Monday, June 11, 2007
spider-cali-band-a-listic-expiallidocious!
So some cool and not-so-cool things have been happening to me since my last post. Here's an example of something not-so-cool: Yesterday, I backed my new car into a pole!! #!$!@&! Gah! Gah! It's official: I.Am.A.Total.Idiot. I've been driving since I was 16 years old and this has got to be a first. I was pulling out of a parking spot and heard a big *thump!* I honestly did not see the huge-ass wooden pole behind me! Now, there are a bunch of tiny white scratches on the left side of my bumper. I tried to wax it off last night, but alas, the evidence is still there. Well, on the bright side, there is no dent! *sheepish grin*
So here's some cool goings-on in my life since my last post:
- The hubs and I went to movies for the first time post-baby: We went to see Spiderman 3 on IMAX no less! We had a lunch date the day after our anniversary. We went to eat at Legal Seafoods (no fancy dinner at Bouley like our first anniversary) and then caught the flick. It was a great day --the movie wasn't an A+ but it was still entertaining to me. I can go on and on about how the storyline sucked (I've read my fair share of comic books), but that's a different post altogether. I'm just happy to watch a movie with the hubs! He knows I like going to the movies and that's something we can't do anymore post-baby unless there's some strategic planning involved.
- I'm going back to Cali: San Francisco, to be precise! We're going there for a wedding (wedding number 3 of 7!) and decided just to make a whole holiday out of it. I'll be gone July 6 - July 10th and will be celebrating my 31st birthday over there. It should be fun! The one and only time I went to San Fran was back when I was 14 years old; the only things I remember are going to Chinatown, driving down that crooked road, and my little brother getting chicken pox. This time, I'll definitely take advantage of what San Fran has to offer. The best part is that my friend Karen will be meeting me up there!
- A label is interested in my band! My bandmates and I are so excited because this label "expressed interest" in our band and is inviting us to go play for them. It's an indie label, but a label nonetheless and kind of a big deal for us! Perhaps my dream of becoming a rock star may come true after all *claps-hands-in-glee*...and if that doesn't work...
- We're entering American Idol: The Band! We just recorded a show we did last night and we'll be sending our audition tape to them. Wish us luck!
And last but not the least...
I'm moving! *wink-wink* You'll definitely find out more details in just a couple of days ...so please check back here! Update: Here's a hint...I won't be packing any bags!
In the meantime, I'll leave you with a picture:
Why you shouldn't let your mom cut your hair
Labels: music, musings/personal stories, rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
6/11/2007 10:40:00 AM |
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
a crazy rockstar weekend...
Despite my wanna-be rockstar leanings, I don't actually have a rockstar lifestyle. *gasp* But you all knew that. The past week, I actually had a semi-rockstar weekend complete with coming home at odd hours of the night, getting sick, passing out, and meeting random strangers! Oh. Yes.
Thursday, my band played at the Iron Monkey along with our friend's band, Kilsy. We played at around 10:45 pm and it was a great show. Kilsy, however, totally rocked it as she usually does. Her band is just amazing. Our bands have played together a few times and it's always a fun show. I was even kinda flirting with her drummer (well, flirting for me is saying "wow, you were great!" and then leaving. Ha!) Anyway, I recommend you check her out! By the time I got home, it was almost 2 am and of course, I had work the next day.
Then Friday night, I had to haul my tired-ass to dinner with Eileen Joy, a friend I met on-line back in the day. It was one of EJ's last nights in the city. She just completed her Masters of Social Work degree and was headed back to Cali after her graduation. Congrats!! We all ate at Jeeb (where I had my 30th bday) and then went out for a quick drink afterwards. Well, I got a quick drink (and didn't even finish $10 glass of Baileys on the rocks) and made a mad dash home. I got home at around 1 am, but I was dead-tired from the night before that I was slightly delirious by the time dinner came along. You know how lightheaded you get from lack of sleep? Right?? But I had a lot of fun catching up with EJ, Jason, Gail, and Anna. I really wish I could've stayed longer!
So by Saturday, I just didn't have any energy. However, my family and the hubs' family all met up for brunch to celebrate Mother's Day a day early. We had a good time eating Japanese food at Minado. Rockstar baby didn't have fun though...
Saturday night, I met up with Analyse from France --making this my second "EB" with a fellow blogger. Ana was so cool and chic! She rocked a French accent with her English and Tagalog and we chatted about NYC, the babies, and how neat France is for subsidizing all her baby-related expenses. (Dang, Europe is the shit when it comes to maternity leave!). I really wish I got spend more time with her, but she was only in NYC for a hot minute. I did offer to be her tour guide for the next time she comes to visit.
