First Rice Eating Ceremony

Annaprashan literally means "feeding rice" in Sanskrit. It is also known as Bhaatkhulai in the Garhwal hills, Mukhe Bhaat in Bengal or Choroonu in Kerala. Annaprashan is primarily a Hindu ceremony (though Parsis also have a similar ritual) that symbolises the beginning of the weaning period in your baby’s life. - Baby Center

That said, we did a modified version of the Annaprashan sometime in January to celebrate Renzo's first solid food.  In this case, his very first rice cereal.  It happened on a bright Saturday morning, the day before he was to be dedicated. Renzo's dad and I made sure that our little baby had enough sleep the night before so that he'll be ready for the big day ahead.

I prepared the rice cereal mixed with milk formula.  We then sat him on his high chair and begun the "ceremony".  We also took several photos and videos of the event.  He looked kind of funny when he first had a taste of the rice mixture probably wondering what's going on and why his milk seem different texture-wise. 

Renzo is a very curious kid... Like most babies, he just tried a little bit of the food, tasting and playing with it.  He was very excited and overall content after a few small taste.

Afterwards, we did the other part of the "ceremony".  We laid down several items that would represent his interest in the future... Our items were 1. A Bible 2. Stethoscope 3. Football 4. Music Sheet 5. Ruler  6. Camera 7. Mouse 8. Dental floss (any guess?).  All of the items represents careers as well as interest in sports and music. We decided to have him pick 3 items.  

And guess what he picked first?

 A Stethoscope. And that made me beam with so much pride! Stethoscope = Doctor. I'm simply overjoyed. The other two items were the football and the mouse. ( I have to say though that Renzo's Dad was actually coaching him to get the ball which he did... So I don't know if he was just being a good boy or he really wants the ball.  Anyway, my hubby wants him to become a quarterback.) 

Happy baby makes happy parents! This was another memorable day for us and I'm very glad to have shared them with you.


One thing's certain, whatever career path or interest Renzo chooses, we will always be there to support him.
  

Renzo Turns 6 Months

Happy 6th Month, Renzo! 

Baby Bullet Review and Giveaway by the frugalnovice

Hi guys! Check this out! I'm planning to make my own baby food for Renzo and have been in search of a good product to prepare them.  I think the idea of "baby bullet" is awesome although I'm still trying to decide if I should stick with my trusty food processor or get this one just for baby... We'll see!!!

Renzo's First Christmas

I know you won't remember

The night before Christmas

I prepared a stocking for you

And wrapped gifts under the tree

The next day when we woke up

You may have thought it's a day

Just like any other

We took a lot of pictures of you under the tree

While you kept yourself amused

With the colorful gift wrappers

Oh yes it's your first Christmas

Little baby love

I'll keep these memories for you

Right here inside my heart.

Renzo Turns 5 Months

I can't believe it's been 5 months.  Time surely flies when you're having fun!  Actually, "having fun" is an understatement.  I just couldn't describe to you how much my Renzo has made me so happy... I'm overjoyed.

He loves to giggle and coo and babble non-stop.  He likes to touch my face and coo at me when he wants my attention.  He has been putting anything and everything in his mouth.  He still is the sweet baby who rarely cries unless he's very very hungry.  Yes, he doesn't cry when he poops or pees on himself.  I think he even find it quite amusing.  
 

This month, we got him a cars-themed cake with the character "lightning mcqueen" on top.  And he loved it, not to forget, the mesmerizing candle.

Happy 5th Month, baby!!!

A December Wedding

Don't you just love weddings?  Well, I do.  Not just cause I'm a sucker for romance but it makes me reminisce the time my husband and I tied the knot.  We were very hands-on during all the wedding preparation from choosing my dress, to the venue down to the paper used for our invitations and the list goes on and on.  It is hard work.  Yet, the real thing begins the moment you say yes to your better half.  It's the beginning of a lifetime of bliss and not so blissful moments... It's truly for better or for worst!

I just want to share to you a wedding that's very close to my heart that happened one nice, cool December morning.  My dear cousin, Sandy and his then fiance, Jocel walked down the aisle to exchange their marriage vows. Here are the photos!

 Congratulations Sandy and Jocel!!!

Potty Training

We have been practicing elimination communication since Renzo was about 2 months old . Whenever we know that he's pooping, we sit him on his potty chair (usually still with clothes on) and say "poo poo" until he finish.  After that, we would change his diapers.  

Today was a breakthrough.  I took him to the sink upon waking up, removed his diapers and started saying "wish-wish" and "wiwi" to him while he was facing the mirror...  And guess what happened next? He peed! We're so happy... It was a first!

I know we still have a long way... But I am so excited for my little guy.  The goal is to be potty trained before age 2 and things look positively reassuring.