ahhhhh GO!
He runs full speed down the hallway in just a diaper. His run is more of a prance and his blond curls bounce in rhythm to his quick trot.
Smack! He gets to the end and both hands slap the wall.
When he turns he is all smiles and eye twinkles.
He backs up straight and tall with his back and palms flat against the wall, and pauses to make sure I am ready.
This is my cue.
I snap my arms and legs open toward him.
This is his cue.
MA MA! GO!
He leans forward and with complete trust, rushes down the hall toward me.
His giggle melts me.
I can’t wait for him to get to my embrace.
His curls blow back from his face revealing the gleam of joy in his eye.
He doesn’t slow his pace as he approaches, flinging himself with all his force into me.
There is no fear of hurt.
He trusts me completely.
And in an instant, we are one person.
I wrap him up in me, close my eyes, and fall backwards.
We are one like we were in the beginning.
Our hilarity and tears and mischief are the same.
Time stops, but our merriment does not.
He has buried his face in my neck and wrapped his arms around me.
He is gasping for breath through giggles.
I am filing these feelings away into my heart.
His hair will not always be this soft and silky and blond.
His fingers will not always have the little dimples instead of knuckles.
His feet will not always be round and smooth.
He will not always smell of baby lotion and graham crackers.
He will not always trust me so freely.
Running into his mom’s arms will not always be his first choice.
I lie on my back and release him.
He scoots down and takes my hand and instructs me in his gibberish to sit back up.
Once I am up, he decides to lean in one more time before starting the game again.
Awww Ma Ma!
He hugs me and bends in to touch his nose to mine.
And with a snap, he turns to run back down the hall.
Ahhhh GO!
A blur of giggles, curls, and baby skin goes running from me.
My smile twitches.
And my heart makes a promise to that boy.
I will always be here for you to run back to. My arms will always snap open for you. Just give me the cue.