Cuddles Of Love - A Book About Baby Massage By Jashpreet Kaur

I'd like to share with expectant or new parents this book on baby massage which I was reading recently. It is called "Cuddles Of Love" by Jashpreet Kaur,  a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) and Massage in Schools Instructor and International Trainer with the Massage in Schools Association (MISA).

My kids are preteens and teenagers now but with hindsight, I wish I had known more about baby massage when they were babies and toddlers. My babies and I would have had so much fun and benefit out of it.

This book is an eye-opener for me and would be a good read for a mother or father to be or as a gift to a couple who is expecting a baby. It talks about baby massage, bonding and loving touch including the whys, hows and benefits of baby massage. For example, I didn't know that certain oils should not be used when massaging baby or it is not a good practice to hand babies over to strangers at a spa, for example to do the massaging.

The main message of this book is "You can't spoil a child with too much love, one to one undivided attention and loving touch in the form of baby massage". Bonding with your baby in this manner helps baby and you relax and builds the foundation for a secure individual. You are the best toy your baby could ever have. Your baby needs you to cuddle, hold and love them. Its good for baby and good for you too!

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Baby Boy First Birthday Outfit

This post gives you lots of ideas on what to wear for baby boy on his first birthday, that important not to be missed milestone which must have baby looking his best.

Baby Boy's First Birthday Outfit Ideas

It's Baby's First Birthday. What shall he wear for this very important milestone? The first birthday is the moment many parents feel really proud of. Make sure you dress baby boy up in his finest outfit so he will shine for the many photos that you will be taking for keepsakes. This lens is all about baby boy's first birthday outfit.

If you are asking yourself "What shall my baby boy wear for his first birthday party?" Then this is the right place for you. You will find many ideas for baby's first birthday outfit here. Baby Boy's First Birthday clothing choices including matching props and accessories for baby are included in this lens on Baby Boy's First Birthday Outfit to make Baby's first birthday the most memorable event. Remember to take lots of pictures. He is only going to be one year old once.

Baby Boy First Birthday Outfit Can Be A Shortall Or A Longall

Mud Pie Prince Birthday Boy Longall

Here Is Another Rugged Looking Brown Owl Longall By Mud Pie


Mud Pie Baby Boys' Owl Overalls BUY NOW!

Mud Pie Has Smart Looking Longalls And Shortalls For Baby Boy

I Prefer Longall Because It Is Smarter And More Formal Looking For A Birthday Party However A Shortall May Be More Comfortable

I like this birthday boy first birthday longall from Mud Pie. It has a little owl with its arms outstretched. The
corduroy material makes it look really rugged, just like dad!

Baby Boy First Birthday T-Shirts - T-Shirts With First Birthday Design Can Be Used For First Birthday Because They Are Comfortable


Dirty Fingers, Happy 1st Birthday to Me, Baby T-shirt BUY NOW!

Dirty Fingers - Happy 1st Birthday to Me - Baby & Toddler T-shirt

A Cute T-Shirt With A Happy First Birthday On It Is Handy To Keep Around As An Extra Outfit For The Day

Get 100% cotton for baby boy's first birthday T-shirts as these are very comfy for baby.

TIP: Get baby a really smart looking birthday outfit and then have a Happy First Birthday T-Shirt at hand for baby to change into in case he soils his birthday outfit or you can change him into his birthday t-shirt if he gets too hot and uncomfortable in his first birthday outfit.

Formal Looking Baby Boy's First Birthday Outfit


Infants & Toddlers 5-pc Knickers Outfit Tuxedo Style Suspenders, Bowtie, Cap BUY NOW!

Infants & Toddlers 5-pc Knickers-length Pants Outfit Tuxedo Style with Velvet Suspenders, Bowtie, Newsboy Cap

Unlike A Baby Girl's First Party Frock, I Find It Really Hard To Find A Formal Looking Baby Boy's Outfit

One very quick way for baby boy to look formal is to get him a cute baby tuxedo, smart suit or other suits made of baby friendly 100% cotton material. Depending on your baby and how active he is, you can get a full 5 piece one like this one or get a bodysuit with a tuxedo design on it.

All-in-one faux tuxedo bodysuit.

A full piece baby tuxedo is recommended for formal affairs like weddings.

However a bodysuit with a tuxedo print can easily turn baby from casual to formal without making baby too hot or uncomfortable. These are great for semi-formal occasions.

Baby Boy Can Look Formal And Smart On His Birthday With A Real Suit Or an all in one baby romper suit that makes him comfy yet smart as though dressed in a 3 piece outfit like this

Newborn Baby Boy Romper Rompers Tuxedo All-in-one Suit Bowtie Bodysuit Set BUY NOW!

This boy's all-in-one little gentleman suit has a v-neck sweater and bow tie attached to the romper.This faux suit looks smart yet it is comfortable

Why a faux tuxedo suit? I like the smart look for a formal party. However, sometimes smart also translates to uncomfortable. A faux suit with a tuxedo printed on it is a clever way to let baby look smart and yet still feel comfortable. If you like, you can keep this as a second suit for when baby gets tired or dirties his real smart suit.

