Aggressively Affectionate

Little Monkey is the most affectionate of all my chitlins.  This isn't surprising really, since I was never overly affectionate until my husband came into my life.  Don't get me wrong, I've always hugged and loved on my kids... but I don't dig on the clingy hugs, especially once they get a little older.  Plus, the older ones certainly never saw me loving up on anyone else.  As I said, not overly affectionate.  Not only was I not a hugger, I really didn't like people inside my bubble.  I really preferred them to stay outside of arms length.... and I have long arms.  Where do you think Monkey gets it from?  

Things have changed, to an extent.  I still don't like strangers inside my bubble.  I still get a little anxious in elevators when they become full.  (Primarily because for some reason, I perpetually get trapped with ONE other person in the elevator who can't bear to stay on the opposite side.  What is with that??)  I still prefer people to have a buffer stall in a public restroom, and truly can not comprehend what the person is thinking when with 30 available stalls, they come sit by me.  I have become, though, that person I used to hate.  You know who I'm talking about: the one that holds her husband's hand every stinking time they're walking near each other?  The one who you you want to start an impromptu game of Red Rover with, just to see their reaction?  Oh no, don't separate yourself because you're walking towards me in a narrow walkway... I'll walk around.  That one.  The one who will, without warning or preamble, lean over and kiss her husband in public because he told her she looks pretty.  (For clarification... I am NOT the one that tongues her husband in the restaurant while others are trying to eat.  Keep it clean, people... keep it clean).  

My point is, it's not surprising that Monkey is more affectionate than his older siblings.  He sees a lot of love in this house, and for that I'm grateful.  His favorite thing in the world is a group hug.  If Daddy comes home from a trip and is giving Mommy hugs and kisses... he's gonna need to be in on that action, whether you want him to be or not.  He now gives kisses that seem to be never-ending.  If you try to pull away, he will squeeze your face and continue with his Muuuwwaaah noise until he's done.  You're on his time schedule, baby... so get used to it.   It's pretty cute, truth be told.  So cute, that I didn't think of any issues this might cause.  

My friend brought her daughter over the other day... a little play-date so we could catch up.  Her daughter is older than Monkey by a few months, and luckily has 2 older brothers... so she is used to a little roughness.  Thank goodness... because Monkey loooooovvvved her.  He wanted to hug her, and squeeze her and love her... you get the idea.  Monkey is big for his age, though... and he likes to hug around the neck.  It looked like he was putting her in a headlock, especially since she wasn't really as appreciative of his hugs as he thought she should be.  

Last night, we had a game night with the besties... and between the 2 of them, they have 2 beautiful little girls, both of whom are teeny tots, especially in comparison to Monkey.  And he loooovvvvvvvvvved them too.  I'm glad they both can hold their own, because I know he took one of them down to the ground at least twice.  He doesn't just want a little squeeze... he apparently wants to squoosh you until all the air has escaped your body and you fall to the ground wheezing.  Then he wants to squeeze you a little more, and maybe kiss you some while he's at it.  

Gentle.  That's the word of the week at our house.  I've been signing it to him and repeating it over and over since the visit from my friend.   Maybe he'll get the hint.  We can only hope...