I had a friend whom last week was left alone by his maid for holiday. He had to do all the houseworks by himself: cooking, cleaning, laundry, groceries. And he asked me "how did u do it all by yourself last time, Nov?"
haha...he made me remember all those days when I had my first newborn baby and no maid/nanny...and no relatives who lives here in Singapore who can come and help me. I just have my hubby and God to help me! I was freaked out at first! But I survived, I guess!
Here's what I did:
+ I cleaned the floor everyday. twice a day. Morning and evening.The floor is important for me. Caleb spent most of his time on the floor and on the bed (when he still couldn't walk), so I took a great deal that these 2 had always to be clean.
+ I cleaned decoration item,furniture, and bathroom once a week. Because it would take an hour to complete everything, I did it either at night after caleb was asleep (7pm) or in the morning when my hubby was still around.
+did laundry and ironed clothes once a week. Did laundry with Caleb around. He would play with the hangers :)
and ironed the clothes at night when he was already asleep.
+cleaned the window every 2 weeks. I hate cleaning windows haha... It was tiring and alot of job. Not to mention, the weather! rained after you cleaned them!
+did errands and groceries with Caleb and hubby in the evening, before Caleb's bedtime.
+I didn't cook but order catering food. I salute moms who could manage to cook as well as doing other house chores and raising a baby.
Please take note:
*I have a very active and curious baby who demand my attention hahaha but thank God I managed to do the houseworks too. That's why having a routine on your baby and having independent time for him help you accomplish your house chores.
*I always clean and tidy up Caleb's toys right after he's done playing with them. I would not wait for him to sleep and clean up, although it was easier to do it when he's not going to create another mess, but by doing this in front of your baby, you are actually teaching and encouraging him to clean his own mess. Once he's able to do it, ask him to help you, first by asking him to put 1 piece of toy back to the toy box. Caleb now always puts back whatever he takes from its original place #payoff days! ^^
* I always cleaned the floor when Caleb was awake, mostly at his independent playtime. So he got to see me doing cleaning everyday. Once he could walk, he wanted to have a broom and a mop and helped me clean the floor. I find it sweet and another good achievement and benefit :D
My hubby once commented that he still found the house was much tidier and cleaner when I was in charge, meaning I did a better job than my maid now.
I couldn't blame the maid though. She had to finish all the house chores (cleaning all the rooms, bathrooms, doing laundry, ironing) and cooking before I leave to work in the afternoon. When I'm working, she has to watch over my son. Unlike me who did some of the chores once a week, she did the complete cleaning everyday. But I take it she's not as detail and perfectionist as me.
I can be a perfectionist when I am doing the chores by myself. But I know with the maid, I couldn't be so demanding. As long as she's doing a good job, that's fine with me.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The book helps!
I wanted to write about this since 3 days ago and just so happened today my cousin who just gave birth a month ago, asked me whether it is necessary for her to read any parenting book
I told her that I couldn't really answer the question. Because one may feel that it is a need to gain and equip herself with knowledge by reading or doing researches from books, websites, etc. And one may feel that she can just go on relying on her mom's instincs.
I am number 1 type of mom. I read books, follow parenting websites and blogs, join a motherhood forum. I do so to equip myself with knowledge and gain wisdom because I realize parenting is not an easy job to do. Even with all the books I read, I still wouldn't be able to do it without God's grace.
You can be mom no 2 too, who doesn't read any books to guide you how to raise your children. I believe you can survive too because moms are already equipped by God.
I personally do not regret I had come to find baby whisperer book. It helped gain so much knowledge that I can practically apply on my son. Not all the theories work for me and my son. For example, Caleb still needs my gentle pat to send him to dreamland while in the theory, babies should be able to soothe himself to sleep without our help. Caleb sometimes still asks for night feeding, which actually he should be able to sleep through without milk at all by now.
But some theories really work and I am happy with the result. I wasn't surprised when Caleb was around 8 weeks old and suddenly asked for more frequent bottles of milk than he usually needed. I knew straight away he was going through a growth spurt period which lasted for 3-4 days.
3 months old, when Caleb woke up at dawn around 4am and just went cooing, I knew it was a phase.
4 months old, when he threw out all his milk..pouring out of sudden like a fountain, he was having a mild reflux. the book helped me to have the knowledge so I didn't get panic.
And the book helped me to know the importance of having a routine.
