Babies own an intimidating presence when they come near me. It’s crazy to think that a tiny individual who can’t speak or walk has the ability to control my ways.
A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I babysat our friend’s 1-year-old son, Owen. This was my first experience in overnight baby handling and I was pretty pumped to trump my past.
Throughout my life, babies have always exemplified annoyance. The previous thinking behind this mindset dawned from a curse that has been passed down to me from my mother. No matter where we would go in public—a restaurant, movie theatre or library—a crying baby followed us.
My perspective is now flipped upside down.
With a 1-year-old child in my apartment, I felt extremely vulnerable. Will Owen smell my fear or will the snot in his nose block the odor? Will Owen target my sense of unbearable feelings with his big blue eyes or will the blue octopus grab his attention first?
My feelings of tension faded as the night wore on. As Owen continually chewed on the television remote, my comfort around him greatly developed.
When near a baby, I always bring out the tears. My girlfriend gained valuable experience around babies while working at Good Samaritan Hospital in the newborn unit. She would always tell me that babies have the ability to sense tension. She always advises me to walk into the situation with confidence and the baby will respond in a positive way.
I found this to be true with Owen.
The following morning—after sleeping through for 10 hours without making a sound—Owen awoke and continued on his path of cuteness.
Luckily, no tears were shed with Owen. Overall, the experience was a great learning lab. Granted, I didn’t have to change a diaper or deal with 3 a.m. wakeup calls.
I’m beginning to like this whole “baby” situation. So long as I’m able to gently grant the child back to its rightful owner on the following morning.