Abi clapped today

For the first time!

Containers

Abi has mastered the skill of putting things into containers and taking them out.  She especially enjoys putting Daddy’s “toy” into her wagon.

Abi & breastfeeding

Abi gained 2lbs in the last 6 weeks.  Go Abi!

Abi’s Pony in the Box

Daddy loved his jack-in-the-box when he was young, and so we bought Abi a pony-in-the-box.  It looked cute on the Amazon website.  Unfortunately, Abi got very, very scared when the pony first came out.  So the toy is now hidden.  We will try to reintroduce it when she is a little older.

Abi’s second swim class

Daddy reports that Abi had a great swim class.  She really enjoys sliding into the water from a sitting position (Daddy catches her each time).

Today’s curriculum involved blowing bubbles and kicking.  Abi did not like doing either of those.  (She shook her head “no” to indicate that she was not willing to blow bubbles.)  Unfortunately for Abi, she is either the youngest or one of the youngest babies in class, so she is behind the other kids who are willing to kick and blow bubbles.

Playtime – Abi the Strong Baby

Mommy & Abi went to a play group on Thursday.  Abi picked up a heavy table toy (probably 3-4 pounds) and swung it around her head and shoulder continuously.  Pretty incredible given that she just weighs 18lbs.  Here are some pictures of her swinging a lighter ball around.

Abi plays peek-a-boo

Some photos from our visit…

Here are some photos of Abi busy in her bath – and one picture of her as the cutest snow bunny ever!

Abi – the most adorable baby in the whole world!!!

Grandpa Michael and I just returned from a weekend visit with Abi and her folks.  We were amazed at the leaps that Abi had made in just a month since we saw her last.  Not only is she cruising, but she is also walking with her wagon on her own and standing without holding on.  She is able to make her needs known – shaking her head for “yes” and “no” (and she has very definite opinions!), holding her arms up to be picked up, telling her Mom clearly when she wants to nurse, bringing a book over when she wants to read or be read to – and she always turns the book right side up.  And all of this is great – but best of all she is the most adorable, delightful, sweet and delicious baby in the whole world.  I know you may think I’m prejudiced because I’m her granmother  – but really she is!!!!!

Why Won’t Anyone Let Me In?

4 Pictures are Worth a 1,000 Words

Cognitive leaps & bounds

Grandma will post her insights about Abi soon, but here is a brief highlight of Abi’s new cognitive leaps:

• She now nods her head to indicate “yes” and shakes her head to indicate “no”
• When presented with food options, she will point to what she wants.
• She will pick up “the ducky that goes ‘quack quack'” when asked to do so
• She will not feed herself finger food.  However, today, she fed Mommy finger food.
• She will hand finger food to Mommy & open her mouth to indicate that Mommy should put the food in her (Abi’s) mouth

Grandma & Grandpa came to visit . . .

and cut Abi’s hair so she could see.

Abi & Daddy had their first swim class

It took Abi a few minutes to get comfortable in the water – but then she had a great time.

Recent updates

Much news to report:

• Abi can now drink out of a glass (though some of the liquid does end up on her shirt)
• Abi took her first step (without holding onto anything) a few days ago.  She has not repeated it since.
• Abi is standing without holding onto anything for longer & longer
• Abi got stuck in our living room coffee table.  She climbed into the compartment that houses the clear toy bins after removing one of them.  Mommy heard a wimpering, and came to see Abi’s full body inside the coffee table.  Abi could not get out because there is a lip under the drawers.  Mommy quickly rescued Abi, and all was good.
• Abi is off her all-breastmilk, no-solid food hunger strike.  She is now doing her best impersonation of the very hungry caterpillar.  She really does not like my cooking (boiled & pureed fresh fruit & vegetables).
• Abi is still scared when she hears the vacuum cleaner.

Abi stands on her own

Abi:

• She is now enjoying books by herself – – she stares at them intently.
• She also tells us when she wants to be picked up by stretching her hands up and towards the person she wants to lift her.
• Abi is still a bit picky about food, but starting to eat a little more variety  Oatmeal and yogurt remain a big hit.  She loves mangoes, apples, and pears.  Other fruits and vegetables are “hit or miss” – – the vegetables being a “miss” more often than not.

Abi walking her wagon

She is even walking backwards now, but has not yet figured out how to turn.

Mommy & Daddy in 2008 (78lbs ago)

Mommy cow & her little calf

Abi will even pivot on one leg just to get better leverage.