Waggings And Wattles.

voltee ♦ December 24, 2010 ♦ 1 Comment

Item: Blouse Color/Fabric: Purple, polyester Designer: Go! Where Purchased: Target Years Owned: Two
ggggggggggggggggy7u That was a Merry Christmas wish from my sister-in-law’s dog, Pebbles. This year, we only have four doggies in the Dotson Homestead, instead off the usual 8. But still, there are creatures crawling all over me.
I have worn this blouse a few times, and the last time I can recall was a year ago in the summer- my Summer visit to Ohio.
This was a special trip- Nate had not met my little nephew Eli yet, and it was my second time to hang out with him. And, of course, he was a new little man. Almost five months had passed since I last saw him!
That’s the hardest part of being so far away from my family: the children.
Months can go by, and not much transpires in the world of adults. But monumental changes happen in the world of children.
Last night, we got to see our neice, Aida. We haven’t seen Aida since May. She’s such a smart little lady. She just sits back and takes everything in. I think she is most likely plotting to take over the world.
My nephew, on the other hand, has always been like a rocket. He just goes, goes goes! When I saw him a year and a half ago, at about six months, his energy was just starting to blossom. He had perfected this technique I like to call “The Wattle Grab.”
Here’s how it worked:  he would sit in your lap and pretend to be all cute and cuddley. There would be much giggling, and maybe even some cheek patting. And then- in for the kill. He would sink his tiny little fingers with their razor sharp nails into the soft flesh right underneath the chin (otherwise known as the wattle) and squeeze. And squeeze!
How much could this possibly hurt? It’s just a six-month-old baby, for Pete’s sake! I’m sure you are wondering.
Let me assure you: It is a lot. A great deal of pain.
For one thing, the flesh of the wattle is very tender and supple. It is seldom exposed, so the skin is not much hardened against the trials of life. That’s probably one of the reasons that wild animals will attck the throat. Well, that and the jugular, I suppose.
For another thing, baby fingers are endowed with super-human strength. Pound for pound, they have as much crushing power as a steel vice grip. No one knows why this is. But it’s a fact.
Here’s a picture of Eli and me, seconds before the Wattle Grab:

Just look at the innocence!  It is overwhelming.  No wonder I fell to his charms.  The next picture in this series is in mid Grab, with my face contorted in agony, and Eli’s in mischief.  I failed to upload that one before I left for Ohio, so you’ll just have to use your immagination.

I love this picture, except it is not my favorite hair cut.  It’s a little too Shelly Duvall in the Shining for my taste.

But the blouse is cute, yes?  My only complaint is that it’s too wrinkle suseptable.  I’m not the biggest fan of polyester, but this one does actually feel nice.  I have to admiely that I merely like this blouse. I’m not in love with it.  Looking at it doesn’t make my heart beat faster.  It is a great color. though…

**Another hard choice, but I’m surrendering this. Takers?