Everyday I am amazed by how much Josephine changes week to week. Just check out how much older and more aware she looks in these shots compared to these. This week her smiles have gone from fleeting grins to smile sessions lasting 5 minutes or more. I've seen her look at her own hand and slowly, but with great determination, lower it into her mouth where she can have a nice chew on it. And today, as I type, she's having a (late afternoon now early evening) nap in her moses basket. Last week I tried this on several occasions, but she wasn't having any of it. Far happier snoozing on the sofa or in her Mama's arms. This afternoon she's slept in that basket for more than 2 hours.We're not really sure if any of this is normal for her age. If she's more advanced or not than the average baby. While we read up on pregnancy and labour, we haven't gone down the route of buying any books on our baby's development. Yet. We're firm believers in the idea that every child grows and develops at their own pace. They have strengths and weaknesses different to other children of their age and it's both unfair and unrealistic to categorise them as many books and websites do. To be honest, I'm more interested in what other Mamas, with similar parenting ideals to us, have to say. Thanks to the wonderful blogging community I find myself in, there is an abundance of advice and ideas out there that I truly respect and will definitely take with me on this journey. Words like these are especially interesting and reassuring. But I am interested to know if anyone does have any good book recommendations that you think I might like. I've heard a lot about this one and am tempted by a copy. You read it?
Over the last few weeks I've also been blessed (and I really do see it as a blessing) with finding some new friends whose advice and shared experiences I am coming to cherish. Other new Mamas who all live within 10 minutes of me and who I'm having so much fun getting to know, chat about our babies, exchange stories and discuss any issues we've faced. There's also a lot of laughter involved. A lot. Today we met at the local park's cafe (fast become our stomping ground) and looked on at the older children imagining our kiddos growing up together and us sitting round the same table over the years to come. I know how lucky I am to find 3 awesome Mamas for Josephine and I to spend some of our days with, and it's lovely to think Phiney has Aoife, Ari and Oliver to get to know as she grows.
Pictures taken earlier this week. Phiney soaking up some spring sunshine in her pink tights and stripey dungarees. Too delicious.
