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Friday, August 28, 2009

Family Life

This past weekend, we had a quiet weekend. Hubby fixed our toilet which wasn't working properly & we had the carpenter who installed a door and wall cupboard for us finally. Saturday night we had a bbq with some friends and had lots of fun experimenting with their new Nikon camera and watching the moon through our telescope and relaxing in the hammock. Sunday we spent the morning visiting my parents and grandparents and relaxed at home in the afternoon.

Gregory started doing two paces crawling before resolving once more that moving like a soldier in the bush is quicker haha. He is also standing up completely alone in the bath, by the sofa and wherever he finds a grip! He is now sleeping most of the time in the homemade cosleeper (i.e the cot, took off the side that goes up and down and attached it to our bed) Anyhow that is working fine as we have FINALLY more space to sleep in and no more backaches! Well Greg still rolls over sometimes just to hold on to me but I don't mind as with the cosleeper we still have a wonderful amount of space :) We still haven't seen any teeth and he hasn't said mama or dada yet. However, although I can't wait to see this new development, at the same time I am enjoying the moment as it is...so today, after work (yeah meant to be working now don't say anthing!)I will go home to my 2 boys, have a nice bbq again on our roof, swing in the hammock while sipping wine and enjoying my kids' laughter and smiles :)

I hope you pass a lovely evening too...blessings to all!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

winter blues

There are so many things on my mind but when I come to express them into words nothing coherent comes out! Thinking about it really, its no different from any other year. For some reason come end of August I will be aching for Winter and its schedule. I admit I loved this Summer...so many activities and much more beach and more time with family and friends. It was fantastic really....yet....Winter always has a lot of changes for me which are normally quite positive and after the dormant Summer months of heat and sweat and short tempers, I always look forward to the cooler months (which don't really start before December anyway- the cold that is!).

There's excitement and uncertainty this year and of course Gregory's first birthday and Christmas and hopefully his first tooth and words :) Oh so many things need to get forth but none able to communicate. My mind is scattered all over the place. I am in need of a turnover- make a list of priorities, do a spring cleaning of the house and light candles & incense sticks to refresh and get rid of the bad vibes :) and review my year so far and what is next ahead! Now the problem lays in WHEN I can do such *sigh* my target date is to start all this on Friday the 4th when there is the full moon and I start my regular yoga class with a beach class in the moonlight, celebrating life, earth and nature all together in control, all as one :)

Blessings to all may your mind is clearer than mine!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Pictures for all


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Summer evenings

Here I am relaxing in my hammock on the roof of my house in the balming evening. Maltese Summer evenings are quite nice....a cool breeze rustles your hair, the bells of the Church can be heard, the occasional car passing, some child crying, birds twittering, a dog barking....I had forgotten to listen & see the beautiful evenings we get, but having a child some how made me remember the beauty of such simplicity.

Gregory is sleeping, so we went on the roof, took a glass of rose wine, did a bbq and ate in peace together. After clearing everything, I am here in my hammock blogging, while Dave waters the plants. Its so relaxing this silence....the no need to do something every second coz Gregory wants to play and discover every little extra second of his waking hour!

I will now enjoy some more this little quietness (since Greg napped only and is now awake -sigh) and hopefully he will sleep again pretty soon and I can do some beauty treatments to myself.

Wish you all a sweet evening full of peace and quietness!

Blessings to you all.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Soaps.....part 1

I bought a couple of soaps from Sudzational Faith Love & Soap Co. and with them I also received a few samples. I decided to try the soap to use more natural products really and well soap is more economical as it doesn't finish as quickly as a shower gel I think. However, I have to say I was wary coz normal soap I buy from stores leave me feeling sticky and unrefreshed. I haven't tried all the soap yet but what I tried I liked and so I thought to do a review and update the review when I try the rest of the soap I got.


"Spa Bar" with the inspiration of an oatmeal facial, raw honey, and sweet almond oil to moisturize and soothe. Infused with cocoa butter and vanilla this bar is super moisturizing and relaxing. Available in massage mold shapes and standard round and square.




I enjoyed using this bar so much! it feels great on skin(it truly feels like a massage on your skin while washing) and although it did leave me feeling sticky it was only for a minute or so after which a nice refreshing feeling and smooth soft skin left me very happy indeed!







