Our Little Chloe Bear

It's my brother's birthday today! Cole!!!

2009-09-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Coley!!!!

Even though you make me your punching bag,

I love you soooooooo much!

I turned 6 today!

2009-03-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Mama, I'm a big girl now!

Happy birthday to me!!!

A New Year at Disneyland for Chloe

2009-01-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday, Coleeeeee!!!!!!!!

2008-09-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my baby brother, Cole!

Jesus Guards Chloe's Room!

2008-08-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Chloe has been sleeping in her own room for the past few months now. Except about a month ago, she went to watch a school-mandated play at the CCP with Nanay (my Mom) which apparently featured scary creatures flying outside the window. Now she's scared to sleep alone. (Now I want to scold the school!)

Anyway, tonight, Chloe insisted again on either myself or Louie sleeping in the room until she falls asleep. I have not been fortunate enough to convince her that these "bruhahas" as she calls em, do not exist. So I went another route:

Mommy Angel: You know what the bruhahas are scared of, Chloe? They're scared of Jesus.

Chloe: Jesus? He scares the bad people away?

Mommy Angel: Yes! If we put his picture near all the windows of your room, the bruhahas will be scared and burn and die!

Chloe: Wow, so they're scared of Jesus? So no bad people will come near me?

Mommy Angel: Yep, yep!

Chloe: (Thinking hard) If they're scared of Jesus, then why did the bad people steal your laptop from the car?

Mommy Angel: Er, um... hmmmmm. (Thought bubble: This kid is too smart for me)

Needless to say, I still managed to convince her that images of Jesus and Mary would do the trick. So I printed two pictures of Jesus with children for her bedroom window and 1 picture of Mama Mary for the other bedroom window. And oh, another picture of Jesus in the bathroom.

It's almost 2 AM, and she's sound asleep. So far, so good. Thanks Jesus!

Chloe in Prep!

2008-08-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Chloe entered prep this year at Raya. Here she is in uniform!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!

2008-06-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Daddy, Happy Birthday!

Where's the cake and my gift?

Chloe learns to swim

2008-05-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

We enrolled Chloe in the MILO swimming clinic at a nearby condo here in QC, after she told us a story about how she took off her vest during a swimming party because "all the other girls weren't wearing on." (See how early peer pressure sets in!) After 1 week, she was still a bit nervous in the water, even with her Coach (who's terrific by the way). So one by one, Mommy took out potential issues:

1) She wouldn't stay in the water. I asked Coach if I could swim with her. He said it would be a good idea. I thought it would help her practice (specifically when it's not Chloe's turn with Coach). Plus, she was always getting out of the pool when it wasn't her turn! When she'd be with me, we would play alot, I'd push her down to touch the floor with her toes and she'd "fly" back up on her own.

2) Water was cold. Not that I could solve that really, but Coach said to put baby oil all over her body before she came to the pool as that would help. Secondly I bought her a swimsuit that was a full t-shirt and a panty bottom (which was much better than the bikini she was wearing) to help her deal with the cold water.

3) She couldn't see the depth of the pool. I convinced Louie that we needed to "invest" in some decent goggles (Chloe had gotten goggles as gifts, but the water kept coming in). So off to the land of SPEEDO we went. I tell you, once she had them on she could see EVERYTHING and was alot more confident. We had a great game where we'd both go underwater and just say "hi". Another really cool game was where I'd pretend to be drowning and yell "Help me, help me" and she'd just swim over to "save" me.

So in two and a half weeks, we went from this...

to this...

to this... (drumroll please!)

Success!!!

It's my Ninang Mirzi's Birthday!!!

2008-04-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, Ninang Mirzi!!!

I wonder why my Mommy says I could be a lawyer like Ninang Mirzi?!?!?

The official birthday: Chloe turns 5!

2008-03-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Chloe bear!

Chloe is five years old today :-)

Chloe's HSM Birthday Party at School - March 18, 2008

2008-03-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

Last September 2007, Chloe told her Mommy that she wanted to have a High School Musical birthday party in school (this was after classmates one after the other started having bday parties in class). Six months later, we had the party on the last day of classes at Raya. (This also ended up being the "Moving Up" swimming party for the Kindergarten class -- "Moving Up" is code word for something that remotely resembles graduation.)

It started with the invitation...

Then there were the cupcakes, toppers, and tower that Mommy made...

Plates, table cover and cups of HSM1...

And everything seemed to work out with the swimming since HSM2 had the gang swimming anyway...
Cole was a little intimidated by the other kids...

