Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Big Boy Bed
This is the third night in a row for Aden to sleep in his own bed and the third time for him to kiss mommy and daddy on their lips before going beddy-bye. Actually, he doesn't really have a bed. We took the mattress out of his crib and put it on the floor. He does not like his crib at all.
Aden's been sleeping with us in our bed since he was born. I think he got traumatized in his crib. A lot of people (with and without kids) have been giving me advice on teaching my baby to sleep on his own. They tell me to let him cry himself to sleep. Aden is very strong willed and I remember, letting him cry for 2hours. I ended up feeling guilty and I swear I would never allow that to happen again. From that time on, every time he sees his crib, he'd start throwing a fit.
My best advice to moms, especially new moms is to follow your instinct. Every child is different and nobody knows your child more than you do.
When Aden was younger, a lot of people including his pediatrician told me that babies need to sleep in their own crib, in their own room from day 1. Well, there has been a lot of media lately claiming that sleeping with your baby in an adult bed is unsafe and can result in accidental smothering of an infant. I never really agreed with that concept since my upbringing was different. I slept with my mom or grandparents whenever I want with no ifs and buts.
I believe the answer is not to tell parents they shouldn't sleep with their baby, but rather to educate them on how to sleep with their infants safely. Or, if they are not comfortable or if their bed is not big enough, consider a bedside co-sleeper.
Anyway, I've discussed this issue with other moms I know and they all have different views about it. Some moms who let their babies sleep with them say they do it because they've read somewhere, and I know I've heard this too, that babies tend to be more secure. Other moms say it's unsafe, some say it's a privacy issue and, majority of them say they discover their independence sooner.
I have no regrets on my decision to let Aden sleep with us. I see more pros than cons. It was much easier for me to transition him to a bed. I just know that he feels trapped in a crib.
I cannot turn back time and my little Aden will only be a baby once. I'm glad I’m spending this part of my life fully dedicated to him. He knows that mommy and daddy are just there if he needs them.
Aden's been sleeping with us in our bed since he was born. I think he got traumatized in his crib. A lot of people (with and without kids) have been giving me advice on teaching my baby to sleep on his own. They tell me to let him cry himself to sleep. Aden is very strong willed and I remember, letting him cry for 2hours. I ended up feeling guilty and I swear I would never allow that to happen again. From that time on, every time he sees his crib, he'd start throwing a fit.
My best advice to moms, especially new moms is to follow your instinct. Every child is different and nobody knows your child more than you do.
When Aden was younger, a lot of people including his pediatrician told me that babies need to sleep in their own crib, in their own room from day 1. Well, there has been a lot of media lately claiming that sleeping with your baby in an adult bed is unsafe and can result in accidental smothering of an infant. I never really agreed with that concept since my upbringing was different. I slept with my mom or grandparents whenever I want with no ifs and buts.
I believe the answer is not to tell parents they shouldn't sleep with their baby, but rather to educate them on how to sleep with their infants safely. Or, if they are not comfortable or if their bed is not big enough, consider a bedside co-sleeper.
Anyway, I've discussed this issue with other moms I know and they all have different views about it. Some moms who let their babies sleep with them say they do it because they've read somewhere, and I know I've heard this too, that babies tend to be more secure. Other moms say it's unsafe, some say it's a privacy issue and, majority of them say they discover their independence sooner.
I have no regrets on my decision to let Aden sleep with us. I see more pros than cons. It was much easier for me to transition him to a bed. I just know that he feels trapped in a crib.
I cannot turn back time and my little Aden will only be a baby once. I'm glad I’m spending this part of my life fully dedicated to him. He knows that mommy and daddy are just there if he needs them.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Body Parts
Aden turned 16 months today.
I've been teaching him to point to some of his body parts. I say it verbally whenever I point to it specially when I give him his bath or wipe his face.
Well, his sweet 16th month birthday gift to mommy was to point to each body part correctly without guessing.
