shalia athena rivera

Barbie Princess Syndrome

2011-03-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

My dear littleathena,

I used to against Barbie Princess to interfere in my life,
I was anyway not so fond of Barbie when I was a child. I was more into books and papermakers, and dance, and i don't remember anything else -- as if part of my childhood being kept hidden somewhere for the reason that i would never seek.
Anyway, my being against Barbie is mainly for its gender stereotyping in female personification. And how racist one could be to number one the caucasian type and neglect the afroamerican not to mention the asian. However, there are the things that were just unavoidable, such as the way I consciously inject the girly thing in you and create a mindset of a good girl which behaves as princess.. I admitted, I am guilty as charged.
But then I see things, sometimes the things that are labelled by others as bad is not really as bad as it seen. Or what other said good, is not always good for you. You, evantually have to decide for yourself.
Despite of the fact that Barbie Princess is such a pretty toys -- that even a child could not resist, Barbie Pincess movies happen to share good stories through song and lyrics.
I found it quite inspiring. surpisingly. They talked about dreams, about love, about sharing, and friendship. They really dig insight of being a girl. the girl power.
The most amazing thing happen when we start playing the CD in the car.. for the last 3 days my littleathena put us to silent. then the next day, she sang. she sang in English which she never really learn before. (she was being taught in Indonesian cause it is the proper stimulation to make her talks at that time)
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G !

To any of you who'd like to know more about these Barbie inspiring songs, here are some of my littledarling's favorite :

BARBIE - Island Princess
Title : Always More

Everybody is born to care
It's something we were meant to share
Not to keep to ourselves all alone

If we make room for someone new
Doesn't mean that there's less for you
Only means that our circle has grown

Love knows, Love grows
Bigger than before
In your heart there's always more

It's magic the more you give it away
The more love comes back to you everyday
You are my Tike and I am your Ro
Always forever wherever we go...

So Love knows,
Love Grows,
Bigger than before...

In your heart, there's always more
Always more...

BARBIE - The Three Musketeers
Title: I'm Making My Way
Take a look around, Take a walk downtown
Wondering if what you have been telling me is true
That I've been living large
Should accept that it's too hard
Forget about your dreams girl,
No, you wait a minute
'Cause I've opened my eyes.

I'm making my way you see,
Throwing out the disbelief
I'm jumping in , Giving it everything
There's nothing left to prove
To anybody else but me
So go right ahead and call me crazy
'Cuz I'm making my way
You bet I am
Making my way...

Does it freak you out ?
I am fierce and proud
Doint it with style baby who's the fool now?
I've finally sifted through
The useless attitudes
Ain't nobody pushing me around, no
I know who I am...

This life is a maze sometimes, but at least this life is mine...

Well that's a bit.. will continue later on..

Happy 3rd Birthday my baby...

2010-06-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my Little Athena,
today you are 3, and I still love holding you tight in my arms as if you were a baby.
i believe you will learn much more to be on your own..
perhaps we talk less or spent less time together,
perhaps you have found what you like to do on your own,
but never forget to bear in mind,
that if you found me in anger, i might be just tired.
that if I said something wrong, perhaps i just being way to old-fashioned.
that if I stay silenced, i might need some sleep.
that if I'm not around during your best moments -- i will be just a heartbeat away,
for every second I cherish your being,
for every prayers I've sent through my breath,
for whatever it is,
I will be just a heartbeat away... never too far away to let you live your own.

Love,
Mamanda

coping with changes..

2009-09-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

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..

2009-09-02T03:17:00.000-07:00

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:

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.
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.

:)

Do you really know your child ?

2009-07-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

That might be one question that appear to all parents for at least once when their children start reaching teenager. Similar question appear when I was abround 13yo, why is it so hard to make your parents understand what's important to me.
To many parents adoring childhood as the most wonderful times, that include myself, sometimes we all forgot that our baby is actually grows. She's no longer wearing the dress we choose, and she decide her shoes to wear this day.
One of my greatest fear is to feel the attachment I've got with my little Athena is gone. And that I can no longer understand her -- like my mom can't understand me back then.
So I capture carefully in mind on her behaviour eversince she's breastfed up to this moment -- bearing in my mind (and my husband) that her behavior today is can reveal who she is in the future.
And here are the list that I will add on as long as I could:
1. Love to tease and being teased.
2. Very Sensitive
3. High Pride
4. Love to share
5. Love music so much and all kind of instrument.
6. Love to be on stage
7. Unable to ask or request anything even when she likes it most
8. Hug her and you know how she feels
9. Don't say much in words
10. Hides her emotion well
11. Loves the crowds

Okie, now I really think she can be a superstar hahaha...no matter what you decide you wanna be just be focus on it and do it with your heart.
And you know that I will always be there for you.

Athena is now a big girl...

2009-06-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely?
This picture was taken when we had a family trip to Bali -- just the 3 of us.
The most wonderful 10 days I have ever had in life, to spend each every second being with my Little Athena.
Realizing now that she grew so fast, and she now has hair-curls off her shoulders. She sings and counts. She's unbelievably smart and a very generous kid.
She the reason of my being keep smiling every each day.

:)

Talk MIMA

2009-01-23T02:14:00.000-08:00

My so grown up baby has this universal language which she use at most for many meaning, it's:
'MIMA'
just like an apple button on Mac, this 'MIMA' talkings means a LOT!
Here are some definition that I found out up to today:
1. MIMA = Mommy, perhaps because she was talking with speed and without any pause -- mommymommymommymommymommy....
2. MIMA = MAMI = EYANG, fyi, I called my mum 'Mami' hence she start calling her grandma with mami.. again -- it's constantly repeated.
3. MIMA = Mimi = 'I Want Milk'
4. MIMA = Minta = 'I want it'
5. MIMA = just being nagging and that she think mima is a mumbling sentence at her intermediate babbling classes :p
6. MIMA = 'I want mommy's breastmilk'
7. MIMA = 'that one'

Thats all for now.. I will update if there are more to come :)

I'm sorry..

2008-10-27T04:25:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry Athena,
for not always being there for you,
for not always giving you my arms,
for not always cuddlying you everynight,
When I said that you are my reason of being,
Never in my mind that I blame you,
Never in my mind that I shame on you,
Never in my mind that I meant to hurt you,
But what was done in real life cant always be explained,
For you are always my reason of being,
the reason I'm living and working so hard,
the reason that I'm staying late at night,
I am to you a mum,
but you will know that I need to be
a sister,
a daughter,
and at the same time a very supportive wife.
And when I thought life was being hard on me,
I thought of your smile... and how you make my life worthwhile...
to see you smile, each and every day...
You are my reason of being, trying to be a very good person to everyone,
being a better person for everyone..
so that everyone will be nice to you,
being a better someone,
so that karma will be nice to you,
you are my only reason left to come home,
being a good daughter,
so that life ease its way to yours,
being a good sister,
so that everyone being so helpful to you,
being a good wife,
so that you will have a good life... a perfect life that I've dreamt of...
am not being a perfect mum cause I know I will dissapoint you one day,
but I will try to be there for you, as much as I could..
beyond all what people said,
Only God who knows how I feel inside..
how I live and survive each day,
just to see you smile.
and kiss you good night.

and everynight,

I'm sorry Athena... for leaving you everymorning...

Athena on Runway

2008-07-29T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

I'm exercising for my future sidejob here,
And Mamanda thought she could make a good fashion photographer ;-)

Okay, start walking and one - and two - and three !

and tap - tap - tap, right left right .... Chin Ups Baby !

And ready...... and turn around.....

Make a swing pose.. and keep the tap.

Make a final pose. Waive hands.

Good one - that's my baby !

And Little Athena is ready to go worldwide!

;-)

Confession of a Clumsy Mom !

2008-07-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

I have to confess.
I'm not a good mom. I might not give my baby a good example of being a mom.
And even worst I hurt her at many times.
Accidentally. But I knew she's hurt. And yet she never failed to forgive me.
It's my failure for not being more careful in handling her.
I'm the bad one.

I used to be a freak mom. I hate most people who handle my baby like a sack of meat.
I have never treated my baby that way.
But the clumsy thing in me, sometimes end up hurting her.

Yesterday was one HUGE failure.
I tripped over my oversized pants while holding her, and at few seconds I know I will fall badly.
I have only 2 options : Let her go OR Keep her.
If I let her go then she would fall badly to the hard floor, which I can't imagine myself for doing that. She's my baby and not some laptop bag that I could just throw away to make my arms available for covering my face from the floor.
If I keep her, I have to use my elbow to hit the floor hence my hands could save her back & head against the floor. But I have to sacrifice getting her body underneath me -- otherwise, I end up bumping head first then body.

My elbow, that's the key. I take option 2. And her legs went under my belly.
My biggest fear was that for about few seconds I could sense her legs tightened up and she began to scream. I'm scared to death that something happened with her. I save her head I knew I did. I make sure my both elbow hit the ground firstly before my arms & hands.
But I couldnt save her legs.
I'm huge, if you notice that. And I couldnt forgive myself for letting anything happen to her.
She turns out fine and I check every bruises possibly happen. Nothing. I touch her leg and try to move up and down, she's stopped crying. I guess it was fine. But I'm still looking for scan when we're down to hospital.
I've been spending hard time in the car, just figuring out why cant I move my body upside down, hence the possibility of my body hitting the floor is more as option. I think of why shouldnt I throw my self to the side hence my shoulder and head be the option. I think of anything I wish to do. But the most is I wish not to fall. to be more carefull.
I didnt wearing any highheels so that you know -- but I guess that made the pants a lot longer than it used to be...

That's the worst thing that ever happen to me being a mom -- I wish my baby forgive me when she knows it oneday.

If there's anything that I could possibly do, I would spare my life for that.
I will try to be a better Mom for you Athena.. but some parts.. I'm sorry for being a reckless mom....

Little Athena's 1st year

2008-06-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my little Athena,

May you grow healthily and happily ever after.
May you grow knowing the goodness of Athena, and bring goodness to others. There are lots of things in life that you will found enriches by sharing to others – like love & care, knowledge & experience, and happiness. You might found things cherish you and makes you grateful, but you might also learn things about disappointments & anger. If I were there to advice you, then I will say for you to deal with each any unpleasant thing, learn to be strong to stand on your feet or be brave enough to ask for help. Those things were the secrets of life – things that will eventually help your way to a better person – granting you wisdom of life.
And never forget that the best future one’s ever had is hope --- hence pray & make your efforts.
Don’t grow jealousy over others as nobody’s perfect; people born with problems for them to learn how to solve. At most, be yourself and take pride of the value you live in. You might not listen to me one day, but your heart & mind will tell you the truth. Be proud of yourself as I will always be proud of you.

Thank you my little Athena, you’ve made my remarkable life ever since you’re within me. It’s been a year of magical life.

Thena 1st B'day Invitation

2008-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Thena's style !

2008-05-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sunny Sunday Stroller -- Thena literally walk!

2008-05-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

One Sunday morning,
Thena took a walk with eyang, manda, and panda...
literally walk! pushing her stroller down the park in Senayan area.
showing off to the world that she manage to walk by herself -- well not really by herself, she still need something to hold onto -- a stick, stroller, hands, tree, cookies... anything that make her grasp something, then she'll walk!
look at her. Eyang hold the stroller from behind to keep her not running away from us.
at her 10 months. she walks!
smile, and blinking her eyes!
walk walk walk.. and sometimes a bit hurry to run... but never want to stop.

these pics were taken on May 4th 2008. sunny sunday

Here are some sharing tips (learn from Eyang) to make your baby walk at earliest stage.

Make sure your calcium needs are fully-fulfilled since pregnancy to breastfeeding time. If you have milk -- try broccolis
When your baby reach 3 months, try to wash down her back neck with natural water (morning cold water-- Indonesian temperature of course!). It will help strengthen her back upper spine and induce her to move her back spine as in trying to sit from lying position. Do this every after bath time.
Give her something to kick with! baby play gym, pillow, blanket, everything hence she'll try to move her feet and push them away and back and away again....
When she reach 7 months -- and doctor said, it's okay for her to try to stand on her feet without having to fear of her leg not growing well -- try to give her bath with normal temperature water (not hot water). It helps her to have stronger bones & body, and also help to befriend with nature.
Don't do the baby walker. just arrange your furniture and stuff hence she'll response to her will in trying to step up and move her leg.
Try put a mirror up front her playing box. She'll learn to stand to see her self and be motivated to keep standing and play hide and seek with her reflection
motivate - motivate - motivate - challenge - challenge - challenge.

That's my personal experience with Thena which walk at 10mos. But for all who'd like to seek more info from the expert, here is one:

http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Development/Learning-to-Walk

How to encourage walking

It takes most babies about 1,000 hours of practice from the time they pull themselves upright to the time they can walk alone. To help prepare your child for taking those first few steps:

From birth:
The single most important requirement for walking: strong back muscles, which babies develop by lifting their heads while lying on their tummies. So make sure yours gets plenty of tummy time while awake. Place interesting toys and objects just out of reach for motivation.

Once she can sit:
Help her practice her balance and mobility by rolling a ball back and forth with her. Or hold a toy in front of her and move it from side to side, which will encourage her to lean this way and that. As she lunges forward or crawls, she'll develop more strength in her neck, back, legs, and arms, as well as more control of her hips -- enabling her to pull herself up to a standing position -- and safely plop down again.

