Baby Bok Choy

Attitude

2011-05-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

He oozes it.

Easter

2011-05-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

SK8R Boy

2011-04-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Noah has been obsessed with "teaching" James and me how to skateboard. He's been learning how to do it for the last couple of days. This is a preview of what he's "learned."

Every Once in a While

2011-04-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, James and I manage to clean up and look mostly decent. This time, our excuse was law prom, aka Barrister's Ball. This year's event was held at The Point, which brought back some romantic memories.

One of my good friends did my hair for me. I LOVED it!

At a pre-BB event with some friends. Notice how my makeup is still impeccable. Sweat and makeup don't mix.

In the parking lot, trying to take a "tender" picture:

My bestie on the right, Schwarzy on the left.

Notice the makeup now... All gone. I sweated it all off. Dancing makes me hot.

Random pics

2011-03-24T18:51:00.001-07:00

So, I'm pretty bad about keeping this updated. But, here are some pics of The Boy, in no particular order.

Family Photos

2010-12-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

We had some awesome family pictures taken while the whole family was together... A preview:

The boys, er, um, MEN, bored out of their minds:

They were watching us do this:

Despite the fact that we were having family pictures taken, we still managed to have some fun:

I LOVE this picture of LoloNes and LolaBe:

Awww... Tender!

Noah and Juris exploring the library:

My sweet, sweet boy:

Trying our best to wrangle Noah into taking a good picture. We didn't exactly "wrangle," but we did manage to take a good picture:

And this picture makes my heart melt:

The whole fam-damily. Together at last! Now to get Vangie and her clan to move back...

My goofy boy.

2010-12-20T18:02:00.001-08:00

He said his hair was getting in his eyes. Haha!! Sure...

What are YOU lookin' at?

2010-11-21T20:19:00.001-08:00

We're supposed to be pacificists. I don't think Noah got the memo...

I want him to stay this age forever...

2010-11-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Because I know he won't do things like this when he's older:

Noah's First Day of School

2010-10-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

After months of looking for the elusive "perfect school," we finally settled on a preschool. Noah was really excited!

Three going on 14.

2010-08-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Noah's birthday, 2009:

And a mere 12 months later, he looks like this:

And he wears new shoes like this:

Smiles like this:

And tries on shoes like this:

I love him because he makes me laugh:

And I'm astounded by his independence...

I love that his best buddy is my dad:

I love this little airbender.

I love Noah!

Happy birthday, son!

Kids Say the Darndest Things...

2010-05-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

Darndest Thing #1: While at Buffet City, where they charge $5 for three year olds:

Waitress: How old is your son?

Mama: Two

Noah: I am NOT two years old! I am THREE AND A HALF, ALMOST FOUR YEARS OLD!!

Mama: (sheepishly) Ummmmm... He eats like a two year old

Darndest Thing #2: After church, in the church gym while eating doughnuts:

Noah: I want to get baptized

Priest: That's wonderful...

Darndest Thing #3: In his big boy bed, getting ready to fall asleep:

Noah: Mama, will you close my door

Mama, from the kitchen: Sure, baby.

(Walks down the hall, partially closes door)

Noah: No, mama - all the way.

(Through closed door): Thank you.

Darndest Thing #4:

Noah: Papa you need a ladder

Papa: Maybe I will get one for Father's Day.

Noah: I will buy you one. I have money in my Cash Cow.

Mama: Noah, that money is for you. You are saving it so you can buy whatever you want.

Noah: I want to buy Papa a ladder.

Mama: Are you sure you don't want to buy a toy instead?

Noah: I said I WANT TO BUY PAPA A LADDER!

Noah-ism, again...

2010-05-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

This morning, during breakfast: (Noah taking my hand) "Mama, you are my love."

Noah-ism, Part II

2010-05-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

While in the car today: "Mama, I'm ready for summer. Summer is when the sun is warm and I can wear shorts, right? Yeah, I'm ready for summer."

Noah-ism

2010-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

While sitting on the toilet: "Lolo, ihi (pee) and tae (poop) go together like pancakes and eggs go together."

Allergy Update

2010-04-25T01:49:00.000-07:00

Things have been so busy with school I nearly forgot to post an update about Noah's peanut allergy. We took him to his allergist last Tuesday. Noah tested positive for peanut (again), so his doctor ordered another blood test.

I got the results to the blood test yesterday. It came back negative for peanut. Because of the inconsistent results, Noah has to do a challenge test at Primary's in June. I don't know much about challenge test, but when I learn more, I will be sure to keep you all updated!

Shhhhhh... Don't tell James.

2010-04-20T23:23:00.001-07:00

I'm not supposed to be on Facebook as I prepare for finals. James thinks I'm addicted. I think I have the entire situation under control. Of course, I'm wrong. Really, what I have is a problem, so I asked James to change my password. I know I don't have self control, so I asked James to change my password and not tell me. I'm proud to say that it has been a couple of weeks and I haven't gotten on. Except... I want to get on tonight... But James can't remember my password. :( So, I've commandeered Noah's blog to share my good news:

MAMA IS DONE WITH HER FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL!!!! Yes, my friends, you have read that right. I have just completed my very first year of classes and it feels... Weird. It's awesome that I have my first year behind me. It feels empowering to know that I survived my first year of law school. All of the rigors and the hoops and the games. The moments of self-doubt and realization. Those days when I felt like I made the best decision for myself and for my family; but also those days when I felt like I've made the worst mistake. I'm proud of myself for surviving the worst part of law school - the first year.

