Baby Toys

When I became a mother, I learned that motherhood is a continuous process. I learn more everyday. My daughter is almost 3 years old now, but still I am trying to learn different skills about being a good mother. I think I am lucky because I am a stay at home mother. I was able to see my daughter growing up. I was there to witness all the milestones of her growing years. I know that some mothers are not lucky enough to devote their time with their kids because of the demands of their professional careers and because some of them has to work for a living.

I consider my daughter very lucky to be born here in the USA with all the comforts that are reachable. As an only child, she has abundance of everything, from clothes, to gadgets, to toys and everything else. As much as possible, we buy toys that enhances mind development.

There are many sellers of toys for kids that sells Lilliputiens. Lilliputiens toys are known for its unsurpassed quality and longevity. They have products that help to stimulate a child's curiosity, agility and senses. Lilliputiens unique toys challenges a child at several stages of development. If you are looking for quality toys for your babies, check out the products offered by the French toy manufacturer - Lilliputiens.

Family Addition

When a family expects a new addition, there is always stress. Stress in the sense that the expectant parents are both too anxious to make everything perfect. It is true that expecting a child can be an overwhelming experience not just for the parents but for the whole family. The expectant mother is usually the one that has to deal with all the worries. The worries of an expectant mother ranges from ensuring a healthy pregnancy to a successful delivery to a healthy baby and a perfect baby nursery!

Creating a beautiful nursery to our little one can be a lot of work. But thanks to Unique Baby Gear Ideas, having a beautiful nursery can be possible with less stress. In this website, expectant parents can find best nursery themes, unique baby nursery ideas and baby gear. One of my favorites in their nursery themes is the Ocean and Beach Baby Room Themes. This website never runs out of baby nursery ideas, so there is always something new for expectant parents.

As I always tell my friends, when it comes to our babies, safety is our number one priority. I advice new parents to invest in a good and reliable car seat and baby gears as this will not only help develop the growth of our baby but to ensure that they are well protected.

Childproofing your Homes

Part of responsible parenthood is childproofing your homes. When the child reaches to an age where he or she can move and reach anything it is time to childproof your homes to prevent accidents to happen.

There are plenty of products offered by Safety 1st, KidCo, Evenflo, Mommy's Helper and more that offers safety for your kids. Products such as baby gates, child safety locks, outlet covers, cabinet locks, window guards and much more are available everywhere to help childproof your homes.

Childproofing is very important that is why KidSafe offers online selection of high quality baby proofing products. As a mother myself, I always practice "safety first" with my daughter. I make sure that all our cabinets have safety locks and all hazardous items are beyond her reach. I admit that sometimes there are little things that she can get into that is why childproofing is an everyday routine for me.

Raising a child is a daily learning experience for me that is why I always read child safety tips. I am just glad that I found valuable information and safety tips from KidSafe. If you want to learn some tips from them visit them today or check KidSafe Blog to learn about child safety issues. You can also check their updates in Facebook and Twitter.

Thumb Sucking

I am lucky that Andrea doesn't thumb suck. She didn't like pacifier either. When Andrea was 6 months old, we decided to give her pacifier because we were preparing for her first airplane travel. We thought that it will help her ease the pressure in her ears while flying.

We never wean her with the pacifier. She just suddenly stopped using it. I know we got lucky on this.

Anyway, I have a niece who is now 3 years old and still sucks her thumb. Thus it prompts me to research about thumb sucking.

--------------
Thumb-sucking is normal in babies and young children. A natural sucking instinct leads some babies to suck their thumbs during their first few months of life, or even before birth. Babies may also suck on their fingers, hands, or items such as pacifiers. Babies have a natural urge to suck, which usually decreases after the age of 6 months. But many babies continue to suck their thumbs to soothe themselves. Thumb-sucking can become a habit in babies and young children who use it to comfort themselves when they feel hungry, afraid, restless, quiet, sleepy, or bored. Most infants suck their thumbs. Toddlers suck their thumbs too. Little by little, most children stop on their own between ages 3 and 6.

Prolonged thumb-sucking may cause a child to develop dental problems. Thumb-sucking can cause a child's teeth to become improperly aligned (malocclusion) or push the teeth outward, sometimes malforming the roof (upper palate) of the mouth. A child may also develop speech problems, including mispronouncing Ts and Ds, lisping, and thrusting out the tongue when talking.

Many experts have said to ignore thumb sucking in a child who is of preschool age or younger. Most children do stop sucking on their own. However, children who suck their thumb may need treatment when they are pulling on their hair between 12-24 months of age, continue sucking a thumb often after age 5 or even if they develop speech or dental problems.

