Babies Consult

Review of my book

2011-10-22T15:29:00.002+08:00

I am on top of the world because of the excellent review of my book from the Star news paper’s website

The best book on feeding for Asian parents

17 October 2011

Review by BRIGITTE ROZARIO

“This is not a dolled up book. At first glance, you might not even want to pick it up. The cover is not particularly attractive and the pages do not look impressive.

However, not picking it up would be the worst decision you make if you're a new mother.

Pick it up, for although there aren't beautiful studio photos inside and the layout of the pages looks a bit textbook-like, the content is irreplaceable and indeed a gem.”

Go to the links below to read the rest of the review

http://parenthots.com/parents_corner/book_reviews/The-best-book-on-feeding-for-Asian-parents.aspx

http://parenthots.com/features/Tips-from-a-Malaysian-midwife.aspx

The book is not available in bookshops yet but you can purchase it from my website

http://www.babiesconsult.com/book-sale.php

If you are in the Klang Valley, you can purchase it from

The retail pharmacy
Sime Darby Medical Centre in Subang Jaya

Uniq Full Moon Speciality Shop
No: 4 Jalan Kenari 11, Bandar Puchong Jaya.
Tel: 03-8070 0686

Klinik kanak kanak Oh
SS2 Petaling Jaya

Klinik kanak kanak Koe
Overseas Union Garden – Old Klang Road

Dr Kim Wong Women’s clinic
Centrepoint – Bandar Utama

Sally at Dr Wong Wai Peng’s clinic
Pantai Medical Centre

A reminder that 50% of the sales proceeds will go to 5 children’s charities so, if you purchase the book you will be helping some unfortunate children.

My book is ready!!!

2011-08-29T17:53:00.009+08:00

Well, I made it to being a published author!! But, the most important thing is that now there is a book to help new parents on how to best feed their baby using both western and asian practices. I have used a lot of pictures to illustrate the techniques and procedures so that the information is light and easy to remember. Below you can see what the book looks like and also what the contents are.

CONTENTS

Section One – Feeding Your Newborn Baby

Chapter 1: Breast or Bottle

Chapter 2: Antenatal Preparations
A
- Preparing for Breast-feeding
- Mental preparations
- Physical preparations
B
- Preparing for Bottle-feeding
- What to buy for bottle-feeding
- Choosing a formula

Chapter 3: Getting Started
A
- Management of Breast-feeding
- supply and demand
- steps for successful breast-feeding
- Expressing breast-feeding
B
- Management of Bottle-feeding
- Sterilising bottles
- Making up a feed

Chapter 4: Baby Feeding Techniques
A
- Positions for Breast-feeding
B
– Positions for Bottle-feeding
- Burping your Baby

Chapter 5: Feeding Problems
A
- Breast-feeding problems
- Sore or cracked nipples
- Fungal Infection
- Painful lumps
- Engorged breasts
- Diminishing milk supply
B
- Bottle-feeding problems
- Some technical problems and what to do

Chapter 6: Looking after yourself
- Eating the Right Food
- Traditional Chinese confinement food
- Eating fruits and vegetables
- Recipes for making confinement teas and papaya soup

Section Two – All About Solid Food

Chapter 7: Weaning your baby
- Weaning schedule
- Preparing the porridge
- What to put in the porridge

Chapter 8 : Introducing fruits to small children
- When to start giving fruits
- Schedule for giving fruits

Chapter 9: Feeding your toddler
- Different eating styles
- Teaching your toddler to feed himself

Chapter 10: Food Facts
- Western Food Classification
- Asian Food Classification

Chapter 11: Cooking for your toddler and family
- Fish recipes
- Chicken recipes
- Pork recipes
- Vegetable recipes
- Soup recipes
- Pasta recipes

Chapter 12: Food Related Problems
- Colic
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Allergic reactions
- Choking
- How to do CPR

The book is priced at RM 38.00 per copy. Currently, the book is not available in the book stores so if you are interested in purchasing a copy please check on my website for postal rates and how to order.
50% of the sales proceeds will go to 5 children's charities so if you buy the book, you will also be helping needy children. I look forward to your support. Thank you

Additions to some families

2011-04-24T21:06:00.011+08:00

My goodness, I did not realise that it is so long since I wrote anything. Anyway, I am excited to let you know that some families who use my childcare centre have had new additions. They are:

Zhi Xuan’s little sister Zhi Qing

Juen Yip’s little brother Joe Yip

Elena’s little sister Evangel

Jade’s little brother Kieren

They are so gorgeous and so different from their older siblings.

Dangerous light bulbs

2010-08-08T08:31:00.002+08:00

I just received this email from a friend in the USA so I thought I'll share it with anyone who uses this type of bulbs.

Below is a picture of a CFL light bulb from my bathroom. I turned it on the other day and then smelled smoke after a few minutes. Four inch flames were spewing out of the side of the ballast like a blow torch!

I immediately turned off the lights. But I’m sure it would have caused a fire if I was not right there. Imagine if the kids had left the lights on as usual when they were not in the room.

I took the bulb to the Fire Department today to report the incident. The Fireman wasn’t at all surprised and said that it was not an uncommon occurrence. Apparently, sometimes when the bulb burns out there is a chance that the ballast can start a fire. He told me that the Fire Marshall had issued reports about the dangers of these bulbs.

Upon doing some Internet research, it seems that bulbs made by “Globe” in China seem to have the lion’s share of problems. Lots of fires have been blamed on misuse of CFL bulbs, like using them in recessed lighting, pot lights, dimmers or in track lighting. Mine was not in any of those. It was a normal light socket. I bought these at Wal-Mart. I will be removing all the Globe bulbs from my house. I have not decided yet if we are going back to incandescent bulbs at this point.
Just thought you should know.

Happy birthday to Marie and me

2010-05-02T15:38:00.003+08:00

Well, I made to it to my 60th birthday and Marie is now 14. We had a great birthday bash but forgot to take pictures of the event except for the cake cutting.

Hello and goodbye

2010-05-02T15:20:00.008+08:00

Welcome to

Xuan En

Elena

Livvy and Aaron

Kris Teen

How time flies. The children below came to me when they were about 2 months old and now they have graduated to go to play school.
This month we say goodbye to

Jeun Yip

Zhi Xuan

Twins : Mirabelle and Marissa

Last month we said goodbye to

Jeremy

Wei Jun

Lucas

Latest news on using onions to prevent flu

2010-04-19T15:09:00.008+08:00

In December last year, I started putting onions all over the areas where the babies spend most of their time as you can see from the pictures.

During the past 9 years, the children will usually have flu around the Chinese New Year period and it was a constant round of medications three times a day for all of them. This will last for about a week before they recover. It is heart breaking to see them coughing and sometimes wheezing.
The results of my onions experiment? So far none of the children had flu during the CNY period. A couple of them started sniffling with slight runny noses and I immediately placed an onion near them and the sniffling stopped. It is really nice to see children without runny noses. So, have you tried it out yet? Do let me know the results.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2010-02-07T13:49:00.002+08:00

CHILDREN'S BALL PITS – Are they safe?

2010-01-21T14:26:00.004+08:00

I just received this in my email and I think it is important that I share this with so that you can take precautions for the safety of your children.

“Hi. My name is Lauren Archer, a friend of mine that resides in The Hill, Johannesburg, took his only son to McDonald's for his 3rd birthday.
After he finished lunch, his parents allowed him to play in the ball pit. When he started whining later on, and his mother asked him what was wrong, he pointed to the back of his pull-up and simply said 'Mommy, it hurts.' they couldn't find anything wrong with him at that time. After bathing him when they got home, they found what looked like insect bites at the time.
Upon investigating, it seemed as if there was matter coming out of the wounds. They were on their way to the hospital, but soon he started vomiting and shaking, then his eyes rolled back into his head. From there, they went to the emergency room. He died later that night.
He was found to have snake bites all over his legs & buttocks. When they cleaned the ball pit they found that there was a snake's nest in the ball pit. He had suffered numerous bites from a very poisonous snake.”

THIS WAS FOUND IN THE BALL PIT!!!!

There was a similar incidence in one of the department stores in the Klang Valley about five years ago. Unfortunately, the case was not highlighted in the local media. My advice is to be careful about letting your children play in areas where you cannot see what may be hiding there. It may not necessarily be snakes but sharp obstacles and even germs from other children.

Update on using onions to prevent flu

2010-01-03T22:44:00.008+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! May 2010 bring you health, happiness and wealth.

On 25 December I mentioned that I will start putting onions all over the areas where the babies are and so far the children seems to be ok with less runny noses and coughs. However, the most significant outcome is its’ effect on Nash. Two weeks ago Nash had a very severe chest infection and was hospitalized for 6 days. When he came back to the centre, he was still coughing and had a lot of phlegm.

I placed an onion next to him and surprising by evening he was coughing less. Could this be due to the medication that he was taking? He was on antibiotics and ventolin. However, the next day he had stopped coughing and his chest was clear. I asked his mother if she used the onions and she said that being “kiasu” she put 2 onions in his cot and all over the house.

Maybe this is a fluke shot but I am monitoring the other children to see if the onions are helping to prevent them getting the flu so frequently. Have you tried it out? Do let me know the results.

Use onions to prevent flu

2009-12-25T02:00:00.005+08:00

Just received this interesting email from a baby’s mother and thought that I will share this with you.

“In 1919, when the flu killed 40million people, there was this doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it, and many died. The doctor came upon this one farmer, and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy.
When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different, the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it, and asked if he could have one of the onions, and place it under the microscope. She gave him one, and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore keeping the family healthy.
Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in Arizona. She said that several years ago, many of her employees were coming down with the flu, and so were many of her customers. The next year, she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop.
To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work . .. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)
The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office, or under your desk, or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year, and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case.
Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions: I don't know about the farmer’s story, but I do know that I contracted pneumonia, and needless to say I was very ill. I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion, put one end on a fork, and then place the forked end into an empty jar, placing the jar next to the sick patient at night.
It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs. Sure enough, it happened just like that. The onion was a mess, and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.”

