Mi Bebe is Walking!

Walking is one of the baby milestones every parent anticipates. Some babies usually take their first step as early as 11 months, some waits until 18 months. It takes a lot of courage and hard works for babies to be able to walk alone. Allow me to recount here the blow-by-blow development of mi bebe's walking. I hope you could pick useful data along the way.

Mi bebe showed interest in walking as early as 4 months, whenever I hold her under her arms, she’ll dangle her legs and push against the floor with her feet, as if walking. She liked that exercise a lot, but the elders say not to push it because her legs are not that strong yet and may affect the development of her hips. I therefore brought this up with her Pedia. According to her Pedia, getting-up and sitting by herself are the best signs of readiness to walk, we have to wait around 7-8 months for that.

Around 7 months, she was trying to pull herself to a standing position while holding on the sofa. I thought it was the best time to scout for a baby walker. I didn’t want to buy one because I think it is not a good investment and it will only be useful for a short period of time. I just asked from mommy-friends who believed otherwise and are willing to lend their baby's. Around 8 months I was able to put mi bebe on a walker. Mi bebe enjoyed every bit of her walker-time, she literally runs around the house with it.

borrowed from Jico (son of mommy-friend Joy)

Looking back, I wish I didn’t put her into walker. It didn’t help her gain confidence in walking solo thus made her dependent on support walker gave her. I should have listened to other mommy-friends who told me to just let her cruise (- is a term to describe baby's walking while holding everything possible, from walls to tables to chairs). Just make sure to baby proof your place by putting soft pads on the floor and walls too. I’m a first time Nanay, next time I know better. lol

Few days before her 1^st birthday, she had mastered standing solo. She’s also walking while gripping on our hands. Now, she’s totally dependent with somebody’s guide. We tried to encourage her but somewhere, somehow she can’t get the courage for herself. I started to feel frustrated.    

    

Mi bebe was turning 15 months when I had a chance to talk with mommy-friend Val. I told her my concern. She assured me that mi bebe is perfectly normal and I just need to be patient in dealing with her. She even suggested to make use of the diaper cloth as harness-walker (it’s a traditional and effective way to walk-train babies in the Philippines. Just wrap the cloth diaper around baby’s body and presto, instant walker). That made sense, I realized mi bebe needs to be assured of her safety. If nobody’s holding her yet she doesn’t stumble, then she'll acquire the confidence she needs to walk. That's when I remembered that we bought her harness type walker when she was just 8 months. It was kept in the bin and left unused. Now is the perfect time to test its purpose.

 

In less than 2 weeks of use, mi bebe was able to walk solo. After 15 months and 2 days, she finally was able to walk on her own. What a joy! There’s free pizza for everybody in the house.

Cutting Baby Nails

By practice, I only cut mi bebe's nail when she's asleep because I think it is the most convenient time for both of us. I will not be anxious of hurting her and she will not be upset with the refrained hand movements. I cut her nails on a weekly basis, when she was younger, I cut her nails twice per week, baby’s nail tends to grow faster and become a natural sharp weapon that can scratch not only them but you as well. For me, it is best to cut nails after day bath because 1) nails are still soft and 2) there is ample light.

But last weekend, I tried cutting her nails, while she's awake. I did this because I think it’s about time to make her aware of good grooming and personal hygiene. Besides, she can already comprehend I can already tell her my purpose and ask her to be still. I'd like to share some pointers here, with your indulgence your honors. lol 

1) You may hold the baby on your lap to get a good position or put her hand on your lap (as shown below). Make sure to have a good nail clippers. For mi bebe, I did not bother buy baby clippers, just the regular one with good grip and small cutting edge. It is specifically for her use alone, as should be (for sanitary purpose). But I still make it a point to wipe it with alcohol before and after every use.     

2)  After cutting the first nail above, she became impatient and less interested with what I’m doing. I must admit I was slow, I’m just being careful. So, I moved to her toe nails instead.     



3) I let her play with her toys to keep her mind away from the cutting. And I also entertained her by singing her favorite song. It worked! I was able to finished 10 toe nails. 

what's up with that expression bebe? lol

4) So I tried my luck on the finger nails again, but at this point she's already too sleepy. I was only able to cut one nail again, then I put her to sleep.

 5) I was able to finish the remaining finger nails the usual way - while she's sleeping.

I made sure, I took the thumb first

 6) Nice try! Let's do this again next week.

