Sunday, September 30, 2007

TOP TOY TRENDS OF 2007

Get Moving Childhood obesity is a national epidemic, and toy makers have responded with tons of cool gear to keep kids active. Hot Wheels� Electronic Speed Meter pushes kids to zoom, zoom, zoom around the neighborhood. The toy gets clipped onto a belt or bicycle handlebars and then reacts to speed: the faster kids run or bike, the louder the speed meter roars with racecar sound. It also tracks speed and lights up. For preschoolers, there's Smart Cycle, a pint-size stationary bike (at left) from Fisher-Price. Plug it into the TV and, as the child pedals away, he becomes part of a video game he's watching on screen -- he whizzes along in a car race, dodging obstacles as he goes. And from Hasbro, look for Tag Tails: kids don cute, colorful animal back-ends and then play a wild, tail-catching game of chase. Retro Appeal Remember when Rubik's Cube was a national obsession? Toys that were cool when you were a kid are back in a big way, but with updated looks. Radio Flyer's classic Inchworm (at left) is sleeker; Play Along's Care Bears have slimmed down and have more detailed facial expressions, but they're still soft and cuddly; Sweet Secrets, those tiny dolls that were hot in the '80s, come with chic, changeable outfits and a fashionable clutch handbag for storing dolls and clothing. And Rubik's Cube from Techno Source? It's now Rubik's Revolution, and it's tricked up with lights, sound, and voice effects.
Getting Personal
Toys that know your name and remember your scores -- this year, there are lots of fun, new gadgets that connect with you in a personal way. Fisher-Price's Puppy Grows & Knows Your Name (at left) grows right before your eyes, but can also sing a song with your child's name in it and ask your child to take him for a walk -- to the kid's favorite place. Leap Frog's Word Launch Learn-to-Read System plugs into your TV and tracks players' scores and individual learning levels. And Zizzle has created Spotz, personalized little fashion buttons (pick a color and image to go inside) that girly-girls can design and wear.
from americanbaby.com..other tys to follow =)

