Jo's development

Jo would be 6 months old next Monday. To be honest, I haven't been tracking her development to date. Her fine motor skills are far more advanced compared to Matthew at the same age. I can't really compare, because all babies are different and furthermore different gender. CanadianParents.com tracks baby development in an interesting way. Below is quoted from their six-month development article

Baby Wants You To Know

How I Grow
I turn and twist in all directions. YES and very good at it
I sometimes sit up for several minutes. Working hard at it
I creep backwards and forwards, with my stomach on the floor. Starting to do that now
I hold onto an object with one hand, and then put it in the other hand. Yes, especially pacifier
I hold one building block, reach for a second one, and look for a third one right away. Not sure. i should try that this weekend
I grab for an object when it drops. Yes, pacifier definitely

How I Talk
I still babble a lot, but I have more control of sounds. Jo talks a lot!
I may begin to understand some words by your tone of voice. She responds to her name! With Jo on her back, I call 1, she will reach for my thumbs, 2-3, she will pull herself up to sitting position :)

How I Respond
I pick up things, shake them, and then listen to the sound they make when I drop them. No
I play games with people I know. Yes
I get upset when I'm around grown-up strangers, but I'm friendly to children I don't know. No stranger anxiety yet, but Jo likes to look at people
I coo, hum or stop crying sometimes when I hear music. Yes
I keep very busy doing something all the time. Yes

How I Understand
I know that I have to use my hands to pick up something. Yes, her pacifier again
I look at and study things for a long time. Yes and her concentration power is quite good
I turn objects upside down just to get another view of them. Don't think she's doing that yet
I turn when I hear my name. I may have one favorite toy or blanket. YES

How I Feel
I haven't learned how to control my feelings yet. Definitely not
I complain and howl when I don't get my way. of course, that goes without saying
I giggle, coo and squeal with joy when I'm happy. YES, especially when she's playing in her exersaucer
I may have very strong likes and dislikes about food. no plain cereal or potato, please

How You Can Help Me Learn Ideas for games
Take me to see other babies.
Blow soap bubbles for me to watch on a sunny day.
Give me things that make noise to play with. A crinkly paper bag or some blocks I can bang together are great.
Float a toy in my bathtub for me to play with. I'd like something to pour water out of, too.
Read nursery rhymes and stories to me.
Sing me lullabies.