Terrorizing my kitchen !

What a little terror! Dylan would love to just take everything that is on my bottom cabinet where I put all the plastic storage containers. He would not leave unless he took them all out. What fun he gets out of that? I sure do not know. Not fun to me because I would put all of it back again and over and over again until Dylan finds it boring anymore to play with plastic containers. How many times I have neatly arrange those containers according to their size and get a surprise that when I open the door, it is everywhere... Not fun ! But when you have a 17 month old in the house who would rather trade playing with my plastic food storage or pots and pans than a $30 leaf learning frog I bought for him last christmas, I think it is "priceless". To see him enjoy doing that and explore.

Christmas 2006

Where did the year go? Seems like we just got back home from a long trip to the Philippines and now it is Christmas again in a few more hours. Nothing can compare how we celebrate holidays in the Philippines. It is more festive and family oriented. I will one day would like for us to spend holidays there one day. Dylan needs to see that one side of my culture I grew up and enjoyed it so much ! I want him to experience what I been missing all these years. I don't complain because I am thankful that we have a goodlife inspite of all....

The house smell good from my short rib stew and roasted vegetables cooking and i am listening to a "little drummer boy" right now. This is nothing compare to what I cook for christmas in the Philippines. More food because there's more people showing up !

Tonight we will be opening the presents. It is a tradition here that gifts were open on christmas day not on the eve. Oh well, MIke is working tomorrow early and I dont think Michael can wait anymore.

As for Dylan the first gift I wrap he wnts to open it. After that he never bothers the presents under the christmas tree again. This morning he was handed one to me and wants to open it, told him we will open later tonight.


About couple of days ago, Dylan just feel like sweeping our floor. I guess he see us do it. He knows where we put the broom and the dustpan so he took liberty of doing that and start sweeping. He just look so cute. Days like that that I never complain at all but rather very thankful that God bless me and Mike of such a joy in Dylan !

Afraid of Santa

It's been a while since I post, been busy with just about everything. Dylan, work, house work etc etc... Housework, i dont mind ! Dylan absoultely fine ! But work, oh I am just bored now. Looking at those bad credit all day longgggggggggg.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the mall to do our final shopping and about the holiday rush. Ok, there is Santa Claus in the far end of the mall to take pictures with the kids. Got Dylan a nice outfit and waited about an hour just to find out that he dont like having his picture taken with Santa. He' s scared of him ! Santa's helpers, women as elves did they can to stop him from bawling, they all failed ! Even us did the same but tears from Dylan's face just come running... We ask the helpers if when he stop crying we can comeback. well she said " the line were too long" Ok maybe we will try again next year !

We can't make Dylan to stop crying so I just grab him and getting ready to leave but Santa gave us a "101 when it comes to taking a child to have picture with him" Who's fault it is? Dylan just scared of him, period.

The picture says it all !

Gobble Gobble !

Ok it is Thanksgiving again. Seems like it was yesterday. Last year Dylan was only 4 months and we were in Cochran. He do not know what the heck was going on. He was being pass around, kiss here and there by strangers he dont know at all. Oh well it was just his daddy's family admiring him for his looks.

This year we stayed in Houston not because we want to but we have to. Mike and I have to work which is not fun. On Thanksgiving day I woke up late, Dylan and Mike was at the kitchen, His daddy was feeding the little rascal. As they were both watching the parade on tv. As we were planning the night before to watch the parade live, oh well that didn't happen.

Dylan took a long nap during the day while I savor my little peace and quiet time around the house. Ok it is quiet but I am not just lounging and watching tv all day. I am making some pecans and cleaning the kitchen at the same time.

To me it is just another day off, another excuse to do some stuff around the house and hang out with my "little buddy" !

As soon as I am feeling tired and wanting to get some needed rest, I heard the little monster crying. Oh boy, Dylan is up. Not only he's up, but he is cranky, crabby and crying ! Yeah the 3 C' s of toddler's life. Welcome to my world.....

