Beginning homeschooling 2

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

Kindermusik and us

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

Pre-school homeschool

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.

Weaning Caitlin from breastfeeding

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.

Beginning homeschooling

Caitlin participating in an afternoon of Kindermusik with Teachermama Mariel at the Medela House during a get-together of homeschooling families.

- Mommy Smiley

The homeschooled kids with their parents.

Caitlin turns 1, the birthday party

The happy birthday girl.

The pictures are in, and they tell the story of how Caitlin's first birthday party went - from the do-it-yourself (DIY) decorative pompoms, home-made cake to the teacher-led games for the little ones, boy, were we exhausted!

The Gymboree party did not start until 4:30 pm on April 29, but I was already making the pompoms, souvenirs and game prizes for the kids weeks ahead at home. A day earlier, I spent it baking the cake while Caitlin was away with her grandparents.

On the party day itself, I woke up early to decorate Caitlin's cake with fondant so I can already relax.

Meanwhile, Jay was the busy bee preparing spaghetti and then packing them in carton food boxes.

It was a DIY birthday party of sorts. We weren't driven by costs, but by sheer desire to provide Caitlin something we made ourselves. It was labor of love the way we understand it.

But as her party drew near, Jay and I knew that we would not do it again. The preparation did not stop from the planning, sourcing vendors and caterers, and coordinating with them on the day of the party because we were also part of the catering and event styling.




DIY party pompoms.

But it all worked out. The one-hour lead time that we've allotted was more than enough for us to put everything in place - many thanks to my brother Dino who pinned all the pompoms to the ceiling, a task I thought was for me to do at three months pregnant! Jay's eldest brother Michael also helped with the hauling of our stuff from home to the mall. And who would deny the friendly and courteous guard at the mall as well as the staff of Gymboree? They were all very helpful to us.

So when every decor, cocktail, cake, and gift tables were set by 4:00 pm, we started relaxing.

But as the guests began arriving one by one, the birthday girl who was coming with her grandparents was still nowhere in sight!

It was past 5:00 pm when we saw her and because there were already a lot of people, it did not occur to me to nurse her first before we begin with the teacher-led activities. So by the time we were on the play floor, she was not as active or smiley as she usually is at home. I think a lot of factors played, too, from the many new faces, foreign environment to the lack of sleep and snack.





Playing on her own this time.

Her mood lightened after dinner as she was playing with our helper. Finally, she was all smiles and our photographer Lianne Bacorro captured it. What any parent would want for his or her child is for him or her to be happy. So the birthday party that we planned ideally for a one-year-old came to be - a happy child discovering and practicing her motor skills in a safe environment.


As for everything else, Jay and I couldn't be happier. The guests were inquiring about our caterer for the food and even the styling of the place that we had to tell them several times how we made a lot of them ourselves. Also, Abi Ong of Forks and Beans supplied a wonderful treat of chicken and salmon sandwiches with potato salad on the side while my mom provided the fried chicken which we packed together with the pasta.


Although my co-blogger Raquel Chua could not make it because Sam was sick, Daddy Jon came over with her freshly-baked red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. They were a hit, and so was my cake which made all my hard labor pay off.





L-R: Raquel's red velvet cupcakes and my home-made lemon cake with fondant.



It was a day to remember, and another wonderful story to tell Caitlin of how we spent her first birthday when she is old enough to ask for stories. Despite agonizing over how her party will turn out to be with all our hands-on participation, we could not imagine having it any other way.

But please don't ask me yet whether we'll do it again for baby number two. Planning a child's first birthday is not as easy as it seems.

For now, let me continue to savor the milestone that Caitlin has achieved and how we are blessed to have celebrated it in the company of close family and friends.



- Mommy Smiley

PS: All photos posted here were taken by Lianne Bacorro.






DIY souvenirs for the kids. The boxes were filled with chocolates.





Abi Ong's sandwiches and salad.



Gymboree's table setting for the kids.






Gymboree mascot.