Once she can stand:
Let her walk in front of you while you hold her hands -- and periodically let go of one hand so she can experiment with balance. Or stand a few feet away from her and cheer her on when she's standing on her own. Offer lots of encouragement and praise.

Once she can cruise:
After she has mastered standing, she may start to leave her handprints all over the house as she cruises from the wall to a chair to the coffee table. Help her by arranging sturdy furniture so she can make her way across the room. She may not yet be able to sit from a standing position, which she'll want to learn to do before walking on her own. Be close by so you can help ease her butt down with your hand; then she'll be able to sit without hurting her bottom.

BIG Family

2008-04-18T01:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a story of a Big Mamanda...
A Very big Papanda....
and their baby....

First Time "Mama" intentionally!

2008-04-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

"I Have a very SMART baby" =)

It's been a couple of busy week when I got home and I found little Athena asleep already,
I miss playing around with her before bed time,
It's the time when she showed off all her ability within that day.
Yes she understand showing off =)

Last night I went late again, and all I can do was looking at her falling asleep peacefully -- well not that peacefully if you can see her going round in about 280degree while sleeping.. hehehe...
It's been a happy ritual for me to breasfeed her at night,
One ultimate enjoyment which she can only got when Mamanda was home.
And yess... I love breastfeeding her, even till now that she has reached 9 months.
But as this breastmilk went lesser and lesser in along with the morning came...
I finally asked Panda to prepare a bottle of milk.
But, apparently Then knew the difference between the real nipple and the bottle-nipple, she refused to drink from the bottle and said:

"Mama... Mama..."

and padding onto my breastmilk!
I was so delighted that I couldn't sleep anymore...
She actually said "Mama.. " and padding at me!

I know that she's capable of padding herself while we asked "where's Thena?" and that she managed to notice who's been called what, like "Eyang", "Panda"... etc... but never really hear her saying "Mama..." and padding at Mamanda.....

I'M SO EXHILARATED !
I'M THRILLED !
I'M THE MOST HAPPIEST MOM ON EARTH !

Fly high my dear Athena

2008-03-31T05:37:00.001-07:00

Fly up high my baby...
Fly away to the sky my baby...
Up up to the sky without fear...
Yes fly away & smile so wide...
spread your wings,
raise your hands,
your dream is a sweet beginning...
of tomorrow's can tell,

I raise you high,
for you to be wise enough,
to groom wings to other who need,
lend yours for people in desperate,

share your love, share your laugh,
for that simplest thing meant so much to others..
my love will stay in your heart.

Piano Maestro

2008-03-28T05:22:00.001-07:00

isn't she gorgeous!

Baby Talks and how to stimulate the talkings

2008-03-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

when your babies reaches 7 months or older, they start babbling many words... merrier than before they could babble. When my baby was yet one month year old, she used to babble "mamamamama......" and "acrreeew". But on later months, she will learn from hearing that some words are meant to be spoken.. like she start knowing that Yamm-Yamm means meal time... or that they start knowing that some words refer to someone.
Thena started recognizing her name when she was like 3 months, though we have different nicknames to call her, but still she noticed that. And she noticed a lot on her parents or family that are close with her..
Like one time Thena spending 3 nights sleeping with Manda only, without Panda. Thena notice the not-being-around Panda, by pointing to Panda's photo at the bedroom wall.
Thena start pointing fingers at 7 months, that's when she started trying to tell what she wanted and what she liked. And apparently this month, Thena start clapping her hands when she fond of something, or when she was happy.
She celebrates everydays enjoyment of her life by clapping her hands..
Especially when Manda sings "Paddy Cake Paddy Cake.. Baker's a man.. bake me a cake as fast as you can!" or in eyang's version : "Pok ame ame, belalang kupu kupu, siang makan nasi, malam minum susu " hehehe......
I think these days are moments when Thena start learning the language through visual cues.
Well, she learned in advance apparently thru pointing fingers & clapping her hands.
and now, Manda & Eyang start to teach her the visual cues of sleeping, hungry, want some milk, and of course poop-time ^_^.
Manda also exercising Thena to understand "no-no" sign and "yes, it's okay" sign from Manda.
One thing she understand well due to her headbump to the chair... she understand the "Bump & ea--ea--" as a sign of hurt -- well taught by Eyang ^_^
Visual cues like that help us to understand the baby better. Understanding her "needs & wants" help to smoothen the communication in which will leverage the interaction level between baby & adult. Effective communication & human interaction will definitely contribute a positive impact towards babies.
Like eyang said, Babies learn to grow... they'will not become babies forever. That's why we should motivate & stimulate our baby aas best as we can.

Attached is a very good article from babycenter.com to read for Mommies & those related with Babies...

Babies discern languages through visual cues

THURSDAY, May 24 (HealthDay News) — Infants can tell the difference between two languages without hearing the spoken words, simply by watching the face of the adult who is talking, a Canadian study says.

"It is important, because it tells us how babies are prepared to learn multiple languages," said Whitney Weikum, a doctoral candidate in neural sciences at the University of British Columbia who led the experiment.

Working under the supervision of Janet Werker, a professor of psychology at the university, Weikum had three groups of infants, ages 4, 6 and 8 months, from bilingual Canadian homes watch silent video clips of an adult speaking either French or English.

"The baby watches the screen and sees the faces of the people talking," Weikum said. "When the baby's looking time declines, the computer switches and starts a clip of an adult talking the other language. The baby notices the switch and starts watching the screen again."

That ability to tell the difference can diminish over time, depending on what languages are spoken in the home, the study found. Eight-month-old babies from bilingual French-English homes would return their attention to the screen when the language was changed. But the ability to tell the difference was lost at about 8 months of age by babies from homes where only one language was spoken.

One point made by the study, published in the May 25 issue of the journal Science, is that "language is multimodal," Weikum said. "Studies have shown that aural cues are important. This now shows the importance of visual cues."

Laura-Ann Petitto, a cognitive neuroscientist who is director of the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory for Language, Bilingualism and Child Development at Dartmouth College, said: "This is a landmark study about the ways that babies use multiple cues to enable them to distinguish between languages. The study suggests that, at an abstract and deep level, the learning brain might not be tied to speech itself."

It has been known that young deaf babies use visual cues to help them learn language, Petitto said, "but we never dreamed that a hearing baby can also be learning language using visual cues."

Petitto said the study has "important implications," because "it supports the belief that the brain can use multiple cues in language processing and suggests that multiple cues in teaching languages can be beneficial."

The findings also have practical applications for remedial speech teaching, Petitto said. "Various remedial tools use multi-stimuli," she said. "This is wonderful confirmation that the multiple cues that we give babies are actually useful."

Peter Gordon, associate professor of speech and language pathology at Teachers College of Columbia University, said an interesting follow-up study would be to add another language to the mix.

"If we gave them say, Russian or Chinese, a language that they are not adapted to, we would predict that they would be like the monolingual group," he said.
-- Ed Edelson, HealthDay News

Little Athena in Action !

2008-03-18T02:23:00.000-07:00

Thena doesn't like waring hat! at All !
She tried to take it off, but look where it ended... ^_^

Little Thena start crawling over everywhere, and picking up things that ends up in her mouth!
This is why, we never leave her alone. not trusting her alone. not yet thena ...

Six Teeth at 8th months

2008-03-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

I was surprisingly astonish that my baby has 6 teeth already!
No wonder she bites everything, seems like wanting the whole world to know
Upper Central & Lateral Incisor & Lower central incisor!
WOW!

A lovely surprise for the long weekend!

^_^

Day Care List

2008-03-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

LIST PLAYGROUP

Jakarta Pusat
1. Budi Mulia Jl. Mangga Besar Raya Jakarta Pusat
2. Holy Angel, Jl. Tanah Abang II No. 11, Jakarta Pusat. Tel 3809577
3. Mutiara Indonesia cab. mangga besar Jl. Mangga Besar VI/50 Jak-Pus, 11150
4. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Pejompongan Jl. Tondano no. 12 Jak-Pus 570-8697
5. Mutiara Indonesia Jl. Cik Ditiro, Menteng, Jak-Pus
6. Regency Playgroup cab. cempaka putih Jl. Rawasari Selatan, Cempaka Putih, Jak-Pus, 10570
7. Regency Playgroup cab. Petojo Jl. Pembangunan II/8 Petojo Utara, Jak-Pus, 10130 384-9083
8. Regency playgroup cab. senen Jl. Kepu Selatan, Senen, Bungur, Jak-Pus, 10460
9. TK Ar Rahman Belakang Hotel Regent, Jak-Pus
10. TK Mini Pak Kasur Cikini V/2, Jak-Pus 338-179

Jakarta Selatan
1. Bambino Jl. Brawijaya no. 4, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel 720-3356
2. Bina Keluarga Balita (menengah-bawah Kelurahan Duren tiga, Pancoran, Jak-Sel
3. Ceria Montessori Jl. Simpruk Golf IIIJakarta SelatanTel. 7221369
4. Delima Jl. Bangka XI-C/9B, Kemang, Jak-Sel 719-6236 719-1144
5. High/Scope Pre-School Jl. Metro Pondok Indah No. 33, Jak-Sel 780-7644/722-2325
6. Kartini Pre School Jl. Raya Cilandak KKO No. 60 Jakarta SelatanTel. 7807644
7. Kembang Jl. Kemang II/1, Jak-Sel 799-5016
8. Kidsports Family Fun & Fitness Kompleks Pondok Indah Golf and Country Club, Jl. Metro Pondok Indah No. 1, Jakarta 12310 751-2403, 766-5028, 766-5029 5209366
9. Kids'World - fun educational centre at Jalan Suryo no. 5 - Senopati Jakarta Selatan. Telp 72792075, 72794369
10. Kinderfield at Mall Ambassador Lt. 5 Casablanca Ph.5762376
11. Kinderland Pre School Pondok Indah Housing Estate Jl. Sekolah Duta V No. 3 Pondok IndahJakarta Selatan Tel. 7653077
12. Kinderland Pre SchoolBona Indah Housing EstateJl. Bona Vista RayaLebak Bulus, Jakarta SelatanTel. 7692988, 7692989
13. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Bintaro Jl. RSC Veteran no. 20, Jak-Sel
14. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Cinere, Jl. Cinere Raya no.19. Telp.7543730
15. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Cipete Jl. Gaharu II/15, Jak-Sel 754-3730
16. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Kalibata Jl. Kalibata Tengah no. 5, Jak-Sel
17. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Pamulang, Jl. Molek Raya Blok AX.24 no. 1 dan 2, Pamulang Permai, telp. 74705001.
18. OSSC(One Stop Study Center), yayasan Tunas Muda Jl. Iskandarsyah I no. 11, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel 730-3422
19. Pondok Indah Montesorri Jl. Metro Pondok Indah TG XI 39, Jak-Sel 765-4617
20. Regency Playgroup cab. Kebayoran Jl. Wijaya X/I, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel, 12310
21. Regency Playgroup cab. Tebet Jl. Tebet Barat XII/3, Jak-Sel, 12810
22. Shinning Stars,Jl Elang Raya, Bintaro sektor 9 Telp: 74861012
23. Start Bright Pre School Jl. Hang Tuah II/2, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel 765-4617
24. Sunshine Pre School, Yayasan Pengembangan Anak Mentari Sunshine Pre School Jl. Lamandau IV no. 1, Jak-Sel 726-5515/726-5516
25. Tadikapuri, cab. Blok M Jl. Panglima Polim V/62, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel, 12160
26. Tadikapuri, cab. Kebayoran Baru Jl. Dharmawangsa I/22, Jak-Sel, 12160
27. Tadikapuri, cab. Kebayoran Baru Jl. Raya I/33, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel, 12120
28. Tadikapuri, cab. Kebayoran Baru Wijaya Grand Center Blok A 11, Jl. Wijaya II, Jak-Sel, 12160
29. Taman Bermain Kepompong Jl. Bangka Raya 99B, Jak-Sel, 12720

30. Teddy Bear Taman Balita Jl. Metro Pondok Indah 61, Jak-Sel 769-1701
31. The Kids Club Fan Languages International Jl. Cikajang 56, Kebayoran Baru, Jak-Sel 726-9390
32. TK Mini Pak Kasur Jl. H. Noor. Pasar Minggu 7946568
33. Tumble Tots Mall Ambassador Lt. 5 Casablanca Ph.5760376
34. Tumble Tots Pondok Indah Plaza II, Jl. Metro Pondok Duta Niaga Blok BA II no. 43, Tel : 7510454
35. Tutor Time cab. Kemang Jalan Kemang Utara no. 56 Jak-Sel 12730 Tel: 71793139, 7182087
36. Tutor Time cab. Pondok Indah Jl. Arteri Pondok Indah no. 1, Jak-Sel (behind QB Plaza) Tel: 72798185, 72798223
37. Tutor Time Jl. Kemang Utara 56, Jak-Sel 799-3139
38. Yayasan Brawijaya Brawijaya Apartments Ground FL, Jl. Brawijaya XII no.1, Jak-Sel 722-7221

