Hugs and Kisses

Jace is not an affectionate sort of toddler. He never has been. He's never wanted to cuddle. Giving hugs? He can take it or leave it. Mostly leave it. Squeezes? I don't think so. Really he can't even sit still on my lap for longer than 3 seconds.

Anyway, I've been trying to train him to give hugs and kisses. It's not working. I'm pretty sure he knows what I'm telling him but I'm not totally sure (he's 18 months and knows a whole lot more than he lets on sometimes). So anyway, this week I decided try my efforts with renewed vigor. I would get a kiss from my baby boy. He will not say no to a mother's love. A hug once a day is good for the soul.

This was all met with an upturned nose, a quick look in any other direction but moms, or a complete and encompassing blank stare. Ok fine, maybe he really doesn't know what I'm saying.

But maybe he does.

I decided to try blackmail. An activity I try not to resort to but at times am forced to. Before bathtime the other night Jace was dancing around in his birthday suit just waiting to jump in. Did I mention Jace loves taking a bath? As soon as Jace got mobile he began crawling for the bathtub any time he heard someone turn the water on. When he gets in he swims around in absolute bliss. There's nothing Jace likes better than a nice, warm bath and a rubber ducky. I took one look at Jace's excited little face and knew what I had to do.

"Jace? Do you want to get in the bathtub little guy? Ooooh, the bath is soooooo much fun! Let's get you in..........Give mommy a kiss Jace, and mommy will put in the bath....."

No look of confusion, no blank stare, no glance in the other direction. There was absolutely no hesitation. An open mouthed kiss came my way, about took my nose off, and then it was gone. I was left with a string of slobber and a big smile.

I got my kiss.