I love my children. I love them for all of their cuteness, all of their quirkiness, and all of their tenacity. I love them when they are happy, I love them when they are sad and I love them when they are down right sassy.
But somehow, especially with the boy, I think we missed a vital step along the way. I’m considering a suit against my midwife for the mishap. It really is her fault, after all. I can’t be sure yet, but I feel fairly certain…
We forgot to cut the umbilical cord.
Without me right by his side, there would be no air. His little lungs would simple cease to function. His body would refuse food, his bladder cease operation, and all as we knows it would simply end. He can not pee with out me, eat without me, even sleep without me. There is no better place than right by my side. Well, except on my lap. And, it’s not really ‘can’t’ so much as ‘won’t’.
Wait a minute here… I think I’m being duped!
I know the little dude loves me. I love him too! But, really? I know he looks up to me, I know he wants to be with me. Though it may not sound it, I am grateful for that. But, for the love of all that is holy, I did not make him on my own! He has a daddy. A daddy that is here all weekend and every evening. Why is it that he only wants mama to brush his teeth? Why does mama have to be the official butt wiper? Can someone else please prepare the chocolate milk? I’m sure daddy can handle it.
Contrary to popular opinion, the sun does not rise and set around me.
But, he looks at me with those big, tear filled eyes (sometimes while he’s screaming like a little brat) and he melts me. I’m a little puddle on the floor. He’s only three, after all. He’s not leaving for college anytime soon and I’m sure he’ll want to cut the cord himself soon enough. It doesn’t lessen the frustration, but it makes it more tolerable in the long run.
Perhaps I should send my midwife a ‘Thank You’ card instead…
AW!! You could have been writing this about my (now 12 year old) son when he was little. Now that he’s bigger, he doesn’t want me by his side in the same way. That’s good and normal…but I say do not cut that cord one MINUTE before he cuts it for you. There will be plenty of time for him to be totally independent–and he will be…but he’ll only be 3 and want you to wipe his tears and brush his hair (and, okay…wipe his bottom) for this tiny stretch of time. Savor it. (Also, as little boys get bigger they also get even more awesome, so there is nothing to fear. It’s all good!!)
Love this! My son is only 5 and he is just starting to get a little too big for my lap with his growing limbs, but I refuse to let him go!
I will hold him in my arms and lap for as long as he wants because I know there will be a day when he will feel he’s too “cool” for snuggle time with mama. With all the rushing around and driving to/from activities, these are the moments I savor.