A Powerful Prayer of a Mom

When your child is sick, as a mother you would always wish that the pain will be on you and not on your baby. How we always wanted our babies to be healthy and strong. But when they're sick, we feel twice their pain. If babies can only talk and tell you what they feel so you can give the right cure. Babies only cry, that's their way of expressing their feeling. If he's hurt he will cry, if he's hungry he will cry, if his nappy is full he'll cry, if he wants something else he will cry. Sleepless nights come with it. You just have to try and do everything just to make him stop crying and satisfy him with what he wants.

I actually experienced my child's sickness transferred on me. I went to church this Sunday and prayed that my son will be well and I will take all the sickness that he got just to make him okay. He has a mouth sore and he can't drink his milk. And milk is his main food and there's no substitute for it. Then when I got home I ate lunch and I accidentally bit my lower lip. This happened three times on the same spot and I saw blood. Late afternoon I tried bottle feeding my baby and you know what? He finished his six ounces of milk! Then the next day I accidentally bit again my lower lip on the same spot twice. Now my sore is big but I can handle myself, and my son is getting well. I'm happier that he is getting well now, and I still pray that he will get his appetite back. God is good! He listens and works with our prayers right away.

New Contest Rules for Pinoysmiles

Please be informed that we have decided not to cancel the Pinoy Smile contests for November and December.

Based on feedback we received from you and contest supporters:
1. We will stop voting by comments.
2. We will implement voting by online poll.
3. In addition, a panel of judges will be convened to help choose the winners.
4. The new criteria for determining the winners are:1/3 Quality of comment-votes,1/3 Number of poll-votes, 1/3 Pinoy Smile Parents’ Elite Circle votes.
5. Voting by polls and by the panel of judges (Pinoy Smile Parents' Elite Circle) will start on November 11, 2009 at 12:01 am; and end on November 30, 2009 at 11:59 pm, Pacific Standard Time.

- Anyone can vote.

- You can vote only once for the whole month.

- You can vote for any number of contestants, but only once for the whole month.

- Votes are restricted by IP. Only one vote for 5 different contestants per IP will be accepted.
6. Please see additional revisions to the contest rules below, marked in blue.
7. These changes to the contest will be implemented on November 11, 2009 at 12:01 am, PST.


Regarding this new rule pls vote again for my son Marick L. Garcia. Thank yo so much!

Vote vote vote!

Please vote for my friend's niece Frances:

1. Be a fan of Samsung Tap And Take
http://www.facebook.com/tapandtake

2. Leave a comment and like my photo.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3877743&l=a7782eafba&id=739253614


Thank you

Pinoy Smile - Tooth and Oral Health Care for Filipino-Canadian Kids and Families (© UBC, 2009)

http://mai-parenting.blogspot.com/2009/11/pinoy-smile-contest.html

Pinoy Smile Contest

Another contest I recently joined is with pinoysmiles.net. I got this link from a blogger who made a comment on my blog and said that I should join my son in a smile contest. So I took the opportunity when she gave the link and now he is one of the contestants. I need again little help from you guys to vote for my son Marick L. Garcia.

* You can vote by posting a completed sentence using the following:

1. (Name of child) is my winning Pinoy Smile because…..
Si (pangalan ng bata) angkarapat-dapat maging Pinoy Smile dahil...

2. My tip for a healthy smile is……
Ang aking tip para sa malusog na ngiti ay...

3. My dental question for Pinoy Smile is …..
Ang aking tanong para sa Pinoy Smile ay...

4. The Pinoy Smile website can be improved by ....
Ang Pinoy Smile website ay maaaring pagandahin ...

5. I take care of my teeth by...
Inaalagaan ko ang aking mga ngipin...

6. Teeth are important because...
Importante ang mga ngipin dahil...

7. I take care of my child's teeth ...
Inaalagaan ko ang ngipin ng aking anak...


* The sentence should not be less than 15 words.
* You can complete the sentence in English or Filipino/Tagalog.
* Only original comments per contestant will be counted. Comments which are the same as a one previously posted in the same photo page will not be counted.
* Only comments which make sense will be counted.


