Pinay Mom on Motherhood, Etc.

One of the things that go with Angel growing up is his getting more cognizant of the “dangers” the lurk in the world outside his comfort zone. Where he used to be totally fearless, now he gets intimidated by bigger or more rumbunctuos kids. In a sense it gets me concerned that he might not have enough confidence to assert himself, while at the same time, I don’t want him turning into a bully. Part of me likes his giving way to other kids and yet part of me feels he’s letting himself be taken advantage of.

He’s been so used to playing by himself but daycare has given him a chance to hone his social skills. I know that he derives a different kind of thrill when he is among his peers. I don’t think he is shy because after warming up to other kids, he doesn’t have difficulty blending in.

I may be getting a tad bit paranoid here but it’s just the Mom in me. I’m trying not to be overly cautious. I don’t want to be one of those moms who constantly remind their kids about what to do and what not to do. So I’m trying to hold my tongue — watching him in the playground from a safe distance.

I guess as parents, we worry about every little thing. I have to constantly remind myself that all I can do is give it my best shot. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do.

The second assistant in the office excitedly shared her discovery with me this morning of a “chocolate egg” with the CARS characters on it. She warned me, though, that it was over a dollar and she wasn’t sure I’d like that. I visited two branches of Duane Reade here where I managed to grab 20 pieces of this Double Crisp Chocolate that was franchised by Disney and I am just so thrilled by this find!

I had really planned on waiting for the Easter Goodies to go on sale but I didn’t want to take the chance that the stores would run out before I got the chance to get it.

I’ve gotten so wrapped up with the little tyke’s birthday in May that I have completely forgotten about my own birthday which comes a full month ahead of his. That can wait — I’m not throwing any parties for that one. Mine is really much simpler — probably just a luncheon or dinner… I’m happy celebrating others more than myself. Besides, I’m not putting together a goodie bag for my party… * wink *

I guess you can say I learned from the lessons of the 2002 birthday party that we held in Manila.  I didn’t bring anything — all the goodies and souvenirs were from 168 and other parts of Divisoria.  I think it went quite well but I have always believed it is always good to improve on the good things that we did.

So this time around, I’m assembling my goodie bag from here — well, mostly — and the theme has been decided.  What else but CARS the movie from Pixar. 

I have managed to get some good deals from the corner 99 cents store, and I was able to corner around 16 of this pencil case set selling for upwards of $2.50 online.  For 99 cents!  I picked up the 16 sets and decided I would come back for the girl’s sets later as I was still heading out to the drugstore and the grocery, and I could only lug so much on the walk back home.

Of course when I went back this weekend, they were all out save for 6 of the Princess set and one Tinkerbell.  There was a second kind which would be suitable for the bigger kids, but again I had under 10 pieces.  (So I was still technically short since I’m trying to put together 40 sets.)

I decided to create a different set altogether for the last 10, I picked up two-packs of the notepad, a set of markers each and loose pencils, all with Lightning McQueen on them.  I’m getting there.  Now if I can only find the marshmallow pops advertised by a local drugstore which I haven’t found in the branches I’ve checked so far.

I’ve also been working on name badges and the invitation which I have been putting together using downloadable graphics from the movie website.  It has taken some tweaking but I’m mighty proud of what I’ve come up with.  It’s still a work in progress so I’ll save it for later.