April 20, 2010

Laughing, rolling, piggy banking

Your laughter filled the nursery's calculatedly humidified air. It was the first time during waking hours that you laughed aloud. Before, your mom only heard you laugh in your sleep. Funny baby dreams. But this week, the idea of breakfast struck you as broadly hilarious. That, or your mom's breast is comedy gold.

Later, your cries filled the nursery's tightly regulated sixty-eight degree air. It was the first time you'd pushed yourself up during "Tummy Time," leaned determinedly to one side, and rolled onto your back. You were stunned into silence. But the tears came, and your mom and dad placed you on your tummy again.

You were dedicated in church on Sunday. Your mom and dad brought you to the front of the church, ascending the steps to the stage. Before everyone could hold their hands up to pray, your mom handed you to Pastor Mark, and you threw up.

Uncle Paul and Aunt Beth arrived with a Chinese Year of the Tiger piggy bank. Tiger bank, rather. Paul would look at you and say, "Oooh, oooh." Beth patiently waited then played with you quietly. You cried a lot during their visit, and before he left, Paul placed a quarter in your piggy bank.