Next is my Gremlin's poop journal.
I guess it could be wrong teasing our toddlers that poop are bad for their smell. I think this caused the Gremlin to be so shy to let anybody see him poop.
At two years when he started not using his daytime nappies, it could be rather frustrating that soon as we put his night nappies he would poop.
At three years, he need to lock himself alone in the toilet before he let out.
During mall trips, soon as I take out his pants, I stay out the door until he calls me when he's done. It got some persuading for me to carry him (his back against my chest) in the mall toilet while he poop, and he would say "Mama close your eyes", and I would pretend.
Until now he still locks himself in the toilet and sometimes shout "Mama and papa do not see me" while inside.
Now, I guess his next milestone would be when he gets to clean his poop by himself =)
Trusting our Gremlin's ability to be COMPLETELY "weaned" off from diapers had been rather late for us.
At a little past two years old, he started to be without diapers during daytime at home. Outside the house, he had nappies for convenience sake.
Starting 32 months when he was back home (Baguio), his grannies completely weaned him off of daytime nappies. I can only remember being told of they had to buy him new pants at Tiongsan because he pooped there while they were shopping =) . And, a bit off but funny, his auntie tintin had photos of his poop at the terrace.
It was only at 3.5 years old (January 2010), that accidentally we forgot to put his night nappies. From bed at dawn, he walked to the toilet by himself. It was at this time I started to compose a blog post saying our kids are capable of responsibilities we dont realise they are, and it's just a matter of showing them our trust and support that they can. That blog post however just remained a draft (bad me).
From that time, his Drypers nappies hadnt had a movement out the cabinet. It took some adjustments though until he almost completely not wet the bed at night. We give his milk an hour before bed time so as to minimise wet beds. Around Feb-10 and early Mar-10, we set our alarm to wake him for the toilet. Lately, we bring him to the toilet only when he moans. And that could be none to thrice a night =)
Riding the elevator down 124 floors in one minute in Burj Khalifa - the world's tallest tower, gave me ear-ache. And except that, the experience was a hit.
A trip gives a 360-degree view of Dubai until the eyes can reach. Let me take you to a quick tour.
Downtown Burj and the Dubai Mall lake where the fountain shows are, turns like miniature replicas.
This is the Business Bay. A vast desert now turned into man-made lakes and buildings to long flyovers.
Towards the beach lines are the man-made The World and Palm Deira islands. I wonder if these will see completion as projected even when The Palm Jumeirah where Atlantis is, isn’t even completed (will take you there in my next posts).
The road below leads to Dubai Media City and Abu Dhabi. The towering structures were not there when I first came here in Dubai five years ago.
See how they need to put overlapping roads to contain traffic. This is popularly referred to as Defense Roundabout or First Interchange by taxi drivers.
It's Sheikh Zayed Road towards Trade Center. This is within the Dubai Financial Center which they say has the most expensive office spaces in Dubai.
Along Al Wasl Road, the villas look like this.
The black smoke at the far end is from a burning factory in Sharjah. 
This is viewing from inside the tower.
There’s also a “ terrace” outside. Part of the glass walls got some openings that lets you float out your arms. We got scolded for letting our Gremlin pose in this upper picture:
After two hours of sights and wandering up there, we headed to the elevator, which has a cue. Wondering how the elevator looks like inside?
And the halls leading to the exit are full of materials telling about the tower, including this wall poster of people who took part in it's realization. This guy at the right must be proud to be there. A Igorot I was told.
And lastly, who would not think that the tower has been offered to Abu Dhabi when it “bailed out” Dubai? The inscription says Burj Dubai. Yes dearies, up until the launch, everyone was calling it Burj Dubai, then stunned everybody that it has been renamed Burj Khalifa, after Abu Dhabi’s ruler and UAE President.
If you haven’t been into the experience yet, here’s some random notes you might consider:
- Fee is AED100/ adult and AED75/ child above three years for advance bookings.
- Otherwise, fee is AED400 for immediate admission
- Tickets are sold at the lower ground level of Dubai Mall
- Check their website http://www.atthetop.ae/ for other details
- People and bags are scanned at the entrance (just like at airports).
- They take your picture at the entrance to sell to you later. (I forgot, sort of AED60-100) in your exit
- Food is not allowed inside
- Bring chewing gum during the elevator ride
- There is no maximum time to stay at the top
- We were there for a good two hours
- No food is sold up there so be sure not to get hungry in the next two hours which could force you to leave earlier
- Photographers are available for somewhat AED 150/ two photos (I cant exactly remember, but that expensive so dont forget your camera.)
The Gremlin still asks us to revisit: “Mama and Papa, we’ll go to Burj Khalifa next time again?”. When we’ll have extra, then maybe we’ll view the fountain shows at night from up there =)
And by the way, the Gremlin's question for the day was "Why are the cars small?"
To say we went to the world's tallest tower (to date) was an experience.
Days ago, I just turned (drumroll, drumroll :D ) --- guess how many years older? So sorry I'm so shy to even whisper =) I am happy though and so thankful for another year to keep counting my blessings. Randomly, for:
Cheesy as it may, but I'll make out the most of thanking the following, hehe.
To Facebook, for reminding friends and family from world over (naks!) of my birthday. Greetings poured -- on my profile walls, phone calls, text messages, and email. To everyone for the greetings, you made my day *wink*.
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To my husband who saved three months of his personal allowance to buy me this gift. To my son who handed me a rose just past midnight while singing his heart out.
To Spice Island for the sushi, lobster and the prawn with head bigger than it's body.
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And to you who patiently viewed this entry =)
Salamat, thank you, merci, danke, grazie !
- My three-year old Gremlin who tells me: "Mama, you are the best mama in the whole world! I love you!"
- My husband who wakes up before me everyday to prepare breakfast.
- My parents who intake their health supplements.
- My siblings who are safe and sound.
- My boss who doesnt want to issue me laptop because work should not be brought home.
- My friends who tells everybody I am not getting fat even when I eat a giant's meal.
- My stress tolerance that has become rather a discipline.
Cheesy as it may, but I'll make out the most of thanking the following, hehe.
To Facebook, for reminding friends and family from world over (naks!) of my birthday. Greetings poured -- on my profile walls, phone calls, text messages, and email. To everyone for the greetings, you made my day *wink*.
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To my husband who saved three months of his personal allowance to buy me this gift. To my son who handed me a rose just past midnight while singing his heart out.
To my Mama who had the most age reminding message. I was teary- eyed I'm getting older.
To Spice Island for the sushi, lobster and the prawn with head bigger than it's body.
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And to you who patiently viewed this entry =)
Salamat, thank you, merci, danke, grazie !
Keeping a clear work desk is not always good and could signal another message.
Isn't my desk so clear that whoever took my only desk accessory (my specialised company calendar) last night or early in the morning either missed to twist his/ her head towards my name plate (upper right corner) as an indicator that someone owns it; or thought I left the company and that the admin just forgot to remove my name plate?
Ok, I am actually not complaining, just an excuse to showing off I can qualify for the company's clean desk policy :)
