Now that we're back from SE Asia and life is passing us by once again, I reflect on the development of my boys. I got out Dante's diary and read where he was at 14 weeks, which is how old Augie is now. They are different babies - yet similar too. My aim is not to compare one to another but to enjoy their milestones in their own time. It's hard not to try and remember what Dante was doing as well..
Augie: He's blossoming and growing bigger and more alert each day. Still sleeps bunches and loves to be held. He's finding ways to sooth himself and can easily suck on his hands to fall asleep. Still not too much a fan of the binky although it will calm him as a last resort. Rocking him works best though and he'll instantly fall asleep on my shoulder. He's sleeping in 4-5 hour intervals now. The last few days, he's trying to grab things, rattles, my fingers and pull them to his mouth. I put him in one of Dante's onsies - the blue one with dogs on the feet - he stared at them and tried unsuccessfuly to grab at them with this little intense face and his little tongue sticking out :-) Coos more and smiles a bunch.
Dante: I love him so much and want to help him into his own independence. He's having a hard time re-adjusting to life but we're being patient and understanding. He's a hyper one and has trouble entertaining himself for more than 30 minutes or so. He always wants and audience and when he wants something, he's more apt to be destructive and forceful about getting his way. He's always remembering times when he's crying and I'd like him to form more positive memories. So I try and downplay his crying and say "yes, you were for a bit, but then you were happy, smiling and playing etc etc".
Being in SE Asia with Tera and her younger kids was quite eye opening to me about Dante's strengths and where he needs help and discipline. He doesn't seem to have much empathy but then neither did Megan or Tyler - so I think that's more of an age thing and I'm not as worried now as I was in the past. What does concern me though is his lack of concentration or desire to follow instruction or listen to others. He has his own mind and wants to do everything his way or no way. And if it's a bit tough, he'll give up, destroy whatever he's doing and walk away like he doesn't care. I'd like to help him focus more and take direction. He seems more interested in running, chasing and destroying everything around him. he is very social and can see he wants to play with others but doesn't know how to relate to them. His play tends to start out sweet at first, but then something snaps and he gets agressive, perhaps out of boredom or not knowing how to transition into another gentle form of play. I'm not sure what to make of it all.
