Mommy Whale

Last December 15, we went to Alex III in Quezon City for my cousin's wedding reception. During the party, we saw my other cousin's 4 month old baby. He was just sitting quietly in his stroller the whole time. In the car, on our way home, we asked Griffin, why he was always crying when he was a baby, and he said, "Because my Mommy is a whale!"

Old and Fat

Griffin was watching Fairly Odd Parents a few nights ago. The episode was about Timmy wishing for an older brother. His wish was granted and he had an 18 year old brother called Tommy. Since he had an 18 year old brother, his parents of course had to be older. Timmy's dad was telling Timmy's mom that she was old.

While watching .......
Willie: Is mommy old and fat?
Griffin: No, mommy's only fat. Ama is old and fat and daddy is only fat.

K.I.D.S. Christmas Program

Griffin had their school's Christmas program last Saturday at 9:00 am. He and his classmates were the shepherds in the Christmas story. They also danced to a Christmas medley. After the program, Santa Claus came and distributed gifts to the kids. Of course, Griffin got what he wanted, Jetray from Ben 10 Alien Force. Zach, Enzo and Colin also got Ben 10 toys. Before going home, we had our family picture taken by a photographer. We get one free print which we have to get at KIDS on December 20.

Narrative Report : November 24 to November 28, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: November 24 to 28, 2008
By Teacher Cristy

Just like his classmates, Griffin got quite excited as we started to talk about CHRISTMAS. He seems very sure about what gift he wants to get from Santa - "Ben 10 Alien Force". He also enjoyed practicumers day when our student teachers from La Salle prepared several Christmas activities for the children - his favorite was playing in the pretend snow during outdoor play. He scooped tiny styropor beads in his hands and threw them up in the air like snowflakes. He also liked going down the slide into the mats that were covered in the tiny styro beads as well. During story time, which we had inside a big tent, he couldn't stay in place for long periods as he moved around the tent every now and then to play with the Christmas decor which were props for the story. Still, he was quick to answer questions after and fill in details about the story with accuracy.

For our Christmas program on Dec. 13, the class will be shepherds during the "Christmas story" song. Please just let Griffin wear an oversized white T-shirt (daddy's) with a belt or sash over jeans and a red shirt, which in turn will be their costume during the Christmas medley.

Sick Griffin

Last Friday, when Griffin came home from school, he was not his usual self. At first, I thought it was because of the game he was playing on the computer which made him feel bad. He looked sad. After a while, he told me he had a headache and when I felt his forehead, it was hot.

He had a fever Friday and Saturday. Sunday morning he looked OK already, he was active and no longer had a fever. I gave him a bath that night, which was a big mistake.

His fever came back and was even worse because he would at times be shaking from chills. Last Tuesday, we went to the doctor and he was prescribed antibiotics. That night, he still had a fever but I no longer gave him medicine for the fever. By early morning, his fever was gone.

He was fine already yesterday and was back to his old self except that he still has colds and cough. He's OK now. He just needs to take his antibiotics till Sunday. Unfortunately, because of Griffin getting sick, we cancelled our trip to Hong Kong. I'm not sure if we will be able to push through with the trip by early next year, before I give birth in May.

Twilight the movie

We watched Twilight yesterday at Cash and Carry. I actually want to watch the movie so Griffin had to come watch with me. He was kind of restless, walking around the movie house. He was kind of bored because there was no action yet. After the movie though, he told me, "I liked the movie". He liked the part where the vampires were fighting.

Narrative Report: November 17 - November 21, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: November 17 - November 21, 2008
By: Teacher Cristy

Griffin had some anxious moments this week. Mostly during freeplay with his classmates - he cried when the others initially didn't include him in their circle, and also when one of the girls didn't want to share a toy. He quickly calmed down when teacher intervened and let him sit by her side for a while. Soon after, he again joined them as if nothing happened.

Unlike last week, when he found writing Q and 19 hard, he said that writing 20 and R is easy. He was quick to answer his math worksheets where he had to count sets of up to 20 objects and write the corresponding number as well. He had no problems with his R worksheets too. In our rigby literacy exercise, he matched the words caterpillar, fish, lizard with their pictures. He cuts lines better too. Sometimes, he can write his name Griffin within the line already and just needs to practice it more so he can further improve on it.

