All He Needs to Know...

It's a strange thing to attempt to put everything you know about your child down on paper, but we've come to the point in Monkey's case where I feel like I need to do just that.  Last night, I sat down at the computer and began writing about my baby...  Everything that I could possibly think of that might help his dad when he goes home next month...  But mostly, everything that I could think of that might help Monkey...

Practical things like sleeping and eating schedules, what he's eating now, clothing, shoe and diaper sizes, medical history, etc.

Specific things that Monkey loves like his favorite foods, favorite toys, favorite TV shows, favorite songs...

And the special, "good to know" things that will be easier for Monkey and his dad if he knows them up front. Like how Monkey is extremely hot-natured, and will suffocate if you put him in a blanket sleeper to go to bed.  Lightweight pajamas only, or he'll have a fit after a couple of hours and it will take forever to calm him down. Or how Monkey wants two fuzzy blankets and his stuffed bunny rabbit to cuddle up with in his crib, or he will let you know in no uncertain terms that something is missing.  Things like how Monkey has a really sensitive gag reflex, and even though he is eating all table foods now, you still have to be careful with what you give him when it comes to size and consistency.  Warnings like "He loves the cat, but he also loves to pull him around the room by his tail.  You might want to wait until he's a little older before getting him his own kitty cat."

Sure, it may be going overboard (especially because Monkey will still be with me half of the week), but his dad really does seem to want to make things as easy as possible for him, so hopefully he'll take my novel and use it to his advantage.  The more comfortable Monkey feels, the easier it will be on everyone.  :-)

Still not sure of the next court date, but for some reason March 21st keeps popping into my head.  I vaguely remember hearing that date during the last court hearing.  In the meantime, I get to plan my Monkey's first birthday party (I've been assured he'll be with me for that), and just enjoy him and all of his silliness.  I still hope his dad doesn't panic when I give him a "Book o' Monkey" to memorize over the next few weeks.  :-)