Everyday Mommy Diary

Eat, read, enjoy: a cooking demo and book fair

2013-10-17T10:49:00.001+08:00

Everyday Mommy Diary's resident pastry chef and owner of Mama Chows Raquel Chua with husband chef Jon will be holding a free cooking demo called Gourmet Healthy Baon at the Medela House on Oct. 19 at 11:00 am.

Chefs Raquel and Jon are seasoned speakers, and the free demo is their way of giving back the many blessings that they have received. Raquel's lactation goodies through Mama Chows have helped a lot of breastfeeding moms increase their milk supply so that they may continue to provide for their little ones. Each cookie, cupcake, and ensaimada that she bakes is packed with galactagogues or ingredients that have been associated to boost milk supply in humans such as fenugreek, brewer's yeast, and oats, among others.

Attendance to the demo is free, but the seats are limited to 50 due to space so registration is required. Interested participants should send in name, mobile number, email address, and instagram name to mamachows@gmail.com.

Also on the same day and place, the Learning Basket will be holding its first book bash from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

The Learning Basket is your online resource for pre-loved children's books. All books have been lovingly chosen by owners Mariel Uychiengco and Sanne Unson to provide reading and learning pleasure not only for your tots, but for you too.

Brand new books, toys, and gift items will be made available as well.

"It will also be a great time to just chat about parenting, books, and homeschooling!" exclaims Mariel.

It's another free event, but registration is required so the organizers will know how many persons to expect.

Please register here: http://www.thelearningbasket.com/events/the-learning-basket-book-bash

Aren't those enough reasons to look forward to Saturday?

Fun and learning are guaranteed. Just don't forget to register!

- Mommy Smiley

Sent from my iPhone

Singapore Math for preschoolers

2013-10-14T14:54:00.000+08:00

What is Singapore Math? Is it more superior than other math curricula out there? These were my initial questions when I signed up for a Singapore Math seminar for parents of homeschoolers K to Grade 2 held at the Medela House in New Manila. Halfway through the talk and I am already asking, "When do I start with my two-year-old?"

A brief history

Singapore Math (simply, Maths in Singapore) is a curriculum that has been developed by the country's Ministry of Education and implemented nationwide beginning in 1980. It only gained acclaim 15 years later when Singaporeans topped the Trends in Math and Science Study (TIMSS) held every four years. Worldwide recognition followed when it bagged first place again in TIMSS in 1999, and in 2003.

The framework

Singapore Math teaches children to persist, to think critically, and to solve problems.

According to Joanne Tabora-Sison of MatheMagis who conducted the seminar, the right attitude is to teach kids that it is not always easy. That challenge is good. And that it is ok not to know at first.

She says," Parents need to model. It's ok to show you do not know. It's ok for kids to make mistakes. But know the kids' thinking process so you can address the mistakes."

"We are not focused on speed, but on the analytical skills," she adds.

The theories

Sison highlighted three book authors whose theories will serve as a guide in teaching Singapore Math.

Briefly, Zolten-Dienes (1960) teaches the importance of multiple embodiments which children can explore a concept. For eg, in teaching a number, show it in various forms such as "1" "one" and use different representations - a bear, a block, and so on.

Jerome Bruner says topics can be represented using manipulatives (something that can be touched and manipulated) and visual (other objects to replace manipulatives which are also representational) to bridge the symbolic or the abstract which is the goal.

Richard Skemp's focus is the relationship of the how and why. Know the why first and then the how so children can explore many ways to solve a problem.

Singapore Math for Kinder

"For preschool, it is as much about concepts as it is about vocabulary," says Sison.

She adds that it is ideal to teach the numbers 1 through 10 for a year. Some children may get curious what comes after 10, and it is perfectly all right to feed their mind. But it's equally important to not rush them.

Later on, they will move on to shapes, patterns, length and size, weight, capacity, and compare sets.

Addition and subtraction come in Kinder 2 as well as the introduction of numbers up to 100. No pluses, minuses, or equals are used as these are abstract terms. Children are taught with words - what is five less one or who has more?

Do not rush

After the almost four-hour talk, I am convinced that I will be teaching my girls Singapore Math when they are old enough.

Sison says they start accepting students in MatheMagis as young as four years old when the child is developmentally ready. Rushing a kid to learn earlier may mean more work for the parents, and a time less for the child to play which is crucial at his or her young age.

Whether you are deciding to homeschool your child or not, knowing the framework of Singapore Math will always be an advantage. Math is a skill that needs constant practice. Even if you enroll your child in school, you still need follow-up practice at home.

"Ten minutes a day is enough for four year olds," says Sison.

And remember, keep it fun. Learning is fun.

- Mommy Smiley

Sent from my iPhone

Playing with fondant

2013-08-16T09:32:00.001+08:00

My love-hate relationship with fondant continues. But when one of my girls is marking her birthday, I set aside my differences with fondant and go ahead and make her a cake, covered with fondant and complete with 3D decor.

I may have a long way to go in terms of fondant decorating, but it's still better than my piping skills. And all cake needs a beautiful frosting finish. Without it, it's a bread. So, fondant it is for my Via who's turning 1.

It is difficult to make fondant. It takes time, and a very patient person to slowly stir in the icing sugar into the melted marshmallow. And that's already the easiest recipe. You want it as smooth and as white as possible. I have recently dropped the vanilla extract and replaced it with lemon to make it immaculately white. I have also skipped the salt to prevent it from feeling grainy. Then it is time to knead, and knead, and knead. This could be an enjoyable experience, depending on how good you prepped your fondant. The rest is child's play.

For Via's cake, I came prepared and watched videos online to teach me how to make alphabet blocks and a clown. It's another Gymboree party for our youngest!

And I think I got this one in the bag.

Did you also know that fondant makes a good clay for your toddler to play around with?

When I am experimenting, I let Caitlin have some fondant for her to roll out and make into all sorts of shapes. That also means she lets me be because her hands are busy.

Fondants aren't as bad as when I first began making it after all. I am growing to love it more than I hate it. And I hope fondant will love my daughters more and vice versa.

What are you playing with lately?

- Mommy Smiley

Sing your books

2013-08-05T16:31:00.001+08:00

When I began reading rhymes to my eldest, the surest way for me to memorize them is by inventing a tune. I was happy to hear during my child's Kindermusik class that this is encouraged. So I sing some more books to my two girls now.

It's easy, I think you ought to try. As a form of encouragement, I also learned that, in your child's ears, no singing voice could parallel mom's.

Happy singing!

I love singing Mama Mama by Jean Marzollo to my youngest. Sometimes, my eldest sings along with me.