As we talked about our last food group, "GLOW" foods, he was able to identify many fruits and several vegetables. When he saw an onion, he said "When you cut up an onion, it makes you cry, just like, Spongebob." He also ate bananas with chocolate and cream which he liked and made fruit salad afterwhich he ate a little of it.

Narrative Report - November 10 - November 14 , 2008

When asked to choose from several food slogans he wants to write, Griffin chose to copy "Too much food can make you fat". When asked why he chose that slogan, he said "because my daddy's like that"!

Just like last week, he participated actively in our different activities. He was quick to follow directions in setting a table. He enjoyed pressing the buttons of the blender and making milkshake although he tried just a little of it because according to him "I can't drink milk because I'm going to have a tummy ache if I do". He tasted different grow food too except tuna.

When answering his worksheet on the letter Q, he had no problem matching q words with pictures. When it was time to write the letter "Qq", he said "This is harder than I thought" while writing it. He also found it hard writing # "19" and when asked to draw and complete sets with 16-19 objects, he said "Ican't do it" because he said it was hard to draw so teacher helped him by holding his hand (hand over hand) while drawing.

During our rigby literacy program, we read "This is my Family". Griffin is really quite good at reading already. When asked to draw his family, he drew "me, my mommy, my daddy"; when asked what his family is doing (in the picture), he said "We are walking".

Bye Bye Dentist

We went to the dentist last monday to put fillings on Griffin' s cavities. Unfortunately, like the last time, he did not want his teeth to be drilled. The dentist could not do anything so he referred me to another dentist. Griffin has lots of cavities so he said it would be better to do everything in one visit but Griffin has to be under sedation. However, Griffin's pediatrician doesn't approve of putting him under sedation except for really severe cases. So now Griffin has to settle with all his cavities. I have to limit his sweets intake and make sure he brushes his teeth often. I'm hoping that his cavities won't worsen.

Griffin actually knew that it was not right that he did not allow the dentist to fix his teeth because when we were at the reception, he told me, "Sorry I wasn't listening." He was sorry that he did not listen to the dentist but I guess he doesn't like the drill so there's nothing we can do but to try to stop the cavities from progressing. Oh well, I hope everything turns out OK.

Writing within the lines

When we arrived in school this morning, Teacher Mina told me that when Griffin was writing supposedly within the lines yesterday, he said, " It's harder than I thought".

My baby still has a difficult time writing especially now that he has to practice writing within the lines. I just hope that by the time he goes to big school he'll be better at writing already.

Narrative Report - November 5 to November 9, 2008

Narrative Report

Period Covered: November 5 to November 9, 2008

By Teacher Cristy

The children were asked about what they did during th eshort "vacation", Griffin was quick to say "I just played with my toys" and he then added " I missed school but sometimes I didn't" :) and as some of the girls said they watched High School Musical, he said "I'm going to watch Madagascar".

He settled back quickly into our different routines. As we talked about our latest theme "food", he was quick to read "GO FOOD" on our board. When asked what his favorite go food is, he said that he likes cereals. When we tasted different kinds of "go" food, he liked the pancit canton and coco crunch cereals. As we read a book about food, he told his classmates "My daddy is fat because he loves food. He won't stop eating until his tummy pops." :)

We started our rigby literacy program wherein the children "sight" read short stories, after which they answer a follow up activity. This week, we read "We are playing". The kids were asked to draw about things they like to play with. Griffin drew/wrote : We are playing 1. slide 2. cars 3. thomas. At first he said he just wanted to write and draw "slide" because the other stuff are hard to draw, but he went on to think of things he can draw. He also found it difficult to write within the line as according to him "the line is too short".

End of First Semester Narrative

We have just ended the school year's first semester. It has been a very busy one for everyone, with several activities in and out of school. Some of the children also had to prepare for "big" school exams - Griffin being one of them. There were times he had to do longer work periods to review and prepare for the test - which meant less time for play. Except for the initial frustrations and pressure he seemed to put on himself whenever he made a little mistake, it wasn't hard preparing him for his exams because he is a fast learner and a smart boy too. He has an excellent memory and answers worksheets well despite challenges he still encounters with writing. He expresses his thoughts and ideas like a little grown up and is really quite witty.

While he is still very playful and sometimes has difficulty to sit or stand still, he is always quick to settle down and focus once his attention is called. He is generally cooperative and responds well to adult direction and suggestions.

