Kyle’s Donald Duck Halloween Costume

 

Dear AMW Friends, 

How are you doing?  It’s been almost 2 years since pandemic started and we’ve done various celebrations at home - Birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Anniversaries and a whole lot more!  The first year was a bit easier as I squeezed my brain out with a lot of ideas to surprise my 8-year old kid!  But as occasions kept on piling by, I am losing ideas and my son is growing up to be more open about his thoughts so I can’t just grab any outfit for him to wear!

He started requesting for his Halloween costume 2 years ago, it was Superman, Naruto and this year, when everyone’s on the Squid Game fad, my son strongly declined wearing ANY Squid game because he knew the game was brutal.  So this peace-loving child of mine chose to be a naughty and humorous Donald Duck instead.

Man oh Man!  How can I even purchase a Donald Duck Halloween Costume for an 8-year old?  I’ve found a lot online for babies and toddlers!  

But thankfully, with my super researcher skills and nonstop research, I guess, I succeeded in making my son happy this Halloween 2021!

I was looking for a “towel” Daisy Duck, you know those that you just put on top of your head?  Like a beach towel?  NADA!  Or maybe I found one but it won’t arrive on time so thankfully, I have a very dainty top that is close to what Daisy Duck would wear!  

What do you think?

The costume is honestly so perfect for Kyle and even more perfect to wear when he visits Disneyland.  Before pandemic happened, I was actually setting our mind to visit Shanghai Disneyland, oh well, there’s always next time but he’ll end up just wearing Donald Duck headpiece?

Fellow moms, don’t stress yourself to be all out, always remember, just keep your eyes and ears open and you’ll know the little things that could make your kid happy!  Out of everything ,my son hugged and thanked me and told me his most favorite part of the occasion is the bonding moments we have with his dad.  I mean, he did not even mentioned the costume when we prayed at night!

Please continue to stay safe guys.

I  know rules are lighter nowadays when it comes to COVID-19 but please keep in mind the virus is still there, keep safe, wear your mask, constantly wash your hands and keep social distancing.

Let’s all pray together for the healing of our world!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Is Your Kid Ready for Homeschool?

I have to admit something to you fellow mommies and daddies.

For the past years that Kyle started school, we don't have a "serious" study place because I personally don't want my son to take his studies seriously.

SHOCKING RIGHT?  

What kind of parent would want their kid not to take their schooling seriously?

Well, ME!

Kyle is a natural studious boy!  He picks books instead of toys even at the age of 2 or 3 years old.  "You should be grateful mommy!"  That's what I hear from every single parent I chanced upon whenever they see Kyle read books EVEN AT BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

It is okay to hone his serious attitude when it comes to studies, but one thing I noticed about him is how he cannot accept mistakes!  It was a long process for me to teach him to accept failure and "x" marks from school papers.  I even requested his teacher to be firm in telling him IT IS OKAY TO MAKE MISTAKES.

Kyle is way better today at the age of 7.  Still a work in progress on some areas but a huge change from his younger years!  

So the point of my LONG intro is that, I never took a "study" session as seriously as today!  Well latter part of his Grade 1, I was really serious in teaching him Chinese and Filipino but I let him be for other subjects.  But since COVID-19 happened and most schooling are to be done at home, I had to create a comfortable space for him to sit and study for 4-6 hours a day!

Our study nook - also a work in progress - came to life during lockdown and I am so grateful for ONLINE shopping!

Kyle have a LOT of art materials that I knew I had to do something about it!  Inspired by the white cart I got from my sister in law, I bought buckets from Lazada and fixed everything for him to see ALL his art materials!  It is also a wake up call for me not to purchase more!  There were a LOT dubplicates!  

Aside from fixing his art area, I also removed and kept most of the toys he does not play with!  There were loads so I've decided to donate most of them and keep the rest in a nice storage box so he can always go back to it for play time.

