Test drive

I really enjoy watching kids. It's something that's been new to me in the past year or so. I think with my biological clock ticking, the maternal instincts start kicking in and I feel compelled to hold every baby I am near.

I watched 2-year-old Lily a couple of weeks ago and 1-year-old Reuben last Wednesday. This past weekend, a friend to both of us from work needed someone to watch 13-month-old Nico so her and her husband could enjoy a belated Valentine's date. Rafa and I said yes.

Nico was just a doll, playing with us and drooling on us. He kept us entertained for hours and wouldn't be still long enough for a picture.

And then came bedtime. He did not want to go into his crib. He cried and cried until he was held - only by Rafa. He wanted nothing to do with me! Rafa was the only one who could stop his tears. So, while Rafa went through bedtime with a crying toddler, I enjoyed some old episodes of Full House and spent quality time with my iPhone.

It's fun to test drive parenthood with other people's children. It's also fun to give them back, go home and have a full night of sleep.