I searched the net for more information and apparently this is an old wives tale. Most people rubbished it but there were a couple of people who claimed that it worked. So I thought that I may as well try it at my centre. If it works, the parents will thank me for helping them save on medical fees and if it does not, all I lose is a few onions. Maybe you might want to try it out and let me know the outcome.

An effective way to prevent spreading germs is to cover your mouth when you cough as Jeremy demonstrates.

Are cell phones safe?

2009-11-26T00:34:00.003+08:00

I just received this letter from Dr Al Sears and I had to share this with you.

Dear Cecilia,
When I was hiking through the Andes, I saw people chatting on their cell phones. In Kerala, India, I saw fishermen call into shore from their boats to negotiate a price for the day’s catch. They even send pictures!
Cell phones are ubiquitous. Especially in the third world, they give people that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it access to the internet. And in that way, the cell phone is one of the greatest inventions of our time.
But I’m conflicted about the health consequence.
A new study from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) warns that many of the new internet phones bombard your brain with dangerous electromagnetic waves.
1. These waves penetrate your skull and can double your risk of a brain tumor.
Back in 2003, the Food and Drug Administration assured us that cell phones do not cause brain cancer. Unfortunately, they based their study on only three years of cell phone use.
2. But if you use a cell phone for a decade or more, your risk goes up. Researchers in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom discovered that people who used cell phones for more than 10 years had a significantly higher risk of developing brain tumors.
3. Even more alarming is what happens to kids that use cell phones.
Young skulls are less than half the thickness of adults, making it much easier for radio waves to penetrate and damage the brain. Multiple studies show young children absorb more radiation than adults do, putting them at high risk for brain tumors.
4. A two-minute call can alter the natural electrical activity in your child’s brain for one hour. Multiply this by the average 2,600 minutes a month your child is on the phone…and you get 22 hours (nearly a day) of unnatural brain activity.
Wireless earpieces and keeping the phone in your pocket are not good options. The earpiece relies on radio waves for transmission – these go into your brain. The phone in your pocket is emitting radio waves straight to your vital organs, especially your genitals.
So what should you do? I for one don’t want to give up my cell phone. And I don’t suggest you give up yours either. But I do take certain steps to limit my radiation exposure.
Here are some steps you can take:
Check what kind of radiation your phone emits. The lower, the better.
EWG has an updated list of the best and the worst phones.
Put your phone in ‘airplane’ mode when you’re in places you can’t (or shouldn’t) use your phone – driving, theaters, meetings, and doctor’s offices. This reduces the number of radiation exposure hours.
Go ‘hands-free’. The further away your phone is from your body – the less radiation penetrates you. Twelve inches (one foot) is the closest you should be to your phone.
Use a wired head set for all calls – make sure the cord is long enough so your phone is at least twelve inches away from you.
Send text messages instead of calling. Or keep your calls short.
And possibly the hardest advice of all to implement… limit use of cell phones by your children and teens. I tell my son Dylan to text instead of call. This limits his exposure.
I keep my phone in my desk drawer while I’m at work. In the car, I keep it on the console. And when I’m going back and forth, I keep it in my briefcase. And I don’t use it for long. When I’m going to be on the phone for a while, I use a landline.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD
11903 Southern Blvd., Ste. 208
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Cell Phone Radiation – Science Review on Cancer Risks and Children’s Health – Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org/cellphone-radiation

Introducing my new super baby models

2009-11-07T16:36:00.003+08:00

It has been some time since I updated the status of my super models. The latest addition are:

Nash

Jayden

Ee-Wern

Jason

Birthdays galore

2009-11-01T21:24:00.005+08:00

All my little 'rats' are one year old now and toddling. The 'rats' are those born in the Chinese lunar year of the rat.

The first birthday party started in September with Renee

Then it was Isaac and the twins Marrisa and Mirabelle in early October

Finally it was Xuan's turn in mid October

My baby gymnast is one year old !!

2009-08-23T14:39:00.005+08:00

I cannot believe that all the babies are one year old or will be soon. It seems like only yesterday when they came to the centre. So far, 4 of them are one year old and this is Jeun Yip celebrating his first birthday.

Hey! Are all my friends here?

That's my birthday cake

Mummy helping me to cut my cake

A Natural cure for AH1N1?

2009-08-17T11:44:00.005+08:00

I just received this email and I do wonder if this natural therapy does work but considering that almost everyone who contrscts the virus dies from pneumonia, I feel that doing something is better than doing nothing at all and it does not cost much.

"JUST A SMALL BUT MEANINGFUL INFO FM ME TO YOU AND YR FRIENDS...MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF H1N1 SINCE IT PRACTICALLY HIT US LIKE A TIME BOMB.....

My staff was crying herself sick on Tuesday morning...was told that her son was confirmed of H1N1 in his Uni at Kangar, Perlis...worse was that when he was bedridden 2 days the warden didnt even bother to sent to hospital till his dad came fm KL and with his friends assistance brought him to GH Kangar....

No one bothered in the hospital and he was put in the normal ward for another 2 days!!! (imagine the amount of people he has infected!!) .....after 2 days and his eyes were turning yellow and saliva greenish...he was put in quarantined room...

His mom practically fainted just telling me the story.. cant do much cos she does not have enough money to go to the north with the father...

First thing we did was made her call the hospital and insist that they sent him to Sg.Buloh Hospital or any other hospital in KL since they seemed to be more alert and more equipt...they refused of course...so I sent her off to Kangar the same day to solve the problem.

Whilst this was happening, I had a call from one Ustaz who was in town to "help cure" another H1N1 child in Shah Alam....and was told this simple prescription by him.....

EAT MINIMUM 6 GREEN APPLES A DAY AND FRESH ORANGE JUICE

For those with sore throat please blend the apples and keep on taking till your fever disappear and yr symtoms are gone....I cannot explain it but the child in Shah Alam was ok too after taking this tip....

My staff's son was given the apple juice for the whole day on Monday/Tuesday and he was out of the fever yesterday Wednesday... .she called me and was crying on the phone to say that her son was out of ICU and was able to eat normally...all these happened within just 4 days today (thursday 6 august)...

This is just to share with my fellow sisters and brothers and hope this small info could assist others as well, No harm in trying and anything can happen!!!!"

Health benefits of apples

Apples contain flavonoids, antioxidants that improve immune function and prevent heart disease and some cancers. Apples also have antiviral properties and will help you detoxify your body. Green apples act as a liver and gall bladder cleanser and may aid in softening gallstones.

Because of their high water content, apples are cooling and moistening and aid in reducing fever. Simply grate them and serve them to feverish patients. Steamed apples sweetened with honey are beneficial for a dry cough and may help to remove mucous from the lungs.

Easy on the digestion, apples contain malic and tartaric acids that inhibit fermentation in the intestines. Their high fiber content adds bulk that aids the digestive process, making elimination natural and comfortable. Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Apples are a good source of potassium, folic acid, and vitamin C. A single apple has approximately 1500mg of vitamin C to give the immune system a boost. Additionally, there are trace amounts of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc. The skin of an apple contains quercetin an anti-oxidant found to lower the risk of heart disease and even prevent the cell changes that lead to cancer. If you eat two apples a day you can reduce your cholesterol level by up to 10%. Apples also reduce the risk of type II diabetes, COPD, stroke, respiratory disease, some types of cancer and asthma. Eating raw apples gives the gums a healthy massage and cleans the teeth.

Giving fruits to small children

2009-08-09T18:44:00.009+08:00

Almost all the babies are 10 months old so time to introduce fruits. I personally do not like to puree the fruits because, firstly I am too lazy to do this and secondly but most importantly, processing fruits will reduce the nutritional contents of the fruits. I also do not like to extract the juice because the children need the fibre to prevent constipation and some of the vital nutrients are in the fibre so by just giving the juice alone your baby will not have all the nutrients of the fruit
Most of the children have a few front teeth so they can bite through the fruits but they do not know how to properly chew food yet therefore it is important to use the right method to feed them.

Fruits like apples are hard therefore the best way is to scrape them. Cut the fruit into big slices.

Using a teaspoon, scrape the fruit until you get a pulp onto the spoon.

Offer it to the child. Continue scraping and feeding it to the baby until the slice is finished. It is best to start with one big slice and as your child gets used to the fruit you can give more.

If the fruit is soft you can give it slice by slice instead of mashing it up. This will teach your baby to enjoy the real texture of the fruit and it is less messy. I like to use the local ‘pisang emas’ because the texture is smoother and one banana is just nice for small children.

Peel the banana and using a teaspoon, slice off a small piece at a time.

Feed your child one slice at a time.

If you give kiwi fruits, cut it into halves

Use the ‘slicing’ method

Give one slice at a time until it is all gone.

Watermelon should be cut into very small cubes

Use a fork to offer the cut fruits to the child

Jeun Yip showing us that the fruit is good. All children cannot use their thumb to show the “this is good” sign so they use their fore finger.

A one year old chilli king

2009-07-26T04:21:00.002+08:00

I have never seen a small child who loves eating chilli. Jeremy just loves anything with chilli in it.

My baby gymnast started walking!

2009-07-25T23:49:00.002+08:00

Remember my baby gymnast? Jeun Yip is now 11 months and he has started walking by himself. Well done!!

Breakfast time

2009-06-27T22:50:00.012+08:00

I usually start giving breakfast at the beginning of the 8th month. You can give pre-packed baby breakfast cereals or rusk biscuits.

This is a piece of rusk biscuit

Break it up into small pieces so that it is easier to dissolve

Add sufficient hot water

Mix it into a smooth paste

The twins, Marissa and Mirabelle waiting for their breakfast

Marissa wondering what is in the bowls

The first spoonful for Marissa

Mirabelle:“Hey Sasa, what does it taste like?”

