Before Beatrice was born, I had already made a few key decisions about how her development would unfold. I had worked with enough new parents and babies to know my preferences, which were as follows:

1. My baby would take a sloooowww and steady approach to solid food, meaning she would be a cuddly breastfeeding baby forever.

2. My baby would not crawl until at least eight or nine months. Preferably later. See reasoning in #1 above.

3. My baby would be a late teether, with the first tooth making its grand appearance somewhere around 14 months. Again, see #1.

My sense of control here was perhaps ill-advised, but I have always been determined. I figured I could make it happen.

I should have known better. Continue reading!