- Mommy Smiley

Join us on a bear hunt

2013-08-05T15:59:00.001+08:00

Books that let your toddler get up and move enhance her gross motor skill. They are also a good way to introduce new and fun words to her.

An example is "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, that the girls and I are enjoying reading. It's one of the books included in the Before Five in a Row "curriculum" that we are using.

"We're Going on a Bear Hunt" is a fun-filled, adventure-ridden book that sees a family go through a meadow, river, forest, and even brave dirty mud and swirling snowstorms to hunt for a big bear. It's high in drama as you need to act out most parts in order to fully experience the story with your tot. By all means, skip, carry, huddle, and let your child ride piggyback like how it's done in the book. Sometimes, my toddler even let her stuff toys join us in the hunt.

Because of the action, however, I am finding it hard reading it because I need to hold the book up, support a baby who's just learning to walk, and sometimes hold hands with my toddler. By the time we get to the part where we need to go through the thick, oozy mud, I am already out of breath.

I thought of writing cue cards to help me so I need not use the book, and sought help from my toddler who said she wanted to draw the mud scene. So we drew all the scenes instead and put in the words to help me. Then we pasted each sheet all over the house. By the end of our second run of bear hunting, the baby's all knocked down and the toddler's asking for some rocking time.

Now, I am thinking of hunting again at night with daddy as the big bear chasing us all over the house and maybe we can make the girls go to bed a bit early. A mom can hope.

What are you reading to your child now, mommies?

Join us as we go on a bear hunt.

We go through the long and wavy grass several times.

My toddler's version of the thick, oozy mud.

We stumble and trip as we go through the big, dark forest.

Going inside the narrow, gloomy cave brings us to another part of the house.

- Mommy Smiley

Mommy Tips: Weekly Menu

2013-06-21T18:02:00.000+08:00

Weekly Menu for June 24 to 30

If you have been reading our blog and chance about our post of who we are I made mention that I am into planning our weekly menu. Why??? because I wanted to save money. I don't like wasting food and other resources. I wanted our household to be very kin on not wasting anything. It's not only the food that I am very particular about. I also save on electricity and water. I always close the lights when it's not needed (unless my husband comes in and opens all the lights, which I close after him! hahaha). Open our veranda doors for air instead of the electric fan.

For about a year now I have been successful with this planing of menu. =) We have managed to cut our grocery purchase down to half (beaming with pride!!!) and I have also managed to cut down cholesterol counts, sugar counts and sodium from our quarterly blood-test. =) Today, I have decided to share with you guys our weekly menu. I hope you guys can learn something from this.

Monday:
Breakfast:
Beef Tapa with Cucumber and Tomatoes side dish,
Egg (optional), Fried Rice,

Drink: Coffee or Hot Chocolate (I like Antonio Pueo Hot Chocolate Drink)

Lunch:
Sinigang na Hipon with kangkong and labanos,
Plain Rice and Fried Bangus Belly
Fruit: Ripe Mango (1 slice only)

Dinner:
Soup: Soup of sinigang from lunch with veggys
Tortang Talong, Fried Chicken and Rice

Fruit: Papaya

Tuesday:

B: Oatmeal with fresh apples, Spam and Coffee or Soy Milk

F: Mango (1 slice only)

L: Pork adobo, Rice, Beef clear soup with carrots
Gisadong Baguio beans with giniling or shrimps
F: Papaya

D: Amapalaya guisado, Steamed Lapu-lapu with soy sauce or Fish fillet with (I like Jufran) Sweet Chilli sauce, Rice and Nido soup
F: Orange slices

Wednesday:

B: Chicken Arozcaldo or Tokwa Arozcaldo

F: Apples Slices or Banana

Lunch: Breaded Liempo, Rice, Paksiw na bangus with Talong and Ampalaya
F: Melon/Orange slices

D: Pork or chicken Menudo, Grilled Bangus Belly with Tomatoes, salt and onion stuffings, Steamed okra with bagoong or other veggy
F: Melon/ Avocado

Thursday:

B: Ham and Cheese Sandwich with coffee

F: Banana / Papaya

L: Chicken or Beef broccoli, Fried Tilapia and Misua Soup with garlic (optional)
F: Avocado

D: Korean Beef Stew with carrot wedges, Toge guisadoa and Fried Dilis.
F: Melon

Friday:

B: Longsilog with coffee and cucumber salsa

F: Banana

L: Mongo guisado with beef or pork ribs and dahon ng ampalaya and Fried Tinapang bangus
F: Kiwi

D: Fried Chicken, Cream of mushroom soup, mashed potatoes and Steam corn
F: Kiwi

Saturday:

B: Oatmeal with Ma-hu and coffee

F: ponkan

L: Chopsuey with chicken liver, shrimp and pork slices and Beef nilaga with pechay and Repolyo
F: ponkan

D: Eat out (bonding)

Sunday:

B: Fried Dangit with cooked kamatis (as sauce), egg, and garlic fried rice with coffee

F: Pomelo

L: Pancit guisado, grilled pork bbq and halabos na hipon w/ ginger
F: Pomelo

D: Eat out.

As a rule of thumb for every 1 kilo that is good for 10 people, of-course in small servings =). If you are on a diet you may substitute the White Rice to Red Rice. In our house we use Red Rice. You may find the red rice a bit hard. What I do is we wash the rice and the measure the water and let the rice soak on it for a good 30 minutes before we cook it. This will allow the rice to soften.

If you are pregnant and is on a strict diet or maybe suffering from Gestational Diabetes, my nutritionist Dra. Virgith Buena suggest that I take fruits first before every meal, followed by soup, then veggies (salad or regular cooked veggies) and proceed with my meal. Before you can even finish your main meal your already full.

If your on breastfeeding incorporate more Clam soup, Tinola Soup with Malungay Leaves and other leafy vegetable.

As a healthy alternative you may want to use lean Pork, Lean Chicken or Lean Beef. If your not keen on using lean part specially the chicken you may buy thigh fillets without the skin. We also use Free Range Chicken or Native Chicken for our soups and Chicken Dishes.

