Cuddles

I never describe LR as a cuddly kid. He's boisterous and curious about all things in the kitchen. He loves reading and playing with any toy vehicle. He's not a fan of being in the crib, but at least he's started talking or singing himself to sleep instead of screaming. As for hugs, he only gives them when I ask for one and he's in a giving mood. He cuddles when he hasn't quite woken up from his nap and needs some extra down time. Kisses are only given to stuffed animals and even that he does reluctantly. Recently, however, his thick exterior is showing signs of cracking.

For the past week or two whenever a nanny leaves the house, he runs up to them while they're putting their coats on and asks to be picked up. I thought it was because he wanted to go over the gate and he knew they were heading that way, but this week I noticed that he is specifically giving them a hug. Today he wrapped his arms around Nanny M's neck and put his head on her shoulder... definitely a hug. Then she put him down and he continued on without screaming to go over the gate. I asked him where my hug was. He looked at me and went back to playing with his trains. He did the same thing yesterday with Nanny A.

Luckily, not all is lost. I've taught him the Eskimo kiss. I can't remember what made me start giving them to him last week, but now if I ask for an Eskimo kiss, he puts his face close to mine and smiles as we rub noses. It's the best.

He's not such a toughie after all.