A 17 WEEK OLD BABY

She is 17 weeks old as of last Saturday. I am so grateful for each week I have with her- at the same time that I am baffled how fast time is going (omg 4 months already?!!) it also feels like I have had her in my life for much longer than that.

At 17 weeks, she is super smiley. She smiles widely at people she has never seen before and is willingly (or just obliging) passed around. She loves to laugh and will find new things to laugh hysterically about - a song, a funny sound, a good bounce, kisses on her neck, belly tickles, someone speaking emphatically- it's all hilarious. The sound of her laughing is the best.sound.ever.

At 17 weeks she has rolled over a couple of times, can sit up for short periods of time if she is leaning way forward, and is fond of grabbing her toes and putting them in her mouth. Her favorite position is the standing up position as we hold her hands, and she will stomp her feet in happiness. She is fascinated by her own hands, as well as mine. I will miss these days when she can be fully entertained by staring and grabbing onto my hands.

At 17 weeks she seems to know the sound of her name, stares hard at us eating our food, and will try to grab anything that is put within reach. She has found her thumb and I don't know why but it blows my mind when she sucks on her thumb..like a real baby. She also rubs her eyes furiously to let us know she is tired.

At 17 weeks she sleeps well, with a few hiccups now and then. If she is worked up, a song will usually soothe her, or a good rock and some conversation with her papa can also do the trick. Waking her up in the morning and picking her up from daycare in the evening may be my favorite times of the day.

At 17 weeks her personality seems to be extremely laid back with a touch of stubbornness, and she is a trooper. She seems to take in everything around her, is very interested in our phones (and anything with a screen) and will swivel her head around to find her papa if she hears his voice. She lets me hug her tight and doesn't seem to mind when I squeeze her fat legs (I call them massages). She will sit on a lap for long periods of time if there is conversation going on and will occasionally stare at the person talking.

At 17 weeks we are constantly amazed that we made such a being and we can't wait to see what the next few weeks will bring.

And a different kind of 17 weeks.. Crazy!