Morgan Week 13

Morgan continued to expand his repertoire as he enjoyed his first Christmas. It was spent at home and on Christmas Eve there was a family dinner with Sumei, Kelvin, Johanna, Siva and Keeran and all of us. The following day saw a late Christmas lunch with the arrival of three couples, Joelle& Huw’s friends. Each couple contributed and it was a very cosmopolitan meal – salad, spaghetti, shepherd’s pie, meat balls, shrimps & nut roast, and all. Morgan coped well with all the attention and charmed everybody when he smiled and started his ‘talking’. He generally reacts well to company and settles easily.
He now burbles and babbles on at some length using quite a mixture of sounds. Occasionally there is a loud and distinctive yelp but it does not seem to signify anything in particular. He coos quite a lot and seemed intent at times on using his tongue to explore his mouth, make kissing and clicking sounds and generally try out little noises. He does not say a lot when shown his cot mates each morning but when on his own he does ‘dialogue’ with them through smiling, laughing and assorted quiet noses. He now reacts positively to a wider range of books. He takes in and concentrates on the pictures silently but still gets quite excitable at seeing what he likes (the gosling series and the night and day monkey book.). He continues to respond very vocally and with interest to the mobiles.
He enjoys the morning walk which has become an established routine. When something ‘new’ crops up, such as a child playing on a swing or an adult talking to him on the concourse, his concentration is total. The traffic also grabs his attention and not just the buses. On one occasion he was smiling at his reflection in the mirror in the lift. At what age, I wonder, do children become knowingly aware of their reflection? Music continues to engage him, especially when we join in by using spoons and other rhythmic sound producers. He appears to be noticing the different objects in the mural by his cot and gets satisfaction through lying there looking at them. In short, he manages without being given attention and seems to be developing the capacity to amuse himself.He enjoys the gym and is happy to spend time in it. He is now making some effort to touch the objects dangling from the cross pieces and was knocking them on one occasion. His firm grip on my finger enabled him to hold on when I was pulling him in his chair and this gave impetus so that the chair started rocking through his effort. He now grasps the jumbo rattle much more easily and grasps the assorted plastic coloured rings and pulls against the pressure when you tug at them. He made more sustained efforts to lift himself when on his stomach than he did the previous week. He understandably finds such effort tiring and frustrating, but he does persist a little more now. It is amusing to see him balancing the ball on his feet and even manipulating it with them. This is his performing seal act!

Morgan Week 12

Marked developments were noted this week – physical, intellectual and social. We enjoyed walking downstairs and through the areas below the apartment. This meant that Morgan was able to look at traffic on the road and the trains, see people and displays in the shops and concourse and observe young children in the little playground. Going out in the fresh air clearly benefitted him and it prompted sleep soon after. He reacted well to the small children in the playground and was very responsive to three ladies sitting at the cafe; he favoured them with a beaming smile. These social jaunts should become a regular feature of his daily activities.He is responding very well to aural stimulation. He watches Joelle, Margaret and Rowena very closely when they look at him and talk opening their mouths widely. He responds with a range of sounds and facial expressions that are particularly appealing. This expressiveness can be seen when he is quietly lying in his cot communicating with his companions like Pooh and Peter Rabbit. He looks closely and intensely at them and smiles beguilingly every now and then. Music now livens him up very well and he greatly enjoys the beating of spoons, clapping and Rowena’s clicking as an accompaniment. He now seems to listen to and enjoy the children’s songs such as Teddy Bear’s Picnic and the Runaway Train. He continues to be amused by Margaret’s whistling and kissing sounds: he seems to realise they are distinctive. It is very clear that Morgan cannot be over-stimulated as far as sound is concerned.Morgan takes an increased interest in stories. Peedie continues to be a favourite and it soon brings out the chuckles, admonitions and general cacophony. He seems to take a more specific interest in the detail which seems to mean more to him. Similarly, the increased familiarity of the Llama llama book brings positive rejoinders. The pictures make him almost agitated and by the end of the week he was keeping up a series of comments as the story unfolded. By the Sunday his reactions were quite comical. His communicative development is enhanced with these stories. He seems to relate directly to those who are talking to him and communication is certainly taking place. He also takes note of the flashcards and certainly takes them in as each is shown to him. The mobiles continue to enthral him and he seems to take great pleasure in studying and observing them. He sounds very amused and chuckles when Margaret moves them to and fro or towards or away from him. It is noticeable that he does not ‘talk’ at the mobiles or even his cot ‘mates’. Communication seems to be reserved for people who communicate with him.He is showing strength and physical changes in a variety of ways. He grasps much more firmly and holds on to fingers and rings. Morgan kicks lustily and had a phase of lifting a ball with his feet and balancing it. He now makes more sustained efforts to raise his head and is managing to push his head and shoulders off the ground with his arms for longer periods. He also edges himself backwards on his back by pushing his legs hard against mine. His attention span is certainly getting longer. What was striking during his visit to Papa’s office and the lunch afterwards was the intense way in which he gazed at his surroundings. He concentrates fiercely and nothing is allowed to distract him when his surroundings have his attention. The waitresses in the restaurant fascinated him. What is emerging is an engaging personality and a capacity for self-amusement.

