Adventures in babysitting

For the first time, I had the opportunity to supervise an infant unattended this past weekend. Well sort of. The father dropped in once every hour as he was working from home. However, if I were negligent or closed my eyes for longer than three seconds I could have been left with a 10 lb corpse.

Ah, but there is a happy ending. Child protective services barged in as I tried to sell the kid into slavery and the father and I were camel-clutched into submission for our transgressions.

Surely I jest.

For three or so hours, I loosely watched Over the Hedge, several episodes of Spongebob Squarepants, and parts of Happy Feet. The fickle, yet very mobile 18 month old (?) constantly moved around. I tried putting him in his crib at one moment, thinking he would fall asleep. We had a staring contest for about 10 seconds until he got up and ran amok like the Ultimate Warrior. Later I would pull him around in his fire truck. Wow that got old very quickly (I got tired - he was loving it).

In the end when someone asks "when are the kids coming?" I smile and quickly change the subject.

The best part is that in 20 years when I ask the boy if he remembers, he will deny all accusations. Then he will ask me to buy him a beer.

I did find this to be a valuable experience for myself. Who else would let me babysit their pride and joy?

This is not an open invitation for free babysitting services.