Adventures in Babysitting

Ziva has been in the states for the past three days for a whirlwind trip to America in order to be the matron of honor at her cousin’s wedding (Mazal Tov Eli!). For the first time in my life I’ve be the sole caretaker for little Tzofie. I actually started to write this post as Ziva left but never finished. Just to get into my head space at the time check this out:

It’s not a big deal yet it is a big deal. Not a big deal because I’ve been involved in taking care of her for the past 10 months, so at this point I should know what I am doing. Routine. Routine. Routine. Just stick to the routine Harry and you’ll be alright. She respects you, you entertain her and she is comforted when she is around you. Though if you pass another kidney stone, your arthritis flares up or your back goes out again you are screwed. As is she. What if she freaks out if Ziva isn’t around?

All of my fears were unwarranted. First of all I’ve been totally healthy. Though she obviously misses Ziva a lot (she is always looking around for her , especially when I say “Mama.” These past few days have been among the most rewarding of my life. Tzofia and I are pretty tight. We speak our own language (people think I’m insane), have a mutual respect for both Salacious B. Crumb and Ghoel the Wol Cabashite (Jabba’s minions who sit on the bookcase and with whom we bid goodnight to every night), love music and enjoy each other’s company tremendously. Tzofie has been saying Dada fairly frequently lately (Much to my dismay Nighthawk never really caught on) but for the past two mornings she has woken up in a joyous mood. This morning was a real treat. I heard movement in her room and she began calling for me with obvious excitement in her voice. I walked in and she was standing in her crib for the first time. When she saw me she gave me the biggest smile, yelled “Dada” really loudly and reached for me. I really don’t know how to say this without being sounding absurdly cliché and incredibly cheesy but it was a defining moment and a major turning point in our relationship. I feel closer to her than ever and can’t wait for Ziva to get back already to share in my joy and rejoin the family lovefest. And to change the nasty poop filled morning diapers. That would be helpful as well.