"Don't Fence Me In"

After watching Clara reach near-hysteria on our recent drive down to Texas after hours of being strapped into her car-seat, over-tired, and refusing to sleep or be distracted with toys, I began realizing how much her distaste for confinement has manifested itself throughout her life.

• It all started in the womb. That child would kick out her legs and lock knees, stretch out her body as much as possible, and press outward on every side as if to make more room. I frequently has bruises from her doing this, none of which have I experienced in my current pregnancy (although I still have 2 months to go).
• After she was born we tried for a couple weeks to swaddle her at sleep times or if she was upset, having been told all babies love this. Finally, logical deduction led us to stop these efforts, after which time Clara began sleeping spread eagle and much more contentedly.
• She's never been one to be happy on long walks her in stroller. As much as I pushed the issue, thinking she would adapt, I ended up putting myself into many stressful situations trying to sing to her, distract her with toys and snacks, or carry her in one arm and push the stroller with the other long enough to get us back home without disturbing the whole neighborhood.
• She has never been easy on car trips.  

And I can't blame her for any of it. Upon thinking about her low-confinement-tolerance, I realized the old Roy Rogers song "Don't Fence Me In" would be fitting for her.

So for anyone who needs a good 'ol song stuck in your head today, here's the link to hear it:

Roy Rogers singing "Don't Fence Me In" (Click 'Skip Ad' on the screen)

That's definitely a reminiscent song for me, and one I heard many times on family road trips growing up. Makes me happy. :)