I hope in some way I have help you. =) I will try to upload another menu next week. =) Again I said I will try! hahaha! =)

~~~Mommy Raquel

Welcome to my room ~~~ Saffron

2013-06-17T20:46:00.001+08:00

Sometime last week we were supposed to have Mommy Smiley and her kids over. When I told Saffron about it he was excited and so is his yaya! hahaha. Yaya said to me..."Ate ayusin natin yung room" In our house nobody is allowed to move stuffs except me. Why????
1. Because I have good memory so I know all the stuffs.
2. I am the woman of the house.
3. I am good at this. hehehehe.

So we spent the day fixing Saffron's room. Now I will share it with all of you.

Upon entering you will be welcomed by this shelf, on the side of the shelf is another play pen

(back of coke can) this play pen we use when we go out of town.

it's super compact and his basket ball ring.

Mats from Baby and company

This baby use to be besides the shelf, now it stays outside of the room. Too big. =)

Shelf on the right was previously owned by my husband. =) This shelf serves as storage for toys.

His study table we got from S and R

Easy access to coloring materials (please do not leave your kids unattended, when using colors)

Wooden toys are more welcome in our house. =) The clock was from Jon when he was still a kid. Another heirloom piece. The other wooden toy was a gift from his Godmother Ivy.

We got this 2 foldable storage from SM. Black storage store pillows and the Iron Man storage bin from Toy Kingdom stores bedsheets.

The three tier storage bins are from Baby and Company. Stores more of the little trinkets like bowling pins, small balls, cooking stuffs (yes we have cooking stuffs), animals, cars etc.

The cooking stuffs and other stuffs.

We own this Uratex memory foam bed topper that we don't use anymore.

We folded it down to its 1/4 size and wrap it with

Spiderman blanket as lounging chair that Sam and his baba

uses when they read a book.

On nap time we unfold it in half and cover with a different bedding. Converting it as his day bed.

Day bed with his pillow and favorite blankie.

Saffron has a 3 in 1 wooden crib which is inside our room. We decided not to put it in his room since it would take too much space and since we also co-sleep. =) Sometimes Kuya Tristan (my nephew) uses it when he sleep with us.

his bookshelf/toy shelf: This piece was from me. This use to be my book shelf.

Pardon the laundry basket. hehehe! foldable laundry basket from IKEA

Closer look at the shelf:

George showing some love with his Sam's photo.

His 1st business attire photo taken by Stanley Ong during our Ankong Val's Dbay

VCD, CD and Cassette tapes. Those cassette tapes still works all from his baba.

The Gang: Sponge bob his current fave,

Shrek (handme down from kuya Carlos),

Elmo (handme down from Tristan)

Mcqueen was his 1st stuffed toy purchase at rustans

Cookie monster his 1st purchase from Toy kingdom

Scout gift for the Villamiel's =)

Framed photos: the on the brown frame thats Jon's baby picture. =) Carbon copy.

This is by far the most expensive purchase we got for Saffron. Much expensive than his crib. hehehe.

Top part is really a changing table, but we decided not to use it as changing table for safety reasons. =)

Top counter were we store diapers, vitamins, cottons, etc...

So maybe your wondering how can we fit all his stuffs inside those drawers? Here's how...

This is how we fold his clothes. We fold it down to its smallest size as it can be.

Insert shirt with its pair. why? So it's easier to get. It always comes in pairs.

to avoid discoloration of pairs.

We always use the pairs. If the shirt was washed we wash the shorts too.

And then we store them vertically to save space, easy access and easy checking. =)

2nd row of drawer holds his Lampin, socks and clothe diapers

Storage bins from Uratex, Study table turned shoe storage from his baba.

Storage bins stores different types of hand puppets.

Welcome to his comfort room:

Bath area. I encourage you to install hand rails. Since Sam is bigger and he can not fit inside his tummy tub we bought him his new tub. We are now using okbaby tub available in Mother care.

His sink with a free rubber duckie from Lactacyd

Bath soaps: We use Cetaphil Restoraderm since he has sensitive skin.

Kuya Tristan uses Breck kids and J&J

Mushroom and the boy bastos from baguio. =) we have to put some little trinkets to make it fun for him

His chinesse. hehehe

Tita Michelle De Guzman gifted us this very useful potty trainer. =) Available in Babyland

We also use this as his ladder for brushing his teeth or washing his hand.

Towels (and it has to be blue???)

This is how his room looks like when it's still clean. hehehe!

After fixing the room, the next day I was down with fever. 38.5 fever. I often joke my friends that I can only walk maximum 200 steps, over that I will get sick...So my husband said...next time don't fix the room. hahaha! So I was down with fever and called Smiley that I have to cancel our meeting since I don't want her kids to get sick. Today...yaya said... "Ate, hinde na dumating yung bisita natin ha. Sayang naman ayos natin ng room ni Sam" hahaha! To Smiley...I hope you can visit us soon. =)

I hope somehow you learned something from us =)

~~Mommy Raquel

What we are reading now: What Your Nose Shows by Ray Comforts

2013-05-23T16:44:00.001+08:00

The other day me and the kids where talking about bookstores and libraries. How I am fascinated with cook books, drawing books (my frustration), anything vintage, books about Audrey Hepburn and anything about jewelries.

Last Wednesday I asked Jon to bring us to Megamall so I can bring the kids to National bookstore. when we got to National it was too crowded. We then went to the book sale. It's the nearest book store that is not packed. Then we found this book.

The book is about our nose, it's use and funny illustration on why we have it. It's suitable for Sam since his learning more about the parts of his face. But really....

The real reason why I bought this book is because of it's "SMELL-I-VISION" feature.

It was my first time to actually see a book with feature (of course I have seen those US magazine with free perfume samples), but not in a children's book.

We got curious when we saw this and it was just sold for 65.00. So we bought it.

When we got home we were all excited to check out the "smell-I-vision" feature.

Most of the pages have this hidden nose symbol, which you will scratch lightly and smell.

Sam excited to test the smell-I-vision.

This one really smells like a baby powder. We were super happy that it was at the powder and not on the diaper. Hahaha!

This one smells like a leather. Sam was not to happy with the smell. Hahaha

This one smells like the sea. Pretty cool!

While this smells like lavender. So relaxing.

After the book sale trip. Kuya remembered how we use to walk from West Ave to National bookstore In Quezon Ave with my nephew Carlos and my niece Ysabel. It was our bonding time when they come to visit me. We would walk inside West Triangle, passed by the presidents house at Times st. And then go to the church and say our prayers. Head to the park to play. Then off we go to the bookstore where I would give them 100.00 pesos to buy whatever they want to buy. Sometimes food, sometimes books or stickers. It was a fun day for us. we get to discover things like insects, weird plants or sometimes new food at the grocery. It was extra fun for me cause I would laugh when they start to say weird things. It was hilarious. I wish Sam and I could do that someday too.

Oh we'll it's never too late. =)

Happy reading guys!

~Mommy Raquel

Fun Kid Idea: Crate Storage Pool

2013-05-14T15:52:00.001+08:00