Usually treatment can be done at home and it can include parents setting rules to help provide distractions. Offering praise and rewards for not thumb-sucking may also help your child break the habit.

Source: WebMD

Well Baby Check-up @ 18 months

Andrea is already 18 months and we went to see her pediatrician today for her well baby check up at 18 months. Everything is great. The pediatrician said she is marvelous (health-wise). She now weighs 24lbs and 6 oz. Her height is 30 1/2 inches. The doctor said that her weight is perfect for her age but below normal with her height. Oh well.... what can she expect her mother is Filipino so as most Filipinos, I am height challenged! Her sister Mischa is also small, so I think Andrea will not be a tall lady like her daddy. I am not worried about the height because as I say, she has the genes of being short.

Andrea does not like doctors, when she saw the stethoscope she started crying. We have to pin her down just to let the doctor check her. She screams and kicks (which, she is really good at!). When the nurse came for her shots, she just wail like no other baby can do it! She had two shots today. If she has no health problems (God forbid!), she will see her pediatrician again in 6 months. That will be in time for her to be 2 years old.

Since Dave is working, Mom is our chauffeur (as always!).... Thanks a lot Mom!

Comforts Brand Firefly

As a mother myself, I know the benefits of breastfeeding. Although I was not able to breastfed my daughter because of some health issues, I did my part in making sure that she can have my breastmilk. I diligently pumped (using electric breast pump) my milk and store it in a breastmilk container and bring it everyday to the hospital so that my daughter can have it. It was an extra effort and I was not able to enjoy the mother-daughter bond while breastfeeding but I felt satisfaction because I did my best to make sure that my daughter can have my breastmilk.

As much as I am pro-breastfeeding, I don't condone those mothers that opt to use infant formula. Infant formulas such as Comforts for Baby contains all the essential ingredients that must be in infant formula as dictated by the FDA and required by the Infant Formula Act. Comforts for Baby infant formula contains the lipids DHA and ARA, which are associated with infant mental and visual development. It is fortified with iron and contains all the vitamins, minerals.

Comforts is running a contest of naming its brand firefly. Visit its website www.comfortsforbaby.com and join the contest. If your entry will be chosen for their mascot's name, your child will win $10,000 college scholarship. I already joined and I named the firefly Jolly Bugsy. What do you think is the perfect name of the Comforts Brand Firefly? Log your entry today. The contest will end on July 31, 2009.

Cost of Premature Baby

I read in CNN.com, Study: Average preemie costs $49,000 in first year! For the complete article visit this page.

I know how costly it is when you have a premature baby. Andrea was a premature baby. She was born 4lbs 12oz at 34 weeks. She spent almost 2 months in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Thank God we have insurance that covered most of the costs. If not for the insurance I don't know where we will get hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay the bill. Yes! the bill was hundreds of thousands! When I saw our bill I was in the state of "shock"... I was like holy cow!!!!

Thankfully Andrea grow up to be a healthy baby. You really can't see that she was premature. Althought at first Andrea needed a lot of care because of her health conditions but now she is just like any ordinary baby.

Picture of Andrea in NICU the day she was born

Result of Post Op Check

Andrea's post op check went well. Her surgery looks great. I was advice that, should she have drainage I should give her the antibiotic they prescribe. If the drainage last more than a week then I need to see them back, otherwise, we will be back in a year for her annual check up.

I asked them if Andrea is permitted to travel by air, and their reply is no problem. Hmmm that means, if we decide to visit Menmen in New Jersey this summer we can since Andrea is okay to travel by air.... Hmmmm .... this sounds good! I am sure if we decide to visit Menmen, we will have a great time in NJ.

My Arms are Sore!

It has been a long day yesterday! Andrea is not feeling good. She has slight fever and she slobbers a lot! Maybe she is breaking another teeth.

When Andrea is sick, she wants to be held all the time. So, being the "ulirang ina", I hold her and use my dancing and singing talents. She didn't have those long and very sound sleeping moments, instead when I try to put her down she would wake up. I ended up having sore arms because Andrea is heavy. When this happens to me, where Andrea needs my full attention, I keep on saying... how could Nadya Suleman ever take care of those kids.... Having one is a fulltime job, how much more 8?

Anyway, I am glad that even if Andrea is sick she still don't turn down food... Although she doesn't like drinking pedialyte at least i have some clementines for her to eat... and let her have some fluids in her body.