LET'S PLAY

CLASSIC GAMES TO PLAY WITH YOUR BABY
by Mary Dixon Lebeau
from americanbaby.com
These baby games will boost your infant's smarts and emerging social skills.
Peekaboo
Once your baby is 4 to 5 months old, she'll be fascinated as you pop up from behind your hands. By 6 to 8 months, she'll be playing along, hiding and then giggling when she makes eye contact.
Why it's so great: Your baby is learning a vital lesson in object permanence. "An infant doesn't realize that things continue to exist after they're out of sight," says Charles Nelson, PhD, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. "She enjoys the surprise element. You disappear and reappear, which is thrilling to her and teaches her that things come back, which will help her deal with separation anxiety later on."
How to make it even better: Hold a blanket between the two of you. This adds a lesson in body control -- she'll have to plan to remove the blanket, reach for it, and pull it away.
Patty-Cake
At first you should put your baby in your lap and repeat the rhyme while clapping his hands together. As he approaches 8 to 9 months, he'll be able to clap on his own.
Why it's so great: "Playing patty-cake is an exercise in rhythm and coordination," says Vicki Panacione, PhD, child psychologist and founder of the Better Parenting Institute, in Melbourne, Florida. "It also helps your baby develop spatial awareness, as he discovers where to place his hands." Once your child can sit up on his own, he'll become more involved in the game, improving his balance and his ability to focus.
How to make it even better: If you want to work on motor development, teach him to bring his left hand to your left, his right to your right. Learning to cross the invisible line separating left and right is a complex motor skill, one he should be able to master as he approaches his first birthday.
Lap Games
As soon as your child can hold her head up, sit her on your lap. Gently rock or bounce her while you sing or recite a rhyme. Surprise her at the end by dipping her down.
Why it's so great: Adding a poem or song turns lap time into a language lesson. "Exposure to language is important," says Jim Elicker, PhD, director of Early Childhood Programs at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. "The more she hears, the better. She's tuning in to communication."
How to make it even better: As your child gets older, she'll start anticipating the next word in the rhyme. That's a sign her cognitive recognition -- the ability to remember, process, and adapt -- is increasing. Follow her cues as to how much bouncing and dipping she feels like. "If she shows signs she wants to stop, stop," Dr. Elicker says.
Where's Your Nose?
You can start playing this game any time, but your baby won't join in until he's 3 or 4 months. Start simple: Ask, "Where's your nose?" then point and say, "There it is!" Repeat the nose a few times before going on to other features and, eventually, body parts.
Why it's so great: Your baby is exploring the world by becoming aware of himself. "Spatial awareness is an important developmental skill, and body awareness comes first," says Dee Acklie, PhD, director of special education at the College of Saint Mary, in Omaha.
How to make it even better: As your baby starts to understand that things have a name, encourage him to point himself. At first he may show more interest in you, pointing to your nose instead of his own. Soon he'll catch on a sign he's developing a sense of self and his coordination and confidence will grow as he correctly IDs body parts.
What Does the Cat Say?
Ask the question about various animals, then answer it yourself, making exaggerated animal sounds. The noise will attract even a newborn. By 4 to 5 months, she'll try making similar sounds.
Why it's so great: This teaches your child how to imitate those around her. "Although people do it naturally, imitation is extremely important, both emotionally and cognitively," says Dr. Elicker. When you meow back, your child realizes she's got your attention and discovers that her actions get a response. The basic sounds - -mooing, neighing, oinking -- are stepping-stones toward speech development.
How to make it even better: Give the game extra learning power by holding up a book with a picture of a cat as you make the meowing sound. "Your baby will make the connection," says Dr. Elicker.
Copyright © 2007. Used with permission from the September 2007 issue of Parents magazine.
THE BEST CELEBRITY BABY NAMES
by Clara Ogden from americanbaby.com
Trendy or traditional? All-American or exotic? For baby-naming inspiration, take a cue from Hollywood's hottest moms and dads.
Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin)
A beaming Gwyneth told Oprah: "Apples are so sweet, and they're wholesome and biblical...and clean!...I just thought, 'Perfect!'"
Why you love this name: It's earthy and innocent but unconventional too.
What it says about you: You're a New Age hippie who'd rather run barefoot in a field than climb the corporate ladder. You favor names that are spiritual, warm, and breezy, often taking inspiration from nature.
Coco (Courteney Cox and David Arquette)
The Friends actress and her wacky hubby keep the inspiration behind their daughter's stylish moniker hush-hush, but a close pal tells Star magazine she's named after Coco Chanel. Another source mused to People magazine: "Courteney's family calls her Cece. Maybe that had something to do with it."
Why you love this name: It's worldly, glamorous, and tres chic.
What it says about you: You're a class act with a strong sense of individual style who loves to be a step ahead of the game. You draw inspiration from romantic literary heroes and old-school Hollywood actors like Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, and Cary Grant.
Sam (Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards)
Tired of the Hollywood baby-naming hoopla, Charlie and Denise gave their daughter a classic unisex name. "Some of those celebrity names are way out there...It might be cool for a parent to introduce Binocular Jones when he's 6 months old, but in school, it's sort of a curse," Charlie told People magazine.
Why you love this name: Giving your baby a gender-neutral name is hip and cool without being too zany.
What it says about you: You're curious, independent, and outgoing. You like modern, contemporary names.
Marco (Jill Hennessy and Paolo Mastropietro)
"He needed an Italian name, and no one is going to mess it up...with a name like Marco, he'll be able to score some chicks in college," Jill said when her son was born.
Why you love this name: It's sophisticated, strong, and exudes confidence.
What it says about you: You're an adventurer with a flair for the exotic, and ethnic roots are important to you. Foreign names have an impact that you believe will make your child stand out.
Brooklyn (Victoria and David Beckham)
According to People magazine, the flashy duo conceived their son while visiting New York, so it's their way of paying tribute.
Why you love this name: It's symbolic of an important time and place in your life.
What it says about you: You're a true romantic who loves adventure and exploration.
Whether you've actually traveled the globe or experienced it through literature and movies, choosing a place name is meaningful because it connects your child with your favorite part of the world.
James Wilke (Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick)
Sources say they named their tyke after Matthew's late father—James—and Sarah's favorite 19th-century British author, Wilkie Collins.
Why you love this name: Classic, traditional, and conservative, this timeless moniker has a sense of history—King James, James Madison, James Joyce.
What it says about you: You're pragmatic and have a strong work ethic. Honesty, self-respect, and loyalty are your benchmarks. You're attracted to respectable, old-fashioned names.
Copyright © 2005. Reprinted with permission from the February 2005 issue of Parents magazine.

CELEBRITY BABY NAMES

THE BEST CELEBRITY UNISEX NAMES from americanbaby.com
  • August
  • Bailey
  • Dakota
  • Dylan
  • Elliott
  • Jordan
  • Mason
  • Noah

Saturday, September 29, 2007

HOW TO SAY HELLO IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

The internet is a big place in which anything that can be accessed here can be seen worldwide, so why don't we learn a few words from different languages to help us communicate with different nationalities =) hello how are you? Dutch - hello hoe u bent French - bonjour comment allez vous German - hallo, wie du bist Italian - ciao, come este Portuguese - olá! como é você Spanish - hola, como estas