“Oh it's my turn now”

Marissa’s turn again

Now it is back to Belle

“We like it!”

Now it is Jeun Yip’s turn to start having cheese for breakfast

This is a piece of soft cheese which practically melts in the mouth so no chewing required. Also make sure that it is not too salty

Use a spoon to cut it up into very small pieces

“Here we go Jeun Yip”

“Hmm, it tastes different”

“One more piece please”

“I like cheese!!”

We are still here

2009-06-21T22:54:00.006+08:00

I know it has been awhile since I updated the blog but it has been a most trying one month. I was two staff short at the daycare centre and after 12 hours of looking after the babies and having to clean and wash up each night I was really too exhausted to think straight. I had forgotten how time consuming housework is. In addition my electricity supply kept tripping every night so cannot use the pc at all. Finally found the culprit which is a burnt out fan upstairs which we only use at night which explains why the tripping only happens at night. I got my domestic help at last and hopefully, things are back to normal now so I have time to write again.

First of all Marie celebrated her 13th birthday in April so she is now officially a teenager and coming out with spots on her face.

Update on Wei Jun and Jeun Yip

Wei Jun actually left the centre in April but came back after 2 weeks because he missed his friends here.

Here he is with his best friend Jeun Yip. Both of them are teething and they compete with each other to produce the most amount of saliva. If you do not see them just follow the trail of saliva and you will find them.

They both love playing with Marissa (one of the twins)

Jeun Yip is shy in showing his affections

Wei Jun loves kissing Marissa even though there are bars between them.

Are you prepared for any pandemic threats?

2009-05-02T16:09:00.016+08:00

So far there are no cases of swine flu in Malaysia but we never know when it will come or even if it is already here with the ease of international travel. Below is recommendations from Sunway Medical Centre on precautions to take.

click on image to see enlarged version

In the event of a widespread outbreak of any type of illness, one of the best precautions you can take would be to eliminate or minimize your exposure to the general public by self quarantining. This would require that have ready a supply of essential supplies such as food, medications, toiletries etc. If you have not done so already, now is definitely the time to prepare to meet any future challenges rather than wait for a crisis to occur and join everyone to empty the local grocery stores.

You should have enough nonperishable and canned items to be able to get through a couple of weeks without having to leave home. If you need to take medications or supplements, it is not unreasonable to keep a three-month supply on hand. Just make sure to rotate the items as you continue to purchase new supplies each month. Whenever anyone goes to my kitchen, they always comment on the amount of nonperishable food in the cupboard and frozen food in the freezer. This is because I am always prepared for any emergencies.

For various respiratory threats I would suggest keeping a small supply of fiber surgical masks around. Dousing them with several drops of eucalyptus oil goes a long way toward both preventing and treating respiratory infections. Type N95 masks offer improved filtering power against bacteria and other pathogens. Keep a few on hand for everyone in the family. You can find the masks in many pharmacies or at any medical supply house or on the Internet. While you're shopping, include a box of surgical gloves as well.

My intent in sharing this information is not to frighten or create a feeling of hopelessness, but I do think it is a threat that you and your family need to be aware of and prepare for.

Lucas is one year old!!

2009-04-19T22:52:00.006+08:00

Lucas is the first of my batch of baby ‘rats’ to turn one. Here he is celebrating his birthday with his friends.

The Chinese believe that when a baby turns one on his Chinese birthday he should he should have a chicken leg to bite on. Want to know why? Please go to the Old Wives Tales on babiesconsult.com

An appeal for donations

2009-04-18T12:51:00.020+08:00

Wesak which is celebrated on the full-moon day in May is the most important festival of the Buddhists. Prince Siddharta was born in the garden of Lumbini, he attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya and passed away in Kusinara, all on Wesak day.

Thus Wesak is often called the thrice-sacred day. BUBS marks this joyous and happy day with celebrative events. You are invited to join us in this celebration.

SAVE A LIFE CAMPAIGN

Friday 1 May 2009
Blood Donation Campaign
Time: 10.00 am to 4 pm
Venue: Centrepoint, 1st floor, New Wing
Bandar Utama

Charity Food Fair
9am t0 2pm
Coupons at RM20.00 per booklet
Come and enoy delicious homecooked food

Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
52 Jalan BU 11/16
Bandar Utama
47800 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Email: bubsoc gmail.com

The Bandar Utama Buddhist Society was registered with the Registrar of Societies (Registration no. 364) on 18 March 2000.
From its very inception, the main objectives of the Society have been to promote the understanding, study and practice of the Buddha's Teachings and the Buddhist way of life. Till date, the Bandar Utama Buddhist Society has held events such as Buddhist cultural and educational activities, social welfare and charitable activities. This is all to foster and bolster the development of fellowship amongst Buddhist groups and individuals. The Society also aims to develop understanding, goodwill and cooperation between the Buddhist community and other similar communities in Malaysia.
The Bandar Utama Buddhist society was initially established to create a place of worship and to promote the Buddha Dhamma to the Buddhist and local communities in Bandar Utama.

Who We Are & What We Do

The Society teaches and practices the Buddha-Dhamma as recorded in the Pali scriptures. This school of Buddhism is known as the Theravada.

Our members are mostly residents of Bandar Utama and the surrounding areas, but we also have members from other parts of Selangor and other states. Although membership is for those aged eighteen and above, everyone is welcome to join in our activities. The Society arranges several services for the benefit of the community. These are:
Buddha Puja on Sundays and other events.
Dhamma School for children.
Dhamma Study Groups.
Meditation instruction and practice.
Dhamma talks by monks and other teachers.
Fellowship and welfare activities.

About RM 7 million is needed to construct the Centre.

Please offer your generosity so that our vision for a lasting spiritual Centre may be successfully fulfilled. Your gift of funds will benefit present and future generations. We appreciate and humbly offer our prayers for your heartfelt generosity.

The new Centre will be more than just a building!

It will be a place for practice.
Located in the prime middle class suburbia of Bandar Utama, the Centre will be a beacon for those seeking out the teachings of the Buddha. Weekly puja or worship, Dhamma talks, classes and group meditation sessions will be offered regularly at the Centre. It will provide an environment that is deeply needed in our daily lives: a place for all people to come and experience the benefits of learning, contemplating and practicing the Buddha’s teachings.

It will be a place for growth.
The Centre will feature contemporary architectural design harmoniously incorporating traditional Buddhist features. Importance has been given to the use of natural light. The heart of the Centre will be the unique oval-shaped shrine hall to be used for worship and Dhamma instruction. On the upper floor there will be a large hall for meditation. Adequate space will be provided for children so that they will have the opportunity to learn the Dhamma and the Buddhist culture that is essential to the continuation of our heritage. The Centre will be equipped with a kitchen and dining area. On the upper floors, visiting teachers will find comfortable guest quarters.

It will be a place for community.
The Bandar Utama Buddhist Society welcomes all who wish to participate. The Centre will be made available to the public so that all who wish to encounter the Dhamma will have the precious opportunity. It is our wish that the local community will be attracted to it and the activities held on its grounds. We wish that all who walk past its doors may experience the bliss, happiness and peace offered by the Dhamma.
The Centre will be the focal point of the Society's effort to preserve and effectively transmit the Dhamma. It will stand as a landmark of Dhammaduta initiatives here in the heart of the Klang Valley, Malaysia.

If you wish to make a one time donation, please click on the form below. Print, complete and send together with your cheque to Bandar Utama Buddhist Society

If you wish to make a donation by instalments, please click on the form below. Print, complete and send together with your cheque to Bandar Utama Buddhist Society

Childhood ingenuity

2009-04-07T14:53:00.003+08:00

Lucas is 11 months old and just learning to stand but cannot do it without support. Here he is trying to stand and play with a toy

“If I let go of my right hand, I will fall down”

“If I use my left hand to hold me up, I cannot play with the toy”

“Aha! I will lean against the sofa so that both my hands are free”

“There! Now I can use both hands to hold the toy and still stand up. Am I not a clever boy?”

Update on Wei Jun’s progress

2009-03-02T00:00:00.013+08:00

“Can you see my bottom 2 toothy pegs? This is why I always leave a trail of saliva all over the place".
Most babies start teething at about 8 -9 months but Wei Jun actually started at about 5 months plus.

Weaning baby onto home cooked porridge

As always I do not recommend blending the baby’s food as this will delay his getting used to eating adult food.

This is what the cooked rice porridge looks like

Use the back of a spoon to mash up the rice grains

The mashed up porridge is ready for feeding.

“Here I am, having home cooked porridge for the first time. It is fish porridge and it is yummy.”

For more info on cooking porridge for babies please go to 'weaning baby' at Babiesconsult.com

Wei Jun sitting without support for the first time

“I can sit without support for a few minutes but I need someone to help me as I still cannot move to the sitting position by myself.”

Wei Jun:"I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to Aunty Cecilia and all my friends at the childcare centre as my parents are going to take care of me at home"

A baby gymnast

2009-02-19T14:56:00.001+08:00

Jeun Yip showing off his gymnastic floor routine.

Hello and goodbye again

2009-02-15T22:38:00.007+08:00

In January and February we welcome

Lucas Aidan

Kristen

Lucas

Zhi Xuan

In January and February we say goodbye to the following models

Sebastian

Joshua

Zaydeen

Rhyannan

Cody

Ouch

2009-02-14T21:52:00.002+08:00

I must apologise for not posting during the last few weeks as I had a little medical problem. I developed a sebaceous cyst on my back which became infected and had to be removed. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of having it done under local anesthesia and the pain was excruciating when it came to removing the bottom part of the cyst. The doctor had to stop the procedure and remove the rest of the cyst 3 days later. My advice to anyone who needs any surgical procedure is to have it done under general anesthesia so that it can be done at one go. I still have to go for dressing every alternate day until the wound has granulated enough for it to be sutured. It was painful to move my left hand therefore cannot do much work on the pc.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2009-01-18T14:27:00.011+08:00

History of the Chinese New Year

According to experts, the Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2600BC, when Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the start of the Chinese Lunar Calendar can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. A complete cycle takes 60 years and is made up of five cycles of 12 years each. Because of this, Chinese New Year Day changes each year, as it falls on the first day of the lunar calendar.