In all honesty, though, I don't think that I would be here without James or Noah, my mom and dad, Tina, Vangie. I would not survive without everyone supporting me and being patient as I lose my mind to the law.

So, I guess what I mean is that WE ALL MADE IT THROUGH OUR FIRST YEAR OF LAW SCHOOL!! I do this as much as for James and Noah as I do for myself. James has it harder than I do. He has to be the dad and the mom and the one who takes care of our family so that it doesn't fall apart. He takes care of me so that I don't fall apart.

And Noah... the tough little man who makes me smile and laugh and feel good about what I am doing. My little monkey who never ceases to astound me. The boy who lets me sleep in on Saturdays because he knows mama is tired. He's such a tough kid who has a strong personality and more confidence than most kids his age.

We go through this together and James and Noah and my mom and dad and my sisters make the whole experience bearable.

We are Silent.

2010-04-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

We are Silent.

2010-04-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Please watch and share this video with your friends. It is a powerful and important message that must be heard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUP5oZotYRM

A date with his mama...

2010-04-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have about two weeks of class remaining this semester - meaning I haven't seen much of James or Noah. I'm at school way later than I should be, studying and trying my best to figure out what I am supposed to know about Constitutional law. It's much more complicated than I thought it would be... Consequently, James has been a "single dad." I've been coming home around midnight, and by that time Noah is asleep. I tried once to kiss him goodnight and accidentally woke him up. He sat up in bed, punched me in the face, then immediately fell back asleep. I've been feeling like a pretty horrible mom, so I promised Noah a date this weekend - just the two of us. Not only would Noah and I have some time just the two of us, but James would have some well deserved (and needed) time for himself.

Today was the big day and I took Noah to Liberty Park. We fed seagulls (we tried to feed the ducks, but every time we threw bread, the seagulls would come swooping in and steal the bread); we flew a Buzz Lightyear kite; Noah rode in a plane and a car; we climbed rocks and went on secret pathways; and we played on the playground. In short, it was AWESOME. It felt so good to be a real mama again!

By this point he was ready to go home:

Actually...

2010-03-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Noah has developed a fondness for the word "actually." Just tonight I was cuddling with him in bed when I covered myself with the sheet. He doesn't normally like his kumot (blanket), so I will try to cover him without him finding out. If he catches me, I tell him the kumot is for mama, not for him. Tonight, he caught me trying to cover him. I told him, "Noah, it's for mama, not for you." As I pulled the kumot down, he grabbed my hand and said, "well, actually, mama... I do want kumot." Actually. And it sounds so cute when he says it in his tiny, tired, squeaky voice. Actually...

Yep, he's my son!!

2010-01-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is a heartfelt message I got from my son today. Tender, ain't it? :D

And we're potty trained!!

2009-12-30T13:06:00.000-08:00

I am going to go ahead and test my luck and throw this out there: Noah is potty trained!!! He has pooped in the toilet for FIVE DAYS IN A ROW!! Wow. What a wonderful feeling! :D Last night, as he was pooping, he COUNTED how many were in the toilet, proceeded to tell me that there was a whole family of poop and named them. All of them. Of course, papa was the biggest poop in the toilet.

Yes, Noah, there is a Santa. But, the COOL gifts come from mama and papa!!

2009-12-30T12:36:00.001-08:00

This is the first year Noah has really been aware enough to enjoy and appreciate Christmas. Maybe "appreciate" is the wrong word when describing how Noah felt about Christmas this year. Sure, he appreciated the gifts. He appreciated the songs. The lights. The hot cocoa and scones from Winder Dairy. But, he doesn't really appreciate the meaning of Christmas. In fact, we had a little dispute over the very same thing. I tried to tell him that Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Jesus who lives at the church (that's how Noah identifies Jesus). He was adamant that Christmas is time to celebrate Santa. Oh, how that little statement sent my commie blood boiling. You all know how I feel about Christmas and Santa, so I won't rant here. This is a HAPPY blog. A blog about Noah and all the fun things he does and says... I will save my political rants for another day. :D You're welcome. :D

Anyhoo... After that little - ahem - discussion in the car, I was more adamant that Santa was NOT coming to our house. Not this year, not EVER. I lost that battle (more on that later). Instead, I told Noah that Santa was skipping our house because he has Lola, Lolo, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Tina, Uncle Josh, and all the aunties and uncles and cousins who would bring him toys and books and clothes, and that Santa only visits those who don't have Lolas or Lolos or Grandmas or Grandpas or anyone else to bring them gifts. I know that you are all thinking that concept is too difficult for a three year old boy to understand... I thought it might be, too. Until... Until James and I took Noah to get his haircut. The nice lady cutting Noah's hair asked him what Santa was bringing him for Christmas. Without prompting, without hesitation, Noah responded "Santa isn't going to come to my house because I will get presents from Lolo, and Lola, and Grandpa, and Grandma, and Auntie Tina, so he's going to go to someone else's house." That made me smile. And hold on to the hope that Christmas WON'T be about gifts for Noah. That Christmas will be much more than that.

