Back to School (Baby Teddy School that is)

Being a mommy has no instruction booklet or manual, as on the job training is preferred by babies. Being the Type A, over-educated idiot I am, I crave instructions and teaching. Needless to say, this is the first time that I have had a baby for a teacher, but I have been enjoying class. Teddy is by all accounts a fairly easy baby; he only cries when there is a specific issue or request, and let me tell you, he has lots of requests. For example, most cries are related to his menu, and he does not like it to vary, prefers it served fresh, but has been known to accept the reheated variety. While not a fan of the culinary treats from Similac, Teddy understands when he must accept a serving or two, but makes it clear that he prefers Dairy Queen to Similac.

Teddy has also taught us about his preferred diapering techniques and is quick to "shower" us when we make a mistake. I prefer showers of praise, but Teddy is not into that yet. He is, however, a big fan of clothes changes....as long as you do not restrict his vision. Like a true divo, he prefers that his clothes magically appear on him under his chin and not involve him having to strain his head to be dressed. Should you need to go over his head, he will voice his displeasure and ensure that next time, you pick a shirt that buttons up.

Teddy is also a big fan of playtime, but not such a big fan of bath time, therefore, we are having to trick him into believing that bath time is playtime. This has garnered mixed results and I think until he can sit up on his own, bath time will just not be as fun for Teddy. Throwing water and screaming are effective to make us change our plans.

Now Teddy has also taught me that John Steinbeck's intro to Of Mice and Men is possibly correct "the best laid plans of mice and men gain aft aglee." Teddy may participate in the first few minutes of our activity but once he is bored, he is ready to leave and go back to the fun of his swing or bouncer. No amount of bottles, burping, holding, singing, etc will do and we must immediately depart. Also, Teddy particularly does not like to be bound to his car seat for extended periods of time and prefers to move around (wow, does that sound like one of his parents or what?), so when he has had enough, be sure to enjoy the vocal stylings of Teddy Azer doing the MJ "Scream" version he so loves. Oh and should you not pay enough attention to him, you will hear about it. Teddy would definitely be a "Quality Time" person in the Five Languages of Love quiz, probably closely followed by Acts of Service, but he never turns down a Gift either.

Now, don't get me wrong, someone could have explained all of this to me before Teddy, but I am sure I still would have had to learn it all from Teddy under his strict teaching methods. And, for the most part, I enjoy the lessons because they are followed by a smile, a "gahh" or other Teddy-love once I get it right (I am very Pavlovian, and will repeat things when rewarded).

We will post some 2 month photos soon so you can see for yourself how big Teddy is and try to count all the rolls and chins (there are a few, I am sure he gets that from me!). I am taking over under bets on his weight, which I currently believe is close to 13 lbs....I will let you know the winning number.