My birthday garb

My Daddy bought me this chinese suit for my birthday! It feels smooth :-) How do you like it?

Kid in the hood

There hasn't been much of a chance to wear these kind of hooded clothes and jackets in warm manila lately, so my Dad just asked me to wear this just for kicks. He thinks that I look very cute in this.

Surprise visit at Bruno's - my first haircut

I usually have my evening walk in Greenbelt 1 to 5 with Yaya and Lola. This precedes my bath and sleep.

My Dad was going to get a haircut himself and saw me walking around.

"Joshua!"

He took my hand and we walked (I can already walk with someone holding just one hand! Ha ha) to the barber shop.

My hair has been unweildy and long. I wake up and I look like a 70s rock star. My Mama always laughs at me.

I sat on my Dad's lap and Carlo, his barber, started snipping away.

I was too engrossed with this big brush while Carlo was cutting my hair. (He said, that I was so behaved. Other kids would start crying, according to Carlo.)

Yaya kept me company too.

In about 5 minutes we were all done!

How do you like my hair now?

Paul Potts, my Momma and Dada and the surprise party

My Mom and Dad watched Paul Potts last October 8. That day happened to be my Momma's birthday as well.

The concert was Dad's gift for Momma. She loves the opera and she loves to sing. Every morning she sings "The Sound of Music" to me.

The Hills are alive!! ...with the Sound of MUUUUsic! Ah haaa haaa haaa!

That makes my day and opens up my earlobes.

Well, I was sound asleep when they left to watch the concert (Paul Potts is this British guy who won the reality tv show, Britain's Got Talent and his audition where he sang Nessun Dorma got more than 3 million hits on YouTube!!). Anyway, at around 10pm, Momma's friends started to come around and wait for Momma and Dada to come back from the concert.

Because my Momma wanted to go and have a midnight snack at Cafe Adriatico after the concert, my Dada had to say that has was having LBM and that they had to go home already. (Isn't that lying? Someone please explain to me why this is okay?)

Well, Momma was surprised when she opened the door to see me up and with so many people around me! Ninang Mae, Ninang Sharon, Ninong Myki and Ninang Bel, Ninang Boom, Kuya Misha and Tita Gina, Tita Theo (who just got out of the hospital for surgery after being stabbed by a mugger) and Tito Howie.

They all had ice cream and cake while I had my big bottle of ... milk.

Life is good and my Momma and Daddy were all smiles.

I thought it was morning already and so I was up until 1am... it took a while before my motor stopped running and realized that I needed more sleep.

I love to sleep. I love being here. Thank You Lord :-)

A different perspective

The woman holding me upside down is the architect of what will be our new house.

She's my Godmommy too. Her name is Sharon and she's the sister of my Daddy.

Things look different when you're looking upside down.

A frown looks like a smile.

The floor looks like the ceiling.

Looking at things from the other side helps us not to judge things right away.

Space!

It was my parent's anniversary yesterday. They were supposed to go out of town to celebrate, but they also had a big event and things sort of 'happened' like they usually do. So, my Mama took me with her (yes!) and boy did my eyes almost pop out of my sockets when I saw how big this house was that we visited.

I was told that this wasn't a house but a hotel.

Space!

Thank You Lord for the wide open space!

Space to run (well, walking very fast with my Daddy holding my hands) and crawl!

I felt like I could run and crawl forever.

Space facinates me. How long will it take for space to run out? What if I walked outside the hotel and kept on walking and crawling? Where would I end up? What if I flew upwards towards the sky? Where would I be tomorrow?

I slept like a baby (wait, I am a baby) after 7pm and they got someone to bring a crib to their hotel room where I promptly lay down and dozed off into dreamland...
Good night. :-)

The Whirlwind weeks of past

Wow. I can't believe it's been 20 days since I last blogged.

I just came back from my 4th swimming lesson since I entered my new life as a Roberto.

The past 3 weeks have been hectic.

My Dad read somewhere that kids, heck, babies today live lives of such complexity. My parents are reading a hundred and one books on how to turn me into a genius, a rock star, a mathematician, an Olympic swimmer and clown (they like it when I make them laugh) all at the same time.

Such are the pressures of living in the new world.

Come on.

I just turned 9 months old last September 17.

My Daddy and Mama actually made a big deal out of it by throwing an impromptu party at the office. (Yes, I've made quite a number of new friends who are much bigger and older than I am. They talk weird and try to make weird faces at me, but I don't bite into any of that. I'm too over that already.)

But it was very sweet of them to celebrate my 9th month.

Talk is in the air about my dedication and my 1st birthday. I hope I get some nice gifts. I wouldn't mind getting something that I could really sink my teeth into. My Daddy keeps on complaining when I bite him on the shoulder. I can't help it. My teeth are trying to bust out of my gums and it feels good when I can just rub and bite my teeth against some rubber or cloth covered fleshly limb.

Once, I bit my Daddy on the chest. He shouted in surprise and I guess, in much pain. He said I bit his man nipple and it stung like a blunt needle forced into a vein.

Ouch. That must have hurt.