With routine, both I and my baby know what to expect next and therefore, I can organize my time well and know when I can run errands, and have free time for myself, because I know when Caleb is going to eat, nap, awake, etc.
With routine, Caleb knows when is bedtime, meal time, play time, etc. It helps him to prepare himself for what's next.
With routine, Caleb sleeps around the same time every night. When he was a newborn, he slept at 7pm so after 7 I got my free time already. How nice was that right! Now he sleeps around 8. And it is still a good timing, I still have time for myself and for my hubby :)
Sometimes I hear some kids are still playing at the playground around 10pm, sometimes I see a father trying to make his baby sleep by pushing around his stroller at the park around 11pm!! and my hubby told me "i'm just glad you want to read a book, do some research and stick to it. Otherwise, I'd be just like these people. 11 pm at the park, trying to make my son sleepy and go to bed"
The book taught me the importance of having an independent playtime.
It taught me how to toilet train. and many many more...
And today, I would like to thank my dear friend once again...yes, once again. Because I thanked her before and then again some time after that..and now I'm going to do it AGAIN!
I thank you, SYLVIA, for choosing to give me these books as a gift to me. I know you follow my blog and you'll be reading this post. Thank you! You should get these books too for yourself someday when "the good news" come okay :)
Now, have fun in Paris and Estonia. and Merry Christmas dear :)
I told her that I couldn't really answer the question. Because one may feel that it is a need to gain and equip herself with knowledge by reading or doing researches from books, websites, etc. And one may feel that she can just go on relying on her mom's instincs.
I am number 1 type of mom. I read books, follow parenting websites and blogs, join a motherhood forum. I do so to equip myself with knowledge and gain wisdom because I realize parenting is not an easy job to do. Even with all the books I read, I still wouldn't be able to do it without God's grace.
You can be mom no 2 too, who doesn't read any books to guide you how to raise your children. I believe you can survive too because moms are already equipped by God.
I personally do not regret I had come to find baby whisperer book. It helped gain so much knowledge that I can practically apply on my son. Not all the theories work for me and my son. For example, Caleb still needs my gentle pat to send him to dreamland while in the theory, babies should be able to soothe himself to sleep without our help. Caleb sometimes still asks for night feeding, which actually he should be able to sleep through without milk at all by now.
But some theories really work and I am happy with the result. I wasn't surprised when Caleb was around 8 weeks old and suddenly asked for more frequent bottles of milk than he usually needed. I knew straight away he was going through a growth spurt period which lasted for 3-4 days.
3 months old, when Caleb woke up at dawn around 4am and just went cooing, I knew it was a phase.
4 months old, when he threw out all his milk..pouring out of sudden like a fountain, he was having a mild reflux. the book helped me to have the knowledge so I didn't get panic.
And the book helped me to know the importance of having a routine.
With routine, both I and my baby know what to expect next and therefore, I can organize my time well and know when I can run errands, and have free time for myself, because I know when Caleb is going to eat, nap, awake, etc.
With routine, Caleb knows when is bedtime, meal time, play time, etc. It helps him to prepare himself for what's next.
With routine, Caleb sleeps around the same time every night. When he was a newborn, he slept at 7pm so after 7 I got my free time already. How nice was that right! Now he sleeps around 8. And it is still a good timing, I still have time for myself and for my hubby :)
Sometimes I hear some kids are still playing at the playground around 10pm, sometimes I see a father trying to make his baby sleep by pushing around his stroller at the park around 11pm!! and my hubby told me "i'm just glad you want to read a book, do some research and stick to it. Otherwise, I'd be just like these people. 11 pm at the park, trying to make my son sleepy and go to bed"
The book taught me the importance of having an independent playtime.
It taught me how to toilet train. and many many more...
And today, I would like to thank my dear friend once again...yes, once again. Because I thanked her before and then again some time after that..and now I'm going to do it AGAIN!
I thank you, SYLVIA, for choosing to give me these books as a gift to me. I know you follow my blog and you'll be reading this post. Thank you! You should get these books too for yourself someday when "the good news" come okay :)
Now, have fun in Paris and Estonia. and Merry Christmas dear :)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tips on teaching flashcards
One mommy told me how his son couldn't sit quietly when she tried to teach him flashcards. Moreover, her son would scatter all the cards and bite them. She asked me how I do it with Caleb.
