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Minchu's Thirteenth Week - Temple Adventures and First Real Outings

June 21 - June 27, 2025

Minchu's Thirteenth Week: Temple Adventures and First Real Outings

Namaste, dear readers! Your increasingly adventurous correspondent, Minchu here, reporting from my thirteenth week of earthly adventures! This week was absolutely magical - I had my first proper temple visits, discovered the joy of outdoor exploration, and learned some delightful new skills. Most importantly, this was my first week going out where nobody poked me with needles! Let me tell you all about these exciting developments!

🏛️ My Grand Temple Tour

The absolute highlight of this week was my first proper temple spree! We visited not one, not two, but THREE sacred places in one day. What an adventure!

Ganapathi Temple by the Palace

Our first stop was the beautiful Ganapathi temple. Here's what I experienced:

  • There was a PALACE! Appa said it's like a house, but much, much bigger, where someone called the Raja lived.
  • The moment we entered, I instinctively folded my hands - everyone was amazed!
  • We waited for the mahamangalarti, and the bells and chanting were absolutely mesmerising.
  • Ammamma had brought special panchkajaya prasada that she had made especially for my outing.
  • I saw some small humans in colourful clothes. One of them wanted to hold me, and Appa just laughed it off.

Anjaneya Temple Adventure

Next, we visited the Anjaneya temple next door:

  • Appa held me close as he took me through the narrow cave-like tunnel around the temple
  • The pujari sprayed teertha, and I received my first proper temple blessing
  • I continued my hands-folded pose (I'm a natural devotee!)
  • We all took photos outside the temple to remember the day

Sringeri Mutta - Meeting Sharadamba

Our final stop was the prestigious Sringeri Mutta:

  • We arrived just as they were closing, but managed to get darshan
  • I had a special moment lying down in front of Sharadamba Devi
  • The peaceful energy of the place was incredibly soothing
  • I felt a deep connection to this sacred space - Amma said she had sung here when I was still inside her tummy

Everyone was amazed at how well-behaved and spiritually inclined I was throughout all the temple visits. I think I have a natural affinity for divine spaces!

🌍 Discovering the Great Outdoors

Beyond temples, I had several outdoor adventures this week:

Terrace Explorations

  • Got my first proper tour of our terrace with panoramic views
  • Saw Lalith Mahal, Betta (whatever that is), and various houses
  • Enjoyed the fresh morning air and different perspectives
  • Discovered that the world is much bigger than our balcony!

Night-life Outside Home

  • Appa, Amma, and Ajo also took me out to see the nightlife nearby
  • I must confess - this lights thing is very cool - it lets people do more and stay awake. I don't like the blueish colours, though, I felt more awake after our trip outside.
  • Oh, and the car is an incredible thing! It goes vroom, and I see so many things outside the window.

🎵 New Sound Skills Unlocked

This week, I mastered some adorable new vocalisations:

The Raspberry Revolution

  • I learned how to make the most adorable raspberry sounds!
  • "Pppfffrrrr" is now part of my vocal repertoire
  • Everyone finds this absolutely hilarious and charming
  • I use it strategically when I want extra attention, though I haven't mastered doing it on demand yet

Enhanced Communication

  • My "aaooo" for the owl card is getting more consistent
  • I'm developing different tones for different moods
  • My timing for vocal performances continues to be impeccable

🍼 Feeding and Sleep Evolution

My eating and sleeping patterns are becoming more sophisticated:

Cluster Feeding Strategy

  • I've perfected the art of cluster feeding to ensure maximum nutrition, much to Amma's dismay
  • Sometimes I use Amma as a pacifier (she's very understanding about this)
  • My timing for hunger cues is getting more precise

Sleep Innovations

  • The joli remains my favourite sleeping spot
  • I've mastered contact naps with Papa (very cosy!)
  • My sleep schedule is becoming more predictable

📊 Minchu's Week 13 Stats

  • Weight: 6.5 kg (healthy and robust!)
  • Temple Visits: 3 successful spiritual adventures
  • New Sounds Mastered: Adorable raspberries and enhanced coos
  • Outdoor Adventures: Multiple terrace tours and temple trips

🙏 Spiritual Reflections & Looking Forward

There's something special about those temple visits. The moment I entered each sacred space, I felt compelled to fold my hands and maintain a reverent posture. It could be that the sounds of bells, chanting, and prayers created a peaceful energy that I found deeply soothing; or maybe I just wanted to suck on both my hands at the same time - we will never know. But whichever it is, I seemed to understand instinctively that these were special places requiring respectful behaviour - and I stayed calm and composed. Whether it's genetic memory, spiritual inclination, or just good timing, I have an affinity for divine spaces!

As I complete my thirteenth week, I'm feeling very accomplished. I've successfully ventured into the wider world, connected with divine spaces, and shown everyone what a well-behaved, spiritually inclined baby I am. The adults keep saying I'm "growing so fast," and they're right. Thirteen weeks ago, I was just learning to breathe, and now I'm touring temples, making raspberries, and conducting myself like a proper little devotee!

Until next week's adventures!

With temple blessings and raspberry sounds, Minchu 👶

P.S. The temples were magical, and I loved every moment of our spiritual tour. I think I'm going to be quite the little devotee as I grow up! 🙏