Baby Signs Party at Mothercare BGC

It's a good thing that today's topic is about baby signs because my husband and I have started doing sign language to baby Andy since he was 3 months old. Not because he is hard of hearing or deaf, but because we want to help him communicate with us through signing. The Baby Signs Party was held at Mothercare, BGC on June 29.

Photo courtesy of mothercare.ph

Ms. Sharon took the time to get to know each of the attendees before the talk started. I was so proud to tell her that we have already started doing signs to baby Andy.

Philips Avent and Mothercare were generous with their raffle prizes!

 Too bad we didn't meet Beebo the Bear that day!

Lots of mommies and daddies present 

I am so thrilled every time we attend an event like this, not only do we learn from the speakers, we also meet new moms and have a little chit chat with them. Mommy Glaiza from Moomy Musings and Mommy Vee from Soldier Mom's Corner also attended the event.

Ms. Sharon's husband also shared his heartwarming stories and experiences on teaching their baby how to sign. While I was listening, I looked at my husband and asked if he can also share a story if someone asked me to host an event. He just gave me a noncommittal smile as he usually does.

We also had fun participating and singing the song "Ang Jeep ni Mang Juan" and "Milk, More, Please".

"Ang Jeep ni Mang Juan" (in the tune of Wheels on the Bus)

Ang jeep ni Mang Juan (move your arms like you're driving)

ay may butas (make a letter O with your fingers)

sa gulong  (make a big circle using your hands)

Ang jeep ni Mang Juan ay may butas sa gulong (repeat 3x)

Tinakpan nya ng bubblegum (make another letter O and tap it with your other hand) 

"Milk, More, Please"

Milk, Milk, Milk (do the sign for milk as if you're milking a cow)

More, More, More (do the sign for more like you're making your hands kiss repeatedly)

Milk, Milk, Milk (repeat the sign for milk)

Please (do the sign for please, take your hand with palm facing in and rub it in a circle on your chest.)

The song was so catchy and fun! Even Kadmiel, my nephew, loved it and still asks us to do it over and over again. I also sing the milk, more, please song to baby Andy every time I'm nursing him and he's just staring at me and listening very eagerly.

Here are some of the lectures discussed during the event:

Proven Benefits of the Baby Signs Program

In  the course of two decades of research, Drs. Acredolo and Goodwyn have uncovered a variety of ways in which babies and their caregivers benefit from the Baby Signs Program. What they found out is that the Baby Signs Program:

1. Jumpstarts verbal language development
2. Promotes early literacy
3. Boosts intellectual achievement as measured by IQ at age 8
4. Decreases frustration and aggresion at home and in the classroom
5. Increases adults' respect for babies' abilities
6. Strenghtens the adult-infant relationship
7. Fosters positive emotional development

My husband and I watched videos and clips on babies doing sign language and we've seen that it will help you a lot in communicating with your baby. Signing will also form a bond between you and your baby, will help reduce their fussiness and will help improve their speech development.

The first three signs that we have taught baby Andy is the sign for milk, mommy and daddy. The key to an effective signing is lots of patience, repetition and repetition. I am guilty, too, because sometimes I forget to do the signs to him. 

Milk in Sign Language 

Photo courtesy of babysignlanguage.com

 Mommy in Sign Language

Photo courtesy of babysignlanguage.com

Daddy in Sign Language

Photo courtesy of babysignlanguage.com

The goodies that we brought home

• Philips Avent eco bag
• Philips Avent via cup
• Philips Avent disposable breast pads
• Mothercare advice cards

What are the first 3 signs that you taught to your baby? Share them in the comment box below. I would love to hear them!

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MothercarePhils
                                      https://www.facebook.com/BABYSIGNSPH

Visit their Website: www.babysignsph.wordpress.com

Carla

(Product Review) By Nature Baby Oilotion and Human Nature Natural Body Wash

I am currently loving these products because these are all made of  natural ingredients and no harmful chemicals. We moms are very "metikulosa" when it comes to our babies that's why we only want the best for them. 

Human Nature Natural Baby Wash - What I love about this is it's made from natural ingredients, 100% no harmful chemicals. All the ingredients are found in nature. I also love the powdery smell. 

Kahit pawisan si baby Andy mabango pa din sya, parang nilagyan mo siya ng baby powder hanggang ulo. Hehehe! We bought this at mayumiandme.com, 500ml for P289.75. Pwede na sya mga mother earth! 

