The contest period is over, and I've drawn a winner tonight! I couldn't turn the home lighting on, as it's bedtime already for the little girl, but I had to get this done no matter what. Anyway, it is nobody else but Jengki. She won her very own exclusive PB subdomain. :) There's another round for December and January so, for those who would want to take part, just head to the forum for more details.
This is Erin's doll, Hope. She was given to her on her first birthday last March. Hope can say her bedtime prayer (and too loudly if I may add!) whenever you put her hands together, which is probably the reason why the little girl is scared of her. She won't even touch the thing! LOL.
A fellow n@wie will be holding another one of her breastfeeding classes in Manila this weekend. Details are as follows:
What: Breastfeeding 303 Class
When: Saturday, November 29, 2008 (1-3 PM)
Where: 6/f Classica Tower, H.V. Dela Costa St, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines
Topics include: toddler breastfeeding, attachment parenting, tandem feeding, toddler breastfeeding, and nutrition, etc.
If interested to join, register name & age of baby to (63)9228292268. Breastfeeding club members attend for free. Non members can register for P500 for a couple (mom & dad or mom & yaya).
I just realised that Christmas is only four freaking weeks away. Had I not peeked into that catalogue, it would not have dawned on me that I really must get off of my butt and start doing something Christmas-y.
I made a little progress with the tree today though. I managed to push around and rearrange some of our furniture in the lounge to make way for the six-foot tree. That got me tired because there was no one to help me, so I am postponing to get the tree out of the box to tomorrow. Baby steps!
On other things, the shopping list has not been drawn yet. The paper is still blank, and the list unwritten. Apart from brainstorming for ideas on what to get people, I reckon it's the total amount of all these gifts that's also hindering me from doing it. I just might faint at the sum required, but at times like these, we have no choice but to turn a blind eye on these things. Ah yes, truly trying times for all of of us!
I just ordered Ikea's 2009 catalogue. Since they have no store outlet here in the ACT, I will just have to be satisfied with browsing through their catalogue. *sigh* I wish they will set up shop here as well so we don't have to drive all the way to Sydney just to purchase their stuff. Ikea, Ikea.. when will you be mine?
It's going to be one helluva mission, as it is not particularly easy, with Erin craving for attention every now and then. But more importantly, I have to find THE space where I can put up the tree. I've tried moving around stuff in my mind yesterday, but am still unsuccessful as to how I'll rearrange them to fit the tree in. Maybe the bar stools will have to go, but my main problem really is keeping the tree safe from Erin's prying little hands. Gosh, what a dilemma. I'll update later on, hopefully with pictures. Wish me luck!
I am in the hunt for Santa suits for the little girl to wear this year. I saw this one at Target, but was too costly for me at AUD20 a set. I am not willing to spend that much for a dress that's only going to be worn once! :(
Anyway, speaking of Santa, we saw him at Woden Westfield yesterday, and was so keen to have Erin's picture taken with him because the little girl seemed pretty excited and wanted to go near him. But when the big moment arrive, Erin held her ground and did not budge an inch. When I tried to place her on Santa's lap, she just screamed! And it didn't help either that Santa was not so friendly, and did not even help to calm the frightened toddler at all. Oh well.. maybe next year, Erin will be more cooperative, and Santa will be jollier.
You Are 68% Ready to Be a Parent |
 You are mostly ready to be a parent, though you could be better prepared. If you had a kid tomorrow, things might be difficult at first - but you could pull through. You don't have to be an ideal parent, but if your life was in better order, it would help. Make yourself a plan of how you'll raise and pay for a kid. You'll feel better if you have all your ducks in a row. If you're already a parent, you're probably doing a good job. Even if things aren't perfect, you're making the best of it. |
I missed out on last weekend's hunt. I was so busy last Saturday with errands, that I completely forgot all about it. Something tells me I need a little memory upgrade. LOL.
But I am definitely back with an entry this time. This week's theme is multicolored toys. And I present to you Erin's plastic links.
We bought this for her a couple of months ago to keep her busy. And my, oh my, she disentangle this bunch all on her own. She loves to chew on them as well, since she's still teething and there's so many different types of textures these links have.
I was tagged by Chris! Thanks a lot. :)
Here are the rules:
1. Each blogger must post these rules.
2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Bloggers that are tagged need to write ten facts about themselves. You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and also to read your blog.
10 Random facts/habits about me.
1. I can stay in front of the computer and surf the internet all day.
2. My little girl Erin is a miracle baby, as I have endometriosis and was worried that I would not be able to have children the natural way.
3. I love my books, though lately I can't seem to have the time to go back to my reading.
4. I love researching on the internet, and writing about them on my blogs.
5. I have been a stay-at-home mother for almost two years now, but have been unemployed since our wedding in December 2005. I do miss working!
6. I am an Occupational Therapist by profession.
7. I have recently found a new love with photography. It's my new hobby.
8. My favorite subject in my photos is my little girl, and I like to photograph details of any inanimate object. I am pining for a macro lens as well!
9. I enjoy doing the laundry but hate ironing the clothes.
10. I am learning how to drive on the left side of the road at the moment, and so far, I reckon, I am getting the hang of it!
Oh boy, now I am to tag ten people! Let's see. How about Jigi, Jeng, Era, Joey, Badet, Earth, Mina, Marites, Pat and Mari. Phew! :)
So have you drawn your shopping list already for this Christmas? It's a rather pretty daunting task (especially when you get to think about the number of people you have to give to), which is why I am still postponing the darn thing.