Morgan Week 12

Marked developments were noted this week – physical, intellectual and social. We enjoyed walking downstairs and through the areas below the apartment. This meant that Morgan was able to look at traffic on the road and the trains, see people and displays in the shops and concourse and observe young children in the little playground. Going out in the fresh air clearly benefitted him and it prompted sleep soon after. He reacted well to the small children in the playground and was very responsive to three ladies sitting at the cafe; he favoured them with a beaming smile. These social jaunts should become a regular feature of his daily activities.
He is responding very well to aural stimulation. He watches Joelle, Margaret and Rowena very closely when they look at him and talk opening their mouths widely. He responds with a range of sounds and facial expressions that are particularly appealing. This expressiveness can be seen when he is quietly lying in his cot communicating with his companions like Pooh and Peter Rabbit. He looks closely and intensely at them and smiles beguilingly every now and then. Music now livens him up very well and he greatly enjoys the beating of spoons, clapping and Rowena’s clicking as an accompaniment. He now seems to listen to and enjoy the children’s songs such as Teddy Bear’s Picnic and the Runaway Train. He continues to be amused by Margaret’s whistling and kissing sounds: he seems to realise they are distinctive. It is very clear that Morgan cannot be over-stimulated as far as sound is concerned.
Morgan takes an increased interest in stories. Peedie continues to be a favourite and it soon brings out the chuckles, admonitions and general cacophony. He seems to take a more specific interest in the detail which seems to mean more to him. Similarly, the increased familiarity of the Llama llama book brings positive rejoinders. The pictures make him almost agitated and by the end of the week he was keeping up a series of comments as the story unfolded. By the Sunday his reactions were quite comical. His communicative development is enhanced with these stories. He seems to relate directly to those who are talking to him and communication is certainly taking place. He also takes note of the flashcards and certainly takes them in as each is shown to him. The mobiles continue to enthral him and he seems to take great pleasure in studying and observing them. He sounds very amused and chuckles when Margaret moves them to and fro or towards or away from him. It is noticeable that he does not ‘talk’ at the mobiles or even his cot ‘mates’. Communication seems to be reserved for people who communicate with him.
He is showing strength and physical changes in a variety of ways. He grasps much more firmly and holds on to fingers and rings. Morgan kicks lustily and had a phase of lifting a ball with his feet and balancing it. He now makes more sustained efforts to raise his head and is managing to push his head and shoulders off the ground with his arms for longer periods. He also edges himself backwards on his back by pushing his legs hard against mine. His attention span is certainly getting longer. What was striking during his visit to Papa’s office and the lunch afterwards was the intense way in which he gazed at his surroundings. He concentrates fiercely and nothing is allowed to distract him when his surroundings have his attention. The waitresses in the restaurant fascinated him. What is emerging is an engaging personality and a capacity for self-amusement.

Morgan Week 11

This week our (Margaret and Tony) visit to Hat Yai (Sunday pm to Thursday am) meant that we saw a little less of Morgan. We missed him and we like to think that he recognised us and was pleased to see us back.

He has developed a lovely smile, one that seems to beam out, sometimes unexpectedly. It is, in fact a form of laughter, as it is significantly different from the quiet smile one sees when he is sleeping or quietly lying on his own. This is evidence, once more, of his expanding range of expressions. When lying and looking at his cot toys, posters or the mobiles he seems to be genuinely preoccupied and varies his expressions as he looks at them. (J: He has, since he was about 2 months, been sucking his one fist and twirling his hair with the other while engrossed with the posters. Occasionally when he gets suitably excited, he would kick one leg agitatedly.)

It is good that he simply lies and looks – it could help develop the capacity for occupying oneself on one’s own which is important. Huw had this quality as a child and youngster and it is a key to being comfortable in one’s own company.

Morgan continues to respond well to stimulation. The mobiles still hold his attention even when presented en masse. In fact he increasingly seems to distinguish the illustrations one from another. He is particularly attracted to Milfred the Monkey! He seems fascinated with the book Peedie the gosling. The colours are well contrasted, the pictures small and clear and his reaction to them shows quite a degree of excitement at times. (J: I think it is the level of detail and the amount of focus he has to give to each of the pictures. Perhaps he is anxious to take it all in!)

He burbles at the pictures and the story read to him and his face shows quite a range of expressions. Similarly, he seems to like the llama story with its alliteration and sharper distinctive shapes and colours. The book about the tiger does not make anywhere near as great an impact, possibly because the pictures are much more diffuse and the colours more subtle and blended.

The morning parade of his cot companions is bringing out good responses. He also follows your finger when the different shapes and objects are pointed out on the mural on the wall by his cot. At times he seems to be striving to communicate but does not show any frustration. Up to now he has cried to show that he is hungry. Now he sometimes gives out a distinct yell, not a crying sound, demanding instead of crying for his food. (J: However, when he does get really hungry, he cries bitterly to show his anguish.)

