As part of my quest for finding more meaningful activities, building more loving friendships and being a better human being in general, I offered to babysit for a friend of mine who is a stay-at-home dad tonight. Mommies and Daddies work so hard, I think its only fair to offer my Aunty services every once in a while. I have to admit, it's been a long time since I've hung out for more than 20 minutes with anyone under the age of 24, so I'll have to adjust accordingly.

Last weekend, I went to a baby shower, and there were a couple of little kids there. There was a little boy there with just the most beautiful little face. He was able to walk around, but he wasn't speaking yet. His method of communication was pointing, smiling and grunting. Also, giving high fives and saying, "Nommy Nommy Nommy" when he ate. I had mastered the smiling and the high fives part with him, but when he walked (or wobbled, rather) over to me and grunted I didn't know what to do.

"Nnn!" said the little boy.

"Hi little one!" I said, smiling at him and making a fishy face.

"Nnn!" he said and pointed across the room.

I figured he probably wanted something, so I asked, "What do you want?"

"Nnn!" he said and pointed again.

"Do you want me to pick you up?"

He furrowed his brow. "Nnn!" he said and pointed again.

"I don't know what... do you want something?"

"Nnn! Nnn!" he said. I was starting to think his grunting could be translated as, "Look, Stupid! Look where I'm pointing!"

"I... I'm sorry, I don't speak Baby."

The little boy had just had it with me, shook his head and wobbled over to someone else who could get a clue.

So tonight, I'll be hanging out with a little girl of about the same age. I'm a little worried that I'll blink and she'll put something horrible in her mouth. I think it'll be fine. I'm just hoping this will go over better than my brief interaction with the demanding little boy last weekend.

I did learn a lesson from him though: When in doubt, tickle.