A Cute Bib Can Do Wonders To An Outfit. You Can Even Add A Bib To A Plain Outfit And Reuse The Birthday Outfit After The Party

TIP: Instead of a smart babysuit, you can dress baby up in an all white or all black babysuit or romper, then add a cute babybib

Adding A Smart Baby Bib To A Plain Baby Romper Or Bodysuit For Baby Allows You To Reuse Baby's First Birthday Outfit


Black Bib and Tuxedo Vest BUY NOW!

Baby Boy First Birthday Bibs - You Can Get A Two In One Baby Outfit With Bib Or Dress Baby Up With Special First Birthday Bibs For His First Birthday

One way of dressing baby up quickly is to have a first birthday baby bib handy. In fact you can have several in hand. A cute first birthday boy bib is like an accessory that will instantly turn baby boy's outfit from plain to cute or smart or whatever your choice of bib may be. You could also get a matching babysuit and bib.

You Can Use Smart Hats Like The Baby Fedora Hat To Make Baby Boy's Outfit Look More Formal

Party Hats or Boy's Cap For Baby's First Birthday Is Another Way To Accesorize Baby's Birthday Outfit - Get Cute Party Hats That Are Good For Keepsakes Photos.

Baby Boy's First Birthday One Piece Long Sleeve Suit Is Very Comfortable For An Active Baby Boy

Here's one very cool looking one, from the front and even cooler from the back!


I Like The Back View. It's Adorable And Certainly A Rugged Butt!

RuggedButts® Infant / Toddler Boys Blue BUY NOW!

TIP: Match baby boy's comfortable onesie or one piece bodysuit with a smart baby hat like the cute fedora hat and other smart caps for a quick makeover to baby's outfit for his first birthday.

The baby boy's first birthday one piece suit featured above is a hot seller. If you find that the item has been temporarily sold out, you can still check out other cute outfits for boys from Rugged Butts. They have really great looking clothing for little birthday boys.

Layering Makes Your Boy's Outfit More Versatile

A Baby Boy Needs To Look Smart For His First Birthday Party - Baby Boy's 3-Piece Outfit Set Is Both Smart And Versatile

A 3-piece Suit Or Set For Birthday Boy Keeps Him Looking Smart And Warm


Nautica Infant Boys 3 Piece Dress Up Outfit Pants Shirt & Argyle Vest BUY NOW!

Casual, Smart or Sporty? Which Outfit Will Baby Boy Wear For His First Birthday

It Depends On What Type Of Birthday Party You Are Organizing For Your Boy.

A 3-piece Baby Boy's Clothing Set is versatile. They can turn casual or smart by putting on or taking off. This gives you more options and variety for baby boy's important first birthday party.

TIP: Layering baby's clothing allows you to keep baby warm or cool when the need arises.

Which Outfit Is Best?
Which Outfit Do You Prefer For Baby Boy's First Birthday?

1. Shortall
2. Longall
3. 3 Piece Set
4. T-Shirt Onesie
5. Smart Tuxedo
6. Faux Tuxedo
7. One Piece Long Sleeve Suit
8. Layered Outfit

Search Here For More Things You Need For Baby On His First Birthday Party Ever!

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Breastfeeding Problems Latching

I am a mother to two breastfed kids. I breastfed my first for 1 1/2 years and the second for 3 years. However, breastfeeding was not smooth sailing for me, not at first. My main breastfeeding problem was latching my babies, both of them.

You would think that by the second time, with my experience of breastfeeding for 1 1/2 years, things would be easier and I would no longer have any baby latching problems while breastfeeding but that is not the case.

My second baby took 2 months before learning to latch on. I think breastfeeding moms lack support.

Plenty of support especially Practical Support is Essential during the early part of breastfeeding. I can't stress that enough.

Top 5 Breastfeeding Help Sites

These are the 5 sites that helped me the most during breastfeeding.

1. KellyMom
2. Dr. Jack Newman's Articles
3. Breastfeeding.com
4. La La Leche International
5. Breastfeeding Stories

I will tell you about each of them as you scroll down this page.

1. KellyMom - THE place to go for help

To me, KellyMom.com is THE place to go for breastfeeding help. It is very comprehensive and detailed and has help in almost all the areas or problems you may encounter during breastfeeding.

If you are planning to breastfeed, go to Kellymom and bookmark that page. You will be returning to it again and again to read about various issues you may face during breastfeeding.

If you can, read up as much as you can even BEFORE you start to breastfeed to prepare yourself for what is to come.'

2. Dr Jack Newman's Articles
Read Dr Jack Newman's Articles. They are available for download free on pdf.

I love this man even though I have not met him and never will. I love Dr Jack Newman's Breastfeeding Articles. They are so helpful and he makes them available for free.

During the time when I had so many problems latching baby and I felt like giving up everyday. Every day I struggled with my decision to carry on breastfeeding. It was this statement from Dr Jack Newman's Article that kept me going.