So I took him outside as he was pointing at our door. Took him out and Dylan is still cranky. Sat him on my lap and still cranky. He want something else. Finally he showed me what he really wants..... As i followed him, dylan took me to the garage and pointing at our SUV. Now i get it. This little monster wants to go driving.

It fascinates me how Dylan at his early age already knows what he wants and what he doesn't. But where will I take him? For christ sake it is Thanksgiving day and almost all strores are close.

I gave in and we went to get a $1 movie at redbox rental at Mcdonalds. There's not really much to choose from. It's a long weekend for some so all the new release and good movies are out. Dylan dont have to pick a movie, he does not know that yet so I picked "The Wild" . There is not much to say but the Koala Bear is my favorite, he is so funny ! Dylan did not watch it a lot. As we got back home, he is sleepy again for some reason and wants his milk. Lay him down and fall asleep.

Happy Halloween

Saturday was hectic day. We celebrate Halloween a bit earlier since I am working late on the 31st. We went to Kemah for their annual "boo at the Kemah boardwalk". It was so much fun. This year Dylan gets to be the "tiny ninja" . He looks so adorable with it. Last year he was a "batman". Time fly by so fast, last year Dylan was just a tiny "nut" and now he's as handful as he can be. Did'ne get lots of candies but I made sure I got a couple of "suckers" for him. That day when Dylan gets to taste his first candy. We gave him one, he licks and drools. I sucker down and he wants more ! But of course Mike being around, one was enough.

It was very crowded at the boardwalk. The kids looks very adorable and cute with different costumes they have on. Dylan spotted pumpkins and he took the tiniest one that he can hold. There were other ones but it was so heavy and huge. There was one huge pumpkins in the middle where everyone can guess how much it weighs.

Our dinner was at Joe'sCrab. It was good. Dylan was kept busy by watching the table next to us with 3 young boys. At least they keep him entertain. He loves the ccorn bread and almost anything we fed him that night. There's this lady too that makes balloons into different shapes. We got Dylan a "black cat" just because it was Hallloween. Turns out he bites it and later pop it.

Copy Cat

Sunday night I was watching my fav show on TV-Desperate Housewife while I was battling my "never" ending allergy. Mike and I was watching the show, our little Dylan was on the other side of our sofa. He's playing, walking , playing and walking. Just do not sit still. And me sneezing so hard and many many times caught the little green monster attention. He came up to me, stood right next to his beloved mama and copy my sneezing. Just like me but a miniture version. But I didn't get it. I thought he learn something new from the book I read for him earlier that morning - "The Three Little Pigs" . So I told Dylan " Achoo the big bad wolf" . Mike said I dont think so. "I think he is copying you". Then he start laughing... Dylan is the same way. He copied me as if he was sneezing too but in a more mischievous way. What a stinker ! "hmmm, how can a 14 month old toddler can make fun like that. I think it is cute and very hilarious. I guess Mike and I will be watching what we do from now on. Monkey sees and monkey do.

Curly hair no more?

One Saturday afternoon, I was surprise when Dylan came out of his room from an afternoon nap with a short hair. He looks like a little man now. More boyish and handsome. Mike cut his hair while I was at work because he knows I would not let him cut Dylan's hair for the first time. I would like to take him to a professional. Well he did a good job. Ask him if Dlan gave him a hard time, he said he's fine ! Hmmm , I wonder if he tied him, gave him some Nyquil or sleeping pill. That boy would not sit still on his highchair for more than 20 minutes without getting antsy. Now that Dylan's hair is short it is much easier to comb, it is not everywhere. He looks more cuter than ever !

I save some of his light brown locks and kept it. Next time mommy and daddy is looking for Dylan's first teeth that fell off. I dont I am ready for that. I enjoy him this much, this age.. I'm sure Mike too.

