My very favorite way to console babies is to play piano. Lydia stops her crying/screaming almost instantly and just listens. (I also did this with James, who photobombed us accidentally when mama snapped the picture this evening. ;) It's actually really comical to see how fast she stops, and then to watch her eyes flit back and forth to whichever hand is playing faster or louder. It did take awhile to learn how to keep a tiny baby upright, relatively still, and from slipping off your lap whilst playing a melody. (Correct posture and fingering goes out the window at this point.) Mom also pointed out yesterday that certain songs, (namely the German piece I was playing yesterday...) should be kept for other times. Lydia became extremely startled and concerned when I began playing. She much prefers quiet, simpler melodies. :) Actually, playing the piano for her is totally a win-win situation, she is consoled and amused, and playing piano is my biggest stress reliever, so it makes everyone quite happy.