"The single most important factor influencing whether or not the baby latches on is the mother's developing a good milk supply. If the mother's supply is abundant, the baby will latch on by 4 to 8 weeks of life no matter what. "

This is the article with the statement above that helped me persevere when baby just won't latch on no matter what.

When The Baby Refuses To Latch On

3. Breastfeeding.com has a vast question and answer center

If you have any breastfeeding questions, then be sure to check out Breastfeeding.com. They have a huge resource of Breastfeeding Q & A, also called The Breastfeeding Answer Center to answer all the questions you may have on breastfeeding including your latching problems.

Commonly asked breastfeeding questions and naturally included plus you will find other not so common questions too like questions on illness or surgery and questions on fenugreek and other herbs etc.

4. Get Help and Tips from La La Leche International

La La Leche International is probably the most recognized and known breastfeeding help centre internationally. They have local chapters all over the world to support breastfeeding mothers.

What I like most on the La La Leche International website is the Breastfeeding Answers From La La Leche International page.

I also recommend this other breastfeeding resource page on their site. Go here to Download Past Issues of Breastfeeding Today Magazine. Breastfeeding Today is an international magazine with inspiring stories plus helpful information, news and reviews for expectant parents.

5. Breastfeeding Stories

I had a very difficult time breastfeeding, especially with latching baby. I found that reading success story from other breastfeeding mothers really helped me. Here is the page which I often visited to read the breastfeeding stories. It is not a very known page. In fact, it is rather old, with the last update made on 21 September 1999! However, I really hope that they keep the page and don't take it down because it has been really useful to me and I know it will be useful to other breastfeeding mothers who face difficulties in breastfeeding. Reading breastfeeding stories is a form of support.

I also wrote my own breastfeeding story in a booklet. It is called "I Didn't Know Breastfeeding Would Be So Hard." Hopefully, by sharing my story, I will be able to help and support other mothers who have latching problems.

If you have problems don't be afraid to ask for help!

If you have breastfeeding problems, ask for help! Reach out to your immediate support circle. If you don't have a support circle or the people around you are not supportive of your breastfeeding, ask for help online. Join a breastfeeding forum. You can also ask for help by submitting your questions to some of the breastfeeding sites like Breastfeeding.com and La La Leche International which have a form for you to fill up with your personal breastfeeding question if your question isn't already answered in their Breastfeeding Answer pages.

This is the site I used to ask for help when I desperately needed answers. It is called All Experts.com. Here is their breastfeeding help page. On it, you will see the breastfeeding experts with their biodata and the past answers from that expert. All you need to do is choose the expert you would like to Ask Your Breastfeeding Question, then post your breastfeeding question to the expert of your choice by filling up a form. You can also ask your question from different experts so that you can make better decisions with more answers.

That was what I did. I asked this question. Help! My Baby Is Still Not Latching On At Six Weeks!. I was so desperate, I asked this question to 6 different experts. I was very grateful for all their help. You can view my question and the helpful answers here.

Looking Good
It is important to take care of yourself, mentally, physically and make an effort with your appearance as usual. It will boost your morale when you are feeling down and having breastfeeding problems

Perhaps this is a little out of topic but I just want to remind all breastfeeding mothers especially those who have problems breastfeeding that you must continue to make the effort to look good and take care of yourself during this time.

This thought came to me when I saw this beautiful breastfeeding poncho that will keep you looking good while allowing you to breastfeed baby discreetly.

I'm afraid I didn't make the effort to look good. I practically lived in my pajamas. Not looking good contributed to my feeling unhappy about my initial failure in breastfeeding. Not looking good did not help make me feel better about having difficulty getting my baby to latch on. If I could do it over again, I would take better care of myself and make an effort not to look like something the cat dragged in or as if I had just woken up half the time!

Blog Posts

You can also visit my blog Mothering Times to read some breastfeeding blog posts of mine. I am not an expert, just a mother who had a lot of difficulty breastfeeding but I did face and wrote about some issues like cup feeding, mastitis, etc. Funnily, one of the most popular posts on my blog is My Period Returned Early Even Though I Breastfeed :). I wrote it in 2006 and I still get many visitors for that post till today.

If you would like to help support another breastfeeding mother, why not share your story too? I will help you to post your story online by publishing it on my "Breastfeeding Stories" category on my blog. Here are the breastfeeding stories submission rules.

One of the ways to support another mother during breastfeeding is by sharing your story. If you have had difficulty of problems breastfeeding you will naturally want to do that. It makes me happy to be able to share and help another new mom, even if I don't know her or may never ever meet her because I know that all breastfeeding mothers need support. Support is something that we can't get enough of but sadly is sometimes just not enough.

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What To Expect When You're Expecting Giveaway

I mentioned in my earlier post that I will be doing a giveaway soon. For those of you who are waiting, here it is. :) First, I will tell you a little about what I'm giving away.


1. What To Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel


This is really the mother of pregnancy books. Although the title states What To Expect When You're Expecting, the book actually begins with a chapter on Preconception Preparation For Moms and ends with What To Expect After The Baby is Born.

