notes for gavin

Second thoughts

2011-01-09T00:16:00.000+08:00

Lil Dood: Papa, hingi ako ng gulay.Kakainin ko, promise.

Papa: Ok. [feeds him veggie salad from my plate]

Lil Dood: [chews and spits the veggies].

Papa: Gavin???

Lil Dood: 'Di pala ako mahilig nyan!

Kuroch

2010-12-10T00:51:00.002+08:00

lil dood likes making up words. The latest - kuroch ( coo-roch) which means, kurot(pinch) pero touch lang.

To use in a sentence: "Wag mong kurutin, masakit yan e. Kuroch lang.

Your masterpiece

2010-11-21T11:15:00.001+08:00

Dear Gavin,

The doodles in red are yours. You tell us these are fishes. These are the awesome-est I've seen thus far.

You going to be an artist? I that'd be cool!

Love,

Papa

Ninong Aleks' Wisdom

2010-10-10T13:39:00.000+08:00

Dear Gavin,

Ninong Aleks is giving you his thoughts on some topics below. He is Papa's best friend.

Love,
Papa

Ninang Cecille's Wisdom

2010-10-10T13:35:00.000+08:00

Dear Gavin,

These cards are from Ninang Cecille. Mama and she used to go to the same highschool.

Love,

Papa

Ninang Chatty's Wisdom

2010-10-10T12:37:00.000+08:00

Dear Gavin,

Ninang Chatty wants you to take these advices. She and her family is our friend.

Love,
Papa

Ninong Nel's Wisdom

2010-10-10T12:24:00.000+08:00

Dear Gavin,

Tito Ninong Nel is your Mama's brother and is also you in-house Pedia doctor. Below are his thoughts on the different topics that can help you on the appropriate of times.

Love,

Papa

Geography

2010-09-18T12:59:00.000+08:00

‎"Philippine map, mama! ", Lil Dood declared while pointing at the urine marks on the bed sheet.

On Politics

2010-03-13T13:47:00.002+08:00

As early as 19 months, you are now politically conscious. You can reply with the names of your candidates if asked, "Sino ang iboboto mo?". You answer, while not allowed in actual voting process, comprises of three names - Dick Dordon, Noynoy, and Check (read: Villar). Personally, im rooting for Gibo but i don't mind that he's not in your list.

Gavin, when you are ready to pick your own president, i hope that you would spend a lot of time getting to know him/her. Appreciate the media content but be wise about your choices and criteria. If you can really know it, choose one who has unquestionable integrity complemented with seasons of experience.

May 10 of this year is when we check the names of who we want to take office. This is our time to choose the people whose contributions will better your generation. Let me know if we chose well, ok?

I love you, son.

On synonyms

2009-11-02T13:22:00.000+08:00

You are exactly 454 days old when this conversation took place.

Time: midday

Place: Island Cove, Cavite

-------------------------------------------------------

Me: That is an ostrich. Can you say, 'ostrich'?

You: trr...it...s

Me: oooo....streeee..cchhh

You: eeettsss

Me: OOOO-streeeeccchhh!

You: DUCK!

The little boy with a great smile

2009-05-17T23:26:00.001+08:00

Hey Gavin,

You have a really great smile...even with only a tooth sticking out of your gums, you smile like the world has never been brighter. I hope you continue to give your smiles not just to Papa and Mama but even to strangers. Some people suddenly feel happy when someone smiles at them. If they see your kind of smile, they'd even be happier :)

Love, Papa

At almost 6 months, did you know...

2009-01-28T21:12:00.004+08:00

a. the one song that we hum whenever we lull you to sleep is "Summer Snow"
b. you raise one of your eyebrows occasionally
c. you can stand on your legs (of course with aid) for as long as a minute
d. you like to jump
e. you give papa and mama your sweetest smile whenever they enter the house from work
f. the first thing you do when you wake up is smile... then poke our faces
g. the first time you fell asleep without papa/lola/mama rocking you is last January 26
h. your favorite sleeping position is face down
i. you like to take a bath even if you are sleepy, tired, or hungry. Bath keeps you happy!
j. you seem to like the smell of papa and mama's underarm (familiar smell gives you comfort)
k. you don't drink your milk in one straight session. You like to play in between ounces. You even fake drinking by allowing milk to flow through your bib than swallowing it.
l. you don't like blankets when you sleep even if the aircondition unit is on at 23 C
m. your favorite Earth's Best(TM) fruit is apple
n. your favorite (or more like mama's) socks is that brown-orange stripped socks from gap
o. you always put one foot up while riding your stroller
p. some of your accidental words spoken were "sayang" and "aray"
q. you know that are being photographed and looks straight into the lens.
r. your favorite (or more like mama and papa's) diaper brand is Huggies(TM) dry with cotton-like outer cover
s. you stay still whenever papa cleans your nose/ears with a cotton bud
t. you love to lick your foot and everything else for that matter
u. seeing yourself in the mirror makes you breakout into a shy smile
v. your favorite toy of all time is Louie Lion (blue chime). It has been with you through thick and thin. Papa and mama make sure that Louie Lion is always in the bag whenever you travel.
w. you like to entertain guests by making sure you are awake and noisy
x. you are fascinated with lights
y. you are fascinated with mama and papa brushing their teeth. You even open you mouth as if asking them to brush yours too (except that well, you only have gums. In a few more months, maybe).
z. your favorite movie of all time (ie., all of six months) is The Farm by BabyEinstein.

