Alex at 20 months

It's getting harder everyday, I can say. Alex is growing and slowly realizing that she can be independent! Or there are days that she will be so dependent and clingy that she just doesn't want to let go of me! I guess she's a little confused on things that sometimes she just wanted to be with me all the time. Sometimes she doesn't even want to be carried by her Dada. (*sigh*)

So, I did a little research and found something at iVillage.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR CHILD:
TWO THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Your toddler may be testing your boundaries. You can improve your child's behavior and reduce potential conflicts by clearly communicating the family rules and the consequences if these rules are broken. Despite her initial protests, your toddler does crave boundaries; they provide a much-needed sense of order and security. When she does push the limits to the breaking point, remain calm. Be sure not to overreact or accuse her of being bad. Focus your comments on the behavior itself, and then follow through with the consequences you established. She will learn that you mean what you say. Continue this pattern as your child grows, being sure to revise the rules and consequences to fit each stage of her development. You'll find you won't have to scream to be heard and that your child will listen -- most of the time!

2. Your toddler will thrive on a set routine. Structure your activities so that meals, naps and playtime fall around the same time each day. Begin each morning with a wake-up ritual: Greet each other with a hug or a kiss followed by breakfast and morning hygiene needs. Establish rituals for everyday tasks, such as dressing, bathing, housecleaning, meals and bedtime. For instance, if your child attends day care, create a routine where you greet the day care provider and other children, find an activity, kiss goodbye and then depart. If he is reluctant to leave when you retrieve him in the evening because he's having too much fun, institute a "goodbye" routine. Following roughly the same pattern every day will help him anticipate what is coming next. Your toddler will thrive in his structured world, and you'll enjoy getting the tasks done without too much protest.

You can find the entire article here.

Anyway, on another note, my Tita arrived a couple of days ago and she was with us yesterday. I suddenly remembered that she used to be the one who cuts our hair when we were kids and also remembered that Alex needs a haircut badly! So, without thinking twice, I got my scissors and let her cut Alex's bangs. Here is the output. (Please don't laugh...LOL!)