Friday, September 28, 2007

WHO SAID by Hannah Montana

I'm more than just
You're average girl
I'd like to turn me up
And show the world
Aw yeah!
Cause some can talk the talk
This girl just wants to rock
I'm individual
I'm not like anyone
I can be glamorous
Just like you see in all the magazines
I can be cool as ice
Or anything I want to be
Who said, who said I can't be Superman
I say, I say that I know I can
Who said, who said I won't be President
I say, I say you ain't seen nothin' yet
Oh yeah. Yeah
Go on and make some noise
Every girl has a choice
To lead their own parade
I do it my way
Ow!
I can be soft and sweet
Or louder than the radio (radio)
I can be sophisticated
Or totally go (totally go) out of control
Who said, who said I can't be Superman
I say, I say that I know I can
Who said, who said I'm not electrified
I say, I say
There's no holdin' back
Stayin' right on track
Cause you control the game
So let them know your name
No limitations on imagination
Imagine that
Yeah!
Who said, who said I can't be worldwide
I say, I say time is on my side
Who said, who said i can't be ten feet tall
I say, I say that i can have it all
Who said, who said I can't be Superman
I say, I say that I know I can
Who said, who said i won't be President
I say, I say you ain't seen nothin' yet you ain't seen nothing yet
Wowww...
Yeahhhh...!
Who said
Come on
Yeah...
That's right!

cont. BOYS NAMES

G
Gabriel - man of God
Gallardo - lively one
Galo - stronger
Galvino - the sparrow
Gardelio - the protector
Garret - honored
Gary - protector
Gaspar - treasure bringer
Gelacio - laughter
Genaro - battle chief
George - farmer
Geraldo - spear-wielder
Geronimo - Italian of Jerome
Gideon - brave warrior
Gilberto - bright servant
Gildo - servant of God
Giles - shield
Giovanni - Italian of John
Glenn - valley
Godofredo - God's peace
Gordon - strong, upright
Grant - great
Greg - flourishing
Gregorio - vigilant
Guido - guy
Gustavo - good staff
Guy - old French of guide
H
Harold - army leader, powerful warrior
Harvey - noble warrior
Hector - dependable
Henry - home ruler
Herbert - shining warrior
Herman - army man
Hilario - merry
Holden - good
Homer - promise
Horacio - keen
Hortencio - gardener
Howard - castle guard
Howell - lordly
Hubert - bright in spirit
Hudson - son of praise
Hugo - lofty
Humberto - bright home
Humphrey - peaceful
Hunter - one who hunts
..other names to follow =)

5 Bizarre Baby Behaviors Explained

You can check out all of these articles (and other articles about parenting and the like) at babycenter.com Why do babies bite?
Edward Christophersen, clinical psychologist

Is it possible that he's

teething
? Some babies bite not out of spite but because it soothes their irritated gums. If this is the case, try giving him a frozen bagel or cold teething ring to chew on. If teething isn't the cause and your child doesn't seem particularly anxious about something (which can sometimes be behind biting), try to nip this behavior in the bud now, before it becomes a habit. Be sure that no one laughs when your child bites and that no one, including older siblings, treats biting as a game or ever gives your baby a "love bite." Also never use your child's biting as an excuse to give in to his demands. Make sure that
daycare providers
understand yo
ur approach and are willing to follow it.

Head banging Reviewed by Nancy Showens, M.D. Why does my baby bang his head against his crib? Head banging and body rocking are normal self-comforting behaviors in babies. The rhythmic back-and-forth movements may soothe your baby and help him drift off to sleep, in the same way being rocked in a rocking chair does. Strangely enough, your baby may also bang his head to distract himself from pain — if he's teething or has an ear infection, for example. Head banging is surprisingly common. Up to 20 percent of babies and toddlers bang their head on purpose, although boys are three times more likely to do it than girls. Head banging often starts in the second half of the first year and peaks between 18 and 24 months of age. Your baby's head-banging habit may last for several months, or even years, though most children outgrow it by age 3. Some babies bang their forehead or the back of their head against the headboard of their crib, while others are partial to the crib railings. Other babies roll their heads from side to side while lying on their backs — often resulting in a bald spot on the back of the head. What can I do about it? Head banging in babies is rarely a sign of a developmental or emotional problem. But if your baby does it, go ahead and mention it to his doctor. In rare instances — especially if your baby has developmental delays — it signals a problem. Most likely, though, your baby's behavior — while upsetting to watch — is harmless. Your baby won't get hurt banging his head. The only precautionary measure you should take is to tighten the screws and bolts on his crib regularly, as all the motion may work them loose. Don't put pillows or blankets in his crib to soften the surroundings, because these are a suffocation hazard. And if you use crib bumpers, make sure they're thin, firm (not puffy), and securely tied to the crib railings, so your baby can't get his head between the bumper and the railing. If the sound of your baby banging his head bothers you, try moving the crib away from the wall. Since your baby is probably trying to comfort himself, give him a hand. Make his sleeping environment peaceful. Help him unwind with a warm bath before bed, give him a gentle massage, or spend extra time rocking him to sleep. Some babies find soft music or the steady rhythm of a ticking metronome soothing at bedtime.

Teeth grinding Reviewed by Nancy Showens, M.D.

