Patrick

Poor Patrick doesn't get a lot of press. Maybe its because he doesn't eat poisonous substances or poop on the carpet. I've started to feel a little bit guilty...when you even glance at the poor boy, he bursts into smiles. I think its because he knows that full-on attention is rare, so he puts on quite a performance.

I'll admit it, other parents are afraid to, but its just an actual fact...you don't pay as much attention to your second child as you do your first. How can I? How can I goo and gaa with Patrick while Helen has her finger hooked on a fish hook? How can I remember to give Patrick his tummy time when Helen has found the phone and is dialing someone?

He lets Helen lay on him. Today she rolled him over. He tolerated it. She's started to poke him and say "cute." She calls him "Trick." She tries to give him a bottle and put his paci in his mouth. She loves to lay under the baby gym with him. She points out his body parts. Even his eyes and the more modest ones. So he's getting some attention. Maybe unwanted attention...but nonetheless.

Somehow though, I don't think he is too much worse for the wear. He is so happy. He is so easy. He is so laid back. He sleeps like a champ. He never fusses. Give him a paci and a quick snuggle and he's set. He's even a genius. He has somehow figured out that if he can stay awake between the hours of 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. that sister of his is asleep, and he gets undivided attention. And no one is trying to ride him. Oh, because that's what Helen did today as they were getting into the bath tub. So I think he is pretty happy when 8 o'clock hits.