I’m going to miss our hip-hold the most.
You are my last baby and all our lasts are dwindling before my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, nap and bedtime snuggles are equally precious, but lately, I’ve wanted to gobble up all the times in between to hold you on my hip.
I love how you nestle in. Your little frame, the perfect fit. You don’t stay here as long these days–on my left hip–but my body is well-conditioned now if you need to. Your sisters paved a comfy path for you, and I learned long ago to manage so much with just one hand. I know you’re often eager to explore, but I’m soaking up these last moments with you right here.
How is everything about you so darn adorable? Your profile, perfection. Your creamy skin. Your long, luscious lashes and dimpled cheeks. Your silky, bald head has transformed into scraggly wisps, and I am obsessed.
I love the shape of your mouth as you chatter and chomp. Even your chewing noises are just plain precious. You eat an apple at my ear, and it is my new favorite thing. You smack and slurp with intensity—you savoring it while I savor you.
We share our world’s view, and you’ve helped me see things in a refreshing way. Your marble-brown eyes inspect it all so closely. I love how they light up when you spot yet another mower in the distance. The rest of us would have never noticed, but the cutest, tiny finger (ever created) is pointing right at it. You can hear a motor from a mile away. I’ve learned to listen too, and even when you aren’t with me, I’m certain I’ll still forever think of you.
Oh, and your baby scent, I pray my heart can memorize the last bit of that along with your giggles, high-pitched voice, and the darling way you say so many things. All your sound effects venture straight to my ear when I hold you here.
We sway and snuggle and sing. You lean in like you love me as much as I love you. (Not possible.) You give the best hugs, and I can’t help but smother you with countless kisses.
Each time we venture out, I adore arriving everywhere we go with you on my hip. No matter what I wear, I arrive with a swelling heart and always the perfect accessory to any outfit—you, my beautiful boy.
I know too much of my identity is wrapped up in you, but this is my favorite version of me. And honestly, I’m sad to let her go.
We will soon graduate from our hip-hold to hand-holding, and my heart can’t handle what comes after that. I will relish my front-row seat to your life for as long as God allows. But I think I’ll miss this view the most. I know what’s to come is the best too, but I love that you’re still right here and haven’t outgrown me yet.
Thank you, God, that I’m still in this sweet season. Of all the mamas in the world, You chose me to be his, and I’ll spend the rest of my life continually thanking and praising You.
My precious son, you are so, so easy to love. I love you more than I could put into words. In years to come, there will be no impression left on this hip, but the one in my heart . . . it’s infinitely vast, and I’ll cherish it always.
XOXO,
Mommy
by Jennifer Kish 
by Dani Sherman-Lazar 