This baby oilotion from by nature is a must try. 

I massage my baby every now and then as a part of our bonding time. What I love about this is it's NOT greasy at all. As in! Kaya pala oilotion ang tawag, kelan ko lang na-figure out kahit matagal ko ng ginagamit. Hahaha! It's really amazing! When you pour it on your palm, it looks like a regular oil, but after you apply it, it feels like you just put on a lotion. 

What I don't like about it is the smell. For me, it smells a little weird. Maybe dahil yun dun sa pure aloe vera gel. I forgot to tell you meron pala syang kasamang pure aloe vera gel so kailangan alugin maigi para mahalo sya dun sa oil. We also bought this from mayumiandme.com for P280.

What brand of oil and body wash are you using for your baby? Share them on the comment box below. I would love to hear them!

This review is only based on my opinion. I paid for this item and I didn't receive any compensation for this review. 

Please check my disclosure policy for further details: http://mybubblybaby.blogspot.com/2013/06/this-policy-is-valid-from-14-june-2013.html

Carla

Beauty Tip: Facial Care

Before I became a mom, I was a freelance make-up artist. I love make-ups and everything that has to do with beauty. But now as a full-time stay at home mom, I always make some time for myself. Us moms are prone to stress and lack of sleep everyday, that is why we need to take care of ourselves too.

photo taken from google images

photo taken from google images

What is your skin type?

Dry skin

• Basically 60-70% of skin is dry
• Often sensitive, when you pinch a dry skin it turns red
• Too much air-conditioning and showering might make your skin even more dry than usual

What you can do is:

• Moisturize after taking a bath
• Drink lots of water
• Use a moisturizing mask at least twice a week 
• Don't use too much exfoliating products, this will make your skin even more dry than usual

Oily skin

• Blackheads and whiteheads are the common problems of oily skin
• 60% of the skin are oily, specially on the T-zone which includes your forehead and the bridge of your nose
• Oily skin attracts more dirt and dust that can clog your pores and cause your skin to break-out

What you can do is:

• Wash your face at least 2-3x times a day with soap and water
• Ask your dermatologist what kind of cleanser will suit your needs 
• Avoid using products that will cause your skin to overdry. This will only make your skin even more oily than usual
• If you have blackheads or whiteheads, try using a pore strip. You can buy them at the local department store's beauty section

 Normal Skin

• This skin type has a clear, fine texture, smooth and no visible pores
• Some surfaces can become either dry or oily

What you can do is:

• Moisturize after taking a bath or before bedtime
• Drink lots of water
• Wash your face at least 2x a day with a gentle cleanser and water

What kind of skin type do you have? Share your facial care tips and tricks, too, on the comment box below. I would love to hear from you!

Carla

A Free Toy from Breeze Sigeland Event @ SM MOA

We woke up early for this event because a free toy is up for grabs. Woohoo! We don't want to be at the end of the line, of course! Breeze Sigeland was held last June 22, 2013 at SM Mall of Asia. At first, we were hesitant to go to the event. We thought that since it's for free, the toys that will be given away would not be worth it! But boy, oh boy we were wrong! The toys were Aaah-mazing! 

Seriously, the toys that were given away were between Php 500-2,000++ each. There were bikes (yes, bikes!), inflatable swimming pools, art sets, skateboards, balls, scooters and twist cars.

After a few hours this is the toy that I got worth Php600+! How often do you get a chance to shop for a toy without paying for it? Unless you have a "galanteng" ninong or ninang! Hehehe : )

 As for my payment, I will teach my child creativity.

Baby Andy is a happy happy baby with his new toy. I hope by the time he's gonna play with this, "hindi pa nanigas yung paint". Hahaha : )

If stain leads to learning, sige sa mantsa! Thank you, Breeze Philippines! 

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreezePhilippines

Carla

(Product Review) Halo Sleepsack

Baby Andy is a blankie lover. He can't sleep unless he's all tucked in. But as a parent that co-sleeps with his son, it is a terrifying thing. You do not know what might happen. A loose blanket is dangerous to your baby, it can cover the baby's face and interfere with breathing.

Good thing that we found HALO SLEEPSACK WEARABLE BLANKET. This replaces the traditional loose blanket and avoid the risk of SIDS.

I read that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the sudden death of an infant less than 1 year of age that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation is conducted, including a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.

