Solid Food

You can introduce solids any time between 4 and 6 months if your baby is ready. Until then, breast milk or formula provides all the calories and nourishment your baby needs and can handle. His digestive system simply isn't ready for solids until he nears his half-birthday.

How Mom and dad will know when I'm ready?

I will give them clear signs when I'm ready to move beyond liquid-only nourishment. Cues to look for include:

• Head control. I need to be able to keep my head in a steady, upright position. (check!)
• Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in my mouth and then swallow it, I need to stop using my tongue to push food out of my mouth. (check!)
• Sitting well when supported. Even if I'm not quite ready for a highchair, I need to be able to sit upright to swallow well. (check!)
• Chewing motions. My mouth and tongue develop in sync with my digestive system. To start solids, I should be able to move food to the back of my mouth and swallow. As I learn to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling — though if I'm teething, you might still see a lot of drool. (check!)
• Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old. (check!)
• Growing appetite. I seems hungry — even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day. (check!)
• Curiosity about what they're eating. I may begin eyeing mom's bowl of rice or reaching for a forkful of fettuccine as it travels from dad's plate to his mouth. (check!)

I am 5 months and 1 week old and it is still best to wait until I reaches 6 months before I could taste my first solid food. But since, I show all the indications above, I might have my first solid food in a couple of days (yipeee!).

Have a nice day,

P.S. My momsie (grandmother) just arrived this afternoon and I'll be sharing with you our first encounter

Socialization

Previously: Leaning to Grasp Objects

Even though crying is still my strongest form of communication, I am also developing my sense of humor during my fifth month (I am on my 4th month). I start to laugh at pleasant surprises such as my dad's face appearing from underneath a blanket or a toy popping out of a box, provided it isn't too loud or startling. I laughs, giggles, and smiles with funny faces and lots of general silliness.

I do enjoy hearing a variety of sounds and don't need special toys or instruments to provide them. By just simply clicking your tongue, whistle, or make animal noises — I will surely love it!

I delights at the sound of mom and dad's voices, the sight of their faces, and the touch of their hands. With their help, I will become familiar with others and begin to enjoy their company, too. This is the beginning of the development of my social skills.

I am becoming more open to new people at this age, greeting them with squeals of glee. Still, no one comes close to Mom and Dad. I will reserve my most enthusiastic reaction for them, a sure sign that we've bonded.

My favorite baby Activities:

I'm Gonna Get You!

Tummy Time

The Diva Within (an all time favorite)

Peek-a-boo

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Learning to Grasp Objects

Learning how to hold things enables me to play. Being able to grasp things is also my first step on the road to feeding himself, reading, writing, drawing, and self-care.

Give me a light rattle and see me delight in the sound it makes when I shakes it. An activity center or crib gym is a good choice for this stage, as I begins to explore the cause and effect of moving a lever and hearing a bell ring. Dad let me hold my feeding bottle and it was a success holding it on my own (see photo on the left).

For now, I won't be able to grab smaller objects, like peas, until I develops better finger dexterity.

For mom and Dad: It's a good idea to keep valuables out of my reach from now on. And make sure our home is now childproofed with respect to small objects that I could choke on.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

One Weekend with My Mom and Dad

Last night mom cut my finger nails, it is a routine that I need to undergo for me to avoid getting hurt. I got a share of bruises because of my nails (mom and dad got their shares too). While mom was cutting my nails, dad take some photographs and did a short pictorial.

Its seems that I already knew if and when dad got hold of his camera and started to take photo. I am always ready to smile and pose for him. Dad told me to look at mom at the count of three (3) and the result is the photo on the left.

This morning, I woke up very early...

As my dad had promised, we went to River Park together with Nanay, Kuya Luigi and Tita Luz. It was a little late because dad woke up late (dad, you should wake up early next time). It was my first time going there and we strolled for an hour and took some photo. Kuya Luigi wanted to walk a little farther but it was getting late so we went home.

Hopefully , we could go at the park tomorrow, this time with my mom. See you later, got to sleep.

It feels good everytime I am with my mom and dad. I feel so secured. (Note: The photo found below was taken after my dad told me to wiggle at the count of three)



Have a nice weekend,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

I'm Four Months Old

Yesterday I turned four (4) months old. For now I am still purely breastfed by mom but in a couple of months solid food will be introduced in my diet (this must be exciting). I love sleeping on my tummy after learning to change position from my back to tummy position (wait until I could change position from back to tummy and vise versa).

On Saturday, I'll be getting another set of vaccine.

The photo on the left was taken this evening when dad arrived from work.

