Random Thoughts on Life, Motherhood & Beyond: Love that Flying Feeling!

Recently, Julien has become stronger in the legs and likes to stand up. In fact, once he is up, he tends to make springy actions and bounce. It is fun at first, but after a while, I have to say my arms feel really sore.

And that was when we thought Julien is ready for the bouncer. The kind that has him strapped in a harness and he can jump up and about while in it.

I baulked at first at the idea of getting another bulky toy, but then it is not exactly bulky. It's just another prominent piece of baby equipment that adds to Julien's presence in the house.

As with every other toy, there was a sense of excitement when we brought it home and anticipation as it was assembled. But I have to say my excitement felt tripled for this one. On the box, it was stated "See the look of enjoyment on your child's face." And I thought to myself, see the look of enjoyment on MY face! How wonderful it would be to feel like an acrobat in the air?

I thought we would need to drill a hole to secure it in the ceiling and was not looking forward to that, but it is even simpler than that. The makers have cleverly made a kind of pincer-hook, which you can just hook and clamp into place over the doorway. Had my doubts about how secure that would be, but it turned to be alright. And with Julien strapped in a harness, I felt quite at ease after that.

Apparently, the bouncer is meant to be adjusted at a height where he can tiptoe, so he can sort of just bounce or push himself off. We put a thick rug beneath him to help him a bit, when he still could not touch the floor. And it would be more comfy than the cold, hard floor. After we had put him in, Julien sort of just stood there, or rather hung there. I think he was not exactly sure what to do. We helped him a bit, by bobbing him up and down. He seemed to like it, smiling away.

Now, 2 days later, that bouncer is a godsend. Julien is happily occupied, while I can go about the chores. And he did seem to enjoy it. And nothign beats what happened today with him in the bouncer.

We put him in and watched him for a bit, then convinced and assured that it was safe, I went to cook. And when the food was ready, Daddy Low and I sat down to eat. We could hear Julien making his usual noises and moving about. And before he came in, Daddy Low had said that Jules was having the time of his life. He appeared to have caught on to the purpose of the whole thing and was happily bouncing about.

We were eating and talking, when I suddenly realised that Julien had gone all quiet. I went to have a look and guess what? The dear boy was slumped over the harness, asleep! He had been fed, changed (oh yes, the other thing is all that jumping about in the harness seems to have aided his bowel movements!) and was apparently now onto his next thing - his afternoon nap! It made us laugh!

So, is it a good purchase? I think so. It is great to see Julien enjoying it and Daddy Low can tell you that it is definitely great to have a happy wife. I am just looking forward to when Julien grows more and can appreciate his toys properly.