Fifth month…

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Round and round the garden

Like a teddy bear

One step two step

Tickle you under there

 

The above invokes buckets of laughter from Ayanna. She chuckled herself into her fifth month last week. Ayanna can tell when it’s time to laugh especially when the funny expressions emerge. She’s even testing her skills at making us laugh – she sticks her tongue out and when that elicits laughter, keeps at it.

 

She knows her name. When called out loud, she turns in the direction of her name. It is quite amazing. She raises her hands when we gesture to carry her.

 

Her hand-eye coordination is improving fast, her grip and neck muscles, growing strong. When left lying on the play-gym or in her crib, she moves her body 180 degrees. Ayanna arches her back; almost ready to turn over but she’s yet to complete the move. We’re still anxiously waiting.

 

Just five months ago, all Ayanna did was feed and sleep. Her every motion, choreographed in a staccato-fashion; depicting gestures and movements inside the womb.

 

The progress has been so rapid. I’m astounded by it all; and humbled by the miracle of life and evolution.

Signing

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

It never crossed my mind to take up signing with my baby till I received Nancy Cadjan’s Baby Signing for Christmas. If I had any doubts about signing, they’ve been cleared.

 

Mostly I think these were associated with “what others may think” if I signed in public. Would people think my baby or I am mute? Or would my baby end up signing instead of speaking.

 

Cadjan cannot be clearer of the countless benefits of signing. Baby sign language, she says, is a way for hearing parents to communicate with their hearing baby before he can speak. It uses your baby’s natural abilities and tendencies to increase the clarity of daily interactions. Babies who naturally try to communicate their wants and needs can use signing instead of crying. Cadjan reiterates many times that signing empowers babies.

 

It certainly takes the guesswork out of being a parent. Moreover, think of how much stronger a bond you could build with your child, with all the frustrations of not knowing or a screaming child out of the equation.

 

The benefits are many. Babies who sign:

 

-         Speak at the normal time or sooner than others who don’t sign.

-         Have larger vocabularies when they do begin to speak.

-         Have more interest in reading and better skills in spelling and reading.

-         Have better self-confidence as they can get their needs met.

-         Develops both sides of the brains at a higher rate

 

It’s a great time for me to start signing with Ayanna. She’s a keen communicator at 4 months. I’m learning to sign some of the essential words – MILK, MORE, CHANGE, FINISHED, LIGHT, FAN, BOOK, BATH, SLEEP, CLOTHES/ GET DRESSED/ YES.

 

As I learn the required signs, I’ve been slowly incorporating it into my conversations with Ayanna. Though she may not be able to sign until seven months, she is at an age that she can respond to these signs.

 

Does any one of you sign to your babies?

 

Travel update

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna’s first ever overseas trip (though only 2 plus hours) proved an enjoyable one. We had all that was required to battle Bali’s rainy days but weren’t prepared to shield Ayanna from the, sometimes, intense sun.

The rain cover, over her stroller, came in handy and allowed us to venture out in spite of the rain. We will most certainly include the sun-shade (to place over her stroller) for our next holiday. That way we won’t be spending every second anxious about the sun’s damaging rays.

Also, it was good to have included the inflatable bathtub for her bathing sessions. We had also packed a first-aid kit that contained some fever mixture, mosquito repellent, nasal spray and calamine lotion. The calamine lotion was used to soothe her skin after being exposed to the heat.

I’d have to admit I was a little apprehensive about the flying. It turned out to be quite manageable. Ayanna did fuss during the climb and descent. Nursing her during these times did the trick.

Experts caution parents to use judgment as not all babies need rescuing from ear pain. If baby’s asleep, they advise to simply leave them be. Also, requesting for seats upfront that allowed for a bassinet gave mummy and daddy some time to relax.

One thing’s for sure, Ayanna loves to travel. She’s such a good baby, easily adjusting to her different surroundings without much fuss. She loved having us with her 24-7 and was eagerly interacting and responding. She enjoyed watching the rain and the birds. She loved the beach.

Ayanna at Kuta beach

Carrying a blanket or swaddle in mummy’s bag meant that Ayanna had a nice spot to lie down and stretch, kick and play anywhere we stopped. We did this in restaurants and even at the beach.

Having her favourite toys helped too. It is also possible to make use of the things around you to create playthings for baby. This we discovered when the giant mosquito net above our bed turned out to be the perfect mobile when it swirled gently with the wind.

Some r&r time with Mr.Chuckles (can't leave home without him)

It’s the start of many more travel adventures…

First Christmas

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna’s first Christmas was spent mostly asleep, oblivious to all the festivities going on around her. So the ‘hard task’ of unwrapping her gifts fell on mummy’s shoulders J.

A sleeping Ayanna surrounded by all her presents

 

Ayanna received countless presents from family and friends. I’m certain Ayanna, who will be a year plus come next Christmas, will take part in the festivities.

Ayanna closely studies her new toy on Christmas morning

It’s that time of the year….

