Reaching new heights

Dear Phoebe,

Are you sensing my apprehension with regards to sending you to childcare when I return to work in January? Do you have an inkling that I will miss your sweet face and soft hugs and even your screams? I know it will be good for both of us to have a change of scenery, social interaction with other toddlers (for you) and other adults (for me), a new focus and some different activities. However, I'm hesitant as you are my precious little baby and you've become more clingy towards me lately. Also, you have not napped in your cot during the day for a long time now. How will you go when no one has the time to rock you to sleep and hold you in the carrier? Will you have enough at meal times? Will you get upset and think I've abandoned you to complete strangers? Will you eat paint (since it's allowed at the centre) or swallow too much dirt because no one is watching at that very moment when you're playing outside? My heart and mind find rest only in believing that God will take care of every detail.

Perhaps you are aware that our time together will not be as extensive once the new year comes. I worry it will be too big a deal going from being with Papa and I as well as family for about a month over the holiday season to being left in the care of two people you have not met and a bunch of kids who could potentially pass you every germ under the sun for three days a week or injure you inadvertently. I have brought you to the childcare centre a few times to get acquainted with the place but the two lovely ladies in charge of the baby room will not be your group leaders as staff rotate across classes there. Maybe this whole thing will be more frightening for me than for you. Anyway, let us both learn to be brave, confident and strong for I too will be facing new challenges in the office. 

One thing I do not want to miss out on is your firsts. Yes, I will find out how you've progressed through the daily report and photographs recorded, and I will see the change when we get home. But that is not the same. My guess (or what I'd like to think even though it's probably far fetched) is that you have somehow clued in on this, because this week alone you have gifted me with several new milestones. These amazing moments make me proud as your Mama and pleased as punch that I am getting the first hand experience. 

On Sunday, as you were lying in Papa's arms and drinking water out of a bottle (feeding yourself proficiently with one hand), Papa asked if he could have some and opened his mouth. Without missing a beat, you took the bottle out of your mouth and aimed the teat at his. You repeated this when asked again and then pointed the bottle towards me when I made the request. I don't know where other babies your age are at with things like this but who cares because to me you are a clever, clever cookie! The day before you did this trick, we were having lunch at a Korean restaurant and placed you in the pram beside our table. Papa handed you a bottle of water, which you promptly took hold of. You then realised the cap was still on, so you looked at me, leaned forward to tap the bottle on the table and said, "Eh, eh". After I removed the cover, you contentedly sat back to take a drink. Smart as skittles you are, I tell ya! Monday was the bomb. You looked at me and said "Mum, Mama" over and over. It doesn't matter that you also use it randomly, I was still over the moon, especially when you softly called out while standing at your table walker trying to find me when I stepped into the room briefly. 

Yesterday was like having front row seats at a famous magician's performance because you didn't just delight us with one highlight but presented two new skills in the evening. First, you started clapping when Papa made some cheering sounds and did a bit of a jig. We have showed you how to clap a thousand times and even tried putting your palms together but you have always kept your hands in fists or pulled away or displayed disinterest, but last night, you just decided out of the blue to clap and did so perfectly. I was so ecstatic I gave you loud hurrahs and shouted yay and got all silly happy. Papa filmed this. Then, when Papa put you into the cot to get ready for bed, you stood up in one fluid motion! You just pulled yourself up from a sitting position by holding onto the edge. Granted this couldn't quite be replicated after the second go but hey I got to see it when Papa excitedly called me into the room, and it only goes to prove the growth that's happening in you. Papa quickly lowered the base of your cot for safety reasons. It'd be disastrous if you stood and plopped out before anyone could catch you.

Oh sweetie, everyday with you is a gift from God. I am priviledged to be your Mama and am grateful you still appear to love me even when I've let my self centred ways and emotions take the stand. You are so dear to Papa and I and just beautiful beyond words.

