BEING HENRY HOLBROOK'S MOTHER

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing to take a bite of his ham, because henry holbrook's mother knows that ham slices have to be "broken in" first.

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing to ask what a lion says before laying him on his back to change his diaper, because henry holbrook's mother knows that you must engage in thoughtful conversation before he'll submit to letting you see him with his pants down.

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing that he does not like any kind of cheese except for cream cheese (and making sure he doesn't eat so much cream cheese that he makes himself sick), because henry holbrook's mother knows that the boy has absolutely no self control where cream cheese is concerned. (just like his mom.)

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing how to listen very intently when he has something on his mind he wishes to discuss, and not letting on that you have no idea what he's saying, because henry holbrook's mother knows how important it is that he feels "heard." being henry holbrook's mother means knowing exactly when to say, "oh really?' and exactly when to say "i completely understand." 

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing when he is in the mood to flirt with strangers and when he isn't, and making sure that when he isn't that he has a safe shoulder to bury his face into.

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing to check the back of his head for food before assuming he's eaten it all, because henry holbrook's mother knows that the back of his head is the best spot to stash snacks.

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing to pack lots of extra bandaids in the backpack, and just where to stick them on his face when he's feeling feisty. 

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing to grab at least a dozen extra straws at the bodega for when times get tricky, and having at least two (2) soda bottle lids on hand at all times, plus at least one (1) bath time rubber ducky. 

being henry holbrook's mother means: knowing that when he dangles his foot in the air while nursing it means he wants to have his toes popped. henry holbrook's mother also knows to only pop two toes per foot before it's not fun anymore.

henry holbrook's mother means: knowing she'll have to nurse him back to sleep at least once, but usually twice... and sometimes up to four times in a single afternoon nap.

but she doesn't mind.

because being henry holbrook's mom is pretty much the greatest.