Minchu's Ninth Week - Weather Adventures and Growing Up Fast

May 24 - May 30, 2025

Minchu's Ninth Week: Cold Weather Cuddles and Communication Breakthroughs

Greetings from your increasingly sophisticated correspondent! This week was quite the adventure, featuring my first encounter with cold weather, mastering some impressive new skills, and showing everyone how much I'm growing up. Let me tell you all about it!

🌡️ My First Cold Weather Experience

The rain made everything cooler and more comfortable, and I enjoyed the cold air on the balcony when Appa took me outside for a walk. I missed the gentle warmth of the early morning sun, though.

I experienced my first proper cold! Not the weather kind (though that happened too), but the sniffly, stuffy nose kind that concerned everyone.

Here's what I learned about having a cold:

Runny noses are VERY annoying when you're trying to breathe
Nasal drops are not pleasant, but they do help. Appa said it smells like the sea, whatever that is
Everyone becomes extra protective and attentive (which has its perks!)
Sleeping becomes a bit more challenging when you can't breathe through your nose

The adults were quite worried and even contacted a doctor for advice. He suggested baby Vicks for my chest (not my nose, apparently that's important), and recommended a consultation. I appreciated all the concern, though I felt mostly fine aside from the breathing issues!

🛏️ The Side-Lying Revolution Continues

Remember how amazing the rugby hold was? Well, this week Amma mastered the side-lying feeding position, and it's absolutely REVOLUTIONARY!

Here's why I love it:

I can cuddle with Amma while feeding - ultimate comfort!
It's perfect for nighttime feeds - we both stay cosy
I can feed for longer periods without getting tired
Amma doesn't have to sit up all night (she appreciates this greatly)
It's like having a warm, milk-dispensing cuddle buddy

This position saved the night multiple times, especially when I was feeling unwell. We'd both drift off together, which seemed to help everyone sleep better.

🧥 My Fashion Adventures

With the weather turning colder, I experienced some wardrobe changes:

Graduated to full-sleeve shirts and pants (very grown-up!)
Tried the onesie that Anusha Auntie gave me (cosy but made me look serious)
Discovered that I have strong preferences about clothing temperature
Learned that hot water bags on the bed make sleeping much more comfortable

Side note: As soon as my cold was gone, I kicked back to my light and breezy jablas!

🤝 New Gripping Skills Unlocked

This week, I made some major developmental leaps:

I can now grip my rattle intentionally and shake it! I think
I'm fascinated by where sounds come from when I shake things
I managed to bonk myself on the head with my rattle (oops!)
My grip strength is getting impressive - I can hold onto things for longer

During tummy time, I held my head up high for a full 2 minutes! Appa was very impressed and kept encouraging me.

🗣️ My Communication Sophistication

I'm becoming quite the conversationalist! My repertoire now includes:

Different types of coos for different occasions
Special "good morning" sounds when I wake up - I'm learning a lot from the squirrel that comes near the window
Interactive responses during video calls (I'm quite the performer!)
Still changing the grunts that everyone for "poop protocol time" - who said I can't mix things up
Happy chattering sounds when I'm feeling playful

I had video calls with Akhila Auntie and my bro Poorie, and then with KR Uncle and Gomi Auntie. Everyone was impressed with my vocal performances!

💩 Poop Adventures Continue

My digestive system provided plenty of entertainment this week:

Multiple outfit changes due to surprise poops
One memorable incident where I pooped in the sink while Ammamma was trying to make me pee
A pee that went sideways and became a poop sesh without anyone expecting it. The cleanup was a challenge

The adults have gotten very efficient at "poop protocol," though they still act surprised every time. You'd think they'd learn to expect it by now!

🏠 Household Drama (From My Perspective)

I noticed some interesting dynamics this week:

Amma seemed a bit cranky some days (I think she's tired from all the night feeds) - I think my cold was also getting to her somehow
Appa went on another Bangalore trip, leaving me with Amma and the Ammamma and Ajo
Everyone's very protective of me while Ammamma was recovering from her cough

I try to be extra charming when the adults seem stressed. A well-timed coo or smile usually helps!

🎵 Cultural Exposure

I'm developing quite sophisticated tastes:

Listened to A. Kanyakumari's violin performance on SPICMACAY (very soothing!)
Enjoyed various music during my awake times
Saw Thatha on stage singing!
Showed appreciation for good acoustics during my vocal practice sessions

📊 Minchu's Week 9 Stats

Appa said it's time to change some stats! Let me know what you would like to see here.

Head Control: Can hold head up for 2+ minutes during tummy time
Grip Strength: Can intentionally grasp and shake a rattle
Communication: Multiple new coos and interactive sounds
Side-Lying Feeds: Mastered for marathon feeding sessions
Cold Recovery: Successfully overcame stuffy nose with minimal drama
Temperature Preferences: Very specific and not always what adults expect
Sleep Innovation: Discovered hot water bag benefits

👋 Looking Ahead

As I finish this ninth week report, I'm amazed at how much I've learned and grown! From mastering new feeding positions to developing better communication skills, every day brings discoveries.

The adults keep saying I'm "growing so fast," and I suppose they're right. Nine weeks ago, I was just figuring out basic survival, and now I'm a sophisticated little person with opinions, preferences, and impressive grip strength!

Until next week's adventures!

With stuffy-nose-free breathing and impressive grip strength, Minchu 👶

P.S. I've noticed that my timing for dramatic moments (like refusing to sleep right when Appa needs to attend his Veda class) is getting quite precise. It's all about keeping life interesting! 😉

P.P.S. The side-lying feeding position is seriously the best invention ever. Whoever figured this out deserves an award from babies everywhere!