Well, here's some tips:
* Start early, before he turns 1 (or 2)
When the kids enter 2 year old, they will have their own will and power to refuse what they're told to. So teaching them and to make them sit and study is another challenge. I started when Caleb was able to sit without support which was around 7 or 8 months. Some moms start earlier.
*believe that it'll work!
He may not be able to copy what you said, he may be distracted with other things as well. That's okay. Keep showing the card one by one, even if he takes only a glance at it, even he only sees it for a sec, just make sure he sees the picture and then tell him what's the picture (bird, cloud, sun, etc). Believe it, his brain is recording it. Even if he's a late talker, at least he will soon understand many words by the time he's 18 months old and your benefit is that you have a toddler who understands whatever you're talking about. If he starts talking earlier, he would have so many vocabs by the time he's 18 months old!
*make it a routine
set a time for learning time. I had my learning time with Caleb after his nap and now switched it in the morning after his shower. This will tell your child what to expect next and he'll get used to this learning activity. Caleb was so used with having flashcards that after his nap he would point his finger to where I put his flashcards.
*Have a strategy
There were a period of time when I faced a challenge. That was when Caleb demanded to hold the card by himself. But when I gave them to him, he would scatter them and make a mess in the room. So what I did was I grabbed all the cards and only showed him one by one. After he guessed the picture in the card (or I say the word to him), I would then give him the card and asked him to put it back on the box (with my help). He found it interesting. It was another challenge for him beside guessing the picture, he got to figure it our how to put the card back in the card box. That way he would not scatter them again.
*apply in real life
the pictures you've shown in the flashcards, be sure to show him what's the real thing.
For example, you show him pictures of hat, socks, pants etc...and later on when you dress him up, you tell him this is the socks, these are your pants etc.
When you're at the supermarket, have fun showing him this is apple, orange etc
When your're at playground, show him...that's uncle with his dog, that's the slide, etc
Flashcards works more effective when you show him the real thing.
and when you teach him numbers and ABC with cards, you can also ask him what's the letters on the poster you both see at the bus stop, or when you pass by a mall, you ask him to spell the letters of a mall's name and so on. Be creative :)
I love flashcards because it is a fun and educative toy. It helps building vocabularies. It encourages your kid to talk.
Well, here's some tips:
* Start early, before he turns 1 (or 2)
When the kids enter 2 year old, they will have their own will and power to refuse what they're told to. So teaching them and to make them sit and study is another challenge. I started when Caleb was able to sit without support which was around 7 or 8 months. Some moms start earlier.
*believe that it'll work!
He may not be able to copy what you said, he may be distracted with other things as well. That's okay. Keep showing the card one by one, even if he takes only a glance at it, even he only sees it for a sec, just make sure he sees the picture and then tell him what's the picture (bird, cloud, sun, etc). Believe it, his brain is recording it. Even if he's a late talker, at least he will soon understand many words by the time he's 18 months old and your benefit is that you have a toddler who understands whatever you're talking about. If he starts talking earlier, he would have so many vocabs by the time he's 18 months old!
*make it a routine
set a time for learning time. I had my learning time with Caleb after his nap and now switched it in the morning after his shower. This will tell your child what to expect next and he'll get used to this learning activity. Caleb was so used with having flashcards that after his nap he would point his finger to where I put his flashcards.
*Have a strategy
There were a period of time when I faced a challenge. That was when Caleb demanded to hold the card by himself. But when I gave them to him, he would scatter them and make a mess in the room. So what I did was I grabbed all the cards and only showed him one by one. After he guessed the picture in the card (or I say the word to him), I would then give him the card and asked him to put it back on the box (with my help). He found it interesting. It was another challenge for him beside guessing the picture, he got to figure it our how to put the card back in the card box. That way he would not scatter them again.
*apply in real life
the pictures you've shown in the flashcards, be sure to show him what's the real thing.
For example, you show him pictures of hat, socks, pants etc...and later on when you dress him up, you tell him this is the socks, these are your pants etc.
