Emilia has now been home with us for nine weeks and more and more it seems like she is carving out her place in our family. She is becoming constantly more interactive, now demanding attention and affection by climbing into our laps or holding on to our legs. She does not stay to the sidelines as much anymore, but instead often follows the flow of the day through the house: when I cook, she is in the kitchen, when Rex has his in-home therapy, she’s right there and wants to participate, etc.
Much to our surprise, we have learned that Emilia loves to be in the shower. For a while now, she couldn’t be deterred from climbing in with either of us if she had the chance, so instead of haggling with wet pajamas or blown up diapers, we now just take her in with us from the start. It amazes me that she loves the hot water raining down on her and shows no fear or distress. You can hear her giggles and squeals of delight all through the house. Baths are okay, too, for her, but showering is the bee’s knees.
Emilia still has not learned any English words, but she is babbling a lot and we are hearing new letter combinations. She watches our mouths when we speak and she pays great attention when we name objects for her. She’s also trying to imitate, so I am hopeful that a first English word will come soon. I really can’t wait.
Emilia is eating well now and accepts her recommended 800-900 calories almost every day. We think she’s finally got a little belly on her and looks and acts stronger. As long as her food is liquid or smoothly pureed, she does not reject any flavors. She even eats green beans, peas, and soy yogurt. She has been taking a prescription for acid reflux at night, but I don’t know if it helps her rest more peacefully. She still fusses/wakes/cries two or three times every night which is our biggest struggle. We move her around from her crib to our bed to the floor each night. The floor is her favorite place to sleep… the harder, the better.
While she’s still reluctant to learn from us as her parents, Emilia watches Rex very closely and has picked up on much of what he can do. She has figured out how to operate a number of toys and she’s right behind him when he climbs the stairs. It won’t be long and she will surpass him in abilities and skills. Things that took him weeks of countless repetitions to learn have come to her rather quickly just from observation. This makes me both sad and happy because I know how hard Rex has to work for every little accomplishment and because I am relieved for Emilia having an easier time.
I am happy to see our fearsome foursome find our footing and fall into a mostly comfortable routine. Now I just can’t wait for spring to get those kids into some outdoor fun.
Even when his mouth was still plenty full, he kept signing eat profusely (for him that is his right index finger tapped anywhere on his cheek). He was eager to make sure we knew he wanted more. Okay, okay, we get it, kid, you like the Green Lantern. Welcome to the club.