Then came eating time! By the way, Chloe had the same birthday as her classmate Joaquin so the two mommies brought food...

Chloe posing with her cupcakes...

Cole posing with his fish lumpia...

Candle-blowing by Chloe...

The loot bags...

Joaquin and Chloe...

Of course, cousin Kimmy was there!

Chloe and some of her classmates...

And finally, Chloe and Teacher Isbel!

It sure was a fun day for Chloe!

Chloe's New Bob

2008-03-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

Chloe's turning 5 next Saturday... she's really growing up so fast. We had her hair cut a few weeks ago and she went from looking like this...

To looking like this... which we all love... :-)

The requested theme for her school birthday party? High School Musical. So as usual, her mommy is going all out... more on that later!

My Little Artist

2008-03-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

Angel's and Chloe's Rainbow
drawn today by Chloe :-)

Happy Birthday, Auntie Joy!

2008-02-19T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Auntie Joy, where's the cake?

From Chloe: Happy Valentime's Day!

2008-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Chloe was so proud of the card she made for Mommy and Daddy at school today...

Quotable Quotes from Chloe

2008-01-30T00:11:00.000-08:00

Chloe: "Help me! I'm married in the sand!"

Chloe in Filipiana at the Pista sa Raya

2007-10-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

Last August, Raya school held their little Filipiniana program! Mommy Angel had to run out to good old SM to find her the appropriate attire!

Chloe sings to Cole

2007-07-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

Louie, Angel, Chloe and Cole spent the day in Megamall last Sunday... without a yaya or any other family member or friend tagging along. One stroller. Two kids. At one point, Chloe was sitting in the stroller when Mommy Angel had been carrying Cole and he had fallen asleep. Chloe was asked to step out of the stroller (since technically, the stroller belongs to Cole) but she said she was tired. She gamely agreed to having Cole put on top of her. (Note, Cole weighs 21 pounds).

For what seemed like thirty minutes, Chloe had Cole on her and we put down the cover of the stroller so he wouldn't wake up. But someone was singing! Mommy Angel listened in and faintly heard Chloe singing Cole a lullaby...

"Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silangan, alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay... "

She sang the entire Philippine National anthem to him to soothe him!

Reasons Why I Should Model for a Living

2007-07-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

1. I ain't camera shy.

2. I know my best angle...

3. I can strike a pose...

4. I can do the non-chalant, casual thing...

5. I can work with professionals...

6. I can accessorize...

7. I can get creative with my facial expression...

8. I can put on lipstick...

9. I can keep my underwear on when necessary...

10. I can sell a sea lion when I smile.

(Thanks to Uncle Rony for alot of these pictures taken while I was in Hong Kong)

Music & Lyrics

2007-07-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Chloe (Singing):
"Are you sleeping
Are you sleeping
Brother Dong
Brother Dong
Morning bells are ringing
Everybody's singing
Ding, ding, dong
Ding, ding, dong "

Angel: "Chloe, it's supposed to be John, not Dong."

Chloe (singing with a devlish smile):
"Are you sleeping
Are you sleeping
Brother John
Brother John
Morning bells are ringing
Everybody's singing
John, John, John
John, John, John"

(Can you believe this kid?)

Chloe enjoying Kindergarten at Raya

2007-07-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

July 16 was National Children's Book Day at Raya School, so all the kids were supposed to dress up as characters that you could find in an Adarna/Lampara book. (I'm sure you see the incoming dilemma). Luckily, teacher Isbel helped us out by telling us to check out "Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel" - a story written in both English and Filipino. It's about how this little girl adores her cousin Raquel who had FANTASTIC hair! So there were all sorts of things in this pambihirang buhok that the girl was so envious of (butterflies, flowers, cupcakes, and all sorts of wonderful things). At the end of the story, you find out Raquel is wearing a wig because she has leukemia. (Talk about crashing back to reality.) And the kid finds out she's alot luckier than her cousin, Raquel.

So we came as Raquel...

With matching butterflies in her hair... (we were up at 645am doing this!)

On another note, it's a real challenge to pull Chloe out of school everyday (it takes an average of 15-20 minutes from the minute her Mommy steps in the school). Apparently, she's just having too much fun...

It's a small class of 9 adorable kids. Thursday is PE day and clearly, the self-proclaimed day to let loose!

