Keep Trying

Amanda is trying so hard to crawl right now, and it can get frustrating for her.  Sometimes I’ll hold out my arms to her and cheer her on, and Eva will join in, saying “C’mon, Amanda! Go Mommy!”  Occasionally she’ll try to help by giving her a little push.  Amanda will reach and strain for a toy just beyond her reach, and finally push herself back up into a sitting position, often ended up further back than when she started because she scooted backwards without realizing it.  Just as she’s about to fuss in frustration, another toy catches her eye and she starts all over again.  Eva likes to collect baby toys from around the house and put them in one big pile next to sister.  As Amanda starts to play with them one by one, Eva will sometimes decide they look interesting enough to play with herself, and try to take them away.  Sometimes she’ll offer her another one instead, saying “here, Amanda” as if she’s doing her a favor, and then watch me closely to see if I’ll catch her little ploy.  If Amanda starts crying, she knows I’ll be intervening.