13 Months & You're Turning On the Sass?

Dear Aidan,

You're barely a puppy in this world. But you sure have a temper. The good old banshee shriek has transmogrified into (1) A sharp, short shriek of disapproval when something you shouldn't be touching is taken away from you, and; (2) A throw-back-head-and-cry stunt when you need to be bodily removed from a potentially dangerous situation.

Could I be naughty with a face like this?

I've heard of the Terrible 2's, mind you, because Mama does read a few self-help books when it comes to raising kids. But the Wild 1's? One part of me says your personality and independence are emerging. I get independence but personality? This got Mama asking Poh-Poh what I was like growing up and as unbelievable as it was, even to me, she said I was the sweetest and most cooperative child. At least until puberty. But still! I can only deduce that your quick fiery temper comes from Papa. At least his side of the tree, ha ha.

That hand looks thieving; better eat fast!

You're still asserting your right to refuse foods that do not agree with your taste-buds. Which is to say that Mama's porridge is still not good enough for you.

You're also very much a fruitarian with a white-foods-only policy. Which is to say that fruits and bread/rice/plain pasta/rice are great but fish, chicken, beef, pork and anything remotely green are no-no's.

Oh dear, no more raisins

Mama has resorted to sneaking all these no-no's into your favourite foods. And Mama has not stopped thanking God for the wonders of blenders since. Meanwhile, raisins, cheese and yoghurt are currently scoring points for you and I'm sure not complaining.

A new thing you've learnt is gestures. One is throwing your hands up, palms upwards, to signify that something (usually raisins) is finished. Another is placing your hands on the side of your head to say 'please'.

The word 'there' is picking up momentum. It seems that's all I hear from you. I don't mind being your ride, honey, but there are some places you can't go for reasons you won't understand till you're 21. And chucking a fit isn't going to make me change my mind.

Smells like plastic, looks like plastic, but is it?

Playtime now involves exploring disposable plastic bowls, pouring and picking up plastic fruits, steering yourself on the ride-on buggy, meddling with the toy telephone and musical drum machine as well as messing around with balls and colouring pencils.

Mama still takes you for hourly strolls after breakfast and after your second nap at 5.30 pm. These seem to be your favourite times of the day.

Ok, tell me, which way to the playground?

A new preoccupation, though, is taking your soiled diaper and throwing it into the bin. But then, you seem to get a kick out of throwing stuff. And that goes for your chew toys, stuffed toys, breakfast and Mama's breakables. Thankfully, Mama's reflexes are still good. Especially for the breakables.

One little development that has surprised me is your sudden empathy for the soft toys Mama has surrounded you with since you were just a few months old. Leo the Lion and Coochy the caterpillar are your favourite friends at the moment and do get a good old squeeze from you quite frequently.

March is also the month of birthdays: Papa's, Aunty Swee-Lin's and Grandma's. For Grandma's, we organised dinner at a Nyonya restaurant in P.J and treated her to a feast. There, you gobbled up some steamed white rice with diced vegetables and steamed fish. And then helped Grandma blow the candles to her cake. Mostly you busied yourself (and Mama) walking in and out of the restaurant, saying random hellos to random restaurant patrons along the way. You were especially interested in the swinging doors. Not so in sitting with the family and getting in on the scintillating conversations at the table.

I think I ate too much white rice. Need to let out a button!

Papa is aghast that I ate anything at all

We also manage to have dinner with our neighbours from the condo unit above ours: Uncle Fairuz, Aunty Mee Wah and their kids, Omar, Lisa and Anita.

If you don't know already, they are always watching out for us in the nicest of ways. Sometimes we forget to switch off the garden lights and a text message would come from Aunty Mee Wah.



Many times, we'd bump into them on your strolls with Mama. And stop by to chat while Aunty Mee Wah or Uncle Fairuz and the kids would try to pinch your cheeks or carry you, much to your distress. There have been a few lovely occasions where Omar or little Anita would pop up at our doorway with curry puffs, lasagna, brownies or mini pizzas, too. Neighbours are cool, Aidan. I guess that's why God says we should love them.

(L-R) Anita, Aunty Mee Wah, Omar, Lisa, Uncle Fairuz, Mama and the star of the night!

