mr littles

Life's Greatest Hits

“In midlife, we finally realize that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pleasing ourselves is essential.” ~Suzy Toronto

Midlife, which begins from the ages of 40-65, can usually be perceived by most people as something negative. This might be because this time of development is characterized by multiple declines, not just physically but also cognitively, such as changes in memory or slower metabolism. However, we also learned that it should be viewed as something positive because the “evening of life” teaches one about lessons of growth and fulfillment. Stability and multiple new opportunities can also be brought by this stage of development. With that, it teaches us that aging, no matter how daunting and scary, should be embraced and celebrated because, as they say, “we only live once!”

Today, we have a very nurturing, sometimes a bit nosy, but always with good intentions, “Tita,” Tita Vian. From what I can observe, she can be a very affectionate aunt who brings warmth and wisdom to the family’s younger generations. For a bit of a background, Tita Vian is 49 years old, lives with her husband, has no children, is also a “plantita”, and loves farming. She describes middle adulthood as something life-changing, in the literal sense, and beautiful. Life-changing because they had to make many adjustments and adaptations in their everyday lives, but also beautiful as they could focus more on investing in themselves.

First off, physically, Tita Vian said that she feels more exhausted quickly, with occasional pain in the joints whenever she’s out in her garden. She has become more conscious and mindful of her and her husband’s health after those experiences that impacted their daily activities. Because of that, she mentioned that to maintain her fitness, she tries to be active by simply walking early in the morning and eating more vegetables (which she also picks from her yard).

Moreover, she noticed that her memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be, and she became forgetful on most days. To keep her mind active and occupied, she always gardens and socializes, gossiping with the neighbors to stay informed. She does not participate in any lifelong learning activities, but she does participate in community events and gets involved most of the time.

Emotionally, she thinks that she’s getting too old, but I also believe that she feels a strong sense of generativity as she always contributes to the community and the youngsters. Such relationships became very important for her well-being as they gave her a sense of belonging and joy.  To cope with significant life transitions, she continued to have a positive outlook in life and sought support from her friends and family.

When asked about her work life, she is already delighted with her stable career and income on the farm that she and her husband own. It did come up with multiple challenges, such as keeping up with new technologies in agriculture, but they also had opportunities to explore their sector. For her, it wasn’t too hard to maintain a work-life balance as she still makes time for family and self-care.

As mentioned, she may not be a parent, but that didn’t stop her maternal instinct from caring for and supporting her nieces and nephews like her own. Also, she didn’t have parents to care for anymore, so she used her time to create more memories with her husband. By supporting each other, they create and maintain a healthy marital relationship even after decades of being together.

Lastly, Tita Vian suggested that we should all embrace the changes because that simply meant that we lived life.

Quarter-Life Scam

“One of the signs of passing youth is the birth of a sense of fellowship with other human beings as we take our place among them.” ~Virginia Woolf

From what we have learned, early adulthood is a period where one establishes independence and identity in numerous aspects of life. These may include career, relationships, experience, and personal development. This life stage is definitely held of great importance as it is during this time that people make decisions with huge impacts that, in a way, define how their future will unfold. Now, we would like you to meet Kuya Nix, who’s been 29 for a year and still hasn't figured out how to adult properly (half joking).

First, when asked about his physical milestones during this developmental stage, Kuya Nix proudly said how strong and muscular he feels, as can be seen from his well-built and lean figure, but sometimes also starts feeling body aches. He also believes his endurance increased when doing extraneous activities compared to when he was younger. He added how he learned that it is during this stage that people should definitely take having a healthier lifestyle seriously by eating a balanced meal, physical activity, and getting enough sleep.

Furthermore, there have also been developments in advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills due to continued brain development and neuroplasticity. Kuya Nix shared that he challenges himself mentally every day to keep his thinking and cognition as sharp as possible. As he is not exactly tech-savvy, he only utilizes technology to stay informed about current social issues and ensures he is mindful of his screen time, which isn’t really a problem for him.

Kuya Nix is currently enjoying the freedom of his singlehood and is in a committed relationship with himself, as he hasn’t had any romantic relationships ever since. However, he enjoys the company of his friends, a vast crowd, mind you, that he has maintained since he was in middle school. Starting a family and parenting isn’t really part of his plans now or anytime soon, as he currently prefers to focus on his identity and reflect on who he is and what he truly wants in life.

