Howdy, it's Garrett on the mic again..... :)
The following post largely stems from some writing that I did on our recent New Hampshire trip. It is meant as an update on Caris progress but also meant to serve as fatherly observations for Caris to look back on in future times.
The post's title best describes my interpretation of recent Caris developmental progress that, although seemingly subtle, is hugely exciting in my mind. These observations began around the 4 month mark.
(Caris turned completely sideways in bed while laughing and waving
her arms on Camille's entry to get her up in the morning. We think
that she got stuck here on a journey to try to be under her art cards.
Who knows with this little one?
This picture and story has given me much enjoyment - it brought me
to chuckles and almost full on laughter while standing at the scrub
tank prior to an operation last week. The psychotic appearance of
laughing out loud to oneself at the scrub tank is probably not
favorably looked upon but it was well worth any concerned
glances.)
Caris has always had hilarious and colorful facial expressions. Her earliest and most frequent facial expression is one of 'eyebrow-wrinkling seriousness'....it's like she's thinking...."do I know you, who do you think you are, and what are you doing here?" She comes by both the seriousness and the colorful facial expressions honestly. I still have vivid images and memories floating around in my head from my first meeting and early times hanging out with Camille in regards to her rich and enamoring facial expressionism.
Some of Caris's recently observed progress relates to these facial expressions and her eyes. I have begun seeing what I interpret as palpable intent in her eyes and facial expressions. It is this intent found in her little face and big "blueberry" eyes that is so thrilling. Her big, blue eyes have always held wonderful beauty but this intent reveals an entirely deeper beauty - her eyes have begun to speak. They now wordlessly talk of and reveal what is happening below Caris's surface. This communication translates into an unexplainable and previously unexperienced type of intense visceral joy and bliss in her adoring father. Her eyes speak and I cannot help to listen in a state of mesmerized love. I can feel her eyes search mine for meaning and response. I can see a new depth to her gaze that houses interest, curiosity, communication, and personality.
(Caris in the trees)
This personality and spirit was so undeniable and real recently. I got off early one day a couple weeks ago and I was able to meet the girls at the door when they returned home from work and school. As is usual under such circumstances, I retrieved Caris from her car seat and sat down on the couch with her to play. This is usually met with a huge gleeful eruption of Caris smiles and sounds of happiness. This day would be different! Caris was either tired, groggy from a car-ride-home nap, or just plain not in the mood for dad-time. I interpret it to have been some combination of the above three explanations. Whatever it was, I was given a non-verbal glimpse into her spirit and her true, raw emotion and feelings. She communicated quite efficiently and clearly for someone unable to speak a single word. Her eyes were far more dull and lacked their usual curiosity. They briefly and blankly glanced my direction while in passing transit. Their purposeful drift took them to the left towards Camille while her eyebrows gently but clearly rolled as if to say, "Dad,...not right now, please. I am in no mood for your antics and your beckoning smiles and sounds. Mom can you please save me?" Understood and cherished, Caris!
Caris has also begun to try to shape her sounds and this is very exciting to witness as well. There are still times when she just makes unshaped, monotone sounds. However, she will occasionally put a little more effort into the activity and her lips and tongue obviously attempt to form some more complex movements as she tries to bend and playfully shape the sounds coming up from her vocal cords. It is fun and amazing to watch her in the progress of building these new skills. It is so awesome to see her try to mimic what she sees our lips and tongues do when we talk to her and shape our own sounds into words. She also has a fun habit (or accident) of making a sound while unhappy (usually while getting hungry and being held by dad, nonetheless) that bears a very close resemblance to a gentle begging and pleading form of "mommie, mommie, mommie." And sure enough, a transfer to the beckoned one, plus some food, leads to a content Caris.
Caris is growing so fast - physically, mentally, socially, and in her ability to communicate. Her spirit and disposition are beginning to introduce themselves more and more. It is a fun time of rapid changes and progressive bonding and interaction. Their is nothing better in life than walking into a room and being greeted by the beautiful and rich eyes, smiles, and expressions of my two ladies.....
Cheers,
G
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