When you're at the supermarket, have fun showing him this is apple, orange etc
When your're at playground, show him...that's uncle with his dog, that's the slide, etc
Flashcards works more effective when you show him the real thing.
and when you teach him numbers and ABC with cards, you can also ask him what's the letters on the poster you both see at the bus stop, or when you pass by a mall, you ask him to spell the letters of a mall's name and so on. Be creative :)
I love flashcards because it is a fun and educative toy. It helps building vocabularies. It encourages your kid to talk.
pouring out my heart
Today I have been talking to a group of moms since morning in my bbm group, I started a topic about how to teach our kid small letters in alphabet. Caleb has recognized all the 26 letters in alphabets but they are all in big letters, and he seems to be confused when I try to teach him small letters. These moms that I asked for an advice, are actually moms with older kids (let's say 2-4 years old) whom I assumed should be able to give me some tips. To my surprise, not all of their 3-4 year old kids have learned the alphabets well. But that's not my point of today's sharing. Out of the topic I brought in, one mom commented and cynically accused me for giving Caleb such a hard time studying in such a young age! She said Caleb should have all his time for playing and not studying as once he starts school, it's a long way and years to go so let him have the fun while he can get one.
Instead of giving me the tips that I asked for, she gave me an advice to step back and relax, don't push too hard on my son. yeah right!
She also gave me a lecture about how moms tend to compare their kids, and if another kid is able to master something earlier than the others, they get panic and try to push their kids to do better by signing them up to phonic class, tuition, etc and resulting unecessary stress for the kid.
ehem... first, let me explain...I have been teaching my son with alphabets, numbers, flashcards since he was able to sit and cruise, which means before he was 1 year old. My reason is because I don't want my son to spend all his time having fun with toys that do not educate him well and then pass the responsibility to teach him academic lesson to his teacher later on. Isn't it shameful when you're not working, a stay at home mom, but there is nothing you do to make a good progress in your son? I'd rather go back to full time working then!
Secondly, if the kid himself is willing to learn, is interested, is curious..wouldn't you want to use this opportunity to teach?
It's not like I sign him in to classes or playgroups. I am teaching him myself and he gets to spend the time with me and not someone else.
my son enjoys his learning time! He has fun! He giggles in victory whenever he guess the alphabet or the picture in the card correctly. what's the stress you're talking about, mom??
Lastly, I hate comparing! and that's why I seldom ask other moms who have children at the same age as Caleb about what their kids have mastered/ can do. I am also not the type of mom who would pressure my son to study and have so many tuitions. If you know Singapore, you know for sure how the education system here is tough! school alone is stressful enough, I wish my son would not need additional tuition so he can have his free time to relax.
Seriously, that was a very ridiculous and unbelievable accuse!
Instead of giving me the tips that I asked for, she gave me an advice to step back and relax, don't push too hard on my son. yeah right!
She also gave me a lecture about how moms tend to compare their kids, and if another kid is able to master something earlier than the others, they get panic and try to push their kids to do better by signing them up to phonic class, tuition, etc and resulting unecessary stress for the kid.
ehem... first, let me explain...I have been teaching my son with alphabets, numbers, flashcards since he was able to sit and cruise, which means before he was 1 year old. My reason is because I don't want my son to spend all his time having fun with toys that do not educate him well and then pass the responsibility to teach him academic lesson to his teacher later on. Isn't it shameful when you're not working, a stay at home mom, but there is nothing you do to make a good progress in your son? I'd rather go back to full time working then!
Secondly, if the kid himself is willing to learn, is interested, is curious..wouldn't you want to use this opportunity to teach?
It's not like I sign him in to classes or playgroups. I am teaching him myself and he gets to spend the time with me and not someone else.
my son enjoys his learning time! He has fun! He giggles in victory whenever he guess the alphabet or the picture in the card correctly. what's the stress you're talking about, mom??
Lastly, I hate comparing! and that's why I seldom ask other moms who have children at the same age as Caleb about what their kids have mastered/ can do. I am also not the type of mom who would pressure my son to study and have so many tuitions. If you know Singapore, you know for sure how the education system here is tough! school alone is stressful enough, I wish my son would not need additional tuition so he can have his free time to relax.
Seriously, that was a very ridiculous and unbelievable accuse!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The terrible twos
What is terrible twos?
It is a time when toddlers learn to assert themselves and test limits
It is the way two-year-olds express their emotions. Raw and powerful emotions at age two. They will show you what they feel right away. If they’re happy, they giggle. If they’re angry, they scream.
And according to wikipedia:
A child developmental stage which normally occurs around the age of two (but can start earlier) and consists of toddlers often saying no and throwing temper tantrums.
