Demanding Baby Einstein Time

My 11-month old daughter demanded to watch Baby Einstein this morning. The TV was on for local news, but was changed to the DVD mode after she pushed the button (she already pushes TV, DVD player, remote control buttons). Then she came running towards us and made little whimpers. I carried her in my arms and asked what she wanted. Of course she can't talk yet, so she just used her body language—pointing the TV. I knew what she meant, after all she's my daughter. When she realized that I was not turning on the DVD player, she protested with this kind of cry that says "I demand." I asked her the same question three times, and I got the same answers. I was actually stunned that at this early age she's learning to "demand" watching the show. Sounds like a "red flag" to me.

She loves Baby Einstein. There's always jubilation on her face and smile everytime she sees the DVD and the Walt Disney intros when I turn on the show. I actually watch her reaction all the time. It swells my heart to see her so happy. Now that she knows how to clap, the smiles are accompanied with palms striking at each other. She knows what they are. 

I only allow her to watch Baby Einstein once a day (one DVD is roughly 20 minutes long). But her reaction this morning was a bit alarming to me. Made me ask myself if 20 minutes tube time a day is bad. Searching online, I found out that the American Academy of Pediatrics advised no TV time under the age of 2 as it may hinder the baby's speech ability, could cause ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and other mental and physical developmental concerns.

When I think of totally banning Baby Einstein until she turns 2, I feel a little bit of tinge in my heart. Today, she didn't watch the show. I wonder if she will remember tomorrow. Perhaps, I need to do it gradually or just let her watch twice or thrice a week. I'm not sure. But I thought of these ideas. Any recommendation is very much appreciated.

My daughter this morning. This is what she wore when she wanted to watch Baby Einstein. :)

She Loves Mama's Language!

I rarely talk to my daughter in my mother tongue which is Bisaya (Visayan or Cebuano dialect). I want her to learn my dialect and national language, Tagalog. I want that when she goes home to the Philippines, she will be able to converse well with her fellow Filipinos. I'm sure, they will be amazed and proud that she can talk Bisaya or Tagalog.

I do not have any idea what's the best age for her to learn a different language. All I know is that the earlier, the better. Well, I have asked myself why I do not talk to her in Bisaya as much? I think maybe because the English language dominates our household and it's what I'm so used to speaking now, and everyday. 

I'm working on with this challenge. This video of her with me talking on the background somehow motivated me to talk to her more in Bisaya. I was washing the dishes while she watched me. I remember that she was so clingy that afternoon and just wanted to be wherever I went. I knew she wouldn't understand what I was talking about, but she responded well (ha ha). I love this video of her because she's being so talkative and responsive. My apologies to those who don't understand the language. To give you an idea, I was making up stories of her adventures being lost in the forest and other things that came to mind :).

First Day Without Daddy

Daddy went back to work today after spending the whole 4 weeks with Evie and Mommy. I felt a little bit strange not having my husband around, except the baby, Tom and Crichton (our cats).

Well, the first day without Daddy in the house was good. Eve was eating and sleeping well (thanks to the battery-operated swing that her Nanny gave us yesterday). The swing really helped a lot during nap times. Mostly, 10 minutes after being swayed by the machine, she's off to dozing. Her sound eating and sleeping pattern today made me able to do a little bit of household chores. I was able to wash the dishes, clean the fridge, fold linens, and do some blogging :).

Speaking of household chores, I have TONS in mind and wanted to do them right away. Usually, my mind gets overwhelmed of the "must-dos." But I realized, I simply could not do them in one day specially that I have an infant who needs my extra care and attention. So I thought of listing the things that need to be done and assign a particular day to accomplish it. Hopefully the idea works.