My son Saffron is not scared of chest high waters. I think it has something to do with him enjoying his bath using his tummy tub. When your using this kind of tub water goes as high up to his chest. Now that its summer and is too hot we found a new way to bond. We now have swimming time. Which he looks forward to everyday.

Bath time ritual: tummy tub and playing

Saffron in his triathlete outfit in subic! He loves the beach and pool more than the shower.

Early swimming at our condo pool with his floater. He doesn't want us to hold him. Brave!

The other day while baking a whole bunch of orders for mommies and catering. My nephew Tristan and Sam came down from the room and said they are super bored. I told them to just go out and just play ball while waiting for me. After awhile I needed to go the grocery to get some ingredients. I saw some inflatable pool for sale. Bought one for the kids.

The two playmates having a blast. It was also Sam's 1st time to swim wearing just shorts.

At first he doesn't want to... But then gave in.

The pool comes with free floater and a ball! Not bad! Cost about 600.00 at sm hypermarket you can ask them to inflate it for you too. Free!

Now this two looks forward to swimming days. Today... They wanted to swim but the condo pool is one condo away and it's too hot to walk outside. We decided to swim here in our veranda. Next problem is...we don't have a pool to use.... And I don't want to burst Sam's bubble. So we just used storage crates. Hahaha.

***Please do not leave your child/children unattended. While I was capturing photos our yaya was with us watching over the kids.

Filing water.

Look at that smile? Can you burst that by saying they can't swim?

Next photo will show you how pilyo my son is. Sorry Kuya!

While Kuya was relaxing and imagining his in subic...

Sam was busy playing with his toys.

Filled his cup. Stood up...

And pour the water to his Kuya!

Hahahaha! Kuya was caught of guard.

Sam laughed seeing his kuya's reaction.

And then Sam said... Not me! Hahahaha.

Happy summer everyone!

Mommy Raquel

Take 2: Preschool homeschool Talk

2013-04-12T09:49:00.000+08:00

I used to worry whether my one-year-old is learning to appreciate books as I hope she would. If there were two things I would have wanted my girls to fall in love with, they would easily have been books and music. I practically introduced books and music to them while they were still in my womb.

But when my eldest became very mobile, she stopped sitting quietly on my lap and listening to my read alouds. She also enjoyed flipping the books to the very end and then playing something else after that. How can I possibly teach my child when I can not make her love books?

That was among my concerns when I attended the first "Preschool Homeschool: You can do it too!" talk delivered by Kindermusik teacher Mariel Uyquiengco and friends.

Though she did not encounter my worries with her own children who are both growing and loving books, moms who were there in attendance were everything but disappointing. They filled me with encouragement and used words such as "normal" "curious" and "phase" to ease my troubled mind and eventually gave me that confidence to be my daughters' first teacher.

My eldest is only about to turn two, and it might be too premature to tell you that we are already homeschooling. I guess what I mean to say, for now, is that I will be holding off her big school enrollment until she's at least five years old or kindegarten age. And that for the meantime, I, and most of the people around her, will be teaching her.

We're teaching her the Filipino language first, mindful of her pos and opos. We're teaching her life skills such as packing away toys, cleaning the house, brushing her teeth, undressing herself, and helping out. We're giving her small tasks such as getting her own or her sister's diapers to instill responsibility and make her feel part of the family.

We also play, read, and talk a lot.

Those don't sound much, right?

To get some sort of "formality" in our homeschooling, I picked up from some of the preschool homeschooling moms and bought my girls their first "curriculum:" Before Five in a Row.

We also use other books not in BFIAR though. My eldest is enjoying Madeline so much that I always stop by the second hand book shops and look for another copy. Since she loves imitating other children, I have used books to teach her manners and values. I also wrote here how I banned my toddler from using gadgets, but not how Madeline helped me teach her to return things not hers so I've been letting her use my phone again.

Books continue to play a big role in our homeschooling experience, but bigger than all the books combined is you as your child's first teacher: how keen you are at listening to your child's cues and interests and supporting her development.

Does preschool homeschooling still sound daunting? Only if you make it hard on your child and yourself.

Curious? Or, want to know more about what preschool homeschool is all about? Read below the invitation from the Learning Basket.

"The Learning Basket presents its much-requested seminar "Preschool Homeschool: You Can Do It Too!" on April 20, from 9am to 11am, at Medela House.

Listen and discuss with other parents the what, why, and how of homeschooling preschoolers.

Register

Registration is P250 but will be waived if you buy a minimum of P500 worth of books or toys from The Learning Basket's booth during the event. Great quality books and toys add to the homeschool experience.

To register for the event, kindly fill up the form on this link. For questions, don't hesitate to email Mariel at mariel (at) thelearningbasket (dot) com."

Plus, Everyday Mommy blogger Raquel Chua will be giving away treats from her kitchen. That's at least one good reason to go.

- Mommy Smiley

Before Five in a Row books and manual.

Seminar poster.

Cheat day

2013-03-02T13:28:00.000+08:00

My husband and I just realized that since we do not let our toddler eat fastfood, we crave for them when she's off to her grandparents'.

So whenever the cat's away, the mice have their way.

- Mommy Smiley

Sent from my iPhone

Banning gadgets for my toddler

2013-02-27T22:18:00.001+08:00

I have banned my 21-mo-old the use of my or my husband's cellphones, unless for calling her dad or grandparents.

I sound harsh, even to myself. (Please don't shoot me!) But I will stick to it until she learns that her life does not revolve around it.

When my husband got an ipad, I told him my concern about the games apps. He assured me that although he will also use it for games, he will restrict it to himself. Until now,
Caitlin hasn't played with his ipad. (But she has with other's!)

Cellphones, however, are a different story because we don't hide it from her.

She did not use to mind and continued playing with her toys or going about her way when she sees me using my phone, either for surfing the net, reading an ebook, or taking her pictures.

Lately, however, when she sees me with the phone, just for that moment to take her picture, she will ask to borrow it and will keep it to herself. She has called, texted, and even emailed nonsense to my friends and some family members, which I, and even they, found cute at first. Eventually, she discovered the games and loved the sounds.

She surprised me one day when she came up to me with those big and playful eyes and said, "Angry Birds." I remembered saying, "Wow, you know Angry Birds!" And then I excitedly gave her my phone to play with. She was just opening and closing the app to her amusement until she learned to throw the pigs, albeit backwards. (I did not teach her.)

Thus, it started: her love affair with my phone.

When it happened, she would not let me borrow my phone any more. When she has my phone, she won't talk to me, won't listen to me, won't play or read a book with me. Every suggestion that I make to bond with her, she shoots down and says, "Ayaw," then continues playing with my phone.