Mommy's Favorite Song For you

2008-07-16T12:42:00.001+08:00

Dear Gavin,We bought a CD for you several weeks ago. The music CD is especially made for little boys like you. It has many great songs that Mommy and I love. We make sure the CD is on whenever you are in the car because we know you can hear.Among the songs in the CD, Mommy's favorite is "Bless My Son". I'm pasting the lyrics here.May he have the faith of AbrahamMay he have the boldness of PaulMay he have a heart like DavidAlways seeking God, always seeking GodFather God bless my sonMay he grow to be a man of GodMay he have the wisodn of SolomonMay he have the patience of JobMay he be a leader like JoshueAlways full of hope, always full of hopeMay he have the courage of DanielMay he have the love of JohnMay he know Your voice like SamuelAnd always obey God, always obey God.(Nancy Gordon and Rhonda Scelsi, (c) 1993 Integrity's Hossana!)In a few weeks we will meet face to face. That would be the greatest!Love,Dad

Daddy and Mommy's Favorite Pass-time

2008-07-01T08:06:00.006+08:00

Dear Gavin,

How are you doing inside Mommy's tummy? Mommy says you like to play and kick a lot =) Hmm..do you like to be a socket player? Or perhaps a kick-boxer? We are sure you have strong arms and legs for these types of games.

Our countdown says that we are 45 days away from seeing you face to face. We can't wait to see you in August!

I want to tell you something. Everyday, Mommy and Daddy goes to your room, opens your cabinet and looks at all your stuff. We also like to imagine you playing in your bed, or just sleeping soundly to a lullaby (we bought you CD especially made for little boys like you. Kuya Anton also gave you so many things that he used to play with when he was a baby).

Oh, I also painted your room! Mommy gave me the idea and i picked the colors. We hope you like it. Here are the before and after pictures:

We always pray that you grow healthy and strong.

Love,
Dad

Letter from the coolest Lola, Lola PI

2008-06-04T23:27:00.003+08:00

Dear Baby,

Here is a letter from your very contemporary Lola PI. She is the only grandma I know who keeps a blog and we are very proud of her!

Love,
Daddy

----------

[01-02 June 2008 on board Northwest Flight 01 from San Francisco to Tokyo]

Hi Gavin,

I hope you like the stroller Lola brought for you from the US. Lolo Bong and I spent several days going to many stores selecting from different models, before buying one. At that time, we didn’t know yet whether you will be a baby boy or a baby girl, but we chose a color that was good for both – mainly brown on the outside with some green on the inside. Nothing but the best for our “apo”. We thought that our apo would be comfortable sleeping and being carried around in it. So both Lolo Bong and I took the box home and we were happy. The big box was in the living room all the time and I would imagine how your Mommy and Daddy would be pushing you in the stroller when they go to the grocery or to the mall. (Your Mommy loves to go shopping in the mall!)

On May 26 Veteran’s day, Lola Riza, Lola Lilia’s sister, visited us. When she saw the huge box, she suggested that I check the airlines on the charges for oversized luggage……

And here the story goes…..

From the Northwest website, I got all the information I needed for the size of the box – 20x20x32 – the extra charge was $320.00!! And a note at the bottom says “for travel to the Philippines extra charges apply”. I said “too impractical”. (Your Lola PI is very practical – I learned to be one from your Great Grandma).

But Lolo Bong was very positive. He said he can resize the box into a smaller one by packing the wheels and other isolated parts in a separate box. So we unpacked the whole system and Lolo Bong spent the entire day trying to figure out how he will do it. The car seat was a big problem, because it is very bulky.

By this time, I sent an email to your Mom and Dad and your Mom texted me that it would be all right to send the whole set by door to door which will arrive in 45 days. But Lolo Bong’s mathematical computations to reduce the size to a standard box were unsuccessful….

I had a few more days left in the US, and you know over there, it is so easy to return a merchandise to the store where you bought it.

