BEGINNINGS; THE CRIB & THE CRADLE BOARD

Hi, my name is Angela; I am a baby girl. I was born in a
hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. I was 8 pounds and 4
ounces, and 21 inches long. Of course, I don't know these
things yet, my thought processes aren't that developed yet.
These are some things I know. Sometimes I am surrounded
by warm, happy people that hold me and make faces at me.
Sometimes my tummy hurts and I cry until someone feeds
or burps me. And sometimes I cry because my diaper is wet
and it gets uncomfortable. There's also time when I am put
in my bed and I sleep there. But I don't always sleep. I wake
up, and then I look around. My neck isn't very strong yet
so I just look at whatever is in front of me. The big people
change these things from time to time, but I am pretty
familiar with most of them now. So I need to find
something else to do. I think there is something I'd like to
get in my mouth. I'm pretty sure it's part of me because
there is no one else in the room. I've been working on this
for some time now. Yesterday they also put something else
in front of me. They called it a mirror. I get lonely
sometimes so I cry until someone picks me up. It seems to
be up to me to let someone know what I want, when I want
it, and to entertain myself when no one else is around. Now
with this mirror, my own face is as familiar as the faces of
my family, that is, my Mom, Dad, and big sister. I am
curious about who I am.

Aaniin, I am a baby. This is how I see things. When the sun
comes out and I open my eyes, my Mom un-straps me from
my bed. She feeds me and changes my diaper and lets me
stretch. She hands me to someone else: maybe my brother,
or sometimes my aunt or grandma. Then she goes about her
business. Sometimes she straps me onto her back as she
works. Brother and I play for a while and then I am strapped
back in, and my bed is leaned against a wall so I can watch
everyone and they can smile at me as they go about their
work. Grandpa comes over sometimes and he tells stories to
everyone. They all laugh, or sometimes cry if it is
something sad. Brother and cousin go to play outside.
Sometimes I am brought out with them. Maybe I will be
able to play with them sometime. Cousin got in trouble
yesterday. He hit brother. Brother cried. Mom told brother
not to cry and wiped his tears and he stopped right away.
Then cousin couldn't play with brother. He was sad, and
later he went over and sat by brother for a while, while
brother was folding towels. Brother gave him a towel to
fold; Cousin smiled and folded the towel and made a joke
and they both laughed. I don't feel too good and I'm
making faces I think. Brother tells Mom, that baby is
hungry, and she comes and takes me out of my bed and
feeds and changes me. I feel better now. I am strapped to
my bed again and I start to fuss, no particular reason, I am
just fussy. My bed is turned to the wall. I stop fussing and
immediately my bed is again turned around and aunt talks
to me and smiles at me. I hope that I can learn to do things
right so I can play and help out with everyone.

From the beginning an Anglo American learns;
-self assertion (to get attention when hungry or wet).
-facts about him/herself from observation (time spent in
crib).
-to use trial and error to learn (find fingers and toes).
-individual or immediate family living (own room, only
sees extended family on visits).
-it is important to learn about self.

From the beginning a Native American learns;
-that everyone takes care of everyone (no need for self
assertion, but responsibility for other is a must).
-facts about correct social behavior (from observing and
being turned away from activity when behavior is
inappropriate).
-to use eyes to learn (as opposed to trial and error).
-community is important and that everyone gets along.
-everyone has a special place/job (grandpa telling stories
etc.) and I too have a special place and it is important to
find where I fit in.

Notes: The reason Indian babies were taught not to cry did
not come from a belief that crying was wrong, but out of
necessity in case they were hiding from danger and a baby
was to cry, it would give away the whole tribe, so they were
taught to control their responses. Indian babies are not
often named right away. Part of the reason is likely because
they are often named after a characteristic of their
personality or something that makes them unique or
something they do. Also, naming has strong spiritual
significance and is usually connected with a dream or
vision. Babies are often called "babe" even after they have a
name. Also, family "names" aunt, cousin etc. are often used
instead of calling someone by their name. Ones's "place", or
their "place" to you is often important and special. It gives
a feeling of connectedness to call them by their relationship
to you. Another note; Indians often call each other
"cousin" just as African Americans often call each other
"brother".

~ Nancy Vogt ~