Sweetness

We went to the zoo today without a stroller. We should have brought one, but we didn’t. So when your little 1.5 year old legs got tired from marching along paved paths to the animal enclosures you raised your arms up and said, “hug.” Truthfully, my arms already began to ache when we walked from the parking garage to the front entrance. But you and I both know that if you ask to be held I will do my best to hold you. There were moments when I convinced you to walk, hop, and run beside me. Your cheerful nature, always ready for a song and dance, temporarily erased any memory of fatigued feet and prompted a trebly “let’s go!” Off you went giving me a few more minutes of respite. When you did finally remember me, I scooped you up, and your sweetness bandaged up any ripping muscles.

I never want to forget your little hands cupping my cheeks as you requested “beemo” or “e-i-o.” I’ve sung those songs entirely too many times now, but I’ll sing them again for you for the same reason I’ll hold you whenever I can. Through the zoo we went, singing into each other’s faces. It was one of the best parts of the day. Sometimes your hands would sift through my hair and then clutch it tightly as if for security. I’m in awe that in the same way I can’t get over squeezing your arms and legs you show the same wonder in patting and poking my body. Your delighted giggles and belly laughs echo in the bathroom during your bath and in the open air on the playground. I can’t help thinking about how my parents must have felt when we laughed together in my toddlerhood. I hope we laugh hard and hold onto each other for as many years as we’re allowed.

You are the sweetest of them all. ❤