Shortly after I found out I was pregnant, I realised my flat - the one I loved and called home for the previous couple of years, was not appropriate for a family. It was a Single Person's flat.
I lived on the second floor in an awesome corner-plot apartment with the nicest landlord ever. I did have some noisy neighbours but waging musical wars on them usually did the trick. By musical wars, I mean pointing powerful speakers towards the front door and blasting music at them. Good music with the appropriate message.
I needed to find a place that was closer to my family - within walking distance preferably. I needed to be able to be closer so that it would not pose issues with babysitting arrangements - especially when I return back to work. I also wanted us to be able to go by and visit without having it be an Epic Journey.
The place needed to be bigger - big enough for two and a half people to live in, At that point, I was still under the impression things were fine with the ex, and that he'd be moving in. I wanted it to be Our Home. A place small enough to be able to keep in good order, but big enough to allow us a certain degree of privacy. Living with a partner doesn't mean you have to be his/her shadow 24/7.
The new place also had to be on the Ground Floor preferably. This way it wouldn't be too much of a hassle to go places alone with Creature and taking the pram/pushchair with us. It would also mean less safety concerns.
After a couple of months searching for a new home, I finally found it. The ideal house.
There was just one issue...
This, is the Pink Disney Princess nightmare.
Don't get me wrong, I like the furniture in it. It's just that... well... I don't do pink. Unless it is my hair we're talking about. And I don't do Disney Princesses.
Seeing as it is still unknown whether Creature is a boy or a girl, I've pretty much left the room as it was for the time being. Once s/he is born, I'll ask for permission to carry out some modifications.
I want to get rid of all the Disney Princesses crap - and if it turns out Creature is a girl, I'd like to hang up some tasteful Fairy pictures such as this, and this. Cicely Mary Barker did some pretty awesome stuff! I might leave the walls pink, we'll see. Though I'd prefer them to be a light lilac. If, on the other hand, Creature is a boy, I'll probably go for mythical beasts - such as this, or this! Should Creature be a boy, I will definitely ask for permission to paint the walls - I really don't want my son to grow up in a pink room. If I manage to, I'd wish to paint the ceiling a sky blue and have clouds there. I've always dreamt of having a Sky ceiling.
One thing I really like in Nurseries are trees - there are quite a few cool examples online - such as this room, and this other one too! I probably won't bother for the time being though - once I know whether we'll be extending our stay in this place by another year, I'll decide whether to go for it or not.
I'd love to hear your ideas and opinions! What would you have wanted your room to be like growing up? What have you opted to decorate your child[ren]'s room with? What are your plans for future kidlets?
I live in a ground floor place, with two sets of neighbours living upstairs. They have windows that overlook my yards. This means that I overhear them regularly - whether it is the clattering of plates and cutlery, videogames being played, or their arguing - I hear it all.
It seems like a particular family from upstairs likes to argue a lot. There tend to be very loud fights involving yelling, doors slamming, wailing and swearing.
I'm not sure which neighbours cause all the noisy drama - however I will be looking forward to annoy them with Creature's crying at the most awkward times of the day and night. Having said that, I know I will have to deal with them at some point in time - for two reasons.
Reason number 1
They are noisy. Too noisy. They have a habit of being noisy on their way down and up the stairs - of continuing conversations with any departing guests as said guests stomp down the stairs. And they yell - a lot. This means that I will likely be cursing the day they were born on a regular basis whenever they screw up my efforts to put Creature to sleep. How does one deal with such a situation without causing epic drama?
I am not entirely sure. Especially since I have no idea what my upstairs neighbours look like. I mind my own business. The only idea I've come up with so far is to write them a letter and stick it to their door, perhaps. This would count for both sets of neighbours. Or stick it by their letterboxes, To show them it is nothing personal.
The issues I can think of with the above plan is - What if they have horrible English and don't understand the letter? Or even worse, they can't read? Should I write it in Maltese or English? Or both?
I asked my faithful friend Google for some ideas. This is what I found:
A newspaper article dated September 2011 saying that the procedures to follow to take action re:noise pollution in Malta are being reviewed.
