.
• It has a backlight, letting me read even while the baby and husband are sleeping (although this is bad for a book-related insomniac like me).
• I can load a lot of books. And I mean a lot! As of the moment I have around 100 books in my library, but according to Google, the Paperwhite can load up to 300+ books.
• The battery lasts for a long time. I've tried reading via iBooks in my iPhone and iPad, and sad to say, the batteries of both gadgets just couldn't keep up.
• It's really easy to purchase a book via Amazon. Plus the 3G connection (free! SIM not required!) makes this easier (again!).
• The GoodReads integration makes it easier for me to see book recommendations, and update my book activity.

On the other hand, I hate the Kindle because:

• The black and white screen. This is not really a biggie, and I think the reason behind this is because a black and white screen is easier for the eyes. But I have to admit, you cannot really appreciate a book's cover/artwork on it.
• It's waaay too easy to purchase books. Gah. I have to refrain myself from browsing Amazon's shelves.
• As I've said before, the fact that the Paperwhite has a backlight makes it harder for a bibliophile like me to put it down and sleep.

I obviously love it! Even the downsides aren't really disadvantages at all.

Watch this space...

Because I find myself having a bit more free time these days (as much time as any mom with a toddler can have for herself) compared to the last few months, I have lined up a few things for this blog.

Anyway for the past months,  we found ourselves collecting a few Happy Meal toys from McDonald's. First, it was Adventure Time, because the husband and I found them cute, and Rui enjoyed them as well, hihihi

Then came the monsters/aliens from Home. Although I don't really know them at all, I still got them for Rui because she was having a bit of a bad day - she got a haircut a few minutes before, so the toys cheered her up.

Here she is, showing off her toys :)

Rui's First Haircut

Quick post today! I just wanna share Rui's milestone:

Her very first haircut!

We opted to have it done at Peppermint kids salon & spa at SM Aura. They have very nice interiors complete with toys and activities for kids, plus even a private room (that photo above was taken there).

Here's another one of Rui enjoying her convertible car :)

Anyway before Peppermint, Dada and I each cut off a bit of Rui's hair for pamahiin's sake (don't ask me, nakisunod lang ako lol).

On to the haircut. Line was fast, we were third in line - after 2 sisters. The ate was already getting her hair cut while the *bunso was having second thoughts. The assistant ushered us to their private room for before photos since we got the 1st haircut package, which includes a certificate with before and after photos plus a lock of hair (although I already have a lock of her hair on a tiny ziplock bag from our haircutting earlier). After that, its on to the hair cutting area for Rui. She sat, actually stood on a small red plane. When the cape was put on her, she became fussy for a bit but her attention was then caught by the nursery rhymes playing on the TV nearby. As can be seen here:

Successful first hair cut for Rui! My brave girl is now sporting a bob :)

Peppermint's haircut rates for children below 5 yrs old is 450, and 350 for children above 6 yrs old. For first haircuts, you can add a package for the certificate with photos and lock of hair for 220. Overall, our trip costs 670. Peppermint is located at the Basement level of SM Aura.

*The bunso got her haircut in the Lego area while playing :)