Letters to Julianne #10

Dearest Julianne, 

Month 7 must have been one of your most accomplished months by far.  You hit so many milestones and went on new adventures, I think you're quietly mighty pleased with yourself for having done so much.  Well, I for sure am and couldn't be more thankful for how well you're developing. 

You've mastered sitting up.  We're seeing less of those humpty dumpty moments these days.  Yiyi Rene thinks you've very good posture for a 7 month old.  Good keep it up!  Don't end up like Mama and Yiyi Sam with poor posture.  

Sitting up listening to Gong Gong's silly stories

One of your biggest achievement this month has to be calling 'Mama' and 'Papa' for the first time!! Yes, its the sweetest thing ever.  And you have such a sweet little voice, its too endearing to hear.  You can imagine how thrilled Mama was when you started calling out for me (Yes, for the record, you called 'Mama' before 'Papa').  You tend to do that whenever you're in distress; like when we put you down in your exersaucer leaving you to entertain yourself or when its close to bedtime and you're tired and just want to curl up in my arms to drink your milk and be rocked to sleep.  The other day, when Papa appeared in front of you, you called out 'Papa' in the sweetest of voice, I think your Papa's heart melted for the first time ever.  He was so thrilled, he made sure he told every single member in this house what you did.  I had Gong Gong and Por Por telling me how happy your Papa was when he was relating to them how you called out to him. What a sweetie pie you are. 

You've also started to develop your own personality which is showing itself stronger these days.  You've learnt to cry when we take things away from you, you like to be involved in things that are happening, in conversations, in dinner times.  You hate it when we put you down in the exersaucer while we have our dinner and would rather have me carry you so that you too can join the family at the dinner table - even if it means not having any toys to play with.  You are a 'No Means No' person.  You hated the ikan bilis porridge that we tried to introduce to you.  And was determined to guard your tastebuds from what you think must be a rather repulsive smelling fish.  You just refused to open your mouth and kept it really shut!  Smart cookie you! 

I say NO!! Don't you understand (pull off bib!)

I've been racking my brains about how to keep you entertained.  So I thought it was a good time now that you can sit to take out some of the Lamaze toys I had bought for you.  But what do you know ... you don't like these developmental toys.  You would rather play with everyday objects like Mama's baking equipments - measuring cups, measuring spoons, our water bottles and your all-time favourite - the remote control.  Your other favourite past-time is tearing paper.  Many 8 Days magazines have since been torn up thanks to your little itchy hands.  It amazing how strong you are for a small 7kg peanut like you.  You can tear up to 4 pages of the magazine at a time, you are strong enough to hold up your changing mat even!  Are you secretly on steroids?  You've also found the strength to pull yourself up which got Papa started on Operation Lower the Crib and Playpen.  I've also given Papa his next assignment of child-proofing the house in anticipation of what would probably be you next milestone - crawling! 

Move away Lamaze toys, I have Mama's measuring cups!

Ain't no mat too heavy for me

Other than swimming, the other little adventure you went on this month was your very first music & movement class at Our Music Studio. You showed so much of You during that 45 minute class, Mama could see you *really* enjoyed yourself.  You would smile and listen attentively at the teacher as she introduced the song and actions. It was as if you were trying to be this good student.  You had so much fun playing with the balls at the opening of the class and with all the different musical instruments!  It all showed through in the many smiles you broke out into which I caught when I took little peeps at you.  But Papa and Mama think you're still a little too young for the class - you were the youngest in there - so I think we'll make this a more permanent fixture of your weekend when you're a little older! I promise! 

Having so much fun at Our Music Studio

Half a year has already flown by us.  For some reason, the second half of the year typically passes very fast because there're lots of holidays, birthday celebrations (yes yes, yours too!) to look forward to.  Soon, you'll turn one!! And with Yiy Rene, Uncle Jude and Che Che Sophie coming home soon, things are going to be EXCITING!!!  I can just imagine Che Che Sophie making you sit amongst her many stuff toy pals and having a pretend play picnic with you! 

You are one truly blessed child with so much love showered on you everyday!!  That is one thing you have to grow up to know - how very loved you truly are! 

God bless you my sweet child and Happy happy 7th month!! 

Much Love, 

Mama