Keegan, "you are welcome" as they say in Nigeria. Keegan has received such a warm welcome to Nigeria. All our friends have made both him and I happy to be back. It hasn't been hard to show off our little man, as everyone is excited to greet him. The Nigerian men, say FINEBOY, FINEBOY. we agree.
We are both learning the cultural differences about parenting, here vs western (not to say that we represent all western parents, but we represent some). Our maid Danielle is constantly asking if she can wear Keegan on her back. I have no objections as he seems quite content back there. I will even tie him onto my back if I've got something to do around the house. It is much easier than having him on my back rather than in the front. If he starts to fuss, she tells me I am not bouncing or rocking enough.
Danielle tells me that west Africans (she is from Benin), will tie their babies on their backs as soon as the umbilical cord falls off (that can be as early as THREE DAYS)! I feel a bit better about Keegan being back there with some head and neck control. It isn't uncommon to see a woman riding on the back of a motorbike with a tiny baby strapped to her back and their head flopping about.
In Canada it is stressed to protect the babies head and neck from day one! No jostling around! Some books even discourage car rides down bumpy roads! All the roads here are bumpy, I think even more so on the back of an okada.
Danielle has been especially helpful with taking care of Keegan. We've had to explain to her several times, not to rush to the crib with each little fuss. That sometimes he cries out in his sleep, or he will fuss a bit when falling asleep. In Nigeria, they wear their babies all day and sleep with them at night. The concept of a baby monitor or a crib for the baby in another room just isn't practical for them. We (at least Ryan and I) try to give Keegan the opportunity to soothe himself to sleep, and shoot for longer sleep periods.
One night in particular, Keegan needed to be left alone to fall asleep. Danielle's rocking, singing seemed to just stimulate him. I kept encouraging her to just leave him. It was very very hard for her. I ended up nursing him to sleep. She asked me the next day if he was ok from crying, and whether he had marks around his eyes. It sounds like we let him cry a lot, that isn't the case, but I am just writing this to point out the differences.
Although there are many differences, there are also many similarities. In both cultures, there is a profound love and respect for babies. I am seeing this more and more, when even the vendors on the street peep in the car and smile.
Babies loved to be sung to, at least Keegan does. Both Danielle and I (and Kris too, she is much better than I am) sing to him to help him go to sleep. It is funny, Danielle even sings some french tunes that I hum to him. (Au Claire de la Lune, Frere Jacques).
Now for the Keegan update!
Keegan has become much more vocal over the past month. Squealing while he is playing in his jumper or with his toys. He will "talk" to us, mostly in the evenings, while sitting on our laps. It is funny he kinda sounds like Chewbacca
He is getting better at tummy time, and is able to lift his shoulders off the mat. He does not spend much time on his tummy though, as he has gotten quite good at rolling over onto his back.
He is getting better at tummy time, and is able to lift his shoulders off the mat. He does not spend much time on his tummy though, as he has gotten quite good at rolling over onto his back.
EVERYTHING he can grab is in his droooooly mouth (we think he is teething, as it is especially drooooly). Toys, his fists, blankets EVERYTHING he can grab he will stuff in his little mouth. He even gave me a hickey on my neck tonight as I was trying to cuddle him. His shirts and bibs are soaked by mid-day. You can see in some of the pictures a big long string of drool hanging from his mouth (almost impossible to get a picture without one, believe me I've been trying).
Keegan is becoming more and more curious about the world. He wants to be sitting up and able to look around. He really enjoy just standing in his jumper and watching us. (has not figured out how to jump in it yet). When we have company over Keegan is not interested in sleeping, he wants to visit. He usually stays up later than his regular bedtime playing with our guests.
We like to take Keegan swimming. He LOVES it. He is getting better each time we go, and starts kicking and kicking as soon as he is in the water. He now kicks his two legs out and the same time, it is a sight to see. It would be neat to start actual swimming lessons (not sure if that is an option here).
It was Keegan first Halloween! He went as a Pea in a Pod and a monkey (Ryan and I couldn't agree which one was cuter). We visited our neighbors in the building and he was a big hit!
Presenting the flag during the ceremony 
Marching with the cake! mmm cake.
The Holder/Kafka and Quinns.
Funny business going on here. Funny, Sha-ma has no idea.
A great time had by all ! Sure good seeing everyone again. 
He is usually quite relaxed and likes to kick. I forgot that in Lagos we don't have a tub, just two showers. So, we had to purchase, what Lagosians call a PLASTIC. Not sure why, but they seem to call everything here by what it is made of such as calling a plastic bag a NYLON. Anyhow, here is Keegan in his big blue PLASTIC!
