Strong-willed child

As a father, it has been amazing to see the changes in my baby over the past month. I am literally watching her personality and her awareness of her surroundings develop right before my eyes.

She's crawling now. She will also stay in a standing position, holding onto our red sofa in the living room as support, for quite a long time. She will "cruise" along the sofa (child development term for when a infant or toddler uses furniture or fixed objects to help them get around).

Zoey is stubborn about having her way. She isn't yet able to articulate what "her way" is yet, but if we put her in her walker or high chair (or really anything that restricts her from being able to try and move about freely), she gets upset. She will make a MMMMMM crying sound, and kick both her feet out rapidly.

Most times, the way to make her happy is to help her into a standing position and stand back and let her try to get around.

Sometimes her big brother will take a toy out of her hand that she's playing with. That doesn't seem to upset her too much. However, when he takes her food, or when they are sharing food (we take turns giving them spoonfuls of food), she will reach out and push on his face with her little paw, or grab for his hair.

Michael will lecture her. He will say "Zoey, please stop that," or "Zoey, my turn". It's almost funny (and somewhat ironic) when he looks at us with frustration that Zoey isn't listening to him when he's trying to be reasonable. Because as a Dad THAT is the exact same thing I deal with when I feel like Michael's not listening to me when I'm trying to be reasonable.

Zoey is definitely able to stand up for herself when she chooses. It's funny, she has her priorities. Doesn't care when big brother just grabs a toy out of her hand. However, she'll go to battle with him about food.