Dear Galena,
I promised I wouldn't apologize anymore for not writing, so I won't do it now. But that is the only reason that I won't. I wish that I took more time to write you, to document your progress and my feeling as you grow up in front of me, but I have been simply enjoying more time with you rather than writing about it. We'll say that's a REASON, not an EXCUSE :)
Over the last month, the biggest changes to us have been your vision (and focusing), your smiles (which are abundant and the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!), your growth, your strength (neck and legs), and your cooing.
VISION
I read that one of the main causes of autism is lack of social interaction, which causes an interruption in development. And that one of the only ways to interact with an infant is to make eye contact and to be sure to lock onto it when you make it back. Well, I have been entirely impressed with your ability to do so! You will win ANY staring contest ANY day of the week! You don't have to blink much and you will simply stare and stare and stare right back at me. It feels so special, as if we can have a conversation without saying anything at all. Although I do talk to you a lot. I also read that it was important - to have a conversation with you as if you are talking back. You'll get there someday.
SMILES
There really is nothing better than your smiles. I hate to say, "I can't wait" because I know that time will continue to go by way too fast and I don't want it to go by any faster, BUT... I am really looking forward to the laughs that will be coming soon. On our 2nd wedding anniversary, in response to seeing yourself in the mirror, you smiled and cooed a, "h-ha". It was ADORABLE. Not quite a laugh, but oh so close. But your smiles. Your smiles are becoming more and more regular and I'm loving every minute. You particularly like to give them when you wake up (immediately following your adorable stretches that I also love). You do them in response to me, but you also do them without me starting it. You seem to be very happy - and I hope with all of my heart that it stays that way! :)
GROWTH
STRENGTH
You were born with a strong neck. When you were only 2 weeks old, you were laying on your tummy on Grandma Lynnie's chest at the opposite end of the sofa from Mama & Daddy. You were sleeping away when suddenly, you held your head up about 45 degrees and faced right at us. Your eyes were closed and you were puckering in the way you do as you're waking up, so you must have still been asleep. You sat there for a good 5 seconds and then went right back down into Grandma's shoulder. It was so hilarious! Anyway, your neck is very strong now and we rarely have to hold i.
On top of that, you have been standing on us a lot. You give the sweetest face in response to our excitement (as you did when your neck was getting stronger too) and I love it. I know that all parents think that their child is the best and the fastest and the prettiest and the most advanced, but you really are! :) The doctor says that we shouldn't put you in a walker/activity table until you're at least 6 months old, but you are already using your leg muscles so well considering you're only 2 months old!
COOING
While it's not that frequent, you are cooing more and more. And it is so sweet. I'm really looking forward to more of it :)
PHOTOS & ACTIVITIES
Great Grandma Fran's Birthday
Park with Grandma Lynnie, Great Grandma Fran, Aunt Lori & Samm & Sadie
Market with Uncle Ryan
Visit with Grandpa John
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