My son made the incredible step this weekend of being able to recognize people. At only 4 weeks of age, I feel this is a real acheivement. In fact, he can recognize two people: mommy and not mommy.
I am a "not mommy", joining my in-laws, the appliance service technician and all other creatures living or simulated. Not mommies are unsatisfactory to my son. Not really what he wants to see or hear. But mommy gets a smile of recognition every time. Not that I am bitter, mommy earned her smiles. It's just interesting to me that infant children seem most comfortable in absolutes. No shades of grey in love, hunger, happiness, or their opposites.
So here is another example of the biological superiority of women: they have a physical, primordial connections with their offspring (in addition to bearing them). Is it any wonder why the men needed their sweat-lodges? But that question is for another post.
Beautifully said, HIA... but remember that the primordial attachment between mother and infant is its own kind of sweetness, but doesn't undercut the unique importance of the Daddies ("not mommies")... especially, you will notice this when the wee one is older. That first 6 - 12 months, they are little biological bugs.
Posted by: CrankMama | January 19, 2007 at 11:50 PM