The second semester will be equally busy, with several special celebrations coming soon, and even more lessons to learn. I am sure Griffin and I, as well as the rest of the class will have many more adventures and fun learning experiences to share together.

By: Teacher Cristy

My birthday

It was my birthday yesterday. Willie wasn't with us because he is in Australia and won't be back till Saturday. I had a very simple celebration, just bought pork barbecue meal from Aristocrat for lunch. It was so yummy. I also bought a small ube cake as my birthday cake.

Madagascar 2

We watched Madagascar 2 last Friday at Power Plant. It was a very funny and enjoyable movie. Griffin liked the movie although I could see that he was kind of sleepy because we watched at 4:10 pm already. Right after the movie, we went to Kids Station and as usual, he got a new toy. He chose Humongousaur from Ben 10 Alien Force.

Here he is with his collection of Madagascar characters from Mc Donald's.

Having a Baby

Griffin went to his Daddy's office for another Halloween Trick or Treat. He was supposed to wear his Aang costume, unfortunately, he changed his mind at the last minute and opted to wear his Dino Thunder Power Ranger costume. He went with his Dad and I stayed at home. After a while I got a call from Willie, he said Griffin was talking about me. His co-workers were asking Griffin where his mommy is and he answered, "She's having a baby"!

Halloween Trick or Treat at K.I.D.S.

Griffin had his Halloween Trick or Treat with his schoolmates last October 22 at 9:00in the morning. We went around some houses in San Antonio Village. He got lots of loot and was quite tired towards the end that he asked to be carried already. When we got back in the school there were refreshments and Mickey shaped pancakes for everyone. There were still lots of candy being given away.

Here are some photos:

Before going to school. I forgot to put on the belt of Griffin's Aang costume.


About to go trick or treating.


Classmates in costume.




With pumpkins full of loot.


Griffin's improved Aang costume which he'll wear in Daddy's office to go trick or treating again.

Baby#2: First Ultrasound

I came from the doctor this afternoon and had my first ultrasound. The baby is estimated to be around 8 weeks and its estimated due date is June 5, 2009 although if I were to opt for C-section, I could give birth as early as 2 weeks before. The baby is fine and has a very good heartbeat.

Here's the ultrasound photo:

Baby Talk

Some conversations about the baby.....

Me: I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse.
Ama: Mommy's so hungry, she could eat a Griffin.
Griffin: But she already ate a Griffin .... Griffin Daley. (referring to the baby in my tummy)

---------------------------

Ama: I want to see the baby in the book. (referring to the science book which shows the sperm and egg join together)
Griffin: (whispering in her ear) It's still in the tummy. (referring to the baby in my tummy)

---------------------------

Griffin: (pretending to type) Dear God, I already have a baby.

I remember what his teacher said when they were talking about family, and Griffin saw Colin and Enzo's family pictures and they had baby sisters. Griffin said, "next time I will have a baby", and now he will have one.

Parent-Teacher Conference

I had my first Parent-Teacher Conference yesterday morning with Teacher Cristy. We discussed Griffin's Progress Report. Griffin's progress report was really good, he had mostly O's (outstanding) and VS's (very satisfactory). He only had 5 S's (satisfactory), for writing his name, writing letters, writing numerals, not easily calmed down when crying and one for gross motor skill - shooting the ball in the basket. Basically, his teacher said that Griffin is really smart and funny. He's especially good with numbers but actually knows his letters too, it's just that he's not very good at writing letters and numbers yet.

Teacher Cristy said, this next sem, they will concentrate on reading, addition, fractions and try to get Griffin to write within the lines and hopefully improve in writing.

I'm so proud of Griffin. He's doing really well in school.

Pirate Griffin

We attended Joaquin's Pirate themed 7th birthday yesterday. Griffin had a blast seeing pirates, wearing a pirate costume and even doing some sword fighting. He also had a skull "tattooed" on his arm. Unfortunately, we left before the party was over and missed the Magic show. We still had another party to attend at the Fun Ranch. Griffin loved the loot he got, especially the treasure chest and the chocolate gold coins. When we got home, he put on his pirate costume and pretended to be a pirate, fighting and looking for treasure.

Here are some photos:

On the way to the party.


