The other day I was sitting at breakfast in a busy outdoor cafe
in the pedestrian heavy Pearl District of Portland, Oregon. It is a pet and
child friendly restaurant and there were many of both scattered about. A
particularly young couple and their new baby of about 6 months was sitting
across the sidewalk area from us. I began to notice that each of them
individually was completely focused on the baby. I generally like this behavior
and I particularly like when parents are attentive to the many little things
with regard to their children. As I was watching, another young couple came
over with their dog to say hello. The parents looked up momentarily to return
the “hello” but in the same breath regained eye contact with their baby while continuing
talking to their friends. I realize having a new baby, especially when young,
is a consummate experience and significant focus and attention will be directed
towards the new baby, at least in the beginning. But this might have been a bit much. It might
have been way too soon to judge and I am the first one to compliment parents
for whom their children are designated an unconditional priority. It did feel a
little over the top, however.