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Chloe and I spent Saturday afternoon of June 16 painting in SM megamall. Painting ceramic thingies to give to Tatay (Angel's Dad), Lolo (Louie's Dad) and Tito Carlo (Louie's brother). I told her it was for Father's Day. Chloe was so excited about the whole ceramic painting though that she was begging Mommy to allow her to paint things for me, Tita Mirzi, Nanay (people who clearly were not um, fathers).

Upon reaching home, I told her very clearly told Chloe not to tell Lolo about the surprise ceramic things we made. I came downstairs to dinner where Chloe and Lolo were sitting. She gave me the biggest smile and said, "Mommy, I did not tell Lolo about our painting!"

Suddenly, she realized that she had done exactly that!

Since Louie's dad isn't a strong believer of Father's Day anyway, he got his little ceramic thingy a day early. :-) Chloe was so proud of it, she was ready show Lolo the gifts for everyone...

Morale: If you want your kid to keep quiet about something, do not tell them to keep quiet about something.

Birthday surprise! (Not)

2007-06-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

It was Louie's dad's birthday yesterday, June 4. Louie had gotten his dad a shirt, wrapped it and told me to have Chloe give it. So I went up to Chloe, told her it was a shirt gift for Lolo because it was his birthday, and not to tell anyone at Frisco that she was giving him a gift so it would be a surprise. She quietly agreed.

Later that morning, Lolo, Lola, Chloe and I were in a new, fairly empty room at the office. Seeing we were alone, she asked me if she could tell Lolo that she had a gift for him. I smiled and said "Sure!"

She calls out to her Lolo... "Lolo, I have a gift for you!" with the biggest grin on her face. I was so proud.

"Mommy says it's a shirt."

(AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Moral of the story: Do not tell kids less than 7 the contents of anything intended to be a gift.

Chloe and her mommy

2007-05-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

Chloe at the Photo Studio again!

2007-05-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

We love Blow-up Babies!

Snippets of a Birthday

2007-04-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

It started out like a song...

At home

At the Laparan offices

At school

Happy Birthday, Chloe

2007-03-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Our little Chloe is not so little anymore... Happy 4th Birthday, sweetie!

(Shots 1,2,3,6,7 taken at Blow-up Babies, Shots 4 & 5 taken at Picture Company.)

Chloe's Surfer Dude Outfit from Auntie Joy

2007-03-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Chloebear at Blow-up Babies

2007-03-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

Last February, Chloe and Cole had their first photo studio session ever -- at Blow-up Babies in Gateway. It was such a fantastic experience. Chloe absolutely loved her outfit. It was so tough to pick out which photos to print.

Brother Cole also had the most adorable pictures (Chloe tells everyone that Cole had his picture taken inside a giant's shoe. Check out Cole's blog!)

Lastly, here's a most fabulous one of Chloe and Cole together...

Starting School

2007-02-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

Upon the recommendation of my cousin who lives 5 minutes away, Chloe tried out the Cradle of Joy Center of Learning starting last January. You can enroll for just the month, it's a nice way of easing a kid into school. January's theme: Noah's Ark. So the kids learn about the story of Noah, the colors of the rainbow, animals and the value of obedience. Check out Chloe's first day!

Chloe at the Discovery Pool

2007-02-15T02:48:00.000-08:00

| View Show | Create Your Own

Chloe Rocks!

2007-02-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Uber-late Christmas Photos!

2007-02-09T01:51:00.000-08:00

We had fabulous first Christmas as a foursome! And as always, Chloe played the big sister to the hilt, even ahem, offering to unwrap Cole's presents. (I'm sure that was a big favor for him... heh, heh). We spent Noche Buena with Louie's mom's family and Christmas day with the Fortich gang at Discovery Suites care of big brother Rony.

- Add Stuff - Get Your Own

One small girl... not so small

2006-12-06T03:47:00.000-08:00

I love it when she smiles...

Correction: I love it when she smiles and it looks natural. :-)

This one reminds me of her Auntie Joy.

She calls this the Mr. Bean pose.

Kidding around as usual!?! :-)

Quite the actresss...

And we're back to the overdone grin.

That killer smile will get you everytime...

Great Hair Day!

2006-11-17T01:53:00.000-08:00

About 2 months ago, we brought Chloe to XS Styling salon on timog to get a haircut with us. Louie's mom had a free haircut because she having her hair colored and we figured Chloe could use the free haircut. We didn't think it would be a problem because she's had haircuts before at an adult salon.

When we got to the salon, she outright refused to enter and stayed in the lobby. "Why won't you let Leonard cut your hair?" I asked her.