I love you,

Mama

Oh, I just remembered! We brought you to see friends of ours the Sunday before, and you got to meet a dog for the first time. Rufus is a teddy bear poodle, and a great introduction to the canine species as he doesn't shed at all and is gentle with children. You squealed at the sight of him and got incredibly thrilled when he licked your toes. You were so taken up by him and weren't afraid to show this, that he got a little freaked out. There were a couple of times where I had to stop you from tugging at his ear too hard or pulling at his fur. 

And these 10 things...

1. You are very attentive to books and lessons. I started showing you picture cards teaching the recognition of number one to twenty since you were a little over a month and you have always intently watched me count the accompanying pictures and point to the words and digits
2. Your current favourite food is mango - Papa and I are pleased you've taken after us. Also, you can hold your milk bottle pretty well to feed yourself 
3. You worked out some time ago how to pluck the shapes out through the flaps on your cylindrical box-like toy, and you can sit for fairly long periods of time, bend down to pick something and straighten back up again
4. You still love bath times and have been enjoying swimming lessons that teach babies pool safety through a series of repetitive exercises accompanied by rhymes or songs
5. You love other babies and children, lighting up when you see them - When your little cousin, Joel, came to visit a few weeks ago, you squealed with delight upon seeing him and immediately reached out to touch his face, hold his hand, pat his head and pull him close for a kiss. We were at the Bonds store the other day and a toddler came running up to the pram to greet you. She was so bright and friendly and you took to her instantly, laughing and trying to hug her - that was a most adorable sight
6. You lick snot. You hate having your nose cleaned or your mouth wiped and seem to like spreading food everywhere
7. You still try to suck on my nose sometimes and pull my hair out. What's new is you have started inspecting my teeth and gums by sticking a little finger in and poking at things
8. You now try to help me take your arms out from the straps once I've unbuckled you from the car seat
9. You occasionally chuckle in your sleep and I absolutely adore this, especially when you actually laugh out loud for a couple of seconds
10. You are kinda making a "mmm-mah" sound once in a while - I hope you are learning to call me because that will be uber exciting!

How quick the year has gone

Dear Phoebe,

You will be 9 months on the first of December my precious baby. Oh how the time has flown! Someone once told me that the days are long but the years are short. Even so, the days have passed between my fingers like tiny grains of sand falling in a breeze. The moments matter, oh how they matter I now realise! I must make it a habit to jot down every little thing I want to remember about you. Every expression, every nuance, every new skill developed, every gesture. I want to have these memories etched in my mind for as long as I live. You are yet a year old but already there is much I have failed to capture before the opportunity slipped away. Little but significant things like your hand and foot print when you were a newborn. Thankfully we do have a fairly large collection of photographs that help in some way tell your story. 

My sweet darling, you have changed, my how you have changed. From small outward ways like longer hair and double eyelids, to finer motor skills and quicker responses. You have yet to work out the whole business of crawling but you can do a backward slide while lying on your tummy and a seated forward-moving bum shuffle. You have been sitting very stably the past two months. You can even stand unassisted (though supported by the ledge which you hold tightly to) if I place you at the living room window to wait for Papa's arrival home in the evenings. It excites you when Papa returns that you tap on the glass to get his attention. Nowadays, you eat most things I offer, which is an answered prayer. The sad part, however, is you have lost weight since consuming solids. I should probably prepare more substantial meals so your baby fat and lovely rolls don't disappear too fast. I will most likely cry the day you officially become a little girl and perhaps a lean bean from running around as active toddlers do.

The past couple of months have been teaching me to slow down and reprioritise. It's so important I take a step back and recognise that this season is about being fully present for you because I am now a mum, your mum. The housework will always be there, and so will the items on my seemingly never-ending to-do list. I shouldn't get caught up in fretting over these responsibilities but just take the time to enjoy you at every stage of your life. I am not going to compare you to another baby and wonder why they seem to be advancing at a faster pace. You will crawl when you are good and ready to. You will babble and speak when the time is right for you. Yes I can encourage and teach you, but I will not get frustrated or wish you to progress quicker, because my love, you are fine just as you are.

