Watch the Walk

Having a new baby is, I'm sure, an adjustment for everyone. Even if you've raised many babies, there's something different about it being your own. Some people love getting advice on taking care of their baby, others would rather you zip it, shut it, and mind your own business.  If you do want to get advice, just have a baby in the islands. They have certain things that they've learned about how to raise babies, and there's not too much variation from person to person. So when they see someone going against general knowledge, they're quick to tell you the right way.  So, for your edification, here's some things you should know, especially as a foolish American raising their baby in the islands: Fans: are to be avoided. Baby's ears and airways are sensitive, don't you know. The baby will get sick, they'll get asthma, they'll be in pain. Oh, and the same goes for taking them out on a windy day. It may be warm as anything out, but the wind is st...

My baby is a social baby. She takes after her father that way, I suppose. He certainly is friends with everyone and everyone is friends with him. But as I said, Z is social. She's happy when I put on the baby carrier, because that means she's going out the door. If I put her in the carrier and don't leave right away, she starts fussing. "What's with the false advertising, Mom? I thought we were going places??" As we walk through our neighborhood, kids run up to grab Z's leg or hands and greet her, adults greet her by name and hold her for a minute or give her kisses. She graces them with smiles, coos at her favorites, and grabs for the noses of those who hold her.  Then there's the offices. She's known by name in the phone company's office, workers coming to take her from me and trying to get her to laugh and smile. Yesterday we went to the post office and, yet again, she was a crowd favorite.    But the refrain that I hear most often is "...