When my tiny baby was born 29 short months ago she was a snuggler. A little warm bundle of snuggly love. The snuggly time abruptly stopped when she was about 8 months old and couldn’t get enough of everything that was going on around her and could no longer spend time cuddled up against my shoulder, chest or lap.
I instantly missed those sweet moments and thought there was a chance my cuddly baby had outgrown her need to cuddle. I didn’t love it, but I knew that even if she wasn’t curled up in my lap or arms all the time anymore she still loved me so I took it in stride. Every time I was lucky enough to have her initiate some cuddle time I would do my best to burn it into my memory because who knew when the next cuddle session would happen.
Kids grow up and their needs change and adjusting to those changing needs can be difficult for a mom when your needs haven’t changed. I for one still need cuddles. I am a hugger, hand holder and snuggler by nature. Although I struggle with it, I have to remind myself that motherhood is not always usually ever about my needs and is all about the needs of the kiddo I love.
Just recently there has been a never ending flow of love coming from Madeline. She wants to be held. She stands next to us hugging our legs or insisting on holding our hands even if our hands should be busy do something else like cooking dinner. We hear things like “Mommy, I need you” or “Daddy, I want some hugs please,” while she reaches up on her tip toes trying to get up to our level for a hug or a snuggle.
It is safe to say I am loving life right now. As is Luke. There really is nothing better than hearing your little one say “Mommy, I need you,” and then crawl up onto your lap.
Her reasons for needing me may change but I know she will always need me because I am her mom and that is lucky for me because honestly I need her to need me. I am not afraid to say that. I’m not above loving to hear that I am needed either. I know this phase is not likely to stick around forever so I am going to take full advantage of it while it lasts and fill up my cuddle tank while the snuggles are flowing freely.
I wish I could figure out a way to keep her in this snuggle phase forever though.
4 comments
I love the snuggling. I so wish we could bottle it up:)
you have the best attitude about this. what a great mommy you are. it probably helped (even though it sucked) to have that time where she was more independent and less snuggly. you can see how it comes and goes. and then, when they're 16, you have to chase them down to get a hug. actually,i am pretty lucky. both of my kids are pretty demonstrative. it's funny because they hug their friends and other adults pretty readily. but only when they aren't thinking about how cool they should be acting!
Oh I love this post. You're right about realizing their needs will change but they will always need us. But needing cuddle time??? That's the BEST kind of need there is. And that photo of you two? So sweet.
🙂
I dont think a day goes by when Boo doesnt say to me " let me sit onyour lap and you can rock me like a baby"
More than a hugger I am a skin stroker. I love feeling their cool soft skin. Of course Jack told me recently it used to really bug him when i would do this.