Don't get me wrong. I loooove shopping. It is just the task of finding out what to get so-and-so for Christmas that bugs me. If only it was just a toss up between a Sony Vaio or an MP3 player, then my life would be easier. But I have not the faintest idea at this time, and I have got to start somewhere. I guess I really have to sit down on it, both literally and figuratively speaking. Ugh, no fun!
The little girl turns 20 months today, and as always, I get a little reminder in my inbox about what to expect from my kid from Babycenter. My goodness! This bit here was just spot on!
Aggressive behaviour
Small children frequently resort to hitting, pushing, biting, tugging, or any variety of other frowned-upon actions, sometimes to make themselves feel more important, but also to experiment: What happens when I hit Katy? Will the same thing happen when I hit Jamie? Don't overreact to your toddler's behaviour. If you retaliate by hitting, it teaches that hitting is acceptable. Calmly make clear that such actions are never acceptable -- no matter how intense his feelings.
Goodness me! I just checked our calendar and within a fortnight's time, it'll already be December, and I have not even yet the faintest idea as to where to put our 6-foot tree, especially with a toddler to consider. I am at wit's end really and that is probably why I keep putting it off until the last minute.
There's not really much time left as we've got parties to attend to almost every weekend (greatly considering the best diet pills here), and we are planning to repaint the house as soon as hubby get's his break from work. We are also expecting some friends from out of town to drop by for a visit. Gosh, just thinking about it is making my head spin.
Your Holiday Personality is Hyper |
 Any holiday activity is well suited to you - as long as you keep moving. Shop everywhere and anywhere. Create your own holiday cards. Make everyone on a your list a custom stocking of goodies! |
Gosh, I am so tempted right now to go to the shops and buy something... anything! There are massive sales going on, and you cen get so much at a bargain prices. In fact, every retailer now is offering no deposits, no repayment schemes for at least a year! Now how do you suppose can you say no to that?
I know, I know. Times are tough these days and we cannot afford to be extravagant in our expenses. In fact, I should even find more ways of earning more moolah (maybe even give online trading a go), for the rainy days. I hope hubby will be more in control of himself when it comes to shopping, because I definitely won't be able to guarantee myself! :P
The little girl is not so little anymore. In fact, we can strike a small conversation with her (well, sort of). But what I am concerned at the moment is if she is ready for potty training at this time. I know it can be a rather long and daunting process so I've armed myself with information once again by scouring the web (as usual).
Erin will be 20 months old in a couple of weeks, and it might be a bit too early to get her into potty training. But when is right time to start training your toddler?
I was so glad to discover this readiness checklist from BabyCenter. Here's what you might want to look out for, once you're considering toilet training your kid.
Physical signsIs coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily. Urinates a fair amount at one time. Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times. Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine. Behavioral signs
Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes. Can pull his pants up and down. Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper. Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear. Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you. Demonstrates a desire for independence. Takes pride in his accomplishments. Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet. Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.
Cognitive signsCan follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy." Understands the value of putting things where they belong. Has words for urine and stool. Understands the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty.
Hubby and I are taking the first few steps in renovating our home. One of our concerns at the moment is to replace the heavy curtains that came with the house with blinds, as we feel that the wonderful view that we have of the hills and mountains are not really taken advantage of with those curtains totally blocking the view. So we are going out today to check out some blinds suppliers, and see what's available out there. During the Christmas break, we're also thinking of repainting our walls, and see if there is any need to replace other fixtures like industrial knobs.
There are so many things we'd like to do, and yet it feels a bit daunting. But I reckon, we'll get all of them done, and soon, I hope! :)
Did you know that...
A record number of babies were born last year - 285,200 - surpassing the previous record set in 1971 of 276,400, official figures show.
~ The Age
There's a health awareness campaign at the moment here in Oz, which encourages all Aussies to Measure Up. The TV ad sure has been successful in making me feel guilty sometimes about the way we eat. I do try as much healthy cooking as I can, but sometimes it is so hard not to give in to all the junkfood out there, especially when you are craving for some burger and chips. As for the little girl, we are stricter, and that we are proud of.
Anyway, here's the ad I was talking about. I hope it strikes a chord in you, much the way it did for me.
Yep, I reckon the Americans did good in electing their first ever Black president. I have seen him make his victory speech several times on TV and things are looking promising for the American people. But it's just sad that as early as now, his detractors are already making the move on him. Talks about impeachment and assassinations are on the news and he's not even been sworn in yet as President. I guess you can never ever really please people, no matter how hard you try, eh? Mr. Obama sure has his work cut out for him, and the only thing I am wishing him right now is luck because he'll certainly need it.
Well, financial crisis or not, I reckon we still must be wiser in the way we spend our hard earned cash. The future is as predictable as ever so we must always have a little something tucked away just in case the need arises. We have newer priorities here at home, and most of them are related to renovating our home in so many different ways. So, we're cutting on extra costs like health insurance (which is not really a necessity with the kind of health care system here in Oz), and probably looking for cheap auto insurance. It's not easy, but in the long run, it'll be all worth it.
The Pinoy Parenting Blog Carnival is up once again with a new topic: Picky Eaters. This time, Jenny is our host. If you are interested in joining, there are a few guide questions on Jenny's blog to help you get started on your article. Check them out here. Articles must be submitted on or before the 10th of November. The round-up will be posted on the 14th.
I already did an entry on this some months ago. You can check it out here.
