Big cheer for DD! HOORAy!!

I've been meaning to write this quite sometime ago..but been busy attending the kids. They were down with flu, both of them! Aaaaaarrrgggghh!
Thats how it is with my kids. When 1 is sick the other tend to 'follow'. [^_^]. After they were done with it they transfered the virus to their dear mummy...sigh..always in that order. Last month was fever-flu-virus-attack month, so thats why the blog seemed to be 'dim' too. hehe

Anyway, the big cheer is  for my dearest daughter, she is now 100% potty train!.. Yeay! actually it is been 3 months already...since she started schooling, at 3years and 1 month old! Mama so proud of you kakak! Muuaaahhhhhs!! [^_^].

Perhaps some mothers out there would feel 3 years is a bit too late but to me, it would came down to your child readiness to be potty trained or not. Frankly, I've trained her at the tender age of 1++ ..yes very young, since the day she was able to speak and understand what I'm saying. She was successfully potty trained during the day at 2. So she was no longer wearing any pampers during the day..only the nights and during travelling. hehe.

Slowly but constantly. That is my motto. That is how to make it work and to ensure your success. But the key is to be constant. And that is the hard part. Because I am a frequent traveller from Bintulu-Jitra, so the contant matter is difficult to realise. I think if I can constantly train her, she can be successfully potty  trained earlier. Believe me, it can be done.


Signing off,

Soap Nut??!!!

Have you heard about soap nut?!
Well I've came to know about it recently....while searching for the best soap to wash the cloth diapers.

Soapnut@Soapberries is actually a natural and eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaner. It can be used for your laundry as well as for your household cleaning around the house from dish-washing to jewellery cleaning, and even for your pets shampoo. It doesn't produce lots of suds so it is fit to use in either top or front loading washing machines.

  

It is 100% natural, biodegradable and of course free from harsh chemicals. Gentle for little ones too! Perhaps for those with allergy and sensitive skin you might wanna give this a try and see what happens.

I've read that there are 2 ways to use this soap nut...

1. Use it as a whole
2. Use it in liquid form

As a whole
Just put in 6-8 soapnut in a cotton bag/an old sock and dump in your washing machine and wash normally As easy as that.
For soiled laundry use it together with hot water and with cold water for refreshing the clothes.
Essential oil can be added in the wash bag to get a scented laundry.
Soapnut mush be stored in a cool dry place preferably in an airtight container. However, sometimes it might absorb moisture form the environment and become sticky but this wont effect its cleaning properties.
When the soap has become mushy, has no soapy feeling and gray it is time throw them away, but don't put in the rubbish bin, rather can be turned into compost for your garden! [^_^]

In liquid form
Firstly, the soapnut shell must be soak in the water for at least 12hours. Take 15-20 pieces into 4-5 cups of water. Strain and use.
The water will get more concentrated when you leave it soak longer. The shell can still be use until it is no longer has 'soapy' feeling.

Alternatively you can bring the water to boil and simmer for 30 minutes , with same quantity of soapnut shell and water. But then again these cannot be reuse. In this form, it will last longer if stored in the refrigerator. If leave at room temperature it only last for 4-5 days.
In this liquid form it can be use for lots of cleaning function:

• general household cleaning
• Handwashing silk and delicate fabric
• Liquid hand soap and shampoo
• Pet shampoo
• Plant wash and pest repellent
• Jewellery cleaner
• Window and glass cleaner and many more.

Basically, soapnut is a soap that grows on tree! Very natural and 100% free from harsh chemical. Gentle for your sensitive skin and even for the plant. They produce little bubbles but that doesn't reduce its efficient cleaning. And must be change when it turned black and mushy. 

Wow I guess this is exactly what I'm looking for! A miracle soap [^_^]. And its not that expensive.. On the net for 1kg it is around RM35-RM50. That is a lot of soapnut!

I can't wait to try it, for my laundry and for my eldest daughter. She has a very sensitive skin, no far nothing is quite suitable for her. I hope this is a good info for you. [^_^]

Signing off,

Bed Sharing... What say you?

