Rocking

Rocking takes on a whole new meaning when you are a mom.  When you first hold your baby, there is an instinctual movement that naturally comes to you.  When you hear her cry, you'll try anything to soothe her and frequently that includes any kind of movement.  You'll bounce, rock, sway and bob. 

Our daughter loves to dance.  She comes by this naturally.  While there is rarely an occasion for adults to do so, there is little I love more than dancing the night away. So, when she starts to cry and I know that all her other needs are met, I know it's time to "rock."  We turn on the iPod and pick a good mix.  Some days it might be Dave Matthews, Billy Joel and James Taylor.  Other days it might be Ice Cube, the Black Eyed Peas, and Pink. (I do realize that soon I'll have to temper these selections for lyrics!!)  She settles right in as we dance and sing around the living room.

I'm not sure why it works.  It might be just the soothing nature of movement.  I rarely sat still while she was in my belly and maybe continuing that movement makes her feel safe.  Maybe I calm down a bit when the music starts and my calm state transfers to her.  Regardless of the reason, I'm always so thankful it works.

Below is a picture of our little dancer at rest: