Top EC Droppers for January

THANK YOU!

Toy Hunt - Farm Animal Toys

This week's toy hunt is farm animal toys. Here is my entry!

This is Toby's farm animals shape sorter.

Join us at Toy Hunt!

Mommy Moments - First Smile

Hello! Another week here at Mommy Moments! This week's theme is first smile of your kids! This can either be the first smile she/he gave you or the first smile you were able to capture.

Here are my entries!

This is Kyla.

This is her first smile. If you can call that a smile at all. Taken when she was 1 month old.

So let's give it another try.
Taken when she was 3 months old. Playing with daddy.

Here are Toby's pictures!
Taken when he was 1 month old. :)

Taken when he was 2 months old.
Toby just loves to smile.
Until now, he has a happy disposition. :)

Now, its your turn!



Come and join us!
Share your precious mommy moments with us!

Colic Problems?

When my first child was born, I was really excited to care for my baby personally. I didn't want any "yaya" or caretaker for her, I wanted to be the one to change her diapers, to breastfeed directly from me, to care and be the best mom I can be for my daughter. Of course, I had no idea how often newborns cry. I remember that there are days that we would breastfeed and my baby would fall asleep but only to wake up again when I put her down. There were also other times, when she would cry non stop from 8 pm onwards until midnight. I had no idea what seems to be making her cry so much at night.

Of course, that was when I learned about colic or infant gas problems. Newborn babies can get the gas from mommy's diet. It can also come through sucking either by breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Another is by over stimulation of the baby. There are some babies that can easily be affected by too much activities in a day, thus they have higher chances of fussiness at night time.

I also learned about infant reflux. It is when the babies spit out the milk they just drank. At first, I was pretty scared why my baby would spit up her milk, sometimes it seems to me she has spit up almost all that she has drank, but then, her pedia and internet research told me that it was quite commom to babies under 6 months.

If only I had come to know about Gripe Water by Colic Calm. It is natural, safe and works almost instantly. It could have saved me a lot of sleepless nights and given my baby some comfort whenever she had her episodes.

Motivation for Moms - Appreciation

Show your children that you appreciate them by doing something special just for them, like making their favorite meal, or taking them out for an ice cream.

Taken from Daily Motivation for Moms

Now that I have two kids and that they are growing up, I take them to the playground everyday where they can play all they want. I know this is what they want right now. Aside from that, we also go to Jollibee or McDonalds at least once a month to celebrate little victories or simply spend some quality time. Sometimes, we also buy stickers and other little things as a gift or reward.

During their birthdays and other special times, I created some letters for them. I keep it along with the baby scrap book I have made for each of them. So that when they are big enough to understand, I can give it to them. Also I am making sure that I tell them how much I love them every day.

How about you? Share with us how you show your children that you appreciate them.

My Birthday Wishlist

Thanks to Enchie for this birthday tag!
My birthday is still on December but it would be fun to do some wishful thinking!

Rules Of The Tag:


1. Make a list of what you want on your birthday
2. The list should be 10 numbers
3. Post the image of this award in your posting
4. Give it to 10 friends of yours.



Here is my list:
1. I wish for a SLR Digital camera.
2. I wish that our loan for the house will be fully paid.
3. I wish for more paid blogging opportunities.
4. I wish that The Mommy Journey would continue to bring inspiration and encouragement to its visitors.
5. I wish to meet some blogger friends in person.
6. I wish we can travel abroad.
7. I wish to spend more time reading and studying God's word.
8. I wish we can renovate our house.
9. I wish that my some of my blogger friends would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
10. I wish for continued good health for me and my family.


Now I am tagging Architect, Jes, Jona, Ruby, Umma, Gen, Babette, Jhari, Michelle and Niko

WFW: Psalm 3:5-6

These are hard times --- we are surrounded with different sort of problems and challenges. People are losing jobs daily, prices of goods are going up and there is just no security in anything.
I am glad that I can sleep peacefully. Knowing that God is in control of my life and whatever He gives us, I know that it is all in accordance with His perfect will for my life.


The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a Bible verse! Check out other entries at The 160 AcreWoods.

Blog Advertising

Since I have joined the blogging world last September, I have visited many sites and have noticed that most are into blog advertising. I did not have a clue that one can earn from writing reviews of certain products, websites, companies or services. I was quite curious how blog advertising works so decided to click the button from someone’s site. I found out that all I have to do is register and sign up in payingpost.com. Once I have put some codes on my site and payingpost have verified my blog, I can login and check for opportunities that are available for me to write about. It is simple. A blogger can earn other ways too. One can join their affiliation program. All one needs to do is post the banner and hope that others would click on the banner and sign up at payingpost.com too! Another way is by allowing the advertisers contact you directly by putting another button on your site.

