Happy birthday!!!

My darling Claire,

Has it really been a year since your first birthday? Where did all the days go?

Seeing you grow up day by day makes my heart skid with excitement. You are a usual sweet little girl that exudes so much character. One moment you are prim and proper, another you become a loud kid.

You adore your Kuya so bad. Amidst the daily fights over toys and space, you still get away with his annoyance with you by hugging him and giving her wet kisses.

Lately, you'd learned to choose your own clothes. It means a daily chaos on your closet. You insist on what you like and you wailed when you didn't get what you want.

You still don't know Dora the Explorer. However, you loved Angelina Ballerina and twirl like her. You also loved to sing and dance like Mickey Mouse and his friends at Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You also loved to watch the fishy and the ming-ming and the birdy.

As you grow each and everyday, we thank God for giving us a blessing as special as you. Happy birthday my little darling. We will forever love you.

Claire speaks English!

Well, let me rephrase the title. At 19 months, my little girl can speak three (yes, that specific) English words. I am teaching her little by little so she wouldn’t had a hard time (unlike her Kuya) mingling with her classmates when she enters preschool.

SHUSH (shoes). That’s her first word. Bad mom, I can’t remember when did she first utter that word. She has a special bond with her shoes, always love to wear them. You can hear her repeatedly say the word most especially if she wants to go out of the house. And if we were inside the mall, she would frantically say shus whenever she sees one.

NO MO (no more). I find difficulty teaching this to her as she always say nana (Tagalog word for no more) whenever she has consume the last drop of her milk. She also says nana if she has finally swallowed the food we gave her. I have to say no more everytime she says nana so she would understand that no more and nana is the same.

TATER (water). Last but not the least word for her vocabulary. She has learned to love drinking water in a glass and always asks for it by saying mamam (Tagalog baby talk for water). This is a little hard for her to say so it’s always mamam then I would correct her and say water not until I did something which made her say that word. I was eating lunch alone when she was asking for mamam and I purposely ignore her then she says tater. Nice one baby!

I just have to constantly remind my caretakers (my mom and my aunt) to keep on correcting for those three words until she’s comfortable enough to say it.

The pains of weaning

I feel guilty. I feel I am a bad mommy.

It has been three days now that I don’t let baby C nurse on me. I am currently taking a magic coffee thus making my milk not anymore safe for her. And so, I wean her cold turkey style. Thankfully, I still didn’t feel the swelling breasts including the pain that reaches until the arm pit. I can still raise my arm, yahoo!

However, baby C started to become restless and almost doesn’t have a good sleep. She became so whiny and extra clingy. I am actually this.close to giving in but I always remind myself not to.

I just hope baby C wouldn’t feel I love her less now that I weaned her. I really feel guilty.

All over the house

Claire started to cruise the house at ten months. By the time she turned eleven months, she was walking on her own. No, she never had the chance to try using a walker. And after she turned one year old just a month ago, she is all over the house. She can climb the stairs which gives us heart attack and usually hides under our dining table. Yes, she can play hide and seek now. I think it’s all because her playmates were all boys including Joshua who treats her as a grown-up – not babyish treatment.

As my mom usually says to me, she can no longer be out of our sight. Here’s what BabyCenter says on how to handle a toddler that loves to climb.

1. Provide safe climbing options
2. Supervise, but don’t stress out
3. Teach your child to climb down
4. Accept that kids fall
5. Divert and distract
6. Climb proof your house
7. Discipline effectively

Happy birthday!!!

My darling Claire,

You came by surprise to us. The moment we could finally see you, I though I lost you. I got knocked down after the operation and the last thing I heard was a faint cry. When I woke up, I wanted to see you badly. It has been an agonizing two days before I finally held you with my arms. I fell in love with you, and you have sucked my soul deep down.

You are a good baby. You didn't give me a hard time on your first three months. You sleep all through the night. Thank you. Seeing you so tiny and fragile, I decided to breastfeed you so long I can. I mustered all my strengths and sacrificed each single time to express my precious milk just for you. It came a surprise I lasted 8 months.

You are a sweet child. You loved to be cuddled and always wanted to be played with most especially with your Kuya and Dad. I thought you were prim and proper but you were getting louder and louder every single day.

You are an independent child. You are now showing independence. You rarely like to be held and carried. Instead, you want to explore on your own. You didn't mind all the bumps you get.

