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
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Banning gadgets for my toddler
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
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
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
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
B is for Bath Time and Brushing of Teeth
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Monday, January 7, 2013
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
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
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas
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.
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.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
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
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
Monday, December 3, 2012
I love Christmas! =)
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
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
Thursday, November 22, 2012
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. |
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Happy Halloween
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
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