With Captain Jack Sparrow and Commodore James Norrington


His skull tattoo


In his pirate costume

Narrative Report: October 6-11, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: October 6-11, 2008
By Teacher Cristy

As we looked at our globe and atlas to begin our discussions about "united nations", Griffin was quick to read CHINA, as we looked at the different countries in asia. And as we looked at pictures of asians, europeans and africans, he became quite curious and started to ask his classmates "What does your mommy look like?' as quoted in our newsletter, he said "my mommy looks filipina, sometimes she looks chinese!" : )

He had no difficulty identifying #'s that come before, after and in between, as well as distinguishing between equal & not equal; he had a hard time though writing some numbers like 3, 2, 7, 5 which he wrote in reverse. When asked to draw objects to complete sets, he at first tried to draw some of it on his own but after a while asked teacher to help him.

It has been a while since we played in the sandbox so he was excited when we had sand play in relation to talking about the desserts in africa. He had no problems though about sharing the shovels and pails and taking turns but just got easily annoyed when he got stepped on or shoved.

P.S.
I hope you enjoyed watching Griffin perform during the U.N. day program. My reminder to him was to stay in place during the dance as during our practices he had a tendency to wander off in the middle of the presentation. : )

Teacher Cristy

First Semester Assessment

Griffin had his first semester assessment this morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. We arrived in school really early today. I stayed with Griffin till his teacher came. After a while he started answering the worksheets then Zach arrived and started doing his worksheets too. Zach finished his work ahead of Griffin. They played for a few minutes then they started doing their math worksheets.

When they were done, Teacher Cristy gave them Spiderman bubbles. She told me that Griffin's weakness is writing. I know that because up to now he's really not an expert yet at writing, especially writing lowercase letters and numbers. But she told me, when it came to the math part, he was really fast. She says that sometimes, he doesn't even count the objects anymore, he just looks at them and knows how many there are.

His Progress Report will be given to us on tuesday then the Parent-Teachers Conference will be on thursday.

Pregnancy Blues

This second pregnancy is so different from the time I was pregnant with Griffin. Although, I still don't throw up, there are food that I don't want to eat. My tummy doesn't feel good, no matter what I eat. During Griffin's time, I would eat anything and I wasn't sensitive to smells although I did feel like I had indigestion during the first trimester. This time, I don't know what I want to eat. Sometimes just thinking about a particular food makes me feel so icky. I'm really hoping that this disappears when the first trimester ends.

A Day at Fun Ranch

After the United Nations program, we went back home to eat lunch then after we proceeded to Fun Ranch to attend a birthday party. We were early so Griffin enjoyed most of the rides first and had a glass of strawberry snowcone.

As usual, Griffin had fun at the party. He played in the playground when we arrived while waiting for the program to start. He had Spiderman painted on his face, joined the games and watched the Magic show. He was very attentive and listened to the host. He was able to do the garter relay game really well. He quickly put the garter over his head, pulled it down to his feet then returned the garter to the chair. Unfortunately, his team lost the game, but they were given consolation prizes.

K.I.D.S. United Nations Program

Griffin had their United Nations Program last Saturday at the Philippine Navy Officers' Clubhouse. The Program started a few minutes after 9:00 am. Griffin was one of the kids on stage during the National Anthem. Their class represented the Philippines.

Griffin is not the shy type so he has no worries about performing on stage in front of a lot of people. He danced together with his classmates to the tune of Blue Jeans by Apo Hiking Society. Right after their performance, he got hungry so I bought him hotdog on stick. He ate up 3 hotdogs on stick so by the time the program ended, he didn't want to eat the snacks that were prepared for the kids.

Here are some photos:

Waiting for the program to start


During the National Anthem


Dancing Blue Jeans




After the program

Missing You

When I picked Griffin up this morning ....

Me: It's Zach's car. It's his daddy.
Griffin: Where is Zach's mommy?
Me: Maybe she goes to the office.
Griffin: She goes to the office like my daddy. You don't have an office.
Me: You want me to go to the office?
Griffin: No, I might miss you. I always want to miss daddy.

Narrative Report: Sepetember 29 to October 3, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: September 29 to October 3, 2008
By Teacher Cristy

There were no "meltdowns" for Griffin this week (even on the day he came in very sleepy, he snapped out of it by the middle of circle time without much fuss :) ). He was in a playful and happy disposition most of the time and easily focused and paid attention when it was time for work.