With mommy and daddy at the play floor.




Playing with daddy.



Matt and colors.



Caitlin on a toy horse.

Siblings Pillar and Tommy at play.




Caitlin wondering what's happening.



We are happy as can be!



Jump!



Bubbles everywhere.



The famous Gymboree parachute.

Caitlin turns 1!

The birthday girl.




The older kids at play.

More arts play.



Older kids' art works.

What's important is that she had fun on her first birthday party.

Caitlin turns 1, a birthday party preview

All boxed up and ready to go. After a day's work, I finally finished the birthday girl's cake!


Caitlin's first birthday party will push through today. We had to move it from last week to allow her to heal from baby measles (roseola infantum). She's now well and we pray that she'll enjoy her Gymboree party this afternoon.


- Mommy Smiley

Co-sleeping

Sleeping and waking up next to a baby have their own pros and cons, but mostly pros - the cons just need adjusting to.

If you are a breastfeeding mom, co-sleeping is more convenient than having your baby sleep in his or her own crib or in another room. You don't need to stand up, just roll over to where your baby is, lift up your shirt, and let your baby do his or her thing while you continue on with your sleep.

Also, you can easily soothe your baby when he or she suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night crying. Sometimes, babies just need the comfort of your embrace, gentle pats on their buns, or a few strokes on their backs to get back to sleep. Co-sleeping allowed us to be there for Caitlin as quickly as possible everytime she achieves a milestone such as teething or sitting up and she gets irritated, uncomfortable, and couldn't rest on her own.

Co-sleeping also helped my husband Jay make up for the time he was away by snuggling with Caitlin at night.

But co-sleeping is not an easy thing to do the first time. The thought of having a baby near and the possibility of crushing him or her while you sleep soundly are enough for some parents to decide against sleeping with their babies on the bed with them. You also have to adjust to a smaller space and be conscious of the movements (and sounds) you make so as not to disturb the baby in his or her sleep.

Meanwhile, those who have fairly adjusted to a sleeping baby by their side are rewarded. They could wake up in the middle of the night with the soft, gentle touch or caress of their sleeping baby on their arm, neck, or face. They could wake up in the middle of the night with a still sleeping baby slowly crawling on their tummy or in the crook of their arm and finding his or her position there.

And when the morning comes, they wake up to the sight of a beautiful and peaceful-looking baby. When you stay long enough for your baby to wake up, you are greeted with the most wonderful smell in the world. A baby's natural scent is an aphrodisiac that easily captures the hearts of his or her parents.

It's no wonder why a "baby's breath" fragrance and skin care market grew.

At times, when your baby wakes up ahead of you, you'll be surprised at the many ways that he or she makes to awaken you too such as stroking your hair, patting you, hugging you, or even leaning against you and dancing.

When Caitlin was a newborn, we had her on a bassinet placed on our bed. It was a difficult time because the bassinet took up space and created a divide between Jay and I. When Caitlin grew out of the bassinet, we placed pillows between us to shelter her from our movements and create some sort of safe zone for her. Eventually, we put her on her crib while Jay confessed to having separation anxieties. Later on, Caitlin's back on our bed again. Her choice this time. But since she's bigger, she's no longer as fragile and we can move her around to make space for us. When she started moving a lot, we no longer put a blanket around her. She doesn't like it, and there's also the danger of suffocation. When it's cold, we put her on pajamas, but she's fine even without them.

Also, to co-sleep with your baby and still be comfortable, try getting a bigger bed.


- Mommy Smiley

Waking up daddy.

Sleeping on her crib.

Sleeping on a bassinet.

Who wouldn't love waking up next to that?

Sick baby

My sick child only wants to nurse, cuddle, and be carried. It's been four days and we badly miss her Miss Universe wave, her pa-cute smile, her many tricks, and even her sometimes unmanageable ways during diaper change. Get well soon, anak.


- Mommy Smiley

Breastfeeding: one year on

Breastfeeding: day 1.