Why does my baby grind his teeth? Your baby may just be getting used to the feeling of having those little chicklets in his mouth. Teeth grinding (or bruxism, as dentists call it) isn't uncommon among babies who are getting their first teeth, beginning at around 6 months of age. Other possible triggers include pain — from teething or an earache, for example — and breathing problems, from a stuffy nose or allergies. And there's some evidence that pinworms are sometimes the culprit. Children who grind their teeth usually begin at around 3 1/2 years of age and stop when they're about 6 years old, although teeth grinding is also common among children who are starting to get their permanent teeth (at around 5 years of age). In older children, stress or anxiety is often thought to be to blame. Your child is a bit more likely to grind his teeth if you do. He's also more likely to grind his teeth if he drools or talks in his sleep. Almost all teeth grinding happens at night.

Is it bad for him? In most cases, teeth grinding sounds worse than it is. It's very likely that your baby isn't doing any damage to his teeth and he'll soon outgrow the habit. Mention your baby's grinding to his dentist, though, so she can check his teeth for wear and any resulting problems, like pulp exposure, cavities, or fractures. (Your baby's first dentist visit should happen around the time he turns 1.)

Can I do anything to help him stop? Although the sound is probably disconcerting, you'll probably just have to wait for your baby to grow out of the habit. If your baby is teething or has an ear infection, ask your doctor about giving him the proper dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.

Nursing Strike by Natalie Walker Whitlock

What is it? A baby who refuses to breastfeed, and is not in the process of being weaned, is said to be on a "nursing strike." A nursing strike is your baby's way of telling you that something's wrong. And it'll probably take a little detective work to figure out the problem.

What causes it? According to the La Leche League International, some of the most common reasons for a nursing strike include:

• Mouth pain from teething, a cold sore, or an infection (such as thrush).

• In an older baby, the baby is afraid Mom will scream. This is common when your teething baby bites and you react by yelling.

• An ear infection, which causes pressure or pain while nursing.

• A cold or stuffy nose, which makes breathing difficult while nursing.

• Too many bottles or overuse of a pacifier, resulting in a reduced milk supply.

• A major disruption in your baby's routine, such as you returning to work.

• An unusually long separation from you. Other causes include food sensitivity or allergy (most likely to occur in the early months), a cream or perfumed product applied on or near your breasts, or a change in the taste of your milk caused by a vitamin, a drug, or certain foods.

Separation anxiety Reviewed by Paul Young, M.D.

Do all babies experience separation anxiety? Yes, to a degree. At certain stages, most babies or toddlers will show true anxiety and be upset at the prospect — or reality — of being separated from a parent. If you think about separation anxiety in evolutionary terms, it makes sense: A defenseless baby would naturally get upset at being separated from the person who protects and cares for him. In many ways, attitudes about babies and separations are cultural. Western countries tend to stress autonomy from a very early age. But in many other cultures, infants are rarely separated from their mother in the first year of life. Regardless of the origins of this normal developmental stage, it's frustrating for babies and parents. The good news is that separation anxiety will pass and there are ways to make it more manageable. And in the meantime, enjoy the sweetness of knowing that to your child, you're number one.

When does it most commonly occur? Babies can show signs of separation anxiety as early as 6 or 7 months, but the crisis age for most babies is between 12 to 18 months. Most commonly, separation anxiety strikes when you or your spouse leaves your child to go to work or run an errand. Babies can also experience separation anxiety at night, safely tucked in their cribs with Mom and Dad in the next room.

How can I help my baby through it? Several options are available to parents:

Option I Minimize separations as much as possible and take your baby along if he seems to feel anxious. With this option, you're basically waiting for your baby to outgrow this stage. Option II If you have to leave your baby — for example, to return to work — try leaving him with people who are familiar, like his father, grandmother, or aunt. Your baby may still protest, but he might adjust more easily to your absence when surrounded by well-known faces. Option III If you need to leave your child with someone he doesn't know, give him a chance to get to know his caregiver while you're still around.

How should I prepare my baby for separations? As with any transition, give your baby an opportunity to gradually get used to the idea. Whether you're leaving him with a family member or a paid childcare provider, try the following suggestions:

Let your baby get comfortable. Ask a new sitter to visit and play with your baby several times before leaving them alone for the first time. For your first real outing, ask the sitter to arrive about 30 minutes before you depart so that she and the baby can be well engaged before you step out the door. Employ the same approach at a daycare center or at your nursery, church, or health club.

Always say goodbye. Kiss and hug your baby when you leave and tell him where you're going and when you'll be back, but don't prolong your goodbyes.

Always say goodbye: Part 2. Resist the urge to sneak out the back door. Your baby will only become more upset if he thinks you've disappeared into thin air.

Keep it light. Your baby is quite tuned in to how you feel, so show your warmth and enthusiasm for the caregiver you've chosen. And don't cry or act upset if your baby starts crying — at least not while he can see you. You'll both get through this. The caregiver will probably tell you later that your baby's tears stopped before you were even out of the driveway.

