Happy 11 Months Baby!

Here's my 11 months old little boy:


Your 11 month old is more than likely keeping you very busy - he or she may seem to be learning and developing new skills every day.

Motor Development

* Your baby may show an interest in turning the pages in books, although it probably won't be just one page at a time!
* Things that move are fascinating to babies at this age. In particular, they love to swing doors on hinges back and forth!
* Still working on developing leg muscles at this stage and this is done by cruising around furniture while standing up

Language and Intellectual Development

* Can now copy actions as well as sounds
* Can begin to understand words by repeatedly hearing them in different sentences
* Continue playing games such as pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo as these games encourage your baby to develop her memory
* Will start to use some of his old toys in new and novel ways
* Starting to learn concepts such as up and down, hot and cold, in and out

Social and Emotional Development

* Will now make a definite effort to initiate social interactions
* When in an unfamiliar environment your baby may use a security blanket or favorite stuffed toy for comfort
* Your baby may start to assert herself around brothers and sisters
* Show pride when she has accomplished something, such as putting objects into a container
* He still enjoys copying sounds and gestures that you make
* She may show an interest in helping by wanting to pull off her own socks while undressing

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Braces

Should I put my braces back on?

Well, this is the question that have been bugging my mind for days. I had it taken off when I got pregnant but now that I'm over that stage, I want them back again. My teeth still needs a little straightening. But hubby thinks the other way. He said my teeth look fine so there's no need to put my braces back on. Sigh. Now I'm confused. I guess I'll consult this Plano dentist and see what the expert has to say on this matter.

The World's Most Premature Baby

I was browsing the web for baby articles when I saw the story of Baby Amillia Sonja Taylor who is considered the world's most premature living baby born at 21 weeks and six days. Here she is as a baby:

When she was born on October 24, Amillia Taylor weighed just 280 grams and measured 24cm, slightly longer than a ballpoint pen, the hospital said. She was delivered via Caesarian-section after attempts to delay a premature delivery failed. She was breathing without assistance at birth and even made several attempts to cry.

Second Chances...

I got sad after reading the email from a close family friend. She vented out her frustrations about her adopted daughter. She provided her with a happy and loving home, enrolled her in a good school, and gave her not just what she needed but wanted as well but still she ended up in a drug rehab. Aunt Josie kept on asking herself where she went wrong in bringing up her daughter. She gave her everything and made sure she is happy and content. But all of her efforts went to waste. She thought her love was enough to shield her daughter from the evils in this world but she failed. Now her only hope is for her daughter to realize all her wrongdoings while she's undergoing drug addiction treatment in one of the facilities in DC. Although Aunt Josie's heart is broken, she's still hoping for the best and she's willing to give her daughter a second chance.

She Finally Got It!

I was busy reading this lipozene information on the web when I got a call from my friend L. She told me that she already got the present I gave her last Christmas. There was a delay because she went out of the country together with her husband and just got back last weekend. The gift I gave her is a long gypsy skirt which is perfect for the upcoming spring season. She can wear it with a plain white tank top + gladiator sandals and voila: instant fashionista! :)

No, no, no!

My friend wants to buy diet pills online but I told her to ask her doctor first before she makes a purchase. She has no idea what those pills are made of and it's not even approved by the Food and Drug Administration. What if she's allergic to one of the ingredients, right? She's only putting her health at risk so before any harm is done, she better call her doctor and make sure evertyhing is alright. Of course, I want to see her lose weight but her safety comes first!

Postpartum Hair loss

A few months after giving birth to my little boy, I observed that I have been shedding off a lot of hair. I noticed it especially right after I take a bath or when I brush my hair. It alarmed me because I thought I was going bald and would eventually need a shampoo for thinning hair. But my husband who is a nurse by profession told me that it's normal for some women to experience hair loss the first few months after giving birth. It's called Postpartum Hair Loss. Here's a more detailed explanation from the Baby Center:

Here's what's going on. Normally, about 85 to 95 percent of the hair on your head is growing and the other 5 to 15 percent is in a resting stage. After the resting period, this hair falls out — often while you're brushing or shampooing it — and is replaced by new growth. An average woman sheds about 100 hairs a day.