Wasn’t that easy? I really believe that paid blogging and blog advertising will work especially now that there is a difficulty in job hunting. Companies also do not want to spend much on advertising. Bloggers can review their offered products and share their opinions. Now, I am going to try this and let’s see what happens.

At The Well Grand Re-Launch!

If you have been following my blog, you would have noticed that I have joined At The Well every Monday. It has been awhile since I last posted about it. The reason is that At The Well was under renovation for some time. But the long wait will be over! On February 2, Monday, the new At The Well site will be launched!

Along with this,there are lots of prizes to be given away!

Check out the following prizes:

A brand new blog facelift valued at over $50
donated by Doodlebug Designs

A custom blog card (or mom card, if you don’t blog) design, valued at $30. You’ll receive a high quality .jpg, .png or .pdf file – you can do the printing yourself or have them printed online or locally – the options are endless. Print only as many as you need!
The file is yours to keep.
donated by Simply Amusing Designs

"Fill 'Em Up!" ... a "cookbook" for parents to use with kids which includes a devotional/Bible study that goes along with each recipe.
donated by Heavenly Homakers

A signed copy of the book "The Devil in Your Garden"
donated by Natalie Witcher from I AM (not)

A digital scapbook dowload package
donated by The Digital Scrapbook Place

A $25 Starbucks gift certificate
donated by At the Well

To learn more about At The Well, click here.

Internet Shopping

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my eldest child was born. I personally took care of her needs and we also breastfed exclusively for 11 months. When my 2nd baby came, we also breastfed until he was 23 months old. Due to the demands of breastfeeding and caring for babies, I seldom went out and didnt have much time to shop.

I usually used the Internet to browse and shop for things I need. I found ShopWiki. This site searches for products that are on sale over the Internet. It is not a store but it functions more like a web search. So, as I was looking for baby and toddler stuff over ShopWiki, i found good deals as I get to compare prices from different stores.

I love looking for books for my kids. And this is one book that I want to have. I was glad "Love You Forever" on their list as I have been looking for it for quite some time now.

If you are a mom like me, who is pressed for time, I recommend you try using ShopWiki too.

yesterday...

my DSL connection was down the entire day yesterday :(

Toy Hunt - Round Toy

This week's theme for Toy Hunt is Round Toy/s!

This is a round shape sorter. It is actually Kyla's toy, but now it has been passed on to Toby :)

Join us every Saturday at Toy Hunt!

How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

67%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Dating Sites

Mommy Moments - Latest Birthday Photos of Kids

Hello! This week's mommy moments is latest birthday photos of your kids!



Kyla celebrated her 4th birthday on Feb 10, 2008. We went to Fun Farm during the morning and ate pizza for her celebration at our house.

Toby just celebrated his 2nd birthday on December 29, 2008. We celebrated his birthday at my parent's place in Manila and we went to Subic.

Now, its your turn! Come and join us! Share your precious mommy moments with us!

Motivation for Moms

Don’t just tell your children that you love them ~ tell them what you love about them.

taken from Daily Motivation for Moms


I really love it when Kyla embraces me and tells me she loves me. I love it that she knows her limits. I love the way she can express herself through art works and drawings. I see that even at a young age, she is a leader. I love the way she can make a stand about something.

I love how sweet Toby is. He hugs me every now and then. I love his optimism and how he always wants to make us smile and laugh at his antics. I love his good natured-ness. I love his adventurous nature and not being afraid to try new things.

How about you? What do you love about your kids?

WFW: Psalm 119:9

This is my first entry for Word filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a Bible verse! Check out other entries at The 160 AcreWoods.

Inaguration of Obama

Along with millions of people around the world, I am watching the inaguration of President Obama. I am watching it online now through Hulu Live Streaming. I really do not know what to expect from his presidency. Having read this report, I believe that we should pray for the U.S. and their country's direction. U.S. is currently the world's super power and whatever happens to them affects the other countries as well.

Eye Discharge

For the past few days, Toby has colds and cough. He also has some eye discharge especially early in the morning. We have noticed that whenever Toby has some colds and cough, he would also have some eye discharge for a couple of days. It really gets me worried but eventually, as he gets better, the discharge also goes away. So, I am observing and waiting for his colds and cough to get better and see whether the discharge will also go away.

Here are some more information I want to share with you. Its taken from Home Treatment from Pinkeye and Eye Discharge.

In older children, conjunctivitis often accompanies a viral cold. Eye discharge of a viral origin is usually mild and not as thick as in more severe bacterial infections.

Eye discharge in bacterial infections is usually very heavy and thick, and the pus forms a heavy crust. Children often wake up in the morning with their eye glued shut. A lot of discharge can run from the eye as well.

Bacterial infections require a visit to the doctor and some prescription eyedrops.

