Baby Love

“Trust in my affection for you.” - Anna Jameson

I remember how it felt when Maeve first started giving me kisses.  She was a sweet, sloppy mess of love.  But then we had a six month hiatus on the kisses.  She had other things to do: walk, climb furniture, learn words, play games, and generally just never stop moving.

We seem to have come full circle again, however, because now I am on the receiving end of not just kisses, but pats on the hand, leg-clinging, and other forms of toddler affection.  And, as you can imagine, I'm pretty much busting at the seams with happiness.

Her kisses are still only kisses on the technicality that she does not employ her teeth - she comes at me with this big, open mouth and I pray to God every time that she doesn't just clamp down on my lip.  But just like when she was five months old, if there are no actual teeth used, it's a kiss, alright!


She holds my hand or pats it while I'm reading to her, or rests her hand on my leg.  Such casual affection just undoes me, especially when she and I are having a difficult communication day, or as happens more often, a day when we are both short on patience.  How can you be mad at a baby who's patting your leg?  You just can't.

The leg clinging I could do without, as it does make walking rather more difficult, but I know it's a toddler phase, and I fully admit that most of the time, I don't mind her wanting me so much.  When I can, I stop what I'm doing, pick her up, and just let her cling to me.

I am not so much of a free spirit that my baby wanting to be held a lot makes me feel chained down.  Nope, I nuzzle in for extra smooches and enjoy, because these days will fly by, and I will have to fight  harder and harder to show her my love with every inch she grows. 

Cuddle Pile