The Executive Power of a Baby

He sat in my lap looking up at me, smiling, as he put his little hands into his mouth. He was a polite 6-month-old, this miniature human who happened to be my grandchild. We seemed to have an eye for each other. In the 75-percentile for height and weight, he was strong and alert in a body built by his mommy, 'Lucy', the editor of the Momsey blog, now on maternity leave. (Meals were cooked by daddy.)

His parents work from home. Everything my grandson needs is there, this never-ending full-service department of 'nursing' care, diaper changes, hugs and kisses, nap and play time, to outdoor walks, vitamin D and earthing. In good weather, this gift of earthing is an ever present right of passage for him. His parents insist on it. He needs what Mother Nature has to offer, that calming, soothing walk upon the earth that helps build and renew a new human while keeping the older versions strong. Standing barefoot in the grass is a healing, spiritual moment for him. I see the difference. He looks down at his toes, firmly grasping the greenery of the lawn. As time passes, he begins to realize the awesome power he has over these caring people called parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles. His energized focus will soon be felt.

He began using the jolly jumper, a few months ago, that incredible body building tool that helps redefine what a baby can do. His feet are strong; his hands, so powerful. His view of the world, now in an upright position, is becoming a happy exciting place, a new world of fun for him. With legs in motion, little Eddy begins to jump, while slowly moving in circular motion. He is on this infant 'trampoline', loving every minute of it. He is at the gym. Calling his name causes him to move towards the voice he hears. After a few moments, he facial muscles begin to contort. Time for a change. Words are not here, yet. Rolling out the blanket for a kicking good time, on his back, begins another phase in his development towards independence. He is moving in all directions. He is on a mission. In restaurants, he is passed around the table like the main dish he is. He needs action. All want to touch and hug this incredible brand new being. We are compelled to gravitate towards him. He is an innocent, too.

'Edwardo' is full of delight and energy; his eye focus, incredible, for one so young. He has a body built of strength by mother's milk, created from an envious diet of super foods. Soon after a long 40-hour labour, devoid of medication, the birth event arrived, taking its toll on his diminutive, exhausted mother. She did not waiver. Her pain threshold is beyond anything in my vast repertoire of experience. The Momsey editor is strong for her newborn. She is focused on her diet, eschewing sugar and most fruits because of it. Her energies are devoted to their creation, a bright little boy intent on learning all about the world around him. She is teaching him sign language; dad, other things. Momsey is a new grandmother but with a purpose in mind. Eddy's other grandmother takes him for walks and adores him so.

Technology has no part in this baby's play. Simple things dwell in his simple world. His burgeoning, plastic brain will handle anything from the future. No need to rush progress. (The human mind is the greatest computer in the world, anyway, according to Einstein, the greatest human computer from the last century). Eddy's parents will see to that. It is his human qualities that are being nurtured, now. They are first on the to-do-list. Order is very critical. He is a remarkable little baby who will be home schooled. At 6 months of age, he has begun learning how to pet the cat and 'interact' with Mr. Wiggles who loves him so. Mom is present to supervise. There are two ways. He is learning the right way.

From the beginning, Momsey began to sing “Tea For Two” to him. A lullaby was not forthcoming, only that song from the golden age of Hollywood, a song made famous by Doris Day, the talented triple threat of the 50's. My little boy likes it, smiles at me whenever he hears me sing it softly in his ear. Its catchy tune with silly lyrics makes us smile. But watch out Edward, your musical history is about to begin, with mom and dad, grandpa, too, a former classical pianist. (Momsey is just a silly singer). Your talented parents, both gifted musicians, are here to guide you. But “Tea for Two” will always be our song. 

You are an inquisitive boy, an adult, in some ways, too. You cry, when necessary, quickly, momentarily and politely. Your voice is always heard. There are no weekends off. "You choose these moments well, but then, mom and dad are always near.” No need for attention-getting. Attention is the name of mom and dad's all-hours parenting game. They hover, masterfully, acting much like a  family of birds, in the nest, in this golden period of attachment. For now, mom and dad work from home. It is a special time for all. Family is everything to them. There is no other world quite like it.