Differences

There is nearly 6 years between the twins and E so my memory may not be true, but the differences between them is are endless. Even taking into consideration that they are boys and twins and she is neither, it still astonishes me how little she does as they did.

Toy wise, E is joyfully embracing toys that are virtually pristine due to the boys showing no interest in them whatsoever.
The boys had linky loops which look like this



These were purchased with the idea that toys could be attached by these to things to stop them being dropped. Turned out they were the best toy ever in themselves and they boys adored holding them and experimentally chewing them.

So we bought new ones for E. She hasn't shown any interest in them at all other than the generic procedure of everything being tasted at least once.

Not so for the logical next step in loop discovery, again from ELC and called Lots of Loops.

This was purchased for the boys and totally ignored by them. I deduced it was too heavy for them to lift comfortably.

Not true. Little E was given this to investigate when she had just mastered gripping things, and within seconds she was lying on her back holding it over her and joyously chewing on it. It remains one of her favourites.

The boys both had dummies as teething relief, O had a dummy pretty much from birth until he was 3, R had one just for teething. E does not like dummies one bit and won't take one, even though she is desperate for something to clamp her aching gums onto. So she seeks things to bite on a lot more than they did and is often found chewing on a removed sock or similar. Soft toys are a favourite as she can bite them without hurting herself.

Today I unearthed a rattle the boys had rejected and she pounced on it joyfully; a soft padded "dog" with clattery shapes around the loop of the "face".

I would have said that the twins were as different as can be, but they mostly liked the same toys as babies. Not so true as they got older and O discovered cars, which have never inspired R. Admittedly as twins they may have rejected a toy, then seen it being played with by their twin and reconsidered it.

Nothing is as fun as something your twin wants. Or maybe that's just my twins? E is experiencing the frustration of the youngest: constantly wanting what the older siblings have. I relate to this as the youngest, although I only have the one older brother and feel quite sorry for future E and her inevitable teasing.

With chalk and cheese twins, I had hopes for E being like one or other of them, but so far it isn't looking likely.

6 months

E is now 6 months old, which is both an eternity since she was born, and no time at all.

To her delight, she can now eat something resembling food. Her coordination is a bit lacking but she can steer most things roughly towards her mouth. Finger foods are a bit off yet, but she's enjoyed the handful of lumpier and slightly protein based goo that she's been offered. (rice, tomato and chicken so far her favourite). She is also allowed gluten now so has weetabix for breakfast instead of baby cereal. She approves greatly, but is still anxious to eat what we are. A chip went down a treat, although how much literally went down is another matter altogether.

Reaching and putting everything in her mouth is the aim of every second she is awake. Nothing is safe, other than the blessed fact that she is still not able to travel. Turning and reaching are trouble enough and her ability to pick things up is improving daily, terrifying in the light of the immediate transfer to mouth.

Movement at the moment consists of rolling and reaching. Much frustration is caused by an inability to stand or crawl. Sitting isn't quite there, she managed just a few unsupported seconds before she topples over.

She mostly sleeps like an angel all night, but is reluctant to nap by day and often gets tearfully grumpy and needs coaxed to sleep, only to awaken twenty minutes later.

Speech consists of much blethering, wow ow and igloo are common utterances. I'm not sure when or if she'll move onto the more conventional ba ba, ga ga.

She is beautiful and giggly and a delight to be around, I am so enjoying her babyhood. Bring on the next stage, which is due in about an hour...