"Desert Blond", 100% vegan, with patchouli oil, no dyes or perfumes, a wonderful glycerin. A very hard, dense bar of soap. Super bubbly, slow, extra creamy lather, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and smelling so fresh without smelling sterile or perfumy. A wonderful bar for the whole family.






As it says in its description, its bubbly and with a nice creamy lather and it does leave you feeling soft and supple! I am still enjoying this soap and that is why the others have been left out so far.







The soaps are quite cheap at $3.50 each bar and are a good chunky size. You can have them in different shapes as well and delivery is quick and are also sent internationally (not just in the US). So hop over to Sudzational Faith Love and Soap Co. and find the perfect soap for you; there is quite a variety available and more are being added regularly. Apart for soaps you can also find soak salts to add to your bath.

on the beach turtle style

I haven't figured out how to post a video here through youtube, but if you go on this link you will see my little puppy wriggling on the sand just like a turtle trying to reach the water :)

enjoy hehe

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

wordless wednesday

This is Owen my cousin's babe 3 months younger than my Gregory




Monday, August 17, 2009

picnic recipes...but not necessarily

Yesterday we did a picnic by the beach..it was really great as there weren't too many people besides, we had clear skies, cool air , waves splashing against our legs and the stars so clear and bright.... peaceful and relaxing! anyhow that s beside the point really LOL I did some new stuff to eat and came really nice so I thought to share along.

Bruschetta with Greek Salad

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juice only
150g/5½oz vine cherry tomatoes,
halved½ shallot, peeled and finely sliced
50g/2oz feta cheese,
crumbled salt and freshly ground black pepper
french roll
some more olive oil, back pepper and garlic granules

Cut the french roll in halves put on olive oil, balck pepper and some garlic granules, put under a hot grill till toasted. Mix the rest of the ingredients and put on top of the bread.

Chicken Wraps

2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 orange, juice only
2 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp clear honey
½ tsp mild chilli powder
chicken breast cut into small pieces
8small tortillas
8tbsp mayonnaise
torn iceberg lettuce

Mix garlic, orange juice, soy sauce, honey & chilli, add the chicken cover and marinade for 1 hour. Take off the cover, and cook in the oven for approx 30 mins or till chicken slightly browned (cooked through of course!) and most of the marinade evaporated. Put some mayo on the tortillas, add lettuce and chicken and wrap around!

Lemon Drizzle Muffins

2 eggs, beaten
85g/3oz caster sugar
240ml/8fl oz milk
100ml/3½fl oz vegetable oil
300g/10oz plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
4 lemons, zest only

For the topping
50g/2oz icing sugar
1 lemon, juice only

Mix all the above, put in muffin tin lined with paper cases and cook till golden or screw comes out clean. When rady and cooled, mix sugar with lemon juice and pour over muffins.

Hope you enjoy this simple quick yet delicious recipes!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

random thoughts

Yesterday whilst driving back home from work for some reason I thought of a fellow blogger. Her daughter is the same age as my niece and wondered if they have the same birth day. Than I remebered that Gregory will have his lucky birthday on the 21st just like mine was and from there wondered how he'd spend that day or if we'd do a party or if I'll live long enough to see it....and than I realised that it was better to keep it simple as I was doing up till then and think only of the present or possibly the very near future.

Started reading a book about Paganism cos one of the blogs I enjoy following is a pagan and in reality I wasn't quite sure what that meant and since it interested me I got this book A woman's guide to the Earth Tradition by Vivianne Crowley. I haven't read more than a dozen pages but it seems I am more a pagan than a Roman Catholic....I wonder where this book will lead me in my ongoing journey called life but seems an interesting twist will follow :)

It seems that unconsciously I have made a sleeping habit for Gregory. Between 8 and 830 pm, we go into bed switch off the lights and he goes down to sleep (most of the time holding on to my booby ha!). At this point I switch the lights back on and read for a little while....but I like this habit and he seems to like it to. He knows that lights off means bed time and he settles down quickly to sleep.

Usually I complain a lot during Summer that every other day I hear firework bombs going of from the different feasts that are happening on the island. This year they either reduced them a lot or else I was too distracted with Gregory to hear them!

