mellomouse* » Babycare

BabyPlus, pt 1 – Educating LBT.

mellomouse — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:55:41 +0000

This thingamajig was handed down to us from a good friend. Thank you, Mayyee! She swears by it since all her sisters used it for their pregnancies and herself for both babies. So here it is now with me, after many testimonials

What is it?

The BabyPlus curriculum is a series of 16 naturally derived sounds that resemble a mother’s heartbeat.

The rhythm of the sounds increases incrementally as the pregnancy progresses.

The BabyPlus sonic pattern introduces your child to a sequential learning process, built upon the natural rhythms of their own environment.

What are the Benefits?

BabyPlus parents report babies at birth and infancy:
#More readily nurse
#Display an increased ability to self-soothe
#Are more interactive & responsive
#Are more relaxed & alert at birth

And later in life demonstrate:
#Earlier developmental milestones
#Enhanced intellectual abilities
#Longer attention spans
#Improved school readiness
#Greater creativity & independence

I started using this on 2 Dec 2011. In the beginning, LBT did protest with tiny kicks when it was turned on. I would worry that it might be too loud or disturbing, but she’ll soon quiet down after a minute or two. I wonder if she’s asleep listening to the repetitive drumbeats. Now almost a month later, I could feel her humming — or I’d like to think she is swaying and enjoying her Mommy’s makeshift heartbeat ♥

The instruction says to use this 2x a day for 1 hour each time, at the same time. When you have a cheeky hyper toddler running about, it is a priceless luxury to find some quiet time alone*. So in order to pinch an hour twice daily, I had to cheat a little *guilty*

What I do is use the BabyPlus an hour before I get out of bed, and an hour during Natey’s nap time while I steal one for myself. This way I won’t miss the daily routine between me and my girl. Does that sound bad? I hope LBT won’t mind Mommy cheating on our bonding time this way

Whether this miracle worker works for us or not — as did for many, worldwide since 1989 — I’ll revisit this post next May for a Part 2. Fingers crossed for a good report!

*Psst… If you’re wondering how I find time to blog but claimed none for myself? Well I do it here and there on my forbidden fruit — even in the loo

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Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.

Universal Gyro Bowl.

mellomouse — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:30:43 +0000

What is it?
Watch this video and be inspired!

Super Snack Contraption
Is it really 100% child proof?

My Verdict:

Were you wow-ed by the advertisement above? I certainly was and immediately purchased — not 1 but 2 Gyro Bowls! It’s definitely an “Aunty” trap and I fell right in

When I shared this video with the husband later that night, he was quick to insist that it won’t work and teased my naivety. He didn’t believe that it could be 100% child proof.

True to his disbelief, when I gave Nate his cereal snack the next day, his tiny fingers turned the inner bowl upside down and poured everything in between. Although Nate did not spill his cornflakes all over the floor, he definitely challenged Gyro’s claim to be 100% child proof. So yes, Daddy was real proud of his Tiger boy *blek*

As I watch the video again, I am still hopeful. But then again, kids these days are too intelligent to be outsmarted by our idealistic inventions. Gyro just looked good as an idea with a clever name, in a stylish design

Good thing I only got it for RM19.90 and not USD19.99 *phew*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Baby Sign Language, pt 2 – Signing Time!
Dunstan Baby Language, pt 1 – Research.
Baby Wearing, pt 6 – Baby Carrier vs Baby Sling.
My Brest Friend, Nursing Pillow.
BabyNatey 48: Childproofing.

Dunstan Baby Language, pt 1 – Research.

mellomouse — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:34:47 +0000

I nearly overlooked this gem — the Youtube below — while browsing through my Facebook’s news feed yesterday. It’s a good thing that I left it opened in another window, else I wouldn’t have remembered to watch it earlier. And if it wasn’t for that little bit of fate, I wouldn’t be able to share this with you today

What Is It?

All newborn babies produce 5 distinct “pre-cry” sounds that signal their 5 most important needs. By listening for these subtle cries, you are able to prevent the crying from even starting.

Dunstan Baby Language System will teach you to identify exactly what sounds to listen for, so you know precisely what your newborn needs.

Find Out More!

What are the Benefits?

Correctly identify and address the basic needs of your baby.

Your infant will cry less, settle more easily, and have more uninterrupted sleep.

Experience an increase in satisfaction, self-esteem, and ability to care for your baby.

Feel less stress as your child becomes happier and more content.

And as your baby sleeps, so can you!

Now watch this
Even Oprah says It’s Amazing!

This truly sounds Amazing to me too! I wish I can try this out immediately and be wow-ed by it as well. I wouldn’t know if this will work for us and LBT, but if you have a newborn, please do give it a go and share with me ok. Do it after you had your 4 hour nap

I really look forward to sharing my own testimony of this system next May 2012. Will definitely keep everyone posted! Till then, I hope you will benefit from it first *yay*

You Might Also Be Interested:
Baby Sign Language, pt 2 – Signing Time!
Baby Wearing, pt 1 – The Research.
Baby Sign Language, pt 1 – Book.
Baby Wearing, pt 6 – Baby Carrier vs Baby Sling.
Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.

