Changing Table Fun

My little one has become so much more responsive over the last week or two; so engaged in the things around her that I've introduced several new toys and activities to keep her curious.

This first toy, I put on my registry after a particularly hilarious church service several months back. We were sitting in the back (as usual, since we're always late, no matter what we do), behind this cute family with two young boys. The younger of the two--maybe about four months old--was in his car seat and oh-so-interested in a plush toy that was hanging from the handle. It was a bug of some sort that expanded when the little guy pulled on it, and then slowly rattled and vibrated as it retracted. The kid was just having the time of his life pulling, pulling, pulling, and I was doing everything I could not to laugh every time it made noise--during the sermon, no less. I could see the parents exchanging glances, asking one another: Should we make him stop? Will he squeal louder than the toy if we do? I decided then and there that my Baby Girl definitely needed that toy.

Here it is:

My favorite is when she goes cross-eyed following its body as it retracts back up. It's a total riot. And yes, sometimes I lower it even closer to her face, just to ensure that happens. I'm a mean mommy, but I just can't help it. Apparently, I'm not the only infant in the house who's easily entertained.

Here's the second toy that we play with these days:

It was a recommendation from my cousin, whose baby girl loves it, especially for teething purposes. It's just the right kind of toy for little, grabby fingers. I wrap those suckers around there for her and see how long she can hold on. She usually flings it across the room (by accident, as she's flailing her arms) in about 2.5 seconds. Maybe I should time it. Sorta like bull riding.

Learning is fun for everyone :)

P.S. That belt on her in the first pics is her HappiTummi belt (thanks for the tip, Barb!). It's supposed to help with gas and/or colic. It has a heated herbal pac that you microwave for about fifteen seconds and then insert in the cozy, minky fabric. Then you just wrap around and velcro in place. It really seems to soothe her when she's having trouble. And--bonus--it smells really good.