My prayer is for you to be secure and confident and to know that my love for you is not dependent on your performance. You don't need to earn my approval or be afraid I will react negatively. I want to be one of your greatest supporters, not your harshest critic who brings hurt and resentment. I want to lift you up and inspire you, not crush your spirit and belittle your struggles and thoughts. I want you to feel safe to come to me for anything, assured I will be there to understand or at least make the effort to and comfort and cheer you on. I want to help you to dream big and be fearless in honing your talents, developing your interests and pursuing your desires, instead of imposing my hopes on you. 

There have been days where my emotions have gotten the better of me and I have not been patient and compassionate. I just pray you will not be scarred in any way. I am still figuring things out. In some ways I know you well, but as you are growing each day, there is always something new to discover and learn. Recently, you went through another developmental leap. I guess I must have known at the back of my mind that growing up is hard and you have a lot to take in, but somehow this did not translate to the way I responded when you began behaving in a less desirable fashion. Granted you are an incredible baby, but with each leap still comes a period of adjustment in which all infants get more fussy and needy.

This time your sleeping pattern was affected too and you stopped being able to go down for naps in your cot. It wasn't new that you slept better in my arms but previously I could still put you into your own bed for a while to get some things done. Once this new phase hit, that went out the window. Even your night time sleeps reverted to the earlier days and I caved and brought you to our room, on several occasions, in the wee hours of the morning so you could snuggle beside me. Your cuddles are pure goodness. I hope you never tire of hugging me. Please don't be one of those kids who is embarrassed to be seen with their parents. I don't think my heart can handle the rejection. Anyway, you still nap on me during the day. I will miss you terribly when I return to work in January and you go to childcare.

Childcare. I am worried about this and need to entrust you to God more. I will be working three days a week so for those days you will be with other little people for some social interaction and mini activities. I pray you will love your time there, have the best teachers, not get bullied or bully, and be able to eat, sleep and poop well. Be brave my darling, and may your joyful spirit be super contagious. May you be well loved by all you meet, and may you love others well. Be an example of purity and humility even in your young age. Learn and grow and be shielded from nasty illnesses. Get creative and explore new things. Be ever filled with awe and wonder and never get too old to jump onto a pile of crunchy autumn leaves or dance in the rain. When you are big, remember with fondness these days when you and I sway clumsily through the house, share slobbery kisses, and make goofy faces. Recall with delight the raspberries I blow on your belly, the smooches I plant on your edible cheeks, the gentleness in the way I stroke your hair, the love that is poured out in my care, the songs we sing over and over and the books we read until the pages get worn. These are the moments I want to hold in my heart forever. 

You have been down with a bad cold and wet cough since Wednesday. It started with a fever on Monday and now your chest is heavy and congested. It pains me to watch you struggle. I pray over you to be healed really really soon. I'm glad the clinic our neighbour recommended has lovely doctors to help make things more bearable. I am also thankful for the Tula carrier Aunty Miin and Uncle Nick (Papa's younger brother and his wife) gifted us last month, as being ill has made you more needy and less willing to sit in the pram or play at your table walker.

As I carry you around to get chores done, being slung comfortably in a koala position lulls you to sleep. You've been so contented in there that you've taken long enough naps for me to finish a twenty-episode Korean drama over the course of this week (ok, so this includes watching after you've gone to bed but still, don't judge me)! While your longing for attention has created certain challenges, I do enjoy the closeness we share and now need not envy other baby-wearing mothers. I know this season will pass in the flicker of a hummingbird's wing too so I am stopping to cherish what is good. The house is quiet now with you in bed and Papa asleep on the couch. I shall retire to and look forward to another beautiful day with you.