And as you turn one, I would like to say sorry. Sorry for we weren't able to give you a party you deserve. You'd know the reasons in time. I wish you wouldn't see us less of a parent someday.

Happy birthday my little darling. We will forever love you.

Claire’s ATE

Claire has started to mumble a lot of stuff but I don’t get to count how many words she can say, unfortunately. She can say PAPA, MAMA, DEDE, LO (hello) and a lot of words. Sure thing you’d think I was the one she was referring to as MAMA – not! She calls me ATE. (a-te) She calls her stuff toy ATE.

ate: n.from chinese: ate. first born daughter. Nowadays in Tagalog it usually refers to an elder sister but is also used as a form to show familiar respect to someone no too much older than the speaker.

I came clear to me when we were on the bed and she was playing beside her dad. She crawled on my side, raise my shirt and says “ATE DEDE.” Hubby laughed when he heard it. Joshua even commented, “No, she is not ATE, she is our MOM.”

Crocs

Amidst a few negative write-ups and feedbacks about Crocs, I’d still love to have my kids a pair each. It’s soft, comfortable and lightweight.

Crocs, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer and retailer of footwear for men, women and children under the Crocs™ brand. All Crocs™ brand shoes feature Crocs’ proprietary closed-cell resin, Croslite™, which represents a substantial innovation in footwear. The Croslite™ material enables Crocs to produce soft, comfortable, lightweight, superior-gripping, non-marking and odor-resistant shoes. These unique elements make Crocs™ footwear ideal for casual wear, as well as for professional and recreational uses such as boating, hiking, hospitality and gardening. The versatile use of the material has enabled Crocs to successfully market its products to a broad range of consumers. Crocs™ shoes are sold in more than 125 countries and come in a wide array of colors and styles. From Crocs Company

For Claire: Crocs Keeley (Bubblegum/Fuchsia) Girls, girls, girls.. The Crocs Keeley is a fun and new model of our Girls’ Mary Jane model. With multiple jibbitz holes this shoe can be accessorized with multiple charms for a shoe that is all her own.

The Keeley slip-on features:

• Hole-y upper provides breath ability and Jibbitz shoe charm accessibility.
• Fully-molded croslite material construction for maximum lightweight cushioning and a croslite™ material strap across forefoot for precise fit and function.
• Packaged with rhinestone flower jibbitz™ shoe charms.
• Whole sizing for the perfect fit.
• Jibbitz™ shoe charms included in size 8 and above only.

For Joshua: Crocs Electro (Red/Navy)Bringing twice the fun to playtime, the two-piece Crocs™ Electro clog allows for two-tone colors and all kinds of Jibbitz™ shoe charms. Each colorful combination provides the Electro shoes with an amazingly different Crocs™ experience for your little one.

• Two-piece croslite™ material molding allows for twice the fun.
• Dual-colored with iconic holes and Crocs™ logo.
• Croslite™ material back-strap for active kids everywhere.
• Advanced toe-box ventilation system
• Slip-resistant and non-marking soles.
• Ventilation holes accommodate Jibbitz™ brand charms.

Item description found here.

Claire’s (I mean my) wishlist

I’m already counting the days as in less than a month, my youngest is turning one. No party as it was my and hubby’s mutual decision not to throw one for her. Instead, we plan (still a plan though) to just go somewhere outside of the city and just chill. In our finances are overflowing, I would have loved to buy toys for her.

Fisher Price Laugh and Learn: Learning Puppy

Product Features:

* Baby can learn A-B-Cs, 1-2-3's and parts of the body, plus sing along to ten favorite songs and games
* Dog bone collar lights up to the music
* Helps baby learn about parts of the body
* Introduces baby to the alphabet, colors and counting
* Helps baby understand connections between words and images

 

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table

Product Features:

* Learn & Groove with 15 activities and over 40 songs and melodies!
* Activities provide opportunities for baby to explore with a roll, tap, slide or spin.
* Includes a variety of music styles for baby to enjoy.
* Comes with either blue or green legs to attach to table as baby grows.
* Introduces shapes, numbers and counting 1-10 in English and Spanish.

LeapFrog Spin & Sing Alphabet Zoo

Product Features:

* Discover the alphabet from Alligator to Zebra!
* Features three ways to play: Letter, Animal and Music learning modes.
* Explore learning with each spin of the wheel.
* Playful musical responses reward each touch.
* Introduces letters A-Z and animal names and sounds.

