Often when I sit down to write this blog
(my new year’s resolution by the way is to post more often), the ideas that
spring to mind are funny, but after the recent events in America, I thought
something softer would be more appropriate.
I am lucky to be far away from what has happened, lucky not to have had to explain to my son why someone would hurt children in that way, but as a mother it is impossible not to feel saddened for the loss of such young lives no matter how many miles away you are.
Time differences meant the drama was
unfolding as I read the news on the internet in bed during my weekend lie-in. When
I got up the first thing I did was give Monkey a big hug. He did the usual
squirming to get away that he always does when hugs are not his idea, but this
particular morning I held onto him a little bit tighter.
He infuriates me at times, maddens me at
others, but 98% of the time he fills me with joy and I can’t imagine ever being
without him. And so, today I celebrate five things I love about Monkey.
1. He has the
most infectious grin and chuckle when he finds something funny. It is a real
belly laugh and I defy anyone not to start laughing along with him.
2. He has the
greatest imagination. Like last week when he made up a new game. It goes something
like this – “Which one flies? An aeroplane, a fire engine, a sofa, or a cat?”
3. Every time
he leaves the house to go somewhere without me or I leave to go somewhere
without him he gives me the biggest squishiest hug he can, plants a kiss on my
face and says Love you Mummy.
4. He finds
it amusing when he burps. As a mother, I probably shouldn’t love this and I try
not to encourage it in public, but in private, I find it funny that burping
makes him giggle.
5. He is a
caring polite little boy. He is always willing to share, despite the fact that
only children are meant to be rubbish at sharing, he notices if other children
are upset and makes sure they are okay and he uses please and thank you without
being prompted.
There are many more things I love about Monkey,
although on days when he has been trying my patience I sometimes forget them. At
times like this we should all remind ourselves why we love our kids and
remember that although they make us mad sometimes, our lives would be much poorer
without them in it.
