new discovery

I will turn 5 years old early next year and I really wish to have a real bicycle. I started thinking about it when we went at the park near my school. My Maman saw me looking at the 2 boys at my age who were biking very well. I continued observing them and suddenly my Maman asked me if I wanted to have the same bike like them. I said yes immediately with sparkling eyes. I told her that the bike we have at home are okey but just for small babies like my sister. I've added that it's time for me to really learn to bike with the real one.

My Maman started to talk about it with Papa and they've decided to buy me a real bicyle :) ! A week ago we went to Decathlon where we used to buy sports materials. They offer affordable prices, many choices and brandmarks to consider. I was excited to see how my bike would look like.

Since I am a beginner my parents were really practicable to have bought this bike. The price was okey and I was really glad to have it. Included in this bike are the 2 supporting small tires to regain my balance which are adjustable and relflectible light which is detachble that permits to bike during night. Vacation is not yet over and my Maman helps me to learn biking during weekdays at the park near us. I hope to learn how to bike soon without these supporting tires on it. I am not in a hurry but I am just so excited on this new discovery and challenge that I am experiencing as a growing boy. Then I could teach my little sister to bike when she reach my age. All I could do for the moment is to be patient, learn how to balance, apply different techiniques advised by my parents and most especially bike carefully !

I would appreciate to hear recommendations from you about biking. That would be a great help !

I am a Christian

Finally, at 2 years old I was baptised last July 1st of this year! My Mom worked hard for for this one time occassion. She made personalised recto-verso invitation , thank you card and souvenirs. My grandfather and her wife helped us to find a reception out of Marseille to accomodate the guests.

The priest who baptised me is a friend of my Dad during his younger years. I was baptised in this church called L'Ouvre de Jeunesse. Their main goal is simple to have an educational project which accomodates throughout the year children and young people in order to allow them in building all dimensions of their personality. To develop their sense of communication, fundamental values which will guide their personal life and of relation with others. Learn to be of service to others and exemption from payment, training of freedom and responsibility. It wishes to help each young person to become adult from what he is today, to appreciate with their right value the tangible properties, convinced that the man is worth more by what he is not by what he has. Inviting the world in full change, with the testimony of a life which is for the other source of hope.

I have shared this moment of joy with my family and close friends. Entering to a life of Christianity is something that I look forward too. My parents congratulated me because I behaved like a big girl.

The mass was just exceptional because there were young children of different ages to witness this unforgettable celebration with me. As a sign of their participation they have played instruments, sung religious songs all throughout the mass. They have even made a sign of the cross to welcome me to experience the inward grace of the first sacrament.

Now there you go my Ninang and Ninong (godmother and godfather) who have happily accepted their responsibilities as my second parent.

To end up the celebration we have devoured this delicious French typical cake with champagne on the side !

i like to move it move it

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I just turned 2 !

Just like last year Mom prepared a small celebration for my 2nd birthday at the park. I was so lucky to have celebrated under a good weather condition. My Mom invited some of our close friends and I would like to thank everyone for coming and for the presents. My Mom wanted to invite more friends but she didn't have enough time. She is busy preparing our stuffs to be packed and chores to finish at home before we leave for a one week vacation in the North of France.

At the age of 2, I am proud to say that I progress everyday. Thanks to my parents who educate me as I travel my journey to childhood! To my Kuya Basti who serves as my model and helping me while we grow together. These are the things I can do:

1.I speak in phrases - I take my brother as a model. I am at the stage of parrot talking. He helps me sometimes to pronounce the words

2. I can jump and climb - I do everything my kuya does. I am not afraid to imitate him whether he climbs or jumps from one place to another. I like adventure and I am enjoying it!

3. I eat alone ! (I started at 1 1/2 y.o.) - I want to do it by myself to get ready for school on September. (oopppsss need to start potty training shame on me)

4. I know how to arrange my kalat (mess) in our room - Sometimes we are oblige to do it from time to time. It's actually a part of our education at home. To follow the rules and benefit from it later on. Not bad at all !

5. I know how to wear my shorts, pants, shoes, jackets (minsan baligtad nga lang) !

6. I know some english and tagalog words - since my parents start talking to us in English I can easily imitate them. Sometimes it's difficult to understand the words if they speak too fast.

7. I start to learn the names of animals, letters and numbers - it's because I always hear my parents teaching my brother or while they read books before going to bed or while playing.

8. I can sing some phrases from "une souris verte" et "ainsi font,font,font" with the help of my Kuya Basti. I love singing with him because he teaches me the songs he sings at school.