The following have been linked to a baby's increased risk of SIDS:

• Sleeping on the stomach 
• Being around cigarette smoke while in the womb or after being born 
• Sleeping in the same bed as their parents (co-sleeping) 
• Soft bedding in the crib 
• Multiple birth babies (being a twin, triplet, etc.) 
• Premature birth 
• Having a brother or sister who had SIDS 
• Mothers who smoke or use illegal drugs 
• Being born to a teen mother 
• Short time period between pregnancies 
• Late or no prenatal care 
• Living in poverty situations 

While studies show that babies with the above risk factors are more likely to be affected, the impact or importance of each factor is not well-defined or understood.

SIDS are not common here in the Philippines because us Filipinos we never let our child unattended, we always make sure that there's at least one guardian who will look after the baby. I heard from the news that a 23-day-old baby died while co-sleeping with her mother. This is such a heart breaking story. 

I also co-sleep with my son and I am guilty with that. I try my best to put him back to his crib after I feed him but sometimes I forget due to sleep deprivation and being tired taking care of him all day.

Photo courtesy of HALO ph

(This is from HALO Philippines' flyer, I'd like to share it with you guys so you can understand more about it)

8 reasons smart moms choose HALO

1. Keeps Baby Safe

Likely the only time baby is left unattended for a long period is during sleep. Yet this is when he is at most risk of SIDS(sudden infant death syndrome). HALO protects baby when he needs it most.

2. Economical

The HALO Sleepsack replaces loose crib bedding sheets ( which costs up to 10k a set) - at a fraction of the cost!

3. Non-toxic and Hypo-allergenic

Babies easily develop sensitivity to fabrics. With HALO, you are assured of the highest standards in safety and quality that may not be offered by alternatives.

4. Diaper Duty in 1-2-3

HALO's inverted zipper design makes changing diapers as easy as 1-2-3.

5. Long-term Investment

HALO sleepsacks are purposely designed to fit your baby for a while (unlike most things you buy for babies).

6. Easy Laundry

HALO's quality fabrics, trims and zippers can hold frequent washing. It can even last up to your next baby!

7. Happy Baby, Happy Mommy

HALO helps babies sleep better. A healthy and well-rested baby is a happy baby. And a happy baby makes a happy mommy.

8. All you really need is HALO!

There's a reason why HALO is the no. 1 trusted brand by hospitals and parents. Why risk your baby's health and safety when all you really need is halo?

Baby Andy loves it very much. Look how cozy he is. : )

There are lots of cute designs to choose from and you can also choose the size that will fit your baby. 

This review is only based on my opinion. I paid for this item and I didn't receive any compensation for this review.

Please check my disclosure policy for further details: http://mybubblybaby.blogspot.com/2013/06/this-policy-is-valid-from-14-june-2013.html

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/halophilippines

Visit their Website: http://halophilippines.com/

Carla

The Fisher-Price Joy of Learning Workshop in Manila 2013

It's my husband's first father's day celebration. In occasions like this, we usually go out and have lunch or dinner but instead we decided to celebrate father's day at Fisher-Price Joy of Learning workshop. This workshop was held last June 16, 2013 at Crown Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Ave, Q.C. The registration fee was P1,000 per person (including a goody bag, refreshments and lunch).

Photo courtesy of Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price provided an artwork and play area for the kids to keep them company while the mommies and daddies participated in the workshop. That's my husband holding our nephew/godson, Kadmiel. My godson really enjoyed the play area and the fisher-price toys that are on the display.

Since it's father's day, they made a booth where you can write a father's day card.

Some of the Fisher-Price products on display. I loved the kick and crawl gym mat and the booster seat. 

Coffee and tea was served during the workshop.

Ms. Carrie Lupoli is an educational and parenting consultant and the 

founder of Live and Learn Consulting.

Here are some of the topics discussed during the workshop:

Parents' Role in Child's Exploration and Learning

1. Provide a safe home enviroment in which your child can explore and discover on his or her own
2. Provide safe, age-appropriate toys and materials for play
3. Encourage hands-on play and discovery throughout childhood (even for your older child)
4. Give your child undivided attention for moments throughout the day. Respond to your child's world, interests and activities
5. Provide a household in which music, conversation and ideas abound
6. Respect the fine line between encouragement and hurrying. Recognize that your child will learn in his individual timeline as long as you provide the daily opportunities to learn along side with heartfelt enthusiasm
7. Encourage your child to be a problem solver early in life, looking for solutions for everyday dilemmas

Some of the AHA! facts that i learned

• Play based learning, initiated by the child, allows little ones to sort their feelings, handle difficult situations and learn to cope.
• Creative play with art, dress-up, make-believe, music and dance teach children pivotal skills using their imagination and abstract thinking.
• Document your baby's milestones.
• Training your child to be "smart" takes understanding of what "smart" actually is.
• Giving them real life opportunities to learn exposes them to develop a better understanding of the world, thus allowing them natural, organic experiences to develop the skills essential in any independent, smart and successful adult.