But, like I said earlier, I lost the Santa Battle. James convinced me that we should allow Santa in our home because OTHER KIDS will convince Noah that Santa doesn't come to his house because he has been a naughty boy. I don't want Noah to ever think that he is naughty. Moreover, I don't want to give other kids that kind of ammunition against my son. So, I conceded and Santa will come to the Dizon-Maughan household. On one condition. WE give Noah the cool presents. Santa brings the lame ones. :D Ha!! Mama: one; Santa: zero!

Here is sweet little Noah right after he woke up. He ran straight for the tree to open his presents. The one James is handing to him is from Santa.

Wearing the cape Aunt Bev made for him for Christmas. This is the take off...

And this was the landing.

Welcome to the world, Jada Ireland Field!

2009-11-22T20:02:00.001-08:00

My baby sister had herself another baby this week!! Little (and boy do I mean LITTLE) Jada Ireland Field was born Thursday, November 19. She weighed in at a whopping 5 pounds, 12 ounces and a lengthy 19 inches. No pictures yet, but I will be sure to share as soon as I receive some. (So, Vangie, that means since you are the only person in the world to read this blog, you will see the pictures that you've already seen.)

Congratulations to the Field family! We can't wait to meet the new addition!!

Your Eyes Do Not Deceive You... This IS a New Blog Post!!

2009-11-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks for sticking around!! I know that I've been really lax in posting, but, what can I say? Law school is crazy busy. CRAZY BUSY.

A lot has happened since July. Namely, Noah has transformed into Buzz Lightyear. And it has been a FULL transformation. Just try calling him "Noah." See if he responds. Well, he responds, just not in the way you would hope. He usually responds with a "I'm not Noah! I'm Buzz Lightyear!" Then he puts his hands on his hips and gives you the three-year old version's look of death. Everyone at school knows him as Buzz Lightyear. It's kind of cute. Kind of.

And given just how cute Noah is as Buzz Lightyear, do you really blame him for wanting to be Buzz?

These pictures were taken at a family Halloween party at the law school. He had a great time getting treats (and I actually let him eat one!), playing with the other kids, and just roaming the haunted halls of the SJQ. We all had a great time!!

We're here!!!

2009-10-16T16:36:00.001-07:00

Okay, when I said SOON, I meant before the world came to a crashing end... Not this weekend, perhaps next? Or sometime in December, after finals... Don't give up on me, people!!!

Soon, people. Very soon.

2009-09-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Has it really been since JULY? Sorry. Truly, I am. I have two words for you: law school. Wow. Apparently, being a law student takes up a lot of my time. A LOT. So much, in fact, I've not had the time to post to Noah's blog. Or charge my camera battery. But, I assure you - I am on it. I am all over it. I will post something soon. Thanks for hanging in there (Vangie).

Attack of the killer shrimp!!

2009-07-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, Noah enjoyed it.

Dance, Baby, Dance!!!

2009-07-19T21:31:00.001-07:00

I don't care what you all have to say. I did NOT teach this kid how to dance. Repeat. I did NOT teach this kid how to dance.

Did you see the squinty look on his face? Not my squinty look.

I'm pretty sure that Nana is looking at Noah and thinking, "what is he DOING?"

I. DON'T. KNOW. But, whatever it is, he means business. I feel some big moves coming on... Wait for it. Wait for it. Okay, son. Break out the big moves.

YEAH! I didn't get the finale, unfortunately. I was laughing too hard.

I didn't teach Noah how to take pictures, either. Real Asians know how to take pictures. Right, mom?

I think he was aiming for Auntie Tina and Romnel, but it's hard to tell for sure.

Another one of Auntie Tina, but I have NO idea who is sitting next to her.

Yes, that's Noah's finger. Yes, Auntie Tina's eyes are closed.

We're making some serious progress. No finger in the shot, head mostly included. Nice.

I swear that kid who was dancing in those earlier pictures was wearing these same shorts.

This one's for you, Auntie Tina!

2009-07-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

Father's Weekend

2009-06-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Father's Day wasn't really Father's Day for the Dizon-Maughan/Maughan family. We had to celebrate ALL WEEKEND. Which was fine with me - you know how much I like going out.

Saturday we had a nice little barbeque with James's friend Cabbot. The day was really rainy, but we made the best of it by going to some outdoor adventure festival thing. Noah made a birdhouse and played miniature golf.

Sunday we started the day off by going to Market Street Grill for Father's Day brunch. Father's Day isn't known for it's brunches, but in my family, when it's papa who always makes breakfast, brunch is a big deal.

(Speaking of brunch, this is the kind of stuff James makes for us. And it was yummy.)

After brunch, we drove to Provo to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa. Noah found this nice, comfortable chair on the porch.

And it was just right.

Congratulations, CHANEL!!!!

2009-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

First, let me say how proud we are of Chanel! She graduated from Mountain High School this past week and James, Noah, Tina and I were able to celebrate with her, her parents and brother Brian.

This picture was taken post-graduation ceremony, which was only an hour and 45 minutes long. Thank goodness for small graduating classes!

Notice the smile on her face? If the ceremony had been any longer, I can guarantee you, she wouldn't have been smiling.

