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Because She Loves Me Most

I once read that a baby will cry hardest to her mother (or the primary caretaker) because, just like adults, babies reserve their most passionate and deepest emotions for those they love most. Our household is a perfect example of this. When Claire is around me, she WILL make it known if she is displeased in the slightest bit. Whining, fussing, crying, tantrums, you name it. But when she is in the care of others she is more subdued and much less vocal. She will also only take short naps when I am watching her — which I can only guess stems from her desire to spend as much waking time as possible with me. My SIL has the pleasure of getting 2-hour...

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Six Months

My little girl turns six months old today! On one hand, I can't believe that it's already been half a year since she entered our lives. On the other, I can't wait for what's to come. I'm eagerly awaiting her first steps and first word. I'm even looking forward to the teenage years, if you can believe it. (Toy courtesy of the super-thoughtful package Other Pieces of Me sent us soon after Claire was born) I thought that Claire was still behind on most of her developmental milestones, but upon more careful examination of the chart, it seems that while she is behind on some (eg, she has not rolled since the day she rolled twice, and she has yet to roll front-to-back), she is...

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Preserving Naps and Bedtime

I wish my daughter was one of those babies that can sleep anywhere. I wish she were a naturally good sleeper. But she is neither of those things, as she is a highly sensitive child who is always so transfixed by the world around her that she needs to be in a dark, quiet room free from stimuli (and in her own, comfy crib) in order to fall asleep and sleep well. And I am pretty certain that this isn't something that you can "train" a baby to do. I am a firm believer that every baby — every person — is different, and as a result, some are naturally more sensitive sleepers than others. Take my sister and I, for instance. When...

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Uncanny Timing (Or, She Rolled!)

Did my daughter know that I had posted an unflattering picture of her last night? Perhaps she sensed my worry at having voiced my concern online? BECAUSE GIRLFRIEND FINALLY ROLLED TODAY! And not just once but twice. During different tummy times. So I know it wasn't just a fluke. She still doesn't like it. Both times, she started crying immediately afterwards, as if confused and startled at how the heck the world could (literally) turn upside down in the blink of an eye. And both times, I immediately embraced her and praised her like she had just discovered the cure for cancer. (I actually do the same with Comang whenever he does something good, like learn a new trick. Is it bad that I treat my...

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Tummy Time Fail [Faceplant]

I know that I said I would not worry about my daughter meeting her milestones on time, but I cannot help but be a teensy bit concerned that she is nearing six months of age and has not rolled over once. She actually quite enjoys the first 5-10 minutes of each tummy time. She looks up at me, makes a grab for her toys, and even plays "superman" (which is what I like to call the below pose): But as soon as she gets bored, or gets tired (whichever happens first), she will start the pity cries. The "Mommy please pick me up I don't want to do this anymore" cries. I ignore the cries. "No pain, no gain, baby," I tell her. The crying...

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