This morning I cried coz my car tyres needed to be pumped which resulted in me being half hour late at work and that results in half hour less with Gregory since I have to stay on....never thought I'd cry for such a thing which doesn't seem too bad! But made me realise that by the end of the month I have to hand in my notice or I'll go bonkers.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Baby led weaning

There ain't a lot of info on baby led weaning but the idea is that at 6 months or when the baby can hold his head and sit unaided, you give him food (not pureed food but normal food that you and I eat) and let him experiment with it till eventually he does start eating! The result is quite messy as well since food goes EVERYWHERE!!! It is believed that this kind of weaning is an extension to breast feeding (and even if not) as at this stage babies start trying to eat and there is no need for purees which have been invented when babies were started with food at 3-4 months (when they are defenitely not ready for such type of food!). Of course, it doesn't mean that you leave your kid with an apple in his hand and carry on your work....you have to be near him and supervise as the risk of choking is very present and especially at the beginning till they get the hang of it.

We are now more or less 2 months into it and I am quite pleased with the result. We started baby led weaning round about 5 months.....well we'd give him bits and pieces of bread or biscuits that would melt into the mouth every now and then and started in earnest at 6 months. He is now 6 months 3 weeks and he is getting the hang of chewing and swallowing rather than sucking and swallowing. He loves raw tomatoes, nectarines (such as peaches, apricots), rice(this we did like a porridge), soup, ravioli (a type of pasta) and of course pizza! If he asks for food while we are eating I give him some to try. If I give him but is not interested I take it away, sometimes I leave it there and he starts playing with it and eventually he actually tries it, at which point most of the time he eats some. He won't eat a lot mind just a spoonful or so but that is quite enough for him.

It is very interesting as a way to wean babies especially since he already knows how to feed on his own with a spoon (or anyway he knows which right side should go to his mouth but normally by the time it gets there half of the food is on the floor LOL) and prefers feeding himself than having me or hubby to do so. Also there is more interest in what he is eating and normally eats all even though he would some times eat while at the same time making a disgusted look on his face hahah.

Any views on this?

Wied Iz Zurrieq

Wied iz-Zurrieq is a hamlet and fishing port, with restaurants and panoramic views enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Zurrieq is a village near to this valley and although it bears its name, it forms part of another village called Qrendi (however dispute over ownership has been ongoing for over a century!). This also from where people wishing to visit the blue grotto embark and is a haven's paradise for divers.





















Monday, August 10, 2009

frustration in babies

Yesterday we had a bad case of frustration....it didn't click to me until late in the day!

Greg couldn't settle down all day long. At first I thought it was teething but he wasn't biting at anything in a forceful way as he does when in pain. Also he wouldn't eat properly or sleep or play. He'd actually start playing and smiling but within 2 minutes, he'd start to get cranky and not knowing what he wanted. We soothed him down everytime and than at some point in the evening I remembered an article or blog post (not sure what it was) about frustration in babies and how to go about it and so in the end I let him cry it out.

It went on I guess for a good 10-15 mins not sure..it might have been less but for me it sure seemed interminable and my heart was in pieces by this time. Dave couldn't take it and started getting angry but my baby needed to take off his frustration so I held him close and rocked him and said nothing just let him cry. Very difficult! and even know I feel that same heart wrenching feeling of then. In the end however, his tears dried down and he slept peacefully all night long with just one night cry for some food.

I figured that his frustration happened for a simple reason....he is nearly crawling and he can nearly stand on his two feet alone and because he can't quite do it and move around the way he wants he is getting frustrated. So all I have to do is let him express his frustration whenever it happens but believe me it is no easy feat. However, it is essential as otherwise his frustration will come out when he is older in other ways by maybe being sulky, pig headed and so many other things which frankly I'd rather avoid!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Poem

Heavy heart...feeling like stone
Some unshed tears that burn within
Faking smiles and morning cheer
Why can't I sleep, forget this thing.



A wholly head spins round and round
Uncontrolled tears springs to my eyes
Like morning mist, that clings to you.



A hug, a smile is all one needs
But seems so difficult to achieve
And here at work I got no choice
But make believe that all is fine


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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

wordless wednesday


hiya dad
Originally uploaded by equidae1
Hiya Dad!