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival because springtime is a season of renewal, when new life springs forth after the cold and passiveness of winter. Similarly, the Chinese New Year is a time of fresh beginning.

Preparations

In the past, the 20th day of the 12th Moon is set aside for the annual house cleaning, where the house from top to bottom must be swept and cleaned with bamboo leaves. Nowadays, most people clean their houses on any weekend that is available. The vacuum cleaner has made it easier to clean houses instead of using bamboo leaves which is difficult to find in urban areas. Some people even repaint the house and put up new curtains then decorate the main hall with red lanterns, banners and plastic or paper firecrackers. An auspicious red banner bearing wishes of wealth and prosperity is hung over the front door. Propitious sounding couplets like "peace on your coming and going" and "big prosperity coming in a big way" is hung everywhere.

The weeks leading up to the new year celebrations is a time of shopping frenzy, for new clothes and shoes, new year goodies like mandarin oranges, tarts and candies and foodstuff as it is believed that there must be a lot of food in the house to ensure the occupants do not go hungry during the coming year. Almost everyone will have their hair cut or restyled in order to look their best as it is believed that appearance during New Year's Day will set precedent for the rest of the year. Wherever possible all debts must be paid.

It is important that all immediate members of the family be together during this time. As some live far away, the journey home begins a few days before Chinese New Year. The New Year festivities start with the reunion dinner or feast on the eve. The food served must include items that signify good fortune, prosperity and happiness. When my grandparents were alive the dinner will consist of steamed fish, chicken curry, sweet and sour prawns, braised pork with sea cucumber and mushroom, mixed vegetables and 2 types of soup.

The Chinese love for puns and homonyms manifest in the things they choose to eat and display.

	Pineapple (wong lai in Cantonese) sounds like good fortune is coming.
	Leeks (suan in Mandarin) sound like counting. The Chinese love counting money so there must be plenty of leeks to signify lots of money.
	Fish (he in Cantonese) sounds like laughter.
	Prawns (ha in Cantonese) sounds like laughter and if coupled with fish it will sound like hehe haha. This is to ensure lots of laughter in the house during the new year.
	Sea cucumber (h oi sum in Cantonese) pronounced with a higher tone sounds like “happiness”.
	Oysters (ho see), for example, take on special significance because its Chinese name sounds like “good event”.
	The hair-like weed fatt choy is consumed in large quantities because its name sounds like “luck and prosperity” in Cantonese.
	Of course, nien gao also sounds like “year high” and recalls the adage nien nien gao sheng (“raising oneself in each coming year”).
	Candied melon signify growth and good health
	Red melon seeds signify joy and sincerity
	Lotus seeds signify lots of offspring
	Lychee nuts signify family togetherness
	Tangerines signify abundant happiness
	Peanuts signify long life
	Coconut signify togetherness
	Sesame seeds signify fertility and are sprinkled over goodies.

After the reunion feast, there is the last minute frenzy to clean the house because at the stroke of midnight sweeping and dusting is not allowed as it is believed that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep a family member away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept but it must begin at the door. The dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. Thank goodness for the vacuum cleaner so we now keep the rubbish in it instead of the corners.

Children are encouraged to stay up all night in adherence to shou sui, a practice which is believed to bring one's parents longevity. At the stroke of midnight, the New Year is ushered in with a lot of noise and prayers to welcome back the gods. Since firecrackers and fireworks are prohibited, the requisite din to herald the New Year comes from playing recorded sounds of exploding firecrackers and Chinese New Year songs. Every door and window in the house is opened to let the old year out and for the New Year to come in.

The meaning of the 15 days of the Chinese New Year.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them. It is also customary for married couples to give children and unmarried adults money inserted in red packets known as ang pow, as a gesture to mean that the recipient will enjoy a fruitful and wealthy life.
On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.
The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.
The fifth day is for welcoming the Gods of Wealth and Prosperity as it is believed that they come down from the heavens on this day. Most businesses reopen on this day with prayers and setting off firecrackers as they believe it will bring them prosperity and good fortune for their business. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.
On the sixth to the tenth day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.
The seventh day of CNY is considered the birthday of all human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success. The Cantonese community partakes in a dish called yee sang, a simple mixture of thin slices of raw fish, shredded vegetables, herbs and sauces. All the ingredients for the dish are arranged on a large platter which would then be tossed and mixed by all at the table, while saying out loud the word loh hei, which means liveliness, prosperity and longevity. The higher the yee sang is tossed the more prosperity for the coming year.
On the night of the eighth day, the Hokkien community may have another family reunion dinner and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven also known as the Jade Emperor.
The ninth day is the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Breakfast consists of hard boiled eggs and long life noodles soup. It is not allowed to hang clothes out to dry on this day.
The tenth through the twelfth are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the thirteenth day you should have simple rice congee and pickled mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.
The fifteenth day of the New Year is known as The Festival of Lanterns and marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is called Chap Goh Meh by the Hokkiens and is often regarded as the Chinese Valentine's day. It is believed that maidens would attract good husbands if they throw oranges into the river. In Penang, the Hokkien community commemorates this day with the Chingay parade where stilt walkers, lion and dragon dancers, and acrobats parade along the busy streets of Georgetown to the beat of gongs, drums and cymbals.
While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity.

Update on the 3 male mousekeeters

2009-01-15T23:47:00.011+08:00

Jeun Yip and Gavin completed their 4 months so time to introduce them to baby rice cereal and get them to practice coordinating having food in the mouth and swallowing

Here I am twiddling my thumbs waiting for this rice cereal that aunty Cecilia mentioned.

Hey!! Why don’t I practice the Gong Xi Fa Cai greeting whilst waiting?

I think my fingers taste better than what they are going to give me

Ok, let’s go for the first spoonful

Hmm, I remember Wei Jun told me the first taste is yucky, but I am not sure what to make of it.

Wait lah! I am still thinking about it.

It is standard practice to push it out, so here goes.

Oops, I forgot that they will scoop it back in.

Sigh!! Guess I have to swallow it after all

Hey!! Watch that spoon eh, I do not want that stuff in my eyes ok?

I will be a good boy and finish it Aunty Cecilia

Yea!! That was the last spoonful and I actually like the stuff. It is Gavin’s turn next he he he!!!

Gavin's turn

My friends Wei Jun and Jeun Yip have told me all about eating baby rice and I am looking forward to it. Every time that I see mummy and daddy eating I want to join them but they said no, so all I can do is watch and drool and smack my lips.

The first spoonful

Actually, I like it but must push it out so I do not spoil Aunty Cecilia’s theory

There you are, they will scoop it back like my friends said.

Yes!! I love this stuff.

Come on, give me some more

Is that all? I want some more please. Aunty Cecilia said wait a few more days before she will add more so I have to drink my milk as I am still hungry.

Update on Wei Jun’s weaning progress.

It is about one month since Wei Jun started eating baby rice. He is now taking 4 teaspoons each day

Now is the time to introduce vegetables, albeit in powder form.

Replace one teaspoon of the plain rice powder with one teaspoon of rice and vegetables. I believe in introducing food slowly to make sure that the baby’s digestive system can take it. If he is ok with it then I will give half plain rice and half rice with vegetables. By then the baby will have completed six months when it is time to start on home cooked porridge.

I can turn over now

2009-01-09T22:44:00.004+08:00

Hi again from Jeun Yip

Well last month everyone made such a big fuss when Wei Jun turned over but I did not make it. I have been practising and you can see what I have achieved whilst aunty Cecilia was away.

Our holiday photos

2009-01-09T14:43:00.001+08:00

Here are our holiday photos as promised. We arrived at Heathrow airport on Saturday 20th December and the temperature was 11 degrees which is not too bad.

This is my friends’ house in Surrey. May and I did our general nurse training together 40 years ago and I am godmother to both the children.

The next day (Sunday) my friend May took us to East End of London to visit old haunts. We were sad to find that London Jewish Hosp where we did our general nurse training was gone.

This is Petticoat Lane which is near the hospital. We used to go to this open air market because everything is quite cheap and it is still the same. There is a shop that sells beautiful suits at a fraction of the price that one has to pay in the big department stores. We definitely spent some money here.

Then it was off to Burrough Market near London Bridge. It is actually more a food market and I must say the prices are much higher compared to the supermarkets.

Stalls selling fish and wild game like pheasants, partridges and the poor rabbits.

These are the cheese and pie stalls

Flowers and all kinds of yummy chocolates

The next day (Monday) it was off to the Natural Science Museum in High Street Kensington.

You need a whole day to see all the exhibits so we concentrated on the dinosaurs as this is Marie’s interest.

Then we went to meet my godson Iain for a meal in Chinatown. Marie had her first taste of crispy aromatic duck and she fell in love with it. If anyone knows where we can find this dish in the Klang Valley, please let me know. Thanks

By the time we finished eating it was about 4 p.m. and it was rapidly getting dark so we headed straight for Trafalgar Square to look at the giant Christmas tree.

A brisk walk took us to Big Ben which was already lit up. Marie had to try the phone in one of the famous red phone booths.

This is Downing Street which is now gated so no more photos outside the actual building itself. My poor legs which have not done much walking for the last twenty years were now getting very tired and the cold made it a slow walk to Buckingham Palace. After that it was a very slow trudge back to the station.

