My Baby Book
A Record of Development
Kate Cliff
Period 2
The Meaning of Development
The First Stage of Life
Prenatal Development: Progress Before Birth
Germinal Stage --- The stage from conception to about the second week of pregnancy, where the zygote eventually begins to have cell production then attaches itself to the wall of the uterus.
Embryonic Stage --- This phase is very vulnerable and deformities are produced most often here; during this period, most of the organ systems are established. It comprises about 8 weeks from the conception. After the 8th week, the fetus begins to take on "typical human features."
Fetal Stage --- Lasting from the 9th week to the birth, here the organs during the embryonic period grow and differentiate.

The Second Stage of Life
Infancy and Childhood
Grasping/Palmer Reflex --- If you place a finger on an infant's open palm, the hand will close around the finger. If you try to pull away the grip will tighten.
Rooting Reflex --- If the baby's cheek is stroked the baby will turn towards the side that was touched and begin to make sucking motions.
Sucking Reflex --- The baby will usually suck when the area around the mouth is touched.
Swallowing Reflex --- Pressure against the roof of the baby's mouth triggers the sucking reflex, usually with milk. As the milk enters the mouth, the swallowing reflex initiates. These two reflexes work together.
Babinski Reflex --- After the sole of the baby's foot has been firmly stroked, the big toe will move upwards while the other toes fan out.
Moro Reflex --- If you place the baby face-up on a soft surface, and support the baby, then allow the head to fall back then be quickly supported again, the baby should look started! He or she may then wave their arms and cry for about a minute.
My Life Is A Dickens' Novel
Temperament
When my sister was given shots as a baby, she gave a great dramatic wail as if to say "WHYYY are you HURTING me?!" | In contrast to my cautious little self, my sister was a very affectionate baby who (quickly) captured the hearts of all who met her. | When I was given shots as a baby, I let out a sad little mewl as if to say, "Ow! That hurt me." |
When my sister was given shots as a baby, she gave a great dramatic wail as if to say "WHYYY are you HURTING me?!"
Attachment
Cognitive Development
Don't Touch Anything During Christmas at Austin, there was a large Christmas tree with delicate ornaments. So, to ensure my safety, my mother carefully told me, "Don't touch anything." So, when a visitor entered, I solemnly pointed my finger at them with my not-yet-two-year-old wisdom and said, "Don't touch anything." | My Lamb My one toy I really loved when I was little was Lamby, who, when I turned the silver circle on her collar, would play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" softly and sweetly until I fell asleep. | Summer of Screams The summer before I turned two I disliked being in confined spaces. My parents now refer to that summer as the "Summer of Screams." One memorable incident was when we traveled to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I wailed at the injustice of not being allowed to toddle around the museum at my every whim. |
Don't Touch Anything
My Lamb
Summer of Screams
Development: Language and Physical
Learning My parents don't remember the exact dates of these milestones, but I was about 6 months old when I learned to sit up and about 9 months old when I had my first tooth come in. | I approve? That's das budas! | Toddle Time I had no motivation at all to get up and learn to walk as I had no older siblings (and my family spoiled me), so I was content to toddle around starting at around 12 or 14 months old. |
Learning
Preoperational Stage
Christmas Time My mother gave me American Girl dolls for Christmas during this time period but I sadly did not play with them as often as I thought I would have when I begged my mom for them. | Mad Scientist Day At this stage, I began to like English, Art and Science. My "toy" at this time consisted of drawing and sometimes books. I enjoyed Junie B. Jones in kindergarden and started reading Harry Potter in first grade after my mom started me on the first book. | Happily Ever After Here I am scandalizing my little sister with a kiss for one of my favorite Disney characters. Another memory from this time involves me dancing with my favorite Disney princess, Cinderella, while at Disneyland.I also enjoyed drawing on the tablecloths while waiting for my food. |
Christmas Time
Mad Scientist Day
Concrete Operational Stage
Formal Operational Stage
This stage begins when adolescents are around 12 years old. They begin to develop the ability to do mathematical calculations, think creatively, use abstract reasoning, and imagine the outcome of particular actions.
Adolescent Egocentrism --- Basically the thought process revolves around the idea that the eyes of the world are always upon you and everyone will notice if you mess up or don't look perfect. Throughout middle school, I felt a need to look perfect and if I had a bad hair day and whatnot I would be less confident because I was sure that everyone had noticed and was judging me.
Adolescent Personal Fable --- The assumption that everyone else is obviously fascinated by you and that you are more unique than the rest of the planet. I still have this now; whenever I go over to to my friends, I automatically assume that with whatever story I tell them, they'll love it because I'M telling it.
Adolescent Imaginary Audience --- Everyone is watching you because you are so fascinating; if you are in a bad mood, it can be harmful because you are embarrassed. But if you are in a good place, you can become a little overconfident. I was mortally embarassed in 6th grade, because my mom knew I was self conscious and so, when she dropped me off for school, would shout, "Goodbye snookie wookie," "Have a nice day CUPCAKE," etcetera.
Different Parenting Styles
My dad has more of an authoritarian style while my mom is more authoritative. I love them both very much. I think that together they create the ideal parenting style, which is a mixture of authoritarian and authoritative. This is ideal because of the high expectations for the child as well as the network of support which is always present. |
Personality Development
Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-30 years old) --- This period centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Having a fully formed sense of self (established during the previous stage) is an important part of making these connections. People with a poor sense of their personal identity usually have less committed relationships and have emotional isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Journal
Time Stops for No Man (or Woman)
Integrity vs. Despair (old age, 60s and up) --- Here, you reflect on your life, your accomplishments, and wonder if what you did was impactful or worth it. Those who are satisfied feel fulfilled with a sense of integrity and those who are not feel bitter and regretful.