I have to tell you all, but mostly my mom, that I had my first mama "cheeky kiss" tonight. A "cheeky kiss" for those of you who do not know is when someone clasps your cheeks in their hands (preferably small, chubby, and soft hands) and kisses you square on the lips.
Jonathan is sick today. He was so pitiful, in fact, that after a solid nap and a cookie he still was not perking up. As I held my fussy one-and-a-half year old and wondered when he would return to his playful self, I realized that his skin was hot. In went the thermometer, quickly followed by some Tylenol and cuddle time.
He laid against my chest and repeated, "Bu, bu," until I read him Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? and his Little Golden Book Bible. Finally he started wiggling and acting normal, but instead of crawling out of my lap he started playing with my face. He splayed out his fat little fingers and held my cheeks with his soft, hot baby hands. Pulling himself to me he puckered his lips like a fish and pecked me on the cheek. It was a warm and solid smacking noise and when he looked at me, smiling, I almost squealed in delight. This was my first cheeky kiss! I had been waiting for it... when my brother was a wee one he would do the same to my mom before bed with a well rehearsed (Dad taught him), "The sunrise is in your eyes, mom." I hoped my cheeky kisses would be forthcoming as well.
Jonathan wasn't finished though. To my giggles of happiness he giggled in return and clasped my face again, again with those sweet warm hands. This time when he puckered up he wiggled his face and tugged on mine until he was aiming squarely toward my lips. (Mind you, he never kisses me on the lips, he usually doesn't even aim quite well to my cheek.) After less than a moment's thought about the germs headed my direction, I felt him pop a little fishy kiss on my lips. Then I grabbed him to me and must have told him five times how precious he is.
I think he gave me a little dose of heaven just then.
I love that image... absolutely love it.
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