The Curious Tale of Kuya Biscuit, Trucks, and Other Stories

I genuinely like time alone with Yuri. At home, it doesn't feel like I'm an adult stuck with a kid (who happens to be my son) and just need to tolerate him. Instead, I often look forward to talking with my 2-year old because I sometimes burst into laughter and I sometimes learn.

TRUCKS

Yuri is 33 months old but knows more trucks and machines that any of us at home combined. I think the only one who can beat his knowledge of machinery is his dad. For example, one day, Yuri asked me to form a truck with his Mega-bloks.

Me: Anong klaseng truck gagawin ko?
Yuri: Big rig.

What is a big rig and how in earth am I going to make it out of blocks? I formed what looked like a regular truck instead and he was satisfied. Whew, disaster averted.

Last night, he wanted a "snow pyow" or snow plow.

I think I need to send my son to mechanic school or something.

IF YURI SUMMONS YOU TO DINNER, RISE AT ONCE.

Kids Say the Craziest Things

Yuri says a lot of funny things, but so far (well, until last Sunday), none were too embarrassing for us. For example, a couple of weeks ago, when we attended my grandson Andrei's birthday celebration (which I have yet to blog about!), while 2-year old Andrei was giving us an impassioned rendition of Hey Jude, Yuri suddenly said, "Nakakatakot naman kanta nya."

Bro-love (Yuri and Andrei)

Okaaaay. But it wasn't very embarrassing. Just a tongue-in-cheek remark in front of close friends. i'll make sure Andrei knows he said that in the future though.

Enter Sunday.

We were inside the shoe department of SM Lanang because my father was looking for slip-ons for traveling. There weren't any men's shoes in the Off-Price Show (which I'll tell you about tomorrow) much to his dismay, so we found ourselves in the department store.

Yuri and I were sitting on a bench when I spotted an old schoolmate from UP. He was actually just right behind us. I knew him but I'm not sure if he knows me so I didn't say hi or whatever. I just sat down and minded Yuri.

Apparently, Yuri had another thing in mind. That schoolmate of mine happened to be sporting a short beard, and since he knows only one "bearded" man in his life, he pointed to the poor schoolmate and said,

"SI JESUS!"

I quickly stood up and off we went to the toy department.

The end.

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Silly Yuri Stories: The Impromptu Shot

I think you'll agree with me when I say toddlers are truly a joy to be around. For me, it's because their innocent/naughty antics still pass off as funny and adorbs because of their cute faces!

Yuri is always fun to be around with because he's so bibo and talkative (he's kinda shy around strangers though). But out of all the funny moments we have with him, I think Wednesday tops it.

(Before I proceed, have you noticed the memes on Facebook? Yung about books, movies, memories, etc? I actually got tagged in a book meme, but I seriously haven't been reading books since I had Yuri. Bad! Anyway, I love the memes coz they remind me of what Facebook used to be like back in college, only before, we used to write the memes in notes!)

Okay, so much for that intermission. I know. Anyway, last Wednesday kasi, my mom stayed home to do Purok Leader duties. Free polio & measles vaccines were given, so she had the mutipurpose hall and facilities and food prepared. Her presence was also needed.

We really thought the vaccines given were for babies so I didn't pay much attention. Now, that morning, my mom wanted to bring Yuri along para wala lang, to play lang with the other kids and observe the nurses. My mom brought his records, too, just in case neighbors ask her what they should bring.

So yun na. As usual, Yuri was so excited to go out because he's quite the lakwatsero. Also, the multi-purpose hall is just beside the playground. I opted to stay home since I had work. Later that morning, I would receive a life-changing phone call. #chos

QOTD: Questions my 2-year old Asks

I love toddlers more than I do babies because it's the time when they develop their personality. Yes, I'm not ashamed to admit that I like Yuri now that he's a toddler than when he's a baby! I love him all the same, but I prefer the company of toddler Yuri. For starters, he asks many questions now. The questions can range from sensible to nonsense to downright funny.

Well, just writing the questions here, they might not appear as hilarious to you, but when the question came out of my 2-year old's mouth, with a squeaky voice and a curious expression and all, I was just ROFL!

Here are two of the questions I remember him asking lately:

One day, I was wearing a ratty Hello Kitty shirt at home. He took notice of the print while he was breastfeeding. He identified her eyes, nose, ears, etc. He also tried counting the flowers (operative word is "tried"). Then he asked me the question:

How to Encourage your Toddler to Talk

Let me preface this post by saying I'm no expert-mom. I'm just a regular mom who happen to be a sharer (an oversharer?) of stories especially those fellow moms will find useful.

In my own words, I'm more of an aha-mom than an alpha-mom.

I consider myself blessed to have a kid who began talking early. 16 months may not be as early as other kids, but Yuri's verbal development was rapid. I don't believe it's a product of his IQ (as his dad and grandparents like mentioning) - although I do know he's smart like all children - but a product of the environment carefully created for the purpose.

For example, last year, if you've already been reading this blog then, you will see some monthly posts where I listed Yuri's new words. Aside from serving as milestone posts (I don't trust myself with a paper), they actually serve a real reason (which I will tell you later).

