Riley: Two Months

If I have to spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week doing nothing but worrying about what goes in a baby's mouth and comes out the other end, then there's no baby I'd rather do that for than Riley. People often talked about "good babies," and that was a concept lost on me until Riley. Of course, he fusses and cries, but in general he's really kick-back - sleeps good long stretches at night, eats with vigor and has some awake times checking out the world and offering smiles and giggles.


When Riley does cry, it usually doesn't take long to figure out what he wants or, at least, a way to stop it. There is something about an infant's cry that makes you want to - need to - respond immediately. Sometimes, I feel bad because Riley will have to cry a little longer than I would like because he's not the only little one around needing attention. He doesn't seem to hold it against us.


At first, Riley wasn't so big on riding in his car seat, but he's getting a little better and we're venturing out a little more. He likes being carried in the Baby Bjorn, and usually crashes out with his face pressed against our chests, vigorously sucking away on his pacifier. He sleeps swaddled, and often smiles as he's getting wrapped up. It's so hard to look away when he locks his eyes on mine and smiles. I try to look away because I've read that eye contact is very stimulating to infants, and all I want is for him to crash out.


Mostly, it's been fun to watch him chunk up into rolly-polly baby. His cheeks and legs are so plump and yummy we can't help but kiss them.


The other night, we were talking about how weird the world and life must seem to Riley. Everything he sees, hears, smells and touches is brand new. What does he think of all of this? And how does he think without labels like words or emotions to define what he is thinking? I know we all did it, but imagine being such a clean slate with every experience being new and completely out of your own control, including your own body functions. Luckily, complex, existential and philosophical musings quickly fade away when Riley is curled up in my arms, cooing softly with heavy eyelids. Life gets boiled down to the most basic of needs and the most purest of emotions. For all that he learns and all that he becomes, Riley is innocent and loved.