The other night my husband and I were out to dinner with Baby Boy. An older couple was seated across from us and asked about the Little One. The lady asked how old he is and when we told her 6 months, she nodded and said, “Best time of your life. You just don’t know it because you are too exhausted.” Words to live by, I would say.
While Cheyenne has been competing with the baby and conflicted about his arrival, Jackson has completely defied all expectation. Jack’s reaction to the baby was a bit of a wild card. Some kids he has really loved, most he has been indifferent to, and there have been 2 children he has shown his teeth to. To say I was nervous is an understatement. But instead Jack has completely embraced the baby. When we come home, he and Cheyenne both check the baby to make sure he is has come back with me. Jack will always give the baby a quick lick on the cheek. This has become more and more enthusiastic over the past months. And now when Baby Boy puts his hand out to Jack, Jack licks it wholeheartedly. Yesterday Baby Boy immediately noticed Jackson upon waking up and put his little hand out. Jack graciously kissed it. Baby Boy smiled so big. And in response, Jack took this as an invitation and enthusiastically licked his face, much to Baby Boy’s delight. And then. Today, Jack kissed Baby Boy’s hand and Baby Boy giggled. Giggled with those sparkling eyes and adorable dimples and I thought I would just melt.
It is the simple moments that are the most profound: the dimpled smile, the joyous giggle, the quiet moments when he first falls asleep in my arms, when he pats my arm or grabs my finger I am certain that these memories will sustain me forever.