The Avengers in Us

It’s been almost a month since the movie Avengers came out and it was just this week my hubby and I was able to watch it. Well, I won’t actually talk about the movie here, but I just had some reflections and relate it to real life.

In this world, everyday is a battle that we must defeat. We have our own “Loki” who always pisses us off. This villain in our lives also tests us if we should make use of our strengths to help us succeed and accomplish our tasks for the day or use our powers to actually compete and have friction among the people we’re with. “Loki” could be anything or anyone in our lives which possesses the “Tesseract”–a powerful source of unknown potential, that can either do good or bad to us.

In the movie, there was a scene where the Avengers were arguing that strengthened Loki and enabled him to get out of his cage which also created chaos in S.H.I.E.L.D’s headquarters. Just like in our lives, we tend to let distractions such as power and greed lose ourselves. When this happens, it’s sad that there’s a need for someone or something to be sacrificed (in the movie: death of Agent Phil Coulson) for us to be awakened and learn to do the right thing. If in the movie they have Nick Fury (director of S.H.I.E.L.D), in life we have God, who brings us together, or even just ourselves together.

A little nudge from Him is good enough for us to be aware about life’s realities. He wants us to become team players and asks us to listen to the “Capt. America” of our lives. Make use of the wisdom plus pride of the “Ironman” inside us. Give importance to our relationships with others as our “Black Widow” and “Hawk Eye” come together to defeat negative vibes. And of course He wants us to use our unearthly strengths as the “Thor” and “Hulk” in us hammers and smashes down the challenges we’re facing each day.

In a non-fiction world, I think we all have the Avengers within us. It just really depends on us how to activate each characters to defeat life’s dark forces.

Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch

Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch

I just love this book 🙂  A great book for all the wonderful Nanays (Mothers) out there 🙂

I love you forever, I love you for always, as long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

What Language should we Teach our Kids First?

I have been asking this question to myself, to my friends and to my colleagues:  if ever you’ll have kids, what language will you teach them first?

Now I’m a mother and my baby is starting to babble some words, I still ask this question to myself.  Should I speak to him in Filipino or in English?

I’m not sure if this is a trend, but most Filipinos now speak to their kids in English.  Main reasons?  I’m not so sure as well.  Others would say it’s better, others do it so their kids would sound nice, intelligent, educated and “sosyal” (belonging to the high society).  Yes maybe some of their reasons are true, and English has been widely used in this country.  A person who is proficient in English gets hired easily when applying for a job.  But there are also disadvantages.  Majority of the Filipinos (let’s face it..it’s true) can not speak in English well.  They are the people we usually encounter everyday.  Our house helps, drivers, vendors, security guards, etc… not all of them would make an effort talking to us in English right?  Another is, the Filipino class we have in the big school.  It’s so ironic that most students now are really having a hard time or even failing their Filipino subject.  It’s embarrassing because we are in the Philippines, our mother tongue should be Filipino, and the fact that the Filipino is the only subject using the Filipino language as the medium of instruction (for some private schools this is true because parents have requested that even Aralin Panlipunan or Sibika be taught in English but I think in public schools they still use Filipino for AP) and yet most kids have a hard time or even fail the subject.

I’ll share my personal experience as a kid and a student.  My parents spoke to me in Filipino when I was little, so that’s the first language I learned.  I was sent to Kindergarten school and I’m not so sure if they were very strict in what language they’re using as their medium of instruction.  But surprisingly, I learned how to read and understood English.  When I went to the big school, I remembered that we had this “English Campaign” that we should talk to one another in English all the time except for Filipino class and Aralin Panlipunan because if we don’t, there’s a monitor who would confiscate our ID’s or list our names.  I don’t remember what was the punishment if you’re caught speaking in Filipino, I don’t know if there was even one :s.  But there was also a year or two when I was in grade school, wherein other subjects that are supposed to be in English used Filipino as their medium of instruction.  I’m not sure if I remember these subjects right (so for those who went to the same school as I did, please don’t hesitate to share 🙂 ):  CLE (Christian Living Education) and PE (Physical Education) together with Filipino and AP.  Because I can remember learning prayers in Filipino and praying the Angelus and 3 o’clock habit in Filipino.  For PE, I can also remember copying notes about “balibol” (volleyball), “kikbol” (kickball), and even the reproductive system (“obaryo”-ovary, “anurang itlog”-fallopian tube, “bahay-bata”-uterus, etc). Personally, it was difficult when we had that.  I’m a Filipino speaker but I thought some words are way too deep for us.  I didn’t fail my Filipino class but it’s true that what’s difficult was the technical parts of it.  I was not excellent in English class but I learned it and I can communicate in English well.

