The first kid

Here he lies on the floor, next to my feet, as I type this.

The loyal one, the sweet one, the protective one. He thinks he's bigger than anyone that crosses his path, and he's only about 20 lbs. But he stands his ground, listens to our every word, and doesn't ever act out.

He's been considerably shut out with the two new boys in the picture now, but as the new ones get older, he is slowly but surely getting his most-deserved attention back.

Our beloved Fotchoy, which means fortune or good luck in Cantonese.

He's a white miniature schnauzer. I've never known or ever knew such a loyal, kind canine ever existed. From the first time I met him (B had him already when we started dating), I was amazed at how obedient he was! He doesn't need to be walked with a leash - in fact, he can't stand the thing and cannot be walked comfortably with it. Of course, we have to use a leash where necessary, but if it's to check mail or a short walk down the street during non-peak dog-walking times, he's good to go. He would "stay" and "come here" on command. If anyone or any cats or dogs or any animal for that matter were in sight, he doesn't give them the time of day, unless we acknowledge that they're friends, to whom he excitedly greets and proceeds to play with. He has been more protective of the home ever since the first baby joined the family, the natural thing for loyal dogs, barking at any suspicious sounds. Now that toddlers run amuck, bumping into him, bothering him, or even "petting" him (which is when P and R are learning "gentle"), he merely gives them a warning grunt and let's them do whatever. So sweet! Even I'm tried when my toddlers bother me constantly and here is a dog (human?) who can withstand the test of children.

How much a person can care for their pet proves how much they can love their own family. It's amazing how much patience and parenting you can learn from caring for these creatures.










^^He's so great when it comes to picture taking. How many dogs do you know who would let you take endless pictures until you got the perfect one while they wore that thing? Poor kid, but it's so cute! Haha. Btw, he's not so well-groomed lately bc we've been so busy so the poor guy hasn't been able to look like his cute self, but we're getting back on that this year. He's supposed to have a nice skirt like schnauzers should (as in the first pic). He's all shaved now and ready to grow out some new un-matted locks.

What is your experience with pets? How about having pets with children? Do you feel a strong connection to your pets?

Travelated: Boston (Part II)

I figured I've delayed more of my Boston trip quite enough.

One thing is for sure, I wish I remember everything Soaps told me about every place/pic! That's what I get for delaying. Anyway, here's our first day out and about. We did as much as we could in my few days there with baby. Considering I was ridiculously sick (yes, I caught something bad - fever, chills, congestion, cough), I managed to keep on truckin' - thanks to pharmaceutical companies and pure motivation. Unfortunately, I got our hosts with the mostestests sick too..ugh, so sorry, guys! But they were still so gracious and understanding about it all, and still managed to be hosts the whole time! Those are true homies!

We went through miles of old town Boston. Did I mention how much I love old towns? There's so much history and compassion and reason in all the streets, structures, and scenery, as if (friendly) ghosts of the past peered over my shoulder soaking it all in. The architecture and thought put into everything just can't be compared to modern ideas.

Here's the beginning of our first day, consisting of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End of Boston.

Daytime slumber

What many people would do to have a foreign workday of work, long lunch, nap, then back to work.

Not my 2.5 year old son. Sleep and food evade him. How can two children of my own be so different? The "baby" (who's 15 mon now) can eat anything, literally, and sleep through anything.

Anyway, back to my 2.5yo, P. For the naptime routine, I put baby R onto his bed, give him a book to play/read, then bring P to his bed in his room and give P a book or two. I then go to my room (yes, baby still sleeps in my room) to put baby R down, which usually takes 5-10 min. Probably, like twice, I've been lucky enough to see P already knocked out when I go back to check on him. But most of the time, he's still reading, waiting for me, then he takes awhile to doze off, then another while to knock out. If I try to sneak away before he knocks out, his super toddler powers will sense it, he'd get up, and proceed to bawl for me to sit down again, which I do, only to wait another 15-20 min for the whole process again.

But today was something else. He didn't sleep for nearly an hour even as I sat and waited. I sternly told P if he doesn't sleep, I would let him cry. Another 10 min goes by. True to my word, I walk out and wait outside the closed door to listen, but he doesn't protest. Er? So I just mozy on downstairs to do some chores. As I'm finishing up the dishes, I thought I hear something. I turn off the water to listen, but still complete silence. Wow. Did he fall asleep by himself finally? And without a sound??? Another 20 min goes by (30 min since I left him alone), then I hear it. (So, roughly 1.5 hr since I put him down, which should've been almost his entire nap so far.)

