Dear Arlo,
Before you were born I had convinced myself that I wasn’t a fan of babies. That I wished you would come out at least one year old – semi-independent, capable of walking and the occasional word. That your baby stage was something I was going to have to slog through to give your sister an eventual playmate. Given my recent griping about your babyness, people might be surprised to learn a secret – there are some things that I really do like about you.
I had forgotten about how babies smile when they sleep. And let’s not forget the sweetness of the smiles at the breast. And yes, I’m aware you may have this response to breasts later in life, say once adolescence morphs you into a sex-crazed stranger. As your mother, though, I’m hoping to never witness this response again once you are done breastfeeding.
And I do get a small thrill when your tiny hand grasps mine. I like to think that this isn’t a simple reflex, but a gesture to thank me for loving you and keeping you alive. So for these and a few other cliché things that convince crazy people to continue having babies (yes, your head does smell good), I will forgive you for your minor flaws. Like the early evening funk. The night waking. Your love affair with my breasts. And the crying.
Love,
Mama.
I suppose they are not all bad.
Aw, maybe that is enough to convince me…see my recent post
So sweet!
Seriously – tears in my eyes – especially how you reminded me of the tiny hands grasping your finger … almost makes me want to do it again … (quick, get that husband of mine a snip job!)
Awww, so sweet!
Very sweet post! I am with you – I don’t want to have a clue that my boys are thinking about breasts when they are older!
Arlo and Elliot are so lucky to have such a loving, intelligent Mom.
Baby boys are the BEST!
Oh, I love that baby-head smell. And also that utterly contented expression babies have while nursing, when they get that focused-yet-stoned look.
Mine are 2 1/2 and 4 1/2, so it’s been awhile.
Sigh…
Nobody likes their newborn all the time. If they do they only say they do to make you feel worse about yourself.
Women can be so catty.
Just checking that link thing out!
A baby’s smile makes it all worthwhile!
Oh I’m fighting the urge. THIS did not help. I forgot about the sleeping smiles.
I love the sweet smell of baby heads. Also, the look of a milk drunk baby immediately after a feeding.
Careful, Her Grace, don’t get too close. That baby fever might be catching
I LOVE babies! Unfortunately they don’t last, but they turn into wonderful kids (and I hope teenagers).
I SO don’t want another baby, but I feel better that just in case I ever decide that I do (read:get knocked up again) it isn’t all that bad.
A friend forwarded your blog to me today because she knew I was in a funk. I’ve spent a good two hours here and feel much better. Thank you!