In order to study the Bible, it is important to teach children the order of the Books of the Bible. This activity one of the initial steps for kids to love the book, appreciate its content and eventually, cultivate love in their hearts.
With a little help, repetition and fun-filled activities, most preschool children can master this task. We used flash cards (downloadable from www.jw.org) to help our son memorize the books in the Hebrew Scriptures from Genesis to Malachi. These flash cards may also be used as a game to quiz family and friends for fun!
Sharing a video of our three-year old memorizing the Bible books.
To download free flash cards, click here.
Enjoy learning with your little one!
Saturday, August 03, 2019
Enjoying Singapore with A Toddler
During our visit to Singapore years ago, we didn't have any toddler in tow so we just enjoyed the island city-state as is. Now that we travel with a toddler, we just had 2 major travel destination in mind:
- Universal Studios
- Singapore Zoo
Universal Studios in Singapore officially opened in March of 2010 and since then many new attractions and shows have been added. The park is divided into five different themed areas: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World and Madagascar. Although there is a lot to see and do, you can easily complete the entire park in just one day. Sharing with you the first part of our travel video.
Second itinerary is the Singapore Zoo. Unlike other zoos where animals are caged, Singapore zoo implements the award-winning "open-concept zoo". We saw the animals roaming freely in their habitats, even the wild ones. Being able to get up close and personal with these creatures, we appreciated more the wonders of creation. 
Sharing the second part of our Singapore family trip video, featuring Singapore Zoo.
Here are some tips for families who want to take their kids to these two Singapore attractions:
1. Allot a whole day for each attraction. Catch a scheduled show (the times change daily, so make sure you get a schedule when you enter the park).
2. Bring water and extra clothes - there will be spots where you can get wet.
3. Getting around is relatively easy. There’s a convenient train system (MRT) or you can take taxis/ Grab rides. Family Grab rides offer car seat for children. Our Grab ride offered a booster seat, gave away lollipops and offered cartoons to keep kids comfortable. The driver even gave our son a souvenir.
Enjoy Singapura! :)
Sunday, September 06, 2015
My Birthing Story - Bess Aguinaldo
As we were about to go to sleep around 10 PM of April 27, 2015, I noticed a slight brownish mucus discharge. I remembered my OB’s words as she mentioned that this kind of discharge is one of the early signs of labor. “Oh dear, this must be it!” I thought. I made calls to my mom and to the OB and hubby and I prepared the bags to be brought to the hospital.
After 3 hours (around 1 AM of April 28), my husband drove me to the hospital as per my OB's advice. I was checked and got advice to be admitted since I was already experiencing mild contractions, undergoing labor and was at 2cm. They strapped me in, checked vital signs, and observed the monitor that calibrated my contractions and baby’s heartbeat. But I did not feel anything at all. I was even chatting, walking and dancing (yes!) with hubby in the labor room. I slept and woke up in the morning, still not feeling any pain at all.
Fast forward 4 PM the next day, April 28, I started to feel it. So this is what they call contractions, the one I’ve researched from books and heard from other moms' real-life experiences. Nurses asked me how I feel and I said “Oh, slight dysmenorrhea.” It was like a wavelike motion that moves downwards. Mind you, it is bearable. Cervix had dilated for 6cm and I was asked to rate the pain from 1 to 10 (10 being the most painful) and I said “4”.
At 8PM, I was advised to undergo epidural treatment, not because I felt extreme pain but because it had to be administered at a time when pain is still bearable. Asian Hospital is patient-friendly and allows companion from the labor room to the birthing room. As I was about to receive the epidural treatment, my mom and sister-in-law just arrived and with a big smile, I even said “Hello Mommy! Ate Rhy, hello!” Contrary to stories I’ve heard about the long needle and the pain, my epidural experience was not painful at all. I was like “That’s it?” and the anesthesiologist smiled at me.
After the epidural treatment, I was at 10cm and was transferred to the birthing/delivery room. My OB allowed the anesthesia to slowly wear off so I could feel the contractions. This helped me to push naturally. During this time, a proper breathing exercise was instructed to me so I can do the process properly. This ‘pushing stage’ was the most challenging yet the most empowering. A positive mindset and a lot of prayer really helped to be able to overcome this stage of labor. I remembered that I was even saying to my OB (yes, chatting during labor) that giving birth was one of my greatest fears and I couldn’t believe I was there. Also, there was a time when I was pushing really hard and I pulled the arms of an anesthesiologist and a nurse at the same time. I said sorry and they said “That’s the right thing to do! Go, pull!” and we all laughed. The whole medical team was very positive and was cheering for me. Yes, childbirth is a really team effort. My loving husband, who was with me from the labor room until I gave birth, was a great source of strength and I will never forget all his affectionate yet nervous cheers every time I pushed. And so after 2.5 hours (and countless sets of pushes), at 10:30PM of April 28, 2015, I gave birth to a healthy boy, Regan Bryce, via normal delivery.
We later found out that labor took some time because he was cord-coiled both around his neck and body. But with the presence of 3 factors - continuous & proper pushing, baby’s heartbeat not dropping and a great, expert and very patient OB, this was addressed. My heart still beats with joy and excitement as I remember this birthing moment. During the ‘Unang Yakap’ or First Embrace, my little one was given to me and placed on my chest. I cannot explain that wonderful feeling as I stared at him, listened to his cry and felt the warmth of his body. As I thank my husband, my supportive family and friends, all the nurses and doctors of Asian Hospital, my OB (Dra. Leonila Estole-Casanova); I couldn’t help but marvel at how breathtaking this experience had been. And above all, I thank Jehovah God for the wonderful gift of life. Truly a treasure I vow to take care of.
