I lift him above my head: his mouth opens wide in a baby-grin and he laughs loudly, soaring above me, arms outstretched. I smile too, my heart memorizing the sound, the sight, and the feeling of chubby childhood joy.
***
I turn away: in my mind I still see the tears on his pumpkin-covered face and in my ears I still hear his constant scream of baby indignation. I sigh and grab a towel to wipe away the blood on my finger, wishing someone would kiss my sore better.
This is motherhood: a daily dichotomy.
So very true. I like both the images!
ah, the anticipation
Speaking from my own experience, I can tell you that the first image is the one that you will remember – and so will he.
Oh how true they are. Before you have a baby you never realize how much trouble one little child can be. Nor do you realize how much it is possible to love another human being.
Perfect pairing of the two words on the prompt.
I wish you many more moments of “soaring” with your baby!
Thanks for your comments! @ Granny Smith: I certainly anticipate to remember the “soaring”. It makes the long days so worth it!
Being a mother is a sore and soaring experience. Not necessarily in that order or in the same degree. For me, soaring far outweighed the sore. Hope it will be fore you too!
Hi Rebecca,
What a lovely read on my first trip over. I can remember those early days well – and I can tell you that four years on, both types of soar/sore continue to happen on a daily basis (thankfully less of the biting though!)
I miss those baby days. Sadly I thought it would all get easier when he got bigger … in fact it has just got harder!
Chubby childhood joy. What a lovely phrase. I love your imagery.
@Jodi: I struggled with the second image. He didn’t bite me–I just cut myself. I was trying to show how some moments are full of selfish “I just want a minute to myself” thoughts. I’m sure it gets harder. I’m not looking forward to teenage-hood.
@Larraine and Chefdruck: I find my days are full more often of the joyous soaring. Thanks for your comments!