"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Baby's Brain Net

You might be wondering just what is going on here...well, I'll explain, because I'm endearing like that.

A little while ago, a student from the "Lord's University" called and asked if I had a five-month old baby and if I'd be willing to bring Baby down to campus to take part in a neurological study on infants. First thought? They wanted to hook up Baby's sweet little fuzzy head to all sorts of electrodes. This would result in lots of inconsolable sobbing. And Baby probably wouldn't like it, either. But the student then reassured the crazy mom lady that no, Baby would simply wear a cap, of sorts, with electrodes fitted on it. No breaking the skin or taping anything. So I agreed.

A lot had changed on campus since I had last been there...nine years ago, when I graduated. And everyone there seemed far too young to be playing at college. There was the adorable girl who directed us in that the Boy immediately fell in love with and held her hand all the way to the testing room. Then there was the equally adorable young man (I say "young man" because he would probably be offended if I called him a boy) who explained the process to us. This was one of those moments where I really wished I had a camera on my phone so I could snap a picture and immediately send it to the Co-ed. Not only was he a cutie, but he was a smart cutie. And he spent the next ten minutes down on the carpet, playing airplanes with the Boy. Definitely a keeper.

After they fitted Baby with her awesome head gear, I held her on my lap while they showed her a series of dots on a monitor. Were they kidding? She's used to two siblings doing all sorts of crazy dances while vying her acknowledgment and they wanted her to pay attention to dots? So getting her to look at the screen was difficult and we had to stop a couple times. It was over in about a half hour. They gave us this photo and a certificate for her scrapbook. Or to show to a perspective date a few years down the road when I want to make sure she's home in time for curfew...

19 comments:

Melanie Jacobson said...

That's freaky and hilarious, all at the same time.

Kristina P. said...

So, did you get paid for this?

Me (aka Danielle) said...

Poor Thing. I can't help but giggle! She is ADORABLE!

Jo said...

Awwww! Who else could look so darling in that weird hat? Awesome to know you are participating in a study that could change things in children's health worldwide.
I love the new blog look! (if it isn't new, I just noticed it, sorry.)

Jo said...

P.S.When I first saw the picture, I was aghast. I thought baby had had a seizure or something. Scared the crap out of me until I read the post. I think I have PSTD.

Josie said...

That is seriously cute and funny!

The Ransoms said...

way to not have my back!! You should have been on that smart and handsome brain boy meaning cell phone number, name, and a picture SHEESH! *sigh* goodbye my almost lover. The baby looked so cute and it's nice to know that the boy is finding older women without me having to bring my roommates over.

Karen said...

Now that is definitely a picture for the scrapbook.

Jessica said...

What was the study for? Now I'm dying to know.

Just SO said...

I did this with my daughter when she was born but she didn't have the rockin' cap.

Bye the Bye I thought I saw you in Wally world the other day but wasn't sure if it was you or not.

Mary said...

I would definitely hold that picture hostage for a couple of those teenage years. Kudos for furthering infant research :o)

Bonnie the Boss said...

You are a brave mommy! Her hat thingme looks a bit like a bunch of bobbins hooked together.

Deborah said...

Awww she is so adorable and seems to be so at peace with that funky thing on her head. (BTW the head gear looks just like a crab trap my husband made when we were back east).
So, the Lord's University is still sporting awesome good looking guys, huh? Imagine that?

Unknown said...

No, you should save it and tell her when she is older that you brainwashed her or something mean like that. Tell her you got her out of the Matrix
Tell her she used to be an alien and they had to program her brain to be human...

you get the idea.

Jessica G. said...

Since some of you have asked, the study was looking at the brain development, specifically how infants view number groups. If you'd like more info, you can email me!

Amanda said...

LOL! That thing looks so uncomfortable! I am so glad she wasn't.

You definitely have a picture there that 99.999% of other moms do not have of their children!

Anonymous said...
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Emma said...

Very interesting. Baby is so cute! I wish I could come visit and cuddle with her!

Jan said...

It looks like a spool holder for threads. How funny. I want to sew something now. I hope you got paid and put it towards college ;)

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