First kiss on first birthday!
Today was Rebecca's first birthday, and she gave me one of the best presents ever: her first kiss! I was holding her and I kissed her on the cheek (which I often do); but this time she turned to me, opened her mouth, and put her lips on my cheek. It was so precious and endearing! And I know it was real and not just a fluke, because later in the day, Winnie the Pooh kissed her and she kissed him back, too!
In some ways it seems like it's been a lot longer than a year since Rebecca was born, and in other ways it's hard to believe she's already one! I haven't taken very many pictures this last month or two, mostly because I'm exhausted and I consider myself to be doing well if I can just keep up with meals and laundry. So, many precious moments with precious smiles and expressions are now just vague impressions in my quickly fading memory.
Rebecca is so sweet and such a joy to have as part of our family. She is easily contented reading books, playing with toys (especially ones that make noise), walking in circles around our living room and dining room (either pushing her walker or holding onto our fingers, particularly fun when she chases whichever of us is not holding onto her), splashing in the bathtub, and going outside to touch the flowers in our yard and pet our neighbors' dogs. I almost feel like I am not doing enough to stimulate her young mind, since I don't have the energy nor the creativity to enertain her constantly or take her very many places, nor the natural inclination to tell her everything that I know, think, feel, and do. But it has been fun to watch her take joy in simple things, and develop and communicate her own preferences (for food, books, toys, blankets, people, locations, etc.).
A few updates on developmental milestones:
*first step: Easter Sunday (only a couple more attempts since then, and none for more than one step before falling down
*third tooth emerged (finally!): day before her birthday
*five words spoken (but besides the first two, not on a regular basis): Mama, Dada, nigh-nigh (good night), nana (banana), and cup
*down to one nap a day (instead of two) on about five days a week
I will give an update on height and weight after we see the doctor next week. She's still pretty long and skinny, but she has a cute little round tummy when she's sitting, and I know she's grown because she's outgrown a lot of her clothes recently (and she's getting heavier to hold)!
posted by Elisabeth | 8:01 PM
1 Comments:
Happy Birthday, Rebecca! I love those open-mouth baby kisses.
I think it sounds like you are doing plenty to stimulate her. Looking at flowers and interacting with dogs, reading books and letting her play. When I was morning sick, laying on the couch and reading a bunch of books to Becca was about all I could do most mornings. I think reading and playing outside are two of the most stimulating things you can do for her at this age. I'm sure you are amazed at what she picks up and what she uses to learn new things. I remember when Becca was around 13 months and was entertained (and stimulated) by an empty macaroni and cheese box and a spoon that she kept inserting into the box. What a simple thing, but they learn so much from it.
I was thinking of simple ways you could add stimulation to her days without much effort or creativity on your part. Once Becca could stand up while holding onto something, she loved helping throw small pieces of clothing or towels into the dryer. You could also have Rebecca sit with you while you fold laundry (or if you are like us, sit with Steve while he folds laundry, since Nate folds most of ours). You can show her how you separate everything into piles and talk to her about colors, sizes, textures. When you make meals, you could pull up her high chair and let her watch you, giving her a few safe kitchen things to play with. Or let her play in a low down cupboard that is filled with just pots and pans or plastic containers in a basket.
I'm full of ideas...hope that's okay. And I especially like the ones that incorporate children into the daily things that need to be done.
You're doing a great job, Elisabeth. It sounds like Rebecca is progressing well and that you and Steve are enjoying her a lot. Can't wait to see you and her.
Post a Comment
<< Home