Jakarta Timur
1. ABC kids - Bukit Rafflesia blok E-2, Cibubur telp. 8454508
2. Kinderland Pre School Pulo Mas Housing Estate Jl. Kayu Putih Raya Blok A IV Kav. 1-4 Pulo Mas, Jakarta Timur Tel. 4706722, 9111635
3. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Pondok Kelapa jl. Kelapa Hijau Raya Blok M No. 8-9, Kompleks Billy & Moon, Jak-Tim 864-2960
4. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Pulomas Jl. Kayu Putih Selatan Kav. IV D No. 58, Jak-Tim 471-3168
5. Pelangi playgroup Komplek Taman Modern Cakung, Blok G2 No 17 Cakung - Jakarta Timur Telp 4619166
6. Regency Playgroup cab. Cipinang Jl. Cipinang Elok II, Cipinang Muara, Jaktim, 13420
7. Regency Playgroup cab. Matraman Jl. Slamet Riyadi 8A, Jaktim, 13150

Jakarta Barat
1. Aisyah 2 Jl. Susilo 1 Rt013/03, Jak-Bar 563-397
2. Al-Azhar Jl. Kemandoran I/79, Jak-Bar 532-7437
3. Anggrek Mal, 4th Unit E05 563-9247
4. Ciputra Mal 5th Fl Unit 33 560-5544
5. Dunia Montessori Taman Surya III J4 no. 7, Jak-Bar 545-8330
6. Ecclesia Jl. Taman Ratu Blok A-1/22, Jak-Bar 565-0851
7. Gracefields Kindergarten Jl. Kembang Abadi VII Blok A 14/14 Puri Indah-11610 (021)- 5803811/581-7182
8. Kawan-Kawan Selvy Jl. Srengseng Kembangan Kebon Jeruk, Jakarta Barat e-mail: selvy@asia.com
9. Kinderland Pre School, Yayasan Bumi Raya Putra Jl. Surya Gardenia, Sunrise Garden, Jak-Bar, 11520 580-2323, 911-1635
10. Kinderworld Montessori Preschool, Jl. Kembang Sakti Timur I Blok D-9 NO. 21-22, Puri Indah, Jakarta Barat, Tel 5805088
11. Ladybird Preschool and English Activity Center Jl. Surya Timur W/26 Sunrise Garden, Jakarta Barat 11520 (021)-580-0389/530-5892
12. Lolly Pop Surya Utama J/8 Sunrise Garden, Jak-Bar 581-8725
13. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Citra Garden Perumahan Taman Surya II Blok B4 no. 1, Kalideres, Jak-Bar 544-1039
14. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Taman Surya, Perumahan Taman Surya II Blok B 4/1. Telp. 5441039
15. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Tanjung Duren, Jl. Kebon Raya 11 JakBar, tel. 5652526
16. Mutiara Indonesia Jl. Srengseng Raya no. 17. Kebon Jeruk, Jakarta Barat 5841384
17. OSSC(One Stop Study Center), Yayasan Tunas Muda Jl. Kedoya Angsana D13 no. 1 dan 18, Jak-Bar 580-2035
18. Permata Indonesia Jl. Mandala Raya No. 5 Jakarta Barat Tel. 5682229
19. Puri Indah, Rukan Sentra Niaga Puri Indah T3/16 583-02982-3
20. Regency Playgroup Jl. Akasia Baru B 10/25, Taman Kedoya Baru 580-0294
21. Sanggar Bobo Mal Ciputra
22. Saraswati Jl. Raya Kembangan II, Jak-Bar 580-8904
23. Saraswati Pre-School Jl Raya Pejuangan no. 28, Kb. Jeruk Jakarta Barat
24. The Kids Club Fun Languages International Jl. Penyelesaian Tomang I Blok 7/13, Meruya, Jakarta Barat 586-9958
25. Tutor Time cab. Jak Bar, Jl. Puri Kencana Blok L7/1, ph: 5811664, 58300003

Jakarta Utara
1. Mutiara Indonesia cab Sunter Blok HA 5 no. 1, Sunter Agung Pogomoro, Jak-Ut 082-131102
2. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Kelapa Gading, Jl. Janur Elok IV, Blok QE 9 no. 1, Kelapa Gading, Jakut. Telp. 4529301
3. Regency Playgroup cab. Pluit Jl. Pluit Barat VI no. 24, Penjaringan, Jak-Ut, 14450
4. Regency Playgroup cab. Tanjung Priok Jl. Flamboyan 101/1, T. Priok, Jak-Ut, 13420
5. Tumble Tots Wisma ADR 5th Floor, Jl. Pluit Selatan no. 1A 661-9290 661-9270
6. Tutor Time cab. Kelapa Gading I Jl. Raya Janur Elok QC 14/12, Kelapa Gading, Jak-Ut Tel: 4516269, 4516913
7. Tutor Time cab. Kelapa Gading II Komp. Ruko Bukit Gading Indah O15/16, Kelapa Gading, Jak-Ut Tel: 45842794-95
8. Tutor Time cab. Pluit, Jl. Pluit Utara Raya No. 72, Tel : 6692513, 6619860

Bekasi
1. Al-Muzzammil, Playgroup / Tk, Perum Graha Indah-Bekasi ph : 849 94346
2. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Bekasi (TK+SD) Jl. Cikunir Kampung Dua, Jaka Sampurna - Bekasi Selatan. Telp. 8867163
3. TK Al- Azhar Kemang Pratama, Pekayon Ph : 885 5758
4. TK Ar Rahman, Komplek Perum Graha Indah - Bekasi Ph : 849 70136

Bogor
1. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Bogor, Jl. Cikurai no. 17. Telp. 0251-354642

Tangerang
1. Mutiara Indonesia cab. BSD : Sektor XIV1-4-11, telp.5381255
2. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Citra Raya Jl. Raya Serang km. 14.7 kec.cikupa Tangerang. Telp. 5969087

Depok
1. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Depok, Jl. Kartini no. 56A, Margonda Ujung Depok. Telp. 7762610
2. TKIT Az Zahra, Kompleks Perum Kemang Ifi Graha -Bekasi Ph : 821 4487

Bandung
1. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Bandung 1, Jl. Suka Wangi no.5 (Setia Budi), Bandung - 40153. Telp. 022-2038165, fax 022-231198
2. Mutiara Indonesia cab. Bandung 2, Jl. Ranggamalela no. 6. Telp.022-4203996
3. Tutor Time cab. Bandung, Jl. Dipati Ukur no. 7 (Jl. Kyai Gede Utama corner), Tel : 2500031, 2501145

Athena's Curiosity

2008-03-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Shalia Athena, 8 months.
very curious to things,
sometimes with the ants on the floor,
the wall lizard in the room,
and today's.. on the grasshoppers.

"What could that greeny thing be?"
"Mommy, it's looking at me!"
"it's nodding its head!"
"it has antena just like TV!"
"Mommy mommy, I think it's sad..."

Actually there's a tragic story behind this picture. This picture was taken when we were visiting Eyang kakung for holiday at Bogor. Eyang was so excited to give the grasshoper to Thena. FYI, the grasshopper from eyang is actually meant for his birds feeding.. so yes that poor grasshopper does not meant to have a long life...
And well... Thena is in a very curious moment where she doesn't afraid of anything but Manda (hehehe)..
Ants were afraid of Thena , she chase them all over the terrace and scare them away... Lucky for the wall lizard, then couldn't chase them so they could peacefully hide somewhere behind the photos.
But this grasshoper.. Thena sorta smash and squeeze it, we told her not to squeeze too hard and to let it go.. she let it go yes, but not her eyes.. and we distract her with something else... (with Manda's ASI actually)
But poor Grasshopper apparently too dizzy or weak or I don't know why... the next 20 minutes I saw it was being taken over by the ants on Eyang's front yards. poor grasshopper.... Manda & Panda felt so guilty...

Shop shop shop

2008-03-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

Manda's biggest sins when I was a first jobber were SHOES... lotta shoes.....
and Jackets..... love jackets !

Known as impulsive buyer, I believe in the gratification of unsuspected shopping pleasure.
There were certain months when I targeted to get a job done and treat myself with a white pump shoes... or red shoes... or even polka dot one (of which I just realized that I never wore the polka dot one....). Bought 3-4 for every day of purchase. Obsessed with 1 but end up purchasing 3. And there were certain moments when I planned to buy a shirt, but end up buying 2 with the same type & motive but different color!!
And not mentioning purchasing Jacket to every business trip.

Then my size get larger, my body size & my shoes size.

Then I got married and thought, hey I will manage my life better -- spent on the necessary ones and by the way -- it's not very easy to get what I want with my current size.
Then I got pregnant...
and start over to buy baby things. I said to myself, Hey it's very normal, it's my first child!
And when the baby girl was born...
the shopping for ultimate pleasure devil is back! hahahah
I know I have a bad habit of purchasing things spontaneously, so yes I limited my self exposure to Mothercare. Yeuuuppp!
I said to my self, try to limited yourself to go to a shopping points that can lure your eyes. Yes, I manage that.
But thanks to technology and internet.. I can browse lotsa stuffs here, and thought that I can survive, hahahaha...
I start buying things for Athena.
I love buying things for her! toys, shoes, dress, books, stuffs..
So, Yes, I still a shoes-a-holic, but in little thena's size ^_^
This sin is fortunately forgiven by everyone, hehehe
Eyang can say nothing.... and Panda can only smiles....
and the best is that Thena smiles !

But Thena darling, when you're older, you should be wiser than me... yes you should.... hehehe

Weekend at Bogor

2008-03-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

On a sunny saturday....
February 23rd 2008,

just a week to eight months year-old Athena was visiting Eyang Kakung's house in Bogor. "Yes, Eyang, here we come!"
Thena was all prepared waiting for Papanda to come back from his high school reunion and let's get going to Eyang's.
Eyang's been beeping mamanda all morning!
And finally Papanda came home. Ok Papanda let's go straight to Bogor!

Turn out that Bogor is far from sunny.
We arrive there safely. And Eyang promptly hold Athena =)

Hehehe...
This is Thena's face template when he was confused..
she probably hasn't met Eyang in quite a long time...
Thena's face saying "Help me Mamanda!"
hahaha... kidding..

Let's go for a night-ride!

Little Thena is all set up with her long legged dolly on the back, and all the tiny animal stuffs upfront...

"yes yes I'm prepared!"

Little Thena with her walker buggy start exploring Eyang Kakung's house....

Again with Eyang in the Morning...

And near Saung Saungan....

What a nice weekends !

Favourite baby link

2008-02-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

Little Thena's Fave :
up to this moment...

TOYS:
The most complete ones
http://duniamainan.blogspot.com/

CLOTHES:
The most fancy ones
http://www.flickr.com/photos/baticare/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/celebrikids/

KIDSTUFF:
The most exciting ones
http://www.babyparcel.com/
http://nenenshop.com
http://kidsloves.multiply.com

Thought for Tomorrow

2008-02-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

Little Athena,
One day you'll learn,
that not every bad people is bad,
and not every nice people is really nice.
above all, no one can ever admit of loving you as much as I do.
I've experience accompanied by you for 41 weeks,
Shared my breath, my heart, and my blood,
I cherish every moment breastfeeding you, even that I know I couldn't give you enough.
I cherish the nights when you snuggle to me and snap-snap your pretty full lips.
I blessed all the moments I can have with you, just watching you sleep...
I blessed all the moments of lullabying you, cradling you in my arms,
I treasure my heartbeat when I see you smile,
I treasure your babbling anything for a while,
when you learn something new, I discovered more reason to love you more..
I want you to be with you when you learn about the world,
all the things that sets your tears, all the things that made you think.
If I were to be selfish, I would say, I love you the most.
I will protect you when you can't protect yourself.
Been there. Choosing you over anyone else in this world.
Make enemies to people who hurt you intentionally and unintentionally.
Just to be sure, that's you're safe....
When you're growing older, I will be there to watch you're back..
I love you, more than I love myself.

Baby Site Review

2008-02-15T01:35:00.001-08:00

To my version, of course.

Baby Website I like most:

1. www.babycenter.com

Visually : pretty, soft-tone, baby manner. Nice logo. Clinical. Pure & Soft.
Content Wise : Very Comprehensive. starting from pregnancy guide to babies for dummies up to child development. Well updated & maintained. Good navigation also. Inspirational for Mums
Member Benefit : monthly update to your pregnancy & baby, sharing stories & pictures.
I have been browsing this website eversince dealing with baby product, and now it's in my bookmark pages and I'm registered as member. I've got update regarding my baby's development every week along with what should go with it, the games, the nurturing, feeding , and even things to have. As far as I search this is the most complete one stop solution website for Mums -- including Mums life with spouse and even fashion. and one of the uniqueness is the stories shared by mum all over the world -- it gave me inspiration on child nurturing.
Even,it has the most specific answer to your question. So if you're clueless, you came to the right site. It's like a face of your bestfriend, whose husband is a doctor. Reliable but Friendly.
4 thumbs up!

2. www.mumcentre.co.id

Local Rules ! hehehe..
Visually : It is the most appealing local mum & baby site I have ever seen. Dynamic. Magazine-like. Colorful but not too 'Norak'
Content wise : Good Navigation system. You can find lots of information need by Mom & Baby. But unfortunately this website is considered new, hence not many mum joined yet. But I believe it would be one great site one day.
Membership Benefit: Monthly newsletter, discount -- free trial -- and it's all local, so it's more reachable yes.
I first visit this site from a link in nenenshop.com (a very nice baby online shopping -- and the store itself was nearby my office area ^_^) first come, really welcome with all the feature and appearance, and found really good stuff in there. Good information, about where to spend the holiday, the upcoming event for family, and complete with a pic of the week -- though I Haven't had my baby pic on it, but am aiming for it. Yes, I believe it's gonna be a great site.
Cheers & Carpe Diem !

