I can’t quite remember what prompted me to create a blog draft with this as the title a couple of months ago. But I decided it was time to come back to it after a recent interaction with Everett.

[just another cute photo of this little guy cheesein’ for the camera]

We were strolling through the aisles of Hy-Vee when I decided he just looked too cute and I needed to bear hug him, so I opened my arms wide and wrapped him up. After a few seconds I stepped back and with a huge grin on his face, he held his arms out wanting more. I melted. Right there in the frozen foods section of my local grocery store. So these are the mom moments people gush about. I totally get it now.

The reciprocating of love and affection is something that I’ve been dying to be on the receiving end of from my son for a while now. Part of that has to do with the fact that physical touch is my love language. Just ask my husband, close friends or sisters. I am a kisser, hugger and snuggler. If it was more socially acceptable, I’d probably hug people in the workplace.

I grew up in a family that showed love without inhibition. We hug, kiss and embrace often and it is completely natural. It all seems very European, but that was just the way we were raised.

I’m pretty adamant that Everett grow up using this same sort of expression of love. That is why there are a lot of hugs and kisses given out in our household. So if my kid tries to hug or kiss you, feel free to give him some love back. I promise, it’ll make you feel better.

In other news, we are off to another NGA conference tomorrow. Milwaukee and Nashville were the past two host cities, and guess what? Des Moines is hosting it next year! But this year we are headed to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. We can’t wait to see all this beautiful state has to offer, but I will admit, I’m a little bit afraid of staying here. It is so beautiful and Everett is so a wild toddler. Wish us luck!

Interested in following along while we are on the go? Check out my @mrsbranstad Instagram account!