Sorry Dad.

Well, that's about it. I have lots and lots of pictures to share. My Dad is very busy. I can tell by the mess on his desk. But it's nice also to know that he isn't bothered by the growing mound of paper on his desk surrounding his laptop. He's very game about playing train or choo choo with me. Mama spends about 100 hours a day just kissing my cheeks which she says looks like siopao. Whatever that is. I'm just a Cerelac kind of guy. And isn't Siopao made in China?

Watch out for that stuff. I overhead it in the news. Melamine in your milk is a drag.

'Till the next blog.

Swimming with the stars...

This is my second swimming lesson. And I have a new outfit.

I didn't get to nap too long, so I was a little cranky and the tears came a little more frequent this time. Sorry Dad. I can't help it.

But I later came along. The water was warm and after the first few exercises with Coach Angelo, I was paddling and kicking and floating.

my first swimming lesson with the olympian lozadas

august 29-friday

my teeth were chattering.
the water was cold.
but
i was a model student.
the teacher's pet.
i was floating!
my first formal swimming lesson.
my dad taught me how to float already and here was my chance to show off...

pictures coming.
thanks to teachers pepper and angelo lozada for treating me to this swim class.

thank you Lord!

mommy corrie is going to throw me a party!

My mommy corrie (she's my lola -- my dad's mom), texted my Dad and said that she's going to throw a 'welcome to the family' kind of party for me.

I'm going to meet my Dad's relatives and titos and titas and I'll get to see my Ninang cherry and Sharon again. And my Lolo Ned too! My cousins -- matt, bam and bruce -- are going there too.

My Ninang Elaine and Ninong Rene went back to Singapore today but not before giving me some cool gifts. I like the Baby Einstein CD the most and the Maisy the Mouse pop up book (which I promptly tore apart. Sorry, I didn't know you were not supposed to and yaya did not stop me. Oh well...)

That's my Ninong Rene (in green) carrying me on our way to the Red Crab restaurant in Greenbelt last week Monday when they arrived from Singapore. I like my Ninong Rene. He hums to me while he carries me. I miss them already. :-(

I really don't care that I'm adopted because this adopted family of mine really, really loves me. (Sigh.) So you don't have to whisper to my Dad or Mom ("Is he the one you adopted?") because to me, being adopted is a badge of honor and love. When my Dad and Mom look at me when we're all cuddling in bed, I know that they love me like I was their own flesh and blood.

Well, that's it. I dont' mean to get all mushy. But that's life--my life--right now. Thank You God.

My first encounter with rambutan, papaya and little dogs

Today, my Dad woke up early (to my surprise since he's been down with colds the past few days) and brought me and yaya to the park -- and the market.

The Legaspi Village park was open today (I think it's a sunday today) and my Dad introduced what he said were 'fruits': a little hairy red thing (he called ram-boot-man), an orange blob he called 'papa-ya' (any relation to yaya?) and something else--I forget...

I almost walked in the park this morning too and worked up an appetite. So while my Dad shared some weird looking noodles he called so-tang-hon and sayboo lechon (hind anak--it's cebu) with my yaya I was drinking some really fresh and cool sugarcane juice. Aah.

Oh, and I saw two teeny weeny little dogs that I wanted to pet and hold...and bite but the owner said that the other little dog would bite me first.

Joshua's bright eyes sideways video. Who would want to watch this?

My parents want to be advocates for adoption

My Mama and Daddy have been so encouraged about this whole adoption experience that they want to encourage as many friends and people as possible to adopt.



They have this guy in the office, I think his name is Tito Gerry, who they say looks like me because he 's also "kalbo." They point to his head so I guess that means that he's also "pogi"? He he. Well, this guy and his wife don't have kids and they became excited about adopting when I came into the scene.


As I eavesdrop on their conversations, Mama says that maybe they should have adopted a long time ago. But my Dad, with his wisdom*, always says, "then we wouldn't have had Joshua as our son!" (Yeah, go Dad, go!)

My Mama gets all emotional again and kisses me all over my round face. Oh well.

(Oh yeah, that picture of me up there is one of their favorites. That's me with my post-fart smile...He he he.)

I guess I'm pretty happy about the effect that I've had in my parents' lives and hopefully in the lives of those who at least got to think about adopting also. I was one of the 1,000+ babies that was available for adoption in Manila--and I was almost adopted to some other country in Europe until my Daddy and Mama submitted their papers right in the nick of time. A day or two later, I was matched with them!

My social worker (whom I really love) at the Foundation (Kaisahang Buhay Foundation) processed and coordinated everything for me and my new parents were so happy about me being matched with my Daddy and Mama...

Anyway, I'm sure my Dad, being the blogger and writer that he is, will blog about it one day in his own blog--The Adoptive Dad.

And if you want to see my picture gallery, go to http://www.ardyroberto.multiply.com/

My first vocalized words

"Ma-ma"

I made my Mama so happy when I started saying that wonderful warm word a few days ago.

