How to get Iz to sleep early? I have calculated his total sleep hours and it isn't enough for a boy his age cos he sleeps around 11pm and have to wake up around 7.30am for his kindi. His afternoon nap is around 2-4pm in Funcity.
I usually bring him up to bed around 9.30-10pm, after his milktime in front of the tv... but he will play around on the bed lah... talk and talk by himself lahh...while i would have just fallen asleep already! Sometimes he would sleep around 11pm, it means it takes around 1 hour for him to settle down!
NOW, i have managed to "negotiate" with him to sleep early! Here is how the negotiation goes:
"Isaac, if u sleep early, then u can wake up early and see mommy!"
"...if u wake up late, then mommy have to go to work already, then nobody is upstairs!"
SO, OK! I hope it works!!! of course when he gets up early, I will praise him and say:
"See, u wake up early, and mommy is still here lo!"
Both will then be happily smiling!
My next task is to make sure he doesn't always cry when he wakes up, which he doesn't when he sees me around, and I have to "pau-pau" him....
Sunday 29 March 2009
Thursday 26 March 2009
Bonding with your baby
Baby - Bonding With Your Baby
By Margaret Saunders
Not all parents bond instantly with their babies. That feeling that you want to hold and love and protect your bay is instinctive. But bonding is a little more than that. Bonding is about developing a bond between a baby and their primary carers. Both Mum and Dad will likely develop this special bond. Babies who develop strong relationships with their parents are much more likely to perform better at school, grow into secure well-adjusted adults and have much higher self esteem and confidence levels. Bonding is a natural process but there are some ways you can help out.
Touch:
A baby's first communication is via touch, so hold your baby close, allow them to lay on your tummy as you lie on your bed or a comfy sofa. Or you could carry your baby in a sling and get on with your work and day.
Eye Contact:
Always look at your baby's face and eyes as you talk to them. This shows them that you are completely focussed on them as you are talking. Use vivid facial expressions. Your baby will then learn the subtle facial expressions that make up 80% of our communication.
Massage:
Massage is one of the most relaxing and pleasurable ways of touching your baby and a way of promoting physical and mental growth as well as a strong parent-baby bond. Studies have shown that Baby Massage helps circulation and can help your baby's intellectual development as well. Some very young babies shy away from excessive contact. Just do what you can and if they protest try again another day.
Singing:
No matter if you can sing or not, your baby will not judge you. They just love the sound of your calm serenading voice. Popular nursery rhymes and children's songs often have a rhythm that is enjoyed by most babies. By singing and talking to your baby a lot, over time they will naturally learn the language as well. And this is a great way of soothing your baby and helping them to fall asleep.
Talk:
Talk, talk, talk! Just tell your baby about everything you are doing. Chores may seem a chore for you, but for baby EVERYTHING is new and very exciting. Although your baby may not understand what you are saying your baby will love to hear you chatting away about what you are doing, whether it is changing her nappy, or whatever. Baby will gain confidence from the fact that you are always near, even if the household chores need to be done. Tell them that you love them many times every day. Hugs and kisses are also so very popular with older babies. Just watch those lovely smiles light up their faces when you do this.
Bath Time:
This is a great bonding time for many babies. Most babies love the feeling of being immersed in lovely warm water and being gently washed all over. For the more unsettled bathers, you can try calmly singing to them to stay calm. Bath time relaxation and bonding can also form a great part of your bay sleep routine.
Slow Down
Life is getting faster and faster, but slow and steady is best for baby. Stop and spend time with your baby. Relax and enjoy yourself. Babies are the most forgiving little beings on earth. Your baby will love you no matter what. Whatever you do, stay relaxed and enjoy the experience Be assured in the knowledge that you are doing a great job as a parent. A wise person once stated, "The best you can do, is the best you can do, and that is enough."
