Our baby's growing up (Anna)

Emmy and I go swimming together on Saturday mornings (it's the Aussie in me coming out - this strange cultural belief that not only CAN babies swim but that it is their birth right).

Apparently, when babies are very young, they have a kick reflex, where they automatically kick in water or when they are held in the air.

And apparently, babies lose their kick reflex at around six months and then have to learn it as a skill, consciously practising it.

So in the swimming class, it's funny, because depending on the age of the baby, some parents think their kids are geniuses because they just naturally kick while others gets frustrated that no amount of motivation will get their babies to "swim".

When we first went swimming, Emma was kicking away at the slightest opportunity, and I would say "kick, kick" and feel very happy that she was listening to me and that our parent-child swim relationship was so much in sync.

And now she doesn't any more. My baby's lost her kick reflex! And I can say "kick kick" all I like, but all she's going to do be doing is floating around the pool until she learns to kick again.

And the philosopher in me wonders, perhaps our entire lives are about learning to do things that used to come completely naturally to us...

Hush little baby (Anna)

You know how amusement parks have signs that tell you how long you have to wait in line to get on a ride? "90 minutes wait from here" "15 minutes wait from here".

They should have the same for parents trying to get babies to sleep. Signs that say "It's ok. She might be climbing up the walls, but she'll be asleep in ten minutes" or "Pace yourself. The eyes rubbing is a hoax...you've got 90 minutes before she'll be down for the count."

Because psychologically, I think, the worst thing is feeling like it's so close.

Moments in Time (Anna)

Emmy and I do the nightly bath routine together. Her favourite toy for several weeks now has been the baby shampoo bottle. No interest in floating turtles, whales and octupi that blow bubbles, rubber ducks, or plastic cups for pouring. She makes a beeline for the brown plastic shampoo container. Is is the shape? The colour? Does she like the mint/lime smell? Does she associate it with having a head massage? Or does she value it because I do - since I always ask her if I can borrow it whenever she has it?

I guess we'll never know. But I'm pretty sure this is fleeting.

Radio play (Anna)

The scenario: Anna, working from home, is on a call to her boss and two work colleagues having a very serious and professional conversation about the creative strategy for an upcoming project. Anna is upstairs, in the office. Caroline, meanwhile, is playing with Emma downstairs.

Boss: So what's the driver here from a story point-of-view?...

SFX: Heavy breathing, mixed with a few grunts. Cross between a young axe murderer and a puppy.

Boss: Anna?

Anna (muffled, yelling): Caroline!

Caroline (muffled, from a distance): Yeah. What?

Anna: I think Emma is on the phone!

Caroline: What! Oh! Shit! Sorry!

SFX: Boss and colleagues burst into laughter.


Yup - it's her new favourite toy. That and the TV remote. So if you get a strange call from us one day, say hi to her before you call the police.

Seven months (Anna)

Her Royal Cuteness is seven months today!

We've just got back from a lovely extended weekend on the island, visiting one of our close friend's farm and being fed delicious fresh-from-the-oven apple pie.

It would be wonderful if this post was full of witty and touching anecdotes and cute photos but, honestly, we're exhausted. So it'll have to wait for another day.

But, happy seven months, kiddo. We love you.

Emma's inner dialogue? (Anna)

Mmmm....milk....mmmm....getting sleepy...eyes getting heavy...must sleep...will open eye one last time to check that my Mums are here...oh, boy...are they are wooden rails of my crib....Cool! ...Last time I played with them, they made noise...I wonder if they'll do the same this time? [bang, bang, bang] Oh yeah...And that reminds me, I can roll over...I'd better do that another fifty times before bedtime....Is that my voice? I think it is! I can roar like a tiger...and is that me squealing too?...Oh, boy, oh, boy...Mumma/Mummy! You're still here...Wanna play?...I know I can make you smile if I giggle enough...there we go....mmm....so sleepy....I really need a nap...head sooo heavy...[head down] one...two..three...Ok. That's better. Now where was I? Oh yeah, I bet I can learn to crawl by morning...bum in the air...kicking legs around...[squeal]...so tired...woe is me, I'm so tired [crying]....Hello again, Mum! Thanks for the cuddle....you can let me go now [wiggle, wiggle]...Oh, boy, is that the sheet I've been sleeping on all this time...Wow! I'd better explore it again as if I've never seen it before in my life...Hey, Mum. Did you know that I can grip the sides of my crib...Look....[sigh] so tired...[rubbing eyes]...I could really use a nap [head down]...one, two, thr-....have I shown you how I can kick?...Man, I'm starving...You think that 20 meals and a gallon of milk is enough for a growing baby?....Come on, Mum. Feed me. Yum, yum, yum....Oh, are they my feet? How interesting! Oh there are my Mums...boy are they looking tired today...seriously, they should have a nap...

Sleepless in Vancouver (Caroline)

When I tried to put Emma down for her late morning nap today, she blew a large raspberry in my face. It's 12:45pm and still no nap, but a very happy baby. Go figure!