All this time though, rockstar baby has been sick. As in mucus-y coughing, continuous fevers, and a total loss of appetite. I was/am a mess. He'd be better and then revert back to being sickly. I took him to the doctor who put him on a nebulizer for his cough, but then his fevers still continued. He actually had a 100-degree fever when we went out to eat on Saturday! So the rest of the weekend was spent at home taking care of him. My mother's day was crap since his fever went up even higher on Sunday and all he wanted to do was sleep and not eat. I have to literally force him to drink a bottle. Once again, he lost a few pounds and looks like a sickly little urchin. Argh.
Here he is managing a smile despite everything...
A sickly rockstar baby makes for a cranky rockstar mom. Yesterday, I came home early from work; he had a fever of 104 at the daycare (he had a normal temperature when I dropped him off, though). Luckily, I had already scheduled an appointment with his doc. So off we went to the doctor for the third time in less than 12 days. This time, he was diagnosed with bronchitis and was prescribed antibiotics. Hallelujah! So I took a half-day off and today off from work to help him recuperate.
I need to catch some ZZzzzzs. This rockstar lifestyle is making me sleepy.Labels: music, musings/personal stories, my friends, rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
5/15/2007 09:29:00 AM |
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
all about rockstar baby (rsb)
I haven’t written about my RSB in a while, but I keep meaning to. I know most people won’t find this especially interesting, but as a mom, I feel compelled to write about his growth and development. It really is amazing to watch this tiny little creature grow into an actual person right before your eyes. So here goes:
- I love watching him eat a cracker. He holds it with his cute little hands and takes 2 or 3 delicate little nibbles –then he just starts chomping at it. So it’s really “nibble, nibble, nibble, chomp, and then shove-the-remaining-piece in my mouth.” Or if he doesn’t cram the rest in his mouth, he’ll throw it on the floor and then stomp on it. And then he laughs about it. Hilarious! Of course, the cleaning up of the crumbs is not hilarious. We say no to the stomping but he just finds that hilarious.
- RSB knows his shoes. He can tell his outside shoes from his indoor shoes, and has preferences for which shoes to put on. He will yell and put up a fight until you put on the shoes he wants. I just bought him the cutest kicks a week ago and he loves them. They are Geox sneakers in a blue, orange, cream combo and they’re meant for early walkers. Whenever he sees them, he’ll pick them up, bring ‘em to you, and indicate that he wants them. Sometimes he's even say "this! this!" If you try to put on a different pair, he’s continue to yell at you and put up a fuss. Ye gods. Shoe connoisseur? I am worried.
- RSB loves dogs. He has a little toy puppy that barks when you press its tummy. He’ll pick it up and give it to you and go “oof, oof” (or some variation therof) which indicates that he wants you to make the dog bark (he can’t do it on his own yet). He also loves videos of dogs we find on YouTube and will sit there and watch for a good 15 minutes. He’ll be actively pointing and making observations.
- RSB discovered he could walk backwards a few days ago. It’s a cool parlor trick, but he only does it when he wants to. He also loves to climb up the stairs (which is certainly a very dangerous hobby).
- RSB loves golf! Which is great for the hubs. RSB can be his caddy in a couple of years! Hahah... RSB was given a trio of toy golf clubs to play with and he always walks around with one clutched tightly in his hand. If you try to pry it off, he will get pissed off. He even falls asleep with a club in his hands. He also likes to hit golf balls around. So he's definitely a golfer in training.
- RSB is also fascinated by my guitar. Whenever I play, he'll grab the guitar pick from me and try to use it. But he always has a quizzical look on his face when he uses the pick and doesn't make a sound. I think he thinks that the sound comes from the pick and wonders why I can still play without it. He also likes to dance when I'm playing!
- RSB is a skinny little dude. I have tried to no avail to fatten him up, but it just isn’t happening. I am very worried about this despite the fact that his pediatrician says he’s healthy and growing normally. The doc keeps saying that it’s a matter of genetics and that he's following his own growth curve. She keeps saying "well you're not exactly a giant yourself, so you shouldn't really expect him to be." But then I tell her that I see tons of moms with chubby, tubby babies! WTF?! It’s gotten to the point that I feel I have done something wrong to make RSB such a small baby. Like maybe I should've breastfed him every hour on the hour, or gave him more formula if he so much as cried when he was younger. He’s at the 50th-75th percentile for height, thank goodness, but he’s consistently at the 5-10th % percentile for weight. The thing I don't get is that he has a good appetite. He eats a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner and some snacks in between. His favorite food is this dish I created: broccoli and cauliflower, cheese sauce, and tofu all blended together. He can eat a whole bowl of this. He also has about 15-20 ounces of milk, plus a can on Pediasure daily. And I also put tons of butter or olive oil in a lot of his meals. So what gives? He’s still a skinny dude and I’m still a worried mom. Gah! I don’t know why he’s not any chubbier. Although he does have my dad’s body type I suppose –small and skinny despite always eating and snacking. And like my doc says, babies come in all shapes and sizes and not to worry as long as he is healthy.
