Rock-a-bye Baby

One of the topics I have wanted to write down for a while now is the subject of rocking. Now, ever since Nathanael was born we have learned the fine art of rocking a baby. There are many different kinds of rocking, and each baby demands a personalized selection at any given moment of his life. For example, Nathanael may want vigorous rocking from his dad as a newborn when he is tired and gentle swaying from mom as a two-month old when he is upset.

Scientifically-minded persons, beware! There is no pattern in these variables that can be learned or --gasp!-- optimized. And what works for one baby in one sitatuation one day, may not work in a similar situation the next!

However, one humorous aspect that we have discovered about this particular stretch of parenthood is our own acclimation to the rocking. Michael and I both have noticed ourselves unconsciously rocking or swaying at times when we are not holding Nathanael! I have been especially embarrassed when I find myself doing so in a store or public area.

Conversely, the calm rhythmic motion is very soothing and is something that most adults could certainly benefit from. We can take a lesson from babies and learn to serve our bodies when they would like food, water, and sleep and not at our own convenience. We might find that they serve us much better when we attend to them promptly!