Eye Along the Shore

This is the Giant Ferris Wheel along the waterfront of Geelong, the biggest one on the Southern hemisphere. It was set up in time for the 2010 UCI Cycling Road World Championships. During the visit of our friends, Mark and Rose, in Oct 2010 we had the chance to ride this big wheel after a walk along the beach. I was not planning to since I am not so comfortable with heights. Who is? But, I can't say no. They already bought us tickets without our knowing. It was Kimi who was all giddy happy with the idea. He was always attracted by its beautiful changing lights of blue, green, pink, red, orange and yellow that every time we drive past it he puts on his sweetest smile and points to it.

Kimi went straight to the maze-like path to the entrance, almost dragging my hand. There was no long queu that I used to see in roller coaster and ferris wheel rides in Manila. Our group of 5 adults and 1 toddler was attended to straight away and was seated in one carriage. Once we were seated, Kimi screamed with laughter, however, when the wheel started moving, he kept quiet and held on to me like I was a steel he could depend on. My knees wobbled and butterflies moved in my tummy. Everyone was screaming when we got to the top. I wanted to close my eyes, but, no, the sight of Geelong was too good to miss. I managed to look down and sideways and it was just marvelous.

Another wonderful experience for my little man.

Update: The ferris wheel was removed on 26 April 2011 after the Easter long weekend.

Where's the egg?

Kimi was joined by his Ate Maxie, who was visiting us with her mom for the Easter weekend, and his Kuya Clyde for the Easter Egg Hunt at the park across the road. Our good friends helped us hide the chocolates and made it a lot more fun for the kids. My big thanks goes to them for celebrating with us and to Teacher Nicole for helping Kimi make the egg basket craft. You all made Kimi's first Easter egg hunt truly memorable.

What's up for next Easter?

More photos here.

5 Word Phrase!

I love you Nanay Tatay! Yes, Kimi said that. He is starting to build phrases and sentences on his own whether Filipino, English or combined Filipino and English. I realised the big improvement after seeing again his videos taken in November 2009 when we were setting up the Christmas tree and train. He was just mumbling then when trying to communicate. He had a few clear words but most of the time he could not find the right words to say or how to say it properly. Right now, there are still some unclear words which will improve as we talk to him more. Note, not baby talk. Real talk about what he observes, what he did, what he feels, and what he wants to do.

There are times that I really get surprised with his statements that keep me speechless. The incident a couple of weeks is a classic example. We were already late for his day care. I was rushing and asking him to cooperate so I can put on his shoes. He obliged. After asking him to stand up and head to the car, he exclaimed out of the blue, "Good job Nanay!" I laughed so hard. I'm supposed to be saying that. Oh well, I can't complain.

The busy baby turned 2!

We have not been home since I migrated to Australia and our family in the Philippines has only seen Kimi through photos and videos so we decided to visit and have an advance 2nd birthday celebration for Kimi. I was not intending to have a big 2nd birthday party. But since it will not be a usual case for him to celebrate it in the Philippines, I asked my siblings to arrange one for him. I was initially undecided on the party theme. I was looking at several venues - swimming pools, play centres, eat all you can restaurants and fastfood chains. A friend suggested Jollibee. The mere suggestion sparked good memories at Jollibee and I wanted Kimi to experience it as well.

I looked for Jollibee's youtube videos and showed them to him. Kimi liked him instantly especially his dance! Actually, I wasn't surprised. On the day, Kimi couldn't take his eyes off Jollibee. He showered him with lots of hugs and kisses as if he had known him for ages. His joy was priceless. Worth every penny paid. The host was great, the crew were pleasant, and Jollibee was really fantastic with his dance, making the kids and the kids at heart enjoy and strutt. Talagang at home sa Jollibee.

more photos here

To our family and close friends, thank you for celebrating with us. It was great catching up even for a limited time.

To God, thank you for giving Kimi to us and for always guiding and blessing our little family. You are our lucky charm in our journey downunder.

To Kimi, we still have a lot of fun things to do. Tatay and I are just grateful that we can now hug you everyday and marvel at the rate you're growing. Always be happy 'beesy' baby!

PS: Thanks to our friends - Jay Perth Llave, Diana Dig, and Jordee Queddeng for the photos. Sa uulitin!

Plums Anyone?

Before we head to Sydney for the Christmas holiday, we attended a Filipino Christmas get together in Grovedale. We learned from Auntie Mary that Uncle Lawrence is inviting us to harvest some plums. These are real plums -- not the ones from Farm Town or Farmville. We did not think twice. Straightaway, we drove to their farm in Barrabool Hills with a few friends.







Che enjoyed climbing the tree, picking the plums and eating the best ones of his harvest.

Kimi ran after the free-range chickens for the first time. He was over the moon with excitement and his laughter was contagious.

This is way better than FarmVille!

NB: Thanks to Maricon and Efren for the photos.