These words – terrible two – have actually threatened me when I first heard there is such label for our toddler when they reach 2. Some mommies in the forum claim that their 20 months old toddies have started their terrible two already and giving them so much headache.
Caleb has recently started to give me some attitudes during meal time. He will want to use his own spoon but when you give him the spoon, he won’t eat but just play with the food! I don’t accept this kind of behaviour. So when he only plays with food and not eating it, I quickly put him down from his chair and take away the bowl. He will cry, of course. And because we usually give him lunch right before his nap, he sometimes threw mini tantrums because he was sleepy. So to avoid this, I change his lunch time after his nap. And replace his snack time at 2.30 pm to 10.30 am, before he naps.
I’m not sure whether this is the sign of terrible two. But I tell myself I have to refuse this. I will not label my son with a terrible two title! Instead, I will stay positive and speak blessings over his 3rd year!
It's december!!
Yes it is december! Our fave month of the year. And I can't believe how fast the time flies. This time last year I thought in another 3 months time, Caleb would be 1 year old and that was fast. Now, in another 3 months, he'll be 2 years old. and I even feel that the time flies even faster than last year. I can't believe I will have to think for Caleb's birthday this soon...how we're going to celebrate it, the presents, the cake, etc. It feels like just a few moments ago we celebrated it. Moreover, we enjoy this year so much. As I told you I love this stage, compared to his baby life. We all enjoy him so much that we don't want it to pass soon..and pray that if he has to arrive at another stage of life, which means being a 2 year old toddler, bless that year so it'll be even more blissful and enjoyable!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Toilet Training
In baby whisperer book, Tracy suggested that we start as early as 9 months old. I did try that but it did not work well so I postponed. I resumed the training when he was 15 months old. But Caleb drinks water a lot! He can drink up to 800ml/day and pee almost every 10 minutes. I postponed it because he seems that he still didn't have the ability to hold, he would just pee right there at the moment he wanted to. However, we actually earned success with poo-ing. It was much easier for poo training because he understood quickly the sensation of going to poo, and poo doesn't come as fast as urine, so he can hold it. He has his time to tell us he is about to do his business and run to the toilet.
We also took Tracy's tips that we should train using toilet seat, and not potty. With potty, you will need to train him again, (another effort and energy), to use the toilet seat later on.
Since then til now, Caleb always poo on the toilet, except when he was having diarrhea due to stomach flu, there were many accidents but after he was recovered, toilet is where he does his business.
Well, today there's a little success. A very good sign. Today out of sudden he just stood still. I asked him what was wrong. He told me "pee". So I brought him to the bathroom and undressed him quickly, and so he peed. Yippeee!!!
This is a signal for me to resume the training because:
1. He is telling me that he is ready
2. He knows the sensation when he's about to pee
3. He is able to hold it for a while
4. Tracy's book suggest that we should toilet train the kid before he reaches 2, as it would be easier.
Of course after this one time success, he had his accidents again, by peeing on the floor which I already expected he would and that's okay. But honestly it is difficult to have a full-day training as I am now working part time. But tomorrow is weekend and I should be able to do it full day. I plan to not use diaper at all, just like last time. I want him to feel the discomfort of being wet so that he knows that he needs to at least tell me if he's about to pee and we can quickly put him on the toilet.
One mommy who heard my little success story today asked me, how at the first place he would stand still and said "pee", how did he know he was going to pee?
I think my son got the idea because every now and then when he had accidents by peeing on the floor, or when he pee during his bath, I would tell him "oh see...you pee". Maybe he gets the idea from this experience. So I think it's a good idea to make him aware of what peeing is like.
Oh well, I hope I'll be having more success on the training :)
We also took Tracy's tips that we should train using toilet seat, and not potty. With potty, you will need to train him again, (another effort and energy), to use the toilet seat later on.
Since then til now, Caleb always poo on the toilet, except when he was having diarrhea due to stomach flu, there were many accidents but after he was recovered, toilet is where he does his business.
Well, today there's a little success. A very good sign. Today out of sudden he just stood still. I asked him what was wrong. He told me "pee". So I brought him to the bathroom and undressed him quickly, and so he peed. Yippeee!!!
