The Fantabulous Chronicles

I’ve always chuckled at the phrase “loved to death,” usually taken to mean someone underestimating their own strength. Yet, our little one seems to have embraced this saying with gusto!

We find ourselves in the midst of the exuberant open-mouthed, slobbery kiss phase with our youngest. While with our older two, it was all in good fun—albeit a tad damp—we’d share laughs at the comical display of affection. However, this time around, our cheerful and smiley baby seems to be on a mission, aiming to peel off my face with each affectionate, wet smooch.

His tiny hands grab onto whatever they can find—hair, glasses, ears, cheeks, eyes—all in his quest for the perfect kissing spot, which, in his mind, must be the mouth. It’s an adorable gesture, but goodness, it does hurt! No matter how hard I try to redirect, I often find myself with a tender head, a rosy face, and a contentedly grinning baby in my arms. I can’t quite decipher if he’s just extraordinarily affectionate or if there’s a secret agenda to divert attention. Nevertheless, witnessing his beaming face light up makes it all worthwhile.

Has anyone else experienced a love so strong it hurt? Also if you’ve been mauled by a baby, what are some tricks to redirect their hands?