Viral infections related to a cold or flu will clear up by themselves in time.

In all the cases, a safe and practical home supplemental treatment suitable for babies, children, and adults, is available in the form of chamomile solution. Chamomile is a well known herb, widely used in Europe for its anti-inflammatory effect.

You can make your own solution simply by steeping an organic chamomile tea bag for 15 minutes. Simply pour some boling water over the tea bag, cover, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Always let it cool down to luke warm temperature before applying to the eyes. Use a clean cotton ball or a cotton cleansing pad, soak it in the luke warm liquid and gently wipe the infected eye. Never use the same cotton ball or pad on both eyes. Discard after one wipe. Don't double dip. Repeat with a new ball or pad at least three times at a time, or until you get most of the discharge off. Repeat 3 or 4 times a day or as needed.

The luke warm temperature of the chamomile solution helps to wipe the discharge away more easily than a cold solution would.

Thanks for the Awards!

Thanks to Jes of Me, Myself and Jes for this Triple Awards!



Thanks to Willa of FickleMinded for the Lemonade Stand




Thanks to Enchie of Sweet Nothings for the Noblesse Oblige Award!

This Award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:

1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.

2. The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.

3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.

4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.

5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:

1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.

2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.

3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older Post to support.

4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.

5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

I have been grateful with the way Mommy Moments have turned out for the past 2 weeks. I have met many new mommies and look forward to knowing more of them. I am passing this award unto every participant of Mommy Moments! The list includes Jhari, Enchie, Leah, Gin, Evan's Mom, Architect, Ann, Mai, Annabelle, Eds, Jes, JoyD, Babette, Pehpot, Life's Journey, Mandy, Joy, A Family Completed, Tetcha, Stacy, Jona, A Moment to Exhale, Earthlingorgeous, Mary Ann, Issa, Jerla, Julliefer, and Ai.

Thanks to Pehphot of Make or Break and Mompreneur for this Honest Scrap Award!

The rules for the Honest Scrap award

A. first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B. pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Here is my list:
1. I hate cockroaches. I run all the way to the other room when I see one.
2. I love traveling. If I only have the means, I would be traveling to see other parts of the world!
3. I used to play with Barbie dolls.
4. I hate it when things are scattered everyone. I am a neat freak.
5. I only eat one dish at a time.
6. I don't drink coffee and haven't really been drinking carbonated drinks since I got pregnant with my first kid.
7. I love nature trips. Beach or just a walk in the park.
8. I love photos. Ever since high school days, I have been capturing photos of all events.
9. I miss my friends who have migrated to the U.S. namely Jenny and Eboy.
10. I am not a confrontational type of person.

Passing this on to Architect, Jes, momstheword, Mari, Wendy, Stacey and Tetcha.

Toy Hunt - Interactive Toy

The theme for this week's Toy Hunt is Interactive Toys. I thought of posting Toby's new remote controlled toy. Though I think he is still too young to know how this thing works! ;)


How about you? Join us at Ms. Joy's Toy Hunt every Saturday!

Mommy Moments - First Picture

Hello everyone! I would like to thank you for joining Mommy Moments
This week's theme is FIRST PICTURE OF YOUR KID/S.

Here are my entries! I couldn't resist posting 2 pics for each of them

Kyla Clarisse was born on February 10, 2004 3:02 a.m.

Toby Justin was born on December 29, 2006 4:10 p.m.

Now, it is your turn! Come and share with us your precious Mommy Moments!

What Breaks A Mom's Heart?

Nothing is more disheartening and heartbreaking for a mom than to see her children in sickbed or in danger. I was just reading through my blog roll tonight when I saw my friend Dyes' latest post about her son Jadon.

When the kids are sick or in danger, it just makes my heart bleed. I have seen my daughter cough non stop the whole night. But thank God she hasn't been admitted to the ER yet. With my little boy, it is a different story. When he was just 6 days old, his pediatrician advised us to admit him to the hospital because his skin was still too yellowish for his age. She believed that it could lead to dangerous situations if he didnt get well from his jaundice. She had little Toby poked and pricked for several tests... and it just melts your heart to see your new born baby with all the IV and blood extractions. On our 4th day there, we were advised that we can go home the next day. His bilirubin count has already lowered significantly and he was out of danger. But they were still giving some medications through his IV. So, that night, when the nurse injected Toby's IV with anti-biotic, for some reason, Toby let out a different sound of cry... a frail cry and I thought he wanted to feed already, but as I was positioning him, I noticed that his skin was turning blue and his veins were becoming very visible. I told my husband to call in the nurse at once! Toby's body was already becoming stiff on my arms. I remembered letting out a cry "Jesus....", it was all I can say. The nurses and the doctors came, they removed the IV and Toby was back to normal. We didn't know what happened. It could have been a wrong dosage of the medicine, or an allergic reaction to the medicine. I was really thankful to God that nothing serious happened to Toby.