After the ceremony we went to Teppenyaki for some YUMMY Japanese food and entertainment (of course).

Uncle Totoy even goes for the inanimate ones:

You should've seen THIS guy: he was flipping around eggs, cracking them on his flipper thinger, dancing around, it was great. Now, I know what you are thinking - that is what they are SUPPOSED to do, but seriously, this guy had some real energy!

And of course, the obligatory shrimp catching.
Look at Tina's face. Wonder what she's thinking...

Even Noah tried to catch shrimp in his mouth. This is the ONLY picture I took:
He's ducking the shrimp...

After all the excitement, Noah was ready to go home.
This is his "please-mama-get-me-out-of-this-highchair" face.

We're very proud of your accomplishments, Chanel - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

It's mostly bread!

2009-06-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is why you can't give a two year old a doughnut for breakfast:

James, being the best daddy in the world, knows that doughnuts first thing in the morning aren't good for little rambunctious two year old boys. James, being the best daddy in the world who just so happens to have purchased some yummy doughnuts and wanted to eat one of those aforementioned doughnuts, tried to do what any reasonable parent would do - he tried to scarf one down without Noah catching him. He wasn't fast enough. Noah saw the contraband goody and told James that he wanted one for breakfast, too. James, knowing that he can't tell Noah no doughnuts for breakfast after he was caught having one for breakfast allowed Noah a few bites from his nearly finished doughnut.

This is a summary of the conversation that occured at LolaBe and LoloNes's house:

LolaBe: Did Noah eat breakfast this morning?
James: *pause* Yes. (Careful not to divulge any information about WHAT Noah had for breakfast.)
Noah: No, Papa! I had a doughnut - that's not breakfast!

Da Plane! Da Plane!!

2009-06-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

We took Noah to his first airshow at Hill Air Force Base this past weekend. We saw planes, more planes and louder planes. And a lot of shirtless people. All men. All sweaty. All disgusting. Noah didn't pay any heed to them - there were far more interesting things to see:

Helicopters:
Jeeps:

And of course, airplanes:

We also saw this weird midget guy:

And after all that excitement, Noah just had to spend time in his new favorite spot in our house:

Where Do I Even Start?

2009-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

The many faces of Noah James Dizon-Maughan. He's a complex boy, with a multi-faceted personality. James and I sit back, look at our handsome son and wonder, "where the h*ll did he come from? He's CRAZY." But crazy in a good way. Crazy in a way only a mother and father can love.

Let me introduce you to "The Noah," the boy who never ceases to amaze his mama and papa.

There is "Driver Noah":

Of course, he first has to check his hair.

Finally settling in for the drive.

Watch the road, son!!

The car Noah is "driving" is LoloNes's brand new car. With immaculate seats. Immaculate mirrors and windows. Immaculate until Lolo let Noah "drive" in the church parking lot. Father Rob's sermon must've really moved my dad. Either that, or Noah does not often hear "no" from his LoloNes or LolaBe. It must be the latter...

And to your right is Rocker Noah:

This is what he does when I say, "say cheese!"

Noah must've been listening to some hardcore rock-n-roll. Check out his stance and the look on his face. Classic rocker boy.

And this? Rock star fingers. Rad. Notice the intensity, his commitment to emulating the quintessential a rock star. Impressive. Although, I highly doubt that true rock stars wear Curious George Socks... I could be wrong.

And finally, the sweetest one of them all: Gardner Noah.

What started out as a light misting turned into a heavy, torrential flood of (relatively) high pressured water assailing my poor baby roses and purple-flower-thing.

Time for clean-up.

And that concludes today's tour of the Mysterious Mind of a Two-Year Old Boy Known as Noah.

Let Him Eat Cake

2009-05-18T12:12:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder what happens when a two year old, deprived of cakes and other goodies, is FINALLY allowed to indulge?

This:

First, the confusion. Wait, what IS this stuff?

Still not sure what it is... Better take a bigger bite.

Mmmm... It's sweet and mama's letting me eat it!

Notice his left hand? It's reaching for another piece of cake while the right is busy shoveling more of the sugary goodness into his mouth.

Must eat EVERY SINGLE CRUMB.

I think he likes.

A LOT.

This part he can probably do without.

My Mother's Day Gift

2009-05-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

While my parents were cleaning out their cupboards, Noah happened upon this:

That's my hand print from 1984. Noah and LolaBe wrapped it and gave it to me for Mothers' Day. I love it!!!

This is Noah's hand in my hand print:
Can you believe how big his hands are? In 1984, I would've been four, maybe five. Noah is TWO (and a half) and his hands are already as big as mine were when I was FOUR (maybe FIVE).

My little boy is growing up so fast!

My-my-my-my-my Booger Face

2009-05-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

Noah's own interpretation of Lady Gaga's song "Poker Face."

You heard that right, folks. "Booger Face." We interpret different things - songs, books, movies - based on our own personal experiences. In Noah's world, he sings what he knows and he knows all about booger face.

He also knows his alphabet:

Noah's my little rock star.

Not now, Mama!

2009-05-12T09:26:00.001-07:00

A recent conversation with Noah at the dinner table:

Me: Noah, please sit properly on your bum.
Noah: I don't have a bum.
Me: Noah, you do have a bum - a little bum. You need to sit properly in your chair, on your bum.
Noah: (Putting his hand up, in my face.) Mama, let's talk about this later.

