Family Notebook

Dearest Zane,

This is the last letter I’ll be writing to you before you turn ONE. You’re such a big boy, yet still very much a baby.

The best, big boy thing you currently do is push your cars around and make a VROOM noise. You’re very much into Thomas the Tank Engine, too. If we ask “wheres Thomas?” you have a look around for him. You’ve also started standing for long periods of time unassisted. Hooray! I do think you’re a little scared to walk, you’ve had so many accidents with being an early cruiser.

You’ve recently learned how to play ball. This is a big hit with your big sister who has been waiting for what seems like a lifetime to really play with you. You get up on your knees and throw the ball into the ground with all your might. You do round and round the garden and squeal with delight.

We also celebrated your very first Easter this month. You woke up nice and early to chocolate and toys. After playing with your new truck, big sister opened one of her chocolates and you were hooked. Sadly, after two bites the experience was over for you and the meltdown for more chocolate began. Throw down tantrum doesn’t quite describe your reaction. Baby, you’re going to be trouble.

Later in the day we went for brunch at The Marriott with some of our friends. You were doted on and fed more goodies behind my back, but you had a fantastic time.

I could write all day about the things you do. The smell of your hair, your amazing smile, the way you love to play with the velcro on your shoes, how you crawl so fast while laughing when I chase you. Zane, you’re amazing.

xox Mummy

Dear Zane,

Your first month in India went off without a hitch! I am surprised at how quickly you’ve settled in and how much you adore having so many people around. Back in Australia you were very attached to me, now as much as you love hanging out with your mama, you also love spending time with your Indian family and friends.

We started going to playgroup. You’re the oldest baby in the group but you enjoy looking at the other babies and showing them the toys (or sharing the food!) you’ve bought along. I enjoy the days were we get out of the house together, just you and I.

Your vocabulary has exploded but your favourite word is still Dada. You’re still just a little guy at 7.3kg but you’re thriving so we’re not too worried.

Your bedroom / playroom is keeping you very busy. Its been decked out with soft mats and toys that Daddy bought you when you were teeny tiny. Theres also a few things of Ria’s in there from when she was your age. I am a little worried about your aim with the very solid wooden building blocks, throwing everything excites you.

Daddy loves to watch you dance. He plays a song, one verse is “I know I can’t dance but I can dance on ‘ya” and you go wild busting moves. Whenever you’re a little worked up it calms you down.

You high five, shake your hand and say “aaaiii!”, shake your head to say no and crawl at rapid speed while laughing your head off.

The best thing of all is your sweet baby cuddles as you nestle your head under my chin. You’re still swaddled at night and it takes me back to when you were so small and feather light with a head full of soft, downy hair.

We love you so much little guy

xx Mummy

Dearest Zany Zoo,

Go on. I’ll wait. Roll around the floor laughing at your geek of a mother, but keep in mind it was your big sister who started the Zany Zoo trend when we checked out a library book, titled Zany Zoo. Its cute. One day if/when you’re a daddy, or uncle, or any male figure to a small child you’ll stop teasing me.

I’ll get on with it…

At the very start of the month I was over the moon that you decided that sleeping on top of my arm all night long got uncomfortable. You happily went into your own bed, I was able to roll over. Things were looking up!

Soon enough, you started teething. It was a long time coming but I was happy to hold onto my little gummy shark as long as I could. I packed and prepared to make our journey back to India. You cried. You gummed your fingers. I felt bad. Eventually on January 19th you added two new pearly whites to your melt-any-heart grin.

As our life in Australia drew to an end, we packed in as many activities as possible. You rode with your sister in as many shopping center rides as possible, chowed down on Aussie cuisine, fought over soda cans with your buddy Jacob (why do I buy you toys?) and took a big paddle in a canoe. You tasted sand, played by the shore and soaked everything up.

On the 26th of January, we celebrated Australia Day. In true Aussie fashion, we dined on BBQ’ed meat, lamingtons, cheezels and chocolate. We spent hours in the pool. We decked you out in sun safe gear but your little cheeks looked a bit pink by the end of the day. I felt awful.

February 4th was the day that you got your first big boy hair cut. Daddy took you to the hairdresser - Cousin Fiona - and you sat in Grandma’s lap while she tamed your baby mullet. It wasn’t too bad and I was happy that you came back without a shaved head, mohawk or something equally crazy for a baby boy that only your father could justify. You looked handsome and not too much older.