I felt that I had to do something and the most reasonable action that I could think of was grabbing the phone from her. She raised hell, of course, but I felt that I had to do it.

Once I got the phone out of our way, our routines went back to the way it was - interaction, learning and playing.

I believe my daughter's still on the lookout for my phone. She knows I put in under my pillow when she feeds so she searches under there. Sometimes, she will go down the bed immediately to grab the phone from the table where I placed it so I no longer put it within her reach and where she can see it. Everytime she gets it though, I borrow if from her. If she won't let me have it, I take it away. She'll cry in the process, but I believe that it would scar her more if I hadn't intervened.

Without the distraction of cellphones, the TV and ipad, our daughter is surely the sweetest child - helping out in the household chores, playing with her toys, singing out loud, dancing with the music, entertaining us, and showing us how much she loves us - sometimes to the point of irritating her sister.

Sometimes, I still can't help myself and use my phone in front of her. She'll look at me, ask for it then I'll apologize and hide it away. Somehow, she got the message that even if she cries, she still won't have it. And when she asks to call her daddy or someone else, she gives the phone back to me after talking!

It may very well have been a fad for her, a novelty to explore, or an opportunity to learn something new while here I am - overreacting. Let history be my judge. (Now I am sounding like a politician.)

When my elsest is older and understands how technology can help her, I won't hold her back. But until that day, we'll crawl and jump and sing and color and do all those silly and pretend games first.

- Mommy Smiley

Weekend getaway: Sinagtala Farm Resort, Bataan

2013-02-27T21:57:00.001+08:00

There are only a few places where you wouldn't mind bracing the traffic just to get to. A semi-private farm resort in Bataan is one of them, according to my brother-in-law who was with us. I'd have to agree.

After our overnight retreat, I'd have to say that carrying a baby on my lap for four hours, despite the usual two-hour drive due to a vehicular accident along NLEX, was worth it.

High up in Orani, Bataan, at 200 meters elevation, rests Sinagtala Farm Resort, a quiet sojourn for homeowners, members and their guests.

There are various outdoor activities to indulge your active kids from toddler to teens. You can go swimming, even in the nippy February weather like what we did, at its infinity pool, discover the area up close through trekking and mountain biking, or take pleasure in your hobbies - may it be shooting, photography, or looking for wild boars. For parents in need of a breather, taking in the lush greenery at day or the city lights at night may just be the thing you need. That, freshly brewed coffee, and a few other yummy treats for your tummy. To cap off each meal, satisfy your sweet tooth with taro (yes, gabi) ice cream available at a nearby market in Orani. Splashed with pinipig to give it a crunch, it has the right amount of sweetness to keep you coming back for yet another serving.

Sinagtala also boasts of a beautiful church (or chapel?), too faultless to get married in if you want the charm and vibe of the countryside. It has an intricately handcarved cruxification as its focal point while bird-shaped capiz lights dotting the ceiling on both sides look animated. From the back of the church, they seem to be flying into the arms of an invisible master.

A nearby multi-purpose hall may accommodate your guests of about a hundred or two while a cafe in the vicinity may provide for your meals, but don't take my word for it. It's just a thought. Inquire if you must.

At least one house in the village take in guests, charging P2,600 a night per room. You can bring in food from the market and cook it there.

With all the countless activities that you can think of to do outdoors, the irony of Sinagtala Farm Resort is that you just want to find a nook and do nothing at all but watch as the colors of the sky change from dawn to dusk.

To get there, take SCTEX and exit at Dinalupihan. You're only about 20 minutes away. Right at Bataan Provincial Highway. Follow the sign to Sinagtala Farm Resort.

- Mommy Smiley

All photos courtesy of Mark Rodin Bernardo.

Sent from my iPhone

B is for Bath Time and Brushing of Teeth

2013-02-20T13:43:00.001+08:00

B is for Bath Time
I often hear some of our mommy friends complain about brushing teeth and bathing. When Sam was a new baby we were terrified at giving him a bath. He would often get cold or cry his lungs out. He was like holding his breath until he almost turns blue. We would usually blow to his mouth just so he would stop. It was scary. But those were the days. When his Godfather Francis gave him his first tub that all changed. When we got the Tummy Tub we found it really weird and unsafe. We then began to research about it and watch the DVD that came along with it. After watching and carefully studying it. We then decided to give it a try. Lo and behold...It was a huge success! No more crying...No more getting scared. Sam was just plain happy and relaxed. Inside the tub he feels He was inside my belly. He was loving his bath time.

Here's Saffron @ 3months first time to use his Tummy Tub, look at that face

and @9 months enjoying loving his tub

What does a Tummy Tub looks like? It looks like a regular pail but convex inside. Making a copy of the curve of the tummy of the mom. The only downfall of this tub is that we can not find the stand that comes with it. Accessory/attachment that you need to make it easier to use. Tub is like a pail so its either you place it on the floor and use a small stool that you can sit on while ginving your child a bath or you put this on top of the table...but it would be to hard to reach. It would be better to just put it on the floor. I just wish we can get the attachment. =)

Saffron enjoying his Tummy Tub

photo take last Sept 6, 2012 he was 1 year old and 5 months

When we started using the Tummy Tub we no longer had problems with bathing Sam. He loves his Tummy Tub that until now he loves using it. We make it a routine so he know after play time and lunch comes bath time. He enjoys this time with me playing and then while still on his tub we brush his teeth. Now thats the problem.

Bath time is fun time with mommy.

B is for Brushing Teeth
When Sam was about a year old, we went thru some traumatic experience with giving him his medications. He was prescribed with Clindamycin. The taste was so awful that we had to mix it with honey or ice cream just so he can swallow it. During those times we had to force-open his mouth. I think somehow it had a bad effect on him every time we try to open his mouth. So brushing was one of those things. He would often bite me while brushing his teeth. I was strict with brushing his teeth since he loves sweets. One of the things that we do so I could brush his teeth was to allow him to think his bitting me. I made sounds and funny facial expressions just so he thinks we were playing. It was a plus points that while we were doing this his inside his tummby tub secure and still somehow relax.

He feels secure inside the tub. I highly recommend it. We have been using it since his 3month old.

Then one day, while I am getting tired of getting bitten and Sam out smarted me that he finally figured that I am just making a fool out of him...the funny facial expressions and sounds are no longer effective. This time brushing was a real struggle. I wanted to shout at him...I waited and compose myself. Then I remember the old saying... you are your child's 1st teacher. They mimic what you do.