Tuesday we met up with my niece and spent the whole day walking from Tottenham Court Road where we visited my favourite book shop, Foyles. Prices of books here are quite cheap so had to buy some books. Then it was down Oxford Street all the way up to Marble Arch. Some of the big department stores where I used to buy my clothes were gone to be replaced by IT and mobile phone shops. However we did spend more money here buying our Chinese New Year clothes.

This is one of the window display in Debenhams and by the time my legs gave way it was 5 p.m. and very dark as you can see in the photo.

On Wednesday Marie and I went to the Tower of London. We managed to see the crown jewels, beefeaters and Tower Bridge.

We decided to walk along the embankment towards Big Ben but I took a wrong turn and we ended up in the opposite direction (blush). My saving grace was that we found this lovely marina which brought back memories of my sailing days when I was much younger and fitter.

We had to take a bus back to the embankment and luckily for us we had the travel card which included unlimited train, tube and bus rides. The cost of the tickets was 7 pounds for me and 1 pound for Marie. We found the sphinx and Cleopatra’s needle and by the time we had walked to the Embankment station, Marie was too hungry and tired to continue so we stopped for food in an Indian restaurant

Christmas day was spent at home. Here we are with my godchildren Iain and Caroline.

Marie checking her Christmas stocking whilst poor cold mummy warms her hands in front of the fire.

This is the table all laid up by Iain and the father, Peter carving the turkey. We had a really scrumptious lunch, all cooked by May.

The hot brandy being poured over the Christmas pudding and here it is all lit up. It has been a long, long time since I had a real good pudding. It was really nice to stay at home and relax in front of the box.

On Boxing Day we went to Tonbridge to look at my flat that I stayed in before I came back to Malaysia. The photo on the left is what it looked like when I left and the one on the right is what it looks like now. Then we went looking for the other hospitals that I used to work in and sad to say they are all gone.
Saturday was stay at home day for Marie whilst I went to the local Tesco to get stuff like gravy powder, dried herbs and so forth because it was real cheap in the sales.

On Sunday we were off again. This time it was to Paris. We joined a coach tour and did the crossing by train via the Channel tunnel. We arrived in the outskirts of Paris very late at night so the only thing to do was to go to bed. The next day we were taken into Paris but unfortunately, we could only take photos from the coach as there were only a few stops. In addition, I forgot to bring my camera charger so could not take many photos.

We managed to get off the coach for this picture of the Eiffel Tower. The photo on the right is Cleopatra’s needle in Paris.

The Louvre was closed so we did not get to see the famous Mona Lisa therefore we went to the Galleries Lafayette to do more shopping. Marie insists that the fashion here is much better than those in London

On New Year’s Eve we went back to Trafalgar Square to visit the National Art Gallery. Then it was back to Chinatown for another round of crispy aromatic duck which Marie insisted on having.

After another one of May’s scrumptious dinner we relaxed in front of the box to watch the fireworks display whilst sipping champagne. Marie having her first taste of champagne which she was not too keen on so we added fresh orange juice to it to make Buck’s fizz which she could not stop drinking. LOL

A must visit to Harrods where everything is so expensive so no buying spree. There was a memorial for Princess Diana and Dodi.

Then it was back to see Big Ben and parliament House in daylight. Peter insists that I am wearing a tea cosy on my head.

It was good timing as we got to see the horse guards’ parade going to Buckingham Palace. The queen was not in so we did not get to have tea with her.

Being our last day in UK, we had to do more shopping and a must visit to the Croydon vegetable market. Surprisingly, Marie actually enjoyed eating Brussels sprouts so we had to get a photo of her next to them. Marie was looking forward to playing in the snow but it did not snow at all whilst we were there.

We left UK on Saturday and arrived back in KL on Sunday afternoon and the first thing we did was to have wanton mee and char kueh tiaw. I then received an email from Peter who told me that it snowed the day after we left.

From Marie and me

2008-12-31T14:17:00.007+08:00

Back in England

2008-12-28T15:15:00.003+08:00

It is a week now since Marie and I arrived in England. The temperature has been getting colder by the day but still no snow. This past week it is down memory lane for me as I have been going round looking for the places that I used to work at and lived in. It is sad to see the hospitals that I used to work in are all demolished and gone. These are:
The London Jewish Hospital
The Bromley/Farnborough/Beckenham Maternity Hospital
Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital

Surprisingly, all the places that I used to live in are still there albeit slightly different from when I was living there. Will post the photos when I am back in M'sia.
Do we miss Malaysia? The answer is definitely YES!!

There is nothing like being in your own home wherever that may be.
There is nothing like doing your own things at whatever time or day.
The internet connection in Malaysia is faster.
Our hosts feed us very well but we do miss the food in Malaysia especially when out shopping.

All said and done, it is sale, sale, sale everywhere and we are enjoying this aspect of our visit very much. The saddest part is seeing the closing down of Woolworths on Boxing Day. As a matter of fact, not many of the famous big name stores are left as I notice when walking down Oxford and Regent Streets.
Chinatown has not changed much with the same restaurants like Loong Fong and Lee Hau Fook still there. The Chinese supermarkets are still there selling more or less the same things.

We are off to Paris later this morning so will post again when we come back.

Wei Jun and Jeun Yip's progress

2008-12-18T21:57:00.007+08:00

Most babies will roll over onto their tummies at about six months but here Wei Jun has made it at 5 months. In fact he can roll over and over across 4 mattresses. A word of caution, if your baby starts rolling over you have to be extra careful when he is on a high surface as the chances of rolling off onto the floor is increased. Pillows and bolsters as a barricade will not stop him falling down.

Hi, I am Jeun Yip and I love playing with my hands

They are making such a big fuss because Wei Jun can turn over onto his tummy

I am sure I can do it too

Ok, here goes…….

Nearly there…..

Oh no, I am not going to make it

Looks like I did’nt make it this time

Oh well, guess I’ll stay with playing with my hands and toes for now.

3 more girls

2008-12-18T14:18:00.002+08:00

Finally I have managed to get nice photos of the 3 latest addition to the centre and it is nice to have a few more girls.

Rhyannan

Mirabelle and Marissa are twins.

Weaning baby - the first feed

2008-12-10T15:17:00.009+08:00

When it comes to weaning baby onto solid food there are some controversies about when to start and what to give. I would like to share with you the technique that I have used over the years and so far all the children that I have weaned have fantastic appetites and will eat anything as they grow older. This makes it easy for the parents when they want to eat out and there is no fear that the child will not have a balanced diet.

A few pointers to remember:

• Do not start until the baby has completed 4 months of age.
• Do not force the baby to eat if he is not ready.
• The amount given does not replace the milk feed.

I like to start after 4 months instead of 6 months because eating something thicker in consistency and drinking milk requires 2 different actions. I find that the baby learns to coordinate taking food into the mouth, moving it to the back of the mouth and then swallowing it faster than if left to 6 months. Always start with 1 teaspoon baby rice powder mixed with water and stirred to a very fine slightly watery paste.

Wei Jun has completed his 4 months so we will try and see if he likes it.

Aunty Cecilia says that I am eating baby rice today. I wonder what it is all about.

Maybe I don’t have to eat it if I pretend to sleep.

Maybe if I look away?

Oops, guess I better open my mouth cos I can see Aunty Cecilia’s stern face looking at me.

Ok, it’s in my mouth, so what do I do with it?

Oh Aunty Cecilia says to swallow it, but how do I do that?

Ugh oh, it is all dribbling out and she is scooping it back in.

I think I have got it and it is not so bad after all.

Hey!! I am really enjoying this stuff.

Waaah! I want some more.

The video below shows you how to mix the baby rice powder.

Growth and development progress

2008-12-07T20:48:00.013+08:00

Beginning this month I will be posting a monthly report on the growth and development progress of 4 new babies in my centre. The objective of these reports are to hopefully show you that each baby will grow and develop at his own pace even though they are given similar stimulation and care. This is a photo of the 4 'mouseketeers'. They are 3 boys and 1 girl. The reason why I added a girl is because it is generally believed that girls develop faster than boys so we shall see if this is true.

Starting from the right, the babies are:

Wei Jun - born end of July, is 4 months and 1 week old

Jeun Yip – born middle of August is 3 months and 2 weeks old

Gavin – born end of August is 3 months and 1 week old

Renee – born middle of September is 2 months and 2 weeks old

The videos below are to see how each baby tries controlling their heads.

Wei Jun

Jeun Yip

Gavin

Hi, I am Renee and Aunty Cecilia says it is boring watching all the boys lifting their heads so I will show what I can do.

See? I can hold my head quite well without support.

Welcome and goodbye

2008-12-01T14:23:00.001+08:00

Lately I have been having a lot of boys to my centre so it is nice to welcome a little princess to the 'family'

Renee

Unfortunately we have to say goodbye to

Julia who is moving to Australia

Sze Wei who has graduated from the centre and going to preschool

What a 7 month old baby can do

2008-11-19T22:56:00.005+08:00

By six to eight months, if you position a baby properly in the sitting position he can remain sitting for a short period without falling over. He does this by using his hands to balance his upper body. Initially he uses both hands to balance himself, then he uses one hand and eventually he will be able to sit without having to balance himself. Once he discovers what the world looks like from this vantage point, he will ‘demand’ to be put in this position every time he is awake.
Here are some photos of Jeremy demonstrating the technique.

Hello, I can sit without falling over.

I think I need to hold on to something so I don’t fall over

There, aren’t I a clever boy?

Let’s try the hands free stuff.

Oops!! Nearly fell over

Hmmm, I wonder what those pinky things are.

Ju Lia's achievement, our new 'super models' and Sze Wei is 2 years old

2008-11-04T02:49:00.010+08:00

Ju Lia having her first taste of solid food
"I love this cereal"

Welcome to our new 'models'

Jeun Yip

Wei Jun

Aidan

Gavin

Happy 2nd birthday to Sze Wei

Hi! I am the birthday girl

My friends here are so slow in singing happy birthday to me

My mummy is here to help me cut the cake

I want to hold your hands

2008-10-31T23:03:00.005+08:00

Friendship can start at an early age as Ju Lia and Jeremy demonstrates.