Now, he certainly knows the following parts of his body:
- Eyes
- Nose
- Ears
- Mouth
- Head
- Tummy/ belly button
- Toes/ little piggies
- Tongue (the cutest! he sticks out his pointy tongue)
He also likes giving high-fives and shaking hands.
Let me jot down some of favorites:
- Favorite songs: Insy Winsy Spider; Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star; Row, Row, Row Your Boat; Head, Shoulder, Knees & Toes; The Alphabet Song; Five Fingers (where is thumb man?). He has a lot more songs but these are the ones that would really get his attention
- Favorite letter: "O"
- Favorite color: red
- Favorite toys: cars, trucks, trains... anything with wheels
- Favorite show: wiggles, sesame street, doodlebops, jojo, higglytown heroes, stanley
- Favorite game that involves his toys: stack the blocks, putting shapes in the right hole
- Favorite food: cheerios, grapes, bananas & noodles or pasta
- Favorite game: peek a boo; habulan (tag)
- Favorite bedtime stories: Sesame Street 3-Minute Stories; Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb; Are You My Mother?; Lucky; Nursery Rhymes
- Favorite thing to do when mommy or daddy's not looking: climbing anything he can climb on; opening cabinets and drawers; trying on mommy and daddy's shoes!
- Favorite animals: bird, fish, dog & frog
- Favorite pastime with mommy: biking while he's in the tandem "sidecar"
First Words: daddy, mommy, mama (mommy), mimi (mommy), ca (car, truck, bike, etc. – anything with wheels), tiyo (cheerios), nana (banana but he calls any fruit a banana), wiyo (wiggles), dati (ducky), dodi (doggy), mamam (give me drink), na (no), ya (yes), baba (get down), da (down), da (that), dith (this), do (door), am (eat), mmm (yummy), u-o (uh-oh), ta (train), th (whenever he wants to say something and he doesn’t know how to say it)
Another milestone he had this week: he had a clothing preference!! For some reason, he didn't want to wear the pants his dad got him one morning.
I've been teaching him to point to some of his body parts. I say it verbally whenever I point to it specially when I give him his bath or wipe his face.
Well, his sweet 16th month birthday gift to mommy was to point to each body part correctly without guessing.
Now, he certainly knows the following parts of his body:
- Eyes
- Nose
- Ears
- Mouth
- Head
- Tummy/ belly button
- Toes/ little piggies
- Tongue (the cutest! he sticks out his pointy tongue)
He also likes giving high-fives and shaking hands.
Let me jot down some of favorites:
- Favorite songs: Insy Winsy Spider; Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star; Row, Row, Row Your Boat; Head, Shoulder, Knees & Toes; The Alphabet Song; Five Fingers (where is thumb man?). He has a lot more songs but these are the ones that would really get his attention
- Favorite letter: "O"
- Favorite color: red
- Favorite toys: cars, trucks, trains... anything with wheels
- Favorite show: wiggles, sesame street, doodlebops, jojo, higglytown heroes, stanley
- Favorite game that involves his toys: stack the blocks, putting shapes in the right hole
- Favorite food: cheerios, grapes, bananas & noodles or pasta
- Favorite game: peek a boo; habulan (tag)
- Favorite bedtime stories: Sesame Street 3-Minute Stories; Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb; Are You My Mother?; Lucky; Nursery Rhymes
- Favorite thing to do when mommy or daddy's not looking: climbing anything he can climb on; opening cabinets and drawers; trying on mommy and daddy's shoes!
- Favorite animals: bird, fish, dog & frog
- Favorite pastime with mommy: biking while he's in the tandem "sidecar"
First Words: daddy, mommy, mama (mommy), mimi (mommy), ca (car, truck, bike, etc. – anything with wheels), tiyo (cheerios), nana (banana but he calls any fruit a banana), wiyo (wiggles), dati (ducky), dodi (doggy), mamam (give me drink), na (no), ya (yes), baba (get down), da (down), da (that), dith (this), do (door), am (eat), mmm (yummy), u-o (uh-oh), ta (train), th (whenever he wants to say something and he doesn’t know how to say it)
Another milestone he had this week: he had a clothing preference!! For some reason, he didn't want to wear the pants his dad got him one morning.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Bishop's Pumpkin Farm
Thought I could post more pictures if I make it smaller.
