Labels: baby Z, dad, family affairs

Today, Zechy's Papou George and Lola Theresa came by today to see how things are in our household and to also hand in a toy for the little one. This Fisher Price Action Firetruck would be his first car toy in his toy box and the li'l man couldn't be any happier. He was fascinated by the moving ball on top and though he still does not have the initiative to move it yet by himself, he would just be happy to follow with his eyes when mum moved his little truck.

Pardon the colour, its really red but mum only had her mobile thus the inadequate sharpness and colour was not that brilliant but nonetheless we have our entry on this....

Thanks Papou and Lola for this great toy... promise to look after this so it stays in great shape.

Labels: baby Z, toys

Since seedless watermelon is now in season and is getting cheap at that, we decided to buy a big piece for Zechy and even if he made a mess (though its hard to see this from a clean freak mum's perspective --- yep thats me) I let him enjoy the whole experience -- besides thats the other fun bit of eating a watermelon, right? I only have my mobile at that time so the colour is not that great.

Then lastly, we had a go signal from the nurse that visited him last Tuesday that its now ok to serve him whole eggs but I decided to just use the yolk bit and maybe use the entire egg next month --- again the very cautious mum in me thinks that its not yet safe when you know that these eggs were harvested in an inhumane manner and so bacteria may have penetrated the porous shell - just me I suppose too drama queen hahaha.

Thats it for the update on the green giant's ... err I mean the li'l man's food list... next week he turns 8months - that means new updates soon...

Labels: baby food, baby Z

Thanks Joy for the invite about your ongoing Toy Hunt. This mum was quite busy running so many errands that despite the fact I know that this post will be running so late, I thought of posting it anyway, just as you said - to remember the times when these toys were such a tresure to our kiddies.

Here is our Zechy today, enjoying his time while dad was driving and mummy taking his photos.

Here is my contribution to this week's Toy Hunt: (Toy with Legs), I decided to take the photo of Mr Giraffe, Zechy's favourite toy. He had this ever since he was born and is always on his side when he sleeps - short to say that its his security toy.

This morning, He has been a good boy and despite being awake early at 7am,( I heard him on the monitor) he just stayed in his cot babbling away and playing with his Mr Giraffe without any fuss. Mum was able to get an extra 2 hours of sleep had she woke up when the li'l man woke up, but because he was just happy playing there, I let him do that up until I decided that he has been fair enough to give me some time to sleep in... what a good boy.

Mr Giraffe is his favourite that even his door and his room is decorated with giraffes... a placid animal loved by a placid and contented bubba.

Labels: baby Z

Labels: baby

This is what I decided to cook for the li'l man's lunch since we have one slice of beef still in the freezer. I boiled a medium pot then chucked a whole onion that I sliced roughly and then the beef. I slow cooked the cubed beef for an hour and a half over low heat and on the last half hour dropped 3 medium pieces of peeled potato cut in quarters.

Labels: baby, baby food

I have again been invited to contribute to our ever growing Pinoy Parenting Blog Carnival by Jenny and this time the topic to be discussed is about picky eater.

I must admit we are lucky in that department that I have never seen this scene in our dining table. I have dreaded to have children who impose things or food for this matter rather than eating what was given to them and knowing me, I dont come away easy and littlemissy knows how toughie mum is especially when it comes to food.

Yes, we did experience a sort of resistance with littlemissy when she was around four years old. She would put mushroom (fresh or tin) to the side and would not eat it. She would also pass her bok choy or other asian greens to daddy as she would not take it, giving us a reasoning that it tickles her throat (yeah right). She would also separate those big slices of onions and would not touch it at all.

I suppose, as parents we have to let them know the benefits of the foods that they dont like or those that we serve to them. I remembered telling littlemissy that in order for the food to taste nice, I need to saute the onions with the rest of the other ingredients otherwise the food will have no flavour. Or perhaps we should think of other ways to prepare it - she finally loved bok choy when I finely chopped it and made it into a quiche together with her most loved potato and then asked her if she liked her vegie quiche and when she said yes, I said then that bok choy is not so bad after all as he said she liked it.

