Hello, is anybody there?

It has been a while, I know. Here is an update on our family.

Weather

This subject is often saved for conversational lulls. Around here it has been front page news. We had several storms including strong winds, snow, hail, and rain (the snows were quickly washed away by the rains). I find storms to be an exhilarating display of frightening and fascinating power. Our tall evergreens sway as though they were bowing in deference to the majestic storm. Heavy branches hurl through the air as the stubborn autumn leaves finally relinquish their grasp. Even Talia, generally oblivious to the world outside, peered with fascination at the motion beyond the window. The storm's fury left damage in its wake. Though we fared amazingly well, this area had downed trees, damaged homes and property, and power outages lasting as long as five days. Winter continues to thrill as the forecast calls for snow this week.

Our little lamb is up to a great many things, including:

Sucking her fingers (and anything else within reach): She will often suck on her thumb, index and middle fingers, or index, middle, ring, and pinkie.

Thumping: She loves to thump her legs on the ground, bed, or changing table while on her back. Being a new mommy I wasn't sure if this was "normal" behavior. I did some online research and discovered that some babies just really enjoy this activity.

Back bends: It looks like Talia is more likely to crab walk than crawl in the near future. Talia loves to tilt her head back and arch her back. Sometimes she will push with her feet to scoot herself backwards.

Toes: Talia loves getting her diaper changed for a number of reasons. They are: undivided attention, watching (and reaching for) her singing bears, thumping on a soft surface, and playing with her toes. Weather and parents do not usually permit her to be barefoot during play so she gets a healthy dose of toe during most changes.

Sitting in the high chair: Last week we experimented with allowing Talia to sit in Grandma and Grandpa's high chair. She was propped with some blankets. She sat in the chair for probably 15 minutes unassisted. She enjoyed watching us eat.



Spoon feeding: We haven't started solids yet, but while at Grandma and Grandpa's she was very interested in the process of eating. In fact, she grabbed a spoon off the table and kept putting it in her mouth. We decided to try an experiment. Grandma pulled out a baby spoon and she "fed" Talia water. Talia really liked it. She seemed to know exactly what to do and probably would have "eaten" until she was waterlogged if we hadn't put an end to her fun. We should be starting solids soon, but I have been in no hurry because of her next activity.



Scratching: Talia has made the unpleasant discovery that eczema itches. She has scratched and rubbed until her skin began to blister. This has been a cause for concern for Daddy and Mommy. She had a bad flare up last week and we decided to become more proactive. We have implemented several lathers of Eucerin daily, new allergen-free detergent, a breathable blanket under her sheet and above her waterproof mattress pad, mittens during sleeping times, light cotton clothes, and Mommy eating a new diet.

Changing Mommy's diet: In an effort to discern the cause of Talia's eczema outbreaks I have been eliminating certain foods from my diet. I have been nut free for three weeks, egg light for three weeks minus one splurge, and dairy light for five days. I say "light" because I will not pass up a cookie due to the tiny amount of egg or butter I may consume. The good news is that Talia's skin has gotten better since I cut my dairy, the bad news is that I cut my dairy :(. You all know how much I love ice cream and cheese. I will also miss my lattes and yogurt. This is a sacrifice I am willing to make for my precious girl (at least for 7 more months). So, I am drinking Rice Dream with my cereal (I have discovered why Starbucks does not offer drinks made with rice milk). I am trying to increase my protein with more meat and vegetarian combos, such as the black beans and rice I am eating as I type. We are not yet certain that dairy, eggs, and nuts are the culprits, but until we discover the cause of her skin problems I am open to ideas for creative protein and/or calcium packed dairy, egg, and nut free recipes.

Enjoying Freedom: Daddy is sympathetic to Talia's lack of mobility and blooming curiosity. He enjoys giving her "freedom." Daddy holds Talia upright and allows her to walk wherever she desires. If she leans, stares, or reaches in a particular direction, Daddy guides her that way. We figure that "freedom" allows her to strengthen her muscles, develop balance, and safely explore her surroundings.

Enduring Confinement: With the move (more on this subject in a later post), we have made the play pen a permanent structure in Talia's room. She has had play pen time a few times now and seems to enjoy her new environment. I am hoping to establish this new activity in anticipation of her crawling months. Play pen time will give her the opportunity to safely play and independently explore.

Laughing: Talia loves to laugh. Sometimes it is a simple giggle, other times it is a hearty laugh. She laughs at sounds, faces, tickles, "horse" rides, swinging, and other people's laughter.

I wrote more about our recent activities but my writing is lost in cyberspace. I better just post this now as this has already taken 5 days to write. I will post more pictures soon. To tide you over: