Is there truly anything more sweet than a baby's laugh? Nate has been squealing for a few weeks now but the past few days his squeals have begun to transform into more of a "heh, heh, heh" sound. It is so very precious to hear. I love that he delights in just hearing himself make the sound. What a happy boy he is.
On a related but different topic...I was in the grocery store this afternoon, carrying Nate in the pouch (as usual) when I was stopped by an older woman in the cereal isle. This is the conversation we had:
Curious Lady: What a cute baby, how old is he?
Me: Thank you. Three months yesterday.
CL: You just couldn't have him out of your arms for a moment, could you? (Gesturing to the pouch.)
Me: Actually, we're both much happier when he's in here.
CL: Oh, really?
Me: It's actually time for his afternoon nap and this is the best way to get him into a deep sleep.
CL: He must be a very good boy.
Me: Why do you say that?
CL: To get to be held as much as he wants.
Me: I guess he's lucky that way.
The whole conversations struck me as odd in some way. The fact that I'm discussing with someone how "lucky" Nathaniel is to get to be held as often as he wants. The fact that it is seen as "my need" to hold him...ignoring the basic idea that babies are made to be held.
My favorite idea of the moment (coming from 'The Continuum Concept') is the one I just mentioned- that babies have been created by hundreds of thousands of years of evolution to be held. If they were meant to be left on their own, they would have their own natural defenses (such as camoflauge, lack of loud cry, ability to walk/run) that other animals have. The simple truth is that they have none of these things and are wholly reliant on their parents for their care, love and protection. Therefore, if someone is meant to develop to their fullest potential, wouldn't that include meeting their early infant need to be held and taken everywhere that adults go? Wouldn't that be the most natural way to "socialize" and teach children what is expected of them later in life? Keeping them close to an adult's beating heart rather than wrapped away in a piece of plastic and blankets seems a much more likely recipe for happiness.
Oh, I could go on all night, but I'd much rather snuggle up with Jed and Nate for the night, so that's what I'll do...
1 comment:
I came back to read your posts from when Nathaniel was Salem's age - it's so nice to hear your thoughts from then. Regarding this particular post, every time I go out here, someone comments on Salem's carrier (it's a moby wrap) and how unusual it is, how happy he looks, etc. It amazes me that more parents don't do it this way. I still don't want him as far away as the stroller, much less with a nanny or in daycare! And my arms would be so tired if I didn't have him in a carrier.
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