FREEBIES

When on the Verge of Burning Out

3/03/2017 01:08:00 AM

Admit it moms. There are days when you just feel tired of doing the same things everyday, over and over. I won't judge you for that. Because I know you are always dedicated to serve your family and always put your family's needs ahead of you. Being tired and getting frustrated (sometimes) is OK. I believe God did not gave us these emotions for nothing.

I am going through rough times these days. Toddler seems allergic with sleep again. Our usual sleep is 12:30 AM! It frustrates me 'cause night time is my catch-up time for work. But how can I do it if the toddler only wants to be cradled and play with my breast?



What I do when I feel like burning out:

  1. Admit it. As therapist would say, acceptance (admitting) you're tired is essential to healing. I think admitting that fact won't make you a lesser person. In fact will  Be honest with yourself. Now let's fill in the blank. I am stressed because ________________.
  2. Take a walk. Go outside and be away from what's stressing you. But in cases when my daughter causes the stress, I take her on my walks. 
  3. Have some me time. Related to #2. My me time may mean climbing up the roof where I cry my stress out or grooming my brows. For some, this could mean a warm bath or an hour on Pinterest or Facebook. Or even a dose of a feel good movie. Activities for me time can be limitless. P.S. It's OK to scream to but make sure that it's not in front of your toddler. It could be traumatic for her.
  4. Call a friend. Not necessarily to tell her about your pain. But simple talking to someone you know who cares. In my case, that will be my mother. I love the fact that I can be transparent with her. A few moments of laughter is an additional therapy.
  5. Write a journal entry of things you are thankful for.
  6. Talk to God and lay all you burdens on his feet. Claim what is written on Matthew 11:28 (KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. This verse is like a balm to the heart.

    And to remind you of that promise, I'm sharing this free artwork that you can hang on your home's wall. (You can also share it to your friends but please share the link of this post instead of the download link. Thank you.)

    Click on the image to download
Click on the image to download.

How about you? What do you do when you feel like burning out?

CHILD CARE

Oral Care for Your Little Ones

2/17/2017 10:14:00 AM

Oral care for our little ones should start while they are young. I had experienced pain, sleepless nights due to toothache and to tell you getting a root canal is a night mare. I don't want my child to undergo the same process as I did so I have introduced oral care the earliest time possible. 

My child is now 29 months old. Here is our journey in the light of oral care.

0-6 months (or until the first tooth erupts):
She's toothless by this time. But milk deposits accumulate on her tongue. She hates tongue cleaner so I what I do is wrap my fingers with damp gauze then gently rub it on her tongue and gums. Fingers, gauze and water should be clean. I brought a toothbrush trainer set to prepare her for the actual toothbrush. It was helpful, so when I started introducing a real toothbrush to it's no longer a problem.

6-12 months
Your little one is eating soft solid food by now. We had our first dental visit at Doctor Edna Lesaca (Roxas, Isabela) when she's 6 months. She is thrilled to know that I am for early oral care. She prescribed Xylogel Teething Oral Gel. Price is around PhP140.00. This is for tooth decay prevention and to sooth the pain of the erupting teeth. It's made from natural ingredients so it's safe for babies. I tried putting the gel on my mouth. It has a minty sensation from the 5% Xylitol.

Our dentist also advised that we can start brushing her teeth with non-flavored toothpaste. She highlighted that we should not be using high sugar, fruit flavored toothpaste to prevent ingestion of the toothpaste. And yes, pea size is enough. Up to date, we are still using Aquafresh Milk Teeth.

12 to 24 months
At this time, brushing sessions get harder. Crying is expected. We had our first fluoride varnish when Sophie is already 13 months. It's advisable to have it the earliest time possible. But for me, I think it makes sense to wait for at least 6 teeth to erupt before starting the sessions. Cost of the varnish is PhP1000.00. That includes cleaning and dentist professional fee. Below 24 months, fluoride varnish should be done every 6 months.


24 months and up
At this stage, toddlers consumes more solid food and probably has discovered a love for sweets. Brushing teeth should be done after meal. I'm also teaching Sophie to practice gargling and drinking after eating. We started flossing, too.

Fluoride varnish should be done in 4 months interval. We had our varnish session this February. Session is longer than the usual. Here set of teeth is now complete and we have to clear the deposits on her teeth before starting the varnish session. We also have to stop every 3 minutes to rest her open mouth. Cleaning session is OK but when we started applying fluoride, she started crying. Alert: it doesn't taste good. Still, the session ends will with a reward from the dentist. And yey, Sophie is cavity-free. We will be back on May for another cleaning. Doctor Lesaca will check if we need sealant for her molars by then.

