The best teacher to my daughter

I loved and enjoyed schooling - actually i was part of the “habituated” students who’d rather stay at home to do home works and review her notes. Now that we have a daughter, we would like to instill the same “passion” and enjoyment with studying.

We’re going to take a big leap to go against the social’s norm. We want to take charge of our daughter’s education and make sure that she learns things the best way possible. Few months ago, before our daughter turned 8 months, my husband and I discussed into home schooling her. I know a lot of parents are still curious about the pros and cons of homeschooling, but based on the articles I’ve read and moms I’ve talked to, I know deep in my heart that homeschooling is just for us. This is my calling, our calling and I’m looking forward to take that challenge. 

So what really compelled us to homeschool our daughter in the next few months?

·         Own curriculum - there are a lot of available curriculum available and you can choose your own schedule that works best for you and your child

·         Bonding - being our child’s teacher is a great bonding. #attachmentparenting at its finest! J

·         Teaching method - we can adapt the teaching method that suits best to our daughter

·         Shelter our daughter from violence and bullies in school

·         Flexible study hours

·         We’d be able to monitor her studies

·         To be closer to God

Right now, there are homeschool providers that are accredited by DepEd. You may check the list for accredited providers http://hapihomeschooler.com/about-hapi/hapi-members-affiliates/. 

 My husband and I are eyeing for these providers: CFA (Catholic Filipino Academy) www.catholicfilipinoacademy.com founded by Bo Sanchez; International British Academy www.iba.edu.ph , Kids World Integrated in Greenhills and Homeschool of Asia and Pacific in Madrigal Alabang.  We might enroll her as soon as she turns 3 years and we’d home school her spontaneously as soon as she turns 1 year old. Call me OC, but I’ve saved tons of references online and activities to prepare for my daughter.

If you’re curious about homeschooling, these links may be helpful for you.

http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/kids/preschooler/why-homeschooling-is-best-for-your-preschooler

http://trulyrichmom.com/homeschooling-in-the-philippines-answers-to-some-faqs/

http://trulyrichmom.com/homeschooling-in-the-philippines-where-to-get-support/

We’re already eyeing for CFA and their program is really interesting.  Once you enroll your child to their homeschool program, you can have access to curriculum and materials. You can even let your kid join a full blown orchestra and there will be weekly activities so you don’t have to worry about their social skills. Just like any other schools, field trips and moving up day is also available. More details here: http://catholicfilipinoacademy.com/exciting-news-from-cfas-preschool-department/

If you want to teach your child, there is no such thing as “Too Early”. That’s why as early as now, I always allot time for our tiny tot study time. Every day, just before her morning siesta, I make sure to let her read some books, and at the same time teach her the “basics”. Take a look at the video below, this is my daughter during her study time. (best when played with sound) ♥ 

Mommy, I'm going to read you a book, okay? So listen very carefully. 😂😅😂

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on May 25, 2015 at 1:33pm PDT

A is for Apple 🍎 Good job my little Miss Bookworm. #millysmilestones

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on May 27, 2015 at 6:57pm PDT

This is how Milly says "Hi". 😅 Quite bitin but she's really doing a great job. We're so proud of you! #millyat10months #millysmilestones love you baby. ❤️ thank you @ohbabyph

A video posted by @kc_alcantara on May 28, 2015 at 11:04pm PDT

Homeschooling isn’t easy and MAY not work for every one. A lot of patience is required, time management is important and there will be some things that you really need to give up. Of course, prayer is needed too. You need to ask for God's guidance to help you all throughout the process. Home schooling may mean, one income household, and since I want to focus on my child’s education, I am looking into leaving my job temporarily (which I’m still thinking over and over again).  For as long as I can manage my time, and can juggle working and teaching, I will do my best to be the best teacher to my daughter. 

PS: Let me know if you need the rates of the schools mentioned above. ☻ 

Maternal instinct

Have you ever looked at your child, shed a tear and asked how did you manage to raise your baby? I don’t know why and how, but as soon as I gave birth and brought my daughter home, my maternal instinct just kicked in. My very own intuition told me how to do things the right way.