This is Ju Lia and Jeremy

Jeremy: “shall we hold hands Julia?”

Ju Lia: “oh, ok then”

Yea!! We are friends now

9 crucial tips for an attempted abduction

2008-10-31T22:52:00.001+08:00

This is for you and everyone you know. Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one's life. Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, it is important to know what to do in an emergency situation...

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.)
DON'T DO THIS!
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead start the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes get out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

A. Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Some serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back and get someone - guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP
It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathy of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over.
The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'
He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.

The Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana

After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

Jeremy having his first semi solid food

2008-10-13T20:52:00.004+08:00

We started giving Jeremy baby rice at the end of his fifth month instead of the fourth month because he was born three weeks early. This is to give allowance for his biological age.

Here we go. The first spoonful of baby rice.

This is the typical initial reaction

The food is always pushed out because he does not know how to push it to the back of the mouth

Just scoop it back in and start all over again. Most babies get the hang of things by the end of the week.

New articles at Babiesconsult.com

2008-09-30T16:46:00.005+08:00

1. Baby cots – safety features and proper use

Safety tips on buying a cot and how to use it properly.

This article is filed under Pregancy

2. How to Analyze Your Child's Handwriting

Graphology and Grapho-therapy are such great tools that allow us to take a peek into our children's development

One very interesting fact about graphology is the fact that if a person changes his handwriting, it will change his personality. We call this Grapho-therapy. It is a tool we can use for the benefit of our children. A tool that is free, effective and we can turn it into fun.

This article is filed under Baby care

To read the full articles you need to login to babiesconsult.com

Christopher is one year old

2008-09-20T22:52:00.007+08:00

The day for Christopher to celebrate his first birthday finally arrived and he was so excited, he refused to have his morning nap.

Finally, I am one year old like my friends on my sides

I do not know how to blow the candle on that big cake

Mummy helping him to cut the cake

Hey, I got some cream on my lips.

Christopher when he joined the centre

The Meaning of Ramadan

2008-09-20T22:17:00.014+08:00

This year Ramadan started on 1st September.

Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd "to burn". The month is spent fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to dusk therefore fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins.

As the third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam (Submission), fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God.

As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate and learning thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. Fasting is also beneficial to the individual’s health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.

Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Quran, giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. For Muslims (Submitters), Ramadan is an opportunity to gain by giving up, to prosper by going without and to grow stronger by enduring weakness.

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for those who can do it. . Sick people, small children and some travelers in certain conditions are exempted from fasting but must make it up when they are able. The daily period of fasting starts at the breaking of dawn and ends at sunset and Muslims (Submitters) totally abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sex. The usual practice is to have a pre-fast meal (suhoor) before dawn and a post-fast meal (iftar) after sunset.

Food in Ramadan

Since Ramadan is a special time, Muslims (Submitters) in many parts of the world prepare certain favorite foods during this month. Ramadan emphasizes community aspects and since everyone eats dinner at the same time, Muslims often invite one another to share in the Ramadan evening meal. Some find that they eat less for dinner during Ramadan than at other times due to stomach contraction. However, as a rule, most Muslims experience little fatigue during the day since the body becomes used to the altered routine during the first week of Ramadan.

Malaysia, being the land of gastronomic delights, has an amazing array of food for breaking fast and a myriad of Pasar (market) Ramadan all over KL. I love going to these markets, as there are a wide variety of food from the different states and the price for the food is very reasonable. This year I went to the market in Taman Tun as it is the closest to my house.

If the food is delicious, there will be a long queue of people waiting for their turn to buy the food.

This is the sugar cane stall. See the amount of pulp left after the juice had been extracted.

One of my favourite is roti jala a lacy-like crepe commonly served with curry. It literally translates to 'net bread' referring to its thread-like pattern that resembles fishing net. Essentially a type of crepe, Roti Jala occasionally replaces rice in the Malay home. The batter is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter that gives it the yellow colour. A special cup or mould with small holes is used to make the lacy crepe that is cooked over a hot griddle.

My purchases

All these for RM 50.00 only, which is not bad

Bubur lambuk is a special kind of Malay porridge prepared especially for iftar (the break of fast) during the fasting month of Ramadan. It is similar to the Chinese style porridge or “jook” albeit a more savoury and herbal version. The ingredients consist of little pieces of beef, cumin, cloves, fried onions and parsley. Coconut milk is added as a final touch to give it a rich texture and that aromatic flavour and smell. Bubur lambuk is also a unity food, prepared at most mosques for free distribution to Muslims in the neighbourhood and especially to the poor.

Malaysian grilled fish (ikan bakar) is better than western style of barbecuing because the fish is placed on a piece of banana leaf therefore the fish is not in direct contact with the flames of the charcoal. It is absolutely delicious served with sambal belacan sauce.

Keropok lekor is a type of snack made with fish and some sago. The mixture is then shaped like sausages, which will be fried as it is, or cut into thinner slices before frying to make them crispier. The best keropok lekor is supposed to be from Terengganu but I have found equally good lekor in Muar.

Christopher made it

2008-09-11T06:11:00.006+08:00

You can see the determination he had to join the ranks of 'walkers'. Then it was singing and dancing to the song'Okey Cokey'

Four of my little 'piglets' feeding themselves

New articles at Babiesconsult.com

2008-09-07T22:49:00.004+08:00

The truth about DHA and ARA in infant formula milk

Scientists have conducted numerous studies that show little or no benefit to an infant’s development from adding DHASCO and ARASCO to infant formula. DHA and ARA may be ineffective or even unsafe according to a report.

To read the full articles you need to login to babiesconsult.com
This article is filed in Health Alerts

Welcome and Goodbye

2008-09-07T22:34:00.011+08:00

This month we welcome

Zoe

Jeremy

Ju Lia

We are sad to say goodbye to

Jade

Chloe

Jocelyn

Jocelyn's progress

2008-09-05T23:27:00.004+08:00

It is about two and half weeks since Jocelyn started walking and today you can see how steady she is.

Well Lucas has decided to join the ranks of 'walkers' as well. I love the way he walks.

Another one year old at the centre

2008-08-25T23:19:00.006+08:00

Happy birthday to Jocelyn who is one year old today.

Chloe's achievement

2008-08-22T14:12:00.012+08:00

I would like to introduce you to Chloe who is my youngest baby at the centre. Everybody is starting to walk so not wanting to be left out, she has decided to do something for me to mention her on the blog.

“Hi, my name is Chloe and I am 5 and 1/2 months old”

“Oh you want me to put my hands up?”

“Don’t know if I can do it but I’ll try”

“Here we go hands up”

“How was that?”

“One more time?”

“Oops, lost control there”

Someone else is walking

2008-08-18T21:08:00.003+08:00

Not wanting to be left behind, Jocelyn suddenly decided that she wants to join the ranks of 'baby walkers'. Here she is walking, just 1 week away from her first birthday.

We ate for charity

2008-08-10T21:47:00.014+08:00

This is what durian lovers in the Klang valley did on August 10, 2008. All proceeds from the sale of the durians are for the Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia.

The Children's Wish movement is worldwide and its purpose is to grant a wish to terminally ill children. CWS of Malaysia serves these terminally ill children who reside in East or West Malaysia. When a child is stricken with an illness that cannot be cured, it is something outside anything they did. Most wonder why they are in hospital and not getting better. They wonder why their friends can play outside while they are confined to bed. Our purpose is to fill in this gap by granting a wish that they might make.

Persatuan Impian Kanak-kanak Malaysia
Children's Wish Society of Malaysia
23A Jalan SS14/2, 47500, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Email admin@cwsmalaysia.org
ROS Reg. No. 0869-08-SEL

Durians of all shapes, sizes and flavours

Volunteers opening the durians for us

The opened durians placed on tables around the area

An enthusiast taking pictures of the fruit

Marie trying out the durian

“Looks alright”

“Smells alright”

The first bite

“Hmm, that was nice”

Update

About 800 people attended making this a successful first ever event. We raised approximately RM 33,000, all of which will be channeled towards the granting of wishes.

Side effects of eating durians and how to prevent it

Most people love eating durians but unfortunately, durians are very 'heaty' and some people complain of sore throat after eating durians. Below are a couple of things you can do to reduce the heatiness effects.

Immediately after enjoying your durians eat some mangosteens which is 'cooling'

Put some salt and water into one of the durian shell.

Stir and drink the mixture to prevent sore throat.

Wash your hands with water flowing from a durian shell to get rid of the durian smell on your hands

Sebastian is 1 year old

2008-08-08T14:12:00.004+08:00

The day after Jade's birthday, it was Sebastian's turn to 'blow the candle'.

Happy birthday to Jade

2008-08-07T15:46:00.009+08:00

Jade celebrating her second birthday with her friends. She could not blow out the candles so her friends especially Li Harng gave her a helping 'blow'

However she is an expert at cutting the cake

This is Jade when she came to the centre in January 2007

Babies and sleep

2008-08-03T20:05:00.005+08:00

A common question among parents is how much sleep the baby or child needs. Parents worry if a child is not sleeping enough, if the child is sleeping too much and even if the babies sleep just the right amount. There is just something innate about being a parent that inspires worry. However, knowing how much sleep is appropriate for your baby will give you a basis of whether you should worry or not and this article can only serve as a guide.

Filed under category: Baby care

Look who else is walking

2008-08-02T19:13:00.007+08:00

Sebastian taking his first steps on his own. He is 11+ months old

This month we say goodbye to Chloe, Li Harng and Derrick who have graduated and started kindi school

Chloe

Li Harng

Derrick

Ma Li (馬麗) and Zhai Xiaowei (翟孝偉).