As we talked about zoo animals this week, he said his favorite zoo animal is the elephant, adding that he doesn't want to go near tigers and lions because "they bite people". He made his zoo animal art works for the week with little supervision and just needed reminders not to rush and stay within the lines whenever he colors. When we had our alligator painting activity, he asked if he can paint his alligator violet, but we didn't have any violet paint available that time, so he just agreed to use gray, which everyone else used.

He still is really a little boy; when he needs to make wiwi, he sometimes takes off his underwear already while he is walking towards the toilet. He makes sure he "shoots" his wiwi in the bowl already, and when reminded to flush and wash his hands he said "I shouldn't hold that because it is dirty and has germs."

Baby Number 2

I was expecting my monthly period to come last September 30 but after a week I still haven't had my period so I took the pregnancy test this morning and it's positive. Griffin is going to be a big brother already. Griffin's birthday wish has come true. It was his wish on his birthday last August that he'd like to have a baby.

I told Griffin that he's going to be a big brother. I asked him what would he do when the baby comes. He showed me what he would do by shouting, "Mommy, the baby needs milk!".

While lying down on our bed, I was hugging Griffin ....
Me: I'm going to have 2 babies already. (Referring to Griffin and the new baby.)
Griffin: The baby will sleep beside me.

Willie was telling Griffin that there's a baby in my tummy. But Griffin kept on saying NO! I guess he still can't believe that there's a baby in my tummy because he knows pregnant women have big tummies.

I showed Griffin the pregnancy test and told him that if there are 2 lines, it means you're pregnant. Then he told me, I only want 1 line because I'm not pregnant. When Willie came home that night, he drew 2 lines on Griffin's arm and told him that he's pregnant. Griffin cried so I erased the 2 lines. After I erased the lines with alcohol, he asked me to draw 1 line only because he said he's not pregnant. After a while, Willie drew 3 lines on his own arm and told Griffin about it. Griffin said, "Daddy, you're very very pregnant"!

Field Trip to Manila Zoo and Kinder Zoo

Griffin went on a field trip to the Zoo. On the way there, he rode with his classmates. First stop was the Kinder Zoo. Griffin was really brave. He rode on the ostrich. He sat beside a baby crocodile and even had his picture taken with the snake. On the way out, though, he did not want to have his picture taken with the bird on his head or shoulder.

After Kinder Zoo, we went around Manila Zoo and saw the elephant, hippo, zebra,tiger, deer, snakes, iguanas, crocodiles, turtles, monkeys and different kinds of birds. He got kind of tired after a while so he asked to be carried. He only got down when he saw the playground and the kids played there for quite some time before we finally went home.

Griffin passed his big school entrance exam

Griffin passed the entrance exam at Xavier School. Teacher Cristy was asking me yesterday morning, when the results would be out because she said Zach got the result of his entrance exam at CSA, 2 days ago. I told her I was going to get the results that morning.

Griffin will be in big school already next year. When I told him that he passed in Xavier and that he could go to school there, he said, "I don't want to go to my school anymore. (referring to KIDS)". I really hope that he would still enjoy going to school next year.

Dangerous Fishball

Just this morning ......

Griffin: Mommy, I want fishball.
Me: OK. I'll cook some.
Griffin: No, Ama will cook. Your eye, you might get owie again.

He remebered the last time, I cooked him some fishballs, I got some oil burns on my face near my eye. I actually forgot about that already but he still remembers.

When I told him, I was done cooking the fishballs. He asked me, "Did you get owie"?
He's so concerned about me. : )

Narrative Report: September 22 to September 26, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: September 22 to September 26, 2008
By Teacher Cristy

Griffin did very well in our science readiness oral exercise in relation to our "animals" theme. He identified many animals in our chart and quickly matched animal footprints as well as animal habitats. He was able to properly sequence the growth of a turkey, based on pictures shown; he easily determined which among ten different looking baby rabbits looked like the mommy rabbit. When shown a picture of rabbits that got out of its cage, he was able to give the correct explanation, (from several choices) as to why it may have happened. He also identified beginning letter of words like _oat, _ig, _orse, _ow ... and just needed a little help with _heep. When asked to name the paper "puzzle" pig he formed, he said "my pig's name is oink"!

