3 Months Old & More!

Julien turns 3 months today. And as I look at his photos from birth to now, it is amazing how much change has taken place. From a brown, wrinkly, little newborn who would not open his eyes to a cute chubster with much bigger eyes, Julien is like a balloon that has slowly been inflated, with his features all filled out now.  We brought him for his weighing check yesterday and he is now 6.43kg, a good weight gain that puts him right smack on the recommended weight on the weight line for his age.

And all this growth just on milk, mostly breastmilk. It is incredible really, when you think about it.

When I think back now, the one topic that has totally absorbed me is probably feeding, and by that, I mean specifically breastfeeding. I remember how I have have been miserably exhausted by the countless times Julien needs to feed at night and the sleep deprivation was nearly driving me insane. And the emotional upheaval that goes along with breastfeeding - the wonder of it at the beginning, followed by a dread of it as it becomes a chore that seems to take forever when Julien would feed for more than an hour sometimes, followed by resentment as I started to feel like a milking-cow-on-demand, followed by the frustration of back-to-back feeding as Julien went into the cluster feeding phase (For the uninitiated, this means baby feeding almost without any break, as if he is never full, but what's happening is he is storing milk like a camel), before slowly going into the blessed land of longer sleep patterns before needing a feed. Many of my friends' babies are sleeping through the night now, but Julien can only manage 3 to 4 hours before needing to wake up for a feed. But that's alright; the doctor and health visitor say that all babies are different, and we know this baby will grow up well regardless of sleep and feeding patterns. He is, after all, piling on the weight at the right pace!

And then, there was the time when I had worried about not having enough milk a few entries ago, since I no longer seem to get the telltale signs of engorged breasts or Julien's gulping noises when he feeds. But after seeing that Julien is gaining weight visibly and he is never upset at feeding time or indicates that it is not enough, I put away that worry. Recently, I was reading up on baby stuff online and I came across an article that explained the almost magical way that breasts function in breastfeeding. Apparently, as one goes further in breastfeeding, the breasts become more efficient and learn how much milk Baby needs exactly and would produce just enough, and can eventually not show these signs at all. In fact, they would be able to make milk on the spot when needed, so there is no more the feeling of engorgement. It all sounds incredible, but it is true. These days, I almost only start to feel the let-down reflex when Julien starts to feed and I suppose therefore sends the cue. At other times, if I delay the feed, I feel the milk in just about when Julien starts to protest really strongly, so confirming that it is feeding time. Truly, life is a miracle and the human body is just one amazing piece of work!

And this is the same message I get when I look at Julien - he has grown well. His legs are stronger and he can stand longer and more firmly when held up. And recently, when I raised him in the air, he shows signs of understanding that cue now and seem to get ready by squatting down for a better spring. He is also more inquisitive and does not like lying down much anymore. Instead, he likes to be carried, and would turn his head about to check out his surroundings, especially if there is a bright light beckoning to him. And he loves to talk, always making noises and can go on for ages too, if you engage him.  And sometimes when he cries, you can tell they are more show than real; and the funniest thing is when you cajole him, he breaks into a half smile before crumbling into a grimace again, almost as if he just remembered that he is supposed to be upset...

Oh yes, my little boy is starting to learn how to get what he wants. Daddy Low is convinced that he will be a feisty one. 


Even if I have a bit of trepidation, the one thing that comes through for me is how simply fascinating and wonderful it is that my baby is slowly becoming a little person with his own personality. I can't wait for him to be strong enough to sit by himself in a highchair and join us at the dinner table. And then, walk on his own in the toddler wobbly way. And then, talk. Oh yes, talk! We would have such conversations. And all the books that we will read together. I would read the words and he would have to make the sound effects. What a riot we will be! And yes, I have to start getting about learning how to bake, then we can have baking afternoons together, just like how Daddy Low was his mum's great baking helper...

Oh dear me, Mummy Low, Julien has only just turned 3 months old, and we have such grand plans! What an exciting time awaits us, Jules! :)