Please do not feed the animals

2009-05-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today was the Third Annual Mom and Me at the Zoo day at Hogle Zoo, to which I dragged mom, dad and James. Noah was excited, but, let's face it, he's two and he thinks that going to Lowe's is an adventure.

While at the zoo, we encountered a whole host of animals, one believed to be only mythical, and others cohabitating when you wouldn't think possible.

First, and perhaps most alarming, we saw a dragon. A real life, fire breathing dragon:

Then we saw this anaconda:

A beautiful mother and daughter tiger pair:

And look at this - a dragon playing with a delicate butterfly:

And that same butterfly with a panda:

And last, but not least, this motley crew:

I love the zoo.

Can I have eye drops?

2009-05-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

I took Noah to the doctor yesterday. He is suffering from his first ever ear infection. While it is sad to see him in pain, it's good that his first time is happening now, when he can talk and clearly articulate what he is feeling, how he is feeling and how badly he is feeling it. He woke up Wednesday night screaming in pain and holding his right ear. He told me and James that his ear was hurting and he didn't like it. We brought him to bed with us and tried to calm him down, but Noah was inconsolible. James gave him some Tylenol and Noah finally fell asleep wihen it kicked in.

I took the day off of work so that I can take him to the doctor, who confirmed that Noah has an infection in his right ear. As the doctor was writing out the prescription for Amoxicilin, Noah asked if he could have eye drops. Eye drops? Yeah, we don't know where that came from, but that's what Noah wanted. Eye drops for an ear infection. Go figure.

Why I love being a mama

2009-05-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Last night sucked. Really. Noah wasn't sleeping well because he has sipon (snot, for those of you who don't speak Tagalog) and was coughing. He came to our room EARLY this morning (and I mean EARLY - like 2:00 in the morning early) and James felt so bad for the little guy, he put Noah in bed with us. Fine. Noah's not feeling well, he wants us there to comfort him. I get it. But when the boy is sick, he is a restless sleeper. He is all over the place - feet in James's face, fingers playing with my lips. When I turn over to get away, Noah just climbs on my head so that he can still put his fingers in my mouth or stroke my lips. It's a weird comfort thing. Noah doesn't have any attachments to stuffed animals or toys. His attachment is to lips. Don't ask. I don't know.

Needless to say, last night was NOT a good night. I didn't get ANY sleep (until the alarm went off and James got into the shower - for some reason I ALWAYS fall asleep when James is in the shower). When I finally woke up this morning at 7:00, Noah was already awake and drinking his bottle. When he saw that I was no longer snoring and drooling all over my pillow, he took the bottle out of his mouth, grabbed my face and said, "Mama, I love you."

And with those four words (accompanied by a milky kiss), I was all better.

I told him it was a tattoo.

2009-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day for Noah. You couldn't tell by the way he was acting; for him, it was just another day, another trip to the doctor. (Incidentally, Noah's allergist is married to his pediatrician - both Drs. Broadbent.)

For those of you who don't know, Noah had a very serious reaction to peanut butter in November 2007. Let's just say we made TWO trips to the emergency room that day, capped off with a two day stay at Primary Children's Hospital.

About one month ago we took Noah to the allergist Dr. Broadbent and she performed a blood test. She wanted to gauge just HOW allergic Noah was to peanuts and tree nuts. Miracle of miracles, the blood test came back NEGATIVE for ALL peanut and tree nut allergies. I couldn't believe it. Everything that I had read said that the chances of outgrowing a food allergy, especially one that produced such severe reactions, was slim to none. Yet, Noah's blood work came back negative. Of course, blood work is NOT conclusive, so Dr. Broadbent asked us to come back in a month to perform a scratch test. (See picture.)

Noah wasn't too excited about the idea of someone writing on his back AND scratching him with something that he is potentially allergic to. He remembered the FIRST scratch test (and the blood work done last month) and was distrustful. He even told Dr. Broadbent that the lady poked him HERE (indicating to his arm) and that it hurt and he doesn't want another poke. But, he IS a two year old boy and can be bought (relatively cheaply). What was it that finally convinced Noah to lift up his shirt? Well, two things, really. First, I DID tell him that the doctor was going to give him a tattoo on his back. Judge all you want, but it worked. He wants a tattoo. And he's two years old. I will now wait for the parenting accolades to pour in. Thank you, thank you.

The second? Dr. Broadbent bribed him with a bouncy ball. But, of course, she mentioned "BB" BEFORE she had said treasure in hand. Not a good idea. Noah expects fast pay outs; none of this "you'll get it as soon as you (fill in the blank)." We've done that too many times and now he doesn't fall for it. Sometimes that kid is too smart for his own good. As Dr. Broadbent and I were discussing his allergies and any reactions he may have had during the past month, Noah kept interjecting with "and my bouncy ball? And my bouncy ball?" Each time stating the question less of as a means of determining WHERE his bouncy ball is, but more as a means of gently reminding Dr. Broadbent that she PROMISED him a ball and Noah was not about to forget. Noah continued reminding Dr. Broadbent about that accursed ball even after she got up to leave the room. She had only gotten as far as opening the door when Noah said, "Doctor, and my bouncy ball." I'm sure that Dr. Broadbent had far better things to do than give a kid a bouncy ball, but she promptly returned the the bouncy ball and the lesson learned that YOU DO NOT promise Noah something unless you are ready to pay up.