With all my heart,

Mama

Pictures of you, pictures of me

Lunch date with Papa at Tedder & Woodroffe
Dress from Aunty Hoon

Four Months Old
Top and shoes from Aunty Banga (Mama's sister)

Xiao Gu (Papa's youngest sister) visited in June

Five Months Old

Minnie Mouse outfit from Aunty Hoon

Coral outfit from Grandma

Owl onesie from Aunty Miin

With your cousins Kathleen, Michelle & Elizabeth (left to right) 

Owl from Aunty Shanta (Grandma's sister)

Six Months Old

7 September 2014: First Fathers' Day

13 September 2014: With Aunty Kay (Mama's cousin)
at your cousin Jasper's second birthday party

14 September 2014: The day you got dedicated at church

10 Things I Know About You

1. You're six and a half months and weigh around 8 kilograms. We have not measured your height recently but you appear rather tall for your age 
2. You have rosy cheeks and what yummy cheeks they are! Ideal for smooching. You also stick your tongue out in a cute way quite a bit nowadays
3. You were introduced to solid foods around two months ago, the first offering being mashed avocado, which you approved of and asked for more. The squashed banana did not receive such a warm welcome. You smelt it and made a face but gave it a few tries anyway, then gagged and turned away. Stewed apple and pear were given almost similar responses but if I hide a bit of either in some rice cereal, you oblige and eat a small amount. Sadly you have been refusing the avocado since the third or fourth sample. You don't consume much but I am not too concerned for now. Later today I will attempt to feed you some pureed steamed baby carrot. Next it will be broccoli and cauliflower, then rice porridge made with a carrot and free range chicken broth with any oil and scum removed
4. You always watch us closely during meal and snack times, following the food from our plates to our mouths and licking your lips as we chew. Some time ago, as I was holding you in one arm and drinking with the other, you reached out for my mug and pulled it towards you. I let you take a few sips of water and felt proud of your achievement
5. You don't seem interested in learning how to sit up. If I place you in a sitting position, you either aim for a face plant, flop sideways or shift your bum forward as if on a slippery slide. Sometimes you throw yourself back with such force you almost bang your head and I have to catch you quickly. Standing is perhaps more appealing but naturally you need the support to do this successfully. Our recent purchase of a Bright Starts Table Walker was a good move as it keeps you happily entertained and occupied for a while. I hope it encourages you to use your legs and feet properly
6. You've started to be a little selective with the people who can approach and/or carry you. Certain people get instant cries and slight screams. Others are greeted with warm smiles and pats to the face. It makes me super glad that you look for me at times. I hope you know how special you are to me too
7. You enjoy being out to observe new places and things, and I am thankful that you travel well and can take decent naps in the car
8. You have a firm grip. I have very little  hair to begin with but you have been gleefully yanking out strands of it everyday. I do like it when you try to stroke my face even when it inadvertently ends with you scratching my eye out or pinching hard and tugging at my lips. You also grab my ears to pull me in so you can eat my nose or suck on my chin. I must have a tasty face
9. You sometimes lean forward to kiss me gently on the face. Perhaps that is not your intention but it appears that way and I think it's super lovely. You also blow raspberries frequently (a habit that formed when Grandma made one at you). This often means I get sprayed with saliva and sometimes have food spat onto me
10. Papa says you give us the sweetest smiles. You melt his heart like no one else does

Milestones

Dear Phoebe,

Oh my how quickly the time has gone! You will be five months this Friday, or if we go by weeks, you're 21 weeks and 3 days now. Quite a bit has changed so I had better record everything before my absent mindedness kicks in. Let's see, you weigh around 7.5 kilograms and will soon be moving onto Size 0 clothes. We haven't had your height or head circumference measured but all seems normal. In fact, you could very well be above average with how nicely you have been growing and plumping up. Everyone we know loves how chubby and adorable you are. I think you know that you're the center of attention and are quite enjoying that fact. 

