Each morning recently, Puppy Lover has been coming downstairs when he wakes up and climbing into my lap to cuddle for a few minutes before he gets ready for school. I love to start out our day together this way. Especially because with my sweet little Puppy Lover, some days, this is the only sweet, loving moment we may have. Lately his harsh words, budding teenage hormones and need to be right have made navigating the day impossible challenging.
How I love this sweet boy, but oh how he makes me weary. Reminds me how much I lack the spiritual routine of prayer. Reminds me this tired momma needs more coffee and a whole lot more Jesus.
So this sacred ritual he has started is beyond a blessing to me.
But there’s one problem……..
He may be beautiful…but he sure doesn’t smell it!!!
I don’t know if anyone else’s kids have this problem, but around age 11, my boys not only develop the ‘normal’ body odor that goes along with puberty, but they also get really stinky heads! No matter how often they shower, the shampoo they use…their heads stink like BO. When this began with Mr. Football I hesitantly gave up him using homemade, natural shampoo and let him start using scented shampoo. Bought our first Axe product. To no avail. Short haircut? Nope…no help!
For my guys, this seems to be part of the process. Thankfully, if his older brother is a good indicator, I have less than a year left of stinky-headed Puppy Lover.
But in the meantime…this very sensitive-nosed momma tries her best to enjoy every second of this boy/man who claims to be taller than me (he just might be…but cut me a break and let me be in denial a little longer on this one;) as he tries to cuddle up in a lap that almost doesn’t fit him anymore. Tries to memorize every inch of this soft back that loves to be gently scratched. Attempts to commit to memory the sound and feel of his relaxed breathing as he melts into me. Thanks God over and over for moments of pure joy and peace with this challenging boy who one day will do great things for Him. And silently hopes he doesn’t turn his head and talk.
Because bad breath is even worse than body odor smell.
But I wouldn’t trade any of motherhood…including the stinky heads and dragon breath…for anything this world has to offer.
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Oops posted my comment in the wrong box. I wanted to say that, though Ihav eno kids myself, I can totally imagine you wish the teenage years away and yet you don’t. I applaud you for enjoying the few and little sweet moments.