3. www.baby-gaga.com

Visually : Simple & useful
Content Wise : Clear navigation and not too crowded. Very informative and yet could make you laugh for its caricature and column. For parents with babies, this site is more like a sharing site through forums. But of course, experience was the best teacher, hence this website give you information from the best teacher =)
Membership Benefit : Weekly update for pregnancy along with all related articles. But unfortunately it's not automatically linked to the baby ticker when it was born. So you have to re-register.
I first visit this site when googling for a pregnancy calendar. Of all pregnancy calendar, it has the most unique pregnancy calendar with the most nice-looking feature. and it has this column by the sarcastic journalist who review phases of pregnancy from a different point of view. More fun, different. yet awakening.
Don't Miss IT !

Play With Baby

2008-02-13T05:54:00.001-08:00

Here are some my favorite ideas on how to play a simple games with your baby.
Easy. Cheap. and Anytime.

1. Peek-A-boo
There's no limit to the versions of peekaboo your baby will enjoy. This one builds on your baby's fascination with facial expressions.

Skills developed: understanding of object permanence, fine motor
What you'll need: paper or cardboard; pens, scraps of cloth, scissors, glue

Remember that page in Pat the Bunny where you can lift up a slip of cloth and see Paul's face? Taking this as inspiration, make your own peekaboo pictures, using different characters and facial expressions. On several sturdy pieces of construction paper or cardboard, draw simple sketches of people, each with a happy, sad, or grumpy expression. If you'd rather not draw, cut out pictures from a magazine instead. Then cut rectangular pieces of cloth a little taller than each figure. Use glue to attach the cloth just above each picture, creating a flap that lifts up. When the glue is dry, show your baby how to raise the flaps. Make up a story about the person underneath, and end it with your baby "finding" the face.

Variations: Cut squares of cloth big enough to cover the faces, but leave the bodies uncovered. Or draw only faces rather than full figures.

2. Rattle & Roll

There's nothing like a rattle to excite budding young percussionists — although babies tend to tire of these toys faster than we'd like. Shake things up by making your baby his very own maracas to create new and different sounds.

Skills developed: fine motor, sense of rhythm
What you'll need: small containers such as film canisters, one-serving Tupperware containers with tightly fitting lids, empty yogurt cups, or half-pint milk cartons; fillers such as dried rice, macaroni, or beans; strong packing or duct tape

Empty film canisters (thoroughly scrubbed to get rid of that chemical smell) make perfect shakers for small hands. Empty yogurt cups and small Tupperware containers work well, too. If your baby is past the stage of putting everything in his mouth, cardboard toilet paper tubes with the ends taped over and half-pint milk cartons sealed shut are other great noisemakers, and they're easy to decorate with construction paper. Load each rattle with different fillers for a variety of tones. Then put on some snappy Latin jazz or salsa, sit your baby down with his new rhythm section, and get ready to rattle and roll!

Note: Prevent any choking hazard by taping all rattles tightly closed. And if your baby is the type to get it open no matter what, use bigger fillers such as bow-tie pasta or ping-pong balls.

3. Tug a - Lug
You may have noticed how your baby absolutely will not let go of something when you try to take it away. It's as if she's instinctively protecting her territory, and in a way, she is. (She's finally learned to hold on to things, and she's going to hold on tight.) Go along with that new doggedness by starting a game of tug-of-war.

Skills developed: gross motor
What you'll need: a dish towel or other small piece of cloth, or a soft toy

Let your baby grab hold of a dish towel or a toy such as a cloth-covered rattle. Then grab the other end of it and pull gently, testing her strength. As she gets used to this, it's fun to tug hard enough to actually lift her up slightly so her arms are supporting her own weight; which builds upper body strength. Think of it as your baby's first weight-lifting routine.

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.

4. Climb the cushion
Even as your baby learns to walk, she'll set her sights on climbing. You'll spend lots of extra minutes getting up your front steps and into the house because she'll want to scale the stairs all by herself — not once, not twice, but until you call off the ascent.

Skills developed: gross motor
What you'll need: lots of pillows from the bed, sofa, and elsewhere

Pile up a high stack of pillows for a safe, fun climbing activity. Use the largest, most stable pillows, such as couch cushions and bed pillows, on the bottom, then add chair pillows, throw pillows, and so on. Holding your baby steady, help her climb up the mountain of pillows and stand triumphant on top. If you have a lot of rectangular pillows, you can use them to create more of a stair-step structure, but you'll need to hold your baby's hand to make sure she doesn't step off the top tier into thin air.

Safety note: Never leave a baby alone with her pillow mountain; this activity should be supervised constantly. And move any furniture with sharp corners, so there's nothing for her to bang against if she falls.

5. Spoon Landing
Until your baby learns to feed himself, it's one of the great challenges of parenthood to get food into his mouth. These spoon maneuvers have met with swooping success.

Skills developed: being spoonfed
What you'll need: a baby spoon

While he may already have gotten wise to the tried-and-true "airplane coming in for a landing" trick, there are endless variations that can keep your baby open-mouthed (and that's what you want, right?) in astonishment. A good one for surprise value is "rocket, landing on the moon": Hold the spoon down below the table or high-chair tray, then bring it up quickly but carefully (as close to vertical as you can without spilling the contents) and gently place it in your baby's mouth just as you say "moon." Or, use a horizontal move to bring the spoon into your baby's field of vision as you say "here comes the racing speedboat" or try using an up-and-down bobbing motion to introduce a "whale swimming in the ocean." Some babies are particularly partial to choo-choo trains (a "chug-a-chug-a-whoo-whoo" sound as you bob the spoon along) and leaping dolphins (a dramatic arcing move sure to make a "splash").

6. Choo choo Tunnel
Best when your baby has lots of energy and is raring to go, this activity is a blast for new crawlers who have clearly "left the station."

Skills developed: crawling, gross motor
What you'll need: no equipment necessary

Stand with your legs a little wider apart than your shoulders. Tell your baby she's the train and you're the tunnel, then have her crawl through your legs. Add a few "chug-a-chug-a's" and train whistle sound effects as she passes through. After she's done this a few times, suggest that now the train needs to go through the tunnel quickly, before it collapses. As she passes through, squeeze your legs together and try to catch her (giving her a head start, of course), or lower your body (bending your knees) as if you're about to sit on her. Provided you don't get her overly excited while playing, this is a great way to tucker out a pre-walker before bed.

7.Kick It
etting ready to crawl, stand, and walk is a big challenge — all sorts of new muscles need to develop in those little legs. This kicking game develops gross motor coordination while your young go-getter's still "on the bench."

Skills developed: gross motor
What you'll need: a midsize plastic ball

Kneeling or sitting on the floor, hold your baby in front of you (and facing away from you) with one arm around his chest and the other hand supporting his bottom so his legs stick out in front of you both. Place a ball directly in front of him and help his feet kick the ball forward; then move forward so he can propel the ball across the floor, like a mini soccer star. Cheer encouragingly every time his foot makes contact with the ball, and point out how far he's "kicked" it. This makes a great game when you get your baby together with a playmate: The parents can position the players to face each other and kick the ball back and forth.

8. Where's the noise?
Squeaky toys are such favorites because babies love to be surprised by unexpected sounds. Add the fun of peekaboo and you have an audiovisual guessing game.

Skills developed: understanding of object permanence, hand-eye coordination
What you'll need: several noise-making toys; a dish towel or small blanket

Show your baby a squeaky toy, give it a good noisy squeeze, then cover it with a dish towel or small blanket and let him uncover it. Then cover it again and try making it squeak while it's still invisible — this is always good for a laugh and a rush to "discover" it. Substitute a toy that rattles, then one that makes a crunching noise or other unusual sound (you can make your own with a ball of waxed paper). For the final act, throw a blanket over a tape recorder, then push the button (through the blanket) to start up a tape. If nothing else has gotten a big reaction, this certainly will!

9. Story boards
For those times when the regular nighty-night routine seems a little too ho-hum, try substituting your very own hand-animated bedtime story.

Skills developed: verbal, auditory
What you'll need: a flannel board, available from educational toy stores and catalogs; sheets of colored felt and scissors, or purchased felt shapes

You can use traditional store-bought felt shapes, which usually come in themed sets (farm animals, numbers, faces) or make your own by cutting them out with scissors. A good place to start is with a "paper doll" made from felt in the same gender as your child, with a simple wardrobe or props that let you make it day or night, winter or summer. Then you can add a dog, cat, or rabbit, a simple house and car, and other elements to spin a tale that reflects your baby's life or interests.

Sit facing your baby with the felt board propped on your knees so it is clearly visible. Tell your story — any story, really; don't feel you have to be a master narrator — illustrating the major points with the felt shapes. You might start out, "Once upon a time there was a little boy (lay out the felt figure) who lived in a tiny house (lay out the house)." When your baby is a little older, it's fun — and very revealing — to have him tell you a felt-board bedtime story.

10. Photo Album
Recognizing familiar faces (including your own) is an enormous treat for your baby as he learns to identify people by name and association.

Skills developed: pattern recognition, fine motor
What you'll need: a small photo album — the type where the photos slide into clear plastic pockets

Buy a small photo album (one that holds 3-by-5- or 4-by-6-inch photos — one to a page is the best) and fill it with snapshots of your baby and the people in his life. In addition to relatives and family friends (the most typical photo subjects), make sure you include pictures of babysitters or caregivers, neighbors, and other babies and children you know.

11. Clap your hands!
There comes a miraculous moment, sometime around the 6-month mark, when your baby discovers she can spontaneously bring her hands together to touch each other. But even before she masters this skill, clapping games give her a thrill. What's more, they provide a chance to interact with you face-to-face and to try to mimic your actions.

Skills developed: two-hand coordination
What you'll need: no equipment necessary

Patty-cake is an old favorite for babies, but this version is a little more challenging. Sit your baby on the floor, then sit down cross-legged facing her. If she doesn't sit securely yet, prop a pillow behind her. Then sing this song (any tune will do), acting out the commands as you come to them.

Clap, clap, clap your hands
Clap your tiny hands
Clap, clap, clap your hands
Clap your tiny hands

Additional verses:
Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet... (and so on).
Pat, pat, pat your head... (and so on).
Rub, rub, rub your tummy... (and so on).

Help your baby make the movements herself, even if it means holding her ankles and stomping her feet for her. You can continue to make up sillier and sillier verses (wiggle your eyebrows; stick out your tongue) as long as she continues to giggle.
Give the album to your baby and tell him it's his very own. Sit with him and show him the photos, letting him communicate his feelings to you. He'll react to the familiar ones with excitement and point out any faces he doesn't recognize with a questioning expression. Then put the album in his bookshelf or toy box, where he can page through it on his own. It'll quickly become a favorite — and a lifesaver on plane trips and long car rides.

for more, pls visit www.babycenter.com

Tree Philosophy

2008-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Plant your child a strong root -- hence she will be strong enough to stand on her feet.
Spread your child as many branches -- hence she will reach her friends & family.
Grow your child as high to the sky -- hence she'll have high dreams that gives her courage.

That way, your child will grow as high up the sky; befriend with many people; but never forget where to come home.

One thing Athena...
There' a lot to learn in this world, and so many ways to learn them.
I learnt this one not from a family or relative.. but from a wise friend's parents.
And still remember it. It will be the way how I nurture you.
It called a Tree Philosophy.

As a child, one day you'll grow bigger. you'll have you're own way, own life, own dreams.. Perhaps next month you could even choose your own toys, shoes you like and don't like...
And I could only see you there, and said "I think... " instead of "You should"
Perhaps I will have that mother-syndrome. The one that thought that she can always read her baby's mind and knows what best for her.
Perhaps I will one day. And I hope you will forgive me.
Remind me that I should hang on to that tree philosophy.
I shall taught you how to stand on your feet. And how to survive.
I will be there in every moment of your growing days.
I wanna share you about dreams, and how it helps you see your future.
about dreams that keeps you sane and grateful.
about you being you.
Whwnver you're dreaming high, don't forget to hold on and get your feet on the ground.
Manda loves you. A lot.

Some facts about teething baby....

2008-02-12T04:31:00.001-08:00

Some people said that baby teething is associated with a mild rise in body temperature and some children who were shown to be teething did have some rise in body temperature to 100°F and a facial rash. But symptoms of teething and illness can be similar, so it's hard not to get confused in trying to understand what she really into. They said, don't just dismiss symptoms such as nappy rash, diarrhea or fever as teething. It could be part of the teething process.

And yes, Thena been a bit of all that. with bit crankiness which made everyone confuse, and trying to understand whether she wants to sleep, or play, or just sitting around. In the mid of many nights, she scream hard and leave me clueless...

But for all of you, here are some FAQ about baby teething..

When can I expect my child's first tooth to come in?