Natey365: Day 194.

mellomouse — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:35:41 +0000

Sink Styling No More
I think I prefer sitting on the chair for my snips

Here’s Natey in his 1st Sink Styling

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Natey365: Day 124.
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Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.

mellomouse — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:24:23 +0000

This is an updated review of my previous verdicts in Part 1 and Part 2 of both designs. I hope this would further help you to decide which is the better investment

When I first started using G2, I really loved the design and raved about it to friends. After adding G3 to the collection and having hands on experience of both, I am not too happy of G2 anymore. And the photos below explains it all.

New Verdicts: GHG2 GHG3

As you can see from both photos above, the tummy area for G2 is rather messy with the extra shell sticking out in a curly wave.

It only has 1 set of button on both flap — unlike Autumnz that has 2 — so once I secure the CD onto Natey, the ends sticks out at his hip. He has gotten rather irritated whenever I put G2 on him because of the bulk on the front (I’m using 2 inserts now because GFH’s inserts are too thin and causes leakage) and the sides jutting out at his hip. We always catch him pulling up his tee to push his CD down.

I love G3 because even after putting 2 inserts in, it still looks neat and comfy as compared to G2.

Below is an example of Autumnz shell with 2 GFH’s inserts and still looking neat — because it has 2 sets of buttons on each flap to keep the sides in place — without the ends jutting out like G2 does

This is my personal experience with G2, so I’m not concluding that everyone to have the same as ours. But this is a good point to keep in mind while shopping for CDs as there are so many brands to choose from. It is a long term investment, so let’s be informed together

Happy Cloth Diapering!

You Might Also Be Interested:
Gifts From Heaven, pt 1 – GHG2.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 2 – GHG3.
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.

Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.

mellomouse — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:19:01 +0000

An effort to further childproof the home, this is our 2nd baby gate after the 1st being installed last Nov. Before this we used a barrier made by the Husband — back during the days when Scubby was a puppy — with our Ikea’s wooden shoe racks (Pic#2). Now that Natey is a strong and cheeky Tiger, he will lift the rack and off he goes with it

Lindam Easy Fit Plus
NP: RM229, Best Buy: RM159

Little Tiger Helper
Daddy, you need to attach this block first

Scubby the Supervisor
I’m doing all the work here and you just stare huh

Authorised Personnel Only
Kitchen is now officially protected

Our Verdicts:

Just as its name suggests, it is EASY to FIT and install. All you need to do is get the measurement correct before going to the store to buy it. The gate fits openings between 75-81cm and extensions are available in 7cm, 14cm and 28cm.

We bought our 1st gate for RM149, but inflation has hiked it up RM10 this year. Good thing we only need 2 for our small home. If you have stairs, that’s already 2 gates for upstairs and downstairs. How about the rest of the house? *faints*

The best place to buy your Lindam would be at Babyland SS2, Petaling Jaya. They sell them at the best price all year round! Remember to call beforehand to check for stock though. They ran out of extensions and will only be available end of June 2011.

So what I did was buy ours from myBBstore. They have all the extensions but ran out of gates — I’ve possibly bought their last unit — the opposite situation at Babyland. With RM200 online purchases, myBBstore provides free home delivery. That’s definitely a hassle ~~traffic jam~~ free shopping experience, all within the click of a mouse! *yay*

Anyhow if you’re planning on buying at any other time, go Babyland. Otherwise get it anywhere else during this Mid Year Sale

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Baby Wearing, pt 6 – Baby Carrier vs Baby Sling.
Angel Baby Bottom Balm.
Baby Wearing, pt 5 – My Verdict.
Baby Wearing, pt 4 – The Tryout.
Baby Sign Language, pt 2 – Signing Time!

Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.

mellomouse — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:07:05 +0000

We first started with Velcro
4 Plain Colours & 1 Printed Safari White

Then added Buttons to the fun
Velcro vs Snap Buttons

After much deliberations
Velcro were up for sale

So out goes Velcro
And in comes Snap Buttons!

Our Favourite Season Rules
Twinkles, Dreamy Dots, MooMoo Cow & Safari White

Then New Year came
Bunny bearing Gifts from Heaven

More heavenly gifts, please
It’s time to expand the bottomwear

From Autumn straight to Heaven
In 10mths our stash grew from 5 to 14

That’s 13 Snap Buttons & 1 Velcro

You Might Also Be Interested:
Cloth Diapers, pt 3 – Finally!
Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.
Cloth Diapers, pt 1 – The Research.
Cloth Diapers, pt 2 – Baby Nappies.