Moreover, Kuya Nix currently has a balanced work and personal life since his job allows him to have a very flexible schedule, consequently reducing any additional stress. With that, although he still lives with his parents, he is financially independent and can support their family even as the youngest child of the brood. He also believes he can adapt quickly to any changes or uncertainties in the environment, allowing him to focus on his goals despite everything being overwhelming at times.

Lastly, for Kuya Nix, even the littlest and most mundane things give him a feeling of fulfillment because he is simply not very ambitious and is content with what he has. The meaningful relationships he built with his friends and peers have been a journey that enriched his life, which already provided him with a great deal of satisfaction and joy. He lives life without stressing himself while looking for his purpose or life’s meaning, but he still does his best to contribute to the community and his loved ones.

To conclude, while Kuya Nix is still figuring out adulthood, he has made sensible decisions thanks to his developed prefrontal cortex, which contributed to his entire being. He is currently living the life I want in the future, one who has such a positive, carefree outlook and still celebrates the milestones and challenges that come with it. Kuya Nix also advised the youngsters to simply live life healthily as it is too hard to get sick these days (from someone who is severely asthmatic).

From Awks to Awesome

“Telling a teenager the facts of life is like giving a fish a bath.” ~Arnold H. Glasgow

Adolescence is a significant stage in our development characterized by notable physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. As we understand this stage, we learn how critical it is to evolve from childhood to adulthood. Youngsters have more opportunities for experiences and numerous vulnerabilities from this stage's rapid growth and transformation. With that, caring adults such as parents, neighbors, educators, etc., should prioritize making efforts to understand the challenges of growing. This force provides better support and guidance towards a healthier transition into maturity.

In this blog, we have M (prefers to be anonymous), who recently turned 20 and is a 2nd-year college student, to help us better understand the essential aspects of adolescent development. As we know, puberty defines the start of teenage development, and during this period, the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are produced. When asked how she felt after noticing these changes, M noted that she “felt weird.” Understandably, body changes during this time can give feelings of anxiety as well as excitement. Moreover, M mentioned that her body figure was the most significant physical change she experienced. It should also be recognized that these shifts affect one's self-image and insecurities. However, with that, adolescents move toward acceptance, just as M did, though it can sometimes be difficult due to society’s beauty standards. 

Second, other than physical changes, brain structures significantly change during adolescence, notably the prefrontal cortex. This development improves one’s abstract thinking and problem-solving. As for M, before, her emotions came first in her decision-making, but she’s learning how to balance being logical and emotional in the present. Adolescents become more capable of analyzing sophisticated concepts than when they were younger. M added that she had gone through a lot through the years, and those experiences, good or bad, have nurtured her. One difficult decision that M had to make was shifting college programs when she realized it was getting too draining for her. But she realized that if she stayed, it would have left her burned out, so she’d instead take the risk, thinking it would gain her better outcomes. “What’s one year if I might struggle in the future anyway?” per her.

Furthermore, adolescents form unique identities during this stage, along with physical changes and cognitive developments. They explore different roles, values, and beliefs, creating a clearer sense of who they are. When asked how she describes herself to others and if it has changed over time, M said she was very outgoing and had a big friend group in high school. But it changed, and she now has a much smaller circle, prioritizing quality over quantity, which features the changing nature of adolescence. M added that her friends’ support gave her a sense of belonging and validation, shaping her identity. Adolescents also become aware of their emotions and learn to regulate them effectively, such as when angry or sad. M handles strong emotions simply by deep breathing or crying herself out when things get too much. Regarding social relationships, youngsters are expected to change as they seek independence while still valuing connections. As M grew older, she became picky with the people she associated with and learned how to stand up for herself. M greatly valued sincerity and was also able to form deeper friendships, which are, of course, necessary for social and emotional development. 

Mental health issues have been prevalent during adolescence, which can be worsened by factors such as academic pressure, social relationships, and pubertal changes. As M has, adolescents may deal with these problems if they have a dependable support system, including family, friends, and significant others. While it was mentioned that adolescents’ brains are developing, they are still more likely to engage in risky behaviors due to some brain areas not being completely developed. These behaviors may be influenced by their peers, their curiosity, or lack of awareness, which are factors that M mentioned. Also, when asked how she balances her academic responsibilities with her social life, M emphasized the importance of time management. She also shared that she doesn’t experience peer or societal pressure, and we love that for her. However, it is still crucial for adolescents to develop healthy coping strategies for these challenges as they navigate through life.

