"Real" Toys: Volume One

Reese has no shortage of toys to play with, but she finds her greatest joy in playing with things that aren't necessarily for her use and enjoyment. Among these fascinating objects is mommy's cell phone. I seldom get the chance to take or return phone calls when Reese is awake, but on the rare occasion that I am on my phone, Reese takes sudden interest. If I happen to have her in my lap or on my hip during the call, her hands are immediately on my phone pressing the buttons. She also grabs for it and likes to put it in her mouth. I have considered getting her a "toy" phone (after seeing some fake plastic cell phones at the baby store, no doubt inspired by this very phenomenon), but I figure it will never be as interesting as the one mommy is using.

This entry is volume one in my new thread to chronicle Reese's recurring interest in certain household items. Be on the look out for more in the near future.

Sunglasses

While in San Antonio, I couldn't resist the temptation to buy Reese a pair of sunglasses. Yes, you may laugh or even shake your finger in shame, but they were cute and I convinced myself that if not now, she will eventually use and appreciate them. In our trial runs so far, she will leave them on for a few minutes at a time and then take them off and (big surprise here) put them in her mouth. They are sized 0-2 years, so eventually she may get the hang of leaving them on and protect her developing eye sight.

Aunt Kim v Camera

Play time with Reese is a growing delight. Her independence and interest in faces, locomotion, and speech makes her irresistible. Hoping to remember the small day to day activities Reese and I share, Elaine obliged my request to " Get some pictures of me with this adorable baby!" Sadly as soon as the camera came into view Reese was smitten. Silly faces-- nothing. Noises -- nothing.

Aunt Kim unless you are a marvel of the digital age, silver, electronic and shiny-- I'm not interested.
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Well little one, I've got patience-- and the chops to compete for your attention as long as it takes.

While you are are growing your brain second by second in this wonderful world your parents have made for you, I'm learning so much about the wonder and speed of your development. Every day you are mastering a new world of skills, and it is a joy to watch. Reese it is such a privilege to be so completely ignored by you.xoxox

Love your Aunt Kim

Sweet Sweater

At my baby shower this summer I received an amazing home-made gift from a childhood friend of Grandma Bailey's. Grandma's friend, Anna, knitted Reese a beautiful pink sweater and matching bonnet. They are so precious that every few weeks I've been taking them out of the closet and seeing if Reese has grown into them. It took almost 6 months, but today they had their debut on a trip to the park. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate so that Reese could sport the matching bonnet--it was almost 70 today--but the sweater worked perfectly. It was light enough to keep her from overheating, but provided just enough cover-up for the shady swings.

6 month Checkup

This morning Reese went to the pediatrician for her 6 month check up and shots. In previous visits, she has been all smiles for the nurses and doctors. Today, however, she was not happy to be there. The crying began with her weigh-in (yea! she really is growing!)--understandable since she was completely naked on a cold scale. She immediately quieted when mommy picked her up. When her doctor came in the room Reese was very intent on studying him, but as soon as he got near with his instruments she began wailing. It's amazing he could hear anything but her screaming through his stethoscope. The doctor said this could be the beginning of her "stranger anxiety." Just when she thought it was all over, she received three shots. I managed to get her calm before walking back into the waiting room, but she was still red-faced when we got home. What a rough way to start the week! The good news is: no shots at the 9 month check up!

Playpen Trials

I have set up Reese's play pen in the living room for some trial runs. Now that she can consistently sit unassisted, I'm experimenting with bouts of independent play in her playpen. Yesterday she sat in the playpen while the family ate dinner and explored her new teddy bear as well as her new car toy (thanks Andrea!). She stayed content to play long enough for most everyone to finish eating.

Grandparent Visit

Yesterday Grandma and Grandpa Bailey as well as Aunt Kate and Uncle Richard came to Austin for a visit. Reese started her day in a rough mood (likely from teething issues and the poor night of sleep the night before), but when the visitors arrived she was all smiles and excitement. Grandma and Grandpa brought her a large teddy bear which she immediately began grabbing and gumming. She enjoyed time bouncing on everyone's lap and petting Annie.