Anyway, here's a link to Aden's Pumpkin Farm visit. Enjoy!
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Anyway, here's a link to Aden's Pumpkin Farm visit. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Tissue Issue; Donna's Birthday
I couldn't put Aden to sleep this afternoon. I tried every trick I knew to make him feel relaxed but his earsplitting cry kept getting worse. I decided to ignore him then I turned my back against him. A few minutes later, he finally stopped. I thought he was sleeping but I ended up having a room full of tissue... check this out!
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Donna's 30th Birthday
Had a sushi party! Yummmmy!! It was Donna's 30th birthday and we've been celebrating her birthday every year so far. It's been a while since we had a get-together. I was thrilled to see my friends. It was nice to end the week with a bang. Everybody is so occupied with work and for me, I'm so busy being a mom.
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**********************Donna's 30th Birthday
Had a sushi party! Yummmmy!! It was Donna's 30th birthday and we've been celebrating her birthday every year so far. It's been a while since we had a get-together. I was thrilled to see my friends. It was nice to end the week with a bang. Everybody is so occupied with work and for me, I'm so busy being a mom.
Aden and Lauren with Donna
Me, Susan, Racel, Donna
Here's my family
Monday, October 10, 2005
First Merry-go-round Ride
We took Aden to the Galleria Mall after picking up his dad from work. It was so hard for me not to step in Gymboree to see what they have for little boys. It was indeed tempting.
We decided to have dinner at the mall and finally take Aden for his first merry-go-round ride. He wasn't too thrilled with it. He was stoic. He didn't smile, he didn't cry, he didn't try to get out of the horse, he didn't respond to his dad while he was taking pictures calling him and waving at him. He didn't even care while mommy was flapping his hands forcing him to wave. He just sat there motionless and emotionless.
With kids having very short attention span, I don't think he even realized he rode his first merry-go-round.
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We decided to have dinner at the mall and finally take Aden for his first merry-go-round ride. He wasn't too thrilled with it. He was stoic. He didn't smile, he didn't cry, he didn't try to get out of the horse, he didn't respond to his dad while he was taking pictures calling him and waving at him. He didn't even care while mommy was flapping his hands forcing him to wave. He just sat there motionless and emotionless.
With kids having very short attention span, I don't think he even realized he rode his first merry-go-round.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Mom & Dad's Appetizer Party
We had an appetizer party for the Tuesday Toddler Playgroup so dads can finally meet the group their wives and babies hang out with every Tuesday. It was also intended for parents to have fun without the kids but since we don't have any family or close friends we can leave Aden with, we decided to take him. We have no choice. It was either we go as a family or not attend at all. We're all parents of toddlers so everybody understood and they knew we don't have grandma, grandpa, lolo and lola living nearby. Plus it was at 6PM, on a Sunday. I've never really left Aden with anybody. I have no reason to and I'm not comfortable with the idea of leaving him with a stranger. He's too young and cannot reason out yet.
Anyway, the party was held at Plumas Lake, approximately 24miles north of Lincoln. There were 6 couples plus Aden. Everybody brought 2 appetizers to share and the recipe that goes with it. I didn't have enough time to prepare so I only brought 1 pasta dish. Aden wasn't feeling well for the past 3days so he was extra sensitive and didn't want to leave my side at all. We had wine and the food was heavenly. Everything was so delicious. I put a little of everything on my plate and I just loved every single one of them.
In the end, we all had to vote for 2 of our favorites. How can I vote for just 2 if I liked them all? Well, I still did but it took me forever to think of them.
