Like mother, like daughter

It’s amazing that even at 11 weeks old someone’s personality can be so strong. Lauren showed us this week just how determined she can be when she sets her mind to it. I wonder where she gets that from…

On Monday Lauren decided that she was in the mood for cuddles (which I never mind) and so, since she was determined not to lie down all alone, we spent most of the day with Lauren in my arms. Even a visit to see Sophie and Jack in the afternoon didn’t change her mood and so we cuddled up together on their sofa too. 

Tuesday saw a very chilled Lauren, who was happy to lie around on her own, chat to her teddies and hang out with Sandy and Edward. She slept when she was supposed to and like any lady in training conserved her energy for an afternoon of shopping, coffee and cake.  

Wednesday was the day she decided to be a show-off. In the afternoon we went to our usual class at the hospital and this week we were talking about motor development in babies. Taryn who takes the course, asked if she could borrow Lauren as she was awake (of course she was, she’s always awake in the afternoon) to demonstrate “tummy time”. Not only did Lauren demonstrate marvellously how easy it is to lie on your belly and lift your head and shoulders, she also rolled from her belly to her back, showing off in front of all the other babies. We’d never seen her do it before and she just took it all in her stride like it was nothing new.

Roz and Terry (aka Gran and Grandad) arrived on Friday which we had really been looking forward to. Lauren, who had been missing the attention of Grandad Paul and his camera, was pleased at the arrival of another photographer and posed beautifully for the camera. Most of the great shots from this week come courtesy of Terry.

On Saturday we all headed out for another party, this time to celebrate Jack’s first birthday, and Lauren put on her social hat. She was all dressed up in her party dress and put on her best smile for the crowd. She had cuddles from everyone and then slept soundly in the baby Bjorn cuddled up to her favourite man - Daddy.

That evening Lauren stayed in with the grandparents as Blair and I went out for dinner for our wedding anniversary. It was her first time alone with them and she was determined to make the most of the opportunity…staying awake and watching the footy until Mummy and Daddy came home.

 

On Sunday our young lady became a little madam and we had a glimpse of the battles we may face in the years ahead. Suddenly, for no particular reason, Lauren decided to stage a ‘hunger strike’. She point blank refused to feed, despite being starving, and screamed whenever I tried to feed her. We only managed to convince her to feed by giving her the dummy and when she had relaxed, quickly replacing it with my breast!

Monday was a public holiday and Gran and Grandad were due to fly out in the evening. However Lauren’s hunger strike continued and I came down with a nasty tummy bug so the wonderful grandparents offered to cancel their flights and stay until next week. With two more pairs of hands to help how could we say no, so we gratefully accepted. Blair is already planning the chores for his mum and dad! 

All the photos from this week are available here.