Also, endulge them in the kitchen and then make it a reward that if she helps in the kitchen, whatever we cook together then she has to eat them all. Thats when I was able to get her to eat her mushrooms hahahah.

Its not easy to make kids eat nutritious foods these days especially when fast food chains are on every corner or that tv ads always show and entice young people to eat these unhealthy fast food burgers but if you explain to your child that mummy or daddy's cooking is better and you make it a happy experience for them, then these fast food burgers can only be seen as treats or luxuries.

As for our li'l man, from the start we make sure that we give him the best start in life by providing him healthy home cooked meals and we are glad that he is no such picky eater (in fact our problem was the opposite - hot to make him stop - he would cry when we would say no more and yet he still wants more -- see my previous entry about him on his eating habits) ... a kilo a month gain for the last two months ever since he started his solids makes us realize that indeed its best to cook your own children's meal at least you know whats in it and you are assured that everything in it is fresh and nothing of those silly preservatives, sugars, sodium or what have yous that are not good for the growing bodies of our kiddies.

So far, the li'l man has a long list of food that he had already taken for the last two months and he's taken this with much gusto mind you. Fruits includes - banana, avocado (his fav), peaches, mango, kiwi, apple. Main meals include: mashed potato, pumpkin, sweet potato, purple yam, brocolli, peas to which I have also included steamed fresh salmon, steamed fresh tuna, pasta bolagnaise, nilagang baka and nilagang baboy (the meat finely flaked).

Today, I still make sure that when I shop for their snacks, I read the label and whats in it and yes, I do regulate their intake of food especially littlemissy who gets hyperactive when she gets sugar overload. And our family has never had softdrinks or sodas for about ten years now not even cordials as these are loaded with sugars and has empty calories, nothing good to gain from them so instead of the littlemissy feeling left out not having these, mr K and I decided that we too will not take them so its fair for everyone. We only take fresh juice or juice that has the most minimal amount of sugars and no preservatives or other additives are our other considerations as well.

Besides, mum loves to cook (and dad attest that she cooks great meals - naks) and dad is a chef --- who needs the big M or Hungry Jack or Red Rooster or even Pizzas when these two tandem can cook up a storm without leaving the house :)

Labels: ppbc

Im sure you have seen the pic by now and you must have seen a new ticker above... After letting both sides of the family know, I guess its time to let our friends know of what we just learned over two weeks ago.

Thats right, we didnt even know that we were pregnant all this time!! And the first trimester was almost over before it even started hahaha. I went to our GP a week and a half ago to check if we would be able to avail of a birth control that will not have any adverse effect to baby Z as I am still breastfeeding. We were not keen on this matter in the first place as we were informed by our RE that due to mr K's count (thats ever decreasing as each year passes) that conceiving naturally would be next to impossible and would take us fifty golden years to even come close to being one unless we avail of the assisted reproduction (in our case ICSI). I did mention to our GP thought that I have not had my period for a couple of months now to which he dismissed as I was still actively breastfeeding.

Imagine our surprise when we got a call from the clinic, after mr K insist for a blood test that day before taking the pills prescribed by our GP. I obliged to his request fully knowing that its negative anyway but just to suffice his request. Lo and behold - the cheery receptionist who called two days later, who happily congratulated us ended up being shouted at for a news that was suppose to be a good one... sorry for that Trish...

It was a total shock for us indeed and then my stress level went up the roof fully knowing that by next year I will have my hands full literally with two babies in tow and a twelve year old... oh well....

Last Thursday, despite my denial, I was confronted with the reality that indeed im carrying another bub as we see this little being moving around my belly... and according to the dating done thru imaging, my due date woul be on the 18th of May 2009.

Now, we are slowly discussing the idea of buying a bigger car, another set of cot and tall boys and baby wardrobe as the two who would end up sharing a room for the time being, not to mention whether we would be getting a tandem pram or those side by side ones... oh geeez so many things to think about... but as mr K said, leave it for a couple more months and just enjoy the pregnancy all over again... yeah right!

