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.