Gifts of the Little Hands

Loureese teaches her Thai uncle how to pronounce "central"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:38:00 +0000

My sister-in-law sent me a video of my daughter Loureese pretending to be a teacher earlier today. She was teaching her Thai uncle how to pronounce the word "central."

I can't help but laugh on the way she handled her teaching demo. The hand gestures were amazing. The facial expressions were wonderful. And the syllabication? Epic!

When it comes to acting I know she's a star. Watch her video below.

Bedtime Story Quizz (Rapunzel) with Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 14:08:00 +0000

Bedtime story has been a family custom since Loureese's interest in books became evident. I'm guessing she enjoys the feeling whenever the magic of each book take her to places to be one with the characters. She is a self proclaimed princess, just so you know.

And a few moments ago just after reading the story of Rapunzel, I decided to test her memory and comprehension by asking her questions.

She was able to answer all the questions in one take. No scripts; no practice; no nothing. They were easy questions, yes, but seeing my little one answering each question correctly with full of optimism is enough to make my heart melt.

Break Free Cover by 4-Year-Old Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 04:18:00 +0000

Loureese's interest in music was already evident long before she turned one. I remember her singing Barney's "I Love You" whenever we let her watch the said program. Her timing was good but with almost incomprehensible words.

She was able to sing longer song like "Somewhere out there" a month short of her second birthday. She also joined the Frozen fever and recorded her version of the song "Let it go." There were many other songs she kept on singing. And, just like what they always say, the rest is history.

At four years old her interest in music continues to develop. She likes singing karaoke versions of Arian Grande and Katy Perry songs. On her 4th birthday celebration, her Godmother Leah recorded a version of Ariana Grande's "Break Free."

As a proud father, I felt compelled to have this uploaded on Youtube. She might not have the most angelic voice but with proper training I believe she will be better. Here's my daughter who is going to win the Grammys very, very soon :)

Take A Leap Dance Cover by Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 15:37:00 +0000

"Take a Leap," Loureese uttered whilst testing the strength of her feet. She leaped, bent down and shook her body.

"Is that a new song?," I asked our little bundle of Joy.

"Yes," she said happily. "It's from Sofia the first."

Yes, we know who Sofia the first is now and her family. Had I not let her watched stories and cartoon programs on Youtube 2 years ago, I wouldn't be able to chanced upon this Disney princess that brings so much joy to her. I know some of Sofia's songs too, and Loureese and me sometimes sing together as well.

So, whilst killing time at the mall, Loureese took the center stage and sing her heart out while also dancing to the tune of, guess what? Take a leap. She's oblivious of the people around, obviously. LoL.

Bedtime Conversation with Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Dec 2015 02:26:00 +0000

An hour of watching cartoon programs on Youtube everyday is enough to put a smile on children's faces and improve their spoken English as well. Since most cartoons are in English, children will absolutely improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and will learn to exchange words with the person they're talking to.

So here's Loureese once again having a conversation with me just before we hit the sack. Talking to her before bedtime is now a regular activity. Notice her words and the facial expressions. EPIC!

There are advantages of watching cartoons. As parents, however, time period for which children watch TV should be properly regulated. We can't prevent children from watching TV entirely. Let them experience the happiness TV can bring. Not letting them will do more harm than good in my opinion.

Learning Maths with Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 04:44:00 +0000

We normally do a lot things before we hit the sack. Joyie and me would sometimes ask Loureese to sing, dance or tell us stories. She never complains. She would do whatever we ask her to do without questions and would certainly enjoy her own performance afterwards.

Here's our maths challenge last week. And because Loureese was trying to make use of her fingers in the subtraction challenge, she accidentally raised her middle finger to me. LoL.

One of the things that attracts Loureese's attention is her thirst of learning new stuff. If I introduce a new song she'll be all ears and will listen to it over and over again that sometimes I feel like my ears are about to explode. If I explain to her the functions of those keys protruding on her newly bought toy, she won't do anything but give me her attention and ask questions to better understand each fucntion. I bet her teachers at school don't have much of a problem asking her to do things whatever they may be.

Beaming with pride here!

Reading Practice With A Three-Year-Old Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:41:00 +0000

Just before we hit the sack one fine afternoon, Loureese showcased her talent in reading. I just arrived from school when she said, "Daddy, let's read first before we take a nap."

