Baby Step #22 It’s all about the attitude

"What are you lookin' at, buddy? You got a problem with my bear suit? Cuz I like my bear suit."

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Baby Step #18 Fabulous hairstyles can go terribly wrong

Baby Step #17 You can never go wrong with a good hat

Baby Step #16 Listening for pleasure

First hearing test (Day after birth)

So Cheeky Chupeta and I will be hanging out when she’ll suddenly perk up, turn toward the door, and dimple in delight.

What? I don’t hear anything.

Then I’ll focus, really listen, and realize that she’s enjoying the subtle jingle-jangle of our beagle’s dog tags across the house.

It is a really nice sound.

When we think of listening for pleasure, we tend to think of music. But taking a cue from Lil’ All Ears, I’m paying attention to the sonorous delights of dog snoring and the pitter-patter of approaching footsteps. It’s a rich soundscape we live in, if we take the time to slow down, shut up and enjoy it.

After Cheeky’s first hearing test at the hospital, the nurse declared her to have good hearing. Now I’m realizing that it’s not just the hearing, it’s the listening.

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What sounds do you savor when you’re not running around like a headless chicken?

Baby Step #14 Realizing that a total mess is sometimes the stage before total bliss

Baby Step #13 Chalk around the block!

Let’s face it, having a kid is the perfect excuse to start drawing on stuff with chalk again. But you really don’t need one.

Why?

Because you — yes, you my friend — have a tiny repressed artiste inside of you. Mine is a malnourished little Frenchman who wears a maroon-colored beret and smokes unfiltered Gauloises. And, believe me, Jean-Paul needs a day out!

So, whether it’s that sad sidewalk in front of your house, that bare wall by your apartment building, or (if you’re all shy like) that pathetic little piece of pavement around back, borrow some chalk from your little local artistes — or splurge on a box of Crayola Low Dust– and go at it!

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What’s your repressed artiste’s name?

Baby Step #12 Understanding that no one is more beloved than the bringer of breakfast in bed