Enjoying freedom while asleep

I used to love sleeping in a swaddle as I enjoyed the warm, cozy and secure feeling brought about by the receiving blankets. Once inside the 'burrito wrap', my annoying reflexes would not bother me anymore and I would stay asleep until my midnight snack time.

But as time went by, I got a little too big and my karate kicks got a little too strong for the swaddle to stay put. So mommy and daddy decided to graduate me into sleep sacks. I have to admit I did not like the change at the beginning. For one, my flailing arms were preventing me from falling asleep. And the crib seemed to have suddenly turned into an ocean where the poor little me was being dunk into the middle of it! On the first night, I protested with loud cries, tears and sweat. It must have been at least an hour before I exhausted myself and fell asleep. After about 3 nights of progressively shorter protests, I realized I didn't need the burrito wrap to fall asleep if I was tired. The sleep sack was also quite comfy and I could stay asleep in it. Finally, I got to enjoy the entire crib for the first time as now I could spin like a merry-go-round in it. Gosh, why didn't my parents unswaddle me sooner???

4-month well visit

Yesterday, daddy and mommy brought me to see Dr. Lee for my 4-month checkup. All the nurses greeted us with a big smile, followed by: "Oh, he is a big boy!" I wonder if that's the latest and trendiest way for adults to say hello to each other.

We started the visit off with the usual routine -- Weight, length and head circumference measurement. Below are my latest statistics *drumroll please*

Length: 26.25 inches (91%)

Weight: 16lb 12oz (85%)

Head circumference: 42cm (45%)

Dr. Lee seemed to be very pleased with my growth progress. He told daddy and mommy to try giving me rice cereal between now and 6 months. Umm... I wonder what it tastes like...

After checking me up, Dr. Lee sent us over to the other end of the floor where we entered into a familiar room and met with a familiar face... The same nurse who gave me 3 shots two months ago! Needless to say, I was least excited about that part of the visit.

I had 2 shots together with the Rotavirus sour drops. Perhaps my body is reacting and developing immunity to the foreign agents, I am running a low-grade fever now. I better get some rest and hopefully be well again tomorrow.

Lucas A. Lum, 4m old

Acquiring a few new skills

Boy, it has been a long time since I last blogged as mommy got a little too busy after returning to work earlier this month. Guess I really need to start learning to write or my blog will go stale!

Over the past 3 months, mommy and I have really developed a strong bond with each other. I would have loved to tell her in words how much I enjoy her company. But unfortunately, I can only babble and coo for now. So instead, I will give her a big smile everytime I see her face or listen to her talking with me. In fact, it is also what I like to do to her first thing in the morning and when she comes home from work. I just can't wait to learn to say "Good morning" and "Welcome home" one day!

Besides showing my friendly smile, these few weeks I have also picked up a number of new skills. There are quite a lot so I hope I haven't forgotten any of them. Remember how much I love watching my own reflection on the mirror? Well, I love it the most when mommy holds me in front of the mirror with her face sticking close to mine. Whenever I see our reflections I will smile and sometimes, even giggle. Whenever I feel itchy on my head or face, I will reach my fingers up to scratch (though, sometimes maybe a bit too hard... Ouch!) Whenever mommy or May holds me, I will try to grab onto their shirt and wrap my arms around them. You know, better safe than sorry since I know I'm getting heavier.

Speaking of grabbing things, I have started training up my coordination skills by reaching out for everything around me. The little doggie rattle is one of my favorites.

Sometimes I get curious and wonder how everything taste. So every now and then, I will put the stuff in my hands straight into my mouth! Ummm... But so far, nothing really compares to my chubby little hands. I love to nibble at them as they're meaty and soft. Hehe...

Among everything I have learned recently, mommy thinks I look the cutest when trying to hold onto my own bottle. I still need to perfect my grip a bit but nonetheless, here's my first attempt. What do you think?

One last thing I am learning still is to rollover from my back to tummy. It's a lot harder than the other way around. But don't worry, given how strong I am (thanks to the 6oz. of milk every sitting) it will just be a matter of practice for me to surprise everybody. Watch out for the next mobile infant, Lucas Lum!

In a few days I will go in for my 4-month well visit. I am sure Dr. Lee will be very impressed by all my little developmental milestones, including my ability to sleep a 6 to 8-hour stretch every night. And yes, surely he will be amazed by my latest stats as well... More on that after the visit.

Okay now, it's getting late. I need to let mommy get her beauty rest. Ciao.

Lucas A. Lum, 4m old