"He might cut off my ears, Mommy."

Despite numerous explanations, she didn't budge and while we all had our services in the salon, she sat in the lobby and held a lengthy discussion about our lives with the salon owner. (Note, yaya was not around, I think she had gone on her day off). Anyway, they talked about everything from crayons to our laundry, which was quite embarrassing. Salon owner tried to get her to come into to the salon -- no luck.

After hearing a lot of folks talking about how her hair is too long, I took the suggestion of our maid Josie to bring her to a salon for kids. So since the Block opened this past month at SM North, I brought her to Cuts for Tots there. We did this for Chloe a long time ago, but honestly, I found it a bit expensive and kinda overrated. But clearly, there's something to it. Because Chloe walked in, sat down, had her hair shampooed, blow dried -- all without putting up a fight! It was P250 well spent!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T04:25:00.000-08:00

Our little Cinderella

Posted by AngelFace

Cinderella comes to Carrington Place

2006-10-31T04:24:00.000-08:00

Posing for the camera...

Posted by AngelFace

2006-10-31T04:23:00.000-08:00

Group picture of kids at Carrington

Posted by AngelFace

2006-10-31T04:20:00.000-08:00

Chloe (Cinderella) and Kimmy (Ballerina) trick or treating...

Posted by AngelFace

Proud Daddy and Mommy

2006-10-31T04:18:00.000-08:00

Princess Ava and Princess Chloe

2006-10-31T04:16:00.000-08:00

Posted by AngelFace

Guess Who's a Big Sister?

2006-09-25T23:38:00.000-07:00

Chloe's Tea Party

2006-08-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Chloe recently decided to have a little tea party in her room. There's something about female toddlers... they seem to enjoy serving "pretend" food.

The perfect hostess

Pouring out our tea

Ahem, distinguished visitors from Disney

Mingling with the guests

Bears apparently like tea

And So It Begins...

2006-08-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

Chloe: (While hugging Mommy's tummy) Mommy, I want to get another Mommy for Baby Stitchy. I don't like to share...

Birthday Parties Galore

2006-08-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

The past two weekends have been all about kiddie birthday parties. Last July 22, we attended the fabulous birthday party of Leah and Jay's one-year old -- Jose Mari. The theme: water and everything to do with it. Venue: Manansala function room. Chloe had such a grand time swimming and watching all the kid stuff. We were there from 215pm to 7pm! We also got to take home a gold fish (it didn't survive the ride home though) and a huge loot bag! And since this was a Leah/Jay party, naturally, the food was impeccable. (Well, um, generally, you can't really go wrong with Via Mare food, can ya?)

Last Sunday, July 30, we were at Flamers at the Manila Polo Club for the 1st birthday celebration of Louie's cousin's kid, Tiger. After a hearty lunch (yummy carbs galore), the kids took in two hours of organized play time at the Gymboree. The pictures will tell you how sometimes, money CAN BUY happiness (personally, Louie and I have always thought Little Gym and Gymboree were a bit too expensive for a bday party). But really, it was amazing how much both Chloe and her cousin Kimmy enjoyed. It actually made us so happy to watch them have so much fun. Gymboree was followed by horse-back riding -- another funky experience. Smiles were all over the place.

These birthday parties are actually one of thrills of being a parent. Whether you're organizing one or attending one, it's almost always a fun couple of hours where kids rule.

Enjoy the video!

Oh My God!

2006-07-27T03:47:00.000-07:00

Chloe, her Mommy and Daddy and Yaya Inday were at mass last Sunday. Note, that the most recognizable mass song she knows is...

Si Kristo ay gunitain
Sarili niya inihain
Bilang pagkain't inumin
Pinagsasaluhan natin
Hanggang sa siya'y dumating
Hanggang sa siya'y dumating

Anyway, for some weird reason, the church choir sings a different song with the word "Kristo" and Chloe got rather annoyed.

Chloe: Daddy, that's not si Kristo ay gunitain, Sarili niya inihain, Bilang pagkain't inumin,
Pinagsasaluhan natin. I don't like that Kristo.

Daddy Louie laughs and then notices that Chloe is heading towards the center aisle of the church.

Daddy: Chloe, where are you going?

Chloe: I'm telling Papa Lord that I don't the Kristo they sang...

Chloe's Room

2006-07-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

Her very own space!

Here's a shot of Chloe's first nap there...