And so this is the second part of the story……

Your Lola PI decided to exchange the stroller to a model that doesn’t have the car seat…..I know this was going to disappoint your Mommy and especially your Dad, because I know he would like you to be with him when he picks up your Mommy from the hospital, but….. no choice. By this time your Mommy had texted me that you were Gavin, her little baby boy, and so I thought that it would be easier to pick the color.

Friday, May 30, Lolo Bong and I went back to “Babies R Us” where we bought the first stroller. We easily found a new stroller model for you – almost the same color as the first one – but without the car seat. Lolo Bong had a tape measure with him, because we wanted to make sure we have the right size – and YEHEY, the box was 11x19x32 = 62 and this is the maximum allowance dimension for the check-in luggage! As if God really showed us the way to solve our predicament!! Lolo Bong and I really had a good laugh, because he confessed that he was about to put my name on the box – which would have been disastrous, because the store may not accept it as return merchandise!

So dear Gavin, that’s the story of your stroller. And by the way, it was Lolo Bong who paid for it, so make sure you hug and thank him for his thoughtfulness. Since the 2nd stroller is cheaper than the first, he also bought 2 boxes of Huggies which your Mommy also wanted me to bring for you.

So happy strolling along Gavin! (By the way, if you will have a baby sister, the color will still be OK. I think it is your Dad’ s favorite color).

Lovingly,

Lola PI

Your First Shopping Day

2008-05-27T22:15:00.003+08:00

Dear Baby,

Did you know that as of today, you have been inside Mommy for 200 days? That means, you will be out in about 80 days. We are very very excited when the 80 days are over!

Because we realized that you are coming very soon, Mommy and I decided to bring you to your first shopping adventure!

We went to Market!Market department store to get you some cute clothes. There are so many to choose from! Mommy and I had a hard time deciding which one is better. Even if we don't know if you are going to be a boy, we both decided that we will buy some boy underwear. We hope you would not mind in case you turn out to be a girl.

Here are your first shopping items:
1. 1 white side tied shirt so that it's easy for you to put on (don't worry, we will be glad to help you with it)
2. 3 pairs of white mittens so you don't accidentally scratch your face
3. 1 white button-crotch overall that you will wear when we go out and visit Lolo and Lolas
4. 1 white cap to keep your head warm
5. 1 white hooded towel to dry you after a warm bath
6. 1 blue printed underwear

I took pictures when we got home. Here they are..

I hope you like them.

Love,
Daddy

Playing

2008-04-09T13:02:00.003+08:00

Dear Baby,

I know I promised to write about Lolos and Lolas but since i asked Mommy to write about Lolo Manny, i will talk to you about something else first.

The other day was my first time to not just hear you kick, but actually feel it on my cheek! You are really getting stronger day after day! Mommy says you love to play...what kind of games do you like to play? I see, soccer maybe?

I'm excited to take you to camping, kite flying, carnivals, driving and many more. But I can wait 'till you grow more.

I keep missing you whenever Mommy is in the hospital. But i make sure to listen for you whenever i fetch her from the hospital. In fact, that's why i felt you kick when i leaned in her tummy to listen to you. Remember to keep our "secret" stories, ok? Mommy always want to know what i whispered to you, hehe :)

I love you.

Excited to play with you soon,
Daddy

Lolo Bert

2008-01-16T14:31:00.002+08:00

Dear Baby,

Lolo Bert is my dad. Many people tell me that i look exactly just like him :) And you, would also look like me (and mommy) and even better, too! :) Too bad, you could not see Lolo Bert for now. He already went to see Jesus in heaven. But don't worry, we will see him someday.

Lolo likes to tell others about Jesus. He goes to many places so that many people can learn about who Jesus is and how important it is to know him. He really enjoys it a lot that he even left his businesses so he can focus on it. You know, he used to be a wealthy man. He had a lot of businesses like tailoring, buy-and-sell, farm, bookstore, restaurant, etc. He gave all of those things because for him, those are nothing compared to helping others love and serve Jesus.

When he was a little kid, Lolo lived in Capiz in Panay island. They transferred to Mindanao when he was old enough to go to school.

Lolo Bert met Lola Viol in school when they were in highschool. I'm sure, just like me, he also had his heart jumping whenever he saw beautiful Lola Viol :) They got married right after Lola graduated in high school.

Lolo is a very sweet person. He likes to tickle us when we were small (and even we were older). He would always say nice words to Lola to make her feel better. In the afternoon, he would even take Lola for a date down at the local park. They would buy banana-que and hold hands while talking.

But Lolo is also scary when he is angry. He does not like it when people do bad things especially about serving Jesus. He has a loud voice when he is angry. And because of that, people will make sure they don't do the bad things again. Sometimes, even our friends are scared of him until they find out that he is a sweet person.