Margaret Saunders is an enthusiastic mom of two and is a parent expert and specialist. Her website http://www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions.com.au/BabySleepsNow offers solutions on how to get your baby to sleep and other baby issues. Her Free E-Book "Baby Massage - The gift of love" is jam packed with tips and techniques for giving your baby a massage and other baby and toddler resources. Subscribe for FREE http://www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions.com.au/BabySleepsNow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Saunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby---Bonding-With-Your-Baby&id=2099834
By Margaret Saunders
Not all parents bond instantly with their babies. That feeling that you want to hold and love and protect your bay is instinctive. But bonding is a little more than that. Bonding is about developing a bond between a baby and their primary carers. Both Mum and Dad will likely develop this special bond. Babies who develop strong relationships with their parents are much more likely to perform better at school, grow into secure well-adjusted adults and have much higher self esteem and confidence levels. Bonding is a natural process but there are some ways you can help out.
Touch:
A baby's first communication is via touch, so hold your baby close, allow them to lay on your tummy as you lie on your bed or a comfy sofa. Or you could carry your baby in a sling and get on with your work and day.
Eye Contact:
Always look at your baby's face and eyes as you talk to them. This shows them that you are completely focussed on them as you are talking. Use vivid facial expressions. Your baby will then learn the subtle facial expressions that make up 80% of our communication.
Massage:
Massage is one of the most relaxing and pleasurable ways of touching your baby and a way of promoting physical and mental growth as well as a strong parent-baby bond. Studies have shown that Baby Massage helps circulation and can help your baby's intellectual development as well. Some very young babies shy away from excessive contact. Just do what you can and if they protest try again another day.
Singing:
No matter if you can sing or not, your baby will not judge you. They just love the sound of your calm serenading voice. Popular nursery rhymes and children's songs often have a rhythm that is enjoyed by most babies. By singing and talking to your baby a lot, over time they will naturally learn the language as well. And this is a great way of soothing your baby and helping them to fall asleep.
Talk:
Talk, talk, talk! Just tell your baby about everything you are doing. Chores may seem a chore for you, but for baby EVERYTHING is new and very exciting. Although your baby may not understand what you are saying your baby will love to hear you chatting away about what you are doing, whether it is changing her nappy, or whatever. Baby will gain confidence from the fact that you are always near, even if the household chores need to be done. Tell them that you love them many times every day. Hugs and kisses are also so very popular with older babies. Just watch those lovely smiles light up their faces when you do this.
Bath Time:
This is a great bonding time for many babies. Most babies love the feeling of being immersed in lovely warm water and being gently washed all over. For the more unsettled bathers, you can try calmly singing to them to stay calm. Bath time relaxation and bonding can also form a great part of your bay sleep routine.
Slow Down
Life is getting faster and faster, but slow and steady is best for baby. Stop and spend time with your baby. Relax and enjoy yourself. Babies are the most forgiving little beings on earth. Your baby will love you no matter what. Whatever you do, stay relaxed and enjoy the experience Be assured in the knowledge that you are doing a great job as a parent. A wise person once stated, "The best you can do, is the best you can do, and that is enough."
Margaret Saunders is an enthusiastic mom of two and is a parent expert and specialist. Her website http://www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions.com.au/BabySleepsNow offers solutions on how to get your baby to sleep and other baby issues. Her Free E-Book "Baby Massage - The gift of love" is jam packed with tips and techniques for giving your baby a massage and other baby and toddler resources. Subscribe for FREE http://www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions.com.au/BabySleepsNow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Saunders
http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby---Bonding-With-Your-Baby&id=2099834
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Chinese Confinement Do's & Don'ts...
1. Do breasfeed your bb
Its the best you can give, really!
2. Do eat more fruits & vege
Not the cooling type like papaya, apples, grapes, pumpkin & banana
No watermelons, or cabbages...
3. Do keep warm
Dress like an eskimo! hahah... get your feet covered, maybe your head if you think there is wind blowing around you.
But don't overdress in case you get heat stroke worr...
4. Do drink boiled water with red dates
This is my favourite drink, and if I have the time, I will still boil it to drink!
It helps to dispel wind and promote blood circulation, help in promoting appetite and thirst.
5. Do rest well
Yes, just lie down straight and don't do anything whenever possible. It helps to rest your spine and promotes healing. I didn't rest well, and that was why I was still having lochia discharge till 2 mths! Imagine having period for such a long time, and it was playing hide-n-seek with me!
6. DON'T take too much ginger or overeat
Being overweight is not my problem cos I was breastfeeding and I needed the extra calories! But too much ginger they say will contribute to the baby having jaundice if you breastfeed worr...