Once you leave, leave. Repeated trips back into the house or daycare center to calm your baby will make it harder on you, your child, and the caregiver.

Try a trial at first. Limit the first night (or afternoon) out to no more than an hour. As you and baby become more familiar with the sitter or the surroundings of a childcare setting, you can extend your outings.

How should we handle nighttime separation anxiety? Your baby's fear of being separated from you at night is very real for him, so you'll want to do your best to keep the hours preceding bedtime as nurturing and peaceful (and fun) as possible. In addition:

• Spend some extra cuddle time with your baby before bed by reading, snuggling, and softly singing together.

• If your baby cries for you after you've put him to bed, it's fine to go to him — both to reassure him and to reassure yourself that he's okay. But make your visits "brief and boring," and he'll learn to fall back to sleep without a lot of help from you. Eventually, he'll be able to fall asleep on his own.

What if nothing seems to work? Babies have different personalities, so some will experience more severe bouts of separation anxiety than others. If your child can't be comforted using simple measures, it's time to reevaluate.

• Take a second look at your sitter or daycare center. The person or center may be a mismatch for your baby if he continues to become anxious and weepy when you leave.

• Leave your baby with a relative or someone he knows well for 15-minute periods, working your way up to one hour. Your baby can then learn that when you leave you'll return, without having the added stress of being with someone unfamiliar.

• Reevaluate your goodbye pattern. Do you sneak out when your baby isn't looking? Do you make it seem like you're going off to war? Do you slowly back down the walk waving and crying until your baby's out of sight? A simple "see you later, alligator" followed by a quick hug and a kiss can do wonders for an anxious child. Your actions show your baby that leaving isn't big deal, and that you'll be home again soon.

Monday, September 24, 2007

cont. GIRLS NAMES

G
Gay - light-hearted, merry
Gemma - a precious stone, gem
Gertie, Gertrude - all truth
Gilberta, Gilbertina - bright servant
Gilda - God's helper
Gina - wealthy
Gladys - demure, capable
Gloriana, Gloria - the glorious
Grace, Gracia, Graciana - God's blessin
g
H
Haidee - modest, demure
Hannah - gracious
Hazel - looked upon by God
Hedda, Heddy - guardian
Heidi - bringer of joy
Helen, Helena - light
Hennie, Henrietta, Hetty - little head of the house
Hilda - strong and merciful
..other names to follow =)

cont. BOYS NAMES

F
Fabian - farmer
Feliciano - happy
Felipe - lover of horses
Felixberto - outstanding
Ferdinand - bold venture
Fernando - adventurer
Filemon - loving thought
Filomeno - lover
Flavio - yellow
Floriano - flourishing
Francisco, Francis - free
Frederick, Frederico - ruler
Fulvio - golden
..other names to follow =)

cont. GIRLS NAMES

F
Fannie - diminutive of Frances
Fe, Faye - fairy
Felicia - happiness
Fidela, Fidelia, Fidelita - faithful
Florita, Florissa - a flower
Florabel - flowers of beauty
Fleur, Florencia, Florence - flower
Florinda - blooming
Frances, Franchette, Francisca - free
Francia, Francina - little free one
Fritzie - free frances
..other names to follow =)

cont. BOYS NAMES

E
Edberto - blessed
Edgar - fair conqueror
Edgardo - fortunate warrior
Edilberto - illustrious
Edmundo - blessed peace
Edsel - profound
Eduardo - rich guardian
Edwin - blessed friend
Efren - fruitful
Egbert - bright as a sword
Elias - the Lord is God
Elmer - famous
Elmo - congenial
Emerson - nobly-born
Emilio - excelling
Emmanuel - God is with us
Erasmo - lovely
Eric - ever king
Ernesto - zealous
Erwin - triumphant
Evaristo - bold
Exequiel - strength of God
..other names to follow =)

BIBLE VERSES



Myspace Layouts - Get This Widget

PONG GAME



Myspace Layouts - Get This Widget

Fortune Cookie



Insults - Get This Widget

Magic 8 Ball



Myspace Layouts - Get This Widget

cont. GIRLS NAMES

E
Eden - encharming
Edith, Eda, Edita - right gift
Edna - rejuvenation
Edwina - blessed friend
Elaine, Elena, Ellen - light
Elfie - fair and famed
Eleanor, Elinor - light
Elisa - diminutive of Alexandra
Elizabeth - consecrated to God
Ella, Elline - variance of health
Ellas, Elsie, Elsbeth - mirthful
Elma, Elmira - amiable
Eloise, Eloisa - dreamy, romantic
Ema, Emmie - energetic
Emily, Emilia - artistic
Ena - cleanliness
Esmeralda - bright hope
Estel, Estella - a star
Ethel - noble
Eunicia - accomplished
Eva, Evita - giver of life
Evangeline, Evangalina - angel-like
..other names to follow =)

