It has been 3 1/2 months since Abby came home, and we are just having a fantastic time. Abby has transitioned so well, it really blows my mind sometimes what a little trooper she is. Abby has been in daycare now about 6 weeks, and she really loves it. Everytime I pick her up at the end of the day, she looks like she is having so much fun climbing on things, crawling around, and pulling herself up whenever she can. Her caregivers say that Abby does not want to miss a thing that is going on which explains why she doesn't nap very much during the day! Frankly, I don't know how any one could sleep in a room full of 10 children between the ages of 6 and 12 months. It is definitely the highlight of my day to walk into her classroom and when I call her name, she looks up and crawls as fast as her little arms and legs will take her over to me. It is really the best feeling in the world especially after a long day at work. Daycare has been an adjustment because Abby has gotten picked up the sickness du jour at daycare which means she gets sent home. Leaving work, picking Abby up, getting her to the doctor who must write a note so that Abby can get back into school and then finding someone to to take care of her if she can't go back to daycare and I have to work, has been a bit rough. It is only rough because I only have a few days off left for the year (I took all my vacation and personal time to be with Abby for a few months when I first brought her home), and my boss is not so cool with allowing me to telecommute (don't get me started). But, Abby will eventually build up some immunities, and in 2009, I will have plenty of time off from work, so it will be a non-issue next year.
At Abby's last wellness check up at 9 months, she had grown quite a bit and is in the 10% for her age group in height, and the 8% in weight. Believe me, the only thing small about Abby is her stature. She has a big personality, a loud (but cute) voice, and the biggest grin you have ever seen.
Almost every morning, Abby wakes up smiling so big and is so excited to start her day. She starts jumping up and down, and when I pick her up, she continually flashes her big grin at me. I love it. I just never imagined having a child that was this excited to get up in the morning. Me on the other hand..don't bother me until 10 AM. I might be in a decent mood by then. I have to say that Abby has already changed this about me to some extent, and that is a great thing!
Abby's typical weekend is swimming, going to the park, and taking music classes. She still loves the water and being in control of her own little boat. This is great because temperatures here are already at 100 degrees, so staying cool is a must.
Abby Modeling Her New Bikini
Abby in the Bucket Swing
We take Music Together classes every Sunday morning, and there are 3 other babies the same age as Abby in addition to other children between 1 and 7 or so. Abby really enjoys the classes and her eyes are glued to the teacher most of the time becaue the teacher is very animated and demonstrative. I hope this is a precursor of things to come with other teachers when she starts school! The classes afford me an opportunity to act silly dancing and singing with Abby. I didn't think I would enjoy them as much as I do, but it is nice to be in a place where I can behave in a silly manner and not care about what anyone else thinks especially if you lined up 100 people and asked them to sing and dance, I would rank 100th in both categories. I saw myself dancing on a friend's wedding video once. Scariest thing I had ever seen. And, I am not kidding.
Abby is constantly pulling herself up but isn't really trying to walk around holding on to furniture, tables, etc. much yet. She mostly pulls herself up (the gate on the stairs is her favorite) and looks over at me to see if I am watching then bursts out into laughter.
This is the best reality show I could watch. I never get tired of it. I am still awed by Abby on a daily basis mostly because she is just so interested in all of her surroundings at all times. She is not going to miss anything!