Now I know that raising a kid is time consuming and tiring because they take up most of our time, but I also realize that it is all "worth it". I can just look a my son's face and everything is fine.

It was October 21, 2006 when Dylan got his first haircut.

How did he know?

Oh well Dylan did so many things that I find so cute and adorable. Like last night he got hold of his milk bottle from his baby baby bag. Took it and went straight to me while pointing at the fridge. He can't talk yet but i know what he exactly want. Dylan wants milk ! I still ask him if he wants some "mik mik" , and sure he did. You just got to give it to him in a matter of seconds because he is such an impatient little man.

When he wants something to eat, he will let you now because he will not stop until you take him to the kitchen. I guess he see me and his daddy where we out food. And oh his favorite food to eat all the time- Yo baby Yogurt. His face would just lit up once he see the carton.

A while ago I was giving him some baby snacks, I sign language " want more" and he does the same thing I was doing. Sometimes he do it right away sometimes he dont. But I am not worried about that since I know Dylan understands his mama.


He does not talk yet or say any word clearly but "mama", dada" baba" mam mam". Nothing that we adults can understand. Although when I ask him to about his binky, shoes, sharmon, where is dylan, bird bird, cho cho train, bear bear, bottle, mik mik, teteeth(brushing the teeth) he knows. I think in his own time he will just one day talk to me non stop.

Dylan oh Dylan

In a blink of an eye, my Dylan was already 14 month old. Soon he will be a teenager and before I knew it - a grown up man ! That is why I enjoy every moment I get to spend with him. Dylan just give me so much fun. He is such a fun baby ! very cute ! smitten by him all the time. He can't talk yet but he make sure he gets what he wants. He points at something that he wants and if you gave him what he was aking for then he would grunt, or cry , or simply irritable. Last night, I gave Dylan a small piece of cheese pizza and he sure loves it. I was washing the dishes and a paper towel fell off the floor, Dylan was right next to me, pick up the paper towel and wipes his mouth and took off to go to his daddy. I think that is so cute for him to do that. I haven't told him that but he sure remebers that a paper towel is for wiping..

Last night he was sitting on his high chair eating, then he turns around and pointed to me the elephant. Since I been teaching him that, he now knows.. What a smart baby !

Also a while ago, I gave him a small cookie that our dog Sharmon who's been trying to get from him since I gave it to Dylan. anyway the poor dog just got a punch from his nose from who else but Dylan who laughs after doing so.

The very first thing he learn from me was the " cho cho train". Dylan was about 5 months old and I taught him where the cho cho was in his room. It was the quilt that was a gift to him with cho cho train. before when ask him "where's the cho cho train"? he would look at it, his big brown eyes. Now he points at it ! he points at the bear bear, duck duck and the bird bird ! Yeah I said those to him twice since I read that teaching a child like Dylan's age help them comprehend a lot faster if you say the word twice...

Then he discovers that it is alot easier to open the fridge, just a little bit of elbow grease. He thinks it is fun.

One day I ask told him doggie say "woof woof" , and I made some piggy sound. And while i was doing those sounds, he stood up and went to his toys and pick up the "animals book", oh my Dylan knows....

And what about when he is hungry or wants something to eat???? Dylan would take you exactly where to go. His high chair ! It means mommy feed me. One time he even holds his high chair !

Since he start walking we can't keep up with him anymore. Gotta go outside all the time. I just love playing with him outside the yard with Mike of course.

In a couple of weeks it is Halloween again and I am very excited. I get to dress Dylan in a costume. He sure hates anything that goes on his head so I will try to get him something that does not have a mask, a hat etc etc. I'm sure he will be stinkin' cute.

For a while I gotten crazy about buying him shoes since he start walking. I think he should have shoes for every outfit to match. Is that some crazy new addiction of mine????? Also I just can't stop buying him clothes. He just got to have something new all the time.

I just wish we can spend more time with him if we dont have to work. ....

She fought till the end............