A Facebook page for a non-profit organisation called Noise Abatement Society of Malta, with very little info and a link to a website that to date doesn't work.
A link to the Maltese Ministry of Justice & Home Affairs website which was fruitless when it comes to the laws affecting Neighbourhood Noise Pollution.
Various websites all advising the same thing - speak to your neighbours and/or write them a letter, and if they don't cooperate, speak to the relevant authorities and.or their landlord, if they happen to be tenants.
This pretty much means that at this point in time, I will have to wit and see what happens. Eventually I may need to write that letter, and see what happens. If the worst comes to pass, I suppose I could always move houses once my tenancy agreement expires.
Reason number 2
Not only are they loud, but their arguing often features the same 2 or 3 swearwords. I'm no saint, I admit it. I do swear frequently in everyday life - however I refrain from doing so around young children, my parents and elder relatives, and in circumstances where it is highly inappropriate - such as at work.
I know it will be a struggle to regulate myself around Creature - however the last thing I want is to be a bad influence. In the English language, swearing is extremely mild in comparison to the Maltese language. It tends to be the case that whenever a foreigner is around Maltese people, the first words s/he is taught are swearwords - sometimes with the wrong explanation as to what they mean being given, to produce a comical effect.
Youtube is full of videos of young children using swearwords, usually with a parent in hysterics with laughter echoing in the background. As entertaining as it may be, children have a habit of saying the least appropriate things at the most awkward moments. Laughing at their using foul language will only encourage them, as children are willing to do anything to please people around them - especially parents. Getting pissed off at them for swearing, on the other hand, will equip your child with a weapon to use against you when they want to anger you. It might seem like a lost cause either way you react - however it really doesn't need to be. All you'd need to do is to explain to the children why you don't appreciate that kind of language without throwing a guilt trip in their lap.
You might think I am rushing way ahead of myself - but in truth I'm not. Even in utero, Baby is listening to the sound of your voice. Once born, babies tend to listen and absorb information - especially things that are repeated over and over again, long before they actually say they first word.
I can regulate more or less my swearing by using awesome expressions such as "Fiddlesticks!", instead of "Fuck!" - or do like Homer did [clicky here for the Italian version, and here for the English one] and I can walk away from people who are swearing their head off in public places if need be. I cannot however walk away from the neighbours and their loud swearing - especially since it happens on a regular basis.
This means that once that letter is written, I'll have to put an emphasis on the fact that I don't appreciate them teaching my child how to swear from such a young age and that I was hoping the swearing is something s/he would discover in their teenage years from music, literature, TV and their peers.
Hopefully, it won't lead to the neighbours climbing down the drain and pooping in my sink as retaliation.
I have recently been looking at various Formula Milk options to try and figure out which one to buy for Creature. I must say, it is a perplexing process - not only do I know next to nothing about it, but I won't know if Creature will like it - or have any allergic reactions to it even. In the meanwhile, I've gathered as much information as I possibly can about it all. You'll find it all explained as clearly as I possibly could below.
There are three different types of formula:
cow’s milk-based formula
hydrolysed protein formula
soya-based formula
Cow's Milk Based Formula
The majority of Formula Milks are based on cow's milk, which is modified to resemble breastmilk as closely as possible. The cow's milk is modified by adjusting carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels and adding vitamins and minerals. There are specific brands that modify the milk especially for Premature babies too!
One thing that perplexed me is reading "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" on on milk's containers. So, what do they mean?
When the milk is modified, it is broken down into curds (casein) and whey. The ratio of casein to whey can vary according to the type of baby formula milk. This is what Stage 1 and Stage 2 are referring to. Stage 1 milks consist of mostly whey, with a casein:whey ratio of 40:60, which is more or less the same as breastmilk. They are thought to be easier to digest, and are suitable from birth up until your child's first birthday. Stage 2 milks consist of mostly casein, with a casein:whey ratio of 80:20. They take longer to digest and are often promoted as being for hungrier babies.