Well of course I count my blessings and I’m glad RSB is nice and healthy! He’s outgoing, sociable, annoying, whiny, cute, active, smart, whimsical, and all that and a bag of chips!
Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
so apparently, i'm raising a vampire...
Rockstar baby bit two (2!) kids this past week in daycare. One boy and one girl (I guess he doesn't discriminate) within 2 days of each other. The kids were fine. The daycare director spoke to me about how he should be reprimanded at home and gave me an article as to why some kids bite. The article stated how some kids bite because they are either overstimulated/understimulated, angry, frustrated, etc...etc. It offers parents advice as to how to show their kids to express their emotions, yadda yadda yadda. But I'm like, hello! Rockstar baby is not even 13 months old yet. He's obviously still teething! I know we can help him control who and what he bites; we tell him "No!" when does something wrong (and sometimes, I even put him in a corner). But like I said, he's still very young and still doesn't fully grasp this whole "No!" concept. He understands we're not happy, but then he looks at us and starts giggling and then goes off his merry way. Either that or he gives you a hug and a slurpy kiss to make you forget that you're mad at him. Smart, huh?
Man, this is just the beginning of upcoming parenting woes....
Oh, and can I just say that within the first 2 weeks of starting daycare, rockstar baby was bit on the arm by some baby? I understand that babies are just being themselves and things happen, but maybe the daycare needs to be more vigilant in watching these kids, no?
behind the music
Have you seen those 'Behind the Music' VH1 shows where they do a short documentary of a band and how they split up/come together/reunite/etc? Well we had our own "Behind the Music" experience several weeks ago. After our last gig in late January, our bassist Matt walked out on us. He had some beef with our lead singer Jes (aka the band leader because she started the band). Basically, Jes's brother told Matt that he had a shitty personality, and the shit hit the fan. Matt was pissed, looked to Jes for some mediating, but Jes ignored it all. So Matt talked back, made other people angry, and then officially quit the band.
Well the Monday after that, Jes and I met up along with our drummer Cil. I told Jes that since we're looking for a new bassist, we might as well get one that had good vocals. Jes was silent and clearly did not like that idea. She said, "No, we're fine as it is." Then Jes started telling us that she'd like us to start practicing 2-3x a week and that we needed to get our act together. Cil and I said "No way! We're not practicing that much a week!" Jes pretty much said "Ok then, if can't do it, then there's no point for all of this." She then packed her shit up, and then left the studio just like that! Cue voiceover: And on February 19, Plastiq Passion broke up....
Cil and I were aghast. I mean, who walks out on people without talking about their problems? We're not in high school anymore, right? Bottom line: We were able to talk later on and all's well and good. But really, it felt like we were straight out of an episode of 'Behind the Music.'
And we're still looking for a bassist. Know anyone?Labels: motherhood, music, musings/personal stories, rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
3/06/2007 10:15:00 AM |
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
back from miami (aka rockstar baby's first holiday)
So I’m back from our little holiday to Miami. It was an experience alright! Vacations take on a whole new meaning once you have a toddler in tow! The flight to Miami went well. Rockstar baby behaved, fell asleep for about an hour, and then was awake for the rest of the 3.5-hour flight. We entertained him for a bit and he was content to eat his Cheerios and be read to, but towards the end, he just wanted out of the darn plane! At least he didn’t throw a tantrum and didn’t have any screaming fits. (The flight back home was even better since he was asleep the whole time!)
We stayed at my parents’ condo in Sunny Isles (aka the North Miami Beach area) which is totally not baby-proofed! Within the first hour, rockstar baby did the following: banged his head on the mirrors (he just doesn’t pay attention when he’s walking), spilled a bottle of olive oil on the floor, and threw a garbage can in the toilet! He loves to explore and walk around, so most of our energy was spent watching him and doing damage control. |
 |
that's my parent's condo in the background |
first day on the beach |
Having lunch at Sushi Samba - South Beach
Chilling at Bayside Marketplace
There were just a couple of things I realized when we got there:
1) Forget visions of sunbathing by the beach/pool: Unless you have a nanny (or other caretaker) with you, there is no sunbathing on the beach while reading a book or drinking a frozen cocktail.
2) Forget the nightlife: Unless you have a nanny/caretaker with you, there is no such thing as going dancing/clubbing at night.
However, we still had an amazing time together as a family. Watching rockstar baby walking around on the beach was wonderful in and of itself! It was great to just wake up together and not have to scramble to go to work. We ate lunch out, spent tons of time with rockstar baby (we had no choice! ;), did some sight-seeing, and stayed in at night. Which is just fine with the hubs and I since we’ve been to Miami several times already (we go about once a year or so). I wanted to take him to the zoo and the parrot jungle, but realized he was just too young to do those things. Another year perhaps?