A couple of hours ago, I was all in a happy mood. Yay no work tomorrow and I can sleep in late. Getting ready for bed but I decided to check my yahoo email. As I was reading my little brother Marc's email, I was suddenly in shock ! My sister in law died of breast cancer Friday night.... We all know this is coming and I always told Mike that I am just waiting for them to let me know and yet it comes to me as a shock. It felt as if I am a soldier not ready to go to a war. I am very very sad about her fate. I am very very sad too for the loss of my niece and nephew's mother. And I am deeply sorrow for my oldest brother to loss a good wife who stand by him all the years of their marriage. Sometimes life seems not to be fair. Why does she has to be. Grace love life, it's simplicity. Giggles to all my news and updates about Dylan. I told her about all the stages of my pregnancy with Dylan and up to our last email which is Dylan's birthday whereabouts. She is always excited to hear news about us. And now that she is gone, who will email me as often as she can just to ask "how am I doing" ? I never realize this just now...

It hurts to think that for those people who wants to live longer dont get the chance and yet some people just waste their lives. I know Grace fought for her life till the end but her precious and tired body cannot take it anymore.

I cannot sleep just because I am in denial nor in acceptance that she's gone for good. I am so worried about their two young kids who never get to enjoy their mother as much as they would. For my brother who dearly loves his wife and for him to see her suffer and die. I dont think I can bear to see all of that.

Grace, I know you want to live longer and see your kids grow, I am sorry that you never get to see that anymore. I know that you would like to get better but your poor body is just tired and weary. May you be forever young and beautiful where ever you are as you look down on us everyday. Rest in peace.

One Step At A Time

Dylan is finally walking. Not that good yet but he's sure trying. he dont sit still anymore. Like to walk, walk and walk. Every afternoon I would take him infront of our house so he can get some practice walking. The problem is once we are outside, he would cry if I take him inside. Over the weekend, i bought him a new pair of shoes. For walking ! But of course mama has one too...

When I saw him walk all the way to hall for the first time, it dawned on me that Dylan is no longer a baby, well to me he is still. Seems like yesterday, I was just holding him for the first time in my arms after my c sec delivery and now he is already taking off on me. I am not ready for it. I dont want him to grow up ! Dylan growing up it is inevitable. Before I knew it, he is 18 years old, introduce me to his beautiful girlfriend and moving out to go to college. I know that I sound so advance but I know it will all happen one day. My sweet little boy is no longer a baby !

Sometimes his tiny hands likes to hold my hand and I love it. I felt that security he has holding me, his mama ! But for most of the time , he would just simply wants to walk on his own.

If one day, Dylan's wife would ask me - how old was Dylan when he starts walking? At least I can answer - 13 months ! And she would say oh maybe our son/daughter would walk at about the same age as their daddy... I have this blog to go back to.

Are women really tough on other women????

Ok, I am the new kid on the block - the newest employee on the 2nd floor. The new recruit, the newest face on the team etc etc. I would like to believe now that wherever it is women tends to be tough on other women. How did I come up with this conclusion? Simple, I am experiencing it right now with my new job. I dont know why would someone would treat new employee like they dont belong there. Am I overacting or paranoid that they feel like that against me. Why? How? What did I do. I dont think I am annoying , not even obnoxious ! I am very friendly, smile and often say Hi and Hello.

When I was training people at Chase, I dont treat them like I just met them today ! I always try to make them feel comfortable and help them with what I can. Strike a conversation, ask them if they have dogs, what is there background. I just ask those questions not to pry on their personal lives, but just to break the ice.

Sometimes I would ask myself? Am I not a likeable person? A person who is misjudge by looking at my personal apperance first before knowing me as a person? Or maybe women are jsut being tough on other women? Ironic it is that ony with women I felt a resentment not true with the opposite gender.

Question? What should someone like me who just wants to fit in and make some new friends has to do? The answer is, no matter how much I try to make friends, please everyone and fit it, it will never gonna work. Why? Because some people are not like me, some people dont care and some are really Bitches !!! yeah and there are many of those where I work now.