I was literally blown away when she started reading the words from a piece of paper her mom printed for her. Yes, we practiced the passage once or twice yesterday for fun. I didn't expect though that she remembered til today most of the words on the passage and how each letter was articulated.

This gives me and her mom more motivation in printing more easy passages with the consonant-verb-consonant (CVC) patterns for her.

It makes me really proud that it only took us a few practice yet she almost mastered the whole passage.

I'm her father. I'm proud. And I'm smiling while writing this :)

Five Little Speckled Frogs Cover by Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 06:45:00 +0000

While on our way to the mall, Loureese requested me to play some songs in the car so she could sing. Her mom, however, suggested us to cover "Five Little Speckled Frogs." We've been practicing this song for two nights now and we figured to have it taped this time.

Here's Loureese adding some extra spice by doing some actions. Soodyot!

Being a father is the most important role I will ever play and if I don’t do this well, no other thing I do really matters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 15:37:00 +0000

I can't hold my tears whilst watching the video. The kids calling their daddies were a joy to watch. I immediately thought of my little one who is in school at the moment. Whenever she calls me "Daddy" my heart melts. Her way of calling me "Daddy" is like music to my ears - a music far better than my favorite songs I always hear and sing.

And as I'm typing these words, my tears are falling. All the small kids in the video asking their daddies for help continues to happen to me everyday. Although I am sometimes tired because of work, I can't afford to be tired whenever that naughty yet sweet little kid calls me "Daddy."

To all the fathers out there, Happy Father's Day to us! I'm sure you all can relate to the video below.

Somewhere out there cover by Loureese

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 09:20:00 +0000

I stopped writing stories of Loureese for a very, very long time. Been busy for months and my focused was shift to blogging news and other related stuff. But after watching her latest video her mom took and uploaded on Facebook a while ago, I thought of continuing my chronicles of her. I was teary eyed watching my little angel singing her heart out.

Here she is with her rendition of "Somewhere out there." Not bad for a 2 1/2 -year-old kid.

1 year and 11 month old Loureese sings "Somewhere Out There"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:03:00 +0000

After a really long hiatus Loureese is back, and this time she's back with a bang. For one, this little lady is acting like a grown up. She reasons, she gets mad, and she gets what she wants. Seriously, she's an angel you wouldn't ignore. Who would ignore an angel anyway?

But I'm not gonna lay the cards on the table just yet. I'll leave you with things to think about. After all it's nicer to have the so called "element of surprise".

For now, I'd like to welcome a bigger, louder and smarter Loureese!

Many Happy Returns To Our Mommy Joyie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 01:03:00 +0000

Your life’s disposition is a total opposite of mine. My circle of friends are people whom you are afraid to get to know with. And we have a lot of differences that can turn a great day ugly.

However, these qualities are the things that make you look more attractive to me. These qualities make me understand more the differences and uniqueness of each individual. They are the reasons that make my love for you grow each passing day. I must admit that i learned a lot from them, and still learning everyday!

We first met because of a common friend who asked me if i can help you out as you explore your way in Thailand. The Phitsanulok bus station played an important part in creating the bond between us when I picked you up that day. The tuk-tuk was the one who made us closer when I satt beside you on the way home. And the watermelon on Rattanawej Road that eased our hunger the night that you arrived.

The memory is still fresh like the flowers in its full bloom. I won’t forget those things; never will I.

There is nothing constant in the world but change and we’ll soon be lost and gone. But i will cherish all the things we have as long as i live. And as you celebrate the day God gave you your first breath of life on Earth, which I believe was also the very same day HE planned of you for me, may HE continue to bless you and shower you with abundant happiness and positive outlook in life.

Many happy returns, Mommy Joyie. Thank you for everything. You are indeed a JOY in our lives.

A Letter That Opens Up Your Mind About Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 00:31:00 +0000

I found this letter on Facebook written by Seth Adam Smith very captivating and a real deal eye-opener. It will transform your very soul about your personal perception towards marriage.

Why do people marry? Is it because we want to be happy? Or we marry because we want that someone to be happy with us?

This letter is for married couple, about to be married, single and pretty much to everyone in between :)

Marriage Isn’t For You

Having been married only a year and a half, I’ve recently come to the conclusion that marriage isn’t for me.

Now before you start making assumptions, keep reading.

I met my wife in high school when we were 15 years old. We were friends for ten years until…until we decided no longer wanted to be just friends. I strongly recommend that best friends fall in love. Good times will be had by all.

