Tummy Time

Harper isn't so sure about this whole "tummy time" thing--
despite her super fun activity mat from our friend Hoa!

Since her first tummy time in the hospital, Harper's enjoyment of this activity has unfortunately gone down hill.  We do what we can to make tummy time a comfortable experience for her--laying her on a soft blanket or a blanket with a fun print, getting down on the floor with her, talking to her and encouraging her...but no matter what, she just does NOT like tummy time!

At first, she doesn't seem to mind...
Must be the soft cupcake blankie from our friend Sandrine!

For the first few moments, she does okay, getting her bearings and trying to lift her little head up or kick her feet.  Then, as she realizes that she lacks the motor skills to make much progress, she gets frustrated.  And then the crying begins!  For a parent--or at least a first time parent--it's absolutely heartbreaking to voluntarily put her a situation that makes her cry.  Yet, tummy time is important to help strengthen her neck and head control and the muscles she will need for crawling.  So what choice do we have but to keep at it?


There was a time when Harper hated to have her diaper changed, and there was also a time when she didn't enjoy being in the bath.  Now she seems to genuinely enjoy both of those activities, kicking her legs and stretching to her heart's content.  So we can only hope that she'll eventually come around to tummy time too!  

Baby girl lifting up her head!