Now that your ability to focus and comprehension are slightly better, Mama's using the Thomas the Tank Engine book quite a bit during Storybook hour. Just for variety, Mama sometimes switches to the First Pictures book Godma and Godpa got for your birthday. You seem to like the pictures of orange juice, cornflakes and ball quite a bit,  and would say 'juice', 'cornfakes' and 'ball' after me. Meanwhile, your paws are quite eager to turn the pages. I'm sure there are a few storybooks waiting to be torn by you.

You're One, Aidan

Dear Aidan,

The Lord has been kind. Just 4 days before your birthday, your hives disappeared. I believe He heard our prayers. I'm glad I believe, really.

February has been a busy months so far, I'll say.

First, we celebrated your big day. A few of Papa's and Mama's close friends came to help make it special. Grandma and Grandpa ordered an old-fashioned 'number 1' butter cake and special tau foo far for the occasion. We also had some lovely Indian food catered. You were a little bewildered by the crowd of people. Your eyes were perpetually wide-open, as was your little jaw. But you were most chuffed when everybody sang the birthday song and clapped for you. Mama then gave you your first taste of butter cream and cake and you gave us all a big old smile in return.

So, these are the 4 iron ladies in my life

Aunty E.E was there, too. In fact, she was there way before the guests arrived. She came to watch me feed you the porridge I'd made for your lunch. The story is, she started you on porridge a few weeks ago on the days you're there at her home. She cooks it with lots of vegetables and minced chicken or cod fish and adds the tiniest dollop of Bovril into it. But when I make the same for you, it's 5-6 bites before that little paw shoots out and pushes my hand away. As Aunty E.E will testify (after much taste-testing), Mama's tastes similar to hers! Maybe the mystery ingredient is that Mama's an easier pushover. 

Aunty Murni, Uncle Amir and Lucas were here!

Aunty Ida bullies the kids

Cake is kewl!

This tastes so much better than stinky old porridge

Aunty Jynet and Aunty Li-Lin

Uncle Brian, Kung-Kung and Aunty Angeline

Since your birthday fell during Chinese New Year, we also celebrated the eve with a Reunion dinner at a traditional Chinese restaurant downtown. It was just among the immediate family. So there was Kung-Kung, Poh-Poh, Uncle Khin, Aunty Swee-Lin and of course, Cousin Dillon. You had your first taste of steamed white rice on this night. You had quite a few spoonfuls, in fact. I think we've got a winner here.

On the night of the third day, we went out to Hoo Yee in Taman Segar for a big lunar new year dinner with Mama's extended family. Hoo Yee is a bit of an institution with our family. It's a little corner Chinese tai-chow restaurant that consistently serves up the tastiest home-cooking style dishes. It's sort of Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh's favourite weekend dinner venue but Uncle Khin and Mama have come to love it, too.

Let me work out how this fountain operates

Pray tell me why I'm in this motion killer?

There's this big red present I'm eyeing here...

A week later, your Godpa and Godma came to visit with little Davina, who by the way is Mama's and Papa's goddaughter. To entertain them, you displayed your amazing devotion to raisins by polishing off an entire mini box in 2 minutes. Other than that, you spent the entire time eyeing the present they got for your birthday. You could win a Stare Competition with that level of concentration.

I think I'll go stay with Godpa and Godma

One Saturday, Aunty Sharon De Silva also dropped by for a visit. It was nice that you took to her easily. Must be her bear hugs, goofy grins and killer tickles. Just so you remember who she is, she's the nice aunty who got you Hola the orange Hippo who now sleeps by your side at night.

Mama, Aunty Sharon's eating my finger

In the vocabulary department, you've mastered the word "there". It's a smart choice, really. And quite telling of what's top on your agenda these days, especially since Mama is still your favourite mode of transport until you learn to walk on your own. I just hope that you won't start calling me 'Taxi'. Well, I'm not teaching you that word just yet.

A Spotty Month #11 for Eskimo Boy

Dear Aidan,

Feelin' chilly here, guys

January has been a bittersweet month. The upside was taking you on your first plane ride to Hong Kong. It was Papa's company trip and we'd been invited to tag along.