To share you a piece of me, my mom died few months before I gave birth. She was the one who’s supposed to babysit my daughter as soon as I return to work from my 4-month long maternity leave. To tell you honestly, I really don’t know anything about taking care of babies. I don’t know how to bathe them, feed them, pacify them - I was clueless that time. I didn’t even know if I was doing the right thing the moment I came from the hospital.  As painful as it may sound, no blood relatives visited me that is why I am very thankful to my husband, in laws and friends (you know who you are) for supporting me after I gave birth.  I almost went through postpartum depression. I know I am a strong person, but still it’s different if there’s someone you can talk to regarding what you’re going through like the pains and joys of motherhood and experiences in the labor room. Someone who can understand what you went through is the best person you can talk to, and for me that time, it was my mom whom I need to talk to during that phase of my life.

My husband and I were clueless with everything, and we were too anxious how to take care of our daughter. The pain from CS was excruciating but I managed to keep up with it just to take care of her 24/7. We didn’t have a go to person and a guide who can help us teach the basics of baby care that time. Experience really is the best teacher and we'd like to give ourselves credit for that. We know that we are newbie parents and still have a long way to go, but right now, our daughter is our pride and we know deep in our hearts that we are doing a good job nurturing her. I am so grateful to have a husband who is so hands-on in taking care of our baby. Just like me, he was also inexperienced, but right now, I can proudly say that he is becoming more of an expert. Thank you too, to my mommy friends for sharing your pieces of mommy information with me. 

Our daughter is turning 9 months few days from now, and I am so thankful that God gave women the power to nurture a child. Without this gift, I know I wouldn’t be able to raise a very healthy and beautiful baby girl. Maternal instinct is so true, because with it, I am able to nurture and see our daughter grow right in front of our eyes. 

To my daughter Milly, you may be too young to understand what I am writing right now, but when you're old enough to read this, I hope you can appreciate all the things your dad and I are doing for you.  Thanks too for bringing out the maternal instinct in me. Because of you, I have learned to love deeper and to appreciate kids even more. We love you and always will. 

Feeding your baby the healthier way

Start them young.

I remember my mom used to tell me that instead of eating Cerelac, I’d rather munch on string beans. I am a big fan of vegetables that is why I also want my daughter to savor eating veggies too.

All babies can handle interesting foods before the age of 1 that’s why as early as now, I am teaching my daughter to eat vegetables so by the time she has mastered the art-of-eating, I wouldn’t have a hard time feeding her.

This is also the reason why I decided to make her baby food. I feel more confident and safer if I am the one who prepares her food. (plus its cheaper) As much as possible, I do not want to give her ready-made rice cereals and jarred baby foods. These types of foods are really sweet because of its high sugar content and since diabetes runs in our family, I’d rather be on the safe side.  I am also afraid of its long term effects. Just like Gerber. Most moms I’ve talked to are telling me that babies who grew up eating Gerber tend to be picky eaters. (Is it true that these jarred foods do not have preservatives? If a fresh baby food only lasts 3 days in the fridge and 1 month in the freezer, how come these jarred baby foods has an expiration date of almost 2 years?) I am not against ready-made and jarred baby foods, and to tell you honestly, I almost resorted to giving her these type of foods because there are times I am already running out of ideas what menu to prepare for her (plus pagod from work). Actually, I have one box of Cerelac readily available just in case I won’t be able to make her own meal. So far, the box is left untouched and has been sitting in the pantry for 2 months already. :D

I go to the market every day to buy fresh vegetables that I can steam, boil or puree. And now that she enjoys munching on vegetables or any food that has more-texture, preparing her meals is now easier because I don't have to puree veggies and fruits all the time. I feel very proud of myself because I've been making her own food for 3 months already and I know that I am doing the right thing. 

The other day, I experimented to check if she'd choose veggies over cookies. I placed 2 Bibibons cookies and sayote sticks on her table and guess what - she chose the vegetables. (Way to go baby).She was able to finish 1 whole of sayote in one sitting while she barely touched the cookies. Actually she just tried to nibble then threw it on the floor. hehe.  I just hope that she will have the same appetite with vegetables as she grows up.

Here's a pic of my baby enjoying her okra for yesterday's breakfast. Aside from Okra, she also ate Pureed Bananacado with brown rice. haha

For recipes, you can check my other blog at: Mommy Katrina Cooks

This is a good guide for parents who are wondering what to feed their babies. This is more of a helpful rule of thumb and not a law, meaning you can give foods earlier or later as long as you make sure your baby can handle what you feed them. Not all babies are created equal and there are some babies who can handle foods better at an earlier age, while others need more time to get the hang of it. Just like Milly, I started giving her Potato & Pasta as early as 6 months.

