Baby steps

I got home late last night and the girls had already entered meltdown mode and been put to bed by the time I arrived. So, when I heard them stirring at 6 a.m., I was excited to get them up for the day. When they wake up in the mornings, they are the most cheerful babies. I lean over their cribs with a smile and say hello and they grin from ear to ear and do great big two-legged happy kicks. It's as though they are just laying there, wide-eyed, waiting for the moment when my face pops into view. They obviously get this morning-wide-eyed-joy from their daddy.

Because they're in such great moods in the morning, I took the opportunity to bring them out to their play mat and give them some belly time. Normally belly time doesn't last very long because they get so frustrated with how much effort it takes to lift their massive skulls, but lately they have been tolerating it a little longer before either flipping right back over again or crying for help.

I started with Lilah and when I flipped her over, she propped herself up with straightened arms, lifted her head...and pulled her knees in. WHAT? Lilah was balancing on her palms and knees! And suddenly her head didn't seem as heavy. It was like a light went on and she realized the kind of control she really has over her own body. Then she stuck out both legs behind her, back arched, and swung them to her left - the first swing tipped her slightly, the second swing a little more, the third swing made her teeter on her side, but her arm was keeping her from going the distance. She straightened her arm and put it down by her side and started gaining momentum again. Three swings and she was over on her back. This little ladybug has it figured out! It was definitely a purposeful series of movements intended to get her off her belly.

It's so cool to see the wheels turn and watch them build on their skills and knowledge bit by bit.