2008-07-19T17:31:00.002+08:00

Just to show what determination and faith in oneself can do

Joshua walking unaided

2008-07-12T23:08:00.008+08:00

Joshua turned one last month and now he has started walking unaided. Well done Joshua

another birthday

2008-07-12T22:04:00.005+08:00

Lucas celebrating his first birthday

A double celebration again

2008-07-04T21:09:00.008+08:00

Do accept my apologies for the shaking of the camera. Still learning to control the camera.

Last year's party photo

Late June Joshua celebrated his first birthday

Early June we celebrated Derrick's second birthday

June News

2008-06-30T13:27:00.000+08:00

At present most of the babies at the centre are either crawling or learning to walk. I have been trying to take their photos with no success so far.

Happy second birthday to Derrick

Toddler feeding himself

2008-06-29T11:14:00.006+08:00

Li Harng feeding himself. He is 23 months old

May News

2008-05-31T13:18:00.002+08:00

We welcome Chloe who is 2 months old

We welcome Tristan who is 8 months old.

We say farewell to Aiden

Happy first birthday to Zaydeen

I would like to show you how we spend some of our time singing and dancing.

A tribute to an amazing mom

2008-05-04T15:33:00.001+08:00

This year I would like to celebrate Mother’s Day with a tribute to this amazing mom in the video. I hope that her story will inspire us to be fantastic mothers to our children.

April News

2008-04-30T12:38:00.002+08:00

I was a little concerned with Jocelyn as she was still eating and sleeping all day at 8 months. Then all of a sudden, she started to push herself to the sitting position and crawling commando style within one week. At the time of writing, she has started pulling herself up to stand. What a clever girl.

This month my daughter Marie will be 12 years old. I cannot believe how time flies. It seems like only yesterday that I brought her back from the hospital and having to wake up for her night feeds. To celebrate her birthday and to thank her for brightening up my life, I would like to share with you some of her baby photos up to her graduation from kindergarten at 6 years old.

This is Marie’s first photo taken immediately after birth in the labour room.	She just completed her first month.

Here she is trying to lift her head off the bed.	She did it and even managed to lift the upper part of her body.

Taking her first steps and learning to stand. She managed to walk by herself for the first time at 14 months. The lazy girl!

She loves bashing away at the piano and sitting in the driver’s seat in my car.

Here she is having her first swimming lesson at 6 months. The orange patch on the swimsuit is a padding to help keep her afloat in the water. We had an excellent swimming instructor but she is no longer residing in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, this is the only photo of her first birthday cake. Then it was a family dinner in a restaurant.

“I wonder what mummy will say if I play with her computer?”

Her love for the cell phone started early as you can see.	Here she is- 2 years old already.

Going to school for the first time at 3 years old	Showing off her singing prowess

She is the lead singer in the school concert. She is 5 years old here.	Now she is showing off her dancing skills.

Here she has earned her first sports trophy.	Her graduation from kindergarten
Marie did not want to have a birthday party but only wanted me to be healthy and live a long life.

We decided to have a quiet dinner at one of the restaurants nearby.	She loves cup cakes so this is her ‘birthday cake’

Had another celebration with grandma	As we are not lovers of cakes we had a very small cake this year
	My ‘babies’ celebrating my birthday with me.

Springtime in April

2008-04-29T13:34:00.005+08:00

April always reminds me of spring when I was living in the U.K. One of my passions is gardening and I would love to share with you some photos of how a few plants can make a difference to the appearance of a place and maybe to show off my gardening skills. LOL.


When I first moved into my apartment, this is what the garden looked like.	I love having window boxes to brighten up the windows and I have about 6 – 8 different plants in each of them.

This is a view of the front of the apartment	A view of the side of the apartment.

The flowers are all in full bloom now.

This is where I started building my rock garden.	My small patch of lawn and a bird table for me to feed the birds during winter.
	This is me basking in the sun and enjoying the fruits of my ‘labour’
Below are pictures of my garden when I first came back to Malaysia in 1988

March News

2008-03-31T12:29:00.001+08:00

Sebastian is now 6 ½ months old and is able to sit without support. He looks so cute I just cannot resist posting all the photos instead of the usual one.

Aiden joined us in January but I only just managed to get his photo.

We say farewell to Kyan who has moved out of the area

An Obituary

2008-03-09T19:19:00.001+08:00

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn’t always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t legally defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I’m a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Amen

I absolutely agree with the above obituary to Common Sense. Somehow, over the years I see new parents making decisions about their children’s welfare not based on common sense but according to how ‘kia su’ they are. I have to admit that sometimes I forget about using common sense when handling Marie and her demands and tend to give in because she is my only child and darling.

February News

2008-02-29T18:58:00.011+08:00

	Hi! My name is Christopher and I have just completed my 4th month. Aunty Cecilia says that today I have to start learning how to eat semi-solids. If I leave it too long I will not be able to coordinate taking food into the mouth and swallowing it.
	See the bowl? It has 1 teaspoon baby rice mixed with water to make a smooth paste and I am supposed to eat all that.
	Ok, I am ready for the first mouthful.
	Yikes! What was that? This taste yucky. I am so used to drinking my nice milk from a bottle and this is nothing like it!
	Hmm, you want my opinion about the paste? Firstly, it is absolutely tasteless. It is not as smooth as my milk and it is not easy moving it to the back of my mouth to swallow it.
	Ok aunty Cecilia, you can hit me again with the next spoonful.
	Oops! Looks like I did not get it right because it all came out again.
	“Not to worry” says aunty Cecilia “we’ll just scoop it back in again and again if necessary”
	See! She got it all back in and I swallowed it all.
	Hold it! Hold it! Let me think. Do I want to continue eating this tasteless yucky paste???
	Hey! I am not a quitter so let’s go. Give me the next spoonful….
	…… and the next.
	…… and the next.
	Hello, I finished all that was in the bowl in 15 minutes. Heck! It wasn't that bad after all. Aunty Cecilia says that I am a clever boy and we will do this again tomorrow. She says that I can only eat this once a day for the next 3 weeks then she will add vegetable powder to the rice. Hmm, wonder what that will taste like.
	“Hey aunty Cecilia, does this mean that I can now eat the same food as my mummy and daddy?” Sigh! She says no, I will have to wait until I am over 1 year old before I can do that but she will let me start eating some cheese and other stuff when I am over 10 months old, yeah! Eh….what is cheese?

Zaydeen progressing to crawling on all fours instead of commando style.

Happy first birthday to my ‘3 musketeers’
Cody

Josiah

Kyan

We say goodbye to Jeffrey.

Comments from the previous website on Special Events:
Posted by Ann 29 January 2008, 07:29:11 AM

Hehehe....I love Christopher's expressions! It is so easy to read what he is thinking!

Posted by David Kung 29 January 2008, 09:53:39 PM

Hi Ann,
I LOVE THE PHOTOS OF BABY CHRISTOPHER TAKING HIS FIRST BITE OF SOLID FOOD.GOOD ADVERT FOR BABY FOOD.

GREAT SITE...esp for young mums and dads and even grandparents.THANKS.

January News

2008-01-31T18:51:00.002+08:00



Sebastian and Jocelyn completed their fourth month so having their first taste of baby rice.

Joshua trying to crawl.

Sze Wei starting to walk unaided. She is 13 months old.

This month we welcome 1 new model to our childcare centre

Christopher is 3 ½ months old

We say goodbye to 3 super models


Benjamin	Guo Yi	Colin

A Touch Of Love

2008-01-06T16:32:00.000+08:00

You were six months old and full of fun,
with a blink of my eye, you were suddenly one.
There were so many things we were going to do,
but I turned my head and you turned two.

At two, you were very dependent on me,
but independence took over when you turned three.
Your third birthday; another year I tried to ignore,
but when I lit the candles, there weren’t three, but four.

Four was the year that you really strived.
Why, look at you now, you’re already five.
Now you are ready for books and for rules.
This is the year you go to school.

The big day came, you were anxious to go.
We walked to the bus going oh, so slow.
As you climbed aboard and waved good-bye,
I felt a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes.

Time goes so fast it’s hard to believe
that just yesterday you were home here with me.
And tomorrow when the bus brings you home
and you jump to the ground
you’ll be wearing your cap and graduation gown.

So I’m holding to these moments as hard as I can,
because the next time I look, I’ll be seeing a man.

Author unknown

Babiesconsult is 1 year old!!

2007-12-31T23:24:00.008+08:00

Babiesconsult.com is 1 year old this month!!!!

I cannot believe that one year has gone by since I started this website. To celebrate our first birthday and Christmas I would like to give you a present.

Christmas Books - A Collection of 16 Books of Stories for the Young and Old (5.12MB)

This month we welcome 1 new model to our childcare centre

Jocelyn is 3 months old

This is Jeffrey pushing himself up to the sitting position. He is 6 months plus. Most babies will normally do this at about 8 months.
	Starting position
	Pushing up the upper body
	Checking to make sure the legs have moved forward
	Pushing the upper body backwards
	Almost there
	Hey! I am sitting
	Oops! That did not last long
	Let’s try again
	One week later... "I did it!!!"

Zaydeen completed her 6 months so time to start eating proper home cooked porridge. She loves it.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-31T16:16:00.007+08:00

December is a very nostalgic month for me as it always brings back memories of my 15 years in England. During my early years in England, it always snowed over the Christmas holidays so I always looked forward to getting up in the mornings and looking out of the window to see how much snow has fallen and having snow fights with my friends. I love walking down Oxford Street looking at all the Christmas decorations and joining in the frenzy of shopping for presents even though I am not a Christian. On weekends before Christmas we would go to the woods to pick chestnuts and berries.

