I’ll Always Hold Her, Even When She No Longer Fits In My Arms

“‘You know what you do with the youngest one, don’t ya?’ this sweet elderly gentleman asked peering into my newborn’s car seat, smiling.

Curious, I responded, ‘No, what?’

His eyes flickered a little with nostalgia as he replied, ‘You just hold ‘em every chance you get.’

It’s my favorite piece of parenting advice ever.

My eyes drifted over from the shade of our park bench to my bigger kids playing on the swings.

With my oldest already a tween, I understood completely.

‘Thanks. I’ll sure try.’

And I did.

I bounced her in the baby carrier on walks through the neighborhood or along the sidelines watching her big brothers play soccer.

I cradled her tiny body against my chest in the warm bath to soothe her colicky tummy.

I perched her on my hip and attempted to keep her pudgy little fingers out of the peanut butter jar as I slapped together sandwiches for lunch.

I held her ALL THE TIME.

Even now, at five.

I still hold her in so many ways.

She reaches instinctively for my hand on our way into the grocery store, and I make sure it’s free.

We ride doubles on the swings, and her eyes dance as she hollers, ‘Higher momma!’

Each night she shuffles through the dark to my side of the bed, and I snuggle her back to sleep in the glow of her nightlight.

Listening to the gentle in and out of her breath.

I hold her…

Every chance I get.

I looked up from the stove the other night, and there she was.

Reaching up her arms.

Wanting to be held.

And I remembered that sweet gentleman’s advice.

So, I turned down the heat under the pan and plunked on the lid.

Dinner could wait.

She’s heavier now.

And as I hoisted her up, I noticed how her feet brush against my knees.

But we danced around the island in the kitchen anyway.

Twirling together.

She laughed as we spun, and I realized…

I’ll ALWAYS hold her.

Even when she no longer fits in my arms.

I’ll hold her little hopes and dreams.

I’ll hold her in her sadness or fears.

I’ll hold her up in prayer.

And I’ll ALWAYS hold a place for her in the center of my heart.

I’ll hold her the best way I know how.

Because that’s what you do with your baby…

You just hold ‘em every chance you get.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Mikala Albertson of Ordinary on Purpose. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here. 

Read more from Mikala here:

‘HE STILL NEEDS ME to listen to his stories about school, friends, or some ridiculous meme. No matter how old he grows, I will ALWAYS be his mom.’: Mom says teen son ‘still needs me to love him, no matter what’

‘Hey, Luke. You owe me some money. Remember??’ He realized he had to fork over the money.’: Mom shows son ‘tough love’ lesson because ‘I’m a MOM, I follow through’

‘He is my ‘Practice Child.’ The oldest of five. Sometimes I lay my head on his tall shoulder and say, ‘I wish I could’ve done better for you.’: Woman reminds us ‘you are just the right mom for the job’

Parenting Older Kids Can Feel Lonely Sometimes

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