Nevertheless, falling in love with my best friend did not prevent me from having certain fears and anxieties about getting married. The nearer Kim and I approached the decision to marry, the more I was filled with a paralyzing fear. Was I ready? Was I making the right choice? Was Kim the right person to marry? Would she make me happy?

Then, one fateful night, I shared these thoughts and concerns with my dad.

This is Seth and his wife, Kim

Perhaps each of us have moments in our lives when it feels like time slows down or the air becomes still and everything around us seems to draw in, marking that moment as one we will never forget.

My dad giving his response to my concerns was such a moment for me. With a knowing smile he said, “Seth, you’re being totally selfish. So I’m going to make this really simple: marriage isn’t for you. You don’t marry to make yourself happy, you marry to make someone else happy. More than that, your marriage isn’t for yourself, you’re marrying for a family. Not just for the in-laws and all of that nonsense, but for your future children. Who do you want to help you raise them? Who do you want to influence them? Marriage isn’t for you. It’s not about you. Marriage is about the person you married.”

It was in that very moment that I knew that Kim was the right person person to marry. I realized that I wanted to make her happy; to see her smile every day, to make her laugh every day. I wanted to be a part of her family, and my family wanted her to be a part of ours. And thinking back on all the times I had seen her play with my nieces, I knew that she was the one with whom I wanted to build our own family.

My father’s advice was both shocking and revelatory. It went against the grain of today’s “Walmart philosophy”, which is if it doesn’t make you happy, you can take it back and get a new one.

No, a true marriage (and true love) is never about you. It’s about the person you love—their wants, their needs, their hopes, and their dreams. Selfishness demands, “What’s in it for me?”, while Love asks, “What can I give?”

Some time ago, my wife showed me what it means to love selflessly. For many months, my heart had been hardening with a mixture of fear and resentment. Then, after the pressure had built up to where neither of us could stand it, emotions erupted. I was callous. I was selfish.

But instead of matching my selfishness, Kim did something beyond wonderful—she showed an outpouring of love. Laying aside all of the pain and aguish I had caused her, she lovingly took me in her arms and soothed my soul.

I realized that I had forgotten my dad’s advice. While Kim’s side of the marriage had been to love me, my side of the marriage had become all about me. This awful realization brought me to tears, and I promised my wife that I would try to be better.

To all who are reading this article—married, almost married, single, or even the sworn bachelor or bachelorette—I want you to know that marriage isn’t for you. No true relationship of love is for you. Love is about the person you love.

And, paradoxically, the more you truly love that person, the more love you receive. And not just from your significant other, but from their friends and their family and thousands of others you never would have met had your love remained self-centered.

Truly, love and marriage isn’t for you. It’s for others.

A New Perspective For Moms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 04:56:00 +0000

As I was reading news online, a video about mothers came flashing on my screen technically big enough to be seen. As me and Joyie are struggling to be good parents for Loureese so we can provide her the best life we can possibly give, I decided to hit the link and watch.
A group of moms were interviewed as to how they were doing as mothers. Then a couple of days later, their kids were asked as to how they think of their mothers. The little ones gave their moms words to cry about - in a positive way. I suggest you keep a tissue handy.

I posted it here because I thought of doing similar thing for Loureese. I'll probably ask her in a year or two from now what she thinks of her mom. I'm sure it's gonna be great.
For all the mothers out there, enjoy!

Loureese says "Thank You"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 05:20:00 +0000

Her Thai babysitter once told us that Loureese can be taught easily. It wasn't a problem for her whenever she wanted our baby to do something like dancing, showing her teeth, and the like. Well, she was able to do that a few months before she turned one.

Now's a different story. She can utter two words in a very comprehensible manner. Her "thank you" which was taught by her mom yesterday was learned after a few tries. Indeed fast, I would say.

She's becoming a story-teller herself as well. Give her a book, magazine, or anything similar to that and she's gonna tell you a story. Perhaps a never-ending story because it never stops that fast even if the thing contains just a few lines.

Her dancing prowess greatly improved as well. Sadly, it takes forever whenever I upload videos on Youtube. But I will try still. Proud father, eh!

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Mommy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 05:12:00 +0000

It's been two years of understanding, acceptance, friendship and love. There are thousands or perhaps millions of other adjectives that I can possibly use but I don't think they are enough to be the basis of how I really feel when I'm with you. To simply put, they aren't enough. Words cannot articulate how happy am I to be with you.

