Daily Blessed Experiences

Our son is growing up right before our very eyes! These are amazing moments in the steps of our lives. Totally new blessed experiences that bring joys and smiles to us, our families and friends. Photo shows us having dinner at Italianni's in Bonifacio High Street.

Photo shows Rafael exploring what the white Black and Decker electric fan is made of.

These blessed experiences, thanks to Him, include:

1. Sofa surprise. One night in May 2011, dad suddenly saw Rafael in the sofa. He just moved into the kitchen to prepare dinner as mom as changing to “pambahay.” Within a few seconds, he was able to climb over his playpen and got himself seated in the sofa. He was looking guilty that moment. And it seemed that Angel CG plucked him out of his playpen and placed him in the sofa.

2. Playcar. He has outgrown the play car that Carla, Geneve and Nicole had sent by balikbayan box last year. He still can squeeze into the driver’s seat but his weight challenges him to move around our Greenhome. Now, we have to hide it from him as he tries to fall asleep but is quick to find out where we hide it.

3. Twelve kilos. Yes, his weight. He now weighs nearly 12 kilos. Nearly as heavy as dad’s black Macbook. During our last trip at Subic Zoofari, I was carrying Rafael most of the time around the place, together with my laptop inside my red Samsonite knapsack. That’s nearly 25 kilos on dad’s back.

4. More than 25 words. As he turns two by the 25th of May, he should be saying 25 words. Well, he knows more than 25 words. Word like iPad and juice, and all the names of the characters in Disney Playhouse!


5. Toddler class. These are major steps in our lives as parents. Rafael going to “Smart Explorers” playing and learning. Photo shows Rafael during his first day as an official smart explorer.

These are among the many blessed beautiful moments that happen in our daily lives with Rafa! There will definitely be more experiences to look forward to, but for now, can we just stop and cherish these moments!

1st Toddler Class

Last Thursday, Rafael took his first steps at "Toddler" Class at Smart Explorers Pre-School. Yes, our loving son is meeting new and old friends at "Toddler" Class. There were about five little boys in the class. One of them is Padi Wenceslao, the boy who lives besides our condo unit.


The next day, Rafael seems restless around 11am. He didn't want to sleep and seem expecting to go to his "Toddler" class. Guess, he thinks it would be part of his daily routine. Not yet Rafael. Maybe, twice a week, all through this summer!

Rafael is a smart explorer

Kids are all smart explorers.

They are naturally curious of things, gadgets and colors around their environment. At home, Rafael is already an explorer. Whether it be around the book shelves or under the wooden sofa, which is vintage furniture from our tour duty in Saigon, Rafael's curiosity will take him to all nooks and corners of our Greenhome. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him under the sofa reaching out for his toy car or a piece of Lego.

He now can reach the ref and call out "apple juice." He could pick out the small bottled water in the ref and gulp from it. Soon, he could reaching our front door knob. Now, we always have to lock the door. He punches the keyboard of dad's Macbook.

At "Smart Explorers" Pre-school, last 5 May 2011, Rafael discovered and explored his new playground. And it's very convenient as it is only a few meters away from our Greenhome in Legaspi Village. Teacher Melay (in a green T-shirt) welcomed Rafael with wide open warms and widest smiles!

There are more bright colors and helmets in all shapes and sizes. Plus, a trampaulin and slide. Music provides for a fun and happy environment. It may not as big and wide as Gymboree at Rockwell but is definitely a much better and safer playground that Legaspi Park!

Here's a video that Cecile took of our son's first official day as a smart explorer!