Sloppy hugs

When Jerald was just a little guy, probably around a year old, he started a tradition.

Every time he got out of the tub, still dripping wet, he'd grab whichever parent was bathing him and say, "swoppy hugs". He especially loved to do this to Kev. The reaction from daddy was much more dramatic because daddy doesn't like to get wet. Then mom or dad, holding the towel would wrap it around him, give him a bear hug and then do the "drying machine". A noisy, silly, rough way of drying him off. We didn't know it at the time, but this was one way of giving him the deep pressure, sensory input that he needed.

We continued this little routine until he was old enough to start doing his own showers.

His siblings have all enjoyed the drying machine, but none of them ever did the sloppy hugs. It was a special thing with just Jerald.

A memory I cherish as my boy is growing up so very fast.

A memory that was brought to the forefront of my mind this afternoon, while bathing Parker.

He's getting pretty independent, but I still like to be nearby and he still needs my help with washing his hair. I was kneeling on the floor next to the tub while he finished up.

He stood up.

Gave me his goofy grin that translates as "I'm about to do something ornery"

He said, "You are the BEST mama in the whole wide world."

before I could respond, he leaned forward

grabbed me into a bear hug

laughed

and said

"and now you are also the WETTEST mama in the whole wide world."


I may not get paid in riches or appreciation outside of these walls, but hugs...wet, sloppy ones or otherwise are a nice bonus for having the best job in the world!


July 2011: Parker discovered the fun of making "hair statues"