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April 13, 2008
One Small Job
The baby likes to sleep.
And you'd think this was a good thing. But she sleeps at the wrong time. She sleeps during the day. All day. Every day.
One of the sneaky things about babies is that in addition to sleeping, they spend some time awake. And babies that sleep all day stay awake all night. We know this because we also stay awake all night. Or perhaps it is more appropriate to say that Robbi stays awake all night. I have become a real pro at sleeping in the midst of Alden's most lusty nocturnal shrieks.
This evening I am watching the Red Sox/Yankees game. In addition to watching the game, I have a baby-related job. It is simple: keep the baby awake. No problem, I said, almost bragging, as Robbi handed her to me.
This is going to be easy, I said, as I gently encouraged the baby to wake.
She wasn't entirely convinced that it was a good idea.
Come on, I said, I'm lots of fun. Let's do this.
She immediately became completely focused and alert.
And then fell into a profound slumber.
You're making me look bad, I said. Come on, now.
She mustered a modicum of enthusiasm.
I decided to turn on the charm. When charming, I am irresistible to babies.
But perhaps my own child is immune.
My bag of tricks depleted, I had no choice but to despair.
Robbi, shrewd veteran mother that she has become, suggested that I try to cast a spell on the baby.
The fact that I lack magical powers didn't seem to be an issue to Alden, who, to my surprise and delight, suddenly woke up.
From that moment, it has been smooth sailing. The baby and I (and Iggy) have been watching the game and doing various chores while Robbi gets a well-deserved nap.
In other news, there was a parade today in Chestertown.
It was a tiny parade. One banner, one drum major, one small band, and one small group of flag waving people.
I don't know what, if any, occasion there was for the parade. Seiko suggested that perhaps they were just practicing for a more important day, when an actual parade would be called for. There was a light drizzle and not a single spectator along the streets, so I was glad to be there with my camera.
It's sad to think of a parade for no one.
The small parade was gone as quickly as it came, much like this sleepless weekend.
I must return to the baby. I am once more failing at my job.
Posted by bogenamp at April 13, 2008 10:21 PM