The Lull

Sorry for the lull.  I don't have a good excuse.  I keep thinking, yes, I should write.  And I choose to grade papers or clean or play with the kid instead.

In short, I am 37 weeks prego and am looking forward to the end.  Not in a dismal way-- in fact, the pregnancy has been mostly fine.  I just get antsy around this point.

Mabel has FINALLY come around to the baby being in the belly.  For a span of months, she would ignore us-- quite purposefully-- when we would mention the baby by showing her the ultrasound pictures, explaining the baby was in my belly, or showing her new items for the baby.  She seemed to sense it meant it would be time for her to share attention, and she wasn't a fan.  Just about a month ago, she started to actually CARE for the baby: giving willing kisses to said belly and saying "hi" to the bambino.  She even tickles or gently gives it a high- 5.  Progress indeed!  And she will smile now and point and say "BABY!" at that ultrasound picture she used to loathe.  Maybe it's just a natural instinct, or she decided to relent.  Either way, we will take it.

Mabel is talking more and more now.  She's repeating us lots, and has some favorite words.  Overall, Mabel enjoys chatting these days.  She's always quieter in other people's houses, but around us she is a chatterbox.  She knows a few of her letters now-- can pick out the letter M from a stack and sings, "Mmm!  Mmm!" and does the same with D and T and B.  She can count to three-- though her favorite number is still 2.  She always has 2 of anything whenever you ask her how many.  At least it will make saying her next age very easy. :)

While Abby Cadabby used to be Mabel's favorite Sesame segment, she whines a little when it comes on now.  She has switched to enjoying the "real life" parts of the show more: the ones where other toddlers and babies are showcased, and the ones in which the Sesame cast members interact.  Alas, the days of the animated parts are sort of behind her.  But she still loves the show-- and on the tired evenings when I need to sit down before J gets home, it's been a boon.

I will write more at another point-- off to clean the crayon marks from the table.  She just colored a cupcake drawing but has not yet mastered the "color only on the pages" precept-- at least Crayola are washable.