alexist

We've had a nice week at Neil's parents. Aliza got a bunch of presents. Not sure there's much else to say about that. Oh, my Christmas present was a photo printer. I had fun printing photos for everyone. I think my family will appreciate this, since I can now send them prints without having to go to Snappy Snaps!

More importantly we had an absolute explosion of new skills! It was like she was waiting for an audience. Or maybe just that bit of stimulation to put her over the edge. She's now happily feeding herself (finally!) - she can't really manage a spoon, but she loves things she can pick up. Yorkshire pudding crust was the favourite, I think ;) She's also copying everyone (this makes for fun games) and let go of the sofa briefly the other day. Her babble is increasing (but still no mama), and I can't remember what else. She's getting really good at making her opinions known.

I do wish she'd acquire a means of getting to sleep other than 1) movement (stroller or car) or 2) mommy. We're trying, but it's hard. Cry-it-out is not an option (not least because she's one of those babies that will cry and cry and ramp it up until they're sick--we had this on the M5 on the way down. We couldn't stop and she just got worse and worse until we finally got to the services.)

Aliza now has her big girl carseat! I'm feeling all teary. She likes it. We ended up with a Maxi-Cosi Priori XP--I would have preferred the PrioriFix which has a leg, but figured it wasn't worth spending £230 when she'll only be in it a few months and we don't drive that often. I'll splash out on a Britax Boulevard when we move. (yes, we're doing it... filling out the visa application. Ouch!)

Photos are at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/arosoff/sets/72157603573766418/

Also, a Skoda Octavia is only just large enough to fit all 3 of us and our crap for a week. Ugh.