In truth, your baby will only ever need the Stage 1 milk, nutrition-wise, but you might wish to switch to Stage 2 as your baby grows - perhaps to prolong the gaps between feedings. Be careful not to switch from Stage 1 to Stage 2 too early, as it might cause your child to become constipated. "How early is too early?" you might ask. Well, many milk manufacturers market their second-stage milk as suitable from birth, you are better off waiting until your baby is at least four weeks old. Your can decide to completely skip the second-stage milk if you want, and once your child is 1 yr old, switch directly to cow's milk.
Cow’s milk is low in iron and vitamin C, so it shouldn't become the main milk before your child is at least 1. You can, however, use small amounts in cooking for your baby once s/he has started weaning.
Hydrolysed-protein formula
Hydrolysed-protein formula milks are based on cow's milk and have the same nutritional value as standard formula milk. The difference is that the protein in the milk is hydrolysed, which means it is broken down so your baby is less likely to have allergic reactions to it. These milks are also generally lactose-free, so babies with an intolerance to cow’s milk can digest them easily.
If you think your baby has a cow's milk allergy or intolerance, see your doctor who will be able to prescribe a hydrolysed-protein formula for your baby. You can usually buy these from your pharmacy. You can also buy special lactose-free formulas, which your doctor might suggest is your baby has a lactose intolerance.
Soya-based formula
Soya-based formula is made from soya beans. It is modified with vitamins, minerals and nutrients to make it suitable for formula milk. If you would like to opt for Soya-based formula milk, speak to your doctor beforehand. Soya formulas are usually marketed as suitable for babies from birth, however health professionals don't recommend them for babies under the age of six months.
It's not recommended that your baby has soya formula if she has a cow’s milk allergy. Babies who are allergic to cow's milk are often allergic to soya, too.
There isn't any particular health benefits that your baby would get from soya formula as opposed to other formula milks. Quite the contrary! Soya formula milks can actually damage your baby’s teeth over time, since they contain glucose syrup.This means that if you do choose to give your child Soya formula milk, you'll have to take mega extra super special care of their teeth.
If your baby doesn’t seem content with the formula you first started her on, talk to your doctor before changing formulas.
"What about older babies?"
Oh,b there are a vast variety of 'specially-lalbelled' formula milks out there, so I can understand your confusion...
Here's a brief list of different older-baby-formulas and what they mean:
Follow-on milks are milks with higher protein and mineral content than ordinary infant formula. They are sold as suitable for babies from six months old.
Goodnight milks are follow-on milks with added cereal, which are marketed as milks that help your baby sleep better at night. However, there’s no evidence that they help babies to settle at night, nor that they take longer to digest. Don’t give goodnight milk to overweight babies, nor to babies less than six months old because cereal isn’t suitable for younger babies.
Growing-up milks are marketed as a better option than cow's milk since they contain added iron and other vitamins and minerals. They are promoted to be used for babies from about one year old. However, growing-up milk isn’t needed. Once your child is 1 year old, s/he can have full-fat cow's milk as her main drink. Since by that age, your child will also be eating a varied and balanced diet, any essential vitamins and minerals ill be obtained from solid foods, thus rendering growing-up milks obsolete.
If you decide to raise your child as a vegetarian, you might wish to switch to an iron-rich formula once you start the weaning process if you find it difficulty in finding enough vegetarian foods that are rich in iron.
One important thing to check for is any particular brand having had negative publicity. I came across an article today about a brand called Enfamil where there have been illnesses linked to its consumption, so there is doubt on whether it might be tainted or not.
When purchasing formula milk, you will find prices tend to vary a fair bit, depending on brand, type and retailer. Hydrolysed-protein formula milk tends to be the most expensive option. If you find some time, go around different shops in your area [if you work, you might want to check the surrounding area over there as well] and just take note of Shop name, Type of Formula, Brand Name, and Price. If you are the type to carry a note book with around at all times, jot down the above info - or alternatively, your mobile phone will do. This will then allow you to compare prices, for you to be able to get the cheapest deal without compromising quality.
It can take on average 30 minutes to prepare a bottle. This depends on your sterilisation method and the type of formula milk you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a bottle, and here is a guide on how to store pre-prepared formula milk safely in a fridge.