He has been actively participating our rehearsals for our U.N. day program. We will be representing the Philippines and will be dancing to a song by the Apo Hiking Society, "BLUE JEANS". Our costume will be blue jeans, white shirt with collar and a bandana (any color) and rubber shoes. Should you wish Griffin to wear a different costume for the parade, he may do so, but it is not required.

P.S. Griffin's Ben 10 toy was a big hit with his friends. He shared it and let them borrow it willingly. : )

You're so Forgettable

Last Monday, before leaving to pick Willie up at the airport ......

Ama: Your feet are dirty!
Griffin: I washed it Ama. You're always "forgettable"! My feet are clean because I washed it.

My mom was downstairs so he kept shouting "Ama you're so forgettable". I kept on laughing at what he said. He actually meant forgetful.

This is my Coke

We were in Glorietta yesterday because Willie was on leave. He just left for Singapore very early this morning to watch the F1 race there. While we were at Food Choices, I bought a Slammers meal which included a Coke in can. When I arrived at our table, I gave Griffin the Coke. When I wanted to drink some Coke .....

Griffin: Mommy get your own Coke.
Willie: Can I have some? (asking for a sip of the Coke)
Griffin: Daddy can share with me.
Me: I can't share with you?
Griffin: I don't want to share with you but I still love you Mommy.
Me: I still love you too.

Narrative Report: September 15 - September 20, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: September 15 to September 20, 2008
By Teacher Cristy

Griffin has been constantly talking about "Ben 10" stuff lately with the other boys. It has been a major part of their play time, and even their conversations during snack time.

He did our activites for the week without difficulty, following instructions well, patiently waiting for his materials, finishing his work with little supervision. : ) His fine motor skills have shown great imrpovement as evident in his ability to finger paint and cut a circle.

He can identify numbers that come after very well, sometimes just needing a visual guide. What he finds a little difficult is writing the numbers, as he tends (still) to write some of them in reverse (mirror image) like 7, 6, 5..... the same is true when he writes the letters B,D. He answers questions about beginning letters very well. And just writes some of them in reverse.

He had a few anxious moments again this week - when Angelo accidentally stepped on his foot, and when Maddie (again) refused to share, he got very irritated with her and tried to "scare" her off, attempting to hit her with the cover of the toy box. When he saw that Maddie was about to cry, he left he to join his friends.

Best Driver

While driving Griffin home from school ....

Me: Hold on Griffin, because I'm driving.
Griffin: Mommy, you're the best driver ever!

I very seldom drive, usually only when I need to drive the car to pick Griffin up from school. My driving speed is around 20km/hr only but it's usually just a 5 minute drive from school to our house. I felt so appreciated, when I heard him tell me that I'm the best driver ever. :-)

Narrative Report: September 8 to September 12, 2008

Narrative Report
Period Covered: September 8 to September 12, 2008
By Teacher Cristy

Griffin continues to do very, very well in our reading exercises and is in fact one of our top readers (considering that he is the youngest in class). While he continues to use picture cues on words like smile, sticker, hear ... he can easily read words like bee, tree, bus, go leaf ... and as we read about "green", he was quick to say "that's my mommy's favorite color.

He patiently put seeds on the letters of his name and participated in our flower arranging activity without hesitation. When we had a planting activity though, he has reservations about touching the roots and when asked to scoop soil into the pot, his initial comment was "it's gross!"; but eventually did so when his turn was called, when he saw that he didn't need to hold the soil with his bare hands but use a small shovel instead.

He answers his worksheets easily but is sometimes careless - he says out the correct answer but encircled the wrong one. When he realizes that he made a mistake, he asks that it be erased at once, and tries very hard not to be overly anxious. When asked to write his name at the bottom of his worksheet, he always asks "Can I just write in big letters first?" He still needs a little more practice in writing "Griffin".

He has been extra active during outdoor play, throwing balls, running, going up and down, pounding on the walls ... Enzo, Colin and Zach continue to be his playmates. They always want to show the girls they do things better. :)

A Very Good Reader?

Griffin is getting better at reading. The following clip shows him reading his book. You'd think he's really a fast reader but he's just actually memorized parts of the book. He has a very good memory though.

