Baby lessons

 
​          I have passed my prelims - an intensive babycare week with Fiona. Here are some takeaways:

• Getting back into baby shape is possible at 59, with adjustments.
• Stretch! 20 minutes of yoga rescued my back, neck, arms, and worries.
• Nap! Seize opportunity.
• You can re-learn how to play with babies. Don’t fret if you feel at a loss about what to do at first. Give direct attention, make eye contact, sing, recite rhymes, read books, dance, make silly noises, touch, talk to her, take her outdoors, do active household chores where she can watch.
• Awesome inventions: zip-up-from-the-bottom suits for easy diaper change, backwards-facing mirror in the car, so driver can see baby’s face, crinkly “baby-paper” toy, blanket-sleeper-suit, this clip-on $9 German mobile on Amazon, high strollers, easy on the back.
• Don’t forget old classics: running water, music, crinkly paper, drumming, and see “play” above.

 
            Sadly, Mike’s work shifts next week suffered covid-19 cancellations. I won’t have my second full week with Fiona, but will likely still come for a couple of days. I’ll miss her! We found our rhythm, and she has snuggled deeply into the recesses of Grandma’s heart. Anyway, what a wonderful time we’ve had.
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 200: 197 words, TOTAL = 32,755; 27,245 remaining