After Noah finally got his "treasure," it was time for the "tattoo." As you can see in the picture, there are ten lines drawn on his back, each one indicated the allergen tested. The first one is the control, the allergen next to the "1" is peanut, and the subsequent marks are for different tree nuts. I know that you can't really see the marks now, but if you look closely, to the right and above the "1" is a slight red mark. That is where the peanut allergen came back with a very, very trace reaction. So slight that the blister was smaller than the control blister. Even so, given Noah's serious reaction that put him in the hospital, Dr. Broadbent advised us to keep him away from peanuts and any foods that could have been contaminated by peanut protein. But, because there were no reactions to any of the tree nuts, we were free to slowly introduce Noah to foods that contain tree nut products: cookies, pastries, cereals, etc.

Given the strictly monitored diet Noah has been on, it was hard for me to finally give him his first treat with nuts. But, tonight I did it. I gave a small bite of a cookie with pralines. I sat him on his little chair and sat directly across from him as he took his first bite. I watched with anticipation as he chewed, examining his face for hives, any swelling of his lips or tongue. And nothing. Nothing after the first bite, nothing after the second bite. Nothing even after Noah said that he didn't want to eat any more cookie. NOTHING!!! And nothing has never felt so good.

I'm not a bleeding-heart; the debil made me do it!!

2009-04-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

In some cases, it's NOT funny because it IS true. Take, for example this recent article from the Salt Lake Tribune. When I started this blog, I had every intention to make it light-hearted and fun, mostly about Noah and his antics. Then I read the article, Utah County Republicans reject 'Satanic' resolution. Now, while it offers me some relief that the resolution was overturned, I find that certain pieces of information provided by the article cause me some consternation. I can't believe that there are people who entertain some of the ideas so entertained by one Don Larsen of Springville, Utah. For example, Mr. Larsen "said Democrats get most of the votes cast by illegal immigrants and people in dysfunctional families." And then goes on to say that the Democrats aren't behind "anti-family" legislation (I'm assuming he's referring to abortion and gay-rights legislation), it's the devil - although he does give us Democrats credit for playing the leading part.

As I mentioned, the resolution was defeated by Mr. Larsen's fellow delegates. However, David Rodeback urged his peers to defeat this particular resolution because "it would do the [Republican party] more harm than good." Never mind that Larsen's "Resolution opposing the Hate America anti-Christian Open Borders cabal" is full of alarmist rhetoric and compares "the political mobilization of the alienated" to the anti-American movement of the Islamic jihad. Never mind that the resolution asserts that immigration "destroy[s] our heritage" and leaves us with "little hope for our children's future." It seems as though Mr. Rodeback was doing what he could to avoid the "appearance of evil." It's okay to THINK, just don't ACT or appear evil.

A win is a win, I suppose, but I am bitterly disappointed that Mr. Rodeback did nothing to deride the resolution as insulting, divisive and completely contrary to the American spirit of embracing cultural differences. Mr. Rodeback, the passage of the resolution is not what would have hurt the Republican party and pushed Latinos (or anyone who has a brain) further away from the GOP. The fact that someone from your party introduced something so ignorant and bigoted is what is pushing people away from your party. The fact that there are Republicans who fault not only the devil, but minorities, atheists and the poor for the state of our country, rather than taking the blame for actions by YOUR Republican president, pushes us away from your party. And because Republicans fail to distance themselves from people like Don Larsen (and Rush Limbaugh, and Mike Savage, and Ann Coulter) you can be sure that the ranks of the Republican party will continue to shrink.

Can I handle another one?

2009-04-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

As previously promised, more on our adventures at the West Valley City Rec Center.

As you can probably imagine, Noah was elated to finally play at the pool. The last time we were at the rec center, Noah couldn't stop asking if we could "go there," pointing to the pool. Since then I've made a couple of good-intentioned promises to take him, but we never made it. Either I came home late from work or James was too tired, there was always something holding us back from going. But, since I escaped from work early last Tuesday, there was really no excuse not to go.

James, Noah, the girls and I spent most of our time in the kiddie pool. And the kiddie pool did not suffice for Dan and Les. They took swimming lessons last summer and were eager to SWIM (as opposed to standing in two feet of water). Dan asked me if she could play in the big pool and I told her that she could if she and Les went with James. So, off they went. Noah couldn't handle playing with his mama in the kiddie pool, not with his cousins and papa off playing somewhere else. He wanted to go to the big pool!! "I GO THERE! I GO THERE!" I kept trying to explain that the BIG pool is for BIG kids who know how to swim. But, how do you tell a two year old that "swimming" in the bathtub is NOT the same as swimming in a pool? You can't. There is no reasoning with a two year old, a child who has no concept of depth, of measurement.

