Volume.

Yesterday Nikola was really testing her vocal cords: yes, we have squealing.

Her doctor’s appointment on 5/17 showed her to weigh 11 pounds and 15 ounces, in the 20th percentile for weight. She was 23.5 inches long, in the 25th percentile, a huge jump from her 3rd to 5th percentile spot at the last appointment. But head circumference continues to be the front runner: up to 60th percentile from 30th last time. Thank you, Mom, for the big noggin. The second round of vaccinations didn’t go over well–much more immediate crying, although less fussing later in the evening. Since that day she has been a little more touchy, for her. We think she has a mild viral illness, as the diaper contents have been a lovely shade of nuclear-waste green for the past couple of days.

She seems to be getting ready to reach for more things: when you hold something interesting in front of her, like a rattle, her hands twitch as if she wants to close her fingers around it. This is more evident in the left hand, leading us to believe she’s a leftie, much to Terry’s delight.

Drooling continues to be a skill in which Nikola is rapidly rising to the level of exalted master. In physical changes, her eyelashes are growing longer, although she’ll likely never have those obscenely thick black lashes that some kids do (again, thanks, Mom, for the wimpy eye apparel). The hair at the nape of her neck is getting thicker…which only emphasizes the bald spot right above it. The spot has transformed from a map of Australia to the logo for the Justice Hall League. Her eyes look as if they’re finally making the turn to brown from that interesting, nebulous slate/hazel shade they’ve been sporting.