I have inherited Grandma's habit of creating strange nicknames and have developed a whole string of odd sounding words for you. Apart from regular terms such as cutie patootie, dumpling, pumpkin, pumpernickel, darling, cuddle bug, bubba and baby, you are also Mama's chumcheewumchee, pookee bear, boogee bear, pumcheese, pookeewoowee, bumcheeboo, choocheewalla and a host of other weird and wonderful things. Let's hope you do not end up with an identity crisis, wondering what your name really is. Whatever you're called though, all you need to know is you are super precious. My little pupcheeboowee, you have beautiful eyes and the cutest chuckle. Smiles and laughs come very easily these days, even when your nap has been cut short for us to get you ready for church. You didn't stop smiling and laughing at the nurse the other night despite it being way past your bedtime. We took you to the hospital as you had broken out in a bumpy red rash all over and were throwing up quite a bit. Waking up to your bright eyes and sweet smiles warms Papa's heart and mine. One morning when Papa went in to say goodbye before leaving for work, and you were still asleep, he gently held your left hand to say a little prayer over you. You opened your eyes briefly, smiled at him and went back to dreaming. I've experienced this too and it is special beyond words. 

You have now mastered the left turn roll from your back to your tummy, and often attempt to do this while on the change mat, which makes cleaning you and putting on a fresh nappy rather tricky at times. For some reason, you get very excited when we lay you on the change mat. You flap your arms and kick about and wriggle and squirm. I have tried to occupy you with small toys but this has not been successful. Making eye contact and speaking to you slowly or singing sometimes grabs your attention and helps still you enough for the job to get finished. The same cannot be said for when you are in the bathtub though. It's really cute to see you get all happy and splash around in there, but we have to hold your legs down at times as the bathroom floor ends up getting flooded otherwise. I am sure you will enjoy swimming in the future. One day you will get used to turning towards your right to get onto your tummy and will be able to roll onto your back easily. 

Papa and I are still learning to understand the ways in which you communicate with us. Easy signs to pick up on are when you lip smack, appear to be rooting, yawn and rub your eyes. Your cries have somewhat changed and you now  are in the habit of making strange constipated type whining sounds as a way of fussing to ask for something. Sometimes it means you are hungry, sometimes it tells me you are trying to poop or just release some gas from the bottom. Other times you're just tired or wanting to be carried. You like joining in the fun when we have friends and family over and at times prefer to be held while Papa and I are having dinner so you can watch the food go from our plates to our mouths and be a part of the conversation. Just in these last few days, I have offered you tiny bits of mashed avocado to test your reaction to solids. I have also let you sip a little water from my cup in response to your curious expression and the way you lean towards it and reach out for the handle if I am carrying you while drinking. You like both these experiences.

At around 4 months, after we were convinced you were not suffering any side effects from your vaccinations, you graduated to the nursery. You did so without a peep and seem to love being in your own room. Papa and I stared at the empty space in our room where your cot was and found it rather strange. There is now a bookshelf sitting in that spot. I am sleeping better now that you only need one night/morning feed and make far less noise in your sleep. I am so proud at how adaptable you are sweetheart. You nap far less given you go down for longer stretches at night and like to sleep in. There are some days you will only nap on my lap and not in your cot but while it means I cannot get much done, these are the moments I cherish for they will not last long.

Papa and I believe you have started teething as your cheeks turn a bright red most days, signifying inflammation, and you drool a great deal more. Since becoming pretty apt at grabbing things and hitting the stage where most things go into your mouth, you like sucking on various teethers and bug toys. I like watching you get excited when we bring a teether or toy towards you. It may take months for those pearly whites to make an appearance. I just pray you will have it easy during the process of them popping out. 

Well, until next time when there is more to write about, I shall end here.

