This is a screenshot of our accent wall. Every morning I take Akshra to these photos urging her to meet her "friends." It is amazing how happy she instantly becomes -- waving her tiny hands and desperately trying to start a conversation, calling them out and trying to attract attention.

Alas the photos remain silent.

Akshra turned 8 months this weekend. We've already understood what people meant when they said that it keeps getting 'harder' as they grow up. She is clearly in the beginning stages of what we popularly refer to as 'attitude.' Her food choices are becoming somewhat obvious. More about whether and when she wants to eat rather than what. She not only uses her mouth to oppose being fed but she now uses her hands to push the feeder's hand away. She loves going out and is upset when you bring her back. She cannot stand being in a soiled diaper (which is a really good thing, BTW.) There are clear signs of stranger anxiety. Sometimes she is very quiet in company of strangers and sometimes she cries out -- but only occasionally.

The biggest problem though continues to be sleep. She is actually sleeping much less than she used to. We still try to put her to sleep around 9.00 pm but it is much harder these days. If we leave her alone in the crib while she is still awake -- she wails. Sometimes we give in and sometimes we let her wail. She eventually falls asleep. However, she wakes up in the night often -- sometimes as often as 3-4 times. She generally cries very loudly and wants to be held and sometimes fed. We've been trying to train her and let her cry a little bit but it is very very hard. She wails hard and it is very difficult -- specially for her mom.

We will have to adapt to her new moods and her new tricks. We have to make her feel sheltered and yet we have to make her feel that she is not going to be held every time she cries. It is a very difficult problem to solve -- and we are finding that out every day.

Sometimes it seems like I know my child only because I take so many photos of her and spend so much time on them. Seems like in an odd way I know more about her from her photos than spending time with her. When I look at her photos its as if I am focused solely on her whereas in person there are always chores to take the pleasure away.