"Cosleeping (sometimes spelled co-sleeping, and also known as bed sharing or "having a family bed") is the practice of having your infant in your bed with you during sleep. Cosleeping promotes breastfeeding and bonding, and it is safer than crib/cot sleeping when practiced correctly. Cosleeping beyond the breastfeeding years is common in many non-Western cultures, and even in the West many families choose to extend cosleeping through toddlerhood and well into middle childhood."

This is what I can find about bed sharing....
I am in favour of this bed sharing... In fact I'm still share the same bed with my 3++ years old daughter. Well, now not so much since I was planning to train her to sleep in her own room@bed.

As for me, I'm into co-sleeping because I breastfeed my children.. both of them. My  eldest daughter, until she was 2 years old. And my son 10 months old and still being  breastfed.

It is practical, at night I don't have the need to wake entirely wake up to feed the baby. I can do it half awake.. hehe. [^_^]. So it is very convenient during night feedings, since my baby wakes up 2-3 times to feed. And the baby can settled back to sleep quickly.

Snuggling in bed is very good feeling, especially with your baby (and hubby too.. hehe). You are actually bonding with your baby. Co-sleeping improves closeness since it helps the baby feel safe and secure.

I do believe that the bonding is crucial to the baby's physical and emotional development. The feeling is rewarding and satisfying and it's good for the relationship with the child. A happy baby is a healthy baby...[^_^].

What ever your choice is, the most important thing is to do it safely when regards to your offspring.
You will put a risk to your baby if you are:

• you or your partner smoke
• you or your partner take drugs, alcohol or any type of sedative medication that causes heavy sleep.

I don't know you all... but I dont think in Malaysin family would have these problems..[^_^]. But we never know, in modern times like now..huhu. Praise to Allah I'm such an old-school parent and I appreciate traditional values. hehe.

Well, you may ask how we do it since there are 4 of us and the kids growing each day... well it is totally up to you, how you are going to do it. As long as it works.. As for me, a couple of months a go it work out great with the 4 of us crammed on the bed (luckily our bed is King size! :). But now the daughter is in training to sleep on own bed. And my husband will sometimes sleep with me or with the daughter whenever he needs the peace and quiet...[^_^]. That is how it works for us. Some family dont share the same bed but share the same room..that can be considered too.. hehe.

Based on a research co-sleeping has 7 benefits:

1. Babies sleep better
2. Mothers sleep better
3. Breastfeeding is easier
4. It's contemporary parenting
5. Babies thrive better
6. Parents and infant become more connected
7. Reduces the risk of SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrom)

So just ask yourself how it is going to come off for you and practise it. It is worth it! It has more benefit than harm as far as my experience brings me.
Signing off,

Natural Parenting...

Frankly, I never know what Natural Parenting is before. I came across this so called "Natural Parenting" when I'm looking for breastfeeding, cloth diapering, baby wearing and co-sleeping.

This term is famous among US parents...So what is this "Natural Parenting" that people make a fuss about? (not so in Malaysia).

According to this website "natural parenting" is based on a desire to live and parent responsively and consciously. So I asked myself, am I practising this "natural parental"? If you asked me, I would say YES! Perhaps you would have a different principles on how to practice this lifestyle, there are ideals that natural parents tend to hold - even we don't always live up to all of them.

I am a Natural Parent because...

• I breastfeed both of my kids...
• The eldest daughter until 2 yrs old
• The 2nd son until now 10 months and still on breastfeed.
• I'm bed sharing with my kids...
• I use baby carrier when we travel..
• Always try to prepare own baby food...
• Now trying to use cloth diaper...not 100% yet...

I am trying my best practise natural ways as possible.. Well the 1st and utmost reason is to save money of course...

Just imagine the money that I hve to spend on baby formula...and now I'm in cloth diapering, the money I've spent on disposable diapers? I can save a lot...
Raising a child is a full time job and need a lot of money these days.. well not so much if you live out on natural parenting. That is my sincere and humble opinion la. Maybe other parents out there would disagree I wouldn't know.

So lets go green and follow Natural Parenting! [^_^]
Signing off,

Allergies....

