Little faker

The babies turned 6 months old today. It’s hard to believe that half a year has gone by already. But at the same time, that day in the hospital seems like a lifetime ago. 2010 was an exciting year for us, and while we’re happy with the outcome, we’re all hoping 2011 will be a bit duller.

Veronica is leaping into the second half of her first year with the discovery of cause and effect. She has learned how to fake cough, and loves to lay on the changing table and “cough.” Then John or I will bend down and smother her with kisses while asking her, “Are you okay? Oh sweetie, are you okay?” Then we’ll stand back up and say something like, “Whew, that was close.” And she’ll start the whole thing over again, laughing all the way.

Colin, too, is learning new tricks — although his are more practical right now. He finally is able to tolerate being upright for longer periods (rather than always insisting on being held horizontal in your arms, with his head just so). Now we’ll just have to work on pushing tummy time a bit more.

Colin also is getting much more skilled at using his hands. He doesn’t grab at toys as much or as consistently Veronica does, but he is starting to get that figured out. He definitely has the edge over her, though, when it comes to bringing both hands together to get something. She is still pretty much going after things with one hand. 

They are enjoying each others company more these days, and both will reach out for the other when we put them down to play side by side. As their schedules slowly start to get more in sync, it is becoming easier to give them this time together. They are far more likely now to have awake, happy time at the same time.

We still have the babies sleeping in separate rooms. Colin is very sensitive to Veronica’s crying, and she still often cries herself to sleep in the evening. And she is very in tune to the sounds of someone eating in the middle of the night, when Colin is more likely to cry. (Although John does bring him in to nurse, usually around 2:30 or so.) 

I hope that before too much longer, we’ll be able to set up the nursery (they are getting what previously was the master bedroom) and get everyone settled into their [at least semi-] permanent homes. Then, perhaps, I’ll feel less like we’re in a constant state of flux. (But then again, maybe not. They are babies, which means they change all the time.)

Happy New Year to everyone. May 2011 bring you many blessings (without all the drama that accompanied ours).