Eliana: 3 Months is a Milestone!

Letter to Eliana...

Dear Eliana,

You are past 3-month old officially! With that, it means you'll get to do more exciting things with Mama (especially while I am still on leave!) I've noticed one key change in you this week. You're starting to 'talk'. My longest video recording of our conversation is 4 minutes plus. In fact it could have gone on and on if you hadn't noticed the camera in my outstretched hand. I really enjoy our daily conversations. I guess you have an added motivation as you are eager to join Daddy, Mama and Jie Jie to express yourself. Well done, girl! So far, each time you make a new 'syllabus', we will be so tickled. I believe Auntie Lilian and Auntie Nana shared your joy in discovering your vocal strengths having witnessed you yesterday. Today when we went over to Popo & Gonggong's house, Gong Gong was so amused by your chuckles and your long 'EHHHHhsss' and 'Ahhhsss'! I can't wait to let Ah Yee hear your voice too. She will be convinced that 3-month olds can be just as fun!

Mama and you started some outdoor activities this week. Tuesday was a 3-round walk in our priceless garden; Wednesday was an hour of neighbourhood exploration (where Mama can visit the grocery stores too). It was a good time to pray blessings for the neighbourhood too as afterall, this will be the place for you girls to grow up in. The walkabout also brought back much thanksgiving how the Lord has provided this place for us. Mama will share more with you when you are older. You are now empowered to 'conquer' larger territories, in your stroller of course. :)

Today (Friday), we took a cab together the 1st time to Popo's house. How? This time you sat in the baby sling that is strapped to me. It's so convenient and I could be hands-free momentarily to lock the gate and handle transactions with the taxi-driver. Your neck muscles are much stronger now and you are eager to look left and right. Popo was so happy to see you today! Looks like you had a wonderful 'conversation' with her too. While you spent time bonding with her, Mama went to meet Jie Jie's teacher about her transition to full-day school in 2 weeks' time! Jie Jie was so surprised to see me in school today (after 3 months of complete 'disappearance')! I could tell she was very very happy. With you spending more time with Popo, Mama can also go run errands and maximise the remaining leave.

I guess our Malacca trip has opened up new possibilities for Mama, and given me a fresh impetus to build family stories, create memorable moments with you. If we could conquer the long distance together, there is a lot we can do! You are precious to us, we want you to know that spending time as a family is a priority. :)

Maybe I am in an 'emo state' now. That's what I left on Facebook status this week declaring the end of my 4 months' maternity leave. So much to give thanks to God... your safe and speedy arrival, healthy growth and development, cleared jaundice without extra hospitalisation, adaptive to routines, sleep through the night, cheerful disposition, and I do think you are somewhat a 'Angel' and 'Spirited' baby according to the book The Secrets of The Baby Whisperer. All in all, I am just awed by our Heavenly Father's love for us, and how He has provided for us, especially you.

Keep growing, Darling. Your name Eliana means 'my God has answered me'. It's a reminder for us to always look to God, pray to God, and give thanks always. May your life be a beautiful testimony of our AWESOME God. We are glad to have you celebrating Christmas with us next week. Blessed Christmas, Eliana.

Love,
Mama