Teething can begin as early as 4 months of age, but most babies don't get their first tooth until 6 months. Teeth usually come in pairs. The bottom front two teeth typically show up first, followed by the top ones (both sets are called central incisors). Then the side front teeth (lateral incisors) fill in, followed by the molars and then the canines, which are the pointy teeth next to the front teeth. The back molars erupt last. Your baby should have a full set of primary teeth by age 3; permanent teeth won't begin to replace them until the child is 4 to 6 years old.

My baby was born with a tooth. Does it need to be pulled out?

It's rare, but some children already have a tooth when they're born, usually a bottom front tooth. It may be a real baby tooth or an extra tooth in the set that has grown over the baby tooth and permanent tooth underneath it. This extra tooth will fall out when the baby tooth erupts. But sometimes these teeth -- real or extra -- need to be removed, to avoid the risk of choking if they're loose, for example, so a tooth doesn't get in the way of breastfeeding.

My child is 8 months old and still doesn't have his first tooth. Is something wrong?

Don't worry. The first tooth can come in anytime between 4 and 12 months. If a tooth hasn't come in by 1 year, there's probably still no reason to worry if your child is growing fine otherwise -- he may just be a late bloomer. In rare instances, lack of teeth is a sign of metabolic disorder, but if that were the case, a child would have other growth problems as well.

My 4-month-old is drooling and chewing on his hand. Does this mean he's teething?

It's possible, but drooling and chewing aren't always signs of teething. Your baby is on the young side for teething, and at 4 months, it's natural for a baby to put objects into his mouth to explore them. Also at this age he's beginning to produce more saliva than he can swallow, which causes drooling. But if you notice that your child is also cranky and fussy, and he tends to chew or gnaw on the breast or bottle more than suck, that sounds like teething. Besides increased drooling, chewing, and crankiness, another common teething symptom is loss of appetite. Gum swelling and the resulting sensitivity to hot and cold foods will make eating uncomfortable for your baby, and can also interfere with sleeping.

In addition, when teeth are coming through, the gums will look swollen and bumpy, and they may be lighter or darker in color. Sometimes a bluish-red blister (called a hematoma) appears on the gum line where the tooth is coming in, and it may bleed a little when the tooth breaks the surface. Call your doctor if the blister lasts for more than a week without the tooth poking through.

My baby has a fever and a touch of diarrhea. Is that because he's teething?

Some doctors don't buy into the idea that these symptoms are related to teething, but other pediatricians, myself included, see a connection. The usual scenario is that a parent will bring in an irritable 6-month-old who has a low-grade fever (less than 100.5 degrees) and some mild diarrhea. The child is also drooling and chewing on his fingers or anything else near his mouth. An exam doesn't show any problem, and the parent is sent home with instructions for managing the fever. Then, two or three days later, a new tooth appears -- and soon after that the fever and diarrhea disappear. Be aware, though, that we sometimes blame these symptoms on teething when they may actually be the result of an infection. A good guideline is that whatever problem you think is due to teething should pass with treatment within 24 hours. If it doesn't your baby may actually be sick with something else and should be seen by a doctor.

What if my baby is pulling on his ear? Is that due to teething?

It's often hard to tell why a baby is pulling at his ear. Sometimes it's because there's too much wax in there, or he could have an ear infection. Some babies pull on their ear when they're sleepy. I usually tell parents to look at what else is going on at the same time. If your baby is casually scratching or rubbing at his ear but seems happy and playful, with only intermittent bouts of fussiness, then the problem may simply be teething -- a reaction to the tingling of the tooth nerves. But if your child has a moderate to high fever (higher than 101 degrees), gets more irritable when lying down or being fed, and has recently had a cold with congestion, an ear infection is the more likely cause.

How can I make my baby feel better?

The worst part of teething for you is seeing and hearing your baby in pain. But rest assured, things will get easier with each new tooth. Teething is most painful for the first two to four teeth, because it's a new experience for the baby.

While your child is teething, excessive drooling can cause irritation around his mouth. Applying a little petroleum jelly there and on his lips can protect the skin. A frozen teething ring is very good for numbing the pain of teething and satisfying baby's need to chew and rub his gums. (Avoid the type of ring with stuff floating inside -- a vigorously chewing infant might gnaw through and swallow or choke on the little objects.) Even something as simple as a wet washcloth that your baby can chew on will provide relief. An age-appropriate dose of liquid infant pain reducer can also help. Ibuprofen is a good idea for nighttime because it lasts six to eight hours. But since acetaminophen is easier on a baby's stomach, it's a good daytime option. If you're going to use a topical teething ointment, which you may want to reapply often, make sure to follow the package instructions so you don't give your baby too much.

FYI, Baby Teething Period:

6 to 12 months	Lower two incisors or front teeth, followed by the upper two incisors or front teeth
9 to 16 months	Two more incisors break through, top and bottom
12 to 18 months	The first back molars emerge
18 to 24 months	The canine teeth start to appear between the molars and incisors, and finally, the second molar teeth break through in the lower and upper back of the mouth

Teething Baby Thena

2008-02-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

Baby Thena is teething, definitely.

She's been teething to Manda's nipples lately. And it hurts so bad.
When she was a newborn, I could trick her with nipple shield, but now that she know the difference between the real nipple and the fake ones, hehehe -- sorry darling...
Thena start having her first tooth like 2 weeks before she reach 6 months. She had another tooth within the next month. And now, she's going to be eight month yet, completing the upper two incisors or front teeth exist already. And it's dreadful to be bitten to bleeding.. afraid if I had none nipple, It'll even worst...
I know Thena never meant to hurt Mamanda, and perhaps she's just having itch on her teeth. Or perhaps, she was so upset of her horrible teething experience. perhaps it was as hurt as what Manda felt. And Thena just couldn't tell but to show it. Being bitten doesn't stop me from breastfeeding though... I'm still doing it every night, cause I know that thing give comfort to Thena in every situation. It gives her the ultimate love.

Eyang said that whenever Thena bite, pinch her nose so that she lose the bite (she needs to breathe hence she open her mouth). But the thing was, we did a lot of nose-pinching as games, and she love it so bad! she even gave her nose to be pinched voluntarily.
So when this biting thing happens, Manda pinch her nose, and she laugh.
She thought it was a joke.
Manda told her that Thena hurt Mamanda.... and Thena just smiled... asking for more breastmilk.

It happens again and again. and even it makes her laugh. Yes, not only showing off some incisors, but also have sound. A laughing & giggling sound.

And Panda said, try on the nipple shield. At first Manda refuse, cause it would not give Thena the real feeling of breastfeeding -- afraid that she mixed the nipple shield with bottle milk.
But due to such pain, I tried it on.
At first Thena's feeling a bit awkward. She examined it as if t were something bugging her head. Then she tried to suck it, but it was horrible. It doesn't taste like Manda's skin. And since I have such a short nipple, she need more effort to suck the breastmilk out.
(It reminds me of her newborn time, I couldn't possibly figure how she can manage breastfeeding at that time, as it takes more effort. She's amazing.)
And that's it.
Thena seemed frightened.
Seemed that the nipple shield was something awful that holding Manda's breastmilk away from her. And she start to cry. cry and cry eversince..
And I decided to put that thing away.
Manda felt that Thena was afraid if she never be able to feel being breastfed by Manda, she was so afraid that everytime her lips open and loose Manda's breastmilk, she cried.
She was frightened. And since that moment till now, Thena always longing to Mamanda's holding her and breastfeeding her, and she never want to let go.

And I've been whispering to her ears, that I would never let her go. Manda will always stay for Athena. Manda will give Athena the breastmilk as long as she like.

On the other hand...
I have a big question mark in my head: "Is there any way that I could stop my baby from biting during breastfeeding?"

And here's what I found in google..

Step One

Treat the teething pain. Whether you use homeopathic teething tablets, natural teething gels, or pharmaceutical teething pain relievers, find something that will help ease your baby's discomfort. For severe teething pain, children's acetaminophen may help.

Step Two

Take away things that shouldn't be ingested. Some toys have paint that may come off in your baby's mouth if she chews hard on them; other objects may break into pieces and become choking hazards. Put these objects away until your baby's teething episode has subsided.

Step Three

Be consistent and firm without frightening your baby. If she bites you or someone else, say "Don't bite!" or "No biting!" firmly, and put her down gently for a minute if you are holding her. She should realize fairly quickly that biting is not OK.

Step Four

Provide alternatives. Teething rings, teething toys or bagels you can freeze or refrigerate, and dampened, frozen washcloths are all appropriate objects for your baby to bite or chew on.

Step Five

Keep these alternatives close at hand so that you can do a quick switch. When you put your baby down, hand her a teething toy immediately ' this will send the message that some things are OK to chew on, while others most definitely aren't.

And it comes with warnings....

Tips & Warnings

Cool drinks can help ease teething pain ' a little bit of ice water in a sippy cup may be a good quick fix.
If you are nursing, your baby may want to breast-feed more often for comfort while she is teething. Try to ease her discomfort before you nurse; this will lessen the possibility that you will get bitten.
Try to restrain the natural impulse to yelp or shout when your baby bites you. She is not doing it because she wants to hurt you, but because it seems to lessen her own discomfort. She will catch on fast once you let her know what to do.
Avoid giving your baby ice cubes to suck or chew on ' they can pose a choking hazard.
Try to be consistent about the biting issue, even before your baby begins teething ' it can seem cute when small babies gnaw on your fingers, but it will hurt when the teeth start to come in.

Breastfeeding, and what so called Exclusive...

2008-01-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

to my consideration & experience...

Have your baby's first latch on you right-after delivery. Her first skin contact would be known as the first comfort feeling she'd long to...
Breastmilk doesn't come out automatically, your baby help you get them out. So, be patient, and keep trying. It takes two to tango =)
Never give up trying and asking help to experts.... either in medical or relatives. Many ways to breastfeeding
Only use IFFO in case of emergency. Stop blaming yourself, breastfeeding needs positive feelings, not a negative one. In my cases, IFFO break helps me get breast-treatment, hence the next breastfeeding would be more effective.
Do you know that Breastmilk composition change day to day... and each day it contains a valuable nutrients for your baby's life. So, never missed a day.
Do you know that Breastmilk composition was automatically different when your baby was premature?
Do you know that no IFFO as perfect as Breastmilk even though they add like zillion of ingredients in it? Cause breastmilk contain so many ingredients that are unable to be identified by human (perhaps it was God's secret recipe), and the addition of new formula to IFFO was meant to resemble the nature composition -- which could never happen since you knew, how could they claim to be like breastmilk when they're unable to solve the Breastmilk's ingredients. What expert might claim about the breastmilk was its ability to give baby the immunity, well, it happens only one of the unrevealed secrets. Go figure yourself.
Make your baby drink it like a man --- I meant straight to the breast. That case, you'll have the privilege of knowing your baby more.... Every baby tell different stories... they tell that thru their eyes, and sometimes thru smiles...or sigh... or just a touch. Every baby learn something new everyday.. and when she first began to know you, she'll try to tease you.. play with the nipple, and talk to you...
Indonesia working woman back to work at 3rd months. Indonesian government said to breastfeed until baby was 6 months old. Al Quran said to give suck of your baby until they're 2 years old. I say... go ask your baby.. go as long as you can. And it might go up to 2 years max.

To my opinion,
Exclusive breastfeeding is not only about giving your breastmilk to your baby, but it also about how the emotional connection happened between mom & baby at first place. It's when you both learn about eachother.
Breastfeeding moment was a private valuable moment.. it's the privilege of being Mom which noone can replace.
In case you are insisted to have it bottled, feed your baby with a breastfeeding position (only higher on the head)

This is also to encourage you to give a journal as a gift to a newly mom so that she could write a difference happen to her baby every single day.

Cheerio! and Goodluck!

Thena's First Latch to Breastfeeding..

2008-01-30T01:34:00.000-08:00

I still clearly remember how assured I am about giving an exclusive breast-feeding to Thena. Working for IFFO business privileged me having a firsthand information on how irreplaceable breastmillk was. So, Yes I keep my faith on giving the best for my baby.
But there's no such thing as perfect. I have lost my faith eversince doctor decided that I have to undergo the sectio to save my baby's life then dragged me to the delivery room. I was so depressed that I never prepared my self for having a section delivery, and to imagine all the consuquences afterwards... I was emotionally down.
After Thena was born, I was amazed. And still insisted to have the first-latch on soon. Thena was a smart baby, her instinct was amazing, she knew how to latch. I told the nurse many times, insisted, that I want an exclusive breastfeeding for my baby.
The first day, all Thena did was spending the night with Manda. She's good at latching. But when dawn appears, she started to cry, and CRYYYYY.... and Manda panicked, and Manda Cried too...
And eyang start to yell at manda cause, she thought you're horribly thirsty, and insisted for you to get Formula milk. I couldn't say no..
We handed you to the nurse, and I couldn't stop crying...
Early in the morning, Manda heard you cry outside, been like ages..
I tried again to give you the most tasty nectar in the whole universe =)
Second day, survived.
Third Day, I started having nipple crack & sores. So I did a single breastmilk to Thena.. The next day, that breasmilk got cracked and sores. And I use the other one...
I thought I have given enough breast-massage during pregnancy, but it seems never been enough. And turned out that I have a short nipple which trouble Thena to latch, and end up in w arong position which cause cracked nipples.
How do I know I have a short nipple? Never in mylife that I compare my nipple to others' nipple.. i dont think anyone ever do that too.. so yes when the doctors said do your nipples pullin out, I said yes. I didn't know that it should be longer...
Enough saying that I depend to Medela every breastfeeding.. and I'h tried almost every brand of nipple shield. Have like 4 pairs of them....
Once I have cracked nipple, and went to the pediatrician, she encourage me to try breasfeeding without the shield, and it works! And it boosts my confidence, we all went to lactation consultation. I was happier than ever. They said that nipple shield is not good for long term usage as it may hold back your baby from directly feel your skin and smell it.. It restrain your baby from knowing you. But what can I do, I'm devastated without the shield and medela cream.
It's been going for a month..
another day.. the shield hurt the skin so much , so I decided to deal with it. Breastfeeding without nipple shield. And amazingly it worked. I didn't feel any pain even though it was cracked.
It was the best sensation a woman can get.