Sadly though, this is a far cry from reality. Well, I just wish her Ninongs and Ninangs would stumble upon this post and remember her on her birthday. Who knows, one of the toys I’ve been dreaming for her would be granted. It ain’t so bad to dream, right?

Claire @ 11 months

Whoa! In less than a month, my youngest, my princess, my doll, is turning one. Cliche as it may sound, but where did all the days and the months go?  She can now walk a few steps without any support, save on the times when she walks in a hurry. She crawls fast and stands up without support too. She loved to eat table food as well. She now speaks a few words - “dada,” “mama,” “ate” to name a few. She loves to clap her hands, kiss you, lie on your tummy. She has 4 teeth now and thankfully still doesn’t bite mommy during nursing time.

From WhatToExpect

If there's trouble to be found, chances are your little one is on the hunt! Chances are your baby has developed an uncanny knack to get ahold of things he shouldn't have and get into places he shouldn't go. If he hasn't already done so, be prepared (with video camera on perpetual standby) for those first few steps as your child makes both physical and verbal strides this month. He loves games — especially those that involve pointing — and his interest in books will grow exponentially as he begins to comprehend more and recognize familiar pictures. A few things not to be concerned about: bowed legs (almost always normal and temporary); parental nudity (he doesn't care if you're naked as a jaybird as long as you're there!); and hitting milestones later than his peers. Remember, every baby is different and they master different skills — like standing and walking — at different ages. Children learn best and build confidence when you let them learn at their own pace, but if you're truly concerned, check with your pediatrician. More things to ask the doc: dietary questions, such as restricting fat and cholesterol in your baby's diet, and the best ways to ensure he gets the nutrients he needs. As for you, Mom, take a hint from your baby and get a move on, whether you're struggling with post pregnancy weight or not. Regular exercise will not only help you shed pounds, it'll boost your mood and help you sleep better at night. Now who wouldn't want that?

Sibling rivalry in bloom?

I never thought at this early age my two kids would fight. I’m not sure if it’s a sibling rivalry in bloom as I always make sure to explain to Joshua why I need to prioritize Claire’s needs over him. However, lately, I always see him getting the toys his sister plays with.

Just yesterday, the husband advised me to talk to him for what he did to his sister. It happened he was playing with a plastic box and his sister crawled to him to get it. He gets mad and forced the box inside his sister’s mouth. The little girl’s lips turned to bloody red because of it.

We talked about it. I explained to him that his little sister still doesn’t know what she is doing, what she wants. Also, she is looking up to him as her Kuya so he better treat his sister well. I even explained to him that if he continues to hurt his sister, I’ll give away his sister to my mom.

Is this the start of something bigger in the future? Help! I don’t know what to do.

Breastfeeding struggle

Now that Claire's two upper incisors has erupted, breastfeeding her has always been a struggle for me. It isn't her first teeth though but it wasn't as painful as it is right now. Her upper teeth has started scraping my boobies that I usually dread the time to feed her. Most often than not, while I cling in pain, I gave her formula.

I really wanted to give up but having her nurse on me for the next two months would mean I was able to breastfeed her on her first year including the first eight months she was exclusively breastfeed.

I stumbled upon this article that offers tips for a mother who has the same situation as mine.

 

Breastfeeding a teething baby is possibly one of the greatest worries for breastfeeding mothers. Perhaps surprisingly, many mums feel pressurised by other people to stop breastfeeding as soon as the first tooth begins to break through.

 

People will express dismay, disgust and sheer incredulity if they think a mum will continue to breastfeed a baby with teeth.

 

Considering many babies get their first tooth somewhere between four and six months the choice to continue breastfeeding should not really be such a big deal.

 

Of course mums worry that their baby may bite but they can give quite a nip even before teeth appear. You can soon teach your baby to refrain from biting by simply placing a clean finger between the baby's gums and your nipple and saying "No" in a firm voice. The action will break the suction while the firm voice reinforces your message! You can also stop breastfeeding the baby momentarily and if you do this each time he bites he will soon realise that it is not such a good idea!

 

Sometimes the bite can take you by surprise and can be uncomfortable but in these instances you may find that you instinctively pull away and baby will learn the same lesson - if he bites he loses his lovely drink!

 

People may tell you horror stories about breastfeeding babies biting so hard that they drew blood. This is very rare.