This is a signal for me to resume the training because:
1. He is telling me that he is ready
2. He knows the sensation when he's about to pee
3. He is able to hold it for a while
4. Tracy's book suggest that we should toilet train the kid before he reaches 2, as it would be easier.
Of course after this one time success, he had his accidents again, by peeing on the floor which I already expected he would and that's okay. But honestly it is difficult to have a full-day training as I am now working part time. But tomorrow is weekend and I should be able to do it full day. I plan to not use diaper at all, just like last time. I want him to feel the discomfort of being wet so that he knows that he needs to at least tell me if he's about to pee and we can quickly put him on the toilet.
One mommy who heard my little success story today asked me, how at the first place he would stand still and said "pee", how did he know he was going to pee?
I think my son got the idea because every now and then when he had accidents by peeing on the floor, or when he pee during his bath, I would tell him "oh see...you pee". Maybe he gets the idea from this experience. So I think it's a good idea to make him aware of what peeing is like.
Oh well, I hope I'll be having more success on the training :)
Action speaks louder
My hubby and I both come from a family background where kisses, hugs, and 'I love you' were not done and said frequently. It's just our family's culture, typical asian - I guess. But when I was pregnant, hubby and I both agreed that we want to build a family where you can find warmth - giving kisses and hugs, or saying "I love you" will not be an awkward thing to do.
It is the same thing as if you want your kid to say 'please' and 'thank you', you need to be the role model for her/him and use these words alot. We do the same thing. We show love and affection towards one another at home. So far, whenever Caleb sees mommy and daddy hug each other, he would run to us and join us in our family hug. Every morning when Caleb opens his eyes, he will smile at me and he will give me a kiss. He couldn't say the words "I love you" properly yet but if we tell him "I love you", he will reply you "awooo" , meaning: I love you too :p
One day, he patted my head and said "hug mommy" and then kissed me. That was one of the best memories I want to treasure and I pray he will always be this lovely even when he grows older later.
It is the same thing as if you want your kid to say 'please' and 'thank you', you need to be the role model for her/him and use these words alot. We do the same thing. We show love and affection towards one another at home. So far, whenever Caleb sees mommy and daddy hug each other, he would run to us and join us in our family hug. Every morning when Caleb opens his eyes, he will smile at me and he will give me a kiss. He couldn't say the words "I love you" properly yet but if we tell him "I love you", he will reply you "awooo" , meaning: I love you too :p
One day, he patted my head and said "hug mommy" and then kissed me. That was one of the best memories I want to treasure and I pray he will always be this lovely even when he grows older later.
Jesus The healer
This morning we went to a nearby supermarket and while we were walking, Caleb stopped and scratched his leg. He told us "itchy...itchy..". I noticed he had a mosquito bite. So daddy lay hands upon the bitten area and prayed that the itchiness will go away in the mighty name of Jesus. As soon as daddy said Jesus name, Caleb replied and closed the prayer with "Amen" and off he ran and giggling cheerfully.
I believe that he didn't feel itchy anymore. It is amazing how God loves and hears little children's prayer.
It is amazing how a young toddler can have such faith to believe that once daddy or mommy pray in Jesus name, every discomfort will go away.
It is amazing!
I believe that he didn't feel itchy anymore. It is amazing how God loves and hears little children's prayer.
It is amazing how a young toddler can have such faith to believe that once daddy or mommy pray in Jesus name, every discomfort will go away.
It is amazing!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Language development
Some babies speak early. Some later.
I am blessed to have an early talker. But here I would like to calm you down if your baby has not started talking by 1 year old. First, most babies start talking when they are two years old. Most kids in my church started talking when they reached three. Second, they have not talked do not mean they do not understand all your words. Don't underestimate babies. They are SMART!
We were just watching Barney today. He used to love and watch Barney every day and then fell in love with Hi5 and Elmo and never watched Barney for quite some time. When he used to watch Barney back then, he didn't have as many vocabs as now. But today when we watched Barney sang a few songs, Caleb was actually singing along with Barney. I was surprised because first, it's been long time since we watched Barney but he remembered the song. Second, he knew exactly the words on the songs.
So I was thinking that all that time when he used to watch barney everyday, his brain recorded all the songs..word by word though he couldn't say it out. Now that he's able to say it out, those words easily come out. Amazing right...
So my point is, whatever your baby's listening to right now...his brain is recording it, compiling it in his file and saves it for future use :)
so don't worry...they'll eventually talk sooner or later!
