My Real Life

As I was going through the pictures to find an appropriate one for the caption contest, I couldn’t help but be struck by the pictures of all three monkeys together.  In every picture of all three monkeys together, Baby Monkey is being manhandled by either his sister or his brother, or both.  I realize that I was probably the architect of all of the manhandling, saying something like “Don’t let the baby fall!” yet still…poor baby!

Yet, he seems to be quite tolerant of it all.  Not particularly happy with it, but tolerant.  He seems to know that it comes from a place of love, despite how it happens in practice.

It began early.

I think that I tried to intervene by saying “Why don’t we set him on the chair?”

That was a backfire.

He’s on the chair, but now he’s smushed and Monkey Girl still has her hands all over him.

See the shell shocked look?  See Baby Monkey wondering, “Is this the rest of my life?”

Eventually, he got used to his role.  However, it got old real quick. 

I call the next series, “Study of an Escape.”

The manhandling begins and he’s accepted his lot in life.

He tires of it and tries to rebel.  Note the looks on Monkey Girl and Monkey in the Middle’s faces.  “Mom?  He’s escaping!”

Rebellion thwarted, Baby Monkey pulls out the strongest tool a baby has.

Okay, a full diaper would have been a stronger tool, but the tears was also quite effective.

Holidays are the worst for the baby in a family.  There is no escape from the manhandling.  Even if he’s not being completely held, someone’s always touching him.

Even Santa can’t keep his meaty paws off of the baby.

However, look what happens when he’s allowed to sit alone, everyone respecting his personal space.

What a smile.  Be still my heart.

 As they grew, Monkey in the Middle felt confident enough to try it himself.

 Poor kid can’t even get a break while eating.

So, such is the lot in life of my Baby Monkey.  The funny thing is that the other two monkeys have no idea that Baby Monkey takes after Real Man and as they get older, that Baby is going to outgrow both of them.  Now THOSE will be some interesting shots.

For now, though, he’ll have to endure the love and tight hugs of his brother and sister.

I don’t know where they learned it.