Rock-A-Bye Baby

I don't know if you recall but a couple of months ago we went through quite a struggle with Noah regarding bedtime rocking. The struggle? He didn't want it. He did not tolerate being held, sitting on a lap, being sung to, or being physically close. We, however, thought it important to the bonding process for him to experience these things. His response? Screaming, scratching, crying, pinching. We decided to lay low regarding rocking and to try to find other ways to promote attachment.

Well, guess what? Noah has asked to be rocked the past few nights! This is a major breakthrough! He rocks his little body and points to the rocking chair. (He hasn't quite figured out how to say "rock" yet.) Tonight he cuddled up in my arms with his blanket wrapped around him and we rocked. We rocked and I sang. He touched my face. He smiled at me. I sang "Jesus Loves Me," This Little Light of Mine," "Oh How I Love Jesus," and "Rock-A-Bye Baby." When I left him in his crib he cried. He wanted more. His cry pricked my ears as the cry of abandonment. So I returned. I wiped his tears, assured him of my love, and we rocked and sang some more.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"