10 Months

Hooray for Today!  My baby is now 10 months old...  I greeted her early this morning (before going to work) and sang her the most famous "Happy Birthday to You" song.  She giggled as I do my "sing and make-a-face" act.  How time flies.  I still remember how delicate and little she was, during her newborn days. 

To celebrate the occasion, I attended a mass novena at the St. Jude Thaddeus Church. Ofcourse, I prayed for my baby's good health, our family's safety, and for more blessings to come our way. 

Today is also a rainy day (though March is a summer month), so i am hoping that blessings will also be pouring on my baby's life. 

Cheers for my baby's good health and happiness...! xoxoxo ^v^

Here are some helpful information/tips on what to expect on your 10 months old baby:

• Your baby can now understand simple words like "no" and "bye-bye". Having a conversation to your little one will encourage his language skills.  You can also sing nursery rhymes and play games.  Repeating words to your baby also helps.  Just continue talking to him.  Soon, he will see or make connections. 
• At this age, your baby can sit confidently.  He may even cruise or walk while holding into furniture.  He  may let go momentarily and may stand without support. He may also  take steps when held in a walking position and attempt to scoop up a toy while standing. 
• He can now also drink from his own cup.  He may also start picking up objects using his index finger or thumb.  He is also now aware of your approval or disapproval.

These are just things that your baby may be able to do at this age.  If not now, don't worry. Remember that each baby is unique/different, and meets physical milestones at his own time/pace. 

Separation Anxiety in Babies

My baby is now experiencing separation anxiety.  She cries whenever I leave her alone even if I am just going to the bathroom.  She is now 10 months old.  They say that it is normal for babies to feel this way.  Separation anxiety usually occurs around 6 to 18 months.  It is considered a healthy and normal phase of child development.  This also means that your baby has established a healthy bond with you and is developing intellectually. 

Separation anxiety is said to be related to the baby's developmental stage of object permanence (used to describe a child's ability to know that objects continue to exist even though they can no longer be seen or heard).  Just like when a baby learns that a person like mommy and daddy can disappear.  But unfortunately, your baby thinks that you have left him/her or that you disappeared for good and will not be coming back.  This is the point where your baby cries and separation anxiety comes in.  But don't worry.  Eventually, your baby will outgrow this behavior and he/she will learn that although you have disappeared from view, you will still come back.

Some signs of separation anxiety include: crying when a parent is out of sight, clinginess, strong preference of only one parent, fears of strangers, waking at night crying for a parent, and easily comforted in a parent's embrace. 

Tips on how to deal with separation anxiety:

• respond to your baby's crying and distress (There are studies which claim that children who are repeatedly, regularly and consistently picked up and soothed when they cry end up crying less.);
• play peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek games;
• give your baby a familiar toy when you leave him/her;
• when you are just inside your house doing chores, place the crib (also stroller or walker) where your baby can see you; and
• when you leave, goodbyes should be affectionate and brief, with a clear statement that you will be back. 

To top it all, just consistently give your baby love and support.  In time, she will slowly build confidence to stand on her own. ^v^

My 10 Years in the Government

Let me share you a part of myself.  I have not mentioned before that I work in the government.  I am not just a working mom. I am also a public servant.(^v^)

I have been in the government for almost 10 years.  (that's already a milestone on my part.. lol!).  My appointment was dated April 30, 2002 (that would be one month from now.. yey!).  It left me wondering what have I accomplished for myself after these years.  Well, there are many changes that took placed.  I got promoted thrice, awarded with a house and lot (from NHA), finished my master's degree, got married, and had a baby.  It may sound easy but really it's no bed of roses.  There are times when I had no motivation to go to work.  It got boring for a while. Every day is like a routine.  This is the time when I decided to go back to school. It took a lot of determination, focus, and patience on my part to pursue my studies.   It was in December 2007 that I earned the degree on Master in Public Administration. Finally, I graduated.  All my hardwork paid off . 

I also considered my work as a privilege.  To be of service to your country and fellowmen is a big thing.  Just to recollect, I have been formerly elected as a Barangay Kagawad (Councilman) in our district before entering government service.  I was the youngest who won during our term.  I served our barangay for five (5) years.   During my term, I learned to mingle with different kinds of people (from politicians to the less privileged ones).  I also gained a lot of inaanaks (godchildren) during those days.  It was definitely a humble and learning experience.

Going back... For mothers like me, working in the government is an advantage, since you only work for eight (8) hours (the usual schedule of an ordinary government employee).  You have  weekends to bond with your family.  There are vacation and sick leaves in case of emergency and filial obligation plus official holidays to spend with the family.  There are also some downsides though.  In terms of  monetary consideration, it really depends with the agency you are employed to.  I know you can earn more in private companies especially if you are an achiever.  But when it comes to job stability, having a career in the government is a wise move.