Now, I'll try to make them all. The food was just yummy. Uh-oh! Cheers to my ever expanding waistline!
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Anyway, the party was held at Plumas Lake, approximately 24miles north of Lincoln. There were 6 couples plus Aden. Everybody brought 2 appetizers to share and the recipe that goes with it. I didn't have enough time to prepare so I only brought 1 pasta dish. Aden wasn't feeling well for the past 3days so he was extra sensitive and didn't want to leave my side at all. We had wine and the food was heavenly. Everything was so delicious. I put a little of everything on my plate and I just loved every single one of them.
In the end, we all had to vote for 2 of our favorites. How can I vote for just 2 if I liked them all? Well, I still did but it took me forever to think of them.
Now, I'll try to make them all. The food was just yummy. Uh-oh! Cheers to my ever expanding waistline!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Shopping Blues
I've always loved shopping and it comes as a second nature to me. Since I'm not working and bringing in some dough, I find it difficult to spend freely knowing that my husband worked so hard for it even if I'm the chief financial officer of our household. In fact, Trent has no clue of our finances and he constantly tells me to buy whatever I want as long as we can afford it. Well, it's easier said than done especially when you're the one responsible for budgeting.
So I went to the Galleria Mall today. I did some errands before that and my trip to the mall was supposed to be part of my errand. I bought a sweater and a pair of pants for Aden last week and decided I didn't like them so since my schedule today was to do chores that needed some leg work, I thought that maybe if I'm lucky, Aden will behave and stay in his stroller so I can do my window shopping. Who leaves a mall without buying anything anyway? My husband calls the mall his wife's Alma Mater and he teases me a lot that I have my PhD in shopping. I call it my therapy or pera-py.
I ended up spending 5hrs at the mall.
Well, I was thinking, I've been staying at home and not getting dressed for a long time so it's probably time for me to ditch my grubby clothes for a more fashionable look and rediscover my sexy side. Haha!! I wish!! I've been unintentionally putting on some weight and I don't know how to get rid of it.
So, I probably tried on a dozen clothes and browsed through all the racks. Then my guilt kicks in. Aaaah!! Yes, I ended up returning every single one of them. Instead, I bought a couple of fashion jewelry and 2 sweaters that I didn't even try on. I got a pair of pants for Trent and 8 new clothes for Aden.
After doing some damage, I said to myself: “That's it. I'm going home before I buy the whole mall.”
On my way to the parking lot, I noticed that Aden was asleep so I decided to stay at the mall, sit on the couch and do some phone calls. I called my friend Racel (who happens to be a newlywed with no kids YET) and told her what happened. Of course priorities change and for me, I became more selfless. I would love to buy anything and everything that would please my eyes but before I even act on impulse, I think of my family's needs first. I agree I deserve to treat myself once in a while but for now, Trent and Aden need clothes and I want clothes.
So I went to the Galleria Mall today. I did some errands before that and my trip to the mall was supposed to be part of my errand. I bought a sweater and a pair of pants for Aden last week and decided I didn't like them so since my schedule today was to do chores that needed some leg work, I thought that maybe if I'm lucky, Aden will behave and stay in his stroller so I can do my window shopping. Who leaves a mall without buying anything anyway? My husband calls the mall his wife's Alma Mater and he teases me a lot that I have my PhD in shopping. I call it my therapy or pera-py.
I ended up spending 5hrs at the mall.
Well, I was thinking, I've been staying at home and not getting dressed for a long time so it's probably time for me to ditch my grubby clothes for a more fashionable look and rediscover my sexy side. Haha!! I wish!! I've been unintentionally putting on some weight and I don't know how to get rid of it.
So, I probably tried on a dozen clothes and browsed through all the racks. Then my guilt kicks in. Aaaah!! Yes, I ended up returning every single one of them. Instead, I bought a couple of fashion jewelry and 2 sweaters that I didn't even try on. I got a pair of pants for Trent and 8 new clothes for Aden.
