My First Real Hug

I will post today that I received my first real hug last week. On Thursday afternoon, I drove to daycare to pick Callum up because Iain had to work late. I was running behind because I had also worked late to finish a presentation with students. The goal was to pick Callum up, meet Iain, go to Melvin's Auto to drop off our car for inspection, and get over to Uncle Tedd's house to borrow his car... all before 6:15. The time was currently 5:15 when I left campus. When I arrived at daycare, I was feeling frantic because I still hadn't managed to get Iain on the phone and I was worried about getting to the garage before it closed at 6. Mind you, our daycare is 5 miles outside of Shippensburg in the exact opposite direction of the garage. When I walked inside, Callum's little face lit up beyond belief to see his Mommy. I don't usually pick him up and he was overjoyed to see me there. To have awoken from a nap just a few minutes earlier also enlightened his mood. When I picked him up, he hugged me. Actually hugged me. I know that he's been on my hip or shoulder hundreds of times for many reasons, but this was the first time, his little arms wrapped around me and held on for the purpose of a hug. It was the best feeling that I truly can't describe in entirety. And yes, we did manage to get all of that other stuff done, but that afternoon, Callum's hug made me slow down just a little bit. We celebrated Easter weekend with a trip to Pappy and Grandma Sloan's house. It was a fun time with good company and excellent food. Callum did exceptionally well in the car as he was awake the entire way there and back, which is about 3 hours each way. We've now learned the power of a snack and juice in the car. As long as he had a cheese puff, regular baby puff, yogurt bite or other goodie in his mouth or within reach, he was happy to sit there and ride away. Mind you, these snacks are all pretty much made up of air and have less than 35 calories per serving. We also played all kinds of games and sang songs. I'm glad he is getting used to the car ride now because it will make it a bit easier each time we travel. As his 1st birthday approaches, I can't believe how quickly the year has gone. I don't know if I'd want the little Callum back because I enjoy him so much now between his ever growing personality and the sleep we all get each night. I'm going to post some new pictures after I find my USB cord. I think my SIL stole it (http://sloanchronicles.blogspot.com/) J/K- it's in our guestroom!