Where the Big Kids Play: Baby at the Park

Over the course of the summer, Mommy and I developed a bit of a tradition. On nice sunny days, we walk to the mailbox. Mommy picks up the mail, and then we go to the playground. We find a nice bench, preferably in the shade, and Mommy sorts and reads the mail while I watch from my stroller. A baby at the park isn’t unusual, and I can observe at my leisure.

I like this time, as it gives me a chance to take in what I’m seeing at my own pace. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to look around without being told what to pay attention to or having things pointed out. Mommy is always talking about things we see, and that’s fine, but sometimes it’s nice to just watch the world and be amazed by whatever catches my eye.

There are several parks around our neighborhood, but on mail days we always go to my favorite one. The reason I like this park is because it has a large play area for the big kids. There are swings, slides, jungle gyms, and so much more. I’m too small to play at the park, but I love to observe from my stroller or from Mommy’s lap.

The best part is the large water park. I like to watch the big kids splash around and have fun. The sound of their laughter and the sight of the water spraying everywhere always bring a smile to my face. Sometimes the wind picks up, and I get splashed a little too!

Timing is Key for a Baby at the Park

If we go to the park later in the afternoon, it is very busy and noisy. I don’t mind the noise so much, and sometimes I even like to join in and make some noise of my own. However, I find it difficult to focus on one thing when there is a lot going on around me. We also have to sit further away because the closer benches are always full. I prefer to be in the center of things.

The best time to go is in the late morning or early afternoon. It’s still busy, and there is plenty to see, but it’s not to the point that it overwhelms me. That’s when we get a good seat right next to the water park area. It’s the best place for watching the bigger kids splashing around.

Now that the really big kids are back in school, it’s even better! During the day, the park is scattered with kids only a little bit bigger than me. I really like to watch them play. They look only slightly larger than I am, but they do run around on their feet, and that’s something I haven’t figured out yet.

We also see other strollers, and the last time we were there, I spotted another baby at the park in one of those strollers. Mommy tells me that next summer it will be me that’s running around in the park. She says that I’ll probably be playing with the babies in those strollers.

Can you imagine that? Me, the little peach, on my feet and running around with other kids? Seems too incredible to believe.