Enjoying some quality time in Mommy's and Daddy's bed And so the time has come: I'm teething and as Queen V (no, not Posh Spice) would have said: One is not amused. It’s painful, I’m drooling like a Saint Bernard and Mommy isn't exactly loving this new phase either. It's kind of like a jacked up version of the post baby shot hangover which we experienced a couple of months ago: Mommy's "mommy bun" is as greasy as ever but unfortunately no mirror in the world is enough to make me forget about my growing gnawers.
That's not the main reason however why this story has taken so long to post. The real reason is that Mommy, having developed a heart condition since my arrival (i.e. she now has one), has been unusually affected by the refugee development across Europe and hence feels that whatever hurdles we may have to cross, it would be inappropriate to complain (at least within earshot of anyeone) - and for once, I'm with Mommy on this one.
For, I may be only 8 months old, but I'm not stupid and although I'm still learning about the concept of gratitude, I do realize that I've kind of hit the jackpot in life. Sure, Mommy and I may have our differences as to what I should do when (and how) and the dog and I haven't really hit it off either, but on the whole I can't complain too much. Besides having two loving parents, I'm also healthy and hence I just basically need to go through the normal motions of growing up and try not to f*ck up all too much along the way.
So, with the basics of love and health covered, I'm also lucky in that I was born into one of the wealthiest countries in the world where schooling and universal health care is considered a given, not a luxury. On top of this, both my parents earn enough money such that we have a nice and comfortable home and we don't have to worry each month about making ends meet. We can also afford nice holidays, send the dog off to his “dog-otel”, eat well and when it comes to me and my needs, going budget is an option rather than a choice by default.
In short, there is no shortage of much in my family and although it's sometimes easy to forget, we're pretty darn lucky and should count our blessings every day. Unfortunately however, this does not appear to be how the world works and when it comes to appreciation for one's own luck, it's not just us babies who seem to have the memory of a goldfish…
I for one, am wondering how long the image of the washed up Syrian boy on the shores of Turkey will remain in Mommy's memory, reminding her not only to say thanks but also pushing her to take action. I remain sceptical, but she may surprise me here and actually honour her own pledge of “no shopping before Christmas” and giving half of the money thereby saved to help those refugees who have risked everything just so that they can provide their children with what we take for granted: A childhood where your biggest worries are teething problems and toddlers' bruises.
That's not the main reason however why this story has taken so long to post. The real reason is that Mommy, having developed a heart condition since my arrival (i.e. she now has one), has been unusually affected by the refugee development across Europe and hence feels that whatever hurdles we may have to cross, it would be inappropriate to complain (at least within earshot of anyeone) - and for once, I'm with Mommy on this one.
For, I may be only 8 months old, but I'm not stupid and although I'm still learning about the concept of gratitude, I do realize that I've kind of hit the jackpot in life. Sure, Mommy and I may have our differences as to what I should do when (and how) and the dog and I haven't really hit it off either, but on the whole I can't complain too much. Besides having two loving parents, I'm also healthy and hence I just basically need to go through the normal motions of growing up and try not to f*ck up all too much along the way.
So, with the basics of love and health covered, I'm also lucky in that I was born into one of the wealthiest countries in the world where schooling and universal health care is considered a given, not a luxury. On top of this, both my parents earn enough money such that we have a nice and comfortable home and we don't have to worry each month about making ends meet. We can also afford nice holidays, send the dog off to his “dog-otel”, eat well and when it comes to me and my needs, going budget is an option rather than a choice by default.
In short, there is no shortage of much in my family and although it's sometimes easy to forget, we're pretty darn lucky and should count our blessings every day. Unfortunately however, this does not appear to be how the world works and when it comes to appreciation for one's own luck, it's not just us babies who seem to have the memory of a goldfish…
I for one, am wondering how long the image of the washed up Syrian boy on the shores of Turkey will remain in Mommy's memory, reminding her not only to say thanks but also pushing her to take action. I remain sceptical, but she may surprise me here and actually honour her own pledge of “no shopping before Christmas” and giving half of the money thereby saved to help those refugees who have risked everything just so that they can provide their children with what we take for granted: A childhood where your biggest worries are teething problems and toddlers' bruises.