I like to believe my daughter trusts me. She reaches for me when her teeth attack her gums from the inside. She calls for me when bad dreams push her from sleep. She watches intently as I spoon pureed veggies from a bowl and opens her mouth as the spoon approaches. She also shows a surprising lack of concern about her dirty diapers.While other babies loudly proclaim the wetness of dirtiness of their bottom covers, she waits patiently for me to realize how long it has been since I last checked. That's trust. Extreme trust.
While she voices requests for food every couple of hours, other needs remain at my discretion to field. More often than I like, my brain startles me with a calculation of the time elapsed since the last diaper change. Then I must solve the mystery--does she require a change or not? As I try to take note of the many nonverbal cues she provides, I feel a little like
Jeff Foxworthy. I shall list a few of my observations for your education and/or amusement.
If that diaper is sagging,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If it looks as if someone is smuggling tiny water balloons,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If the smell of baby powder changes to something less baby fresh,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If the diaper becomes a heat source,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If the little fingers can't stop pinching the front of the diaper,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If a volley of trumpet blasts erupts from below,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If people cover their noses and back away from you,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If the clothing or diaper changes colors,
the baby might need a diaper change.
If your lap suddenly feels warm and/or squishy,
the baby might need a diaper change.
(And, yes, my neck is so very, very red.)