A lot of developments happened but these are the major things so far! I know I still have many things to learn and to accomplish soon. But for the moment, I just turned 2 and I want to take my time in discovering a lot of things while I travel my journey to childhood. I am glad that my parents doesn't expect too much from me (us). They let me do the things I wish to do without being capricious or a brat into something I like accompanied by their pieces of advice. Everyday, I learn by socializing! I do things slowly and surely so as to be effective in every aspects. Discovering things without hurrying not to be on the top or be in a competition with other children. I just simply live my life and breath the air of joy! In short, I am a happy child living in a happy family !

what do you think ?

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Now, my Mom starts talking to us in english. And I can tell you, je me debrouille pas mal ! Seriously, my Papa (feeling Pinoy po si Papa) prefers that Maman talk to us in Tagalog but I guess speaking English will be more practicable since it is an International language. Of course, I would really love to learn Tagalog too later on. But as a second language it would be a great advantage for us especially in school since not so many children speak the english language. To tell you more, every morning we watch DVD films in English so as to get used to it. Eventhough I don't understand the film yet hearing it will be a good pratice. Anyway, I am at the stage of parrot talking. I say what I hear :) ! My Maman speaks clearly and slowly so we can understand better and she sometimes explain it in French. All those basic english words like the alphabet, numbers, colors and singing english songs and many things are a new beginning for me. Indeed, it will be of great help in my everyday development as a toddler. I don't forget my Kuya Basti, he speaks better that me!

for a healthier body and mind

Before spending our winter vacation , my first week was intended for recreational activities. My parents have enrolled me for a five day sports activities from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. It was really a good timing because my Mom just got her license and she was able to accompanied me going forth and back to sports center. If not, we are obliged to take the public transportation (metro and bus) in the middle of winter, carrying bags and stroller on the side ! With thick clothes, gloves and bonnet though Marseille is not the coldest place in France but we are anyhow oblige to wear them. Bringing me there is not an easy task to do, it requires a lot of effort! Not to mention bringing my little sister in the midst of coldness but I guess she doesn't pay attention anyway! Look at her, she's even happy to play and I am sure if she's just a bit older (btw, they accept children of 2 years old there) she will be eager to join the club !

This was my first day and the 2 young women behind me were my animatrices (organizers or leaders of the group where I belong ages 3 & 4years old) there are also other ages and activities are more rigid co'z they are older than us !

These are the activities we do !

1. Football (Soccer)
2. Basketball
3. Gymnastics
4. Lutte or what we call martial arts (but very basic)
5. Dance hip hop
6. Handballl
7. Volleyball
8. Athlétisme (Running)
9. Rugby

And many other things ! We also have some presentations and games indoors especially if it's too windy (mistral as we call in Marseille)!

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My Mom stayed for half an hour to see how things work out for us children! She took pictures and videos ! Then, what do you think ? I prefer going to SMUC and do sports....it is good for the health! Staying at home is good but I will just be tempted to watch TV so better to go out and play, that way I can develop my physical skills and gain more friends !

winter vacation

Living in the South of France particularly in Marseille snow is not a common view but tourist still love to visit our place. So everytime winter approach people are excited to go in the Alps ! We have always dreamed of having this site in our place. White snowy place is always been an amazing site for everyone and I am sure you would agree with us.

This would be my second time to experience to be in a snowy place. By the way, my first time was really unpleasant. I did not even enjoy playing snow with my barehands. Normally, children of my age would love to play snowball fight or make a snowman out of it but I am the contrary. Well it's maybe because I was young at that time. This time I am glad to tell you that I have spent a wonderful winter vacation in the Alps of Meribel!

Honestly I don't know how to ski and I don't even know how to roller blade. I guess, I am to young to learn this type of sports. But arriving there my parents enrolled me to ski school to learn my first ski training. I spent a 5 day training from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon except between 12 noon to 2 in the afternoon for lunchbreak. They accept children from 3 to 5 years old to learn the basic of skiing. I was in this club ! The first two days were difficult because I am not used to it but then ski monitors were nice and patient to teach us and I am glad that on my third day everything went just fine. I learned to put all by myself my ski stuffs, learn to do a bit of slalom, slide downhill and go uphill, sledging, learn to control my moves and know how of chasse neige (to break)! It was absolutely fun especially that I have met a lot of children from different places. I even have my first gold medal for having accomplished a good job. For children who are advance, at the end of the week they take their first test depending on their progress: “Piou-Piou”, “Flocon”, or “Ourson”. Therefore, next year I would be in the class of "Flocon" !