He seems to accept the music and likes the Welsh songs sung by Margaret. Rowena’s singing of lullabies in Tagalog/English accompanied by her dancing has a soporific effect and gets him off to sleep. (J: The furious patting of his bottom paired with vigorous swaying also lulls him to sleep.)

Morgan Week 10

Morgan continues to expand his repertoire of sounds, expressions and gestures. As noted last week, crying is no longer the only signal he uses when he is starting to feel hungry. He makes quite demanding noises that merge into louder ones that are almost shouts. Inevitably this then becomes his powerful cry for food but it is good to see him going through a gamut of orders at this stage! In response to talking he has also expanded his range of expressions and sounds. His looks range from the serene to the quizzical and he seems to look quite disdainful when he is clearly no longer prepared to tolerate my clowning. In contrast, he seems to respond to and focus on the much more low key interaction Margaret and Joelle effects with him. He appears to select his responses in accord with the mode of communication used.
Physical progress has also been made. He now grasps a finger and smaller objects much more firmly. The grasping toys attract him and he even seemed to reach out to one of them as it dangled above him. As yet there does not appear to be any awareness of externals or that objects are there to be grasped or manipulated. In this he is still at a passive stage and has to be more or less encouraged to grasp and hold. He continues to be vigorous and throws his arms and legs about with great gusto. In so doing he knocks his cot companions about with unconscious glee – it will be interesting to see when he begins to realise that he is able to do this with intent and purposes. He likes to be in the little chair in which he seems to be lulled into a quiet mood through gentle rocking, and this is preferable to being carried in the sarong. In short, he is developing well, physically.
His attention spans are certainly extending. This is most notable with the mobiles. It is now possible to leave him for longish spells watching these with interest. It is now quite clear that he looks at them individually. This can be observed because Joelle has devised quite a wide range of contrasting pictures on the mobiles. For example, he keeps his eyes on the monkey figure as it goes further round in a clockwise direction, and clearly ignores the replacement above him as his attention remains fixed on the monkey. Margaret gets good responses from Morgan with the 3D mobile during her morning ‘exercises’ with him. He also seems to focus on and become engaged with the bears when they are put on the rails of his cot. Margaret sensed that he was puzzled one morning because they did not speak to him. He certainly pays great attention to the shape of the mouth and facial expressions when being talked to. The library story books are a boon and he is starting to notice the pictures. Margaret senses from his responses that the Brandenburgs please him best; he digs Bach! Indeed, jigging his legs and arms to music does seem to induce a good mood. This is also indicated by his responses to Welsh songs and action activities also.
He seems comfortable in company. He responded well to Rowena from the start. In addition, he took a big family gathering in his stride on the Saturday and managed to exchange pleasantries with Keeran! A walk with Grandpa and Grandma around the block proved soporific and induced sleep; this was duly noted! Morgan has commenced his third month in good form!

Morgan Week 9

What has been fascinating this week is Morgan’s apparent communicative responses. It has been clear in recent weeks that he is no longer attempting to communicate by crying only. When talking with him he looks closely at the mouth and face and is ready to smile broadly much sooner on first greeting – less time seems to be taken to establish that he knows who is speaking to him. Physically he shows more variety in the way he uses his tongue, mouth and lower face when being talked to. A wider range of sounds is emerging – coos, sighs, little yelps and longer, deeper pitched, light moans and more recently, shouts, instead of the usual cries for food. He seems to be anxious to relay something to you. He smiles easily, often in response to smiles and cajoling sympathetic sounds and also to questions. It is obvious that when speaking to him a range of expressions, comments and questions should be used.
Joining the library has brought benefits. He seems to listen to stories and is interested in the brighter and more obvious illustrations. Alliteration, rhyme and odd sounds all bring a response and he was attracted to the Little Honey Bunny book and the little honeys song. Some way needs to be found of arranging reading so that he can look at pictures as the story is being told. As it is, when he is lying in his cot his attention has to be drawn to the pictures after the page or story has been read. Synchronising the reading with seeing the pictures would be beneficial. The more complex mobiles and wall pictures devised by Joelle increasingly hold his attention, and he can be left to look at these for quite long spells. Margaret’s three dimensional mobiles are also particularly successful but, so far, she has not got him to differentiate between a pyramid and a cylinder – but give him time! (J: According to the book by Doman, one should flash objects and cards quickly as babies take less time to process information than adults. We tend to think that they may need to stare at something for a while before information is assimilated. Apparently, babies are far smarter than we think!) Getting the mobiles to move also extends his concentration. He could start distinguishing his cot ‘mates’ if they are introduced regularly each morning (Madam Hippo, Teddy Brown, Pooh, Jumbo et al). The flash cards with words also attract his attention. (J: Hopefully, Morgan will be able to read his own little story books by the age of 2!). Variety and consistent presentation seem to be important at this stage.
Physically Morgan seems a strong and wiry little boy. His grip continues to strengthen and he grasped the handling pieces well when he was introduced to them. He seems readier to hold onto things and clasp them to him. He is not yet taking the initiative, such as grasping or deliberately knocking down his cot mates. He kicks well and responds to pressure by vigorously pushing away a hand placed against his foot or feet. He still seems full of pent-up energy, at times going like a perpetual motion machine as his feet pedal, arms pump and wave, and passing through the gamut of his expressions and sounds. It gives joie de vivre a new dimension! Music seems to make little impact as yet but he seems to like Margaret’s singing and sing-a-long tunes. Also, we started playing salsa and jazz at his bath time, and he seems to be dancing to the beat. We took him ‘round the block’ in his push-chair for the first time and this seemed to have achieved what he wanted – much needed sleep. A major current drawback is that he is not getting his full three and a half hours sleep each day. He seems to have catnaps and a daily sleeping pattern has not yet been successfully established. However, and this is possibly more important, he sleeps very well at night. This possibly accounts for his bounce and chirpiness at first light in the morning. Perhaps he is going to be a ‘morning person’!

