Me & You Makes ... One (Part 2)

So Ma tells me that I should put Rain in a play pen (play yards, pack 'n' play, whatever). Play pens are basically roofless cages for babies. Sure, they've got a cushy bottom, but the high walls and cell-like shape certainly say, "Have a seat; you won't be leaving for a while."


I had been warned several weeks before by a friend that it was too late to put Rain in a pen. If she hadn't grown up with one, the chances of her liking one now were slim.


But, there I was, as usual, desperate. I had cancelled my gym membership, and the DVDs seemed like my last chance at losing post-delivery pounds. Every time I put an exercise DVD on, Rain would scream and wrap her tentacles around my knees. I felt like a bad mom and a pansy all at once.

So one day, I pulled out the play pen that I had never used. I set it up, and plopped Rain in with a few choice toys. I started the DVD and hoped for the best. Rain, at first, was puzzled. I peeked at her between jumping jacks, and her expression said, "Is this a new game? Should I be happy?" I smiled and cheered her for being so calm. (Note: You'd be surprised how well smiling changes a child's whole outlook. If you've ever seen a toddler take a tumble, sit up with a welt on his head, stare at his parents for confirmation--they, of course, smile and clap likes he's just laid a golden egg--so he smiles, shakes it off, and goes on, then you know what I'm talking about.)

I kept hopping about while Rain cruised along the walls of the pen. She played with her toys, but a five minutes later, the game was up. She figured out quickly that although we were in the same location, we were not really together. I was doing my thing, and she was doing hers. (Note to New Parents: Babies have a keen sense of "together." Don't try to do two things at once during play time. Rain has smacked a book out of my hands so many times like, "Hey! I'm talking to you!" that I can testify.)

She blew up, so as a responsible warden, I had to free her. For two or three days after my little felon was released, life on the outs was tough for all of us. Finally, I decided to try again. I fed her well, put her down for a nap, and when she woke up, I started my DVD.

I did the whole thing, and she didn't cry once. Was it because she had napped right before? Maybe. Was it the heavy meal? Perhaps. The truth is, I don't know. O ye fickle babes! One minute they love carrots, the next, only corn is in. Toys, books, and snacks go by the wayside the second something better--or, at least different--comes along. Pink is the new white, and shredded wheat is the new oatmeal. Ask any parent who ran out and bought a huge, price toy for her kid because her tot loved it at the store. Yeah, that sucker is still collecting dust somewhere, isn't it? I hear ya.