cont. BOYS NAMES

D
Damian - tame
Daniel - judge of God
Dante, Dan, Danny - enduring
Darcy - from the stronghold
Dario - ruler
Darwin - brave friend
David - beloved
Demetrio - lover of the earth
Dennis - joyous
Dexter - fortunate
Diego - spanish variant of James
Dino - churchman
Domingo - Sunday
Dominic - the Lord
Donald - proud chief
Douglas - dark-haired
Duane - hill-dweller
Duke - leader
Duval - from the valley
Dwight - wise fellow
..other names to follow =)

cont. GIRLS NAMES

D
Dahlia - valley
Daisy - down
Darlene, Darlina, Daryl - dear little one
Deanna - mood goddess
Delia - pure
Delie, Dell - of nobility
Dinah - justified
Dolly, Dolor, Dolores - sad one
Donabel, Donabella - beautiful lady
Donna - lady
Doris - sea goddess
Dora - pearl of wisdom
Doroteo, Dorothy, Dorotea - a gift of God
Doreen, Dorina - little Dora
Dulce - sweet, charming
..other names to follow =)

cont. BOYS NAMES

C
Camilo - temple servant
Cary - beloved
Carlos, Carl, Charles - man
Castor - purity
Cecilio - misty-eyed
Celestino - heavenly
Cesar - emperor
Chester - camp dweller
Christian - follow the Lord
Christopher - Christ-bearer
Cicero - farmer
Cipriano - Greek of Cyprus
Cirilo - lordly
Cirio - sun
Clark - scholarly
Claudio - delicate
Clement - merciful
Crisostomo - golden-mouthed
Crispin - curly-haired
Conrado, Conrad - wise counselor
Constantino - firm
Cordelio - binding cord
Cornelio - crowned
..other names to follow =)

cont. GIRLS NAMES

C
Camelia, Camila - temple maiden
Candace - glowing
Carina, Charmaine - little song
Carla, Caryl - Strong
Carmel, Carmela, Carmelita - vineyard
Carol, Carola, Carolina - with much strength
Carlota, Charlotte - noble birth
Carlota - one who is strong
Catalina, Catherina, Catherine - pure
Cecilia, Cecile - misty-eyed
Celeste, Celestina - heavenly
Celia, Celina - musical
Cherry - beloved, grace
Christine, Cristina - little of the Lord
Cindy - variant of Lucia
Claire, Clara - bright, shining
Clarice, Clarissa - famous
Clarinda, Clarissa - famous, bright one
Clarita - little Clara
Claudette - little delicate one
Claudia - delicate
Clemencia - merry
Cleo - famed
Colleen, Colina - girl
Concepcion - immaculate
Concetta, Constancia - steadfast
Consuelo - consolation
Cora - maiden
Corazon - heart of Cora
Cordella - jewel of the sea
Corina, Corrine - diminutive of Cora
Cynthia - mood goddess
..the other names to follow =)

cont. BOYS NAMES

B
Baldwin - bold friend
Baltazar - war counsel
Barry - straight looker
Bartolome, Bartolo - a ploughman
Basilio - loyal
Benedicto, Benedict - blessed
Benjamin - favorite son
Bernardo, Bernard, Bernie - bold as a bear
Bienvenido, Bien - welcome
Bonifacio - fortunate
Brando - fiery
Brian, Bryan - strong
Bruce - from the thicket
Burton - fine
..the other names to follow =)

cont. GIRLS NAMES

B
Baby, Barby, Barbara, Barbette - stranger
Beatrix, Beatriz - joy bringer
Bella, Belle - fair, beautiful
Bernardina, Bernardine, Bernadette, Berneta - brave, strong
Bessie, Beth, Betina, Betsy, Betty - consecrated to God
Beveryl, Bevvy - beaver, meadow
Billie - protectress
Blanca, Blanche - white, fair
Blenda - graceful, wise
Bonita - little good one
Bonnie - sweet little one
Brenda - flaming sword
..the other names to follow =)

BOYS NAMES

A
Abelardo - noble, great
Abraham - father of many
Adolfo - noble animal
Adrian - courageous
Alan - fair, harmony, cheerful
Albert, Alberto - illustrious, firm, responsible
Aldous - wise
Aldwin - wise friend
Alexander - helper of man
Alfonso - prepared for battle
Alfredo - of self-counsel
Alvin - beloved of many
Amadeo - love of God
Ambrosio - Immortal
Amiel - God's helper
Andres, Andrew - manly
Angelo, Angelito - saintly
Anselmo - warrior of God
Antonio, Anthony - Thriving
Armando, Armin - French form of Herman
Ariel - lion of God
Arnaldo - strong as an eagle
Artemio - gift of Artemis
Arturo, Arthur - valorous, noble
Arvin - a friend of the people
Augusto, Augustine - exalted
..the other names to follow =)

