Mariella's New Talents

At 10 weeks old, we are really enjoying Mariella's "babyness." She's not just a lump anymore. She's learning how to do things and is starting to be really entertaining beyond just being fun to look at. She gives us lots of smiles and we've noticed that she has dimples. Just like Daddy! She coos and gurgles, and will kick her legs frantically if we make an "ah" sound to her. Her neck is really strong, and she is doing a great job of lifting her head while she's on her tummy. She has figured out how to roll onto her side, but hasn't quite made it all the way from back to tummy. She's still sorting out how her arms work.

She is starting to grab at things that are dangled over her, like toys when she's in the bouncy seat or using the playmat. If she gets hold of one, she tries to pull it to her mouth. Which brings me to her latest discovery...

FEET! What are those doing down there? She'll grab at them with pants on, but having bare legs is apparently the best for playing with feet. Every time she's undressed for a diaper change, her legs shoot straight up in the air.

Enjoying a little tummy time and trying to figure out what to do with her arms

This one is a little out of focus, but I thought it was a cute face

Like I said, diaper changes are the best for finding your feet. Also, her crazy hair really makes her head look like it's a funny shape.

She didn't really want me taking pictures during her feet playtime

In other news, last night we tried putting her to bed without her swaddle. It was time, because she's been busting out of the velcro on her own. She's kind of like The Incredible Hulk. So it was just a sleep sack and free arms last night, and she did great. I think she was ready awhile ago, but she was sleeping so well in the swaddle that I didn't want to change it. After just a little squirming, she settled into the classic "arms above head" position. We hope this good sleep keeps up. The next step is moving the bassinet into her room, and eventually she'll move into her crib. That is, after we get a new one. Our crib, which we loved, has been recalled, so we are going through the steps to get a new one. Really, we figured after the stress tests Jacob put it through, there clearly isn't anything wrong with it--but we're not going to take any chances.