Xander’s favorite song these days. When he sees water spouts, he looks for a spider. (via Abstract City Blog)

Xander’s favorite song these days. When he sees water spouts, he looks for a spider. (via Abstract City Blog)

I’ve been watching a lot of Sesame Street lately online with Xander. In addition to the usual pedagogical/educational content, I’ve been enjoying the angles directed at parents. This is Patrick Stewart saying “Make it so, Number One!” clearly alluding to his role as Captain Pickard. Then there is Sarah Jessica Parker, “Waiting for Big.” Various singers’—Feist, Jason Mraz, Norah Jones—modified versions of their popular songs are quite creative too. I’m glad that the good people at Sesame Street take the time to make the show enjoyable for parents, who inevitable sit through it with their kids.

babyxander:

I like to jam with a street musician whenever I have a chance!

babyxander:

I like to jam with a street musician whenever I have a chance!

Cite Arrow reblogged from babyxander
“I’€™m Vaccinated!” So he’s fine giving a pig a full smooch! @dailyshoot #ds63

“I’€™m Vaccinated!” So he’s fine giving a pig a full smooch! @dailyshoot #ds63

“Baby & Shopping Cart” I don’t like the crack across the parking lot, but it’s still a fun photo of a shadow! @dailyshoot #ds44

“Baby & Shopping Cart” I don’t like the crack across the parking lot, but it’s still a fun photo of a shadow! @dailyshoot #ds44

“Xander’€™s Hands” @dailyshoot #ds37 — I love watching how he plays with his hands when he’s watching something on TV.

“Xander’€™s Hands” @dailyshoot #ds37 — I love watching how he plays with his hands when he’s watching something on TV.

“Daddy-Baby Feet” (via my Flickr)

“Daddy-Baby Feet” (via my Flickr)

I’m pretty sure this is the bargain between Xander and Pancake as well. But it’s an unstable bargain…. [ICHC?]

I’m pretty sure this is the bargain between Xander and Pancake as well. But it’s an unstable bargain…. [ICHC?]

I suspect every parent has a particular image of their children as young babies that are etched into their long-term memory—the kind that flashes back at every major subsequent life event of the children, such as the prom, graduations, weddings, etc. I think this might be mine, although not this particular shot. There has always been something about him looking back over his high chair to look at me in the kitchen.

I suspect every parent has a particular image of their children as young babies that are etched into their long-term memory—the kind that flashes back at every major subsequent life event of the children, such as the prom, graduations, weddings, etc. I think this might be mine, although not this particular shot. There has always been something about him looking back over his high chair to look at me in the kitchen.

“Daddy! I’m down here!”

“Daddy! I’m down here!”

Lessons of Baby Care

Although now starting to get better, Xander had two difficult nights this week. The second time that he was screaming his head off, nothing was consoling him (this was at 3:30AM). I tried to tickle him around his collarbone, which always makes him giggle uncontrollably. Apparently, not always. Trying to tickle a baby when they’re upset only makes them more upset.

Love and Logic at Work

Susanne and I started using Love and Logic philosophy for our parenting. One of its main components is giving babies/kids choices to empower them. At 9-month old, Xander doesn’t get too many meaningful choices. At bath time, I usually offer him his rubber duck ducky (which has been his trusted friend in the bathtub for many weeks). I began offering the ducky along with a rubber elephant (which can spray water out of its nose). Since I began offering the two choices, he’s been immediately reaching for the elephant, ditching his long-time friend.

Couple of days ago, however, I could actually see the gears turning in his brain. He immediately reached for the elephant, paused, turned and looked at the ducky for one or two seconds and then finalized his choice as the elephant. It was quite amazing to witness.

“That’s lovely!”

That has recently become one of my most oft-used phrase during meal times. The proper intonation for usage has to be dripping with sarcasm, as in, “that’s lovvvvelyyyy!” Some examples:

  • Oh, are you stroking your hair with your blueberry oatmeal covered fingers? That’s lovely.
  • Oh, you’re squishing grains of rice on to your forearm. That’s lovely.
  • Are you flapping your arms when your hands are covered in fruit? That’s lovely.
  • etc.
You get the idea. Isn’t it lovely?
Grains of rice everywhere at the end of his dinner. With a big smile on his face.

Grains of rice everywhere at the end of his dinner. With a big smile on his face.