Love, Mama

Autumn in Adelaide

Strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm with the other new
little family from the Then Clan

We got in before the patch closed for winter and I left with
2 tiny glass pots of jam so I could keep the miniature jars 

Found a sweet pick, yay! Mm, this photo needs to be edited

A happy baby-wearing dad & Phoebe who likes tasty fingers

We stopped for a bite at Hahndorf, the quaint little German village nearby, then stuffed our faces with really good Vietnamese food for dinner. Lunch was meant to be small on account of supper plans with the rest of the family, but the shared platter for two of barbecued pork ribs, chicken wings and a side of wedges (actually we ended up with the main size by accident) turned out to be of monstrous proportions so we had spares to pack home. Still, we managed to pig out on rice paper rolls, beef salad, pho, lobster tails, and broken rice with grilled pork. Everything was yum! I don't have photographic evidence of either meal so you're going to have to take my word for it. We always eat incredibly well when with Fab's family or mine, that we both have to watch our weight. I think we're allowed to get a little crazy on holidays though. 

Phoebe met her cousin Joel. He's 6 weeks younger but only
a kilo lighter and is tall like his parents. Here they are,
listening attentively to my nonsensical ramblings

Time with you

Dear Phoebe,

It's been just the two of us on weekdays since family left over the Easter break and Papa returned to work on Monday the 28th of April. The first week was a bit tricky as you suffer from reflux and was having a particularly bad run with tummy pains and vomiting. There were days I just held you and prayed so you could get some rest. I have to admit I have held you for naps even when it isn't necessary simply because I love the cuddles. It's amazing how enduring you are despite times of discomfort affecting your breathing and rest. Papa said you smiled at him as he cleaned the spew off your face one night. Occasionally you frown and cry out briefly in your sleep, which saddens my heart. You do make an adorable sad face though.   

You're growing everyday and soon will be reaching new milestones. At almost 11 weeks, you now weigh five and a half kilograms, and are fitting into clothes for babies older than yourself. Papa and I adore your rounded face and double chin plus those chubby arms and legs and pudgy little hands. Smiles come more easily these days and we are finding new ways of getting you to converse with us in your sweet voice. You are most chatty when we make eye contact and ask you about your day, whistle or do lip trills. Yesterday you babbled as I read out a few pages of The Wind in the Willows. You seem to enjoy story time and will make an effort to look at the pictures in the children's Bible we bought to read to you. Tummy time has been progressing well as I keep you entertained with picture books in primary colours and small squeaky toys. Papa and I believe your neck is very strong for someone your age.

I am not quite certain what you make of the world as yet, but you have been taking everything in your stride. You are open to letting anyone carry you and do not fuss when bigger kids hover over you, play with your fingers and toes and exclaim how cute you are in their loud high pitched voices. Fabian, who is six, looks forward to seeing you at Church on Sundays. He kisses your cheeks and coos over you. Papa was rather taken aback when I told him and quickly remarked, "Noooo! She's too young for boys!". I wasn't actually planning on letting Fabian carry you, but he came over and lifted you up from the pram before I had a chance to protest. He assured me it would be alright as his mum taught him how to hold his sister who will be turning seven months soon. Sure enough, he held you close and was very gentle when stroking your head. It amuses me how popular you are with other children who are still small and adorable themselves. One little girl even thanked me for letting her admire you.

Last Tuesday, you listened attentively to songs the Mothers' cell group worshiped to at our house. This was the first time I saw you respond to music. My prayer is that you will experience God's presence and be filled with His Spirit. I know it's not too early for you to know and love Him. Things you clearly took a shining to from the time you could see further were our ceiling fans and air conditioners. You will focus on 'Mr Fan' while drinking if I feed you in the living room. Apart from Papa and I, he receives the most smiles. Well, he and his twin in our bedroom. You either smile at our bedroom fan or the air conditioning unit when having a nappy change.