General Updates

Here are some brief updates on various Reese-related topics:

1. Eating continues to go well. Reese has tried nearly all of the "stage one" foods. While she hasn't refused anything, she shows a definite preference for veggies (particularly squash and green beans). She disliked bananas the most (turning away from the spoon repeatedly), but we're going to try them again later this week and see if they are truly a lost cause. I know most pediatricians don't recommend starting solids until 6months, but Reese is doing extremely well and seems to enjoy it, so we've trucked right on. She will eat an entire jar of food in one sitting and hasn't dropped any bottle feedings yet. Since she's not replacing any bottles with solids yet, I don't feel too bad. She currently eats a serving of fruit before her 1pm nap and a serving of veggies around 5pm.

2. There's been some speculation that Reese has been teething for awhile now. Starting soon after Christmas, she became extra drooly and lately she's been pretty cranky. (Bibs became necessary when she developed a rash on her neck and chest from excessive drool.) Well, it's all proved true as of today--you can finally see and feel two bottom teeth trying to break through her gums. It makes me feel a little better that all of the fussiness hasn't been imagined. I'm not sure how long before they break through the gums, but I'm hoping after that her discomfort and attitude will improve.

3. Reese is getting to be a pro at sitting. She can sit unsupported for much longer and doesn't loose her balance as easily. She does occasionally fall over when reaching for something just beyond arm's reach, and she gets pretty upset about it. While on her tummy Reese is anxious to crawl. She frequently pushes both her chest and rear into the air--just never both at the same time. Her legs move wildly when she's on her tummy and she sometimes manages to inch her way backwards across the floor. This is exciting to watch, but ultimately frustrates her since she is often trying to grab something in front of her and moving backwards only puts it farther out of reach.

Piano Fun

Two summers ago, mommy took piano lessons for a brief time. When the school year resumed, practicing piano fell by the wayside; but the keyboard she practiced on still sits in the study waiting for renewed interest. In an attempt to "shake up" Reese's play routines, Reese has been "playing" the piano lately. When she does, she really seems to enjoy it. She bounces up and down and hits keys on both ends of the piano. Being that it's an electric keyboard and not an actual piano, she has also become interested in the "synchro/fill in" button that plays various electric back beats. Whether intentional or not, she bats at the button and turns the feature on and off. The result of her playtime is usually a happy cacophony of notes. Below are some out-takes from her Sunday jam session.

First Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Reese's first Valentine's Day. While mommy and daddy aren't big on celebrating Valentine's, we did dress Reese up for the occasion. She sported a white corduroy dress with pink polka-dots and heart shaped buttons on the back. Since a bib is a necessity these days, she wore the bib Grandma Bailey gave her. Mommy and daddy had a babysitting offer from a friend so that we could get out for V-day, but bad planning on our part meant it was impossible to get reservations on the actual holiday; so instead, we will be heading out to a baby-free dinner this evening while Reese spends time with a babysitter. (Thanks Kristi!)

Baby Play Date

Today Reese had a baby playdate with her friend Luca. I met Luca's mom, Reyna, through a mutual friend (thanks, Catherine!) when Reese was a few weeks old. Luca and Reese were born about two weeks apart (Luca before Reese) and since their birth Reyna and I have hung out for some mommy time when our schedules allow. It's always great to catch up and hear about baby-news. With Luca and Reese being so close in age, it keeps me grounded and sane to hear about a baby who is just as fussy, picky, or silly as my own. During their visit, Reese and Luca did some tummy time together. During their initial visits as two month olds, they didn't acknowledge each other's presence (even when sitting on the same lap!), so it's amazing to see how they've grown and changed. During today's visit they stared at each other and took turns grabbing toys on the blanket--we'll call it sharing for now.

Child Proof? Yeah, Right!

Reese's obsession with putting things in her mouth is growing daily. If it's not her own body parts, it's mommy's, or it's socks, keys (real keys, not fake plastic ones), a cell phone, the cat, the dog, glasses of water, and anything within her reach. While her Exersaucer is still one of her favorite play places, lately it has been the sight of some intense frustrations for her. She can now reach all of the toys around the Exersaucer and spin in the chair, but she becomes frustrated after only a few minutes, because none of the toys attached to the saucer reach her mouth--or at least they're not supposed to. Yesterday, her frustration paid off, however, because she defeated the child-proof locking mechanism on one of the Exersaucer toys. Somehow, she managed the right combination of twisting and pulling and removed one of the stationary toys. She immediately put the end that locks into the saucer into her mouth (avoiding the soft, spongy star at the other end). So much for child-proofing. Let's hope she's not as clever when it comes time for her to crawl and walk.