Anyway, we will keep you posted on this matter if anything arise... and yeah, im hoping that this bub is another boy so all we need to do is pass baby Z's stuff to him as there are heaps of stuff that he has not used and it would be a shame if it wont be used.... anyway hear you later

Labels: bubba#3, family affairs

If anyone is looking for a quick meal, here is one good example. Mr K whipped up this quick 10 minute meal -- as he was not feeling well and so am I, this is the best that he can do for the time being and I tell you its good. We have a couple of slices of fresh tuna (I think this was sashimi grade) when we passed by the fish shop and bought this because it just looked so good to pass.

Searing the tuna only takes a minute on each side, if that. If im not mistaken, mr K said it only took 40 sec on each side as the tuna was fresh and of good quality and when you take them out of the pan, and let them sit and rest for a while the cooking process still continues for those who wish their fish cooked more. I specifically asked mr K to cook my slice rare, but because we got caught up watching some show, it didnt turned out how I was hoping it would be but nonetheless the tuna was still soft and sumptious so no complain there.

Then for the salad, its as quick as opening the tin, rinsing the beans under the tap and then pouring it in a bowl then drizzle it with olive oil and the juice of one medium sized lemon then I added some coriander (or your preferred herb) for an extra zing.

Now you have a meal... ready to enjoy. Mr K seared the tuna in his chili sauce and used the remaining ones from the pan to drizzle it around the beans salad.

Labels: food

Last Sunday, we were invited to one of Mr K's cousin - Despina's wedding. She looked so radiant and so happy with the new life that she was about to embark. So being a mad scrapbooker (or trying to be one) I made a special handmade card for them. I thought having a personalized card makes it the more special. So here it is, and its not that hard to do... I was looking for inspiration while rummaging thru my stuff when I came across a pad of wedding stamps and in between were poems or quotes and some wedding related images.

I cut one page of that and use it to make this card. Then add some ribbons and whalah...

Anyway, to Dessie & Dennis Congratulations on your wedding day.

p.s I thought i'd use our wedding photo as background as to keeping up with the theme of wedding ...

Labels: craft, misc

Just want to share to you what my two boys shared last night. It was so hot that mr K stripped his top off and the li'l man was down to just his singlet and his nappy. The two fell asleep on our bed and after tidying up and turning all the lights from the outside and the lounge and kitchen, this was the scene that I found. And the two were cuddling together for a good hour or so before I decided that the li'l man needs to go to his own room.

Just found this scene so endearing so I thought of making a quick digital scrapbooking of the father and son.

Labels: baby, dad, family affairs

That's right, we had a very relaxed dinner last night. Mr K (aka the chef) made this yummy treat for the three of us (of course Zechy cant eat this --- yet). This gave us the chance to rid of our usual utensils and just grab things with our hands. It was a treat, and I was the last one to leave the table -- you can't blame me, its finger licking yummy thats why. With the guacamole dip and spicy tomato salsa on the side and the sour cream already on top of the nacho, im so contented.

Why not make one of your night an informal night and just eat with your bare hands and enjoy the night, may it be your pizza night or just like us, our nacho night ....

Labels: food

I suppose when you tend to be in the heavy side and mummy's helping hand is always there, who would bother hahaha.

What matters is that its fun for him... who cares if this is rather on the expensive side for such a simple seat... as long as the li'l man is happy so is mummy...

Labels: baby

I had to brown the mince very well to get rid of any microrganism or what have yous in the meat (yes, its just the cautious mum talking here) and then same with the sauce.

Then after the sauce was done and was cooling on the side, I (over) cooked some macaroni pasta (any pasta would do but we have an open macaroni already so I used that). I deliberately overcooked it so its easy to whiz later on. Whalah, this was how it turned out after whizzing the pasta together with the sauce.

And this was one great happy and contented bub after two servings (the sauce is still evident around his mouth hahha) ... which I thought would be enough for him ...

Hmmm... wrong! The little one cried for more ... and do you think this look will settle for a no? Thats right... NO!