As a regular couple, we have countless of discussions that sometimes lead to arguments. Shallow understandings which lead to MISunderstandings. I'm sure, there will be more to come. We sometimes make use of words we don't really mean but because of anger, we feel helpless; we feel overpowered.

But we forgive, we accept, we love. We always keep coming back to each other. We are angels who were rescued from the fall. And we try to manage to spread our wings again and move on. Then we forget.

I wish to have long more years with you. To grow old with you. Forever may not be true, but we can, with both of our love to each other combined, make it possible. This is just the beginning. I am keeping the faith.

May God bless the mother of our Loureese. May God bless our family. And may he continue to bless us and shower us all the blessings we can possibly have.

Iloveyou Joyie...and I always will.

Happy 1st month Baby Francis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 07:01:00 +0000

Today, in the span of what I thought was just weeks, is actually the first month of Francis. I can't seem to fathom he's already a month old!

Read: Paul Francis - With Arms Wide Open

I can still vividly recall in great detail the memory of us waiting outside the delivery room. It was the time Francis decided that he would like to see the light of the day.

Happy 1st month, Baby Francis. More blessings to you and your parents.

Just a quick update:

Loureese seems to have a connection with her cousin. It's a joy to see whenever she kisses her little cousin's feet. When we ask her to kiss him, her lips even from afar are already pointing towards him.

She will also rub Francis' skin gently if given a chance, but we have to keep an eye on her because her mood will switch faster - from the gentle rub to a painful pinch :)

My babies fascination of escalators

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 07:41:00 +0000

Escalators are becoming a fascination to our little one. Seeing them from afar makes her jolt in an uncontrolled excitement. She'll point to them and moves towards their direction while uttering, once again, her incomprehensible language for adults.

We noticed her liking of the escalators a few weeks ago at Central Plaza. I let her experienced how was it stepping on the thing that moves up and down. Her face lightened. Soon enough, the uncontrollable giggles.

And last night she again had the chance to experience her fascination. She tried to move one step up when we were moving up, and one step down whenever we go down. It was fun yet crazy at the same time. One mistake and we're gonna tumbling down to the edge.

And as for additional tricks... she knows how to kiss when you say "kiss". Her dancing prowess and her talent in singing are improving too.

Watch out X-Factor, The Voice, and other similar programs because we're gonna rock it!

Riding on Daddy's Back

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 08:37:00 +0000

When I let Loureese to ride on my back last week she let go of a laugh that melted my heart. I sensed instantly that she liked it more than what I anticipated.

Back when I was a child, I too enjoyed riding on the back of my late father. I'll be laughing so hard and, within minutes, would sleep on my father's chest. I so missed those moments and they reminded me of my good old days with him.

Just as I thought she would easily forget that she rode on my back, she did it again three days ago while I was lying on my stomach. At first I thought she was just scratching my back since it was one of the usual things she does first upon waking up. A little while later though, I felt we were slowly sinking into the bed. Overweight?

And because it was her mother's first to see her daughter did just that, she of course didn't let it pass.

Her "The Moves"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 08:37:00 +0000

If I sing, she sings with me. If you ask her to dance, she does it immediately. The question now is, "What is she gonna be?". Is she gonna be a singer or a dancer? Confusion is starting to get to me. Lol.

I know it's way to early to tell how Loureese will become in the coming years. But I think if she can be both, that's gonna be awesome! As a father, I want her to be exposed in music. Whether in singing or dancing - doesn't matter.

She can be whatever she wants and pursue her dreams - whatever those are. But I hope she will always come back or at least make herself attached to music. And I'm happy because I'm starting to see the attachment.

Although I like you being the sweet, cuddly and sometimes naughty, I can't wait to see you grow up, Loureese.

Here she is with her moves!

Paul Francis - With arms wide open

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 03:00:00 +0000

At around 9 pm last night a cute baby boy named Paul Francis Apolinario Talagtag greeted the world with a cry, which according to his own definition, was his way of saying "Hello".

His mom went to Buddhachinaraj Hospital around 2 pm yesterday. A few hours later, she was given an oxytoxin, a kind of drug that makes the muscle of the uterus contract strongly. Two hours later, she started to labor.

At around 8 pm she phoned telling us she can no longer handle the pain and would opt for a C-section. As much as we would like to have her deliver the baby normally for the recovery to be faster, she's the one feeling the pain so we let her decide what move she thought was the best.

