Archive for April, 2011

25¢ Old

Posted by Will on April 7, 2011

Nola is growing like a weed. Before you know it, people will be reminiscing and saying phrases like “I remember you when you were just knee high to a grasshopper”. To Brittany and I, and those who see her on a regular to semi-regular basis, we can recognize the physical growth.

Nola has definitely filled out. It’s most obvious when you are either putting her in a fresh diaper or outfit. Where she had room to grow before, she has outgrown or is on the very cusp of being too large for several of her various onesies (even at the 3 month old size). Her once long, spindly legs, narrow face, and streamlined belly have been stuffed with the very appropriate amount of baby fat. For once, we can stop wondering if there is a possibility that she is not getting enough to eat.

The other changes we see are cognitive. Nola is much more vocal and the changes and inflection of her squeals and speech are starting to vary depending on her mood and her needs. We are also seeing her react to differing scenarios. She can be startled, moved to joy, and she has such a dramatic lower lip pout that proceeds her cries it would make Edward Teach’s black heart melt with sympathy.

Other mental developments include Nola’s reactions to objects and environments. For instance, Nola has recently discovered that dark brown nest sprouting from her scalp. The past few days she has constantly put her hand on the top of her crown, grabbed a fistful of her downy hair, and proceeds to do a half-hearted Sprinkler Dance. She is also very much interested in large, noisy groups of people and being outside. Who could blame her being cooped up in our apartment during most hours of the day? It certainly has spurred us to get out of the basement as often as the weather allows.

Lastly, Nola is gaining physical strength. Just the other day she started rolling over from her stomach to her back and then back to her stomach. She is also, when she feels like it, holding her head up almost 90° when face down. And boy oh boy does she like standing. I have a feeling she’s going to skip crawling and head straight to walking. She loves being on her feet and Brittany and I are both very impressed with the strength and power she already possesses in her legs.

As for everything else to come, only time will tell.