As the morning sun creeps through the curtains, I find my youngest still in the clutches of dreamland, his eyelids heavy with sleep. Yet, like clockwork, his arms reach out for a morning hug. I can’t resist that warm embrace, and his sleepy smile is enough to light up the day. “Time to rise, little buddy!” I gently encourage.
He lets out a soft mewl, reminiscent of a kitten, and when I finally manage to free myself from his grasp, he protests with a drawn-out “Nooo.” “No more hugs for you!” I playfully admonish, but I can’t help myself and give him one more squeeze. “Alright, that’s it. Up and at ’em!” I shake him until a giggle escapes, but then it’s time to get serious. “Your clothes are strewn all over, brush those teeth, and head downstairs!” With that, I leave him to fend for himself, hoping I won’t have to make a second trip upstairs to rouse him again.
As I make my way down, I find my six and nine-year-olds already dressed, polished off their breakfasts, and engrossed in a game of Club Penguin on the computer. Just then, my oldest sleepily stumbles into the kitchen and immediately latches onto my side. “Mama.”
Oh, my heart! It’s like a sweet addiction, and I take a moment to lean my head against his before guiding him through his morning routine.
Every now and then, someone has the audacity to say, “Three boys? You know they’ll leave you eventually, right?” With a smirk, I reply, “Only if I don’t do my job right!” While I genuinely believe that, their flippant remarks still sting a bit. Of course, it’s partly true—boys adore their mothers until the day they find wives. They’re so cuddly and affectionate when they’re young, but somewhere along the line, things start to shift. Not on my watch!
That’s why I’ve made it my mission to cultivate my boys into “mama’s boys.” Their responses vary but generally, they’re on board. My youngest is a bundle of energy and affection, still very much in the baby role despite growing up. Score! My middle child is a little firecracker, full of spirit and yet, he’s a clingy little monkey around me. Score!
But my oldest? He’s the ultimate mama’s boy! A true sentimentalist, he reminisces about being five while still being openly affectionate and emotional. He really, really loves his mommy—home run!
Sometimes I worry that I’m setting them up to be too soft for the girls, but only a little. After all, the best men are those who cherish and respect their mothers. Someday, my sweet boys will grow up, find their own families, and, oh boy, I dread that day. I’ll step back, sobbing silently, and do my best to charm their future partners. What else can I do?
At the end of each day, my oldest bounds off the school bus and rushes to me, wrapping his arms around me, declaring, “It’s been six hours since I hugged my mommy!” My other boys, stirred by a competitive spirit, jump in for the family hug.
Oh, these boys are going to break my heart!
This article was originally published on Sep. 10, 2012.
For more insights on parenting, check out our post on home insemination and the journey to motherhood here: intracervical insemination. And for those exploring fertility options, Make A Mom is a great resource. Additionally, if you have questions about reproductive health, the CDC provides excellent information.
In summary, motherhood is a delightful adventure filled with hugs, laughter, and the occasional heartache as our little ones grow. Embracing the bond with my boys is a top priority, ensuring they know the love of their mama while navigating the inevitable changes that lie ahead.