The Bassinet

Before my son was born, my mom bought him a bassinet. Considering he screams every time I place him in it, I'm glad she didn't spend a fortune on that investment. Instead, my beloved cat Bandit sleeps in it, a place he has developed as 'his domain', and guards it ferociously.

I knew I would experience some nights of interrupted sleep. After all, I heard of the classic sleepless nights a newborn is prone to. Experienced mothers told me there would be frequent bottle feedings and diaper changings but I at least pictured when he did sleep, he would sleep in his bassinet. By the time we brought him home from the hospital, I placed the bassinet next to my side of the bed. That way, I could easily feed him when he cried. I pictured in my mind the perfect setup: crisp white bassinet sheets to match, and easy accessability. I just didn't expect him to cry each time we placed him in it. Still, three months after his birth when I attempt another try at it, he screams, hollers and shouts for me.

I lose the battle each and every time.

This is one of the many lessons I have learned as a mother. No matter how much sense it makes for my son to sleep in the very place I have picked out for him, he will often find another. What I often think is 'right', my son will insist is wrong. We pick our battles as mothers, and give up when the fight isn't worth fighting for.

And eventually with some luck, we find a use for the thing he will not use. Luckily in my case, I have a cat named Bandit.