We have found the best place to take an infant in Boston: the New England Aquarium. Bill decided that since he worked much of the weekend he would take Tuesday morning off. He arranged a surprise trip by ferry boat to the aquarium, where we are now members! The ferry dock is mere feet away from the aquarium entrance, and Bill got a tip from another new dad that babies love to watch the colorful fish swim around.
Indeed, Maggie was fascinated, captivated, fairly elated by the bright fishies moving around and around. The place is pretty darned cool if you're a grown-up person too. While she was napping we watched the penguins being fed and then spent the rest of the morning plastered in front of the huge ocean life tank. There were lots of things in there: turtles, sharks, rays, puffer fish, mackerels, eels, and lots of different smaller (and not so small) fish in blues and yellows and reds and blacks and whites. Maggie just sort of stood there with her mouth hanging open, looking up, eyes roving.
It was such a beautiful day that we could even go outside to watch the fur seal training presentation. See? Bill's in short sleeves in January!
The other super part of the experience is that it's so loud and there are so many other kids around, a crying baby is no problem. Even if someone does notice, they just sort of smile and push their stroller along. It would be perfect if (1) the ferry were free and (2) there was a really convenient place to nurse. We were there early enough that I could sit in the kid's area which has a window into the ocean tank and be amused and alone. But just a half hour later when we walked past, there were about 15 squirming children jockeying for the best view, toy, attention, etc. I don't relish being in the middle of that with boobs exposed.
I'm sure we'll be back many more times, counting fish, finding colors, learning what you call fish (there are mammals, reptiles, amphibians -- what are fish called? or birds, for that matter?). And any of y'all that come to visit can be treated to an aquarium trip (members get to take 3 guests), and a ferry ride, and the company of a rapt baby.
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