On the 9th, you had your first ever flight. We stopped by Nan & Pop’s house before we made it to the airport just in the nick of time. Grandma and Grandpa were going to miss your crazy shouting and your funny little ways. Tearss were shed, hugs were given and we made it through security just in time to throw up on Daddy. Your reflux, or whatever it was, had been under control for quite some time but you have a knack for surprising us.

We walked toward the plane, waving to Grandma, Grandpa and the Kirkman Family. I got you “settled” and buckled in, you don’t like to be restrained. You were grizzly before the plane left the tarmack but we survived, you did ok, I suppose. That night we had dinner with Aunty Ally and Uncle Mark. You were very out of sorts and just wanted to go back to the place you knew as home, Grandma and Grandpa’s house. You refused to eat much and eventually we settled you into a port-a-cot for a few hours.

The next day we had a quick lunch with Aunty Ally, then prepared for our big flight to Singapore. You enjoyed the hotel room, all that space and a phone within reaching distance.
The flight to Singapore was relatively uneventful. You played in front of our seats for a long time, slept for a while - no longer than 10 minutes in the bassinette provided, killing mummy’s back is top priority. You were good. You did very well and I didn’t feel like the 8.5 hours we spent confined to our dingy little spot in Economy class were a living hell.

We arrived in Singapore late at night and after we checked into the hotel, we took a midnight stroll down Orchard Road seeking ice cream for your big sister, Mc Nugget for you. The night was rough but the next day we were feeling ambitious and visited Sentosa Island. It rained on and off but you were good in your bjorn carrier, worn mostly by Daddy. You saw the Pink Dolphin Show, fish, stingrays, sharks and a whole lot more when we went through the tunnel.
You ate singaporean food for lunch, which you loved. Afterwards you napped while we went on Luge rides and for a look around.

That night you missed the night safari, which means you missed out on seeing “Marty, Gloria, Melman and Alex!!!!!” according to Ria. I couldn’t have expected you to stay awake, it was a lot of getting used to for you.

Another rough night passed, another day began. We visited the Science Museum and then some old friends from India. Day 3 was spent relaxing and strolling around, wasting time before the journey to India.

On the plane to India you played quietly with a pack of cards after crying on and off through the airport, eventually napping in your stroller. You slept for a couple of hours and then after we landed, immigrated and found our baggage, you met your Dadima, Dadaji, Uncle Rupen and Rahul Kaka for the first time. You didn’t warm up to them at first but they won you over in not too much time. Baa was over the moon, we were all happy to be home.

xx Mummy

Dear Zane,

In a few short days I will be writing your 8 month letter. I’ll explain the lateness in your next letter.

Your 7 month marked the last we’d spend together alone. When your sister went to school, we’d hang out together, just you and I. I’d breathe in the powdery, sweet smell of your skin and enjoy your babyhood, it is fleeting.

You became so much more active. You move along with amazing speed and I’m thankful you haven’t walked…yet. It gets closer as the days pass.

Your accomplishments haven’t been large, you’ve spent a lot of time perfecting what you’ve learned far too early.
You’re a do-er. You want bigger and better. I can see you in 20 years time being the same person, wanting more for yourself and pushing the limits.

To check up on your tummy issues, we took you for a Barium Swallow. Dr. Kerr thinks you have gasro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), but your symptoms don’t add up. We’ve started you on magnesium tablets in the hope for an improvement.

Back to the Barium Swallow, the mama bear in me was very worried about how you’d go but you were an absolute trooper. I couldn’t believe how well you did, you must have been showing off. You drank at last 40ml of the dye without issue and let the ladies hold you still for the Xray. You do not like being held down, hence the showing off theory. It was very interesting watching your bones move on the screen as you swallowed, and the dye filling your belly. I was amazed.

We love you Zane

xx Mummy

Dearest Zane,

You’re half a year old! Soon enough we’ll be celebrating your birthday.
You love, love food. We’re doing something called Baby led weaning which means you get to munch on solid food. You love bikkies and watermelon the best. Broccoli gets beaten to a pulp.

