5 THINGS I WANT MY ANAKS TO KNOW BEFORE I"M GONE

Anak = Kids

I was tagged by the lovely Mec.

So here are the thing I would love Mina to know before I go. I'll just write it with a girl in mind for now; we'll edit if we have a boy later. :)

1. Keep your sense of humor. If you don't have it, hone it. No matter the situation, no matter the stress, the frustration, you'll always find relief if you can find humor in it. Always be ready to laugh at yourself. No one is too big or too important that they can't laugh at themselves. If you trip, and others laugh, and you get offended they didn't help you; you're the one missing out. Laughter defuses the tension, it makes you feel good and could drive away the embarrassment, and it's also good for the abs ;) .
2. Keep away from negative people. No matter what protective positive shell you coat around you, their negativity can still rub off. Surround yourself with people who live life with candor, courage, care, kindness and -- this one won't have the "kuh" sound -- laughter.
   
3. Find a man who treats his mother well, and who treats other women well. You don't want a Mama's boy necessarily (though not all mama's boys are bad). I guess what I'm saying is, find someone who'll treat you like a princess, you know, like your Dad!
   
4. This is really important baby: remember that your outlook on everything is the most important thing. If you think you can, you can. Everything is a neutral event, it's up to you how to react to it; how to handle it. It's up to you how to perceive it.
   
5. Don't let others dictate how you live your life. No one's acceptance, approval, affection is worth living sacrificing your own happiness; or being untrue to yourselves. Yes, even us. We'll love you no matter what; we'll always support you short of murder (unless you had good reason ;) ). But if ever there comes a point where what we desire, conflicts with your true heart's happiness, well politely say "I'm sorry, but this is what I decided." Then be ready to deal with the consequences. OK?
   

Then and Now

Where did the time go? Was it just a few months ago that I was lamenting the overwhelming responsibility of taking care of a newborn. That I was wishing she would already be 6 mos. so she would sleep through the night?

That can't be. Because now the only time I get to nurse her on the weekdays is at night. So many "experts" are saying she should be sleeping through the night and that I should wean her middle of the night feedings now. Why should I? That is our bonding time. I'm not quite as eager for her to sleep through and miss that special time.

Slow down, slow down growing. I'd like to keep you a baby just a little longer. Crap, I'm just a tiny bit sentimental right now, couldn't you tell?

At 3 days old, and now at 5 mos.



At 3 weeks and 3 days, and now at 5 mos.



At 1 month, and now at 5 mos.



Growing up too fast...

My Little Thumbsucker

Mina is a thumb-sucker. A lot of Moms get panicked when they see their infant starting to suck their thumb. Nearly all experts agree that thumb-sucking doesn't cause jaw malformation or do damage to the thumb if they stop before age 5, which a great percentage of kids do. They stop on their own. Personally, Mina is 5 months (where did the time go?) and I'm proud she can self-soothe. I won't try to discourage her unless she gets near the 5 year stage.

Here she is, my little sucker.

Updates in Other Blogs

I don't have much to write so I'll update you on some stuff I've written elsewhere. I've started writing for a blog called Babies Online. For any new mom, seasoned parents, expecting parents, or any parents, there is a mine of information on interesting subjects; from celebrity baby news, feeding, bath time, baby gear, weight loss tips, games...and so much more.

Some of my articles:

Know the Signs of a Bad Babysitter

Most Common New Year's Resolution: Lose Weight

In Sight, In Mind

Please visit and comment!

Note To Mina

Before I forget all the wonderful moments that may be overshadowed by the teething nightmares.

You have definitely discovered the power of your hands. You swipe, grab and put everything in your drooly mouth now. I've felt your hands gripping my hair once or twice and I'm glad I cut my hair short after you arrived.

You were such a good baby on our flight to visit Papa and Bongga Mama in San Diego. Almost everyone that passed by us cooed and praised you on your good behavior. The folks on the flight back weren't as overflowing with their praise...maybe because you discovered the power of screeching your displeasure. Yes, this screeching thing you recently learned, hope you forget it soon.

You have no awareness of Christmas and of all the loot you came away with, but soon that will change. You'll be pleased to know though that you did come away with the most loot. You were definitely doted upon; you were a star, a princess, the apple in everyone's eyes. Mommy is ashamed to admit this but I was a bit jealous...I mean what am I chopped liver? Although to be fair, you didn't seem to enjoy your VIP status. You seemed a bit irritated at being passed around incessantly and of the constant newness in the environment. Of course you obliged them with a smile and a laugh still as you are so generous with your fanbase. :)

Okay, let's get back to your achieved milestones: you've mastered the art of turning over from stomach to back, and you're seriously working on turning over from your back to your stomach. You're determined and I'm amazed at how intently you try to do the latter everyday.

And over the holiday break you started on solids. Just like Mommy and Daddy thought, you loved it. You're inhaling the stuff like it was nectar of the gods! If you're wondering why the following video is cut off so soon it's because the battery conked out on the camera. :)

Mommy is super excited at your milestones. You've definitely got a personality emerging: determined, analytical, happy. I can't wait to get to know you even more!

Edited to Add:

As of January 6th, 2007, you can also roll over from back to tummy! Daddy had placed you on the comforter on the floor on your back. We looked away, and then he looked down, saying, "Uh, Tin she's on her stomach now and I placed her on her back". We promptly put you on your back again and you were happy to oblige by turning over once more. My baby's growing up. Sigh.