Other than challenges, adolescents also experience great satisfaction and growth during this time. Most young people have significant personal milestones and external achievements that build their confidence. M shared that she accomplishes her goals by setting them clearly and motivating herself with the things she is reaching for. This motivation drives her to continue pursuing her aspirations and, in turn, overcoming the obstacles that come her way. Celebrating these achievements aids the adolescent in acknowledging their success and progress, which motivates them to continue on the way to their dreams. M noted that her mother, boyfriend, and friends encourage her and give her a sense of security. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are essential for her to foster independence and recognize her efforts. Setbacks and challenges can’t be avoided entirely, so M focuses on what she “can control and improve” instead of contemplating what she can’t do. During this stage, continually learning from adolescents' difficulties may help them adapt and develop resilience to become more confident in themselves.

Adolescence is a critical period in every human being’s development, necessitating support from the caring people around them. Thriving in a changing and fast-paced world can be a struggle, but simply understanding them may help them. M’s advice to other adolescents going through similar experiences was to not be too hard on themselves. In this confusing stage of life, self-compassion does come a long way and helps one face the challenges that are important for them to learn and experience. M also added that understanding these developmental changes makes one appreciate the progress and growth they’ve made. We should all be able to celebrate these successes to create a secure foundation for one’s further development.

Little Woman

“Childhoods never last. But everyone deserves one.” ~Wendy Dale

Do you remember the days when it was 4 pm, and you just arrived home from school and swiftly changed into your ‘house’ clothes to go out as your playmates were already waiting outside? Then suddenly, ten years later, you’re in college and realize you’re growing up. One’s late childhood comprises gaining greater control of one’s body movements as well as mastering a whole lot of gross and motor skills, which happens approximately between 7 and 11 years of age. But other than that, during this stage, social and cognitive development can be very significant, where children create meaningful interactions and friendships that contribute to their discovery of new interests. Moreover, going to school has become a massive part of their childhood as it opens them to a whole new world beyond the confines of their own home and family.

In this blog, we will be recognizing the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes in the lives of children during their late childhood years. Meet the 11-year-old Jillian Y., who is the first daughter in the family and is extraordinarily into gaming, whether on a mobile device or PC. For a bit of background, she is currently in her 5th year in elementary school and has just recently transferred to a school in Buhangin. Jillian has a 4-year-old younger brother, and her mother is presently expecting, so she’ll have another baby sibling very soon. She believed that she was probably influenced by her father, who is into gaming as well, specifically Mobile Legends and Dota.

First of all, Jillian is growing into a wonderful and tall young lady who is very active physically and loves to create or craft things using her tiny hands. When she was a bit younger, she mentioned how she loved to play and run around the school, just like any school-age child, and how she was often compared to boys as she was not very ‘lady-like’ during those times. But we know now how vital physical activities and exercise are to little children as they help with their cardiovascular health and keep them healthy. However, she can be an extremely picky eater as she rarely eats any ‘ulam’ and only consumes soup or Knorr liquid seasoning with her rice. Also, she may be a late bloomer as she’s not yet showing any signs of puberty other than growth spurts and a bit of body odor, as mentioned by her mother.

Moreover, Jillian is already doing well in her studies, specifically in English and Science subjects, because she is somewhat of a great reader. She can also be an excellent problem-solver and always finds a way to fix broken things or solve complex situations that come her way. But we really can’t have it all, as mathematics can be one of her enemies. She struggles with it and finds it more challenging than ever. When learning at school, she also said how she can quickly memorize things by reading them repeatedly and by practicing them out loud. Her parents support her in everything she does and only wish for her to succeed in life by doing whatever she loves to do.

Thirdly, when asked how she feels about herself when she does well in something, Jillian stated that it makes her feel more confident with what she does and motivates her to try and do better next time. It made her feel great when her parents, as well as teachers, praised and recognized her. Also, when asked about her best friends, she told us how she felt sad that she had to transfer schools and leave her friends back in Mintal. She added that they loved making bracelets and fangirl over BlackPink and Enhypen together, but now, they only communicate through Messenger. It can really be, in a way, life-changing when you have to move homes and leave the people you’ve known your whole life behind.