I pulled out my own table and got a super comfortable chair.  For kids who are studying at home, I highly recommend to invest on comfortable chair - if you plan on buying one or use an existing chair that is VERY comfortable for them to sit on!

I got Kyle a Kid2Youth DUO Ergo Chair  which I think is a great investment since this chair works for kids and adults alike.  That said, the chair will grow together with  my son!

I picked a Blue chair and you may purchase a separate cover to save up on cleaning!  The chair has a great back support which keep correct posture for my son which is super important!  Aside from that, I like the customized foot rest which helps in keeping my son "on the chair"!  

For Philippine readers, you may contact Kid2YouthPhilippines on Instagram and DM them directly on how to order.

Table accessories are also important for me to keep things organized.  An organized table will make it easier for them to focus on their studies as opposed to messy ones.

How To Care For Our Kid's Eyes

It is a worldwide pandemic.

COVID19 is really changing a lot of our usual and normal activities into something life-changing!  

As for me, I find it really hard especially for my son to adjust to a "stay-at-home-only" lifestyle.  We are always out and about especially during weekends!  We visit my parents on Saturday and go out to have fun in the mall on Sundays with my husband's parents.  

After a week or 2 of "doing nothing".  I finally came back to my senses and realized, I have to do something about this!  I came up with a very simple schedule or set of activities for my son to look forward to!  

One activity he enjoys is his "screen time" which includes him watching any of his favorite videos on Youtube (with my supervision) for 30 minutes to 1 hour max!  But before that, we study lessons he needed more attention with - Chinese Mandarin and Tagalog!  I also insert Bible Stories on Sundays!

And since I use several apps to aid my teachings, I am really concern on the eyes of my son so I've decided to share this useful information I learned from Vision Express.  

Please watch this video and see how you can protect your son's eyes from Blue Light.

What are the new tips you learned from this video?
Do you have other tips you want to share?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Kyle Had Dengue!

I was M.I.A. for so many days because Kyle got really sick on Chinese New Year's eve!  

As I picked him up from school, after watching Dragon Dance performance, his palms were extremely warm so I thought it was for the fact that he was scared of the huge dragons that made his body extra warm.

But I was a bothered because Kyle was off that whole week, teachers are telling me he wasn't in good condition and seems to be whining a lot in class.  

Have You Met Kyle's Feet?

Funny reality: Kyle owns more pairs of shoes than his dad!  

It's cute though as he is starting to play favorites.  He knew which particular pair of shoes he will pick and it usually matches and works with the outfit he is wearing!  

I've posted a couple of his new shoes and his most recent ones are from the brand Meet My Feet Kids.  Unless you live under the rock with no internet, I'm sure you heard or seen this brand because their endorser is the cutie Scarlet Snow Belo.

I've visited Meet my Feet Kids store at Glorietta mall a couple of times and it is easy to fall in love with their pairs even if your child is a boy (which most designs are limited to just a handful as most shoe brands focus on girls!).  

It is different with this brand and thankfully, aside from the "porma" I want, the shoes are comfortable enough for Kyle to walk and run!

Kyle Unboxed Ramps Toys Goodies!

Someone had a blast unboxing so many toys in ONE sitting!

Though an only child and a child I've waited so long for, Kyle isn't the spoiled type!  Ask my neighbor, they probably hear my stern voice every single day!

Though a strict mom, I make it a point to appreciate him whenever he did something good!  Just like how he was extremely good and very studious over the past weeks!  So the toys I received from Ramps Toys for Kyle which I got several days earlier was finally unboxed!

WORTH THE WAIT NAMAN DI BA?

View this post on Instagram

#KyleNash unboxed a bag full of @rampstoys goodies! Obviously it wasn’t just him who enjoyed this - pati cameraman! 😂😜 Thank you @rampstoys for making Kyle extra happy! 🥰😍 #askmemom #Ramptoys #kidstoys #unboxingtoys

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats) on Nov 17, 2019 at 11:55pm PST

I appreciate that the toys they offer are mostly innovative and very imaginative especially for kids who are into play learning just like Kyle!  Kyle specially appreciates the Dinosaur Eggs which taught him to learn to be patient as the Dinosaur Egg will crack approximately 2-3 days after!  Yes kids, Patience is a virtue..and patience will yield cute Dinosaurs!

