Missing my Cuddle Buddy

For the first three years of his life, Landen was a "momma's boy" to the extreme. Whether he was tired, just waking up, going to bed, hurt or just watching TV, he wanted his mommy nearby. I knew Landen was my last baby and I was happy to be the center of his universe for awhile. I especially enjoyed our quiet moments, the cuddle time after he first woke up and before going to bed. But, I knew it wouldn't last forever. From the minimal reading I've done on child development, I also knew that around the age of three or four, it would be important for Landen to pull away from me and start identifying more with Daddy. And that's exactly what has happened over the past six months.

The day he turned four, Landen decided he was a "big boy" and wanted to be just like his daddy. He went from wanting Mommy near him every minute to asking to be tucked in by Daddy once in awhile. When he draws pictures for the fridge, sometimes he starts with Daddy's picture. He likes to help Jim with projects and run errands with him. He's busy and "on the go" just like every other four-year-old boy you know.

It's been fun to see Landen mature into an independent preschooler who insists on walking himself to his classroom at school. And I'm joyful that our only son is "Daddy's little buddy." Yet, some days I miss my little baby boy, who always insisted that I take time to cuddle with him in the morning and before bed. So, last night, when my "big boy" got out of bed and asked me to read him a Little Critter book--again--I couldn't resist. He laid down next to me on the couch and we read together, cuddling all the while.