Monday, August 3, 2009

and a month passed by

First July I went back to work....it is now 3rd August! A month passed by slow but quick...can you understand what I mean? It went really slow as everyday I went to work I thought of my little boy at home without me. I wasn't there to give him his first solid food and I wasn't there when he started standing on his own or whenever he decides to give that beautiful hearty laugh of his. Its a loss really no matter how I look at it! I feel jealous of his grandparents who get to spend most of their time with him and sometimes feel quite possessive when I get back home and I want him just for me, even if I am dead tired and in reality can't quite deal with him but I try damn hard to do so!


.....and yet a month did already pass and so will the others and I will eventually say I am not going back to work tomorrow I am going to spend the day with my puppy again forever more! But before I can do that I know it will get worse...when Dave goes back to work and we both arrive tired from work and our boy will be crawling all over the place and I will be irritated coz his caregivers will have done something I didn't wish them to do (I am sure it would be unintentionally but still...) and there will probably be a few sparks but they will pass slow yet quick and Christmas will reach us and after that we can all relax again and find a nice easy routine that fits our new roles.


I'd be lying if I said I am not looking forward to it but I am afraid at the same time. Will we settle down quickly in the new routine and will Greg be open to new things his mommy has in mind and will I cope fine or will a 1 year old feel suddenly too much for me? I really can't wait to find out....deep down I am confident I know I can do it but till I am actually doing it I know the doubts will carry on.





This month was a kind of trial for me. I had to find out what it felt like leaving your kid behind and even though the decision to stop working was made, I can now say that I am totally convinced of my decision if I weren't before. I figured, that spending 8 hours at work, its not me or Dave who will be parenting our child but the care giver. A caregiver who although I trust (being an aunt and his grandparents), I know they have completely different parenting styles than our own which me and Dave are not quite relaxed with. So you see, I can't really force them to do our style either! And that was reason enough for me to decide and stay at home with him.





I sigh and think how many challenges we will be facing and how many memories we will make to fill our days and how I hope that it will be me who see my puppy crawl first and hear him speak the first word.....I so so hope I will not loose out on these as well.





And also on a similar note, I read this post at 5 minutes for parenting which I felt I had to share with you...its called Sometimes parenting has little to do with children. Here is an excerpt from it:

We'd finished up the bedtime routine with both kids a little bit early, and
I'd already surreptitiously poured us each a glass of wine, lit a few candles,
and collected a warm, snuggly comforter from the basement and lay them, waiting,
near the glass door to the back porch.
I drank in the thrilled expression
that spread across his face..........

Friday, August 28, 2009

Family Life

This past weekend, we had a quiet weekend. Hubby fixed our toilet which wasn't working properly & we had the carpenter who installed a door and wall cupboard for us finally. Saturday night we had a bbq with some friends and had lots of fun experimenting with their new Nikon camera and watching the moon through our telescope and relaxing in the hammock. Sunday we spent the morning visiting my parents and grandparents and relaxed at home in the afternoon.

Gregory started doing two paces crawling before resolving once more that moving like a soldier in the bush is quicker haha. He is also standing up completely alone in the bath, by the sofa and wherever he finds a grip! He is now sleeping most of the time in the homemade cosleeper (i.e the cot, took off the side that goes up and down and attached it to our bed) Anyhow that is working fine as we have FINALLY more space to sleep in and no more backaches! Well Greg still rolls over sometimes just to hold on to me but I don't mind as with the cosleeper we still have a wonderful amount of space :) We still haven't seen any teeth and he hasn't said mama or dada yet. However, although I can't wait to see this new development, at the same time I am enjoying the moment as it is...so today, after work (yeah meant to be working now don't say anthing!)I will go home to my 2 boys, have a nice bbq again on our roof, swing in the hammock while sipping wine and enjoying my kids' laughter and smiles :)

I hope you pass a lovely evening too...blessings to all!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

winter blues

There are so many things on my mind but when I come to express them into words nothing coherent comes out! Thinking about it really, its no different from any other year. For some reason come end of August I will be aching for Winter and its schedule. I admit I loved this Summer...so many activities and much more beach and more time with family and friends. It was fantastic really....yet....Winter always has a lot of changes for me which are normally quite positive and after the dormant Summer months of heat and sweat and short tempers, I always look forward to the cooler months (which don't really start before December anyway- the cold that is!).