Whilst single, I usually worked during the Christmas holidays so that the married staff can spend Christmas with their families. On Christmas Eve we would go caroling from ward to ward to cheer up the few patients who could not go home. At the stroke of midnight we cheered and wished each other ‘Merry Christmas” and exchanged presents. This is the only night that we are allowed to drink wine on duty. Most of the Malaysian nurses are not good drinkers so try and imagine seeing us serving bed pans and urinals with red faces. The next day all the hospital staff on duty or living in the nurses’ hostel would be invited to a Christmas lunch in the staff canteen. I love this day because this is the only day in the year when all the senior hospital staff i.e. the administrators, matrons and ward sisters would serve us the junior staff. We just sit at the table and wait to be served the traditional roast turkey, potatoes, turnips, brussel sprouts, plum pudding and mince pies. ………….yum, yum!!!

After I got married, it was Christmas at home, putting up the Christmas tree, cooking the dinner for relatives and so forth. While the turkey is in the oven, it is down to the nearest pub for a quick pint and meeting friends who cannot make it for dinner.

Our Xmas tree

The table set for dinner

After dinner, we would sit by the fireplace and have toasted marshmallows and all the Christmas goodies and either sing Christmas carols or just chat or watch old movies on the box. The next day is eating all the left over and my favourite is ‘Bubble and Squeak’ which is chopping up all the vegetables and then frying them. Ah…………. Those were the days.

I still make it a point to celebrate Christmas here in Malaysia but the weather is so hot, it is not the same.

The meaning of Christmas

Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. In most places around the world, Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. In the United Kingdom and many countries of the Commonwealth, December 26 is called Boxing Day. The word "Christmas" is a contraction of two words "Christ's mass" and is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038. In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter ? is the first letter of Christ (???st??). Since the mid-16th century ?, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ. Thus, Xmas is an abbreviation for Christmas.

Christmas festivities often combine the commemoration of Jesus' birth with various secular customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier winter festivals. The date as a birth date for Jesus is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth.

The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn during a festival called Saturnalia which began in the middle of December and ended on January 1st. The celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae (lucky fruits). The Romans decked their halls with garlands of laurel and green trees lit with candles and the masters and slaves would exchange places. The early Christians wanted to keep the birthday of their Christ child a solemn and religious holiday, not one of cheer and merriment as was the pagan Saturnalia but as Christianity spread they were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs and Saturnalia among their converts. At first the Church forbade this kind of celebration, but to no avail. Eventually it was decided that the celebration would be tamed and made into a celebration fit for the Christian Son of God.

Some legends claim that the Christian "Christmas" celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also the Persians whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. The Church eventually was successful in taking the merriment, lights, and gifts from the Saturnalia festival and bringing them to the celebration of Christmas.

Christmas traditions - How It All Started

Santa Claus

The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas who was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. He is depicted as a merry rotund old man with red and white clothes living with his wife and elves in Lapland in the North Pole and he has e ight flying reindeers one of whom is the famous Rudolph the red nosed reindeer . On the night of December 24 th he enters houses through the chimney to fill socks or stockings with presents.

In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. In Scandinavia , similar-minded children leave their shoes on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to a legend which tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry. To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left each of the three sisters a gift of gold coins. One went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. Another went into a pair of stockings left hanging by the fire to dry.

Christmas Trees

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles. Since then, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles.

In 1846, the Illustrated London News showed the popular royals, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Queen Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at court immediately became fashionable—not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. It was noted that Europeans used small trees about four feet in height, while Americans liked their Christmas trees to reach from floor to ceiling.

Yule log

Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth. The original Yule Log Ceremony was a festival celebrating the sun’s return during the winter solstice, which occurs close to the time we celebrate Christmas today.

Originally, the Yule Log was burned in honor of the gods and to bring good luck in the coming year. The log always came from its owners' land or a neighbor's property, and was never purchased. Once dragged into the house and placed in the fireplace it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before being set ablaze on Christmas Eve accompanied by music, fun, and games.

The log would burn throughout the night and left to smolder for 12 days after which it was ceremonially put out. It was customary that each year a piece of the Yule Log was saved and used to start the fire for the next year's log. To help kindle the fire, holly was placed under the log. Customarily, guests would toss a sprig of holly into the fire to burn up the troubles of the past year and to keep their houses safe from lightning and being burnt down in the New Year. Since the disappearance of great hearths or fireplaces the great log was thus replaced by a smaller one, often embellished with candles and greenery and placed in the centre of the table as a Christmas decoration. Today, the Yule log has become a traditional pastry, a delicious cake roll, smothered in coffee or chocolate-flavoured icing and decorated with sugared holly leaves and roses

England is where the following traditions started

Christmas greeting cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting were produced by an Englishman named John Calcott Horsley who helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards in the late 1830s. Improved postal services in England and the United States made the cards an overnight sensation. At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York.

Mistletoe has long been a symbol of love, peace and goodwill. From the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants of European folklore. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else in the room, a behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society.

Caroling also began in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money .

Plum pudding is an English dish dating back to the Middle Ages. Suet, flour, sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are "plum," meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake, and topped with cream.

The 12 Days of Christmas - Bollywood version!

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Asian festival

Chinese winter solstice Dong Zhi

Literally meaning the "arrival ( 至) of winter ( 冬)”, Dong Zhi is the second most important festival of the Chinese calendar, and is the last festival of the year. Celebrated on the longest night of the year, Dong Zhi is the day when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest. Dong Zhi has its origins in the farmer's celebrations of the year-end harvest.

Marie making the tang yuan this year
	I prefer to mix the dough myself and I normally have 3 colours Red = females White = males Yellow = money
	Starting with the first ‘ball’
	“Ok I have finished rolling all the ‘balls’
	Cook the ‘balls’ by boiling in a pot of water. Once the ‘balls’ are cooked, transfer them to pot of sugared water which is flavoured with a couple of pandan leaves and a small piece of fresh ginger
	“Mummy the sieve is too short and I am getting my fingers burnt”
	“Ok this sieve is much better”
	The finished product

Non Asian festivals

The next festival I want to highlight here is a Jewish festival called Hanukkah or Chanukah . Most Asians may not have heard of this festival. I was lucky that I was able to learn about Judaism, its festivals and traditions because I started my nursing career in a Jewish hospital where I did my general nurse training. It was a very small hospital which catered to the Jewish community in East London. I always marvel at the setup of the hospital because 95 % of the patients were Jews and 95 % of the nurses were Malaysians. Being a Jewish hospital we had to observe their traditions such as not eating pork on the premises, not cooking on Saturdays (Sabbath) and helping the patients to celebrate the festivals.

The History of Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In Hebrew, the word "Hanukkah" means "dedication." In 2007 Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4.

In the 2nd century B.C. Judah Maccabee and his brothers defeated Hellenistic-Syrian King Antiochus IV, who was trying to wipe out Judaism. When they chased the enemy out of Jerusalem, the Maccabees found their temple had been desecrated. They cleaned and repaired the Temple, and when they were finished, they decided to have a big dedication ceremony. For the celebration, the Maccabees wanted to light the menorah. They had only one small vial of untainted olive oil -- enough, they thought, to burn for only one day. To their surprise, the oil lasted eight days -- the time they needed to get more consecrated oil and rededicate the temple. This miracle is celebrated by lighting a candle for each of the eight days of Hanukkah and frying potato pancakes in boiling oil.

Over the years, the holiday's status has been raised by its proximity to Christmas. In fact, the tradition of gift giving at Hanukkah evolved so that Jewish children would get as many presents as their Christian classmates.

The Menorah

A menorah is a candlestand. The Chanukah menorah is called a HANUKIYAH. It has nine candle holders. There are eight candles, one for each night of Chanukah. The ninth is called the Shamash (“servant”). The Shamash is lit first and then is used to light the other candles. Each evening of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, with a special blessing.

The menorah symbolizes the burning light in the temple, as well as marking the eight days of the Hanukkah festival. The lighting of the menorah is the most important Hanukkah tradition.

Hanukkah Foods

Many traditional Hanukkah foods are cooked in oil, in remembrance of the oil that burned in the temple. The most widespread and popular Hanukkah food is latkes, or potato pancakes. In Israel, the favorite Hanukkah food is sufganiya, a kind of jelly donut cooked in oil which is eaten for more than a month before the start of Hanukkah.

November News

2007-11-30T16:31:00.007+08:00

September	Sze Wei joined the centre
	Sze Wei is 10 months old. We have a slight feeding problem with her. She refuses to take milk from the bottle as she is totally breastfed and she refuses to eat solid food. She weighs 7.0 kgs. She cries most of the time because she is hungry and yet she refuses to eat or drink milk.
	This is what she does whenever she is offered food. She cries and gags on food that is slightly coarser having been used to baby jar food since she was 6 months old. I have to start training her as if she was 4 months old.
October	Update on Sze Wei’s progress
	She voluntarily opens her mouth to accept the food!!!
	A happy Sze Wei with a full tummy! She weighs 7.4 kgs now.
November	Update on Sze Wei’s progress
	YES! We have managed to get Sze Wei to enjoy eating home cooked porridge which is slightly coarser than the baby rice that she has been eating.

	She has finally accepted taking the bottle into her mouth but she does not suck at all. This is either because she does not know how to suck on the harder teat or she refuses to suck. Anyway, I let her play around with the bottle in her mouth for about 5 minutes.
	We have to spoon feed her. She is now taking 3 ½ ozs each feed. She now weighs 7.5 kgs

How did we manage to get her to enjoy her food?

NEWS FLASH

Sze Wei celebrated her first birthday this month.

Sze Wei with her friends and 2 older brothers.

Last month I tried to introduce semi solids to Jeffrey and he did not like it all.

I tried again 2 weeks later and now he absolutely loves it. He is only taking 1 teaspoonful of baby rice mixed with water once a day.

He is so cute I just had to put these photos here.

This month my 3 ‘crawlers’ are starting to stand up.
	Cody is 10 months old
	Josiah is 9 months old
	Kyan is 9 months old. He loves ‘cruising’ along the wall.