http://www.pinoysmiles.net/2009/10/marick.html

Huggies Contest

Hi there readers! I just joined a photo contest for kids in Huggies' Photo Contest. All you have to do is register at www.huggies.com.ph and then click on vote and on the search field just type in Marick Garcia or simply Marick. Don't forget to click vote again on the pop-up window! Happy voting!


http://www.huggies.com.ph/photo-contest/gallery.aspx?id=12475

A Day At The Mall

I remember going to the mall with my family to celebrate Mother's Day. We went out to stroll and dine for our celebration. It was also summer that's why we decided just to spend time at the mall. These pictures were taken specifically in SM Megamall. We also spent some time in the arcade to have take pictures of my son Marick riding the car. He had his funny hat that I really love seeing him wear it, coz he looks cute! enjoy the pictures... =)

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Special Trip

Our Trip is special because its a special occasion for me and my family. Its not an out of town trip where you can have adventure, but its a trip to a new beginning! It's Marick's Christening! It was supposed to be held last September 28, but due to the typhoon I decided to move it on October 4. It was a special trip to the church of St. Francis of Assisi in Mandaluyong City where the baptismal was held. A very special day for my son Marick, for mommy and daddy too!


Before the ceremony began..


..as Father was welcoming him to the Christian world! Ssshhh, he fell asleep in the ceremony, hehe!


Here's our picture in front of the altar after all the pictorials. I can feel he's already tired with all the flashes on his face. Our most special trip so far!

Earn from LinkFromBlog

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That's My Favorite

Now that's my favorite pose with my son Marick! I was holding the camera and playing with it, and he was so game to smile with me. He wasn't having trantrums at that time. He was on a very good mood. Seeing your child smiling somehow lifts up your spirit and making your whole day so bright or with just one smile it makes your day. Even if your tired from work and when you come home and see your child smiling at you, wow! It really pays off all the pressure that you had from the office. Marick makes my day, and he is my life. That's my favorite pose!

How to Change Diapers

Before you start changing your baby's diapers, make sure you have all the necessary supplies within reach. Never leave your baby alone on the changing table or bed-not even for a second. It may not take long before he turns over, and in case he does, it may result in serious injury.

You will need:
- A clean diaper
- Ointment or petroleum jelly (only if the baby has a rash)
- Cotton balls
- A small basin with lukewarm water and wash cloth.

To do it: (for first time parents)
<.> Remove the dirty diaper and use lukewarm water and cotton to gently wipe your baby clean. Wipe from front to back on female infants. Use the damp washcloth to wipe the diaper area.
<.> Put on the new diaper. You can experiment with various ways of folding washable diapers until you find the one that is easiest for you and most effective for your baby. Every method depends on your baby's size and sex. If you use disposable diapers, refer to the instructions on the package.

Be religious with diaper change

Wet or soiled diapers not only give your baby discomfort. They can also cause skin irritation and result in diaper rash. It is a golden rule to always keep your baby's diapers clean and dry. Change them as often as necessary. And in each change, wash your baby's bottom or genital area with warm water and then wipe dry, especially after pooping.

Try to avoid commercial baby wipes that may contain alcohol and other chemicals that can dry and irritate your child's skin. Stick to the traditional wet and fresh, soapy wash cloths for cleaning her bottom and follow through with plain, warm water for rinsing.

Drying the area that has been cleansed is essential to prevent bacteria from latching on to wet skin. After wiping with a soft towel, leave your baby's bottom to be refreshed by natural air for a while before putting on a new diaper.

Whether you use disposable or cloth diaper does not matter. Whichever you use, making sure that your baby is always dry is the best and most effective way to keep him comfortable, clean, fresh, and rash free.

Reminders for bathing your baby

= Don't bathe your baby when he is full or has just finished feeding. This will make him uncomfortable. There is also a possibility that he would vomit ingested food or milk.

= To avoid accidental drowning, the tub must be wide enough for him but not too deep. Place is on a stable structure, such as the kitchen counter or table.

= To avoid accidental scalds and burns, our cold water into the tub first before adding hot water. Gauge the water's temperature by dipping your elbow or the inside of your wrist into the water.