There's excitement and uncertainty this year and of course Gregory's first birthday and Christmas and hopefully his first tooth and words :) Oh so many things need to get forth but none able to communicate. My mind is scattered all over the place. I am in need of a turnover- make a list of priorities, do a spring cleaning of the house and light candles & incense sticks to refresh and get rid of the bad vibes :) and review my year so far and what is next ahead! Now the problem lays in WHEN I can do such *sigh* my target date is to start all this on Friday the 4th when there is the full moon and I start my regular yoga class with a beach class in the moonlight, celebrating life, earth and nature all together in control, all as one :)

Blessings to all may your mind is clearer than mine!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Summer evenings

Here I am relaxing in my hammock on the roof of my house in the balming evening. Maltese Summer evenings are quite nice....a cool breeze rustles your hair, the bells of the Church can be heard, the occasional car passing, some child crying, birds twittering, a dog barking....I had forgotten to listen & see the beautiful evenings we get, but having a child some how made me remember the beauty of such simplicity.

Gregory is sleeping, so we went on the roof, took a glass of rose wine, did a bbq and ate in peace together. After clearing everything, I am here in my hammock blogging, while Dave waters the plants. Its so relaxing this silence....the no need to do something every second coz Gregory wants to play and discover every little extra second of his waking hour!

I will now enjoy some more this little quietness (since Greg napped only and is now awake -sigh) and hopefully he will sleep again pretty soon and I can do some beauty treatments to myself.

Wish you all a sweet evening full of peace and quietness!

Blessings to you all.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Soaps.....part 1

I bought a couple of soaps from Sudzational Faith Love & Soap Co. and with them I also received a few samples. I decided to try the soap to use more natural products really and well soap is more economical as it doesn't finish as quickly as a shower gel I think. However, I have to say I was wary coz normal soap I buy from stores leave me feeling sticky and unrefreshed. I haven't tried all the soap yet but what I tried I liked and so I thought to do a review and update the review when I try the rest of the soap I got.


"Spa Bar" with the inspiration of an oatmeal facial, raw honey, and sweet almond oil to moisturize and soothe. Infused with cocoa butter and vanilla this bar is super moisturizing and relaxing. Available in massage mold shapes and standard round and square.




I enjoyed using this bar so much! it feels great on skin(it truly feels like a massage on your skin while washing) and although it did leave me feeling sticky it was only for a minute or so after which a nice refreshing feeling and smooth soft skin left me very happy indeed!







"Desert Blond", 100% vegan, with patchouli oil, no dyes or perfumes, a wonderful glycerin. A very hard, dense bar of soap. Super bubbly, slow, extra creamy lather, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple, and smelling so fresh without smelling sterile or perfumy. A wonderful bar for the whole family.






As it says in its description, its bubbly and with a nice creamy lather and it does leave you feeling soft and supple! I am still enjoying this soap and that is why the others have been left out so far.







The soaps are quite cheap at $3.50 each bar and are a good chunky size. You can have them in different shapes as well and delivery is quick and are also sent internationally (not just in the US). So hop over to Sudzational Faith Love and Soap Co. and find the perfect soap for you; there is quite a variety available and more are being added regularly. Apart for soaps you can also find soak salts to add to your bath.

on the beach turtle style

I haven't figured out how to post a video here through youtube, but if you go on this link you will see my little puppy wriggling on the sand just like a turtle trying to reach the water :)

enjoy hehe

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009

picnic recipes...but not necessarily

Yesterday we did a picnic by the beach..it was really great as there weren't too many people besides, we had clear skies, cool air , waves splashing against our legs and the stars so clear and bright.... peaceful and relaxing! anyhow that s beside the point really LOL I did some new stuff to eat and came really nice so I thought to share along.

Bruschetta with Greek Salad

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juice only
150g/5½oz vine cherry tomatoes,
halved½ shallot, peeled and finely sliced
50g/2oz feta cheese,
crumbled salt and freshly ground black pepper
french roll
some more olive oil, back pepper and garlic granules

Cut the french roll in halves put on olive oil, balck pepper and some garlic granules, put under a hot grill till toasted. Mix the rest of the ingredients and put on top of the bread.

Chicken Wraps

2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 orange, juice only
2 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp clear honey
½ tsp mild chilli powder
chicken breast cut into small pieces
8small tortillas
8tbsp mayonnaise
torn iceberg lettuce

Mix garlic, orange juice, soy sauce, honey & chilli, add the chicken cover and marinade for 1 hour. Take off the cover, and cook in the oven for approx 30 mins or till chicken slightly browned (cooked through of course!) and most of the marinade evaporated. Put some mayo on the tortillas, add lettuce and chicken and wrap around!

