Twenty Second Hug

Motherhood has its moments and I am getting my fill lately. WOW! I had NO CLUE how challenging my days would be.

Darling Lily has been testing me to all ends this past week. My husband Art and I finally figured out that the erratic behavior stems from he and I implementing "hug time" for the two of us every morning and evening. Basically we agreed to greet each other first thing every morning and evening w/ a twenty second hug. It helps us reconnect and start and finish our days feeling special. It gives us a moment to decompress. We also like to have our hug in front of our children so that they are able to witness our affection and love for one another. I wouldn't say that we haven't been loving and affectionate up until now - but "hug time" is probably more pronounced for them.

Well, I love "hug time!" Lily, however is not liking it!! Oh my - she is letting me know how she really feels in a variety of ways throughout our day.

Let's see, where do I begin with this weeks events.....wetting her pants, pooping her pants, hitting, kicking, screaming and not eating. What happened to my little baby? I told Art last night that there was no way we are giving up "hug time." She is going to have to work through it. I am trying to help her. I have been giving her extra attention through out the day and more hugs than she can stand. Today I saw signs of improvement....ahhhhh.....but then sweet little Jack, bless his heart, made up for her moment of peace by reaching up onto the kitchen table and pouring Lily's milk over his head. Mind you this is right after his bath and thirty minutes before we were to leave for his eighteen month check up. YEAH. Back to the tub. Thanks Jacky!

When I talk about these episodes, I can definitely release some of the stress of it all. I think to myself "why does this stuff make me so tired? When I reflect on it - what is the big deal?" I guess when it is day after day and it is such a physical and mental job - it can make you think you are losing your mind. NOT KIDDING.

Which brings me full circle - back to "hug time." The twenty second hug means so much to me because it is my turn to be taken care of (for twenty seconds) and to feel understood, appreciated, loved. It reminds me that even though I spend my day alone with the kids that Art and I are parents together and we support each other. I love hug time because it is an opportunity for me to show Art how much I appreciate all he does for us and that he is a great husband and father. Twenty second hugs rock!