Knot

Yesterday, Baby J bumped her head as a direct result of my tickling her. It was a pretty good bump too, left a big, grisly knot like they get in cartoons. I felt terrible, like I was abusive or something. She got over it pretty quickly though.

I still feel lousy and though her hair covers the bump now, I know it's there. And what's more, I know that in a few weeks we're going to take her to the doctor and she's going to get a bunch of shots. When a baby howls in pain, it touches something deep inside the primordial part of the parents' brains. It's dreadful. On the upside, when a baby laughs, that same center is activated in a good way. That's why I tickle Baby J like there's no tomorrow.

But then, what happens when you tickle your baby until they bump their head and scream? A paradox! Your brain explodes? The universe collapses in on itself? Dogs and cats living together? Mass hysteria?!

Nope. They get a bump. You feel bad. Time heals all.

Listening To: Like Hearts Swelling by Polmo Polpo