Our next holiday will be at the beach again –this time, at the local NJ shore for a wedding around Labor Day Weekend. But only driving, no flying involved. There’s also the possibility of going to the Philippines in December, but I have to think twice about flying for 18+ hours with rockstar baby --in coach! I just don’t know if I can do it!
p.s. SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT to KAI: She designed and uploaded this kick-arse new template of mine. Isn't she talented folks? Much love and thanks Kai!Labels: rockstar baby, the travel bug
Saturday, February 17, 2007
happy 1st birthday, my rockstar baby!
I can't believe you're already a year old! It was a year ago today that you were born. It seems just like yesterday when dad and I brought you home from the hospital. You were such a tiny thing --like a little kitten complete with teeny mewing sounds. I remember being so scared during the drive home. We were carrying such precious cargo and I told dad to drive slower --even though he was only going 40 mph on the highway!
Watching you grow was and is amazing. Each day was totally different from the next and the first three months was like a blur! I remember putting you on your tummy at 2 weeks old and you surprised me by being able to hold your head up and move it from one side to another! I also remember your very first smile at 6 weeks old! And no, it wasn't gas! =) You were recognizing your surroundings! At three months, we were already propping you up everywhere and you liked being able to see the world around you! At four months, you started to sleep through the night (reassuring both dad and I that yes, we were going to sleep like normal people again).
During your fifth month, you were baptized! It was a sweet and lovely ceremony and you looked very happy in your baptismal gown. That month, we also started to feed you solids starting with cereal --you really liked it after getting used to it! Soon after, we gave you your first ever haircut (that you didn't enjoy!) By your sixth month you already seemed like your own little person! After this month, everything you did was like a blur! You sat up, started crawling, started pulling yourself up to standing position, and did everything independently! I can't even keep track what happened when!
But I do know this: It's been such an amazing experience just watching you grow and hitting all those milestones! Watching you take your first little steps before you turned 11 months was just so darn cool! Soon after that, you just started walking all over the place! Now, we can hardly remember the time when you couldn't even roll over!! Time really does fly like they all say! Before you know it, we'll be celebrating your 10th birthday!
Dad and I are just amazed with every little thing you learned to do and continue to learn to do! We love you so much and cannot imagine life without you. Even though we've only been parents for literally 365 days, we can hardly remember life without you, our rockstar baby. You've enriched us in so many ways, and words cannot express the love we feel for you! You are our blessing!
Happy First Birthday my love! I know you won't even be able to remember this day, but mom and dad will certainly remember it for you!
Happy First Birthday!
Rockstar baby - a year ago today
Rockstar baby - a year later!
More party pics to come...!
Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
Monday, February 12, 2007
Saturday Night Fever
So even though rockstar baby had a 103.7-degree fever on Friday night, I still went out on Saturday night. Rockstar baby woke up around 10-ish on Friday night with a crazy fever! I called the doctor and she said not to worry, give him some Tylenol or Motrin and the fever would go down. Well, we did give him some medicine and the fever did go down in less than an hour. On Saturday morning, I took him to the doctor's for a check-up and we found out he had an ear infection. His third one before his first birthday! Ear infections are quite common, and since he had them before, we knew the drill: antibiotics for 10 days (or sometimes, until the medication runs out).
But like I said, I went out Saturday night because it was my friend Rupal's 30th birthday. I met my friend Rupal in law school, as well as my other friends Alina and Annie. All of us chicas were born on the 9th --what a cool coincidence, huh? Alina was born on January 9th (as was her sister Laurie!), Rupal was born on February 9th, my birthday is on July 9th, and Annie was born on November 9th.
Happy Birthday Roops!
And Yay! We were all born on the 9th!
Rupal held had her party at
3 Steps --this cool joint on 2nd Avenue and 19th Street. She had a 2-hour open bar and her own signature drink! I had a lot of fun, met this cool (gay) guy named Gavin, and had a great time with my friends. The best part of the evening? The music!! I mean what bar nowadays plays songs from The Clash, The Smiths, The Strokes, and Blondie all in a row?! Loved it!
The conversations were cool too:
Gavin: (staring at a guest) Plaid is such a commitment, don't you think?
Me: (following his gaze and seeing a guest wearing an orange plaid short-sleeve shirt) Oh yes.
Gavin: Especially in orange. With short sleeves. In February. Gawd, what is he thinking?!
With Jamie and Gavin, my new best friend
***
Rupal: I can only be a lesbian from the waist up *motions from waist up*
Us: *laughter*
Rupal: I'm serious. Kissing is kissing. Whatevs. But no way down there. I'm sorry.
Me: Yeah. I know what you mean. I don't know where they've been.