This should give you an idea about just how comprehensive this pregnancy book is as it covers topics from BEFORE till AFTER pregnancy.

The pregnancy months are covered in detail too with What To Expect for each month of pregnancy including FAQs at each stage which I love! There is also a section for dads, for those Expecting Multiples and a part on pregnancy complications.

2. What To Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway, B.S.N.


The first series in the What To Expect Books includes What To Expect Postpartum up to The First Six Weeks including breastfeeding.

The What To Expect The First Year carries on in the same style but offering much more detail reading material on breastfeeding, your newborn baby and what you may be concerned about.

From there it goes on to tell you What To Expect for each month of your baby's growth and covers all aspects and any questions you may have about your baby and you including doctor visits and What To Expect, birthweight, feeding, bonding, caring for baby, stimulating baby, sleeping, teething, and much more. I can't possibly describe it all. It is very detailed and comprehensive, an excellent guide for families. I'm not surprised it is America's Bestselling Childcare Series and has sold over 9 million copies.

3. What To Expect The Second Year by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel


This What To Expect The Second Year book covers all aspects of parenting your child from 12 to 24 months from the first birthday to the second.

You will find that as your child grows, new challenges emerge and you will be learning all the time as a parent. This third book in the What To Expect series helps you to understand your toddler better... from head to toe.

You will learn about picky issues, temper tantrums, discipline, health and safety and whether your child's development is on track. There is also a whole chapter on treating toddler injuries which I find very useful as well.

Note: Expectant mums or new moms can check out the What To Expect website to read more and interact with other moms.

What To Expect From This Giveaway

1. 1. This Giveaway is open worldwide.
2. 2. Two winners will receive 1 set each of all the 3 books in the What To Expect Series
3. 3. Complete the Rafflecopter form below and follow the instructions on the form to submit your entries. You may submit as many entries as you like to increase your chances of winning.
4. 4. Please provide a valid email address so you can be contacted if you win
5. 5. You will need to reply to the winning email within 48 hours or another winner will be selected
6. 6. This giveaway ends on Thursday, 5th July, 2012.

If you are not familiar with how to enter a rafflecopter giveaway, here is a rafflecopter video demo to show you how. If you prefer, you can ask me a question directly on my Facebook. Good Luck!

UPDATED: THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2 LUCKY WINNERS 1. LISAN LEOW AND 2. JENG NEPOMUCENO-SILO

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cosleeping - How Long Should Babies Sleep With Parents

How Long Should Babies Sleep With Parents? According to new research, babies should continue to sleep with their parents until they reach the age of three. I am sure there will be many who will jump at this and there will be a lot of arguments back and forth.

Sleep with baby, let baby cry it out, let baby sleep in cot, let baby sleep in the cot in another room, no soft toys and soft bedding for baby, don't let baby sleep on his back. Respond to baby, no don't respond to baby immediately.........

There is so much information and plenty of advise on what to do and what NOT to do. It can be daunting and scary for parents.

I feel how long a child should sleep with you is ultimately your personal choice. In fact, many parenting solutions and choices are up to you and your family. Whatever feels right for you and your family and your circumstances is right. You should not be pressured either way. Make your own decisions but arm yourself with knowledge before making those decisions.

Here are some latest news about cosleeping and baby sleep guidelines. However be warned, there is a lot of information out there. At the end of the day we must do what we feel is best for baby while keeping baby safe.

1. 1. Infant Sleep Safety - What Parents Need To Know
2. 2. Keep Babies Out Of Your Bed, Coroner Urges
3. 3. Crib Bumper Pads Cause Suffocation, Pediatricians Warn
4. 4. SIDS And Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Expansion of Recommendations for a Safe Sleeping Environment

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Helping Your Child Accept a New Sibling

I haven't had much time to update my blogs recently because I have been busy spending time with my children. It amazes me to see how much they have grown. When I see new babies in a stroller, I think of the time when they were babies. Fortunately, it was not difficult for me to get my then toddler to accept her new baby brother. They do fight a lot these days as most siblings do but they accepted each other and had a really good start.

I've shared how I got my child to accept her new sibling here on my guest post at My Baby Radio.

Will my toddler ever accept our baby? Do hop over to My Baby Radio to read the article.

My Baby Radio is a delightful online radio for families and new parents. You can listen to relevant radio programs for parents on air or if you prefer, you can subscribe to their Baby Blog posts.

Mommy bloggers, if you have a great blog and would like your blog or articles to be featured online at My Baby Radio, feel free to contact Joanne from My Baby Blog.

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How to get your baby to sleep through the night

How to get your baby to sleep through the night? Just grit yourself and say "this too shall pass" and read Adam Mansbach's Go the F**k to Sleep to prepare yourself for the sleepless years to come and have a good laugh. (P.S. It is not a guide book on how to get baby to sleep, it is a humourous look at parents who have tried for years to get their children to sleep during the early childhood years.)