Again, its just fine to give Cerelac, baby cereals or any commercialized baby food you see in the market. You know what's best for them, and as long as your baby is healthy and doesn't have any allergic reaction to any food you give him/her, then you're on the right track. But if you have the time to prepare their own meals, go ahead. It's fun and fulfilling. Remember, mommies make the best food ever. ;) 

We are all superheroes

8 months ago I vowed myself to stay at home and take care of our daughter 24/7. I've always wanted to be a stay at home wife and when Milly came into our lives, I've always wanted to be a full-time mom. As reality bites and due to unexpected expenses I am left with no choice but to go back to work and temporarily set aside my dream of being a full-time mom. 

I work at Shaw and live in Las Pinas. Can you imagine the traffic that I brave every day? I also work at night so juggling my time whenever I arrive at home is quite a challenge for me. Four hours of total travel time every single day is making me insane and it’s as if I am already getting a butt sore every time I go to the office. But then again, I have no choice. 

So how do I manage my time? To be honest, I actually do not know. I have poor time management skills but needless to say, I feel proud because even if I work full time I still manage to take care of our daughter "full-time". I am the one who feeds her, bathe her, put her to sleep, change her clothes and so much more. I actually feel lucky that I get to do all these things even if I am full-time working mom. I actually do not know where I get all these energy, because even if I feel tired because of work, my stress and need for sleep suddenly fade away the moment I see my daughter. Imagine, a baby trying to wiggle her chunky feet and arms while shouting aaakkk akkkk just to get my attention so I would carry her is just irresistible. That’s our everyday scenario. Who wouldn’t love that? It’s as if all my efforts of taking care of my daughter plus working full-time is starting to pay off little by little. How much more if my daughter can already  hug my knees and shout: “mama, mama, I missed you!”, ahhh, that is so priceless.

There is not a single moment that I do not think of my daughter while at work. (hhm, my husband can actually blame me if my daughter would wake up during the night, hehe). I’d even ask my husband to send me some pictures to keep me updated of what she is doing. 

(as if naman napaka layo ko at nasa ibang bansa ako) haha! Call me OA but we do facetime almost every day so I could take a glimpse of my daughter before I go home.  Tada! 

This is my way of overcoming my "sadness" whenever I'm here at work. For sure first time mommas share the same sentiment with me. 

I am still in the process of adjusting, and every day, I feel like crying the moment I would step outside the room while I see my daughter peacefully sleeping. If only I could sleep beside her every single night and be the first one she sees in the morning.

Good Morning baby girl

 Sigh. My daughter is the reason why I do not want to go to work, but she's also the reason why I need to go to work. That is why I admire all moms. Their sacrifices and willingness is really no joke. I never understood this until I became a mom. I tell you, being a mom turned me in to a different person - way better than before. 

So here's a BIG shout-out to all stay at home moms and full time working moms out there: KUDOS to all of us! We are indeed superheroes. 

Homemade Brown Rice Cereal with Apples and Bananas

I feel so proud of myself because I was able to make Milly’s first very own Brown Rice Cereal with Apples and Bananas. It may not seem very much but I just love making homemade food for Milly; it just gives me so much joy. My eyes would totally light up every time I see her enjoy every meal I prepare for her. I just want her to be hale and hearty and this is my way of introducing that to her.

The other day, I tried my luck to prepare her very first homemade cereal. To be honest, I wasn’t really that confident while I started grinding the brown rice. I got really cautious because I didn’t want to waste any ingredients every time I prepare Milly’s meal.  As I started grinding the brown rice and saw them turn into small pieces, I knew right there and then that I was doing the right thing. Remember, brown rice takes a while before it gets cooked.  Boiling water and continuously stirring the rice will do the trick. (Took me about 10-15 minutes before I got the right texture) 

Here’s what you need:

·         A food processor with miller/grinder (not sure if blender can do this though)

·         4-5 tablespoons of brown rice

·         2 medium bananas

·         1 apple

·         1 cup water (or more)

·         ½ cup water (for puree)

What you need to do:

·         Grind the brown rice. Set aside.