 

Additional tip: Don't cut nails by bitting it off. Stupid right? Just stressing it out, in case it crossed your mind. lol 

Party Girl!

I already told you I am lucky to be working with friends around, but I did not mention that we were actually 4 in the group, we were called the G-Girls (G stands for GGAO our office acronym). It was just unfortunate that she had to go for a chance to grow, career wise. We tried to talk her around but after sometime, we let her be. Who are we to hinder her growth? We still see each other every once in a while especially during family affairs. I am a godmother to her daughter and mi esposo is a self-proclaimed godfather (to be) to her son. I'd like to think we have a lot in common, we’re on the same age and I believe we're  on the same wave length. She’s witty and bitchy-sweet. She’s the only one capable of being brutally frank and funny at the same time. She’s a friend to her hubby, a cool and dedicated mommy, good sister and loving daughter all at the same time. I miss her, especially now that I’m raising a kid of my own. How I wish we can exchange notes on motherhood every lunch and snack times and coffee breaks and chitchat times and every time in between. She’s Val btw, and it’s her birthday. Happy birthday party girl!

Below is the tribute we played during her farewell lunch in the office.

Productivity

Productive weekend. That's sums up the weekend that was. Actually it was mi bebe who's been productive during those days, I'd like to make an in-depth post on what transcribed over the last 2 days (so watch out for it, I will link it here for future reference) but now let me just give you an overview: 1) she was able to walk alone, 2) I was able to cut her nails while she's awake, and 3) she's slowly overcoming her stranger anxiety (yes, this is different from separation anxiety I've discussed the other time, now you know babies passes through different kinds of anxieties).

I still can’t get-over the weekend, but reality bites. Whether I don't like it or I don't like it, I have to leave home and report for work. Anyway, I trust that I’ll be productive in the office myself. Today we are scheduled to attend a lecture on the guidelines in the use of the revised form of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Networth or simply “the controversial” SALN. I say controversial because its all over news nowadays, as it is one of the grounds of the impeachment case filed against the chief justice. Per RA No. 6713, all government officers and employees are mandated to submit under oath, their individual/joint SALNs annually. In my case, I jointly file it with mi esposo since SALN declares the income, properties (real or personal), expenses, loans payable and the difference thereof of all the earning-member within the household. So, there is no need for us to file separately since we live under one household. Again, mi esposo and I both work for the government under one agency but different offices (he’s an IT and I’m on the budgetary affairs, no nepotism whatsoever). In today’s lecture, the contents and the know-hows on filling the revised form will be explained, (the one you see in the senate hearings is the old form). The Civil Service Commission already issued revised form since 2008 but the use of it was suspended due to numerous request/complaints from declarants.

Aside from that, I am also anticipating for another productivity in the name of Productivity Incentive Bonus. This is a bonus generated from the agency's savings. We are asked to submit accomplishments based on targets for the given period of time. Your point score has the corresponding monetary value, e.g. 9.5-10 = P3,000, 7.51-9.49= P2,000 and 4.01 – 7.5 = P1,000, no monetary reward for scores lower than 4. Now, that is the kind of productivity I want, government employees (me especially) are shallow like that.  

Separation Anxiety

As I already implied on my previous post, we leave the house very early just so we can avail of the employees’ privilege of riding in the office’s shuttle bus. Today is no exception, only with a slight difference with the routine. As early as our waking time, mi bebe was also already awake (did we awaken her? I’m sure.). But unlike most kids, mi bebe is vibrant as soon as she sets her awake mode - ON. She would greet you with the sweetest and the most irresistible smile in the world. She’s energetic and ready to play whatever time it is, may it be dawn just like today. We were bit behind our morning schedule because as I told you she is irresistible. But are petting needed to be cut short because we have to face the fact that we have to say bye-byes. Did she cry? Of course, she cried. It’s normal for kids her age and it is termed as Separation Anxiety. During child’s younger years, crying, tantrums, or clinging are healthy reactions to separation. In fact, it is said that the child’s brain is functioning accordingly. See, mi bebe's reaction was brought about by her intelligence. Separation anxiety can begin before a child’s turns one and/or may last until they are four years old. But, you can ease your child’s separation anxiety by staying patient and consistent, and by gently but firmly setting limits. Overtime, I have gained skill in dealing with mi bebe’s separation anxiety by doing the following:

