People typically have adverse reactions to the idea of babies. I'd say that most people with negative reactions have mostly been around babies when they are crying/screaming or creating some sort of mess. Those reactions, I would say, are certainly warranted and I don't know anybody who truly loves a screaming baby - but there is something incredibly rewarding about the smiles, the giggles, and watching an infant learn new skills that seem to "make it all worth it."
Today I spent my day with a couple of kids - a baby girl trying to figure out how she can start walking and a three-year-old boy. The afternoon rolled around and it was nap time. The little boy had remarked numerous times previously that he was tired so I knew he was an easy sell on the nap - the little girl even seemed to go right to sleep once I put her in her crib.
I was catching up on e-mails when I heard her crying and after a few minutes went to check on her. I opened the door to tears and screaming. I picked her up, checked her diaper to make sure she wasn't uncomfortable due to that, and started to rock her a bit. When she fell back asleep I felt triumphant and returned to my e-mails.
Several minutes later the crying started again. I let her cry for a bit to see if she'd put herself back to sleep but alas, no such luck. I went in to check on her and she was not happy. I tried several ideas - none seeming to work - and eventually just sat her in her crib and gently rubbed her back and her feet while I sang. (*Note: this is the first time I've EVER sung a baby to sleep...) At some point she got in the most awkward position, but she was laying down, so this was a move in the right direction.
Eventually she was out... and it was so great. To see those droopy eyes finally close and to hear the deep breathing start. I walked out feeling content and accomplished.
All for the sake of a sleeping baby.
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