So what’s it going to be now?  What we do with Lucas, is we speak to him in both English and Filipino (this is different with TagLish – mixing Filipino and English words).  We sort of translate phrases or short sentences when we speak to him.  Like, “Lucas where’s Grandpa?” then we’ll say “Lucas, saan si Grandpa?”  We want him to understand both and surprisingly he does.  We also want to instill in him the polite expressions “po” and “opo.”  Because I noticed that kids nowadays don’t know how to use these expressions anymore because there’s no English translation of that.  I don’t know if this will create confusion on his part, but it’s really up to him which language he will use when he starts to speak.  I’m sure he will learn both languages better when he goes to school :).

So mommies, soon-to-be moms, and friends who are planning to have kids in the future, what are your thoughts about this? 🙂  Fee free to write your comments and cast your votes 🙂

My Top 5 Preggy Mom’s Must-Haves

In my previous entry, I listed down the natural baby products that I’m using for Lucas.  I thought maybe I should also make a list of products or things I used (others I’m still using) when I was pregnant.

Here’s my TOP 5 Must-Haves when I was pregnant:

1.  What to Expect When You’re Expecting Book

One of my students mom, gave me her copy of this book.  She has two kids:  one girl and one boy.  Unfortunately, she told me that she can not have another baby anymore because of health reasons that’s why she decided to share the book with me when I was pregnant because surely it’ll be very much helpful.  She’s right.  The book was really helpful especially on how to take care of yourself when you’re pregnant.  Most of my questions were answered (I’m sure the new editions will answer more concerns) and learned a lot from it.

There was just a downside when I read this book.  Since it has all the descriptions per week, per trimester as how the baby develops and grows, I became too excited and a little bit impatient to give birth.  🙂 Because I read the topics in advance :P.  Well, that was just me.  But generally, it was a good read for expecting moms :).

2.  Fit Flops and Oka b. Slippers

I found these foot wears really essential when I was pregnant.  You can read through my previous entry how I journeyed with these brand of foot wears when I was pregnant with Lucas. 🙂

3.  Human Heart Nature’s Sunflower Beauty Oil and Unscented Body Butter

These two products worked wonderfully!  And yes if you’re a very conscious mom who doesn’t want to have stretch marks, these are the solutions.

I just can’t get enough of the Sunflower Beauty Oil.  I’ve been using this ever since because of its benefits.  You can read through the 20 miracles it can do…and yes they’re true.  Initially, when I got pregnant, I had stretch marks in my inner thighs.  I just religiously massaged the oil to my thighs and belly day and night.  Sometimes, I alternate this routine with their Unscented Body Butter.  It’s great that they have the unscented one because most pregnant women have very sensitive sense of smell and gets nauseous when there’s a strong smell of something.  And yeah, they are very affordable compared to other brands who promises to prevent appearance of stretch marks.

Surprisingly, I didn’t have stretch marks on my belly! 🙂  The ones in my inner thighs are there but they lightened quickly 🙂

4.  Human Heart Nature’s Natural Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ve been using this shampoo and conditioner even when I’m not yet pregnant so I guess that’s one reason why it was effective for me.  These products are must-haves for me because I know that some pregnant women tend to have falling hair problems.  My continuous use of the shampoo and conditioner prevented me from experiencing that hair problem.  So this worked for me and maybe it could work for others too :).  You’ve got nothing to lose if you try this because it’s all natural and there aren’t harmful chemicals in it.  But I suggest, for those who have longer locks to get the pair of the shampoo and conditioner.  Because since it is natural, there is a tendency for the hair to get stiff when you’re just using the shampoo that’s why there’s a need to use the conditioner as well.  But as for me, having a short hair, I didn’t feel the stiffness even if I just use the shampoo alone.

5.  Belly Belt

I wore a lot of jeans when I was pregnant but I didn’t want to buy those jeans with garters on them.  I found them expensive.  But I bought the Belly Belt which abled me to use my jeans even when my tummy’s getting bigger each month.  It came with 2 elasticized Belly Belts, 2 slide Belly Belts and 3 colored panels to mix and match denim, white and black.  I bought my kit in Big and Small Co.