Rupal: I know, right?!
Labels: my friends, rockstar baby, treks in the city
Monday, January 22, 2007
Projectile Vomiting and Poop -- Part Deux
The good news is that rockstar baby is 99% recovered! Yehey! His poops are almost solid again (because you needed to know that) and he's eating (yes the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, apples, and toast without the toast part). The bad news is that the hubs and I got sick along with him! I woke up Saturday morning around 5 am and made a beeline for the bathroom. Here's some TMI: projectile vomit and poop as well! Ew, right? Basically the hubs and I fell ill. We had fevers and everything and it sucks trying to take care of a sick kid when you are sick yourself. Our own parents stopped by with some Gatorade, soup, and bananas for us. I don't care about being sick as long as the baby is better.
But we are pulling through. It's Monday; the hubs and I are home on the last leg of this damn stomach virus; and rockstar baby is running circles around us trying to get us to play with him! You should see him patting my head when I was lying on the couch shivering and trying to get the room to stop spinning. So cute!
Everyone is on the road to recovery!Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
1/22/2007 08:48:00 AM |
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Projectile Vomiting and Poop
Did that catch your attention? Well the past 24 hours have been hellacious (is that a word?) Rockstar baby has a stomach virus and has been projectile vomiting and poo-ing for the past 24 hours. It all started last night at around 9:40-something in the evening when he woke up in a pool of his own vomit. Then it started to come out of the other end at around 2 am --once at the same time! Here's some stats from the past 24 hours and counting:
- 9: # of clothing changes he's had
- 10: # of times he vomited
- 0: # of bottles he's kept down
- 6: # of ounces of Pedialyte he's kept down
- 1: # of jars of food he's eaten
- 22: # of diapers I've changed (although at this point, I really think there's more since he poos and sharts every 30 minutes or so)
- 3: # of baths he's taken
- 2: # of times he got vomit on his hair
- 1: # of times he got vomit on my hair
- 4: # of times he got vomit on my clothes
- 3: # of times his crib sheets were changed
- 3: # of hours I've slept thus far (I'm beginning to have that crazed, super-energized feeling you get right before you're ready to snap)
- 4: # of consecutive hours he's slept
- 2: # of sick days I'll be taking because of this experience, possibly 3.
- 17: # number of pounds he currently weighs. He's lost about 2 pounds so far --in just 24 hours!
I feel so, so bad for my poor rockstar baby. He looks like some emaciated, Cambodian refugee awaiting adoption! I am not kidding. His little belly is now gone, and his ribs are sticking out. I hope he pulls out of this soon. I am not used to a sickly, crying rockstar baby. I feel so helpless for his situation, but unfortunately there is no magic pill for this virus. You just have to let it run its course. Having a sick baby is definitely one of the negatives of parenthood. I hate seeing him suffer.
Another major negative? Washing poop and vomit off clothes. And oh yeah. The lack of sleep.Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Step by Step: A Recap in 7 Steps
1) Rockstar baby took his first steps! We are so excited! He took two tentative steps on January 10th, and then over the weekend, he took a few more! The most he took over the weekend was about 6 steps and it's so cool to watch him do it. He stands on his tippy-toes with this cheerful, determined look on his face! I must say, there is nothing like watching your child grow up right in front of your eyes. Being a mom rocks! Here's a quick little video of rockstar baby (we'll replace it with a better one when we get a better shot!).
2) You know what else rocks? Entourage. I got hooked on this show last weekend when I TiVoed about 6 episodes. Adrian Grenier is the new hotness! I love this show. I love Ari. I love this show! Can't wait for the new season.
3) Celeb sighting: Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at OUR gig!! My band Plastiq Passion played at the Parkside Lounge this past Saturday. Of course, she didn't actually watch us play, but she was definitely having a drink there! Hehehe... we gave her our CD, but she didn't look too enthused. What can you do?
4) A special thank you shout-out to Ms. Pinayhekmi. Do you know what this lady did? She sent me a Starbucks gift card just because she knew it was something I wanted and needed! What a great and unexpected gift! Tin rocks! *Hugs* you are the best! You're going to be a wonderful momma!
5) Today, we also discovered that rockstar baby has three more teeth coming out! No wonder he's been biting my face and teething like crazy! He has 4 teeth out now (two on the bottom, two on top), and he's got three more starting to come down on the top! Craziness!
5) I'm thinking of changing the blog up a bit. I'm toying with the idea of moving to Wordpress --because I dig the fact that you can categorize your posts. I also want to make my entries zippier --that is to say, write straight from the hip, expletives and all. So be warned! This blog will soon be needing parental guidance!
6) My latest book review is up boys and girls! Please take a look HERE! Once in a Promised Land is excellent and I give it a 2 thumbs up (in Z formation ;).