What's your favorite toy unboxed by Kyle?

For more photos and information, follow RampsToys on Instagram.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW Family experienced Lily's Wonderland

Almost everybody I knew grew up with Lily's Peanut Butter.
In my case, I grew up with Lily's and I still have Lily's with me until my adult years!

I love our neighborhood fresh pandesal and I love it with a good 2-3 layers of Lily's Peanut Butter.

So when me and my family were invited to be part of the Lily's Wonderland, I had to clear up my schedule and be there!

What is Lily's Wonderland?

The company Newborn Food Products Inc. conducted a "Mom and Kids Health Ambassador" contest late 2018 and early 2019.  The kids who came were among the winners per school and won cash, products and a chance to visit the Production Plant of Lily's Peanut Butter.

I Will Have A Gradeschooler Soon!

I don't know about you, this may not look like a Big Deal to some of you but this is a HUGE milestone for the AMW household!

Yes, I have a Grade 1 student by next schoolyear and I can't help but feel dramatic about it, I seriously do not have a baby anymore :(

My friend teased me: "You still have around 15 years to go!", there will come a time we'll look back at these digital photos with Kyle himself and just talk about it like it was yesterday.

So I am definitely seizing EVERY SINGLE MOMENT like it was "Oh!  Seems like yesterday!".  Because I want to look back and say: "I never regret every single moment I spent time with you Kyle!" 

Happy 6th Birthday Kyle Nash!

It has been 6 years, the day I held a 2.2kg (4lbs) Kyle Nash in my arms.  I can still remember the rush of love, happiness, gratefulness that flowed through my veins.  It was indescribable.  I was left speechless and that says a lot for someone who can talk non-stop for hours and hours.

People tends to assume I don't want to have kids: "Ayaw mong sundan?" "Pwede na!  Sundan mo na!"

You know the best answer that I say nowadays that left them SPEECHLESS as well: "Kausapin niyo mattress ko." (Talk to my uterus!)

I hope the message is clear - the statement is indeed clear - I didn't have it easy with Kyle.  I knew a couple of moms who have gone through even worst but mine wasn't easy!  I remembered crying at night after taking all those hormonal pills thinking: "What have I done wrong?  Why can't I have a baby like my friends?  I'm a good person naman di ba?"  

So this, my friend, is indeed a full blessing from God.  I remembered praying earnestly every single night: "Kahit isa lang! Please, Kahit isa lang."  (Just give me one please, just one!)

So I don't want to be greedy, at this point of time, if it is God's gift and in God's time, if HE thinks I can have more HE is in charge.  As for now, I am enjoying every single moment of Motherhood.  

Kyle, I lack sleep and always wake up with painful body from your random kicks at wee hours of the night!  I get exhausted chasing you wherever we go and I felt embarrassed so many times in public whenever you threw tantrums! 

But Kyle, I am just human, so it is normal for me to have all sorts of feelings - the pains and joys of motherhood. If there's one thing I can assure you of is that  - given the chance to do this all over again - I'd say YES gazillion times. 

Because all the pain, sacrifices and efforts cannot surpass the extreme gratitude and happiness I felt every single day!  You give me more meaning to live, you made me strive to be the best version of myself because I know you look up to me (and your dad) as an inspiration.  You made me the best person that I can be.

Askmemom: KinderCity Review

We love to go to Nuvali because Kyle likes to do some "fishing".  

