“Things” fascinate Alana, and the grabbing of them is the discovery of purpose for her hands. And they are now employed purposefully, all the time, grabbing papers and cups and clothes and stinky diapers and my face whenever such Things fall within their range.   The notion that the Things are not an end in themselves is a concept light years beyond Alana’s comprehension. She has a THING in her HAND!

A THING, in one’s HAND. *sigggggggggh*

The Thing-Grabbing is the crest of a wave of alertness that has grown in the last few weeks.   Its kinda cool, she is no longer a Pod.   It kinda sucks, she is no longer a Pod.   She is alert.     If she’s crying and she sees you walk by, she cries louder.   If you walk into a room, she wants to inquire.

This is sweet, but it inspires irrepressible   feelings of guilt and neglect when I continue on and don’t pick her up.   They last until the next time she leaves me not choice but to pick her up.   She has learned screaming is an effort best saved for effect.

Unless she is genuinely hurt, she stops crying and resumes   – or not –   depending on the wisdom of your choice.  

• Stinky pants->pick her up and put her on the changing table->all is well.
  
• Stinky pants->pick her up say good morning and get in the shower->all is not well.

G giving her attention gets Alana’s complete and undivided attention.   I don’t know if its that G is so much smaller, or the bubbly and reckless way she approaches Alana fascinates her, but she has an effect on Alana that is captivating.   I’m going to harness the power of Hurricane Genevieve for good as a tantrum repellent.