Mall Rat

2006-07-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Chloe spent the day at Megamall. She absolutely loves malling, this kid. Well, particularly because of the horse rides and of course, Toy Kingdom. Of course, the highlight of the trip was when she asked her Mom and Dad to buy her and Kimmy a child-sofa. It was P2,995 each! It got even funnier when she said she would buy it and handed Daddy P17. (Um, I think your money is short, Chloe.) :-)

Some pictures of the happy day...

You Oughta Know

2006-07-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Chloe's growing up. So Chloe's mom thought it was time to release the kiddy template and go for a more contemporary look.

Thanks to Rony for the Alanis-style picture of Chloe.

Here are more shots Rony took on his last night in Manila.

Model: Chloe
Location shoot: Fuzion, Tomas Morato

2006-06-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

Last night, Chloe was playing with her megablocks and other toys. The next thing I know, she's telling her Mommy and Daddy that she's going to work. Here's the office area of Chloe. We hadn't realized she had such a vivid imagination...

And of course, here's the so-called laptop...

It's absolutely amazing what kids observe...

Go The Distance

2006-05-18T04:36:00.000-07:00

Chloe's been watching Disney's "Hercules" an awful lot lately. She loves the music and all the fast movement -- and of course, the snake heads that he fights somewhere in the movie.

Last night, she was singing "Go the Distance" to Mommy and Daddy. It was very nice to hear actually, even if some of the words were jumbled. Ah. Precious moments!

This morning, while watching her Hercules DVD, we get to the part where the young Hercules is singing "Go the Distance" and starts going on his journey to find "where he belongs." For those of you who don't know, here are the lyrics of the first verse and chorus:

(Verse 1)

I have often dreamed

Of a far off place

Where a hero's welcome

Would be waiting for me

Where the crowds will cheer

When they see my face

And a voice keeps saying

This is where I'm meant to be

(Chorus)

I'll be there someday

I can go the distance

I will find my way

If I can be strong

I know ev'ry mile

Will be worth my while

When I go the distance

I'll be right where I belong.

So Hercules is walking to the temple of Zeus and when he finally gets there, Chloe turns to Mommy and says... "Mommy, is that the distance?"

Hahahahahahahahahaha.

Dental Nightmare

2006-05-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

Chloe, her Mommy and her Daddy went to the dentist today to get our bi-annual cleaning. It started out innocently enough. Chloe decided to go first.

She gets into the dental chair. Doc and assistant are buttering her up. No one is anticipating any problems because her last dental cleaning went so perfectly 6 months ago. Yaya and I are smiling, doing small claps for her. Then Mommy takes a few steps to put her handbag down. Mommy gets back in less than ten seconds. Doc pulls out that one of her dental tools (the one in the picture, far right) and then it happens.

She bursts out in tears. Just like that. Real tears, mind you, and was completely inconsolable for the next 5 minutes.

So Daddy and Mommy go first with their cleaning. But even after that, she was still scared. Would barely open her mouth, so Doc had to settle for peeks at her teeth. Mommy and Daddy even took turns letting Chloe sit on their lap whiel Doc tried to pry her mouth open. No more tears, but definite defiance. Doc gave her a squeegie ball to squeeze and a latex glove. No dice.

Oh well. Maybe we'll try again next week.

Daddy and Chloe

2006-05-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

Chloe is down with a really nasty cold. Actually, so is her Mommy. Nevertheless, here's a recent picture of Chloe and Daddy during a non-cold period!

Name Game

2006-04-20T22:30:00.000-07:00

Conversation when she woke up this morning.

Mommy: Chloe, what do you think we should name the baby?

Chloe: (Thinking), Hmmmm... how about Stitch?

Mommy: Chloe, I'm thinking... um, no.

Conversation after ballet class.

Mommy: Chloe, I don't like the name Stitch. How about another name?

Chloe: Um, Lilo?

Mommy: Nope. Another one.

Chloe: Monsters Incorpowated? (said like its spelled)

Mommy: Monsters Incorporated Laparan. No, I don't think so either.

To my Uncle Rony

2006-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday! Where's my present?

Everyone is Beautiful at the Ballet!

2006-04-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

Chloe had her very first ballet lesson at the Halili Cruz School of Ballet last Wednesday and loves it. Actually, I think it makes her feel like a big kid being with other kids her age (as opposed to feeling like a baby). Anyway, see how she enjoys her lessons!