When he talks about fishing, it literally means "feeding the orange fishes" at Solenad!  Have you been there and your family mommies?  I find that activity to be extremely relaxing and fun!  Even my dad-in-law was hooked!  I just don't know how many packs of fish food he bought just to make sure all the "slim fishes" gets their share of food!  *laughs*

It was raining so hard when we went to Nuvali so we had no choice but to feed fishes under an umbrella then keep ourselves dry at the nearby mall - Vista Mall.  

Vista mall is a kind of mall I love to stay in, I'm not much of a shopping girl, all I need in a mall is --- less crowd, ATMs availability, coffee shops, good restaurants and of course, kiddie play areas which the mall has a lot of!

One of the biggest kids play area located at the topmost floor is called KinderCity.  You won't miss it!  Kyle obviously didn't and pulled are hands and wanted to go in immediately.

NOTE: This was our 2nd time at KinderCity and I believe won't be the last.

You have to make sure to bring your own socks but you can always purchase from them.  You have to pay kids and adults separately and unlike Kidzoona and other kids play area - you cannot do shifting!  If you plan to go out and change "bantay", you have to pay this new adult's admission fee which I think isn't the best idea - I get them, most adults take selfies there but seriously, most adults can't play and are just sitting inside, I wish they would follow the rule as that of other kids play area -- just my humble opinion.

Now back to the review, KinderCity is refreshing, it's not the usual kids play area that you see, yes, they have the basics --- toys to play with, basketball court, ballpit etc...but what I love about KinderCity is how fairytale lovers would appreciate - someone like Kyle.

His imagination went wild when he played Captain in this huge boat!

Tiny Buds Rice Baby Products Review

The first time I blogged about Tiny Buds products, I already knew about the brand as it was Kyle's FIRST toothpaste brand!  Little did I know that they have a wide range of products and so far, I've used them all up and I'm impressed.

Then, their product line expanded and I've tested their Rice Baby Powder and loved it so much I purchased more for my dad (who's bedridden from stroke) and every time I massage his back, I tease him that he's my baby too!

So the brand is very close to my heart!  So when I saw their new line of Rice Baby products, I gave it a go right away!

Tiny Buds Rice Baby Bath (Php175.00) is a low foaming wash.  I love the mild baby scent and it is paraben free so my son's skin is soft and smooth after every wash.  

Tiny Buds Rice Baby Lotion (Php185.00) on the other hand is what I use, Kyle is not a lotion user but the mom is, so to make sure my son is safe, I use baby products on my skin so kissing and hugging is widely welcomed!

And of course, my review still stands on the Tiny Buds Rice Baby Powder, feel free to read full review HERE.

Have you tried Tiny Buds products?

What's your favorite?

For more product information, visit http://tinybudsbaby.com .

Follow and Like them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pg/tinybuds)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Family's Amari Moments

The last time we took a professional Family Portrait was December 25, 2013 (Kyle was less than a year old back then!)  

I clearly remembered that day because it was a random thought to have a professional photo taken for his first birthday invites.  For the next few years, we took amateur photos with the help of family members and friends!  But to be honest, I wished we have at least one family portrait a year!  Because this kid is growing so fast I can't keep track!  

When photographer friend Myra Ho messaged me inviting my family to have our portraits taken by her at Amari Moments Studio in Tomas Morato, who can say no to that?  I've met Myra on several occasion during The Body Shop events and she always takes great photos!  

And this is just ONE out of the many great shots she produced!

Well 2, actually, MORE!

The studio can be easily found at Waze (Type Winland Tower).  The tower itself do not have parking slots but you can easily park in front of the building or beside the building.

Digital Story App You May Want To Try with Your Kid!

Mommies!

Can't veer your kids away from electronic devices?  You want them to read stories and books?

Well, if you can't beat them...JOIN THEM!

As a kid who grew up in a very conservative and strict family, I still pass down the values I learned from my parents to my son and of course, I did a bit of twist.  I welcome electronic device because hey, we are in this world were kids really have to learn to use them, and yet, I make sure my son stick to my rules on using them in moderation - same as playtime and study time - everything has to be in moderation.