Then the last phone call happened a few minutes before 9. The doctors were busy stitching her but she managed to tell us the good news. "Paul is out", she said. "The time I decided to have a C-section was the same time he want's to be out", she added.

Donna is waiting to see Paul anytime soon at the time of this writing. Paul's father, Ariel, on the other hand, is just as proud to have a baby boy. He uploaded a few pictures of their little angel last night.

As for Loureese, she said she can't want to see her cousin. Lol. I wonder what she's gonna do with him when they meet.

How to slowly lessen your baby's milk at night

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 08:46:00 +0000

We had dinner with our baby's "pedia" two weeks ago and we informed her of the things Loureese can do. Joyie added that our angel eats more than she can take ergo ended throwing up sometimes. She also drinks three to four bottles of milk each night. Each bottle has four scoops of milk and eight ounces of water.

Dr. Suwaree was surprised and advised us that having too much milk at night isn't appropriate for the baby. With three to four at night, that's just way too many. In fact, training her to stop having one is a lot better than letting her have a bottle or two.

According to the doctor, we can start helping Loureese to lessen her milk by keeping the ounce of water just the same, but gradually lessen the scoops of milk. Instead of four make three scoops on the first week. Then make it two on the second week, and lessen it more until it becomes tasteless or simply just water. In a month's time she will stop having one.

We already started giving her three scoops and were on our way to give her two next week. We just hope she'll stop looking for her bottles at night so as not to disturb her parents enjoying the moment in the dreamland.

You are your baby's mirror: Whatever you do, your baby imitates it

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 02:40:00 +0000

Babies who are more than a year are now into imitation. They imitate how the sound is produce, how things work, and how their parents behave. This can be debated but from a father's perspective who has a one year and two month-old baby, imitation is becoming more evident even at this earlier stage. It's critical because what babies hear especially to parents who at times failed to control their anger, imitate not just the sound but facial expressions as well.

These things can be funny on the first, or even on the second try.

But...

What if the hitting continues and the shouting too? Once these habits become part of the system, eliminating them will surely be a burden.

There was a time when Joyie, just to have a light conversation, pretended to smote me so we could see how Loureese will react. All of a sudden, the baby who was drinking her milk, stood up and smote me in the face. We were completely dumbfounded and looked at each other with our mouths wide open.

Remember the advert in the late 80's or 90's perhaps?

"Ang ginagawa ng matanda ay palaging tama sa paningin ng bata."

No more questions, Your Honor.

Baby Loureese scolds adults at the mall

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 08:17:00 +0000

"Why not pick someone your own size", they say. But for Loureese, size doesn't matter. Her size and inability to run isn't something to worry about. Her mouth can do the talking, nothing more, nothing less.

Most of my friends who saw the video of Loureese at Central Plaza told me that she's a force to be reckoned with. Simply put, "Don't mess with her". Lol.

According to my colleague who holds a degree in applied linguistics, kids around one year old are starting to babble. The babbling or "baby talk" as what others refer is their way of exercising their mouth. Meaning, expect a word or two any moment from now. As for Loureese, she has four or five vocabulary stored in her system. She can now utter bye, hi, mommy and daddy to name a few. So if you see a baby babbling, babble back. It's absolutely a lot of fun.

All about birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 07:45:00 +0000

The first, the second, the third, and up to the 8th month of our little angel's monthly celebrations of her birthday were all documented. Unfortunately, the succeeding months were not. We were busy preparing our stuff for our Philippine trip thus, her supposed 9th month celebration was affected. It wasn't forgotten, in fact, it was celebrated. But I was just out of tune writing new articles at the time. Same thing goes on her 10 month birthday. But as far as I can remember, there were more foods prepared on her 10 month because my mom celebrated her 59th birthday as well. Double celebration. No. Triple...including my mom's twin sister.

For the first time on her 11 month celebration, I was out making money for her milk :) I was invited as one of the facilitators in an English camp somewhere.

Talking to her via Tango with her "ja, dada, mama, hi and choi choi" were all but music to my ear. Enough in sending me to 7th heaven.

And to give you a quick update as to what she can now do...

* She says "Hi" almost to everybody with a wave of her hand.

* She can utter daddy and mommy almost in clear perfection.

* She walks like an adult.

*She doesn't want to be carried and would rather walk as long as she can.

* And of course she eats like a grown up person in terms of volume. Lol

Note: This is a late post intended to be published in June.