I switched tactics and tried to distract him. He was having a great time on the "duckie slide," so I took him by the slippery little hand and walked with him over to the slide - which is perilously close to the big pool. Not a good move on mama's part. Noah must've thought we were walking to the big pool, the same pool I told him he could not play in because the second he spotted the pool, he took off RUNNING. Faster than I have ever seen him run in my life. He ran to that pool faster than he ran to the little plastic eggs filled with contraband sweetness. Faster than he runs to Lolo in the morning. Faster than he runs from me when I'm trying to put a diaper on his naked butt. Faster than Forest Gump.

I yelled at Noah to stop running "RIGHT NOW!" but he didn't want to have any part of it. He saw his chance to play in the big pool, with the big kids and he wasn't going to listen to his mama yelling at him. He didn't even hesitate. He didn't pause. He didn't look to see where he was jumping. He just jumped. He jumped into the pool. And then I screamed. I screamed his name and it sounded like someone ripped the heart out of my chest. Because that is what it felt like. And then I jumped in after him. (But not before taking the briefest moment to look at the numbers on the edge of the pool. If that pool was deeper than six feet, I would be of no help to Noah and would probably make any attempt to rescue him more difficult. It was four feet deep.)

I jumped in and grabbed my baby. I hoisted him out of the water so that he could breathe. I looked him straight in the eyes to make sure that he could see me, so he wouldn't panic, so that he would know that his mama had him. I asked if he was okay, he nodded and James took him from me. By this time three or four lifeguards had come to make sure that we were okay (which we were). Noah wasn't phased by any of it. He wasn't crying. He wasn't scared. He didn't care that I felt like someone had stomped all over my guts. He just wanted to play in the pool.

Once I got out of the pool, James and I took Noah aside and tried to explain as best we could to a two year old that what he had done was dangerous, that he could've been seriously hurt. Noah nodded his head and looked at us solemnly, as if he understood every single word we were saying. But James and I have this terrible habit that my parents hate. We talk to Noah like he's much older than he really is. And most of the time (we think) he understands us. This was not one of those times.

Not two minutes after he jumped into the big pool, not ten seconds after we finished talking to Noah about the dangers of just jumping into the pool, not five seconds after we stood up to take him back to the kiddie pool, where the water is a foot deep, Noah did it again. Again he jumped into the pool. This time it was the "deep end" of the kiddie pool, but the water is still deep enough to swallow my son whole. Thankfully, James was close behind Noah - I don't think his feet even hit the bottom of the pool before James plucked him out of the water.

And like the first time he jumped in, Noah wasn't scared - he just wanted to swim.

You Speekee Engrish?

2009-04-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, friends and family, spring has finally sprung in the Beehive State. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it is GLORIOUS. I know all this not because I saw the weather report on my MSN.com home page, or because I enjoyed the warmth on my way to the gym. No. I actually WENT OUTSIDE and enjoyed the spring weather. Thank you, James - er - I mean Mr. Maughan, for inviting me to accompany you and 30 of your best French 2 students to a wonderful lunch at La Caille. The food was a distant second to the beauty of the grounds. I saw peacocks/hens, roosters, rabbits. I didn't wear a jacket. I felt the warm sun on my bare arms. And it sure beat sitting in my windowless office.

Being outside put me in such a good mood, in an intoxicating mood. That's the only way I could've done what I did next. I must've been drunk. I wanted to do something fun for Noah, do something together as a family, something that we couldn't do during the winter. Well, what could be better than going swimming? Noah loves being in the water. James loves being in the water. It's warm and swimming is a warm weather activity.

Now, for all you readers (all two of you) who know me (and you should), you should know that I HATE WATER. Hate it. Hot tubs were doable, until I read an article about how DIRTY they are. Ick. Now I stick to showers and the occasional bath. Those I can handle. Pools? No, thank you. Seriously. Don't mention "pool" or "lake" or "boating" unless you want to watch me turn pale and start to hyperventilate. It's not pretty.

Anyhoo... I called James and asked him if he wanted to go to the Rec Center to play in the pool. I think he must've been confused because his wife would never, NEVER call him and ask if he wants to go to the pool. EVER. After a brief pause he answered with a hesitant, "sure." He couldn't believe his ears. And he wasn't about to say no.

After buying Noah a cute swimming outfit (trunks and a rash guard), we drove to the Rec Center to hit the pool. And it was FUN. Well, mostly fun. More on that in a separate post.

James, Noah, Dan-Dan, Les and I were playing in the kiddie pool when James gave up on us and hit the indoor slide. A monsterous, twisting, turning slide. With rushing water. And a lifeguard who stands vigilantly at the other end of the pool. First James goes down. Then Dan-Dan. Then Les. They all go down while I watch. And I'm not going to lie. It looked fun. Well, more fun than standing in a foot of water. So, I decide to try it. I asked Dan and Les to come with me (because I want my cousins to witness the monster slide eating me alive so that it will teach them that water is not fun, that it is dangerous and something that should be feared. I don't want to be the only one in the family with this irrational fear of water!). As we are heading up the stairs to get to the top of the slide, a lifeguard comes rushing up behind me and yells to the guard on duty at the top of slide, "HEY, DO YOU SPEAK SPANISH?" The guard at the top of the tower yells back, "NO! JUST BECAUSE I'M MEXICAN DOESN'T MEAN I SPEAK SPANISH!" Okay, fair enough. I'm Filipina and can't speak Tagalog (swear words and threatening to spank Noah doesn't count).