Also, if you had a ceasarean, then the wound wouldn't heal nicely if you had too much ginger.
7. DON'T stand up eating or drinking
...or even lying down immediately, cos i thought i heard the water which i drank running around in my "loose tummy". They say that after childbirth, the organs have not yet resumed its original position and are still in a relaxation state.
8. DON'T be exposed to extreme cold
During my second post-pregnancy, I was more aware of the cold wind around and realised that the air-con cool air was better than getting the fan blowing.
There is no wind coming from the air-con,(make sure the fan speed was low), just cooling made it easier for me to rest without sweating like a pig.
9. DON'T wash your hair for... XXXX days
xxx depends on your ability to withstand the oil on your head! I actually waited for about 30 days!!! and after that, I got natural hair wax on my head!
The reason behind it is that the pores are still open and can cause "wind" to get into your body. This may result in bad headache later on... well, time will prove it!
10. DON'T bathe???
Can wipe with warm boiled water with herbs, and wipe dry immediately, then cover up the area to prevent wind from entering your open pores!
So I actually didn't shower, only wiped everyday with boiled herbal water.
11. DON'T carry heavy things...
that also means no "pau-pau" for isaac! he is about 12 kgs! and I purposely showed him my wounded abdomen to say that I can't carry him cos it is painful for me.
Also I explained that the doctor had to cut open my stomach to take "mei-mei" out, just like how they took him out last time. Only when i am well, then i can carry him.
Also, I can't carry as my stitches are recovering and my uterus have to return to its place properly.
12. DON'T read??
My mom-in-law said that reading will actually spoil your eyes! hmmm... i think it is because we tend to look very near at the baby, and continuously looking near like reading (books/ computer/tv)will cause our eyes to be tired, and short-sighted.
Let the eyes rest... unless u have a solid reason to read to get your mind right on track! read no. 13.
13. DON'T think negative thoughts!
aha... yes, our very powerful mind and thoughts will disturb you at times of confinement due to various reasons! for me it was because i wanted so badly to have a natural birth, but ended up having ceasarean again! it took me some time to get my mind back on track, and reading really helped me feel better. Overall, we must invite good thoughts and stop thinking about the bad ones.
Talk to others if u need.
Its the best you can give, really!
2. Do eat more fruits & vege
Not the cooling type like papaya, apples, grapes, pumpkin & banana
No watermelons, or cabbages...
3. Do keep warm
Dress like an eskimo! hahah... get your feet covered, maybe your head if you think there is wind blowing around you.
But don't overdress in case you get heat stroke worr...
4. Do drink boiled water with red dates
This is my favourite drink, and if I have the time, I will still boil it to drink!
It helps to dispel wind and promote blood circulation, help in promoting appetite and thirst.
5. Do rest well
Yes, just lie down straight and don't do anything whenever possible. It helps to rest your spine and promotes healing. I didn't rest well, and that was why I was still having lochia discharge till 2 mths! Imagine having period for such a long time, and it was playing hide-n-seek with me!
6. DON'T take too much ginger or overeat
Being overweight is not my problem cos I was breastfeeding and I needed the extra calories! But too much ginger they say will contribute to the baby having jaundice if you breastfeed worr...
Also, if you had a ceasarean, then the wound wouldn't heal nicely if you had too much ginger.
7. DON'T stand up eating or drinking
...or even lying down immediately, cos i thought i heard the water which i drank running around in my "loose tummy". They say that after childbirth, the organs have not yet resumed its original position and are still in a relaxation state.
8. DON'T be exposed to extreme cold
During my second post-pregnancy, I was more aware of the cold wind around and realised that the air-con cool air was better than getting the fan blowing.
There is no wind coming from the air-con,(make sure the fan speed was low), just cooling made it easier for me to rest without sweating like a pig.
9. DON'T wash your hair for... XXXX days
xxx depends on your ability to withstand the oil on your head! I actually waited for about 30 days!!! and after that, I got natural hair wax on my head!
The reason behind it is that the pores are still open and can cause "wind" to get into your body. This may result in bad headache later on... well, time will prove it!
10. DON'T bathe???
Can wipe with warm boiled water with herbs, and wipe dry immediately, then cover up the area to prevent wind from entering your open pores!
So I actually didn't shower, only wiped everyday with boiled herbal water.
