Lucky

I feel like the luckiest mom in the world. I haven't written much about Noah's sweet disposition because somehow it felt like bragging. And I think I'm not the only one. I've noticed lately that sometimes when I compliment other babies or toddlers, the moms contradict me.

ME: "She's so sweet tempered!"
MOM: "Oh you should have seen her last night - she knows how to throw a fit."

ME: "He's so polite."
MOM: "Well - that's just 'cause he wants something."

It sounds terrible -- disparaging their own children, in front of their children. Yet it's surprisingly easy to do. It feels self-deprecating, as if our children were merely extensions of us (their moms) rather than independent people worthy of encouragement (and sensitive to discouragement - especially from Mom).

So in an effort to make sure I don't fall into this trap, I've decided to rave a bit. If it sounds like bragging, so be it. There couldn't be a better reason.

For the last week, Noah has been a little under the weather - a low fever last Thursday and then a cough ever since. He's a little clingier and fussier, but not crying a lot, still sleeping through the night, still content when running errands with me, still smiling at people and easily entertained. In short, he's still been sweeter and easier to have around than I would expect of a healthy baby. And, it turns out, he has an ear infection.

Last night, I had to take him with me to Publix just before bedtime to get his antibiotic. He was hungry, tired, coughing, had an ear ache, and is cutting a tooth. And by the time we left Publix, I think everyone in the store had said something about how sweet and cute he is. A few toys to suck on, a few words of encouragement, and a round of "Old MacDonald had a farm" were enough to keep him happy. Naturally, he has moments of crankiness, and as he grows, he's learning how to express his desires and displeasure (especially at bedtime). Yet I am still amazed that he is so patient and sweet-tempered.

And it's fun to see how his personality plays out as he develops. For example, he's always been social and fairly verbal - smiling and babbling up a storm. He's also been such a content baby, that he doesn't show much interest in rolling or crawling. I have a hunch that he'll be talking early and walking late. But it could be the opposite - I just love that we get to find out. That we get to know him, study him, and encourage him to keep going, trying new things, and expressing himself in respectful ways.

And I thank God that our first baby is such a happy baby. There's enough uncertainty and fear and ignorance wrapped up in being a first-time parent; I'm so glad it wasn't overlaid with a sensitive or colicky kid. Which brings me back to my first thought: maybe I am the luckiest mom in the world.