BONK

One thing that I am certain that every new parent knows about is the unfortunate "bonking" that goes along with increased mobility. It is true, it makes sense that they bonk. It makes sense because they are learning how to crawl, walk, move freely - because this is not an inborn trait in humans. Sadly, it still feels awful to see your little sweet angel with a big fat black and blue goose-egg on her head. Worse still, when no one at day care can explain how it happened. Makes you want to keep them in a box and it even makes me understand those silly helmets. All this got me thinking about other animals who are born so much further along in development than human babies are. Colts, cows, cats, dogs - all born with the ability to walk - wobbly at first - but they learn quick - right? Babies are a whole other story - leaving parents very worried as they increase their mobility. I can't tell you how many times I've read online the symptoms of a concussion. Sometimes I even find myself imagining that her pupils are different sizes or that she looks like she might vomit... Judith Warner aptly called it - 'Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety" - once there was a day that babies were placed in their playpens and left except to be fed or changed. Me, personally, I am not so sure it's only about the age....