Sam the Free Baby!

I’ve always hoped that my children’s lives are filled with brilliant, joyous adults who make them feel loved, respected, valued, and happy.

The more, the merrier. It truly takes a village, and I’ve always hoped that ours would be enormous.

And so far, Elysha and I have been lucky. Clara and Charlie have so many wonderful adults in their lives. Teachers, coaches, childcare workers, Scout leaders, and friends who make our kids feel like the world is a warm, safe, and good place.

And it doesn’t take much.

Plato – our friend, former principal, and officiant of our wedding – has been making my children laugh for years with Sam the Free Baby, a tiny little plastic baby to whom he has given voice and personality. Whenever Plato and the kids are together, Sam makes an appearance, much to Clara and Charlie’s delight.

And as old as my kids get, they still love it. Sam has even sent Clara and Charlie videos as he has traveled the world.

On our most recent visit to Plato’s home on the west coast, my kids brought two of their own babies, Oscar and Leopolda (thus named by Plato, much to my children’s dismay), to meet Sam.

You can see the joy these little, silly, unforgettable moments can bring.

It doesn’t take much.

Just a willingness to engage children at their level with a little bit of ridiculous, hilarious, focused, and unforgettable amusement.