Maneuvering the stroller through the concrete heart of Hong Kong island wasn't easy. But you needed your naps so Mama and Papa got great work-outs as a gift from you.

The food in Hong Kong is always amazing. The hotel was kind enough to prepare some steamed cod and peas for you.
So all Mama had to do was fix up your rice cereal and squeeze loads of organic liquidized broccoli, pumpkin and sweet potato into it so you could have some well-balanced meals. Not that you were interested in eating though.

Gimme 100 reasons why I should eat!

That's right. This month is hunger strike month again. You have to know, by now, that your eating habits are Mama's number 1 concern. So it makes Mama strangely elated when you surprise us by liking something from our plate.

Like, for instance, the pieces of crusty bread from the restaurants we ate at and also spoonfuls of our porridge at the porridge stalls. A sign, perhaps, for Mama to bring out the porridge pots and recipes back home?

Hello, bread? Where ya been all my life?

This is my new friend, Sam

You're also developing a little personality of sorts. Always brandishing a smile for the ladies, you make friends quite easily wherever we go.

It helps that you know who the pretty ones are. If Papa were a single dad, I'll bet he'd use you to net himself a girlfriend or two.

The daily outings took a lot out of you, by the way. You'd always return to the room at night, catatonic. Which is a rare state for you.

The joy of walking, it seems

"Waterfalls of milk...cascading right into my...mmm...mouth"

You might want to know that you're turning out to be an F1 crawler of sorts. One gifted with  stupendous agility and speed, and not to mention, the uncanny ability to avoid crashing into anything. Must be baby luck. You're quite able too, to stumble around with Mama holding onto just one hand. I suspect it won't be long before we'll be running after you. On rollerblades.

Mama also took you to visit Papa's office this month. There you, tried your paws on spinning the turn-table. And, err, helping Audi compose a song. Sort of. No, I exaggerate. 

Just call me DJ Mucker Upper

We need an uplifting chorus..

Just two hours before the up-chucking started...

Now for the down and dreary side to January.

Not long after the trip, you experienced your first bout of food poisoning. Mama and Papa had dropped you off at Aunty E.E's to take Kung-Kung and Poh-Poh out for a quick dinner. Halfway through, I got a distress call telling us to hurry back to take you to the doctor's. Poor you. You'd been throwing up all evening. And you were miserable.

The doctor at the A&E gave you a jab to stop the purging. And then it was strictly electrolytes for you till you recovered. I must admit, though, that I've never seen you reach out for your water bottle quite like this time.

Two weeks later,  Mama found two red little bumps on your nape. The only reason I discovered them was, we were playing in the empty car park at our condo when you kept reaching behind to scratch.
At first, Mama thought they were mosquito bites so when we got home, I rubbed a little balm on them. They went away for the night.

The next day, more of these little itchy things appeared. Some on your wrist and some on your calves. I asked Aunty E.E, your nanny, if she knew what they were but she didn't. I gave her some calamine lotion in case your breakout got worse while you were at her home.

The boy with the spots

When I picked you up later in the evening, you seemed fine again save for one or two spots on your neck. I didn't think they were caused by allergies as I've been so careful with your food. Looking back, however,  I did wonder if your Step 2 Frisolac formula had to do with it as I had just started you on it.
An hour and a half after I had settled you into bed, at about 10.30 pm, I heard you crying in your room. I knew something had happened.

The boy despite the spots

When I turned on the light, I had the shock of my life! You had swollen up; your face was puffy, your lips, bee-stung and your torso, filled with red welts. I called Papa, then bundled you into my car and drove to the nearest A&E.

The doctor gave you an anti-histamine jab and some medication for the inflammation. But for the next 6 days, Mama and Papa had to watch you break out into hives every day. They would recede or lessen after some Zyrtec but reemerge in different but large areas after your nap or sleep.




The toughest part has been watching you cry at the discomfort. Especially when the dosage starts to wear off. The hives are still recurring up to today and I wish they'd just Houdini away.  There are times when Mama changes or showers you and I have to strain to hold back tears. Really, the sight of red patches in large and various areas on your skin is impossibly distressing. I know these are the hard knocks of life that will strengthen us as we grow up. But you're so small!