And it was the beginning of never stop breastfeeding whenever Thena wants..
Mamanda felt so guilty giving you IFFO, but I had too, cause you're loosing much weight at the first months. Panda encourage Manda not to be depressed and felt guilty in the other hand still getting the best milk from Manda everyday.
Breastmilk composition change day to day, that's why every single day Manda has to breastfeed Thena. It has more value for your lifetime.
A month before getting back to work, I tried to have the milk pumped. But it end up that when Thena's thirsty I have no more... so I decided to prioritize the fresh one for Thena.
When I started getting back to work.. I was devastated. Too busy to pump the breastmilk and been thru many overtimes... I decided to keep the best milk for you when I got home.
I might only do Night & weekend breastfeeding on demand... but I decided to give it till Thena decided not to. Yes, I enjoy breastfeeding as much as Thena, It's the best quality moment we had and I will breasfed her till she decided not to =)
Thena had made me the most happiest mother on earth...

Missing Athena...

2008-01-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

The toughest job being working mom is to actually said goodbye to your baby every morning..
especially when she looked at you hopeful and laying her head on your shoulder.
I wish I don't need to work, and all the bills was autopaid by someone else.
I guess every mom would cherish all her times spent with her baby, where every minute is very precious... every moment adored..
And it's very painful leaving her home, handing her away.. even though you knew you're handing her for someone you trusted.
She says goodbye with smiles... some othertimes with looks full of hopes.. and in many other times by avoiding eye contact.
Manda hope you knew how I feel, as I'm missing you every second, as much as you definitely miss my embrace..

It's killing me every morning to say goodbay to thena.

Hope Thena knew that the reason I started this blog, because I cannot keep my mind away from you every minutes..
I always wanna share everything with you, I wanna see you grow...
I still remember clearly, every day ever since you were born, you were full of surprises..
Thena always do something new to Manda..
one day you were playing your eyes, another day you were learning how to pretend sleeping, and the other day you were teasing me with you rounded mouth..
everything you do is very precious to me.. that's why I haven't finished the scrapbooking, cause even when you were sleep, I prefer looking at you closely... watching what you might do.... thinking and wondering what you're dreaming of...
you're one kind of angel to my life..
you make me more than happy, you make me complete. grateful to god for every second cherished.
if one day you read this story, I just want to tell you.. I never missed loving you, and missing you...

26 January 2008

2008-01-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

Fact about Thena aiming 7 Months:
- Complete baby immunization's shot -- end up with HIB infentrix
- She had Lower two incisors or front teeth
- Able to crawl upfront
- Start trying to stand
- Reaching up thing in high places
- Babbling... and giggling...
- Height 73cm, Weight 8.5kg
- Love playing peek-a-boo
- know that when you count to 1 - 2 - 3, she'll raise her eyebrows & smile at 3!
- Learn to walk holding on to something
- Ride the walker buggy =)

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-25T04:35:00.001-08:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-25T03:22:00.001-08:00

Baby Brain Gym

2008-01-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

Athena's considering manda's though about baby brain gym...

Okay,
it's not merely a gym to make your baby more clever or supergenious, but it's more on how to train your baby to optimize the function of brain synchronization (left & right) by exercising on body coordination.
Many studies suggest that humans may use less than 10% of their brains' potential power. And yet they've made aeroplanes and fly to the moon. Can you imagine what happen if we could optimize its function, for at least few more percentage.. pheeeww.. it would be awesome!
Manda doesn't wish Athena to be supergenious baby, but she try to work on this baby brain gym thingto Athena so that Thena could synchronize both right & left brain for her activities.. all activities.. anytime..anywhere..
It would be great if thena could learn from Brian May. He's the lead guitarist for Queen (YES that Famous Rock Band called Queen! which else?!) and also hold a doctoral degree in astrophysics (Yes It was definitely something extraordinary complicated subject -- Manda herself could only spell it by reading, and yet could figure out how can one manage to get a doctoral degree on that thing :-P). Well, he's surely one great sample!

"So, Thena, what do you think oh this Brian May ?"
"Thena don't like his hair"
"I meant about his achievement, the aspiration..."
"hmm.... lemme think awhile more... I do like music indeed... I like stars also.. especially starsigns :-).. .. I think I can work it out mamanda..."
"Good! shall we start the gym now"
"mmm... but I like dancing more..."
"???!!"

-- Gosh, thank God you're a baby now that I can trick you doing this baby brain gym thing.
no offense darling, you can do the dance thingy when you went to school --

Further info on Baby Brain Gym >> http://bayikita.wordpress.com/

Nick names for Thena..

2008-01-24T22:51:00.000-08:00

Thena -- by Manda & Panda, advised to everyone, hehehe
Shalia -- by Eyang Putri & eyang Kakung, coz it's similar to sholihah, Amieeen....
Nuniek -- from Yangti, by Panda's whole family. It means "petite", "cute" in javanesse....
Daloowww -- by Papanda, similar to Hallooo Darliiing...... hahaha
Pipi Bakpaw -- by Mamanda, due to her irresistible chubby cheek, of which always asking for a bite :-p
Sasha -- by Tante Adel, as per manda's consideration back then.. but it turns out that thena has too manu nicknames already.
Mulut Donut -- by Mamanda, "you will definitely call her mulut donat when you saw her snapping her mouth to the spoon while drinking milk while she was newborn"
Cinta Damai -- limited usage only by Eyang Putri. It's Eyang's favorite nickname I suppose... like she used to call me cantik.
Kerinduan -- limited usage by eyang putri also.. eyang putri is definitely a master of darling nicknames..
Menul -- by Manda, countering Yangti calling her Nuniek... hihihihihi
AAaaa...Thenathenathenathenathena.... -- by Paman Ilham for peekaboo times.

any more names everyone?

Pertolongan Pertama Bayi Jatuh

2008-01-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Aduh, Mamanda jadi tambah deg2an... baru baca ini... mungkin nanti baru cek semuanya... takut banget thena benjol dibelakang kepala..

Diambil dari milis bayi/nikita:

PERTOLONGAN PERTAMA BAYI JATUH

Hati-hati jangan langsung menggendongnya. Pastikan dulu bagaimana
kondisinya!

Usia bayi adalah masa rawan terjadi kecelakaan. Saat ia belajar
berguling umpamanya dan orangtua lengah, ia bisa saja terjatuh dari
tempat tidur. Untuk itulah manajemen penanganan kasus bayi terjatuh
amat diperlukan. Yang pasti, saat si kecil terjatuh, jangan hanya
mengkhawatirkan bagian kepala saja, karena semua anggota tubuhnya
memiliki risiko yang sama untuk mengalami benturan yang dapat
membahayakannya. Berikut penjelasan dr. Anna Tjandra, Sp.A dari RSAB
Harapan Kita, Jakarta mengenai manajemen kecelakaan pada anak yang
sederhana, yaitu:

* Menyaksikan langsung anak terjatuh.

- Perhatikan bagian mana dari tubuh anak yang mengalami benturan.

- Ingat proses jatuhnya, apakah langsung menghujam ke lantai atau
terbentur sesuatu terlebih dahulu baru ke lantai.

- Pastikan dari ketinggian berapa meter anak terjatuh dan media apa
yang menjadi tempat pendaratannya.

- Lihat dan perhatikan baik-baik kondisi si kecil. Apakah setelah
jatuh langsung menangis dan menggerak-gerakkan semua anggota
badannya? Jika ya, kita bisa langsung menggendong untuk
menenangkannya. Setelah ia tenang, baru lakukan observasi.

- Adapun observasi yang perlu dilakukan adalah:

+ Cari dan ingat bagian-bagian mana saja yang lebam/benjol/ memar di
seluruh anggota badan bayi. Jika menemukan benjolan di kepala atau
memar di badan, boleh diobati dengan obat antitrauma oles. Jika pada
bagian kepala tidak ditemukan lebam atau benjol, tapi bayi menangis
saat dipegang, larikan segera ia ke rumah sakit terdekat.

+ Coba gerakkan kedua tangan bayi, ke samping, ke atas, ke bawah, ke
depan, lalu rentangkan dan angkat-angkatlah. Jika ada keluhan
pastikan di tangan yang mana dan saat dalam posisi seperti apa. Ini
sebagai bahan untuk dilaporkan ke dokter.

+ Lakukan hal yang sama pada kaki.

+ Tengokkan kepala bayi ke kanan dan ke kiri. Coba dekatkan dagu
bayi ke dada secara perlahan. Jika ada keluhan catat sebagai laporan
pada dokter.

+ Miringkan badan si kecil ke kiri dan ke kanan. Jika ada keluhan
catat dan laporkan ke dokter.

- Observasi perlu dilakukan selama 2×24 jam. Jika dalam kurun waktu
itu ada keluhan, apalagi sampai muntah dengan menyembur, segera
larikan ke rumah sakit terdekat.

- Sebaliknya bila setelah jatuh dalam keadaan sadar tapi pasif
(apalagi tidak menggerak-gerakkan anggota badannya) jangan
mengangkatnya. Hubungi UGD rumah sakit terdekat atau 118 untuk minta
pertolongan paramedis. Salah mengangkat dalam kondisi seperti ini
dapat berisiko fatal.

* Jika menemukan si kecil sudah di lantai.

- Perhatikan keadaan bayi; sadar atau tidak, menangis atau tidak,
dapat menggerak-gerakkan anggota badan atau tidak. Jika ia tidak
sadar atau sadar tapi pasif, ingat jangan menggendongnya, tapi
segera minta bantuan paramedis terdekat, UGD atau 118.

- Perhatikan dalam posisi seperti apa si kecil saat ditemukan.

+ Jika dalam keadaan tengkurap kemungkinan besarnya aman. Tapi kita
mesti melakukan pemeriksaan seputar bahu, kedua tangan, dada dan
kaki. Caranya gerakkan tangan ke atas, depan, samping. Jika ada
keluhan sakit segera bawa ke dokter.

+ Jika dalam keadaan telentang. Periksa dan perhatikan daerah kepala
bagian belakang, leher, punggung, dan panggul, mulai dari tanda
lebam atau merah, hingga keluhan sakit saat disentuh dan digerakkan
seperti yang telah disebutkan di atas. Pastikan bayi tidak muntah
atau mengalami penurunan kesadaran dalam 2×24 jam. Jika ada keluhan
segera larikan ke dokter.

+ Jika bayi ditemukan dalam posisi miring, kanan atau kiri.
Perhatikan dan periksa kepala, tangan yang menjadi tumpuan badan,
juga kaki. Lakukan pemeriksaan seperti yang disebutkan di atas. Jika
ada keluhan segera larikan ke dokter.

+ Jika ditemukan dalam posisi duduk. Periksa dan pastikan bayi masih
sadar, biasanya menangis, dan mampu menggerakkan anggota badan.
Periksa bagian panggulnya, ada tidak tanda memar, merah, atau sakit
saat dipegang atau digerakkan. Jika ya segera larikan ke dokter.

* Pemeriksaan lain yang perlu dilakukan

- Dalam posisi apa pun jatuhnya si kecil, jangan lupa melakukan
pemeriksaan mata. Baiknya menggunakan senter:

+ Masih bereaksikah saat kita senter matanya, mengedip, menutup
matanya atau kaget. Jika tidak bawa segera anak ke rumah sakit.

+ Gerakan senter ke kanan dan ke kiri, masih mampukah bayi mengikuti
gerakan sinar. Jika tidak ia harus segera dilarikan ke rumah sakit.

+ Perhatikan pupil matanya, apakah pupil mata yang kiri dan kanan
sama besar/kecilnya saat kita senter satu per satu. Jika sama kita
bisa bernapas lega. Bila tidak, bayi perlu menjalani pemeriksaan
lebih lanjut, seperti CT Scan.

- Ukur dan pastikan si kecil jatuh dari ketinggian berapa. Sebab
semakin tinggi pastinya gaya gravitasi bumi akan lebih kuat menarik
si anak. Tentu efek yang ditimbulkan pun semakin besar.

EFEK POSISI JATUH

Di bawah ini kemungkinan- kemungkinan yang bisa terjadi pada bayi
saat terjatuh. Dengan pengetahuan ini diharapkan orangtua bisa lebih
memahami kondisi bayi bila terjatuh dan mampu melakukan pertolongan
pertama yang benar:

* Jika kepala terlebih dahulu yang membentur lantai

Di sebelah mana pun benturan itu terjadi selama masih di kepala,
kita perlu mewaspadainya. Tulang tengkorak bayi masih rapuh dan ia
belum memiliki refleks untuk menahan dengan baik. Kemungkinan yang
bisa terjadi, bayi mengalami fraktur atau retak/patah tulang
tengkorak kepala, atau perdarahan di luar tengkorak atau di dalam
tengkorak.

