Letter to my brats

Dear kids,

You're two of the millions of children who barely get to see your parents while we're away at work. Unfortunately, we can't take you to playgroups or the park everyday, nor do we get to go out everyday. By the time we get home, our special time is spent eating dinner (or when you decide you want to eat), watching TV, reading books and brushing our teeth. Even if that's all we can do in our limited times at night, you bet we're enjoying that bonding we get to do. Just remember, we both work to secure your futures. We live in a metropolis where we can't afford having just 1 income. Because this is what we chose to do, we chose to live here, we made choices that allow us to live the kind of life we want to expose you to. We may not have always made the right choices, but we're working very hard to fix "mistakes" or better yet, they are helping all of us to become the people we need to be. We never looked for the easy way out (whatever that is) and we want you to learn the value of working your way up in the real world. Trust us--this world needs people like that in order for it to operate.

Love yous,

mama + papa

My conscientious son

Tonight, in my toddler son's presence, I shared frustrations with my husband in the same room about our mobile provider. I was so pissed off that my tone took over.

My son, thinking I was fighting his dad, calmly walked to where I was sitting and asked of me, "Mama, don't talk that way." I gave him a kiss and assured him I wasn't mad at his papa. Then he walked to his dad and said the same thing.

I'm rather amazed that he is taking the initiative to calm me down. I see in him a son that I can rely on during tough times.

A sad little entry

More days than not, I think about the missing kids I read about and their parents who live another day not knowing where they are. I can not imagine the tension and the hole, and I hope I never have to feel it.

Then there are those who have lost a child to death, and even though I can't feel that pain, just feeling what I feel for them sinks me in my own sadness.

Even before I was a parent, I've already harbored such emotions. In the earliest of my adolescent years, I had already felt the urge that I need to help children in unfortunate situations. I haven't quite done much at all, but I'm working on it.

I do now believe my calling is in that department. Now that I have kids I have a stronger urge to protect them, to spare myself the lifetime depression from any bad incidents, and to get involved with organizing awareness that will fight child trafficking, abuse, murder.

Rear-facing carseats: INFO for parents

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/21/car.seat.guidelines.parenting/index.html?hpt=Sbin

You want to talk to me about fast-paced?

Oftentimes, job postings always want an applicant who can face a fast-paced environment.

They must be talking to mothers. Specifically, mothers with two toddlers.

There is nothing faster-paced in this world than having two toddlers who are in their own separate worlds, while there is only one mom. When one kid needs a diaper change, the other kid is climbing up on something. When the other kid needs a new diaper, the other one is pouring out a box of toys to add to the mess of toys already on the floor.

When I go to make my coffee, there will be screaming. Or something else. But it takes about 10 minutes or so to make instant coffee, and in those 10 minutes, I've already settled 4 different issues.

I give it up to moms who are taking care of 3 toddlers, or 4, or you know, lots of kids by themselves. I'm not trying to get on that level. 2 are enough for me, and yes, it's stressful work.

Mind you...that's just the stress at home. I'm a working mom. I come home from 9 hours of being at work, to a house full of love and mess.

Kiddie updates

I don't think I've been keeping this blog truly updated at all. Don't blame me... blame, uh, time is too fast!!

In a nutshell, here are the kids' updates.

Aubrey: had a recent bad week with getting one of her fingers cut on an exercise bike, got sick with a fever, loves to sing so much (favorite song is "Tomorrow" from Annie), eats like a slob, loves to eat, loves to dance, gets annoyed with her big brother

Gerard: getting in trouble a lot, also got sick, developed a very bad spoiled habit (tell him to go to time out, and he'll tell YOU to go to time out... or, tell him to stop asking for cookies and he'll tell YOU to leave/go to work/go away)

All is well in camp Hernandez. Except for mama, who is having a real hard time keeping the house immaculate due to logging in more work hours than usual and adding more to the plate with her hobbies.

Friends to grow with

Well, that was a lot of fun.

Tonight was my friends' son's birthday, and it was also the first time I've seen some old friends in a while.

These were the cool cats I used to see almost every weekend when we were in our 20s. Now, we only see each other during our kids' birthdays or special occasions. Whereas before, we were talking about guitars and drums and concerts, now we're giving each other advice on brushing teeth and how to feed toddlers.

It's amazing when your friends also grow with you into parenthood. Just one of life's wonderful gifts.