Your pediatrician, Dr. Lam, suspects it could be a milk allergy that has developed recently. So you're off milk in the time being. Meanwhile, it's a good stock of oral anti-histamines for you for a while yet.

As your birthday approaches, and with it the promise of Chinese New Year (15th of February falls on the 2nd day of the lunar new year), Mama's only prayer and wish is that you'll be back to normal to celebrate your 1st year in life. I'd be the happiest Mom in the world then.

It's all a wall of sound to me, really

Meanwhile, in the storybook department, Mama's brought out Thomas the Tank Engine. It's got nice colours and lots of exciting tank engines with different names and personalities. I mean, who wouldn't like Cranky the Crane?

10 Sneaks Up on Eskimo Boy and Another Holiday too

Dear Aidan,

Merry Christmas, Ma

It's December! December is Mama's favourite month because December means Christmas. Even for a Muslim-dominated country like Malaysia, December always finds shops and shopping malls decked up in the prettiest Christmas trimmings. The loveliest hymns and solemnities also take place in Church this season. We've already taken you gift-hunting with Grandpa, Grandma Uncle Brian and Aunty Angeline. But knowing Mama, there'll be at least one or two more trips before we manage to get everybody's presents.

The floor's inviting me to walk, Ma

This month, Mama started you on steamed cod fish and chicken. You seem fine as a pheasant when they're mixed into your rice cereal. But 'mild protestations' would be an understatement to describe your reaction to these 'meats' being directly spoon-fed into your mouth. (We really need to work on that banshee shriek of yours.) Maybe it's the taste. Maybe it's the texture. Maybe it's both. But don't hate me if I keep cooking that stuff for you to try. Protein's the engine for colossal feats requiring muscle mass. You know, climbing and getting up to general mischief?

You wouldn't be Santa would you?

Meanwhile, you're on a near milk strike again. Water's a no-fly zone save for a few sips. And broccoli and carrots aren't as welcome inside your mouth as they used to be. Bananas, apples and pears are still good to go, though. And you're always eyeing Papa and Mama's rice.

It's great that you're showing interest in adult food. It's not so great that you can be discerning this tiny. Is it possible for a 10-month-old to be fussy? Does a cat meow?




You're eager to try walking now and will smile at anyone who'll help you to your feet. This means Kung-kung's usually the willing victim. Being able to latch yourself onto helpful furniture makes you happy, too. It's early, son, but we understand your impatience. Plus action isn't action till it makes you sweaty, right? I suppose it was only a matter of time before we officially embarked on Suicide Watch.

Let's go to Disneyland

Putting up the tree this year turned out to be a bit of an anti-climatic event. Mama was clearly delusional thinking you'd be as excited as I'd be. The whole affair meant nothing to you beyond a lick-and-taste opportunity. So yes, you much preferred tasting the baubles and eating glitter to passing them on to us to hang on the tree.

Word-wise, we were surprised to hear you say 'bee'. At least that's what it sounded like to us. Maybe you were just grunting.  For books, we started reading Mel and Croc together. You're still too little to sit through an entire story but you like the pictures and Mama's making it easier by simplifying the tale.

A...for abysmally void of reality?

Er, tinge of raspberry with a grimy, metallic aftertaste

 

Em, crusty, crunchy...crappy

Story telling time now brings you an additional Sandra Boynton classic, The Barnyard Dance. When Mama and Papa act out the rhyme, you look more bewildered than bedazzled. We must seriously look into our entertaining talents.

This one's where Papa and Mama go nuts

Getting into the Swing of Being 9 Months

Hey, Good Morning World!

Hello Aidan. It's nice to watch you wake up from your nap with a smile these days. Ever since we moved out of your room, mornings have not been the same. We don't wake up to see you peering over the top of your crib at us, hoping that we're awake to come pick you up.

Fortunately, there's no missing out on your morning song. Remember, the one that goes like this:

"Good morning, Aidan, Good morning, Aidan, good morning to you...(ba da ba da ba da)
Good morning, Aidan, Good morning, Aidan, Good morning to you...
It is a brand new day, we're gonna play all the way,
It is a brand new day, we're gonna play, play, play (chi ka boom, chi ka boom)."