My son loves to read books, books are his happiness!  As much as a lot of you may want me to rejoice, well, there will always be a downside of something "too much".  Because he loves his books so much, he tends to be engrossed on them and sometimes, forget I"m right beside him!  I like it when he engage me in his "story world" but I sometimes think it's not enough and I want more "human time"!

I recently discovered an app from Star Margarine which I shared on my Instagram page which I enjoyed so much!  Yes, kasama ang I!  Why?  Because we had more conversation with this than his books!

All you have to do is check out this link --- https://starmargarine.com/

Upload your photo and your kid's photo and that's it!

Warble Store Launch

What is The Art of Play?
I've seen what it is during the launch of Warble at Shangrila-Mall early this week.  I am happy to announce that my own style of playing with Kyle is similar to what they offer.

Lots of shapes, colors for the babies, toddlers and kids to touch and feel.



Action songs guided by teachers for them to have constant movement to encourage creativity, social skills and motor skills development.

I love how the Alphabet Phonics song were introduced with kids holding colorful sticks and going along with the letters of the Alphabet. 

AskMeMom: Erceflora ProbiBears Review

When Kyle turned 3 years old, he was the mini version of FLASH the superhero and I'm not pulling your arm when I tell you --- this boy has the energy of a wrestler bottled in a kid's body!  He runs around so quickly I had a hard time chasing him and mine you, I am really good in running!  I used to join Track and Field!  

Oo na, he obviously got his energy from me!  Kyle is not a picky eater, he can eat Ampalaya (Bittergourd) like a construction worker and he loves his milk!  Unfortunately, Kyle got his dad's weak tummy!  We tend to just stick to one brand of milk and you wouldn't believe when I tell you he had upset tummy immediately after I let him drink my favorite Iced Tea!  

As advised by his Doctor, it is best to add Probiotic Supplement to help tummy problems and it can also help ease diarrhea and constipation!  

Kyle takes his medicine like an adult too!  I don't do the "flying airplane" method as he readily opens his mouth as long as he knew what that is for!

But, since he already have his fair share of vitamins and supplements!  I wanted to add Probiotic Supplement in a fun way!  Thankfully, there's Erceflora ProbiBears!

Kyle started to develop his sweet-tooth when he started preschool!  He must've seen his classmates eat their reward lollipops and candies!  So thankfully, Erceflora ProbiBears falls into the category of somewhat like a "reward" milk candy (Yes, I've tried them too!)

Erceflora ProbiBears is a yummy tummy supplement with the combined 2-in-1 PROBIO-BOOSTER of not just Lactobacillus acidophilus, but also Bifidobacterium lactis – good bacteria that help prevent gut problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and other digestive illnesses to help keep kids happy and healthy every day.It’s the delicious and healthy way to strengthen your child’s tummy in yummy chewable bears!Lactobacillus is good bacteria that are present in a lot of food. A study has shown that Lactobacillus was an effective treatment against infant colic and even helped improve immunity. Bifidobacterium, on the other hand, helps ease digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence. It also has a longer shelf life.

Staycation Buddies

If you follow me on Social Media, you probably saw that I spent last weekend staying at Sofitel Philippine Plaza as to prepare for my sis-in-law's Engagement Party.

Engagement parties in Chinese culture is somewhat a big deal, it is similar to "Pamamanhikan" (Read about it HERE).

I don't have to stress enough how my 24 hours a day will never be enough for all the tasks I need to finish!  I just visited my parents the day before and arrived late at night so packing is really not my thing!  Thankfully, I was armed with these stuff to keep me sane!  

Happy Mother's Day To All Of Us Supermoms!

I can never get enough of Motherhood. 

I love how LIFE is teaching me mini-lessons every single day and I'm loving it!  

AMW wears: Zalora Pants, Nomination Bracelet and Alberto Shoes

Don't think this is all flowery for me ha?  Whatever you see on #AMWIgStories and Instagram are just a snippets of my daily life, in reality, it seems like everything was in Fast Forward, I don't have much of a breather.