Morgan Week 8

Morgan was taken to church on Sunday and this was followed by a visit to the Library. This involved enrolling Morgan as a member of the Library. He received several joining gifts - a range of books on parenting and some nice story books. In addition he took out the eight books he was allowed. Huw suggested that in future I used Morgan’s card for my books. We could explain that the four ‘adult’ texts were for reading aloud to Morgan – he could read the children’s texts himself! The books were most attractive and included one story by Beatrice Potter and a range of others. A particularly interesting book was about introducing a rabbit and other animals – Look, Peter Rabbit. The last page is a mirror so that Morgan sees himself. The inevitable Jemima P. was selected and a rather nice one with a song about the little honeys. One that he liked was the pictures in the Peter Rabbit book. It shows the great advantage of having a good library available – such a contrast to Thailand!
The morning dialogue continues to be a very enjoyable feature of the day. Margaret uses this time to show him the various stimulation material prepared, and his attention spans get a little longer. Morgan showed great pleasure this morning (Monday) when Margaret whistled to him. He seemed to really enjoy the sound and laughed and smiled as she whistled her ‘tune’ to his face. Exposing Morgan to a range of sounds is important but he showed a little concern about my grunting at one stage! Reading and soothing words got him off to sleep, but only temporarily. Once he was feeling hungry the bellowing started and his yelling made sure that Auntie rushed to get his food. He really does display a roaring disposition when he wants his food! What emerged more clearly towards the end of the week was an apparent wish to communicate with the person speaking to him. The range of sounds has increased and he shapes his mouth into an O and bubbles a little. What is noticeable is that a series of sounds may lead then to crying. Can the sounds be a preliminary to the crying or is the crying the result of not being able to communicate? Kelvin remarked on this aspect of his development and was impressed at the way he was attempting to make sounds. This is all evidence of a much greater awareness of Morgan to people and his surroundings.
Morgan’s perceptions seem to be extending. Rapt attention is being paid to mobiles and three different sets are being used; Joelle is very adept at designing and producing them. As Margaret circles 4 of them above the cot he follows them around. He switches from one after a few seconds and then does the same with the next. He smiled and gurgled when looking at them at first and they seem a very good stimulant. Similarly, he is paying more sustained attention to the animals in his cot when they are introduced to him. When lying in the morning he is alert and seems to be paying more attention to figures in the murals along his cot. Playing records does not stimulate but it is good for his sense of rhythm. It will be interesting to see when he takes note of a particular sound or tune. His grip and kicking are strong and Morgan is developing into a very wiry child.
Towards the end of the week he was staying awake too much in the day. He was good with the mobiles when in his push chair/pram and showed great response. On Saturday there was an expedition to United Square which featured a huge range of shops and services for children. The learning services were notably diverse and the crowds in attendance were quite overwhelming. It is clear from such a Mall that people in Singapore are very achievement orientated.
Auntie left on the Friday the day Huw finished his work with the firm. A new maid is expected in just over a week and we hope she is up to Auntie’s standard. Auntie’s Chinese cooking was very nice indeed and she proved a good minder of mother and baby.