Chloe Factoid

2006-03-29T23:47:00.000-08:00

Little known fact about Chloe:

She needs to pull up her pajamas up past her knees while drinking milk. She loves to play and pinch the flab on her knees while enjoying her bottle of milk. If you attempt to pull down the pajamas, she'll scream at you!

Oh and here's a birthday picture...

Happy Birthday, Chloe!

2006-03-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

Its Chloe's special day! Press play to see the past year of Chloe!

Don't take my calamansi!

2006-03-17T04:32:00.000-08:00

Posted by AngelFace

Sunday at Antonio's!

2006-03-13T02:06:00.000-08:00

It was Tito Carlo's birthday yesterday (this is Louie's brother by the way) and he treated everyone to a fabulous, fabulous lunch at Antonio's in Tagaytay. Chloe and her cousin Kimmy thoroughly enjoyed the green scenery and environment. We thoroughly adored to food.

Here are some pictures of Sunday at Antonio's!

The classic kikay pose!

Posted by AngelFace

2006-03-13T02:04:00.000-08:00

Family picture!

Posted by AngelFace

2006-03-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

Chloe being a smart *ss!

Posted by AngelFace

2006-03-13T01:59:00.000-08:00

Chloe literally choking her cousin Kimmy with her hug!

Posted by AngelFace

2006-03-13T01:55:00.000-08:00

Chloe with Louie's Mom and Dad

Posted by AngelFace

Chloe Potter!

2006-03-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

So last night, Chloe wasn't listening to me while we were playing on the bed. So I said, "Fine, I don't like to talk to you anymore." And with that, she started piling the pillows on our bed and making her own makeshift little area. Louie and I kept on reading our magazines. Then in the quietness of it all, I heard a little voice blurt out Expecto Patronum!

[For the non-Potter fans, this is a powerful spell that conjures a Patronus, which can shield one from the deadly kiss of the Dementors.]

I looked over to Louie. I mentioned to him that I was watching Harry Potter, Prisoner of Azkaban, about 3 weeks ago. I let Chloe watch some of it (well particularly the part where the dementors were feeding on Harry and Sirius -- ok this is clearly one of the darker moments and not one of my wisest choices in terms of kid suitability). I hardly thought it made any impact though. Clearly, I was wrong.

So to be sure, I looked over and asked her, "What did you say?" Chloe repeated it. Expecto Katronum. Ok, so it wasn't exact. But dang, it sure was close. She said that she saw Harry Potter say it. Folks, this was 3 weeks ago!

Then she asked me, "Mommy, you're talking to me na?"

Hahahaha -- she got me!

Kids say the darndest things!

2006-02-27T02:19:00.000-08:00

At the wake, Chloe kept trying to play her harmonica to (as she would say), "Wake up Lolo Sonny!" Then when he wouldn't get up, she'd be like, "Well, he's died na." She kept saying things like, "Lolo Sonny, look at my dress!" It was actually kinda of cute - she talked to him as if he were very much alive.

Also, Chloe kept repeating how I shot Lolo Sonny supposedly and Louie finally told her, "Look, we told you this already. Mommy didn't shoot him, he died of a heart attack."

The response?

"Heart attack? That's Inday's favorite!"

Then Louie, trying to hold in the laughter, said -- "Heart attack, Chloe. Not Art Attack."

Telling Chloe about Lolo Sonny

2006-02-24T01:26:00.000-08:00

So after we got a call last night that Uncle Sonny had died, I thought I would go ahead and tell Chloe. The conversation went a little something like this:

Mommy: Chloe, you know we won't be seeing Lolo Sonny anymore. He died, baby.

Chloe: He died? Where did he go?

Mommy: Well, he went to heaven, baby.

(Fifteen minutes later)

Chloe: Mommy, did you shoot Lolo Sonny?

Mommy: Huh? No I did not shoot him, Chloe. He went to sleep and won't be waking up anymore.

Chloe: It's ok, Mommy. We'll see him tomorrow at Frisco.

Mommy: Well, maybe you might, Chloe. I don't think I'll be seeing him tomorrow. But if you see him, say Hi, ok and tell him we miss him.

Chloe: And I'll kiss him because he's so cute, cute, cute. (Pauses to think) Mommy, last year I don't like to kiss Lolo Sonny, but now I like to kiss him.

(An hour later)

Chloe: Why are you sad, Mommy? Is it because Nanay make you cry?

Mommy: Well, no not this time, baby. Remember I told you no more Lolo Sonny?

Chloe: You cry because he's dead na?

