In March, I spent another three weeks with my son's family and enjoyed the company of Nelum. I last saw her in September and she has changed much in six months.
The last time I got to spend so much time with a baby was 37 years ago, with Nelum's dad Roy. Back in Sri Lanka in those days, we didn't have the facilities that are now taken for granted, not even running water or electricity in some of the houses where he grew up. There were no disposable diapers. Milk food was in short supply. (Roy had a steady supply because we owned a pharmacy which received a monthly quota.) Imports were restricted and only crude plastic toys, made locally, were available. What we did have was domestic help and the support of our parents whenever we needed them. Roy was a quiet baby, lying peacefully in his cot, smiling at everyone who stopped by. Only in his late teens did he begin to change! But that's another story.
In contrast, Nelum has all the comforts that and modern society provides. Carpeted floors, an air conditioned and heated home, bottled baby food, fruits and modern appliances to turn them into tasty treats. Toys and clothes galore. Soothing music. TV programs to keep her entertained. A comfortable car to travel in. Safety seats.
On my last visit, Nelum was mostly on her back. This time, she was crawling and standing with some support. Because she is teething, every object ends up in her mouth. Her moods are unpredictable. A morning of smiles may become an afternoon of heartrending wails, especially when she was tired and sleepy.
Nelum was happiest outdoors. The weather was bitterly cold on many days so we could not take her for walks, but I managed to take her out on the harness a few times. Nelum enjoyed seeing the geese around the nearby lake and sitting in the swing. She would make sounds (she was discovering new sounds all the time) and would be happily cooing or muttering away as we walked.
On a number of occasions, as she sat on the floor playing and I sat on the couch reading or watching TV, I would look up to catch her gazing at me, sometimes turning her head at a 45 degree angle. This would go on for more than five minutes at a time. I wonder what was going thru her mind.
We went to see the cherry blossoms on my last weekend in Washington DC. This photo is with Roy on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.
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