Pyrrhic Stroller Victory

I think I said something yesterday about Jasper's perfection, and I'm not taking it back. He is the world's perfect baby. I got home from work today and he was sitting on his Grandma's lap (actually, standing in her lap as he likes to do) and looking out the window behind her. I got ahold of him a few minutes later. He was looking a little sleepy, but I wanted to play. So I started a game where I lifted him up in the air very quickly (some might call it tossing) and said "weeeee" at the same time. Well, he got the biggest kick out of that; laughing every time. The only problem was, as soon as I stopped, he cried. But if I did it again, he laughed. Normally, I would just keep doing what made him laugh for as long as he wanted, but he is starting to be a heavy little guy, and I was afraid of dropping him. So, I stopped for a breather, thinking that he would stop crying when he got distracted by a dust mote floating by or a cat sneezing. Nope. He decided to cry in earnest.

Then I realized (with a possible suggestion from Amelia) that tossing the sleepy baby in the air might be a good recipe for tears. Sorry about that Jasper! Luckily, Grandma knew the answer: take him outside for a moment. Grandmas are great for these magical nuggets. As soon as we stepped out the door, he calmed down. We strolled out to the sidewalk and looked at the birds. (I'm determined that he will like birds - those who know me will know which ones - as much as I do.) It was so much fun that we decided it was time for a longer walk in the stroller.

Jasper is the lucky borrower of a very fancy stroller. The seat reclines; he can face in for comfort or out for socializing; the sunshade comes almost all the way down and has a zipper in back so the pusher can always see him; the wheels all have independent brakes and steering locks; and it has storage for all the necessities - blankets, layers, toys, and take-out dinner for Mom and Dad. This is one suped-up baby carriage! Tonight, we decided on Chinese, and J and I headed up to China Village on Solano (chosen because they started advertising their Michelin review and we were curious).

I try to make plans now that serve multiple purposes, and this one was no different. First, walks in the stroller are a perfect time to tell Jasper all about my day and point out the sights along the way. Next, Amelia gets to take a baby-break, having been Supermom all day. Thirdly, stroller rides usually put Jasper to sleep, and he was seeming kind of sleepy already (see above). Finally, dinner would appear without Amelia or I having to do anything in the kitchen. I set out feeling very proud of this plan.

Normally, such a phrase is followed by something like "little did I know" or "the best laid plans." However, in this case, I'm going to claim victory. Walking with baby and telling stories - check. Amelia gets a baby-break - check. Jasper takes a little nap - check (very little). Dinner - check (though definitely not Michelin quality). The walk was an overall success, and we returned triumphant.

Now, little did I know, my brain actually had another plan. Let's call it the meta-plan. If the stroller walk is a success, my brain thought, then Jasper will have an easier time going to sleep at bedtime, because stroller-nap will equal preparation for nighttime sleep. Jasper had other plans.

Recently, bedtime has been kind of difficult because the only way he wants to nod off is while nursing. I, unlike this particularly ambitious Swede, have not mastered this technique. J used to fall mostly to sleep while I rocked him for a bit in Amelia's family rocker, and then Amelia would get him the rest of the way down in bed. That is just not working for him now, and screaming-crying ensues until I hand him over to his Mama.

So, although our stroller ride was a short-term success (I love seeing him sitting up and looking all around), my long-term plans need some re-thinking. Hopefully, "The No-Cry Sleep Solution" has some useful pointers.

Until next time,

The Papa