In Our Arms

Our newest church member was starting to get fussy. It had been a long day of stimulus with feeding time and bed time right around the corner. He found self-soothing in his hand, slurping and enjoying the semi-controlled friend. Mommy came out of her class to pace a bit with him, concerned that his sucking was amplified and distracting for others. I offered to take him. not because she couldn’t handle him. I knew my offer wouldn’t communicate to her my lack of confidence in her ability. She willingly handed him off, happy to share the blessing of a snuggler.

We chatted a bit as I held him.

He kept his eyes on her, flashing her a smile each time she came into closer view. A bright, vibrant smile no one else could get. The sign of full trust and confidence.

Then he started to get fussy again, the hand and the pacifier were not enough. She reached to take him back as he worked himself into a little fit. Within seconds of smelling her hair and feeling that familiar bounce at her shoulder, he nuzzled closer and settled down. Self-control and patience returned to him. His security in her spoke volumes. That was his Mommy. The right one. And he was in the right place.

I had forgotten what it was like in the beginning. O, I’ve always loved the snuggling and thanks to my current youngest, she has carried most of her snuggling traits/needs well into toddlerhood. But there’s something different about that beginning snuggling. Before words can be communicated… wants, needs… When baby looks to your cues and reads your body language like a book, and you theirs.

And there is something precious in the blessing of feeling their comfort in Mommy’s arms. Just holding sometimes is enough. The confidence, reassurance and peace they find in Mommy’s voice, soft touch and gentle bounces. Mommy knows the best way to snuggle, the right positions, that comfy spot.

It all came flooding back. And in that moment I wanted to hold Hannah right then and there… physically wrapping her in the love we have for her. Giving her the confidence and the comfort and the peace that God has blessed Mothers to give…

She was kicking and squirming again last night. And she’s kicking and squirming again this morning. Evidence of her timer not being done for a little while yet – she has too much room still. =)

But some day she may get to read this and know that she was so loved from the very beginning…

before we ever once held her in our arms…