After doing some damage, I said to myself: “That's it. I'm going home before I buy the whole mall.”
On my way to the parking lot, I noticed that Aden was asleep so I decided to stay at the mall, sit on the couch and do some phone calls. I called my friend Racel (who happens to be a newlywed with no kids YET) and told her what happened. Of course priorities change and for me, I became more selfless. I would love to buy anything and everything that would please my eyes but before I even act on impulse, I think of my family's needs first. I agree I deserve to treat myself once in a while but for now, Trent and Aden need clothes and I want clothes.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Mom to mom
As most of you know, I have a regular playgroup every Tuesday for Aden. We take turns hosting the playgroup so we rotate houses every week. It's really fun for kids and they get to play with new toys. Most of us live in Lincoln and the others live in nearby cities which is still convenient.
As usual, I took my sweet time getting ready this morning. My son's been changing his sleep pattern lately and it's much better. He sleeps earlier, naps earlier and wakes up earlier. We could've been on time but it's just my nature to be slow in the morning.
We arrived at the playgroup 45mins late. It was held in Granite Bay which is about 15mins south of Lincoln. We entered the double doors to the host's palatial house with beautiful cathedral ceiling. Aden must have recognized his playmates. He ran straight to the group and played with the toys. Every so often, he'd look at me to check if somebody is sitting on my lap. He doesn't like that. He's very much aware that I'm all his.
At 11am, everybody started packing and leaving so I tried to get Aden’s attention but he kept ignoring me. He was having too much fun playing with this activity toy car. So the host told me to stay since I was late anyway. I agreed.
We started talking and we realized how much similarities we have. In fact, we even joined the Mom's Club at the same time and we both have the same views and opinions on our first group activity we had with them. Both our kids are biracial and we were both looking for friends to somehow connect with.
Our conversation got interesting and I ended up eating lunch at their house. I just felt comfortable talking to her and her husband. I've been hoping and praying to meet somebody I can fully trust and connect with, and I find it difficult to do since I come from a different culture and my family, however convoluted it is, has always been there for me.
It’s different once you have a child. Somehow, you have to meet and know parents like you. I never realized how much effort, patience and joy you exercise in a day raising a child. The love and joy is phenomenal but along with it comes the patience and sacrifice. It’s all very much worth it and I’m so blessed to have experienced it in my lifetime.
As usual, I took my sweet time getting ready this morning. My son's been changing his sleep pattern lately and it's much better. He sleeps earlier, naps earlier and wakes up earlier. We could've been on time but it's just my nature to be slow in the morning.
We arrived at the playgroup 45mins late. It was held in Granite Bay which is about 15mins south of Lincoln. We entered the double doors to the host's palatial house with beautiful cathedral ceiling. Aden must have recognized his playmates. He ran straight to the group and played with the toys. Every so often, he'd look at me to check if somebody is sitting on my lap. He doesn't like that. He's very much aware that I'm all his.
At 11am, everybody started packing and leaving so I tried to get Aden’s attention but he kept ignoring me. He was having too much fun playing with this activity toy car. So the host told me to stay since I was late anyway. I agreed.
We started talking and we realized how much similarities we have. In fact, we even joined the Mom's Club at the same time and we both have the same views and opinions on our first group activity we had with them. Both our kids are biracial and we were both looking for friends to somehow connect with.
Our conversation got interesting and I ended up eating lunch at their house. I just felt comfortable talking to her and her husband. I've been hoping and praying to meet somebody I can fully trust and connect with, and I find it difficult to do since I come from a different culture and my family, however convoluted it is, has always been there for me.
It’s different once you have a child. Somehow, you have to meet and know parents like you. I never realized how much effort, patience and joy you exercise in a day raising a child. The love and joy is phenomenal but along with it comes the patience and sacrifice. It’s all very much worth it and I’m so blessed to have experienced it in my lifetime.
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