 

Please remember that your baby is not consciously hurting you. Biting helps relieve the pressure on his teething gums and eases the pain a little. Babies will bite and chew at anything they can put to their mouths.Try giving your baby a teething toy or a teething ring which has been stored in the fridge - the cold will help numb the pain. Sometimes a teething gel such as Bonjela or Dentinox can help or you can try herbal remedies. Ask advice from your healthcare provider before giving any medications.

 

Sometimes breastfeeding babies bite when they are just playing - in the same way that a bottle-fed baby chews and pulls on the teat of the bottle.Your breastfed baby is simply experimenting and learning. He will very soon realise the rule of cause and effect and he will tire of it before too long!

Sickies in the house

The kids are sick! I hear the Kuya coughing hard every morning. I’m thinking he already has phlegm. The Baby is restless as she can’t breathe properly due to her colds. Off we go to their pedia on Sunday for their check-up. We’d have to ask their pedia if he can administer the flu vaccine for Kuya as he is already due for it.

The hardest part of being a mom is seeing her kids sick. Cliche as it may sound, I wish the cough and the colds will be transferred to me. It tears my heart to see the kids suffer.

Guilty

I felt so bad and guilty today.

Earlier today, around 2 in the morning, after feeling something heavy on my foot, I heard a loud thud. I immediately went off the bed to see my little girl on the floor. She was awake although she cried when I blurted out her name.

The husband woke up too only to find out I was caressing my little girl chest while repeatedly saying I was sorry.

He got the little girl that made Claire cry louder, only to find out that she wants to be carried by me.

After a few minutes, she nursed on me and went back to sleep. At the moment, I asked my mom to check on her and see if there are changes on her moods and movements.

It was the first time ever a child of mine fell of the bed. Even when I am sleeping, I am still aware of their movements. I really felt bad now. I am scared. I felt guilty.

Tigdas Hangin

Tigdas Hangin or Roseola Infantum is a fairly mild and common viral illness that usually strikes children between 6 months and 3 years of age. Roseola is caused by a kind of herpes virus, although not the type that's sexually transmitted.

My little girl has caught the virus and had high fever Monday night. We had administered Paracetamol to her every four hours as prescribed by her pedia. She had rashes on her buttocks which I thought was diaper rashes. Her fever was on and off and so on the third day, we gave her a bath before we head off to her pedia.

Indeed, the pedia confirmed it was tigdas hangin. There were no more fever but the rashes are more visible on her face and back. She is starting to have appetite again and isn’t anymore restless.

Get well my baby Claire.

Info regarding Roseola Infantum is found here.

On Claire’s First Birthday

In less than a two months now, my little girl will be turning one. By this time, I should have been like the other mommies who are in full blast preparing for their kid's first birthday party. However, the husband and I agreed to shy away from the buzz of big parties and what not's. We wanted to keep the day simple and yet memorable for our small family.

We are now weighing options on how to celebrate it. Throwing even a simple party is not on our list. Even the most common Jollibee party is not also an option. Most probably, we will just go somewhere outside the skirts of the metro (it'll be rainy season on August) and spend the day there. What's important is for us to thank God for keeping my daughter safe for the first year of her life.

Should I feel guilty of not giving her a party?

The kids lately

They occupy the whole bed when sleeping! The husband and I had no choice but to sleep on both ends of the bed to prevent the kids from falling. And when they woke up, each of them has to have their bottle of milk.

 

Seeing them together gives me utmost happiness! It was always a bliss seeing them.

To the rescue

Yesterday has been so taxing for me and the little girl. Our day started a little bit early when I notice Claire being restless at four in the morning. She has been trying to nurse with me every single minute. I thought it was because of the weather. It was so hot even in the wee hour of the morning. By six in the morning, i felt she was a little hot than the usual. I took it as a cue and took her temperature. It was 37 degree celsius. I let her drink plenty of water.

By ten in the morning, her temperature still doesn’t change. Thank God for Kool Fever – the rescuer. During the duration of her fever, she is extra clingy to me – not wanting to be carried even her dad. She consumes little milk too and would really drink milk until the last drop if she sees her kuya drinking milk too.

And this morning, she is now back to normal. I can see the return of my bubbly Claire.

Bath time

Claire has finally learned to love bath time. She now knows to play with the water. And her kuya? He always insist that they’ll take a bath together.