And that's all (for now) folks!Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
1/14/2007 09:40:00 PM |
Friday, December 29, 2006
Rockstar Baby's First Christmas
It didn't snow, the weather was a warm 55+ degrees in December, and Christmas 2006 went well as it usually does. I sent out our usual Christmas cards and packages on time (I usually aim to mail them out between December 12-15th so they don't get there too early or too late). Bought and wrapped presents for people early (usually just for our families and a few friends), and avoided crowded shopping malls. Each year, I try to take the stress out of the holidays by not making it a big 'to-do' and as they say, just keeping it real. Natch. So even though I want to be that person who bakes Christmas cookies and makes homemade cards, I realize my limits. We also bought a smaller tree --a 3 foot tabletop one so that rockstar baby won't be able to get his hands on it. But other than the tree, lights, and a few stockings, we didn't decorate our house that much.
Rockstar baby's first Christmas was enjoyable and I think he had a lot of fun even though he didn't quite understand the concept of the whole thing yet.
We spent Christmas Eve with my side of the family, and then Christmas Day with the hubs' side of the family. Of course, there was a lot of eating going on, a lot of presents, and good company. Rockstar baby definitely got the most presents --including a little red piano, a rocking horse, a cool walker, a play tent, and tons of other stuff! He also had the most fun ripping wrapping paper and playing with the empty boxes. He definitely enjoyed the small stuff =).
Highlights of Christmas 2006
Labels: rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
12/29/2006 05:16:00 PM |
Monday, December 18, 2006
Happy 10-Month Birthday to my Rockstar Baby!
Rockstar baby turned 10 months old yesterday! He has officially entered the double-digits stage and I can’t believe how much he’s grown. I haven’t really been good at chronicling all his milestones, but I do remember in my head some of the cool things he’s done:
- Around September, at about 8 months old, rockstar baby learned to creep around (aka doing this awkward one-arm scooting thing). I dubbed him Gollum (of LOTR fame) because you get that picture when you see him crawling around on his belly, using his arms (of course rockstar baby is definitely way cuter than Gollum). He also discovered the art of clapping and pretty much clapped like there was no tomorrow. He also discovered gravity and realized that his toys fall when he drops them from his high chair. By the end of his 8th month, he began to stand alone and balance himself for a minute here-and-there. He also did a lot of babbling --mostly da-da-da's, ba-ba-ba's, and the occasional 'ma-ma-mumm.'
- By his 9th month, he learned to go into a sitting position all by himself (without us propping him into a sitting position). He also began to pull himself up to a standing position. He mastered that pretty quickly and now he can also pull himself up to standing position with ease and sit himself back down (although he forgets to bend his knees sometimes and just takes a flying face-plant onto the floor). He does all this with a quickness and can stand up by just using my knee, a box, a toy –or any object he can hang onto and stand for several minutes by himself. It’s quite cool to watch him do it. But it’s positively heart-attack inducing whenever he falls and I’m not there quick enough to catch him. He also began to forgo the Gollum creep and has been crawling for the last couple of weeks. He's also started to string together his syllables and babble out 'da-ba-pa' and 'na-na-ba.'
- Now at 10 months, he crawls with speed and just a few days ago, started to “cruise” and take a few steps by himself while hanging onto furniture! He successfully maneuvered himself from his favorite hangout (which is the TiVo stand), to our chaise lounge which was about 4 feet away. He also has four teeth (two on the bottom, and two big bunny ones on top), and is starting to eat adult foods.
He's beginning to become more and more of an actual person each and every day. He can voice his frustrations and anger ("BAAaaaa!") and knows his likes and dislikes (likes banging the TV screen with a golf ball, dislikes it when we take the golf ball away), and interacts with us in so many ways. It's just the coolest thing! I’m expecting him to start walking before his 1st birthday; I just feel that he’s growing way too fast already! Wah!
Unfortunately, though, rockstar baby has been quite sick. He’s been suffering from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) aka bronchiolitis – a respiratory virus, as well as an ear infection (brought on by bronchiolitis --the 2nd ear infection he’s gotten). He’s a very easy-going baby, but these past 2 days have taken a toll on him. Yesterday, he was super-cranky and didn’t want to play by himself as he normally does. He’s also feeding very poorly on account that he has coughing fits every 2 minutes which means he will lose some weight (and he's already a skinny baby). The pediatrician says this virus usually takes about 3 weeks to run its course. So rockstar baby will be sick during his first Christmas. My poor, poor, bear!
