New York Times, Monday, November 16, 2020

Jeff recently wrote about theme types that got popular and then faded away. A few months ago, I submitted a first-words-are-synonyms puzzle. Turns out there are a lot of those already on file . . . So here is a "sequential progression" theme instead.

Besides, babies are cute!

Jennifer is right; babies are cute. Once you get past the interrupted sleep. And the poop. And so much crying. Then there's the baby's crying, too. Did I mention the poop?

Let's call it cute-ish.

In all seriousness, I was on my way to a "huh, another WALK to RUN movement progression" reaction when I hit BABY STEPS. Squee! Thankfully, the many highlights of raising a kid — the first time they roll over, the tentative teetering steps, the mixture of elation and fear when they become mobile — make it all worth it. Mostly.

I don't know that this puzzle will have as much of an impact on people who haven't gone through parenthood since observing this highs-and-lows process from the outside is much different than living it. Even so, all solvers can appreciate the step-wise (ha) progression.

One aspect you might not have noticed is the unusual themer placements. It's usually best to alternate far left / far right for proper spacing, but the way Jennifer arranged her phrases is perfect for today's theme — look at the beautifully stair-like appearance of ROLL to SIT to CRAWL to STAND to WALK. It's an elegant touch, and better yet, one that Jennifer made work without severe compromises. ELEC is a direct result of it, but that's acceptable for such a pleasing overall visual.

I did wonder if the aggregation of ASSORT, DAMASK, SACHETS might be a turn-off to newer solvers, but it's reasonable to expect solvers to at least have heard of these words.

It's unusual for a six-themer Monday puzzle to work so well, especially given their unusual layout. A fun start to the week — at least for those parent-solvers who aren't still traumatized by those tough early years. (Check back with me in 2021.)