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Last year I got my hubby a card that read, “ What do you give someone who has everything?” Little did I realize that I carried the answer, oblivious to the fact that I was 4 weeks pregnant.

 

So Christmas came early this year when we welcomed Ayanna in August.

 

It’s Ayanna’s first Christmas. It’s truly a special Christmas for us with Ayanna in our midst. At 4 months, she’s appreciative of the little things such as the twinkling lights, bold colours and seasonal music.

 

We’re determined to have some holiday fun with her. I’m concerned, though, about not getting her overly stimulated with the countless parties and guests. Setting aside some nap time and recognizing when she’s irritable will surely help.

 

To all, have a Merry Merry Christmas and A Wonderful New Year!

 

See you in 2008

Fourth Month

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Ayanna turns four months tomorrow.

 

She’s been displaying a myriad of new traits the week leading up to her fourth month. She’s growing increasingly curious about her environment. Ayanna has also become more responsive and vocal about her needs.

 

Physically, she’s growing stronger and is able to keep her head up steady when left on her stomach. She’s actively swatting and grabbing, touching and feeling.

 

Ayanna getting ready to swat the Christmas bauble

 

Ayanna’s even tried sitting up in her special Bumbo seat. That, however, she’s not quite ready for. 

 

"I think I'm getting the hang of this sitting business"

"Oops..maybe not"

Time for travel…

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

The destination … picked. The flight tickets … bought.

 

Just a couple of essential things we haven’t figured out yet – what are the do’s and don’ts for traveling (by plane) with a four-month old. And what are some of the preparations required before taking that flight.

 

Anyone got a clue?

Second time round...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

It was a painful start to the week for Ayanna. She once again felt the piercing pain of the needle. The third month marks another dosage as part of the immunization series. She was quite the brave girl, not uttering a single cry. This surprised even her doctor. However, the next couple of days saw her being rather ‘manja’, wanting to be held at all times and fussing for no reason.

 

It was an exhaustive two days for mummy too, who was busy keeping vigil by her crib-side. Mummy had to observe baby to ensure any reaction to the vaccine was kept under control. Fever and swelling is typical. Ayanna experienced both.

 

I’m glad it’s over. The fourth month is a welcome break from any injections. Her next loaded needle will be in the fifth month.

Feeding in Public…

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

 

Breastfeeding that is. Up till now, I’ve nursed at Starbucks, several restaurants and shopping malls. Most around me have received it well. Some, however, don’t quite know what to make of it. But all this time, I’ve seen only one or two other mothers feeding their babies in public.

 

Could it be because most are fearful of exposing too much skin and being reprimanded for doing so? A mother nursing her baby should not attract any more attention than a mother bottle-feeding her infant. After all, a mother breastfeeding her baby is only doing what comes naturally.

 

Being able to nurse in public, has given me the freedom to move outside the home. With practice, I’ve grown more comfortable nursing in public. I’m equipped with a large bib-like feeding shawl that ensures there are no mishaps. Wearing a sling, with baby in it, can also be used to feed. Or draping a blanket/ napkin over your shoulder can be another option in helping in the process.

 

Your sense of fashion does not have to suffer when nursing. Luckily, contemporary fashion is quite accommodating to the breastfeeding mum. Tube tops, tube dresses, bat-wing dresses and halter dresses can all aid a breastfeeding mum in her pursuits of satisfying her baby’s appetite for milk and her own appetite for style.

 

A practical option, though pricey, is the nursing top, designed with hidden flaps to facilitate discreet nursing. Dark colours and patterned fabric tend to hide leak stains better than silks and whites. Nursing pads are also a must to soak up those leaks and sprays.

 

The most baby-friendly place is The Curve/ Ikano Power Center, both of which have set aside special changing and feeding rooms. These are very tastefully done and are perfect for mothers who prefer nursing without a crowd.  

 

 

Ah-goo...

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah Post(s) by this blogger

Mornings are the best. Ayanna delights us with her morning ritual of coos, gurgles, squeals, laughter and chatter. It’s the beginnings of spoken language as Ayanna explores and experiments the communication spectrum.

 

When talked to, Ayanna directs her baby sounds at us. Babies need to be communicated to, experts say. That’s what we attempt with Ayanna every day, through cuddling, gurgling, babbling and singing. Apparently babies learn language even through secondhand dialogue.

 

Ayanna loves chatting to the camera...

 

Just as much as we would like to give baby a running commentary, it’s good to take time to allow baby to respond. Talk with them rather than at them. Vary your interaction - ask questions; speak baby talk; imitate by cooing back; sing; read aloud.

 

As Ayanna approaches her third month this week, experts say she will be vocalizing with consonant-like sounds. A-ga, a-ba, a-da await us.

 

But of course, Ayanna began communicating long before uttering sounds, through behaviours and gestures. Frantically sucking her fingers when she’s due for a feed is her way of saying she’s hungry.

 

An exciting month ahead.