For more info about the Belly Belt you may check this link out 🙂

So there you have it.  MY Top 5 Preggy Mom’s Must-Haves.  I hope you found this list useful :).  Moms and Preggy Moms out there, you might want to share your own Top 5 Must-Haves as well 🙂

Must Haves: Natural Baby Products

As a first time mom, I really didn’t know what products should I use for my baby unless of course it was recommended by the pedia. However, some products prescribed by doctors are way too expensive and ineffective.  I’ve been using natural products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, make-up, etc.) for myself even before I got pregnant so I decided to try these for my baby to see what products would really work for him.

I have tried several natural products for his sensitive skin and I’ll share my list of the products that I personally tried and tested on myself and on Lucas.  Until now, he is still using these products and I find them really essential.

1. Ilog Maria’s Bee Propolis Ointment.  

Lucas is prone to insect bites. 😦  His bites usually turn red and leaves a dark mark on his skin. So by checking out parenting forums, I’ve read a lot of positive reviews about this product and decided to try one. I haven’t been to Ilog Maria Honey Bee Farm in Tagaytay, but I’m glad there’s an online store in Manila who resells Ilog Maria products. Whenever Lucas has unwanted insect bites, I apply the ointment on the affected area as needed (except near the eyes and fingers). Usually when he’s asleep so the ointment won’t just go to the sheets. True enough, his insect bites don’t get inflamed and leave dark marks anymore :).

2. By Nature Handmade Soap’s Premium Bar – Olive Beauty.  

I really love this soap. When Lucas was still an infant, he had extra sensitive skin. He would have red rashes on his knees and legs. The pedia prescribed a brand of liquid soap (an expensive one), we tried it but didn’t help at all. A friend told me about the Olive Beauty variant of By Nature Handmade Soaps. I myself uses one of their variants (Golden Honey Oats)for my skin asthma and it’s really effective. So I decided to try Olive Beauty for Lucas because it’s safe for infants as well. I used the soap all over his body. Just a little on the face when he had rashes. Surprisingly, in 2 bath times, his rashes disappeared like magic :).

3. Human Heart Nature’s Chamomile Baby Wash.  

I’ve been using Human Heart Nature dealer for almost 3 years and I personally use most of their products. When the baby care line came out last year, I immediately tried it on Lucas. I use this new baby wash for Lucas’ hair and face. It’s very mild, gentle to the eyes and has a fresh scent.

4. Human Heart Nature’s Baby Oil.  

Another product from Human Heart Nature that I love. I use this to massage Lucas’ legs and arms after bath to moisturize his skin. I also use this to clean his outer ear and belly button.

5. Human Heart Nature’s Pocket Hand Soap.  

This one is a diaper bag must-have for me. I use a tiny drop of this to wash his bottom when he poops. This comes really handy when we’re not in the house.

6. Human Heart Nature’s Citrus Burst Spray Sanitizer.  

Another product that I always have in Lucas’ diaper bag and toiletries at home. I don’t only use this on MY hands, but also to sanitize changing tables or mats. I don’t use this on Lucas’ hands though.

7. Giga Baby Insect Repellant Spray.  

This product is as good as Lucas’ cologne because it doesn’t have a strong smell. I only spray this on his clothes, not on his skin. It does repel mosquitoes but unfortunately

not ants (most of the time they’re the culprit of his insect bite marks). However, I still spray some on his sheets and clothes. It somehow does its job and doesn’t leave stains on fabric.

There are already a lot of kiosk of Giga products in the malls. You may check their website to see other products.

So there you have it. My list of Natural Products Must-Haves for Lucas. I hope this somehow helped moms and even dads out there who are still searching for the right products for their babies. I would say, based on experience, natural is better than chemical-based products. Not only it’s safer but also worth your money. 🙂

*This list is just a suggestion. I’ve tried and tested all of these, and so far I got positive results. Some of you may disagree with me or didn’t get or won’t get the same results. These are NOT prescribed by Lucas’ pedia or any other doctor. I took the risk to try these on him. I didn’t try them all at the same time, I tried them one by one so in case he gets a negative reaction, I can easily eliminate and stop using it. Baby’s skin sensitivity may vary especially on how they react with the ingredients (i.e. bee products, pollen, citrus, etc.) of some of these products. Not all natural products will react positively on your baby’s skin. So it’s still best to consult with your child’s pediatrician.

*photos are taken from each brands’ official website.

