Subscriber/friend/avid reader Clare asked after Alden’s welfare and whereabouts in a recent comment. The truth is, we haven’t seen her in several weeks. To clarify, we’ve seen her, technically speaking, but we haven’t hugged or exchanged a meaningful word. It’s as if she isn’t really here.
Alden’s fascination with Woody and Buzz (of the Toy Story franchise) is on par with my own love affair with Legos when I was a kid—all-consuming and borderline pathological. If we allow her, she will sit in her box with her monkey and watch the continuing adventures of Woody and Buzz indefinitely. We do not allow her. Occasionally we force her to do things like eat food.
It helps assuage our guilt (if slightly) to know that her booster seat is literary in nature.
Even if her mind is being slowly subsumed by the combined might of Disney and Pixar, she will be able to pass gas in iambic pentameter, which should win her ample admiration during her college years.
For his part, Kato has so far refused to submit to the lure of Woody and Buzz. We have had to find other ways of containing him.
But he thwarts us at every step, galling us by enjoying his punishment.
I think back to nine months ago today. Who could have known that he would turn into such an unconscionably agreeable child?
It’s galling.
Phew, she’s okay. Looks fed. Good to know.
As for Mr. Jolly, nine months is looking very good on him. Great age. In fact, my husband and I were trying to recall a good “script baby” age for something he’s writing…you know, cute and engaging without being too mobile or difficult, and I took him to your last few posts on Kato, and bingo, nine months it is!
Kato’s picture in the trash can should start another round in the “Babies in Containers” competition.