"Mommyyyy!!! Mommy!! Where are youuuu??!"

Ugh.

Upstairs I go to his room, welcomed by the all too familiar stink of "poo-poo yucky," as he said as I walked in. Great. So I change him, put him back in his crib, then proceed to take off again.

"Mommy!! Stay. Sit!"

"No, it's naptime. Lay down."

Puppy dog eyes and a frown.

"Ugh," think, "OK, downstairs to lay on the couch for a bit."

He lays on the couch for 10 min as I'm doing random things, then he gets up, then starts throwing his toys at the TV, a familiar act-out from fatigue and overtiredness.

That's it. "Back upstairs you go."

"Nooo!!!"

I put him in his crib, alone, for another 20 min while I finish up chores downstairs. Again, he doesn't protest. By then, I hear baby waking up...and big bro hears it too. Sigh. (This is about 2 hrs after I put him down in the first place - his entire naptime.)

I then retrieve baby and go to P's room. I shook my head as I see he's sitting up in his crib. "Do you wanna walk the dog with me?"

"Uh huh," he nods, standing up, holding his bear, ready to jump down.

I frown, roll my eyes, and...give in. "OK, let's go."

I dreaded the moment I decided to give in. It only means we were in for a nightmare for the rest of the day. An overtired kid is no walk in the park. But I figured naptime was over, and if he slept by then, bedtime would be super late. But...

The miraculous occurs. The evening, through the dog walking, dinner, pre-bedtime play/routine, and even bedtime, goes on without a single tantrum, sob, nudge, or act of rebellion! If you know P, this was not in his character to be this well-behaved without a nap.

Maybe my toddler is actually becoming a child who can understand that his exhausted parents don't need an attitude from him.

Or maybe we were just darn lucky today.

Mamadom: Sitting vs. Standing

As a parent, there is always the moment that comes when you'll need a sitter or simply stand your ground and not let anyone take care of your lil one because you can't trust anyone except yourself.

Let me just say - with the first one, sure, you get your doubts about sitters, even sitters related to you. Any child after that - "Sitter? Sure!" And there isn't even any hesitation to find one either. Whether the form of payment be cash, a gift, a meal, or simple gratitude, having one is priceless. Of course, we don't just pull anyone from the streets. We consider our immediate family first, then it's people we've used before and trusted, then it's the ones we trust and have paid for and continue to pay good money for because they're worth it.

And say you me (I never understood this phrase before but it sounds like it can be used here, right?), I feel refreshed, ready to tackle tantrums galore, and those out-damned spots in every which way.

Always, always appreciate your sitters, folks! Babysitting is one thing I wish I did more often pre-kids. Because my younger brother is so close in age with me, because I didn't babysit in high school, and because I simply was not interested in it, I overlooked that it would help me in raising children in life. So when the time came, I didn't realize how overwhelming it could and would be. I am ever so grateful for sitters now and the patience it takes to take care of children who are not your own.

Take note readers (who are my family/friends), if you have kids or will have kids, I'm willing to babysit your kids too, so don't ever hesitate now or later on in life. I adore children, especially if I can care for your cuties (pets included) temporarily then give them back..haha. I know you parents all need a break some time. Oh yeah, also take note, that I might need you someday too. But that does not mean I call you up when I need you - I'm not that kind of person. I cherish my relationships too much to use anyone.

(Side note: I can't stand when people call only when they need something, especially babysitting. I hear that happen all too often. That's so not cool.)

The following are only some of the greatness who have babysat or have just been wonderful friends and help! I love y'all to pieces! As for the grandparents, well, let's just say we're pretty darn fortunate to be living a reasonable driving distance from both sets.


^^J and H taking up the challenge(s)


^^Auntie M with the havoc wreaker


^^n0smoking hasn't complained...yet (although it might deem otherwise here.)


^^neither has n0smoking's main man


^^lindaful is pretty much a natural


^^phister has nieces/nephews of her own who she's also great with


^^the ridiculously good-looking couple D&R are always there to lend a hand


^^bethanh has a huge family, filled with nieces and nephews of all ages, so she's probably got the mom thing down by the time she has her own! (notice poor P's conjunctivitis and face scratch - the conjunctivitis due to a bad cold and the scratch from fighting mommy when she tried to put in eyedrops. =/ )