= Make sure that everything you need is within reach. This would save you time and effort.

= Never leave you baby alone. If you must leave, take him with you. Also, never take your hands off you baby during bath.

= Make sure to have a nonslip mat or rubber mat to prevent slipping. A tub is less slippery if you put a towel under it.

Wash your hands

The entire time you spend with your baby is composed of touching, holding, feeding, swaying, and slightly tapping him to sleep, carrying, and cuddling him. How can you not? He's just an adorable little angle with your husband's nose, your eyes, your mom's skin color, and your dad's hair all rolled into one. Since most of these activities require you or your husband to make contact with your baby, the first rule in raising a healthy, illness-free, clean, and freshly smelling baby is to wash your hands before each contact. Especially on the first two weeks of your baby's experience out in the world, bacteria and viruses can easily latch on to the soft, supple skin and small body.

Wash your hands with mild soap under running water for at least a minute before carrying or touching your child. You can easily pass on bacteria or viruses to your baby especially if you have just come from outside the house. Your child's immune system is not yet fully developed, making him extra susceptible to almost all kinds of harmful microorganisms. So it is important that you exercise extra caution in how you handle you child.

Ask everyone, visitors especially, who want to hold you baby to do the same. You may also have a mild liquid antibacterial soap and fresh tissues ready for visitors who want to see you little bundle of joy. Allowing visitors only after six to eight weeks will give your baby ample time to establish her immune system. Be careful not to let your baby come in contact to a sick person too.

Ways to prevent diaper rash

The following strategies can help prevent diaper rash:

-> Do not use baby wipes that have chemicals that degrade the skin's natural protective barrier. A thin layer of petroleum jelly can ease any irritating friction.

-> Choose diapers that keep the baby as dry as possible. If your baby wears disposables, it may help to loosen the elastic bands around the leg to permit air circulation. Snug diapers help you baby's skin to breathe. But be prepared for occasional leaks.

-> Expose your baby's bottom to fresh air as often as possible.

-> Rinse clothe diapers well. Soap or chemical residue the diaper can cause skin irritation and diaper rash.

-> If diaper rash develops and the skin is dried out, you may need to use a lotion or ointment; if it is a moist rash, use a drying lotion. Ordinary diaper rash usually clears in three to four days with appropriate care. If it does not, consult a pediatrician.

Pointers for your baby's hair and skin care products

- Buy soaps and shampoos that are very gentle yet effective in cleaning your baby's skin and hair. They should be mildly scented or unscented with neutral pH.

- Petroleum jelly moisturizes your baby's skin and prevents chafing. It also guards against diaper rash.

- Baby colognes and scents should be used on your baby sparingly. Scents, no matter how mild, may trigger an allergic reaction.

- Don't shake out the powder from its container directly on your baby's skin. Instead put a small amount on your palm and then apply it. Be careful when using powder to make sure you baby does not inhale it.

- Products on newborns and older babies are supposed to be baby friendly. Theses have to be made from non-allergenic and nontoxic materials or substances.

Sleeping angel

Most of the time, I watch my little angel sleep. Sometimes he sleeps with his mouth open or his hands on his forehead. But most of the time, he finds comfort sleeping with both of his feet raised on a pillow. I have observed that for several months that I have been watching him sleep or what things he does before he gets to sleep. He likes a soft clothe on his hand and scrubbing it on his face, so I give him "lampin" for that, and I put his feet on a pillow so he can sleep more soundly. Of course, he can't sleep without a bottle of milk in his mouth. I think that is his sleeping pill! Kidding aside, I also make sure that the clothe won't block his nose so he can breathe. If he is on deep sleep, that's the time I only go to my own bed.

BIrthday month

On my time right now is 12:21am, and yes I'm still up and I can't sleep. So I'm here blogging about what my son and I did today. We went to the church today to pray and also to receive God's blessings. I want my son and I will bring up my son to be a God fearing individual. I will instill in him that every Sunday is the Lord's day and we should go to church and spend even for an hour with the Lord. We have seven days in a week and each day has twenty four hours. In just one day we will just spend one hour of peace and prayer.

