Alexa's Mama: June 2009

I have a very independent girl on my hands. My mom lovingly reminds me that I too was a very independent and fearless child, and got a broken leg to prove it. Alexa has shown her independence since she was about 8 months old. She didn't like for me to feed her baby food... she wanted to feed herself. We started finger foods pretty early because of this- I knew she needed to eat, and if she wanted to feed herself- so be it. She would let me get a few spoonfuls in, and then eat whatever finger food was there. About a month ago, she decided that SHE wanted to use the spoon- no more letting mama do it... so we are in the process of Alexa learning how to use utensils.

She has the spoon to mouth coordination surprisingly down pat.

She just doesn't always have the spoon the right side up...

or get the right side into her mouth...

but she loves doing it and she is very proud of herself!

I am ready for her to get the hang of it-- taking three baths a day is a lot for a little girl (and her mama!)

Along with her independent use of a kitchen utensils, Alexa is quickly picking up new signs to communicate with me. Her repetoire of signs now consist of: more, all done, drink, fish, milk, dog, love, teeth, brush teeth and please. She kind of knows water, which is a taking a "W" and putting it to your chin. She knows it has something to do with putting your fingers on your chin, but her fingers usually just end up in her mouth. It's pretty dang cute.

I have had a few naysayers talk to me about how signs could delay her language and she could focus to much on signing rather than talking, etc. but I think it is an awesome thing. I have done some research on the benefits of baby sign and research shows that the use of baby sign actually can increase a child's language expression skills and IQ and help them be more prepared for kindergarten, but that isn't why I am choosing to teach her signs... I am choosing to teach her signs so she can tell me what she needs, wants, and likes. She can point to a strawberry and sign "please" to let me know she wants it, rather than just whining about it while grabbing for it. Sure the whining occurs too, but she knows that asking for it with her signs is the only way she will get what she wants. If she wants a drink, all she has to do is ask. It seems like it makes both our lives easier- she can let me know what she wants, and I don't have to play a guessing game.

As far as it delaying her language skills, I suppose that could happen, but Mark and I are already expecting a slight delay in her language expression skills because we are teaching her two languages (Mark is fluent in Spanish). We know that the best time for a person to learn a language is NOW and we both believe that Alexa speaking Spanish will benefit her in the future in many ways. Her pediatrician told us that what we are doing is absoultely the best thing for her in the long run, but we can expect 2-5 month delay in her expression as she tries to sort out the languages. To me, it's worth it because I know it will help her in the future.

(This post is a little old, I wrote it a little over a month ago, but must have forgotten to post it!)

So I officially have a toddler on my hands. It is hard to believe that just a year ago Alexa could barely hold her head up, and now she is toddling all over the place. My little girl is growing up! She took her first steps on April 16, two weeks after her first birthday. The steps were unassisted, but Mark and I were sitting right there encouraging her. Over the next few weeks, she started to get a little bolder, would walk like 4-8 steps at a time and then get down and crawl. This past week though, she is a walker! Now when she falls, she stands back up and keeps walking... it is pretty neat to see her persistence in continuing to try even after she falls. She has a hard time outside because of the uneven ground and different textures, but she sure tries! I love seeing her walk, although walking has sure brought out Alexa's independent streak. She has had a mind of her own for months now, but now that she is aware she can go where she wants... there is no stopping her! She is a brave little girl and has no fear of getting hurt. I love that she is willing to try new things, but I do worry she may hurt herself... I guess I just have to keep a close eye on her!

Here are a few pics of Alexa walking!