I’ve mentioned before that Nathan absolutely adores Toby, even if he does also persecute him at times. Right from day one, though, Nathan has wanted to cuddle Toby and pick him up and care for him. It wasn’t long before he wanted to change Toby’s nappies as well. These days Nathan thinks he is capable of any part of caring for Toby, from breastfeeding him to bouncing him to sleep in the hammock.
Arthur Bear has become Nathan’s baby substitute for some major role-play that is happening here recently. Apparently Arthur has heaps of wet and pooey nappies which need to be changed on the change table. This results in nappies being strewn from one end of the flat to another, as nappies are removed (and thrown onto the floor or put into the wash) almost as soon as they go onto the bear. Arthur also spends time in the bouncer, but he cries a lot so Nathan has to take him to the couch to breastfeed him. When Arthur is tired he is put into the hammock and bounced off to sleep, and if Nathan decides that we’re going somewhere in the car, then Arthur is put into the car capsule, and I even whipped up a mock mai tai for him to carry Arthur in. I don’t think that any baby has ever had a more attentive parent. That is, of course, until Nathan gets sidetracked by something interesting and dumps Arthur like a hot potato, only to run around frantically looking for him later.
On occasions, as well, Angus Bear (Toby’s bear which is just a different colour to Arthur but otherwise the same) is also cared for, and that means that Nathan has to feed them both at the same time! Both bears also use the toilet or potty on occasions, even though they are nappy-wearing bears. He also cues them like we cue Toby to wee.
A ‘mei tai’ carrier that I made today for Nathan to carry Arthur in
Changing Arthur’s nappy
Arthur and Angus on potties and Nathan in the Bumbo seat
Mummy often sits on the floor to bounce Toby
Nathan loves to play with Toby under the baby gym
ah just gorgeous!