Leina has found her hands.

Not that she ever lost them, mind you. Rather, she has recently discovered that she can control those chubby little fists. Now, she bats at anything infront of her and toys have become something more than just pretty things to look at. They’ve become something to touch.

She’s still learning how to use these things called fingers. Right now, her approach is rather primative – wild swings and random batting. She hasn’t learned how to grab or pull yet. Right now, just being able to touch fascinates her.

And me.

I love to watch her. She concentrates so hard on her toy. You can just see the determination on her little chubby face. She wills her hands to move and they jerk and dance in front of her. Then, suddenly, she’ll make contact and she’ll go still. Her little fingers rubbing the material, her eyes wide, her whole body savoring this new experience. And as soon as she gets it, her hands fly away, out of control again. But does she give up? Oh no, not my Ms. Leina Jane. She recoups, focuses, and soon enough, her chubby fist is right back on target and she’s regained contact. It’s utterly amazing to watch. We’re both mesmerized by her newfound talent.

She is also sleeping on her own. That’s right, we’ve retired the bassonett and my baby girl is sleeping in her own room. Getting her to sleep is still a major scream fest but once down, she’s very good. Kevin, the dog and I have all reclaimed our places upstairs but I have to confess I miss her. Sure, I have the baby monitor but it’s not the same. I miss her little rustling sounds, her fist sucking and random cooing. I find now that I like her early morning nursing. I enjoy seeing her and holding her for a little while at night while she nurses. Just the two of us while the whole house sleeps.

Ah, my sweet girl, how fast you are growing!