Labels: rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
12/18/2006 02:42:00 PM |
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Schmoozing, Kalamansi Martinis and a Celeb-Sighting
I went to a Filipino Lawyer’s gathering last night at the behest of my pops. It was held at Cendrillon –a Pan-Asian/Filipino/Fusion restaurant in Soho. I actually thought it was a cocktail reception type of thing but it turned out to be an actual dinner with a number of Filipino lawyers. My dad was the ‘most seasoned’ one there I believe, and all the rest were about twenty and thirty-somethings. I haven’t been to any networking, cultural-based shindig/meeting in a long time. The last I’ve ever done is be part of the Asian American Law Students' Association back in law school. So it was very interesting to be part of that whole thing all over again.
I’ve been to Cendrillon a few years back, and the food was still good. They also had buko and kalamansi martinis which were very soothing and refreshing. The entrees were enjoyable and cleverly prepared, but not down-home Filipino cooking (so don’t expect that if you do go). Like I said, this is more of a Pan-Asian type of place. Cendrillon is owned by one of my dad’s old frat buddies (whom I’ve never met), but unfortunately he wasn’t there last night.
But who was there? Ms. Claire Danes of “This place smells like cockroaches” fame. A few years back, she caused a bit of controversy when she uttered that phrase (or something to that effect) about the Philippines when she was there to film Brokedown Palace. So a bunch of us whispered what she was doing in the restaurant! Hee-hee. Well I do like her as an actress even after that statement, but I no longer think of her as a refined or intelligent person. (What’s weird is I’ve actually seen her in person before in Los Angeles –they filmed an episode of her show “My So-Called Life” at my school. I didn’t see Jared Leto though! He was my crush at the time).
Schmoozing and networking is not my thing, and it’s even more uncomfortable with my dad next to me. I dunno why, but I felt I had to “mind” him for lack of a better word. He held his own though, despite the fact that he mentioned a few people he knew from back in the day that we younger folks wouldn’t have a clue about. I had a good time and met a few young attorneys I would actually like to hang out with on a normal basis. Like this guy Justin who was hilarious. There was also this guy there who apparently is my dad’s adversary in a pending case. I said out loud “is that the guy you don’t like?” Hahahah… well I only said that because my dad complained about the fact that he failed to show up in court a couple of times. I saw them talking to each other and I think they’re on cordial terms.
All in all, I had a good time and would enjoy meeting up the group again. I just wish it was more of a cocktail setting rather than an actual 3-hour dinner!Labels: rockstar baby, the travel bug
POSTED BY KAT AT
12/07/2006 03:30:00 PM |
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Confessions of a Bad Mom
It's official: I am the worst mom ever. Rockstar baby fell off his crib this morning and it's all my fault! For the past week, the hubs and I knew that he could already hoist himself up and hang on to his crib railing. We were already planning to lower his crib matress this weekend. This morning though, I placed him in his crib so I could get a few more minutes of sleep. Me, selfish mom, put *my* needs first. I got home late last night (bad mom was out gallivanting and didn't get home until 2 am), and then rockstar baby woke up around 3:45 am (which is not the norm). I had to give him a bottle to put him back to sleep. And then this morning, he woke up for the day at his usual wake-up time of 7 am. Still groggy, I had to wash his bottles and feed him. But afterwards, I wanted to snooze a little more, so instead of taking care of him like a good mom should, I put him back in his crib knowing full well that it was dangerous to leave him there!
Lo and behold. He fell. I heard a big, fat THUD and my heart sank. The inevitable happened. I rushed into his room and found him on the floor, on his back. He cried for about a minute and then was back to normal. But I felt so awful that I neglected him. Still feel awful. I called everyone I could think of: his doctor, my co-worker (who is a mom as well), my uncle (who is an othropedic surgeon), and my friend (whose husband is a resident). Then I brought him to a doctor who checked him over (thank God for Sunday hours)! Rockstar baby isn't the first baby to fall out his crib (or couch, or bed, or any surface a few feet off the ground for that matter) and pediatricians see these things all the time. But that doesn't make it any less painful for the parent. And I know this won't be the last of things that will break my heart.
Bottom line: rockstar baby should be fine. Should be. But that doesn't mean I'm not a bad mom. If I had just hauled my ass outta bed this morning, it would have never happened. My poor, poor, little guy! As a parent, you hope and pray that nothing bad ever happens to your children --but here I am, being the cause of my baby's pain. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit melodramatic, but I feel really bad. I'm so sorry my little bunny.
Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
First Halloween
Happy Halloween!
I really enjoy Halloween.. love the dressing up involved, the kids trick-or-treating, NYC's Annual Halloween parade, the candy, the decor, and the whole-nine! I've had a lot of adventures over the years involving Halloween (including crashing a party thrown by an actress, getting hit on by a group of guys at the parade, getting trashed, etc.) But now, Halloween is no longer about me and my exploits. Now that I have my own little kiddo to dress up, Halloween's going to be all about my rockstar baby!