Some of the milestone I achieved:

• Smiles, laughs
• Can bear weight on my legs
• Coos when you talk to me
• Can grasp a toy
• I might be teething, hmm (let's see if this is for real)

The symptoms (I experience 4 out o 5) most likely to trouble a teether include:

• Drooling (which can lead to a facial rash)
• Gum swelling and sensitivity
• Irritability or fussiness
• Biting behavior
• Sleep problems

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Condura Run for the Dolphins

This morning we went to Global City in Taguig to compete, err...I mean to run for the "Condura Run 2010: Run for the Dolphins". Mom joined the 3K Fun run, while Dad and I joined the 5K run. You heard it right, Dad and I joined the race and ran for a total of 45 minutes (of course I was in my stroller), not bad for a beginner like me (LOL).

Fireworks display before each race begun surprised all the runners. Dad wished he had his tripod with him.

Definitely Dad is so proud pushing my stroller while many runners looked at me in awe.

After the race, we went to the Kerygma Feast to attend the launching of the "40 Stories of Finding Your One True Love", my parent's love story (page 9) is one of the 40 stories in the book. Isn't it great?. It took them almost a year to finish the book. Available at SVP book tables during the Feast, National Bookstore Branches and other leading bookstores nationwide. Grab your copy now and be blessed.

More photographs to follow.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of any image may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above photos were taken by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the photographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Milestone-Tummy Position

Daddy was having a hard time recording another milestone in my life, the tummy position. The first time I did it was in January 1, 2010 but I really mastered it a few more weeks later.

Finally, dad were able to record it after several times of saying ""action". I just stared at him as if waiting for him to say "cut" before I do the routine, dad almost missed it.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

My Dad's Thoughts On Fatherhood

Sharing with you my dad's thoughts on fatherhood:

It's been more than three months since our baby was born, but the joy in my heart never left me. Many times I found myself looking at her while she is sleeping. Praying silently over her for protection, for grace, wisdom, strength and good health. Often times I sing to her delight (thanks Gabby in listening to me while I am singing).

I know that being a father is a great responsibility, but with joy and love I hope I am doing a good job.

The first time I carried her fragile body made me feel nervous (scared was the exact word) but now I love to carry her and watch her while she is sleeping on my shoulder as if she's telling me that she's safe around my arms (so sweet) . I can't help it but smile everytime she does it.

Recently, she had an ear infection and we need to brought her to a doctor. We don't even know if she was in pain or not because she was still smiling. I couldn't help but to make it sure that she's okay, texting her Pediatrician of what we should do.

I know that I am going to be there with her through it all. To protect her from harm, pick her up when she fall while trying to make her first step, guide her and tell her some lessons in life as she grow and I will make it sure that no one hurts her.

No one can tell what it means to be a father, any words won't fit to describe it but I will show her what kind of a father is her daddy (I hope one day my daughter will say that I am the best daddy in the world)

I am so glad she's in our life, so glad to be a father.

ricky pascual

Feast Day of Sto. Niño

Some of my latest photo taken during the celebration of the Feast Day of Sto. Niño. Special blessings for children.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

Singing Christmas In Our Hearts

Daddy and Mommy sings a lot for me and maybe I already acquired the talent of singing as early as now (ha ha ha). Listen to my own rendition of "Christmas In Our Hearts" by Jose Mari Chan.

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.

My First New Year's Eve Celebration

This would be my first New Year's Eve celebration, Mommy bought a hat for me and my uncles and auntie. As always, dad took some photos.

I hope that you are all safe in celebrating New Year. Don't loose your fingers by burning firecrackers, it's better to blow plastic horns, called "torotot", than to burn thousands of pesos and endanger your life.

It is best to celebrate New Year with our families and love ones and thank God for all the blessings He gave us, this 2009, I'm sure there are a lot of things to thank for. Personally, I thank God for giving me life, in protecting me and in making sure that I am healthy as always.

Have a Prosperous New Year to all.

Tooooot!, tooooot!

Have a nice day,

Photo's During My Baptism

I know everyone is quite busy for the past few days, buying gifts for our love ones and attending Christmas Parties. While everyone were scrambling on taking their rides going home, many were also scrambling to have a descent Noche Buena.

We may even forgot to greet the birthday celebrator but may we never forget the reason of Christmas. It's about giving, not just with material things and gifts but giving ourselves to others, just like Jesus did when He died for our sins.

Christmas season ends on January 10 (Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ), but may the reason of the season remains in our heart.

Merry Christmas to all.

P.S.

Here's a compilation of the photos during my Christening last December 13, 2009

Have a nice day,

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unauthorized use, edit, copy, reproduction, publication, duplication, download and distribution of this video may result in severe legal and criminal penalties under the law. The above video were taken/edited by Ricky Pascual and remain the properties of the videographer. Please do not use elsewhere without the owner’s permission.