Furthermore, when we inquired about academic pressure, Jillian said that her parents don’t really pressure her when it comes to having the highest grades and are already happy with her performance. Having supportive parents is truly a blessing and contributes significantly to a child’s well-being. Also, as mentioned, there’s a new addition to the family, and everyone is very excited about it. Jillian wishes for a sister, but she is also nervous about the changes it may bring to their family’s dynamics and her responsibilities as an ‘ate.’ There can be a mix of emotions when it comes to these types of situations, and acknowledging the feelings of the child can definitely help them adjust to these changes.

To sum up, children in their late childhood years already recognize the physical and emotional changes and development they are experiencing. Clearly, children are starting to rebel or show signs of rebellion at this age as they look for more independence. However, it is beneficial to have open communication with them during these times, pay attention to their feelings, and encourage them to be open as well. We have to enlighten them that these changes are normal and that everyone experiences them while growing up. Coming of age can be very scary, even for us adults, and providing them with this support may help them carry on with this transition.

Such a Story-teller

“Many things can wait. Children cannot. Today, their bones are being formed, their blood is being made, their senses are being developed. To them, we cannot say 'tomorrow.'” ~Gabriela Mistral

A child's developing brain is highly malleable and adaptable during its earliest years, specifically toddlers within 2-4 years old. This is thanks to the billions of integrated networks of neurons formed through the interplay of experience, environment, and heredity. Therefore, a stimulating environment, enough nutrition, and social connection with supportive and caring caregivers are necessary for their brain's optimal development. In this article, we will be diving into understanding the developmental psychology of a very munchable toddler and learning to appreciate the lifespan perspective. Today, we have the 4-year-old Clyde J., the very chubby chatterbox of the household, who is a massive fan of Deadpool and heavy metal music.

When this 'big guy' was younger, he moved very cautiously as he was a giant baby and was, maybe, afraid to tumble down whenever he walked. Compared to his cousins his age, who actively jumped and ran everywhere, he was terrified to even step over a tiny toy car in his way. He was fond of basketballs, cars, and musical instruments, evident in his room full of different types of guitars, two ukuleles, and a junior drum set. But now that he's older, he has already mastered running, albeit slowly, and climbing stairs without any help. He can also feed himself independently with little assistance and is starting to practice writing already.

As mentioned, this boy can also be very talkative nowadays, and he keeps talking about Deadpool and asking where he lived. He is also able to tell us simple stories, such as their family's travel to Samal and how they have a dog named Bruce. In addition to that, he is also an incredible problem-solver who doesn't give up easily when faced with a challenge. He is definitely excellent at thinking outside the box but needs to work on following instructions, as he can be easily distracted. What’s more surprising is that, at his age, he can already recognize the alphabet and how it sounds and has no problems with counting and colors.

However, this baby can be extremely shy when it comes to new friends and people. It would take him some time to warm up or even interact with others, and he prefers to play with only his cousins or people he knows. Also, whenever he's disappointed or doesn't get what he wants, he seems to sulk a lot and sit in a corner with a sorrowful face that looks very funny to his family. To help him manage these emotions, his parents or siblings would sit with him and try to talk to him calmly while making him understand why he can't do or have what he wants. But the family admitted that sometimes when things get too much and he tantrums, they would just let him sit on his own until he feels better.

The family also expressed that he is a very well-behaved child and can enjoy solitary play, making him easier to look after compared to very active children. However, the only challenge for the family is that the kid is already addicted to watching YouTube videos, specifically live streams of gamers playing Roblox and Minecraft. At his young age, he was already smart enough to operate a smartphone as well as a TV, which contributed to the child's sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, when it comes to nutrition, he loves fried chicken and eggs. But his mother always tries to include vegetables in his meals by incorporating them into other kid-friendly vegetable recipes.