When asked about the first word that came to mind about breastfeeding, I answered "natural." Women have been giving birth and nursing their children since time immemorial. I believe that breastfeeding is normal, a natural course of event, and is expected of mothers.

No one in the first and only breastfeeding support group I attended shared my thoughts. Even as I look back now, I realize that the breastfeeding moms who were there also do not view breastfeeding anywhere near "natural."

When I finally nursed Caitlin, I realize that my expectations have been misplaced. My belief that breastfeeding as a natural course of life for women is now in the remote past.

I learned that the practice has been lost to a lot of women and mothers today. I, myself, was not breastfed long enough for my mom to know what to expect when you are breastfeeding. So this is also why breastfeeding support groups are very important. Without them, it's too easy to fall into the trap of feeding your child formula thinking that you do not have enough breastmilk to give. Without them, it's too easy to give up at the first sign of nipple tenderness thinking that it will only get worse. Without them, it's too easy to give up breastfeeding all together because of the many interrupted sleeps thinking that you'll never sleep tight again with a baby suckling from you.  

There is a wealth of knowledge in books and internet about breastfeeding, but nothing will comfort you best than a loved one or a fellow breastfeeding mom.

If I wasn't nearly due, I would have attended the succeeding meetings and stayed longer to bond and learn more from the breastfeeding moms in attendance. It could have saved me the embarrasment of talking to complete strangers, as if I have no other family and friends to help me, about what I am doing wrong and how to correct my breastfeeding booboos. They could have told me how silly the word "natural" is to breastfeeding and explain why. I would have learned the proper latch, ways to prevent nipple injury and engorgement. Or, simply, tell me how my life would completely change and revolve around the time when my baby feeds from me.


Many thank yous


My determination and perseverance to continue breastfeeding Caitlin would have been nothing if it weren't for my husband Jay, a total stranger and now friend Cha Antinero, breastfeeding advocate Miann Reyes-Oblea, a college friend and mom-of-two Mara Evangelista, and my co-blogger Raquel Chua.

Thank you for all the virtual pats in the back and you-can-do-its. I share my one-year breastfeeding milestone with you, and I am sure that Caitlin is thanking you, too.

Breastfeeding: Day 366. (Because 2012 is a leap year).

- Mommy Smiley



Caitlin turns 1, a poem

My dad composed a poem for the birthday girl who's sick on her big day. Get well soon, anak.

---

SMILIN' LITTLE CAITLIN

At twenty thousand feet enroute to Calgary

I pull a faithful companion from my hand carry

An iPad that conveniently stores

Photos of her who is so pure.

Browsing from page to page I see

Countless images of a smiling baby

Whose absolute beauty from head to toe

Is unequalled by the snow capped Rockies below.

From angelic poses on a chair

To one with a coiled towel on her hair

To proudly showing her two front teeth

Her charm will drive you to your death.

From yoga stance from bed to floor

To a drunken walk towards the door

To a grin that wrinkles her nose

Seeing them you will never ever doze.

From a perplexed stare at grass so green

To gazing at balloons flying to the beams

To wearing a new dress Mommy sewed

Forever to these photos you will be glued.

What more I ask if in person I see

Hug, kiss and cuddle this amazing baby?

My heart will leap I imagine it to be so

For my granddaughter is irresistible and true.

By: Bernie B. Julve

12 April 2012, South Western Canadian Skies

---

And here's a picture countdown of Caitlin Audrey's first 12 months.

0. Day 2 at the hospital.

1 month. Wearing the kimono I sewed her.

2 months. Smiling, happy baby.

3 months. Bringing her hands together for the first time.

4 months. Sitting on her own.

5 months. She found her feet.

6 months. Peek-a-boo.

 

7 months. Standing on her crib.

8 months. Happily eating her greens.

9 months. Rocking the froufrou onesie with matching headband that I sewed her.

 

10 months. Ears pierced.

 

11 months. Stroll in the park.

12 months. April 19, 2012. Sick with thrush. =(

- Mommy Smiley