Reaching Out

Last night, we were visiting with some neighbors over cocktails and munchies. Kristen, our hostess, offered to hold Sean to give me a baby break. After several minutes, he started getting restless and fussy, so I went to take him back. As I reached out to take him, he leaned over and reached out for me. It was the first time he's done that, and it made me feel so wonderful.

That one simple gesture was full of meaning. In reaching out, Sean demonstrated that he is learning new ways to communicate his needs and wants. But in seeing those little arms reach for me, I saw him telling me that he really understands what "Mom" means -- a depth of love and comfort that a stranger can't provide. So when Sean reached out for me, I reached back, and scooped him into a big hug. I was on Cloud Nine for the rest of the evening. It was a moment that I will hold onto for a long time!