One fun fact, this baby was very unexpected, and his mother only learned about her pregnancy when the fetus was already five months old. The family was just very grateful that he was delivered safely and came out weighing a whopping 3.9 kilograms. With that, I believe that it is very important to appreciate the earlier experiences of both the child and the mother and how these experiences can shape later developments. Indeed, development is unique to every child, and we have the lifespan perspective to guide us in recognizing each child's milestones and the challenges that come with them. With every discovery, we are able to understand each stage of one's life and provide a specific approach to fit their every need.

The Toddler's Way

“Children are like wet cement: whatever falls on them makes an impression.” ~Haim Ginott

Meet the very hyper and delightful 2-year-old Theo Jade P., the center of her mama's world. He is the first child of Rigen Joyce R., a college mom who learned to juggle being a full-time mother and attending school and "wouldn't trade it for anything." She believed that time flies, and life keeps moving forward. Her experience with raising a child and the difficulties that came with it completely changed her perspective of motherhood. She realized that behind infants that are full of wonder and potential for development, are strong and resilient mothers. However, the path of love, learning, and never-ending adaptation is not without difficulty.

The biggest obstacle she discovered, both for herself and other mothers, is the continuous sense of being stretched too thin. Motherhood, studying, and even personal time can be difficult to balance at times. It can be difficult for her to say "no" at times and to constantly prioritize since she wants to do everything for her child. Another major one is sleep deprivation, but she stated it comes with the job. Luckily for her, her mother and siblings occasionally help her with her child, allowing her to, from time to time, snag some precious "me time". She tries to unwind by doing the things she takes pleasure in whenever she has free time, whether it's hanging out with her friends, idly browsing social media, or even just taking a long bath. Indeed, a little amount of quiet time does make quite a huge difference. 

However, she cherished the pure, unadulterated happiness of seeing his little child discover and grow. We observed that he makes a lot of funny noises, particularly when they are spending quality time together. He also surely loves to cuddle, and nothing pleases her mother more than to hug him close and feel his smooth skin against hers.

Naturally, if she has the time, she always takes care of the baby around-the-clock as part of their everyday routine. She also noted that she's attempting to follow the pretty consistent regimen that most moms she knows follow, which mostly consists of eating, changing diapers, playing, and napping. She also noticed that mothers consistently clean, whether it is their children or the house. Who wouldn’t want a clean surrounding for the family, right?

Theo's mother brought up the time when he was just beginning to crawl and how it was very hilarious to watch him get so excited about it. He also enjoys grabbing at anything that comes in his path and within his reach. But instead of children’s toys, he would rather play with kitchenware, which is both charming and a little chaotic—a never-ending adventure!

Theo also enjoys mimicking the sounds and expressions made by his mother. She noted that he makes an effort to copy the way she claps her hands and silly noises, which always makes her grin. It is both fascinating and endearing that we can already glimpse a bit her personality shining through him. She went on to say that it is like seeing a tiny reflection of herself come into being.

When it also comes to disciplining the child, Theo’s mother had learned to approach discipline with patience and understanding when her baby acts up. She will try to redirect his focus to something else or calmly explain why certain behaviors are not allowed. In the end, it all comes down to lovingly and consistently establishing limits to support his positive learning and development. She also believed that positive reinforcement works, she gives her baby plenty of hugs, kisses, and sometimes even treats, like his favorite snack, when he does something well. On the other hand, instead of punishing him when he does something wrong, she tries to teach him the proper conduct and redirect him. It all comes down to supporting his good deeds and providing him with kind and loving guidance.

Being compassionate and empathic is a lesson she always tries to teach him. She feels that he has to be taught how to be sensitive and kind toward other people. She hopes that he will foster these qualities in him from an early age, whether it's sharing his toys with other toddlers or offering comfort to someone who is upset.

With that, she wants to end by encouraging all mothers with toddlers to cherish every moment, even the difficult ones, as they go by so quickly and they grow up so fast. Embrace the chaos, the laughter, and the endless energy they inject into your existence. Take time to appreciate their little victories and milestones, and remember to take care of yourself too, so that you can be the greatest mother you can be for them.

Waiting for the Baby

“We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.” ~Laura Stavoe Harm

Throughout our lives, we learn about our mother's care and love as we grow older. At a young age, we always see them as our providers or caregivers since they are the only people around us most of the time. But as we grow old, we begin to understand the kind of love given to us since we were in their womb. In this blog, we asked a soon-to-be mother who agreed to volunteer to share her feelings, experience, and expectations as she carries her child, and we hope we would learn a lot from her journey to also understand what our mothers went through for us.

