Payoff.
This afternoon, Falco and I were hanging out with some of our playgroup posse. He slipped and fell and didn’t really hurt himself but looked scared and embarrassed, which usually requires a quick hug before he gets back to business. My friend, who Falco has known since he was seven months old, picked him up to hug him. He kept saying, “Mommy! Mommy!” and reaching for me. My heart swelled. I took him from her, and that was one of the best hugs I’ve ever gotten. That moment makes all the work and frustration and compromise and exhaustion of motherhood more than worth it. I love being the mommy, and I wouldn’t trade that role or my kid for anything.
(Remind me of this the next time I rant about Falco incessantly hitting the dog.)
Alice said,
July 26, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
Yeah - and sometimes you definitely need those moments to keep on chugging along. ; )
Chi-An said,
July 26, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
Just wait until he says “I love you, Mommy.” Theo still turns me to mush when he says that- luckily he hasn’t learned to use it manipulate yet.
Sarah said,
July 27, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
Ahhhh, isn’t that just so sweet!