Finally, we make it to the top. I'm standing there, watching the water rush onto the slide, down the slide, along the various curves and twists of the slide and into the pool at the bottom. What have I gotten myself into? Can I do this? Do I WANT to do this? I can't chicken out now and do the walk of shame down the stairs - that would just be embarassing. Five year olds go down this slide - I should be able to!!! To allay my fears and concerns, I start asking the guard basic questions about the slide and the pool. She didn't hear me. I know that she HEARD words coming out of my mouth, but she didn't HEAR the questions I was asking. How do I know this? Because of her answer: "WOW!!! Do you speak Spanish because one of the lifeguards was just asking me if I speak Spanish, which I don't because I'm only HALF Mexican. Someone got hurt and she only speaks Spanish and they need someone to translate, but I can't because I don't speak Spanish. People look at me and just assume that I speak Spanish beause I'm brown, but I don't. Some people also assume that I am Asian because I'm half white. Do you speak Spanish because your English is perfect and I'm really surprised." Uhhh... WHAT?

Why you don't go chasing balls in bowling alleys

2009-04-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

James and I took Noah bowling Saturday night with a friend from high school, Alicia, and her husband Tom. Prior to Saturday night, Noah's exposure to bowling had been misleading. To Noah, bowling was setting up foam pins at one end of the living room on a red plastic mat, and hurling a little red ball at the aforementioned foam pins. To Noah, bowling means you THROW the ball (think over-hand, much like throwing a baseball) at the pins, run after the ball and knock all the pins down with your body. Then you giggle and squeal as mama sets the pins up again.

The bowling we exposed Noah to on Saturday was NOT the game he had in mind. He didn't understand why it was so loud, why he couldn't touch the balls, and that he is NOT supposed to run after the ball after Mama throws it down the lane. To be fair, it IS cruel to take a two year old boy who loves throwing balls to a place that is TEEMING with balls of all different colors and telling him, "look but don't touch because if you touch, your cute little piggies will be smashed to bits."

James and I did our best to entertain Noah while the adults bowled. We asked for, and received, a ramp so that Noah could play; that lasted for about four frames. By the fifth, Noah was done and wanted to hold and throw the ball. When it became apparent that he wasn't going to get his way, he took to just standing and watching. Or so I thought.

I did my best impression of a "bowler" and hurled my ball down the lane. As soon as I let go, Noah ran after the ball. Full speed, down a very slippery lane. I took off after him and we got about half way down the lane when he slipped. Then I slipped. Apparently grace runs in the family because his very awkward running and subsequent fall looked exactly like mine. Gangly arms and legs flailing (that was the running part) and large feet flying up into the air as we landed hard on our non-existent bums. Thankfully for Noah he had a diaper on. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the cat-like reflexes that I have and he hit the back of his head on the floor. I caught myself with my forearm.

After James and our friends processed all that happened (the synchronized running and falling happened so fast), James met me and Noah at the top of the lane (because there was NO WAY he was going to slip and fall like Noah and I just did) and took a hurt and crying Noah from me. I don't think James told Noah that running after the ball isn't a part of bowling; I don't think that he had to.

Biker babe

2009-04-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's me on a motorcycle. Okay, not a real motorcycle, but close enough. I'm not daring enough to go on anything larger. Well, not in a dress and peep-toe stilettos. I am, after all, a lady. A squealing, giggling, dress-and-stiletto-wearing lady. Who stole a motorcycle from a ten year old boy. Or is he 11?

Blue Steel? Ferrari? Magnum?

2009-04-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that these are old pictures, but I just pilfered them from Vangie's Facebook page. So, they are new to me. If they are new to me, they may be new to you.

Look at Noah's grin. Wonder where he got that from. And Juris's nose? Looks just like Lola's!

Don't let these two toddlers fool you. They are NOT tired. They are NOT taking a rest. They are letting Lola think that they are done jumping on her couch so she will put the cushions back on, and once the cushions are in their rightful place, they will rip them back off and continue jumping on the cushionless couch. It's their favorite game.

He has that guilty look on his face because he was just caught opening presents. Thanks, Tina.

It's a bunny eat bunny world out there, son.

2009-04-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

James, Tina and I took Noah to the 25th annual PABAU Easter Egg Hunt. (Wow, I feel old. The Dizon clan participated in the earliest egg hunts.) Noah made off with a pretty good stash.

And, I assure you, that is NOT my butt crack you are seeing. It's my, uhhh... back. Trust me, if that was crack peeking through, you would've heard James AND Tina AND Peejay making fun. (And for my birthday, you can all get me belts. Cute ones.)

Noah's introduction to the cruelty of egg hunts around the 2:00 mark. Brace yourself.

Remorse?

2009-04-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

James and I have been trying to potty train Noah. He does fairly well on most days, but I think he is tiring of the "treats" we are giving him. We started with Starburst gummies with a juicy center; too messy. We moved on to organic fruit snacks; yummy, but Noah wasn't terribly excited about them. Tonight, chocolate bunnies.

No, thank you, son. We'll pass on the chocolately bunny bum.

Hi, I'm New

2009-04-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, family and friends. Welcome to Noah's new blog. We found that his other website just didn't suffice, so we have moved his page here. :) I hope you enjoy, and I promise that we will do our best to keep up.