Moms Know Best: Style and Comfort for Pregnant Moms and Not

When I was younger, I used to splurge on shoes.  Whenever I buy, I just look at the design and don’t even think if they are comfortable.  I wore them once, twice and then I’ll forget about them.  Ironically, when I started working, I had more control in buying shoes or other sorts of foot wear.  I’d always go for comfort and quality.

As I mentioned in my previous blog entry, I’m not a fashionista (so for my friends who would like to give me a make-over, you’re all welcome to help me with this ..haha!) but I try my best to look, you know, all right and presentable even I’m not too lazy :|.  Same goes for buying shoes now.

My mom influenced me a lot when buying comfortable foot wears.  When I got pregnant, my mom kept telling me to get comfortable slippers or shoes (non-slip soles especially).  It’ll be for my safety and of course when my tummy gets bigger I’ll need a one that’ll support my lower back because it’s really gonna get heavy.  I told her that my existing slippers are still ok and serving its purpose and since I’m pregnant, I’m gonna need to save and I can’t splurge on stuff anymore because I know comfortable slippers are pricey.  She would just often shake her head and would still insist that I NEED to buy comfy foot wear.

My mom loves flip flops.  She doesn’t wear shoes unless she really needs to.  She got tons of slippers or step-ins.  When she tried on Fit Flop‘s Electra for the first time, she immediately fell in love with it and got herself the bronze one.  When she got it, she told me that Fit Flops are perfect for me and are really comfortable.  I was still skeptical because of the price until she somehow gave up on me and said that she’ll buy me a pair! (Actually, that was all I’m waiting for..haha! Kidding. :P).  She asked me to choose a design and that time I loved the black Pietra.  True enough, it was really comfortable and my legs and lower back didn’t hurt even when I spent a lot of time walking or standing up when I was pregnant.  I don’t remember wearing any other pair of sandals since, even at work during Fridays when it’s our wash day or club day.  One of my co-teachers even noticed that I always wear my pair of Pietra and asked me if it’s worth it to get a pair of Fit Flops and of course I said definitely it is worth it :).  Until now, it’s been almost 2 years since my mom got me that pair, I still use them often.  An aunt also gave me a pair of sandals, that was trying to compete with the Fit Flop brand, but the comfort is really different.

I still choose to wear my Pietra.  Now that I’m no longer pregnant, I still find my pair essential because it still gives me the benefit of not having back pains whenever I carry Lucas (who is now 10 kilos) especially when he get tired riding his stroller when we are at the mall walking around the mall.  I actually tried wearing a different foot wear when we’re at the mall with Lucas, there was really a big difference when I’m wearing my Fit Flops.  I had a lower back pain and my legs really hurt after.

You might think it’s all worn out now but unbelievably, it is still in good condition (but I’d rather not post a photo of it 🙂 ).  I admit, they’re pricey for me (especially now, I’d rather splurge more for my Lucas than myself) that’s why I haven’t got another pair.  I’d love to, but every time I’m about to get one, I’d think of Lucas.

My mom got herself another pair (Luna).  Now she’s planning to get another one (Rokkit Supernavy).  Again, she’s convincing me to get another pair, that I need to give my old Pietra some rest.  I told her that I will (maybe if I delay it some more, she would get me another pair.. 😀 ..kidding).

There is another brand of flip flops my mom recommended me to wear when I was pregnant, it was the OKA b. (www.oka-b.com) thongs.  She actually got me pair (again she shouldered this for me..I’m such a mommy’s girl :P) of the pink Elle thongs.

She told me to wear this at home because the sole is non-slip.  She’s really confident with this because she got, I don’t know, 4 or 5 pairs of these in different styles.  She started buying these thongs after she had an accident in the house, where she slipped on the wet floor and fell on her back while wearing an ordinary thong.  After that incident, she decided to try on OKA b. thongs.  It has a non-slip sole and it is sturdy (worth it for its price, mine gave up after more than 2 years of daily usage in the house ..one of the strap is starting to tear).

To conclude this entry, I would say that my mom really knows best when it comes to foot wears especially with the comfortable ones :).

I would highly recommend these foot wears to pregnant mothers and of course even to those who are not.  They’re really comfortable and stylish.  Especially now they have released various designs.

