They say little girls love their Daddy’s and little boys love their Mommy’s. Lucky me, I have two little boys – well, one is not so little anymore (at least compared to seven years ago when he was just a teeny, tiny, chubby little baby). And my other little boy, well, he’s still got some of that baby fat on his cheeks and belly. They will both always be my little babies – Big Snugglebug and Little Snugglebug (I’m sure you’ve heard me reference them in this way before). *wink*
Out of the blue one day, in fact quite recently, Brayden declares “I’m in love with you, Mommy!”
Can I say Melt My Heart!
It was the cutest little thing, completely unexpected, and it completely made my day.
Now I know that he’s not really in love with me. I have some vague remembrance and knowledge of psychology and the relationships that build and develop between a child and his/her parent. I remember from some high school class that girls want to marry their fathers and boys, well, boys just love their mothers. I know, can you believe that I actually paid attention and learned something? It’s true, I was a good student and loved school.
I’m not saying that I’m an expert in psychology – far from it honestly. BUT, I do know that I’m an expert when it comes to my boys, and they adore me (pat on the back for me…). They know my love is unconditional, even when I’m so incredibly mad or disappointed in them (that sounds kind of mean to say – “disappointed in them” – but it’s true, sometimes their actions or behavior is disappointing).
I used to wonder how I could possibly love another child as much as I loved Zackery. I never knew until I was pregnant with Brayden, and then after he was born, that love grows. The room in your heart and your capacity to love just keeps getting bigger and bigger. There is always more room for more love in your life – for children, for spouses, for friends, for whatever feeds your soul. Love is probably the one natural resource that we will never run out of.
I know Brayden won’t be in love with me forever. In fact, the time will probably come all too quickly when he wants nothing to do with me, hates me, resents me and can’t wait to move out and be on his own. So in the meantime, I will love him up with all my heart and smother him with love and kisses and snuggles.
I’m in love with you too, Little Snugglebug.
Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net