Like I have always tell myself..........I dont care if they dont like me, because I dont like them either.

What goes around comes around.

For Dylan

I have written this for Dylan, for his first birthday.... I love you very much Kiddo !

A year ago today......

…Went to have my one last big meal the night before because the following day I will be scheduled for c-section.... I don’t think I can have epidural free delivery.
... 20 minutes of labor ended up the doctor telling me a C-Section was necessary.
... My worst fears was realized as I laid on the operating table.
... I realized the greatest bliss in the world when I heard Dylan muffled cries were heard. I saw when my dr pulled him with one eye open and he told me he looks exactly like me.
... I saw a pride in Mike I never imagined as he came back from seeing our son and said "He looks just like you. Kiss me and told me that I did a good job.
... I felt love stronger as I looked at my son's face for the first time.
... I held my son for the first time and said, "I don't really know what I am doing quite yet, but I will do everything to learn. I will give you the world, Dylan." And I meant it.
... I realized just how huge and incredible my purpose in this world really is.
... I realized what people mean when they say they would kill for their child.
... I knew a fear, a love, a pride, uncertainty never known before.

A year ago today, James Dylan Coley was born at 8:28 AM, weighing 6 pounds 8 ounces at 20 3/4 inches long. A year ago today, I held my heart in my hands for the very first time.

I can't believe it has been a year. It seems like lifetimes ago, yet like yesterday. I remember every detail - every sight, every smell, every sound was the most incredible, life-altering day in my life. There is something so breathtaking and magical about looking at a perfect little face, gazing into beautiful eyes, having a tiny hand wrap around your finger. Knowing that that face, those eyes, and that hand - that is you. That is your child, your legacy, your one chance to do it right. I know Dylan picked me and Mike, as parents, and I will do everything I can to continue to be the best mother in the world for him. He deserves it. He deserves the world.




It is extremely hard for me to type this, as we transition from baby to a one year old .... I am already inlove with you the minute I saw you.

Happy Birthday, my dear Dylanpoo.

Have the best year ever :)

Love,
“mommy"

Going Back To Work

Tomorrow is my first day with my new job. I can't day I am truly excited to go back to work again. The reason is not because I am darn to lazy but simply because I will miss the "life of my life" . His name is Dylan. I been out of work for a little less than a year. Not by choice but because I was laid off. Blessing in disguise I spend a lot of time with my lil man.

Dylan was so much joy now. He laugh with me, hug me, kiss me and acts silly. How can I not miss that. He is also learning to walk and I am very excited to see that. But since I am working again, I will definitely miss that milestone. Oh, if we can only afford for me just to stay home.

When I got an offer about a week ago, I was sad ! For most people who already run out of their "unemployment benefits" would be jumping for joy... Not me. I was so sad the whole day. Then I cried. Mike ask me why? I just told him I will not spend more time with Dylan anymore. I have a bad separation anxiety I guess. I think I dont feel right having him and abandon him. For me he is a bit too young to be not with me. Although we want our kids to be independent, I think Dylan is at the age where he needs me more. Nothing is more beneficial but to provide a child with a caring, loving, fun and supportive environment. I hate to go back to work but I have no choice.

Two nights ago, my friend from Colorado called me. Nothing just to chat. I told her that I am going back to work and I will start on Wednesday. She was happy for me and at the same time excited too. I told her I am not. She told me that she is wanting to go back to work again. Can't wait. I told her you were lucky because you dont have to. You can be a staya t home mom for as long as you want.

Maybe things would be different once I get the hang of working again. Hmmm, I just dont know how to balance the life of a working mom. Am I gonna go crazy? Will I be stress out? Not sure me feeling bored, I doubt it. To top it all I will be driving more than 18 miles to work one way five days a week.... I am a terrified highway driver. we'll see how it will work for me.