Hello there, little one!
Sleeping cutie
Looking at Mommy
I couldn't have done this without this guy beside me.
With every push, he said comforting words of encouragement.
Thank you for your 100% attendance in all my doctor's check up until the day I gave birth.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Pregnancy Diary
First Trimester
When I found out that I am delayed for 3 days, which is unusual, we decided to have a pregnancy test. I never thought that those two lines would be the start of a life-changing journey. Upon getting confirmation from the OB and assessment of ultrasound results, we rejoice at the thought of having our little bundle of joy in the months to come. Of course, there were feelings of whether we’d be good parents and all, but with heartfelt prayer, a ready heart and an open mind, it was a positive experience. This was the time when I equipped myself with information. I read to be informed. I would also list down my questions to bring with me to ask my doctor during pre-natal check-ups. I filled myself with information from books and downloaded apps that provided updates such as What to Expect and Baby Center. I was fortunate enough never to experience the dreaded days of the first trimester such as morning sickness. But everything’s not perfect though. I had my own fair share of nausea, fainting attacks and dead tired weariness at night. They also say that this is the time when women get to eat what they crave for. I did not feel that to-die-for-craving, yet I found myself wanting ‘taho’ and hard-boiled egg all the time. I could eat hard-boiled egg for breakfast every day! As for taho, I regularly walked fifteen minutes a day just to buy taho in the morning. I wanted my taho with LESS arnibal (sugar syrup). I even had a funny encounter with my husband when he bought taho from the vendor in our subdivision. He regularly buys for us but that one morning, he forgot to mention that I want LESS arnibal, and that made me cry! Now, it seems like a hilarious encounter but yes, blame it to the hormones.
Second Trimester
If we are to name the golden age of pregnancy, I can say that it is the second trimester. I felt like my normal self again, with renewed strength and clearer mind to accomplish everyday tasks, except that I had to me more mindful of the baby inside me. Nausea bid goodbye and energy was restored. It is also the time when you’d feel the first movement inside you, such as a feeble and slight kick that will make you smile with joy. This is also the time when you can do the parent-baby bonding (hearing develops during this stage) or play a classical music track expecting that baby remembers it when it comes out. As excited parents, we regularly talked to our baby. Also, the baby bump develops and now is the time to show off to the world that you’re one great expectant mom. You can see strangers smiling at you whenever they see that bump. Priority lanes (together with senior citizen and PWD) become your best buddies. Another ultrasound can be scheduled during this period to check if baby’s fine inside the tummy and to finally experience the moment everyone’s waiting for – the gender reveal! Not everything turns out as expected though, as my gender reveal ultrasound experience turned out. It took 3 ultra sound appointments before we found out baby’s gender since his favorite position was crossing his legs. Feeling shy, right?
Third Trimester
The once-cute-lump turned into a big bump and it took effort to carry this baby bundle. Third trimester introduces slow walking (sometimes even duck walk) and side lying during bed time. It is also the time when expectant moms experience back ache due to the pressure of the baby’s weight. And yes, frequent urination kicks in as there is force on the bladder. I experienced going to the ladies’ room every 15 minutes. During this time, walking is the best workout. Swimming is also one of the best forms of exercise. Long travels are not recommended during this period and the waiting game is the most anticipated time of the third trimester. In my case, I kept myself busy and prepared everything I could before the baby arrives. I did not wait long before this trimester ended. Click here to read my birthing story.
Yes, pregnancy is one marvelous experience. Upon experiencing it, I can now understand when they say that the essence of being a woman is to bear a child. Every time I see a pregnant woman, I beam at her and at her bump, ensure that she gets the priority seat/lane, and think of a silent prayer to make her and the child safe.
Maternity shoot by Baby Love Studio
https://www.facebook.com/babylovestudio
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Coin Bank - DIY
Look at this A DIYed coin bank! Talk about creativity and resourcefulness of a little kid - a previously-used container wrapped with used paper and there you go, savings in the making! I fully understand that it takes much effort to instill to people the value of saving. Even grown-ups have difficulty applying the 80-20 money saving formula (save 20% of your net income, and then spend the rest for expenses). So I really appreciate kids who have the discipline to save and their parents who patiently teach them how to. But then, the kid is saving for what?
KH is written on the coin bank. What does it stand for? This stands for Kingdom Hall – the place of worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone is invited to freely attend Christian meetings in the nearest KH in the area. The little kid saves money, not for his own personal use, but to donate to the KH to support preaching work, relief activities and construction activities worldwide. How selfless!
A few months ago, I blogged about another kid saving in the same manner using a plastic bottle. These kids give just as what they have resolved in their hearts. These are just simple gestures, but impactful reminders to give and share. When we give, let it be with joy, out of love, remembering that “God loves a cheerful giver,” and that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” ( Acts 20:35)
KH is written on the coin bank. What does it stand for? This stands for Kingdom Hall – the place of worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone is invited to freely attend Christian meetings in the nearest KH in the area. The little kid saves money, not for his own personal use, but to donate to the KH to support preaching work, relief activities and construction activities worldwide. How selfless!
A few months ago, I blogged about another kid saving in the same manner using a plastic bottle. These kids give just as what they have resolved in their hearts. These are just simple gestures, but impactful reminders to give and share. When we give, let it be with joy, out of love, remembering that “God loves a cheerful giver,” and that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” ( Acts 20:35)
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