In our church, if its the first Sunday of the month, people who will be celebrating their birthdays or anniversaries were called in front for a blessing. So Marick and I went in front, coz September is my birthday month! After the blessing, the whole parishioners sang the happy birthday song.

The bars

Hello readers! I would just like to share a little update about my wonderful son Marick, he is now starting to lift himself in order to stand. He holds on the bars of the crib to help himself stand on his two feet without even my help. That is another big achievement for him! And I'm really proud of what he has been improving on. Later on he will learn to walk on his own. But for now, he's still learning to stand. Sometimes he didn't knew that if he remove his hand from the bar he will fall with his butt first. So I support his hand on the crib so he won't take it off. When he stands he make this gesture of moving showing that he's happy standing. Its a different kind of feeling when you see your child starting to do things on his own. But for now, he is still my baby!

Smile... click!

I think Marick is starting to be camera conscious. Whenever he sees the camera and I say smile, he smiles! Isn't it good for an eighth month old baby that he knows the word smile? Coz when I say smile I also smile so he can mimic me. Well maybe that's the reason why he is smiling. He i such a "bibo" kid. Sometimes when he sees someone new he smiles. I'm proud that he can do that little gesture on his own. Even my doctor said that he is a happy baby coz when she saw him and started talking to him, Marick smiled! Wow! That's another achievement for him and for me too. I just hope that he will still do these things when he grow up.

"ber months"

Hello readers! We are now in the month of September. Here in the Philippines, the start of "ber months" means Christmas is fast approaching. This is the start of having some weather change in our country. Nights will be longer and cold, so be sure to have your jacket on. And with our kids, they love these ber months because establishments, houses and the streets start to have their own Christmas decorations and Christmas lights all over, and the radio stations start playing Christmas songs. This is going to be my first Christmas with my son, and I also hope that his father can come home and have some vacation. I feel excited and its only September, haha! My mother told me to buy a new Christmas tree so her apo can see how Christmas looks like. I will make Marick's first Christmas a memorable one!

Flu

Hi bloggers, right now I'm not feeling well. I was sneezing for more than ten times, and my nose and throat are hurting. I just hope this is not what they call the swine flu or A(H1N1). Water and rest is still the best treatment for common colds or flu. But whats saddens me Marick also has it. I don't want him to be sick, but what can I do. I am the only one taking care of him right now. He was also sneezing for more that 10 times. I just hope this won't be complicated on him. How I wish that I'm the only one who'll get sick and not him. As much as possible I want him always healthy and strong. We will have his flu vaccine next month and right now he is already infected. No medicines for him yet coz he's still a baby. I hope and pray he will be well later.

First step

I got Marick's first pair of shoes on his eighth month. I gave it to him as a gift. I put them on his feet, and guess what? It did not fit him. The size that I bought was for six to nine months old, but the size of his feet was for nine months onwards. He is only eight months old! I should have drawn the size of his right foot on a paper and brought it to the store so I can have the exact size or better yet have an allowance so when he grows a little inch he can still use the same shoes. So I went back to the store the next day and have it exchanged. Now the shoes fits him with socks on so he can practice walking. He can now stand for more that five minutes and now he should practice making little steps. Never Never Never use a walker for you child, that's what Dr. Gimenez, my pediatrician advised us. It only stresses the child to walk and is not helping him walk. Its only the parents who is happy seeing their child walk with the walker on, but the baby inside is getting stressed for doing it. The advisable thing to do is just hold your child with both hands supporting his arms and let him make his own step, put on the right pair of shoes and socks so he wont bruise his feet. Do that everyday so he'll get used to it. Later on you might see him walking on his own.

Marick's sponsors

I would like to take this blog opportunity to thank my cousins in giving me their little babies clothes. Well, all their babies were grown up. Mga napaglakihan na nila yung mga yun. Its a good thing that they were able to keep it, and now Marick is using them. Also they were able to give us the high chair, crib, and the stroller. Its really big savings for me! For those who are buying stuffs for their infants, make sure you don't buy too many because infants grow very fast. In just a few weeks they grow, like your blowing on air on them. Look at the sizes and maybe its good to buy clothes that you can use for at least three months so you won't have to buy every week. Thanks to my cousins Ate Lea and Ate Marnie for giving it to Marick. Also to my nephews and niece Joseph Dominic, Jacob Marcus, and Mikaella.