I’ll surely treat myself really soon, to get a new pair of each brand 🙂

My First Yoga Experience

I’ve always wanted to do yoga even when I was pregnant with Lucas. I just didn’t have the time because there’s no studio near Marikina that has prenatal yoga. I told myself that I’ll just do it after I give birth. But then again, I wasn’t able to do it because I was taking care of Lucas. So I forgot about wanting to do yoga.

After almost a year, a friend of mine asked me to like a yoga page on Facebook to help support her cousin who’s a teacher/owner of the studio. From then on, I see updates about the events and activities they have. My friend’s also posting photos and updating her status about her yoga experience. I started asking her about the studio and the classes. It’s in Bgy. Kapitolyo in Pasig — well it’s far from Marikina :(. So I got less interested about it..again.

About a week ago, I met up with another good friend who lives in Pioneer, Pasig. We eventually talked about yoga, that she’s also interested to try it. She mentioned about the studio near her place, which was also the studio my other friend was talking about. We decided that we’ll give it a try :). I realized that I can visit the place when I’m in San Juan during the weekends.

It was such a good coincidence because while I was checking Deal Grocer’s (www.dealgrocer.com) deals, I saw a discount voucher (50% off) for the 15-day unlimited yoga pass of the studio my friends are referring to. It was a great deal so I got one.

Yesterday, my friend who was already doing yoga scheduled to guest me for the FNR (Flexibility Not Required) class. My other friend came to use up the 15-day yoga pass she already availed. As a first timer, of course, I have yet to learn the proper poses. I realized that I can somehow do it 😛 I was worried about flexibility and I’m glad they have this FNR class. I just need to attend more sessions 🙂

Just like any other workouts, the pain started to kick in the day after (so today my body is sore :|). But it’s bearable :). So I’ll be going back really soon to avail the voucher I bought. I enjoyed the experience and I’m willing to pursue it. However, I can only do it during the weekends because that’s my only time and the most convenient days to go there because I’ll be in San Juan. One session a week might not be enough, but it’s better than not having a workout. And I told myself that this is a good opportunity to have a “me” time and destress 🙂

As for the studio, I went to Urban Ashram Manila in Bgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig (www.urbanashrammanila.com). The studio was nice and clean. They provide the mats, blocks and straps. They also have lockers and clean shower areas provided with shampoo and shower gel. The people are also friendly and approachable. 🙂 I would recommend the studio for beginners like me 🙂

Long, Chin Length or Short Hair?

I have been thinking of what to do with my hair.  Well over the years, I’ve tried different hairstyles.  I had it long, chin length and cropped.  So what should it be?  I do have pros and cons for each hairstyle.

Long.  My hair is really thick, not just the volume but the hair strands as well.  It’s also naturally wavy.  When my hair was long, I was able to experiment different styles.  I was able to curl and straighten my locks.  But, it was high maintenance.  It should be treated often (hair wax or spa) because it tends to get dry.  I also had a rebond and it was really pricey to get the best hair rebond for  the length (and we know that the price of hair treatments depend on the hair length).  Another thing, shampoo and conditioner run out easily :s .

Here’s a photo of my long hair with no treatment and air-dried.  I’m so sure it won’t look this way with the humid  Philippine weather.

 

Chin Length.  As I’ve mentioned, my hair strands are thick as well as the volume and it’s wavy.  So when I had a chin length hair, I had to have a semi-rebond so it won’t go all over the place.  So again, it’s still needs hours of stay in the salon and of course should be maintained by treatments.  But it’s not as expensive as having a long hair.

Here’s a photo where I had a chin length hair.  But I had a semi-rebond then.  I had this haircut right after the wedding 🙂

Short.  I had my hair cut really short when I was about to finish high school until my first years in college.  Until then I grew it so long until I got married.  Slowly, I had it cut chin length until I had it cropped really short (especially when I got pregnant).  It stayed this way until now (but had it short with different styles).  I tried having it colored as well.  It is low maintenance, I save up a lot of shampoo and conditioner, I don’t need to have it treated as often and it’s definitely a “wash and wear” kind of hair.  But of course, I’m hoping I could experiment on the styles, but I’m really not sure what style would look nice without actually putting on too much products such as gel or wax.  The maintenance I do with my short hair is a monthly trim.

Here’s a photo of my short hair.

I haven’t had a trim or haircut now, because I’m not sure if I’ll have it chin length or long again or have another haircut to keep it short.  So what do you think? Haha 🙂  I hope you can help me decide by answering the poll.  Feel free to write comments and suggestions.  🙂 Thanks

Finding the Right Helper (Yaya)

In this country, a lot will surely agree with me that finding the right helper (yaya) is never easy.  It’s all about luck, like winning an instant prize in a scratch game.

