Independence

I can't beleive how early it starts! It started with small things...wanting to stand up all day after seeing another baby cruising. Getting mad when she couldn't sit up to play with her toys one day. But it has continued. Samantha thinks she is big enough to do whatever she wants on her own. She is only 6 months old, and can't say it in words, but she is definitely telling us through actions and body language "NO! I DO IT!"

Last night it was bad, she would not drink from her bottle unless she was not only holding it, but she also had to pick it up from the table herself. If she didn't, she wanted nothing to do with it. The problem is, she can't quite get it to her mouth in a manner that will allow her to drink the milk. But as soon as Brent tried to help a little, she let go and turned her head away. She was getting grouchy because she was hungry, but she still wouldn't drink. It took two hours, she was almost asleep before she finally drank the bottle.

I expected this in a couple of years. I had no idea that it starts so soon. I am thinking that we will not need to foster a sense of independence with this child. Instead we will be chasing after her as she constantly does things that we think she is not yet big enough for. How is it possible that after only 6 months, I should be sad that my baby is growing up so quickly. If I think about it too much, I am afraid.