Wednesday 18 May 2005 Hello, and welcome to my 11th Update. Today I am exactly 38 weeks old. Soss turned 23 last week… HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SOSS! I was at the Clinic last Wednesday (11 May – Soss’ birthday) and my vital statistics were as follows: Weight (dressed): 9 kilograms Length: 72 centimetres Head circumference: 44 centimetres The nurse at the Clinic was very happy with my growth and development, and she was – of course – wowed by my enormous blue eyes and sunny disposition. (As is everyone I meet!)
I’ve well and truly perfected the pincer grip (picking things up between my thumb and first finger) and employ this method to gather as much debris from the floor as I can and shovel it hungrily into my mouth. My parents are thinking of retiring the vacuum cleaner.
I also use my pincer grip to feed myself real food. I enjoy (soft) fruit and vegetables, cooked and peeled prawns, cheese, bread, rice cakes, crackers, chicken, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese etc. Mum often gives me a few yummy bits to play with and feed to myself while she spoon feeds me mushy vegetables at dinner time. I generally have one weetbix and a few oats mixed together with stewed fruit and formula for breakfast. For lunch I’ll often have rice cakes spread with cream cheese and avocado, followed by some fruit. Dinner is usually mashed chicken, vegetables and rice, followed by some cheese, and then maybe a few spoonfuls of pureed fruit for dessert. I drink three bottles of formula during the day, and Mummy sneaks into my room before she goes to bed at night and gives me a cuddle and another bottle of formula. I probably don’t need that extra bottle, but Mummy and I like the quiet cuddle time, and Mummy likes the guarantee that I’ll then sleep through until 6:30am!!
I started pulling myself up to a standing position from time to time. I do it at least once each day, so Mum’s given up on the fleeting thought that perhaps it was just a freakish, one-off fluke. I think she’s realised that I’m growing up and will very soon have the power to wreak whirlwind-like havoc in a matter of seconds. Run for cover…
While I’m listing my recent accomplishments, I should mention that I’m getting more and more comfortable with the crawling-on-all-fours mode of mobility, and am slithering less and less, although when I spot a tasty looking morsel across the room which I just MUST have immediately, the fastest way to get there is still commando-style.
Mummy has been teaching me how to wave hello. I’m quite good at waving to Mummy, but have yet to perform in front of an audience. I’ve even been shy demonstrating my new skill in front of Alex. Mummy has to spend quite some time waving at me and repeating "Hello!" before I bestow a royal wave upon her, but when I do she gets oh-so-excited. Unfortunately, however, I don’t keep the waving up for long enough for Alex to see, so Alex doesn’t believe that I’ve learnt to wave. Whenever Mummy shrieks, "Look, Alex, Baby jess is waving!" I deliberately stop waving and look blankly at Alex. Alex then says to Mummy in a stern voice, "Mummy, she can’t wave – she’s just a little baby. She can’t wave, and she can’t say "hello". One day she will be able to, but she’s just a little baby now." Of course, Mum just loves being patronised by a three year old!
I think I mentioned a couple of Updates ago that I loved to play peek-a-boo. I’m still enjoying it, but have taken it to the next level: I now don’t mind whether I’m actually holding anything over my eyes or not, as long as my hands are above eye-level (even if I’m still looking at them!), then I’m ready and waiting for someone to say, "Where’s Baby Jess? Has anyone seen Baby Jess?" Then, quick as a wink, my hands are down and I’ll beam at you, waiting for that all-important, "Boo!" At which point I’ll giggle and giggle and giggle. I’m very cute.
I’m starting to ‘get’ jokes. I laugh and laugh whenever Alex pulls a funny face or makes a silly sound. I know which facial expressions and which tones are appropriate in most situations, and if an expression or tone doesn’t suit the occasion, I think there’s a joke in the air and will offer up a laugh.
I have made motions to try to hold my own bottle, but haven’t yet worked out that I need to tip it up in order for the formula to come out. It’s made all the more difficult because I’m usually wrapped and about to go to bed when I have my bottle.
And I think that just about brings you up to speed on moi. I hope each of you is happy and healthy, and I’ll ‘talk’ to you again soon.
Much love,
Jessica
xxx