This morning was very kelam kabut... I was 30mins late from my usual wake up, 5.00am. My husband and I slept in separate room....(it's not what u think, believe me. hehe) We were in a process to teach my eldest daughter to sleep in her own room. I was with the prince coz he is still breastfeed so it's up to my hubby to persuade the little angel. So my husband end up tido with her sampai pagi....haha [^_^]

Yang kelam kabutnya... my daughter kencing tilam! oooops! Looking at my husband's water face, I knew he was outrageous because his RM1K++ mattress kena kencing.... hehe. Fortunately for me, he just sigh and pull off the cover and staring at the "pool" of urine. ;)
Mama: "Kakak, kenapa kakak kencing tilam?" slalu tak pun?"
Daughter: "Kakak tak taahaaan sangat. Abah sleep...

Hmmm.. kakak, kakak....biasala terkucil. Baru ja potty train.. It's almost a month she is without pampers during at night. During the day, dah OK, long before, I think I started training her when she was 2yrs old.

OOhh...I reckon dia terkucil due to the allergy attacked the night before last night. Until now I can't figure out what triggered her allergies. Dia memang dah ada mild eczema. That is since she was a baby. But to have a swollen eye, nose, mouth and ear, starting with an itchy mark on her knees and elbows.. that is allergy attack. What caused it? Still a mystery.

This has been the 3rd attack for as long as 3 years and 2 months old of her life. The 1st attacked if I remember it right it was due to air kelapa muda. If I'm not mistakenla. At the time pun I'm not really sure. She was then 2yrs+++, not really sure the exact date. The 2nd time followed a couple of months after that. I was thought she was allergy to the antibiotic that I've given her, because the swelling occur soon after she took the medicine. But the DR. had ruled that out. He said the antibiotic didn't cause the allergy.

This time...hmmm after giving it a thought takkan dia allergy dengan kaya kot? U know that spread you put on the bread.... Lets traced back the steps.. after getting back to school I bath her, because you knowlah it was in the afternoon and the weather is scorching hot so so tend to "garu" because panas+peluh makes her itch. Then she ate some porridge I made for her and asked for some roti. Usually, I'll make toast bread with honey but that day I made toast with some kaya. Just to see whether she likes it or not, she's very picky eater my daughter ni....

Luckily, she likes it... but she didn't finish it. She only ate half. After that, she was sleepy, and took a nap. I noticed the itchy started after she woke up. On her knees and elbows naik biji2 macam kena gigit nyamuk just smaller... I thought the usual itchy la.. her eczema... putting some ointment after giving her mandi petang...Dinner around 7pm nasi kicap, her usual meal. Nothing extra ordinary. Soon after she asked for coco crunch.. and that's about it...

She was forced to sleep at 8.30pm since her itchy gotten worse and she cannot help herself from scratching. Before sending her to her bed, I sapu lagi ubat on the itchy area... And off to bed with the father. And I went to bed to put the baby brother to sleep. About 30min after that, I heard my husband yelled, "Mama!, Mama!, mai jap sini!.. I were nearly dozed off that time.. "what now?!" I said to myself.
I was really shocked to see her eyew had swollen!!. Macam kena tumbuk.. really! It was kinda funny and kesian at the same time.

Immediately, the father brought her to the specialist to see the paediatrician.. it was closed. So my husband decided to bring my little angel to the emergency room at Columbia Asia. That's the best place there is. The emergency doctor was good. I like the doctor... Hey , don't get me wrong kay.. I like the doctor because he always explain things. I like doctors who explain things.. [^_^].

So that was the story, to think of it... the unusual thing that she ate that day was the kaya... takkan plak she allergy to the kaya?? Or perhaps the eggs in the kaya?? I don't think so, because she ate cookies and pancakes and cakes that I made and not to mention cakes at the secret recipe.. She was fine then. No bulging eyes watsoever...I still don't know what cause the allergy attack! And this is really a mystery.
Plus my daughter doesn't eat any jajan.. I just dont allow her.... Any suggestions?! Signing off,

Time Out?!

