"They grow up so fast, don't they?" If I had a nickel for every time I've heard this in the past year, I would be a rich woman. Well, maybe not rich, but I would have a lot of nickels. And it's absolutely true - they do grow up fast. I'm watching my daughter
standing against the coffee table (getting mad because she's stuck standing ... am I supposed to help her every time she gets frustrated about this?), with drool all down her chin because she's cutting
more teeth (this will be 7 or 8 teeth in about a month) and I'm thinking wow, she sure has grown a lot... in the last MONTH, not to mention how much she's grown & developed since she was born! And I love it. I am so not at the point yet where I miss her infant days - she's becoming such a little character, it's so much more rewarding than the days where she was a crying little lump! I find myself just looking forward to each new stage, rather than completely embracing the stage that she's at. Maybe that's not the best way to do this, but I just see how much happier she is as she learns something new (well, until she gets stuck standing up).
Now that Annalise is so much more content, I'm starting to feel much less nervous about bringing another baby into the family. I am obviously still kept very busy with her, but she is also so capable of entertaining herself a lot of the time throughout the day too; what a relief! And I think it's safe to say, we've got naps figured out...
finally. And boy, do I appreciate that. It was a long run of fighting her to sleep
at all during the day, and it took a lot out of me. It is a good feeling to have a routine established; and I can't take the credit - Annalise just finally figured it out. I really hated hearing that when I was trying to get her to take proper naps - but it is true, they eventually just figure it out on their own. I was persistent in offering naps, twice a day, and leaving her in her crib for an hour no matter what, and I do think that helped. (Not to mention, knowing I would get that 1 hour break helped me maintain my sanity!)
We are blessed.
Until next time!
D.
