Minchu's First Week Earth-Side - My Big Adventures
March 29 - April 4, 2025
Hello world! I'm finally here! For now, they call me Minchu, though I hear Appa and Amma discussing some other fancy names. I'll let you know which one sticks!
My First Few Days
Wow, so much has happened since I arrived! First, there was all this bright light and lots of new faces with masks looking at me. There's Amma, who holds me most of the time, and Appa, who walks me around when I'm fussy. The nurses at this place called "Alfa Clinic" kept checking on me and gave me my first bath—that was an interesting experience to be in water again!
The doctor gave me some shots that didn't feel too great, but everyone seemed happy with my health reports. Turns out I'm O+ve, whatever that means! They put me on a platform, used some string to wrap my head, and wrote down some numbers. Adults sure love their numbers!
My New Home
On my second day, we left the cute place and went to what they call "home." They did something called an "arati" twice - once before I entered home, and once while sitting on the sofa. My Thatha sang during the first one with the arati being done by my Ammamma, and I found it cute! My Ajji sang and did the second arati with my Ammamma.
The home has different rooms, and Appa gave me a tour. It's much quieter than the first place, except when I cry, of course! I like the "terrace" part best - Appa takes me there for something called "sun." It feels warm and nice, though sometimes it gets too bright for my new eyes and I have to shut it close!
Things I'm Learning
- Sleeping is hard! Sometimes I just can't figure out how to stay asleep, especially at night. I get hungry, or uncomfortable, or just want to look around.
- Feeding is important. When I cry a lot, it usually means I'm hungry. Amma feeds me, and sometimes we try different positions until I feel better. I learned about "cluster feeding" - that's when I want to eat over and over!
- Pooping is a big event around here! Everyone gets very excited when I do it. Sometimes it's small, but other times it's so messy that Ammamma has to help clean me up. They bathe me afterwards, which feels pretty nice. My poop is changing color too - from black sticky stuff to yellow pasty!
People I've Met
So many faces! Besides Amma, Appa and Ammamma, there's:
- Ajja, who watches over me when my team is tired
- Appa's parents, who bring home a lot of food!
- Appa's sister was fun to sit on
- So many people visited me at the clinic, whom I hardly remember, but I am excited to meet again!
- My older cousin (who looks like me!)
- Amma's friend and her kids (one almost hit me, but I slept through it!)
I also saw two more cousins, but could see only their faces. I didn't understand how that was possible. They were talking and making sounds, and Amma was holding them.
Big Milestone This Week
My umbilical cord fell off! Appa seemed excited about this. It happened early yesterday. I feel lighter now, like I've officially let go of my old home and fully moved into this new world!
My Thoughts So Far
This outside world is very different from my previous home. It's much brighter, louder, and there's so much more space! Sometimes it's overwhelming, and I need to cry about it. Feeding helps me feel better, and I like it when Appa walks me around or when I'm snuggled up against Amma.
I've noticed everyone takes pictures of me all the time. Must be because I'm so cute! I've been practicing different sleeping positions - I even tried copying how Amma sleeps on her side!
Everyone seems very tired, especially at night, but they keep smiling at me anyway. I think I'm doing a good job keeping them on their toes!
Minchu's Week 1 Stats
- Feedings: Countless! I'm a hungry little fellow
- Poops: 7 notable ones (they track these!)
- Sleep Pattern: Still figuring it out, but I prefer cluster naps
- Special Skills: Side-sleeping like Amma, fighting to keep blankets off, peeing on Ammamma and Appa
- Favorite Activity: Sunbathing on the terrace with Appa
- Blood Type: O+ve
Well, I feel another nap coming on. Or maybe I'll surprise everyone with another diaper situation. We'll see what mood strikes!
Next week brings my naming ceremony and more adventures - you can follow along in Minchu's Second Week - Namings, Naps & New Discoveries. For a complete overview of my first ten weeks, check out Minchu's First 10 Weeks.
Until next week, Minchu (name still pending)