how to wean

For Sofia, weaning came very late.  I was told by many that kids should be weaned out of bottle-feeding as soon as they turn 1. Her pedia said we should try at 2, but luck wasn't on our side.  She would throw tantrums at night when she doesn't get her supply.  We've resorted to lowering her oz intake, making her milk too diluted and even controlling the number of bottles left in the room.  But because she gets to stay in the room all by herself, she ends up putting extra scoop in her (matalino!).    When she turned 4 I tried coaxing her that since she's big already she should stop drinking milk from the bottle but she would contest.  A few months before Christmas, I told her "o pagChristmas na, no more mimi bottle na ah".  I would sometimes hear her telling her lola and tito that she would start drinking milk in the glass when it's Christmas.  I gave her time after.

One night, when we went to the mall, I intentionally left the bottles in mama's house.  She hasn't drink milk for the past two nights, and maybe tricking her one more night won't hurt.  When we came back, she was looking for milk and I told her we don't have milk bottles.  Then I remember bringing home a mineral water bottle from the mall.  I told her, I'll just make milk in it.  She agreed, and she was able to finish the serving.  The following night I told her I don't have bottles again, so she agreed that I make it in her school jug.  The next milk nights, she agreed to have them in the glass.  I did this every night, even leaving a glass with spoon and water so she can make her own when she gets back from school.  We're now on our 4th week (we started sometime November) and she seldom drinks milk now.  Though, for me it is an achievement I still prefer she continue drinking milk even in glass.  Sometimes she would even refuse to eat rice.  I would have to deal with that sometime...and thumb-sucking.  Bye-bye botes!

Sembreak treat: Coron, Palawan

Five years ago, the icing on the cake of our wedding day was visiting Coron, Palawan for the first time. Fast forward, Jaims and I revisited the place with our little "made in Coron" last October 31 - November 3.

With eyes closed, we've booked our flight with Air Philippines sometime July. It started with a dare but dad took it seriously and made use of the powers of the Internet, my credit card and prayers (s0 we could pay on time).  2 Adults, and 1 four year old cost P6,000.00.  Would have been cheaper if we got Cebu Pac's Piso Fare but there was no promo then. The AirPhil Express plane ride was on time and quick.  Landing was abrupt though.  We landed in a rather new glass-walled Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan.

Finding a place to stay shouldn't be difficult as we already have SeaDive Resort in our mind.  While it's not a five-star place, staying there five years ago was more on the reason of  bang for the buck.  We were able to live in an air-conditioned room for P500.00 then.  Their price now is twice as much but I think it's still worth it.  Unfortunately, we neglected the fact that more people are capable of visiting Coron now.  Thus, all air-conditioned rooms in SeaDive were already booked.

We were able to book a place a few weeks before our flight.  One of the cheapest we were able to find online is Coron Reef Pension House.  Each room has its own comfort room, a sink, 2 single beds and air-conditioned room.  You have an option to lodge by seaside or just a few steps away from the sea.  They have a mini-carinderia just outside your room and they serve unlimited free coffee.  Downside though, were the unlimited mosquitoes lurking inside your room.  I doubt if Off-Lotion will be effective with the kind of mosquitos they have.  Night and dawn view is still spectacular as ever.

The following day, we went Island Hopping with another family.   Crossing a rickety bridge, we were escorted to our boat Jeshera Joy (quick search with Google brought me to this contact info).  Our first stop was Siete Pecados.   This, I think is the normal first stop because it enables non-divers to practice dipping and breathing in a clear, not so-deep water.  The place is good for fish feeding so don't forget to bring a bag of bread or tasty.   When I say bag, I really mean a bagful of pandesal.  While the fishes are small you'll be surprise how much of them will attack your bread once released (0r even abot to be released).

Our boat then transferred us to Kayangan Lake.  When one is in Coron town, one of the attractions they can visit is that tall cross at the top of Mount Tapyas but I PASSED on it.  But it seems that there is no escaping mountain climbing as we are forced to climb up a mountain before we can see the pretty pretty lake.  Nature can be funny at times :) It's quite a climb, and what made it difficult was holding my daughter, making sure she does not skid while I balance myself.  Large mosquitoes weren't helpful too.  But the sight and feel of Kayangan Lake, takes all the pain away.

I'm not quite happy with Kayangan Lake's water, though.  I wish people are a bit more enviro conscious.  I think the lake will deteriorate in a few more years because of the trash people leave behind.

Lunch was then served at Banol beach.  If I could stay there for the rest of the day, I probably would.  The powdery white sand, clear refreshing sea water and picturesque view are enough reasons for Sofi and I to stay there.

The remaining parts of the trip were merely passing through activities as both our family and the other were either too tired or too novice to try Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon.

When our Coron Island Tour ended, we transferred to a more chic Resort the same night -- Dive Link Resort.  Review of Dive Link will follow in the next post :)