Rapid Development

I just got back from another whirlwind trip across the planet. Most of my time was spent sicker than I’d ever wish on anyone, with an incredibly painful sinus infection that still has not cleared up. I really need to go see the doctor – perhaps tomorrow.

Anyhow, even though it was only 5 days long, I’ve noticed yet more changes in Juliette since I’ve been back. She’s changing so fast now that I kind of feel cheated that I don’t get to see the in-between parts too. Luckily this crazy travel of mine should stop or at least settle down a bit soon.

What have I noticed? Well, first of all she’s “talking” more – making more varied and controlled vocalizations with subtle sounds that she wasn’t before. Up to now it’s been pretty similar noises and screams – now she’s babbling to herself in what sounds like a very complex and rich language that I don’t understand. It probably is just that.

As well her hands have grown. I can’t really explain it any better than that, but her hands are meatier and softer and have better control on grip strength. Call me what you will but I love the feel of her hands and am borderline obsessed with her fingers.

And she wants to feed herself now. When she’s really hungry at the start of the meal she just lets me shovel it in, but after a while she grabs the spoon and takes a few stabs at feeding herself. I gave her a second spoon and helped her load it up and hold it correctly, and she’s been reasonably good at getting it into her mouth.

Not to mention that she’s sick of the baby purees and gets mad when we try to feed them to her. Her food now has to be chunky so there’s texture. And if we’re eating, well then don’t bother trying to feed her that baby crap! She will only accept pieces of what we’re eating. She’s become aware that our food is different and she has made it clear that she wants to eat big-people food now.

Those are just the big things I can think of right now… but there’s a couple handfuls of little changes that really stand out after I’ve been away for a bit.

In some ways I’m delighted that she’s growing and changing and becoming her own little person, but in many other ways I’m kind of sad and wistful that my little baby has gone and will not return.