11. DON'T carry heavy things...
that also means no "pau-pau" for isaac! he is about 12 kgs! and I purposely showed him my wounded abdomen to say that I can't carry him cos it is painful for me.
Also I explained that the doctor had to cut open my stomach to take "mei-mei" out, just like how they took him out last time. Only when i am well, then i can carry him.
Also, I can't carry as my stitches are recovering and my uterus have to return to its place properly.
12. DON'T read??
My mom-in-law said that reading will actually spoil your eyes! hmmm... i think it is because we tend to look very near at the baby, and continuously looking near like reading (books/ computer/tv)will cause our eyes to be tired, and short-sighted.
Let the eyes rest... unless u have a solid reason to read to get your mind right on track! read no. 13.
13. DON'T think negative thoughts!
aha... yes, our very powerful mind and thoughts will disturb you at times of confinement due to various reasons! for me it was because i wanted so badly to have a natural birth, but ended up having ceasarean again! it took me some time to get my mind back on track, and reading really helped me feel better. Overall, we must invite good thoughts and stop thinking about the bad ones.
Talk to others if u need.
Tuesday 24 March 2009
no more twitches
It was few days after amanda's birth that I noticed that her hands and legs would twitch, especially when she was drowsy and falling asleep. It would last from few seconds to 20 seconds the most (if you allow it by not adjusting to a more comfortable position).
I was so worried about it cos I haven't seen such things happening to my firstborn, Isaac or even to other people's baby. Why Amanda has it???
All I could do was to read about topics related to spasms, twitching... and even about infantile spasm (which scares me!). Consulted our local ped and he said that it should go off, latest in the 6th month. By then if it doesn't, we would need to send her to the hospital for observation! goshh... they have those wires connected to the poor baby here and there to confirm that it is not epileptic. Over the internet, there were some articles that say it happens because of lack of oxygen during delivery, resulting in the nervous system still not fully developed yet. In fact, a type of reflex called the moro reflex, whereby the baby would lift her 2 arms wide in shock, would actually help to build her nervous system. Therefore, we shouldn't be alarmed at the baby having the moro reflex and try to prevent it like constantly swaddling her or putting a rice bag on her tummy to make her "feel safe".
Interesting to find out about baby reflexes! It actually helps them!
The only solution is actually to PRAY really hard that it would go off, cos time would only tell if it is a serious problem or if it gets serious. I really thank God that now, Amanda is 3mths and it has gone off! it did! Praise God for hearing my prayers...
God is always there listening... we just need to sit down and pray....
I was so worried about it cos I haven't seen such things happening to my firstborn, Isaac or even to other people's baby. Why Amanda has it???
All I could do was to read about topics related to spasms, twitching... and even about infantile spasm (which scares me!). Consulted our local ped and he said that it should go off, latest in the 6th month. By then if it doesn't, we would need to send her to the hospital for observation! goshh... they have those wires connected to the poor baby here and there to confirm that it is not epileptic. Over the internet, there were some articles that say it happens because of lack of oxygen during delivery, resulting in the nervous system still not fully developed yet. In fact, a type of reflex called the moro reflex, whereby the baby would lift her 2 arms wide in shock, would actually help to build her nervous system. Therefore, we shouldn't be alarmed at the baby having the moro reflex and try to prevent it like constantly swaddling her or putting a rice bag on her tummy to make her "feel safe".
Interesting to find out about baby reflexes! It actually helps them!
The only solution is actually to PRAY really hard that it would go off, cos time would only tell if it is a serious problem or if it gets serious. I really thank God that now, Amanda is 3mths and it has gone off! it did! Praise God for hearing my prayers...
God is always there listening... we just need to sit down and pray....
Monday 16 March 2009
WM guilt...
yes, i am a working mum guilty of not having enough time to take care of my kids.
i took leave (emergency one!) last friday cos i felt like taking care of Amanda as my MIL was saying that Amanda didn't really sleep during the day time and yes, my MIL looked exhausted.
ok, so it was a raining friday... i woke up late, and dragged my feet to drive to work, but when i saw the traffic jam just outside my road, i headed home again and SMS my bosses that i need to take leave!! (sshhh...)
i am feeling guilty of not having enough time to take care of my own kids cos everytime i look at my son, isaac, now 3.3yrs old, underweight and slightly underheight as well... gosh! he has been 12kg since a year or 2 years already (i can't remember as it has been a looooong time).
of course as a mother, who wants the best for her kids... hmmm... wonders what is the problem that he is not really growing as he should be (for now)??
