A Slice of Heaven . . .: Letters to Julianne #25

Dearest Julianne,

Happy happy 20 months Jujubee!!! Is it just 4 months to your 2nd birthday? Gosh where did all that time go? You are baby no more. You've developed your own personality, your own character and your own temper. You are starting to exhibit signs of the Terrible Twos - I smell nothing but trouble on the way. Just last night, Mama had to spank you hands right? Cos you were naughty when you pushed Che Che Sophie off the chair. You haven't understood what "sharing" is and I feel a little sad seeing you behaving selfishly. I think it's time we get serious with this disciplining business. That's going to be the order of the day once your Papa gets home from his business trip.

We're having a bit of a quiet spell here at home with both Papa and Yiyi Sam away. But that just means lots of bonding time with Mama, Gong Gong and Por Por. You've grown very attached to Por Por during this time, always looking out for her like when we were out over the weekend and she went to get something from the stall during lunch. You realised she wasn't at the table and kept calling out for her. You also insist she joins us in the bedroom every night and pats you to sleep as Mama nurses you. They are the best aren't they? Mama can't imagine how I'll cope without the support of your grandparents.

Your biggest development in the last month must have been your speech. You have picked up a whole bag of new words and say them rather spontaneously whenever you spy them with your eye and not just when we ask you to. Like when we're out and you see the waiter filling our cups, you'll go "pour". You're of course still learning to associate actions with words. We've been trying to teach you what "drive" is - referring to Gong Gong driving the car. But when we ask you what is Gong Gong doing, you'll go "car" instead of "drive". Almost there baby, but not quite. We learn slowly.

We were plagued by the week of crazy haze so I pretty much kept you home and confined in the aircon room, including having your meals in there. Not that you complained - aircon, tv and lunch. What's there not to like. We couldn't go cycling, couldn't play with bubbles outdoors so we spent alot of time just reading and making music with your little friends. You love re-enacting circle time at home and will sit all your little animal pals in a big circle, take out your tambourine and xylophone and start singing. I'm hearing some mish-mash of mandrine in your speech, I think you're trying to sing a Chinese song. I just don't know what. So I make up my own and you just happily sing along.

I can see you're really enjoying school these days. I'm very happy. You've also started bringing home all these cute little handi-crafts you make in school. Now that you're in toddler class, art and craft have become part of the curriculum. You made Mama and Papa little gifts for Mothers' and Fathers' day. There was also that Panda and Duck which you put together. All so cute. Reminded me of those days Yiyi Sam brought home her art work from school too. So surreal that my daughter is doing the same now. You don't show very much interest in coloring at home though. It's Grandma's bedsheets that usually end up being coloured instead of the elephant in your colouring book. You show more interest in reading and love climbing onto my lap for a good read. You tend to me a little impatient though, also wanting to flip to your favourite page in the book. But dancing and music still remains your all-time favourite.

While the Terrible Twos phase slowly creeps in, I'm just thankful you haven't lost your sweet loving personality. You are quite fair in showing people love. When you kiss Gong Gong, you'll make sure Por Por also receives a kiss. When Mama had a dengue-scare a few weeks ago and hit a high of 39.7 degC, you helped Dada sponge me on my back and head and took your job rather seriously if I may add - Daddy's little helper.

Bubble fun!

Happy Birthday Uncle Jude

As you go in search of your own personality, my prayer is that you will remain sweet-natured with a big heart for God and His people. That you will always embrace Love and shower it on the people around you just like they do you.

Papa isn't around today to celebrate your 20th month but he got you lots of pressies and I'm sure all that will make you one happy 20 month old camper once he's home!