Ironing Clothes

Here I am again, watching my son as he plays alone in his crib. As if he has his own world when he's inside, I just imagine him saying "I can do everything here mom." Well, while he's busy I also am busy ironing his clothes. After the clothes were dried I iron them. I iron them everytime to avoid small insects getting inside it that may harm my baby boy's skin. Sometimes, we don't notice the little ants or just a very small insect in the hemmings. Even if its only one it can still bite and can harm. So to make sure, always iron your babies clothes, bib, lampin, covers, and socks, and everything that touches his skin before using it on him.

My Big Boy

Hi to all moms reading my blog and also to those who are moms-to-be and wanting to be a mom. Hehehe! I hope you are learning from my experience. It's also nice to read books about babies, taking care of your babies, or about being a mother. For all we know, they are just babies once and they grew up very fast. First an infant, then a toddler, soon they'll be in pre-school, then elementary as a young kid, then come highschool as a teenager, and then college as a young adult. Hmmm... We still have to go through lots of things to help them grow and become good individuals when they grow up. Sometimes I tell Marick "big boy ka na!", as what I see from a milk commercial. I just can't imagine that he will also be like that little boy in the tv ad.

Is Sterilized water good for infants?

I read from a book that infants should drink sterilized water at least up to the age of 12 months. This is the period when babies are more susceptible to waterborne disease and infection. Common water diseases cause diarrhea which can severely dehydrate and comprise and infant's health. Chemical contaminants in drinking water can also have serious health effects on infants and young children causing irreversible learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, mental retardation, and at high levels cancer, coma and death.

Sterilization is a process that kills all forms of bacterial, viral, and parasitic microorganisms. Water can be sterilized by boiling, however, proper care must be taken to ensure that boiled water is not contaminated during cooling and transferring to other containers. When it comes to bottles water, only sterilized water is recommended for direct use by infants. Bottled water that is not sterilized - ie. spring, mineral, and distilled - should be boiled and cooled prior to infant use.

Answer to Insect Bites

Insect bites usually come from mites, spiders and ticks; centipedes; mosquitoes and gnats; fleas; ants, bees and wasps; lice and bedbugs. The usual reaction is an itchy lump in the area of the bite. Insects not only bite, but also cause irritation to the skin. Insect bites can be single or multiple, depending on the feeding habits of the insect - fleas may produce multiple bites mosquitoes may bite only once. Bee and wasp stings can bolster a victims immune system but multiple stings can cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock.

Call your doctor if the child shows symptoms of anaphylactic shock - difficulty in breathing or swallowing after being bitten, has an obviously infected bite, or ther are multiple bites around the eyes that caused marked swelling.
Two must-have plants in the home garden are chrysanthemums and marigolds - these emit certain chemicals in the air that can repel and knock off insect pests. Plant-based insect repellents are effective against mosquitoes, flees, flies, and ticks - and aren't harmful to humans.

First Tooth

Marick showed his first sign of having a tooth on his fourth month, when he started drooling and biting the nipple of his bottle. If I'm still breastfeeding him at that time that would hurt. So I bought him a teether that he can bite on. I chose a small and thin teether that he can easily hold and munch on. Masyado syang nanggigigil sa teether nya! I got it from chicco for I think 200 pesos. You just have to wash it with soap and water and pour in boiled water to make it clean and safe. The teether cannot be sterilized because it may melt. After onw week of getting a teether, I saw on his lower gums a white thing coming out. And that was his first front tooth!