·         Pour the water on the pot. Add the brown rice. Let it boil. Continue stirring. You will notice that the texture will get sticky. You will have to add more water because we do not want to “burn” the brown rice. Gradually pour water while checking if the rice is already cooked. (I did 6-8 taste tests to make sure if the rice is already soft). Once cooked, set aside.

·         Now, steam the apple.

·         Combine the bananas and steamed apple in the food processor.

·         Gradually pour ½ cup of water. Puree until you get the right consistency.

·         Mix the brown rice cereal with the banapple puree. Puree for another minute.

·         Serve and let your baby enjoy your homemade baby food!

Taste level: 5 stars J

Happy 8 months, my darling Milly Antonette!

I've been feeling very sentimental lately. I always look at my daughter and feel fulfilled with my life already. It’s pretty amazing how this little person had changed my life. Day by day, she's becoming prettier in my eyes and her features are becoming more prominent! She is growing, learning and changing every day. I've been looking back how she turned from this little baby 

to this: 

Though I miss the days when I would only cradle and watch her sleep, this stage where she’s learning how to stand, walk and discover things on her own is pretty more exciting.

She has started saying Daaadaaaa and shakes her head every time she wants to say “No”. Her diapers are now XL and we can now tie her bangs. She also lost some weight, or perhaps she just grew taller that's why her body looks more "slim" than before. She can also stand (just with support) on her own.

Every day, she’s just full of surprises and killer smiles. She's growing up to be a not-so mahinhin type of baby. Just like me, I think she’s becoming more of a fighter and strong willed baby.

Love the fierce eyes babe!

To my daughter Milly (pronounced as Mi-Li, not Miley :) ), you are now 8 months old and I can hardly believe that time has gone by so fast. It’s so surreal to think that few months from now, you’ll be saying Mommy and Dada I love you. You will always be dada and mommy’s living miracle. We love you. 

Wearing your baby

When I was still pregnant, I always got curious why some mom’s tend to carry their child instead of putting them on the stroller. I’ve always thought that it is easier that way. No need to endure back and shoulder pain most especially if your baby is on the heavy side. 

As I gave birth to our daughter, everything had changed. I always wanted to carry her and let her feel my warmth. I actually do not remember how and when I learned about baby wearing - All I know is that someone added me on Facebook, and that's where I learned that not all carriers most especially the narrow based ones aren’t recommended. I didn't know that wearing your babies have do's and don'ts; that there are guidelines to check if its really safe for you and most especially for your baby.

When I learned about baby wearing, I decided right away to buy my own ring sling. (Got mine from www.savymommy.com) I checked the Internet how to use it and I thought it was just easy peasy. Little did I know that using a ring sling needs a lot of practice and a patient baby. Until now, my husband assists me everytime I put Milly in the sling. But believe me, as soon as you learn the art of wearing your baby, for sure your little one would love it.  

I’ve had several epic fail moments when I used the sling too. But with perseverance and practice, I can say that I am already comfortable and confident with babywearing. I also know that Milly’s loves it every time I carry her that way.

You can read more of the benefits of babywearing on these links:

http://www.slingbabies.co.nz/Site/Benefits.ashx  

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/fussy-baby/baby-wearing/benefits-babywearing

Here are some guidelines too, to check if you’re using a safe carrier. 

Again mommies, if you plan to buy a carrier, please check if it meets these guidelines. I am also sharing you these photos so you can check if you're using the right carrier for your little one. Got all of these from Babywearing Philippines. 

Below pics are the carriers that aren't recommended. 

Thanks to Youtube tutorial because I learned how to properly wear my Milly. Here are some of my epic fail shots. (Wag tularan) :) 

Incorrect: Spread the legs (Legs should form letter M); also knees must be higher than bummy bum bum

Incorrect: Spread the legs (Legs should form letter M); also knees must be higher than bummy bum bum

And this us right now. ♥ Finally a success. 

PS: I Had to pose that way to conceal my big arms. haha :) 

Our Top 5 favorite toys

Milly has lots of educational toys and books. Long before she was born, I’ve been buying toys for her already. Toys that I believe which would help improve her motor and sensory skills. I also loved checking out the latest in the market, the ones that lit up and sing when pressed are on my watch list.