So mum had to whip up another bowl so the little one would be one happy chappy... so despite that tears still lurking on the corner of his eyes, he was happy... after the third bowl of his pasta bolagnaise... (those servings equate to over a cup and a half in itself but since I added some water it would have yielded abit more... yes, this little chubba bubba can gulp big amounts of meal so dont underestimate his eating ability... hahaha)

Labels: baby, food

The weather last week was a topsy turvy one that some portion of the South West Sydney had snow and hailstorm in the middle of spring... well, not actually where we live but an hour's drive up the Blue Mountain.

Labels: food

check what mum made today ... just an ordinary day that we're turning into something extra ordinary ...

p.s the song You Are My Sunshine is Zechy's favourite song when we put him to sleep

Labels: baby

It seemed that the days have just passed by without much ado. Here I am again updating our families and friends of our li'l man's development now that he will be 7 months in a couple of day's time.

I thought of doing this now as I might be busy on Sunday (which is the exact day Zechy will be 7mos). He was in his usual good mood this afternoon while we were playing in his mat so I grabbed the chance and took my mobile and just started snapping away.

As you can see, his hair was not even combed but hey at least you know how our li'l man looks like on an ordinary day hahaha.... still cute I reckon (I know im a biased mum).

Zechy has been making developments in leaps and bounds and we were just amazed at the many things he showned just these past few weeks.

On his physical developments -- we think that he gained a good amount of weight as he just love his food and we can tell from his physique that this has helped alot. His hair is ever growing - not straight but into this nice little curls that when my sister saw him a couple of weeks ago, she said that his nephew is more looking like a little girl hahaha (well, you have seen where he got those curls from). He can quickly navigate his play area by either shuffling his bum or making this creative moves using his legs. He can quickly change from being in his tummy back to his back in two seconds flat - because he does not want to be in his tummy when he plays. He makes good use of his arms too evident when he plays with his toys - before he would just be happy starring at them or just making simple moves, but now, he bangs everything that he can grab on, shakes his rattles vigorously and loves taking the center stage by making this funny sounds from his toys. He can sit up unsupported but there were still a few times that he would fall on his side - or should I say he lets himself slide on the side. His legs are getting sturdier (and firmer as more muscles and fats are seen) ad he loves to use mummy's tummy as his trampoline whenever he is being carried. Also, his two bottom teeth are slowly but surely making its entrance... hopefully it will fully come out this month.

On his cognitive developments -- he talks much more now and tries to copy the sounds we make and the words that he oftens hears. He loves calling daddy by plain "da da" especially every morning when the two cuddles to sleep together and when he seemed to be missing daddy. He now can say "yummm" when to show his appreciation for his food. Every now and then he says "mum or ma ma" but not as often as "da da" -- hmmm this is not fair hahaha. He shakes his head from side to side when he wants to say no. He is more alert and shows more interests in almost everything, and loves to look at our mouth when we are talking or eating.

On other developments -- he is now sleeping in his own room (though we're still on the adjustment stage). He seemed to not settle properly during the night though so Dada thought of putting his shirt in his cot next to him so he can stil smell us (yes, we learned that this is another remedy for some separation anxiety -- and we think it works). He is very good in sleeping during the day, we just wrap him up and leave him in his bed and then walk away and he can put himself to sleep. Foodwise, thank goodness we dont have any problem and so far all that we have given him were taken well. He eats about 3-4 times a day and still being breastfed in between those meals. So far had eaten potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, brocolli, avocado, banana and mango. Today we started giving him his yoghurt and though he grimaced a couple of times, he still ate the whole serving pot.

We will go to our local nurse on Tuesday to check on his physical developments so for the time being the stat portion would be blank up until next week... but watch this space nonetheless next week.

Here are his stats for this month:

Weight @ 6 mos -- 6.05kg ......... Weight @ 7 mos -- 7kg
Lenght @ 6 mos -- 64cm ....... Lenght @ 7 mos -- 66cm
Head size @ 6 mos -- 42.5cm ...... Head size @ 7mos -- 42.5cm

Labels: baby

Labels: food

Last night's dinner was another yummy treat from Mr K's prowess and the right time to try out a recipe that was learned from a workmate. This was such an easy to make meal that anyone can do it.

