OBF!

Every time Bela catches me watching basketball she breaks into this cheer. No prodding. No bribing. No kidding.

Yup, it's in her blood. Her blue blood. : )

Bela Eats!

This little one likes to eat. And that makes us happy. And she eats anything. And everything.

So unlike her older brother who is more picky with his food. And who has to be given appetite enhancers.

Why, I always wonder. Is it because Bela was breast-fed and Gabi wasn't? Maybe the simpler answer is that she's a Mercado. And Mercados certainly like to eat.

Sunday in the Park with Gabi and Bela

Off the cuff we went on a picnic, Gabi, Bela and I . For once I was spontaneous. No planning was involved. I decided to go and in ten minutes we were on our way.

I grabbed our banig and a few toys for the kids, filled two thermos with water and bundled the kids in the back seat with Manang Tim. (Impromptu though my decision was, I was still not crazy enough to take both Gabi and Bela by myself in the car.)

To UP we went. In front of Abelardo Hall, to join other picnickers who were obviously more prepared. They had food baskets and stools and bikes and lots of toys. All we had was a toy ball and a small container of Bela's cereals.Yes, we went on a picnic without food.

Yet, what we had was more than enough. We had fun! Lots of fun!

Bela loved the grass. And the leaves. All she did was touch them, and play with and on them.

 

Gabi in turn loved the new setting for his role playing games. He had new bridges to cross. New  obstacles to overcome. And bigger dragons and aliens to slay.

And when I asked them what their favorite part of the picnic was they both replied unanimously, "the ice cream!"

It was truly an enjoyable excursion. Something we'll definitely do again soon. But next time we'll bring a bike, sandwiches and chips, a book or two for me...

Hmm, then again maybe not. Planning too much might just spoil it. We'll just wing it again.

My Brave Little One

A picture of strength and of cheerfulness you were, dear Bela, all throughout your five day hospital confinement.

You hardly complained and you did not cry, even when they put the IV needle through your tiny little hand. Papa and Mommy were more scared of the procedure while you were your curious self  examining the gauze, the needle and the IV tube.

And you remained in high spirits, despite the discomfort, despite the pain. Always greeting your doctors and nurses and the service staff with your smile, with your laugh and with your wave.

You my dear one, and your good health, are truly a gift to me, Mommy and Kuya this new year. We love you!

My Fluttering Bela

Truly like a butterfly, my independent-minded daughter is.

She goes where she pleases. And yet pleases where she goes.

Sibling Revelry

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet.

This Vietnamese proverb rings so true for Gabi and Bela.

Three years older, Gabi has always been a loving and protective brother to Bela. He always wants to read her his books. He always wants to be the one to teach her how to walk. He always wants to be at her side.

Sure, there are times Gabi becomes too rough with Bela.There are times naughty Gabi plays practical jokes on her. There are times he doesn't share with Bela and makes her cry.

It's a good thing Bela can dish it too. She's no push over. She too can play rough. And she can also end up making Kuya cry.

But through it all, the highs and the lows, the laughter and the laments, the two remain the best of friends.

And this is what I cherish the most: the noise, the play, the giggles, the cry. The siblings' revelry is truly sweet music.

Mommy's Little Helper

Throughout Patty's food relief operations, Bela was her trusty sous chef.

Bela helped prepare the ingredients ...

... taste Mommy's concoctions ...

... measure the portions ...

... and pack the boxes.

 

Good job, Belly!

Quo vadis, Bela?

At 14 months, Bela already has a mind of her own and once she has decided on something, nothing will stop her.

At lunch time today, while Mommy and yaya were busy cooking for Typhoon Ondoy victims, and with only Gabi and me to watch over her, Bela chanced upon her swimming floaters in the closet. She quickly put them on, tried to blow air into them and without asking anybody, went out the main door.

Without hesitation and oblivious to all our calls to her, she went down the road towards the clubhouse ...

And straight to the swimming pool!

What confidence and determination for such a young girl! Made me so proud. And so scared at the same time.

Of course, I ended up disappointing her by not letting her jump into the pool. But I did let her soak in the batya as a consolation.

Having a Ball

Gymboree in Trinoma is Bela's favorite place.

She's there at least once a week and enjoys gym play immensely. She crawls and runs around the matted play area, gets on all the ramps and tunnels and interacts with all the other kids whether her age or older.

The people behind Gymboree believe that a child's development is most important during the first three years since this is when the brain is most active, growing to up to 80% of its adult size. That's why they offer all sorts of classes and activities that are designed to help "stretch the child's rapidly developing mind and body."

I'm no rabid follower of thisor any other child development philosophy. If going to Gymboree helps her development, then well and good. What's important now is that Bela is enjoying.

Yesterday, Patty was with Bela for her first formal class: Gymboree Play and Learn 3. In this class parents learn how to understand the way their child interacts with them and the world.

Bela was not too attentive in her first class. She would listen to the teacher for a while and then wander off to her favorite slide or monkey bars. We let her be. No sense forcing her to sit and listen. She might just end up losing interest in what to her now is fun.

She's having a ball right now and we don't want to spoil it.

One small step for Bela ...

Bela took her first steps today. A good three weeks before her first birthday.

And on the 40th anniversary of the first lunar walk too. To the very day.

Maybe Bela will be the first woman to set foot on the moon. I'd like that.

But for now, there's a new world outside our four walls for her to explore. On her own two feet.

Enjoy the walk, my love. Papa, Mommy and Kuya are right behind you.

Bela Speaks!

So much for "papa" or "mommy".

My 10 month old daughter's first word was "dog."

Take a bow, my love. Bow wow.