Sponge Bob

I remember the first toy that I gave him was a stuffed toy. I did not actually buy it, it was given to me as a birthday gift. It was a sponge bob stuffed toy. I decided to put it in his crib because its soft, its not furry (like most of the stuffed toys) so he won't inhale any furry dust, and easy to grab. The first time he grabbed it he immediately put it in his mouth and started biting it. He still don't have any signs of teeth coming out at that time, but I guess that's most babies first instinct. To put whatever thay hold inside their mouth. So before you leave your baby inside the crib make sure that there is nothing near him that can choke and can easily be broken when bitten.

Contagious Laugh

It was one morning when Marick was not in the mood for sleeping. He wanted to play... of course with me! I gave him some toys to grasp on and play. Then i tried playing "eat bulaga" with him, and I was shocked that he liked it and was laughing all the time whenever I say "eeaat bulaga!" With the digital camera on the side I recorded this memorable moment the first time I heard him giggle so much! Watch this video and I know you will also be carried away by his contagious laugh.

First words

Marick can now say mamamam, papapapa, tatatata.. it's really music to my ears when I hear him say mamama. But based on what I've read, babies don't literally call their mother when they say that. It's just the easiest way of starting to mumble words. With the words mamamam you just have to move your upper and lower lip and then you created a sound. Whenever he is irritated or if he wanted to do something he always say mamamam. When I hear him say that, I go to him give him his toys or sit him down so he can play with it. Sometimes what he just need is milk so he can sleep. Another wight gain for him.

What does it mean when a baby cries?

Why do babies cry? It's not always clear exactly why, but you can be sure when your baby cries he is trying to tell you something isn't right. It is their main form of communicating to you.

Babies don’t cry to annoy you, or because they are naturally naughty or grumpy, babies just cry, it’s what they do. Some babies seem to be more sensitive to change and discomfort than others are, but ignoring their cries won't make them change. Usually a cuddle with mom or dad is all that is needed to help settle your baby. He loves the feeling of security he finds in your arms, your smell and just being near you.
Fortunately, crying hardly ever indicates a major physical problem or illness. Yet if you are worried about it, then ask for your doctor's advice, to rule out any illness.

In the majority of cases, crying babies are healthy, even babies who cry for a long time, and at least once a day. Your doctor will be able to reassure you your baby's developing well.

ABC..

Everyday I sing to my baby the aphabet song. I started making him listen to music when he was on his first month. Actually even before I gave birth I listen to music coz what I learned from some books and tv information that listening to music helps babies become intelligent. It helps stimulate their brain. I make sure he listens to nursery rhymes and classical music like sonatas, mozart, beethoven, something like that. I bought a cd and transferred it to my ipod and just connect it to a speaker. Now that he's a little big baby whenever I sing the alphabet song he smiles. That's his way of saying that he liked the song.

Father's day

Last June we went out to celebrate Father's day. It was actually an advance celebration coz we celebrated a week earlier. We ate at Shakeys located at the basement of SM Megamall building B. I chose to sit on the couch so we can have space for Marick. We waited for other customers to finish, we were on the line then our turn came. We ordered for a Family package that is good for five that includes one family pizza, chicken and chips, carbonara platter and a pitcher of iced tea. We had fun, nice conversation with my family, and my little Marick who has his own world. Of course, he still can't eat pizza, which is my favorite. But he was amazed with the new food in front of him. Its round and the color is more of red. He tried to reach but I did not allow him to. I just made fun of him and took a picture, hehe! And here it is..

Marick's weight

Do you know how much my baby weighs? He is only eight months old and right now he is already nine kilos almost twenty pounds! And as day goes by he gets heavy and heavier and heavier. On his first months he started with two ounces of milk in a small bottle and now that he is on the eighth month he can consume six ounces! Every two to three hours is his feeding time. Aside from taking Cerelac, in a day he can consume thirty six ounces! Don't you think its too much for a baby that's why he grew heavy like this? But of course I can't put him on a diet, I'll just have to give what he needs. Oh! Its feeding time, here's another milk for you baby...

Wife of an OFW

Hi to all readers of my blog! I'm really excited on sharing with you my experience of being a first time mom on taking care of my son. Well right now its just me who's taking care of him. His dad or my husband is in abroad right now to work for the future of our family. What's really sad is he did not get to experience to hold his son when he was born. He was not allowed to have a vacation because of the crisis that the world is experiencing. How I wish that we will be complete on our child's first birthday. And that would be in December. Being a wife of an OFW is tough, coz you're separated physically but we have constant communication through text, chat, and call. Thanks to the inventors of the new technology that we can reach the other side of the world with your creations!