This morning, I tell her that we'll be seeing Lolo Sonny this evening, but he'll be sleeping in a box.

Chloe: Why is he in a box Mommy? Can I go inside with him?

Mommy: Er, no. He's in the box and you can't wake him up anymore. He's dead, baby.

We're bringing her to the wake tonight. I don't think she'll be scared because I doubt she really understands what's going on. I'm sure there will be more fun stuff to hear her say. Lolo Sonny would've been proud.

Happy Birthday, Auntie Joy!

2006-02-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

2006-02-14T02:33:00.000-08:00

Chloe with her favorite Goofy (who I have been told is NOT a dog but a new species called a Goof). This was the first character picture we got so she was a little freaked out...

Posted by AngelFace

2006-02-14T02:31:00.001-08:00

Chloe plus Chip and Dale in Mulan attire!

Posted by AngelFace

In love with Hong Kong Disneyland

2006-02-14T02:31:00.000-08:00

Chloe's incoming sibling is already affecting Chloe's life - Chloe's mommy has been so delinquent with this blog in 2006 because she's been so overly tired!

With all the hallabaloo of 2006, I didn't find the time to update Chloe's blog with actual content. I thought perhaps I should talk about Christmas a bit and how Hong Kong Disneyland was such a magical, magical place for her. Personally as an adult, Disneyland still blows me away - but not as much, I imagine, as if I were a child her age. I'll always be thankful to Rony for making that happen for her.

Chloe was excited no matter where she went... she loved looking at the Disney merchandise in the stores (and of course, getting good ole Uncle Rony and Auntie Joy to buy stuff). She was excited to have her picture taken with the characters. She loved the Golden Mickeys Show (which for some reason, when Louie talks about the golden rule, she likes to say "oh, like the Golden Mickeys" and we're all like huh?) She loved riding the age-old carousel and seeing the animals on the Jungle Cruise. We didn't get to do alot of rides but she was just happy to be there.

Chloe finally fell asleep right before the tree lighting - which for a kid, probably is the low point of the day anyway. She was awake for the fireworks later that night and my aching back is the testimony to that!

More than a month later, Chloe still says she wants to go to Hong Kong Disneyland again. And I don't blame her. One morning, she refused to get out of the car because she wanted to go to Uncle Rony at Hong Kong Disneyland. Louie's Dad offerred to bring her to Hong Kong Spring Deer, but she didn't quite bite. Hahahaha.

To her, three circles will always be Mickey Mouse. Amen to that.

2006-02-14T02:27:00.001-08:00

The parting hug...

Posted by AngelFace

2006-02-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

Chloe loved Donald Duck!

Posted by AngelFace

Managing Expectations

2006-01-23T04:32:00.000-08:00

A baby! A baby! A baby! I'm gonna be a big sister!

The Magic of Disney

2006-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Let Your Heart Be Light

2005-12-31T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hoping all you wonderful folks had a joyous Christmas! Here's to a new year full of love, family, friendship, and all the blessings of God!

Friendly Visitors

2005-12-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

So Chloe's Mommy has been in Jakarta (again) for the past couple of days. Louie mentioned Chloe's been seeing people at Frisco. People who aren't there that is. Apparently, she tells everybody that she has visitors. Kinda freaky. Not really the first time she's seen beings who we couldn't see (we once visited our Tito Ed's ancestral home and she said she saw Lolo Ben, his brother who had passed away some time ago).

Must be that the most innocent of souls see much more clearly than the jaded adults of the world.

2005-12-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

Its Beginning to Look alot like Christmas!

Posted by AngelFace

2005-12-09T01:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, just so we're all clear, that's not a real snowman...

Posted by AngelFace

2005-12-09T01:53:00.000-08:00

The greatest gifts of all

Posted by AngelFace

2005-12-09T01:52:00.000-08:00

Its amazing how fast kids grow... pretty soon, she'll be getting married and sniff...

Posted by AngelFace

Passport Woes

2005-11-29T06:23:00.000-08:00

We were working on Chloe's passport last week and so her Mommy was task with getting her picture for the passport. Cinch right? Hell, no! I would have thought with all this practice getting her picture taken, she would have sat still and given me an easy time. This was not to happen.

So after like 20 shots, here is the picture I submitted for her passport. I love it. She's smiling and its pleasant looking. It doesn't even look like a passport picture.

So I was happy. Then I get the call. Chloe needs to be wearing a collared shirt!!! Arrrrgggghhh!!! Anyway, this time 'round, she refused to smile her geniune smile (as opposed to her super-pilit one). So folks, this is her final passport picture. Enjoy the irony.

