Nearly a year on ...

[percival]

... and we have a friendly, social, outgoing baby. A little people person, sired by two confirmed introverts. Well I never ...

Her motor development is continuing apace. Even though she is not walking yet (a slight disappointment, since she crawled at 7 months), she can stand up on her own, is a keen cruiser, and will walk when we hold both her hands. Her fine motor control is excellent, she is working hard on her pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger), and will pick up things and take them in and out of boxes.

As for speech, she is still babbling ("ba pa" and "ma ma" with accent on the first syllable of a babble). She's more inclined to use "mama" when she wants me or is heading towards me, though. She seems to be using "baba" deictically, when she sees/discovers something interesting. If she just wants to chat or vocalise, it's "aaah", "hah", or "alalawawa". It is very hard for me to gauge her language comprehension: We don't really play "point to X", and I'm now frantically trying to introduce her to the game so that I know which words she understands. Understanding of "come here" seems to be patchy (well, yes, what a surprise). On the other hand, she could sign "milk" at eight months. She has pretty much stopped signing now, though. This could have several reasons. We don't sign as much as we used to, so her exposure has lessened. I do talk to her a lot, point to things and say their names. I also suspect that as she works on one ability, the pace in others is slackened. Right now, she seems to be concentrating on standing up and maybe walking. It doesn't make matters easier that she's acquiring two languages. Bah, language acquisition is so tidy when you read about it in the textbooks. Why does it have to be so guilt-inducing when you watch it in real life?

Oh, and did I mention that she's lost her fear of the bath? She used to be so averse to being immersed in water that we mainly topped and tailed her - until a week ago, when she discovered the joy of splashing in the bath. Woosh, woosh!

Comments

[cynthia-black.livejournal.com]

It sounds like the little 'un is doing really well :-) They change so much in so many ways over such a short time that it's hard to keep track of them sometimes.

Fwiw, both mine were very outgoing toddlers, but Eldest is now developing into a much quieter and shier personality in the pre-teen phase (and too much like me for my own comfort at times!)

And now that she's discovered the bath, you'll have the joy of having more water out on the floor than in the bath! :-D

I'm so glad you're enjoying motherhood so much *hugs*

[aome.livejournal.com]

I'm sure she understands LOADS. Heck, our girls started demonstrating their comprehension very quickly, even if they were just initially responding to tones, not to English, but your girl has listened to you talk in whatever language for a year now. It's not just about 'point to X', though - can she follow simple instructions like, if you say, "Let's clap!" without modeling it first, will she clap? Or if you say "Put that back" does she? (The 'clapping' thing was one of the first English terms I knew for sure our girls understood.) Things like that.

I also suspect that as she works on one ability, the pace in others is slackened.

Yes, that's what our therapists (for Two) have told us, as well.

Alles Gutes to her!

[annearchy.livejournal.com]

A little people person, sired by two confirmed introverts. Well I never ...

She was born in early August, right?? Then she's a Leo. I don't think I've EVER met an introverted Leo. My daughter is a Leo (8/20, tail end of the sign) and is one of the most extroverted kids I've ever met. Naturally, her dad is a hermit, while mom is not hermetic but not overly outgoing either. *sigh* Introverted parents + extroverted kid = exhaustion. /parental rant

[wang1961.livejournal.com]

wheee, it's fun to have a bath!!!

[actionreplay.livejournal.com]

". and we have a friendly, social, outgoing baby. A little people person, sired by two confirmed introverts. Well I never ..."

Well I wouldn't worry unless she starts wearing backward baseball caps and calling everyone "pal" :-).

[scieppan.livejournal.com]

I hope we'll get to see more photos of her :)

[hilarityallen.livejournal.com]

I take it that you've read about language acquisition and how that's affected by hearing two languages? I'd *imagine* (as a layperson) that it might be a bit slower. Anyway, she sounds like she's doing wonderfully, and that she's a wonderful child. Excellent!

[queenriley.livejournal.com]

A little people person, sired by two confirmed introverts. Well I never ...

Ah, but you've seen it before, luv! Did Alex teach you nothing? ;)

I wouldn't worry about the not walking bit yet. She'll get there, and not walking at (nearly) 12 months is actually pretty normal. Don't feel guilty about the language acquisition either... it might be a bit slower at the moment, but know that you've given her a HUGE step up in the long run!

She sounds like she's doing really well overall.

[mollymcgonagall.livejournal.com]

Maria:
I am so happy to read this about your little girl! She's very busy, and that's a great thing. I know all about the worries and concerns, and I think it's great that she's got parents who invest themselves in her. I know she's a beauty!
All the best from Texas,
J

[atropos87.livejournal.com]

She sounds like she's coming on a treat, bless her :)

It's good to hear some happy news from the Flist. And this definitely falls under that category.