(note: Before the interview started, the volunteer was oriented with the flow and questions and told her that she was allowed to remove questions that were uncomfortable for her. Everything was with consent.)

Our volunteer is Carla Joy G., a soon-to-be mother who has been carrying her child for 8 months. She is also a first-time mommy! A kind person who also likes to giggle from time to time. Although she did say she was kind before her pregnancy, she still is, based on our experience. She first found out about her pregnancy through an accident as the doctors scanned her for a body inspection to check for broken bones. As the doctor scanned through her body, they found another life inside her womb. Thankfully, there was no severe or permanent damage from her accident, and the baby was safe; although she had trouble getting up for the first month, she soon recovered from it. According to Carla, ever since she found out, she was first worried about having a baby all of a sudden. She also stated that her experience and feelings through her time in pregnancy have been a roller coaster of emotions. She feels happy, then sad, then angry, then happy again, to the point where she would call herself bipolar. However, her goals for the baby remain with the same emotion that she wants her baby to be born healthy. So, Carla has been caring for herself ever since she knew about her pregnancy. Her body changed drastically, and she was thirsty from time to time. she quenched her cravings and thirst by eating fruits for 3 months and drinking coconut juice. Avoiding sodas as much as possible since she was a fan of soda. She was first mindful of her body changes from stretch marks to worries that her body won't change back to the way she wanted. However, it already passed by her mind and she was confident to gain back her body as she stated that "it's okay to be bloated a few months because you'd be flushing out blood from your body after pregnancy".

As for her husband and family, they were also surprised by the news. From her family's side, she only told her close sister and siblings about her pregnancy and has been understanding towards Carla the whole time. According to Carla, her sister has been patient towards Carla whenever her sister is frustrated with her, as the sister thinks it is probably because of Carla's hormones that she is acting that way. Carla's sister has been preparing or planning their expected budget, bill payments, future things, and home as well. As for Carla's husband, he has been supportive of her and has given extra patience as well. The husband's mother has also been supporting Carla ever since her pregnancy. Accompanying her on her walks and preparing healthy food for her to eat. Both sides of the family have found their own way to support Carla during her pregnancy, and Carla is grateful for all of them looking out for her. Especially whenever she is hungry. Speaking of hunger, Carla also shared that whenever she is hungry, the child kicks her womb, having this thought that whatever the mother feels, the child also feels. Her first months of worries turned into encouragement as the family around her showed their genuine love and support for her, giving her the motivation to push through. She also opened up in regard to controlling her emotions that she feels confident that she can hold her feelings, but she is worried about the aftermath of giving birth as she read that there are other women who struggled to keep hold of their feelings and she thought that it would completely change her personality. However, according to her, it would depend on the people surrounding her and how they would support her.

Her decisions have also changed, and she won't take the usual food that she ate before (for example, street food or junk food) as she is looking out for the baby's health. Her career plan has also changed as she stated that she "wants to work, work, & work" up until she reaches the age of 25. However, she was not able to work this year when she found out about her pregnancy due to the long distance between her workplace and home. We asked her about opportunities to work at home. Unfortunately, her former company does not offer work-from-home jobs. But, with the help of both her husband and family, she is assured of her finances and health. With this confidence, she also does not fear society or other mother's expectations of what a pregnant woman should do. As she stays home, she also wants to occupy herself by doing anything, and whenever she feels stressed, she always opens up to her husband and family. Truly, the people surrounding her are a gift to her as they support and encourage Carla. Her husband always tells her not to stress because he will always find a solution. As of now, she was open about her financial status and that they are facing a challenge, but they found a solution, just as her husband promised. She also shared her experiences in her early pregnancy, where she felt the motivation to clean up the house by herself until her late pregnancy when she had to rest most of the time since the baby needed more blood and energy. As of now, they have been planning the future room of their baby and how it would be arranged, and they are happily waiting for their baby to be born.

Before we ended the interview, Carla left a note of encouragement for those pregnant women who are reading this blog. "Always tell your partner whatever you feel and think. About finance, you should discuss it with your partner, and don't be afraid to seek help from other women with experience at that time in their life". - Carla Joy G.