Adapted: Vocal Development

Before long Matthias will be babbling constantly, trying to carry on a conversation with everything and everybody. Here are four things you can do to help his vocal development.

1. Speak in simple words or phrases that he can understand and imitate easily. However, avoid talking in "baby talk" - or over-exaggerated pronunciation. Matthias will learn from what he hears.
2. Get in the habit of telling Matthias the names of all items that capture his attention.
3. Ask questions and pause to allow Matthias to answer, even if it is just with a smile or a coo. This will teach him that conversation involves taking turns.
4. Lead by example. Don't correct Matthias's mispronounced words. Instead, phrase the correct pronunciation in acknowledgement of what he is trying to say.Remembering these simple tips will help Matthias become a little chatterbox.

Source: http://www.parentingweekly.com/

Baby Journal: Week 18

Keeping Matthias safe

iris, what do you feel is the most important safety precaution you take for Matthias? Do you drive slower, have you baby-proofed your house, or do you buy only the safest toys? In your journal this week, write about the steps you take to keep Matthias safe. Write now.

I think the most important thing i can do for Matthias's safety is by ensuring cleanliness and hygiene around him. I try to keep the house as clean as I can manage. For him it's now 2 change of clothes/towel each day and bi-weekly change of his bedsheets. Also wiping down his toys on a weekly basis. While some may say i'm being "over-zealous" about cleanliness, I choose to believe that I should, for the sake of Matty's health. His immunity will gradually build up overtime. As for things around the house, I guess we will have to look in to baby-proofing things when he starts to crawl and prowl around:))

Baby Journal: Week 17

Music Matthias loves


iris, do you have any lullabies or songs that you sing to Matthias? It doesn't even have to be a lullaby; he loves music and hearing your voice at this age, and will probably enjoy any music you expose him to. This week in your journal write down any type of music or specific songs that Matthias really seems to enjoy. Write down his reaction when you dance around or sing to him. Write now.

1. Bingo


2. Old MacDonalds Had A Farm


3. Grandfather's Clock


4. How Much is That Doggie in The Window?


5. If You're Happy


6. It's A Small World

Matthias would smile and grin whenever we sing to him. He would try to bounce up and down, as though he is dancing to the music. I so love the smile on his face whenever he does that!

Baby Journal: Week 16

The ins and outs of parenting


iris, what has surprised you most about being a parent? Is it something about your baby's development? (Did you know about meconium before that first diaper, for instance?) Has the strength of your mothering instinct surprised you? Are you surprised by what a good mother you are? Write about the things that have surprised you about parenthood. Write now.


From the day we found out we were pregnant, I have promised to take care of myself the best I can. After all, there is a little one growing inside me. Regular checkups, small but regular meals and snacks, daily vitamins and supplements, 3x milk a day to boost calcium intake. All these efforts goes toward the growth of little Matthias inside me. Antenatal classes, parenting mags/books, parenting forums to learn about babycare and parenthood. I was anxious to be a good mother. I can't say I'm a pro at motherhood. Lil' Matty is still teaching me everyday. I can only try and be the best mum I can for him :)

Baby Journal: Week 15

Being someone's whole world


"To the whole world you might be just one person, but to one person you might just be the whole world."iris, that quote from Joseph Campbell captures for me how it feels to be a mother with a baby this age. You are literally your baby's whole world. This week write about how it feels to be someone else's whole world, as well as how it feels to have someone else be your whole world. Write now.



I *LOVE* this quote!!

Just like the title of this blog, our lives are changed forever. With the birth of Matthias, I feel a stronger sense of responsibility. This little guy is depending us for his needs and wants for the time being. It feels great to have him with us. Slowly but surely we are getting the hang of things. Knowing what his cries mean. Learning about his likes and dislikes. Everyday is quite an experience as we do not know what to expect. We just take each day at a time. Each day in our stride. I'm not only the whole world to Matthias. He is our pride and joy. He is our whole world too.

Baby Journal: Week 14

Fatherhood can be very sexy


iris, do you look at your partner differently since Matthias came along? Many women do. Fatherhood can be very sexy! In your journal write about any changes in your feelings toward your partner since Matthias came along. Or, write about how your relationship with your mother or another special woman in your life has changed since you gave birth. Many women find they grow closer to their mothers or other women after they have a baby themselves.



Sometimes I look at my spouse and think "What a wonderful daddy he is!" He takes to fatherhood so well. Of course with him being such an emotionally stable person, I sometimes do take a step back or to slow my pace a little to reflect, to ponder, etc. He is perfect for a sometimes-rash person like myself. I hope little Matthias will inherit some of his daddy's good traits:)

Baby Journal: Week 13

Baby games


iris, what games do you play with Matthias? Write in your journal about a favorite game and his reaction. Whether it's squeals of joy or silent fascination, writing about Matthias's playtime fun will help keep the child within you alive for years to come. Write now.



I love to sit on the bed or on the couch with my knees bended up. Then I would bounce lil Matty on my knees while singing " B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-GO and Bingo was his name. HO!". Matty would never fail to smile and grin whenever I do this to him, any time of the day:) I think he really likes to sit up way high on my knees and look around him!