I am blessed to have an early talker. But here I would like to calm you down if your baby has not started talking by 1 year old. First, most babies start talking when they are two years old. Most kids in my church started talking when they reached three. Second, they have not talked do not mean they do not understand all your words. Don't underestimate babies. They are SMART!
We were just watching Barney today. He used to love and watch Barney every day and then fell in love with Hi5 and Elmo and never watched Barney for quite some time. When he used to watch Barney back then, he didn't have as many vocabs as now. But today when we watched Barney sang a few songs, Caleb was actually singing along with Barney. I was surprised because first, it's been long time since we watched Barney but he remembered the song. Second, he knew exactly the words on the songs.
So I was thinking that all that time when he used to watch barney everyday, his brain recorded all the songs..word by word though he couldn't say it out. Now that he's able to say it out, those words easily come out. Amazing right...
So my point is, whatever your baby's listening to right now...his brain is recording it, compiling it in his file and saves it for future use :)
so don't worry...they'll eventually talk sooner or later!
You're not alone
My church is one of the place where you can see many young couples with babies. To be honest with you, these moms in my church are blesses\d with such angel babies. Well, I don't know exactly how easy their babies are but what I know for sure is that they are so calm, do not make so much noise, just sit quietly on their strollers, content enough playing with their mittens, pacifier, etc. And they nap well enough too. Bless those moms!
But I know that some moms out there may have babies who are not napping well and long enough. They may have been blessed with spirited babies who are very active and may not just let you sit and listen to the sermon quietly.
Don't worry. you're not alone. Many other moms experience just like you do.
Caleb never naps well when we're outside. He only takes 30-40 minutes nap when he's outside. He didn't sit quietly too in church.Most of Sunday nights, he would end up being overtired n stimulated resulting not sleeping well at night. So I have to be careful on his schedule. Usually I will put him to bed earlier at night.
I am sure whatever struggle you're going through now..be it about nap, sleep, meal time, picky eaters...
you're not alone moms... somewhere out there, there are moms who feel the same way as you do. Knowing that you're not the only one will always make you feel better :)
But I know that some moms out there may have babies who are not napping well and long enough. They may have been blessed with spirited babies who are very active and may not just let you sit and listen to the sermon quietly.
Don't worry. you're not alone. Many other moms experience just like you do.
Caleb never naps well when we're outside. He only takes 30-40 minutes nap when he's outside. He didn't sit quietly too in church.Most of Sunday nights, he would end up being overtired n stimulated resulting not sleeping well at night. So I have to be careful on his schedule. Usually I will put him to bed earlier at night.
I am sure whatever struggle you're going through now..be it about nap, sleep, meal time, picky eaters...
you're not alone moms... somewhere out there, there are moms who feel the same way as you do. Knowing that you're not the only one will always make you feel better :)
Friday, December 3, 2010
When everything doesnt work out...
When everything you've tried doesn't work, pray!
When Caleb did not sleep well for nights for no reason. No sign of teething, no sickness. Changed his diaper to a clean one. Set the air con to the right temperature. I wonder and wonder why. Was it the nap? Was it too much? and so I did trial and error with the nap. And stilll it didn't work.
So I prayed.
and so he slept through again.
When Caleb was cranky for no reason I could find out. I prayed.
and he soon was back to his old self, charming.
When things go wrong, and you don't know why. You've done your research. You've tried everything you know. and it still doesn't work out. Remember to pray.
Mommies, you are not alone. God is with you. He understands your struggles, your concerns and most importantly He knows and understands your baby more than you. So let Him take control.
When Caleb did not sleep well for nights for no reason. No sign of teething, no sickness. Changed his diaper to a clean one. Set the air con to the right temperature. I wonder and wonder why. Was it the nap? Was it too much? and so I did trial and error with the nap. And stilll it didn't work.
So I prayed.
and so he slept through again.
When Caleb was cranky for no reason I could find out. I prayed.
and he soon was back to his old self, charming.
When things go wrong, and you don't know why. You've done your research. You've tried everything you know. and it still doesn't work out. Remember to pray.
Mommies, you are not alone. God is with you. He understands your struggles, your concerns and most importantly He knows and understands your baby more than you. So let Him take control.
The Prince and The Boy
Mommy: Caleb, you are mommy's little ..... ?
Caleb: Prince!!!
Mommy: and daddy is the ... ?
Caleb: Boy!!!!
