Gaining Independence

Charlotte is starting to assert her independence more and more these days.  She used to cry only if she was tired or hungry, but she is starting to figure out that she can also cry to communicate boredom, toy/person/activity/food preference, or frustration.  She is also learning to communicate when she is happy.  Lately, she has started to pant when she is excited, like in this video.  SO cute!  (and yes, that is The Price is Right in the background - I admit, I was using the TV to try to capture the excited noise on camera, and what gets a girl more excited than The Price is Right with all its fun noises, lights, and colors?)

Another step Charlotte is taking on the road to independence is learning to feed herself.  She still likes to play with most of her food, but she recently figured out how to get these rice puffs from her tray to her mouth.  She had been working on it for several days and when she finally figured it out, she was oh-so-proud of herself that she would clap after every bite...and so would I!  Now, she doesn't have time to clap after every one because as soon as she finishes one puff, she is busy putting the next one in her mouth.

She has also figured out the sippy cup!  For a while, she would bite it to try to get the water out, but she recently figured out that she needs to suck instead.  Here she is right after she figured it out at Nana and Papa's house.  We were all so proud!

Although Rob and I have agreed that the goal of parenting is to help create a well-functioning, self-sustaining adult, it feels a little bittersweet to see Charlie taking baby steps toward that goal.  My mommy heartstrings are being pulled on frequently these days, but I wouldn't have it any other way!