Possible reasons:
1. He has been falling sick quite often, maybe abt 2 mths once on average, and will lose appetite
2. Don't eat much in Funcity... they say he eats slow but finishes
3. Not enough time to feed him esp for breakfast
4. Not enough sleep (go to bed at 10.30, wakeup at 7.30= 9 hrs + 1.5 hrs nap= 10.5, it should be around 12 hrs for his age worrr....)
5. got worm in stomach??
The part i feel guilty is where i have to rush to work and have no time to accompany him for breakfast!! poor fella..., i have to send him to Funcity as my MIL cant handle him....
IF i have the chance, i would just take care of him for at least a month to "pump" him up. I remembered the days where i was on leave for about 5 days and was happily eating with him nearly around the clock. He is not a big eater and will eat around the clock actually.
I just hopes he grows faster to catch up what he has been missing...
Dear God,
Please help Isaac to grow into a strong and healthy boy. Prevent him from falling sick so often. Help him to have a good and healthy habit and appetite. I just don't know what I can do, please teach me what to do...
Help me to be patient with him
and to show him love that he can understand, not what money can buy.
Only in Jesus name i pray, Amen.
i took leave (emergency one!) last friday cos i felt like taking care of Amanda as my MIL was saying that Amanda didn't really sleep during the day time and yes, my MIL looked exhausted.
ok, so it was a raining friday... i woke up late, and dragged my feet to drive to work, but when i saw the traffic jam just outside my road, i headed home again and SMS my bosses that i need to take leave!! (sshhh...)
i am feeling guilty of not having enough time to take care of my own kids cos everytime i look at my son, isaac, now 3.3yrs old, underweight and slightly underheight as well... gosh! he has been 12kg since a year or 2 years already (i can't remember as it has been a looooong time).
of course as a mother, who wants the best for her kids... hmmm... wonders what is the problem that he is not really growing as he should be (for now)??
Possible reasons:
1. He has been falling sick quite often, maybe abt 2 mths once on average, and will lose appetite
2. Don't eat much in Funcity... they say he eats slow but finishes
3. Not enough time to feed him esp for breakfast
4. Not enough sleep (go to bed at 10.30, wakeup at 7.30= 9 hrs + 1.5 hrs nap= 10.5, it should be around 12 hrs for his age worrr....)
5. got worm in stomach??
The part i feel guilty is where i have to rush to work and have no time to accompany him for breakfast!! poor fella..., i have to send him to Funcity as my MIL cant handle him....
IF i have the chance, i would just take care of him for at least a month to "pump" him up. I remembered the days where i was on leave for about 5 days and was happily eating with him nearly around the clock. He is not a big eater and will eat around the clock actually.
I just hopes he grows faster to catch up what he has been missing...
Dear God,
Please help Isaac to grow into a strong and healthy boy. Prevent him from falling sick so often. Help him to have a good and healthy habit and appetite. I just don't know what I can do, please teach me what to do...
Help me to be patient with him
and to show him love that he can understand, not what money can buy.
Only in Jesus name i pray, Amen.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
"i am happee...
.... because you love me!"
wahhh.... my heart melted when Isaac mentioned that just before sleeping last night.
And he continued:
"I like you... because you are pretty"
wahhhhhhhhhh...... my heart lagi melt!!! and my husband laughed at his "buaya" remarks!
"See, your son can talk better than you!" that was what I told Bernard!
It really made me happy to hear that coming from my 3 year old Isaac.
and now "i am happee...
...because knows how to "buaya" me!" kekekkeke.....
wahhh.... my heart melted when Isaac mentioned that just before sleeping last night.
And he continued:
"I like you... because you are pretty"
wahhhhhhhhhh...... my heart lagi melt!!! and my husband laughed at his "buaya" remarks!
"See, your son can talk better than you!" that was what I told Bernard!
It really made me happy to hear that coming from my 3 year old Isaac.
and now "i am happee...
...because knows how to "buaya" me!" kekekkeke.....
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