When Cling Is A Good Thing

This is not good cling.

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But when Grace gets clingy and wants Mama more than anything else?

That’s awesome cling.

From the start, Grace has been a feisty, independent little thing.  The moment she could hold her head up, she stopped laying on my shoulder.  As soon as she could stand on her own two feet, she stopped cuddling in my arms.

She knows what she wants and she does what it takes to make it happen.  (Hmm…who does that sound like?)

So lately, when Grace wants nothing more than to be in my arms, it melts my heart.

It’s tough when I’m planted in front of my computer on days I work from home.  She’s not good at just sitting on my lap.  She wants to open my desk drawers, pull all my papers onto the floor, eat my USB cords, use my ruler as a drumstick, type on my laptop and draw on everything with my pens and highlighters.

It’s caused me to institute a “no desk” rule with her.

The outcome?

She stands by my side wailing and carrying on until I pick her up and comfort her.

It can be so stressful when I’m trying to work, but I realize that these days are numbered.

When she’s 16 years old and running off with her friends, I’ll wish with all my heart that she was still this sweet little thing with messy hair and big blue teary eyes crying for me to bring her close.

I’m learning that there’s always a minute or two for a quick hug and a well-planned distraction.

Books, puzzles, cars, baby dolls or (God forbid!) television, will generally make her forget how hard it was to be away from me for those few moments.

At her core, Grace is a Daddy’s Girl.  Andy is the world’s best dad and she knows it.  He’s so kind, gentle and patient with her.  His very presence will often calm her down and make her happy.

Sharing cereal :)

As such, she’s often wanted him and pined for him when he’s not around.  I totally get it.  She’s spent many of her days with him while I’ve been working and they’ve forged a precious bond.  Honestly, it makes me grin from ear to ear.

But you better believe that I drove home a little faster today when I heard that Grace had been watching the door and crying for me ever since she woke up from her nap this afternoon.

Mama’s got a place in that sweet little heart of hers too and I’m lovin’ every minute of being the one she’s calling for :)

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