Here's the video of Griffin reading his Transformers Animated book

Mooncake Festival

Last Saturday, we played the dice game for the Mooncake Festival this year. It was also a joint party for Toby, Apit and Uncle Bong. At first, Griffin was the one throwing the dice for us but after a while he lost interest and started playing with his toys. We did not win the big prize, just lots of hopia.

Here's a photo of Griffin before we started playing the game.

Big School

Griffin had his individual test at Xavier School last tuesday.  It was fortunate that his test was scheduled at 10:15 am so he didn't have to get up so early in the morning.  We left the house at 9:15 am and arrived there at 9:45 am.  Griffin still had time to settle down.  

Just like last August when he had his group assessment, he liked looking at the parrot, cockatoos and fish.  But this time, the parrot was whistling to the tune of Happy Birthday and it even said Hi! three times.  He also found a playmate in another little boy named Jacob who was also going to take the test.  He even told the boy, "We used to have a cockatoo but it died".  The boy asked why and he said I don't know.  He actually said that because I told him we used to have a cockatoo but that was a long time ago, years before he was born. 

The test started at exactly 10:15 am and there were three kids.  I thought it was a one-on-one exam.  It lasted for one hour.  When it was time to go, Jacob said bye to Griffin and when we were about to ride our car, Jacob opened their car window to say bye-bye to Griffin again.  Jacob is a very friendly kid, it would be nice to have him as Griffin's classmate if ever they both study at Xavier.

I'm still thinking, if I would have him take an exam at Colegio San Agustin too or just wait for the results at Xavier which will be released on October 1.  

Great Reader

Griffin came home from school today with a stamp on his arm which says Great Reader.  His teacher told me that he's getting better and better at reading.  His current favorite book at home is the Transformers Animated: Robot Roll Call.  I read it to him all the time so he has almost memorized the whole book.

Here's his stamp.

Narrative Report - September 1 to September 5, 2008

Narrative Report

Period Covered: September 1 - September 5, 2008

By: Teacher Cristy

Griffin has been learning to write his name within the blue lines of a pad paper.  While it still is a slow process for him, he doesn't show signs of getting frustrated and instead just constantly seeks affirmation that he is doing alright.

He continues to do very well during activity and work time.  When we made paper airplanes, he worked with blue paper, was quick to draw a pilot and passengers on his plane and put the wings after.  Although sometimes playful at the start, he settles down to work once his attention is called. During work time, when we read a book with words "it, the, is"' he easily sight read the words after one page of guided reading.  He used picture cues well to read words like "fire truck, fast, barn, wagon, strawberry..."   He reads more and more words on his own already.

Once during snack time, some of the girls got into an "argument".  Nadine called Nikka and Adrienne babies.  Adrienne cried while Nikka told Nadine that she will not say hi to her anymore. Griffin was seated beside Nikka that time, and after listening to the "exchange" of words, acted as mediator and told them "it's OK, you don't have to cry, my mommy also calls me a baby sometimes." : )

Snoring and sleep

A few days ago ....

Me: If we have a baby, where will the baby sleep?

Griffin: Beside me.

Me: Where will I sleep?

Griffin: Beside Daddy.

Me:  I don't want to, he's noisy.

Griffin: You just have to put ear plugs like Danny Phantom's mommy.

Me:  I tried that already but daddy is still noisy.  I can't sleep.

Griffin:  Then don't sleep.

Family : Mommy, Daddy and Griffin

In the car, before leaving for school today.....

Me: Is it ok if daddy would bring you to school today?

Griffin: Where will you be?

Me: I will be at home.

Griffin: If you don't come with us, we might not be a family here.

Field Trip to the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum

Griffin had their field trip to the PAF Aerospace Museum this morning. Colin, Enzo and Ate Dora rode with us on the way to the museum. We looked around the museum seeing miniature planes, pilot uniforms, guns, real planes and helicopters. Griffin was able to go in an actual helicopter. He also went inside the plane that former President Marcos used during his presidency. He specially liked this plane because he asked me if he could go up the plane again. After the tour of the museum, Griffin had some Nestle Pops and dirty ice cream then it was time to go home.

Class picture at the museum

(L-R: little girl, Enzo, Zach, Griffin, Colin, Nadine, Maddie, Angelo, Nikka, Chesley, Tasha)

in the cockpit

looking around the museum with his classmates

sitting in the ejection seat

in the helicopter

another helicopter

going up the big plane

inside the big plane