      When my 1st child had her 1st tantrum, she was about 15moths at the time I was kinda lose my temper.... I dunno what to do until one day..... jeng jeng jeng. (hahaha) I tengok Jon & Kate plus 8 on the TV. One of the kids had tantrum and was given time-out. It struck me! Perhaps I can do the same thing to my daughter? I wonder.....
      Experiment time....tak sabar rasa tunggu si kecilku itu mengamuk. few days had passed since i determined to give it a go. At last the day came, I was so eager to try the new term of punishment to the 15 months old child that I forgot how do I to actually implemented it? Jusy by saying, "Baby naughty, so baby kena time-out". Paham ke dia? She' was only 15 months old at the time...hmmm
      Macam mana nak buat ni? susah jugak... Nampak dalam TV so easy . hehe. Of course 1st try it didn't work. Yes, to implement a set of rules and understanding need time and patience. Which Alhamdulillah I have both. [^_^]. As the time passed akhirnya my eldest princess faham jugak... fuhh! Syukur pada Allah. Nak ajar budak ni bukannya senang tau... hehe.

      So, macam mana I buat? First, I kena established a place, nak suruh dia duduk diam2 at a corner of coursela mustahil kan at 15 months old. So instead of standing at a corner I pun took a stool small enough for her to sit but not too big until she can get down by herself.. hehe.. Nasib baik my daughter ni jenis penakut sikit. Dia tak berani nak turun sendiri.. gayat kot.... [^_^].
     Hence, that was how I implement time-out for my dearest princess. It works like wonders... now every time she hears time-out memang melalak taknak. Tapi takder la duduk atas stool lagi.  Just standing at a corner will do. Padahal bukannya kena apa2 pun mama sentuh pun tak. Memang dia tak suka time-out. Tapi sendiri mau ingatla kan siapa suruh naughty, tak dengar cakap mama. Kan dah kena. hehe [^_^].
    As for my little cheeky prince, I tengah bertimbang-timbang nak implement this thingy but dunno how to perform it. And besides he's only coming to 10 months old... At such age mcm mana nak execute self-soothing. But yang kita cerita kat new post ya. [^_^]

To Rotan or Not to Rotan.....

How do you decipline you kids? Especially those yang berumur dalam lingkungan 2-7 years old...toddlerhood.

Some say should rotan, like pepatah melayu, "Melentur Buluh, Biarlah dari Rebungnya". Decipline should be instilled when they are still young....And some say, shouldn't rotan them, still young...low self esteem..and wat not...So what is the best thing to do??!!


I dunno about you but I was brought up by a strict father...garang.. and a cikgu too. [^_^]


Me and my siblings were raised with ROTAN.. buuhuu. Not to say that I was sooo nakal when I was younger, that is how abah diciplined us. And look how we turned out to be.. elok ja jadi orang...hehe.


Looking at current trend, perhaps rotan is a big NO, NO.. especially in school. Cikgu tak bole sentuh langsung student nanti kena ambil tindakan. Student pulak boleh sepak-sepak cikgu. Unlike those masa zaman our fathers.. why huh? I wonder...


Kat rumah pulak macam mana? Those SAHM and WAHM out there how do you tackle your kiddos?


As for me, I tend to rotan... not a lot but ocassionally. Mungkin that is how I was raised, so I handle my children the same way when they are naughty. Barangkali that is how parents out there.. (young parents like me.. :)) treat their kids.Well as you all know our children doesn't come with a manual that we can always refer to whenever there's a problem. The only manual that we have is our experience. Life experience.. how we are brought up....and of course common sense.


Refering to our prophet Muhammad S.A.W on cara baginda mendidik anak...Rasulullah bersabda yang bermaksud, "Suruhlah anak-anak kamu bersembahyang pada usia 7 tahun dan pukullah mereka sekiranya mereka tidak bersembahyang pada usi 10 tahun dan pisahkan antara mereka si tempat tidur."


Saidina Ali juga berpesan supaya kita mendidik anak mengikut tahap kecerdikannya..meaning: 1st 7 years play with them, at 7 till 14 didik them and during teenagers be their friends.


Insya-allah I will try to implement these methods but you knowla kan being human yang alpa dan serb kekurangan ni.. kadang2 naik angin jugakla kan... especially whe raising 2 kids at the same time 3 yrs old and 9 months old.. :)


I'm not siding with anyone rotan or to not rotan.. Just stating that we parents just do whatever we have to do in order to raise a kid. Of course la kan semua orang mengidamkan anak yang soleh, solehah dan berakhlak baik. I am trying my best with everything that I know of to raise my little prince and princess hoping insya-allah they will turned out to be anak2 yang soleh dan solehah. Amin....