I cannot praise you enough for your cheery disposition. Your good nature puts me to shame as I often let emotions get the better of me. Papa knows well that I get pretty cranky when my sleep is interrupted, but although I had to undress and balance you over the bathroom sink for a wash in the cold at three in the morning due to a peeing accident, you didn't cry and even smiled at me when I tucked you back into bed. I just want you to know that getting up at night to attend to you is not an unwelcome "disruption". I am so glad you are hardly fazed by most things that take place to and around you. Papa and I did pray for you to be adaptable and easy going, and I still pray for God's peace to always be with you.

Being a mum is a new chapter for me, one which requires a great deal of trust in God. Each time I hold you or just gaze upon your lovely face, I immediately start worrying about your well-being and future. I know many of my prayers are born out of fear so may not be as effective as I would like them to be, but I am certainly learning to commit everything to God. Truly though, I don't quite know what I'd do if anything untoward ever happened to you. You are so precious to Papa and I. You are our miracle baby, our sweet darling, and we will be here for you as long as we are able.

Love, Mama

Bestest baby ever!

Dear Phoebe,

You're a total trooper! Grandma was saying her friends can't believe how good natured you are. How many people are there in the world who can rave about a baby who self soothes and only ever fusses if something is truly required? A friend of Papa and I, Aunty Sandra, reckons you're a 1 in 500 babies kind of gal. 

You turned two months on Saturday and have grown so much that someone asked what I was feeding you. Papa and I tell each other you're the cutest baby in the world. We could be biased but who cares! Besides, all our friends and relatives agree wholeheartedly and have been looking forward to cuddles with you. We even got approached by a photographer who was going to do a shoot for Johnson's & Johnson's. I didn't ring her back about the proposal though as J & J use harsh chemicals in their products so we don't want to be standing for something I would not use on your skin. 

Now that you're a little older, you are a lot more responsive. You enjoy looking at the 'Hello Baby' books I bought you that feature high contrast colours and patterns to stimulate brain development. Toys are still not tickling your fancy, although you did take a while to look at the little felt bugs Aunty Banga got for dangling above your head. I think it was the bell in the toy that got your attention. What delights Papa and I are your sweet smiles. You even chuckled in your sleep as I held you after dinner yesterday. 

Recently, you have been delaying your night time meals and giving Papa and I better blocks of rest. Last night, you slept from 9pm to 4am before needing to refuel. Even then you drank with your eyes closed and remained in a completely drowsy state. You only opened your eyes after I changed your nappy and swaddled you back up again. As you looked at me, you gave the loveliest and longest smile I've seen yet, and we exchanged a little conversation (your end consisting of endearing little cooing sounds). I am so grateful that you are easily settled, which allows me to get things done around the house during the day. You're also very calm and contented when friends excitedly pass you around as everyone wants a chance to carry you. 

Pumpkin, you have a wonderful personality and demeanour. You are such a huge blessing to Papa and I, and are deeply loved by us and many others. A few of Grandma's friends have gifted you with lovely handmade items such as a quilt and dresses. You have even received several Ang Pows, which we have placed in a bank account for you. 

Honestly, I sometimes wonder what the days ahead are going to be like as Papa and I will need to start organising for day care and eventually schooling. We will also need to discuss how we are going to impart biblical values, explain various important life facts and navigate through whatever trend you may decide to follow (oh please don't go goth or emo or take a liking to clubbing). One day you will ask us about the birds and the bees and I want to be fully prepared to give you an age-appropriate answer that reflects God's truth on the matter. It's crucial neither Papa nor I shy away from what is often considered taboo or the awkward topics as God has a take on everything and it's way better than what the world has made things out to be. My prayer is that we can be godly role models for you.

Anyway for now, I will just treasure the time we have together while being on maternity leave, and take the opportunity to style you in what I think are cute clothes (before you are capable of protesting, haha!).

