what babies need

I am not the only parent who cherishes little ones and the magic they bring to a home. However, Kitten is perhaps the sweetest, happiest cherub I've known. He shares with all babies the simplest of pleasures: a smile, a cuddle, a song, a warm meal, a nap, and lots of happy attention.

I love nursing him, despite and because of the long hours of cuddling and holding this demands. At the times his appetite seems insatiable, I tell myself not to begrudge him frequent thirsty spells. I feel blessed to be able to stay home with him and quench his thirsts and fill his belly. Besides, he's adorable. Last night I kept him up much, much too late. He giggled and squealed through Papa's tickling and Kidoodle's rough-handling. Finally I broke up the game and trotted Kitten off to bed. Nursing time. As soon as I laid him on the bed, he began smiling and rolling onto his side. I love to see his wiggly, half-effective scooting all the more because he uses it to get closer to me.

I learn much from Kidoodle about how to live life fully. "Be happy with me," is one of his favorite refrains. (He likes to say this after he has broken a rule.) "What is on your face?" he asks when he sees a frown of concentration or displeasure. He reminds me to smile, relax, and forgive.

Our three year old has passed many "big boy" landmarks recently. A birthday. Saying goodbye to bottles. Gaining nearly free access to his mama's and papa's board game stash. (Eek!) On Christmas day we discovered many new family toys. Marble tracks with balls large enough to pose no danger for Kitten. A ring toss game. A slinky. Duplo blocks and train tracks. Since Christmas we've been living off of cheese sandwiches, fudge, and day-long play.  No time for cooking. No time for cleaning.

Yesterday we walked to our local Lowes and picked up some pipe and pipe insulation. This morning the boys made some soft swords.

I for one am treasuring this moment of vacation and family togetherness. I'm so grateful to my boys for the gift of play.