We were lucky to have a photo with Ms. Carrie : )

Yummy lunch is served! Chicken with pesto sauce, bread and butter, asparagus soup, and iced tea

Ms. Audrey Tan-Zubiri, the Fisher-Price Ambassador and Ms. Carrie Lupoli 

during the Q&A portion.

My mom and my husband won a Gymboree gc during the raffle. Yay! Fisher-Price was so generous, they had a lot of prizes up for grabs and one of the raffle prizes was a fisher-price stroller. How awesome is that?

The goodies that we brought home

• Fisher-Price eco bag
• Fisher-Price clack and wiggle rattle
• Sample pack of Moon Dough magical modeling clay
• Paperoni 2D kit
• Bendaroos flexible buiding sticks
• Fisher-Price joy of learning workshop workbook

I think the P1,000 registration fee was really worth it. We are looking forward to another Fisher-Price workshop. Thank you Fisher-Price! : )

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FisherPrice

                                          https://www.facebook.com/CarrieELupoli

Carla

This policy is valid from 14 June 2013


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(Product Review) Pigeon And Philips Avent Disposable Breast Pads

Being a breastfeeding mommy is indeed a tough job. But for me, I didn't care, because I know that all the hard work that I am doing today will pay off later. So far in my experience as a breastfeeding mommy, I noticed that I am a heavy leaker. I am so thankful for that wonderful blessing. 

Good thing that disposable breast pads are available in the market today. For me this is one of the things that I always bring with me in our diaper bag.

Some of the disposable breast pads that I love:

Philips Avent disposable breast pads

I only use this when we have short trips like going to the grocery store or running some errands. As I said I am a heavy leaker, and within a few hours I would have already tanked this baby up and I can feel my breast milk leaking on my shirt. But if you don't leak that much I can say this one might suit your needs.

Pigeon disposable breast pads

This baby is my savior during a long and busy day. What I love about this is the super absorbent polymer that traps the excess milk and locks it away. And the breathable waterproof sheet is a unique backsheet that lets the moisture go through and keeps your clothes dry. So if you're a heavy leaker like me this baby is a must-have in your diaper bag.

What brand or kind of breast pad are you using? share them on the comment box below. I would love to hear them!

This review is only based on my opinion. I paid for this item and I didn't receive any compensation for this review. 

Please check my disclosure policy for further details: http://mybubblybaby.blogspot.com/2013/06/this-policy-is-valid-from-14-june-2013.html

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilipsAventPH

                                               https://www.facebook.com/pigeonphilippines

Carla

( Product Review) Personalized Books from Look It's About Me

Since I was pregnant, I started reading out loud to my son, and until now that he is born. I included it in our daily routine, to read him a book at least 2-3x a day.

Did you know that reading helps build your child's vocabulary, stimulates her imagination, and improves her communication skills? In fact, the more you speak to your child from the get-go, the better it is for her growth and development.

My husband and I are more into books rather than toys. Every time we go out, we buy at least 1 book. 

Now that we've seen this personalized book from Look It's About Me, our hearts jumped with joy. This is such a great idea, knowing that your child can be the star or the main character of the story.

 Here are some of the contents of the book:

What's with the face baby? Did you like your new book?

I won this personalized book from http://www.chemist2writer.com via a rafflecopter giveaway. Yay! Thank you mommy joy! :)

This personalized book is available at LookIt'sAboutMe.com for P1,200. There are also other goodies that you can personalize and different stories to choose from.

This review is only based on my opinion. I didn't receive any compensation for this review. 

Please check my disclosure policy for further details: http://mybubblybaby.blogspot.com/2013/06/this-policy-is-valid-from-14-june-2013.html

Visit their Website: http://www.lookitsaboutme.com/

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookItsAboutMe

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LookItsAboutMe

Carla