Morgan Week 7

On Sunday Morgan went with Huw, Joelle & Margaret to church. He was his usual well-behaved self. Joelle, Auntie and Margaret took Morgan to see a paediatrician. He did not do a Grandpa when he had his injection - it was administered without fuss or problems. The paediatrician was very pleased with his progress and commented on his strength and alertness. At six weeks old he is able to lie on his stomach and raise his head quite high. His body strength was particularly noticeable.
Morgan has confirmed this by the way he behaves in his cot. He pushes very well with his feet against a hand - a sort of knees-bend and straighten exercise. He does this in a more coordinated way now and seems to be exercising with you. He continues to flail his legs when moving on his own but there is much less wind-milling of the arms and shaking of the legs than there used to be. This may be because he now responds to hand holding and moves his arms in unison. What is quite striking is that his grip with both hands is getting progressively stronger. He holds on to a finger or a thumb very well now, and appears to enjoy doing so. He seems almost ready to hold on and lift himself up. When he is lying on his stomach on the play mat he lifts his head quite easily for a short time. While doing he looked around for the source of a noise.
Morgan continues to show great alertness. He seems capable of sustaining attention for longer periods, not just momentarily. This is obvious when he seems to be following a story and his smiles now appear to be far more reactive; he almost laughs and gurgles in the right places! This is most noticeable in the early morning when he seems very willing to engage in communication. He listened to the start of the Bear Scout story book but took little notice of the pictures. Different noises attract his attention and he responds to them increasingly well. For example, he is fascinated by Margaret’s distinctive (peculiar!) whistle. He sustains and shows interest in the increasingly diverse and striking murals that Joelle has made and can be seen gazing at them when alone. Morgan takes a little more interest in the seven cot companions – Pooh Bear, Brown Bear, Betty the Cow, Pilly the Caterpillar, Jumbo the Elephant and Madam Hippo – who are paraded regularly. In addition, he is being subjected to assorted music; there is no evidence as yet as to whether The Magic Flute is a favourite or not.
Saturday there was an expedition to the Ford Factory Museum. Morgan was a bit upset in the car going and was determined to make his demand for food clear, and also when we had lunch in a food court. Joelle retired to the car to satisfy Morgan’s hunger! Earlier Sumei and Joanna called round, and were impressed with the way he was responding to Grandpa’s nonsensical monologue. Overall Morgan is fast becoming an individual. It is too early to see whether he has likes or dislikes or what he really wants – unless it is food or a clean napkin! He seems to enjoy being stimulated both physically and mentally so engaging him in a range of activities is a priority at this stage.

Morgan Week 6

On Sunday Morgan went with Huw, Joelle & Margaret to Church for the first time where he was greatly admired. Later in the afternoon we all went to Johanna and Siva’s apartment block for Morgan’s one-month celebration. I feared that Joelle’s car would be too small for Huw, Joelle, Margaret, myself, Auntie and Morgan! There was no problem – Huw had bought a new Audi about which they had kept quiet! Approximately one hundred attended, including many children and Morgan’s cousin Keeran, and all enjoyed the poolside barbecue/buffet put on by caterers, and the culinary treats prepared by Auntie. There were many presents for Morgan who behaved very well, and did his little act on a few occasions. It was a very successful and happy occasion.
Morgan is always at his liveliest in the morning. Joelle has done an excellent mural with assorted shapes and pictures, and has placed it on the wall above his cot. Morgan seems to be looking at it when he is on his own sometimes. As a result of the party he now has more company in the cot – Pooh Bear, Brown Teddy, Betty the Cow have all joined Jumbo and Madam Hippo. He seems to look at them more, and also still responds well to the mobile of plates and the various black and red shapes. Dangled above him he seems to follow them quite intently. He continues to kick vigorously and juggles the ball about between his feet when it is placed there. In addition, his grip in both hands seems to be getting a little firmer but he does not yet hold things. Huw still holds him somewhat awkwardly at the neck, but always ensures that the back of Morgan’s head is firmly supported.
He is certainly developing a good pair of bellows and his crying is determined and lusty. This is certainly so when he wants to be fed. He has started to make different noises. For example, a distinct gurgle can be heard sometimes when he is happily involved in looking at and apparently playing with someone. His smiles are more frequent, and on occasions in the morning he responds to long spells of talking with delightful and distinctive smiles. He seems to be responding to chatter and happy talk. On one occasion when being held by myself – rather tentatively, I am afraid – he made three quite loud and sustained contributions to Singapore’s carbon footprint. Huw noticed it and, on inspection, the outcome of the emission was there for all to see – and smell! He still finds relief from wind by back rubbing. I also find that he sometimes falls asleep after a session of my nonsense and other songs. It seems that sleeping is the preferred alternative to my singing. Joelle clearly thinks that avoiding pomposity is desirable when talking to Morgan! Margaret continues to serenade him with Welsh airs and lullabies. Overall he is responding more to stimulation.On Saturday we all went out for breakfast to Vivo City at a toast specialist stall in the big and popular food court there. It is an impressive complex, not least because of the cluster of shops and services for young babies and children. Mothercare has a good range of swimming wear such as trunks and even goggles! The very modern pushchairs ranged from about S$600 to S$1800. In a place next door classes were offered and being conducted on holding and physically stimulating young babies and toddlers. About ten children and their parents were being processed. At a place nearby, swimming equipment and lessons were available for young babies and children. We wondered at the range of facilities now being offered to new parents and their ready-to-be-stimulated offspring. Morgan slept while we marvelled.