GIRLS NAMES

A
Abbie - Calm harbor
Abigail - a source of joy
Ada - Happy
Adela, Adele - Noblemaid
Adelina, Adelaine - Little Noble One
Adora - the beloved
Agatha - good
Agnes - lamb
Aida - leader
Aileen - light
Alena - lithuanian of helen
Alice, Alicia - noble
Aline - high-born
Alma - kindly
Almira - Princess
Alodia - love
Aloha - goodbye
Alva - lively
Amabel, Amabella, Amabelle - lovable and beautiful
Amanda - worthy of love
Amelia - Striving, busy, industrious
Amita - friendship
Amy, Aimee - beloved
Anabelle, Anabel - beautiful Ann
Andrea, Andreana - womanly
Angela, Angie - heavenly messenger
Angelica, Angelina, Angelita - little angel
Anita - Little Annie
Antoineta, Antoinette - diminutive of Antonia
Arabella, Arabelle - beautiful place
Arlene, Arlina - a pledge
Aurora - dawn
...the other names to follow =)

REAL GIRL


Real Girl Lyrics
Here's a song i recently saw being sung in ASAP..it's a nice song..and it's actually sung by Mutya Buena, a half-Filipina..
REAL GIRL
by Mutya Buena
If I had one chance to
In my life again
I wouldn't make no changes
Now or way back when
And if everything turns out
The way i hope it goes
But I can't wait to find out
What it is that God knows
But I don't wanna think about it
What's gonna come around for me
I'll just take it day by day
Cause it's the only way
To be the best that I can be
I never pretend to be something I am not
You get what you see when you see what I've got
We live in the real world, I'm just a real girl
I know exactly where I stand
And all I can do is be true to myself
I don't need permission from nobody else
'Cause this is the real world, I'm not a little girl
I know exactly who I am
And nothing's ever perfect
There's no guarantee
And if I knew the answers
It would put my mind at ease (no)
So I'll just keep on going
The way I've gone so far
And maybe I'll end up
Trying to catch a falling star
But I don't wanna think about it
What's gonna come around for me
I'll just take it day by day
'Cause it's the only way
To be the best that I can be
I never pretend to be something I'm not
You get what you see, when you see what I've got
We live in the real world, I'm just a real girl
I know exactly where I stand
And all I can do is be true to myself
I don't need permission from nobody else
'Cause this is the real world, I'm not a little girl
I know exactly who I am
Baby this is who I am
Don't need you to understand
'Cause everything is right where it should be
And it won't be long 'til you know about me
'Cause I don't give a....
Even when I'm out of love
'Cause everythings just how it should be
And it won't be long till you know about me
I never pretend to be something I'm not
You get what you see, when you see what I've got
We live in the real world, I'm just a real girl
I know exactly where I stand
And all I can do is be true to myself
I don't need permission from nobody else
'Cause this is the real world, I'm not a little girl
I know exactly who I am
I never pretend to be something I am not
You get what you see, when you see what I've got
We live in the real world, I'm just a real girl
I know exactly where I stand
And all I can do is be true to myself
I don't need permission from nobody else
'Cause this is the real world, I'm not a little girl
I know exactly who I am...

Friday, September 21, 2007

95 days to go before Christmas =)

BABY FOOD

VEGETABLE PUREE RECIPE 1 potato (or any vegetable of your choice) 4-5 tablespoons of formula, breast milk, or water Peel vegetable and dice. Steam for 10 minutes or until the vegetable is soft. Mash the vegetable using a fork, or you can press it using a sieve or strainer. Mix the vegetable with the liquid. You can also use a blender to mix all of the ingredients. BABY FRUITS A variety of fruits (apples, pears, mangoes, papaya, or any fruit in season) Cut each fruit into quarters. Put in a bowl and cover. Put in the microwave for about 4 minutes. Chop the fruits with an electric chopper or blender (or you can use fork or knife if you don't have a blender). You can use it immediately or you can store in the freezer by using ice cube trays. When frozen, pop the fruit cubes out of the tray and put in freezer bags to store in the freezer. These fruit cubes can be used as dessert or for mixing in with baby's cereals.

BASIC MEAT AND POTATOES DINNER (for 10 months and older only) 1/2 cup ground or cubed cooked meat (chicken, turkey, beef, or pork) 1/4 cup cooked vegetable peas pieces (peas, carrots, squash, green beans) 1/4 cup cooked rice, potato, or pasta 1/4 cup milk formula Combine and blend or mash all ingredients until a few lumps remain. SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS: Beef, peas, and potatoes Chicken, carrots, and rice Beef, squash, and macaroni Liver, green beans, and potatoes

By Loraine Stern, MD with Dr Ricky Richardson What's the difference between a real food allergy and intolerance?

