I introduced Kate to sidewalk chalk a few weeks ago on one of our Momdays, and even though she was much more interested in carrying the chalk around and getting more on her shirt than our driveway, it was still a huge hit. After a few minutes of wandering around with her new colorful treasures, she walked over to where I was sitting and gave me the most unexpected and most glorious hug. Her little arms wrapped around my neck and her face nuzzled into my shoulder as I hugged her back with one arm and rubbed her back with the other.
It was the first hug I’d ever seen her initiate–completely unprompted. What made it even more amazing is how long she held the hug. My usual little “busy body” of a girl stayed still and hugged me for so long that after a couple of minutes I reluctantly lifted her head up off my shoulder to make sure she was still awake. I was worried our hug would be over then, but instead, thankfully, she laid her head back down on my other shoulder and hugged me tighter.
We just sat there on the driveway. Hugging.
This was a rare and beautiful gift–this unsolicited and oh-so-genuine display of affection from my one-year-old child. I couldn’t hold back the tears that filled my eyes as I rubbed Kate’s back and started slowly rocking her from side to side, soaking up this joyful feeling and realizing:
This is one of the best moments of my life.
The two of us, covered in sidewalk chalk, just sitting on the driveway. Hugging.
What a sweet and tender moment. I love it when they can initiate and communicate their love for us. I am so glad that you were able to enjoy this moment with your little one.
I don’t have kids, but that made my eyes water. I live 1000 miles away from my mom and am actually going to see her for a week very soon. I may just have to give her one of those. I wonder if it will have the same effect without the chalk!
That story made me cry too! My son is 2 months younger than Kate, so I completely understand how unexpectedly amazing those little moments can be! As blessed as you are to have her, Kate is just as blessed to have you as her momma!
I know the feeling I get when my little girl holds her arms out for me or lays her head down on my shoulder (both of which she started doing just in the last few weeks), so I can’t even imagine how my heart will explode when she can finally give me a great big hug, or call me “mama,” or say “I love you!”
My Katie is almost exactly 1 year younger than your Kate, and its great to be able to see what I can look forward to!
This made me tear up. Right now, Logan refuses to snuggle and just wants to be on the floor and attempting to crawl. I can’t wait for these snuggles. What a beautiful moment.
What a little sweetheart! I love moments like these with my kids!
You really just made me tear up!
I’m teary just thinking about that. The other day my 3 year old was petting my hair and said, “You’re beautiful. Daddy says you’re beautiful.” Sometimes they just melt your heart, don’t they?
So sweet!
Thanks for sharing! What a special moment, that makes me so excited to be a mom in a few more months!
Holy crap! Did you need to make me cry so early in the morning? That is just the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. How lucky you are!
This is wonderful, D! I am crying at my desk! What a wonderful moment.
What a beautiful moment for you and your daughter. I definitely cried when I read it! My daughter is a year younger than Kate – I cannot wait until she hugs me like that. What a sweet little girl.
Darn it, you made me tear up at work! How beautiful. I can’t wait to have a moment like this with my little dude.
So beautiful I teared up! Mine are a little older (3,5, and 6) but I love those moments that I just want to remember forever.
Sweetest thing I have ever read!
Such a sweet moment!
THANKS for making me cry at work. Pfffft.
I know exactly (exactly) how that moment felt. It takes your breath away how much you can love them, in a moment as simple as that.
LOVE IT!!!!!!
One of the loveliest things I’ve ever read. I know the feeling.
I can’t wait for the day my child is old enough to do this. I’m sure I will cry. In fact, this post brought tears to my eyes!
I know you are published here, but man…you should be PUBLISHED. Such a lovely way with words.
jbhat
New follower here! Love love love your blog!
D. Lynn
http://nikkilynnloves.blogspot.com
Awesome! When my daughter was little she used to pat my back after a long hug. BEST feeling ever for me!
Thank you so much everyone! Such sweet comments. Thank you.