March 18, 2000 - Saturday
Before we had Harry, I used to feel that kids at otherwise adult activities were somewhat disruptive, altering the atmosphere or general tenor of a gathering. I have a kid now myself, but my sensitivity to that dynamic and those attitudes remains and I'm leery of bringing Harry into an environment where he might be considered an intrusive presence. His mother and I have thought about going to the movies and think that it would be fine because he'd be almost certain to sleep through the entire show. Yet, the chance that he'd have a dream and would whimper or worse has large downside potential. I can imagine my discomfort if a baby had started crying at a movie I was watching a few years ago, so we have yet to try the experiment.

Going to visit friends who have no kids can be similarly worrisome, not because they wouldn't understand or might dislike Harry, but because I know the feeling of awkwardness babies can instill. I'd like to think that Harry's good nature and charm would quickly win over all those childless peers with anxieties, that he'd smile or do the raspberry and everyone would be captivated and want to play with him for hours. However, Harry's my son and that gives my a special ability of sorts to recognize my baby's glowing attributes more quickly that others can. Alas, Harry's uniquely endearing qualities quickly become more commonplace to those who are not his parents.


Comments, opinions?