The Big Kids

Today, for (one of) the first time(s) since H was born 7 months ago, I had a serious cuddle session with L. H's arrival changed our family and our lives very drastically and very obviously, and somewhere between colic and reflux and high needs and PPD, my relationship with L changed. Today she skipped school (played hookie!) and I took her on a playdate. When we came home, after dinner, we cuddled on my bed for nearly an hour. I touched her and kissed her and had skin to skin with her. I rolled with her and explored how her (growing but) tiny body slipped into the nooks and crevacies of my own for the first time in months. H looked on from his bouncy, content and seemingly amused with us. After all these months, it was a vision of 'normalcy' and of how it was 'supposed' to be. We were happy. Genuinely in love with each other. Sadly, for many reasons, these feelings had been on hiatus, but they are very welcome to be back.

Mamas- hug your big kids tonight. Whether you feel touched out or she's said your name 4,000 times today- give her a big hug. Even if they shoved a toy deep into the mouth of your baby, threw a brick at his head, or put glue in the fishtank when you were nursing- give her a hug. She used to be your baby. She deserves her mama back. Give her a hug!