Hey, I guess it's my turn now ! It's me Mayumi, I have not much to share since I am still a baby! Anyway, I have enjoyed my vacation as much as everyone inspite of being in the altitude of 1400 meters where the apartment of Papy is located and going to ski station until 1600 meters high. It's quite tiring for a baby right?! So I was always been tired most of the time. Likewise, at my early age I did not enjoy the snow, well I enjoyed a bit, I admit ! Was a bit stubborn even if Mom rented a special stroller made for snow but I did not want to really stay in there ! I cried....let me out of here!

Anyway, I don't ski but I know how to enjoy and slide with my Kuya and friend Ate Lucie ! Next year, for sure I would also be skiing like my big brother did ! I would be in the club of Piou Piou and I will learn, enjoy and socialize too ! Of course we will not forget to send our heartful thanks to our generous Papy for this wonderful gift !

So see you next year for another adventures of Basti and Mimi ! Now back to normal ! Work for Papa,chores for Maman, school for Kuya and sleep, play and eat for me ;) ! Gotcha !!!

Spiderman returns (with no socks)

Last Christmas I have received a lot of gifts and I appreciate them all. Thank you very much to grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunties and friends. But this one is what I have wished for ! Do I exactly look like Spiderman ? Look at my little sister, she probably wants to have a costume too :) !

Oh no, I forgot something don't you think ? I don't have my socks! Dyahe, sayang OK na sana sa japorms ! Anyway, I'll ask my Maman or Papa to buy me so my costume will be complete and more realistic!

santa came

Look Santa came to see us! Yes, he kept his promise and came with lots of gifts. We are very happy to see him. Santa was a very generous man and we hope to see him next year . Why does Santa comes only once a year ? Can't he visit us too whenever there's a special occassions like birthdays, valentines ? Let's say, tomorrow because i'll be turning 4 and yes, i would like to see him not because he of the gifts but I wanted to talk to him and let him see me how grown up I am, how I speak better, how I can do things on my own and how I take care of my little sister. I just hope to see him otherwise I will wait for next Christmas.

caught in the act

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At the beginning this was my secret! In fact, I have no right to go upstairs because it's too high and it's quite dangerous at my age! Hey look at me, I am very careful! I take one step at a time :) ! Oh no, Maman caught me, patay !!!

my class

This is my class picture this year. I guess, you know where i'm at ! I really like to have my class picture every year because it reminds me of my friends, what we do together and my teachers who help us to be independent during everyday. They teach us how to count, to draw, to distinguish letters and colors, to sing and dance and most especially to develop camaraderie.

Now there you go, my solo picture !

our monster halloween !

Since we rarely and few people celebrate Hallowen in France, we decided to have our own halloween party at home. We haven't got any costumes, no scary make ups, no horrible masks and we didn't even do trick or treat, but I guess playing with our Papa as a monster made us frown and scared to death....HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL !

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This photo was taken on the day of halloween.

my first too !

My fist time....to travel on a high speed train, to go to Paris ! Just a bit sleepy, high speed train makes me sleep ! Maman was very happy during our travel because I was really behaved, who says I can't be like an angel too..........oooppppssssss sometimes ;) !


My first time...... to attend a wedding celebrations.....to travel without my brother and Papa with us and last but not the least my first portrait as a grown up toddler !


I know, I don't usually smile ! Sorry but next time I will make an effort but this is not bad at all, what do you think ?

It's still my portrait ! So I hope these will not bore you. Actually some asked my Maman if I was the flower girl but I wasn't, it was just my dress that makes me looked like one!

Oh, I think I look better on this one ! I was looking into something that makes me grin a little bit ! I guess, I should do this more often or someone should do something funny in front of me, then that will make me smile !

Btw, the wedding of Tita Pat and Tonton Claude was just perfect ! I enjoyed a lot because I was not the only child and it makes me feel released...no dull moments ;)! I played, visited and eaten with other children....isn't is wonderful to be young and naughty...minsan lang po!

my first ticket...

I'm sure you can guess where I'm at ! Yes, I am proud to say that I've been to cinema with my Papa to finally see my first film CARS . When we arrived inside it was so impressing to see the big screen. Better than television at home !!! I was sitting next to a boy of my age, at first we kept on looking at each other. And later found ourselves playing with each other. We were a bit disconnected from the film because of our envie in playing inside the cinema. Anyway, watching and playing at the same time can be possible especially when we are kids ;). I enjoyed watching the film and I can't wait to see another film again and how I wish I can bring my little sister too. That would be great !

I am happy to see the film...

Playing camera shy here ;). The film was great ! It's a much see movie....touching !


This post should fall on September archives. My Mom forgot to publish it before heading off to Pays Basque. Anyway, next time we will update you about the wedding of my "grande cousine" ( big cousin)....