Of course Milly has her own favorite; she loves her Baby Einstein Octopus which makes her smile every time she hears its funny tone. However, even if she has all of these educational, musical and beautiful toys to play with, Milly prefers to play with baby wipes, diapers, tissue papers, powder, pillow tags, and the tail of her stuffed toy elephant. (ONLY THE TAIL). 

  I tried hiding all these stuff from her so the toys I purchased would serve its purpose, but the moment I try to get it from her she cries so hard as if someone hit her.  So I let her play whatever stuff she wants to as long as I know it’s not harmful to her.

So here are her top 5 favorites:

1.       Baby wipes - she loves playing with this. She doesn’t pull the wipes, but she keeps on turning the plastic packaging up and down. Perhaps she loves the sound that it creates.

2.       Powder case - this keeps her from moving around while I dress her up after bath.

3.       Nappy cream - like her powder case, she loves playing with it while she dresses up.

4.       Diaper - Milly loves to roll over and it’s quite a challenge for us to change her diaper because she doesn’t like it if she lies on her back. To keep her from rolling, we have to give her an unused diaper that she can play and eat. Well, not literally eat but she just enjoys putting the diapers in her mouth. That won’t hurt her right? I believe diapers are clean anyway. That’s why some of her diapers are already outspread and is no longer on its original “fold”.

5.       And her most favorite? The pillow tags - whenever she’s in a bad mood, or if she’s crying, all we need to do is to give her some pillows that have a tag on it.  She’d squirm the tag and take a look at it very carefully, and then she’d smile. Mark and I used to tease her that she’s brand conscious that’s why she’s a big fan of tags. (wag naman anak!) This is where the hard part comes in - most of our pillows have tags so every time she sees it whenever we put her to sleep, she rolls over and play with it.

For the record, I’ve already sold 6 of her most precious toys because I know that she wouldn’t enjoy it anyway. :D

How about you? What kind of toys your babies prefer to play with? 

Things I didn't know I could do before I became a Mom

It’s been 7 months since I first laid my eyes on my daughter and I can say with conviction that being a mother is not an easy feat.  Before Milly, I thought being a mom was just easy-peasy. Change the diapers, feed them, take care of them and most especially love them with all your heart. Now that I am a mom, I have discovered so many things. Things I didn’t know I could do. Being a mom has transformed me to a new me; I am like a totally different person right now.  It’s so difficult to put into words but these are the things I didn’t know I could do before a became a mom.

   1.       I didn’t know how much I could tolerate myself watching the same cartoons over and over again. I even keep on humming their “theme songs”. Baby Einstein, Elmo, Furchester.

   2.      I didn’t know I could suck and hold a snot, smell diapers and poo poos. I even have the guts to hold every diaper just to check if it’s full or not. :D  

   3.      I didn’t know I could hold my pee for more than 6 hours just so I wouldn’t wake up Milly from sleeping.

   4.      I didn’t know that I could sing and compose songs out of any words that come out from my mouth.

   5.      I didn’t know that I could appreciate the smell of sour milk, smelly feet and armpits (of a baby of course J)

   6.      I didn’t know that I have so much energy stored in my body. Ever since I gave birth, I never had the chance to get a good sleep. I am already lucky if I get 3 hours of sleep every day. Despite the long travel hours from work, I still feel energize whenever I see Milly.

   7.      I didn’t know that I could deprive myself from buying something but I can splurge that much if it’s for Milly.

   8.     I didn’t know I could dance in public just to lull Milly to sleep.

   9.      I didn’t know I have a strong body. I’ve always complained carrying my work bag before, but now that I have Milly, I can carry so many things all at the same time. 2 big bags on my left and Milly on my right.

And here are my top 5 realizations

   1.       I didn’t know that I could be a better person. (I hope)

   2.      I didn’t know that I could appreciate the real value of time. Now that I have a daughter, I always wantto spend each moment with her. Time flies real fast so I need to make the most out of every minute I spend with her.  

   3.      I didn’t know that I could have another source of inspiration other than my husband: D

   4.      I didn’t know that I could be patient. I’ve always thought that I have a bad temper, but apparently it turned out that I am actually gentle in so many ways.

   5.      And last but not the least; I didn’t know that I could love in a very unconditional way.  

How about you? What are the things that you have learned and discovered when you became a mom?