My husband and I have gone through so much as we search for a reliable helper for us.  If only we don’t need one, we wouldn’t hire one.  If only I could just stay at home with our son, I would.  If only my mom can take care of our Lucas on her own, she would.  But that’s not the case.  Me and my husband needs to go to work and do our second love which is to teach.

Whenever we’re in search for a helper, we enumerate what her jobs will be and here’s the list:

1.  wash and sterilize Lucas’ bottles

2.  wash and iron our clothes (me, hubby and Lucas’) and wash our sheets

3.  clean OUR room only (because we still live with my parents) which includes changing of sheets every week

4.  ASSIST us in taking care of Lucas (feeding, bathing, playing)

5.  IF THE NEED ARISES, assist the other helper do other house chores (sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, etc)

So simple.  The helper is not really a yaya (caregiver) for Lucas, but an assistant to us (whenever we’re around) or to my mom (when we’re at work) and my mom-in-law (when we’re in my husband’s place during the weekends).  We let the helper carry Lucas or stay with him only if there’s a NEED to (like when we are eating) and we make sure they’re not out of our sight.  You tell me if tasks I listed are so difficult 😐 .

But then, believe it or not, within a year, Lucas already got 4 yayas or I would say we already got 4 helpers for him.  The very first one, when Lucas was only weeks old until he was about 4 months old, she was the ideal one.  She’s worked in other households and there were only few things we needed to teach her because she knows how to work.  She also knows how to carry and take care of infants because she is also a mother — yes, and her being a mother is also the reason why she left because she needs to take care of her 3-year old daughter left in the province.  Good enough, she recommended another possible helper, someone from her province as well.  She’s a bit younger and needed more training from us.  She learned and got used to the daily routine.  She also knows how to take care of babies..and again yes.  She is a mother.  Again, being a mother to a 2-year old son she left in the province made her leave and go back to their province.  However, she lasted longer, for about 6 months.  Before she left, she was really sure that she’s coming back because she even availed a return ticket.  But unexpected problem occurred, she wasn’t able to come back.

The third one, the youngest among the helpers we had, came from the same province and was recommended by the first helper.  She actually volunteered.  She said she knows household chores but admitted that she doesn’t know how to iron clothes.  It was ok for us because the other helper can teach her do that.  But then again, she just lasted for about a month, because she didn’t want to work.  She complained all the time saying that it wasn’t her job to wash our clothes (mine and my hubby’s) because the jeans are too heavy for her.  She was also constantly lying that made me lose my patience at one point.  But then again, it was just her excuse, she just wanted to go back to their province.  She admitted her reason why she volunteered to come to Manila — she thought life is so easy here (says who?).  We didn’t stop her of course.

The fourth one and the present.  She came from a different province.  Her sister is working in our neighbor and we knew her aunt for a long time.  So far, she is ok.  She’s been doing her job properly, enjoys taking care of Lucas and  is willing to learn from us.  She’s been with us for 2 months.  We don’t know how long will she be staying with us.  Of course we’re hoping she’ll last longer than the rest.

Finding the right helper is really not easy nowadays.  

Raising Good Boys: The 5 Values you Need to Teach your Son

Raising Good Boys: The 5 Values you Need to Teach your Son

I just want to share another article I read from http://www.smartparenting.com.ph .  It’s a good read especially for those parents who have sons.

When I read through it, they seem so easy.  Lucas is still so young, but I know in the simplest ways we can, we should already teach him the values enumerated here.  I’ll keep praying to God that my husband and I will be able to  instill these values to him.

Here I’ll quote the 5th value mentioned in the article which I consider the most important of all:

“5.  The value of being prayerful

Wouldn’t you like to raise a son who has an unwavering faith in God? Start by praying together as a family. Try asking your son to lead some of the prayers and say it in his own words. Make it a daily habit and your son will grow up to be a prayerful person.  
You can also strengthen his belief in a Higher Being by reading bible stories together so that your son can learn more about God and the values He teaches. Share your own stories too. Tell him how your faith helped you in your own life. Raising a son who is able to integrate faith in all that he does will help him face the challenges that come his way and guide him in choosing the right thing to do”. – Raising Good Boys:  The 5 Values you Need to Teach your Son (www.smartparenting.com.ph)