One of the ways I used to get baby to sleep was through music. Music soothes not only baby but me too! I remember I used to go to one of those online songs for children sites. Whenever my firstborn could not sleep, I would pick her up and hold her over my shoulder, then I would play those free midis and sing or hum along as I did my work  blogged. It worked perfectly. Music calmed her down and me down as well.

Otherwise I would have been so worked up. The only problem I did not manage to resolve was how to let baby stay asleep. Quite often after she drifted off to sleep with my bad singing, I would put her gently down in the cot and there would be peace and silence for ..... 5 minutes. Then she would be up again. Thank goodness for the relaxing music even though it is just children's music.

Like I said, my only advice is to grit your teeth and tell yourself "this too shall pass" because they grow up so quickly. Now my kids are 7 and 9, I think if I try to sing, they'd say "Mummy, please, I'm trying to read." They have this habit to read every night and the first thing when they wake up and during mealtimes and waiting times and just about any time of the day.

You can visit my Squidoo lens for more Children's Songs to sing with your child. I have made a very nice list with previews and recommendations of online sites offering kids songs with lyrics, free midis, sheet music etc. Do check it out: Children Songs Lyrics and Music. You can sing with your child while they are awake and not only to get them to sleep.

Back to the subject on sleep, when all fails and you are ready to tear your hair out and it is the middle of the night and you can't get back to sleep, perhaps you'd like to have a good laugh and read Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach. Please don't read it to your kid. It is an adult book with adult humour and swear words. It will probably make a great Father's Day gift. :)

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Finding a good pediatrician

A baby!

Last night my husband received an sms from his good friend who had just become a father to a baby girl. His friend sent a photo along with his sms. I can't stop marvelling at new technology and the way we connect these days. Looking at the baby's picture made me smile.

When we became new parents

It reminded us both of the time when we first became new parents around 9 years ago. My goodness! Has it been that long? It seems like just yesterday. We were really blur parents then. We didn't have any help so we did everything ourselves with a little help from the Internet. We would look up the Internet to find out what colour baby's poo should be, whether green, yellow or mustard and how often baby should pee or poo etc.

We received a lot of advice from friends and well meaning relatives but that only made us more confused. However, I must say that one very very important advice that most people forget is "choosing a good pediatrician". One should do this even before baby is born not after. After baby is born you will be very busy with many things. You won't have time to find a good Pediatric Hospital then.

The first time....

I remember we went to see the pediatrician that was recommended by my gynaecologist at the same hospital because we didn't know any other. It was convenient but I did not like the pediatrician at all. He treated my baby like a slab of meat.

Furthermore, being very blur new parents, we took baby there in just short sleeved clothing and a diaper. We had to wait for hours in that cold waiting room to see the doctor. We looked around at other babies all wrapped up in their warm blankets with mittens and booties and warm woolen hats and laughed at ourselves when we looked at our poor cold baby. I will never forget that first time we took baby out to the pediatrician. That was also the last time we saw that particular pediatrician.

A good pediatrician at last

Eventually, we found a very good pediatrician recommended by friends. She is wonderful and our kids still see her till today. Since Pediatric Health Care is so important (you will be seeing the pediatrician almost every month during the early months), it is important that you find a good one even before your baby is born. This is what I always tell my pregnant friends these days. I think that is the one most useful advise I can  give them.

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Pregnancy and Bringing Up Babies

In my mother's time, women used to have extended families living together. It was easy to get information about pregnancy and bringing up babies. You simply relied on your own mother, aunty, mother-in-law, sister, or grandmother. They would be around to advise and help. You don't feel at a loss because you live together and there is usually another experienced female member within the family who is always willing to help out.

However, in my time, I don't have the luxury of being able to depend on relatives to help out. I rely heavily on the internet instead to get the information and network with other new parents.

If you are in the same situation, you can check out Babies Base for the information you need about pregnancy and bringing up your babies or toddlers.

You can network with other parents in the baby and pregnancy forum to ask any questions you have about pregnancy and babies.

If you are a person on the go and prefer quick information, you can also follow Babies Base on Twitter.

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Baby Shower Favors

I have many friends expecting babies in the year 2010. It looks like the stork will be very busy indeed this year 2010.

Welcoming a baby is always a very special moment, whether it is the first, second, third or more babies. Some couples choose to make their baby announcements really special by having a baby shower with lovely collectibles as their baby shower favors.

I love attending baby showers and I love receiving those special thoughtful gifts that the host prepares. I always keep them for keepsakes. I personally prefer collectibles rather than edibles because edibles do not last. :)

It is the same for wedding favors. I remember once I received special decorative soaps as a wedding favor years ago. I have kept them till this day even though I have long since lost touch with the couple.

In fact, I can't remember very much about the wedding at all. It was about 15 to 20 years ago. However, etched in my memory is the happy and proud look on the bride and groom's face as they presented me with their wedding favor.

I still treasure the collectible very much. That is why I prefer it to edibles.

What about you? What sort of favors do you prefer?

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They don't need me to help them sleep anymore

The babies they grow up so fast. They don't need me to help them fall asleep anymore though we still co-sleep. I have never believed in allowing my babies to cry themselves to sleep, just so they could learn to be independant of me and sleep in another room so that I can catch up with a few more hours of sleep at the time. I believe that they will outgrow their need for me and sooner rather than later, I will have my sleep back.