Mayumi au boulot

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Who says I cannot do what adults can do! It's been 3 months I'm doing this job and I am proud to say that I am a little useful too ! So what can you say ? This is not the only thing I can do, I did a lot of progress like my eldest brother Kuya Basti.....I know how to say pardon, attends, et Je t'aime and some simple words. I guess, my Mom is overjoyed because everytime she hears me, she's asking me to repeat many times....di rin sya makulit !

vacation is over

Every year we normally spend 3 weeks of our summer vacation in Corsica "L'île de Beauté" (Island of Beauty) but this time we only stayed for 10 days. We need to save some of my Papa's vacation in going to Pay Basque to attend an important wedding of his first cousin on September. Anyway, even it was too short we've also enjoyed our vacation. We have encountered a lot of the village people and some tourists.

We took the ship from July 19 at 10 in the evening frol Toulon going to Bastia . Arriving the next day to Port of Bastia at 7 in the morning we still have 1 hour drive going to the village. At exactly 9 in the morning we finally arrived in village of St. Lucie De Mercurio (where GIRALDI family originated) the village belongs to the ville of Corte . That morning, I saw 2 workers who where trying to construct a cemented platform for the incinerators that segregate all different kinds of trash (papers, bottles, plastics, cartons) since I really adore cars, motorbikes, trucks and tractors I had a great priviledge to pose and to have a great souvenir of this one. Thanks to the workers who permitted me to get inside on this enormous tractor, it was too cool ! Maman took a picture and she even had a video of this ! Video to be followed and that's a promise!

It's just unfortunate that my sister is too small to get inside with me because I would love to share the joy with her. It was an unforgettable instance of my life, my growing up. I guess she doesn't care because she did not insisted....very comprehensive ;-) ! The next day, we went to Tavignano River 15 minutes drive from the village. Huhhh water was too cold but I am a big boy so I did not hesitate to swim with my little sister beside me. Maman prepared food so then we can have our little picnic there by the riverside. Then, other days spent with a simple promenade in the village and other neighbooring villages, groceries, playing football in the stadium, and not to forget household chores or simply chit chatting with the village people.

Two days before our departure we organized a barbecue party and almost everyone of the village people were present. In fact, it rained a lot that day and we were afraid that it will not stop but thanks to the nature he heard my wish ! It's so sad that we were not able to take some pictures because everyone were busy and it was already dark and camera flash isn't enough...just take a look of this magical views when we get up in the morning !

We also went to the beach of La Lido de la Marana in Borgo, Bastia . With a friend (tati Gina) then we accompanied her to the bus terminal going to Porto Vecchio where she works only for this summer.

It was really an unforgettable moments for us. Wonderful vacation, meeting different kinds of people and I will keep those good memories we have spent with my parents and friends. Next year, Mayumi is more grown up and yet another great escapade are surely waiting for us. She will be the one to write this blog...he he he! We will invite more friends to come with us...that means more pictures, more parties, more promenades, new experiences and a never ending adventures . Profit and enjoy the rest of summer vacations and I can say hello to Autumn soon !

Have a nice day to you all!

My first step !

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fête de fin d'année

Voici mes première photos de la fête de fin d'année de mon école. En fait, la thème de notre fête est "La Chine" donc nous sommes habillent comme ça avec tous les élèves de petite section !

Est-ce que vous me voyez?

Avec ma gentille maîtresse.

Avec mon copain Maxime

Avec ma copine Thais qu'elle me semblait être fatiguée

Je suis vraiment content d'avoir participé a cette fête. C'était tellement amusant ! Regardez la video que ma Maman àvait enrigestré. Voila je vous laisse et puis très bonne vacances a tous !

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Bonne fête Papa !

Notre coeur nous dit

Qu'aujourd'hui, c'est fête

Mais quelle fête ?

La fête des Mamans ? Non !

La fête des rois ? La fête d'un roi !

Mais lequel ?

Le roi de notre coeur :

C'est notre Papa à nous.

Tu es le meilleur, le plus beau, le plus gentil

Même si parfois tu te fâche

Quand nous faisons des bêtises

Nous savons que c'est pour notre bien être

Tu nous donnes beaucoup d'amour

Tu nous apportes l'amitié et le respect.

Avec Maman qu'on adore aussi de tout notre coeur

Vous êtes le plus beau des cadeaux qu'on peut avoir

Bonne fête PAPA ! On t'aime tellement fort !

vvrroooommmm

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Papa was so excited to drive the owner type jeep of my Lolo Dani (the brother of my true Lola Rosie in Pinas)! Imagine we drove going to the city and we have crossed the rough roads. It's like we were competing in RALLY (in Africa) ! There was also the river but it wasn't deep at all. Next time, if I am able and big enough to drive this car I will ;-)