IPV vaccine

Last Saturday, we went to the doctor for Marick's monthly check up. He was scheduled to have a vaccine for IPV (Invasive Pneumococcal Vaccine). Sorry if I misspelled it but in short its IPV. This vaccine costs a lot, so for moms out there be sure that you have saved for this kind of vaccine. If you want to know how much, its 5,500 pesos. If this vaccine can protect my baby then why not spend for it. It maybe too expensive if he is not protected and will be hospitalozed. This helps protect our babies from dangerous pneumonia which attack babies less than 5 yrs old. Its good that reading baby books and also with the advice of my pediatrician helps me in protecting my baby. Thanks to Dr. Fatima Gimenez of Victor Potenciano Medical Center.

Buying tips

Here are some useful tips that can help in buying your baby a Portable Rocker or Bouncer. These can be very useful when your baby is young and they can grow with them. Some rockers have adjustable heights to the backrest and if it has this feature can be used as their first chair for feeding. Always check for these safety features:

* Ensure the base is wide and sturdy to prevent it from tipping over.
* Ensure the rocker/bouncer has a “five point” safety harness.
* The rocker is designed to be used only at floor level.
* Always check the area for potential hazards.

Holding the bars

As of now, my beloved Marick loves standing with his hands holding the side bars of his crib. But of course, he still can't do that on his own. He needs my strength to hold him so he can stand up. His legs and arms are getting strong as each day passes by. As what the elders say, "matigas na ang tuhod." There was one time that he was able to raise himself without my help! I just have to put on more pillows on his sides so he won't get hurt when he fall. Again, that's a big achievement for him and double happiness for me! =)

Look over

Hi everyone, just done cleaning our room. I guess its been two weeks that I wasn't able to clean it. By the way, Marick and I sleep in my room so I can monitor him everytime. When he is sleeping, just a single move he does I easily get awaken. Maybe thats the real responsibility of being a parent, you have to look over your child everytime. And sometimes just a single minute that you were busy with something, your baby might be off the bed or maybe eating something or worse getting accident. I don't want to take risk that's why I want my baby in a place where I can see him and everything that he is doing. I don't want my negligence to cost his life.

I Hate You!

I hate mosquitoes!!! I just saw today that Marick has a mosquito bite in his right leg. It was red and swollen! I even put anti mosquito lotion on is arms and legs, but I guess it did not have any effect to that monster mosquito. I used to put "kulambo" or the mosquito net on his crib but whenever he wakes up he cries so loudly like screaming while crying. I think he was scared of the net and maybe he feels like a prisoner. So I just kept the net in the cabinet. My pediatrician said as much as possible avoid spraying chemicals that it maybe dangerous for babies to smell. Then my solution to this, I'll have to kill that monster mosquito with my bare hands! I hate you!

A Day In The Park

Yesterday, we went to the park so Marick can see different things. He was in his stroller and we are with his Tita Beck-Beck. He keeps on staring to moving objects like leaves in the trees, birds flying, and dogs in the street. As the wind blows the leaves in the trees birds come chirping. Now he is amazed that some objects are moving. While outside he did not even cry or showed tiredness. He was so active and smiling whenever there are people looking at him and saying hello. Then my sister and I sat on a bench near the church and bought some banana cue to eat and just watched him watch other things in the park. Later we will do that again.

New stuff

I just bought my son today his baptismal clothes. Just bought it in a department store in Ortigas. Ok its in SM Megamall! I always buy stuffs for my baby in that store coz I have variety of choices. If I can't find one thing in the department store, I just look for boutiques that sells baby stuffs. So its like a one stop shop when you visit the mall. Everything you need is there. Just a few steps then you're in another store. If the mall is big, well that must be more steps and more walks! Before I choose the right clothes I make sure that its the best choice for him. I meticulously look on the kind of cloth it was made of, if the stitches or hemings are good, if he will feel comfortable with it, and if the price is right! Thanks to the Malls that we have now in our country, it makes buying easy.

