The magic word

Ever since Luke was a baby he has loved to cuddle or be held.  Although when I would hug him he would not really hug back.  Usually Luke just put an arm up or kept his arms at his side.  I’m not sure if he did this because he didn’t understand that he should hug back or if his arms and hands didn’t have the ability to really hold on and “hug”.

Either way, just last week I was on the floor with Luke playing around and I grabbed him to give him a hug.  I wrapped my arms around him, lifted him to me and said “hug!”  And miracles of all miracles, Luke wrapped his arms tight around my neck and squeezed!  I was so surprised and happy that I laughed.  My husband was there and after releasing Luke, I said “did you see that hug?” 

Wouldn’t you know it?  Luke leaned over to give me another great big hug!  I just laughed again and hugged him back.  Then I said something to my husband about how tight he was hugging and isn’t it great.  Then Luke leaned over and gave me another hug!  Then my husband laughed and said, “stop saying that word!”

If was so great and funny all at the same time.  Every time I said “hug”, Luke leaned in and wrapped his arms around me and hugged tight.  I can’t describe the wonderful feeling I had.  After 3 ½ years my son is finally hugging me back and smacking his lips together to give me kisses. 

Of course his hugging skills have extended to the rest of the family.  I have caught him numerous times, since last week, hugging his sister.  It’s pretty funny, since our baby girl takes after her daddy and doesn’t like to be hugged.