Gripped!

It's one of those moments me and the missus refers to as a 2001 moment. You know like in the Kubrik film where the dramatic music in the background as apes first learn to use tools.
Aimee had a 2001 moment when she realised that her hands were capable of gripping and hitting something. so far, her hands have been something convenient to put in one's mouth. But now, Aimee is pulling, tugging, gripping, swiping away with baby abandon.
On the musical rocker, she knows to pull at the strings to get a melody. If you place her down on her back, watch out, she is still gripping your clothing! If you turn away for one second, there, she has gripped onto something which immediately finds it's way into her mouth. Yuk!

As with all things Aimee however, what one gains in one area, we lose in another. While her grip power is now that of a healthy 12 week old, her ability to sleep on her own is that of a nought month old. Perhaps we are to blame - ie no routine, too much stimulation, no sleep 'cues', too much rocking and slinging. No wonder she won't sleep in the cot on her own. She has got used to all the other things except just damn well closing her eyes on her own. But perhaps, she is still a little young and maybe in a month's time, she will be able to go longer at night without waking.
We shall see. I am conforted by the fact that we are not alone in this area, but I fear the controlled crying regime that many recommend for very bad sleepers.
But in the meantime, we shall continue to rock her, sing to her, sway her etc to get her to sleep so we can sleep.