Recognizing Intentional Action

When Mommy tries to type e-mail while holding Austen on her lap, Austen reliably grabs for the keyboard — often managing to erase half of what Mommy has written. When Mommy pushes the keyboard away from Austen’s reach, Austen goes for the mouse. Mommy then moves the mouse away. When Mommy pulls the keyboard a little closer so she can resume typing, the whole process repeats itself. Eventually Austen gets fussy and starts to complain because everything keeps being moved out of reach. It’s as if Mommy’s playing games with her. Austen’s crankiness with Mommy suggests that she recognizes Mommy’s intentional action.

During a playdate at Barnes and Nobles kids’ section, Austen did the downward dog yoga position while playing on the carpet with the other babies. There’s a picture of Morgan doing this position at around the same age as Austen.

For weeks now, Austen has been reaching her arms wide when she wants to be picked up — the gesture is usually combined with a grunting “Uhh, Uhh, Uhh.” Mommy read today that this is a normal behavior for babies at nine months.