Wonder Weeks Categories Leap

Happy at Silver Diner

This is the 37th week developmental leap that can start with fussiness as early as 33.5 weeks from estimated due date (not birth date).  According to this, Lily is at 36.5 weeks.  This is her entry into the world of categories. She is starting to figure out that a dog is not a cat, but that a picture of a cat, a real cat, and a painting of a cat are all still a cat.

Holy bleeping shit.  We went head first into a developmental leap this weekend.  I thought we were already in it, but that apparently was just our intense baby.  This weekend was our intense baby on crack:

1. She wants to be super close to us.  We cannot put her down at all.  Even less than before.  Not to pee.  Not to make breakfast.  Not to get out the boob.  However, there has been a couple of moments where she's been very happy just chilling on the boppy and playing with something we'd rather her not play with.

Lily playing with car keys (the only thing she wanted to do)

2. She is being very sweet.  She is still very smiley and happy.  Now, she puts her arms around us and puts her head on our shoulder.  This morning, she engaged in a group hug by putting her head on daddy's shoulder and then moving her head to mine.  Heart-melting changes.

3. She is very sure of what she does and does not want to do.  She does not want to be put down on the changing station in the restaurant.  When she's done with something, like being in the restaurant, she's done with it.  This as our brunch date friend found out on Saturday who quickly saw the state of us and got the check (friend to server:"Forget the food, we have to leave.  NOW!").  To my surprise, she very much loved standing in line at Silver Diner yesterday.  She met so many new people.  There was a video playing.  And, she could dance to the music.  She was clapping and hooting and hollering her joy.

4. She is more sure about what foods she does and does not like.  If she is done with it, it goes far, far away onto the floor.  I had to remake the egg I made this morning, because I thought she'd like to try it with cheese.  WRONG, Mommy.  I want it the way you've been making it forever, but I love to try other new things.  Thanks.