I love you to the moon and back plus a whole lot more, my chubby chutie patootie!
Mama

Grandma called this your flamenco dress - you were 7 weeks
Grandma's nickname for you is Tootsie Willow

Just chillin' out - Aunty Banga bought this onesie in the States

One of many dresses by Aunty Hoon
Aunty Hoon calls you by your Chinese name, En Qi
(meaning full of grace - Papa believes this is God given as it's so apt)

The boss in the house - Carters outfit by Aunty Banga

Mini soccer player with mittens

ANZAC Day, just before you turned 2 months

i ♥

Land of Nod - I wish they had a branch in Australia

(Photos from the Land of Nod website)

Cherry Throw Pillow by Joy Cho (Oh Joy!)

Little Slipper Chair in grey - I'm so tempted to get the one I saw at Adairs Kids
Fab and I have an adult sized chevron chair in our room 

Princess and the Pea series by Jillian Phillips

i ♥

Cotton On Kids Bedroom Range

Cotton On Kids Sleepover Tote - South Paws

Little Angel

Dear Phoebe,

You turned a month last Saturday and this occasion was celebrated with a gathering of family and friends for Sunday lunch. Naturally, you were none the wiser and slept through most of the proceedings. I said last week I wasn't certain of your personality, but each day that has passed since has made me realise you were already showing the answer. As Grandma puts it, you are in one word stoic. 

Some say never to declare in your presence how good a baby you are for fear it will jinx things. This is a piece of advice I have not been following for I believe positive utterances have a spiritual significance. You are what I and many others prayed for. And how could I possibly refrain from praising you for being so wonderful? 

My darling, you have a sweet disposition and are what I consider long suffering. Despite a bothersome heat rash, relentless bouts of hiccups and bad gas build up from indigestion, you have taken it all within your stride and have tried hard to put up with the terrible discomfort in your own way without crying. You have not fussed even in noisy restaurants, and have been agreeable to others carrying and photographing you or poking their faces into your bassinet to coo over you. Grandma and I find you all the more lovable for your brave attempts to endure whatever pain you experience, but it also hurts my heart to watch you grimace and struggle and not be able to make your troubles disappear straight away. 

Initially, it surprised me how when you are hungry, you simply stir in your sleep and make sounds that aren't associated with the need to feed (as per what is deemed universal baby language). One night I wondered whether I had attended to you late, being deep in slumber. You have been very patient on the whole and for this I am grateful. I can imagine it would be very stressful if you had a habit of crying loudly and incessantly. Although your snorting, puffing and constipated like sounds often keep me up at night, this does not detract from how easy it is to care for you. Grandma is right is saying we are truly blessed. Before you came along, I was adamant I wanted the freedom a life without children affords, but now I wouldn't have it any other way. You bring so much joy to our lives.

Speaking of joy, you have begun to engage with me more. Grandma reckons you are able to recognise both Papa and I and are showing that by following our movement with your eyes and giving genuine smiles. I say genuine as you gaze directly at us and are not just reacting to bloatedness as is probably still the case when you smile with your eyes closed. Such moments are very rewarding and shall be savoured. As you grow, I plan to slowly introduce activities for us to do together. At present you are not interested in the toys attached to your play mat, but you are excelling in tummy time with impressive head lifts. Grandma is still amazed at how well you hold your head upright when we carry you over our shoulders.

Oh sweetheart, while it excites Papa and I to watch you reach new milestones, there are times we just want time to slow down so we can enjoy this stage of your life a little longer. It was only two weeks ago that we ducked out to the shops to buy you a few more newborn outfits as you were swimming in the clothes we had on hand. Unfortunately, you can't fit into a couple of them now so I didn't get the chance to see you in that cute light pink top and pants set. I doubt the onesies you have been wearing are going to last very much longer either. You will not be short on garments though as Grandma and Aunty Banga (my sister) have gifted you with a number of beautiful pieces. Sadly you will most likely outgrow the can-can skirt Grandma gave by next week. To remember how adorable you looked it in today, I have included photographs below.

Well, it is getting late now my dear so I shall end here and write to you again another day...

Love, Mama

Delighted grandparents

Happy in your pretty skirt