March 1, 2000 - Wednesday
Sleep may not be such an evil place for babies after all. Of course, I suppose Harry's dreams of his mother are probably quite pleasant, but he never seems happy about going to sleep, always getting a little cranky, and has woken up crying a few times. This evening, however, in quite a reversal of dream fortunes, Harry started laughing - actually laughing - in his sleep. His mother and I thought he laughed a few days ago, but as with the first smile, thought it might be just be squirming, random vocalizing, or something else. But this time, out of a solid sleep, it was distinctly a laugh.

His mother and I, both there on the couch with him, immediately turned and started to pick him up in anticipation of a likely turn for the worse. But, no disoriented crying episode was to follow. When the laughing and grinning continued, we let go, looked at each other, and started laughing ourselves. What's more, after peaking at us for our approaches, Harry seemed to do what anyone waking from a good dream would: he shut his eyes and tried to find the happiness again.

Still, sleep seems like something Harry would just as soon avoid and usually gets pouty as it descends upon him. But, lately, I've had some success with something my parents have claimed over the years always worked like a charm with me as a baby: rubbing his head. I hadn't had too much success with this in early attempts, but now, if he's yawning and showing signs of impending sleep it seems to do the trick. A couple times I've even just put him down in his crib, rubbed his head for minute or two, and he's been off to nod. Maybe we're both just getting more comfortable.


Comments, opinions?