After a couple of weeks doing “the worm” you mastered crawling. You look a bit like a praying mantis as you rigidly move along to anything in your site. Ria’s barbie car and cooking supplies are often the target, as well as the Christmas tree.

You can also pull yourself up into a standing position. What???? Ria didn’t do this until close to her 1st birthday. wow. You are trouble.

Still no constant words. It sounds like you say “no” and “mum” when you’re upset…interesting combo. You’ve done this since you were born so they don’t count.
Yoou love the heated pool and bath. You love chewing on the bath letters and Ria keeps you entertained. Its our favourite time of day, second to bed time

We also reached our 6 month breastfeeding milestone! Well done, little mate.

We adore you.

Love Mummy
xox

For my little bear,

Grandpa has dubbed you the Whale Caller. We took you and your sister out on a boat, you were all smiles until we spent a very long time bobbing up and down in the ocean waiting for the whales to show up. You got bored, hungry and tired which in Zane language, translates to “WAAAAHHHH”. And guess who showed up to check you out? Two very big humpback whales. They sprayed you; you cried. They left; you lured them back in. We ended up having to leave them because the next charter was about to begin. The captain personally thanked you for your wailing

Ria had her 4th birthday party at Jumbo’s playland. You dressed up as Jack Skellington to match the Pirate theme. You were incredibly cute and had a blast watching the other children while the parents played pass the parcel with you.

You can not be trusted to stay in one place anymore. We leave you for a second and you’ve rolled right across the lounge room floor. Nappy changes are a new challenge, let me tell you! Staying still is no longer an option, what ever will we do with all the hazards around you? Mummy and Daddy’s engagement picture is the best thing to go after, as well as the prongs poking out from under the coffee table.

Our crunchy attached parenting lifestyle is going well. You still love to feed around the clock and you’re a mamas boy. Your little cloth butt is incredibly cute, I’m finding it hard not to buy every pattern available. Some days are worse than others with your reflux but you’re generally a happy little fellow.

We love you so much and your daddy misses you every day

xx Mummy

Dear Zane,

This month has been filled with so many accomplishments from you!
You delighed our ears with the sound of your very first laughs on the 16th. You had been leading up to it for a very long time then finally let out a little giggle. It still takes a LOT for you to laugh, but when you do its the sweetest sound. You love eskimo kisses, cheek smooshes and your big sister.

You’re also rolling all over the place, its your new favourite thing and you really enjoy your tummy time.

On the 20th, Daddy left for Sydney and flew back to India on the 21st. It was hard to say goodbye but we’re also lucky enough to stay in Australia for a little while longer.

You’ve been plagued with a lot of issues in the last few weeks. You have a chapped looking eye that won’t heal, you show man signs of reflux and your tummy seems upset. The doctor says to keep an eye on you, which we all are. We want our happy little beary back

I’ve started to use cloth nappies on you & now your fluffy little behind is irresistably soft. They’re great and you seem happy.

I thought you weighed 13.4lb but today on the baby scale you were 12.9lb (5.87kg) with jeans, shirt & a cloth nappy on so you weigh a little less. My small fry.

On the 27th we took you in to your big sister’s school for a bath. Most of the kids gave you a little wash down while you splashed in the warm water. Ria was very proud of you and you did so well. They had asked me when you were smaller but it was too cold, now that the weather is fining up you’re in real clothes and its not so bad to leave you undressed for a little while.

The 28th was Grandpa’s 56th Birthday. We went out to Thai for dinner, you cried and cried

We’ve visited Nan & Pop a lot, talked to Daddy on Skpe, fed the ducks, spent time by the water, picked strawberries, saw whales and celebrated Father’s Day. Its been busy around here and your life never has a dull moment.

We love you, little man. Happy 4 months

Love,
Mummy xoxoxox

Dear Zane,

You are 3 months and 1 day old!

This month has been wonderful. You’re so much more alert, smiley and slightly more vocal. You can blow rasperries and you’re trying so hard to roll over.
You’re still a little guy but I’m not complaining! I love my tiny little snuggler.
Still no sleeping through the night, come on baby! You did a 5hr stretch once and I will admit that last night was slightly better.

You had your first trip by the river last weekend. You loved taking in all the sights and warm rays on your back. Listening to the birdies makes you happy. You tried so hard to laugh at one of our friends, I’m sure it will happen in no time.