First spoon

I started feeding Marick when he was six months old. As my pediatrician said, start with soupy food so it won't be hard for him to adjust. Don't make it thick to avoid constipation. Coz from bottle milk to spoon fed food is a huge transition for him. I introduced him Cerelac (wheat banana and mik) stage one, and after first few spoons he began to like it. The taste was a bit sweet because of the banana content. Then after 3 days I started to mix the erelac with mashed squash. When he first taste it, I can't figure out his face! I laughed coz of his reaction. But the pediatrician said its just normal coz his taste buds is reacting to a new food. Start with vegetables so he will like it when he grows. And I told my son, "ok you should get used to it!"

Cry Baby

I just want to share an experience when I gave birth to my first child. Well as you know, I'm a first time mom! When I was brought to the hospital on December 28, 2008, I felt mixed emotions. I'm excited to see my baby (if he looks like me), and I was also nervous of the hurt that I will go through inside the delivery room, and I don't know if I will make it. Nine months of having him in my womb is not easy, and now I have to push him out of it. With the help of my doctors, I successfully gave birth to a 6.3 lbs baby boy! Woooh! That was such a relief and seeing him the first time was really amazing. I couldn't even imagine that he came from me. All the pain was worth it! And when I heard him cry I felt happiness. Coz for me, hearing my baby cry the first time means that he is healthy and very much alive! Then I was groggy coz of my anesthesia, and just woke up in the recovery room after two hours.

Bath tub

Hi everyone... I'm about to bathe my baby Marick today. Coz you know what? He smells maasim na. Hehehe! That's why he needs to have a good and clean body to avoid viruses and bacteria which causes babies to be sick. A bathe of twice a day, one in the morning and one in the evening before he sleeps, is enough so that he feels fresh and may help to get him to sleep soundly. During the day, if he gets dirty because of playing I just wipe his hands and face with a clean wet towel. And also whenever he makes poopoo, I wash him with running water so he wont get diaper rash. He seems to like it whenever he feels water on his body, he want to touch it and hold it in his hand. But of course, you can't hold water right? I just love watching him doing that. =)

Paghehele

Hay nako ang anak ko, sanay na sa paghele para makatulog siya. Medyo nasanay kasi when he was still little, mga 1 - 2 months old pa lang yata. And you know who taught me about doing it? Who else but my mother, his mamita! Grand parents also play a big role in bringing up their grand child. How they brought us up is also the same thing that we are going to do when we bring up our own child. They brought us up and now we're bringing up our own. As what the common saying says, "madaling gumawa ng bata, pero mahirap maging magulang."

Another Day

Just another normal day today.. me and my son Marick again. Woke up early coz I heard him making noise. He's trying to mumble words, like he was talking to himself or maybe playing with an "angel". I woke up and watched him discreetly on what he was doing. Watching him makes me smile coz he is beginning to do new things. Its a great feeling for a mom like me to see your child discovering new movements. I saw him raising his feet and touching it with his two hands! Wow! That is a great achievement or him that he was able to reach his feet! Also a double achievement for me of course..

Unang Hirit

Last year, my sister was interviewed in GMA 7's morning show Unang Hirit. The segment was about unique names. Her name is Norbecks Lamina, a combination of our parents name Norman and Rebecca. They also tackled about the filipino tradition of giving names and what it means, like the names that you have to repeat for example Joy-Joy. Watch the video so you'll know what I'm talking about.

Baptism

I am currently organizing my baby's baptismal which will be on Sept. 27, 2009. It was not that easy but its all worth it coz I'm doing these things for him. I want you all to meet my wonderful son Marick. He's about 8 months old. He loves standing, playing, and I love to hear his giggles whenever we play around.

I already registered to the church and had my reservation to the restaurant for this event. For the souvenirs, I even went to Divisoria to have a less expensive animal clips for my 130 guests. I just hope they won't get double.

See you all Ninongs ad Ninangs for Marick's baptismal!