Chicken Dance

Natalie has spots that look like this and this and this. We're not positive that it's the pox, but what else could it be? So we're keeping her away from people and taking all the necessary precautions.

This is one time when living in cohousing sucks. If we had our own yard, she could go out and play and not see or infect anyone. Here it's just not possible. And one of our (adult) neighbors hasn't had chicken pox, and a few others have compromised immune systems, so we really do need to be careful. We're letting her go out early in the morning when no one else is up and about yet. Of course, we have to keep her quiet, so as not to piss off the people who don't like kid noise early in the morning.

Other than that, though, we've got to keep a seemingly-healthy kid entertained in a not-so-big house when she'd really much rather be playing outside. Strategies so far include:

• Dance party. Jen's stepmom gave us a CD of kid music set to a sort of baby techno beat. It's like being in a tiny and somewhat bizarre club.
  
• Jam session. Natalie and I played various instruments along with above mentioned baby techno. She's getting pretty good on caterpillar.
• Youtube. We found a video that I think will help Jen with my birthday cake. Natalie was unimpressed.
• And, of course, books, books, and more books. Thank god she inherited the love of books.

Later today, we're having some friends over to celebrate my 30th birthday. I think about 2 people are still coming. But we will have fun. And eat LOTS of cake. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find my kakensmoosher.