Lemon Drizzle Muffins

2 eggs, beaten
85g/3oz caster sugar
240ml/8fl oz milk
100ml/3½fl oz vegetable oil
300g/10oz plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
4 lemons, zest only

For the topping
50g/2oz icing sugar
1 lemon, juice only

Mix all the above, put in muffin tin lined with paper cases and cook till golden or screw comes out clean. When rady and cooled, mix sugar with lemon juice and pour over muffins.

Hope you enjoy this simple quick yet delicious recipes!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

random thoughts

Yesterday whilst driving back home from work for some reason I thought of a fellow blogger. Her daughter is the same age as my niece and wondered if they have the same birth day. Than I remebered that Gregory will have his lucky birthday on the 21st just like mine was and from there wondered how he'd spend that day or if we'd do a party or if I'll live long enough to see it....and than I realised that it was better to keep it simple as I was doing up till then and think only of the present or possibly the very near future.

Started reading a book about Paganism cos one of the blogs I enjoy following is a pagan and in reality I wasn't quite sure what that meant and since it interested me I got this book A woman's guide to the Earth Tradition by Vivianne Crowley. I haven't read more than a dozen pages but it seems I am more a pagan than a Roman Catholic....I wonder where this book will lead me in my ongoing journey called life but seems an interesting twist will follow :)

It seems that unconsciously I have made a sleeping habit for Gregory. Between 8 and 830 pm, we go into bed switch off the lights and he goes down to sleep (most of the time holding on to my booby ha!). At this point I switch the lights back on and read for a little while....but I like this habit and he seems to like it to. He knows that lights off means bed time and he settles down quickly to sleep.

Usually I complain a lot during Summer that every other day I hear firework bombs going of from the different feasts that are happening on the island. This year they either reduced them a lot or else I was too distracted with Gregory to hear them!

This morning I cried coz my car tyres needed to be pumped which resulted in me being half hour late at work and that results in half hour less with Gregory since I have to stay on....never thought I'd cry for such a thing which doesn't seem too bad! But made me realise that by the end of the month I have to hand in my notice or I'll go bonkers.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Baby led weaning

There ain't a lot of info on baby led weaning but the idea is that at 6 months or when the baby can hold his head and sit unaided, you give him food (not pureed food but normal food that you and I eat) and let him experiment with it till eventually he does start eating! The result is quite messy as well since food goes EVERYWHERE!!! It is believed that this kind of weaning is an extension to breast feeding (and even if not) as at this stage babies start trying to eat and there is no need for purees which have been invented when babies were started with food at 3-4 months (when they are defenitely not ready for such type of food!). Of course, it doesn't mean that you leave your kid with an apple in his hand and carry on your work....you have to be near him and supervise as the risk of choking is very present and especially at the beginning till they get the hang of it.

We are now more or less 2 months into it and I am quite pleased with the result. We started baby led weaning round about 5 months.....well we'd give him bits and pieces of bread or biscuits that would melt into the mouth every now and then and started in earnest at 6 months. He is now 6 months 3 weeks and he is getting the hang of chewing and swallowing rather than sucking and swallowing. He loves raw tomatoes, nectarines (such as peaches, apricots), rice(this we did like a porridge), soup, ravioli (a type of pasta) and of course pizza! If he asks for food while we are eating I give him some to try. If I give him but is not interested I take it away, sometimes I leave it there and he starts playing with it and eventually he actually tries it, at which point most of the time he eats some. He won't eat a lot mind just a spoonful or so but that is quite enough for him.

It is very interesting as a way to wean babies especially since he already knows how to feed on his own with a spoon (or anyway he knows which right side should go to his mouth but normally by the time it gets there half of the food is on the floor LOL) and prefers feeding himself than having me or hubby to do so. Also there is more interest in what he is eating and normally eats all even though he would some times eat while at the same time making a disgusted look on his face hahah.

Any views on this?

Wied Iz Zurrieq

Wied iz-Zurrieq is a hamlet and fishing port, with restaurants and panoramic views enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Zurrieq is a village near to this valley and although it bears its name, it forms part of another village called Qrendi (however dispute over ownership has been ongoing for over a century!). This also from where people wishing to visit the blue grotto embark and is a haven's paradise for divers.





















