Nose Lovins

Collin & I have an amazing relationship. He loves playing with Mama. We have special activities that are just for me & him, but best of all, we have nose lovins. It's our private little thing; just Mama & Collin. Every morning, when I pull him out of his crib while he's jumping like a maniac, I give him a quick change (unless it's been a poopsplosion kind of night, but that's a whole other blog) & then it's time. He knows it & waits patiently for Mama to come in close & rub noses. He then shrieks with laughter & I pick him up to start the day in the best possible way. With baby laughs.

Even though Collin & I share these amazing moments & even though I don't doubt for a millisecond that we will have a strong relationship, I still find myself occasionally a teensy bit jealous of his relationship with Greg.

Maybe it's because when Daddy walks through the door after work, I suddenly become chopped liver & he wants nothing to do with Mama...or even nose lovins for that matter! I mean, who doesn't want nose lovins?! Maybe it's because he's more willing to take on new experiences when Daddy is by his side. Whatever the reason, I sometimes wish Collin would look at me with those adoring eyes.

At least that's the way I used to feel.

Today, Collin had his nine month well baby visit & Greg met us at the pediatrician's office. He hasn't missed a single appointment since Collin was born & he wanted to be there for it. I played with Collin in the waiting room until Greg arrived & I knew I would be cast aside again like last night's meatloaf. When we were called back & told to strip Collin down to just a dry diaper, he refused to hold still. Daddy was there & he wanted to play....now. After we took all of the necessary measurements (25 pounds, 12 ounces & 30.5 inches...I know, future football start, right?!) & we waited in the exam room for the doctor, Collin was All. Over. Daddy. I mean the kid was like a hopped up monkey. At first, I started to feel the familiar, "Why doesn't he want me to play?" & then I realized, Greg doesn't get nose lovins, he doesn't get Superman time (another Mama Collin ritual), he doesn't get the patient, sweet Collin during story time. Those are the moments Collin gives to me & me alone, just like he gives Greg the squeals & jungle gym legs. Daddy moments can be reserved for Daddy. I mean, we all could use our own, private moments with Collin, right?

In all honesty, I've always truly loved that Collin admires his Daddy so much. It makes me happy that they have such an awesome relationship already. I was never bothered by their interactions in the least. It just took this moment to make me realize that it didn't mean he loved Daddy more or that Daddy was the better parent. It just meant that he has a different kind of relationship with each of us. He needs a different relationship with each of us. After all, how could I be jealous when I get nose lovins?