Cry Baby, Cry

Mommy says I have the most beautiful face and voice, even when I cry. Many babies make a "waaaaaa" noise when they're wailing; I say "maaaaaa" or "baaaaaa" and curl my bottom lip all the way up. I also scrunch up my nose and snort a lot. As far as babies go, I don't really cry that often. I whine and fuss sometimes, which gets my parents' attention easily enough. But when I really need to pull out all the stops, all I have to do is turn on the crocodile tears to completely melt their hearts. Mommy and Daddy don't stand a chance against my sad eyes and long, wet eyelashes.

I haven't checked in for awhile because I've been a busy little bee. Since early June, I've been the guest of honor at three -- yes, THREE -- separate baby showers. Our church friends threw one in early June; Mommy's work friends did one in mid-June; and my aunties (Nina and Noelle) hosted yet another on July 1. Each shower was very special in its own way, and I got to meet lots of new people at each one. As if I weren't already, now I'm especially spoiled after all of those nice shower gifts I received! If only I had a bigger nursery...

Last week, I experienced many significant firsts. For my first Fourth of July, I went on my first overnight stay to Grandma's house (Gma Jan, that is). While I was at Grandma's, she gave me my first pedicure. Plus, Mom and Dad took me to the beach and dipped my feet in the mighty Pacific for the very first time. I was a little freaked out by the wind, so we didn't stay long, but my parents reassured me that we will return to the beach many times throughout my childhood.

I have hit a lot of developmental milestones lately. For instance, I have started to correlate cause and effect when an object moves or makes noise as a result of me hitting or kicking it. Additionally, while sitting unsupported, I can hold up my head and torso for several seconds without wobbling. Also, when I am lying on my back, I have figured out how to simultaneously lift both of my legs above my abdomen and grab my toes with my hands. It's really just a matter of time before I get those little piggies in my mouth. Speaking of that, I have started to explore nearly everything with my mouth and tongue. It often makes for a drooly mess, but hey, that's what bibs are for. The other day, Mom said she watched me almost turn onto my back from a prone position. I've agreed to save my first rollover and all other developmental firsts for when I'm home and can perform for my parents, not my daycare providers.

Ah, daycare. Yes, the time has come. Mommy will return to work this Monday, July 16, after 12 short, albeit unforgettable, weeks at home with me. Although she is looking forward to getting reacquainted with the job she loves, coworkers she enjoys, and routine she thrives on, it is going to be excruciating for her to be away from me while she's at work. Thankfully, Mom's office is just a few blocks away from the daycare center, and her boss fully supports her need to visit me often.

In preparation for Monday, I got to visit the daycare center this week to familiarize myself with the new sounds, smells, and sights while Mom and Dad were there to hold me and introduce me to the teachers and fellow babies. I will be in the infant group until I'm an experienced walker, then I'll move to the toddler group. There are currently eight other babies in the infant group for me to make friends with. I'm the youngest at 12 weeks; the next closest in age is a four-month old little boy. Some of the really great things about my daycare is that all of the teachers are certified in early childhood development; I'll get to learn some basic infant sign-language once I'm old enough to control my hand movements; the curriculum emphasizes the importance of reading to me as an infant and beyond; and the teachers spend a lot of time holding, singing to, playing with, and providing personalized attention to all of the babies (we know this because we've seen it first-hand every time we've dropped in, plus, Mom has spoken to several references from her work who have attested to all of the positive attributes of the center).

Still. Mom says she's a little sad about the transition. We were just getting to know each other so well! I look for her from across a room. I smile at her every time we meet. I calm down when she talks to me. She is able to interpret all of my distinctive cries, coos, and chortles. We have a routine, for crying out loud! Now she fully understands how hard it was for Daddy to go back to work after several weeks at home with me. I don't think I'll have any trouble adjusting, though. I've already connected with one of the babies from daycare. Her name is Genevieve, she's five-months old, and we stared and smiled at each other a lot. Plus, I have lots of experience with other babies (like Rubie, for example). And because I have been well socialized since birth, I am quite content with anyone who wants to hold me, feed me, play with me, love me.

Well, if my mom wants to post any new pictures of me before my first birthday, I better get going (yup, we're stuck with dial-up until after August 20). I'll be back next weekend to report about my first week at daycare. Ciao for now!