Monday, August 10, 2009

frustration in babies

Yesterday we had a bad case of frustration....it didn't click to me until late in the day!

Greg couldn't settle down all day long. At first I thought it was teething but he wasn't biting at anything in a forceful way as he does when in pain. Also he wouldn't eat properly or sleep or play. He'd actually start playing and smiling but within 2 minutes, he'd start to get cranky and not knowing what he wanted. We soothed him down everytime and than at some point in the evening I remembered an article or blog post (not sure what it was) about frustration in babies and how to go about it and so in the end I let him cry it out.

It went on I guess for a good 10-15 mins not sure..it might have been less but for me it sure seemed interminable and my heart was in pieces by this time. Dave couldn't take it and started getting angry but my baby needed to take off his frustration so I held him close and rocked him and said nothing just let him cry. Very difficult! and even know I feel that same heart wrenching feeling of then. In the end however, his tears dried down and he slept peacefully all night long with just one night cry for some food.

I figured that his frustration happened for a simple reason....he is nearly crawling and he can nearly stand on his two feet alone and because he can't quite do it and move around the way he wants he is getting frustrated. So all I have to do is let him express his frustration whenever it happens but believe me it is no easy feat. However, it is essential as otherwise his frustration will come out when he is older in other ways by maybe being sulky, pig headed and so many other things which frankly I'd rather avoid!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Poem

Heavy heart...feeling like stone
Some unshed tears that burn within
Faking smiles and morning cheer
Why can't I sleep, forget this thing.



A wholly head spins round and round
Uncontrolled tears springs to my eyes
Like morning mist, that clings to you.



A hug, a smile is all one needs
But seems so difficult to achieve
And here at work I got no choice
But make believe that all is fine


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Monday, August 3, 2009

and a month passed by

First July I went back to work....it is now 3rd August! A month passed by slow but quick...can you understand what I mean? It went really slow as everyday I went to work I thought of my little boy at home without me. I wasn't there to give him his first solid food and I wasn't there when he started standing on his own or whenever he decides to give that beautiful hearty laugh of his. Its a loss really no matter how I look at it! I feel jealous of his grandparents who get to spend most of their time with him and sometimes feel quite possessive when I get back home and I want him just for me, even if I am dead tired and in reality can't quite deal with him but I try damn hard to do so!


.....and yet a month did already pass and so will the others and I will eventually say I am not going back to work tomorrow I am going to spend the day with my puppy again forever more! But before I can do that I know it will get worse...when Dave goes back to work and we both arrive tired from work and our boy will be crawling all over the place and I will be irritated coz his caregivers will have done something I didn't wish them to do (I am sure it would be unintentionally but still...) and there will probably be a few sparks but they will pass slow yet quick and Christmas will reach us and after that we can all relax again and find a nice easy routine that fits our new roles.


I'd be lying if I said I am not looking forward to it but I am afraid at the same time. Will we settle down quickly in the new routine and will Greg be open to new things his mommy has in mind and will I cope fine or will a 1 year old feel suddenly too much for me? I really can't wait to find out....deep down I am confident I know I can do it but till I am actually doing it I know the doubts will carry on.





This month was a kind of trial for me. I had to find out what it felt like leaving your kid behind and even though the decision to stop working was made, I can now say that I am totally convinced of my decision if I weren't before. I figured, that spending 8 hours at work, its not me or Dave who will be parenting our child but the care giver. A caregiver who although I trust (being an aunt and his grandparents), I know they have completely different parenting styles than our own which me and Dave are not quite relaxed with. So you see, I can't really force them to do our style either! And that was reason enough for me to decide and stay at home with him.





I sigh and think how many challenges we will be facing and how many memories we will make to fill our days and how I hope that it will be me who see my puppy crawl first and hear him speak the first word.....I so so hope I will not loose out on these as well.





And also on a similar note, I read this post at 5 minutes for parenting which I felt I had to share with you...its called Sometimes parenting has little to do with children. Here is an excerpt from it:

We'd finished up the bedtime routine with both kids a little bit early, and
I'd already surreptitiously poured us each a glass of wine, lit a few candles,
and collected a warm, snuggly comforter from the basement and lay them, waiting,
near the glass door to the back porch.
I drank in the thrilled expression
that spread across his face..........