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?

Claire @ 5 months

From What to Expect

Peek-a-boo, I see you! Get ready to play this classic and other hide-and-seek games as your baby starts to catch on to the fun.

Just a few weeks ago, your baby had no idea that his teddy bear still existed when he wasn't in plain view. Well, all that's changed as he's now caught on to the concept of object permanence.  That's why he loves to play peek-a-boo or find items that are "hidden" (Is that my rattle behind your back?). These "seeking" games are like brainteasers for your baby. Your little one is also gaining manual dexterity and may now be able to pass a toy from one hand to the other or rake a small object and then pick it up. He's a big babbler too, so encourage his chatter by talking up a storm yourself. Chances are he's starting solids about now; read up on the baby daily dozen to ensure he gets the nutrients he needs. And speaking of eating, some babies may start teething early so keep an eye out for signs of teething, e.g., drooling, face rash, or crankiness. Two other potentially pesky problems, eczema and food allergies, often emerge around now, perhaps triggered by the introduction of solids. What else is up? Some babies are ready to start drinking from a cup, so if yours seems interested, give it a go. But do stay safe — choose cups, baby swings, jumpers, and other baby paraphernalia wisely, and, of course, never leave your baby unattended.

 

Claire still doesn’t like tummy time though she is now trying to lie flat on her stomach. She can now play with her drool. She plays with her milk. She blabs and blabs whenever someone talks to her. She loves to play “peek-a-boo” with her kuya. She caught cough and colds again for the second time – this time worst than the first as she gets clingy and restless and doesn’t want to be put down. Lastly, still 100% feed by mommy’s milk.

Claire @ 4 months

From What to Expect

Plenty of parents consider the next few months to be the golden age of babyhood, and for good reason.

Great news for weary moms: Your little one will likely be in a sunny mood most of the day, sleep more during the night, and stay put wherever you plunk her (she's not mobile yet). She's ready for fun and conversation, with you or anyone who happens by, so be prepared for lots of laughter (hers and yours!) as she tries out her new routines. By this age, your baby can raise up on her arms when placed on her tummy (thanks to all the tummy time you give her) and keep her head level when propped in a sitting position. She might even turn in the direction of your voice and complain if you take away her toy. Her second round of immunizations is scheduled this month, so ask your pediatrician what's on the agenda. This is also a good time to ask about starting solids and discuss upcoming (or missed) milestones. What else is up? Maybe your baby's temper every time you strap her into her car seat. There are some pretty effective diversionary tactics to try, such as singing her favorite song and attaching plenty of car-safe toys to her seat (rotate these periodically for boredom's sake). Ultimately, she's just got to get used to it. (That means never give in and drive with your baby out of her seat.)

She still doesn’t like tummy time. She is malandi and chismosa. She tends to play with her milk as she always turns around whenever she hears someone talking. Often times, she wants to be carried most especially in the afternoon. She had her very first taste of medicines – she had cough and colds a week ago. She can now hold her head when carried around. She consumes 4oz of milk every feeding – still 100% breastfeed by me.

Claire @ 3 months

From BabyCenter

How’s your baby growing

Babies love to be touched. In fact, they thrive on it – it's a critical part of growth and development. Skin-to-skin contact not only helps you and your baby bond, but is comforting when she's upset and soothing when she's irritable.

Develop your baby's sense of touch with a variety of materials – such as fake fur, felt and terrycloth. Your baby will probably try to eat the fabric, so choose carefully. Don't leave her alone with anything that could come apart in her mouth. And look for books that make reading a tactile experience.

Claire still doesn’t like tummy time. Perhaps, she finds it difficult to carry her body. She lifts her head 45 degrees. She can hold her head when carried upright position. She loves to coos and smiles a lot – her smile is contagious. She sleeps through the night, and feeds twice or thrice.

She bites me too. Often times, I would tell her it hurts. And she would smile her sweetest smile. I read from somewhere that when the baby bites, you have to show her that what she did is wrong. The instant reaction of babies when she hears her mom saying ouch if bitten is to repeat it to know where did her mom’s reaction came from.

Bubble thought: Is she teething now? Ain’t it too early for her to have teeth?