(LOL !!! it's supposed to be "king")
Caleb: Prince!!!
Mommy: and daddy is the ... ?
Caleb: Boy!!!!
(LOL !!! it's supposed to be "king")
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
About my blog
My name is Novita, born in 1983, I am Indonesian who is currently residing in Singapore. I have a loving dedicated husband and an adorable sweet little boy who's turning into two years old next March. Mostly my posts are about my experience as a wife and a mother.
Pardon me that some of my previous posts here were written in Indonesian. But I realized that I get visitors from other countries as well and so from now on I decided to write in English.
For some of the posts which I consider to be important as reference, I label them in topics to make it easier for you to find what you want to read.
I am not an expert but I wish to be a blessing for someone out there who might have the same experience with me, someone who is doing research about raising her kid, or just simply to have fun
reading my stories.
Cheers
Pardon me that some of my previous posts here were written in Indonesian. But I realized that I get visitors from other countries as well and so from now on I decided to write in English.
For some of the posts which I consider to be important as reference, I label them in topics to make it easier for you to find what you want to read.
I am not an expert but I wish to be a blessing for someone out there who might have the same experience with me, someone who is doing research about raising her kid, or just simply to have fun
reading my stories.
Cheers
we are here
Looking back to a year ago when I wished my baby would grow fast, I couldn't wait til he was able to walk and talk, I knew it would nice, life would be easier and my baby would be even more enjoyable.
And now finally we are here. Yes, we have arrived to this stage of his life where he is being so adorable and fun to be with. Yesterday, hubby and I had a talk about how we enjoy Caleb so much these few months and to be honest, we neither want to go back to his baby life nor for this stage to pass soon. We wish that he won't grow up so fast, we just want to treasure these moments :)
Talking about baby life, I read my previous posts about when Caleb threw tantrums or when he was going some emotional development, I really could say that we are all glad and relieved that we are not in that phase anymore at the moment. And actually when I said "tantrum", it wasn't really a tantrum with Caleb. You know..those big tantrums which usually happen when your baby rolls on the floor, kicking,screaming etc. Caleb used to have mini fits, not tantrums, and he did it by arching his back and crying. I notice that he has stopped doing it now. When he doesn't get what he wants, he usually cries and easily distracted as well and then stop crying within seconds.
Those emotional development, especially separation anxiety, is now getting a lot better. And because he can now walk and run properly, without falling down/accidents, he doesn't cry often too. Even when he falls down, he knows if it doesnt really hurt, he doesn't need to cry.
Moreover, he now can say alot of vocabs and getting better at joining words to make a sentence, so he seldom has frustration of not being able to say what he wants. This also has contributed alot of him not throwing tantrums.
So is his teething. We are left with another 4 molars and still no signs of them to show up...so we are at rest and peace now :)
But well... I am knocking my wood that it won't happen after I post this :D *knock wood hardly and repeatedly*
And now finally we are here. Yes, we have arrived to this stage of his life where he is being so adorable and fun to be with. Yesterday, hubby and I had a talk about how we enjoy Caleb so much these few months and to be honest, we neither want to go back to his baby life nor for this stage to pass soon. We wish that he won't grow up so fast, we just want to treasure these moments :)
Talking about baby life, I read my previous posts about when Caleb threw tantrums or when he was going some emotional development, I really could say that we are all glad and relieved that we are not in that phase anymore at the moment. And actually when I said "tantrum", it wasn't really a tantrum with Caleb. You know..those big tantrums which usually happen when your baby rolls on the floor, kicking,screaming etc. Caleb used to have mini fits, not tantrums, and he did it by arching his back and crying. I notice that he has stopped doing it now. When he doesn't get what he wants, he usually cries and easily distracted as well and then stop crying within seconds.
Those emotional development, especially separation anxiety, is now getting a lot better. And because he can now walk and run properly, without falling down/accidents, he doesn't cry often too. Even when he falls down, he knows if it doesnt really hurt, he doesn't need to cry.
Moreover, he now can say alot of vocabs and getting better at joining words to make a sentence, so he seldom has frustration of not being able to say what he wants. This also has contributed alot of him not throwing tantrums.
So is his teething. We are left with another 4 molars and still no signs of them to show up...so we are at rest and peace now :)
But well... I am knocking my wood that it won't happen after I post this :D *knock wood hardly and repeatedly*
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