Where was I?

NOTE: I tried to reclaim the thread of this 'blog from past writings, and I found that I mostly reclaimed the wavering line of a narrative that arose from having enjoyed much prior web-surfing. For example, I tend to drift around through the news before settling down to 'blog, but I believe this sets an over-expansive tone into my writing. My thoughts are like spindles of over-arching ideas and global concerns and this guts the essence of the 'blog with regards to my times with my kids.

On with the show:
Kids'-time is a great time for bringing one's thoughts into the ever-present. Of course, the challenge of any conscientious parent remains to balance this essential present with the guidance and preparation that allows for things like timely food (especially when you consider a breast-fed baby in the care of papí) and rest.

Then there are meta-themes that express the parents' values for the children. Many of these are sheer accident, and I will admit that having tried the odd lecture it is obviously not a true means to imparting values to toddlers. There are good examples of the 'osmosis' transfer of values in my own young one.

When Mrs. papí's sisters arrive they often stay for the day. They are well appreciated and papí likes to be cordial and considerate. When I am going to the kitchen for any reason--while the Yi-Yis are playing with the young one and/or holding the baby, for I often spend my time in singular pursuits while they visit (e.g., housework, articles, &etc that I could not get to when caring for the kids as per usual)--I will divert and ask after their wishes or needs. If they want some tea or something (usually nothing, but I still ask) I will fetch it.

The other day, I was busy in the kitchen at just such a time when the Yi-Yis sat in the living room. A snack was delivered to the young one as he stood among his Yi-Yis there, and instead of digging in directly, he went around the room to check whether they first wanted to have some of the snack. No words were uttered to this effect. The boy picked up on the treatment of the guests and used his own values to do the rest (he harbors much affection for the pair).

Certainly this kind of 'osmosis' transfer also puts a mirror to habits we feel better off without. But the boy is too small to catch and tame the odd swears he has heard, and he is moreover a creative soul who makes his own sense out of his communication as it is. His is a non-linear train of thinking. I like to think it is a sign of intelligence that he creates various pathways to solve logical systems of thinking and of speaking. Whether it is of benefit or of challenge, the boy deserves the chance to alight his own cognizance and to build his own bridges.

The baby is looking after his dad more and more. When I run in and out of a room the baby is more actively scanning my movements and he often shares a smile upon a common glance. Our eyes cross and the smile spreads.

I have taken to checking his diaper when he makes the smallest whimper as I am unsure about this situation with the baby. He used to have a distinct cry associated with diaper (kind of a growl in the sob), but that is no more. What's more, he fills his diapers suddenly and dramatically spills over even the larger size we place upon him. This makes it tougher to take him out for our customary runs, but if I keep checking it seems to keep the issue at bay.

Of course, the baby does not eat from a bottle like he does directly from his mother. This means that as long as he is away from Mrs. papí, he will eat in spurts and usually when he really needs the bottle. That makes mealtime more desperate and puts pressure to have the bottle mostly ready when the baby needs to suckle. I must always guess his desires somewhat as I am not carrying around a couple of wonderfully supple and inviting mother's-milk-warmers!