What Kinnell Wants…
Kinnell has developed strong opinions and preferences. He will arch his back and stretch out his feet, willing his body toward the floor, take hold of your fingers with a firm grip, and start dancing his feet up and down until you walk him across the floor. If you try to pick him up, he’ll arch is back or go totally limp so you can’t keep hold of him.
Raimi, of course is not entirely pleased with this. “Mommy, steer Kinnell away from my toys,” he said the other day.
If you stop walking with him Kinnell will cry and scream in frustration. Tears rolling off his cheek and onto the carpet, his beautiful sad face staring up at you and then bending forward to rest his head on his hands, covering his face in despair… it’s very persuasive.
Kinnell loves taking a bath, especially with his big brother. Tonight Kevin was getting him out of his clothes, and Kinnell wiggled away and crawled down the hall, squealing with laughter towards the bathtub. He propped himself up on his knees and peered into the empty tub, waiting for someone to fill it. He splashes too much for Raimi’s taste, but it’s pretty wonderful to see them enjoying the bath together. To Kinnell, there is noone funnier than Raimi. And when Kinnell starts laughing at Raimi, Raimi thinks that’s hilarious too. Best joke in the world: your brother acting silly.
When it’s time to go to sleep, Kinnell likes to hold hands. Whether I’m nursing him in the rocking chair or Kevin bounces and rocks him in his arms, he’ll grab hold of our fingers and won’t let go.