Let me also share with you.... Yesterday (March 22, 2012), was our office's 115th Founding Anniversary.  There was an awarding ceremony for the retirees who served the government from 15 to 30 years and above.  Our Head of Office was present to grace the event.  He delivered a speech.  It was a heartwarming one.  He thanked every employee for all the efforts and service rendered.  He also acknowledged the retirees' dedication and commitment to the job.  He also asked those who are still in the service (like me) for our cooperation, commitment, dedication, and continuous support.  It feels good to know that we are also appreciated in our work.

To end my story, I don't know what's in store for me in the future... what really lies ahead... maybe another 10 years or more in the government service...

Whatever will it be, only time can tell.  ^v^

Picture Perfect



Mommy and Babykoy

I just want to share this precious moment of me and my baby girl.   This photo is taken a few minutes after my delivery via caesarean section (CS). The nurse inside the delivery room took this shot using my mobile phone.  She managed to took four (4) pictures, and this one is my favorite.    

Recalling an adage saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words".  Indeed, that very moment means so much to me because it is the first time I felt my baby's skin.  Although I was not able to hold her by my hands, the feeling of joy is still overwhelming.  The doctor said that the baby needs the warmth of her mother's skin, so it is a must to lay her on my chest.  While she was there, I can feel her heartbeat. I began talking to her.  I told her that I am her Mommy and that I love her so much.  I know she can hear me because I felt her hands moved.  I was so touched that I did not realize I was already in tears.  God is really good.  He makes things happen.  He gave me a chance to bring out a new life.  This is a special blessing that I would forever cherish and nurture. 

Someday, I will show this to my little one for her to feel what a great bonding we had just a moment after she was born...  and this is our very first... and there will be more to come.. ^v^

Crazy Science

Yes, it's almost time to go home...  After a hard day's work, I felt treating myself.. What to buy.... Well, I think I will settle for a Happy Meal.  New featured toys are already available at Mc Donald's stores.   The theme is about "Crazy Science". The toys include a slide viewer, opti-illusion, ufo launcher, echo sound chamber, windforce generator, and gyro spinner... Pretty cool huh! Actually, I have already seen them but was not able to buy yet.  The toys are bigger than the previous ones I have collected. I started this happy meal craze, since last year.   I am collecting the toys for my baby. It would be such a delight to see her playing them once she has grown a little older. She is now very active. She loves to play, sing, and dance.  Her favorite moves include clapping, nodding, and bending her tummy.  I also let her play some of the toys from my collection. 

So after a few minutes from now, off I will go... will be meeting my husband and baby later...  Time for a happy meal with my family! ^v^

BC Bloggers

Writing is like a therapy for me.  It is my way of expressing myself, my views and opinions on certain matters.  Now that I am a mother, the more that I am inspired to write.  It is a good thing that through modern technology, you can easily share your ideas by making your own blog for the world to see. This is where your writing skills and creativity come in. 

What makes it more fun and exciting is that you can also earn through blogging.  Isn't this a great opportunity? You get to do what you love and at the same time earn some extra bucks. This idea encourages me more to blog.  Being new to the world of blogs, I have been getting tips from my blogger friends and searching the net for possible link-ups.  That's when I found out about BC Bloggers, which I understand more from Paula via Mommy Diary.

BC Bloggers helps bloggers fill their blogrolls the fast and easy way.  BC Bloggers motto is "We don't have to beg for Links."  This is a great news to bloggers like me.  This also serves as a great tool to put your blogs on the "map".   All blog rolls are also assured that they are being followed and linked to the homepage. 

If you are a blogger and want to be included in the BC Bloggers, you just click here. 

Happy blogging! ^v^

It's Bath Time!



A mother will always wants what's best for her baby. I'm no exception to it.  When I was pregnant, I am already thinking of what baby products I should use for my newborn baby.  Ofcourse, they should be safe and gentle to use especially if it concerns my baby girl's skin and hygiene.

One of the products that I am curious about is Zwitsal, which is distributed by the Sara Lee Direct Selling.    I did some research and found positive feedbacks and reviews. Now, my baby has been using it since newborn.  It works good on her.  She has no allergic reaction plus she smells fresh all day. 

Actually, this is not a paid advertisement.  I just want to recommend this product line to mothers who might be interested.  But ofcourse, you should always take into consideration that each baby is different from the other.  There are babies who have sensitive skin or allergic reactions.  You have to ask first your pediatrician before trying any product that will concern your child.

By the way, Zwitzal products include baby bath, baby shampoo, baby cologne, and baby lotion.   

Happy bath time! ^v^