Feeding a picky toddler is difficult under any circumstances. Add to that food allergies or trouble digesting certain foods, and it becomes even harder. There is a difference between a real allergy, which is a serious medical problem, and intolerance, which is mostly inconvenient. Here is some help to sort them out and some guidelines to deal with them.

Food Allergy: Symptoms and Causes

Allergic reactions are triggered when the body starts making antibodies to proteins in foods. A severe allergic reaction, with difficulty breathing and even collapse and shock, can be a life-threatening emergency. One of my patients was so sensitive that she would have a severe reaction if the assistant used the same scoop to serve her sorbet as he did to serve ice cream for others. Fortunately, most allergic reactions are milder, with symptoms that may include hives and other red, spotty rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting, runny nose and wheezing.

Milk is the most common cause of allergic reactions in small children. About two or three out of every 100 children are affected by cows' milk allergy; almost 95 per cent outgrow this by the age of 4. The second most common are allergies to nuts, shellfish and egg white . Reactions to these foods are less likely to disappear as your child grows up, and may be lifelong problems.

Peanuts are another frequent cause of allergic reactions. They are not really nuts - they are legumes, like peas - so often children who are allergic to peanuts are not allergic to almonds, walnuts or other true nuts. Remember that children under 4 should not be given whole nuts because they cannot grind them adequately with their teeth. As a result, they can easily inhale pieces into the lungs and choke.

Food Intolerance: Symptoms and Causes

Intolerance of certain foods is a less serious but still uncomfortable problem. The most common type is lactose intolerance, difficulty digesting the natural sugar in milk. Wind, bloating and diarrhoea appear within 30 minutes to 2 hours of drinking milk. Lactose intolerance can begin at any age but is most common in children over 4 or 5. Children with true allergies usually cannot tolerate even a tiny amount of the offending food. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is not as absolute. Often milk products such as yoghurt or cheese cause no problems because the lactose has broken down in processing. Some children can drink a little milk but develop symptoms if they have too much.

Gluten intolerance, the inability to digest a protein found in wheat, can be serious. Thought to be an inherited immune problem in the intestine, it can interfere with the absorption of many nutrients and lead to poor growth and poor weight gain, diarrhoea or constipation, and irritability. Gluten intolerance may appear soon after you introduce wheat products such as cereal or bread into a baby's diet.

What You Can Do

If you suspect your child has an allergy or intolerance, consult your doctor who may suggest that you are referred to a paediatrician. Don't make your own diagnosis, as food allergies can be tricky. If your child turns out to have significant allergies, you'll need to become fully informed about the contents of processed foods. For example, sherbet and margarine contain milk protein, called casein, and your child should avoid foods with calcium caseinate or casein on the label. Gluten can be hidden in vanilla extract, hydrolysed vegetable protein and ketchup. You may need to consult a paediatric dietician to make sure your child maintains a fully balanced diet while following necessary restrictions.

Children who are lactose intolerant can drink lactose-free milk and dairy products or can take chewable lactase tablets to replace the missing enzyme. Make sure your child gets enough calcium in other forms if he cannot tolerate many dairy products. Calcium-fortified orange juice, for example, can substitute for some milk.

Carers, nursery school teachers and friends who feed your child should be aware not only of the allergy but of what to do if a reaction occurs. Your paediatrician may give you a prescription for a special "pen" containing adrenaline for immediate use in case of a severe reaction. Keep some of these pens in various places - in the car, at home, at nursery. Make sure everyone knows how to use them and replace them when they are past their expiry date.

Prevention Strategies

If allergies run in your family, your child runs a higher risk of having problems. Breastfeeding and avoiding wheat, egg whites, seafood and cows' milk products until a child is over a year old may help. In fact, breastfeeding itself appears to protect somewhat against milk allergy - another reason to consider prolonging breastfeeding for at least a year.

BEFORE I WAS A MOM

BEFORE I WAS A MOM I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone. I slept as late as I wanted and never worried how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday. I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies. I never thought about immunizations. I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, peed on, or pinched by tiny fingers. I had complete control of my mind, My thoughts, and my body. I slept all night. I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small can affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I had never gotten up in the middle of the night to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the love, the heartache, the wonder, or the satisfaction of being a Mom. Now I know how my Mom felt...

Sunday, September 9, 2007

ALLOW YOUR INNER LIGHT TO GUIDE

There comes a time when you must stand alone. You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams. You must be willing to make sacrifices. You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved. Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged. There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities. Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better. Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by. Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life. Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.
Work hard at what you like to do and try to overcome all obstacles Laugh at your mistakes and praise yourself for learning from them Pick some flowers and appreciate the beauty of nature Say hello to strangers and enjoy the people you know Don't be afraid to show your emotions laughing and crying make you feel better Love your friends and family with your entire being they are the most important part of your life Feel the calmness on a quiet sunny day Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams always remember life is better than it seems