Hmmmm... like how they love going for the remote control, suddenly they start to get your mobile phone and how surprise we were when our son Saffron knew how to open and close an iphone and ipad. So I got up took him with me to our comfort room. Sat him next to me and took my tooth brush and showed him what I was doing.

At first he was just looking at me then after a few seconds he tried to grab his Baba's toothbrush. I got him his toothbrush and let him brush his teeth.

Every night, we have a new routine for him. He wears his frog suits, goes to his Baba watch patiently while his Baba would prepare our toothbrushes and then when all done he will call me Mimi so we can brush our teeth together.

A simple family bonding but very effective! Group toothbrush with our little boy! Practicing him as early as now with proper oral hygiene!

The family that eats chocolates together.... Needs to brush together!!! #mybabysaffron

Now with this new routine, there is no bitting, no crying, no struggles and we can now smile with our pearly white teeth. =) Happy brushing everyone!

Mommy Raquel

Beginning homeschooling 2

2013-01-07T12:11:00.001+08:00

Toddlers amaze me. It's wonderful how they make connections, especially when you've figured it out.

Today, my daughter and I again read the book "Ask Mr Bear." It is a story about Danny and how he sought help from his animal friends to find a birthday gift for his mommy. In the middle of reading it, Caitlin gestured under our Christmas tree and pointed her gift for me! She's such a sweet girl. And I was so happy how she made the connection from the book to the gifts we got for Christmas.

After I made her pack away the gift though, she lost interest in the book and turned to her bag full of crayons and alphabet cards.

It has been our third try at reading "Ask Mr. Bear" and we still haven't finished it. I am again left hanging as to its ending. But I am happy, nonetheless, for our progress.

Happy homeschooling mommies!

- Mommy Smiley

Merry Christmas

2012-12-24T12:00:00.002+08:00

Someone is super duper excited to open his gifts...

As they say Christmas is for the children, but let us not forget to teach our kids whats the true meaning of christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ...

sharing unconditional love to all and most of all that we are all brothers and sisters. Lets pray for peace, love and that we would finally learn to love mother nature. From our family to yours, we wish you all a Merry Merry Christmas, a peaceful 2013, and may our good Lord bless us all! Merry Christmas. ~~Raquel, Jon and Saffron Chua.

Kindermusik and us

2012-12-09T10:12:00.001+08:00

On my toddler's first graduation from Kindermusik classes, my mom said to me: those classes are more for the parents than the kids. What a funny observation to make. Imagine the parents signing up for the classes for themselves and bringing their young ones along to learn how best to entertain and stimulate their children.

But the comment was not without basis.

Since attending Kindermusik classes, my husband not only learned a few dance steps and a couple of exercise routines, but he also picked up a number of songs to sing to our daughter. Kindermusik has expanded his very limited children's song list of ABC and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to include The Keel Row, Aiken Drum, and Dance, Little Baby, among others.

I also picked up a lot of things and I no longer need to invent or search for songs or actions to them!

The classes even gave us the opportunity to find out our daughter's learning style. She's usually quiet in class, especially on the first day or when something new is being introduced, choosing to observe us, her teacher, and classmates than participate. Surprisingly, she absorbs everything and repeats them to us back at home. She's very attentive. When we play her the CD, she can even be left by herself to dance with her toy baby. She has memorized the routines. And imagine our delight when she started singing too!

Kindermusik offers so many activities for your child's physical, musical, cognitive, emotional, social, and language development.

For example, a steady beat makes them improve their fine motor skills. Foreign languages are brought in through another country's folk or children's songs while Singapore Math is being introduced through alternating dance movements.

But what I really love about Kindermusik is how the parents play a big role in their child's development.

Before they are three years old, daddies and mommies (or yayas) are on the floor, too. They waltz, jump, fly like a bird or wag their tails like the dog Rover as well. But you don't really need a class to play silly with your child, right? If you are imaginative enough, you can play with what you have and with the time you've got for your child. But if you don't have a clue, and want to learn how best to entertain and stimulate your child then let Kindermusik teach you too.

- Mommy Smiley

I love Christmas! =)

2012-12-03T14:36:00.000+08:00

Last December 2010 was what we consider our first christmas as husband and wife in our own place & pregnant with Saffron. Well not really our first Christmas as husband and wife since we were married December 6, 2009 but the 2009 christmas was not really counted. hehehe! We received a christmas tree gift from our Ninang Marilyn. She said this was a hit in china. It saves space and money cause the tree has built-in lights.

This was our first tree with my nephew Tristan.

This year I am so obsessed with christmas decors. Why? Last year, we weren't able to put up any christmas decors, no Parol (christmas lantern) not even a real christmas tree. I was busy baking orders and busy taking care of Saffron. All I have for 2011 was some figurines I got from a flea market in Dagupan Manila.

my oldest christmas decor which I got from Dapitan market each pair cost 250.00 pesos. I bought this around February of 2010.

This year I promised to make an effort to decorate our house. This year is more special since it's Saffron's first christmas that he knows whats going on around him. End of October we were able to buy our 1st parol. We choose this colorful parol for Sam cause his fascinated by changing colors.

Sam and his baba. Photo taken last Oct 22, 2012. It's our first time to own a Parol (Christmas Lantern). This lantern cost 1,000.00 bought it at Gilmore street.

I love transforming our house into semi-festive mode, but I'd be honest...I'm more into buying ready made decorations and hoping to somewhat alter it and make it my own. DIY stuffs??? well I'm not so good at that, so lets leave it to our resident DIY diva mommy Smiley. hehehe!

Our foyer table, decorated with Santa cups

Candy canes are my favorites. =)

Santa Cups i got from Puregold Subic during our recent trip.

Each santa cups cost 89.00 pesos

Baba, finally found time to hang our Parol outside our veranda.

Another reason to love christmas season...It gives me license to decorate our humble adobe and gives you license to spend for gifts without the guilt. hehehe! I'm also lucky that my husband supports my craziness. He has been brainwashed to be domesticated. hahahaha!

This is my inspiration for my tree. Photo taken last Dec 2008 at a Hong Kong hotel lobby.

So I asked Jon to get me my tree. He was actually considering of buying a real christmas tree from S & R. When I say real, he was to buy the REAL tree, fresh pine tree. I asked him not to cause there's no need for us to have that kind of tree. He said I thought you wanted the same in Hong kong? Plastic tree is fine for me. =) So, he went to true value again wanting to buy a tree and then I remembered that my mother-in-law has 2 christmas trees that she doesn't like using anymore and is just kept on our commissary attic. So we got the "slim tree" cause the other tree from Designer's bloom was sooooooooooooo huge. Since I'm only 5'2" I needed the man of the house to put up the tree for me.