Ok, now that Mama is writing this down, I can see why you give us a blank stare whenever we sing this song. It's a bit naff, isn't it?

Ok, and I'm supposed to do what here?

Now that you're sligggggghtly older, we've decided to introduce you to our morning prayer at the altar. Oh, we know you have no patience for these things. What's going on anyway, right? Still, it's good to know what our routine's like. Nothing like a Hello Jesus in the morning to start the morning on a bright note.

Mama, when can I leave this unholy ditch erroneously called a playpen?

One day, you may forgive me for putting you in the playpen (read: prison). You have to understand that you're a fidgety, active baby and Mama needs to do stuff around the house without having to watch you set yourself on fire, pull the table lamp onto yourself or electrocute yourself with wires.

In the meantime, it's still Gnawing Paradise for you, thanks to the new teeth trying to catch some sunlight.

I'm just on auto here, Papa

Food-wise, Mama is introducing you to the wonderful superfood world of sweet potatoes, pumpkins and raisins. You like them steamed and mashed (the pumpkin and sweet taters, anyway) and you like them because they're sweet. This can only mean one thing: you're like Papa. Just don't develop diabetes at the age of 5, that's all I ask!

Yay, I get to do stupid things here!

You're also beginning to look forward to bath-time where it's more gnawing fun with your bath toys and splashing water with the palms of your hands. Mama always looks forward to the baby massage after the bath, where I rub your tummy with some anti-wind oil and massage your limbs with baby moisturiser. You don't always appreciate this exercise. I mean, why lie down still when one can be doing stuff, right?

Do you mind? I'm having a moment here

At this juncture, I'd like to tell you the story behind that piece of cloth in your mouth. Some babies use the pacifier, but for you, it's Chew-Chew. That's what we've started calling the cloth-nappy that used to be your pillow. One day, while trying to nap (which was a toughie for you for a while), you grabbed the edge of your 'pillow' and started chewing it. This helped you fall asleep in a jiffy. Since then, you've decided to make Chew-Chew your companion during bouts of moodiness and sleepiness. And Mama has bought an extra pack of cloth-nappies for when we have to wash your drool-drenched old ones.

Meanwhile, you're beginning to master sitting up although sometimes, a bit of back-support helps. You're also paying a little bit more attention when Mama reads your bedtime story. Less wandering around on all fours although you're more interested in flipping pages than looking at the pictures. I read somewhere that your mind's actually absorbing despite appearances to the contrary. So I guess I'll continue reading to myself and to the walls.

Mama sings this hilariously

The lyrics help tho...

Tiny Adventures into the Food World

Dear Aidan,

Month #8 welcomes you (and Mama) to a slightly bigger world of food. I must apologise that popcorn, chocolate and a warm plate of Hokkien noodles are out of the question for you at the moment. But steamed pears and apples, yes. Steamed blended spinach and broccoli, yes. And avocado mashed with bananas or bananas with oats, too.

For a newbie in the food world, you sure have discerning tastes. You never open your mouth very big. It's always a tentative taste first to ascertain if you like what's going into it or not. But so far, so good. Mama's enjoying cooking for you, by the way. Can't wait for the day you start eating a proper drumstick!

Better watch out, I can stand...

Speaking of eating, I've noticed that besides a good old chew of your favourite books, you're becoming attached to the cloth nappy that's been used as your pillow. Gnashing on it seems to help you sleep. I guess, you're just beginning to explore the world around you with your teeth and tongue. And discovering that while others have a soft toy with badly bitten ears, you can have loads of fraying cloth nappies.

...and that just means I can get out soon

Meanwhile, it's nice to note that you're beyond sitting up quite nicely and crawling on all fours. You're now trying to stand! The world may seem humongous to you right now. But soon, it'll feel quite small. Until then, don't grow up too fast. There's plenty yet to enjoy from your level.

All right, so you caught me at the toy box. So?

This month, we've taken out the baby bible Aunty Mei Yoong and Uncle Daniel got for you. The little prayers at the end are really nice and simple. Maybe we can learn how to pray together in simple ways before we attempt the Our Father.

So...I'm a boy eh?