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
