Baby Teething

Baby Zara had her first tooth after her first birthday. She did not drool much though she wanted to lick and chew on almost anything that is harder than her pacifier. These past two week she now has four front teeth, upper and lower gums. She loves biting or suckling her fingers. Since I am still on breastfeeding mode, yes, she did bite once, I screamed my life off, and she got scared and cried. Now she knows not to bite. 

This is also the time we started searching in the super market / grocery stores which baby food or biscuit will she like gnawing. Putting in mind that baby Zara cannot tolerate milk or any milk derivatives. I am guessing this is a protein ingredient in the formula milk or any item thats causing her allergic reaction to flare up but for the meantime we will choose safety by choosing no diary products and milk derivatives in her diet. 

I just bought her soft silicone finger toothbrush just to prepare her for the real brush soon. I am in search for a safe toothpaste for her since she is reacting to items that are usually normal to other babies. 

Mothers, we take one step at a time. We learn, we listen to others recommendation, we research, all to give the best care possible. 

First Birthday for Baby Zara

I want to share how we planned our lil girl's first birthday in Lion City. Internet is helpful enough as a source for wholesale and package deals for birthday party but its best to budget it your way and make it more personal. Let's start my list:

The guests. My husband and I decided to invite people who are close to us. Sadly we miss to invite some friends, so make sure you list all important people - write the names down. I also invited the babies and toddlers who have played with Zara.

The theme. We are caught between pink and red since CNY is coming up plus its hubby's fave color. Baby Zara doesn't have a definite character she likes perse, so I picked Hello Kitty all time baby friendly theme even though I kinda think Minnie Mouse is also good. We did go PINK!

The venue. We did not go far as we easily have access to the private villa closest to us. I booked the venue 3 months in advance but the dates i preferred was already booked so I chose a date closest to Zara's actual birthday. Friday dinner time it is! booked the venue 5-10pm. I wanted to arrange and decorate the place myself so here is the output. 

The banner has to be clear and at the same time kiddie. 

 Maximize the space - I made use of the TV table so I don't have to add another table.

 I made use of the window blinds continuous loop as a base for my 1st birthday white and pink balloons decor.

"Little Princess 1st" design for table cover, paper plate, paper cup, birthday hat and napkins. 

Light tone and hot Pink paper ball decoration in small and big sizes to complete the theme. 

I decorated her stroller with balloons and pink twirls strings instead of getting the baby high chair to save space. The balloons are all manually pumped. 

The cake. Everyone wants the first cake to be classy, stylish and cute of course delicious. I picked SUGAR HUGS ARTISAN CAKES. Delivery was on time, apart from that, I was part of every detail for the cake design which makes it even more lovelier as I want the theme and the cake to be related. The cake was soft and sweet with the right amount of chocolate cover taste. The decoration was fabulous! 

 Top view of SUGAR HUGS cake.

 ZARA 1 topper from SUGAR HUGS.

Zara 1 by SUGAR HUGS.

Top view of the pink cake for Zara by SUGAR HUGS.

The treats. I was able to find good deals for biscuits and organic lollipops. The usual cupcakes, marshmallows, and strawberry stick wafer. Loot bag package: Favor Value Pack Hello Kitty (Contains 8 Loot Bags, Stickers, Activity Sheets, Maze Puzzles, Mini Tops & Fuzzy Balls) and Toys R Us dress me up stickers set, which kids totally enjoyed. 

The food for the guests are home made. =)

I have to say my warmest THANK YOU to my neighbors / friends who helped me one way or the other in making this event happen. For the friends who came, hug to each and I hope you had fun with us. For friends who greeted online, I wish you were here!

I hope Zara would one day look at these pictures and appreciate how blessed she is and that she is surrounded by adorable people. 

Zara turns 1derful

Today is not only 1derful for Zara but also for us, her parents. 

Zara turns the big ONE today and it feels so great to look back and see her now. My memory brings me back to January 14, 2013 at 14:13H, my baby delivery experience and all its glory ;)

She is no longer our newborn but a full grown infant. 

Let me list the things she can do:

1. She can now waddle her way around the house. 

2. She can now crawl like a pro. 

3. She knows her food. She can now drink from a straw. Drinks in a bottle water / cup.

4. She play his tiny trumpet by blowing it. 

5. She can now clap her tiny hands.

6. She can close and open her fingers. 

7. She can kiss on my cheeks. 

8. She loves peek-a-boo 

9. She loves the pool / baby spa / water playground / bath tub

10. She can head wobble / bobble if she doesn't want something

11. She can say mamma and pappa 

12. She can wave her hand bye bye 

13. She can push her musical activity walker / movable crib / laundry bag / light chairs

14. She picks up objects and licks them. This means she can pick up biscuits and eat them. 

15. She loves watching MOTHER GOOSE and BABY BUM videos and dances with it

16. She babble big time

17. She eats steam and mashed carrot potatoes broccoli and avocado 

18. She loves Heinz and Cerelac 

19. Learns to put the phone on her ear and babble 

20. turns the pages of a magazine / baby book

21. dances to music 

22. smiles on camera 

23. sleeps before midnight and wakes up around 9am

24. walks in the sand seashore with water gushing on her tiny feet

25. likes baby wipes to clean her face

All of the above makes me feel like she is a super tiny star! She achieved so much in 12 months. 

Looking back at the pregnancy and first few crucial months - it is all worth it! She is truly a blessing and a source of joy to us. 

To all the other parents who are celebrating their babies first birthday hooray to us! 

Today I made baby Zara try the Baby Spa at Westgate Mall in Jurong East. She loved the experience. 

For our tiny family celebration, hubby brought us to Quayside Isle Sentosa Cove to have birthday dinner for baby Zara. It was a fabulous day! We love you baby Zara.

To my Mom - Mommy Rachel, Thank you for showing me how to juggle life and work and everything else. Having a child of my own made me remember all the things you did for me. Your voice is my strength and your presence is a gift from God. 

To my Dad - Daddy Ando, Thank you for loving ma best way you can and having us - eight kids. For all the years of parenting, I salute you dad! 

To my husband - Sarfafi, remember the first heart beat! From the coffee shop to what we are now, thank you for being my greatest support and best friend. You are the best Pappa to our lil Zara.