coping with changes..

Hey Baby,

one day when you grew up you will realize and start questioning why things changes.
and things changes so fast that you no longer realize that it is you who is now make a difference.
being difference is great.
people know you for something and that's good. instead, if you feel like the commoners, perhaps you need to make a stand and make your point.
never be afraid of revealing who you area and make the change.
When you never go down you will never turn up. when you dont feel sad, you would never know how it feels to be glad.
just be normal and don't be perfect.

There are times that I feel that I don't belong in everywhere -- just like one size smaller shoes. painful and hurts, and always think 'why does she gets that perfect one'
well bite this, as far as I know -- every living human being has their own problems.
so you can always cheer yourself from knowing that you are not alone :)
secondly, you always have options - to leave the room or stay, smile and just nodded.
you can try to adapt or you can choose to take a nap. remember the options area yours.
thirdly, you will never know who will be the good friend now or make the bad girls then. people changes even without you realizing how much changes you'd make within the last couple of years.

Look at the mirror and see who you really are.
ask yourself on what's the point of you're doing things.
sometimes.. your reason is much far noble than the saints themselves.
try it.

and remember one thing,
no matter how much you change - I will always love you and be there for you in heart.
no matter when, where, and for whatever reason why.

Athena's First Singing - twinkle, twinkle little star..

It's the Barney effect at the era of 2009.

Pretty much different than how we used to be -- or at least how I used to be.
Back then in 1982s, I would probably start the singing with some 'Topi saya bundar' and 'Burung Kakatua' which have the same notes. That might be the reason why I'm not considered as a tone-literate :p

Athena, at the age of 2 years and 1 month old -- sang both 'Twinkle-Twinkle Little Stars' & 'I Love you' and that happens just after Barney's Show in Jakarta last weekend.
Amazingly, her first time attending music & theatrical performance has triggered her wanting to open her mouth and constantly singing a song, even with a pause here and then and not so clear English words, but she got it -- in full song.
The funny thing is that she remain stunned and say nothing during the show. Not even when I move closer to Barney so she could realize that it is not just a big TV screen with some sparks, but trully a real Barney & friends were there performing music and dance.
Perhaps she captured everything in her mind and practice everything out when she got home.

an amazing experience -- a precious moment that will last for good:

1. Taking Athena to a music performance where she just stunned. and being a very good daughter doing all what mamanda says (yeup -- it was mother 7 daughter moment only). Capturing her excitement when entering the hall, sitting properly on her seat as if she was grown ups, being a very nice little darling for the rest of the show and even until it's over. Putting on her black little hat over the heating sun, and her sunglasses on while waiting Papanda to pick us up.
2. Listening to her singing of a full song. This time was my turn stunning at her.

I believe music plays a great role on her brain development, and not only that, she as well learn to move her body according to the rythm played. Music & Singing & Dancing would be the most fun thing to do when a mom try to teach something to her baby. It's delightful for both mom & baby.

Here are some tips to make your baby a singing-baby :

• Step 1

  Listen to different kinds of music. Move to the music by dancing, marching, or wiggling in silly ways. Get your child interested in music from the day you bring your baby home by making music part of your everyday life.

• Step 2

  Play or sing the same songs over and over again. Repetition is the easiest and fastest way to teach your child a song.

• Step 3

  Use songs to initiate transitions in your toddler's day. For breakfast sing, "If you're hungry and you know it clap your hands, sit at the table, give mommy a kiss ' " Sing clean-up songs when you are picking up toys. Choose favorite songs to sing at naptime and bedtime.

• Step 4

  Act out songs while you sing. "Itsy Bitsy Spider" is a common song to act out while you are singing. Make up your own actions for songs such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or sign the alphabet while singing the ABC's.

• Step 5

  Buy a cassette tape or CD to listen to while in the car. There are several sing-a-long tapes available for every age group. Playing and singing children's music while traveling is also a good way to entertain bored children.

• Step 6

  Include music in physical play. Move while the music is playing and freeze when the music stops. Teach rhythm by clapping and marching in time to music. Practice fast and slow by singing at different speeds.

• Step 7
  Sing. Sing songs with your toddler when you see things that remind you of a song. Sing when you are walking, shopping or cleaning. Make music a part of your toddler's life by making music a part of your life.

And some other small tips:

• Buy a tape player and cassette tapes for your child to play with.
• Collect different types of instruments for your child to play with.
• Talk about different instruments you can hear when listening to music.
• You may want to stay away from chaotic styles of head-banging rock, grunge and rap. Some animal studies show altered brain development due to prolonged exposure to chaotic, discordant music.

Tell me if your baby sing yet.

:)