It’s the ritual of a hug, a kiss, a squeeze, and noses done at every bedtime.
It’s “Mom, will you go in the deep end with me?” at the swimming pool.
It’s a hand held.
It’s a little boy snuggling in the middle of the bed because he had a bad dream.
It’s “Watch this, Mom!”
It’s “You ARE coming with me, right, Mom and Dad?”
It’s a boy sitting in my lap to watch a movie.
It’s “You’re so beautiful, Mom.”
It’s “I love you so much it hurts.”
It’s “Can you help me?”
It’s a smooch goodbye(pronounced “smmmutch” and only refers to a kiss on the lips).
It’s helping tie shoes, put on bike helmets, and cut the crusts off a sandwich.

Photo by Jacqueline Perry Photography of Raleigh-Durham
It’s realizing that while I feel like my boys are still my little boys… that pic right there was taken two years ago, not just recently, the way it feels… it’s time flying by so quickly.
It’s knowing that all of these little boy things, all these little moments, they aren’t going to last much longer.
Soon it will be eye-rolls and “Mom, I don’t need your help!” and “Do I really have to kiss you?”
So, I’m soaking it all up, all these glorious little every day occurrences that will soon be nothing but a memory.
Time is truly not our friend! Sigh.
It’s really not. But lucky you gets to snuggle some babies again soon!
I so get that feeling. Even though Jack is still young I wonder how long all of the hugs, kisses and lap sitting will last.
I figure it will come without warning. I’m trying to enjoy it while I can!
It goes by sooo fast! Soak it up my friend!
Thanks, Natalie- you, too!
I feel this way about summer this year. It’s my last summer before I send my son to school full time and it’s going to fast. I’m enjoying every second of having a sweet affectionate little boy! It’s going to break my heart when he doesn’t want to snuggle and give me kisses anymore.
My youngest will be in kindergarten this fall. I can’t believe all my kids will be in school all day long so soon. We’re soaking up these lazy days together.
Their hearts will always be yours … not Mama’s boys … but just loving on their mom for the lifetime of memories she created xxxx
I hope so, I really do.
I am trying to soak it up too!! Giving in to my own demands of myself, and finding freedom (just a bit) in being IN the moment with my kids. Good for you for soaking it up!!
I hate that I even have to remind myself to do it, but I’m working on it!
I’m trying to be so much more aware of this. My only is going on eleven. Most 13-yr-olds I see want nothing to do with their parents. I’ve vowed to be a sponge.
I keep hoping mine will be different. But I guess all kids hit that point eventually.
My goodness, your boys are so handsome, Shell 🙂 And good for you for soaking it all in. What a wonderful mommy you are. And your boys love you so very much (PS: love that they hold your hand and that you have these gorgeous snapshots of them in your mind’s eye).
XOXO
Thank you! I just can’t believe they’re already 2 years older than this!