Lara and Gloria are now 10 months old. They can both stand as long as they have something to hold on to, and they take little steps along the walls. Yesterday Lara dared to take her hands off the table and surprised herself by standing, wobbly, but all on her own.The babies' first visit at the dentist featured a doctor informing us that they don't yet have teeth and got us two tiny toothbrushes and a booklet that promises to explain everything you ever wanted to know about baby's teeth - as long as you speak Swedish. Since Lara prefers my thumb over her own, I can testify the first tooth is now well on its way, but we're still waiting for it to see the light of the day.
Recently, the little ones have developed an interest in books and chewed to pieces Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code," and Stefan has taken on the task of teaching the babies some physics. Since a week or so, Gloria takes delight in bringing her toys to us, just to take them back immediately. It becomes increasingly noticeable that the girls now understand quite a few words, especially the essentials yes, no, good, bad, come, play, milk, daddy.Lara and Gloria have coped well with the flights to and from Stockholm, much better than Superdaddy who has developed a contact allergy to Scandinavian Airlines SAS. The Lufthansa-end of the trip in Frankfurt is flawlessly family friendly. The SAS-end in Arlanda is a complete disaster. Despite the twin stroller being clearly marked for 'Delivery at Gate' it ended up on the oversized baggage belt and Stefan had to carry the baggage, the baby seat and the two girls through the airport, much to the amusement of SAS staff.
Upon inquiry, we learned that in the late 19th century a 73 year old labor union member strained an ankle when lifting a bag tagged as gate claim. Or so. Ever since then, employees at Arlanda airport refuse to bring anything exceeding 7kg to the gate, including strollers. Not that anybody bothered to inform us about that or offered any help. We for certain will have reason to celebrate if Lufthansa takes over SAS as rumors say.
Yes, parenthood changes you. I for example have developed the unfortunate habit of looking into stranger's noses to see if there's something in need of being picked out. Stefan meanwhile has worked on a theory of snot clumping according to which the size of a snot does not depend on the nose. He's now collecting data ;o)
Happy 10 months, ladies! So exciting about the standing!
ReplyDeleteTeething: Plain Jewish whole stale bagels. The price is low, swallowed pieces are digested. No bisphenol-A. They resist beavers, termites, and abrasive cutoff saws. Importation from New York and a month in transit will not compromise the quality for the task if they are wrapped in paper not plastic.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelocal.se/discuss/index.php?showtopic=35488
A bagel toughened in lye (pH primed for Maillard reaction, boiled with honey, then egg wash before baking is supremely crispy chewey delicious warm from the oven. A day later it is armor-piercing. The lumps mass merchandized in plastic bags are fakes.
Okay please share: What is that beautiful playpen/crib in the background there? Here in America the equivalent standard is the Pak'n'Play and it really can't compare.
ReplyDeleteDo tell!
Hi Jimmy,
ReplyDeleteIt's from a small German company called "Storchennest" (Stork nest) that specializes in products for multiples. Website here. We bought it 2nd hand. (Together with the stroller.) The playpen has come in very handy. Best,
B.
Hi Bee,
ReplyDeleteTen months, how time flies, with Lara and Gloria also experienced in the spatial kind as well. I especially enjoy your videos and wished the technology had been available when my own were of the age or for that matter when I was. That is in the coming years they will be able to look back on them to become acquainted with themselves from a time they will have no memory of. That is as an example for myself my earliest memory is from the age of two and gauged by others I’ve talked to that seems to be earlier than most. It’s often had me wonder about memory, as it too seems to need to develop and is not something as simple as the recording of events of the type as you so kindly share here.
“Like the wind crying endlessly through the universe, time carries away the names and the deeds of conquerors and commoners alike. And all that we are, all that remains, is in the memories of those who cared we came this way for a brief moment.”
-Harlan Ellison, "Paladin of the Lost Hour”, (1986)
Best,
Phil
Hi Phil,
ReplyDeleteYes, I have also wondered about early childhood memories. I learned that our inability to recall the first some years is called 'childhood amnesia' and actually a flourishing research area. If I ever have the time I might try to check out the literature. Best,
B.
Hi Bee,
ReplyDeleteSo as it appears we share a common curiosity and thus I hope someday you might have something to say on the subject. For one thing I would be curious as your girls get older if when looking at these recordings if it might trigger some faint recollection of the events. Perhaps as equally curious is to note that memory loss is something than remains in part mysterious as also in regards the other end of the spectrum with advanced age. That is respective of both situations it has one to wonder how is it that we still maintain much ability without recollection as to how they were attained and thus to have knowledge not as simple as the storage and recall of the things we have learned.
Best,
Phil
Hey Sabine & Stefan,
ReplyDeleteWhat about this one? :)
http://twitpic.com/7av37f
Best,
Christine
Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice photo :) We don't dare to leave them alone with a book though. It is funny that Lara isn't much interested in cookies, but she chews on books and papers (she actually eats paper if one doesn't watch out). Best,
B.
Hi Bee,
ReplyDeleteIt seems babies love ipads these days. Anyway, they learn quicky to turn pages, you could start with magazines with lots of pictures, under supervision of course. During this period the babies are getting their first teeth and need to chew things. Keep them always with appropriate toys, and by now you already now that "no" is the champion word around. It is also evident to me now that reading them quantum physics is common practice. At least, for parents physicists. ;)
Your videos are great!
Best
Christine
Walking and talking are just around the corner! Congrats to all four of you! :-) :-)
ReplyDelete