Teething

Despite uncle's imminent departure, Madeline put on her happy face this morning.

Once we'd dropped uncle at the train station and Summer at lab, Madeline and I were left to our own devices. The prospect tends to make me a bit nervous given our difficulties with bottle-feeding, but today any nerves were unfounded: Madeline and I just seemed to click.

Madeline couldn't get enough modified tummy time (above). She loved playing with lizard friend (below).

And, thankfully, her ability to manipulate objects seems to be growing in direct proportion to the intensity of her teething.

She even grabbed at the blanket under her, pulling its edges up to her mouth for a chew or two.

And, yes, she took a bottle with relative aplomb, never seriously complaining and twice enthusiastically latching.

One thing she didn't like, though, was my attempt at a walk. It looked like the rain really had lifted, so I just had to get out! We tried the stroller again rather than the wrap. It didn't take long -- a block or two -- before Madeline suggested she'd rather be back home. So I subjected her to a little time in the yard to admire our many young veggies.

After another nap we retrieved Summer from lab and returned to the yard so Summer could play. Madeline still seemed less than thrilled at the outside time, but she did interestedly watch Summer, who tried planting some strawberries (though she's doubtful it'll work).

Back inside again, Madeline was much happier.

But again, teething delayed sleep. Tonight Madeline needed a lot of gnawing -- fingers, teethers, etc. -- before she'd eat enough to get to sleep. Any other suggestions to help soothe her erupting gums?