How quickly the time has passed. I remember we used to walk the babies up and down the room, sing softly to them or play music while rocking them to sleep. And no, they don't become super dependant and still need me to rock, pat or sing them to sleep. They've outgrown it. Time flies. Time really does.

They don't need me to sing, pat, rock and walk them to sleep them anymore but oh how I treasure those moments when I did, even though at the time I had very little sleep because of it. I believe my husband treasures those moments too. He always speaks of those early days with fondness. He did his fair share of walking up and down with the babies and believe it or not, the memory of it creates a sort of special bond for him and the child.

Theres this site that we loved. I remember when I had to work (or play) at the pc, I would put on the music and sing to the lyrics for my babies to fall asleep and when they fall into a deep slumber, I would lay them down and continue working on the pc. :) What lovely memories these are. Just listening to some of the music brings me back to those moments.

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Its easier now that the kids are 4 & 6

My kids are 4 and 6 and its so much easier now. I remember when they were newborns, babies then toddlers. Life was much harder then! Especially life with a newborn AND a toddler without any help. I had to prioritise. My priorities back then were.....

1. Babies
2. Housework
3. Cooking (accept for my babies)

I gave priority to my babies first. Looking after my babies always came first. They were what mattered the most. I had a very hard time breastfeeding my babies. So that took up a lot of my time. Life seemed to go by in a frenzy of feeding after feeding after feeding. Everytime I finished pumping, storing, trying to breastfeed unsuccessfully, cup feeding, sterilizing, then it was time for another feed! It was crazy but we did it in the end. We managed to breastfeed successfully after the first 2 months of frenzied feeding and went on to breastfeed for 1 1/2 years for the first and 3 years for the second baby.

Housework came second and cooking third accept cooking for my babies because I wanted them to eat fresh nutritious foods cooked by me not foods that came out of a jar. Afterall, we try to avoid canned food for its less than nutritious value. So why should our babies eat jar food? So I made them myself and that was very time consumming.

However, I had no time to cook for the adults ie my husband and myself. Each evening after work, my husband would drive to the economy rice shop near my house and tapau or pack home 3 packets of rice with dishes. 2 packets were for our dinner. I kept 1 packet in the fridge to be reheated in the microwave the next day for my lunch.

It was a pretty unhealthy way to eat, especially at a time when I was recovering from birth and was supposed to be looking after myself better but I had no choice. I couldn't cope with everything so I had to cut corners and that was one of the ways.

As for housework, I always felt that it was not very important. As long as we did a quick wipe and don't let it get too dirty for hygiene purposes, I didn't have to have a house with shiny floors and shelves. I had a motto. "A place for everything and everything in its place." I kept to that and at least we didn't have the clutter that would drive one mad.

I'm writing this because I feel overwhelmed again with so much things to be done. But before I go and rant and complain, I should look back to how much harder it was back then. Now, the kids are older and eat the same foods as we do so I don't have to cook special foods for them anymore. I even have a live in house helper now so I don't have to do much housework accept supervise and help out a bit here and there and whenever I cook, I have someone to prepare before and clean up afterwards for me. Yes, I should be thankful instead of complain about how overwhelmed I am with my todo list. :)

Now, I even have time to read a book or a magazine in between rushing. And sometimes I have time to dress up when we go out. I can even wear heels again. Haha. It was impossible to wear heels when you are carrying a baby and chasing a toddler at the same time. It was foolhardy. But now I can wear heels again, frivolous though this may sound, its just another thing or part of me that I have managed to reclaim after the babies came along and I became lost in babyworld.

And for all new moms who happen to be passing by and reading this. Remember to treasure the early days even though it may be hard. They grow up so fast and soon you will have more time to yourself again. :)

Related posts:

Life with a newborn and a toddler
Life with a 3 year old and a 5 year old

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An Internet Radio Station for New Parents

The other day I was reading a story to my little girl. The story was about computers and how useful it is to people. As I was reading the story, I was explaining to her about how we use our own computer at home.

We use it to store our photos, we use it as a dictionary or reference, we use it to watch short video clips of news or cartoons, we use to play games. Why, we even use it to tell the time! Lol! We use it to listen to the radio too and of course I must not forget blogs. We use it to blog and read blogs. We use it for networking too judging from the number of social networking sites recently.

Since this blog is for mothers, new and old, I'd like to highlight to you a radio site for New Parents. A Station you can listen to for Baby Information, it is called My Baby Radio.Com Its an Internet radio station for new parents. Imagine that. A Radio Station dedicated to all things baby. How lovely.

It has competitions, blogs, podcasts, online chats etc. You can listen to interviews with celebrity parents, parenting experts and real mums and dads. Fellow bloggers can post comments on the site as well. The Site is updated daily while the radio station is updated on a weekly basis.

Blogger mommies and daddies can submit your sites for inclusion in the Parenting Blogs Directory on the site.