Photo and caption grab form Jon's FB post:

Jon: Work in progress.... Well I must say, even a chef should know how to do house chores and crafts. Hahahaha Hindi Lang ako marunong magplancha. The rest, I can handle. Especially this Christmas tree. Hehe

I asked Jon to buy christmas lights. I wanted warm white christmas lights and he end up buying white lights cause that's what he wants. Marriage is give and take so i let him have the christmas lights na. hahaha! We hang some red and matte gold balls up our tree but the tree looked so sad...so I asked Jon if we can use the old christmas tree ornaments thats was kept in the attic. He said yes... It got me excited. So I worked on our tree for 3 days.

1st day I just grab some flowers and ferns (i just call it ferns cause it looks like one but I'm not really sure if it was) and put it on our tree but still the tree looks sad and kalbo.

flowers and ferns

I asked our maids to look for more ornaments. They were able to find pears, oranges, twigs, yellow and red grapes (even in our tree there is food! hahaha).

The addition of fruits made it more full but i was not really happy. Cause I think there are still spaces thats needs filling.

I asked them to look for more. When Jon found out that I asked for all the ornaments he said...you'll use everything? our tree is so slim how can all of those fit in there? All i said was... I will find a way. =)

I added some red twigs and some mapple tree leaf.

after 3 days of fixing and re-arranging...That moi fixing and obsessing about my tree. =) I also have to find time in between motherhood and baking to wrap gifts & write gift cards...I just hope i can still finish everything... =)

Here is our final tree!

not so kalbo... I just love it... I know I might raise some eye brows...but all i can say is This is my/our tree go get yours. hehehe! =)

Oh...and I still need to buy a nice and cute belen for our house. This belen will teach Sam about our faith and about God. How's your Christmas decorations?

Mommy Raquel

Pre-school homeschool

2012-11-22T13:32:00.000+08:00

To homeschool or not to homeschool my toddler in her pre-school years was relatively an easier decision to make than choosing between sleeping and eating when you are both tired and hungry looking after your kids.

Since deciding to work from home, attending a childbirth class, choosing natural childbirth, becoming a stay-at-home mom, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and baby wearing, the next "attachment parenting" course to take seemed obvious already. The question is no longer whether I should homeschool, but how do I do it and where can I find the needed support.

Luckily, I need not look further.

The moms of children attending classes at Kindermusik with Teacher Suzette and friends have organized a talk on Pre-school Homeschool (You can do it too).

Coming out of the two-hour talk, I just realized that I am already on the right track and that most of my worries are pointless.

Reading, singing, dancing, playing, teaching Caitlin manners, giving her daily routines, and even letting her help out in household chores are already teaching her life skills and developing her character. On top of that, we are bonding.

And that is what pre-school homeschooling is all about: relationship, routine, readiness, and reading aloud. At least that was how the author of a literature-based curriculum defined the four Rs in pre-school as quoted by event organizer Mariel Uyquiengco of The Learning Basket and a Kindermusik teacher.

Before the seminar, when I think of pre-school, I think of playschool and children as young as two being taught their ABCs, 123s, colors, and shapes. But those are only icings on the cake, said teacher Mariel.

What I picked up from the talk is that pre-school homeschooling is a play-based learning that centers on the child's relationship with the parent who helps develop her life skills such as helping out in the house, taking care of herself, or becoming independent and building her character to ready her for the world. It would also take lots of creativity and imagination on the part of the parent in teaching her child the love of learning whether it be in reading to her out loud or playing with her at home.

As I did with breastfeeding, or any other thing that concerns my kids, I will once again take pre-school homeschool one day at a time, rejoicing at little milestones and taking a breather when everything doesn't seem quite right.

My children will only be young once and I do not want to rush them out into the world. I want them to cherish their childhood. And I not only want to witness that, but I also want an active role in it.

To those who are considering homeschooling their children between ages 2 and 5 and are interested to hear how other moms do it, there will be another seminar on Dec. 1, from 9-11 am, at Medela House in New Manila for its customers. Limited seats are available for non-members. For more information, call Medela at 725-3723 or 738-6272.

- Mommy Smiley

Teacher Mariel answers parents' questions on home schooling.

Happy Halloween

2012-10-30T11:53:00.004+08:00

Last year was my Saffron's 1st halloween event. I dressed him up as a sumo wrestler and participated at our condo's celebration. Click here to check out our Japanese costume Matching costume for mommy and baby. This year we were invited to join trick or treat at The Podium. We were excited and decided to let Sam come as a bee and Kuya Tristan as Superman.

Mother-in-law called and said the event has a theme...I panicked cause I don't know where to get costumes for Sam and my nephew Tristan in less than a week. This years halloween celebration was sponsored by National Geographic with a Animal Safari as it's theme. Again...I am against halloween theme, simply because for me trick or treat is supposed to be a license for kids to dress up whatever way they want so why give a theme?! I called bumblebee to ask if they have safari costumes available, sadly sold-out. So I went to rant on facebook, asked friends and relative if they have safari costume that I can buy/borrow/rent? Good thing my cousin Alma Chan has safari themed costume that I can borrow. Thank God!!! =)

My Saffron with his collection of costumes from bumblebee. =)

Before the actual Halloween celebration Nat Geo sponsored this animal display. All animals were moving. =) Nice for kids to see.

Here's Sam loving the zebra. Maybe because his familiar with this from his crib mobile.

A bit scared of the Lion. =)

Fascinated with the Elephant.

Amazed with the Giraffe.

With kuya's favorite the lion.

Actual day of event...mommy went to raid her closet for her costume. I have to have a costume too. Right?! hahaha!

I went as tigress with my tiger headband. hahaha! =)

Sam as Chicken...I know it doesn't go with the theme...but as i quote my husband...to hell with safari theme! my son looks cute dressed as chicken. hahaha!

I like how the event was planned this year, they were more organized. Each participant was asked to register so each kid is assured to have a loot bag with candies from Hershey's. Each participants also received stubs for face painting, balloon twist, tattoo, ice cream from nestle & free session from Picture company (which for me is like hold-up, cause actual printing is not free!!!!boooooo!). We were also given list of participating merchants. At first there were just 10 participants in the list... until I guess others joined in. I like how the merchants participated, it's actually a marketing strategy for them to let people visit their store, more like to let people know that they are there. hahaha! almost all merchants were able to participate except for some few party poopers. hahaha!

