Tiny Jasmine was in an especially moody mood that morning. She had been happily cuddling with Mommy, resting comfortably in her arms while waiting for her morning milk. Her tiny fingers were wrapped around Mommy’s hand, and for a few moments, everything seemed peaceful.
Then Mommy gently placed Jasmine down on a secure, comfortable surface so she could give her the bottle safely.
Jasmine immediately became unhappy.
She looked up at Mommy with wide, offended eyes.
“Eeeee!”
Mommy smiled. “What’s wrong, little Jasmine? Mommy is just getting your milk ready.”
But Jasmine didn’t want to wait.
She wanted to stay in Mommy’s arms.
Her tiny face became grumpy, and she began making loud little cries. She waved her hands toward Mommy and wiggled impatiently, almost as if she were saying, “Pick me up again!”
“Oh, my goodness,” Mommy whispered. “Someone is very moody today.”
Jasmine answered with an even louder cry.
Mommy stayed close and made sure Jasmine was safely supported on the table. She didn’t leave her unattended or allow her near the edge. Then she prepared the feeding appropriate for Jasmine’s age, species, and care plan.
While Mommy was preparing it, Jasmine continued her dramatic protest.
“Eeee! Eeee!”
She looked at Mommy.
Then she looked at the empty bottle.
Then she looked back at Mommy.
Her message was very clear.
She was hungry.
Mommy gently spoke to her. “I know you’re hungry, sweetheart. Mommy is almost ready.”
Jasmine wasn’t impressed.
She made one more angry little squeak and reached toward Mommy. But when she saw the bottle finally coming closer, her expression suddenly changed.
Her eyes became bright.
The crying stopped.
Mommy smiled. “Oh! Now you’re happy?”
Jasmine eagerly reached toward the bottle.
Mommy carefully supported her in a safe, comfortable position and offered her the feeding according to her care plan. Jasmine immediately became calmer. Her tiny hands settled, and she began drinking quietly.
The dramatic tantrum was disappearing with every sip.
Mommy gently stroked her head.
“That’s better, little Jasmine.”
Jasmine paused for a moment and looked up at Mommy. Her face still had a tiny trace of grumpiness, as if she remembered being upset a few moments earlier.
Mommy laughed softly.
“You were very angry with Mommy just because I put you down for your milk.”
Jasmine simply continued drinking.
After her feeding, her little body relaxed completely. She leaned comfortably against Mommy and gave a tiny satisfied sound. The angry expression was gone, replaced by a peaceful, sleepy face.
Mommy gently picked her up once she was finished and held her close.
“There you go, my little girl.”
Jasmine snuggled against her chest.
Her morning had started with hunger, impatience, and a very dramatic mood, but it ended with a full tummy and Mommy’s comforting arms around her.
Mommy kissed the top of her head.
“Next time, sweetheart, let Mommy put you down safely for your milk without such a big protest.”
Jasmine closed her eyes as though she hadn’t heard a word.
Mommy smiled.
The little drama queen was already getting sleepy again.
