The Man in Black

Adjusting back to life as what is currently a Stay at home Mom hasn't been easy. We were spoiled on our trip to Chicago and having all those extra hands for 2 weeks made me almost forget how much energy it takes to look after Eloise.

Coming back from holiday we were again faced with the challenging reality of raising a child in a country of which you have no family. No one to take her for a walk when you only got 3 hours of sleep the night before. No one to distract her on the changing table so she doesn't wipe poo on the walls. No one to play peek-a-boo with her while you drink a cup coffee while checking facebook. But that doesn't mean we don't have help. In fact, we had help right under our noses this entire year and I cannot believe I didn't think of it sooner. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Babysitter extraordinaire: Mr. Johnny Cash.

Picture of Johnny Cash at Listal

I've been a fan of Mr. Cash for some time now, and when The Frenchman saw him in a episode of Columbo he became a fan too. While I was pregnant I listened to a lot of Johnny Cash. Streets of Laredo was my favorite. Johnny even came with me in the labour suite when I gave birth. They say that songs played while the baby is in utero can often calm the baby when they are on the other side. We were afraid we'd have to play the theme song to Friends over and over to calm her down.

When Eloise goes to sleep at night, we play a medley of calming songs (mainly classical, some Belle and Sebastian, Charles Aznavour used to be on there but we're pretty sure he gave her night terrors so we booted him from the play list). I've been trying to get her to sleep a bit longer during her nap times in hopes that it would help with her sleeping better at night. So I decided to put on some music for her nap. I was in the mood for some Johnny and figured I could change it to her sleep medley if he didn't work. If he didn't work. Please. Man's voice is like a friggin' baby whisperer on a train filled with warm bottles of whiskey laced milk and paracetamol. I'm kicking myself that I didn't try him earlier.

Instead of 30 or 45 minute naps, Eloise is now doing almost an hour and a half. Yesterday instead of waking up crying as usual, she woke up calm and babbling and when I picked her up in my arms, Ring of Fire came on and she started to dance.

Johnny Cash I cannot thank you enough. I can shower AND drink a cup of coffee while reading the paper AND do the dishes AND mop the floor AND hang out the laundry to dry ALL during nap time. All thanks to you.