Kuya Tristan dress as a giraffe! Thanks to his Tita Alma Chan who lend this costume. Oh...Kuya won best in costume! hahaha! =)

Photobooth from Dr. Smiles. As I mentioned some of the merchants took this event as marketing opportunity. Dr. Smiles has a free photobooth session but in order to redeem your photo you need to like Dr. Smiles facebook page. Wise right? oh...they have a ready computer for you to login to your fb account and like their page right inside the clinic... Genius!!!

Picture...picture...picture

Photos c/o Dr. Smile @ The Podium

Kids waiting for the program to start.

We have filled 3 buckets full of candies...now what to do with all this candies???

Prizes for Kuya after winning as best in costume and in one contest he joined. Glad Toy Kingdom sponsored the prizes. =)

Over all we like celebrating halloween at The Podium, place is air-con ideal for thick costumes for kids. The mall is not too crowded and it's just 5 floors that one can really tour in less than 2 hours. =) How was your halloween? What was your costume?? Would love to hear from you guys. =)

~~Mommy Raquel

United Nations Celebrations

2012-10-21T09:17:00.003+08:00

Inspired by this week's celebration, here's Saffron look of the day: KATIPUNERO (chinese version) hahaha! =)

Katipunero look: simple white shirt and red pants.

My Chinese katipunero, minus the scraf and hat. hehehe! =)

All clothes are from Mothercare. Shoes from Nike

What is your child's costume for this year's United Nations celebration? Share it with us. =)

~~Mommy Raquel

Babywearing convert

2012-10-11T12:43:00.000+08:00

I am not aware that October is babywearing month until I read Mommy Raquel's post. I am actually a recent convert to babywearing, thanks to her. We received a baby carrier - not the sling type - for Caitlin when she was young, but my husband wasn't convinced because it made him feel hot. On my part, I also worried whether it is strong enough to hold my child. So we shelved it and instead took turns in carrying our daughter when she doesn't feel like sitting on her stroller when we were out.

When we had our second daughter, however, things had to change. She was prematurely born at seven months and needed constant cuddling. We did Kangaroo care (skin to skin contact) while she was still confined at the hospital and I'd like to believe that it greatly helped improve her weight in conjunction with the vitamins that she was - and still is - taking.

So because of her need to be constanly next to me, I thought of babywearing. I got Mamaway and taught myself how to use it by watching youtube clips. I have yet to watch the vcd that the sling comes with. I experimented on the Koala position with Caitlin and, surprisingly, she loved it at 17 months. My husband also loved it. He took Caitlin on a sling when he went to the grocery or the mall, and he even got pretty good comments (something like how responsible looking he is). I am sure they looked great together even though I wasn't there to take their pictures.

So if you haven't got a sling yet, it's not too late to convert to babywearing as my toddler and husband can attest to. And it's never too early to start too.

Happy babywearing month it is!

- Mommy Smiley

October Is BabyWearing Month

2012-10-11T10:59:00.001+08:00

October is World Babywearing Awareness Month (Oct 8-14)

I'am a pro-babywearing mommy. We started using sling when Sam was just 4months. Why sling? I find strollers too bulky, heavy and we end up putting bags on it. I like how sling works. I get to carry my child with weight evenly distributed. I have free hands to use specially when using escalators and carrying of bags. I also love how i can nurse in public freely. When Jon and I decide to get sling we got the Maya BabySling.

To know more about Maya BabySling read here http://www.mayawrap.com/
To know more about babywearing group you may view their page here babywearing international
To know more about babywearing you may read about it here wiki/Babywearing
To know more about babywearing (article) read on here smartparenting

Babywearing Sam at 4 months old

Babywearing at 6 months

Babywearing Sam on a out of town trip in batangas 6months

Sam at 15 months with his Baba at SM Megamall

Sam with me his Mimi at Greenbelt 5.

Sam with me at Jamba Juice MOA

To learn how to properly wear your sling check out the video:Putting on your Maya Wrap Baby Sling

You on baby slings too? What sling you using? Would you consider babywearing too? Tell me about it. Lets share tips. Love to hear from you guys.

Mommy Raquel

MybabySaffron look of the day:

2012-10-08T17:18:00.001+08:00

Saffron Look of the day:

view full image

"#mybabysaffron look of the day. Long sleeves onesies & cap by mothercare (shangri-la), jeans by guess kids (sm baguio), shoes by Nike (location at Yabu megamall) "

Mommy Raquel

Weaning Caitlin from breastfeeding

2012-08-17T09:29:00.001+08:00

It's ironic that as we celebrate the breastfeeding month this August, I have to wean my nearly 16-month-old from directly breastfeeding from me for medical reasons.

I have been diagnosed with placenta previa totalis and there's a rare chance that it will change before I am due. As is the case, according to my doctor, there is the threat of bleeding that could result to an emergency C-section before I reach my full-term. Since direct breastfeeding involves nipple stimulation and the release of oxytoxin that could contribute to contraction and trigger bleeding, I have been adviced to wean my child from suckling from me.

Although I don't feel any uterine contractions during breastfeeding and I haven't bled since I got pregnant, I can't take any chances for the sake of my baby. The goal is to bring her to full-term healthy.

On a brighter note, I am happy that Caitlin is past one year old with a very good appetite for healthy and nutritious foods so I need not worry too much about her health.

Besides, in the past six months, she has been feeding less and less from me. Sometimes even sleeping through the night without milk. It bothered me at first, thinking that I will dry out of milk, but was gently reminded that breastfeeding, then and now, continues to be demand-led.

So by the time that I have been told to wean, Caitlin has been feeding to sleep roughly four times a day.

Weaning, like beginning your breastfeeding journey, can't be established overnight. I am at least glad that I don't have to stop abruptly because of something I took that could harm Caitlin, for example. So I had the luxury to take weaning a day at a time.

On the first week, I have successfully removed one daytime session only to put it back one day to pacify her when she's all weepy and cranky from lack of nap.

On week two, breastfeeding has been cut to three sessions with the introduction of about one to two ounces a day of fresh goat's milk to her diet since that's only how much she would take.

We're now on the third week and have successfully increased her goat's milk intake to about two ounces during the day and another two at night. The breastfeeding sessions have been cut to two. One in the day and when she wakes up in the middle of the night.

She still prefers breasts at night and I give in or else we all wouldn't be able to sleep.

I have two more months to go before I am due, and I am uncertain what week four will bring. But I am happy to have reached this far, and provided this much for my daughter.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience. Yes, you will have your bad, awkward, tiring, and at first, painful moments. But when you get past those, the bond that forms between mother and child is priceless.

Happy breastfeeding month Everyday Mommy!

- Mommy Smiley

One of those rare times when she gets to drink her fresh goat's milk.