And I only have 1 kid!

I personally take daily photos with my son inside the car before he heads to school,
I call this my own #365daysofKyle project.

Space Adventure at The Mind Museum

When your son live and breathe space since 2 years old, you'll know the Space Adventure at the Mind Museum is a MUST place for him to visit!  

Grateful that my dad's situation was better during the weekend of Space Adventure Grand Opening.  After rushing back from my dad's home, I went with my family to the Mind Museum and let me indulge you with Kyle's happiness!

Okay, he didn't look THAT happy in this photo as he was itching to rush to activity after activities and I kinda forced him to take a photo first for remembrance!  hahaha

With a Saturn cap on my head, the mom is also ready to feel the excitement!

Space Adventure: Journey to the Wonders of the Universe is an exhibition conceived and created by The Mind Museum, with the support of exhibit partners Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Neltex, LEGO, and Celestron, Urban Greens, Datem, and Daegu National Science Museum.

AskMeMom: Kyle's First Birthday Celebration in School

A lot of YOU asked me on both emails, DMs and even texts --- How Do You Manage Your Time?

Well, I don't know about you but it takes years of practice!  I started time management as early as gradeschool years!  With all the assignments I get (4 exams plus Chinese memorization for both Language and History), I learned to really count every minute and follow my own timetable!

All of you AMW friends knew how busy my life is especially if you follow me on Social Media, but for the latter part of March and the whole month of April, my schedule is even worst!  With my dad's  recent stairs accident and stroke, I had to add in daily visits to the hospital (now: HOME).

What made my life even more challenging is the fact that I have to continue to be there for my son who needs and seeks my attention much more than ever!  

And since April 16 was his 5th birthday and a FIRST for him to celebrate in school (his previous school was on summer vacation during his birth month.), I knew I had to at least give him a decent celebration because even with troubles coming my way, life does not stop there!

A huge shoutout to my loving hubby for taking workday-off to help me out on this!  THANKS MR. AMW!

The food part was easy, we ordered fastfood on that day and even purchased his requested "Red Ribbon" cake.  Thankfully, they offer a Jollibee cake  which matches the food theme.

Now let's talk about the loot bag!  I obviously do not have time to go to "Divisoria" like other moms so I obviously went for the easier route -- ONLINE SHOPPING.

One of the Online Shopping App I always go for is Shopee - I learned about the effectiveness of Shopee through my sister-in-law because she also has a shop there!

Scholastic Warehouse Sale

My son loves BOOKS, it is probably safe for me to say right now that: "I have a book-lover!" and I can't be happier!  I was a book-lover too!  I used to borrow books from my classmates every summer and read books so fast it took me just 4-5 days for a Daniel Steele novel!

And because I am the type of mom who really supports what my kid loves (learned that from my own momma!), I always take him to bookstores, buy him loads of books (guys, I can't even count just how many books he has right now!) 

Kyle's version of "Mommy's Reward" is actually a new book and I get "kilig" whenever I see how his eyes lit up whenever there are new books around!

Mas nag-cocomplain na ang yaya, I should stop buying books na daw as he has too much.  What is too much when kids learn from it right?  Back me up fellow mommies!  Si yaya talaga negatron! *hahaha*

Because I am assured that you mommies will support me, can I support you back by sharing to you one of my favorite SALE?

Scholastic Warehouse Sale!

"Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, is happy to announce that the much awaited SCHOLASTIC WAREHOUSE SALE is happening this summer until May 27, 2018. We have a wide selection of picture books, board books, fiction and non-fiction books, classics, young adult books, popular series, and arts and crafts for as low as P50! To add, we also have a P3 for 100 promo on selected books so for sure you will not leave the sale empty handed. We also have an ongoing raffle promo. Shoppers can win Harry Potter Hardbound Chest Box, Grolier Talking English, complete set of Hunger Games, and other exciting prizes."