For the past few weeks I've been perhaps a little overly-obsessed with your developmental milestones. Most of the literature I've read says that by 3 months old, an infant should be holding her head steady. You, my little darling are still like a little bobble-head toy. You do hold it up some, but you last for only a few minutes before you start to look like someone slipped some vodka into your breast milk. I've been worried.
Many pediatricians believe that the insistence on making babies sleep on their backs (to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome SIDS) has caused a delay in the motor skills of infants. They recommend that parents do "tummy time" with their infants to ensure proper muscle development. Well mommy sort of failed in that regard. I started off well, but wasn't very persistent when you cried. You looked so miserable with your face planted on the floor screaming and kicking. I would soon "rescue" you and flip you over. See, despite what you might think now--I am not heartless! So I felt that I had failed you.
This weekend was a busy one for you. We went on our first overnight climbing trip since your birth. We traveled to Datil, New Mexico to the Enchanted Tower climbing area to meet our friends Colin and Elisa. Except for hating the car ride, you behaved wonderfully. You are such a mellow little munchkin! We came back on Sunday night only to leave again Monday to camp at Blue Ridge Reservoir for one night. That was kind of an extreme camping adventure as our tent was perched atop a boulder overlooking the water. It was quite a beautiful view. Once again, you amazed us with your tolerance for new things. You took everything in stride. Well everything, that is, except the water! I tried to dip your toes in the water and you screamed in protest. Not much for being cold yet I guess!
Anyway, so we came home and you took a crazy long nap in the late afternoon. I let you sleep through your bedtime because I felt so bad that we had worn you out so. Finally you woke up, ate a little, moved your bowels, and played a bit. I decided it would be a good time to flip you over on your tummy. Much to my amazement, not only did you push yourself up--but you flipped yourself over onto your back! I was so excited! Daddy came out and I told him what happened. He has been much less concerned about your "slow" development than me but he came over to where we were. I put you back on your tummy.... and you did it again! I can't tell you how relieved I am. Don't think this is going to get you out of tummy time, though!
I swear you said ga today and da a few days ago. Learning to use the front of your mouth to make sounds is another milestone you should be hitting. I can't tell you how aggravating it is to be a parent and to not know if something you're doing is limiting your child's development. I just want to do everything right for you. I know this is probably impossible, but let me tell you my little miss--I will certainly try!
Lots of love
Mommy
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