Good baby?

Often people ask me if Edward is a good baby and I never know how to answer this. I even find myself describing Edward as a "good baby" not really understanding what I mean.

To start this post I need to explore what "Good" and 'Bad" mean. Both links are quite long but I basically cannot imagine Edward fitting the description of "bad". The only description I can see attached to children is "Informal: Disobedient or naughty" Edward has no concept of "good" or "bad". He's a baby, he hasn't the capacity to understand what that means, he is only acting on what he needs. To say he is "good" is saying that is has the capacity to be "bad" and I like I've said before Edward is not capable of either.

I am assuming that the reason we need to label a child dates back from the Victorian era when children were expected to be "seen and not heard, or preferably not seen and not heard" Quote Aunt Emma, Railway Children. (I know this lady is a fictional character!) It comes from the same concept that babies are born evil and need to be broken, by letting them cry it out. If Edward cries, it's because he needs me, not because he is trying to manipulate me or be naughty. Even if those needs are "I am bored or lonely". They are just as important as "I have a dirty nappy". They're his emotional needs, which are just as important as his physical ones.

If you believe a baby is capable of being "good" or "bad" this can surely only lead to resentment?
If a baby isn't doing what you want them to do, then you'd believe the baby is choosing to be like that. And it's only natural to feel resentment towards someone who is going against your wishes. Like I've said before, labels can lead to a self fulfilled prophecy, which is hardly ever a positive thing, surely we want our children to grow up to be themselves, not just a label.

Treading water

I have days, like most mothers when it feels like we're treading water and getting no where fast. Edward has never been a baby that communicates through crying (apart from in the first months). He quickly realised that all he had to do was cough to get my attention. Yes, I am a "helicopter parent" hovering over him with willing arms ready to dive in and rescue him as soon as he is in trouble.

Today he just seemed to want to moan at me, not content with being distracted, I believe he's teething and struggling with the heat. I know I am.
I took him to Rhyme time but could barely let him out of my arms, instinct took over and I knew he needed to be held and nursed often. We also went to the play farm and he was contented for a while, but pretty soon he needed his mummy again. That's fine by me because this is what I am here for.

The weather has been perfect today, not too hot or cold, so I took the opportunity to go to the park with Edward and sit in the sunshine. We don't have grass in our garden so whenever I can I try and take Edward outside to feel the grass on his bum. Unfortunately shortly after the first picture was taken a Great Dalmatian came up and stole Edward's toy. He didn't seem to mind and started to eat grass instead.

The blanket game

When Edward was tiny, he wouldn't sleep and I was so desperately tired. Yes, even co-sleeping can't guarantee you will always have a peaceful nights sleep.
One night I put my blanket over our heads to make it darker, only to discover that the fleece blanket let different shades of light in. Seeing his excited face, instantly calmed me, there is nothing more special than seeing a happy smiley baby (even with less than two hours sleep). Edward was amazed and so this started a new game that we play almost every day and mostly initiated by him. I had to record this today in the photos above, because it is so beautiful and I would hate to forget these precious moments.