2005-11-29T06:09:00.000-08:00

A more natural smile (can't say the pose is natural though, hahaha)

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-29T06:08:00.001-08:00

Our little Chloe is finally gaining weight! Get a load of those cheeks!

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Again the pose...

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-29T06:07:00.000-08:00

More proof!

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-29T06:01:00.001-08:00

Exaggerated smile there...

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-29T06:01:00.000-08:00

I don't think we'll ever get her to stop posing like this...

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-29T05:59:00.000-08:00

I think that's supposed to be a smile...

Posted by AngelFace

Pre-pre-pre-school Fun!

2005-11-14T00:50:00.000-08:00

Bought Chloe these activity books from Powerbooks last Saturday. Age appropriate little work books that I thought I could run do with her (obvious ba, I'm preparing her for school - pour on the pressure early!). I was actually quite excited and heck, the books didn't cost too much, just around P130-P175 each. I bought her one entitled "Thinking skills" which was for ages 2-3 and "Getting Ready to Read" for age 3-5 and "Getting ready to Write" for age 3-5.

Lo and behold, I am once again surprised by my daughter (actually, shocked is the more appropriate word!) She likes the books! I always tell her, "Let's study!" and then we turn the pages of the activity books we bought to find something she'd be interested in. So far, we've done alot of matching shapes, letters, patterns, etc. And she loves it! Geesh, kids will do anything for a sticker! (It comes with the workbook - gold stars and what not every time you complete a page)!

Get this: Chloe has discovered the ERASER! Months ago, we had bought these kid Mongol pencils (they're just a little fatter than the regular pencils). Anyway, we're using that now for her work books and she noticed that when she would a mistake, I would tell her, "Its okay Chloe, we can erase it!" So NOW, she makes mistakes on purpose JUST SO SHE CAN ERASE IT!!! I can tell she's kidding me because if you tell her you only want the correct answers, she'll do it right! Hahahaha, its really funny. Now I gotta find me an eraser, because the one on the pencil is fast disappearning...

Oh and by the way, she is asking her Daddy for a trumpet. She's asked for it twice now - one in the car and once in our room.

And oh, for your Broadway lovers out there, Chloe does not like the song with the words "I am 16 going on 17." But she does know that she saw it on TV. Haha.

Yesterday, while watching A Bug's Life for the millionth time, she asked me a simple question. "Mommy, can I be a bug?" I asked her why. She said, "So I can be in the TV." Naks. Watch my Mama Rose instincts come out. "I had a dream! A dream about you, baby..."

Haha, just kidding! Goodbye to Blueberry Pie...

At Darren's 1st Birthday Party

2005-11-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Gosh the people who make these balloon sculptures are artistes! Chloe loved them balloons!

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-12T08:39:00.001-08:00

Why oh why can't we all smile at the same time?

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Blue elephant balloon scuplture!

Posted by AngelFace

Pictures on the Wack Wack Country Club Lawn

2005-11-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hug-a-kiss!

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Smiles from two beautiful ladies

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Pure love...

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Chloe and Louie all smiles!

Posted by AngelFace

Chloe's First Trip to the Dentist

2005-11-07T00:17:00.000-08:00

We brought Chloe to the dentist last Thursday -- all of us had our teeth cleaned, so the timing seemed perfect. I had brought her to the clinic once before at the advice of our dentist, so she could get familiar with the surroundings and not freak out the next time she actually needed to see the dentist.

And so it happened. Chloe promptly marched up to the dental chair, sat herself down, wore the bib, smiled, showed her teeth, quietly followed instructions, and before you knew it, it was all done. I was shell-shocked at how well behaved she was. Really. The dentist asked her if she liked bubble gum (apparently the flavor of the toothpaste), she said yes, then when she tasted it, she said no. Hahaha, too late. Nevertheless, still, she was a real trooper. I mean, I move more than she does at the dentist!

Our dentist, Doc Mendoza, was really sweet too (get the joke there, hahaha). She gifted Chloe with a toothbrush and a smiley pin. Chloe was really jazzed. And truthfully, Louie and I were so darn PROUD.

2005-11-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

Caption 1: Waiting in the dentist lounge... Caption 2: I'm ready for my cleaning, Doc!

Posted by AngelFace

2005-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

Caption 1: I'm done spitting it out... Caption 2: I'm outta here, Doc!

Posted by AngelFace