Morgan Week 5

It has been ordained that this must be a weekly diary as a daily one is getting rather repetitive. The principal events of the week and Morgan’s development shall be recorded. This is sensible but one must remember that the effort must be made. Time goes by too fast, the moment must be caught, much is ephemeral:

The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon
Turns Ashes--or it prospers; and anon,
Like Snow upon the Desert's dusty Face,
Lighting a little hour or two--is gone.

It must be recorded now or never!

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.

Sunday was family day and the two newest additions to the clan were paraded. Morgan was nearly a month old and was at his liveliest. Neither partook of the pleasant vegetarian take away lunch from downstairs chosen by Sumei, and Huw, and nor did Siva who was motor-biking in Malaysia.

Morgan is increasingly responsive to the stimulators that Margaret and Joelle have devised. The four-plate mobile that Margaret made certainly holds his attention and he seems to look at each shape in sequence. The Mama and Papa faces drawn by Joelle also catch his eyes as does the lollipop one. Joelle has designed an attractive mural made up of different shapes and pictures in black and red to put up on the wall next to his cot. He has been seen to lie there looking at these and this reinforces that he is taking more visual notice of his surroundings. The puppet hippo and the small elephant rattle seem to attract his attention more. In short, he is becoming increasingly aware of his environment.

His motor development continues apace. He is wiry, sturdy, and vigorously active. He spends much time ‘bowling’ over-arm alternately with both arms, kicking in sequence and screwing up his face into all sort of expressions. It almost seems a form of frustration, because it is not always followed by crying. It just seems an explosion of energy. He is now beginning, and for the first time, to actually grasp a finger and does so with both his left and right hands. He continues to push against weight placed against his foot and does this a number of times when stimulated to do so. His demands for food still consist of spirited and loud bawling; he continues to let you know that he wants to be picked up! Sometimes it is hard to resist responding to his demands! His range of expressions is notably increasing. He is most lively in the morning and I found that he seemed to respond to my smiling with a big smile one morning. Talking and singing certainly has a pacifying effect, and he appears to enjoy both, and even tickling but there is no direct response to a tickle as yet. An odd gurgle has been detected, sounding like a strangled word! In short, he has established himself as the household character.

Morgan Week 4 Day 6

Huw gave Morgan his bath this morning - there was water all over the bathroom floor afterwards!! Morgan seemed to really respond to my talking to him with smiles. In addition they seemed to last a little longer – not fixed ones yet! Sumei and Kelvin arrived with more provisions from the fresh market. Interestingly, Kelvin thought that Morgan’s face was acquiring a more European or Caucasian cast.

Morgan Week 4 Day 5

The usual morning exchange took place. The lunchtime concert featuring wind instruments at Asia Civilizations Museum reminded us of Huw’s first attempt to get into a musical act in Fiji when he went onto the stage to try and play the bassoon! Joelle bathed Morgan Gareth for the first time today. Emboldened I picked Morgan up and held him for the first time; he proved a handful and not as inert as he looks in the arms of others. He was not totally at ease, possibly because I held him in rather a gingerly fashion, a little like Robert Green (West Ham) on a bad day. I shall learn, no doubt. Joelle reported that Margaret’s brother Billy would consider her an asset at the farm, given the amount of milk she is producing. Huw felt that Morgan needed a little serenading, and thought that Morgan approved the Chopin Studies that I selected as they provided plenty of aural contrasts. No comment was offered about the Mozart string quartets that followed – he was asleep!

Morgan Week 4 Day 4

Again Morgan shows that he can be very chirpy first thing. This is a good time to use the visual stimulators. He seems to follow some of them and clearly looks at different squares and the red stripes. He is also taking more heed of the hippopotamus puppet and the little elephant rattle. Morgan continues to wave his arms and kick his legs briskly; you can feel the strength in them especially when he is crying for milk. Bathing is an enjoyable time for Morgan and he should take to the water when he gets the chance to do so.

Morgan Week 4 Day 3

The bliss in morning sleep was very noticeable again today. Morgan's almost secretive smile makes it seem that he is enjoying his own secret half-waking life of his own. One is reminded of Wordsworth's Intimations of Immortality:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

Morgan does seem to be developing a greater character of his own. He certainly makes himself known when he wants food; his lusty crying ensures this. Margaret has developed some more materials - a small face on a stick, like a lollipop. He certainly does notice what is shown to him, including the little elephant and the cow puppet.

Morgan Week 4 Day 2

Morgan is at his brightest and best in the morning, a good time to stimulate and amuse him. I notice that he is lying somnolent – apparently asleep – and then a blissful and delightful smile comes, and "Lights up a little hour or two, Is gone!" Is he dreaming? Similar smiles erupt during the day too, but not quite the total and identifiable smile that one sees when he is sleeping. Is he remembering the glories that trail, to use Wordsworth’s phrase? It is amusing to see - when he is apparently asleep – how his sucking of the comforter bursts into brisk activity. Presumably it is consciousness fighting sleep. Morgan delights in his bath and this calms him.