For rockstar baby's First Halloween, we dressed him up in three different costumes! Yes, I know. Overkill huh? Well, my mom bought him a pumpkin costume a few months ago so we had it lying around for a while. Then I bought him a monkey costume a couple of weeks ago because it was just so darn cute. Then a couple of days ago, I had the idea of dressing him up as Harry Potter! So here's a few pics of rockstar baby in costume....
Rockstar Pumpkin
Rockstar Monkey
Rockstar Potter
Happy Halloween Everyone! Now we're off to go trick-or-treating...
Labels: rockstar baby
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Slice of Life Part II
A typical morning in the life of back-at-work rockstar mom and rockstar baby (although most days, there is only one disaster at a time). Part I can be read here.
6.30 - Alarm rings. Hrmph.... Hit snooze. Go back to sleep.
6.41 - Am awakened by rockstar baby’s babbles and gurgles.
6.42 - Go to baby’s room and play with him. I change him and hand him over to the hubs.
6.46 - Hop into shower while the hubs prepares bottle.
6.55 - Get ready. Hm...should I put on my clothes on now or later? Wear robe while still getting ready? Hm.. decide to put on pants. Will finish dressing later.
7.06 - Take over the feeding. Rockstar baby is bouncy and giggling. Easily distracted. I tell him stories while I feed him.
7.25 - Baby finally finishes his food! Yay! I burp him over my shoulder.
7.26 - Rockstar baby takes a big burp. What follows next is a steady stream of throw-up. I let out a high-pitched squeal! In my head, I'm going fuck.fuck.fuck.fuck! I hold him at arms length as he continues to upchuck. Vomit is going down my back.
7.27 - I am a deer caught in headlights. It is endless. I'm never seen him throw up this much before, especially since he rarely spits up in the first place. Silky, warm vomit pools onto my lap and meets the pool of vomit that has already collected around my butt. Vomit starts to drip from the glider onto the floor. I scream some more I think.
7.28 - The hubs comes up. Looks at me. Runs backs out to grabs gobs of paper towels.
7.29 - We put the baby in his tub on the floor. He laughs and thinks he’s playing boat. Surprisingly, there is no throw-up on his clothes. Just on his toes.
7.30 - I peel off my clothes. Of course the day I don’t wear a robe is the day he throws up on me. All over my just-picked-up-from-the-cleaners suit pants which I haven’t worn since month 5 of my pregnancy. Oh, and my newly dry-cleaned sweater. And bra (which was ratty anyway, so that wasn't much of a loss).
7.31 - The hubs and I clean up the carnage as baby enjoy his "boat." The hubs takes my pants and rinses them off.
7.45 - Still cleaning up the carnage.
7.46 - The hubs leaves for work.
7.47 - I change the baby, put on his clothes and leave him in his bouncy seat.
7.51 - Yikes! I’m running really late. I pick out clothes, change with a quickness, and rush to gather my stuff.
7.55 - Really, really late now. I always aim to leave by 7:35 am. I scoop up baby. We trudge downstairs, and I start to buckle him in his car seat.
7.56 - He squirms and yells. I hate getting strapped in! During the struggle, I feel some dampness on his butt. I pick him up and smell his butt. Of course. OF COURSE. Rockstar baby just did a poopie.
7.56.31 - Hm…split-second decision: change him here? Or have daycare change him?
7.57 - Argh!! I can't drop him off daycare all dirty! Mad dash back upstairs to change him. I change his poopie diaper and slightly poo-stained pants.
8.06 - Okay, buckling him up again and we are off! YES! We are officially OUT THE DOOR!
8.09 - We’re moving, we’re driving along. I sing songs to the baby and he makes grumpy babbles in his carseat.
8.13 - Ah! We are at the daycare! I drop him off and do my customary chats with the caregivers.
Caregivers: Good morning!! How are you!
Rockstar Baby: Ba ba ba ba! (He bounces up and down as I pass him to one of the ladies).
Caregiver 1: What time did he eat this morning?
Me: He ate around 7 am. But he threw most of it up. I think he just ate too fast.
Caregiver 2: Aw!! He’s not sick is he?
Me: Nah. He just got too excited. He might gets hungry earlier than usual.
Caregiver 1: No problem.
Caregiver 2: Oh where are his diapers and wipes?
Me: What? He’s out of diapers?
Caregiver 2: Oh we put it on the board than he needs them.
Me: Oh crap! How many diapers does he have left?
Caregiver 2: He has 2 right now. Three wipes left in the box.
Me: Argh! Crappy crap. I guess I have to go back.
Caregiver 1: You don’t have any spare diapers in the car or anything?
Me: No…. er. I’ll be right back.
9.31 - Walk into work. Am late. I hate being late. Oh well. What can I do?
Congratulations to my friend Sol who just became a mom! Welcome to the wonderful world of motherhood!Labels: motherhood, rockstar baby
POSTED BY KAT AT
10/17/2006 06:56:00 AM |
