Cutest Kid Photo Contest - July 2005

The result of the Cutest Kid Photo Contest - July 2005 is out. Iden is into the top 10!! A big thank you to all who have voted for him. Check out:

http://www.tangerined.com/KZ_talent/WhatsOn/CutestKID_Jul_1_05_Top10.htm

The judges will cast their votes and hopefully he can emerge one of the top 3 winners.

Disney Baby Contest

Iden is participating in the Disney Baby contest. His contestant number is A27. This contest is organised by United Square and Young Parents magazine. Young Parents magazine will put the contestants pictures on sample covers and here is how Iden will appear on the magazine cover:

Pls vote for Iden using the format "DisneyBaby A27 (Your Name)(Your NRIC)" and sms it to 9111 5541. One vote per handphone number per baby contestant. The deadline for voting is 30 August at 9.30 pm. Thank you for your support!

Joy and sorrow of Motherhood

Before I embarked on the journey of Motherhood, I have heard a lot about the joy and sorrow of it. Hearing is one thing but having experiencing it myself is yet another.

It was a tough time when Iden was young. Lack of sleep, no peace (when he cried), could not pacify him, etc. It was such a stressful moment. I thought I would break down any time. But thank goodness, I had help and encouragement from ipapa. Both of us tide through this tough time together.

As Iden grows older, we can breathe easier. He sleeps through the night now, so we can have a good night rest. He smiles when we play with him. We are more aware of his temperament now, what he likes and why he cries. Things become easier.

Iden is a prolific crawler now. He is also more fun to play with now. He giggles, he screams with excitement, he is more responsive now. When he wants me to carry him, he will crawl to me. When I stretch out my hand, he knows I am going to carry him. When I shake my head and look at him sternly, he knows I am angry. He progresses well and all these developments are a joy to witness!

I am not sure if more joy or sorrow will come as he grows, but I am sure that I am enjoying my moment with him.

Vegetable stock

I tried something new for Iden this week. Got the recipe from my friend, Careena, who is a great chef. Simply wash and chop big Japanese onions, celery, carrot, cabbage and tomato. Add them to a pot of water. Simmer for 15 mins then strain. Then, use this vegetable stock to cook porridge.

The soup has a very nice smell, something in between sweet and sour. I like it, but I am not sure if my dear son likes it. Well, by hook or by crook, I have to give it a try. So, I used the stock to cook his porridge.

I must say, the end result was very satisfying. Iden simply loves the porridge! He finished the whole bowl and had a satisfying look on his face. I was so happy and glad. Nothing beats knowing that your loved ones appreciate your cooking.

Motherhood - what a joy!

The Collar Look

Ipapa and I agree that Iden looks good in shirts with collar. Somehow, he looks very cute in them. Don't believe? Let me convince you with some pictures.

He looks dashing especially with the collar roll up. Does that remind you of someone??? YES... Eric Cantona in the making!!! Go for it, my boy.

Porridge Saga

Ever since Iden started on solids when he turned 4 month old, I have been feeling very stressed whenever weekend comes. You see, I know nuts about cooking. Can't even cook a proper meal for myself, let alone preparing a baby's food. But luckily I have help from some experienced mummies who gave me simple baby's recipes to try.

Iden started having porridge for lunch a month ago. I started him with easy to cook porridge like sweet potato, pumpkin, potato and carrot. My Mother-in-law gives him fish besides these. Seeing that he is getting more ready to accept new food, I prepared spinach porridge for him this afternoon.

The end product turned out to be all right for someone who can't cook well. However, Iden did not seem to like it. Well, this is the first time that he ate vegetable, so maybe that's why he couldn't take to the taste. I shall try again tomorrow. Hopefully he will like it this time.

I am back!

Iden has been sick for almost a week. His fever and cough started last Thursday. The fever has subsided but he is still having a slight cough now.

It was worst last week. We could hear the phlegm in his throat trying to force its way out of Iden's mouth but being swallowed in again. I was so tempted at times to put my finger into his mouth and make him vomit the phlegm out.

Then, my mum introduced me a powder for Infantile Eliminating Phlegm. It had been proven to help baby with cough. Seeing that the western medicine prescribed by his pd is not effective, I decided to let Iden try the powder. After two days of powder, we are relieved that Iden's condition has improved.

I just want to thank my mum, sisters and mother-in-law for providing me with the support and advice during this period. Their experiences really tide me through this tough time. I also want to express my gratitude to my friend, Evelyn, who has been around to provide advice to me on child illnesses. Last but not least, a big thank you to all those mummies in Baybsupplies Forum. Thank you for your concern. You know who you are.

At last, the mischievous laughter is here again and Iden is back!