This afternoon, I clearly called out to her MAMA - MAMA - MAMA! Many many times. It's very easy to say. Perhaps God meant it that way that us babies say "Mama" first. They deserve it. (Of course, she's been teaching and pressuring me to say "Mama" since day one. And I finally did it!)

p.s. my Mama was beside my Daddy (my ghost writer) and she dictated this post to him. She's such a beautiful character

Restaurant review - Piadina, Greenbelt 1, Makati City

Hi, yes this is still baby Josh. And I'm going to write my very first review for the very first restaurant that I have dined in. Okay, I was just in the stroller beside my parents while they were eating but that should count.

While waiting for Mommy Corrie* and Lolo Ned, my Daddy Ardy and Mama Tat decided to get a quick bite at the casual dining Italian restaurant, Piadina owned by this once famouse model, Tessa and her Italian husband (according to my Mama who is always up to date, I think.)

Daddy tried the soup that came with Mama's set pasta meal, and boy did his eyes light up!

"Honey, let's let Josh try this..." said my Daddy.

He gave me about half a spoon and -- whoooaa! It was good. Like nothing I've ever tasted..especially since my whole gustatory experience has been milk formula and cerelac! Haaaay. That's the gourmet life of a 7 month old.

It was a simple, milky kind of vegetable soup. Very tasty (my Dad hopes it doesn't have any MSG or anything like that--most unlikely since this joint looks considerate and caring.)

Yes, my dear readers, I did finish the whole bowl. I was a good boy in my best behaviour. I did not bang the table like what I do when I'm at home and I want more cerelac...

Daddy and Mama finished their pasta and piadina and off we went. In half a minute, there was Lolo Ned and Mommy Corrie who had a bag of new clothes and stuff for me that she bought at Landmark.

I was getting really sleepy--it was past 8pm already--but I did my best to be sweet to my grandparents.

Mama Tat and then later on Daddy Ardy put me to bed and all is well with the world... I love you God! Thank You for putting me on this earth with my parents :-)

*Mommy Corrie is my Daddy's mother who doesnt' want to be called Lola because she looks too young and beautiful to be a lola (that's what she wanted 19 years ago when she had her first apo, so the name just stuck.) But she is really beautiful--a pretty sight for baby eyes like mine. Hee hee.

+++

Post script - Piadina for seconds. The day after, we returned to Piadina when my Dad brought me out of the house for a walk. It started to rain as we were walking to go to the Legaspi park market so we rushed to Greenbelt instead. It was nearing noon and I sent my brain waves to Daddy to get me something to eat. He is such a receiver. Umm.

We had seconds. I shared it with my Dad. The picture above show's me with my eager, tender bear eyes, and pouted lips ready to be fed! Yummmy

that word "Pogi" and my dreams

Everybody keeps on calling me this word -- "pogi". I wonder what that means...
Anyway, I hope it's good.

When I sleep and have what seems like a bad dream my Dad tells my Mom that he feels his heart crackle and snap wondering and worrying if my past is haunting me. Like memories of my being turned over by my birth mother to my foster parents.

Another day at the office

My mom just brought me to the office with my yaya cel and lola manay in tow. Dang. It rained so I ended up here with their staff --hey they're my staff now--ha ha ha. Anyway, I'll get to go to the park again tomorrow.

I played around with a tambourine that my dad handed to me and amused Nicole and some other girls.

Just another day at the office!

My first time dipping in the pool

After I went to the park, my Dad took me to the kiddie pool on the top floor of the condo. I love it when he takes me out of the condo. I try to show my appreciation by letting out a little (okay it's not little) squeel. I bang on the elevator buttons and just try to keep myself from going wild. I laugh at the image of me and my dad in the elevator mirror--we don't look alike at all but our smiles are great glued together.

I didn't know he was going to dip me into the pool but as soon as he took off my nappies, I knew that something was going on different. The water was frigging (oops, can I say that?) cold! I was shivering but my focus was on my yellow rubber duckie. I couldn't let him drown.

My body was beginning to shiver a bit so my Dad called it a day! Oh man. 10 minutes pa lang and the pool party was over. Oh well, I overheard him talk to his 'bro' Angelo (Lozada) something about swimming lessons this friday. Whuuuuu!

My Dad rocks! Ha ha.

Godmother Carol is here to visit Joshua

This was written and posted by my Daddy Ardy while Ninang Carol visited me and was just all over the place:

Ninang (Godmother) Carol is here at home visiting baby Joshua for the first time. She promised to be with us when we were going to pick him up, but she couldn't for one reason or another. She's forgiven because now she's here.

Adopting Joshua has been one of the most wonderful events/miracles/blessings/joys that we've experienced in our lives by far.

Tingting cried again this morning while we were having brunch when she realized that we almost did not push through with the adoption process because of the timing. She looked at me and with tears squeezing out of the corner of her eyes said, "Where would Josh be? We wouldn't have this baby boy...." And she cried some more.

Anyway, Ninang Carol spent the afternoon here playing with Josh. She's accepted him as if he came out of Tingting's tummy. That's our best friend, Carol. Actually, everybody else seems to have accepted him as if he were our own flesh and blood.

Here's our silent movie...