Chocolate Milk

We gave Andrea treats. When she is so good we always reward her. One of her favorite treats is the chocolate milk. She is so funny when you give her chocolate milk. When she sees me holding the chocolate milk she is so happy and extends her hands towards the chocolate milk. It is a wonder though that she drinks cold chocolate milk. She prefers her regular milk to be warm.

Some of her treats are : sugar free pudding, sugar free apple sauce, yogurt, and her very famous baby biscuits. I tried to give her fruits as part of her daily food intake so I think fruits does not count as treats anymore. She is never picky with her foods and I hope she continues to be the same until she grows up.

MagIQ DVD

I couldn't believe how much Andrea loves her DVD. Whenever she wants to watch it, she keeps on pointing to our TV.

Yesterday, she keeps on pointing to the tv, so I put a movie for her. I put on Shrek. When she saw it, she was not satisfied, she still keeps on pointing. I know what she wants but I was just giving her options... hahah and it didn't work.

I put her DVD and she was happy. She was giggling even before it starts. It is a delight to watch her watching her DVD. She learns to imitate what is in the DVD. She dances with the music and she can watch it from start to finish even if it is everyday. I have seen the DVD so many times that I even know the lyrics of the songs there. As long as my girl enjoys, she can watch her DVD....

Andrea's Ear Tube Surgery

We woke up early today because Andrea's schedule was at 6:45. Actually we only have like 2 hours sleep. All of us couldn't sleep, even Andrea. We are dreading this day.

We arrived at Children's South Hospital around 6:13 we are early. We registered and waited for our appointment.

When Andrea's name was called, we went to the triage room for her vital statistics, then we waited in the room assigned to her for further instructions. There the nurse assigned to her and the anestheosiogist came and explain to us everything about the procedure. After all the explainations, we felt comfortable. A few minutes later Andrea was wheeled ( she was in the cart... playing) to the operating room.

Before we knew it, the doctor went to our room (while we were having coffee... refreshments were free) and announced that everything is great and that it is done! Wow !!!! that was so quick.

Andrea was brought to us by the nurse and we stayed in the room for few minutes then we were allowed to come home.

We are so proud of Andrea. She was doing so good. She didn't fuss at all. When we got home she was ready to eat and play, although I have to stop her from playing because of doctor's advice. So far she is doing so great!

Mom and Dan were there with us too for Andrea's surgery. Thanks to you both! And of course I am thankful to God that everything went well.

Pictures taken before Andrea's surgery:

Andrea at the lobby

Meeting a new friend

Triage Room, nurse taking Andrea's vital stats

Andrea's recovery room

Inside the recovery room

Ear Tube Surgery (Schedule)

I woke up early today to wait for the call from the Anesthesia department of the Children's South Hospital. When I scheduled Andrea's ear tube surgery weeks ago, they told me that someone from the anesthesia department will call me for some kind of briefing before the surgery.

Andrea is not allowed to have solid food after midnight. From midnight to 4:30 in the morning she is only allowed a clear liquid diet. She can drink apple juice, pear juice, or pedialyte. She should not have anything after 4:30am. We need to be at the hospital at 6:45am. She will be given an anesthesia, and she will be in different machines to monitor her vital statistics while undergoing the surgery. When she wakes up, she will be placed in the recovery room for at least 20minutes and then she will be allowed to come home.

I know this is an ordinary procedure here in the USA but I couldn't help but worry about my girl. I am praying that everything will be smooth and no problems at all. Guys, pray for my girl!

Teeth

Evert little development of my baby girl Andrea always excites me. I have watched my girl grew up and I am not exchanging it for anything in this world. I have seen her from the tiny little one who was in the NICU incubator for more than a month to a bubbling, energetic, funny and full of character little girl.

I admit there are times that I get frustrated with her but everytime she gives me a hug or a kiss it never fail to give me a smile.

Anyway, yesterday I discovered that Andrea has new teeth in her upper gums. Yeheyyy! she got five now...lol I am sure the other side will follow soon.

Sometimes, It is just pitiful when Andrea is teething because she is not in her best of moods and she slobbers a lot. That is why, I am always glad when the teeth will show up already because that means less pain for my little girl.

Some pics of Andrea a while back proudly showing her teeth

Andrea's perfect smile

The accusing finger

The protesting mouth

Alex and Andrea wanting to be heard

DVDs... anyone???

Andrea got so busy last night. She was working so hard! We just let her have some fun. After seeing what she have accomplished, we decided to put away all our DVDs. She was just so cute messing our DVDs and she really had fun doing it.

Before, she gets the DVD one by one and she usually just get two rows. But last night, she got most of the rows and just get a handful and throw it in the floor.

Of course, what is the use of the camera if you can't capture those moments.

