Baby Willem

Last weekend I headed home to Phoenix for my 10yr high school reunion. But before I met up with my old classmates, I spent time with my family. My little sister Rochelle made an impromptu trip to Phoenix that weekend as well, so it was a complete family affair. I am not sure how it happened, but somehow Rochelle, my older sister Rhonda, and my dad arranged for Rochelle and me to baby sit our nephew Willem for a night giving Rhonda a break. Willem is my 10-month old nephew and the family’s pride and joy.

So Friday night, Rochelle and I babysat Willem. It was predetermined that Rochelle would be the main caregiver. No one ever stated our roles, but it was pretty much a given. I have never spent the night as an infant’s caregiver. Willem slept through most of the night and woke up once early in the morning from hunger. Rochelle and I both woke up, but Rochelle new exactly what to do. Rochelle fed Willem a bottle and he went back to sleep.

Willem woke up again around 6 a.m. for the day. At that point, I changed Willem’s diaper and then Willem was ready to go. For the rest of the day Rochelle and or I took care of Willem. Let me tell you that was work! Willem wore me out playing, needing to be fed, he was feeling very particular, and making sure he was okay. He is a crawler and can move at lightening speed!


The most precious moment was when Willem fell asleep on me. I was at the computer working and Willem was sitting in my lap playing n an extra keyboard. Suddenly I felt this weight on my chest and I realized that Willem was out for the count. Too cute!

We had a good time together. For me it was the perfect dose of a baby—long enough to have fun with them, but short enough to avoid the responsibility of taking care of another living being. After babysitting Willem (with Rochelle mind you) I absolutely admire my sister Rhonda even more than I already did.

-RXW