During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen prolong the growing stage. There are fewer hairs in the resting stage and fewer falling out each day, so you have thicker, more luxuriant tresses.

After you give birth, your estrogen levels take a tumble and a lot more hair follicles enter the resting stage. Soon you'll have more hair coming out in the shower or on the brush. This unusual shedding will taper off and your hair will be back to its pre-pregnancy thickness about six to 12 months after you give birth.

But if you're still worried about your hair, don't hesitate to call your doctor.

Best Gifts for 1-Year-Olds

A baby's first birthday calls for a celebration. And while 1-year-olds are likely to be as thrilled by the ribbons and wrapping paper on their gift as they are with the present itself, it's fun to pick something out — whether it's a silver keepsake (such as a cup or spoon) or the perfect toy for this age.

BLOCKS

Stack and smash fun

Nothing encourages a child's innate creativity (not to mention his fine and gross motor skills) like classic wooden building blocks. Pick up a plastic bin and fill it with blocks of all shapes, sizes, and colors. (Remember to keep an eye out for sharp corners and small shapes that can be dangerous for young children.) As the toddling recipient discovers the joy of building towers as tall as he is — and then knocking them down — your gift will be an instant favorite.

PUSH TOYS

A little "push" is all she needs

Another great choice for the momentous first birthday is a push toy, one the baby can use to help hone her new walking skills. Choose from perennial favorites such as a child-sized grocery cart or the vacuum-like toy that "pops" when a child rolls it around. Some push toys come equipped with an extra activity tray, but when it comes down to it, anything she can propel with her own two feet is a winner in this category.

Matchmaker

I had the chance to chat with my cousin this afternoon and I asked her if she already found Mr. Right. She's been searching for him for a long time now but luck seems to elude her. So I told her maybe I can help. My success rate in matchmaking is quite high just in case you don't know. Hehe. So she she emailed me a list of the qualities she's looking for in a man and the last one had me laughing out loud. Hehe! She said any man will do just as long as he doesn't have any communicable disease such as herpes simplex. Oh well, she has a point. Who would want to end up with someone who has STD right?

Jaden's Walker

Here's Jaden with his walker! It's called the Vtech Sit-to-Stand Activity Walker. It keeps learning fun front and center with this interactive toy. Three learning modes teach colors, numbers, animals and sounds as baby sits, stands or goes. The durable design, with chunky wheels and an easy-to-grasp handle, turns the toy into an opportunity for baby to take those first steps. The colorful light-up buttons, fun sound effects and bright red steering wheel put baby in the driver's seat at every learning stage.

I bought this when he was about 8 months old. I can't forget how excited my lil boy was when he first used this. He was crusing all over the house! From the living room down to our bedroom. If you want to know more about this walker, you can visit Vtech or those stores selling baby items such as Toys"R"Us or Walmart. And be sure to read consumer reviews before you buy toys for your baby. It will help a lot. Just like when you buy healh supplements, you need to know first what experts and consumers are saying about it. You can click here for a start.

Our Little Walker

I'm so thrilled for my lil boy. He can now walk a few steps without using his walker or holding on to our furniture. He started walking 2 days ago at exactly 10 months 2 weeks and 5 days old. I never thought he could walk this early but he did! I'm so happy for him. He has reached another milestone and I can't wait to see more of it. Good job son!

Anyways, I have to go now. I need to check on this best adult acne treatment product that was featured in the gossip mag I'm reading. Let's see if it is just all gossip. ;)

The Five Worst Foods for Babies

Well, I already presented the ten best foods for your baby so now let's talk about the food that you should stay away from.

1. Soda: Whether regular or diet, soft drinks provide absolutely no nutrients. Regular soda contains a ton of sugar, which can wreak havoc on your baby's teeth. And filling up on either type means babies eat and drink less of the nutritious food their bodies really need.

2. Juice: Sure, it comes from fruit, but that doesn't mean it's healthy. The fiber in fresh fruit is largely lost in the juicing process, and what's left is a whole lot of sugar.