• Practice separation. I did this by leaving her with her yaya for a brief period and short distances, say I just go to the other room and come back after few minutes. In that way she will feel secured that you will be back whenever you leave.
• Schedule separations after naps or feedings. Simply because, kids are in the mood when rested and they are more irritated and prone to separation anxiety when they’re tired or hungry.
• Develop a “goodbye” ritual. Don’t just disappear when they are not looking (this is the most common Filipino parents’ mistake), tell your kid you just need to go and will be back as soon as possible. Goodbyes reassure your child that they will be just fine, while a ritual can be as simple as a special wave or a goodbye kiss.
• Make new surroundings familiar. When the family is away from home, let the kids bring a familiar object, it will provide them a feel-at-home vibe.
• Leave without fanfare. Just go, don’t go back, don't look back. Sounds cruel, but don't you think repeating her anxiety when you leave again is more cruel?
• Try not to give in with your emotion. Don’t think my heart do not break when I hear her cry, to be honest I cry one myself but I just have to be firm and consistent which in turn will benefit mi bebe.

15th Month

Mi bebe is growing fast. Everyday, she surprises us with something we never thought she would know or recall. She’s only 15 months. She cannot utter a full word but she communicates. She responds to conversations like “who’s you Tatay?” (she points to wherever her Tatay is), “do you want milk?” (she nods), “let’s feed mash” or “let’s go out” (she automatically asked to be carried). She can gesture a dance move she once saw, she remembers each game we introduced her, she mumble syllables as if singing (you can name that tune). She identifies thing that belongs to her, she calls her favorite doll “bie”, and she grabs her pillow whenever she’s sleepy. She’s happy when we read her a book, she can count ‘til 5 with her finger. She’s techie-baby too, she can navigate her Tatay’s iPhone, turn-off a laptop and use a cellphone.

At 15 months, she already shared fair amount of tantrums. Had made her Tatay mad with her stubbornness, and made me disappointed especially during meal times. She makes me worry with her roughness with kids when she gets excited and concerns me with her stranger anxiety.

Mi bebe is exactly 15 months today, she cannot say an understandable, clear and full word, she still cannot walk on her own, she tests our patience at times, but she never fails to make us happy. She simply is our breath of fresh air.

Welcome February

Feb. 1 today, 1 month of 2012 had pass in a blink. As they say, before we knew it, it's Christmas again. Today, is my blog's half-monthsary too, can you believe it I survived! On that note, I would like to share what blogging has made me so far:

1) It got me hooked. And I’m nearing addiction. My mind is always on the compose mode, even in my sleep. I rarely talk, I barely listen to anything. My eyes are glued on the monitor. I’m always on the go when I eat, 1 cup of rice will only take me 5 spoonfuulllls to finish (new talent here). I am now planning to shift my career, from a full-time government employee/part-time blogger, to a full-time blogger/part-time government employee. Just kidding boss! Ofcourse, it's all in exaggerations. But blogging made me articulate and provides mind exercise. Freestyle writing is as challenging.

2) I gained fan base. Which mi esposo established (I think he is the only member too). He always read my posts and compliments me for my good writing (he’s my husband, what do you expect?). One time he told me “I like your post about me momma”, I said “Really? That’s my blog’s name (you *#4=$*!)”, he said “Ah, right, your latest post I mean”. He also supports me by listening to my ecstatic stories of success. On different scenario I told him I had 7 audiences from Russia, he said “Oh, that’s good. You’ll never know, this might be your chance to be famous, we can always migrate to Russia”. I just love mi esposo like that.

3) I’m web sociable. I now have guts to comment on blog entries, I am no longer shy to bare my identity and I already asked 3 of my favorite bloggers for exchange links and they all.. did not reply. No worries, I still don’t know how to put blog link on my page anyway. lol Let’s all take our time (but please somebody teach me how).

4) I'm a celebrity now. I found out that one of my posts was featured here. It's the OscarSeek Website as he describes his site, "Oscar likes to explore the internet and add his favorite topics to this website". Thank you for including my post in your site. As to how, don't ask me. I'm also as clueless, old time bloggers may criticize me and say its usual, but I'm not an old timer so its unsual to me.    

I’m in love with blogging now, I super enjoy it to the point that I forgot that my main motivation is to earn (I'll get to that sometime). As of press time, I turned down 2 ice cream invites.