Happy Listening or perhaps Happy Participating would be the more correct word to use. :)

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Advice for new parents - Find a good paeditrician for your baby

I received lots of advise before I became a mum but somehow no one told me this.

"Find a good paeditrician for your baby even before your baby is born."

So there I was, my baby born and my gynae whom I had been seeing for 9 months asked me. Do you have a paeditrician of your choice? I said "No." and she asked "So is it ok with you if we put you on one of the hospital's panel of paeditrician?" to which I said "Ok." I was to go back to see the paeditrician again in two week's time (and many more times during baby's first year for immunization jabs and check-ups. That was something I didn't realise until I became a mum and nobody told me so).

At the second week's check-up. My baby had lost a lot of weight (instead of regaining her birth weight as babies are supposed to) due to my problems breastfeeding. (She had lost a shocking 25% of her weight to be precise). I was in a state of stress. Baby was not feeding well. The paeditrician came and told me to "just give baby milk powder" and he treated baby like a slab of meat the way he undressed her and put her on the cold examining table and turned her this way and that. I was horrified and never went back again!

Fortunately, I found a good paeditrician after that. One who taught me how to breastfeed, who was good with children and answered our questions, fears and doubts (of a new parent) patiently.

I can't believe it but in a blink of an eye, we have been seeing this paeditrician for 5 years now. We have to wait a long time to see her each visit but we don't mind because we had been given that much time with her too when our babies were newborn. So, one advise I have for new parents or parents to be is.......

"Find a good paeditrician for your baby." You're going to be seeing this person a lot during the first year of baby's life.

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Bloops and Blunders of a New Mum

My friend related to me about how he and wife went out with baby for the first time. They just took baby and left the house thinking it was like the old days with just the two of them. They had forgotten that baby required a bag when going out...... a bag full of diapers, bottles, wipes, clothing, etc etc etc. That was their first blunder as a new parent.

My first blunder was not dressing baby up. It was baby's first paeditrician visit. When hubby and I reached the clinic it was packed. There were lots of newborns there too since it was a paeditrician at a hospital clinic. We looked around and saw all the little babies all nicely bundled up in comfy blankets wearing cute little booties and mittens and hats. Then we looked at our baby.

She looked like a hero in her short sleeved pantless body suit. Haha. The clinic was very cold and our poor baby was not warmly covered up like the rest of the babies. We had not thought of wearing more clothes for her! No mittens or booties or hat and worse still, not even sleeves or pants!

What was your first blunder as a new mum or dad? Care to share?

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Co-Sleeping with baby

I believe in co-sleeping with baby or the kids because it certainly facilitates and creates many bonding opportunities. For example, if I didn't co-sleep with baby, I wouldn't have had this moment to cherish.

I had turned away from baby to prevent him picking on the pimple on my chin when I felt a little hand on my shoulder trying to turn me towards him. This was followed by a small voice saying .... "Mummy, please turn around. I want to see your eyes."

I melted like butter. Its such a big sentence for someone small just learning to talk. So of course I turned around and gave him a big bear hug. Its moments like these I cherish when sleeping with the kids.

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Rooming in with baby after birth

I shared my experience about rooming in with baby after birth in a forum a while back and since its appropriate and relevant for this blog aimed at new mothers, I am going to post it here.

First check whether the hospital is breastfeeding friendly. The hospital I delivered in is supposed to be breastfeeding friendly and all the nurses will come and help you to breastfeed if you request. If you are rooming in with your baby, don't be shy to buzz the nurses for help in breastfeeding if you need. Even if its the middle of the night. Must be a bit thick skinned, don't be discouraged even if they give you a black face or some discouraging remarks.

For my first baby who roomed in with me, I did not have much help from the nurses at the time and was at a total loss. The lactation consultants only make their rounds during the day and usually just drop by from room to room at a certain time so it was of not much help to me. By the time I left I still had no idea how to feed my baby. Luckily I found a good paeditrician who gave me support to breastfeed till 17 months. I am one of the unfortunate few whose babies just would not latch on. Support is crucial or I would have failed.

The second time I was a bit more experienced and the same hospital nurses has had a bit more training. My husband, toddler and baby all roomed in with me at night. During the day, I sent hubby and toddler home and discouraged visitors. I only informed close family members and not friends and colleagues. I let baby sleep with me and put him on the breast at every opportunity.

Many nurses came and went to help me put baby to the breast at my request because I was still in pain from the c-section wound but none of them could get baby to latch on. Some commented that my "puting terlalu keras" (nipple was too hard), one even uttered "child abuse" when my baby cried and he was such a loud crier too when put in the nursery for a while. I noticed that the nurses had to make a written record of each feeding session. A number of them recorded that baby breastfed well although he did not latch on at all.

Well thats my experience rooming-in with baby after birth. Hope it helps someone.

