IMG_4959.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Eliza’s favorite activity is standing. She can’t yet pull herself to a standing position in the crib, but if you put her that way, she can stay for a long time. She is happy to be at your level, surveying everything in her room.

Big event for the week: Eliza’s first time at daycare without me. She stayed for two hours Monday. They said she cried off and on the whole time, but that she did have moments where she would be consolable an/dor distracted. I guess that’s a good sign. She eventually collapsed and slept, but only for 15 minutes. She’s not used to all the noise and distractions at nap time. Her stranger anxiety is also pretty bad, and I can imagine it’s a bit scary to have people you don’t know trying to take care of you. We’ll try again tomorrow and let everyone know how it goes.

IMG_4772.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Eliza made her second trek to Kentucky over the weekend.

She has exhibited a serious case of stranger anxiety over the last month or so, crying when someone she doesn’t know gets too close, looks at her funny, or even makes a strange noise. We feared the worst as we packed the car full of her gear for the trip. While she was certainly hesitant at first, she didn’t have any anxiety-ridden outbursts. In fact, for whatever reason, she absolutely loves my brother (see pic). He is the one person besides mom and dad who can hold her and carry her around. It was the first time in months that I felt like I could go out of her sight without major consequences. It felt great. I’m hoping the anxiety phase is waning. We’ll see.

I forgot a few things in the last post. While on her belly, she can also now rotate 360 degrees. It’s pretty funny to see her spinning like a top to get to what she wants (including me, when I’m sitting behind her).

She’s also using a sippy cup now, for water. She holds it by herself and can usually get a drink, although sometimes she gets confused and thinks shaking it helps the water come out.

IMG_4688.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Ok, so maybe it’s not a big deal, but she just learned something today. She can now lift the flaps on one of her books all by herself. It is called Peekaboo Zoo, and there are animals hiding behind different kinds of flaps. Some pull down, some sideways, some upwards. She can do almost all of them by herself, and she even knows the appropriate timing. I’m amazed by her sometimes.

She’s also trying to pull up in her crib any time you sit her up after a nap. We’ll probably have to lower the mattress soon. Ugh, my poor back.

She’s also reaching for people now, which is pretty recent (last couple of weeks). Mainly she reaches for me, but sometimes daddy. And she can also wave “hi.” Sometimes she gets confused and uses both hands, which is super cute.

We’re still waiting on the biggies, like crawling. But all these little developments are fascinating.

IMG_4557.JPG, originally uploaded by griffey.

Favorite foods: carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes (no joke)

Favorite books: still pretty much the same as before! Plus a book that has pictures of babies and animals comparing body parts (Two cheeks…two cheeks; two eyes…two eyes; two arms….two arms; etc.). She fusses until I read it again and again and again.

Favorite toys: dishes; balls; rubber ducks; magazines; empty boxes; the mirror (see photo); remote controls; phones (is currently into non-toys, as you can see)

Hobbies: standing any way possible; rolling all over the living room floor; trying to pull up in my crib while sitting; popping bubbles while mommy blows them; watching Indy play fetch; checking the mail with mom (still her favorite activity of the day)