He Doesn't Give Up the Laughter Easily

It can be hard work getting this kid to laugh. He smiles almost constantly, and flaps his wings excitedly, but he wants everyone to know that he won't just giggle at anything- you really have to be funny. Just look at the sheer sophistication of my "booga booga booga" humor...

The Poetry of Family

I've watched a thousand intimacies unfold

Effortlessly, without conscious thought.

Each a tiny whispering gift

Collected in tufts of hair, wax-thin nail beds, feathery lashes

And cached in a full, warm heart

Like a small mug of cocoa

Just his size

Comforting and nourishing him

For the thousands of choices and troubles and wonders

Yet to be pondered, endured, and beheld.

He breathes in family.

Archer's Buddy Eliot

You can call it "Archer's first play date" if you like. You could say these boys are "two peas in a pod." Whatever bizarre baby lingo or cliche you might choose, the facts are that I took care of two children under 7 months of age all day today...and it wasn't nearly as harrowing as I anticipated. Eliot, who belongs to our good friends John and Colleen, was dropped off this morning and stayed all day.

We walked, visted with college students, played on the mat together, spit up together, got the hiccups together, laughed together, and ONLY ONCE did we cry (actually, bawl) together. In general, we all just enjoyed each other's company. But don't get any crazy ideas - there are no plans to have another bambino anytime soon.

Genes

It is fascinating to me. You mix two people's gene pools together, give 'em a shake, and you have an entirely new look, but with some spooky similarlities to said gene pools. Most folks comment that Archer is unequivically a miniature version of Phil, but with smaller ears and a huge, gaping mouth. I suppose those things come from me - nice. Both Auntie Molly and Grandpa Jim have produced baby pictures of themselves and beamed, "See? Spitting image of myself at that age." My dad commented early on that he thought Archer had the Comfort wide nose - and my mom was taking offense, mumbling, "Hey, hey, hey...watch it" - until he realized that was just the distortion from so many up close camera angles.

I suppose since I am with the boy day in and day out, those traits he has recieved from various family members have become less and less distinct to me. All I see is one magical individual. It is clear he's been swimming in a lovely gene pool indeed.

Sit! Stay! Good Boy!

So he's sitting up now. Actually this happened about three weeks ago, but now he's actually sitting up with intention -- meaning he can catch himself and correct before konking his head on the floor most of the time. This has been a really fun milestone to witness, as he loves to play with his toys and seems so proud of himself for this major accomplishment. Makes for cute pictures too. The rosy cheeks help, of course.