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Checklist on What to buy to welcome home a new baby

I was cleaning up my pc when I came across this checklist on what to the list of things we bought to prepare for our new baby:

Big Items
1. Cot
2. Mattress
3. Waterproof pad
4. Pot for boiling napkins
5. Pot for boiling bath water
6. Baby bath tub
7. Crock pot (Slow cooker)
8. Clothes hanger
9. Kettle
10. Steamer for sterelizing baby bottles

Other Items for Baby
1. Baby blanket
2. Receiving blanket for swadling

Toiletries for bathtime
1. Baby towel
2. Washcloths
3. Towels for misc use
4. Baby wipes
5. Sterile cotton balls
6. Soap
7. Shampoo
8. Baby nail clipper
9. Baby hair brush & comb
10.Clothes detergent

Baby outfits
1. Bonnet/Hat
2. Bibs
3. Booties
4. Mittens
5. Two-piece outfits
(2 short sleeve & 2 long sleeve shirts & 6 long pants)
6. Nappy Liners
7. Disposable diapers
8. Cloth diapers

First Aid/Medication
1. Thermometer
2. Nasal Aspirator
3. Cream for Nappy Rash (Eg. Drapolene)

For Mummy
1. Breast pump - Manual
2. Bottle
3. Sanitary napkins
4. Breast pads
5. Nursing bra
6. Brush for cleaning bottle
7. Bucket for bathing during confinement
8. Front opening pyjamas
9. Face towel

Stroller & Car Seat redeemed from Shopping Points.

Eventually, I was to do away with the manual breast pump. Its totally useless to me. Its extremely difficult to use in my opinion. I bought two more expensive battery operated pumps ie the Avent and Medela breast pumps but in the end I became an expert at hand pumping!

My best buy was the steamer for sterelizing baby bottles. Even though I breastfeed, I still made use of bottles for storing breastmilk to be given to baby via spoon or cups during the early days. The steamer was a lot easier than sterelizing by boiling the old fashioned way which we tried at first using a big hand-me-down pot we received for this purpose.

The items we enjoyed shopping for the most were those adorable, tiny little baby clothes! :) Sometimes I still look at them and can't imagine my kids used to fit into those small clothing. They're so big now. They grow up so quickly. I still don't know why we bought so many two piece outfits. I find that the one piece baby suits during the early days are the best. Easy to remove and comfortable for baby.

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Life with a newborn and toddler

I wrote this some time ago and put it on my website for breastfeeding mums. I'm slowly shifting some of the stuff I put on my website to this blog since theres not much there. Websites are such stagnant places unlike blogs which are "alive", ongoing and interactive. I definitely prefer a blog. Ok enough about blogs, this post is supposed to be about coping with a newborn and toddler. So here goes...

My babies are 2 years apart and when I was pregnant I used to worry about how I could possibly cope with handling two without any help. So if it helps any worried expectant moms with toddlers, here’s what I do:

1. Bathing - I would place baby on a mattress on the floor just outside the bathroom where I can see him, place toddler on the toilet seat where I can toilet train her and that way I got to bathe and sometimes even wash my hair! After that I bathe the toddler and can watch baby at the same time. Changing diapers is the same, just line them up in a row and change both at the same time. This saves a lot of time. Mommies are good at time management.

2. Mealtimes - If baby is crying when I am feeding toddler, I just balance him on my lap with one hand and continue feeding my picky toddler with the other hand. No problem at all, you will soon learn to use your two hands and feet all at the same time. Mommies are good at multi tasking.

3. Bedtime/Naptime - I was worried about this one but it has turned out ok too. Breastfeeding makes it easy. All I have to do is take both to bed with me at the same time. While breastfeeding baby I would sing and tell stories to the toddler until all three of us fall asleep. My toddler has learned to sleep on her own during the afternoon nap so things are getting easier. All I have to do is give her some milk, make her comfortable in bed with a soft toy and a book and tell her to read and then sleep then I leave the room. Sometimes she cries a little but not too much. And to think that I was so afraid at one time that I was spoiling her when a baby by carrying her to sleep when she fretted because some books and gurus say let them cry themselves to sleep or you would have a child who has problem sleeping on her own. If I am still awake I would creep silently out of the room to have some quiet time with hubby. No problem. Mommies still need time for themselves.

4. Housework - This is last on my priority. My babies come first. My husband and I don't mind a house with dust one inch thick so long as it is a home filled with love so I let the housework go a little. We cater our meals so I can concentrate on cooking for my babies. There is also much less mess this way. During the weekends I would throw some meats and vegetables into a crockpot for some nutritious soup for everyone. We do our own laundry and sent hubby’s clothes for ironing. I wear clothes that don't need ironing (there are lots of lovely materials that don’t require ironing. Mommies can still be fashionable too) and the children's clothes don't need ironing, they're so tiny. Just straighten them a bit before hanging out to dry.

One really needs to be a bit innovative to cope and lots of humor is required too. The first one or two months may be hard but it gets easier with time. Now I even have time to read a magazine and work on this blog.

Note: That was life with a newborn and toddler. Now my newborn is the toddler in the house and my toddler then is now a pre-schooler and life is definitely a lot easier now with less juggling required and different challenges being faced. Read Life with a 3 year old and a 5 year old.

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