We are an offbeat family.So far, Emelia has only about ten stuffed animals and half of them are monsters. Before she was born, I got her the alien and the Loch Ness Monster because they were cute and unconventional. I meant nothing by them. I just liked them. It wasn't until Aaron's cousin Jeff got involved that the monster thing took on meaning.
Jeff decided that Emelia should learn to embrace monsters rather than be afraid of them, so he got her a C'Thulhu puppet and a C'Thulhu Christmas tree ornament (not pictured, but it has a Santa hat and golden balls on its tentacles). I've never read any H.P. Lovecraft, but I'm told that C'Thulhu is basically the most evil of all monsters that ever were and ever will be. But he makes a cute stuffed animal.
My sister Susie then got into the game by getting her a monster toy, as well. She thought Jeff was right on the money. The monster she got has eyes that pop out, and you can open his mouth, torso and head and pull stuffed pieces out. He has a brain and a bat in his belfry; a frog in his throat; a foot in his mouth; a stomach and a heart; and a toe that comes off. It sounds strange and gross, but it's really completely non-offensive and kinda funny. I actually think Emelia will love it when she gets old enough to actually notice it.
My mother didn't know she was contributing to a trend, but she provided the coup de grace with a spider baby toy. I know it's not exactly a monster, but it's something that people are usually afraid of, so I count it among the monsters.
So Emelia's monster collection is well underway, and she sure looks cute surrounded by them. I'm sure some or all of them will be her friends as she grows up, but who knows if they'll keep her from being afraid of scary things. I can't imagine there are many babies out there with monster collections. I've decided, though, that the C'Thulhu puppet will make a good constant to show her growth, so expect to see more of him in the future.
With us as parents, the poor kid was sure to be a little unusual. This is certainly only the beginning . . . .
1 comment:
Hey, Kathy! I've been following your story for awhile now through Aaron's blog, since you lost your other babies. Congratulations on Mommydom!
On monsters, my husband just brought home to my 6yo, 4yo and 1yo raven, tarantula, and scorpion puppets. They love them. Scary is all in the mind of the beholder. Have fun with your own monsters!
As for your breastfeeding in public post a bit down, I completely understand the desire to breastfeed and yet be descreet. After the birth of my first daughter, I didn't go out in public with her for months - I was too nervous about feeding her. Breastfeeding was difficult, neither of us knew what we were doing, it was painful (before I got help on getting a good latch), and I definately needed to see what I was doing. But, we persevered, I breastfed nearly exclusively, pumped at work (I was terrible at it - luckily I could also go home for lunch - Daddy is a stay-at-home-dad) and she self-weaned at 23 months. With my second daughter, I wasn't nearly so shy about public breastfeeding, and I had already developed the skills to do so discreetly. She self-weaned at 23 months old. My third daughter has been breastfed nearly anyplace you can think of (even standing in line at Disneyland - slings are miraculous things), and I don't think many people ever knew. She's 23 months now, and still nursing. So, yes, it can be done! I am firmly of the camp that nursing should only continue as long as both parties are happy with it. Whether you continue on for a long time, or decide to stop tomorrow, you've done yourself and your baby well.
Congratulations!
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