Sense of self

Who's that handsome fellow in the mirror? He looks like me, but I am here on this side of the glass. Whoever is in the mirror seems friendly and just about my size. Maybe I'll just smile at him. Ha, he smiled back. He must be friendly. Do you have any milk that I could borrow? I promise to return the favor sometime. What? You want milk too? This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Maybe we'll just play "Simon Says." The milk co-operative will have to wait for another day.

I was sick this week. Papa stayed home from work with me on Monday. Mama stayed with me all day on Tuesday. Wednesday I went back to school with a congested head. Candace said it was OK as long as I didn't have a fever. I am feeling much better now. Mama too. It was scary for them because this was the first time I have ever been sick. My parents worry a lot about me, but it's nice to feel loved. We babies need that. It's how we learn to be compassionate ourselves.

p.s. Happy Chinese New Year! Woof-woof.

I see you

I am watching you. I can see things, lots of things. Being four and a half months old, the World is a limitless curiosity. My manual dexterity is coming along too; I like to grab my toys and put them in my mouth. Seeing, grabbing, tasting. Mmmmm.

Some more milestones in my life. Now that I am attending daycare, I am comfortable sleeping without being swaddled. I have also become very accustomed to sucking my thumbs, although it is not clear whether I prefer the right or left one. I do find it comforting that my thumb is always there. When I was swaddled, my thumbs were not accessible in the nighttime. That was a bad thing, but Mama and Papa have given up on the swaddle since I started escaping from it. Now, I get bundled up like I am going out in the cold with as many as three layers of clothing - blankets are simply not allowed. Just as long as I can get to my thumbs I'll be fine. See you in the morning.

Squeaky clean

Every evening I get to take a bath. I always have, and hopefully always will. Initially I was unsure about the procedure, but now I can declare that it is a joy. I like splashing around in the warm water, getting my hair and body washed, and generally acting cute. Whoever is on bath duty (Mama and Papa alternate evenings) enrobes me immediately in a soft blanket. They pat my skin and hair dry and I usually get a cuddle before being dressed in my pajamas. My thumbs come in really handy when I am waiting for the after bath snack. Thumbs are another one of my true life joys. Baths and thumbs, I'll take both.

Day care blues

This is my first time at day care with my new caregiver, Candace. Where is Mama? Where is Papa? Why are you leaving me here? Who are these people and where am I? I don't recognize any of this. Hmmm. Did I do something wrong? I better behave myself, I'm not sure I am going to like this.

No worries though. I could tell my parents were sad, but I think I am going to enjoy this. There are lots of other people my size here. There are new toys to play with. They feed me regularly, and the sole menu item is still Mama's milk. I even get diaper checks every hour which are carefully documented as dry, wet, or BM.

After my first day, Candace commented, "Zeke had a great day! He is one of the most happiest babies I've ever met." Shama, the afternoon caregiver agreed, "he was very good boy, didn't cry all day, very unusual." I was glad to go home though. Mama and Papa missed me, they said so. I guess I missed them too.

I am wiped out; day care is exhausting. Nap time for me after a nice bath and warm snack. Night-night.

Checking in with bear

Periodically Papa takes a picture of me playing with my buddy, bear. He's been a good old friend and a nice touchstone to gauge my progress. You see, bear is kind of magical - he doesn't age like I do. Never eats anything, never needs diapers, just hangs out with me whenever I am lonely. Sometimes he gets a little dirty, perhaps some milk or slobber gets on his fur. But Mama gives him a bath and he comes back cleaner than ever. Clever bear.

The thing is, unlike bear, I am growing. You can see the progression from about one month (07-Oct), to two months (19-Nov), and today's picture at about four months. I wonder if all small boys have bears to hang out with. I hope they do; that would be a good World.

Off to bed, I am starting day care tomorrow.

Babyzilla

Almost a third of a year has passed since I was introduced to the World. Mama took me to the pediatrician today to get another round of shots; all the same vaccines as the two-month checkup except Hepatitis B, wah times four. I am going to start attending day care next week, so it is good that I am building a strong immune system. Let's weigh in with my physical measurements; height 27.25" (>95th percentile), weight 17lbs 3oz (90%) and head circumference 43 cm (75%). I am a big baby. Babyzilla if you will, but I'm so damn cute I get away with it. Tokyo should be afraid, very afraid.

Happy New Year

I am not a year old yet, but 2005 has come and gone. According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, I was born in the year of the rooster. Cockle-doodle-doo! Mama and Papa were both born under the sign of the monkey. Eee-eee! 2006 is the year of the dog. Woof-woof. One must be careful though, the Gregorian calendar doesn't align with the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese new year begins closer to the end of the month, on the 29th - so maybe I was a bit premature in wishing a happy new year. Either way, 2005 was a year to remember and 2006 will undoubtedly bring many new adventures. I can hardly wait.

p.s. I am not really hiding behind my blanket, I am secretly sucking on it because it feels nice.