Here are some tips for the fluoride session:
  • Feed your baby before the session. It's advisable to wait an hour before eating or drinking to give time for the fluoride to dry.
  • As much as possible schedule your session early.
  • Bring extra cloths for you and your baby. I learned this the hard way. Sophie throw up after the session.  

How about you? How do you care for your little ones' teeth?

#ruralmomtries

#RuralMomTries To Make Easy Homemade Playdoh

2/02/2017 04:41:00 PM

Toddlers love texture. My 2 year old is in the stage where we doesn't want to wear slippers while at home. She loves to play with water. Giggles when she rubs her hand on my tummy and enjoys brushing my hair. Of all the toys she had, Play Doh has a special place. She received a set on her 2nd birthday but was gone in 5 days. I liked the fact that she likes it. But at the same time hates that a pricey toy goes to waste fast. Not to mention the stain on the floor and other fixtures.

I can forego the hate as long as she's happy. So to skip wasting precious money on a price-y version, why not make one. I came across a Homemade Playdoh recipe from Melbourne Mum. It does not require cream of tartar. According to her, cream of tartar contains aluminum. She's right, I don't want my child to play with aluminum.

Easy Homemade Playdoh Recipe

  • A cup of flour (packed)
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tbsp oil 
  • food color (optional)
  1. In a sauce pan, combine all the ingredients. Mix well until homogeneous.
  2. Place over slow heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Playdoh is done when the mixture changed consistency similar to mashed potato.
  4. Food coloring can be kneaded with the Playdoh while it's still lukewarm. I also liked the idea of putting a drop of your favorite essential oil unto the dough.
  5. You may adjust the oil to 2 tbsp if the recipe comes out too greasy.
Approximated shelf life: 5 days
Yield: About a size of 2 golf balls.

The whole process takes less than 10 minutes plus cooling time. The result will be an unlimited hours of fun (read: busy hours) for your toddler.

You may stock them in your old Playdoh canisters or microwaveable containers.


PARENTING

Toilet Training: Episode 1

1/05/2017 09:21:00 AM

A potty I bought for Sophie has been a white elephant for a year. Most of the time, dust is usually on its surface and sometimes I caught myself sighing it's a waste of money. I should have bought a baby toilet seat instead.

We're now in the season of bladder control training (if that's what it's called). Yes, toilet training.

It's really true that there is no hard and fast rule on toilet training. The key is patience and the right timing. Babies' ability to control their bladder varies from one to another. Some babies would just give up on their diapers and will require minimal to no toilet training.  Knowing that would save you from the stress and frustration. I'm not saying that we'll just let our children wear diapers until their 13. NO. That's not what I meant. 



Sophie is now 2 years and 4 months and I am so happy that she is now on her way to the freedom from diapers. Mommy and Me potty is finally serving its a purpose.

Be aware of their readiness cues. How will you know that your baby is ready for toilet training.

  1. Babies' ability to tell that s/he needs to poo and pee is a sign.  Two months earlier, her pants are already wet when she says "wiwi". That cues me that I need to change her pants. But now, wiwi means we need to go to the toilet. Also I noticed
  2. Baby pees at the same place. I placed her potty at the same spot so she knows where to go when its time.
Our usual day, toilet-training-wise goes like this:

7:00 am Sophie wakes up for her morning breastmilk and usually asks me to take off her diapers before returning to sleep. We use Mamu Poko Insta Suot Pants. On my part, I do diaper check at around 6am because we sometimes experience leaks specially when she drinks coco water the day before. Usual diaper capacity in the morning is I think 1-2 pees.

8:30 am First morning pee. She would tug my pants and lead me to the toilet. One thing that makes me smile, she puts her used diaper on the trash when she sees it. :) When she pees in the toilet, I make sure she is with someone. Locking toilet doors and slippery toilet floors exists.

10:00 am Play time pee. When she alarms me for a toilet visit, I now motion her to her potty. This is the time where teach her how to pull her pants down and clean herself after pee-ing. We count 1-10 before pulling her pants up. We usually have 2-3 pees during play time. I encourage her to drink water after pee. Oh yes, she also pees before taking a bath.

2:30 pm After nap pee. We no longer put diapers on her during afternoon nap. Hooray! And yes, 2-5 pee again before bedtime.


