Just….Next to him.

We are an affectionate family.

Scratch that….

We are an EXTREMELY affectionate family.

We never let them “cry it out”….

We aren’t especially strict…

We always let them sleep in our beds…even today..

We give away TONS AND TONS of hugs and kisses.

And I guess as a Mom…I see us as a family that will always kiss and hug…A LOT.  Which is a no brainer when you have little kids….they crave affection and almost HANG on you.

But…

sometimes things change as they get older.

(Damn you, Time!!!)

About 6 months ago when I would go to kiss Zeek on the lips, he would turn his cheek.

Shudder…I know.

After a few times of this happening, I. had. to.say.something.

I HAD to explain that THIS… was not going down like THAT.

I had to explain that even GROWN ASS MEN kiss their Mama’s.

I am pretty sure I said something about birthing him, and labor, and that I had earned kisses for ETERNITY.

Yadda Yadda.  LOL.

I even called Jay in to set. him. straight.

After that…he was cool.

He is always super sweet and loving….

but as a “pre-teen”…I am learning that the best thing I can do is:

BE

AVAILABLE

and

DON’T

ASK.

Stand next to him, sit close to him, walk with him, LISTEN to him.

Just BE THERE.

It is in THESE times that he opens up fully.

And SOMETIMES,when I am REALLY lucky….when  I walk with him, he gently laces his fingers in mine.

I don’t say a word…..I just smile and keep walking.

Cherishing every single minute.