Yup, all three of those activities have taken place in Mabel's life this week. Ok, so she herself didn't technically vote, but she came along for the ride. It was our first time voting in our new precinct, and, having to bring an infant with us, we were especially grateful for no lines. I heard some folks waited up to two hours at polling stations around the country. Talk about patience being a virtue...
In addition to accompanying Dad and Mom at the polls on Tuesday, Mabel also cut two teeth. One appeared on Monday, really, but was more visible on Tuesday, when it met another pearly white friend. I know I have horrible eye sight, and I'm also not the most observant person in the world, but I am still unconvinced these teeth are "in" despite hearing so from both the day care provider and J. I see white, but if that's what a cut tooth looks like-- well, it just is not what I pictured. Still, an exciting day in Mabel's infanthood!
Yesterday, about halfway through my work day, I received a text from T (day care provider) with a picture of Mabel standing inside a Pack 'n' Play. That's right, folks-- the girl can pull herself into standing. It's been quite hilarious watching her attempt this skill over the past month or so. She mastered kneeling a few weeks back, and since then, she has tried ever so diligently to get one foot flat, thus pushing up the leg, and then the other leg. Despite her 'can- do" attitude (as evidenced by repeated attempts) she just didn't have the strength to push those legs upward. When she did do it at day care, T said she was quite proud of herself, beaming and giggling, and refusing to nap. Little stinker. (Poor T-- Mabel is good fighting naps as it is-- now it's only going to be worse!)
To give her some practice, we set up her Pack 'n' Play in the living room last night. This set- up is actually key because we have begun stripping wallpaper in Mabel's playroom, so she can't go in there for a few weeks. Thus, now we can plop her in the Pack 'n' Play with some toys, and she can just goof around or try her acrobatics. Last night she was tired from her day, and gave standing the old college try a few times but ultimately whined for help. I came over and pulled her into standing, and once again she was happy as a lark, up on her two feet and watching TV, while keeping a watchful eye on Mom and Dad.
These baby milestones are fun. But what is interesting about them is that you can go weeks without a new talent/ skill/ habit, and then three things can happen in a day or a week. I have a love- hate relationship with that What to Expect in the First Year book, as the monthly milestones are cool to read about and prepare for, but if your kid doesn't do them exactly as projected you freak out. For example, teething-- Mabel is nearly 9 months old and just got a couple teeth. Some babies teeth at 3 or 4 months. And then there is the ambiguous language-- 'Your baby may be...' and 'Your baby will probably be...' and 'Your baby might even...'. Um, okay- so how do I know what's normal, exactly? I've decided to read these chapters but take them with a grain of salt, using the pediatrician as the true judge of progress. Mabel has done a bunch of stuff early, a few things later than projected, and then most right in that 'Your baby will probably be...' range. No matter what source you use, it's neat to see the milestones unfold on their own, as each baby is different. This week, J and I turn our gaze to Mabel's pull- ups, teeth, claps, throws/ flings, and happy shrieks. Been a cool ride!
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