What is our part in the toilet training?

  1. BE PATIENT. Accidents still happens. But most of the time, about 80%, she can hold her pee long enough to reach the toilet. Do we still wear diapers? Yes, during the night time and if the travel takes more than 30 minutes. I don't dare for a no-nappies-night-time-sleep yet. I'll give her time. 
  2. BE CONSISTENT. 
Toilet training is also the juncture to teach about proper hygiene.  

How about you? How was the first episode of your toilet training?

**This is not a sponsored post.**

PARENTING

Our Favorite Nursery Rhyme Youtube Channels

1/04/2017 09:59:00 AM

Raise your hand if you agree with me. It's easier to remember song lyrics than math concepts. My daughter is now on her formative years and nursery rhymes have played a huge role on how she learn new things. It is through nursery rhymes where she learned about colors, shapes, body parts, animal names and their sounds. At age 2, she can recite numbers 1 to 12 and can sing 80 percent of the alphabet. She has seen most of the nursery rhymes she knows on Youtube. Believe me, it seems like I went back to nursery years. I had to re-learn these songs so I can sing with her (relate with her). So, I deleted my "grown-up" song playlist on my phone's memory to give way to these songs.


Our Favorite Youtube Channels: Nursery Rhymes Edition

  1. Dave and Ava - Children from the rural will surely relate with them. They are siblings dressed in a cat and dog overalls. They sing and dance with farm animals and do pretend plays. Try to catch objects which the playful mouse hides. To me, Dave and Ava are eye candies. Super cute 3d graphics and music that makes you want to dance like a toddler. :) Also available in Spanish.
    Songs we like: 12345, Once I Caught a Fish Alive, If Your're Happy and You Know It
  2. Baby Joy Joy - An imaginative baby who makes her toys alive by pressing the star badge on her chest. She can drive cars, sail a boat and fly a plane. We love her laugh and her cute singing voice. Never knew that Itsy Bitsy Spider is an inspirational song until I heard her version. I have a feeling the channels is ran by the same people behind Funtastic TV.
    Songs we like:  Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old Mcdonald Had a Farm.
  3. Mother Goes Club Playhouse - Adorable kids in costumes. We loved the simplicity of the concept. My daughter loves the singing kids.
    Songs we like:  Driving in my Car, Ring a Round of Rosy, Mr. Sun
  4. Simple Learning Song - This is the very first nursery rhyme channel we watched. Graphics are in 2D but are adorable. Also available in Japanese.
    Songs we like:  One Little Finger, Pinocchio, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
  5. Little Baby Bum - We love it for Super Pig, the dancing hippo and cow.
    Songs we like:  Happy Birthday to You, Wind Your Bobbin Up
  6. Chuchu TV - Nursery Rhymes meets Bollywood.
    Songs we like: 5 Little Ducks, Johnny Johnny Yes Papa
  7. Bounce Patrol Kids - A group of grown-ups singing nursery rhymes. More like Hi-5. They have a made a number of videos about Halloween. This is where my daughter learned that monsters could be adorable. We learned to count one to ten in 4 different languages by watching them.
    Songs we like:  Head Shoulders Knees and Toes, Kids Life, Counting to Ten
  8. Badanamu - The channel features punk penguins, groovy cats and dancing stuffed toys. They have this K-Pop vibe. Try Po Pow Pay, This Little Piggy, Sing the Alphabet, Brush Brush Brush
  9. Pancake Manor - This is nursery rhymes gone punk.
    Songs we like: 5 Little Monkeys, Itsy Bitsy Spider
  10. Katie Cutie Kids TV - Adored by her facial expression Katie Cutie Kids TV made it on the list. Having a background on theater, Katie Cutie plays different roles in one video - she can turn to a mom, a dad and even to a dog.
    Song/s we like: The Fish Song
  11. Farmees - Those dancing pigs ala Bruno Mars are love. My daughter personally love (Chubby Cheeks) Teacher's Pet. 
The songs from these channels are usually compilations.

There's a lot more channels offering nursery rhymes but I am being careful about what my daughter sees. Sometime she requests to watch with headsets on but I insist not to. In that way, I can monitor what she's watching. There are channels with nursery rhymes music but shows violence and other stuff that are not suitable for her age, When these kinds of videos pops on the suggested videos, I click on the Not Interested option so Youtube will come up with new suggestions. I wish Youtube Kids is also available in the Philippines.

