Year 1 Week 3: Summary

And away we go!

Ever since he discovered the ability to walk, walking has been the activity that takes up the most of Antonio's day. Any chance he can get to walk on his own, he will.

This means wriggling his way out of the nanny's arms so that he can explore the local area on his own two legs; traversing the space between rooms, with the excuse of following the person who happened to walk away; tracing circular paths in his bedroom, as if he was looking for something in the process.

The increased activity means he tires more easily. So he either takes two hour-long naps - the first is after he has eaten following the morning walk, the second is during the afternoon walk and falls asleep by 9pm - or he takes the morning nap and is completely out by 7pm. Either case, he manages to stay asleep until 6am.

Every two to three days, he will wake at 5am and start crying or fussing. Half an hour later and he has taken a dump! After he is cleaned up, he asks to be nursed and falls back to sleep again.

During the times when I nurse him in the night, I notice how Antonio has lengthened - the arms and legs are more lean, and his cheeks are not that chubby anymore. We really need to measure him again!

Year 1 Week 2: Let's go a-walking

Just two days ago, Antonio was only capable of taking 10 steps before he lost his balance and sat on the ground.

This afternoon, around 2pm, I witnessed our little one walking unaided! Yes, he started walking and did not stop to balance himself or sit on the ground after 10 steps.

He is now capable of holding something in his hand and swinging it around as he walks, meaning he has a good grasp of his balance needs.

I foresee more tiring days ahead for anyone and everyone who is taking care of him!

One year old! - It's My Party & I'll Cry If I Want To

"Oi! I completed by first year on April 19, and I begin my second year today. To mark the day, daddy and mommy had a small party at home for me. I laughed, and I cried a little, only because the other kids started crying first... Hey, to copy that famous line from the song by Lesley Gore, 'It's my party & I'll cry if I want to!'

Grabbing lunch before preparing for the party. My nanny chose this smart outfit for me to wear because it is a special day!

Walking circles around mommy as we wait for guests to appear.

I love climbing the stairs! For now, I still need all four limbs for going up and down but I can stand easily when I want to.

I love mom! :)

A huge birthday cake, all for me! Look, there is my name on it, and a number 1 candle too.

Daddy helps to cut and distribute the cake. Ibu Robin is here with Eliana while Bodhi happily sits on his mom Wine's lap as they have their cake.

Oh boy, this black forest cake sure is yummy. I want more mommy!!!

What is a party without beer??

... and champagne!!! Brut Impérial Moët & Chandon, no less!

I think I've had too much champagne for now, hic!

Oops, flat out at 7pm. Hey, it was quite an exciting day you know...

And at the exact hour I was born a year ago, I am sleeping soundly. That is surely the *best* way to celebrate a birthday! Happy birthday to me!!!

Week 52 (92): Last days of first year

"Hello everyone! It is a couple more days before I turn one-year-old and there is much excitement around me. I'm not *that* excited but everyone else around me, from mom to dad and nanny, seem to be flitting happily around me and exclaiming often that I am celebrating my first year soon.

Me? I just go about doing what I normally do, and adding a big toothy grin to everything since I now know that it brings a lot of smiles and laughter.

Mommy suddenly becomes trigger-happy with the camera, taken loads of pictures in the past few days.

We went out for a quick dinner on the night of April 16, and she dressed me up in this sleeveless hoodie top from Fabio & Inga. I thought it was a special day since I was dressed so well, because on normal days, they just throw a plain top and shorts on me.

Found a new babysitter! One of the girls at Mangga Madu particularly loves me, now that I am uber cute. Wonder why she never thought I was cute before? Maybe she prefers *slightly* older boys! *heh heh* (Taken April 18)

Mmmm.... No wonder mommy loves drinking Ovaltine, it is yummy! (Taken April 18)

Sorry daddy, all for me and none for you! Better get away quickly before daddy catches up... (Taken April 18)

Statistics as at April 18:
Height 72 centimetres
Weight 12 kilogrammes
Teeth 8 total - four upper front and four lower front teeth

Week 52 (92): Last week of my first year

"Wow, I can't believe how fast time goes! Just 11 months ago I was turning one-month old, and tomorrow night, I complete one year! Gee...

This last week I have surprised my caregivers by repeating words after them. Such as 'chi cha' and 'bay bee'.

Well, it's not my fault if that while carrying me they point out chik-chaks to me! I started out saying 'cha cha' while pointing to the tiny house lizard on the ceiling.

However, mommy kept correcting me: 'Chik-chak, not cha-cha'. Just because I became so tired of hearing her repeating the same thing, I began saying chik chak the next day.

Guess what? Now she keeps repeating: 'Yes, chik chak! Smart boy. Where is the chik chak? Ah, there it is.'

Yes mommy, I know where it is - it is on the ceiling - and I wanted you to see it. That is why I was pointing to it!

Then on Wednesday (Apr 15) night, I decided to try something new. I started saying 'bay bee'. You know, just for kicks.

Oh boy, the people who got the most kicks were my nanny, and mommy. They kept repeating it after me, like I did not understand what I was saying.

Adults, they are funny creatures, right?

Speaking about them being funny creatures, mommy has been taken random pictures of me. What do I mean by 'random pictures'?

Take this one for example:


I was simply playing with the home-made maracas when she decided that it was a picture worth taking. Hmm... I admit, I am cute. But mommy, don't you already have numerous pictures taken of me?

Then what about this one:


I was waiting for the nanny to take me out for my morning walking when mommy snapped away. I understand that she thought I looked darn smart this morning, but then again, I am always well-dressed.

Prior to this, mommy intruded on my thoughts. Witness this:


See the look of surprise on my face? I was deciding between walking to the left or to the right when she called my name. In response, I crawled towards her.

When mommy is not taking pictures of me, she remembers to get new clothing for her rapidly expanding son. Ahem, I meant me!

I remember on Tuesday (Apr 14) evening, she waltzed in to my room and happily showed off what she had purchased for me.

Two tops for home-wear and four pairs of socks:


These are from Carrefour. Each set of two socks cost Rp7,900 (approx. S$1.10/ €0.55) while the tops cost Rp19,000 (approx. S$2.65/ €1.25) (green) and Rp17,900 (approx. S$2.50/ €1.25) (yellow). They are all very comfortable - I already have two tops from the same brand and I love wearing them to sleep.

Two bermudas, which wear almost like long trousers:


These were bought from Cool Kids costing Rp125,000 (approx. S$17.40/ €8.80) (beige) and Rp109,500 (approx. S$15.25/ €7.70) (brown) originally. However, they have a Buy-1-Get-1-Free promotion for the entire month of April, so mommy only paid for the more expensive pair.

Ah yes, you can hardly call the last one year *boring* for myself or my parents. Yet I am sure other one-year old babies and their parents have had a remarkable year in reaching this point.

You know what is the best part? It just keeps getting more interesting and more fun from here now. Watch out mom and dad, I am growing and going full-steam ahead!!!"