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We wanted to share some updates on Elsa — as she passes the 21 month mark:

Prevacid: After being told by many a doctor that Elsa is “just a pukey kid,” last week she went on Prevacid for reflux. It has already made a remarkable difference. Normally, a cold leads to 3 or more pukes a day for our little lady. All of last week she had just 3 total. She’s now able to clear her throat without losing her entire feed. Much less discomfort for our girl!

Core strength: Sitting and standing have become her favorite things to do. She is now so strong in her trunk and legs. It’s absolutely her preference to be up and social and checking things out. She resists putting pressure in her arms, but as of late, we’ve seen her fight it less and less and look better in prone. If she knows there is a pillow behind her, she will free fall and plop down on it, which is pretty adorable.

Disposition: Elsa is such a gentle, sweet, easygoing child. Unless I’m trying to suction her nose. Then we see all sorts of anticipation skills! She loves reading books, going on walks (smiles at the word “outside”) and tapping the pages, and is such a big snuggler. Everyone who knows her always remarks at what a lover she is.

Propping: This began right around the time that her sister was born. What a motivator, Cecilia is! Elsa will turn to the side she never use to favor, as long as her sister is on that side. She loves propping her feet on sissy’s stomach, face, you name it. She also enjoys propping her feet on the side of her crib. (For about two months, she’s been swaddle-free at night and is loving it, now spins in circles until she finds just the right spot to rest.) Her feet are her primary means of exploration and transportation at the moment.

Responsiveness: We’ve seen huge gains in Elsa’s awareness of her environment and reaction time to toys, people and animals (she just met her grandparents’ dog). She has begun clapping her hands together with regularity and is making attempts to wave. She also is able to make clear choices between toys when presented with two options, and is becoming more and more vocal. Lots of “ma” and “mums” these days, which mom enjoys.

Touch: Elsa knows the difference between pat, spin, hug and kiss and can do all of these things when playing, sometimes on cue when asked. I remember quite vividly, around her 1 year birthday, when I would’ve given anything to see her “go” for a toy. Now she does this very regularly.