Key to Happiness

Zoe has decided to test the relative strength of her parents. I think she decided on this because Max has a cold and she can sense weakness. The Zoe plan entailed forgoing all naps, turning red, and crying at decibel breaking levels until she got what she wanted. As she doesn't speak we are left to quickly go through all the possibilities and permutations until we stumble upon the Key to Zoe Happiness. The Key to Zoe Happiness includes, but is not limited to -

1) being held over the shoulder (with or without spinning/rocking)
2) being held in front facing outwards (again with or without spinning/rocking)
3) playing with Blue Monkey (i.e. one parent jiggling Blue Monkey while singing the Blue Monkey song
Blue Monkey is the best monkey,
He loves his little Zo-o-e,
Little Zoe is the best baby,
She loves her little Blue Monkey
(repeat)
4) standing within 6 inches of her face while smiling maniacally and saying "Abuga buga buga" over and over again (Max has this down very well) or "Poo-chi poo-chi yo, yamo, yama yo" over and over again (Kenji's version)
5) going into the swing (usually with one or both parents in front of her dancing and singing to amuse her)
6) nursing, this is generally a good and effective default for whatever Zoe wants as it ties into her plan to reach the 100th percentile for baby weight

Here is Kenji performing number 4 from the list of Key to Zoe Happiness

Zoe, bored, prepares to select another option from the list


As part of the ongoing struggle to get Zoe to do what I want, I found that creativity and flexibility are important in outsmarting the baby. She may only be 3 months old, but she is a wily little imp as her father will attest. In order to thwart her kickiness which has resulted in many lost baby socks, I have opted for unmatching adult socks that go up to her thighs (much to the chagrin of Max who finds the outfit embarrassing). Even an angry Zoe has never successfully kicked off one of these!

Zoe successfully kicks off her blankets, but the socks stay put!