Hello, Maya fans! This little blog will serve as a record of all things Maya: what she's up to, how she's growing and changing, which milestones she's reached, and which ones she's working on. I'll update frequently, so check-in often!

This has been an exciting week in the Kingsley household on the baby front. It seems as if Maya's cognitive and social development is making huge, impressive leaps all of a sudden! For starters, she has uttered her first official word: Dada. At first we thought maybe it was just a freaky coincidence that she was always calling out "Dada! Dada!" when Seth would enter the room or walk by. After way, way too many of these "coincidences," we've finally connected the dots: Maya has identified her dad with his proper name!

Even more recently, Maya clapped for the very first time today. She's been working on this skill all week, and tonight she succeeded in achieving it! I don't mean to brag here, but it is ADORABLE. And she seems really pleasantly surprised with herself when she does it. Honestly, I could swoon with pride.

Maya is also signing for milk now, especially when she sees me pull out the Boppy pillow in preparation for nursing. She looks at her cup whenever I sign for "juice," so I know she comprehends my sign language. I do sense lately that she and I have experienced some sort of breakthrough in our ability to communicate with each other. I'm so appreciative!

Other goings on:
-She's pulling up to a stand all the time
-She's climbing (most notably from the couch onto the armchair)
-She's mimicking like crazy
-She enjoys chasing us and being chased
-She self-feeds with some success
-She "kisses" other babies in daycare (according to the staff)
-She is expert at anticipating: She pauses expectantly when I'm singing Hokey-Pokey and am about to say "...and shake it all about," because she knows that I will grasp her and gently bounce her around during that line
-She helps me dress her by shooting an arm through an armhole or kicking her pants off

Maya is on the mend from a bout with two ear infections (one in each ear) and bronchiolitis. She's on antibiotics and an inhaler. She still gets tired easily but has definitely perked up since starting the medication. It's nuts: Each day this week we've had to give her two doses of Prevacid per usual, PLUS two doses of antibiotic, several puffs of the inhaler and one dose of iron drops. I had to write it all down and tape one copy to the fridge and one copy to her bedroom door so I wouldn't forget anything.

Last but not least, Maya's hair is getting so long! Her bangs are always in her eyes, and locks of hair are curling around her ears. V. cute.