Morgan Week 4 Day 1

I enjoyed the usual early morning session with Morgan. Margaret’s stimulators seem to be quite effective, and Morgan’s attention is held by them, his eyes seeming to pass from one bit to the next. He presses well with both hands and arms, and kicks with his usual vigour. I try to ensure that he uses both left and right arms and legs equally – ambidextrousness can be useful, especially for playing the reverse strokes now increasingly used in cricket. His spells with me seem to end up with some big yawns. Joelle took some close-up photos today to add to the excellent ones that she has taken so far. She is building up an impressive Morgan portfolio – it is going to be very extensive too! We again failed to find a small black and white panda for him when we went to the Asian Civilizations Museum and Margaret to yoga.

Morgan Week 3 Day 7

Family day today; Kelvin and all came including Johanna but not Siva. Kelvin saw Morgan for the first time (he had been suffering from flu), he seemed delighted and Morgan was his usual benign self. The new regime – no picking him up as soon as he cries. Auntie still seems to have the magic touch when he has extended bouts of crying. He does seem to be particularly lusty as far as crying is concerned, and he bellows forth when he is hungry (a bit like me!!). Asleep, as usual, he looks angelic. Kelvin seems to be very good with Keeran who seems much as usual and responds to me in stoic fashion but some discomfort did start to emerge! The lunch was enjoyable and due pleasure was taken in the two babies.

Morgan Week 3 Day 5

This morning Morgan was lying musing when I went in to see him. He responded to squares and stripes but then started to grizzle. I managed to sit him up and put the comforter in his mouth and he commenced sucking. After four or five sucks he spat it out and started to complain. I tried again with the same effect. Presumably he cottoned to the fact that the comforter does not always mean food and he reacts accordingly. Margaret observed Morgan lying and complaining on an occasion when he had done his business in his napkin. When Auntie moved him to the changing mat he stopped crying immediately, and after his napkin was changed he was happy. He seemed to realize that the move to the mat signalled that he was going to have a clean napkin. These are two interesting ways whereby Morgan reacts to his experience and behaves accordingly.

Morgan Week 3 Day 4

Morgan has spent much of the day demanding attention with his excellent pair of lungs. He continues to expand his range of expressions and his features are becoming more individual. Margaret thinks he is becoming more aware of his surroundings; he certainly responds to the black and white stimulators and has eyed the red-striped one too. Margaret has made a black and white mobile using 4 paper plates each with stripes, a dot, a checkerboard and a bull's eye. Huw put together a frame for putting over the cot from which the mobile can be hung. It is a little reminiscent of a prison but it should be stimulating for Morgan. He performs well in the bath and shows signs of pleasure, including waving his arms around with great vigour. Once he gets off to sleep he is quite fine but inducing him to do so can take time. It is pleasing that a pattern of night-time sleeping is becoming established. Unlike everybody else I find it impossible to pick him up comfortably, and can only manage raising him up to sit by holding the back of his head and leg.

Morgan Week 3 Day 2

Playing and talking with Morgan relatively early in the morning seemed to elicit quite a range of responses. His smile was quite noticeable and seems to remain for longer. I have noticed his grip and must take care that he practices with his left hand as well as his right. Morgan is now being shown two black dots on a white background, red stipes and a 6-square black and white checkerboard with squares of smaller dimensions as he is now into his third week. Margaret is also preparing more diverse stimulators.

Morgan Week 3 Day 1

Huw managed to get Morgan’s birth recorded today – the last day possible! Margaret thought that Morgan was showing a great deal of astuteness towards his comforter. He seemed aware that if he rejected it then he would get milk! This is bad news for experimenters using placebos! Playing with him and showing him the selection of black and white shapes suggests that he is responding to a wider range of stimuli. He certainly looks at them with interest. The range of his expressions gets wider every day, and he is developing a sweet smile. This is discernible when he is just lying there looking out of the window. Huw has acquired real skill in wind ejecting! Patting rhythmically is one way of getting Morgan sleepy, but it sometimes takes a long time!

Morgan Week 2 Day 7

There were visitors again today, but Morgan determinedly ignored them. In all today was a quiet day, and Margaret and Joelle continued to prepare and material for him. Huw is showing great commitment and skill in carrying him around in a sling which Morgan finds very comforting.

Morgan Week 2 Day 6

Today Margaret and I played with him in the morning. He seemed very alert and showed interest in the two faces and the circle and squares. He seemed to grasp fingers much more firmly and uses them to pull himself up. In addition he presses firmly with his feet against one’s hand. He continues to wave his arms vigorously, showing less propensity to spar, and his legs wave around too! It is amusing to see his efforts to poo - his whole body convulses and his face shows great determination. A clear smile also emerges at times such as this even though there is no product! There are signs of smiling or satisfaction, and features seem to be changing.

Morgan Week 2 Day 5

Margaret seems to find Morgan increasingly responsive to the black and white shapes. I was impressed with one extensive yawn that greeted the appearance of one of the faces! The range of expressions seems to be increasing all the time, and his smile is more distinctive. Looking at him asleep his eyes go straight across. This suggests that the idea that Asian eyes slant is nonsense.

