Equal but different babies

Dear Readers, A mother-of-five children told me today when you meet a nine-month-old, you've met that nine-month-old. As someone who is right in the thick of monitoring infant milestones, her statement really hit home. It's like she's lived through it... five times. She even stated that her twins were like "night and day" when they were younger and developing. This week I had several discussions at different playgroups, music class and over group text about phases and behaviors of our little ones. Ordinary people that are in the trenches together of new parenthood. We lean on each other for insight and support. I've found my new parent friends are particularly helpful and nonjudgmental, which is all you need sometimes. Solidarity and a good listener. Questions like: - What verbal sounds/words are they making? - Are they crawling around or walking yet? - What are their wake windows?

- Are you sleep training? Where do they sleep? - How much are they eating? Liquid vs. solids? - Do they like water? Baths? I'll hear different responses for the same question for babies around the same age who live in the same geographic area. My friend was right... it may apply to that one baby.

Despite all the readings from child development experts and milestone charts by age that I have followed, it's become apparent that all babies are in fact different people. Not just tiny humans who align to a predictable checklist of behaviors. They each have their own brain and like adults, have different interests, dislikes, comforts, fears, sensitivities and mannerisms. Just over nine months on the job with Evangeline, this is one lesson I've already learned.