Baby Blog

Once your child gets past the whole putting things in their mouth stage, somewhere around ten or twelve months, you think your giant worry watch list has been reduced by one item. Oh the naivety of the first time mom.

Instead of putting things in his mouth, baby Nik now has the legs to explore things of interest in a completely different manner. He is in love with cars and trucks and must be held very tightly when crossing parking lots or walking down the sidewalk. He doesn’t understand the danger of running out in front of vehicles. My heart hits my throat at every attempted escape.

So far we have avoided any terrible accidents but the way Nik’s escapes have increased in frequency and speed, it was only a matter of time. Today I was reminded of how curiosity can hurt a baby; whether it’s his head or his ego that feels pain.

We were browsing the local thrift store for possible vintage clothing for the museum. Nik was seated in the buggy, in the little kid part at the front. The straps were long gone but it had never been a problem in the past. Nik was engrossed in staring at a pretty five year old girl over in the toy section. He smiled, trying to catch her attention but she, absorbed in a story book, remained oblivious to his existence.

I turned around for less than five seconds to look at fabric. Then I heard the crunch.

The crunch was the sound of my son’s head hitting the floor of the senior center thrift store. He had, in one swift move, stood up, climbed over the side of the buggy and jumped for it. I was in shock, just stared at the child who was not screaming or fussing. He just rubbed his head, shook off my advances and stumbled across to the five year old girl.

“Hey.” Baby Nik smiled his winning smile at the little girl. Finally she noticed him.

“Aawh what a cute baby!” Nik was mortified. If there is one thing my little guy hates more than anything it’s being referred to as a “baby” especially by a pretty girl.  Head down, bottom lip protruding Nik returned to his mother for the obligatory scolding.

Nik spend the rest of the shopping expedition tied into the shopping cart with a variety of colorful vintage scarves.

I need eagle eyes and a girl free zone to raise my son. Then maybe, just maybe my baby boy could avoid a whole heap of trouble and emotional upset.