We’ve had a couple of play dates with your new friend Jacob who is a few months older than you, I think you enjoyed it but probably not as much as me.

For every week you’re happy, you have a day that you’re inconsolable. Those days are hard and I chalk it up to growth spurts. This week you have a cold, it makes me so sad to hear you sniffling, coughing and sneezing but hopefully you’re on the mend now.

You are now a mama’s boy through and through. Not many other people can hold you for long before you start wailing to come back to me. No problem, kiddo! We’re attached at the hip and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There are only 3 little Millia spots left on your face now, your skin looks so lovely and smooth. Its a slight olive colour which is a little darker than your big sister’s was. You’re one handsome little fella with a brand new hair cut you got yesterday from cousin Fiona.

Just like your sister, you had a little duck tail at the back that was in need of a trim. We call your new cut the Good Boy ‘do. It looks so much better.

We’ve also discovered you are a sensitive little soul. You have a comfort zone and don’t like change very much. When we put you in your new bumbo seat today you were easily startled, not something I had expected & when Daddy read a new book tonight you put out your lip every time Mr McGee said “owww eeee!” about the biting flea.

So, happy 3 months little guy!
We all love you so much

Love,

Mummy
xoxox

Zaney Bear,

You’re 2 months old today!
You’re the happiest little guy on the planet, you wake up each morning with a huge gummy grin which melts your dad, sister and I in seconds.
Just a few short weeks ago we sadly packed up your 0000 wondersuits of yellow, blue and white to make way for the next size up. The wondersuits faired you well, you’ve lived in them for the most part since the day you were born. Each time we changed your nappy you’d cry until your tiny little foot hit the warm, cozy inside of the beloved wondersuit. We’ve said you’re “Mr. Wonderful” in your wonder suit.

You went to your first movie, Night at the Museum 2, on the 28th of June. You did really well after having a quick feed in the first 10 minutes though you did threaten to scream on several occasions.

You also saw fish, dolphins, seals and penguins for the first time when we took a day trip out to the Pet Porpoise Pool at Coffs Harbour. You weren’t too interested in the big dolphin show, I guess you’re showing your age a little there You did enjoy watching the fish and strolling around in the bugaboo. For the 2 hours there and back, you slept. Such a good baby.

Being a child of myself and your father, I can’t believe how quiet you are. You let out the occasional little squeal but wheres all the baby babble? You’re such a mellow little guy, I’m sure you’re content just taking it all in.

Last week you weighed in at 4.6kg (10lb 6oz) fully clothed with a rather wet nappy, the week before you were 4.2 (9lb 5oz) so I think you’re closer to that & you’re 56cm (22 inches) long. You had your 2 month shots and my heart broke for you, holding a baby’s leg down isn’t a nice thing for a mummy to do. You were grizzly and slept for the rest of the day but woke up back to your old self the next morning.

We’re still waiting for you to sleep through the night, or at least one longer stretch. You’re on a 2-3 hour schedule 24 hours a day which is okay but I know you have it in you! You sleep soundly in the crook of my arm while my arm slowly numbs and my neck freezes up. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Love always,
Mummy
xoxoxox

Dear Zane,

Happy 1st month “out in the big wide world”, as your sister says. How blessed we all are to have you in our lives. You’re such a joy, we all cannot get enough of you.

When you left the hospital you were just under your 6lb 13oz birth weight and very jaundiced, now you’re 7 and a half pounds with the shiniest little eyes and a brand new smile. You’re quiet, calm and rarely fussy. You like the spa bath, your blue teddy snoodle, vertical blinds and milk. You don’t like the car seat, having your nappy changed and your head being rubbed.

We often call you Little Man or Little Manny due to your funny little old man looks. You have a pout that could break hearts and a cry that is so raspy and pathetic that we can’t help but feel sad for you.

I foresee you being a little chunker down the track, you already have a few chins and guzzle down milk like its going out of style. Until you make up for lost time, we will be sruggling to find anything other than a onesie in 0000/newborn size.

As your newborn days are coming to an end and infancy is fast approaching I will miss your fluffy little chicky hair, many daytime sleeps and maybe even the little millia spots freckled across your face.

lots of love,
Mummy
xx