Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Longing for Affection

I've been struggling alot lately with the fact that my little girl is not a snuggler. When she wakes up and I go to get her out of her crib, she's immediately ready for action (or food), but heaven forbid you try to give her hugs and kisses. This happened to me the other day. I was wanting to give her a hug so badly, but try as I might, every attempt that I made was met with a rough shove to the face. I try not to let it get to me too much, but its very hard. Especially after Steven, who LOVES to snuggle. If he wakes up in the middle of the night he'll come to me and say "Snuggle me a little bit." And everyday when he wakes up, he runs into my arms and stays there until he's completely awake. I don't mean to compare the two, but it's just hard. It seems to be really wearing on me lately. I have found myself getting mad at her when she won't let me hug her, even though I know that its not her fault. I even, just in the last few days, have found myself feeling withdrawn and a little distant from her because of it. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love and adore my daughter. I just wish that she would let me express my love for her in the best way that I know how.

3 comments:

Bethanne said...

What a picture!

You know that Jax and Margaret have always been alike in this regard... until recently. For whatever reason, Jackson has become this inseparable cuddle-monkey! Just like Leah. Now my problem is that both kids are competing to cuddle with mommy the most. Hug the most. Get and give more loves. It is crazy! Maybe Margaret will turn around? :)

Anonymous said...

Yes, honey, but Margaret gives you the BEST smiles! You have to admit that she beats our son on that point. Maybe you can let her happiness and playfulness be the signals of her affection. She shows it differently than Steven. When we put Margaret down at night, she lets us snuggle, for about 1 minute. So let that minute feel like the 10 minutes that Steven gives. Love you.

Kristi said...

I have this issue with Kennedy, it was very hard in the beginning because I just felt that she didn't love me. Now at age 3, she doesn't really like to hug and cuddle all the time but if I ask for kisses she most of the time will give them and whenever Nathan or I leave the house if she can't give us hugs and kisses she absolutely freaks out. I think for the strong-willed child like Kennedy is, it has to be all their idea which can be hard to deal with if they never want to come to you with love. I sympathize with you but don't lose hope. :)