Perdarahan di luar dapat ditandai dengan adanya benjol/memar. Selama
tidak ada fraktur, kondisi ini bisa dikatakan tidak parah. Rabalah
ubun-ubunnya apakah menjendol atau tidak. Ubun-ubun yang menjendol
menjadi tanda adanya peningkatan tekanan dalam otak yang dapat
terjadi karena edema otak atau perdarahan.

Harap diketahui, bila tidak ditemukan benjolan/memar, tapi bayi
menangis (atau justru tidak menangis dan langsung tertidur), tidak
sadarkan diri, mengalami kejang/muntah- muntah (yang menyembur bukan
gumoh), ada kecurigaan bayi mengalami perdarahan di dalam tengkorak
kepalanya. Segera larikan ke rumah sakit terdekat.

* Jika dada terlebih dahulu yang membentur permukaan

Kalau tempat mendaratnya datar, kemungkinan risiko bayi untuk cedera
lebih sedikit. Sebaliknya, tempat mendarat yang tidak mulus atau ada
tonjolan yang tepat mengarah ke dadanya dapat mengakibatkan
fraktur/parah tulang iga atau rusuk yang patahannya dapat mengenai
organ paru-paru atau jantungnya. Untuk itu perhatikan apakah si
kecil dapat bernapas secara normal atau tidak.

Umumnya jika bagian dada terlebih dahulu yang “mendarat”, secara
alami tangan akan membuat perlindungan terlebih dahulu. Karena itu
periksa juga kondisi tangan dan bahu bayi. Apakah ada pergelangan
tangannya mengalami patah atau adakah sendi yang keluar (dislokasi)
dari tempatnya. Periksa juga bagian kepala, khususnya dahi. Biasanya
saat mendarat, sekalipun dada terlebih dahulu, kepala langsung
menyusul membentur lantai.

* Jika panggul terlebih dahulu yang mendarat

Kemungkinan besar bayi akan mengalami dislokasi atau fraktur tulang
panggul. Karena panggul berhubungan langsung dengan tulang belakang,
dikhawatirkan ada saraf-saraf yang terjepit. Jika yang terjepit
saraf kaki biasanya si kecil tidak bisa menggerakkan kakinya alias
lumpuh.

* Jika yang mendarat kaki terlebih dahulu

Kejadiannya pada tiap bayi bisa berbeda. Jika ia sudah bisa berdiri
pasti akan menahan tubuhnya dengan kaki lalu jatuh bersimpuh. Risiko
kasus ini adalah dislokasi atau keseleo. Pada bayi di bawah 6 bulan
meski belum mampu menahan tubuhnya, secara alami badan bayi akan
terjatuh ke depan dan sebelum mendarat tangannya akan menjadi
bumper.

* Jika yang mendarat bokong duluan

Berbahaya karena kaitannya langsung dengan tulang belakang dan dapat
mengakibatkan patah pada tulang punggung bayi. Risiko lain, bila ada
saraf yang terjepit bisa mengakibatkan kelumpuhan. Bayi yang
ditemukan terjatuh pada posisi seperti ini jangan digendong. Biarkan
paramedis yang melakukan pertolongan. Tapi jika si kecil sadar dan
bisa aktif kita bisa langsung menggendongnya.

* Jika yang mendarat terlebih dahulu punggung

Menjadi bahaya jika saat mendarat posisi leher ikut
terlipat/tertekuk karena bisa mengakibatkan keseleo dan fraktur
tulang leher. Bila bayi dalam keadaan tidak sadar jangan mencoba
mengangkatnya. Langkah yang bisa kita lakukan adalah minta bantuan
paramedis di UGD di rumah sakit atau 118.

http://bayikita.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/pertolongan-pertama-bayi-jatuh/

Head bump Baby

2008-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well. Not really actually.. If I had to be honest with you, Thena bumps like manytimes at anywhere..
but this morning bumps was the worst of all..
She fell down from bed !!!!!!
It was 7am, Manda & Panda was really tired after the whole night trying to get Thena to a really nice sleep, covering her from rolling-and-rolling-and-rolling over everywhere on the bed. So when it was 5am, we thought she had given up, zip some milks, and straight to sleep. And both parents decided to also take some sleep. Unfortunately, I could only hear a big BUMP on the floor, and "hyeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!" and all of the suddedn realizing she was not around on the bed, went to the floor and see her there, makes my heart fell from 6th floor building.. Underneath her was the giant pillow we used to cover the end side of bed -- the pillow that we thought she could never had the strength to move -- but yet, she did. Somehow. She might kick that huge pillow to the floor, and with her ability to try to get down from the bed (which I admitted, that she's really great at 'backtrack style')... I hope, feet first then BUMP, feel on butt and head on ground. I just hope that her head is not injured by any other bumps than the ground.... I'm just scared.... totally freaking out!!!
I guess we're gonna start using her baby-craddle for a night time sleep...
NEVER EVER AGAIN for Manda & Panda to this reckless !!!! NEVER!!!!
I hope she's not internally injured....
Do I need to check to doctor for this? I think I should yaa... I starting to terrified....

Yang mungkin dilakukan bayi anda...

2008-01-24T03:08:00.000-08:00

Bulan Pertama

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Mengangkat kepala sebentar jika ia tertelungkup di permukaan yg datar
• Memusatkan pandangan pada wajah

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Memberikan respon terhadap bunyi bel dengan berbagai cara, misalnya refleks, menangis, terdiam
• Pandangannya mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak kira2 15 cm dari wajahnya, dari tepi kea rah garis tengah (lurus ke muka)

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Mengangkat kepala 45 derajat jika tertelungkup
• Bersuara lain selain menangis
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajahnya, dari tepi melewati garis tengah
• Tersenyum membalas senyuman anda

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Mengangkat kepala 90 derajat jika tertelungkup
• Menegakkan kepala ketika tubuh ditegakkan
• Mengangkat kedua tangan secara bersamaan
• Tersenyum dengan spontan
• Tertawa keras
• Menjerit karena gembira
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajah, dari satu sisi ke sisi lainnya (180 derajat)

Sumber :

What to expect the first year

Bulan Kedua

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Tersenyum sebagai respon terhadap senyum anda
• Pandangannya mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak kira2 15 cm dari wajahnya, dari tepi kearah garis tengah (lurus ke muka)
• Berespon terhadap suara bel melalui berbagai cara, seperti misalnya refleks terkejut, menangis (pada usia 1 ½ bulan)
• Mengeluarkan suara selain tangisan

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Mengangkat kepala 45 derajat jika tertelungkup
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajahnya, dari tepi melewati garis tengah

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Menegakkan kepala ketika tubuh ditegakkan
• Dalam keadaan tertelungkup, mengangkat dadanya, ditahan dengan lengan
• Membalikkan tubuh (satu arah)
• Menggenggam mainan yg disentuhnya
• Memusatkan perhatian pada sebutir kismis atau benda kecil lainnya
• Menggapai benda
• Dapat mengeluarkan suara gabungan huruf hidup dan huruf mati (misalnya aa-guu)

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Tersenyum dengan spontan
• Mengangkat tangan bersama-sama (usia 2 2/3 bulan)
• Dalam posisi tertelungkup , mengangkat kepala 90 derajat (2 ¼ bulan)
• Tertawa keras
• ik karena gembira (2 ¼ bulan)
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajah, dari satu sisi ke sisi lainnya (180 derajat)

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Ketiga

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Mengangkat kepala 45 derajat jika tertelungkup (usia 2 2/3 bulan)
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajahnya, dari tepi melewati garis tengah (usia 2 ½ bulan)

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Tertawa keras
• Dalam posisi tertelungkup, mengangkat kepala 90 derajat
• ik gembira
• Mengangkat kedua tangan bersamaan
• Tersenyum dengan spontan
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajah, dari satu sisi ke sisi lainnya (180 derajat) (usia 3 ¼ bulan)

Bisa jadi akan mampu:

• Menahan kepala dengan tegak ketika diberdirikan
• Dalam keadaan tertelungkup, mengangkat dadanya, ditahan dengan lengan
• Membalikkan tubuh (satu arah)
• Menggenggam mainan ke arah telapak tangan atau ujung jari (usia 3 ½ bulan)
• Memusatkan perhatian pada sebutir kismis atau benda kecil lainnya (usia 3 ½ bulan)

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Menahan sejumlah berat pada kakinya ketika dalam posisi ditegakkan
• Menggapai benda (3 2/3 bulan)

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Keempat

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Dalam posisi tertelungkup, mengangkat kepala 90 derajat
• Tertawa keras ( usia 3 2/3 bulan)
• Mengikuti benda yg digerakkan dalam arah busur lingkaran, pada jarak 15 cm dari wajah, dari satu sisi ke sisi lainnya (180 derajat)

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Menahan kepala dengan kuat pada posisi ditegakkan
• Dalam keadaan tertelungkup, mengangkat dadanya, ditahan dengan lengan
• Menggulingkan tubuh (satu arah)
• Menggenggam tangkai mainan yang disentuhkan ke punggung tangan atau ujung jari
• Memusatkan perhatian pada sebutir kismis atau benda kecil lainnya (4 ¼ bulan)
• Menggapai benda
• Menjerit gembira

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Menaham kepalanya lurus dengan tubuhnya ketika ditarik ke posisi duduk (4 ¼ bulan)
• Menoleh kea rah sumber suara, terutama suara ibu
• Mengatakan a-gu atau kombinasi huruf hidup dan huruf mati lainnya
• Mengeluarkan suara seperti tertawa ( 4 ½ bulan)

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Menahan sebagian beban tubuh pada kakinya ketika ditegakkan dalam posisi berdiri
• Duduk tanpa ditopang
• Menolak jika anda akan mengambil mainannya
• Menoleh ke arah suara

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Kelima

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Menahan kepala dengan tegak pada posisi diberdirikan (usia 4 ¼ bulan) tertelungkup, mengangkat kepala 90 derajat
• Pada posisi tertelungkup, mengangkat dada ditahan dengan lengannya (usia 4 1/3 bulan)
• Memusatkan perhatian pada sebutir kismis atau benda kecil lainnya
• Menjerit gembira
• Menggapai benda
• Tersenyum dengan spontan
• Mengenggam mainan

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Menahan beban pada kakinya (5 ¼ bulan)
• Menahan kepala sejajar dengan tubuhnya ketika ditarik ke posisi duduk dari posisi terlentang
• Mengatakan a-gu atau kombinasi huruf hidup dan huruf mati lainnya
• Mengeluarkan suara seperti tertawa

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Duduk tanpa bantuan (5 ½ bulan)
• Menoleh ke arah suara

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Ditarik ke posisi berdiri dari posisi duduk
• Berdiri dengan berpegangan pada seseorang atau suatu benda
• Makan kue kering sendiri
• Menolak jika anda mengambil mainannya
• Berusaha mengambil mainan yg berada di luar jangkauannya
• Memindahkan benda dari satu tangan ke tangan lainnya
• Mencari benda yg jatuh
• Menjumput dan menggenggam sebuah kismis
• Mengeluarkan suara kombinasi huruf hidup dan huruf mati, misalnya ga-ga-ga-ga,ba-ba-ba-ba,ma-ma-ma-ma,da-da-da-da

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Keenam

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• menahan kepala lurus dengan tubuh ketika ditarik ke posisi duduk (6 1/3 bulan)
• Mengeluarkan suara a-gu atau kombinasi huruf hidup dan mati lainnya

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• menahan berat tubuh pada kaki ketika diberdirikan
• duduk tanpa ditopang (pada 6 ½ bulan)

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• berdiri dengan berpegangan pada seseorang atau sesuatu benda
• Memakan biskuit kering sendiri (5 1/3 bulan)
• Menolak jika anda akan mengambil mainannya
• Berusaha mengambil mainan yg jauh dari jangkauannya
• Memindahkan benda dari satu tangan ke tangan lainnya
• Mencari benda yg jatuh
• Memungut sebutir kismis (atau benda kecil lainnya) dengan genggaman tangannya (5 ½ bulan)
• Menoleh ke arah suara
• Mengeluarkan kombinasi huruf hidup dan mati seperti ga-ga, ba-ba,ma-ma,da-da (6 1/3 bulan)

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Ditarik ke posisi berdiri dari posisi duduk
• Bergerak sendiri dari posisi telungkup ke posisi duduk
• Memungut benda kecil dengan ibu jari dan telunjuk
• Mengeluarkan suara mama atau dada dengan jelas

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Ketujuh

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Makan biskuit kering sendiri (6 1/4 bulan)
• Mendesis (mengeluarkan suara seperti meniup pada umur 6 ½ bulan)

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Menahan berat tubuh pada kakinya jika dipegangi dalam posisi berdiri
• Duduk tanpa dukungan
• Menolak jika anda akan mengambil mainannya
• Berusaha mencapai mainan yg jauh dari jangkauannya
• Memindahkan balok atau benda lain dari satu tangan ke tangan lainnya
• Mencari benda yg jatuh
• Memungut sebutir kismis (atau benda kecil lainnya) dengan kepalan tangannya (7 1/3 bulan)
• Menoleh ke arah suara (7 1/3 bulan)
• Mengeluarkan kombinasi huruf hidup dan mati seperti ga-ga, ba-ba,ma-ma,da-da
• Bermain cilukba

