Why You Want to be Strong as a Baby (Seriously)

Every now and then I wish I was as strong as a baby. Seriously. I’m not nusto. Let’s talk about group baby therapy and not giving up.

A bunch of babies sit in a squiggly circle within a baby fence to share their baby addictions. Several nibble on their feet or whatever inanimate object happened to be in the play pen. One or two periodically crawl out of the circle to examine the floor or the fence. One baby spies something hilarious (possibly a Kleenex box) and starts giggling.

They do and don’t take turns about why they’re there today.

It’s my son’s turn. He pivots, holds onto the fence and stands.

“Ba ba ba ba. Ma ma me ga ga.”

“I am an addict. I’m addicted to standing.”

After this, he squeals with glee, gnaws on his free hand and flops back down. He immediately lifts into a low squat and hovers his hands out in an attempt to stand.

Addicted to Standing

I’ve imagined this scene for the past month or so since Little Man has learned how to pull himself up to standing. Anything is fair game as a support system: baby fences, pack n’ plays, coffee tables, chairs, dressers, any adult’s body…

More recently, he’s begun trying to stand on his own without any props. It’s fascinating to watch his poses as he attempts this feat. They include:

• A baby-modified downward dog position and pushing up off his hands
• A hover squat and launching up
• A skater squat and lifting up
• Kneeling on his knees and slapping the ground with both hands

Sometimes he manages to stand up and wobbles precariously for a few seconds before flopping down. He then moves onto his next mission – climbing, crawling or tasting something (often attempting this all simultaneously).

In the early days, when he hadn’t figured out rolling yet, he would lie on his back and feverishly pump his arms and legs back and forth. He was new on the scene and ready to move in whatever way he possibly could.

Wanting the Strength of a Baby

Little Man’s determination to keep moving, trying, learning and growing is inspirational… and humbling.

He inspires me to wonder, “Am I willing to put myself on the line to try something hard? Do something new? Not give up? Do I have the strong drive of a motivated baby?”

Am I addicted to not giving up?

(Of course, we can go down a rabbit hole discussing a baby’s logic and maturity, but that’s not really necessary now. )

Here’s to trying and using the willpower of a baby!

(Somehow Dwight Schrute always comes to mind when it comes to baby strength…)