Even though Lolo Bert is not here with us right now, we always remember him and the things he taught us. The most important of all those lessons he taught us is to always put Jesus at the center of our lives.

Here's a picture of Lolo Bert that i keep in my wallet.

2008-01-14T16:13:00.001+08:00

Dear Baby,

Do you want to hear about your lolos and lolas? Oh i have so much to tell about them! Wonderful things!

Where do you want me to start? My side of the family? Or Mommy's?

Hmm...maybe i should start with mine :) In my next letter, i'll tell you about lolo Bert.

How are you feeling? Do you like being carried around by Mommy? Sometimes, Mommy tells me she feels very tired because of walking the whole day inside the hospital. Do you hear other babies ask for milk from their mommies? Some of them just want their mommy to hold them. When you come out, Mommy and I will always carry you around. We will make sure you always get your milk.

Sleep tight, little one. Ill kiss you again tonight.

Love,
Daddy

2008-01-06T17:07:00.000+08:00

January 6, 2008

Dear Baby,

I’m here at the hospital with Mommy. Did I tell you that Mommy is a doctor? She is. She is going to help other mommies give birth to their babies. Isn’t she very important?

The other day, Mommy had some spotting (I’ll tell you what that means when you are old enough). It means that you might be affected. We were really scared so we prayed a lot that God will keep you healthy in Mommy’s tummy.Mommy and I will go to another doctor (just like Mommy) and tell her about Mommy and your condition. The doctor will tell us what to do next.

Baby, please do not come out yet, ok? You need to stay inside Mommy for a while so that you can grow better. As much as we are excited to see you already, we need to wait a little more. Don’t worry, Mommy and Daddy are preparing really hard for that time. For now, just rest in Mommy’s tummy, ok?

Love,
Daddy

Your First Photo

2008-01-03T23:36:00.000+08:00

Dear Baby,

I forgot to tell you that last Saturday, Mommy and I went to the doctor to get your very first photo. Here it is.

You are so very little! On the left box, you are the small white dot inside the big black oblong. Don’t worry if you are just that tiny dot now. Soon enough you will fill up Mommy’s tummy. I hope Mommy won’t get so tired carrying you around.

Do you know that Daddy is a good photographer? Yes, I am but don’t tell anyone, ok? It’s our little secret. And since every good photographer needs a good subject, that’s where you come in! ☺ When you come out, I will be the one to take your photos. I have a very good camera just for taking your pictures. Let’s frame them too. I can’t wait to say “smile little one” or “that’s right…great pose!”. ☺

Love,
Daddy

Where your life story begins

2008-01-01T17:07:00.000+08:00

Dear Baby,

I want to tell you how your life story begins.

About four years ago, Mommy and I met in Piadina restaurant after being text mates for almost two months. Tita Chatty and Tito Crimson played cupids so that I will be able to find your Mommy. The night that I saw Mommy, my heart leaped because she is beautiful, like an angel. You can always feel your heart do that when something wonderful is happening.

Mommy and I got to know each other deeper and then we decided that we will commit ourselves to know each other more. More than one year later, I asked mommy if she wants to spend her life with me. You see, I found in mommy everything that I would like for a wife. I am sure that she is God’s gift to me in the same way that we are sure you are God’s gift to us. Mommy said yes. My heart leaped again.

That was May 07, 2005. In March 11, 2006, Mommy and I got married. Our hearts leaped, of course!

Since Mommy and I starting a new life together, we know that there are still many things that we need to discover. So we decided, that we will wait for at least one year to have a baby. That way, we can learn more about each other and about being husband and wife.

After one year, Mommy and I talked. We said that we still have so many things to learn about each other but we are ready to get to know you. So we prayed that God give us a baby last June. God always answers prayers. Only sometimes, not the way we want them. His answer is the best, always. We can always count on that. His answer to our prayer is December even if we prayed for June.

And yes, you guessed it, our hearts leaped when we found out about you! You still have to be in Mommy’s tummy for the next eight months so that she can take care of you better. When you come out, we can play all the time.

My heart will always leap for you,
Daddy

First Note to Baby

2007-12-31T11:30:00.000+08:00

Dear Baby,

In eight months or so, Mommy and I will be seeing you face to face.
So many things came to our minds just thinking about you, your arrival, and your time with us. With the so many things that we want to do, not do and think more, we are overwhelmed. But no matter how much confused, anxious, nervous we are, one thing that is more dominant than all these – we are very very happy to have you!

I am keeping this online journal to help me and Mommy sort out those thoughts while we witness your every growth in her tummy. Someday when you start to understand adult words, daddy will read these to you one entry after another. I can't wait for that day!

Happy to be your dad,
Daddy