Baby is one year old

Baby has recently turned one year old. Some things in our house have finally retired after being used daily day after day. The pot we use to boil water to make formula can come off its duty. And we no longer need to buy formula anymore. Actually we've said goodbye to things before, like the pink swing chair. The baby clothes, etc. After baby can walk, we won't need the crib and the jumperoo. After he turns 1.5 years old, we will switch him to a bigger car seat. All these things just remind me that the kids are growing up. At the same time, we are growing old. Days go by so fast, but we love to be around our kids, accompanying them in every moment. Hopefully we will teach them to become good kids before leaving home, equipped with all the life saving skills to face the world alone. Like a kite, they gradually fly further and further away. Soon we will have to say goodbye, but no worries, they will always be our love and hope, our continuation. Don't be afraid to say goodbye.

Baby activities

This is for me 30 years later, in case I forget.

Newborn: 

- newborns love to be held. Hold the baby, the more the better.

- take them out to see the sun. Helps them adjusting to day and night.

- sing as much as possible. They love mommy's voice.

- baby's urge for sucking needs to be filled. Pacifier may not be a bad idea.

- tummy time: build muscle tone

3-4 months:

- start to rollover 

- still can't do much

- great baby toys: something that can flash (with lights) and make sound

6-7 months: 

- starts to sit

- starts solid food (start with soft or purée fruits (banana or pear) or baby oatmeal)(move on to purée vegetables (steamed baby carrots, butternut squash with butter))(ground meat comes later)

- if they cry, maybe they are not ready for solid food. It's ok to wait.

8-9 months:

- starts to crawl

- like to mimic others

- start to take only two (longer) naps a day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon 

- they can try to feed themselves some finger food. Have them sit in the high chair, and put some Cheerios on their tray. They use the "grab" motion.

9 months:

- 9 months to me is a milestone. Their personalities start to come out. Before 9 months old, they cry because they are hungry or tired or not feeling well (poopy diaper), simple. After 9 months, they also cry (or fake cry) when they are upset (i.e. someone takes toy from their hands.)

- knows the daily routines

- can train them on some simple command (lights on, lights off)(then move on to door open, door close)

10 months:

- start to train them to hold onto things and stand up, longer and longer

11 months:

- train them climb up the stairs, teach them the word "up"

- once they master climbing up, they can start to learn coming down the stairs, usually before their one year mark.

12 months:

- start getting them interested in books

- can participate in some "play class" or little gym (gross motor skills)

- transition to one nap a day 

- can try eggs

- start picking up finger food by pinching, less grabbing

- they play by throwing toys around. So get them toys that are durable for throwing.

15 months:

- train them to walk

18 months:

- interactive toys are great, keep them engaged (press a button and it says something)

- start learning the alphabets, numbers, colors and shapes

- start learning to talk

- more songs

- immerse them in an environment for learning (alphabets, shapes, colors, numbers, vocabulary)(increase activities gradually)

24 months:

- typical word "NO", everything "NO"

- it's ok to have a tantrum. Be firm, but still let them feel being loved (by holding or kissing).

- the emotions come fast, leave fast. They can be in tears one minute, then laugh in a moment, so don't get mad about them having a tantrum.

- they still don't understand a lot of things, but they are very cute at this age. Just enjoy them.

- once they know the alphabets, colors, numbers and shapes, move on to sight words.

- books like "point and name" are good for this age. Increase their vocabulary.

- more songs. Help them talking.

* kids any age need to feel being loved. They need attention. 

* kids are genuinely happy.

Pumpkin mini muffins 南瓜迷你馬芬

Saturday morning I was in bed, waiting for the boys to wake up anytime. I had some time this morning to bake something for breakfast. I was searching for recipes using my cell phone. Wow! This recipe with raving reviews caught my eyes. I made mini muffins instead, and I multiplied everything 1.5 fold but forgot to do the same with sugar. They came out very moist, just like from a box cake mix. 

Baked salmon

The twins are over 18 months old now. It looks like I have abandoned my blog. I haven't been posting anything for over 4 months! Well, I have been very busy but happy.

I fought so hard at my last job to work part-time, but ended up leaving anyway. I was fortunate enough to find a hospital that allows me to work part-time, and I have been going part-time for over 3 months now. I get to spend more time with the kids, and it has it's ups and downs, but in general, I am happier than before.

Roller coaster

Well, I felt like I've been on a roller coaster for the past 3 months. Now things have finally getting cleared and settled down a bit.