Andrea's First Halloween!

Dave has been on vacation since yesterday. That means we will have time to bring Andrea to her Nana's and celebrate her first halloween and of course her first trick and treat.

I am glad it was not very cold today. I was able to dress up Andrea as a Fairy Witch. I admit the outfit looks really pretty on her. Hahah perhaps I am just being a Mom praising her own baby. We did go to two houses for trick and treating today and then we went to Dave's office to help Payton and then we went grocery shopping and rent movies.

It was a wonderful day for all of us. Andrea was in her best of moods. She didn't even have a long nap today but she was enjoying the day. Perhaps she enjoyed her outfit and her favorite hat!

For being such a wonderful baby all day, Andrea deserved a treat! We gave her GRAPES... sorry no candies... the candies are for mommy!

Getting ready for her First Halloween

------------------

With Linda, Andrea first treak and treat

Second House

Fellow trick and treater

Shopping @ Publix

Ear Infection Re-Check

Two weeks ago, Andrea was diagnosed with ear infection in her right ear. The doctor gave her Antibiotic and Ear drops for 10 days and she wanted to recheck the infection in two weeks and that is today.

The doctor checked Andrea's ear and she said that the ear canal looks very tender and swollen still. She gave another prescription of ear drops and decided to send Andrea to EENT Specialist. Andrea will see the EENT Specialist next week.

Teeth.... Finally!

We know that there are babies that wont have their teeth until they are a year old. We believe that Andrea is one of those babies.

Actually, we have been saying that Andrea is teething since she was 5 months old. All these months we have been saying that since she really shows a lot of signs of baby teething.

All of a sudden, last night when I touched Andrea's gum I can feel the sharp teeth already. Wow finally, after more than 5 months of waiting she already have teeth starting to come out. Of course she is not feeling good. I am sure her gums is hurting. Good thing there is temporary relief of her pain. Thanks to the teething tablets and orajel!

Ear Infection

Few hours after our emergency room trip, we visited Dr. Goldsmith for Andrea's scheduled check-up.

The doctor examined Andrea and told us that she has ear infection in her right ear. She then required for Andrea to have blood work and xray just to make sure that there is nothing more that causes her fever. Lab results are all okay. She gave Andrea a prescription for antibiotic and gave us ear drops which is good for 10 days. She wants to have a follow-up check-up in two weeks.

At least now, we know what causes Andrea's high fever. The good thing too is all the lab work is okay and that it is only her right ear that has infection.

By the way, we told Dr. Goldsmith about our trip to the emergency room, she advised us that in case we ever bring Andrea to the emergency room in the future, we should go directly to the Children's Hospital. St. Vincent's doesn't have a pediatrician on duty at night in their emergency room that is why she advised that we should go directly to Children's Hospital.

After our doctor's appointment, we went to publix to fill Andrea's prescription. Amoxicillin is free at publix, they just need the doctor's prescription. Hmmm we got Andrea's medicine for free today. One from the doctor's office and one from Publix... not bad!!!!

A Trip to the Emergency Room

Andrea has been running high fever since Sunday night. The whole day Monday she still has high fever which is surprising because she never had a fever that lasts this long and this high. At around 4pm Monday, Dave called Andrea's pediatrician's office for an appointment. They gave us appointment Tuesday 9:45am.

All day Monday Andrea is really sick. She doesn't want her milk. At least though, she eats banana and any food that I gave her. She drinks her water and juice too, so i was not concern of her being dehydrated.

Monday night, Andrea's fever went higher and the tylenol dose only helps her for an hour or two and her fever goes back up again.

Tuesday 1:00am Andrea's fever reached 103.6. I gave her sponge bath but still the fever didn't went down. Andrea got red on her cheeks, ears and has baggy eyes so Dave decided to bring her to the emergency room at St. Vincents Birmingham.

We got to the emergency room and Andrea seems to feel better. We waited there for more than an hour before we got to a room and when the doctor went to our room he explained to us about the tylenol and ibufropen (motrin) on its dosage and time interval. We told him on our appt at 9:45 that morning with Andrea's pediatrician. The doctor decided that we just need to control Andrea's fever and let her pediatrician decide on Andrea's case. He gave Andrea a dose of Motrin. We sign the papers and went to discharge and went home. We will just wait for a couple of hours to see Dr. Goldsmith, Andrea's pediatrician.

My thoughts, it seems like it was just a waste for us going to the emergency room since the only thing they do is gave Andrea a Motrin. I was joking, if I have only known, we could just bought Motrin in Walmart and gave it to her and save us from a trip to the emergency room.