You need the following: a good quality tuna in tin (1), some ricotta cheese (350g), parmessan cheese (according to your tasteand - optional), plain flour (enough to coat the tuna balls), salt and pepper, oil (we used olive oil to fry this).

In a bowl mix together the tin tuna with the ricotta cheese. Put some parmessan cheese just to add extra flavour, if this is not available then salt and pepper would do - just add according to your taste. Flour your hand then grab half a handful of this mixture, flatten it then toss in the flour. Dust the excess flour and then slowly drop in the hot oil. This does not take long - about a minute or two on each side. Thats it and you have a meal.

We had this yummy treat with some garden salad with some olive oil and some balsamic vinegar, but if salad is not what you are feeling at that time, you can also have some pasta with it or anything that you feel like having -- even with some steamed rice I guess.

If you are feeling adventorous, you can also use some left over chicken or turkey that has been shredded in exchange to the tin tuna or maybe you can also try it with some other type of fish.... dont be afraid to experiment in the kitchen - thats how chef comes up with their original menu.

Try it and let me know if you find this yummy.

Labels: food

Also, last Monday week (06.10.08) we added a new vegetable to his diet - the brocolli. Though, I didnt gave it to him as it is, I mixed it with the mashed potato with the finely pureed brocolli which we steamed. Thank goodness he loved it... I suppose he loved all his food so we were not surprised that he took it straight away.

Another new food introduced last Monday (13.10.08) was this yummy avocado which is in season so they are abundant anywhere. I loved this fruit when I was a child and up to now. I loved it with some condensed milk (or just sugar if condensed milk is not available) and some crushed ice especially during summer, or just this plain mashed avo spread on my toast and season it with some salt and pepper and whalah a great start to the morning. With Zechy, I just mashed it with nothing else. I was thinking of adding it to his cereal but thought otherwise so he would get used to its flavour. The big boy loved it and it seemed that the half avo was not enough. I had to just supplement another bowl of cereal as it was late in the afternoon when I gave it to him and I dont want him to have tummy ache late at night.

What can I say but the boy loooves his food so we were glad that things went in well. Baby Z will turn 7 months this coming Friday so that means more updates on what has been for the last month. More updates soon.

Labels: baby

Congratulations to my brother-in-law Gabriel and his partner dear Tracy for announcing their new addition to the family - Daisy Rose which will soon make her grand entrance in a couple of months. Tracy emailed a couple of days ago and letting us know of this happy news.

Labels: misc

Mr K and I were looking at the little boy's photos today when I realized how much resemblance the two has. I took out Mr K's baby photo (he was already 18mos in this pic) and then had it next to the little boy... you can't really deny the fact that the little boy and his daddy look alike ... I guess I have to look for my baby photo and see if the little boy has any of me when I was young.

Labels: baby, dad

It was hard for him to smile knowing that there were heaps of people that he does not know. Nonetheless, the lady taking the photos was able to get some good enough shots... not that bad... cute nonetheless.

Labels: baby

Look at littlemissy and baby Z today... boy do they feel so hot today. Had to strip the little boy and have him with his sister at our backyard as there are more breeze in there than inside the house. I rather not open the air conditioner and let the kids enjoy the soothing breeze outside.

We are just in springtime yet it feels more like the beginning of summer. Apparently it should be around the 33C mark today ... hmmm more like 36C actually.

Littlemissy made a point awhile ago about going to the pool maybe this weekend just to cool off but if the weatherman is right, this coming weekend is going to be rainy one....

I have been to a dozen countries and visited them during their summer time, but nothing compares to the Aussie heat -- it packs a punch when its really the dead middle of summer. I come from a tropical country as well but for some reason the Australian heat is just so different. Oh well, I guess its time to bring out their cosy and togs and get ready to splash in the water soon ....

Labels: baby, family affairs, kat, season

Im still trying to come to terms with the whole matter and up to now, I cant help but get abit teary. This morning, our littlemissy woke up to go to the loo when she realized that our back sliding door and screen door was left opened. She didnt think much of it and closed it and went back to bed.

Labels: misc