Gifts From Heaven, pt 2 – GHG3.

mellomouse — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:58:20 +0000

Three months has passed and I am happy to announce that I am a loyal returning customer of the brand. This time around, I’ve decided to try out their other pocket CD design with snap buttons fastening at the sides.

I bought 3 colours of their available 5 — opted out Apple Green and Pink — and also added another GHG2 (Pic#2). So now I have 3 GHG2 and 3 GHG3, equals 6 different colours and designs for Natey’s little bumbum *yay*

GHG3 One Size Washable CD
With 2 Microfiber Inserts, RM35.00

GHG3 vs GHG2
Equal length with a slightly smaller cutting

GHG3 vs GHG2
Only 2 rows of 4 snap buttons

Autumnz vs GHG2/GHG3
No inner flap within pocket to keep insert neatly inside

Label sewn to Fleece
Used up 2 inches of pocket space for insert

Label sewn to Fleece
Insert becomes longer than the shell

My Verdict:

I’ve included more comparison photos above and they pretty much shows all (if not most) of the differences of G3 to G2 and Autumnz.

The first time I saw the colourful buttons on G3, I must admit that I didn’t like it at all. But after putting it on Natey, I noticed how the colours could be a helpful guide while buttoning. And I really liked how G3 has a neater fit than G2, by crossing the 2 side snaps (Pic#2 below).

Side Fastening Design
Double buttoned for a snug fitted finish

Side Fastening Design
Snap it tight any way you like for the neater finish

I still need a lot of practice putting G3 on as the fastening direction is different. I am so used to buttoning from the sides to the front — like how you put on a disposable diaper — it is challenging to button from the front to the sides. Am I making any sense?

Last note of comparison, although both Autumnz and GFH’s insert are 3 layer microfibers, the latter is not as thick and absorbent. I mix up all my inserts and shells when use, but I can tell the difference from their thickness. For the first time since using CD, we had a leakage problem and it wasn’t even soaking wet. Good thing Natey was seated on the plastic chair.

In a nutshell, I like G3 best as it is more fitted with the buttoning options. Fastening from the sides does give a neater look. As for sizing (Read Part 1), CD from Gifts From Heaven is definitely a good value for money investment *thumbs up*

Won’t you grab some for yourself too? Psst… GFH is having a promo right now!

Our Gifts From Heaven
G2: Pink, Black, Cyan & G3: Blue, Dark Green, Red

You Might Also Be Interested:
Gifts From Heaven, pt 3 – GHG2 vs GHG3.
Gifts From Heaven, pt 1 – GHG2.
Cloth Diapers, pt 6 – Journey thus Far, Recap.
Cloth Diapers, pt 4 – Velcro vs Snap Buttons.
Cloth Diapers, pt 5 – Snap Buttons!

Natey365: Day 139.

mellomouse — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:16:09 +0000

Early Morning Tiger Cat Burglar
There must be a way to open this treasure box!

Read about our childproofing effort here

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BabyNatey 48: Childproofing.

mellomouse — Tue, 10 May 2011 10:05:31 +0000

Our first attempt to childproof the home was by installing a baby gate when Natey began crawling after Scubby. The effort does seemed as though we were protecting Scubby instead of the other way around *keke*

Furniture Protection
Drawer Stopper & Cushy Corners

child·proof [chahyld-proof]
–adjective
1. resistant to being opened, tampered with, or operated by a child: a childproof medicine bottle.
2. made free of hazard for a child: a childproof home.
3. made safe from damage by children: a childproof living room free of breakable objects.

So far so good for #1, but #2 and #3 is still quiet impossible to fully accomplish. I’ve put away as much “harmful” objects as I could — resulting a storeroom looking like junkyard — and I still dare not say that our home is completely safe. Everything is a possible hazard, especially when everything goes straight into his mouth.

Natey enjoys pulling things — keyboard and mouse — off my study table. He’s now tall enough to see what’s on the table, but his hands are still not long enough to reach for the more “interesting” stuff yet. Give him a few more centimeters and he’s good to go. Then I’ll really need to lock up the stationeries too.

Curious Tiger Strikes
Why is my treasure box locked?

There are 4 areas in our home that Natey is not allowed into unless supervised: 1) Kitchen — except while having his meals on the highchair, 2) Bathrooms, 3) Guestroom and 4) Balcony. So far he has been obedient not to cross his boundaries *touchwood*

Natey is moving around very quickly now. The baby gate cordoned off the living room from the bedrooms and study. It is good to section up the area so he cannot go everywhere as he pleased and are always within eye sight.

I’m thankful that our home is single floor. I can’t imagine having a double storey to childproof and an energizer bunny Tiger to run after. Sometimes I find childproofing a conflicting concern: Am I keeping Natey safe or am I keeping our home safe from him? *LOL*

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BabyNatey 47: Brushing Teeth.
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Angel Baby Bottom Balm.
Lindam Easy Fit Plus Baby Gate.