Before we go

Youtube is a helpful aid in the learning stage of our little one. But, but, but.. Always remember to keep things in moderation. Allow them to play outside - to feel the sun, for human interaction. Le there be a balance of things.


**This is not an sponsored post.**

PARENTING

How to Apply for a Toddler's Philippine Passport

12/11/2016 08:00:00 PM

My daughter turned 2 last September 2016 and because I decided to create lots and lots of memories with her I think it's high time to get her a passport. My passport is already expired this July this year so a need to visit DFA is really a must.

I have read several blogs about passport application for infants (like less than a year-old). My daughter is somewhere between an infant and a school kid. So what should I do? Don't freak out momma, hope my experience is helpful.


How to Apply for a Toddler's Philippine Passport

  1. Set an appointment. I am renewing my passport so my daughter is included on my group appointment. I wasn't sure about this until the day of the appointment. A kumare told me that children with ages 7 below need not an appointment, I made an appointment for her anyway just in case. 
  2. Prepare sets of documentary requirement. Prepare a set of the original and a set of the photocopy. I am not married yet. My daughter carries my maiden name so her documentary requirement is shorter. My mind debated whether I need to execute a notarized affidavit of explanation for Sophie. She just turned 2 so obviously she did haven't been to school yet. To save me from any hassle, I paid an attorney to prepare me one. If you need a template, you may find one here.

  3. Make a personal appearance. We made it just in time. Our appointment is at 11:30 and we arrived at 11:30. Other regional and satellite offices were strict about the appointment. Thankfully, DFA Tuguegarao is more relaxed. I informed the guard on duty that I am renewing a passport and my daughter is applying for one. He just smiled and said I don't need to queue at the entrance. "Make your way to Window 2 (checking and verification counter)", he said. Those words made this hungry momma smiled from ear to ear.
  4. Pay processing.
  5. Data entry and picture taking. This took longer than step 3 to 4. My daughter doesn't want to look at the camera. She looks for a few seconds then blink. I highly recommend to practice picture taking with your toddler as a preparation. A stranger helped me  Also, make your toddler wear something with sleeves. Finger prints of toddlers were not yet taken. As for the signature, the parent will do it until the child learns to write.
  6. Arrange for delivery. 
If you momma, need to renew or apply for a new passport, apply while your child is young to avoid the line. Here are some important questions and answers which I think are helpful for mommies who are like me -- unmarried, with a child that bears mother's maiden name.

Q: I am setting for an appointment for my child who bears my maiden name. What should I do?
A: Check the illegimate box on the information section of your child, this will disable the need to enter middle name so you can proceed with the appointment.

Q: My child is just 2 years old, do I need to execute a Notarized Affidavit of Explanation detailing why she haven't attended school.
A: No need.

Q: My child is now 2 years old, do I need to make an appointment for her?
A: There's no need for DFA Tuguegarao. For other consular offices, you can confirm by contacting their hotline. If in doubt, make an appointment. 

Q: I noticed an error on the data I have input on my online application (appointment), what should I do?
A: During the verification process, mention about the error. The will make a correction and will make a remark that your information needs amendment.

The application process may require a long wait, make sure to bring some sweater or a blanket for your child because DFA consular offices can be cold. Bring some snacks and toys for your child, too.

PARENTING

A Storyabout Dependence

11/07/2014 08:30:00 AM

Sophie is turning 2 months in 10 days. Diaper changing and breastmilk-drench clothes has become part of our daily lives. She has grown a lot in span of 2 months. Heavier. Chubbier cheeks. She also started to establish routines of sleep, play and feeding.
While I am catching up with my online work last night, she was half-asleep by my side. I have already fed her, changed diaper and ensured that she wears comfy clothes. I smiled as I watch her sleep. Though I noticed that she looks uneasy. She seems to be “tossing herself to sleep”. It was already pass midnight. I turned of my laptop and lied next to her. Instantly, signs of restlessness stopped.
It was a moment I realized that this little girl’s life revolves around me. She is totally dependent to me. When I lied next to her, she recognized my presence. She recognized my warmth. A warmth she equates to security and peace. A warmth she understands as care. She knows that as long as that warmth is beside her she will not grow hungry. She will not have to endure the ecky feeling of wet diapers. She doesn’t have to worry about the cold.
Sometimes, I feel guilty of not giving her that much attention while I am working. I may have held her hand while doing my researches. She may be sleeping on my lap while I am processing images. But I am not really there because my attention is not fully unto her.
image
I am becoming dependent to my little one, too. That’s a secret. Lesser crying moments and smiles are becoming a security and pride that I am doing a good job.
That’s cute to read but I know I could use some counseling, a good advice to change that mindset of mine. I know that pride and security thing can hurt my parenting. Tendencies of racing a spoiled brat? Uh-oh!
Shall we just ignore those signs of approval from our little ones? Of course not. Those precious moments are treasure. A true delight for a parent.
We just have to re-establish where our pride and security should come from.
LORD GOD.
He alone.
I am reminded of what our pastor adviced me before going to college: Psalm 34:4-5
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him.
An advice that never goes old and still applicable even if our season of life has changed. If you read the chapter a bit further, you will learn that delighting in God, dependency on Him comes with a promise that He himself will do for you.
My prayer is for God to reteach me to refocus my heart and mind unto Him. To my faith be like a child again, to have that total dependency unto Him. I know as I delight in Him, as I trust Him; He will transform me to a mom who’s best for Sophie. Amen.