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Berdiri dengan berpegangan pada seseorang atau sesuatu benda

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Ditarik ke posisi berdiri dari posisi duduk
• Bergerak sendiri dari posisi telungkup ke posisi duduk
• Memainkan tangan (bertepuk tangan atau melambaikan tangan)
• Memungut benda kecil dengan bagian ibu jari dan telunjuknya
• Berjalan dengan berpegangan pada meja kursi (merambat)
• Mengatakan mama atau dada dengan jelas

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Kedelapan

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Menahan berat tubuh pada kakinya jika dipegangi dalam posisi berdiri
• Duduk tanpa bantuan
• Makan biskuit kering sendiri
• Memindahkan balok atau benda lain dari satu tangan ke tangan lainnya (biasanya pada usia 8 ½ bulan)
• Memungut sebutir kismis (atau benda kecil lainnya) dengan kepalan tangannya
• Menoleh ke arah suara (pada usia 8 1/3 bulan)
• Mencari benda yg jatuh

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Menolak jika anda akan mengambil mainannya
• Berdiri dengan berpegangan pada seseorang atau sesuatu benda
• Berusaha mencapai mainan yg berada di luar jangkauannya
• Mencapai posisi duduk dari posisi tertelungkup
• Bermain cilukba

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Ditarik ke posisi berdiri dari posisi duduk
• Memungut benda kecil dengan bagian ibu jari dan telunjuknya
• Mengatakan mama atau dada dengan jelas

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Menggunakan tangannya (bertepuk tangan atau melambaikan tangan)
• Berjalan dengan berpegangan pada meja kursi (merambat)
• Berdiri sendiri dalam jangka waktu yg singkat
• Mengerti kata “tidak” (tetapi tidak selalu mentaatinya)

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Kesembilan

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Berusaha mencapai mainan yg berada di luar jangkauannya
• Mencari benda yg jatuh

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Ditarik ke posisi berdiri dari posisi duduk
• Duduk sendiri dari posisi tertelungkup (pada usia 9 ½ bulan)
• Menolak jika anda mengambil mainannya
• Berdiri dengan berpegangan pada seseorang atau sesuatu benda
• Memungut benda kecil dengan bagian ibu jari dan telunjuknya (pada usia 9 ¼ bulan)
• Mengatakan mama atau dada dengan jelas
• Bermain cilukba

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Menggunakan tangannya (bertepuk tangan atau melambaikan tangan)
• Berjalan dengan berpegangan pada meja kursi (merambat)
• Mengerti kata “tidak” (tetapi tidak selalu mentaatinya)

[i]Bahkan mungkin akan mampu[I/] :

• Bermain bola (menggelindingkannya kembali pada anda)
• Minum dari cangkir sendiri
• Memungut benda kecil dengan ujung ibu jari dan telunjuk
• Berdiri sendiri sebentar
• Berdiri sendiri dengan baik
• Mengatakan satu kata lain selain mama atau dada dengan jelas
• Memberikan respon terhadap perintah sederhana yg disertai gerakan tbuh (misalnya, berikan itu pada saya – dengan tangan yg dijulurkan)

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Kesepuluh

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda [i]seharusnya mampu[/u]:

• Ditarik ke posisi berdiri dari posisi duduk
• Mengatakan mama atau dada dengan jelas
• Bermain cilukba
• Menolak jika anda mengambil mainannya
• Berdiri dengan berpegangan pada seseorang atau sesuatu benda

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Bergerak ke posisi duduk dari posisi tertelungkup
• Bermain tepuk tangan atau melambaikan tangan
• Memungut benda kecil dengan bagian ibu jari dan telunjuknya
• Berjalan dengan berpegangan pada meja kursi (merambat)
• Mengerti kata “tidak” (tetapi tidak selalu mentaatinya)

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Berdiri sendiri sebentar
• Mengatakan dada (usia 10 bulan) atau mama (usia 11 bulan) dengan jelas

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Menunjukkan keinginan dengan cara lain selain menangis
• Bermain bola (menggelindingkannya kembali pada anda)
• Minum dari cangkir sendiri
• Memungut benda kecil dengan ujung ibu jari dan telunjuk
• Berdiri sendiri dengan baik
• Menggunakan bahasa bayi yg sederhana (suara seperti bayi berbicara dengan bahasa asing yg dibuat sendiri)
• Mengatakan satu kata lain selain mama atau dada dengan jelas
• Memberikan respon terhadap perintah sederhana yg disertai gerakan tbuh (misalnya, berikan itu pada saya – dengan tangan yg dijulurkan)
• Berjalan dengan baik

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Kesebelas

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Bangun dan duduk sendiri dari posisi tertelungkup
• Memungut benda kecil dengan bagian ibu jari dan telunjuknya (usia 10 ½ bulan)
• Mengerti kata “tidak” (tetapi tidak selalu mentaatinya)

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Bermain tepuk tangan atau melambaikan tangan
• Berjalan dengan berpegangan pada meja kursi (merambat)

Bisa jadi akan mampu:

• Memungut benda kecil dengan trampil dengan menggunakan ujung ibu jari dan telunjuknya
• Berdiri sendiri sebentar
• Mengatakan dada atau mama dengan jelas
• Mengatakan satu kata lain selain mama atau dada dengan jelas

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Menunjukkan keinginan dengan cara lain selain menangis
• Bermain bola (menggelindingkannya kembali pada anda)
• Minum sendiri dari cangkir
• Berdiri sendiri dengan baik
• Menggunakan bahasa bayi yg sederhana (suara seperti bayi berbicara dengan bahasa asing yg dibuat sendiri)
• Memberikan respon terhadap perintah sederhana yg disertai gerakan tbuh (misalnya, berikan itu pada saya – dengan tangan yg dijulurkan)
• Mengatakan tiga kata atau lebih selain mama atau dada
• Berjalan dengan baik

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Bulan Keduabelas

Yang mungkin dilakukan oleh bayi anda

Pada akhir bulan ini, bayi anda seharusnya mampu :

• Berjalan dengan berpegangan pada meja kursi (usia 12 2/3 bulan)

Catatan :
Bila bayi anda tampaknya tidak mencapai satu atau lebih dari kemampuan ini, periksakanlah kepada dokter. Kadang2 saja keterlambatan seperti ini menunjukkan adanya masalah, meskipun pada umumnya ternyata hal tersebut normal untuk ukuran bayi anda. Bayi yg prematur biasanya lebih lambat dalam mencapai kemampuan ini bila dibandingkan dengan bayi lainnya yg seumur, seringkali mereka mencapainya di dekat atau bahkan lebih lambat dari umur mereka yg seharusnya (jika mereka tidak lahir prematur)

Mungkin akan mampu :

• Bermain tepuk tangan atau melambaikan tangan (umumnya anak mencapai ketrampilan ini pada usia 13 bulan)
• Minum sendiri dari cangkir (banyak yg tidak dapat melakukan ini sampai usia 16 ½ bulan)
• Memungut benda kecil dengan rapi dengan menggunakan ujung ibu jari dan telunjuknya (pada usia 12 ¼ bulan; banyak bayi yg tidak mencapai hal ini sampai usia 15 bulan)
• Berdiri sendiri sebentar (banyak yg tidak mencapai ini sampai usia 13 bulan)
• Mengatakan dada atau mama dengan jelas (umumnya anak paling sedikit akan mampu mengatakan salah satu kata tersebut pada usia 14 bulan)
• Mengatakan satu kata lain selain mama atau dada dengan jelas (banyak yg belum mengucapkan kata2 pertama mereka sampai usia 14 bulan atau lebih)

Bisa jadi akan mampu :

• Menunjukkan keinginan dengan cara lain selain menangis (banyak yg belum mencapai tahap ini sampai selewat usia 14 bulan)
• Bermain bola (menggelindingkannya kembali pada anda) (banyak yg belum bisa melakukan hal ini sampai usia 16 bulan)
• Berdiri sendiri dengan baik (banyak yg belum mencapai tahap ini sampai usia 14 bulan)
• Mengeluarkan suara seperti bayi berbicara dengan bahasa asing (setengah dari jumlah bayi belum mulai mengeluarkan suara seperti ini sampai lewat satu tahun, dan banyak yg baru dapat melakukan pada usia 15 bulan)
• (misalnya, berikan itu pada saya – dengan tangan yg dijulurkan)
• Berjalan dengan baik (3 dari 4 bayi tidak dapat berjalan dengan baik sampai ia berusia 13 ½ bulan, dan banyak pula yg baru dapat melakukannya lebih lambat dari usia tersebut; bayi yg cepat merangkak mungkin akan lambat berjalan; jika semua perkembangan lain dalam keadaan normal, maka lambat berjalan tidak perlu dikhawatirkan)

Bahkan mungkin akan mampu :

• Mengatakan tiga kata atau lebih selain mama atau dada (lebih dari setengah bayi belum mencapai tahap ini sampai usia 13 bulan, dan banyak pula yg baru mencapainya pada usia 16 bulan)
• Memberikan respon terhadap perintah satu langkah yg tanpa disertai gerakan tubuh (berikan itu pada saya – tanpa uluran tangan; kebanyakan anak tidak mencapai ini sampai setelah ulang tahun pertamanya, banyak pula yg baru mencapainya setelah usia 16 bulan)

Sumber : What to expect the first year

Athena... 1... 2... 3.....

2008-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Confession of a narciss mum: My little Athena is adorable !

(I knew every mum would say that! and befire I had one, I just go and say 'of course it's your child!' well it's true! Babies are adorable.. but mine is much much more hahaha)

You know what?! My baby can surely act for a photo shoot!
Once I called her and pretending that I'm gonna take her photo from my mobile phone, she seemed all prepared, looking right back at me, noticing the camera on my hands, her head stood high, and as I started to count... 1... 2.....3..... all of the sudden she smile!
SHE SMILE !
a perfect smile where you can see her two teeth on her below jaw.. I would say PERFECT !
considering that previous moments when we had a family photo shoot an expect her to put her wide smile on her face -- but she didn't. She only wanted to stare and reach the camera.. and she looks more attracted to the gadget instead of the photographer.

Unfortunately, it would need time for Panda to get Manda the cable to upload the file, so, pls do wait up =) I will definitely show Athena in Action soon enough here !

Miss her already,

Punk Girl in Town !

2008-01-22T03:41:00.000-08:00

Look at her! no wonder people thought she was a boy, hahaha...
Her face was like saying "what's up?!" with th right eye a bit sharpen and all hair goes straight up! She looks a lot like some Punk Girl in town ! =)
She looks at someone fiercely many times, but once you knew her, she was all kindhearted.
a very friendly baby actually...
I think it's just her part of War Goddes inside her.. that need to show her fierce... hahaha
we love you Athena, we'll always do.

hii all...

2008-01-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

Hii... mamanda and evelyone... Look at me weaying the jilbab eyang bouht foy me... ain't I cute ?

The first swimming lesson..

2008-01-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

finally,
the big day for Thena arrived...
She definitely has waited for today the whole week ever since yangkung bought her the inflatable swimming pond..
the next weekend with Manda & Panda home, we planned to bash a small swimming pond party for Thena. Well, not really a party... just Thena, Manda, Panda, Mbah Uyut, and the rubber ducky =)
At first she was stunned. silence. and do nothing. can only saw the water in the pond.. and when manda put her in, she could only do .. splash- splash.. like it tooks about 5 minutes to get her tune in where she was.
Manda taught her to flip her legs, just like the dolphins do.. flips another legs.. Thena was so excited.. knowing that she could play with her feet. Manda taught her how to swim the front crawl, how to flip her legs, but she happens to be much more clever than what manda's thought...
She laid on her stomach and get her feet to do that breast-stroke swimming style... and surprisingly, she move forward.. things that she's unable yet to do on ground.. considering her round tummy.. hahaha...
My very smart baby.. 6 months, and yet she knows the right paddle foot to move =)

When I was 2,5 months....

2007-08-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

When Athena was 2,5 months, manda took a picture of her wearing a promo shirt from the Mother & Baby magazine. It said "Milk-aholic" hahaha...
It was supposed to be submitted to the magz for a photo contest, but Manda miss the deadline on this one due to too many work deadlines during that times... huhuhhhu.. not a good reason I know yeah..
Since the shirt was made for all sizes kids, and she was only 2,5months.. so Manda thought it would be more human if baby Athena wore baby shirt underneath -- so that her skin didn't exposed to the cloths. And actually for the practical reason of messing around with happy baby Athena during her play-time, hehe, like whenever someone change her shirt or short, she'll get mad.. so.. Manda put all the costume in. Complete with the polkadot boot (pls see below pics) given from Tante Airin as the birth-gift.
Why mamada suddenly put the boot on Athena? because it was when mamanda realized that Thena's feet has fitted the booth and if Manda didn't waear that then, it would never fit again!
The best deal of all was the white beret unveiling her round unhairy head =)
Isn't she so cute?! OF COURSE SHE IS ^_^

The First Day outside the womb..

2007-06-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

June 29th 2007
18:00 wib

Athena, from up close....
about 6 hours after delivery..

Mamanda, Athena, and Papanda..
and now we're completing each other =)