The Months of Many Milestones

It seems that all the learning Lauren has been doing in the last few months has culminated in her 9th and 10th months with breakthroughs (literally, with her first two teeth) in almost every aspect of her development!

First, we'll talk about gross motor skills.  After a few months of wriggling, rolling, and otherwise finding her way around, Lauren began army crawling backwards (exhibit A). This resulted in much frustration on her part as she inched away from her toys rather than towards them.  After learning how to get herself from her stomach back to a sitting position (how we now often find her in bed), she quickly figured out how to go forwards, and then how to get up on her hands and knees.  Now it takes mere seconds for her to exit her room in hot pursuit of the bathroom trash can when Mommy or Daddy wash their hands after a diaper change(exhibit B).  We also have a new game where we stack blocks and she very craftily goes and knocks them over - of course with a grin in your direction for approval.  She can also pull herself up to a stand without too much trouble (exhibit C) and make her way up the step between the family room and kitchen with no issues.  Look out world!

Next up, fine motor skills, which are best exhibited in the eating of baby crack, I mean, puffs! Lauren, much like her brother, has yet to find a food that she doesn't like to eat. She likes to be very independent about it and is more interested in foods that she can pick up and feed herself than the ones that you feed her. Her pincer grasp isn't just for the kitchen, but also gets a workout finding hair and other delightful items from the floor. She is fascinated by sounds - especially if she makes them herself.  She loves squeaky, crinkly, and otherwise noisy toys, which are even better when you bang them together.

Finally, we'll talk a little bit about her social skills. She can wave bye-bye (if she wants to - she's quite selective about who gets this one), give fives, and has recently started sharing.  Of course, she generally wants what she shares with you back, but she does get proud of herself. Lauren knows mama and dada now.  In fact, one evening, Cheryl and Lauren walked into the office where Daddy was on his computer and she said "Hi Dadada!" using a tone much like Cheryl uses to say "Hi Daddy!".  She's still pretty attached to Mommy, but is much happier with Daddy these days too - *phew*! Ryan is still a fantastic big brother and the mutual adoration continues.

This face is full of delight!

We'll leave you with this picture of a happy baby who is finally able to try out some summer clothes!