Before I tackle the "tips" or the ways I did to try to stimulate his language development, let me repeat that I'm no expert - just an ordinary mom who happens to love learning. I don't think it would harm anyone of you to read and try these tips but do manage your expectations! Hehehe.

Are you ready? Here they go:

1. As an entire household, don't have moments of silence. Don't stop talking.

We didn't have any problems with these because we all love talking. In fact, the only time our home fully quiets down is when Yuri is sleeping. I think it's crucial to let the child see and hear and be aware of talking, and we all know how babies love mimicking adults.

Tip: If you are a quiet person, make an effort to always talk. No quiet time (or worse, gadget time!) please! If you find it awkward, tell your child about the activities you do. For example, "I'm washing my hands!" Or "Gusto mo maghugas ng kamay?"

2. In connection to number 1, get a talkative yaya or caregiver.

This Is What Happens When...

...you let a boy who just turned 2 dress himself up.

Sando to beat the summer heat: Check!
Cloth diaper: Check!
(This was after his afternoon nap; we wear briefs in the morning.)

Errr...

Necklace? Check!
Socks? Check!
Sneakers? Check!

Me: Saan punta mo?
Yuri: Beach!

Uhm...

Hehehe have a great weekend!

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I Have An Almost 2-Year Old

Just saying the phrase, "2-year old," amazes me. Oh my gulay, I have an almost 2-year old in my hands! It will only be a matter of weeks before my Yuri officially turns 2. My golly banana!

Time really does fly so fast. I still vividly remember the days when I can hold Yuri in the crook of one arm. And while newborn babies are completely adorable, I don't think I miss that stage because, seriously, I think I only got around 40-50 hours of sleep during Yuri's first three months. No wonder I lost weight so easily! Haha!

This time, though, I have a little boy who's completely different from that colicky newborn (who cried 3 hours a night, every night, for 3 months straight - no kidding). I have a little boy whose personality begins to emerge.

During his early toddler age, I used to think Yuri was only a rough boy. Well, I think all boys are rough. Hehe. Today, however, I can see the other facets of his personality:

1. I can see his being malambing (to me).

Despite his aversion to hugs from other people, he does welcome kisses hehe. However, as of this date, I'm the only one he kisses without prompting. When we're reading books, he would scootch into my arm and say, "Tabi mama." Awww!

2. I can see his being generous.

Okay, so you moms of older toddlers may see this will change in the (near?) future, but allow me to revel in this stage of generosity. When another child or baby comes over, as in he's the one who will go back and forth from his toy shelves to the said visitor just to know what he/she would like to play with.

For example, last Sunday, when Niña was here, he kept offering her toys and books. When she finally found one she liked, she actually snatched it from Yuri's hands. I expected Yuri to get mad but he didn't. He laughed and sat beside Niña as she played with the toy. Being the intervening mom that I am, I offered Yuri another toy, but even without it, I can see he's happy seeing another baby play with his toys. Awww.

EDIT: His Ninang George insisted I include her experience with Yuri. Haha ang dami nating testimonials, baby! During her most recent visit here, Yuri ate crackers for snacks. She jokingly asked Yuri to give her a cracker, and knowing Yuri, I expected Yuri not to give her any. He was holding two in his hand: one had a bite, one was whole... Surprisingly, he gave his Ninang a cracker. Even more surprisingly, he gave her the cracker without the bite! :D

3. I can see his friendliness (and cautiousness).

Yuri-isms: Funny and Sweet Anecdotes

The photo above has absolutely no connection to this post (nor do the other photos below). I just especially love that photo because I caught Yuri mid-fall. I was about to take his photo outside the house when he ran toward me, lost his balance, and I was able to capture it on camera! He looks like a break-dancer, no? Hahaha. I love it!

Anyway, here are the different "conversations" I've had with Yuri that I want to remember:

What does the utot say?
Me making large farty noises while Yuri laughs
Me: Pooooot!
Yuri: Hahaha!
Me: Brrrroooot!
Yuri: Hahaha!
Me: Ikaw naman. What does the utot say?
Yuri: (silent for a while, after 5 minutes)
Pft.

Naks! Demure! (More laughing ensues)

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Yuri takes book from me and intentionally turns it upside down:

Me: Baliktad baby
Yuri returns it to its right position. With a tiny voice, he says: Tama?
Me: Yes baby!
Yuri: Yeys! Ayus!

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One night, before sleeping, Yuri lined up all his stuffed toys to rub noses with them. In Pinoy-speak, nose to nose.

Yuri: Ader (Tigger), nose nose. *rubs noses*
Yuri: Pooh, nose nose. *rubs noses*
Yuri: Jawi (Jollibee), nose nose. *rubs noses*
Yuri: Opus (Octopus), nose nose.

Then, before he could rub noses with Octopus, he turned to me in shock.

Yuri: Opus uya (wala) nose!

This is the stuffed toy in question:

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We recently started selling load here in the neighborhood, and since I was home every day, I was in charge of the actual selling.

It is a good thing I have an assistant...

Me double-checking the customer's number before sending the load: 0922--
Yuri: Tama, tama!

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When Yuri was a little newborn baby, I used to sway him back and forth in my arms while humming the lullaby my dad sung to us when we were young (that's around 30 years since he started singing it to my older brother).