PARENTING

The Birth my First Born

11/04/2014 06:41:00 PM

Subtitle: Sophie's Birth: God is in Control

The day began with a grateful heart. God has spared our town from a threatening storm. The sun peeping through the clouds is a relief to the farmers who will be harvesting rice in a few days. The sunshine also gave me relief that I am not giving birth during a storm. One item from the fear list overcame.
Lunch came. Fluid trickled down my legs. Could this be a sign that Sophie is coming? I did not panic 'cause I thought it was just a normal uncontrolled pee. Nanay insisted that we go see my OB. Since the hospital is an hour drive from home we decided to load my hospital bag, Sophie's clothes and other stuff we might be needing in case it's time to give birth.  It was already pass 5PM when my OB saw me. She thought that it was only urine but upon further checking she noticed that it was a leak. After an IE, she said that it's not yet time. She advised me to have a sonogram to measure my amniotic fluid. Readings are all normal. I have been leaking for 3 days but I am not really aware. I'm glad I keep myself hydrated. Otherwise, Sophie may have "dried up."
I was advised to have complete bed rest. At the hospital for a night. This is with a hope that the leak may stop. I was given antibiotics to prevent injection. A protection for me and baby.
Screenshot_2014-09-20-01-56-16
A day have passed and I am still leaking. My OB came and I have hints that I might not have a normal delivery. Fear started to build up inside me. I don't want to have a C-section. Another reason why I don't want to undergo this operation is my financial condition. I don't want to burden my parents for it.
I had an X-ray on my pelvic area to see if there is any progress. I don't feel any pain except for Sophie's weight pressing on my bladder. The reading came after lunch the next day. My anatomical build up can not support normal delivery. My pelvis is too narrow for Sophie to pass through. My OB have explained consequences and possible options. We may be running out of time.
Decisions. Decisions. Nanay said that if normal delivery possible then we should push for C-section. Sophie is our priority. She should come out for our safety. I just said OK then excused myself.
I secretly cried.
I cried because I felt like I'm a lesser woman.
This is not the kind of birth I have in mind. I don't want it but I have no choice. Pipi is still at work and because of another storm it's impossible for him to come home.
Screenshot_2014-09-20-01-56-23
5PM came. Nurses came to prep me up for the operation. I texted my Victory Group and friends to pray for me. In a matter of minutes, I found myself inside the operation room. The room was a bit crowded but I felt alone. No one is there to hold my hand. I comforted myself by humming worships songs inside my head. These lines were on the loop.
"You are great God, you are an awesome wonderful God. Mighty in battle. Better than life."
30 minutes after I first heard Sophie's cry. I kissed her before her pedia and a nurse took her to the NICU. She was observed for 24 hours, hooked with IV and given antibiotics.
My birth is not purely drama. In fact there was more things to be grateful about.
September 17 2014. I officially became a mommy. I thank God for sustaining me through my 37 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy. Baby Sophie came out healthy.
20140918_072041_20140918144155651I am alive! I have survived the C-section though my platelet count is low. My blood pressure normalized after having a slight eclampsia. No excessive bleeding. No blood transfusion needed. I did not experience labor pain.
Screenshot_2014-09-20-01-56-40
Nanay was able to keep calm during my operation.
Sophie's birth is a reminder that God is the one who is in control of our lives. Yes, we can make plans but God will still have the final words. All glory belongs to God.

INSTAGRAM @renewed_anne