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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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