11month Notes

1. As of late, Reese's favorite activity is putting items into containers. She loves her stacking cups and rings (which she can now stack in order) as well as any kind of box or container. She loves putting blocks, plastic eggs, plastic letters, and anything else she can get her hands on inside a box or cup.

2. Last week Reese had a nap time episode that I wanted to chronicle so that someday it will be laughable. When I put Reese down for her afternoon nap she began to cry a little after I shut the door--a norm that comes and goes. I left her in the room to settle down but within fifteen minutes the cries had escalated to screams--piercing ones. Thinking she was still upset from my departure I left her for a few more minutes hoping she would calm down and go to sleep since I knew she was tired. The screams got worse. Worried that she had gotten stuck in her crib railings, I went into her room. She was standing in her crib and pointing at the floor. When I looked to where she was pointing I saw that she had either thrown or dropped her elephant onto the floor. I retrieved the elephant, laid her back down, and she was out within minutes. Guess elephant is indeed an integral part of her bedtime/naptime routine.

3. Reese has another cold. She either caught it at the gym daycare or from a shopping cart although her exposure to both has been limited. I'm worried that the cold will (if it hasn't' already) lead to an ear infection. Her nose is runny and she coughs on occasion, but otherwise seems fine. She HATES having me wipe her nose. She's been a little clingy and cranky, so I'm keeping an eye on it and we may end up at the pedi before the week is over. The guy must think I'm crazy since we're in there so often. (We already have an appointment for her 12mo check up and vaccines scheduled for the 24th, but it might not be able to wait until then.)

4. Reese is playing favorites when it comes to brushing her teeth. She lets Daddy do it without fuss, but if I give it a try she throws a FIT. I've tried every variation I can think of (including imitating Daddy's method) without success. Some highlights include:
1. I let her try and brush her teeth = she throws the toothbrush in the sink or on the floor
2. I hold the toothbrush and try to brush her teeth = screaming, batting, and head turning away
3. I brush my teeth while she has her toothbrush (hoping for imitation) = she grabs my toothbrush and throws hers on the floor, then she brushes my face, her clothes, and everything else (except her teeth)
She also won't let me brush her hair--even though it's getting long and a little out of control. Ahhh, the joys of an independent, strong-willed child.