Eleven weeks.

Life with you, not-so-little Roberta, is anything but boring. This week you kept me guessing and exhausted with quite a few napless days and most certainly some fussy moods. You decided you had no interest in eating almost every afternoon. You only pooped twice all week. You cried real tears when I dared to clear my throat while you were dozing off in my lap. Of course, the positive moments far outweigh the fleeting difficulties with which we're working. We kept you occupied thanks to warmer weather and your first play gym. You rolled over from your stomach to your back! Oh, and your bare bottom experienced sunshine for the first time, though certainly not the last.  

Early in the week we visited my alma mater where you charmed the pants off of a variety of teachers. You are the ultimate ice breaker! There was definitely a lack of comfy seating available, something that was apparent to me only while searching for a quiet corner in which to feed you. There were also no changing tables on the premises, probably a good thing given that we were on a high school campus. I changed you on a classroom floor and fed you on the piano bench in the art building. Everyone asked me to bring you back again to visit.

We enjoyed several outings again with our downstairs neighbors... to a Mexican restaurant where both you and your baby boyfriend were sweet and quiet and beyond well behaved, and to a grassy spot under a tree in Centennial Park. We found shade near the train and plane, lounging on blankets. You both slept the first hour we were there and then woke up somewhat confused to be surrounded by screaming children and older folks practicing their tai chi. We love when one of you notices the other. Soon you'll really take notice, and hopefully become fast friends. We had a visit from Grandma, who came over after work one evening. You showed off some gummy grins and your excellent head and neck control. Another day Mimi watched you and helped me so that I could cook a meal for a family in need of some nourishment. She coaxed out some truly excellent noises, often while you were on your tummy. Shrieks of glee, happiness at a new challenge. Frustration when things don't go your way. quiet coos when you are ultimately satisfied.

We've been getting out more and more with the new stroller. You quietly observe from your seat there, soothed by rolling over rough terrain. We made it to the greenway on a grey afternoon, stopping to play fetch with the puppy in a field. We enjoyed a balmy evening walk to dinner with Grandpapa, who pushed you home. Pretty much everywhere we go someone marvels at your contentedness- you definitely put the eight month old in the restaurant to shame. The communal table we were sitting at was tickled when they noticed that a baby was at its head. You most enjoy sitting in our laps, falling asleep if the mood suits. You breastfed outside the scoop shop and we received a very kind compliment from a fellow mama in doing so- it's so nice when something beautiful is affirmed as such. You eat whenever you're hungry and we're both the better for it. After a delicious meal, you were more than happy to pass out in your Grandpapa's lap. There's nothing better than that!

This week you showed us so many new sides of yourself. Your moods are becoming more pronounced, even as their cause sometimes remains a mystery. We will never tire of so many smiles. I mimic your face and its very expressive frowns. There was lots of rattling rattles. Some noticing of that baby in the mirror. Unexpectedly making noises we've never heard before. You're more flexible too, much less rigid as you unclench fingers and toes. I ditched the Boppy this week- you're big enough that you can sit in my lap to eat, my arm cradling you. It is very relaxed and very satisfying. You regard Sophie the giraffe with some wide eyed suspicion but then try to put her whole head in your mouth. You're becoming awfully drooly and soothe yourself to sleep with your two middle fingers (heavy metal baby). We're still so very grateful that you are such a fantastic sleeper. We try not to brag too much, but you make it slightly difficult. We are oh so proud of you already.