I know that nothing is more frightening for a mom than to see her child in danger or sick.

Eating Habits

Help!!! I don't know how to teach Toby to finish eating what he starts. You see, Toby loves to eat. He keeps eating anything he sees. He loves to try different food. He keeps eating almost every hour. The problem is he doesn't finish what he opens. For example, he would open one pack of biscuits, just before he could finish it, he throws it and wants to get another one. The same goes for sandwich, he would eat one but before he could finish it, he would say he doesn't want it anymore. Then in less than an hour, he would want to eat again... but he doesn't want to eat his leftovers!

Do you have any similar experience? Any tips on what I should do?

Goals for 2009

New year has started and its been 13 days since. How fast time passes us by, doesn't it? Before it gets too late, I wanted to share my goals for the year. So that you can help me, by reminding me about them from time to time.

Instead of having year long goals, this year, I have goals for the month. Hopefully this way, the goals will be more achievable :) I have already achieved some of my goals for this month, like revising my blog layout and starting a picture meme :) I will be putting a list together and placing them on my sidebar soon. Don't forget to check it out!

How about you? What are your goals for the year?

Symptoms of Asthma Attacks

My daughter Kyla has some colds and cough for a few days now. 2 nights ago, she started coughing non-stop again. This is a symptom of an asthma attack. So last night, we started to use the Nebulizer to help her breathe and stop the severe coughing. She has been diagnosed to have asthma on 2008. Her pediatrician mentioned to us that once a person has been diagnosed with asthma, it is a lifetime illness. It can not be cured but a person can be given maintenance medications so asthma attacks are lessened. Asthma attacks are common on cold weather, like what we are having for the past week. Let me share with you some common symptoms of asthma (taken from Asthma in Children)

wheezing

cough - chronic or recurring (worse particularly at night and in the early hours of the morning)

pain or a tight feeling in the chest

shortness of breath

flaring of the nostrils when breathing in (especially in children)

interrupted talking

agitation

hyperinflation (appearance of hunched shoulders, hunching forward or preferring not to lie down)

We may notice that our child has less stamina during active playtime than his or her peers. Or the child may limit his or her activity to prevent coughing or wheezing. The child may have heavy breathing, shortness of breath, and wheezing at rest or with exercise. These symptoms may be subtle and only recognized during activity.

Asthma is hereditary. If you or your spouse has asthma, there is a big chance that your kids will have it too. Knowledge about asthma and its symptoms can help us to detect whether our kids are having asthma attacks already.

Is My Child Ready for Potty Training?

I started potty training Kyla at the age of 1 year 10 months and by age 2, she was no longer wearing diapers. She was ready. As for Toby, he has just turned 2, but I haven't been successful in training him yet. I don't think he is quite ready too. Although there are days that I remove his diapers and let him wear briefs. Its just that he keeps peeing every hour or less and doesn't tell me when he poops! So, what are the signs that my child is ready for the potty? I know that every child is different. I researched a bit and these are some information I found. Let me share it with you. The following information is taken from Potty Training Boys.

For any potty training routine it is important that all other caregivers are in on the plan. Consistency is key to successful learning so if both parents, siblings and any other people who care for your child know what you plan they can help with the process.

Potty training is far more likely to be successful if your child is physically and mentally ready to begin. While it might seem that sooner is better, many children are not ready to use a toilet until they are closer to 3 years old.

Before starting you should make sure that your child is able to understand and follow 1-2 directions at a time. For example, he should be able to finish his drink and bring the glass to the kitchen when he is done. If he isn't able to listen well enough to do as you ask and cannot hold more than one direction in his mind at a time he will not be able to manage the necessary steps to using the toilet.

Your child should also be able to tell when he needs to go to the bathroom, or at the very least be able to tell you that he has soiled his diaper when he is done. Without the ability to be aware of his bowel and bladder movements he will not be able to tell you before he needs to go and his efforts to get to the toilet on time are doomed to fail.

Another important thing is that your child should be able to remain dry for at least 2 hours at a time. It will be far too difficult for him to learn to use the toilet if he constantly needs to pee.

If all of these things are in place it is time to begin teaching your child the basics. You can start by getting him to practice pulling his pants on and off when you get him dressed each morning and night. It is very important that he is able to pull his own pants up by himself, but it may take a while for him to develop the necessary coordination.

In the meantime build up some excitement. Whatever method you decide to use your child needs to be enthusiastic about the process. Research different methods and decide which one fits. Before you know it he will be well on the way to a dry future.

Toy Hunt - Small Toys

This week's theme for Toy Hunt is Small Toys.

These are little dolls. It came with the little doll house.

Just look how small it really is!

Join us at Toy Hunt!