Morgan Week 2 Day 3

Joelle devised some stimulators– faces of Mama and Papa on paper plates – showing her design talents. Margaret specializes in the easy ones – stripes, circles and checkerboards.. Overall Morgan seems to respond well and does not engage in too much crying. We looked – in vain - for a small black and white panda in IKEA. The range of children’s small soft toys was impressive but no small pandas. Morgan continues to make definite sparring movements and it is possible to gain his attention with visual stimulators, albeit for short spans of up to five seconds or so. Gaining attention visually is not difficult and some response is made to aural stimulators.

Morgan Week 2 Day 1

Morgan is making generally good progress, and Margaret is speaking Welsh to him as required. Black and white shapes are being shown to him and he seems to be taking notice of them. Margaret sings Welsh lullabies to him. Morgan seems to be quite strong and wiry and more diverse re expressions and laughing. Huw seems continues to be very good with him .

Morgan Day 7

Morgan experienced a tuneful day today. We played a range of classical records as recommended by the book of words. There seems to be some response to Margaret’s Welsh lullabies but not a lot. He is rather unsettled at times but this may be due to colic. Huw seems very good with him and managed to get him to sleep for four hours after an initially restless night. Joelle is still not yet, understandably, her normal jolly self, but she responded well to the family visit by Johanna and Siva and their 4-month old baby boy, Keeran. Joelle's friend, Ee Wan, visited and gave Morgan a beautiful Folio-type book of A.A. Milne’s Pooh stories and poems. It is a collector’s item and as good as the Folio editions. Morgan certainly responds to the attention he gets, including patting and musical rhythms.

Morgan Day 6

Overall a fairly eventless day, but Morgan continues apace.

Morgan Day 5

There is a reference to swimming in Ludington-Hoe & Golant, p. 200. Newborns have the capacity to dog-paddle. If this is developed before the end of the second month the skill will be kept it seems. TodayJoelle took Morgan for a check up and blood test. Morgan seems to be a little livelier, with a greater range of facial expressions. One can just about see Huw in him – the nose I think, but to Margaret it is the mouth. He made a great show of bawling later in the day, displayed good sparring skills and seemed to be boxing - so wildly was he waving his arms up and down. He managed to throw one of his mitts off before Huw came to the rescue.

Morgan Day 4

Today both Joelle and Morgan seemed more settled. He was a better colour and had lost the redness and flushed appearance he had before. He was also feeding a little better it appeared. He was certainly livelier, showed greater variety in facial expressions and was opening his mouth. In repose he appeared to be practicing feeding! Huw and Joelle explained their educational strategy and suggested that I should provide overall direction and Margaret be the hands-on practitioner. The book ‘How to have a smarter baby’ (Ludington-Hoe & Golant, S.K., (1985 rev, 1987) seems to provide good guidelines. In particular, on pp. 175-7 there are suggestions for stimulation from the first couple of days. Margaret has started to prepare some material: black stripes, black and white checkboard and a black dot. It has also been decided that Joelle would not speak Mandarin to Morgan, and would leave that to Kelvin & Sumei. Margaret will speak Welsh to him.

Morgan Day 3

Today was Hari Raya, a public holiday, and the homecoming was expected at around midday. Sumei and Madam Fong (the confinement lady appointed to take care of Morgan and Joelle for a month) arrived in the morning, and were busy stocking up with provisions and preparing for what appeared to be an invasion. This took place as planned; Joelle, Huw and Morgan arrived on time, and so the household was duly set up with a very efficient Sumei overseeing matters. In the afternoon friends (two couples) came to see the new arrival and Joelle.

Morgan Day 2

Huw called to say that he would drive home to pick us up, and we duly proceeded to the MEH. Joelle seemed tired but very happy, and Morgan was indeed as Huw had described. As usual his immobility was such that great glee was expressed at every movement and twitch of the eye or face! To me, his face looked a little red in patches but I forbore to mention this to the ladies (Sumei, Joelle's mother, was there when we arrived) or the proud Dad. The accommodation was simple but good, and Huw had a couch on which to sleep. Margaret and I left around 14.30.

Morgan's Arrival

Morgan was overdue, and Huw and Joelle saw the doctor today. When I rang Margaret to tell her where I was, I learned that Joelle and Huw were staying at the hospital and that Morgan would be born any time. I was then told to proceed to the Mount Elizabeth Hospital near Orchard Road MRT to meet Margaret. The MEH is a very modern and well appointed institution and a leading Singapore private hospital. Despite the comfortable seats it was a long wait. Huw was not allowed to use his mobile phone in the delivery unit, and at 20.30 there was still no news. We then decided to go home and wait for a phone call. Huw called at about 22.00 to tell us that Morgan had arrived at around 21.30 after five pushes, and that we now had a beautiful little grandson weighing 3.3 kg. It was a great relief that all had gone smoothly and that Joelle and Morgan were both fine. We shared Huw’s delight and were told that we should plan to be at the hospital at about midday the following day.