3. Crackers: They make convenient snacks once your baby can bite and chew, but it won't take many to satisfy your little one's appetite, leaving no room for nutrient-rich foods.

4. Processed meals: "The more processed the food, the more nutritional value tends to go down, and the more the sugar, salt, and fat content goes up," says Kate Geagan, dietitian and author of Go Green, Get Lean.

5. Gelatin desserts: Many people think gelatin contains protein, perhaps because it's made from processed animal bones and cartilage. But it doesn't, says Gerbstadt – at least, not in any significant amount. "What the baby ends up eating is nearly all sugar, artificial color, and artificial flavor, and a trace amount of gelatin to make it wiggly," she says.

Read more about it HERE!

Hello!

Hello friends! Sorry for the lack of updates here. We've been very busy the past few days. Hubby and I had to take care of some important matters before flying to the Philippines for a short vacation. So far, we already have the quotes we requested from different car insurance companies and we already informed our apartment manager regarding our upcoming trip. They need to know beforehand so that they can alert security. We also went shopping for party supplies for Jaden's 1st birthday celebration and pasalubong for our family and friends back home.

The Ten Best Foods for Babies

1. Squash: is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, is naturally sweet, and has a pleasing, creamy texture.

2. Lentils: Crammed with protein and fiber, lentils pack a powerful nutritional punch. They're also one of the cheapest healthy foods you can buy.

3. Dark green leafy vegetables: Leafy greens boast high amounts of iron and folate. While spinach is perhaps the best known of this group, there are many other varieties, including kale, chard, and collard greens.

4. Broccoli: Brimming with folate, fiber, and calcium, broccoli is also known for its cancer-fighting properties, says dietitian Kate Geagan, author of Go Green, Get Lean. And thanks to its sulfur compounds, it has a unique flavor that can help expand your baby's tastes.

5. Blueberries: The deep, brilliant blue of these berries comes from flavonoids called anthocyanins, which are good for your baby's eyes, brain, and even urinary tract, says Stephen Gass, co-author of Mix and Mash: Adventures in the Kitchen for Baby and You.

6. Avocados: "Avocados are a rich source of unsaturated fats," says nutritionist Leanne Cooper, author of What Do I Feed My Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide to Solids. "In fact, the fat composition is somewhat similar to that of breast milk.

7. Meat: Many of us don't think of meat as a typical baby food, but it's one of Brown's top choices. "Meat is a great source of zinc and iron," she explains.

8. Prunes: have lots of fiber and can help relieve constipation – which, notes Brown, your baby may experience after you introduce solids.

9. Garbanzo beans: Like lentils and other beans, garbanzos are rich in protein and fiber, says Geagan. They're also inexpensive and versatile.

10. Mandarin oranges: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, mandarin oranges are a supreme finger food. "Babies really love the flavor," says Hosenfeld.

For serving ideas and for more information, click HERE!

Getting Closer...

Six weeks to go and we are flying to the Philippines! I am so excited. I can't wait to see my family and friends. I missed them so much. I am also excited for Jaden's first birthday. We are celebrating it in one of the beach resorts in Davao City. We invited more than 100 people and I hope they will all make it. I am also looking forward to seeing my cousin who recently got awarded for having the highest health insurance lead and sales in Mindanao. So proud of him. It is going to be one huge party for sure. I can't wait!

Swine Flu Symptoms in Babies

How to recognize the symptoms of swine flu in your baby.

Watch for these symptoms:

* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Body aches
* Headaches
* Chills and fatigue
* Sometimes, diarrhea, and vomiting

Your baby could have any or all of these symptoms and potentially have H1N1 (swine) flu. For more help, see our article on the three telltale symptoms of swine flu.

If you spot any symptoms, call the doctor right away to find out whether your baby needs to be examined.

Read more HERE!

Freebie

When we bought a new TV set last month, it came with a freebie and we had to choose between xbox 360 and playstation 3. It was a tough decision. Hubby and I really talked about the pros and cons of each gaming console and in the end, we picked ps3 because it was highly recommended by a friend. Now they're gaming buddies!